Not much to report from warm, dry Utah.... But did you catch the guys in sweaters at PGA National? It seems we got the good weather there, which turned as soon as we left town. Of course, our next powder day is anticipated for January 2021....
Honda Happenings - Beginning with the leaderboard from hell:
Harris English and Tom Lewis lead
English, who entered the tournament ranked No. 1 on the PGA Tour in bogey avoidance and second in greens in regulation, was 3-under after three holes thanks to a birdie on the first and an eagle on the third. Lewis, who won the Korn Ferry Tour Championship last year, also eagled the third and added birdies on the seventh and 18th.
Five golfers — Zach Johnson, Cameron Tringale, J.T. Poston, Lee Westwood and Brian Stuard — are a shot behind after 67s.
The XFL has been drinking the Tour's milkshake recently, and this week promises to be more of the same. Which makes sense, considering that the XFL has bigger names playing....
More importantly, I'm old enough to remember way back when the Honda was the ascendant Florida event. Yanno, back in, say, 2017. Golf.com's summary certainly is comprehensive, even answering questions exactly no one is asking:
How can I watch Round 2?
You can watch Friday’s action on Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. ET.
Haven't we suffered enough?
There were some big numbers out there, it seems:
As for Brooks Koepka, he found out what the wind can do on the sixth hole after he put the ball in the water twice for his first triple bogey in 447 holes.
But while the Bear Trap contributed to the course being ranked the fifth toughest to play on Tour last season, none of those holes provide the challenge the par-4, 479-yard No. 6 does, and did on this year’s first round.
Koepka is the first to attest, having the lone triple bogey on the hole. But 16 others carded a double bogey on a hole that played more than a half stroke over par, which, if it continues at the same pace, would become the single toughest hole on the Tour so far this year.
“There’s a lot of water out here,” Koepka said. “If you’re going to find the water twice on a hole, you’re going to make a big number.”
Fowler said the direction of the wind made No. 6, “a significantly harder driving hole.”
We're calling that a dodo these days... What, oh I guess you haven't read Shipnuck's mailbag yet:
#askalan Why are there terms for better-than-birdie, like eagle or albatross, but there are no terms for worse-than-bogey? They are just called a double bogey or a triple; why not a pigeon or a cuckoo? -@elgransenor1
Because making doubles and triples is already so painful do you really want the added insult of having to tell the officious scorekeeper in your group, ”Put me down for a dodo.”
Have these proposed terms been focus-grouped with millennials?
My favorite moment thus far was Jim Furyk's pro-am partner:
WATCH: Jim Furyk played with his swing doppelgänger in the Honda Classic pro-am
All good fun, perhaps the best part being that Alas, Poor Furyk himself posted video of the crazy swing... which at points might have some superficial similarities:
Though at other points, not so much:
Take a stab in the dark as to which of these cashes checks on Tour.
I also liked this series of questions:
“Does it ever become exhausting — you can’t help but see how many little ones are dressed like Rickie and they just love you and they want to meet you and get your autograph? Does it ever just become exhausting to see them all out there? Do you want to make them all happy, if you know what I mean?”
It is, of course, an unanswerable question for Fowler. As flattering as it must be to have thousands of fans screaming your name, tracking your footsteps, wearing your clothes, of course it must become exhausting. But for Fowler, what’s the use in saying so? Whatever hassle the attention creates is well worth it.
“No, it’s obviously a great position that I’m in,” he said. “No, I mean, it makes your day better, if anything, to see the support and see what kind of impact that I’m able to have on people at times. I try and make that be a good impact.”
And this follow-up:
The reporter followed up to ask if Fowler had any explanation as to why, exactly, he thinks he has started this phenomenon. Fowler, who has maintained that perfect edgy-yet-squeaky-clean persona over the course of his career, cited his authenticity — but also admitted he wasn’t really sure.
“I don’t know. To be honest, we didn’t try and do anything different or out of the ordinary as far as for who I am,” he said. “I feel like kids are really good at picking apart if someone is genuine or not, seeing if they’re fake or for real, and I feel like I’ve always, as far as me knowing and the people that I’ve grown up with from friends and family, I am who I am. This is who I’ve been growing up to playing junior golf, college golf, and on Tour. I’d like to say I haven’t changed.”
