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5 golf fashion trends that hopefully get left behind in 2014

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It’s safe to say that the current PGA Tour also moonlights as a grass runway for designers and their sponsored golfers to broadcast a wide array of fashion styles. Gone are the days where fellas nonchalantly donned unlogoed polos and baggy, pleated khakis. Now, everyone seems to be making some kind of splash. It has become big business.

Professional golfers these days are receiving a considerable amount of attention for their dress. Ahead of major tournaments, apparel companies are releasing the Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday wardrobe for their sponsored players. Golf media outlets then critique said outfits following the event. Soon–and I can see it now–there are going to be pre-game, red carpet interviews with players being asked “and who are you wearing this weekend?” Let’s hope not.

golf02

That is not to say that I’m not all for golfers taking pride in how they look; I absolutely am. But recently, some golfers have been channeling such pride towards a fashionless estuary of offensiveness. They overdo it instead of “underdoing” it. I mean, take a look at the above lineup for the otherwise likable Rickie Fowler.

Here are a couple of rules I think we should pay attention to moving forward: Don’t buy a golf shirt that looks like a wounded alien splattered his fluorescent blood in incongruent geometric shapes on it. Also, if you show up to the first tee looking like Under Armour is sponsoring you in the upcoming NFL Combine, you better be either Jerry Rice or on the losing end of a bet.

Billy Horschel

Top left: Arnold Palmer, Top right: Adam Scott, Bottom left: Billy Horschel, Bottom Right: Chi-Chi Rodriguez

Seriously though, golfers! The neon clad mannequin at Golf Galaxy are not an oracle of stylish athletic wear. People sometimes forget that golf has its own timeless style icons to draw influence from, like Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Ben Hogan, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez in his younger days (see above).

Currently, we can look to Adam Scott, Kyle Stanley and Billy Horschel (when he is not wearing octopus pants) for proper guidance. Yet, these styles are ignored by many. Instead, golfers attempt to perhaps emulate the sartorial swag of Namath or Clyde Frazier which, while cool for football or the NBA, is the golf course management equivalent of hitting driver off the deck; extreme, unmanageable and potentially dangerous.

golf04

Above: Which Englishman is well dressed and which looks horrible?

In light of the foregoing, let 2014 be the year in which golf style comes a bit back to its senses. Here are five emerging trends that I hope we can leave behind for the upcoming year.

No. 5: Pants with slits at the bottom

golf03

What is the purpose here? I’m not sure. Tiger Woods is frequently seen wearing these, but I think they look sloppy. Golf is a gentleman’s game. Your pant leg’s opening should not be creating the illusion that the corners of its mouth are splitting in an attempt to eat your shoe, a la Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. A slightly tapered leg works best.

No. 4: Oversized/Tacky Belt Buckles

golf05

Occasionally, a vintage-y looking, cowboy-like belt buckle on a golfer can actually look cool. Anthony Kim used to rock these with some stylish success. But the trendy belt buckles being furnished by many of the major athletic wear companies look like you have an Iroc-Z fastened to the front of your trousers. Even in my beloved state of New Jersey, the Iroc has been out of fashion for years.

No. 3: Selling out

golf01

Above: Jim Furyk’s several late-round collapses in 2012 and 2013 have made him the butt of countless about his sponsor, 5-Hour energy. 

So, along with that anchored putter ban, can the tour also discuss a limit on the amount of ads a player can wear?  Not to sound too crotchety, but some players’ polos are only a couple of unsightly advertisements short of looking like the outfield wall of a Single-A baseball team. Jim Furyk, the 5-Hour Energy gear needs to go, bro. I’m pretty sure you can afford it too.

No. 2: The Flat Brim

Justin Bieber

Above: One is nonchalant and cool. The other is just not.

Sometimes, a flat brim can look fine, even stylish perhaps. Vintage Trevino, Corey “Magnum PI” Pavin and Costantino Rocca at The Open in ’95 come to mind. Nowadays however, the flat brim seems to be sported with the purported message that the wearer is hip or cool. In practice, however, it makes you look like Justin Beiber.

No. 1: Loud Clothes

Above: There are not enough degrees of separation between these two outfits.

Above: There are not enough degrees of separation between these two outfits. 

Also known as “The Rickie Fowler Effect.” I hate to come back to Rickie again, because aside from him looking like the orange power ranger, he is a cool, charismatic, young super star who values his fan base, which I respect a lot. But, seriously, he does look like the orange power ranger, and his uni-colored ensembles have unfortunately served as validation for other golfers to sport Crayola crayon-like costumes of their own. Only on Halloween is this sort of childish outfit appropriate.

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Lawyer, Bachelor and Golf Nut. John also writes for his and his sister's Italian culinary and lifestyle blog at www.johnandelana.com, maintains an honest GHIN handicap, and is from New Jersey; all of which he is proud of.

131 Comments

131 Comments

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  9. cody

    Feb 11, 2015 at 11:26 am

    i like the loud clothes. Remember what happy said. “Golf is for guys that wear goofy pants and have fat a$$e$”.

    just accept the goofy pants. You will be happier. Plus man, the articles lately have been pretty sad. isnt there something more interesting to write about? Plus, why does everything need to change, end, be done away with. I am not a accept everything guy but holy moses lets lighten up a touch.

  10. Troy

    Jun 22, 2014 at 6:01 pm

    This article sucks.
    That is all.

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  12. RAT

    Jan 13, 2014 at 10:05 am

    I believe one should express himself .But the excess of signs “patches” looks like the pro bowlers tour. The picture above of Adam Scott is example of what NOT to wear. The jeans look might be ok for the weekend golfer but not on the tour. The solid color collar and sleeve shirt with horizontal stripes is just downright ugly along with the pocket of a solid color with horizontal stripes. Did the companies like Nike get their designers for the local community college school of design?! Show The seventies for crazy and the fifties for class The sixties were some what ok. GET RID OF PATCHES or restrict the size.

  13. Zak

    Jan 9, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    Negativity. Completely unnecessary negativity.

    Golf is about having fun. You don’t need to feel like you must wear a “uniform” when you go to PLAY. Would I wear these “crayola” colored clothes? No. But the fact that some players do is fine by me. It is what makes them unique. We need more unique people…

    …and less negative ones.

  14. Buzzkill

    Jan 9, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Good Lord- You forgot that White Pants should only be worn on the LPGA Tour!

  15. Gary

    Jan 9, 2014 at 11:52 am

    I understand you are writing an article to generate readers, but it seems to me you knowledge of golf apparel is very limited, at least historically. The slit in the pants goes way back in golf. I believe if you look back to Curtis Strange, Greg Norman and others in the 80’s you will see the same look. You have pictures of Arnold Palmer and Chi-Chi Rodriquez from the old days to prove your point. Where are the pictures of Doug Sanders? He matched his shoes with the color of his clothing for years. A purple shirt and slacks? Purple shoes to match. Have you seen any pictures of Johnny Miller in the 70’s? White belts? Walter Hagen? Showing up on the first tee in a tux? Been there done that. Like other parts of society, trends in golf apparel seem to recycle.
    I will say that part of what drew my wife to watching golf tournaments on TV is the clothing. We often share our opinions on various outfits worn by the players. So their look does impact viewers.
    Finally, I am fine if you want to write about how you don’t like a certain look in golf. From my standpoint you attempt to make it sound like these things you criticize are fads in golf, when in actuality they are variations on the history of golf.

    • John

      Jan 9, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      Merely identifying historical trends does not necessarily make them fashionable. I’m not sure if referencing Norman to support your case necessarily works. Granted, his hat is iconic, but some of his polos from the 80’s easily stick out as examples of hideous taste, I think.

