• Banner 1

    Blog

Five things to know: TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course

Five things to know: TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course

They come out in droves for the WM Phoenix Open, which hosts more than 700,000 spectators annually and close to 200,000 for Saturday’s third round alone. This year, the stakes are even higher in the PGA TOUR’s most raucous environment. In addition to a Sunday finish just hours before and miles from the Super Bowl, this year’s WM Phoenix Open is a designated event with a star-studded field competing for a $20 million purse. The winner will earn $3.6 million.

 

Here are five things to know about TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, which has been the tournament’s venue since 1987.

1. AN ODE TO THE HOHOKAM

That’s the name of the Native American people who created a network of canals here more than 500 years ago, their engineered effort to bring agricultural life to the desert. Now many of those same watercourses form part of the 336-mile Central Arizona Project, which also borders the Stadium Course’s 15th, 16th and 17th holes.

The life brought to this arid ground has been thriving of late. In 1960, Scottsdale’s population was only 10,000. Now it’s 250,000. Without that canal connecting metro Phoenix (and 80% of the state’s people) with the Colorado River, there would be no lush, green turfgrass for the many courses that have helped make the region a booming resort destination.

TPC Scottsdale, the sixth club built in the TPC network, is at the center of that, geographically and figuratively, with 43,000 rounds notched on the Stadium Course last year and 57,000 on its adjacent Champions Course.

 

2. IT’S GOT HISTORY

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA TOUR’s oldest events, dating to 1933. It’s been played continuously since 1944 and landed at its current TPC Scottsdale site in 1987, where it has grown into the most well-attended golf event in the world. It’s also arguably the cleanest, because tournament sponsor Waste Management, which took over the event in 2010, has been committed to cleaning up and recycling all of the trash from the grounds – including all of those beer cups.

The par-71 course, measuring 7,354 yards, has proven vulnerable to hot streaks – none more impressive than Mark Calcavecchia’s wins in 1989, 1992 and 2001 by seven, five and eight strokes, respectively. But given the compression of talent on the PGA TOUR, the course has also seen a recent trend toward nail-biting finishes, including sudden-death playoffs in five of the last seven events.  He shot 65-60-64 to tie the TOUR record for lowest score in a tournament’s opening 54 holes (Justin Thomas, at the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii, and Steve Stricker, at the 2010 John Deere Classic, have since lowered the mark by a stroke). Calcavecchia closed with a 67 to then set the TOUR’s 72-hole scoring record (256, -28).

“I just don’t see how I could top this,” Calcavecchia said after winning the 11th of his 13 PGA TOUR titles. His record has since been bettered three times. Justin Thomas now holds the mark with his 27-under 253 at the 2017 Sony Open.

 

3. OCEAN’S 11TH

With an average score of 4.24 at last year’s WM Phoenix Open, the 484-yard, par-4 11th hole is by far the hardest on the course. It doesn't get much airtime, but it certainly gets the attention of players. That’s because it requires the most demanding tee shot of the round. It’s called a “reverse camber” hole, which means it doglegs one way while sloping the other. In this case the hole turns modestly to the right while the ground slopes from right to left – toward a flanking pond.

Reverse camber means that gravity and topography are working against the golfers, who face water left, trees right, and a vertical slope of 4-5 feet from the high-side (right) to the low-side (left). The tendency in fighting a draw here is to over-compensate and block it right off the tee. Even elite players get into trouble when they have to steer a shot, especially on the drive.

This hole also was the site of a unique ruling that led to a recent change in the Rules of Golf. Rickie Fowler won the 2019 WM Phoenix Open despite making triple-bogey in the final round. After taking a drop from the water, his ball rolled back into the penalty area while he was surveying his next shot. This necessitated another drop and penalty stroke. That rule was changed in 2023, however. Under the new rule, Fowler would not have been penalized for his ball rolling back into the water after he had taken a drop. He would have been allowed to replace his ball without penalty.

4. THE RIVETING 17TH

The short par-3 16th and its stadium setting gets all that attention, but don’t let that overshadow the next hole, which adds another element to a thrilling finish. The 332-yard 17th hole has a lot going on, all of it evident from the tee. It’s a terrific place for spectators to watch the action because anything can happen. In short, the hole makes the best players in the world think. The green is readily reachable for most, but a slight tug left brings water into play, as we saw from Sahith Theegala as he was pursuing his first PGA TOUR title in 2022. A slight push and the ball will trickle into a fairway bunker or steep grass swale that present one of the hardest shots in golf, a medium-range pitch to a green guarded by water not only left but also long.

The smart play is to leave it just short and follow up with a chip shot, but even that requires properly navigating a small bunker in the center of the fairway that torments those seeking to play safe. There is a lot going on in the form of a green so artfully cut that it seems the approaching ball is always moving away from the center of it. The 47-yard-long putting surface also features a narrow tier on the back-left that is squeezed between sand and water. The subtle shot-making skills required here evoke the nature of classic links golf. The hole draws inspiration from the 12th hole at St. Andrews, fitting because the course architect, Tom Weiskopf, was a past champion of The Open (winning in 1973 at Royal Troon.).

 

5. A SPECIAL SHOWCASE

Ultimately, the appeal of watching golf at TPC Scottsdale is simply the pure power and consistency of the players treading upon perfectly manicured, overseeded fairways. The course was renovated in 2014, only enhancing its ability to recognize the best players. Seven of the past eight winners of the WM Phoenix Open are major champions; the lone exception in that span is Rickie Fowler, winner of the 2015 PLAYERS.

There’s science behind the distances they achieve here at an average elevation on the course of 1,530 feet above sea level.

At an industry-standard reference point of 1.7% yards gained per 1,000 feet of elevation, they benefit from the thinner air to the tune of precisely 2.6%. That means an additional 7.5 yards per 300-yard drive, plus the bonus roll from these traditionally firm, fast-running fairways. The data confirm this.

The average PGA TOUR drive traveled 299.8 yards last season. Add in the elevation premium and the effect of close-cropped, dry fairways and the average drive spanned 313.6 yards at last year’s WM Phoenix Open. The numbers don't lie. These guys are good, and they are especially fun to watch at TPC Scottsdale.

 
Source: pgatour.com

Read more

2023 Qualifiers for THE PLAYERS and the majors

2023 Qualifiers for THE PLAYERS and the majors

Scottie Scheffler wasn’t on pace to be in jeopardy of not having fully exempt status in 2028, but it’s no longer a concern after his victory at the WM Phoenix Open on Sunday. The 2022 Masters champion is exempt into THE PLAYERS Championship and all majors for years, so his successful title defense of his breakthrough title on the PGA TOUR didn’t yield anything new in the short-term. Other than a $3.6-million payday in the second designated event of the season and a return to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking ... breath ... the only benefit he gained was an additional season at the end of his multi-year membership exemption. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, because of his win at the Masters, it had extended the maximum five seasons through 2027. The 26-year-old now is fully exempt as a winner through his age-32 season. Only Scheffler doing big things could bump the lede entering the weekend. The USGA recently released the list of all exempt players into the U.S. Open as well as new qualifying criteria into the major. Exemptions for all currently qualified are noted in the alphabetical list below. In addition to REMAINING QUALIFYING CRITERIA at the bottom, new exemptions for the golfers on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour are specified. The NCAA Division 1 individual champion also will earn a spot in the field of 156 for the first time. Qualifying criteria for the PGA Championship and The Open Championship remain TBD.