The kids I can understand, it's the grownups dressing like Rickie that requires a team of Viennese shrinks to unravel. For instance, this was the Swedish team from Yale Stogel's Pro-Am at Pinehurst back in 2013, long before Rickie won that first major:
What? You're saying that Rickie still hasn't won a major? Wow, that's just so sad...
Golf In The Time of Corona - It's getting a little scary out there.... We've seen the ladies' events take quite the hit, unfortunately scheduled to be in Asia at the wrong time.
The Euro Tour got into the act in, of all places, Oman:
Two European Tour players, Lorenzo Gagli and Edoardo Molinari, who had beenquarantined on Wednesday over fears they had contracted the coronavirus and forced to withdraw from this week’s Oman Open, were instated to the tournament on Thursday.
Upon arriving at the tournament, Gagli had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms and was assessed by the tournament’s medical staff. In consultation with the Omani Ministry of Health, Gagli was tested for coronavirus and quarantined as a precaution, according to the European Tour.
Gagli was sharing a hotel room with Molinari. While Molinari was showing no signs of illness, he too was quarantined.
Sharing a hotel room? Egads, way TMI...
There's been speculation about the Tokyo Olympics for obvious reasons, though the folks on that infamous cruise ship off the coast might have inadvertently scored cheap lodging for the event. But folks might need to consider the potential impact on an event closer both in terms of calendar and geography:
Days after San Francisco's mayor declared a state of emergency over coronavirus concerns, the PGA of America—set to host its PGA Championship in the city in May—acknowledged the organization is keeping tabs on the matter.
“We are carefully monitoring the situation as it relates to the 2020 PGA Championship in San Francisco," the PGA of America said in a statement to Golfweek. “We will follow the guidance of public health authorities and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.”
TPC Harding Park is scheduled to host the PGA Championship beginning on May 14.
Though San Francisco has not had a confirmed case of the virus, mayor London Breed put crisis measures into action because “the global picture is changing rapidly, and we need to step-up preparedness.” However, earlier this week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it identified an infected Californian who hadn't traveled outside the country or been in contact with someone who had, meaning it could be the first instance of the virus spreading throughout the community.
The irony is that Harding Park was selected specifically because it was an Olympic year. The PGA of America had not yet committed to moving to May, but needed the flexibility at that point to slot this in at an unknown date, and Northern California offers such flexibility.
Why worry about San Francisco? Well, when they speak of community above, this may be the underlying means:
Fecal transmission may be behind coronavirus’ rapid spread
Now fecal hygiene is a personal matter for most of us. But in The People's Republic of San Francisco, they've taken this socialism thing to it's logical extreme, with the streets awash in the Comrades' excrement... Good luck with all that, folks!
Despite the absence of any golf relevance, I was amused to see this company finally feeling the effects:
Corona beer sales taking hit because of coronavirus outbreak
In the early stages of the pandemic they were professing to be unaffected by the name of the virus. Thank God we have Tony Romo's Corona Hotline for those with concerns....
Rota Ruminations - This is the biggest takeaway.... Repeat after me, there is no such thing as a rota:
“It’s not a rota, it’s a pool of 10 courses,” Slumbers said by way of explanation.
That seems a distinction without a difference to most of us, Marty.... What distinction does exist, might relate to the fixed schedule involved... Anyway, here's the underlying story:
Seven years after its 10th and most recent visit to the Ayrshire links in 2016, the 152nd Open Championship will be played over Royal Troon in 2023.
Which was a bit of a surprise. For long enough, it was easy to predict which of thecourses on the Open rota would take its place in the 10-strong lineup. By that measure, Muirfield—which last saw an Open in 2013—was the short-priced favorite for three years hence. But Royal Troon it is, at least partly because 2023 is the centenary of the first Open played there, Englishman Arthur Havers beating Walter Hagen by a shot to claim the claret jug.
Just as significant in that decision, however, is the increasing emphasis the R&A puts on the commercial and economic aspects of golf’s oldest major. In other words, money’s voice is getting ever louder within the game’s most famous clubhouse. And there are consequences of that fact. With the obvious exception of St. Andrews, courses in Scotland have historically attracted the lowest crowds. Which does not augur well for the likes of Muirfield, Carnoustie and, in particular, Turnberry, where the narrow approach road makes access difficult, never mind any of the continuing politics that come with President Trump’s ownership of the picturesque resort.
