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Doesn’t Tiger deserve better than butt jokes?

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Below is just a sampling of the idiocy I saw in my Twitter feed immediately after Tiger Woods’ withdrawal today.

I can’t say it’s representative of the rest of what’s out there. I can, however, say it’s bothersome, ridiculous, and insensitive. Further, it was a sophomoric display of inappropriate humor from golf writers who should know better.

Dave Kindred – Golf Digest

Kyle Porter – CBS Sports

Adam Schupak – Golfweek

Jason Sobel – Golf Channel

Matthew Rudy – Golf Digest

Guy Yocom – Golf Digest

Stephanie Wei – Wei Under Par

Let’s get this out of the way too. Look at Tiger’s comments:

“It’s just my glutes are shutting off.  Then they don’t activate and then, hence, it goes into my lower back.”

The issue with his glutes LED to his back seizing up.

And further, the top portion of the glutes are part of the lower back anyway (if I remember my basic anatomy). Thus, it’s not like Tiger said, “I’m withdrawing because of a pain in my ass.”

It’s a back issue.

We’re burning the guy for offering a technical explanation for how it acted up? Where it hurt first?

To do so is insensitive and inappropriate. I’m not saying that Tiger Woods needs to be placed back on his pre-scandal pedestal or revered as the savior of humanity Earl Woods painted him as.

I am saying, however, that the man has a back injury. His game is in disarray. He tried to gut out a round and couldn’t. He’s arguably the greatest golfer of all time. Doesn’t he deserve a little better than butt jokes?

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GolfWRX Editor-in-Chief

110 Comments

110 Comments

  1. Pingback: Stevie Wonder And Tiger Woods Golf Joke | Discounts For Golf

  2. Jack Nash

    Feb 16, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    You can put the blame on the tweeting twits from outfits like the Golf Channel and even this site. It’s unbelivable that they don’t understand all the muscle groups involved with the golf swing. Specially the big muscles including the glutes.

  3. Third time's the charm

    Feb 12, 2015 at 8:34 am

    I rarely comment on here, but so far I have had my “negative” comment about this article deleted twice. How embarrassing for Golfwrx that they won’t allow commenters to question an opinion piece with their own opinion! As a regular reader/fan/proud-golf-nerd that loves this site, I have never considered abandoning it. Until Today. I can understand Zak’s comment that they don’t allow personal attacks on their writers. If a commenter says “Ben’s an idiot,” sure, that’s uncalled for. But if someone says “this is a terrible article” that’s hardly unfair. It’s certainly more of a professional attack than a personal one, especially given that the writer is attacking OTHER WRITERS (and much more accomplished ones I might add) so why can’t we question him? How hypocritical. A lot of commenters are using their love or hate of Tiger Woods as the reason that this article is “ok” or “not ok.” This article’s problem has nothing to do with Tiger Woods. The problem is that the author is attacking other writers and then turning around and using their tweets to generate page clicks (revenue). “Golf as a whole is better off because of Tiger Woods.” See, that’s my OPINION. You are absolutely welcome to disagree with me, but I feel I could win that argument. In this instance, not only do I think the article is completely out of touch with reality, but it manages to be far more inappropriate in its approach than the writers who make butt jokes. Golfwrx would be better served by taking down this article than taking down our comments…but that’s just my opinion.

    • Brian

      Feb 16, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      It is part and parcel of the anti-Tiger v. pro-Tiger divide that has existed for years now. For some, you MUST choose a side, stick to that side, and never question anything brought to light, regardless of whether or not it is fact-based.

      Instead, you must be a lemming, at least at some websites I’ve participated, following the lead of someone who censors the message. (Not saying here, but elsewhere.) I for one welcome differing points of view AS LONG AS they are fact-based, and delivered in a respectful way.

    • Brian

      Feb 16, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      It is what has become of the Tiger debate.

  4. sharp

    Feb 10, 2015 at 2:46 pm

    I was at the Farmers on Friday and spoke to several other spectators that claimed to overhear players waiting on tee boxes speaking to each other (loudly as though they wanted to be overheard) about how Tiger was knocking out dumbbell squats the day before the round in the exercise facility. “No wonder his back went out” was the quote I was given. They made it sound like he was trying to intimidate the other players.

    Yeah it’s a third hand account so take it for what you will, but tell me that doesn’t match up with Tiger’s personality. Based on the way he’s interacted with fans, how he treated his wife, and this is a biggy, the way he was a massive A-list celebrity at a fairly young age, it’s not terribly surprising to me if he’s got a skewed world & self view that have lead him to his current situation.

    Let’s be real, can you imagine performing horribly at your mens club tournament and then telling everyone it was because your ass wasn’t working? There’s a screw loose there.

  5. leftright

    Feb 8, 2015 at 10:42 am

    If I was Tiger I would let my pride and vanity go out the window. The next medication he should take is something for anxiety or depression which he may very well have. He should call Butch Harmon and lay it all on the line and get back to the swing he had between 2000 and 2004. He is way to upright and his swing looks like a 4 handicappers swing. His head moves and he sometimes is up and down while keeping the head in the same position. He is also much quicker from transition than he once was. Like Obama, Tiger think the world is against him but Tiger can be saved, Obama can’t. If he allows time to pass it will but he has to own up to his mistakes.

    • Jeremy

      Feb 10, 2015 at 10:27 pm

      Wow, did not see the bizarre political commentary coming there. Way to keep us on our toes!

  6. KK

    Feb 7, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    What does Tiger deserve for the countless tantrums he’s thrown and foul language he’s used?

    • R JACKSON

      Feb 9, 2015 at 6:41 am

      You tread heavily, but you speak the truth.

    • Ilsompati

      Feb 13, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      A diaper and box of tissues perhaps???

  7. michael

    Feb 7, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    woods deserves stugots. he made his bed let him sleep with his harem!

    gee finchem there goes your bank account and pay check!

  8. theboef

    Feb 7, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Yes he deserves better, he deserves jokes about pulling out, apparently his rate of pulling out is now much higher than it was when he was married!
    Everyone should be able to bear the brunt of jokes and biting satire!
    Love the shank count on the article by the way

  9. LindyLoulie

    Feb 7, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Since everyone seems to have an opinion or theory as to what is causing the collapse of Tiger’s legendary golf game, I contribute my $.02 worth with a few theories of my own. No butt jokes included.

    Ever notice that nowadays every time Tiger plays poorly in the first day or two of a tournament he withdraws and sites some physical ailment as his excuse? I believe that his narcissism won’t allow him to take responsibility for his failures, so out come the somatic complaints and excuses. Nobody likes to play poorly, but look at some of the fellas — and gals — who buck-up and take their medicine with the hopes that they can turn it around in the next round. Phil is a perfect example. You don’t see him using his psoriatic arthritis — an autoimmune disease — as an excuse. That is a terrible disease which causes much pain and fatigue. Granted, he takes medication to keep it under control, however there are still side effects from the medication as well as the disease. His biggest “ailment” is his putting! LOL!!

    I find it interesting that when Tiger had all those knee problems he managed to win lots of tournaments anyway with the Torrey Pines victory being one of the most spectacular of all. In those days he played some of the most fantastic golf the world has ever seen.

    There is no doubt that his talent is phenomenal, and he has one of the strongest work ethics when it comes to honing his skills, however I wonder if his having been able to play so wondrously through all those injuries and pain had anything to do with certain steroids taken to reduce the inflammation thus allowing him to play through all that pain. That stuff makes you feel like you could conquer the world! It gives you great energy and strength and a feeling of well-being like no other. In addition it helps you play though and cope with much of the pain.

    I know all about this from personal experience because I have horrible back problems in addition to arthritic hand pain. When I receive steroid injections in my spine to alleviate the inflammation and pain I can go out to the course and play lights-out! Pain?? What pain?!? After the effects of the injections wear off my game goes back to the dumper. 🙁 BTW, I once was the multiple-time women’s club champ at my course. I can no longer compete, but I don’t make excuses. Much to my doctor’s and husband’s chagrin I still play and try to the best of my current abilities. Tiger needs to suck it up, quit whining, and do the same! That is IF his doctor signs him off on it. If the doc doesn’t sign him off then he needs to just forget trying to play and concentrate on rehabbing his back.