 

TPC = THE PLAYERS Championship

MAS = Masters

PGA = PGA Championship

US = U.S. Open

OPEN = The Open Championship

 

Recent AdditionsTPC -- none MAS -- none PGA -- none US -- (all currently exempt have been added below) OPEN -- none

REMAINING QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Criteria are listed in chronological order where possible. Best estimates are given but all are subject to change.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP (TPC) @ TPC Sawgrass (Stadium) – March 9-12• Winners of PGA TOUR events thru the final week before THE PLAYERS. • Top 10 in the FedExCup at the conclusion of The Honda Classic (Feb. 26). • Top 50 of Official World Golf Ranking (Feb. 27). • If necessary to complete the field of 144, golfers outside the Top 10 in the FedExCup at the conclusion of the Honda Classic on Feb. 26 will gain entry in order of position.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP (PGA) @ Oak Hill Country Club – May 18-21• TBD

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (OPEN) @ Royal Liverpool – July 20-23• TBD (planned to be released in February)

 

Source: pgatour.com

 

Source: pgatour.com

Read more

Tiger Woods finds his form with resurgent 67 at Riviera

Tiger Woods finds his form with resurgent 67 at Riviera

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Tiger Woods’ 67 in the third round of his Genesis Invitational was the lowest score of his latest comeback and sent a promising message about the stamina of a player who struggled to play past the halfway point of tournaments last year.

Woods’ third round at The Riviera Country Club vaulted him from the cut line to the cusp of the top 25. He sits T26 at 3-under 210 (69-74-67) with one round remaining in the tournament he hosts.

The ability of Woods’ body to endure 72 holes of competition was again in question after Friday’s 74, which included bogeys on three of his final four holes. He barely squeaked into the weekend, making the cut on the number, but rebounded Saturday with three birdies and an eagle. His 67 on Saturday was the third-lowest score of the day. While the violence of a full swing would seem to be more traumatic for his surgically-repaired body, it is the gentle motion of the putting stroke that has caused him the most trouble this week.

“I felt like I made some nice adjustments with my putting and that was the thing that held make back yesterday,” Woods said. “Just wish I could have putted a little bit better yesterday. I made a few adjustments today and some of the putts went in.”

Woods gained more than a stroke on the greens Saturday after losing nearly two a day earlier. He has missed seven putts inside 10 feet this week, with five of those misses coming Friday.

“I've always been a person who likes to hook my putts,” Woods said, “so I just tried to feel like I went back to releasing the putter blade more, more right hand, more release. I just hate that blocky feeling which I had yesterday, which I can't stand. So I go back to hooking my putts and it felt like my normal stroke, which was good.”

Last year, Woods didn’t appear to have the energy to compete past the opening two rounds of a tournament. He posted a pair of 78s on the weekend of last year’s Masters after shooting 71-74 in the first two rounds to sit just two shots outside the top 10. After a second-round 69 to make the cut at the PGA Championship, Woods withdrew following a 79 on Saturday at Southern Hills. He didn’t have a chance to play the weekend at The Open Championship after rounds of 78 and 75. Walking is still difficult for Woods, especially after his bout of plantar fasciitis, so it would make sense that Woods’ scores increased as his step count went up. He has countered that trend this week, though being on his feet for more than four hours and walking four miles remains a challenge.

“It's just a matter of whether I can get from point A to point B,” Woods said Saturday. “That's been the struggle part of it. I can hit shots, I can hit balls on the range, I can chip, I can putt. It's just getting from point A to point B has been the biggest challenge.”

The Open was his last official competition before this week. He will always limp between shots and occasionally use a club as a cane, but he said increased abdominal strength has allowed him to generate clubhead speed now that he no longer can use his legs. He is averaging more than 300 yards off the tee while relying on a low cut shot with his driver. The iron play that has always been a hallmark of his game is still a strength.

“His game was really solid. I was quite impressed,” said playing partner Matthias Schwab. “He didn't really hit any bad shots except for maybe on 6, the par 3.”

On the West Coast, players are grouped in threesomes even after the cut and tee off on both 1 and 10. Woods began Saturday’s round with Schwab and Christiaan Bezuidenhout on the 10th tee at 10:12 a.m., just a half-hour before the leaders teed off on No. 1. Because Riviera, which was built at the bottom of a canyon, is one of the tightest pieces of property on TOUR, Woods’ location was easy to discern at all times. Max Homa, who started the day with a one-shot lead, was standing over a birdie putt on the third hole when a loud roar went up about 150 yards away. Woods had made a 25-footer for birdie on the 14th hole. Homa responded by making his own 20-footer.

“It's cool, it's awesome seeing him out here,” said Max Homa, who is in second place after starting the day with a one-shot lead. “I can't believe how well he's playing and how hard he's hitting it. Tiger's Tiger, man. It's just one of those -- he's just a living legend and it's amazing. It's cool to see all the type. He had way more people than we did for a while today, which is pretty awesome.”

Woods began his round by making a 16-footer for birdie on the 10th hole and made the turn in 2 under after that birdie at 14. After climbing the steep hill behind the 18th green, Woods’ round resumed on Riviera’s elevated first tee, which sits 75 feet above the fairway. He hit a 316-yard tee shot into the right rough, then hit his 190-yard approach shot to 3 feet to set up an eagle. It was his first eagle on TOUR since the final round of this event three years ago. He reached 5 under par for the round after holing a 12-foot birdie putt but finished his round with three pars and a bogey at the seventh.

Woods was visibly limping after his post-round interviews. How his body will hold up for another round remains to be seen. But there have been enough promising signs for him to not rule out another start before Augusta National. Woods described himself as “on the sore side” and wanted to see how long it took him to recover from this week before making any decisions.

“We'll go ahead and reassess everything and see where we are, see how I recover from a full tournament,” he said. “I haven't done this in a while. The last time I did it was at The Open Championship, so it's been a while. Hopefully the body will still feel good sometime later next week. As of right now, recovery time will be fun.”

Source: pgatour.com

 
Source: pgatour.com

Read more

Lowry finishes strong after nearly returning home to Ireland

Lowry finishes strong after nearly returning home to Ireland

 
 
 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Ireland’s Shane Lowry faced a difficult short-side pitch after a poor approach into the 11th hole in Saturday’s third round of The Honda Classic at PGA National. He was staring at his first bogey of the day.

From 55 feet, he’d have been happy to get his ball within 10 feet of the hole, knowing the hot putter he was wielding might be able to keep his scorecard clean. The pitch came off nicely but had some pace on it until the ball hit the flagstick squarely and vanished in the hole for birdie. Lowry could only laugh.

He then birdied his next two holes, though PGA National caught up with him at 14 and 17, where he failed to make pars.

On that 11th, though, it was almost as if somebody somewhere was looking out for him.

Lowry, who was the heartbreak runner-up at the Honda a year ago, will begin Sunday’s final round four shots behind leader Chris Kirk after shooting 5-under 65. And to think, all he wanted on Thursday morning was to withdraw and catch a flight to Ireland.

His uncle, Jimmy Lowry, two years older than Shane’s dad, Brendan, passed away suddenly on Thursday. Lowry comes from a close-knit family in Ireland, and his first instinct was to get home, and to be with his dad, a former Gaelic sports standout who Shane said, at heart, is "a softy." Shane sported a green ribbon on his hat on Saturday and said he is playing for his uncle this week.

“It's very sad week for our family. To be honest, I wanted to go home on Thursday when I heard the news,” Lowry said. “A lot of people talked me out of it. I'm here now. I'm trying to play for him and play for his wife and his kids and my cousins and my uncles and my aunts and everyone at home because we're a very close family and very proud of our name and very proud of where we come from.”

Jimmy Lowry was 66, and one of Shane’s biggest supporters. The ribbon that Lowry wore on Saturday was green and white, representing where Jimmy was from, Forbane, in County Offaly, the same place where young Shane learned to play golf.

Lowry was emotional talking about his uncle.

“He's just a great man. He loved working. He loved hard work. He loved hardship. He was big into Gaelic games at home. He didn't necessarily play at the highest level, but he was very involved and loved in the community, and he was just a great man,” he said. “He was great craic, and I loved him.”

Lowry, the 2019 winner of The Open Championship, which he captured in Northern Ireland, said earlier this week he was scheduled for a busy stretch, planning to play eight of nine weeks. A year ago at Honda, he and Sepp Straka were tied on the 72nd hole. Just after Straka teed off, hitting a 330-yard drive at the par-5 18th, Lowry stood on the tee as the sky opened and rains pelted down. He hit a poor drive and was not able to reach the green in two, as Straka did on his way to a winning birdie. Lowry made par. Lowry will tell you there were no guarantees he was making birdie, but it was a bad break for the Irishman.

But as Lowry learned on the 11th hole Saturday, sometimes those types of breaks seem to even out. With one round to go, he hopes that he has something special in store to honor someone very special to him.

“Yeah, hopefully I can go out and make him proud tomorrow,” Lowry said. “Everyone keeps telling me how proud he was of me over the last number of years, and hopefully I can do him another day proud tomorrow.”

Source: pgatour.com

 

Read more

Augusta National dos and don’ts for your first Masters trip

Augusta National dos and don’ts for your first Masters trip

 

OK, you’ve got your ticket to the Masters. Now what? To make the most of your Masters experience, it’s best to strategize. Here are your dos and don’ts for the biggest week in golf.

DO: Go on Wednesday and Thursday. If you’re there on a Wednesday, you can watch the pros on the championship course in the morning, then take in the par-3 tournament in the afternoon. You get to see legends like Nicklaus and Player tee it up, you get to see 6-year-old kids caddie for their famous fathers and you get to see the most beautiful short course in golf. The eighth and ninth holes, on opposite sides of Ike’s Pond, are the best for viewing thanks to their broad hillsides, but arrive early as they fill up quickly. The best chance to see an ace is at the second hole, which measures 70 yards and at the third, a 90-yarder. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking and studying the championship course in near solitude, as players are rarely on the course at that hour.

Thursday is another favorite day to attend. The massive crowds of the Monday-Wednesday practice rounds have dispersed, and the patrons who are in attendance are spread out nicely, because there are no leaders to follow just yet. In addition, you’ll be able to watch your favorite players, no matter who they are, because once the weekend arrives, some of them might be absent, having missed the cut.

DON’T: Get to the ceremonial opening tee shots late. One of the hoariest Masters traditions is the honorary starters hitting the ceremonial opening tee shot (another reason why Thursday is great to go). In recent years, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player have handled these duties, although it will be just Nicklaus and Player in 2017 after the passing of Palmer. The spectacle is superb, but to see anything at all, you’ll need to arrive when the gates open and walk briskly to find your place at the first tee. Thursday feels great, with so much anticipation in the air, and the party-like atmosphere of Wednesday’s par-3 event has given way to the sobering reality that the field is playing for the year’s first major championship.

DO: Find time to watch from the small bleachers behind the 12th tee. During tournament rounds, that small bleacher spot behind the 12th tee is prime, as it’s an elevated position for watching approach shots into the 11th green and to take in the tee shot at the scary, watery 12th, one of the world’s greatest par-3s, as well as the tee shot at 13. Even if you can’t find room there, the slope that leads down to it to the right of the 11th fairway provides ideal viewing.

Another preferred vantage spot is at the outside elbow of the dogleg at the par-5 13th, where azaleas, bunkers, fairways and Rae’s Creek are all on display and where the risk/reward second shot is one of the greatest ever devised. Unfortunately, additional tree plantings in recent years have obscured some of the superior viewing opportunities at 13, even as it’s made the hole more challenging for players.

I’m also fond of the right side of the 10th fairway, where you gain a gorgeous, unobstructed view of players hitting their irons into the green from a severe sidehill, downhill lie.

My colleague John Garrity cites the area behind the tee box at the downhill par-3 sixth as “Augusta National’s most thrilling spectator perch,” though some argue that the hillside below the tee box is even better. You can’t see the tee shot from there, but you can see them land. You can also pivot to the right and see the results at the par-3 16th green.

DON’T: Run. Ever. No running at any time, anywhere on the grounds. Just don’t. We warned you.

DO: Strategize your trip – or trips! – to the merchandise tent. You know you’re going to purchase gifts and souvenirs from the main merchandise tent, located near Gate 6A. Even the players and broadcasters do some of their Christmas shopping at Augusta, though they usually access the much smaller, badge-only members pro shop. You have to buy your Masters gear here. They only sell it this week and they don’t do online merchandising. If you’re walking your purchases back to your car, go early in the week and late in the day, so that you don’t have to lug them around. However, in recent years, the Masters has added a shipping option—and it’s terrific, if you don’t mind waiting an extra few days for your logoed goods to arrive. If that’s the case, go early in the day, while others are out watching golf. The volume and selection of goods in the main merchandise tent is remarkable and the prices are reasonable. Still, they do occasionally sell out, so to be safe, get your shopping done by Thursday.

DON’T: Bring banned items. No backpacks, periscopes, tablets or beverage coolers. Binoculars are OK, though.

DO: Attempt to get autographs where and when appropriate. According to the Patrons Info section of the Masters website, www.masters.com, autograph seeking is only allowed around the practice range and on the Par-3 course during the Par-3 Contest. The best spots to seek autographs are next to the roped entrance and exit areas at the practice putting green and short-game area. The best time to ask are when players have completed their practice session.

DON’T: Bother golfers for autographs on the golf course. This goes for practice and tournament days.

DO: Come hungry. Masters Series Badges are considered one of sport’s Golden Tickets. The platinum upgrade would be a Clubhouse Badge. If you have Clubhouse credentials, you can savor two of golf’s greatest dining experiences: lunch in the members-only clubhouse and lunch on the lawn next to the huge live oak that abuts the clubhouse. The green-and-white jumbo umbrellas that shade the tables are as ubiquitous at the Masters as Magnolia Lane and the green jacket.

Having said that, if you don’t have access to the clubhouse or to Berckmans Place, you’ll dine like most of the other Masters patrons—and that’s not such a bad thing. The prices on menu items appeal to every demographic, in almost a reverse-chic way. The miniscule costs for beer, peanuts and sandwiches are one more reminder as to how cool the Masters is, with its emphasis on tradition, rather than pure profits.