      I don’t like a slit in the pants, personally. I realize style is a very subjective topic, but, a baggy or long pant leg opening looks a bit sloppy. The better dressed golfers today – A. Scott, Kyle Stanley, etc – don’t sport the opening. A tapered leg which grazes the top of your shoe looks better than a split one which extends beyond the laces. Just my thoughts.

      • Gary

        Jan 9, 2014 at 5:10 pm

        I referenced the past not to support their look (I agree about some of Norman’s shirts while others were awesome) but to establish the trends as present prior to this current group of golfers. I do like Scott and Stanley for their look in apparel. However, Some of Scott’s looks don’t work for me (see the picture above). I also find Stanley’s monochromatic looks (see his all black attire head to toe) as no different from Fowler, just a matter of color. The stove pipe pants or even straight legs look good on guys with skinny legs. Not every guy looks good like that. You are right it is a matter of preference. Sounds like you prefer more simple colors, like primary colors, I prefer some variety. I also agree with you on the space designs. At the end of the day, if you want to see drab apparel, one need only look to the Champions Tour, a place where style goes to die (with the very rare exception).

        • John

          Jan 9, 2014 at 6:55 pm

          but all black – in Stanley’s case – is a bit different than all orange or electric blue. All black is cool, stylish, and wearable towards any occasion and in any environment; whereas as all electric orange/blue is just..not. Again, just my two cents and I obviously have no scientific explanation for this. Very subjective, and hard to justify! haha

          Stenson is not a small guy necessarily and still rocks pants sans-slits (for now). The slits are done, in my opinion, to accommodate an “athletic” look and, indeed, golf’s style appears to be moving towards more towards of a “sports wear” feel and less towards stylish wear. I think you sacrifice a bit of style when your pants look like that.

  16. Bryan

    Jan 5, 2014 at 11:01 pm

    Full disclosure to your readers, that picture of Ian Poulter wearing that hideous bronze metallic shirt is YEARS old… his fashion line is cutting edge and tastefully done and his Tartan pant designs are among some of the most fashionable things going.

    It may be have been mentioned before (I didn’t take the time to read all 100+ comments in this thread) but the slits on the pant legs allow your pants to fall over your shoes. This is a great trend and allows to you always look neat and well kept instead of your pant legs tucking themselves in to your shoes unintentionally. These are almost a must if you choose to wear the slimmer fitting pants that are common for today’s golfers.

  17. win orgera

    Jan 5, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    Golf is a celebration. we don’t have to wear a uniform, but it gets pretty dull looking at black on black and white on khaki. golf is fun and so are clothes. give yourself a break and you might even have a good time. it’s a game for goodness sake, not a life or death experience.

  18. Andrew

    Jan 3, 2014 at 11:05 am

    Great article if taken in the right way – think a few people missed it!?

    Like the fact you unintentionally managed to p&&s Nike off as well 🙂

  19. luunie

    Dec 29, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    John, with respect, if you don’t know what the slits are for and the function they serve for proper fit in an active walking sport, fashion is not the topic of negativity you should be writing about.

  20. Joe

    Dec 28, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    John,

    You are not only way off base on fashion issues, but you are also a prime example of what is wrong with golf these days.

    The fashion of golf is one of the reason the clothing and accessory industry has done well. It is also part of the reason a younger generation has taken interest in the game.

    In case you haven’t paid attention, golf is hurting across the world!

    It is absolutely wrong to be negative about something like fashion.

    Why don’t you try and write a piece on how to improve golf? Reason: because you are probably incapable of writing an intelligent article or is it that you would rather put out a junk article putting down people to make yourself feel better!

    I personally have worn colorful clothing and accessories for years, well before it was on the course. And I am thrilled to see folks wearing clothing that makes them happy, proud, feel good, etc.

    To throw it back at you…looking at you, you have ZERO business commenting on fashion.

    Next time, try writing a positive article….if you think you know fashion, simply write the article about players that in your opinion are very well dressed and explain why…BE POSITIVE! instead of spewing negativity.

    • J

      Dec 29, 2013 at 4:32 pm

      Thank you for the kind words!

      • Joe

        Dec 30, 2013 at 12:14 am

        Let me remind you of some of your words Mr Hypocrite:

        Don’t buy a golf shirt that looks like a wounded alien splattered his fluorescent blood in incongruent geometric shapes on it.

        Your pant leg’s opening should not be creating the illusion that the corners of its mouth are splitting in an attempt to eat your shoe, a la Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest.

        look like you have an Iroc-Z fastened to the front of your trousers.

        But, seriously, he does look like the orange power ranger, and his uni-colored ensembles have unfortunately served as validation for other golfers to sport Crayola crayon-like costumes of their own. Only on Halloween is this sort of childish outfit appropriate.

        • John

          Dec 30, 2013 at 11:27 am

          You are correct, I did say that.

          • Markymark032884

            Dec 31, 2013 at 2:53 pm

            John the comments that you made in this article couldn’t be any better. I agree with everything you said and the people that disagree with all of this just really don’t get it. They probably are not and never really were true golf fans. Probably the kind of people who just go out and play golf but aren’t true golfers and don’t care about the history of the game but only what is current and exciting to them. On another note I don’t really understand where people get off saying that golf is hurting around the world and this will only help it grow. I believe golf is bigger and more popular world wide than it ever has been.

  21. KCCO

    Dec 27, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Why don’t we all wear camo fatigues, so the guy dressed like a pro on the tee-box can spray one to the right and hit you in the back of the head?

    I could care less what others wear, but I personally don’t like labels unless they are paying me, and agree tailored fit makes everything look better. Could careless about the colors as long as it fits the person correctly and shirt is tucked to provide a clean look.

  22. Eddie

    Dec 24, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    If Everyman listened to this author golf would be the land of the bland. Thankfully some of the tour players are pushing the boundaries of fashion and golf culture.

    Golf need not be a stuffy sport. Check out the Pheonix Open.

    • John

      Dec 26, 2013 at 11:22 am

      there is nothing bland about some of the better dressed golfers pictured above.

  23. Greg Hunter

    Dec 22, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    As long as men are not wearing g-strings, I don’t care what people wear. If I could play in a t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes, I would do it! I enjoy change and fashion is a part of personality. I don’t wear all of the crazy pants or loud colored shirts, but I like watching others wear them! I think it helps grow the game. My boy wanted to play just because of Ricky Fowler

  24. Pat

    Dec 21, 2013 at 3:28 am

    I see your point but have to disagree. I see nothing wrong with the trend in the apparel being worn and the styles. My favorite colors are blue, yellow, and orange sometimes bark and other times bright. To say this is hurting or bad for the game of golf is wrong. When I first read the article headline I thought it was about the play or things that take place during the round like 6 hr rounds, 10 minute putting routines, have volunteers find or track their balls, or how players can’t play if they hear a noise. That I would have been more interested in reading.

  25. Brock

    Dec 20, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    Completely agree with the article. We’re golfers…we’re not hip. You can’t go wrong with well-fitting, understated, and classic fashion.

    It’s also frustrating that this trend has carried over to drivers–Cobra, Callaway, TM are all ridiculously looking. Give me a classic looking head, like a 913D2. I don’t need white, blue, orange, or green on my driver.

  26. Jamie Linnell

    Dec 19, 2013 at 9:35 am

    No wonder golf is less inclusive than other sports and is showing a decline in participation. Thanks to this guy (who probably wears black or white polos with khaki pleated trousers) there will be less youngsters taking up the game in the future. Cheers for that.

    • John

      Dec 19, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Pleats are not in style at the moment.