    Once Tiger’s knee was finally repaired properly and the “medications” were no longer necessary all of a sudden his game and the rest of his life collapsed. Just sayin’… . He dumps his caddy, his coach (Haney) dumps him, his wife dumps him, all of the girlfriends dump ON him, he gets a new coach who makes an analytical player out of one who was once a great, natural “feel” player, the back is ruined, and the game collapses into a state of complete disarray. He finally sees the light about that and dumps yet another coach. Probably the right move, however now what??

    Seems like he ought to get his gargantuan narcissistic ego out of the way and go hat-in-hand trundling off to see Butch or Hank again — the ones who coached him to all of his greatest victories. Then for good measure he should try to get his best-ever caddie — the one who stood by him through all his great victories as well as his worst scandals — to take him back!

    Finally, Tiger is certainly one of the greatest golfing talents of all time, but he is NOT the “Greatest Golfer Of All Time.” Jack is! Tiger does not deserve that title until he EARNS IT!! BTW, IMHO even if Tiger were to surpass Jack’s record, he might then deserve that title, however he will NEVER be the man that Jack is!

    • leftright

      Feb 8, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Great post! You pretty much said it all.

    • Yoda

      Feb 8, 2015 at 10:38 am

      you’re a bore. yes, pain is the great equalizer. tiger wasn’t taking anything that most weren’t taking…he was just a better player.

      • LindyLoulie

        Feb 9, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        Jon…AMEN!!!!!! It is so refreshing to know that someone besides me sees thru all the excuse-making by Tiger as well as by all who worship their fallen “God.” All the war cries of “YOU DE MAN!!!” by those beer-soaked-baseball hat-turned-backwards fanboys make me want to barf!! I totally agree with what you are saying. The steroids are gone and so is the game. I have always wondered how many tournaments he REALLY would have won if not for… ! I think drug testing on the tour should have been started long ago.

        Back in the day it made me sick to watch the media coverage concentrating all their focus on Tiger when there were lots of other guys who were playing some great golf and worked hard grinding it out. It was said that they were all just playing for second place. Baloney!! They were playing their hearts out trying to WIN despite the fact that THE ALMIGHTY was in the field. I hope that same media will wake up and see what other great talent is out there and stop their Tiger-worshipping. I’m thinking that if anybody has a chance of beating Jack’s record it might just be Rory. What a talent!! He plays some pretty damned exciting golf! Seems to be a nice guy too. No temper tantrums, no snotty attitude, and friendly to all who greet him.

        Tiger is a self-indulgent, narcissistic, highly talented, parents’-only-child, spoiled brat who has been forgiven for his bad behavior both on-course and off by his worshipping fans and media because of his immense talent. Because of this he thinks he is entitled to do whatever he wants with whomever he wants whenever he wants. And now his chickens are coming home to roost.

        As one who knows all about back problems from first hand experience I can tell you that you are right, Jon. When the back is killing you it is impossible to swing out of your shoes. Period. You simply can’t make the big turn and rip it. That is why I have lost 50 yards. And BTW, my butt doesn’t refuse to cooperate. My legs go into severe spasm (charley horses), so Tiger’s glute excuse doesn’t pass the smell test. And no, that is not another butt joke!

        Bottom line (no butt joke there, really!) is that without the drugs Tiger has lost his mighty game. The best way to excuse this while at the same time garnering pity from one’s adoring fans — including the always-admiring press — is to claim injury. The loss of Tiger’s game has led him down that rabbit hole of analysis paralysis. We all know what that does to one’s game!

        Oh, and I almost forgot… there was the part about abandoning his beloved Scotty Cameron Newport II putter in favor of that Nike flat stick. His putting has never been the same since. Can anyone tell me why he did that? I have heard that Nike demanded he use ALL of their gear. True?? Or are his putting woes just one more part of his giant case of the yips that have worked their way throughout his entire bag?

        Tiger, use all that immense talent you have, be humble (yes, I know that is very difficult if not impossible for you), and go see Butch. Dump your giant ego, make amends, work hard and get your game back on track. You do that and even I will cheer you on! And while you’re at it dump the Nike putter, drag that SC Newport out of the closet and get that putting “magic” back!

  10. Tom Smith

    Feb 7, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    Am I the only one who thinks Tiger was brilliant in stacking one euphemism on the back of another to explain his inability to motivate himself properly? The euphemism bearing the burden of the latest one has something to do with getting your beast of burden out of “PARK” and into “DRIVE”

  11. Al

    Feb 7, 2015 at 9:03 am

    The talentless are easily amused.

  12. Cwolf

    Feb 6, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    The jokes are almost as bad as the article

  13. gvogel

    Feb 6, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    As usual, tiger brings the jokes on himself. He could have just said that his back muscles tightened up, and he was experiencing some pain.

    But the more he tries to put a positive spin on it, the worse it smells. Get Steiny in the act, and it plain out stinks.

    If he were really that guy in the lovely family photo album with Elin and the kids that he put out many years ago, there wouldn’t be anything to joke about.

    Sorry Ben; I’m old enough to have better role models and heroes.

  14. Pingback: Tiger Woods gave a ludicrous explanation for why he had to quit a tournament, and it’s sad to read | M xpress

  15. Milton

    Feb 6, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    You are right. We should be making fire hydrant jokes, and wondering what club Elin used to knock his teeth out.

  16. Pingback: Tiger Woods gave a ludicrous explanation for why he had to quit a tournament, and it’s sad to read | US Times

  17. VS

    Feb 6, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    A few more withdrawals and nobody will care anymore.

    • dwntnbrown

      Feb 12, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      nobody cares now. he is done stick a fork in him

  18. Tomterrific

    Feb 6, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    Good article Ben, I’m glad somebody has the balls to defend Tiger. Nick Faldo gleefully mocks Tiger and giggles about his problems, I can’t watch Sir Hick anymore. People jump on this anti-Tiger vendetta to feel good about themselves, now we know where bullies come from. How about a little respect for a man who is injured, but was and hopefully will be again the greatest golfer of all time.

    • Philip

      Feb 6, 2015 at 5:28 pm

      How could someone be the greatest golfer of all time and then not? He either is or isn’t. His current situation have no relevance. Of course, I do think he is the 2nd greatest golfer in the last 50 years, being 2nd or less in wins (majors, PGA Tour, Euro Tour, World wide). Although, I believe his winning percentage is impressive and his run in his twenties is something else.

    • Not Tiger

      Feb 11, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      Why defend Tiger? His poor bs excuses are pathetic. My butt doesn’t work right, my patterns are off. Be a man, take ownership of your mistakes and control of your arrogance. Jack will always be the best, not just for the majors but for being a great man and a gracious winner or loser. Jack was smart enough to know you don’t keep changing your swing either. Tiger gets worse with each change. One more and he will be a 14 Hncp.

  19. farmer

    Feb 6, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    How could there not be butt jokes? Seriously, is the only way Tiger can play is with four days of good weather, no awkward stances, and no delays that cause his glutes to go dead? I accept that he has a medical condition, but he has clearly not been ready to play since the surgery.

    • Ilsompati

      Feb 13, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      I agree, mental problems are medical conditions. Keeping those problems and not resolving them borders insanity.

  20. Tom

    Feb 6, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Tiger deserves nothing from anyone and the “best golfer every” moniker is ridiculous. Nicklaus is that man… Woods is chasing Jack, not the reverse. Watching his short game over the last few months shows this has nothing to do with his back. He’s just not practicing at all and it shows. He’s gone from a top pro to a 11 handicap. He just needs to go to the short game facility at his home course (or his home) and spend 8 to 10 hours a day. And all this talk about “release pattern” is just stupid. Grow a pair tiger…

    • Lesson guy

      Feb 6, 2015 at 10:08 pm

      Somebody send Tom’s contact info to Tiger. Tom’s got it figured out.

