19th Hole
Acushnet CEO fires back at Mike Davis, Bridgestone over rollback debate
Wally Uihlein, president and CEO of Titleist’s parent company, Acushnet, drafted a letter to the Wall Street Journal Monday ostensibly in response to the paper’s interview with Mike Davis. The USGA executive director told the WSJ lengthening golf courses makes the game a more costly proposition for all golfers.
In short, the head of the industry’s leading golf ball manufacturer doesn’t buy the “trickle down cost argument,” or at least is yet to see data confirming Davis’ suggestions.
He writes,
“Is there any evidence to support this canard…the trickle down cost argument? Where is the evidence to support the argument that golf course operating costs nationwide are being escalated due to advances in equipment technology?”
Uihlein also questioned Bridgestone CEO, Angelo Ilagan’s motives for calling for a rollback of the golf ball last week.
“Given Bridgestone’s very small worldwide market share and paltry presence in professional golf, it would seem logical they would have a commercial motive making the case for a reduced distance golf ball.”
Shots fired. Titleist has always been willing to do battle with adversaries to the brand, and the company is obviously keen to avoid the suggestion that it plays a part in making the game more expensive for everyone who swings a golf club.
Geoff Shackelford’s analysis of Davis’ remarks seems even more prescient today.
“Every party involved has some incentive not to force the issue. If the governing bodies tried to mandate a more restrictive ball for all golfers, they would face a massive fight from equipment companies. Those companies thrive by making a hard game easier, not harder.”
None of this is to say Uihlein is anything other than right about the fact that decisions about a ball rollback or lack thereof must be driven by data, rather than some cocktail of fear, half-truths, and nostalgia.
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19th Hole
‘I really think it’s possible’ – 4-time major champ says Scottie Scheffler could win the Grand Slam in 2024
During the Sky Sports commentary after the PLAYERS Championship, analyst and golf legend Laura Davies said she believes Scottie Scheffler could win the grand slam this year.
“He’s on a different level,” said the four-time major champion.
“As soon as he started holing those putts at Bay Hill the rest of the field must have thought ‘oh we’re in a bit of trouble here’ because they know statistically, he’s No.1 in every category apart from the putting. But he now looks so relaxed over his putts.”
In his last two events, Scheffler has gained an average of .87 Strokes Gained: Putting on the field, which is more than enough for him to be absolutely dominant.
“The fact he won this week with an injury in the third round, and it was uncomfortable for him, but it was really nice to see on Sunday because he did feel more comfortable that he turned it into an 8-under 64, and the others have got their hands full now,” Davies added.
“Going forward, I don’t think it’s a long shot to say he’s going to win at least two of the four majors this season, maybe even three, maybe even the Grand Slam.
“I really think it’s possible.”
It would be an amazing feat, but if anyone can do it this season, it’s Scottie Scheffler.
More from the 19th Hole
- Rory McIlroy urges Ryder Cup eligibility rules to be re-written following Rahm’s LIV move
- Report: Former World Number 1 not joining LIV despite speculation
- Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC side and prominent golf journalist trade insults over latest LIV trade
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19th Hole
Rory McIlroy takes shot at Greg Norman while discussing Monday’s Saudi PIF meeting
Rory McIlroy has recently changed his tune on both LIV and the Saudi Arabian PIF, but according to recent comments, he still isn’t a big fan of LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman.
While speaking to the media after his final round of the PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy expressed optimism for PIF Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan’s intentions in the game of golf.
“They’re a sovereign wealth fund. They want to park money for decades and not worry about it,” McIlroy said of the PIF.
“They want to invest in smart and secure businesses, and the PGA Tour is definitely one of those, especially if they’re looking to invest in sport in some way.I have spent time with Yasir. I think the people who have represented him in LIV have done him a disservice, so Norman and those guys.”
Reportedly, a meeting will be taking place in Ponte Vedra today with the PGA Tour Board of Directors and the PIF. According to Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, that meeting will include Tiger Woods.
“I think it should have happened months ago, so I am glad it’s happening,” Rory said.
“Hopefully that progresses conversations and gets us closer to a solution.”
More from the 19th Hole
- Rory McIlroy urges Ryder Cup eligibility rules to be re-written following Rahm’s LIV move
- Report: Former World Number 1 not joining LIV despite speculation
- Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC side and prominent golf journalist trade insults over latest LIV trade
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19th Hole
Scottie Scheffler had an interesting response when asked how he ‘quiets the noise’ following Players victory
After Scottie Scheffler’s incredibly impressive victory at the PLAYERS Championship, he spoke on camera about his approach.
Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee asked the world number one “how do you quiet the noise?”
Scheffler replied, “I just try to do my best to stay in my own little world. You know, I don’t have social media, I spend most of my time on Apple News.”
Scheffler added that he clicks “not for me” when golf articles come up to ensure that he doesn’t see anything regarding golf news.
“I really just do my best to stay out of reading things that are either good or bad about myself. If I’m reading bad things about myself, it’ll frustrate me. If I read good things about myself, my head will get too big. So, I really do my best to stay out of the fray and continue to put in the work”.
.@THEPLAYERS champion Scottie Scheffler outlines his secret to remaining focused and blocking out the noise. ?? #THEPLAYERS pic.twitter.com/6zWtKMvw99
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) March 18, 2024
Scheffler’s approach has clearly been a good one, as he’s playing some of the best golf of any professional in recent memory.
More from the 19th Hole
- Rory McIlroy urges Ryder Cup eligibility rules to be re-written following Rahm’s LIV move
- Report: Former World Number 1 not joining LIV despite speculation
- Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC side and prominent golf journalist trade insults over latest LIV trade
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