Golfing News & Blog Articles

On a white board somewhere in Ponte Vedra Beach, there was a list of reasons why PGA Tour needed to be careful in returning before most American sports.

I think we’d all agree that a top 3 lock sounded something like player and caddie safety in a time of pandemic. Next, there was surely something about doing damage to efforts at keeping golf or all other sports viable. Shoot, maybe something about not hurting the image of the game. Well, the PGA Tour.

Anyway, I’m fairly certain another top three reason would have been wishing the virus on a fellow player. Actually, no one in their right mind would think a player might…oh, wait, you said Sergio’s playing this week?

Sigh.

Following a third round 65 that has him two strokes off the RBC Heritage, Sergio Garcia accomplished at least one thing: he got Rory McIlroy out of the lead for the week’s Most Regrettable Comment.

Webb Simpson managed only one birdie on the back nine Saturday at Harbour Town, and that was just enough for him to post a 3-under 68 and join a four-way share of the lead at the RBC Heritage.

Chris Kirk won the Korn Ferry Tour's King & Bear Classic on Saturday at World Golf Village, a year after taking a leave of absence from the PGA Tour for personal reasons.

If it weren't for his fitness tracker showing an elevated respiratory rate on Friday morning, Nick Watney wouldn't have felt the need to request a COVID-19 test that came back positive, Sergio Garcia said on Saturday.

He tested negative when he arrived on site. Three days later, he tested positive. Along the way, his case uncovered some holes in the PGA Tour's system and showed again that this ongoing return remains complicated.

Michelle Wie West now has a little one of her own.

The PGA Tour announced Saturday that 11 people who were in contact with Nick Watney were administered COVID-19 tests and all the results came back negative after the golfer on Friday became the first player to test positive for the virus.

You’re here because it’s the day before Father’s Day and you’re just now thinking about what to get dear old Dad. Or maybe you’re here because you like a good discount.  Not only are we compiling some of the internet’s best Father’s Day gift ideas for the procrastinators of the world, but we’re guaranteeing that every one of them is a bargain.

What is MyGolfSpy Deals? You’ll likely recognize some past winners from Most Wanted tests, MGS Labs and 59 Awards. We’ll also toss in some staff favorites or products we’re actively looking to purchase ourselves. Beyond that, it’s a potpourri of items we think you might like or timely deals on seasonal gear. Only the best hand-picked deals will be posted. Only the most trusted merchants will be listed.

We find the best deals and pass the savings along to you.

The Best “Day After Father’s Day” Gift Deals

1. Srixon Z565 Driver

A #MostWanted winner for only $139….what?? That’s a no-brainer.

PGA Tour Statement On Nick Watney

News of Nick Watney becoming the first PGA Tour player to test positive for COVID-19 was met with a fairly consistent chorus of “a matter of when, not if”.

However, a quick review suggests the PGA Tour “bubble” has burst in just week two of the “Return to Golf.”

There will be wide-ranging implications for public health, Watney’s peers, golf tournaments going forward and even the entire sports business world. The “matter of when, not if” view discounts what appears to be sloppiness by Watney at the very least, and signs early on that PGA Tour policies were too lenient or simply not enforceable due to player apathy.

A review, starting with this sequence of events from AP’s Doug Ferguson reporting from the RBC Heritage on Watney’s movements.

Webb Simpson sank a 6-footer to birdie his final hole for a 6-under 65 and a one-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau and Corey Conners on Friday at the RBC Heritage.

Tiger Woods will not be part of a strong field for next week's Travelers Championship.

Nick Watney became the first player on the PGA Tour to test positive for the coronavirus and then withdrew from the RBC Heritage.

Bryson DeChambeau has added pounds -- of muscle, he'd like you to know -- in a short time. The change increased his swing speed and added length off the tee. All he has to do is point to his scores to provide proof of his plan.

June 19, 2020

We Stand United–NCGA Statement Against Racism and Injustices

The NCGA is committed to delivering our vision to ensure the game of golf is vibrant, inclusive and accessible to all.  We know this is a challenging and hurtful time for many of our members and golf community.

We stand with you against racism and the injustices that have occurred.

Although we’ve made progress and are more diverse than most golf associations, there is always more that can be done to achieve equality for all.

While we can’t change the past, we can continue to work towards a better future for all our minority members, and those who have historically been excluded.

The Staysure Tour for players 50 and older announced Friday it has canceled the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s start with a statement so obvious it’s almost not worth mentioning. The only thing better than bombing a drive…is bombing a drive several yards farther.

In fact, it’s probably safe to assert that there isn’t a golfer on the planet who would turn down a bit more ball speed by simply switching drivers.

I know, “you can’t buy a game.” Blah, blah, blah. But, you can buy better technology…right?!

In our Most Wanted testing, Honma’s TR20 driver finished 4th overall and produced the 4th highest average ball speed. Moreover, Honma states that nearly every professional who has tested the TR20 has picked up speed. Prior to his departure, former staffer Justin Rose stated that Honma’s driver was 4-5 MPH faster than the comparable TaylorMade model.

Is it hyperbole or a bona fide Japanese driver that can hang with the big boys?