      • Shallowface

        Feb 7, 2015 at 10:37 am

        There are a lot of people who have it figured out. The fact that Tiger can’t figure it out, won’t listen to those who could help, and thought the answer was to try to find the Haney swing again (which was successful only because of the short game and nothing else and looks like a guy trying to hook the ball around the house from the front yard to the back yard) completely kills the idea that he’s the smartest golfer of all time.

  21. Pingback: Tiger Woods gave a ludicrous explanation for why he had to quit a tournament, and it’s sad to read | us daily

  22. Cons

    Feb 6, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Ben,

    Personally, I found these comments to be a touch more purple than sophomoric.

    ..Adjectives.. you know?

    Jus’ sayin,
    Cons

  23. Crabgrass

    Feb 6, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    molehill -> BA -> mountain
    Must be a slow day monitoring twitter.

  24. I H8

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    If by entertain you mean poke the bear (that was, itself, poking another bear). And by inform you mean give an opinion. Yeah….sure.

  25. I H8

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    Gotta agree.

  26. I H8

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Ok, the jokes were lame. So? The golf media has been dining out on Tiger Woods for the last 2 decades; how is this any different? All the golf media talks about is Tiger Woods. Like Billy Horschel said, anyone not named Tiger Woods is chopped liver.

  27. Dlygrisse

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    I am sure what Tiger said is a term his personal trainer uses when helping him, but it sure did come across funny.

    Butt jokes are funny. Beavis?

  28. CD

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    A lighten up
    B lighten up
    C he surely would be thinking ‘doh! Walked into that one!’
    D you say ‘deserve’ – no one owes Woods anything. He deserves respect for his golf by virtue of not making jokes?!?!? And in the alternative? If I refrain from making a back side joke then by the same logic he deserves comments re: cheating on his wife and family
    E Most top sports stars avoid blaming injury – even if they are injured for obvious reasons. You blame injury… only a fool wouldn’t anticipate people questioning your motives
    F he talked in some bizarre language like he is some champion athlete who desperately wants what he is good at to be a serious athletic endeavour: ‘activation’ ‘glutes’ like ‘reps’. You’re not benching 150kg. You’re not boxing. You’re not driving an F1 car.

  29. Chase Komaromi

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    If you can’t respect Tiger as a person that’s understandable.. But if you can’t respect him as a golfer, you aren’t a true golf fan. The guy has shown numerous times how good he can play. Give him a break as far as the injuries go. Everyone has to remember that he is constantly under the media microscope so anything he says/does is all over the news. Nothing like an average professional golfer or athlete. At times you have to feel bad for the guy considering he never even had the chance to lead a normal life, with that talent he was bound to be special.. But with all that talent and fame comes a lot of responsibility that probably no human being could ever handle. Not a huge Tiger fan but the game is much more enjoyable to watch when he’s playing well..

  30. Keith Cook

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Zak, as a fellow golf writer and editor for a website, I appreciate your defense of Ben and what you feel is out of place. However, within the article itself, words like “idiocy” and “sophomoric” are used – directly – and specifically at fellow golf writers. In fact, within the criticism itself, the article uses cut/paste twitter examples (with the writer’s names given) as examples, which degrades the author’s credibility during the piece.

    Again, I appreciate the defense, but just as much could be gained by helping Ben out in understanding his article is an example of exactly what he’s bringing to light (being critical of someone by being critical). The criticism and remarks of the article are spot on as elitist and condescending. I don’t mind writers sometimes being purposefully provocative (it’s good for business), but this is a poorly crafted vent – at best.

    For the article’s point of whether Tiger is above it all from criticism, the answer is no. In fact, there is no way “I tried to activate my glutes” doesn’t make its way into golf speak all over the world. It’s right up there with “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” in the so far awesome quotes of 2015. Now, I could say more about this, but I couldn’t activate my texting thumb glutes. You see, I took a break between paragraphs and my texting thumb glutes deactivated and I couldn’t reactivate them. I must WD myself at this point. (see that’s funny!)

    Keith Cook

    • Merty Huckle

      Feb 6, 2015 at 12:31 pm

      Keith Cook nailed it. This article is tabloid trash.

  31. DHaab

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:08 pm

    Actually, he did 1 of those 3. And he did that 1 thing very poorly.

  32. Richard

    Feb 6, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Tiger is one of the best, if not the best golfers in the history of the game and i think he has been really really great for golf. It’s sad that so many people are haters and gladly make negative comments. It’s sad that his extremely successful career should end to soon because of all his injuries. I really hope he will recover.

  33. Lance Kulman

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:59 am

    I am becoming more and more frustrated with the media especially the so-called “experts” who write for Golf Digest, Golf, Golf World and others. These individuals think it is OK to “kick” a guy when he is down. Wake up! It’s not!! Tiger was gracious enough to grant an interview to a pack of reports and camera people while in the parking lot, all while enjoying immense pain and trying to gracefully leave to get the back and legs looked at. When asked to step away one of officers finally had to step in and tell the reporters to move back. The media is giving itself a black eye with sensationalism, speculation and outright fabrication just to make a buck at the expense of one of the greatist golfers to ever play the game. Gentlemen and Ladies, if it weren’t for Tiger these great purses would not be available, the PGA would not be so successful and these great young golfers you are seeing coming up wouldn’t be able to make a suitable living playing a great game. So before you condescend and berate any person, not just Tiger, take a second and use some compassion and insight in your reporting.

  34. west

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:56 am

    He does deserve “more,” but(t) he also needs to be able to laugh at himself. Talking about “glute loading” as a serious subject can come from only one man. However, if Tiger/the media doesn’t realize how funny this sounds to the common man…they need to lighten up some.

  35. Shawshakeredemp

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:53 am

    I watch the jokes come from fans, critics, analyst and wondered why? I don’t believe it’s fair! And it makes me wonder aloud if he were white would this be going on!! We are talking about probably the greatest golfer ever and the man soley responsible for the golf purses today!! Is the any respect in this so called “Gentlemens game” if someone for Tiger! I guess when he some day is gone! The roses will come!! Shame!!

    • mizzy

      Feb 6, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Al Sharpton, it has nothing to do with race, it has to do with the guy alienating people and putting himself on a pedastal.

      When you are an a**hat to members of the media, other golfers, valets, etc you are going to get a verbal beatdown when you fail.

      Side note: Didn’t Tiger play the ’08 us open on one knee?

      • Scott

        Feb 6, 2015 at 11:47 am

        mizzy – 100% correct. The chicken have come home to roost for Mr. Woods.

  36. AllBOdoesisgolf

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:52 am

    short answer… no

  37. Regis

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:46 am

    Tiger has never shown any class or compassion to anyone in his meteoric rise. Starting with Fuzzy Zoeller. There are a number of “old sayings”. Most germane for the moment “Be careful how you treat people in the way up ……….

  38. Tiger Woods Glutes

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:44 am

    This article’s headline was edited! It’s still lame. Jokes are jokes. How is this front page?

  39. Bruce

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Tiger Woods takes MILLIONS in endorsement payments from golf consumers EVERY year – injured or not. After all, Nike and others must charge consumers to pay Tiger.
    Now, what does Tiger give back: “respect my privacy” and similar statements when asked simple questions. Apparently, in Tiger’s eyes, the consumers paying him are unworthy of a word from royalty like him.
    Jokes we see now are simply the consumer public returning Tiger’s poor additude.

  40. Ron

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Enoug already! If the media would leave it alone, it would bey nice. Therear other golfers at Torrey Pines. The entire golf world doesn’t go away becase Tiger pulls out of a tournament.
    Golf Channel had over 30 minutes of “discussion” on his “pull-out”. Who cares? Move on!

  41. Chris

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Why does he deserve better than Phil, Ricky, or even P.Reed? Jokes have been made about all three but as soon as it’s all-precious Tiger at the butt end (pun intended), then it’s a problem?! Give me a break. He is the one who deserves the most ridicule, he and King James – both of which cry and whine at the slightest bit of pain only to make a “comeback” seem that much more heroic. Now can we talk about DJ please and move on?