    • Markymark032884

      Dec 21, 2013 at 1:32 am

      who exactly said that pleats will discourage youngsters from liking golf? not that I like pleats and who ever said anything about pleats being nice? that is a little off subject. Although when you started playing people were probably wearing pleats, and I think you still took up the game. If not you probably shouldn’t be leaving posts on this site.

      • Markymark032884

        Dec 21, 2013 at 10:07 am

        And actually Luke Donald and those guys are on the right tack with preserving a little of the style. Although ian poulter has the nicest outfit out of all of them. besides the figure skating shirt.

  27. Cab Callaway

    Dec 18, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    While I agree with most of this article and don’t care for flat brim hats, clown pants/loud pants or large belt buckles, I say to each their own. It’s entertaining from week to week to see who is the most ridiciously dressed.
    What I can’t stand is when I go to the course and see people wearing tee shirts, cut off jeans, blue jeans, etc.
    Another fad I’ve noticed more and more the past few years are people not tucking in their shirts, which makes most of them look like juvenille at best.
    Please tuck in your shirt and look like someone who cares about themselves and at least attempts to look like a golfer.
    If you can’t play good, you might as well try to look good.

  28. Regis

    Dec 18, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Too bad this apparent fad and apparently life has passed me by. I just forceably retired my collection of Plus Fours (Knickers). Had to throw them out-couldn’t even donate them to charity. I’m forced to stick with khaki’s and polo shirts for the forseeable future.

  29. Daniel

    Dec 18, 2013 at 11:26 am

    To me there are two different worlds, or at least there should be. The pro world and the regular world. In the pro world they can wear the neon bright clothes and shoes and ugly logos and whatever else they want. The flashy guys get noticed and that brings sponsors which makes the players more money.
    In the real world however, dressing like most tour pros just looks like you are trying too hard. Whenever I see a guy dressed like that at the course down the street, I shake my head.
    Wouldn’t it be nice if most tour pros dressed more like Luke Donald? I wonder if that would inspire the rest of us to try and have more of a classic look and not try and look like we fell out of a gumball machine.

  30. PuttQueen28

    Dec 18, 2013 at 9:11 am

    LPGA skirts are getting shorter and men’s pants are getting tighter. Like every other professional sport, the athleticism is outshined by the media marketing flash. Perfectly executed putts fall to the wayside of a cartoonish orange jumpsuit. But that’s what sells. This all might be a necessary evil to keep the sport alive and thriving in a overly stimulated society.

  31. Its not all just "who cares" golf was built around "caring" and tradition and rules

    Dec 17, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    First of all, let me say that I am in my 20’s and I’m not completely outraged by all of these things, but I do agree with this article 100%. The clown suits don’t belong on the golf course. Not that all bright colors are ugly looking, but yeah they are when you over do it. Kind of like your trying too hard to be cool and show that you’re young and hip; it just looks weird. And yes, the new fitted flat bill caps do look very different from the old regular ball caps in which people just didn’t bend the bill all the way. The new flat bills are a lame attempt to steal some style from hip hop artists and bring it to the golf course. They should maybe also put in some huge diamond ear rings and gold teeth. Flat bills only look cool when worn backwards in a relaxed place where the look kind of says “I don’t give a crap.” Keep them on the driving range/ batting cages/ mini golf course. If people want to wear them so be it, but when worn frontwards the only thing the flat bill caps are missing is a polka dot bow tie and a red nose that honks if you squeeze it. The thing about some of these outfits is that the materials used to make them (like polyester and spandex) when combined with a tight fit and a big white belt/ big buckle do look very similar to a power ranger or getting very close to a star trek uniform. All this does is make professional golfers look unprofessional. Golf was built around a certain set of rules and traditions and it shouldn’t be “lets change the game to get more people interested.” That sends the wrong message to young people. From a very young age I knew that golf was a gentleman’s game and that meant acting like a gentleman and a professional when on the course. Not wear whatever is popular or trendy and go whack the ball around! People say things change and its good to get more young people involved; I’m sure you could also get more young people involved if you played golf using potato launchers and the loser got a pie smashed in his face after the round (I know that’s a little outrageous) and yeah that sounds fun, but no, that’s not golf. You dress like a golfer and you shake hands and act like a gentleman afterwards. All of the professionalism and etiquette as a combination teaches you to respect the game, keep a true score and play by the rules.

    • Jamie Linnell

      Dec 19, 2013 at 9:51 am

      Yep, wearing an orange shirt definitely makes you respect the game less…….. 😉 What difference does it make to you if someone wears outrageous colours?

      • Markymark032884

        Dec 20, 2013 at 1:27 am

        nicely said Jamie Linnell, very good point although I didn’t mention anything about wearing orange shirts in this. I wear orange shirts, I love orange shirts. Why do half the people act like they don’t know what this article is about? Everyone knew when they started playing golf that there was a certain “Golf Attire” that went along with the game. Golf is not baseball or football or motocross or wrestling or hip hop even though im a fan of all those, and have participated in all of them besides the hip hop artistry, although one of my good friends is about to get real nice in the hip hop area (already opens for lil wayne)…. I like that when im done watching that stuff on tv I put my “golf gear” on and go play golf. Anyways first its big belt buckles, neon colors, skate sneakers and flat brims then that will down the road lead to tank tops and mohawks cut off shorts, show off your tattoos on your arms!.. sounds cool to me. We just need to keep it edgy and keep everyone interested. Do you think Arnold palmer and Jack Nicklaus’s mentors told them who cares do what you think is cool!? I can’t be completely sure but I think they probably didn’t. I just wish that wasn’t how people went about things today. A little off subject but it really seems like that attitude is doing a lot of good for our country as a whole right now.

        • Jason

          Dec 20, 2013 at 4:47 pm

          “Anyways first its big belt buckles, neon colors, skate sneakers and flat brims then that will down the road lead to tank tops and mohawks cut off shorts, show off your tattoos on your arms!.. sounds cool to me.” In logic, this is called the slippery slope fallacy. We also see a bit of the “black or white fallacy” at work here. There are more possible outcomes to these new clothing trends than are being described here.

          To the author of this article, I realize you are trying to generate page views and this Top 5 is simply you “stirring the pot.” Suggesting that large belt buckles aren’t traditional enough or splitting the hem at the bottom of a pair of trousers is “sloppy” is pretty glib.

          • John

            Dec 20, 2013 at 6:42 pm

            I appreciate your feedback; everyone’s for that matter. Not all large belt buckles are unsightly, however. But “tackier” ones, like the one being sported by McIlroy above, are a bit unpleasant to look at.

          • Markymark032884

            Dec 21, 2013 at 1:17 am

            Thank you for quoting half my post here and misusing the word fallacy. This article and the comments people leave are about opinions. There really isn’t a true or false answer to somebody’s opinion so I don’t really believe there can be a fallacy, thank you for your input though. I might also say that glib wouldn’t be the best word to use here either because in fact it seems like the author genuinely cares about the subject. Maybe glib would be better used for all the people who post comments that say who cares dress however you like, whatever is cool and gets young people interested.

          • Markymark032884

            Dec 21, 2013 at 1:54 am

            And you should possibly describe some of your other possible outcomesto these new clothing trend ideas so I can better understand. I also do not believe this is the author stirring the pot. He simply expressed his opinion on these five trends. In which most real golf enthusiasts will agree. You know not the guys who just watch golf central and read taylormade adds on the latest thing happening on twitter, But real true golf enthusiasts that aren’t being paid to think a certain way. I might add that if puma wanted me to wear the ugliest clothing in the world and make a lot of money for doing so in this economy, Yes I would do it for sure but but that doesn’t mean I think its good for the game. As for now I am a non endorsed golfer and I will try to stay as true to the sports heritage as I can. Show your confidence with your game and not by how edgy you can dress.