DON’T: Forgot to grab a Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Of the nine sandwich choices, the standout is the legendary Pimento Cheese. True, purists have charged that a recent recipe change has devalued its greatness, yet for $1.50, its creamy goodness, peppered with chunks of pimento and served on the kind of white bread you enjoyed as an 8-year-old will leave you satisfied. The other must-have on the Masters menu is the Georgia Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, a newer staple.

DO: Pose for a photo in front of the clubhouse, alongside the famous flowerbed that holds the Augusta flag. A club-approved commercial photographer will take the shot, or else you can use your own camera Monday through Wednesday. Lines can get very long, especially in the afternoon, so go early. It’s worth it just to see the clubhouse and famous Magnolia Lane, the club’s main entrance.

DON’T: Bring a cellphone or smartphone to take your photos. While traditional cameras are permitted Monday through Wednesday, modern camera-phones are never permitted. Don’t even think of sneaking one in. Security will catch it, via bag-check or metal detector. If you forget you had it with you and bring it to the course accidentally, you can check it at a storage facility near the entrance. Just remember that lines are long at the end of the day when you go to retrieve it.

DO: Wear comfortable shoes. Golf shoes are permitted, though metal spikes are not. They’re not always fashionable, but I like to don tennis shoes. The terrain is really hilly, so it’s good to have support and traction. And pay special care when it rains. Augusta National’s grass is shaved down nearly everywhere, so when it’s wet and even a little muddy, it gets very slippery on the hills.

DON’T: Forget your chair. It’s best to bring a collapsible chair, without armrests, although Masters chairs are available for purchase in the Merchandise Tent for a surprisingly low price, $29. You can place your chair next to a green (do this as early in the day as you can) and wander away for hours. When you return, your chair will be there, just as you left it. Classic Masters civility.

DO: Check out the sprawling live oak between the first tee and the clubhouse. It’s a beehive of activity all week, and you’ll see anyone who’s anyone in the game of golf, from pros to caddies to administrators to broadcasters. Safe to say, the oak tree at the Masters is the epicenter of golf. It’s also adjacent to the first tee and to the practice putting green, which provides superior close-ups of the smoothest strokes in the game.

Source: golf.com

 

Read more

Winner's Bag: Scottie Scheffler, THE PLAYERS Championship

Winner's Bag: Scottie Scheffler, THE PLAYERS Championship

Scottie Scheffler claimed his sixth PGA TOUR victory at THE PLAYERS Championship and his second of the season.

Check out his equipment setup below.

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (8 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)

Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X

Irons: Srixon ZU85 (3-4), TaylorMade P7TW (5-PW)

Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Hybrid Prototype 10 X (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM8 (50-12F, 56-14F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (60-06K)

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Scotty Cameron Special Select Timeless Tourtype GSS tour prototype

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

 

Source: pgatour.com

 
 

Read more

Valspar Championship - Taylor Moore

Valspar Championship - Taylor Moore

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, has delivered a history of close calls since it transitioned into a March date for the FedExCup era, so it is of no surprise that the 2023 edition of the Valspar Championship still was in doubt as the last pairing putted on the 72nd hole.

When Taylor Moore posted 10-under 274 out of the antepenultimate pairing on Sunday, it had a feel that he’d check up one stroke too high to force the fourth playoff at Copperhead since 2015, but that quickly transitioned into the a virtual lock for a playoff when Adam Schenk all but stymied the right-hander’s approach into the green at par-4 18th where he opted to escape left-handed. Ultimately, when his long-range putt for par didn’t drop, Moore was the outright champion by one stroke. Schenk was snake bit in The Snake Pit to lose by one.

Moore is the fourth first-time champion of the 2022-23 PGA TOUR season and the third in the last three weeks. Although he was a non-winner and without a top 10 in seven months, the second-year member was a respectful +5000 to win at BetMGM on the eve of the tournament.

Schenk was one of my Sleepers, albeit without a specific bet attached, but he was available at +12500 also to break through for his maiden title on TOUR. Another Sleeper, Wyndham Clark (+140 for a Top 20), finished fifth.

Jordan Spieth played alongside Schenk on Sunday but, unlike so many previous performances, he failed to pull the proverbial rabbit out of his hat and closed with two bogeys on The Snake Pit before finishing two strokes off Moore’s pace. Spieth was second-shortest to win at +1200.

Tommy Fleetwood (+2500) matched Spieth’s 8-under 276 for the T3. It’s his first podium finish on the PGA TOUR since a solo third at The Honda Classic in 2020.

Two-time defending champion Sam Burns (+1600) finished alone in sixth. Tournament favorite Justin Thomas (+1000) landed in a six-way tie for 10th place.

Source: pgatour.com

 
 
 
 

Read more

McIlroy shoots 65, has three-shot lead after third round in Dubai

McIlroy shoots 65, has three-shot lead after third round in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Rory McIlroy delivered an exhibition of short iron play to shoot 7-under 65 in his third round and build a three-stroke lead at the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday.

The top-ranked McIlroy made eight birdies at Emirates Golf Club -- four in a row from No. 1, three straight from No. 13, and another at No. 17 -- and none of the birdie putts were from more than 7 feet.

"I drove the ball better today, which put me in better positions to attack and make birdies," said the Northern Irishman, making his first start of 2023. "It's nearly there, not quite there. I'm just playing really efficient golf right now."

McIlroy did, though, give the chasers some hope by making bogey at the par-5 No. 18, for his only dropped shot of the round, after hitting a fairway wood from around 250 yards into the water in front of the green. After missing a par putt from 8 feet, McIlroy had a look of disappointment across his face as he walked off the green, despite holding a commanding lead.

The four-time major champion made the same mistake on the 18th hole in his final round in last year's tournament to finish a shot behind the leaders, when a birdie would have won him the title.

 

"I love this golf course, this tournament. I have won here a couple of times ... but I don't think I've won on my first start (of a year)," he said. "I've given myself an opportunity to try to do something I've never done before."

McIlroy was on 15 under overall, with English players Callum Shinkwin (67) and No. 484-ranked Dan Bradbury (68) tied for second place at 12 under.

Seven players sit in a tie for fourth at 11-under par, a group that includes France's Victor Perez (66), the winner last week at the equally prestigious Abu Dhabi Championship.

Spanish player Adri Arnaus briefly held the lead on 13 under after eight holes of his round, but he fell away after bogeying No. 9 and making double-bogey at the par-5 13th. Arnaus is one of those at 11 under.

The tournament is finishing on Monday after bad weather cut short play on the opening two days.

 

Source: pgatour.com

Read more

Best of the best!

Best of the best!

We have the best members! ❤️⛳️

Wildwood was once again voted the 2022 Best of the Best golf course in the Minot area!

Thanks to all who voted! We are very honored and will continue to do our best to serve you!

Read more

Netflix’s PGA Tour Documentary

Netflix’s PGA Tour Documentary

1. Netflix released its trailer for its much-anticipated PGA Tour docuseries, modeled after the popular F1 Drive to Survive. It will also apparently feature Rory McIlroy, which wasn’t known until the trailer came out. Dubbed Full Swing, it premieres Feb. 15. What are you most looking forward to seeing in this docuseries, and do you think it will succeed in attracting the non-golfer or viewer who doesn’t watch pro golf already?