Via Alistair Tait, here are the numbers involved:
Could the real reason be that Troon can deliver more fans than Muirfield and Turnberry? Exactly 173,134 people turned up at Troon four years ago compared to the 142,000 who attended Muirfield in 2013. Turnberry delivered 123,000 fans for the 2009 OpenChampionship.
“We’re looking at the Open,” Slumbers said. “It’s growing. The size of crowds is growing. We’re heading into Royal St George’s in just five months now. The previous record for size of crowds at Royal St George’s was 183,000. We will be through 200,000 come July.”
I've noted the issues with Turnberry for many a year, it's really in an out-of-the-way spot that will limit crowd sizes. The surprise for me is Muirfield, which is proximate to Edinburgh and features commuter train service.
There's also big news from Royal Liverpool, d/b/a as Hoylake:
“We are very much looking forward to returning to Hoylake for The Open in 2022 andthe enhancements being made to the 17th and 18th holes will help to produce a thrilling and dramatic climax to the Championship for players and spectators.
“We are particularly excited about the introduction of the new par 3 where the elevated green will be set back against the Dee estuary to create a spectacular penultimate hole for the Championship. We are grateful to the Club and its members for all their hard work and support.”
Hmmmm, tell us more about this new Par-3:
The most significant change at the 12-time Open venue will see a brand new par-3 built, with construction already well underway.
The new par-3, called ‘Rushes’, looks sensational, with a modest length of just 139 yards playing to a raised green looking out to the Dee Estuary.
It will play as the 17th hole during the 2022 Open Championship and has been built with close consultation with the R&A and golf course architect Martin Ebert.
Sounds great, though many of you will be puzzled by that yardage for sure. Ironic, as these same changes are lengthening the 18th hole (hole numbers at Hoylake remain an enduring mystery, as they've long changed the routing for Opens and Amateurs) to in excess of 600 yards.
But shame on me, as I've long had a hankering to do a post on the wonderful and intimidating short Par-3's in the links world. Thing is, these holes go against everything you'll think you know about links golf, requiring the aerial game.
Perhaps the most famous of these is the ninth at Royal Lytham & St. Annes:
It's as short as can be, think nine-iron or pitching wedge. Obviously the ground game is not available here, so you'll have to loft it high, controlling distance and spin. But add in the typically windy conditions, and short little holes like this become quite the test of ball-striking... Strike it pure, it can be an easy par.... But miss it just a little, adding all sorts of spin to your ball, and it can go anywhere. Like, for instance, here:
These are not Macdonald Short Holes, but a specifically linksy version thereof. The Dee Estuary in the background will remind many of us of the Eden Estuary in the background of the Eden Hole (Old Course No. 11), but that's a much longer tee shot. And probably a more severe green, though we'll have to wait a few years to know for sure.
Alan In Full - Let me put the settings on auto-pilot, as we coast to the finish on Shippy's mailbag. First, a series of PReed inspired queries:
I believe that cheating is something that comes from your soul. Do you believe in “once a cheat, always a cheat,” or is redemption possible?? #AskAlan -@JSwinging
This is a question for a philosopher, not a sportswriter! Human nature is so complicated and fascinating, and the complexities don’t end when a man or woman — flawed like all of us — turns pro. If you think of the young Vijay Singh, hitting balls all day under a mango tree in Borneo, you can imagine the desperation he felt to make it to the big leagues, and how he might be tempted to, say, turn a 5 into a 4 with the stroke of pencil. No doubt many pre-med majors, feeling a similar pressure, have cheated on a big test. Are they bad people, or did they just make a mistake? Can they be forgiven? Do they deserve to be? Everyone will answer these questions differently based on their own life experiences and personal credos. But for redemption to be granted the first step is to admit you screwed up. Sports fans are a forgiving bunch. So are sportswriters. But don’t piss on my leg and tell me it’s raining. That’s why fans and scribes are so infuriated by the Astros… and Patrick Reed. For him to say he didn’t feel the sand — twice! — is simply not credible, as Brooks Koepka helpfully underlined. Imagine if Reed had said, “You know, I was feeling a lot of pressure, and my mind went blank, I’m not sure why I did that but I obviously messed up and I’m really sorry and I’m going to do better going forward and in the meantime donate all of my Hero winnings to Bahamas relief efforts.” I think many fans would salute him for coming clean and cut him some slack. But Reed’s defiance — the shoveling at the Presidents Cup was particularly grotesque — shows that, for now, he is well beyond redemption.