  32. Blah, blah, blah

    Dec 17, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Who said you have to buy your clothes at a golf store? Each to their own, one likes orange, one likes grey. I don´t see the problem? I agree, that it´s quite bright within the clothing made for golf, but still cannot see what the problem is. The man who wants to be grey, be grey and the rest of you can wear orange?

  33. David F

    Dec 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Loud or bright-colored clothing can be ok when worn well, but not when worn as a solid outfit. The only clothing where the top and bottom should match is a suit (and possibly pyjamas). Looking like a big mango popsicle is not fashion. And for those who say ‘who cares’. Would you not look twice if someone rolled up to the first tee in cut-off jeans and a tanktop? Or for that matter if a player went full Harry Vardon in tweed jacket and knickerbockers? You may not care about if someone does the human lollipop, but you care.
    At the end of the day, the pros on tour get paid to wear what they do. If their sponsor wants them to wear logos or candy-colored pants, they will do so if they want the money. The rest of us don’t have that excuse…

  34. albatross85

    Dec 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    This is the most ridiculous article I have seen on this site. You pick Horschel as your coverboy for your argument, yet he wears some of the loudest and brightest colors. The slit looks good in a golf setting and does serve a function. Tiger is the best dressed on tour. Not many people could argue with that. Horschel and Scott wear clothes that are 2 sizes too small to play golf in.

    • John

      Dec 16, 2013 at 6:54 pm

      You can wear some eye catching colors, don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating non stop dreariness on the course. But top and bottom neon outfits of the same color are a bit childish.

      I don’t think your outfit “out on the town” and your golf outfit should vary drastically.

    • Boss man

      Dec 16, 2013 at 9:32 pm

      Martin kaymer is the best dressed on tour.

    • Evan

      Dec 17, 2013 at 4:36 pm

      Tiger is NOT the best dressed on tour and I cringe every time someone says that. He is very manilla and middle of the road. He doesn’t do anything too conservative or too loud. He is Nike’s poster boy for their everyday/ accessible clothing. There are many guys who would stand out for fashion but not in a loud way, much more so than Tiger. Scott, Moore, Donald, GMac, Ishikawa, all have a distinct and different style but not loud like Poulter and not boring like Tiger.

      • John

        Dec 17, 2013 at 5:07 pm

        Evan, well said here. I’m also not crazy about the Nike clothing in general.

  35. Nice PR campaign

    Dec 15, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    I noticed John, the author, has a five o clock shadow! Shall we duscuss the meaning of not being cleaned shaved for his picture?

  36. Nice PR campaign

    Dec 15, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    Does the author want Loud Mouth to go out of business? Why did wrx publish this piece?

  37. Maksimus

    Dec 15, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    I disagree with 95% of this article. I’m glad clothes today are more of a fitted, tailored fit. Because, let’s face it, pleated front, baggy khakis are terrible. Which bugs the hell out of me. To put it in perspective, the old men who hate flat bill hats, I feel the same way about your pants. Speaking of flat bills, I’ve seen more old men wearing flat bill hats that are precariously perched on their head than young guys. It is not nonchalant and cool for one and tacky and tasteless for another. They are the same hat worn almost the same way. The main difference is, ours don’t have the stupid strap and clamp that always seemed to come loose and flap about. Unless that’s what you think makes it cool… If that’s the case fashion isn’t your strong suit. The loud patterns need to stay, if for no other reason than they annoy certain people.

  38. Mat

    Dec 15, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    cur·mudg·eon [ kur mújj?n ]
    somebody who is irritable or stubborn: somebody considered to be bad-tempered, disagreeable, or stubborn
    Synonyms: bad-tempered, crabby, cantankerous, grouchy, grumpy, cranky, irritable, tetchy, testy, grumbly, irascible, peevish, moody

    • Rik

      Dec 15, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Add in “running late”.

      I told them I’d be there for the photo for the dictionary picture, but ran late because this kid in loud clothing didn’t see it was my time on the tee box, because he was texting his cray-cray dude with his earbuds in. They tried to jump in on the blues in front of us and since I was walking and already back at the tips, he couldn’t see our group. After getting past him on the first hole, we were able to sample some awesome jams because he apparently went from the ear buds to the dr. Dre beat box which had no issue being heard from a hole away. I held back and asked what those cost. “Mine are $125, but for $200 you can get some stellar ones”. I pulled two Benjamin’s from my pocket and bought them. No more music, and the speakers should be at the bottom of the hazard on 4 by now.

      We played in the same gang this morning as he is the son of one of our regulars. Me, my khakis, and navy blue footjoy pullover shot 71 and assisted in beating the kid’s 79.

      All the commotion caused me to run about 10 minutes late to the photographer.

  39. Bobby

    Dec 15, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Back to Hogan grey and smoking cigs?

  40. Dan

    Dec 15, 2013 at 6:05 am

    Who would you rather play with, someone in loudmouths who is fun to play with and doesn’t take 6 hours to play 18 or someone who lives up to your BORING alleged fashion sense. I saw a guy hitting practice balls from the middle of a fairway this morning who was wearing cream and white. If the author hasn’t got a more relevant piece to publish than this, maybe he should be writing for the local newspaper…in the work wanted section

    • Mike Dingus

      Dec 16, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      Sounds like you’re a little butt hurt there pal. What happened people didn’t want to be seen with you on the course while you were wearing circus attire? You know pretty much any garbage Puma spits out, etc…
      But, yeah I’d take grandpa out there rocking his traditional cream and white get-up before I’d play with a walking popsicle.
      The author gave his views, which I am in favor of as well. Sorry that he called out your entire wardrobe.

      Dingus

  41. bok006

    Dec 15, 2013 at 4:38 am

    The loud ridiculous golf clothes is definitely not new. See the general from Beetle Bailey for reference.

    Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren make the best looking outfits on tour, IMHO. Not sure if it would look good on Tim Herron or John Daly though, so it probably comes down to having players looking like athletes such as Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald wearing them.

  42. Sean

    Dec 15, 2013 at 1:19 am

    Agree with the pants thing as only women wear pants. Men wear trousers. 🙂 I like the slit though as I think it serves a function.

    Not a fan of large belt buckles, but if someone wants to wear one, no problem there.

    Don’t like golfers who dress like NASCAR drivers with all the adverts.

    The flat brim looks a bit dorky.

    Loud clothes? Hey if someone wants to dress like that what’s the harm?

  43. BigusTittus

    Dec 14, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Loud clothing????? What about the clothes from the 60’s and the 70’s???? All we’re doing is repeating what had happened in the past!!!! What’s the big deal??

  44. Eric

    Dec 14, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Loud clothing is a sign of the youth in the game. I think we can all agree the game will not grow without young people. If golfers wearing loud clothing, flat brimmed hats and other current off course fashion trends, brings more kids to the game, all the better. Its not like they are sagging or doing anything disrespectful. This isnt your dads, grandpas, great grandpas and soo on game anymore.
    Next all they need to do is lower the prices so lower income kids and young adults can enjoy the game.

    • Rik

      Dec 14, 2013 at 5:27 pm

      I think you scratch the surface of what could be a wonderfully interesting topic, perhaps one the staff here could explore:

      Should golf lower it’s cost and help the sport become more accessible or should it remain a sport for the few and hopefully inspire others to better themselves (intently left vague to spur discussion)and afford to be a part of the “club”?

      Clearly not a new idea or discussion, but nonetheless a potentially fun one to explore.

      Are you more of a Judge Smails or more of an Al Czervik?

    • J

      Dec 14, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      You can sport style without spending a fortune. A. Scott’s uniqlo line (19.90 per polo!) is quite affordable, and awesome, I think.