  42. Rob Manwiller

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:16 am

    When a PGA golfer engages in the kind of countless extra-marital acts Tiger has, putting his family through torment and anguish, also embarrassing his golfing cohorts, I personally have no sympathy for the man, and he should receive all the wrath that’s due him. He most likely still dates some of the same bimbos. Did he repent? Most likely not. The Lord works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he? I think his own head holds the problem and the issues.

    • NR

      Feb 6, 2015 at 10:34 am

      So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:8

      You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Romans 2:1

      Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Matthew 7:1

      The Lord also left us some guidance. Just a thought.

      • Wyzen Hymer

        Feb 6, 2015 at 12:24 pm

        I’ve often wondered, aren’t those who condemn people for condemning someone else … guilty of the same thing?

        BTW… Mr. Alberstadt … I think you’d feel better if you’d just lighten up. Face it, Dave Kindred’s comment was humorous. Besides, the jokes are about Tiger… why is YOUR nose out of joint? I’m no sociologist, but it certainly seems that those who cannot take a depreciating joke tend to invite more – and even harsher jokes the next time. On Tiger’s behalf, you may want to Grin and “Golden Bear” it. Seriously, they called Nicklaus – “Fat Jack” – and he didn’t like it, but he didn’t drop a litter of kittens. He just went out and consistently beat many of the “best golfers of all time” (Arnold, Gary, Lee, Tom, etc) and became “arguably the greatest golfer of all time.” .
        Sticks and stones and all that Mr. Alberstadt…

  43. RobG

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I have the same lower back problems. I know what its like to have my lower back and glutes give out mid-round and lose all the strength in my legs. Its tough, so I won’t criticize, but I think people need to lighten up a bit…. There’s never a bad time for a good butt joke!

  44. Professor

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Haters gonna hate!

  45. BOBBY D

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:13 am

    WHO REALLY CARES…TIGER IS ONE LIE AFTER ANOTHER,”GLUTES DIDN’T BREAK DOWN AFTER THE BIRDIE…THEN CAME THE DOUBLE,TIME TO GO…THE GAME IS BETTER WITHOUT YOU,A CHEAT,A LIER AND A FRAUD!!!

  46. AJ Jensen

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I think it’s disgraceful the way people are bashing Tiger. The man revolutionized the sport of golf. He got people into golf who’d never have been interested in golf. He made golf matter again, and believe me that’s important. Tiger is a great golfer by any metric or standard. The kids Tiger influenced will be coming of age soon, and who knows what’s possible… who knows what miracles we’ll see on tour, that might never have happened if not for Tiger Woods.

  47. James

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Well, the media make such a hype about Tiger, Tiger tracker, tiger this Tiger That, everyone then wait to see the big return, changing his chipping swing, bla bla bla, his game has become as complicated as the words he use, his gluts dit not want to fire up. Please help us, if any other player struggles we don’t see them on the broadcast , we want to watch golf not the Tiger drame soap opera

  48. Robert

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:08 am

    When the quantity of Tiger butt jokes reaches one-tenth of the number of Mickelson “moobs” jokes, then I’ll stop laughing and attempt to take your request seriously.

  49. P Grant

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Tigers game will never improve until he gets back to a wining lifestyle…….Prostitutes, partying, and cheating and lying to those who care about him. Its a proven success formula and anything less shows the truth about his struggles.

  50. juststeve

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:06 am

    Tiger chose to make himself a public figure, went out of his way to do it. He has profited greatly from his status as a public figure. Now he shouldn’t be heard to complain because as a public figure he gets negative comments along with the worshipful ones.

    Steve

  51. Joe

    Feb 6, 2015 at 10:03 am

    The tiger bashing is not funny anymore. Kicking a person when they are down seldom is, especially when they have BEEN down for quite a while.

  52. Daniel

    Feb 6, 2015 at 9:43 am

    Ben, you’re the worst. I almost commented after the “10 things not to do at a golf tournament” article but refrained. So here it goes. LIGHTEN UP….you are the type of person that dissuades people from taking interest in golf because of the way you portray the game. Get your nose out of the air, and stop taking yourself so seriously…..because nobody else does.

    • Zak Kozuchowski

      Feb 6, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Daniel,

      There’s a difference between disagreeing with what a writer says and personally attacking him or her. We do not tolerate personal attacks of writers in our comments section, and this is comment is awful close to crossing that line.

      Please clean it up, guys.

      • John

        Feb 6, 2015 at 10:10 am

        Wow! I don’t see anything personal about Daniel’s reply. He’s commenting on Ben’s commentary. Is this not a public forum? Watch out, or the board Nazi’s will ban you and delete your posts if you don’t agree with them.

        C’mon, is Tiger to be held on such a pedestal that no one can criticize the man for what he says or have a little fun at his expense. We were all laughing around the office this morning with that comment too. “Couldn’t get my glutes to activate?” Really? Is Tiger that familiar with the anatomy of the human body that he knows where his back pain originates from? I think not. How about just saying that his back is hurting so much so that he can’t continue.

        Best golfer of all time? Debatable. Certainly a dominant force, the likes of which have not been seen in quite some time. His activities off the golf course speak more about him than the scores he posts and titles he has won.

      • RPK

        Feb 6, 2015 at 10:18 am

        Well said …

      • Jim

        Feb 6, 2015 at 10:27 am

        Butt, it’s perfectly fine for your writer to attack the writers who made comments about Tiger’s problem? Double standard my friend. You ALL need to get your nose out of the sky.

    • Dave L

      Feb 6, 2015 at 10:10 am

      Daniel you should take a look at yourself before passing judgement. You almost commented on a article before, thank you so much from refraining, you’re a model of self righteousness. The man is just tryin to give you another side of the story on a man thats not even 12 months removed from major back surgery.

  53. JB

    Feb 6, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Lighten up and have a sense of humor.

  54. aldan777

    Feb 6, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Where does golf go without Mr.Woods . I think Golf is on the decline in popularity ,hope not well see in 2 yrs and lets talk about some real issue in golf. Price tags on these golf club $$$$$.outrages. No wounder it declining .

  55. Colin Gillbanks

    Feb 6, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Jeez. Lighten up.

  56. David

    Feb 6, 2015 at 6:14 am

    Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time. Please, get that right at least.

  57. Joe Golfer

    Feb 6, 2015 at 1:59 am

    I see that GolfWRX has a new feature this year where readers can rate the article by clicking an icon at bottom of article.
    It is called “Your Reaction?”
    One of those listed is IDHT.
    I had to Google it to find out what it means.
    Two meanings listed that could possibly fit:
    1. I Definitely Hear That
    2. I Don’t Have Time
    So GolfWRX, which one is it?

  58. Nathan

    Feb 6, 2015 at 12:04 am

    Ahh No! Tiger gives but jokes, tiger gets but jokes. Simple! I think he is over it completely, I mean c’mon its tiger woods!!. If tiger wants to play tiger will play, if tiger wants to win tuger will win. It’s just that Simple!

  59. Ken

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    All I know is that my year is off to a better start than those of Tiger, Brian Williams, or Radio Shack.

  60. anon

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    We shouldn’t make Tiger butt jokes? What an asinine thing to write.

  61. Nicebob

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:36 pm

    Horrific foot in mouth by the author. Doesn’t like the sophomoric butt jokes yet he reprints them as click bait for WRX hits. SERIOUSLY HYPOCRITICAL!

  62. Josh

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    For the most part those that report the news do it tactfully…. Then there are those that make the others look like the scum of the earth, these are the ones who were picked last in gym class and vent there inadequecies online. The funny thing is what Tiger is saying actually makes sense, until you have had back problems you won’t understand the “glute” statement..

  63. Tom Duckworth

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    I wish him well I hope he gets over this and gets back to finish out on a good note this year.
    For all his short comings he made himself into a great golfer that thrilled us. I’m not his biggest fan but I don’t enjoy seeing him kicked when he’s down. No one deserves that.

    • anon

      Feb 6, 2015 at 7:35 am

      A guy who cheats on his wife with multiple women deserves it.