 

A screenshot of Ian Poulter from the trailer for Netflix's PGA Tour docuseries, "Full Swing."

Ryan Barath, Senior Equipment Editor (@RDSBarathAs a hardcore golf fan, I’m excited to get more of an inside look at professional golfers, their views on the state of the tour as a whole, and in general, a behind-the-curtain look at the majors. 

The issue that this show will create for new fans is an old one: how golf is presented on TV. Between TV windows and how some golfers are playing, no matter how many people love seeing Joel Dahmen at the Waste Management, trying to see him on a normal broadcast is next to impossible. This is where F1 still has a big advantage, since every race is every driver, though with the new designated events, I guess that’s what the Tour is trying to accomplish. 

Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): I’m most excited to see my coworkers’ cameos! A handful of GOLF staffers were mic’d up at various events last year, and I’m stoked to see how they’re featured in the show. As far as attracting non-golfers, I’m sure the LIV-PGA Tour rivalry should be an intriguing storyline. Drama sells, and there was nothing more dramatic in pro golf last season than the Saudi saga.

Jack Hirsh, Assistant Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I’ve polled some of my friends who are either just getting into golf or not into golf, and most are at least intrigued. I haven’t gotten to watch the F1 series, but when that came out, I feel like I knew a lot of people who all of a sudden became F1 fans. I’d be surprised if it had the same impact, but I think we can expect a good number of people to be introduced to the game by it. I’m most looking forward to seeing the players react to LIV in real-time. So cool they got Poulter!

Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): Will it have an effect on non-golf fans? Of course — it’s Netflix. It’s hard to think of a better way to reach new audiences than to tap into their enormous list of content-hungry subscribers. What am I most looking forward to? Peeking behind the curtain as several stars make life-changing decisions about launching to LIV.

 

Source: golf.com

Read more

2023 Honeymoon Destinations

2023 Honeymoon Destinations

Couples are once again flocking to classic, international honeymoon destinations like Bora Bora, the Maldives, Bali and the Caribbean. "There will always be a strong demand for white sand and swaying palm trees while enjoying newlywed bliss in an overwater villa with a jewel box of tranquility around them," Effron notes.

In addition to reputable and well-known contenders, several unexpected and tertiary destinations also join our list of the best honeymoon destinations of 2023--especially for thrill-seeking and adventurous couples. Read our annual selection of the best honeymoon destinations to inspire your wanderlust.

Hawaii, US

Hawaii has long secured its place among the best honeymoon destinations for couples. The six islands of the Aloha State (Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawai'i) speak to every type of couple: those seeking a luxurious getaway to honeymooners wanting an off-the-beaten-path trip. The islands offer a cultural and sensory experience unlike anything else in the US with volcanic terrain, rewarding hikes, culinary tastings and splendid opportunities for romance. For honeymoons in 2023, set your sights on luxurious Maui or its more rugged and adventure-friendly sibling of Kauai. Just don't forget the pua (flower) on your left ear—since it signifies you're taken.

Mexico

Tourism and development are teeming with activity across three distinct regions in Mexico, all ideal for honeymooners. The country's fastest-growing honeymoon destinations through 2023 include the Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas and Punta de Mita. All are now home to reputable top-tier resorts and boutique hotels, with many offering prime views of the Caribbean or Pacific. If you'd a mix of oceanfront relaxation and fine dining, you'll want to fly to Mexico City for its incredible food scene. For something different and unique, swing by the vibrant, Colonial Highlands city of San Miguel de Allende.

Lake Como, Italy

La Dolce Vita is extra sweet in Lake Como, Italy. The Lombardy region has long catered to romantic and more lowkey couples, only growing in demand with glowing reviews and equally-stunning photos from repeat visitors. (Once a Lake Como getaway, forever a Lake Como convert.) While there: don't forget to explore the lush estate gardens or pick up a new water sport.

Scotland

Lush rolling hills, misty landscapes and 790 islands await in gorgeous Scotland. A short flight away from the US East Coast, couples are rediscovering the beauty and history of this UK country. From Edinburgh's charming Old Town to its breathtaking castles, a Scotland honeymoon is a whimsical choice for fantasy-chasing newlyweds.

Central Coast California, US

A morning drive in Big Sur along Highway 1 offers unparalleled views of the rugged California coast with looming Redwoods framed against the roaring Pacific. It's a peace seeker's paradise and the nature-loving couple will revel in all that the region has to offer. Drive a few hours north and you'll come across 17 Mile Drive, home to one of the world's most acclaimed golf destinations, Pebble Beach, and the charming cottages of nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. After a few days of sightseeing, venture inland to Sonoma and further north to Napa Valley for fine dining and wine-tasting experiences to round out your honeymoon.

Costa Rica

A haven for luxury eco-tourism, the lush Central American country of Costa Rica is known for embracing "La Pura Vida" (the pure life). Featuring stunning beaches along both the Atlantic and Pacific, Costa Rica is also home to multiple active volcanoes, including Arenal, Poas and Tenorio. The land has diverse vegetation, steep changes in climates and landscapes, including cloud forests awaiting exploration. Romantic activities abound for to-be-weds, such as mineral volcanic massages, waterfall swims, surfing classes and swimming with dolphins. Luxurious tented experiences to five-star resorts offer a range of accommodations for all types of couples. Wildlife adorers will also be delighted by the range of flora and fauna with the country's abundance of hummingbirds, colorful macaws and over 15 types of sloths. For a full Pura Vida experience, book a property known for open-air suites facing the rainforest, indulge in the inland way of activity, then head to either coast to unwind. The country is also known for its top culinary offerings with organic, coursed meals offered at top resorts.

The US Virgin Islands

Welcome to "America's Paradise." A short boat ride or seaplane combination away, the US Virgin Islands remain a sought-after honeymoon destination. After back-to-back hurricanes slammed the region in 2017, islanders and local resorts quickly regrouped to bring the destination to its full splendor. Numerous resorts across the main islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) have reopened and the water and wildlife sightseeing is still among the most pristine in the Caribbean.

 

Source: theknot.com

Read more

Inside the Field: Sentry Tournament of Champions

Inside the Field: Sentry Tournament of Champions

The 2023 calendar year starts off with one of the most anticipated events of the season, the Sentry Tournament of Champions. The Tournament of Champions invites all of the PGA TOUR winners of the prior season to compete in a unique limited-field event in Kapalua, Hawaii. This year, the field is filled out with some bright young stars who finished in the Top 30 of the prior season's FedExCup Playoffs.

Scroll below for the Sentry Tournament of Champions field list as of Friday, Dec. 30th at 5 p.m. ET.

Check here for updates.

Current Tournament Winners

Keegan Bradley
Ryan Brehm
Sam Burns
Patrick Cantlay
Tony Finau
Matt Fitzpatrick
Russell Henley
Tom Hoge
Max Homa
Billy Horschel
Mackenzie Hughes
Tom Kim
K.H. Lee
Luke List
Hideki Matsuyama
Trey Mullinax
J.T. Poston
Seamus Power
Jon Rahm
Chad Ramey
Chez Reavie
Xander Schauffele
Scottie Scheffler
J.J. Spaun
Jordan Spieth
Sepp Straka
Adam Svensson
Justin Thomas
Will Zalatoris

Top 30 on Prior Season's FedExCup Playoffs and Eligibility Points List

Sungjae Im
Aaron Wise
Viktor Hovland
Cameron Young
Collin Morikawa
Brian Harman
Adam Scott
Corey Conners
Sahith Theegala
Scott Stallings

Source: Pgatour.com

Read more

Newest Members of the PGA Tour Champions

Newest Members of the PGA Tour Champions

Here's a capsule look at the five players to gain access into all open, full-field events on the 2023 PGA TOUR Champions, beginning at the Chubb Classic in Naples in February.

