Masters odds, Couples wants to top his Masters record, Ryder Cup standings, Old Tom items up for auction, Bubba's shot finally earns its YouTube due, Quotables, This, That and Reads.
Thinking of the Masters. Given Jack's current health. I wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't hit an opening tee shot. Given that, has Ben Crenshaw ever be approached?
I think Ben will be an ideal replacement when Jack and Gary are ready to goodbye. I could see Bernhard Langer being high on the list. Ideally Jack and Gary would go out together but it's Gary Player we're talking about!
You referenced FDR and Warm Springs. In 1926 Roosevelt hired Donald Ross to design an 18 hole golf course at the site and was actively involved in the project including building bridges that could accommodate his motorized cart. Only nine holes were built and continued to operate until 2011 when the course was closed. At the time FDR was not yet president but it is unfortunate that a course with this historical connection no longer operates.
Thanks for the link on Gordon Sargent. I’ve been wondering what happened to him. He was the next big thing. Now he’s been surpassed by contemporaries like Luke Clanton, Nick Dunlap and Ludvig. What a fickle game.
I didn't know if I was speaking out of turn as I don't know the situation but, yes, my immediate reaction was "Why are these items not going to the museum?" Not for me to say, but I really hope the buyer does the right thing.
Great stuff, if the PGAT was as interesting as this column golf would be in a better place. Was very surprised on McKellar that you spoke about the excitement at the LIV event. First time I have heard anything positive. Don’t you think the shotgun start and a definite beginning and end within 4.5 hours is a part of this? Or what factors made it exciting. But definitely do not agree that the player caddie convo is interesting determining If it is 120 or 123. And knowing they are being recorded makes it more of an act and lengthens play. And when have Thomas or Cantly ever been entertaining? What is missed is the thrilling interviews of Dustin Johnson.
Huge crowd energy, sandbelt style golf and more characters in contention made it interesting. I didn't last long but saw enough to juxtapose it against the doldrums at Torrey. The shotgun is a slog! I don't think any player other than Phil Mickelson talks out a shot for TV/fans. It's just how they work these days.
Not sure why or what was the energy. Appreciate you put up with the shotgun questions but the length of a weekend round for the spectators is way too long. And it would address finishing on time as well as for weather related rounds as well.
It's amazing they have not added another event there. Particularly given the length of the trip to get there and how much of an annual mess the American portion of their schedule has been to date.
Geoff, am I missing something with TGL? I consider my self a hard core golf nerd, I’m realizing it’s not targeted to me. Is it overall designed to grow the game in 2025. Did you listen to the latest “Fried Egg” where Andy is interviewing Roberto Castro, I just don’t feel the hype or enthusiasm imo it’s just a big “hit and giggle”
Yep, hit and giggle that also wants to be taken seriously and have people bet on it. I'm with you. Don't get it or the appeal. It's dull, the launch monitor is iffy, the green putts like crap, etc... Might be fun to play but the spectating is tedious. They are essentially beta testing on national TV.
Pro golf may/will have the same problem. As revenue from broadcast rights shrinks how to keep the players payout growing? Keep reducing the cut line ... top 70 then top 50 then top 30 then top 2. And Top 2 still play in 5+ hours!
One off topic comment before I get back on topic ... In the last Quad a commenter by the Call sign "P3 PPC" liked me. I have a question for him: Do you remember how many per diem checks a P3 could carry? If you were a WestPac guy how many Pappa San chairs?
Back to the Masters ... the broadcast team ... I'm hoping no IBF or Bali-bore-us. On a lighter note ... can you imagine Holly Sonders in the Butler Cabin?
Regarding Geoff's comments about the Masters being an example of how a sporting event should be run ... it's also amazing how all the moving parts mesh together so well. I attended one practice round and the operation was jaw dropping. The Masters compares well to launch/landing ops on an aircraft carrier.
A LIV PGAT deal will not heal what professional golf has done to itself. I read the Quad not for golf news anymore but for new vocabulary words to stump my golf group. If we were a LIV team we would call ourselves the "Monosyllables".
The picture of Mt. Etna from a drone? Amazing but ... sooner or later ... BTW the I had a mid-air with a goose recently.
Yes it's quite a thing to see all of these people declare healing will come. They just have no concept of what a mess they've made between the money talk and years of oversaturation. If they aren't driving a par 4 or playing to an island green, the modern power game doesn't translate to TV. Oh, and they take too long even when fields are down to 50 and playing twosome (four hours being celebrated when they are mostly shooting par or better and have help finding balls is not something to be proud of!).
Since the onset of electronic payments VP guys do not need space in the plane for stacks of checks; the P8 has more room for surfboard, golf clubs and e-bikes.
Thinking of the Masters. Given Jack's current health. I wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't hit an opening tee shot. Given that, has Ben Crenshaw ever be approached?
I think Ben will be an ideal replacement when Jack and Gary are ready to goodbye. I could see Bernhard Langer being high on the list. Ideally Jack and Gary would go out together but it's Gary Player we're talking about!
About Bubba's Master's Shot:
“About B.W. let’s be candid
Fortunate that he’s left-handed
If he had hit a slice instead
“Our usual shot,” all we’d have said.”
Excerpt From:
If Golf Balls Could Talk
Leon S. White, PhD
This material may be protected by copyright.