  64. chad ryan

    Feb 5, 2015 at 10:16 pm

    We would all respect him if he just finished a round. 75% of people don’t think he’s really hurt. he only WD’s when he plays bad. He looks like a golfer with zero confidence. He looks like a golfer with swing flaws (two way miss) and MOST OF ALL he looks like a golfer that hasn’t practiced much. I and half the guys on this forum probably deal with back pain. I have a displaced disc in my lower back and i still play every weekend. NEVER notice it DURING the round but i’m stiff as Rex Ryan in a shoe store the next morning.

    • Brian

      Feb 6, 2015 at 7:26 am

      Hear that! I have two herniated discs from the Marine Corps 11 years ago(!) but I still play to the best of my ability as often as possible.

      Not saying I’m a better man than Tiger. I can’t believe people trying to ASSassinate Tiger’s character though.

  65. Philip

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    But how could he go a few practice rounds without concern, but when the pressure starts, he walks?

    I know swing changes affect the short game, but 5-15 minutes of focus and one can get enough of a short game to survive a round. Pain is pain, when the back hurts is stays hurt … so again, how come only during tournament rounds? Why not during the thousands of chips, and the long hours of bent over a putting green? When my back is hurting I can forget about sitting, standing, resting, driving a car, golf – like right!

    Something just doesn’t add up. Unless if he is taking so many pain killers that he is flying during practice, which is why he is always optimistic, but for actual tournament golf he has no choice but to stop the drugs and it is just a question of how long till he cannot play. Maybe in the past he could go 4 rounds, but each time now it is getting shorter and shorter.

    Oh well, back to golf – counting down till spring!

  66. DB

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    Ben, you fancy yourself a reporter, right? So can we assume you’ve never taken a jab at anyone, anytime, for any reason? Just because you’re a Tiger fan does’t mean everyone else is, nor should they be required to show restraint when he pulls this crap. The title you’ve bestowed upon him as “arguably the greatest golfer of all time” is being argued loud and clear. If he wants to even remain in the conversation about that title he should just retire now, he’s only making it worse the longer he goes on like this. The problem with a lie, is that you have to keep telling it forever… lies to his wife, lies to his sponsors, lies to the media about numerous things such as injuries and swing changes and coach changes and mentors dying, all that supposedly effect his game… heck, he even lied about how his tooth got knocked out. We’d all have more respect if he just said he wasn’t feeling it and was withdrew without all the silly excuses.

  67. Straightdriver235

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    Thou shalt not insult the prophet, or he will be avenged. Charlie Hebdo… no, it’s Tiger Woods!!!!

  68. heinket

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    I’ve had (4) back/neck fusions in the past 6 years. I know back pain very, very well!! The one thing that aggregated my back the most was driving a car. Tiger got in his car, rotated his back to the right to look over his right shoulder, and then proceeded to back up and drive away. If his back hurt him that much, he would have been unable to do that. Period.

    • Philip

      Feb 5, 2015 at 9:52 pm

      When I just had whiplash from a car accident, turning my head was like sticking knives in my back. I do not want to imagine more serious back injuries.

  69. Hicks

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    How big of a fanboy tenderfoot must Alberstadt be to write this garbage? Do us all a favor and don’t put an article out for a WHILE.

  70. mo

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    Should’ve just said he had back spasms.

  71. ANOTHER JEFF

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    Have we forgotten what Haney said in his book? Those with close contact with Tiger say he has all these mysterious injuries. Remember, Stevie rolling eyes as Tiger describes the injury du jour? I think more and more I see Hanks tell all, whether it should have been written or not, as a pretty factual depiction of what is going on on Jupiter Island. The guy can play on a broken leg when he’s hitting it well. When his game is off……. I think a hang nail would suffice as an injury worthy of withdrawing.

    • Large chris

      Feb 6, 2015 at 4:46 am

      Agree with this…. And probably an element of psychosomosis – trying to convince himself he is injured, to save his ego.

      Apart from the driving a car comment, he was also sitting beside fowler waiting for a hole to clear, rather than doing any stretching or getting some treatment. I thought for a long long time that Tiger could make a great comeback, but now I just don’t see the desire to do the practice necessary.

  72. Joe

    Feb 5, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    A man who cheated on his wife and kids as well as being rude with the media and fans in the past and present (until his recent attempts to be a nice guy) deserves all the ridicule that comes his way. As the old saying goes, ‘You reap what you sow’. I for one will never have any sympathy for him.

  73. RG

    Feb 5, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I’m just amazed that he works out and he’s fine, he plays practice rounds and he’s fine, but every time he shows up for a tournament and hits it sideways he’ can barely walk. It’s not his back it’s his brain.

    • Philip

      Feb 5, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      That is the interesting thing in all this …

  74. Double Mocha Man

    Feb 5, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    I’m not a Tiger fan but he showed great restraint with 12 cameras in his face in the parking lot… and it was fun to see that he drives his car himself.

  75. Harley

    Feb 5, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    Yea you are way better person for only ridiculing these guys for ridiculing Tiger. Pat yourself on the back for a well written piece of….

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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 Valspar Championship betting preview: Elite ballstrikers to thrive at Copperhead

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The PGA TOUR will stay in Florida this week for the 2024 Valspar Championship.

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort is a par 71 measuring 7,340 yards and features Bermudagrass greens overseeded with POA. Infamous for its difficulty, the track will be a tough test for golfers as trouble lurks all over the place. Holes 16, 17 and 18 — also known as the “Snake Pit” — make up one of the toughest three-hole stretches in golf and should lead to a captivating finish on Sunday.

The field is comprised of 156 golfers teeing it up. The field this week is solid and is a major improvement over last year’s field that felt the impact of players skipping due to a handful of “signature events” in a short span of time. 

Past Winners at Valspar Championship

  • 2023: Taylor Moore (-10)
  • 2022: Sam Burns (-17)
  • 2021: Sam Burns (-17)
  • 2019: Paul Casey (-8)
  • 2018: Paul Casey (-10)
  • 2017: Adam Hadwin (-14)
  • 2016: Charl Schwartzel (-7)
  • 2015: Jordan Spieth (-10)

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 Copperhead

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Approach grades out as the most important statistic once again this week. Copperhead really can’t be overpowered and is a second-shot golf course.

Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds (per round)

  1. Tony Finau (+.90)
  2. Nick Taylor (+.81)
  3. Justin Thomas (+.77)
  4. Greyson Sigg (+.69)
  5. Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+.67)

2. Good Drive %

The long hitters can be a bit limited here due to the tree-lined fairways and penal rough. Playing from the fairways will be important, but laying back too far will cause some difficult approaches with firm greens that may not hold shots from long irons.

Golfers who have a good balance of distance and accuracy have the best chance this week.

Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Brice Garnett (+91.3%) 
  2. Zach Johnson (+91.1%)
  3. Sam Ryder (+90.5%)
  4. Ryan Moore (+90.4%)
  5. Aaron Rai (+89.7%)

3. Strokes Gained: Ball Striking

Adding ball-striking puts even more of a premium on tee-to-green prowess in the statistical model this week. Golfers who rank highly in ball-striking are in total control of the golf ball which is exceedingly important at Copperhead.

SG: Ball Striking Over Past 24 Rounds:

  1. Xander Schauffele (+1.32)
  2. Keith Mitchell (+1.29)
  3. Tony Finau (+1.24)
  4. Cameron Young (+1.17) 
  5. Doug Ghim (+.95)

4. Bogey Avoidance

With the conditions likely to be difficult, avoiding bogeys will be crucial this week. In a challenging event like the Valspar, oftentimes the golfer who is best at avoiding mistakes ends up on top.

Gritty golfers who can grind out difficult pars have a much better chance in an event like this than a low-scoring birdie-fest.

Bogey Avoidance Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Brice Garnett (+9.0)
  2. Xander Schauffele (+9.3)
  3. Austin Cook (+9.7) 
  4. Chesson Hadley (+10.0)
  5. Greyson Sigg (+10.2)

5. Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions

Conditions will be tough this week at Copperhead. I am looking for golfers who can rise to the occasion if the course plays as difficult as it has in the past.

Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions Over Past 24 rounds

  1. Xander Schauffele (+1,71) 
  2. Min Woo Lee (+1.39)
  3. Cameron Young (+1.27)
  4. Jordan Spieth (+1.08)
  5. Justin Suh (+.94)

6. Course History

That statistic will tell us which players have played well at Copperhead in the past.

Course History Over Past 24 rounds

  1. Patrick Cantlay (+3.75) 
  2. Sam Burns (+2.49)
  3. Davis Riley (+2.33)
  4. Matt NeSmith (+2.22)
  5. Jordan Spieth (+2.04)

The Valspar Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), Good Drive % (15%), SG: BS (20%), Bogeys Avoided (13%), Course History (13%) Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions (12%).

  1. Xander Schauffele
  2. Doug Ghim
  3. Victor Perez
  4. Greyson Sigg
  5. Ryan Moore
  6. Tony Finau
  7. Justin Thomas
  8. Sam Ryder
  9. Sam Burns
  10. Lucas Glover

2024 Valspar Championship Picks

Justin Thomas +1400 (DraftKings)

Justin Thomas will be disappointed with his finish at last week’s PLAYERS Championship, as the past champion missed the cut despite being in some decent form heading into the event. Despite the missed cut, JT hit the ball really well. In his two rounds, the two-time major champion led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach per round.

Thomas has been up and down this season. He’s missed the cut in two “signature events” but also has finishes of T12 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, T12 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, T6 at the Pebble Beach AT&T Pro-Am and T3 at the American Express. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking in the field.

Thomas loves Copperhead. In his last three tries at the course, he’s finished T13, T3 and T10. Thomas would have loved to get a win at a big event early in the season, but avoidable mistakes and a balky putter have cost him dearly. I believe a trip to a course he loves in a field he should be able to capitalize on is the right recipe for JT to right the ship.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout +6000 (FanDuel)

Christiaan Bezuidenhout is playing spectacular golf in the 2024 season. He finished 2nd at the American Express, T20 at Pebble Beach and T24 at the Genesis Invitational before finishing T13 at last week’s PLAYERS Championship.

In his past 24 rounds, the South African ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and 26th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. Bezuidenhout managed to work his way around TPC Sawgrass last week with minimal damage. He only made five bogeys in the entire week, which is a great sign heading into a difficult Copperhead this week.

Bezuidenhout is winless in his PGA Tour career, but certainly has the talent to win on Tour. His recent iron play tells me that this week could be a breakthrough for the 35-year-old who has eyes on the President’s Cup.

Doug Ghim +8000 (FanDuel)

Doug Ghim has finished in the top-16 of his past five starts. Most recently, Ghim finished T16 at The PLAYERS Championship in a loaded field.

In his past 24 rounds, Ghim ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 5th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. In terms of his fit for Copperhead, the 27-year-old ranks 12th in Bogey Avoidance and 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in Difficult Conditions, making him a great fit for the course.

Ghim has yet to win on Tour, but at one point he was the top ranked Amateur golfer in the world and played in the 2017 Arnold Palmer Cup and 2017 Walker Cup. He then won the Ben Hogan award for the best male college golfer in 2018. He certainly has the talent, and there are signals aplenty that his talent in ready to take him to the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour.

Sepp Straka +8000 (BetRivers)

Sepp Straka is a player who’s shown he has the type of game that can translate to a difficult Florida golf course. The former Presidents Cup participant won the 2022 Honda Classic in tough conditions and should thrive with a similar test at Copperhead.

It’s been a slow 2024 for Straka, but his performance last week at the PLAYERS Championship surely provides some optimism. He gained 5.4 strokes on approach as well as 1.88 strokes off the tee. The tee-to-green game Straka showed on a course with plenty of danger demonstrates that he can stay in control of his golf ball this week.

It’s possible that the strong performance last week was an outlier, but I’m willing to bet on a proven winner in a weaker field at a great number.

Victor Perez +12000 (FanDuel)

Victor Perez is no stranger to success in professional golf. The Frenchman has three DP World Tour wins including a Rolex Series event. He won the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, as well as the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which are some big events.

Perez earned his PGA Tour card this season and enters the week playing some fantastic golf. He finished in a tie for 16th in Florida at the Cognizant Classic and then tied for third in his most recent start at the Puerto Rico Open.

In his past 24 rounds in the field, Perez ranks 11th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 1oth in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, 6th in Good Drive % and 15th in Bogey Avoidance.

Perez comes in as a perfect fit for Copperhead and offers serious value at triple-digit odds.

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Opinion & Analysis

Myrtle Beach, Explored: February in South Carolina

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As I gain in experience and age, and familiarity breeds neither contempt nor disdain, I understand why people return to a place. A destination like Myrtle Beach offers a sizable supply and diversity of restaurants, entertainment venues, and shops that are predicated on the tenets of the service industry. Greet your customers with a smile and a kind word, and they will find comfort and assurance. Provide them with a memorable experience and they will suggest your place of business to others.

My first tour of Myrtle Beach took place in the mid-1980s, and consisted of one course: Gator Hole. I don’t remember much from that day, and since Gator Hole closed a decade later, I cannot revisit it to recollect what I’d lost. Since then, I’ve come to the Grand Strand a few times, and been fortunate to never place a course more than once. I’ve seen the Strantz courses to the south and dipped my toe in the North Carolina courses of Calabash. I’ve been to many in the middle, including Dunes, Pine Lakes, Grande Dunes among them.

2024 brought a quartet of new courses, including two at the Barefoot Resort. I’d heard about the North Myrtle Beach four-pack of courses that highlight the Barefoot property, including layouts from Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III, and Greg Norman. I had the opportunity to play and shoot the Dye and Fazio tracks, which means that I’ll have to return to see the other two. Sandwiched between them were the TPC-Myrtle Beach course, also from Tom Fazio, and the Pawley’s Plantation trace, by the hand of Jack Nicklaus. I anticipated a bit of the heroic, and bit of the strategic, and plenty of eye candy. None of those architects would ever be considered a minimalist, so there would be plenty of in-play and out-of-play bunkers and mounds to tantalize the senses.

My nephew arrived a few days early, to screen a few more courses. As a result, you the reader will have an extra quarter of mini-reviews, bringing the total of courses in this piece to eight. It was inconceivable that CJR would play four courses that I had never played nor photographed, but that was the case. His words appear at the end of this piece. We hope that you enjoy the tour.

Main Feature: Two Barefoots, a TPC, and Pawley’s Plantation

Barefoot Dye

What Paul “Pete” Dye brought back from his trips to the United Kingdom, hearkened back to what C.B. MacDonal did, some 65 years prior. There is a way of finding bunkers and fairways, and even green sites, that does not require major industrial work. The Dye course at Barefoot Resorts takes you on a journey over the rumpled terrain of distant places. If there’s one element missing, it’s the creased and turbulent fairways, so often found in England and Ireland. The one tenet of playing a Dye course, is to always aim away from temptation, from where your eyes draw you. Find the safe side of the target, and you’ll probably find your ball. It then stands that you will have a shot for your next attempt. Cut the corner, and you might have need to reload. The Barefoot course begins gently, in terms of distance, but challenges with visual deception. After two brief 4s and a 3, the real work begins. The course is exposed enough, to allow the coastal winds to dance along the fairways. Be ready to keep the ball low and take an extra club or two.

TPC-Myrtle Beach

If memory serves, TPCMB is my first trek around a TPC-branded course. It had all the trappings of a tour course, from the welcome, through the clubhouse, to the practice facilities and, of course, the course. TPC-Myrtle Beach is a Tom Fazio design, and if you never visit Augusta National, you’ll now have an idea of what it is like. You play Augusta’s 16th hole twice at TPCMB, and you enjoy it both times. Fazio really likes the pond-left, green-angle-around par three hole, and his two iterations of it are memorable.