 

  1. Richard Green (medalist, 18 under)

    Hometown: Geelong, Australia (outside Melbourne)

    PGA TOUR starts: 43

    Best finish: T4, 2007 The Open Championship

    PGA TOUR Champions starts: 3

    Best finish: T41, 2022 The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex

  2. Wes Short, Jr. (solo second, 14 under)

    Hometown: Austin, Texas

    PGA TOUR starts: 94

    Best finish: Win, 2005 Shriners Children’s Open

    PGA TOUR Champions starts: 213

    Best finish: Win, twice

  3. Tim O’Neal (T3, 13 under)

    Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

    PGA TOUR starts: 8

    Best finish: N/A

    PGA TOUR Champions starts: 2

    Best finish: T19, 2022 PURE Insurance Championship

  4. David McKenzie (T3, 13 under)

    Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

    PGA TOUR starts: 29

    Best finish: Seventh, 2006 Valero Texas Open

    PGA TOUR Champions starts: 102

    Best finish: Runner-up, twice

  5. Brian Cooper (T3, 13 under)

    Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    PGA TOUR starts: 0

    PGA TOUR Champions starts: 10

    Best finish: T43, 2019 Principal Charity Classic

 

Source: pgatour.com

Read more

Beer & Wine Tasting

Beer & Wine Tasting

Beer & Wine Tasting - January 27th! | Grab a friend and get your tickets TODAY! 🥂

 Wildwood CC Beer Wine Tasting
 
Call the pro shop at (701) 725-4653 to reserve your spot!

Read more

The Match Takeaways

The Match Takeaways

The seventh edition of Capital One’s The Match featured its strongest field of golfers yet and was played entirely under the lights for the first time. Those features made it one of the most memorable of these made-for-TV matches. 

Tiger Woods and reigning FedExCup champ Rory McIlroy took on Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in a best-ball competition Saturday from southwest Florida. Spieth and Thomas continued their success as a team, winning 3 and 2. They never trailed, but the camaraderie entertained throughout.

Here are five takeaways from The Match:

 

1. The Match wasn’t close but the trash talk and antics kept things entertaining. So did the players’ explanations about how they executed a variety of shots, such as Thomas talking about how he tried to “draw” a bunker shot so his ball would roll more. It’s a tip he took from Tiger.

2. No caddies? No problem for Spieth and Thomas, who made early birdie putts on Pelican’s slick putting surfaces to take a 2-up lead after three holes.

3. This was Woods’ first competitive appearance since The Open in July. He withdrew from last week’s Hero World Challenge with plantar fasciitis but said he had been playing well at home. 

4. Woods famously won at Firestone in the dark and McIlroy won a major, the 2014 PGA Championship, after sunset. But they only had to play one hole without sunlight. All 12 holes of The Match were lit only by floodlights, as the competition didn’t start until 7 p.m. Eastern.

5. The one-club challenge on the fourth hole produced the anticipated chaos, with Thomas winning the hole by making par with only a 5-wood. Woods played a stinger down an alternate fairway, then hit a hook shot with so much curve that its tracer line screamed across the television screen. A golf cart had to be moved so McIlroy could attempt his third shot.

 

Source: pgatour.com

Read more

HUGE Wedding Trends 2023

HUGE Wedding Trends 2023

INCREDIBLE WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2023

If you're planning your wedding for 2023, you're in for a treat! There are so many jaw-dropping wedding trends that are set to be huge next year. From unique colour palettes to fresh new ideas for your ceremony and reception, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the most incredible wedding trends for 2023.

BOLD COLOUR SCHEMES

One of the biggest trends we're predicting for 2023 is bold and unique colour palettes. Say goodbye to the white dress and pastel shades. More and more couples are opting for daring and unforgettable colour schemes that reflect their personalities.

If you're planning a 2023 wedding, don't be afraid to experiment with some out-of-the-blue colour schemes. And remember, it's your wedding, so anything goes. Need help pinning down your perfect wedding colour scheme? Working with a supplier like MDM Entertainments will allow you to follow your dreams.

CEREMONY BACKDROPS

Another big trend we're seeing for 2023 is creative ceremony backdrops. Couples are thinking outside the box when it comes to their ceremony décor, and we love it!

From hanging greenery to statement arches, there are so many ways to make your ceremony space unique. This will also help to make your wedding photography even more breathtaking. We love Designer Flowers Essex for their stunning floral arrangements.

RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT

Your wedding reception should be a fun and festive celebration of your marriage, so it's important to choose the right entertainment. Gone are the days of hiring a band or DJ. Now, couples are opting for more unique and interactive forms of entertainment.

We're seeing everything from fire dancers to aerialists. If you want your wedding to be truly memorable, think outside the box when it comes to entertainment. For example, Funky Casinos will transform your wedding venue into a glitzy casino setting.

SUSTAINABILITY

Single-use plastics and materials that damage the earth will be difficult to find in 2023 and beyond. Couples are using their special day as an opportunity to reduce their impact, whether that means locally-sourced food or sustainable wedding favours.

Need help making your wedding more sustainable? Choose S&K Hospitality for their delicious and locally-sourced menu ideas.

RETURN TO THE 80S

Kate Bush is topping the music charts and Top Gun is in the cinema. The 80s are back in a big way, so why not embrace this for your wedding day? Expect to see far more puff-sleeve wedding dresses, layers of organza and some seriously dramatic detailing.

Looking for your dream gown? Head to Amara Bridal to start your search. And if you're not a fan of the over-dramatic wedding dress, bridal suits for women are also set to be big in 2023.

So, there you have it, the top three wedding trends for 2023. We can't wait to see what next year has in store for us! Are you planning a 2023 wedding? Don’t forget to keep following our blog for all your wedding inspiration.

Happy planning!

Source

Read more

Where Will LIV Golf Play in 2023?

Where Will LIV Golf Play in 2023?

Nothing is official, but indications are that LIV Golf League will open its 2023 season in late February with an event in Mexico—at Mayakoba, the home of a long-time PGA Tour event that dates to 2007 at El Camaleon Club.

In keeping with its desire to not go up against legacy PGA Tour events, the dates would likely be Feb. 24-26—the same weekend as the Honda Classic and following the Genesis Invitational at Riviera.

So far, LIV Golf has announced just one tournament venue and date, an event to be played in Adelaide, Australia, in April, two weeks after the Masters. That tournament is expected to be followed a week later by one in Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf is expected to play at least twice more outside of the United States, with back-to-back events in Spain and England in late June/early July. The Spain event is expected to be played at Valderrama, site of the 1997 Ryder Cup and where the DP World Tour has played for several years. The England tournament returns to the Centurion Club outside of London, two weeks prior to the British Open and a week preceding the Scottish Open.

That would be five international events, and a question remains as to whether the controversial League will return to Saudi Arabia, the home of the circuit’s big-money benefactor, the Public Investment Fund.

That decision is likely what is holding up an entire announcement of the schedule, which is only expected to be partially released in the coming days. With 14 events locked in, LIV Golf can’t simply add one in Saudi; it has to work out the details of which domestic location would be skipped—or used if Saudi is no longer in play.

LIV Golf is expected to return to several venues it used in 2022—Trump Bedminster in New Jersey, Rich Harvest Farms outside of Chicago, The International outside of Boston and Trump Doral near Miami.

Other possibilities previously mentioned have been Dove Mountain in Tucson, Ariz., and the Greenbrier in West Virginia as well as another Trump course, possibly outside of Washington, D.C.

The plan has been to play the 14 events over 30 weeks, concluding in September, presumably prior to the Ryder Cup. Count on there being multiple back-to-back events.

 

Source: Sports Illustrated

Read more

Casino Night - March 4th

Casino Night - March 4th

You don't want to miss out on our upcoming Casino Night! Come one or both nights and enjoy a variety of different games!🃏🎰
Wildwood CC Casino Night 34
 
Click here to sign up!

Read more

Indoor Putt- Putt Golf Tournament

Indoor Putt- Putt Golf Tournament

Grab a friend and reserve your spot for our Indoor Putt-Putt Golf Tournament! Hurry - spots are limited!
Wildwood CC Indoor Putt Putt 1200 900 px 1200 675 px 1
 
Click here to sign up!

Read more

Australia Will Host a LIV Golf Tournament in 2023

Australia Will Host a LIV Golf Tournament in 2023

While its full 2023 schedule is still to be announced, LIV Golf will play in Australia next April. Its Punch team has four Australians including Cam Smith.

The LIV Golf League has yet to announce its full 2023 schedule, but commissioner Greg Norman was in Australia on Monday to confirm one event.

The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, will host LIV Golf on April 21-23, the first event of what LIV Golf said is a multi-year commitment to playing in Australia.

The tournament will be one of 14 events as part of the league schedule and will be a home game of sorts for Australian golfers Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and Wade Ormsby, who make up the all-Australian Punch team.

“Passion for sport is at the core of Australian culture, and LIV Golf is proud to bring its global league to a country deserving of the world’s top competition,” Norman said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to grow the game with generations of Australians while connecting them with star players like Cameron Smith who are building a new platform for golf around the globe. There is massive potential for Australia to play a bigger role in this great sport, and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase Adelaide for our league’s debut year.”

Although LIV Golf has not made it official, the league is eyeing a tournament at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore for the following week, April 28-30.

In its eight-event inaugural season, Saudi-backed LIV Golf played outside London and in Bangkok and Saudi Arabia, as well as five events in the U.S.

_________

Source: si.com

Read more

Course Closed for the Season

Course Closed for the Season

We thank you for a fantastic season here at Wildwood Country Club. 

Our golf course is officially closed for the winter months, and we look forward to seeing you on the course for the 2023 golf season.

Stay up-to-date on all events and happenings at the club over the winter by visiting our website and watching your email for upcoming events. www.wildwood-nd.com

Read more

PGA Players Thoughts on Ping's G430 Driver

PGA Players Thoughts on Ping's G430 Driver

Aside from a golf ball deal with Bridgestone, which he inked in 2022, Jason Day is an equipment-free agent, which means he’s not under contractual obligation to play any certain brand in his 14-club set.

Since January 2021, Day has exercised that freedom to test and use a number of different brands throughout his bag. Most recently, GolfWRX.com confirmed that Day was using a Ping G410 driver, TaylorMade SIM Max fairway woods, a combo set of TaylorMade P770 and P7MC irons, Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges, and a TaylorMade Spider putter.

The G410 driver, which was released to the public back in 2019, has had a consistent starting spot in Day’s 14-club lineup for the past two years.

It seems as though something new has caught Day’s eye, however.

On Monday at the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open, Ping officially launched new G430 drivers, fairways and hybrids on the PGA TOUR. As part of the launch, Ping fitters worked extensively with PGA TOUR players who showed interest in testing the new G430 products.

As a Ping G410 driver user, Day was an obvious candidate for testing. Following his testing session on Monday – the first day of the launch – GolfWRX.com caught up with Day to get his take on the new Ping driver.

“Well, apparently it’s supposed to be a couple miles per hour faster, is what [Ping is] saying, and they’re also saying that it tends to go left-to-right,” Day said about the G430 LST model driver. “It may not work for someone who already fades it, but I’m one of the guys who [hits a draw]. But it seemed pretty good. I still have to test it out over the next couple days, but I’m driving it about the same, if not a little bit further, than my G410 that I had. But we’ll see, it’s so early. Right now, it’s pretty friggin’ nice.”

“I just like the way it looks and sits on the ground already. I don’t like things looking like they have too much loft and like it’s looking up at you and hooded a bit. The loft on [the G430 LST], it looks like you’re gonna hit these low bullet fades all day. The way that it looks right now, it’s really good.”

Day hasn’t committed to playing the G430 LST in competition this week just yet, but based on looks, sound and performance, Day seems objectively impressed.

“In the past, they’ve had to add more hot melt into the 410 or 425 just because the sound wasn’t right,” Day said. “These have a lot less hot melt, and these have a lot of head [weight], so it feels easier to me to transition into the G430, because I typically like a lot of head weight in my driver…

“The good thing is, I don’t get paid from anyone, so I can be completely honest and tell you if the driver’s crap; and right now, the way that it’s coming off, it’s really nice compared to my G410. Typically, in the past, with the 410, I put a little bit too much spin on it. I think a lot of guys struggle with spin with Ping, and I play a softer ball now, so it’s obviously adding to the spin. But they said that this is a lot less spin than the previous drivers. That might fit me perfect.”

Ping is currently offering two driver models (LST and MAX), one fairway wood (MAX) and one hybrid model (MAX) to PGA TOUR players. Keep in mind, this is not necessarily indicative of all G430 models that will be available to players, or the general public, in the future, it’s just what’s available during the first week.

Ping isn’t yet discussing what technologies and designs have changed in the G430 compared to the previous G425, but from GolfWRX’s photos on Monday, it appears the G430 LST driver has a “Carbonfly” wrap crown, Ping’s familiar “Turbulators” on the crown, and adjustable weighting in the rear portion of the sole.

We’ll keep you informed with details on the Ping G430 products when more information becomes available.

 

Source: pgatour.com

Read more

GOLF TIP: GOLF BAG ON THE TEE BOX

GOLF TIP: GOLF BAG ON THE TEE BOX

For those that choose to walk versus riding, do not place your bag on the tee box. Sometimes the bag can fall over or scuff the hitting area. Also, the bag can be a visual distraction, so it’s best to keep it off to the side.⛳BOOK A TEE TIME

Read more

GOLF TIP: DIVOT PATTERNS ON THE RANGE

GOLF TIP: DIVOT PATTERNS ON THE RANGE

There are two common methods for divots at the driving range — either lined up in a row or vertical lines. The one no-no is to leave them scattered about. It ends up chewing more turf then you need.

BOOK A TEE TIME

Read more

GOLF TIP: WALKING THROUGH A PLAYERS LINE

GOLF TIP: WALKING THROUGH A PLAYERS LINE

Never do this. A player’s line not only is the line from the ball to the cup, but it extends two-three feet past the cup in case the putt misses. Walking on the line will change the trajectory and path of the ball.