As you know, I don't think we should get hung up on whether Patrick knew what he was doing with those sand castles... His reaction told us all we know about the darkness in his soul...
But I think Alan errs in lumping us in with generic sports fans, because I think most golf fans are more understanding than, say, baseball fans. I think that because we all play the game as well as watch it, and we know what can happen out there. But, and Alan nails this part, the minimum requirement is genuine contrition, and that's not apparently in Vijay's or PReed's bag.
But for the grace of God, my family could have been ripped apart after my mother’s death. Don’t you think Reed’s family should be out of bounds to journalists and fans? -@JoeGunter
Well, his wife was his caddie for years. Now her brother is on the bag, and the looper’s antics at the Presidents Cup got him booted off the bag for a day. Reed’s wife and mother-in-law are sometimes wilding-out on social media. So, the family he married into have made themselves an inescapable part of the story. As for Reed’s own estranged family, they were escorted off the grounds at the 2014 U.S. Open and they believe it was because Justine called security on them; that’s a pretty public event. (John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of championships, said USGA officials removed Reed’s parents after consulting with the police who said that the couple was making “intimidating movements” toward Justine.) Reed’s mom has engaged with writers and golf fans on social media, so it’s hard to say they are seeking privacy. Reed won the most coveted tournament in golf while his family was a couple of miles away, watching on TV in their Augusta home because they were not made to feel welcome at The National. Tiger’s wins in 1997 and 2019 were defined by familial hugs, just as Phil’s triumph in 2010 was made unforgettable because he won it for his cancer-stricken wife. It would have been impossible to write about these tournaments without this family context. After all, it is the human element that makes sports so riveting. To fully understand the meaning of Reed’s Masters win it was necessary to know about all the unpleasantness that he somehow plays through.
Praytell, what is the purpose of that first sentence in the question?
Alan might have handled it more succinctly, but the question of course is which family? Justine and her brother have made themselves enemy combatants, and so are undeserving of the protection of the Geneva accords.
The parents? That's a far more difficult subject, one that I could argue either way. On the one hand, they would seem deserving of a zone of privacy. On the other, both at Pinehurst and in their willingness to speak after the Masters win, they seem anxious to tell their story.
More importantly, I don't see how one can understand Patrick Reed without knowing of his alienation from his own family.
Hey Alan, have you ever noticed a player commit a rules violation up close and personal that went undisclosed? #AskAlan -@GoranBarnes
I’ve seen plenty of drops from hazards that looked a little generous but few things in golf are more subjective than where a ball crossed an unseen line a couple hundred yards away, so you can’t really say those were outright rules violations. I’ve also witnessed the exact scenario that Peter Kostis described of Patrick Reed, whereby a player puts a couple different clubs behind the ball to “assess” the lie and in doing so the grass gets pushed down, making the ensuing shot easier. Again, this is a very grey area — intent is everything, and that can not be seen without an x-ray of the soul. Most rules violations are exceedingly subtle, and without replays they’re hard to detect. So in all my years of prowling Tour events I can’t say I’ve glimpsed anything egregious.
Excuse me, Alan, that is not in least a gray area... where you see a pro assessing his lie, I see a jerk improving his. Is there a legitimate purpose in a player touch the grass in the immediate proximity to his ball? It seems we're excusing the inexcusable, no?
Alan, it seems to me that you've described plenty of conduct that's egregious. Why not call it that? Even on the drops, see Kang v. Dahmen for what happens there... I'm actually of the belief that the vast majority of the guys want conduct themselves appropriately, bu there's no reason for the rest of us not to turn our guns on the minority that don't.
This is good and consistent with my question after the Kostis story broke, to wit, what should we expect of on course reporters:
Where are you on Peter Kostis’ position that reporters are there to report on the story as opposed to being a part of the story? I agree w/Peter wanting media to avoid getting dragged into controversy. If you saw Reed or anyone improve a lie/violate a rule, what would you do? -@KeithKHorton
This is a fraught issue. Just ask my friend and wingman Michael Bamberger, who reported a blatant Michelle Wie rules violation nearly two decades ago and still occasionally takes flak for it. Kostis is correct that it’s best for reporters to avoid becoming the story, but I think the sanctity of a professional tournament is bigger than that. If I witnessed a violation I would certainly report it … but probably from my burner under an assumed name, so as not to get dragged into a needless controversy. When a player breaks the rules they should pay the price, not the person (player, caddie, spectator, scribe) who happens to witness it.
And just last week Alan was denying the existence of his burner Twitter account... But Alan, you don't actually need to remind us that your burner is under an assumed name.... It's understood, just be forewarned that Pierre Delecto is taken...
Here's a couple ripped from the headlines:
How will the budding friendship of Bryson and Patrick bolster USA’s chances in the 2020 Ryder Cup and beyond, and how would you like to see either or both of them in the 2020 Olympics? -@GolfingBrock
This budding bromance is actually a huge development for Team USA. Both Reed and DeChambeau are so young and talented they are going to figure in many more Ryder Cups. Managing their, uh, quirks and finding willing playing partners figures to be one of the toughest tasks for every future American Ryder Cup captain. But if all that unorthodox mojo can be contained within one pairing, and if these spiky personalities can bring out the best in each other, well, a huge problem has been solved. As for the Olympics, I can think of a few more cuddly ambassadors to represent the Stars and Stripes. (Lolz.) But Reed and DeChambeau are each, in their own way, among the most compelling figures in the game. With golf still fighting for its place in the Games I’d rather have Bryson and PReed in Tokyo than some other blander, more boring Yanks.
First, I think this way over-interprets that 18th green reaction in Mexico. I also think we're being unfair to Bryson... Yeah, he's got some quirks that warrant discussion, but not remotely like the toxicity from that other guy.
But for sure, after winning a WGC it seems a lock that Reed will qualify automatically for Whistling Straits, and that means we'll need a partner for him in the team formats. Well, format, as he should never play in alternate shot...
Can and should the Tour suspend Cryson for his antics slamming down spike marks? He needs to be slapped several times by someone who he respects and the Tour needs to let him know his behavior isn’t acceptable. #AskAlan -@TheGhostOfHogan
A suspension would be a stern reaction but I think it’s warranted. Every time pro golf goes to Mexico City or Saudi Arabia or some other far-flung destination we are force-fedpablum about how the players are growing the game. It follows that the all these new fans in golf-starved markets are watching closely to learn the mores and etiquette of the game. So the good people of Mexico City and far beyond have now been taught that when you make a terrible stroke and badly miss a putt the appropriate reaction is to smash up the green in absurd attempt to prove that the poor grass is at fault, not the player or his weird technique. In general, it feels like golf is at an inflection point, where we are being forced to examine difficult questions about the rule of law and the fundamental nature of the equipment and playing fields. Some things are worth preserving so I think the time has come for the Tour to take a harder line on player misconduct.
I just watched it for the first time, and am unclear whether he actually damaged the greens. Obviously not a great look, though I'm always a little reluctant to outlaw emotion, even when that emotion is frustration. I like seeing the human side of these guys, though the tamping ritual seems quite lame now that they're actually allowed to do it before they putt.
This is cute:
What will Bryson serve at the 2021 past champions dinner in Augusta? Protein shakes? Kombucha? Will every asparagus stalk be the same length? -@DS_Maples323
All excellent choices. One dessert we’re not likely to see: humble pie.
Imagine how YUUUUUGE he'll be by then....
I haven't had a chance to note the kid's win last week, but he's worth watching:
I think that I’m in man-love with Viktor Hovland. I think he’s going to be a European mainstay for two decades in the Ryder Cup. How worried are you now with him, Rory and Jon Rahm looking like dynamite? -@GolfJoss
It’s impossible not to like this Hovland character. His game from tee-to-green is simply awe-inspiring and what a fun, fresh character he is. No doubt he’s going to be a force in the Ryder Cup. Rahm, too, even though his Paris debut was quite shaky until he outlasted a sore, stiff and exhausted Tiger in singles. And Rory is Rory — he has been spectacular and disappointing, sometimes during the same Cup. (His 11-9-4 record is solid but not commensurate with his all-world talent.) As I know from experience, it’s folly to predict the Ryder Cup too far in advance. Cornerstones crumble, heroes rise and fall, captains make inexplicable decisions (see Furyk, J.), unbeatable golfers drown balls at Augusta and never recover (Molinari, F.). But I can say with some certainty it’s going to be fun to watch Hovland for many years to come.
Well, you do realize, Joss, that we're in an era of American Ryder Cup dominance.... Alan might never live down that prediction, though he's been an awfully good sport about it in the aftermath.
Have a great weekend, and we'll meet back here on Monday morning.
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