You referenced FDR and Warm Springs. In 1926 Roosevelt hired Donald Ross to design an 18 hole golf course at the site and was actively involved in the project including building bridges that could accommodate his motorized cart. Only nine holes were built and continued to operate until 2011 when the course was closed. At the time FDR was not yet president but it is unfortunate that a course with this historical connection no longer operates.
Brad Becken
Thanks Brad, are the bones there or did they develop over it?
Here's a link to the WSJ article about Aimpoint: https://www.wsj.com/sports/golf/aimpoint-putting-pga-tour-8868484c?mod=wknd_pos1#comments_sector
Thanks for the link on Gordon Sargent. I’ve been wondering what happened to him. He was the next big thing. Now he’s been surpassed by contemporaries like Luke Clanton, Nick Dunlap and Ludvig. What a fickle game.
Imagine owning the original image of Young Tom wearing the Belt. You'd hope that ends up in the R&A World Golf Museum.
And grass islands in Augusta bunkers. Any idea how long they lasted?
It is a bit disappointing the items are being auctioned instead of donated. Particularly the scrapbooks that will be separated, most likely.
I'm not sure there is an exact date on the islands but a good question. They fit in when Maxwell used them because the bunkers were not as groomed.
I didn't know if I was speaking out of turn as I don't know the situation but, yes, my immediate reaction was "Why are these items not going to the museum?" Not for me to say, but I really hope the buyer does the right thing.
Great stuff, if the PGAT was as interesting as this column golf would be in a better place. Was very surprised on McKellar that you spoke about the excitement at the LIV event. First time I have heard anything positive. Don’t you think the shotgun start and a definite beginning and end within 4.5 hours is a part of this? Or what factors made it exciting. But definitely do not agree that the player caddie convo is interesting determining If it is 120 or 123. And knowing they are being recorded makes it more of an act and lengthens play. And when have Thomas or Cantly ever been entertaining? What is missed is the thrilling interviews of Dustin Johnson.
Huge crowd energy, sandbelt style golf and more characters in contention made it interesting. I didn't last long but saw enough to juxtapose it against the doldrums at Torrey. The shotgun is a slog! I don't think any player other than Phil Mickelson talks out a shot for TV/fans. It's just how they work these days.
Not sure why or what was the energy. Appreciate you put up with the shotgun questions but the length of a weekend round for the spectators is way too long. And it would address finishing on time as well as for weather related rounds as well.
Excitement for LIV seems to be confined to Australia. Maybe they should move the entire tour there? Or at least five or six events.
It's amazing they have not added another event there. Particularly given the length of the trip to get there and how much of an annual mess the American portion of their schedule has been to date.
Dustin Johnson? Read my comment about "monosyllable".
Geoff, am I missing something with TGL? I consider my self a hard core golf nerd, I’m realizing it’s not targeted to me. Is it overall designed to grow the game in 2025. Did you listen to the latest “Fried Egg” where Andy is interviewing Roberto Castro, I just don’t feel the hype or enthusiasm imo it’s just a big “hit and giggle”
Yep, hit and giggle that also wants to be taken seriously and have people bet on it. I'm with you. Don't get it or the appeal. It's dull, the launch monitor is iffy, the green putts like crap, etc... Might be fun to play but the spectating is tedious. They are essentially beta testing on national TV.
Geoff, a late input. Read the WSJ article about ESPN and MLB contracts. https://www.wsj.com/business/media/espn-mlb-agree-to-end-long-term-tv-deal-1e0dde11?mod=hp_lead_pos10
Pro golf may/will have the same problem. As revenue from broadcast rights shrinks how to keep the players payout growing? Keep reducing the cut line ... top 70 then top 50 then top 30 then top 2. And Top 2 still play in 5+ hours!
What an amazing edition!
From FDR and Warm Springs to the eruption of the volcano!
Thanks.
One off topic comment before I get back on topic ... In the last Quad a commenter by the Call sign "P3 PPC" liked me. I have a question for him: Do you remember how many per diem checks a P3 could carry? If you were a WestPac guy how many Pappa San chairs?
Back to the Masters ... the broadcast team ... I'm hoping no IBF or Bali-bore-us. On a lighter note ... can you imagine Holly Sonders in the Butler Cabin?
Regarding Geoff's comments about the Masters being an example of how a sporting event should be run ... it's also amazing how all the moving parts mesh together so well. I attended one practice round and the operation was jaw dropping. The Masters compares well to launch/landing ops on an aircraft carrier.
A LIV PGAT deal will not heal what professional golf has done to itself. I read the Quad not for golf news anymore but for new vocabulary words to stump my golf group. If we were a LIV team we would call ourselves the "Monosyllables".
The picture of Mt. Etna from a drone? Amazing but ... sooner or later ... BTW the I had a mid-air with a goose recently.
Yes it's quite a thing to see all of these people declare healing will come. They just have no concept of what a mess they've made between the money talk and years of oversaturation. If they aren't driving a par 4 or playing to an island green, the modern power game doesn't translate to TV. Oh, and they take too long even when fields are down to 50 and playing twosome (four hours being celebrated when they are mostly shooting par or better and have help finding balls is not something to be proud of!).
Since the onset of electronic payments VP guys do not need space in the plane for stacks of checks; the P8 has more room for surfboard, golf clubs and e-bikes.
Don't you just hate us fighter wise guys 😁😎