 

BOOK A TEE TIME

Read more

Bryson DeChambeau nearly pulls off epic upset in long drive World Championships

Bryson DeChambeau nearly pulls off epic upset in long drive World Championships

Thanks to Bryson DeChambeau, it was a show that the long drive world has never seen before and might never experience again.
Against sizeable odds because he was going up against guys with cartoonish swings and freakish ball speeds that reach 230 mph, DeChambeau nearly pulled off a win on Saturday that he probably would have coveted as much as his U.S. Open title. The man who led the PGA Tour’s most recent chase of driving distance before defecting this year to LIV Golf reached the two-man final of the Professional Long Drivers Association’s World Championships. And, in a stunner, he came within one swing and 20 yards of holding the gaudy WWF-style title belt.
Going head-to-head in the final against Germany's Martin Borgmeier in Mesquite, Nev., after the field was whittled through four rounds from 16 to two on Saturday, DeChambeau found the grid with three of his six allotted drives and topped out at 406 yards. But Borgmeier, whose heavy beard, very short shorts and antics would make him perfect for professional wrestling, pounded his third ball 415 yards and followed that up with a 426-yarder that proved to be the winner.
In the fading desert light, an exhuberant Borgmeier bear-hugged DeChambeau, accepted the belt and held it aloft while running a winded victory lap around the driving range. He kissed and hugged his wife and young son, and then took the mic and pointed at DeChambeau.
“There is one very, very important thing, and all of you guys know,” Borgmeier said. “I would not be here, none of us would be here with the improvements in technology, if one guy wouldn’t have come in a year ago to make the sport what it is right now. And I think he’s on a very good track to come back. And that guy is Bryson DeChambeau.”
Now yelling, Borgmeier added, “He also came in second! What is going on! That guy is a professional golfer and he’s putting up these ball speed numbers … he lights it up in the final, hitting 400 plus! No one has ever done that before! People don’t realize how crazy that is!”
DeChambeau, who didn’t speak afterward on the YouTube broadcast that carried the event, smiled and nodded appreciatively to Borgmeier.
It was a year ago that DeChambeau entered the PLDA World Championships in what seemed like a sideshow act. But then he made the final eight and finished seventh—coming off playing in the Ryder Cup—and it wasn’t a joke anymore.
This year, DeChambeau returned to Mesquite after a rather tumultuous year that started on the PGA Tour and ended with him having taken enormous guaranteed money to defect to the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV circuit.
DeChambeau clearly didn't care about the $50,000 first prize in the long drive. It was about the bragging rights.
There were 128 contestants who started this week in the Open Division, and DeChambeau easily got through to the top 32 in the round-robin competition that awards points for where the golfers finish in each session.
DeChambeau went down to his last ball to qualify for the Round of 16 and then finished fifth among the final eight with a top drive of 415 yards. Among those who didn’t make it that far was two-time defending champion Kyle Berkshire, who finished ninth in his return from hand surgery just over three weeks ago.
There were still some of the sport’s biggest names left, including last year’s runner-up, Justin James, and Zack Holton, who had pounded the day’s longest drive of 435 yards in the Round of 16. DeChambeau ended up against those three in the final four, and when he blasted a drive 407 in the semifinals, he earned the shot at facing Borgmeier, who advanced with an effort of 418.

Read more

Where is Tiger Woods? Busy caddying for his son Charlie’s career-low round

Where is Tiger Woods? Busy caddying for his son Charlie’s career-low round

If there was any doubt that we’ve transitioned into a new stage of Tiger Woods’ pro golf career, this week answered in a quietly emphatic way. Woods was not on hand in Charlotte, where American golf’s brightest minds and best players were busy at the Presidents Cup.

Woods was involved, rest assured, but from afar, weighing in on pairings and matchups over the phone, just as he provided remote inspiration from during the U.S.’s victorious Ryder Cup run last year.

Instead of being on-site in North Carolina, Woods was actually with his family, following around his son, Charlie, at a 36-hole qualifier for the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship. And, it appears, helping lead Charlie to plenty of success. The 13-year-old carded a four-under 68 Sunday, the lowest score of his career.

We wouldn’t be so quick to associate Woods with his son’s success, but Charlie did it himself. Speaking in an interview with Ryan Burr, broadcaster and part owner of the Notah Begay event, Charlie was asked: “Yesterday ends, today starts a new day. How did you reset and come out and play such stellar golf?”

That yesterday Burr was referencing was a first-round 80 that placed him in the middle of the field.

“Well, Dad told me to stay patient,” Charlie said. “Just play steady golf. Just stay patient, play, focus on each shot, don’t look too far ahead. Stay in the game.”

It’s sound advice for anyone in tournament golf, whether it’s coming from Tiger Woods or your 15-handicap golf buddy. And, no, we’re not treating this like it’s a major championship. It’s merely a qualifier in central Florida for a junior national championship where Tiger Woods could impart some lessons on his teenage son.

Charlie didn’t advance to the main event, but he did nearly make an albatross as well as nearly pull off an epic comeback. Tiger followed along in a cart all weekend, as parents are permitted to do, and helped guide Charlie whenever needed.

“That was awesome,” Charlie said having his father in his corner. “I couldn’t have done it without him. Like some shots, I would have been so off. But he steered me in the right course.”

In an odd way, this time of the calendar year has become one where Woods is the most publicly visible. The last two years we’ve seen him and Charlie take part in the PNC Championship, an event where major champions pair up with their sons, daughters or parents, competing over 36 holes in a team event in Orlando.

 

Source: golf.com

Read more

What's inside the released LIV Golf rules, regulations and player contracts

What's inside the released LIV Golf rules, regulations and player contracts

No gambling. No doping. Only moderate alcohol consumption at post-tournament parties.

The new LIV Golf circuit might look like a lot of fun (and money), but the Greg Norman-fronted tour also has plenty of rules and regulations.

The rules and regulations were among the unsealed documents that were released by a federal court in California on Monday. On Sept. 1, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman partially granted the PGA Tour's motion to unseal certain portions of LIV Golf's rules and regulations and its contracts with players. She ruled that LIV Golf could keep the financial terms and other personal information confidential, but ordered the plaintiffs to submit publicly redacted documents.

Here are some of the highlights:

 

Golfers who play well can extend their contracts

Mentions of an anti-doping policy

LIV golfers can be fined up to $50,000

LIV Golf owns players' on-course media rights

Injured players still get paid

Disqualified players can still participate in team competitions

There's no gambling on the LIV Golf circuit

Retired LIV golfers still have to work

LIV Golf wants to grow the game

 

Source: espn.com

Read more

GOLF ETIQUETTE

GOLF ETIQUETTE

Congratulations! You've been invited out for a round of golf by a friend or a family member or (gulp) maybe even your boss. You're excited, but you're also petrified you might embarrass yourself because you're not quite sure of the protocol either on or off the course. Golf etiquette may seem complicated, and in truth, there's plenty you'll learn the more you play.

Read more

Basic Golf Shots

Basic Golf Shots

There are parts of golf that will elude you your entire life, but certain fundamentals are essential. You have to be able to hit a driver off the tee with a fair amount of confidence.

Read more

Close