Opinion & Analysis

Golf Gadgets: The Good, The Fad and The Funky

Published

9 years ago

Dec 18, 2014

I am not a great golfer. Heck, I am not even a good golfer. What I am—like many of you reading this—is an obsessed golfer. I simply cannot get enough of the game. But that wasn’t always the case.

Nearly 20 years ago, frustrated by the fact that I would never come close to mastering this oh-so-difficult sport/hobby/self-inflicted torture, routinely posting numbers that were ideally suited for bowling scorecards, I tossed my clubs into an 18^th hole greenside lake and swore off the game for good.

Recently—a whopping two decades later—I rediscovered the paradoxical love that drew me to the game of golf in the first place…

The endless challenge.

The often beautiful (and occasionally majestic) scenery.

And above all else, the enjoyment that comes from competing head-to-head (in a manner of speaking) against both the course architect and the game’s inherent difficulty.

I’ve also come to grips with the fact that I will never master this game. (Play a round with me—you’ll concur!) I’ve accepted the realization that my swing won’t ever be mistaken for Rory McIlroy’s or Adam Scott’s (or anyone else on the PGA Tour). And I’ve come to the understanding that, barring divine intervention, my only chance of becoming a scratch golfer would be to fall into a patch of poison ivy.

And you know what? I’m cool with that.

Which brings me to my association with GolfWRX…

I’m a writer. It’s what I do for a living. It’s quite possibly the only thing I’m actually qualified to do to earn a paycheck. Last I checked, all the underwater basket-weaving positions were taken. So, with the goal of playing more golf, I figured why not mix business and (yeesh!) pleasure and contribute to the biggest and best online golf community on the planet. To my amazement, the GolfWRX editorial team welcomed me with open arms — although based on some of my previous work, I’m sure they’re keeping a watchful eye on my contributions.

What you’ll get from me each month is anyone’s guess — mine included. A (terrible) player’s review of a golf course, a wacky golf adventure, an over-the-top golf trip… You’ll just have to “tune-in” to find out. And while I can’t promise that the golf you’ll read about will be worth emulating (I’m working on it, people!), I can promise that the story you read will be entertaining. At least that part I can control.

So, without further adieu, here’s my first offering…

Golfers the world over, regardless of their level of experience, handicap, or frequency of play, all have one thing in common: they will do anything– ANYTHING — to shave strokes off their cards with using an eraser. Now factor in the “fast food mindset” that dominates the human condition and the result is an “As The Crow Flies” methodology.

In layman’s terms, golfers don’t just want results — they want results yesterday. They want the fastest and most direct route to the Promised Land. And these days, it doesn’t get any faster than the Internet and a credit card or PayPal account. With just a flurry on the keyboard and a click of the mouse you can have innumerable golf-specific gadgets and gizmos delivered to your doorstep, any of which might take your game to the next level. Exactly which direction that level is, that’s on you!

So I dispatched my minions far and wide to find and procure the coolest of the cool and the best of the best golf game improvement products — items they felt would be beneficial to the average golfer (and even those below-average duffers like yours truly). One of them brought back a chainsaw and a Yo-Yo and suggested I permanently “modify” my clubs then take up a new hobby. For the record, he’s no longer in my employ.

But the others did indeed return with a veritable grab bag of golf goodies and I’ve taken the liberty of putting each and every one of them through their paces. Based on my findings (remember, these are solely my opinions), I’ve broken them down into three categories: the good, the fad and the funky.

The Good

Orange Whip Trainer — $109 — www.orangewhiptrainer.com

Simply put — I love the Orange Whip. Right away you know what you’re getting. There’s no multi-page instruction manual to consult, just pick it up, take your stance and swing. It’s that simple.

The perfect warm-up tool, the Orange Whip takes the places of stretching bands, uncomfortable quasi-yoga maneuvers, or holding and swinging a few irons. Even though I’m on the shorter side (5 feet 8 inches) I have a rather muscular build so the 47.5 inches, 1.75-pound “standard” version is the Orange Whip I preferred. They also make a Mid-Size (43.5 inches, 1.70-pounds, $109), a Wedge (39.5 inches, 1.65-pounds; $109) and a Junior (38 inches, 1.30-pounds, $99). Conjured up in the mad scientist mind of PGA instructor Jim Hackenberg, the Orange Whip is used by roughly 250 Tour players, including 70 of the top 100, and was voted the No. 1 swing training aid of 2014.

Besides the warm-up benefits (and every athlete knows you need to warm up before playing your sport), the Orange Whip will help you groove your swing by improving your balance and tempo and it will go a long way toward improving both your flexibility and core strength—must-haves for any golfer.

SKLZ Gold Flex — $69.99 — shop.sklz.com

Another strength and tempo trainer, the Gold Flex is similar to the Orange Whip with the exception of the patented counterweighted ball on the end of the grip that sets the Orange Whip apart, both visually and in swing feel. It’s also a half-inch longer (48 inches) and weighs more (2.5-pounds). Personal preference will dictate which one is right for you. Introduced in 2011 (three years after the Orange Whip hit the market) the Gold Flex is also used by numerous PGA and LPGA pros. SKLZ makes training products for a variety of sports and their golf offerings are certainly worth considering.

BirdieBall RollTech Putting Green — $34.99 to ??? — www.birdieball.com

The problem with most portable greens is that they don’t give you an accurate representation of the real thing. Not BirdieBall. Their RollTech greens are made from an aerated polymer with a thick cross-section; it compresses and rebounds when you walk across it exactly like a real green would. And just like out on the links, RollTech grass blades are cut down to the nubs, leaning at a slight angle to create a putting surface with grain, thus giving you the chance to putt with or against the grain. And the fact that you can take them anywhere—even the larger sizes roll up nicely to sleeping bag “jelly roll” proportions—means you have absolutely zero excuse for not practicing at home or on the road.

I took a 2-foot by 13.5-foot RollTech to my favorite sushi bar and challenged the owner—a fellow golf addict—for a free meal. Naturally, I got smoked and wound up paying double for my usual sashimi selections. During the post-putt-off dinner, where my victorious host graciously poured me a few glass of high-end sake gratis, he said the RollTech was hands-down the best portable practice-putting layout he’d ever tried. I concur. In my opinion, one of the best golf improvement products you can get.

EyePutter — $49.95 — eyeputter.com

Another putting aid, this one at the opposite end of the size spectrum, is the EyePutter. But as fans of Eva Longoria know, good things come in small packages. I was especially excited to put the EyePutter through its paces because it deals with muscle memory. As an avid tactical shooter, I learned long ago that muscle memory is the key to precision. Members of our elite spec ops community can tell you that no less than 10,000 presentations (drawing a firearm from a holster) are required to make the process truly fluid, where the firearm essentially becomes an extension of your hand.

The EyePutter works on that very same principle, targeting the two most common flaws in the average golfer’s putting technique. The level provides instant feedback, teaching your hands to hold the putter square, allowing for consistently clean strikes. Ditto for the mirror, which teaches you to keep your head down throughout the putting stroke. It’s a KISS-simple product that delivers immediately. And in the “bang for the buck” category it’s a definite winner.

CS2 Putting Aid — $99 — www.cs2putting.com

The Golf Digest “Editor’s Pick” from last year’s PGA Merchandise Show, the CS2, endorsed by one of the best putters on the PGA Tour, Ian Poulter, is a legit all-in-one training aid designed to help you master the five fundamentals of putting:

Aim correctly
Proper body alignment
Consistent stroke path
Square face upon impact
Speed control

After just one 15-minute session with the CS2 I had a lot more confidence on the greens—my stroke felt like it had been professionally “grooved” to some degree—and I actually made a few putts I probably would have missed had I not practiced with it prior to hitting the links. Granted, I still have a long way to go to transform my game from an ugly duckling to a swan but a few less putts a round is certainly a step in the right direction. Supposedly, 65 of the Tour’s Top 100 players use a CS2. Based on what those guys do week in, week out on the greens and what it did for me after the first time I tried it, I’d say the CS2 is the real deal.

Ballfinder Scout — $49.49 — www.ballfinderscout.com

Let’s be honest, golf isn’t the fastest game out there. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; life moves fast enough as it is—it’s important to take time to enjoy the scenery and “smell the roses.” But anything that slows the game down even further is just plain annoying — like looking for your ball.

Unlike the pros, most of us don’t have the benefit of spotters or video replay. And how many times has your playing partner announced that he saw exactly where your monster smashed drive went, only to arrive at the spot and find nothing?

The Ballfinder Scout solves our problems by using digital imaging technology to find your ball. Look, when it comes to anything having to do with “tech” I have the acumen of a houseplant. But considering U.S. golfers lose an average of 2.5 million balls per day—I probably account for half of those!—anything that promises to cut into that number has got my vote.

Zepp GolfSense Sensor — $149.99 — www.zepp.com/golf/

Yet another “tech” product that I don’t fully understand the science behind. What I do know is that the sensor you attach to your glove wirelessly transmits all-important swing data (via Bluetooth) to your mobile device, allowing you to “crunch the numbers” and analyze it, compare your swing to the pros, or simply view it for posterity purposes. After a few swings you’ll completely forget it’s there and go on about your range session or round as if nothing were out of the ordinary. Ah, but with this gizmo you’re far from ordinary. Zepp—a familiar name in the sports training arena—helps you embrace your inner Terminator. Now if only you could find Sarah Connor!

Drink Caddy Driver — $89 — drinkcaddy.com

Even if you’re playing golf on the finest course in the Caribbean, getting a properly mixed Mai Tai, Zombie or some other exotic umbrella drink from a “cart girl” out on the links is simply not going to happen.

Enter, the Drink Caddy, one of my absolute favorite golf gadgets. A hide-in-plain-site drink dispenser, the Drink Caddy’s dispenser looks like the head of a Driver (there’s also a putter version), blending in perfectly with the other clubs. A 52-ounce reservoir holds hot or cold drinks and keeps them that way throughout the round (rated for over five hours; if your beverage of choice doesn’t stay hot or cold you’re playing too slow!). Sometimes, all the stretching in the world won’t loosen you up nearly as quickly or as enjoyably as the right adult libation.

The Fad

Fans of Shark Tank will know that any time an entrepreneur comes on the show to pitch a “special formula” product promising increased physical performance and any other positive physical and/or mental benefits, Mark Cuban is on them like a fly on poop, ready to tear them asunder should they fail to provide

Scientific evidence
FDA approval.

For these first two products, Cuban would be all up in their business.

Golf Formula — $34.95 — golfpill.org

Promising clinically researched ingredients (Tribulus Terrestris Extract, Fenugreek, Siberian Ginseng, Cordyceps Mycelium, Deer Antler Velvet) and no harmful side effects, the makers of Golf Formula claim it will “maximize your gains on the golf course, help you gain strength and lean muscle mass, improve athletic performance by giving you more energy, endurance, stamina, longevity and speedy recovery, and boost your libido and desire.” Boosted desire? Really? I desire to avoid hazards and find my ball in the rough, not play a round sporting wood! The advertisement showcases a sexy woman pressed up against a golf bag wearing a revealing outfit unacceptable on any golf course except the TPC Scottsdale during the Waste Management Phoenix Open. How could you possibly go wrong?

Golf Fuel — $39.95 — golffuel.com

With the tag line of “Better golf through science,” I’d be far less skeptical if there were any type of FDA-approved study to examine, or if a big name PGA pro (sorry Skip Kendall) gave them a thumbs-up. Until that happens, I’ll just have to take the makers of Golf Fuel at face value that my mental focus, concentration and hand-eye coordination will all be improved thanks to their recipe. I also tried their “Focus Drink” shot and all I felt was jittery, double- and triple-bogeying the first two holes I played immediately after taking it. Granted, that might have happened even if I had consumed a glas of water instead but I guess we’ll never know.

Talking Swing Meter — $19 — www.ebbrands.com

It’s bad enough that my shots spray all over the course. The last thing I need is some little electronic wanna-be robot device adding insult to injury, telling me “Hook” or “Slice” when I can see bloody well that that’s exactly what my ball did. Sure it also says “Nice shot” when you hit it straight, but that’s not a result I’m too familiar with!

33-in-1 Golf Club — $129.95 — www.hammacher.com/product/81021

With a head that’s adjustable to 33 different loft angles, and the ability to retract to only 19-inches long for ease of transport (or hitting out of phone booths; are there still any booths around?), I have just one question: Why stop at 33?

The Funky

Gotham Golf Cart — $35,000 and maybe, just maybe $7,500

Inspired by “The Tumbler” from The Dark Knight movie series, this over-the-top custom golf cart was a one-off done by a Hollywood special effects company for $35,000. Rumor has it they’re working on a kit to transform regular golf carts into Batman’s links transport but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Hovercraft Golf Cart — $32,125.09 — www.neoterichovercraft.com

Smart money says you will never become a two-time Masters winner like Bubba Watson. I could be wrong but, for the moment, let’s assume I’m right. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t own and play with some of Bubba’s favorite golf toys. His hovercraft golf cart is high up on that list and for roughly the price of a small SUV you can get a golf cart that any Spec Ops warrior would be proud to own. Since it rides on a cushion of air, you’ll never have to worry about damaging those roped-off areas around the green and, even better, if you dump one (or a whole sleeve!) new $5 ball in the drink, even the shortest golf ball retriever will fish it out—considering you can position yourself directly above it.

Soldius Solar Cart Bag — $349.99 — www.mysoldius.com

The golf course is supposed to be an escape—an enjoyable and necessary departure from the daily grind. No e-mails, no phone calls, no texts, no work. Just you, your sticks and that little white ball against the course architect’s diabolical scheme and Mother Nature. But for the tech-obsessed among us who refuse to leave their gadgetry behind, this solar cart bag offered by Soldius will keep them connected to The Grid. It’s got five interchangeable mobile phone adapters, a mini USB cable, two interchangeable iPod adapters, a mobile device-charging compartment, a rainhood, and an umbrella holder. Oh, and let’s not forget the tee holder strap!

520cc Green Monster XL — $120 — nexttgolf.com

Maybe it’s just me but there’s something cool about having an “illegal” club in my bag, and that’s exactly what the Green Monster XL is. Because of its largesse (520cc), the USGA has declared this behemoth driver cluba non grata for any sanctioned events. But that won’t stop me from grippin’ ‘n rippin’ whenever I have the urge. I mean, it’s not like I’m going to be participating in any legit golf competition any time soon. And so what if it looks like something a caveman would use to procure his dinner? In today’s society, size matters, and seeing how my golf ego needs all the stroking I can get it, the Green Monster XL has a permanent spot in my bag.

These products represent a mere fraction of what’s available to the golfing public. Jump online and explore—there’s definitely something for everyone. Hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas… If not for yourself than as a gift. And speaking of gifts, if you want to give one to yourself, check out my new book, Cracked Aces: The Wildest, Craziest, Most Unbelievable TRUE Poker Stories.

Granted, the stories are about poker not golf, but I’m hoping you enjoyed my writing enough to give it a whirl. If not, no probs. Tune in next month for my next golf piece. Until then, Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 PGA Championship betting preview: Rising star ready to join the immortals at Valhalla

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

The second major of the 2024 season is upon us as the world’s best players will tee it up this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy.

The last time we saw Valhalla host a major championship, Rory McIlroy fended off Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler and the creeping darkness that was descending upon the golf course. The Northern Irishman had the golf world in the palm of his hand, joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as players who’d won four major championships by the time they were 25 years old.

Valhalla is named after the great hall described in Norse mythology where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The course is a Jack Nicklaus-design that has ranked among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” for three decades.

Valhalla Golf Club is a par-71 measuring 7,542 yards with Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens. The course has rolling hills and dangerous streams scattered throughout and the signature 13th hole is picturesque with limestone and unique bunkering protecting the green. The 2024 PGA Championship will mark the fourth time Valhalla has hosted the event.

The field this week will consist of 156 players, including 16 PGA Champions and 33 Major Champions.

Past Winners of the PGA Championship

2023: Brooks Koepka (-9) Oak Hill
2022: Justin Thomas (-5) Southern Hills
2021: Phil Mickelson (-6) Kiawah Island
2020: Collin Morikawa (-13) TPC Harding Park
2019: Brooks Koepka (-8) Bethpage Black
2018: Brooks Koepka (-16) Bellerive
2017: Justin Thomas (-8) Quail Hollow
2016: Jimmy Walker (-14) Baltusrol
2015: Jason Day (-20) Whistling Straits
2014: Rory McIlroy (-16) Valhalla

In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).

Key Stats For Valhalla

Let’s take a look at five key metrics for Oak Hill to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

Valhalla will play as a true all-around test of golf for the world’s best. Of course, it will take strong approach play to win a major championship.

Strokes Gained: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

Shane Lowry (+1.25)
Scottie Scheffler (+1.09)
Jordan Smith (+1.05)
Tom Hoge (+.96)
Corey Conners (+.94)

2. Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Valhalla will play long and the rough will be penal. Players who are incredibly short off the tee and/or have a hard time hitting fairways will be all but eliminated from contention this week at the PGA Championship.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds:

Bryson DeChambeau (+1.47)
Scottie Scheffler (+1.11)
Keith Mitchell (+.90)
Alejandro Tosti (+.89)
Ludvig Aberg (+.82)

Strokes Gained: Total on Nickalus Designs

Valhalla is a classic Nicklaus Design. Players who play well at Nicklaus designs should have an advantage coming into this major championship.

Strokes Gained: Total on Nicklaus Designs over past 36 rounds:

Jon Rahm (+2.56)
Scottie Scheffler (+2.48)
Patrick Cantlay (+2.35)
Collin Morikawa (+1.79)
Shane Lowry (+1.57)

Strokes Gained: Tee to Green on Very Long Courses

Valhalla is going to play extremely long this week. Players who have had success playing very long golf courses should be better equipped to handle the conditions of this major championship.

Strokes Gained: Total on Very Long Courses Over Past 24 Rounds:

Scottie Scheffler (+2.44)
Rory McIlroy (+2.24)
Will Zalatoris (+1.78)
Viktor Hovland (+1.69)
Xander Schauffele (+1.60)

Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships

One factor that tends to play a large role in deciding major championships is which players have played well in previous majors leading up to the event.

Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships over past 20 rounds:

Scottie Scheffler (+3.14)
Will Zalatoris (+2.64)
Rory McIlroy (+2.49)
Xander Schauffele (+2.48)
Tommy Fleetwood (2.09)

Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens

Valhalla features pure Bentgrass putting surfaces. Players who are comfortable putting on this surface will have an advantage on the greens.

Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens over Past 24 Rounds:

Ludvig Aberg (+1.12)
Denny McCarthy (+1.08)
Matt Fitzpatrick (+0.99)
Justin Rose (+0.93)
J.T. Poston (0.87)

Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways

Valhalla features Zoysia fairways. Players who are comfortable playing on this surface will have an advantage on the field.

Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways over past 36 rounds:

Justin Thomas (+1.53)
Will Zalatoris (+1.47)
Xander Schauffele (+1.40)
Brooks Koepka (+1.35)
Rory McIlroy (+1.23)

2024 PGA Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (25%), SG: Off the Tee (22%), SG: T2G on Very Long Courses (12%), SG: Putting on Bentgrass (+12%), SG: Total on Nicklaus Designs (12%). SG: Total on Zoysia Fairways (8%), and SG: Total in Major Championships (8%).

Brooks Koepka
Xander Schauffele
Rory McIlroy
Scottie Scheffler
Bryson DeChambeau
Shane Lowry
Alex Noren
Will Zalatoris
Cameron Young
Keith Mitchell
Hideki Matsuyama
Billy Horschel
Patrick Cantlay
Viktor Hovland
Adam Schenk
Chris Kirk
Sahith Theegala
Min Woo Lee
Joaquin Niemann
Justin Thomas

2024 PGA Championship Picks

Ludvig Aberg +1800 (BetMGM)

At The Masters, Ludvig Aberg announced to the golf world that he’s no longer an “up and coming” player. He’s one of the best players in the game of golf, regardless of experience.

Augusta National gave Aberg some necessary scar tissue and showed him what being in contention at a major championship felt like down the stretch. Unsurprisingly, he made a costly mistake, hitting it in the water left of the 11th hole, but showed his resilience by immediately bouncing back. He went on to birdie two of his next three holes and finished in solo second by three shots. With the type of demeanor that remains cool in pressure situations, I believe Ludvig has the right mental game to win a major at this point in his career.

Aberg has not finished outside of the top-25 in his past eight starts, which includes two runner-up finishes at both a “Signature Event” and a major championship. The 24-year-old is absolutely dominant with his driver, which will give him a major advantage this week. In the field he ranks, in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, and has gained strokes in the category in each of his past ten starts. Aberg is already one of the best drivers of the golf ball on the planet.

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the great hall where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The Swedes, who are of Old Norse origin, were the last of the three Scandinavian Kingdoms to abandon the Old Norse Gods. A Swede played a major role in the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla, and I believe another, Ludvig Aberg, will be the one to conquer Valhalla in 2024.

Bryson DeChambeau +2800 (BetMGM)

Bryson DeChambeau is one of the few players in the world that I believe has the game to go blow-for-blow with Scottie Scheffler. Although he isn’t as consistent as Scheffler, when he’s at his best, Bryson has the talent to beat him.

At The Masters, DeChambeau put forth a valiant effort at a golf course that simply does not suit his game. Valhalla, on the other hand, is a course that should be perfect for the 30-year-old. His ability to overpower a golf course with his driver will be a serious weapon this week.

Bryson has had some success at Jack Nicklaus designs throughout his career as he won the Memorial at Muirfield Village back in 2018. He’s also had incredible results on Bentgrass greens for the entirety of his professional career. Of his 10 wins, nine of them have come on Bentgrass greens, with the only exception being the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. He also has second place finishes at Medinah and TPC Summerlin, which feature Bentgrass greens.

Love him or hate him, it’s impossible to argue that Bryson isn’t one of the most exciting and important players in the game of golf. He’s also one of the best players in the world. A second major is coming soon for DeChambeau, and I believe he should be amongst the favorites to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy this week.

Patrick Cantlay +4000 (FanDuel)

There’s no way of getting around it: Patrick Cantlay has been dissapointing in major championships throughout his professional career. He’s been one of the top players on Tour for a handful of years and has yet to truly contend at a major championship, with the arguable exception of the 2019 Masters.

Despite not winning majors, Cantlay has won some big events. The 32-year-old has won two BMW Championships, two Memorial Tournaments as well as a Tour Championship. His victories at Memorial indicate how much Cantlay loves Nicklaus designs, where he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total over his past 36 rounds behind only Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm.

Cantlay also loves Bentgrass greens. Six of Cantlay’s seven individual wins on the PGA Tour have come on Bentgrass greens and he also was one of the best putters at the 2023 Ryder cup at Marco Simone (also Bentgrass). At Caves Valley (2021 BMW Championship), he gained over 12 strokes putting to outduel another Bentgrass specialist, Bryson DeChambeau.

Cantlay finished 22nd in The Masters, which was a solid result considering how many elite players struggled that week. He also has two top-ten finishes in his past five PGA Championships. He’s undeniably one of the best players in the field, therefore, it comes down to believing Cantlay has the mental fortitude to win a major, which I do.

Joaquin Niemann +4000 (BetMGM)

I believe Joaquin Niemann is one of the best players in the world. He has three worldwide wins since December and has continued to improve over the course of his impressive career thus far. Still only 25, the Chilean has all the tools to be a serious contender in major championships for years to come.

Niemann has been the best player on LIV this season. Plenty will argue with the format or source of the money on LIV, but no one can argue that beating players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith is an unremarkable achievement. Niemann is an elite driver of the golf ball who hits it farther than just about anyone in the field not named Bryson DeChambeau or (arguably) Rory McIlroy.

Niemann is another player who has been fantastic throughout his career on Bentgrass greens. Prior to leaving the PGA Tour, Bentgrass was the only green surface in which Joaco was a positive putter. It’s clearly a surface that he is very comfortable putting on and should fare around and on the greens this week.

Niemann is a perfect fit for Valhalla. His low and penetrating ball flight will get him plenty of runout this week on the fairways and he should have shorter shots into the green complexes than his competitors. To this point in his career, the former top ranked amateur in the world (2018) has been underwhelming in major championships, but I don’t believe that will last much longer. Joaquin Niemann is a major championship caliber player and has a real chance to contend this week at Valhalla.

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Opinion & Analysis

The Wedge Guy: What really makes a wedge work? Part 2

Published

5 days ago

May 9, 2024

Terry Koehler

In my last post, I explained the basic performance dynamics of “smash factor” and “gear effect” as they apply to your wedges and your wedge play success. If you missed that post, you can read it here.

At the end of that post, I promised “part 2” of this discussion of what makes a wedge work the way it does. So, let’s dive into the other two components of any wedge – the shaft and the grip.

It’s long been said that the shaft is “the engine of the golf club.” The shaft (and grip) are your only connection to all the technologies that are packed into the head of any golf club, whether it be a driver, fairway, hybrid, iron, wedge or even putter.

And you cannot ignore those two components of your wedges if your goal is optimizing your performance.

I’ve long been an advocate of what I call a “seamless transition” from your irons into your wedges, so that the feel and performance do not disconnect when you choose a gap wedge, for example, instead of your iron-set-matching “P-club.” In today’s golf equipment marketplace, more and more golfers are making the investment of time and money to experience an iron fitting, going through trial and error and launch monitor measuring to get just the right shaft in their irons.

But then so many of those same golfers just go into a store and choose wedges off the retail display, with no similar science involved at all. And that’s why I see so many golfers with a huge disconnect between their custom-fitted irons, often with lighter and/or softer graphite or light steel shafts . . . and their off-the-rack wedges with the stock stiff steel ‘wedge flex’ shaft common to those stock offerings.

If your wedge shafts are significantly heavier and stiffer than the shafts in your irons, it is physically impossible for you to make the same swing. Period.

To quickly improve your wedge play, one of the first things you can do is have your wedges re-shafted with the same or similar shaft that is in your irons.

There’s another side of that shaft weight equation; if you don’t have the forearm and hand strength of a PGA Tour professional, you simply cannot “handle” the same weight shaft that those guys play to master the myriad of ‘touch shots’ around the greens.

Now, let’s move on to the third and other key component of your wedges – the grips. If those are not similar in shape and feel to the grips on your irons, you have another disconnect. Have your grips checked by a qualified golf club professionals to make sure you are in sync there.

The one caveat to that advice is that I am a proponent of a reduced taper in your wedge grips – putting two to four more layers of tape under the lower hand, or selecting one of the many reduced taper grips on the market. That accomplishes two goals for your scoring.

First, it helps reduce overactive hands in your full and near-full wedge swings. Quiet hands are key to good wedge shots.

And secondly, it provides a more consistent feel of the wedge in your hands as you grip down for those shorter and more delicate shots around the greens. And you should always grip down as you get into those touch shots. I call it “getting closer to your work.”

So, if you will spend as much time selecting the shafts and grips for your wedges as you do choosing the brand, model, and loft of them, your scoring range performance will get better.

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

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

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

Akshay Bhatia (+1.16)
Tom Hoge (+1.12)
Corey Conners (+1.01)
Shane Lowry (+0.93)
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:

Ludvig Aberg (+0.73)
Rory McIlroy (+0.69)
Xander Schauffele (+0.62)
Viktor Hovland (+0.58)
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:

Cameron Young (28’2″)
Akshay Bhatia (29’6″)
Ludvig Aberg (+30’6″)
Sam Burns (+30’6″)
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:

Patrick Cantlay (+2.10)
Rory McIlroy (+1.95)
Tommy Fleetwood (+1.68)
Austin Eckroat (+1.60)
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:

Taylor Moore (+0.82)
Nick Dunlap (+.76)
Wyndham Clark (+.69)
Emiliano Grillo (+.64)
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):

Rory McIlroy (+2.50)
Justin Thomas (+1.96)
Jason Day (+1.92)
Rickie Fowler (+1.83)
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%).

Wyndham Clark
Rory McIlroy
Xander Schauffele
Shane Lowry
Hideki Matsuyama
Viktor Hovland
Cameron Young
Austin Eckroat
Byeong Hun An
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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