You’ll also see those Augusta bunkers, the ones with the manicured edges that drop into a modestly-circular form. What distinguishes these sand pits is the manner in which they rise from the surrounding ground. They are unique in that they don’t resemble the geometric bunkering of a Seth Raynor, nor the organic pits found in origin courses. They are built, make no mistake, and recovery from them is manageable for all levels of bunker wizardry.

Barefoot Fazio

If you have the opportunity to play the two Tom Fazio courses back to back, you’ll notice a marked difference in styling. Let me digress for a moment, then circle back with an explanation. It was written that the NLE World Woods course designed by Fazio, Pine Barrens, was an homage to Pine Valley, the legendary, New Jersey club where Fazio is both a member and the architect on retainer. The Pine Barrens course was plowed under in 2022, so the homage no longer exists. At least, I didn’t think that it existed, until I played his Barefoot Resort course in North Myrtle Beach.

Pine Valley might be described as an aesthetic of scrub and sand. There are mighty, forced carries to travers, along with sempiternal, sandy lairs to avoid. Barefoot Fazio is quite similar. If you’re not faced with a forced carry, you’ll certainly contend with a fairway border or greenside necklace of sand. When you reach the 13th tee, you’ll face a drive into a fairway, and you might see a distant green, with a notable absence: flagstick. The 13th is the icing on the homage cake, a callout of the 8th hole at Pine Valley. Numero Ocho at the OG has two greens, side by side, and they change the manner in which the hole plays (so they say.) At Barefoot Fazio, the right-side green is a traditional approach, with an unimpeded run of fairway to putting surface. The left-side green (the one that I was fortunate to play) demands a pitch shot over a wasteland. It’s a fitting tribute for the rest of us to play.

Be certain to parrot the starter, Leon’s, advice, and play up a deck of tees. Barefoot Fazio offers five par-three holes, so the fours and fives play that much longer. Remember, too, that you are on vacation. Why not treat yourself to some birdie looks?

Pawley’s Plantation

The Jack Nicklaus course at Pawley’s Plantation emerged from a period of hibernation in 2024. The greens were torn up and their original contours were restored. Work was overseen by Troy Vincent, a member of the Nicklaus Architecture team. In addition, the putting corridors were reseeded with a hardier, dwarf bermuda that has experienced great success, all along the Grand Strand that is Myrtle Beach.

My visit allowed me to see the inward half first, and I understand why the resort wishes to conclude your day on those holes. The front nine of Pawley’s Plantation works its way through familiar, low country trees and wetlands. The back nine begins in similar fashion, then makes its way east, toward the marsh that separates mainland from Pawley’s Island. Recalling the powerful sun of that Wednesday morning, any round beginning on the second nine would face collateral damage from the warming star. Much better to hit holes 11 to close when the sun is higher in the sky.

The marshland holes (12 through 17) are spectacular in their raw, unprotected nature. The winds off the Atlantic are unrelenting and unforgiving, and the twin, par-three holes will remain in your memory banks for time’s march. In typical Golden Bear fashion, a majority of his putting targets are smallish in nature, reflecting his appreciation for accurate approach shots. Be sure to find the forgiving side of each green, and err to that portion. You’ll be grateful.

Bonus Coverage: Myrtlewood, Beechwood, Arrowhead, and King’s North

Arrowhead (Raymond Floyd and Tom Jackson)

A course built in the middle of a community, water threatens on most every hole. The Cypress 9 provides a few holes forcing a carried drive then challenge you with water surrounding the green. On Waterway, a drivable 2nd hole will tempt most, so make sure the group ahead has cleared the green.

Myrtlewood (Edmund Alt and Arthur Hills) and Beechwood (Gene Hamm)

A middle of the winter New Englander’s paradise. Wide open fairways, zero blind shots and light rough allow for shaking off the rust and plenty of forgiveness. A plethora of dog legs cause one to be cautious with every tee shot. Won’t break the bank nor the scorecard.

King’s North @ Myrtle Beach National (Arnold Palmer)

A signature Arnold Palmer course, waste areas, island greens and daring tee shots. Highlighted by the 4th hole Par 5 Gambler hole, if you can hit the smaller fairway on the left you are rewarded with a short approach to get to the green in 2. The back 9 is highlighted by an island green par 3 and a finisher with over 40 bunkers spread throughout. A challenge for any golfer.
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19th Hole

Vincenzi’s 2024 Players Championship betting preview: Pete Dye specialists ready to pass tough TPC Sawgrass test

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The PGA Tour heads to TPC Sawgrass to play in one of the most prestigious and important events of the season: THE PLAYERS Championship. Often referred to as the fifth major, the importance of a PLAYERS victory to the legacy of a golfer can’t be overlooked.

TPC Sawgrass is a par-72 measuring 7,245 yards and featuring Bermudagrass greens. Golfers must be patient in attacking this Pete Dye course.

With trouble lurking at every turn, the strokes can add up quickly. With a par-5 16th that is a true risk-reward hole and the famous par-3 17th island green, the only safe bet at TPC Sawgrass is a bet on an exciting finish.

THE PLAYERS Championship field is often referred to as the strongest field of the year — and with good reason. There are 144 in the field, including 43 of the world’s top 50 players in the OWGR. Tiger Woods will not be playing in the event.

THE PLAYERS is an exceptionally volatile event that has never seen a back-to-back winner.

Past Winners at TPC Sawgrass

  • 2023: Scottie Scheffler (-17)
  • 2022: Cameron Smith (-13)
  • 2021: Justin Thomas (-14)
  • 2019: Rory McIlroy (-16)
  • 2018: Webb Simpson (-18)
  • 2017: Si-Woo Kim (-10)
  • 2016: Jason Day (-15)
  • 2015: Rickie Fowler (-12)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). 

5 Key Stats for TPC Sawgrass

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

1. Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Approach has historically been far and away the most important and predictive stat at THE PLAYERS Championship. With water everywhere, golfers can’t afford to be wild with their iron shots. Not only is it essential to avoid the water, but it will also be as important to go after pins and make birdies because scores can get relatively low.

Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Tom Hoge (+1.37) 
  2. Scottie Scheffler (+1.20)
  3. Tony Finau (+0.99)
  4. Jake Knapp (+0.83)
  5. Shane Lowry (+0.80)

2. Total Driving

This statistic is perfect for TPC Sawgrass. Historically, driving distance hasn’t been a major factor, but since the date switch to March, it’s a bit more significant. During this time of year, the ball won’t carry quite as far, and the runout is also shorter.

Driving accuracy is also crucial due to all of the trouble golfers can get into off of the tee. Therefore, players who are gaining on the field with Total Driving will put themselves in an ideal spot this week.

Total Driving Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Rory McIlroy (22)
  2. Akshay Bhatia (25)
  3. Keith Mitchell (25) 
  4. Adam Hadwin (34)
  5. Sam Burns (+39)

3. Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye Designs

TPC Sawgrass may be Pete Dye’s most famous design, and for good reason. The course features Dye’s typical shaved runoff areas and tricky green complexes.  Pete Dye specialists love TPC Sawgrass and should have a major advantage this week.

SG: Total (Pete Dye) per round over past 36 rounds:

  1. Patrick Cantlay (+2.02)
  2. Scottie Scheffler (+1.90)
  3. Min Woo Lee (+1.77) 
  4. Sungjae Im (+1.72)
  5. Brian Harman (+1.62) 

4. Strokes Gained: Ball Striking

Prototypical ball-strikers have dominated TPC Sawgrass. With past winners like Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Webb Simpson, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, it’s evident that golfers must be striking it pure to contend at THE PLAYERS.

SG: Ball Striking Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Scottie Scheffler (+2.02)
  2. Tony Finau (+1.51)
  3. Tom Hoge (+1.48)
  4. Keith Mitchell (+1.38)
  5. Will Zalatoris (+1.18)

5. Par 5 Average

Par-5 average is extremely important at TPC Sawgrass. With all four of the Par-5s under 575 yards, and three of them under 540 yards, a good amount of the scoring needs to come from these holes collectively.

Par 5 Average Over Past 24 Rounds

  1. Scottie Schefler (+4.31)
  2. Erik Van Rooyen (+4.35)
  3. Doug Ghim (+4.34)
  4. Wyndham Clark (+4.34)
  5. Matt Fitzpatrick (+4.31)

6. Strokes Gained: Florida

We’ve used this statistic over the past few weeks, and I’d like to incorporate some players who do well in Florida into this week’s model as well. 

Strokes Gained: Florida over past 30 rounds:

  1. Scottie Schefler (+2.43)
  2. Erik Van Rooyen (+1.78)
  3. Doug Ghim (+1.78)
  4. Wyndham Clark (+1.73)
  5. Matt Fitzpatrick (+1.69)

7. Strokes Gained: Total on Courses with High Water Danger

With water everywhere at TPC Sawgrass, the blow-up potential is high. It can’t hurt to factor in some players who’ve avoided the “eject” button most often in the past. 

Strokes Gained: Total on Courses with High Water Danger over past 30 rounds:

  1. Scottie Schefler (+2.08)
  2. Rory McIlroy (+1.82)
  3. Tony Finau (+1.62)
  4. Patrick Cantlay (+1.51)
  5. Will Zalatoris (+1.49)

THE PLAYERS Championship Model Rankings

Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (25%), Total Driving (20%), SG: Total Pete Dye (14%), SG: Ball-striking (15%) SG: Par 5 (8%), SG: Florida (10%) and SG: High Water (8%).

  1. Scottie Scheffler 
  2. Shane Lowry 
  3. Tony Finau 
  4. Corey Conners
  5. Keith Mitchell
  6. Justin Thomas
  7. Will Zalatoris
  8. Xander Schauffele
  9. Cameron Young
  10. Doug Ghim
  11. Sam Burns 
  12. Chris Kirk
  13. Collin Morikawa
  14. Si Woo Kim
  15. Wyndham Clark

2024 THE PLAYERS Championship Picks

(All odds at the time of writing)

Patrick Cantlay +2500 (DraftKings):

Patrick Cantlay is winless since the 2022 BMW Championship but is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the PGA Tour. Since the win at Wilmington Country Club, the 31-year-old has twelve top-10 finishes on Tour and is starting to round into form for the 2024 season.

Cantlay has done well in the most recent “signature” events this season, finishing 4th at Riviera for the Genesis Invitational and 12th at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The former Tour Championship winner resides in Jupiter, Florida and has played some good golf in the state, including finishing in a tie for 4th at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational. His history at TPC Sawgrass has been up and down, but his best career start at The PLAYERS came last year when he finished in a tie for 19th.

Cantlay absolutely loves Pete Dye designed courses and ranks 1st in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on Dye tracks in his past 36 rounds. In recent years, he’s been excellent at both the RBC Heritage and the Travelers Championship. TPC Sawgrass is a place where players will have to be dialed in with their irons and distance off the tee won’t be quite as important. In his past 24, rounds, Cantlay ranks in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach.

Despite being winless in recent years, I still believe Cantlay is capable of winning big tournaments. As one of the only United States players to bring their best game to Marco Simone for the Ryder Cup, I have conviction that the former top amateur in the world can deliver when stakes are high.

Will Zalatoris +3000 (FanDuel):

In order to win at TPC Sawgrass, players will need to be in total control of their golf ball. At the moment, Will Zalatoris is hitting it as well as almost anyone and finally has the putter cooperating with his new switch to the broomstick style.

Zalatoris is coming off back-to-back starts where he absolutely striped the ball. He finished 2nd at the Genesis Invitational and 4th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational where his statistics were eye opening. For the week at Bay Hill, Zal gained 5.0 strokes on approach and 5.44 strokes off the tee.

Throughout the early part of his career, Zalatoris has established himself by playing his best golf in the strongest fields with the most difficult conditions. A tough test will allow him to separate himself this week and breakthrough for a PLAYERS Championship victory.

Shane Lowry +4000 (DraftKings):

History has shown us that players need to be in good form to win the PLAYERS Championship and it’s hard to find anyone not named Scottie Scheffler who’s in better form that Shane Lowry at the moment. He finished T4 at the Cognizant Classic followed by a solo third place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The fact that the Irishman contended at Bay Hill is a great sign considering he’s really struggled there throughout his career. He will now head to a different style of course in Florida where he’s had a good deal of success. He finished 8th at TPC Sawgrass in 2021 and 13th in 2022. 

Lowry ranks 6th in the field in approach in his past 24 rounds, 7th in Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye designed courses in his last 30 rounds, 8th in par 5 scoring this season, and 4th in Strokes Gained: Total in Florida over his past 36 rounds.

Lowry is a player who’s capable of winning big events. He’s a major champion and won another premier event at Wentworth as well as a WGC at Firestone. He’s also a form player, when he wins it’s typically when he’s contended in recent starts. He’s been terrific thus far in Florida and he should get into contention once again this week.

Brian Harman +8000 (DraftKings):

(Note: Since writing this Harman’s odds have plummeted to 50-1. I would not advise betting the 50).

Brian Harman showed us last season that if the course isn’t extremely long, he has the accuracy both off the tee and with his irons to compete with anyone in the world. Last week at Bay Hill and was third in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, gaining 5.54 strokes on the field in the category.

In addition to the strong iron play, Harman also gained strokes off the tee in three of four rounds. He’s also had success at Pete Dye tracks recently. He finished 2nd at last year’s Travelers Championship and 7th at the RBC Heritage.

It would be a magnificent feat for Harman to win both the Open Championship and PLAYERS in a short time frame, but the reality is the PGA Tour isn’t quite as strong as it once was. Harman is a player who shows up for the biggest events and his odds seem way too long for his recent track record.

Tony Finau +6500 (FanDuel):

A few weeks ago, at the Genesis Invitational, I bet Hideki Matsuyama because I believed it to be a “bet the number” play at 80-1. I feel similarly about Finau this week. While he’s not having the season many people expected of him, he is playing better than these odds would indicate.

This season, Tony has a tied for 6th place finish at Torrey Pines, a tied for 19th at Riviera and tied for 13th at the Mexico Open. He’s also hitting the ball extremely well. In the field in his past 24 rounds, he ranks 3rd in Strokes Gained: Approach, 3rd in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking, 6th in Par 5 average and 15th in Total Driving.

Finau’s problem has been with the putter, which has been undeniably horrific. However, this week he will see a putting surface similar to the POA at TPC Scottsdale and PGA West, which he’s had a great deal of success on. It’s worth taking a stab at this price to see if he can have a mediocre week with the flat stick.

Sungjae Im +9000 (FanDuel):

It’s been a lackluster eighteen months for Sungjae, who once appeared to be a certain star. While his ceiling is absolutely still there, it’s been a while since we’ve seen Im play the type of golf expected of a player with his talent.

Despite the obvious concerns, the South Korean showed glimpses of a return to form last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He tied for 18th place and gained strokes off the tee, on approach, around the green and with the putter. When at his best, Im is a perfect course fit for TPC Sawgrass. He has remarkable precision off the tee, can get dialed in with his irons on shorter courses and can get up and down with the best players on Tour.

This number has gotten to the point where I feel comfortable taking a shot on it.

Billy Horschel +20000 (FanDuel):

Billy Horschel is a great fit on paper for TPC Sawgrass. He can get dialed in with his irons and his lack of distance off the tee won’t be a major detriment at the course. “Bermuda Billy” does his best work putting on Bermudagrass greens and he appears to be rounding into form just in time to compete at The PLAYERS.

In his most recent start, Billy finished in a tie for 9th at the Cognizant Classic and hit the ball extremely well. The former Florida Gator gained 3.32 strokes on approach and 2.04 strokes off the tee. If Horschel brings that type of ball striking to TPC Sawgrass, he has the type of putter who can win a golf tournament.

Horschel has been great on Pete Dye designed courses, with four of his seven career PGA Tour wins coming on Dye tracks.

In a season that has seen multiple long shots win big events, the 37-year-old is worth a stab considering his knack for playing in Florida and winning big events.

 

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