      And some of grandpa’s style was cool. Just ask Macklemore.

      I just think a bright blue outfit with a huge white belt/buckle makes you look like harry and lloyd from Dumb and Dumber.

    • Bailey

      Jan 6, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      Eric you’ve hit the nail on the head here, i’m 17 years old I play off a 5 handicap not that it matters at all but i like what Rickie wears, it doesn’t mean that i’m going to go out there dressed in all orange. That is Rickie’s style, i wear bright coloured shirts and black trousers, when the weather is hot i put on my basketball shorts, i’ve been told that i’m one of the best dressed in the club. i can’t wear normal caps, they just don’t fit properly so i wear Puma flatbills i always dress tidy and if people choose to be annoyed at what i wear its their problem.
      Well said Eric.

  45. Evan

    Dec 14, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    John,

    Good opinion piece. Don’t listen to all of the “who cares what they wear” comments. As a multi- billion dollar industry, fashion does matter to a lot of people. These players are obviously dressing to be noticed, so criticism is warranted IMO.

  46. Andrew

    Dec 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Thank you for publishing this article!
    Golf fashion has become a lot like NASCAR and is loosing it’s sense of class. I am extremely sick and tired of seeing people show up to the course in Orange and Purple from head to toe, wearing flat brim hats and looking like a billboard for ten different companies. I understand that things evolve and change over time and this has been good for the game. However, these ridiculous outfits need to stop! It does make me laugh when I see these people, they look like clowns!! I have also found that people who are embracing this have the worst attitude towards the game. We can all do our part to help bring back true style and class to the game of golf. Looking at the posts, I am quite shocked. Check out a couple of good books: How to be a Gentleman and A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up.
    We are all entitled to our individuality. It is my hope that we all express ourselves on the golf course with class, style, integrity and of course, our love for this great game!

  47. melrosegod

    Dec 14, 2013 at 9:01 am

    Wearing a snowman on your scorecard is bad fashion. Feel confident in what you wear, people get off different stops when they ride the fashion train. I do agree that some guys look a little “nascar” with their sponsors, but, make that money if you can. It would be boring if we had issued uniforms.

  48. Billy

    Dec 13, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Real Sellout is Ian Poulter, how many logos does he have on his pants and shirt?

    IJP, Some Time Warner cable crap.

    • Blah, blah, blah

      Dec 17, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      I wonder how many logos you would wear, getting paid doing it? Do you really care??? What would golf be today without the sponsors?

  49. Merty Huckle

    Dec 13, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    You should all stop having your own style and only listen to me.

    Articles like this say more about the author than actually give any advice. It’s sad.

  50. mifty

    Dec 13, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Bill Cunningham would say to wear what you like. Others be darned.

  51. You actually care?!?!?!

    Dec 13, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    You guys genuinely care what other people are wearing?

    • Rik

      Dec 13, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      Genuinely, yes, we care. Much the same way we care about who drags their feet on the green, who plays from the tees too far back for their ability, and who is holding up the group in front of us.

      • Carl

        Dec 14, 2013 at 12:03 am

        Ok, spike marks can have an effect on your put. Slow play can obviously effect a good round or your rhythm. How is exactly does a guy wearing a flat bill or loud colors have any effect on you? What exactly is there to care about when it comes to that?

      • Barbara Streisand

        Dec 14, 2013 at 1:51 am

        If you care what other people wear… It makes a statement about you…. Not them… What exactly that statement is… Is up for debate

      • melrosegod

        Dec 14, 2013 at 8:55 am

        You have a great life Rik, concerning yourself with the fashion of others. A nice stress free life, I envy you.

        • Markymark032884

          Dec 17, 2013 at 4:21 pm

          You have a great life melrosegod, concerning yourself with Rik’s view of the fashion of others. A nice stress free life, I envy you.

          Comments like these are so awesome awesome

    • Ken

      Dec 13, 2013 at 9:18 pm

      NO! If I care a little too deeply what the other guy is wearing, I may find a good therapist.

  52. Anthony Maccioli

    Dec 13, 2013 at 7:17 pm

    Never actually noticed the slit in the pants. Doesn’t bother me though at all. Flat brims are here to stay. It really depends on who is wearing them though. Personally, they don’t look weird at all on a Hunter Mahan but it does on Charlie Hoffman. There is nothing wrong with loud clothes. If you don’t like it, dont wear it. It is a sign of confidence. I don’t see the problem with them. Its a taste thing,but its weird that you never hear people that wear loud clothing making articles about how its wrong that people don’t wear loud clothing…

    • Rik

      Dec 13, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Funny how you chose the verb “hear” as the action word for people with “loud” clothing. We “hear” them loudly, clearly, and far too often. Nice article,John. I enjoyed reading it.

    • christian

      Dec 13, 2013 at 10:45 pm

      To me it’s a sign of no confidence, trying to look “trendy” when you are not. Only in Fowlers case is it looking confident, the other just look like “I’m a wannabee 20 year old although I’m 40 with a pot belly”

      • Steff

        Dec 14, 2013 at 8:16 am

        I agree with Christian. Its a sign of insicuirity and it is super ugly. Where do you draw the line, should it be ok to ware t-shirts and whife beaters or to play not waring a shirt at all? To me looking as Fowler or Mahan is just as bad!

    • Markymark032884

      Dec 17, 2013 at 4:40 pm

      Who told you that wearing loud clothing is a sign of confidence? Was it a Puma or an Adidas magazine add? maybe under armour. Just as Christian said it is more a lack of confidence. Its all just marketing.

      • PuttQueen28

        Dec 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm

        Who told Tiger to wear red on Sundays?

        • Markymark032884

          Dec 20, 2013 at 1:40 am

          That’s what im talking about when tiger wares red it really is a sign of confidence because he is making a statement that means something. He is saying that when he wears red on sunday, that every round he plays on Sunday’s he will score in the “red” numbers or (under par). He didn’t just wear bright blue because a psychologist in marketing told him you will look edgier and more confident.

          • Bailey

            Jan 6, 2014 at 7:24 pm

            doesn’t tiger wear red because he went to Stanford?
            Just like why Rickie wears orange because he went to OSU?

        • Markymark032884

          Dec 20, 2013 at 1:41 am

          Thank you for bringing that up.

  53. Sam

    Dec 13, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I agree with #3. When did golf become NASCAR??? Jim F needs to take a look at what he’s putting on his shirts. He makes enough $$ where he should be able to pick better companies. Do you think the PGA (or LPGA) will ever tell the players they need to limit the number of logos they have have on their clothing?

    Maybe what Nike is doing is a great thing, where their staff players aren’t allowed to have any other logos on their clothing, except their bag (or whatever bag) they carry.

  54. tlc

    Dec 13, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    Add the wide white belt … it’s unbecoming of a man, especially on a fat one. Golf attire in general really is not fashion. It has become a uniform of slacks, polo shirt, baseball cap. Players try to add variety with patterns and colors, the ostentatious belt and belt buckle, etc. Wearing golf attire beyond the golf course is akin to wearing your favorite team jersey in public.

  55. MJG

    Dec 13, 2013 at 5:47 pm

    In regards to #5. The slit in the side of the pants is so that the cuff or bottom of the pant will expand enough to cover the laces on ones shoes. This, as far as I’m concerned is functional as well as good looking.

    I’m not a fan of pants that look so tight at the bottom, that they don’t cover any of the shoe and bulge.

    • J

      Dec 13, 2013 at 5:57 pm

      IMHO, pants should not cover your laces. This is neither functional nor good looking.

