19th Hole

Should we be talking more about Patrick Reed’s family and past? Or less?

Published

6 years ago

Apr 11, 2018

As is customary with major champions in general, and perhaps Masters winners in particular, the golf media rushed to present Patrick Reed’s backstory after he captured the green jacket, Sunday.

To that end: Patrick Reed, as I assume most golf fans are aware, has no contact with his parents, Bill and Jeanette. Both Alan Shipnuck of Golf.com and Ian O’Connor of ESPN.com spoke with Reed’s estranged parents about their son’s victory. (Shipnuck followed up with this explanation for why he decided to write the piece)

Reed’s mother and father didn’t discuss in detail the reason they haven’t spoken to their son since 2012, and the pieces focus more on the couple’s experience, and mix of powerful emotions, watching Reed win the green jacket.

Additionally, the allegations of Reed’s collegiate cheating and stealing leveled in Shane Ryan’s 2015 book, Slaying the Tiger, have resurfaced in a range of outlets.

Again, while most who follow the game closely are familiar with Reed’s dubious history, the Masters champion is arguably the most visible of the four major winners. General sports fans may know little about Reed, so it’s worth painting the full portrait of the 2018 Masters winner.

Or is it? Geoff Shackelford and Matt Adams discussed the merits of digging into Reed’s past, particularly his family situation, on Morning Drive. Similarly, we’d like to hear what GolfWRX members think.

It’s also worth noting that, while Reed is currently estranged from his parents, there have been no recent accusations of cheating, stealing, etc. Additionally, reporters are not merely presenting the past, they’re actively fueling the fire by interviewing Reed’s parents and writing new stories.

Is this problematic, or is it good journalism? Can it be both? We want to know what you think, GolfWRX members. We’d like to take the pulse of the readership on this situation, as it dictates content decisions in the future.

And if you’d like to take the discussion even further, here’s something else to chew on: Assume Tiger Woods had won the 2018 Masters. Would reporters feel the need to reexamine his 2009 sex scandal? His 2017 arrest? Should they?

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

19 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv #OWGR #OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

22 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

Apr 24, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech. He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly. Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy. He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for. There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind. World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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