Loose Ends

Just a few items for you before we head pout to make some turns.

Portrush '19 - I've been flailing about for quite a while now, in a vain attempt to embed this video, so you'll just have to click through to view it.  It's a first visual look at the changes proposed for the 2019 Open Championship, most notably two new holes to be created to replace the existing 17th and 18th.  

I did, however, capture a screenshot of the new Par 5 seventh hole, with the recreation of the Big Nellie bunker at the bottom:

Longtime readers know of my excitement about an Open at Portrush, which is simply one of the best and most dramatic links found anywhere.  The holes that are being abandoned are built furthest inland from the dunes, and while a stern test are simply less interesting than what comes before.

Take a minute to enjoy the spectacular property, paying particular attention to the most interesting holes, White Rocks, Skerries and Calamity Corner (the narrator, like many, makes the mistake of calling it only Calamity).

Cause, Effect - Remember way back in June when Trump was floating the story that his Aberdeen links was going to host three Scottish Opens?  I know, seems like it was back when they played the gutta percha....  Not so fast it seems:

Dundonald Links in Ayrshire is the strong front-runner to host the 2017 Scottish

Open, bunkered.co.uk has learned. 

The course, which successfully staged the Ladies’ Scottish Open last year, is expected to fill the much anticipated south west void on the so-called Scottish Open links rota.

With Castle Stuart, Royal Aberdeen and Gullane having welcomed the event to the Highlands, North East and Lothians since it visited Loch Lomond Golf Club for the last time in 2010, speculation has been mounting over a possible home in Ayrshire or the south west of Scotland for the tournament.

And what of The Donald?

This pours cold water on reports last year that the tournament would go to Trump International Golf Links Scotland near Aberdeen. It had been suggested that the Scottish Open would be staged there in 2017, 2019 and again in 2020. 

Indeed, at the official opening of the clubhouse at his Balmedie development in June last year, Trump himself said: “The Scottish Open is coming. The Scottish Open wants to be here forever, they think this is the best course they’ve ever seen.”

He's had a pretty steady diet of cold water recently. at least from the golf world.  Though he seems to be doing far better in other areas... But in honor of himself, I do think we should refer to this substitute venue as The Dundonald.  Just because...

Trending Disastrous - We're all aware that Robert Allenby's last trip to Hawaii ended, shall we say, poorly...  But it's a new day and we all wish the best for our hero, right?  Well, I've always thought God had a nasty sense of humor, and here's how Robert started his Oahu Redemption Tour:

For those new to Shot Tracker, those yellow lines perpendicular to the direction of play are never helpful, nor are triples.  

In his defense, he settled down and played even par for the remainder of his round.  One minor issue, though, is that even par sucks at this event, and he finds himself T128.  Since he'd need a course record to make the cut, I'll just offer a helpful reminder that Amuse Wine Bar is still taking Friday dinner reservations.

Further Clues... - As to the identity of the Secret Tour Pro, that is.  Turns out he was able to watch the Eurasian Cup and posted a rules question/infraction:

That's Shingo Katayama and I simply don't have the time to go back and research this.  Anyone know the answer?

But we've been remiss at following up with the former anchorers, and this guy was the poster child:

One of the most ardent members of the anchoring method, Clark has known for quite a while that his favored “broomstick” method of putting would be ruled non-conforming come Jan. 1, when it became against the rules to hold a putter against the torso. So Clark toyed with dozens of putters and a handful of grip styles, and he will try the Acculock Ace this week at the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club.

The AccuLock Ace ($279.99 atwww.biomechsports.com) has a long and wide face, and the shaft connects to the back of the sculpted mallet. The putter is built with considerable forward shaft lean, which the company says helps a player secure the grip against the players’ lead arm during the stroke — aka the “Matt Kuchar style.” Clark will use a belly-length model and employ just such an arm-lock stroke.

It seems to have worked yesterday, as Clark posted a 4-under 66.  Of course, one round means exactly nothing...

Click Bait -  Who among us could resist this header?

Is Boo Weekley's beard the most intense facial hair in PGA Tour history?

Well, what do you think?

I think we can all agree that it's a heck of a beard, but Boo seems the antithesis of intense...The author does offer a couple of alternatives, first Graham DeLaet:

And also this guy, though technically I'm pretty sure he never teed it up on the PGA Tour:

That'll have to do you for today, Dear Readers.