      • Brian

        Dec 13, 2013 at 8:35 pm

        So ur saying pants should either be skinny so that the cuff stops at the shoes top. Or are u saying the pants shouldn’t even touch the laces as in being that short?

        The latter would lead to people asking if you are expecting a flood

        • J

          Dec 13, 2013 at 9:01 pm

          I think the flared look achieved by slit pants is a bit curious. The pics above of A.Scott and Horschel, I think, show a proper pant fit.

          • J Hite

            Dec 13, 2013 at 10:24 pm

            I personally think a small flare to pants looks better than the Adam Scott picture above. He is very well dressed, but if your shoes are not covered up at all and you wear over a size 9 then it leads to a clown shoe look. Just my opinion though.

    • JL

      Dec 15, 2013 at 10:26 am

      The slit thing is terrible. If say someone wore that with a suit I’d laugh. I don’t see how it matters with performance so that’s a style choice by me. If that’s something you invent just for golf and has no function… then… yeah. Choice is yours.

  56. MJG

    Dec 13, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Sorry to say but, the flat bill is here to stay. It’s been a baseball thing for the past 5 years and has trickled into golf. If you knew anything about fashion you would know that it is, and always will be circular. What was vintage is now todays pop. Get over it.

    • rntolent

      Dec 13, 2013 at 5:50 pm

      ^^ This. Baseball players, athletes, urbanites and youth alike will sport them. I rock a snapback with Ray Bans, plaid button up with some slim khakis and my koston swingtips. People on the range are pretty shocked when they see me stripe it. I’m a wannabe hipster golfer.

      • J

        Dec 13, 2013 at 5:59 pm

        I support this actually. Your outfit probably rocks and has originality.

    • Merty Huckle

      Dec 13, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      It’s been in Baseball a lot longer than five years.

  57. Carl

    Dec 13, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    For those of you that haven’t noticed, it’s nearly the year 2014, not 1822. As with every other aspect in life, things change and evolve with the times. Not always for the better of course. Accept it and move on you old school farts! Wear whatever you wish to spend your money on, who cares about what the next guy is doing?? Stop.worrying.about.others!!!!!!!

  58. Roger

    Dec 13, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Chi Chi has Class !! Rocky Fowler is a great Role Model to the younger generation. Gold should stay in the Bank!
    Nothing wrong with a Bright Polo design now and then!
    Another over 50 here
    Merry Xmas!

  59. drbloor

    Dec 13, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Arnie’s and Chi-Chi’s outfits say “I’m going to kick your butt from the first tee straight through to the eighteenth green.”

    I am uncertain as to what Messrs Poulter’s, Daly’s and Fowler’s clothing says.

    /old guy rant

  60. Paddy

    Dec 13, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Arnie and Chi Chi looked pretty sharp except for Arnie’s smoking.

  61. Paul

    Dec 13, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    I say dress the way you want! If you feel comfortable in bright or khaki clothes wear them. This is an absolute rediculous article. Don’t we have enough crap in this world to deal with? Dress the way you like!!

    • matthew del

      Dec 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm

      Paul –
      This type of commentary is needed to save us all. Easy does it.

  62. Claude

    Dec 13, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I agree 100%. Especialy the flat brim hats sunk down to the ears… They look silly and almost Walmartian 🙂

    • Brock

      Dec 20, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Especially on a dude (Mahan) who’s 30-something years old. Time to grow up.

  63. Doug

    Dec 13, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Do not agree with #1 we play golf to have fun and Loud clothes are fun so I say bring on more Loud clothes in 2014!!!

    • John Iaciofano

      Dec 13, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Fun and confidence is indeed an unparalleled golf accessory.

  64. Andrew Adamonis

    Dec 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Cant agree on #5. Its useful to accommodate certain shoes. All others are spot on.

    • Xreb

      Dec 13, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      Was about to point this out to the author….

  65. DB

    Dec 13, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Completely agree with everything except #5. A slit in the pant leg? Who cares…?

    • John Iaciofano

      Dec 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      Arguably, all of this could be answered with “who cares” but the slit looks sloppy, i think. I would not wear pants normally with slits in the them; golf style should not be much different.

      • Xreb

        Dec 13, 2013 at 5:28 pm

        It looks sloppier when they bunch up at the shoes if they are not of proper length. Of course buying off the rack means it is rarely going to be right length and hence makes it look better IMHO. Also like another poster pointed out above the slits accommodate some wider shoes…

  66. snowman

    Dec 13, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    ok yes I’m over 50; however the last time I went thru the clothing area in my local big box golf store I was appalled at the offerings. 90% of the stuff was bright neon green, orange, etc. and as the article says even someone young and slim like fowler looks ridiculous in that stuff. I did see someone decked out in his orange/blue cobra/puma outfit at my local muni this summer and I actually felt embarrassed for the dude.

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 Wells Fargo Championship betting preview: Tommy Fleetwood ready to finally land maiden PGA Tour title

Published

on

The PGA Tour season ramps back up this week for another “signature event,” as golf fans look forward to the year’s second major championship next week.

After two weaker-field events in the Zurich Classic and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, most of the best players in the world will head to historic Quail Hollow for one of the best non-major tournaments of the year. 

Last season, Wyndham Clark won the event by four shots.

Quail Hollow is a par-71 measuring 7,521 yards that features Bermudagrass greens. The tree-lined, parkland style course can play quite difficult and features one of the most difficult three-hole stretches in golf known as “The Green Mile,” which makes up holes 16-18: two mammoth par 4s and a 221-yard par 3. All three holes have an average score over par, and water is in play in each of the last five holes on the course.

The field is excellent this week with 68 golfers teeing it up without a cut. All of the golfers who’ve qualified are set to tee it up, with the exception of Scottie Scheffler, who is expecting the birth of his first child. 

Past Winners at Quail Hollow

  • 2023: Wyndham Clark (-19)
  • 2022: Max Homa (-8)
  • 2021: Rory McIlroy (-10)
  • 2019: Max Homa (-15)
  • 2018: Jason Day (-12)
  • 2017: Justin Thomas (-8) (PGA Championship)
  • 2016: James Hahn (-9)
  • 2015: Rory McIlroy (-21)

Key Stats For Quail Hollow

Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes gained: Approach will be extremely important this week as second shots at Quail Hollow can be very difficult. 

Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Akshay Bhatia (+1.16)
  2. Tom Hoge (+1.12)
  3. Corey Conners (+1.01)
  4. Shane Lowry (+0.93)
  5. Austin Eckroat (+0.82)

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Quail Hollow is a long course on which it is important to play from the fairway. Both distance and accuracy are important, as shorter tee shots will result in approach shots from 200 or more yards. With most of the holes heavily tree lined, errant drives will create some real trouble for the players.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Past 24 Rounds:

  1. Ludvig Aberg (+0.73)
  2. Rory McIlroy (+0.69)
  3. Xander Schauffele (+0.62)
  4. Viktor Hovland (+0.58)
  5. Chris Kirk (+0.52)

Proximity: 175-200

The 175-200 range is key at Quail Hollow. Players who can hit their long irons well will rise to the top of the leaderboard. 

Proximity: 175-200+ over past 24 rounds:

  1. Cameron Young (28’2″)
  2. Akshay Bhatia (29’6″)
  3. Ludvig Aberg (+30’6″)
  4. Sam Burns (+30’6″)
  5. Collin Morikawa (+30’9″)

SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs

Players who thrive on Tom Fazio designs get a bump for me at Quail Hollow this week. 

SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs over past 36 rounds:

  1. Patrick Cantlay (+2.10)
  2. Rory McIlroy (+1.95)
  3. Tommy Fleetwood (+1.68)
  4. Austin Eckroat (+1.60)
  5. Will Zalatoris (+1.57)

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)

Strokes Gained: Putting has historically graded out as the most important statistic at Quail Hollow. While it isn’t always predictable, I do want to have it in the model to bump up golfers who prefer to putt on Bermudagrass.

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:

  1. Taylor Moore (+0.82)
  2. Nick Dunlap (+.76)
  3. Wyndham Clark (+.69)
  4. Emiliano Grillo (+.64)
  5. Cam Davis (+.61)

Course History

This stat will incorporate players that have played well in the past at Quail Hollow. 

Course History over past 36 rounds (per round):

  1. Rory McIlroy (+2.50)
  2. Justin Thomas (+1.96)
  3. Jason Day (+1.92)
  4. Rickie Fowler (+1.83)
  5. Viktor Hovland (+1.78)

Wells Fargo Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: Off the Tee (23%), SG: Total on Fazio designs (12%), Proximity: 175-200 (12%), SG: Putting Bermuda grass (12%), and Course History (14%).

  1. Wyndham Clark
  2. Rory McIlroy
  3. Xander Schauffele
  4. Shane Lowry
  5. Hideki Matsuyama
  6. Viktor Hovland 
  7. Cameron Young
  8. Austin Eckroat 
  9. Byeong Hun An
  10. Justin Thomas

2024 Wells Fargo Championship Picks

Tommy Fleetwood +2500 (DraftKings)

I know many out there have Tommy fatigue when it comes to betting, which is completely understandable given his lack of ability to win on the PGA Tour thus far in his career. However, history has shown us that players with Fleetwood’s talent eventually break though, and I believe for Tommy, it’s just a matter of time.

Fleetwood has been excellent on Tom Fazio designs. Over his past 36 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on Fazio tracks. He’s also been incredibly reliable off the tee this season. He’s gained strokes in the category in eight of his past nine starts, including at The Masters, the PLAYERS and the three “signature events” of the season. Tommy is a golfer built for tougher courses and can grind it out in difficult conditions.

Last year, Fleetwood was the first-round leader at this event, firing a Thursday 65. He finished the event in a tie for 5th place.

For those worried about Fleetwood’s disappointing start his last time out at Harbour Town, he’s bounced back nicely after plenty of poor outings this season. His T7 at the Valero Texas Open was after a MC and T35 in his prior two starts and his win at the Dubai Invitational came after a T47 at the Sentry.

I expect Tommy to bounce back this week and contend at Quail Hollow.

Justin Thomas +3000 (DraftKings)

It’s been a rough couple of years for Justin Thomas, but I don’t believe things are quite as bad as they seem for JT. He got caught in the bad side of the draw at Augusta for last month’s Masters and has gained strokes on approach in seven of his nine starts in 2024. 

Thomas may have found something in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage. He finished T5 at a course that he isn’t the best fit for on paper. He also finally got the putter working and ranked 15th in Strokes Gained: Putting for the week.

The two-time PGA champion captured the first of his two major championships at Quail Hollow back in 2017, and some good vibes from the course may be enough to get JT out of his slump.

Thomas hasn’t won an event in just about two years. However, I still believe that will change soon as he’s been one of the most prolific winners throughout his PGA Tour career. Since 2015, he has 15 PGA Tour wins.

Course history is pretty sticky at Quail Hollow, with players who like the course playing well there on a regular basis. In addition to JT’s PGA Championship win in 2017, he went 4-1 at the 2022 Presidents Cup and finished T14 at the event last year despite being in poor form. Thomas can return as one of the top players on the PGA Tour with a win at a “signature event” this week. 

Cameron Young +3500 (DraftKings)

For many golf bettors, it’s been frustrating backing Cam Young this season. His talent is undeniable, and one of the best and most consistent performers on the PGA Tour. He just hasn’t broken through with a victory yet. Quail Hollow has been a great place for elite players to get their first victory. Rory McIlroy, Anthony Kim, Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark all notched their first PGA Tour win at Quail.

Throughout Cam Young’s career, he has thrived at tougher courses with strong fields. This season, he finished T16 at Riviera and T9 at Augusta National, demonstrating his preference of a tough test. His ability to hit the ball long and straight off the tee make him an ideal fit for Quail Hollow, despite playing pretty poorly his first time out in 2023 (T59). Young should be comfortable playing in the region as he played his college golf at Wake Forest, which is about an hour’s drive from Quail Hollow.

The 26-year-old has played well at Tom Fazio designs in the past and ranks 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on those courses in his last 36 rounds. Perhaps most importantly, this season, Young is the best player on the PGA Tour in terms of proximity from 175-200 in the fairway, which is where a plurality and many crucial shots will come from this week.

Young is an elite talent and Quail Hollow has been kind to players of his ilk who’ve yet to win on Tour.

Byeong Hun An +5000 (FanDuel)

Byeong Hun An missed some opportunities last weekend at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. He finished T4 and played some outstanding golf, but a couple of missed short putts prevented him from getting to the winning score of -23. Despite not getting the win, it’s hard to view An’s performance as anything other than an overwhelming success. It was An’s fourth top-ten finish of the season.

Last week, An gained 6.5 strokes ball striking, which was 7th in the field. He also ranked 12th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th for Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The South Korean has been hitting the ball so well from tee to green all season long and he now heads to a golf course that should reward his precision.

An’s driver and long irons are absolute weapons. At Quail Hollow, players will see plenty of approach shots from the 175-200 range as well as some from 200+. In his past 24 rounds, Ben ranks 3rd in the field in proximity from 175-200 and 12th in proximity from 200+. Playing in an event that will not end up being a “birdie” fest should help An, who can separate from the field with his strong tee to green play. The putter may not always cooperate but getting to -15 is much easier than getting to -23 for elite ball strikers who tend to struggle on the greens.

Winning a “signature event” feels like a tall task for An this week with so many elite players in the field. However, he’s finished T16 at the Genesis Invitational, T16 at The Masters and T8 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 32-year-old’s game has improved drastically this season and I believe he’s ready to get the biggest win of his career.

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s LIV Golf Singapore betting preview: Course specialist ready to thrive once again

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After another strong showing in Australia, LIV Golf will head to Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore looking to build off of what was undoubtedly their best event to date.

Sentosa Golf Club sits on the southern tip of Singapore and is one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The course is more than just incredible scenically; it was also rated 55th in Golf Digest’s top-100 courses in 2022-2023 and has been consistently regarded as one of the best courses in Asia. Prior to being part of the LIV rotation, the course hosted the Singapore Open every year since 2005.

Sentosa Golf Club is a par 71 measuring 7,406 yards. The course will require precise ball striking and some length off the tee. It’s possible to go low due to the pristine conditions, but there are also plenty of hazards and difficult spots on the course that can bring double bogey into play in a hurry. The Bermudagrass greens are perfectly manicured, and the course has spent millions on the sub-air system to keep the greens rolling fast. I spoke to Asian Tour player, Travis Smyth, who described the greens as “the best [he’s] ever played.”

Davis Love III, who competed in a Singapore Open in 2019, also gushed over the condition of the golf course.

“I love the greens. They are fabulous,” the 21-time PGA Tour winner said.

Love III also spoke about other aspects of the golf course.

“The greens are great; the fairways are perfect. It is a wonderful course, and it’s tricky off the tee.”

“It’s a long golf course, and you get some long iron shots. It takes somebody hitting it great to hit every green even though they are big.”

As Love III said, the course can be difficult off the tee due to the length of the course and the trouble looming around every corner. It will take a terrific ball striking week to win at Sentosa Golf Club.

In his pre-tournament press conference last season, Phil Mickelson echoed many of the same sentiments.

“To play Sentosa effectively, you’re going to have a lot of shots from 160 to 210, a lot of full 6-, 7-, 8-iron shots, and you need to hit those really well and you need to drive the ball well.”

Golfers who excel from tee to green and can dial in their longer irons will have a massive advantage this week.

Stat Leaders at LIV Golf Adelaide:

Fairways Hit

1.) Louis Oosthuizen

2.) Anirban Lahiri

3.) Jon Rahm

4.) Brendan Steele

5.) Cameron Tringale

Greens in Regulation

1.) Brooks Koepka

2.) Brendan Steele

3.) Dean Burmester

4.) Cameron Tringale

5.) Anirban Lahiri

Birdies Made

1.) Brendan Steele

2.) Dean Burmester

3.) Thomas Pieters

4.) Patrick Reed

5.) Carlos Ortiz

LIV Golf Individual Standings:

1.) Joaquin Niemann

2.) Jon Rahm

3.) Dean Burmester

4.) Louis Oosthuizen

5.) Abraham Ancer

LIV Golf Team Standings:

1.) Crushers

2.) Legion XIII

3.) Torque

4.) Stinger GC

5.) Ripper GC

LIV Golf Singapore Picks

Sergio Garcia +3000 (DraftKings)

Sergio Garcia is no stranger to Sentosa Golf Club. The Spaniard won the Singapore Open in 2018 by five strokes and lost in a playoff at LIV Singapore last year to scorching hot Talor Gooch. Looking at the course setup, it’s no surprise that a player like Sergio has played incredible golf here. He’s long off the tee and is one of the better long iron players in the world when he’s in form. Garcia is also statistically a much better putter on Bermudagrass than he is on other putting surfaces. He’s putt extremely well on Sentosa’s incredibly pure green complexes.

This season, Garcia has two runner-up finishes, both of them being playoff losses. Both El Camaleon and Doral are courses he’s had success at in his career. The Spaniard is a player who plays well at his tracks, and Sentosa is one of them. I believe Sergio will get himself in the mix this week. Hopefully the third time is a charm in Singapore.

Paul Casey +3300 (FanDuel)

Paul Casey is in the midst of one of his best seasons in the five years or so. The results recently have been up and down, but he’s shown that when he’s on a golf course that suits his game, he’s amongst the contenders.

This season, Casey has finishes of T5 (LIV Las Vegas), T2 (LIV Hong Kong), and a 6th at the Singapore Classic on the DP World Tour. At his best, the Englishman is one of the best long iron players in the world, which makes him a strong fit for Sentosa. Despite being in poor form last season, he was able to fire a Sunday 63, which shows he can low here at the course.

It’s been three years since Casey has won a tournament (Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2021), but he’s been one of the top players on LIV this season and I think he can get it done at some point this season.

Mito Pereira +5000 (Bet365)

Since Mito Pereira’s unfortunate demise at the 2022 PGA Championship, he’s been extremely inconsistent. However, over the past few months, the Chilean has played well on the International Series as well as his most recent LIV start. Mito finished 8th at LIV Adelaide, which was his best LIV finish this season.

Last year, Pereira finished 5th at LIV Singapore, shooting fantastic rounds of 67-66-66. It makes sense why Mito would like Sentosa, as preeminent ball strikers tend to rise to the challenge of the golf course. He’s a great long iron player who is long and straight off the tee.

Mito has some experience playing in Asia and is one of the most talented players on LIV who’s yet to get in the winner’s circle. I have questions about whether or not he can come through once in contention, but if he gets there, I’m happy to roll the dice.

Andy Ogletree +15000 (DraftKings)

Andy Ogletree is a player I expected to have a strong 2024 but struggled early in his first full season on LIV. After failing to crack the top-25 in any LIV event this year, the former U.S. Amateur champion finally figured things out, finished in a tie for 3rd at LIV Adelaide.

Ogletree should be incredible comfortable playing in Singapore. He won the International Series Qatar last year and finished T3 at the International Series Singapore. The 26-year-old was arguably the best player on the Asian Tour in 2023 and has been fantastic in the continent over the past 18 months.

If Ogletree has indeed found form, he looks to be an amazing value at triple-digit odds.

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Opinion & Analysis

Ryan: Lessons from the worst golf instructor in America

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In Tampa, there is a golf course that boasts carts that do not work, a water range, and a group of players none of which have any chance to break 80. The course is overseen by a staff of crusty men who have succeeded at nothing in life but ending up at the worst-run course in America. However, this place is no failure. With several other local courses going out of business — and boasting outstanding greens — the place is booked full.

While I came for the great greens, I stayed to watch our resident instructor; a poor-tempered, method teacher who caters to the hopeless. At first, it was simply hilarious. However, after months of listening and watching, something clicked. I realized I had a front-row seat to the worst golf instructor in America.

Here are some of my key takeaways.

Method Teacher

It is widely accepted that there are three types of golf instructors: system teachers, non-system teachers, and method teachers. Method teachers prescribe the same antidote for each student based on a preamble which teachers can learn in a couple day certification.

Method teaching allows anyone to be certified. This process caters to the lowest caliber instructor, creating the illusion of competency. This empowers these underqualified instructors with the moniker of “certified” to prey on the innocent and uninformed.

The Cult of Stack and Jilt

The Stack and Tilt website proudly boasts, “A golfer swings his hands inward in the backswing as opposed to straight back to 1) create power, similar to a field goal kicker moving his leg in an arc and 2) to promote a swing that is in-to-out, which produces a draw (and eliminates a slice).”

Now, let me tell you something, there is this law of the universe which says “energy can either be created or destroyed,” so either these guys are defying physics or they have no idea what they are taking about. Further, the idea that the first move of the backswing determines impact is conjecture with a splash of utter fantasy.

These are the pontifications of a method — a set of prescriptions applied to everyone with the hope of some success through the placebo effect. It is one thing for a naive student to believe, for a golf instructor to drink and then dispel this Kool-Aid is malpractice.

Fooled by Randomness

In flipping a coin, or even a March Madness bet, there is a 50-50 chance of success. In golf, especially for new players, results are asymmetric. Simply put: Anything can happen. The problem is that when bad instructors work with high handicappers, each and every shot gets its own diagnosis and prescription. Soon the student is overwhelmed.

Now here’s the sinister thing: The overwhelming information is by design. In this case, the coach is not trying to make you better, they are trying to make you reliant on them for information. A quasi Stockholm syndrome of codependency.

Practice

One of the most important scientists of the 20th century was Ivan Pavlov. As you might recall, he found that animals, including humans, could be conditioned into biological responses. In golf, the idea of practice has made millions of hackers salivate that they are one lesson or practice session from “the secret.”

Sunk Cost

The idea for the worst golf instructor is to create control and dependency so that clients ignore the sunk cost of not getting better. Instead, they are held hostage by the idea that they are one lesson or tip away from unlocking their potential.

Cliches

Cliches have the effect of terminating thoughts. However, they are the weapon of choice for this instructor. Add some hyperbole and students actually get no information. As a result, these players couldn’t play golf. When they did, they had no real scheme. With no idea what they are doing, they would descend into a spiral of no idea what to do, bad results, lower confidence, and running back to the lesson tee from more cliches.

The fact is that poor instruction is about conditioning players to become reliant members of your cult. To take away autonomy. To use practice as a form of control. To sell more golf lessons not by making people better but through the guise that without the teacher, the student can never reach their full potential. All under the umbrella of being “certified” (in a 2-day course!) and a melee of cliches.

This of course is not just happening at my muni but is a systemic problem around the country and around the world, the consequences of which are giving people a great reason to stop playing golf. But hey, at least it’s selling a lot of golf balls…

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