As galleries are kept away and likely will for most tournaments this year, the importance of sound continues to be a topic. Who knew it was this sensitive? Oh right, anyone who has dealt with modern golf pros who think they’re carrying out an NSA mission.

World No. 2 Brooks Koepka added this on the eve of the 2020 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, reports Stephen Fastenau of the Island Packet.

Asked about his thought on players wearing microphones after his first round at the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, Koepka didn’t hold back.

“I don’t understand why they want us to wear a mike when there’s a boom mike that stands 10 feet away from every shot that I hit,” Koepka said after opening with a 4-under-par 67 in his first start at Harbour Town Golf Links. “If the announcers would just shut up and listen, you could hear every word that we’re talking about.”

For Thursday’s Heritage first round, Adam Hadwin wore one. Besides providing several instances of insight and something different than stock, Melatonin-producing coverage, the Canadian gave us more than he ever hoped. After touching what he thought was a rock near his bunkered ball, he immediately declared it was, actually, sand. He immediately suspected he’d made a mistake and we got to hear the entire exchange with official Mark Dusbabek thanks to his microphone.

Brian Wacker with the full conversation here for GolfDigest.com.

Wendell Haskins wrote to his former employers at the PGA of America on Monday about the failed inclusion efforts while he was there.

Perhaps coincidentally, or not, Haskins was contacted by PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh Thursday after Wednesday night’s post here and, well, Waugh reports a good talk.

"I had never met Wendell so I reached out to him and had a two hour video chat. I listened carefully to his ideas and took them to heart in our ongoing efforts to make the PGA of America and the game of golf more inclusive and diverse. I appreciate the opportunity to share views and we thank him for the dialogue."

We got an update and plan of the in-progress updating of Pebble Beach’s Peter Hay Course, adjacent to the Lodge and becoming a big kids pitch and putt. Also great to see it is the plan to have a putting course.

For Immediate Release:

Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods release plans for reimagined short course facility at Pebble Beach

New facility will include a nine-hole par-3 short course, a putting course, and an indoor/outdoor food and beverage venue overlooking one of the Resort’s most stunning views
 
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. (June 18, 2020) – Pebble Beach Company and Tiger Woods, through his TGR Design firm, today released plans to transform the former site of Peter Hay Golf Course. Located directly between the Pebble Beach Pro Shop and Golf Academy, the new facility will include:
 
• A short course comprised of nine par-3 holes ranging in length from 47 to 106 yards and measuring 670 yards in total;

• A 20,000-square-foot putting course that can be set up in a variety of different hole and routing combinations; and

• A 5,000-square-foot food and beverage venue featuring a full kitchen and bar, indoor seating, and the resort’s largest outdoor patio positioned for expansive views of the short course, putting course, Carmel Bay, and Point Lobos
 
“We are thrilled to elevate the quality of our short course to a level consistent with our other world-class golf courses,” said Bill Perocchi, Chief Executive Officer of Pebble Beach Company. “You can see the genius of Tiger Woods and TGR Design come to life when you walk the site, the way it all fits together. I expect all aspects of this new facility will be very popular for junior golf events, Resort golfers, outings, resident hang-outs, and everything in between.”

Woods’ design philosophy for the short course is anchored on playability and creativity. His vision is that the course will draw new players to the game, bring families together, and provide a fun golf experience for players of all ages and abilities, while still offering a challenge for skilled players.

“Everyone who plays this golf course is going to enjoy the playability of it,” said Woods. “Golfers will have the choice to play nearly any club off most tees and around the greens, which will make them think and channel their creativity. It will also play differently from day to day depending on the tee and hole locations and wind direction. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to play it.”

In shaping the new course, Woods’ inspiration resulted in dramatic terrain movement and nine holes entirely distinct from the old course. He also reoriented the routing to better capture the views, with four holes now playing directly toward Carmel Bay.

In addition, Woods aligned each hole’s yardage to correspond with a significant year in Pebble Beach history, with accompanying plaques on each tee telling a story and creating the sense guests are walking amongst the Resort’s rich championship heritage as they play. The only exception is the course’s second hole, which will be an exact replica of the famous seventh hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Oh why not just go all 1929 in that replica while we’re at it!

“Pebble Beach is such an iconic golf destination, we want guests to feel the entirety of that spirit when they play this course. We also know not everyone who comes to Pebble Beach will have a chance to play the U.S. Open course, so we wanted to create the opportunity for all visitors to experience one of its most famous holes,” Woods added.

The Grand Opening of the entire facility is currently scheduled for the Spring of 2021.

Southern Hills

The good-things-come-to-those-who-restore movement continues as longtime USGA favorites Oak Hill and Southern Hills were awarded future championships.

Oak Hill’s two courses where Andrew Green has undertaken an East Course restoration set for a big national stage return in the 2023 PGA, with the U.S. Amateur now coming in 2027.

In 2024 Southern Hills, fresh off a Hanse Design restoration, will host the U.S. Women’s Amateur. It hosts the Senior PGA next year and the 2030 PGA.

Of course, all of this contingent upon there still being amateur golfers in the future.

On that note, For Immediate Release: