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19th Hole

GolfWRX members share their first PGA Tour tournament memories

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GolfWRX’s forums are filled with singular enthusiasts for the game. Often, we focus on WRXers vast equipment knowledge and perspectives, but it’s worth remembering that many in the forums have been watching the professional game since moppy hair and flared pants were common sights on the PGA Tour’s fairways.

Thus, it’s interesting to hear what GolfWRX members have to say about their first experiences at PGA Tour events.

Thread-starter Rayley001 told this tale of his first tourney.

“Thinking about this the other day and my dad took me to see the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic back in 1974. The winner was Leonard Thompson and the first place check was 52,000 dollars. We went into the main dining room for breakfast and saw Flip Wilson and George Kirby who signed my golf program. We also saw Jackie and Bob Hope play together. Great time for a 14 year old kid. Also saw Ben Crenshaw hit a great drive that seemed to go a long way! Those were the days!”

Bbedell had a close encounter with a large feline

“The Fry’s at Corde Valle in San Martin CA. First time was the only year that Tiger played the tourney. Got a fist bump from him as he walked onto the first tee. So weird…he walks down the walkway with his head down, not acknowledging anyone. I yell “let’s go Eldrick!” and he looks up and makes eye contact, so I instinctively hold my fist out and BOOM. Everyone (including my wife who is in love with Tiger) looks at me like I just shook hands with Jesus.”

Handfull says

“1997 western open at cog hill. The crowds following Tiger were insane. Saw him hit an iron approach that was 230+ yards to a severely protected green and remember thinking I could never pull off that shot no matter how many tries I got. Also remember how terrible slow play was even back then.”

Drewtaylor21 says

“The first professional tournament I walked was the Tri Cities Open on the Nike Tour, back in 1994 I believe. One of my cousins, John Connelly, was playing the Tour back then and the event was just over an hour from my hometown of Yakima, WA, so we drove over to watch him play. I had only hit a few balls around a park and played a tiny par 3 course at the time, but was just starting to get interested in golf and it was pretty cool to see a relative playing at a high level, even though I had no idea what was going on! He shot 66 that day and made it look very easy. I remember meeting him after the round at the range and he let me hit a few balls with his 7 iron. I remember it feeling like the heaviest club I’d ever picked up (probably x100’s hard stepped lol), but I got a few airborn and that was a success at the time! One cool note was that 7 years later I would get to play the same (private) course as a part of our high school district tournament. I got into a 4-for-1 playoff for the last spot to State. I birdied the first playoff hole, then went par-bogey to be 1st alternate. Never got in, but traveled with my teammate who qualified and eventually watched Ryan Moore go on to win.”

Vaca22 says

“Mine was the 1994 Canon GHO, now currently known as the Travelers Championship. At that time I believe it was the most attended tournament on the PGA tour for many years, now only surpassed by the WM Phoenix Open.

Some neat things I remember:

  • Nice Price arguing with Squeaky Medlin over a 2 yard difference of opinion into a par 4
  • A group of fans following Greg Norman with shark fin hats
  • Harbor Bars, a vanilla-filled chocolate chip ice cream sandwich dipped in chocolate.
  • The champion, David Frost, won a cool $216,000 check as top prize.”

This is a truly excellent thread that you’ll want to check out. Some special, special memories and unique reflections.

Read what GolfWRX members have to say and share your recollections of your first tournament experience.

 

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19th Hole

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

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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

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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.

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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19th Hole

‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage

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Over the past year or so, PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay has taken a great deal of criticism for his pace of play.

Now, Cantlay is once again under fire for a questionable decision he made on Sunday at the RBC Heritage.

After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, whose ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.

On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.

Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and return to chip and putt on Monday morning.

Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision-making.

Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 Monday morning.

Following his round, Cantlay explained his decision to wait to hit his third shot the next morning:

“I really did want to finish last night, so I felt like if I could get the ball up there maybe in an easier spot, maybe I would have finished, but as I got the ball up near the green, I realized it would be easier to finish this morning. That’s what I decided to do.”

GolfWRX has reached out to Patrick Cantlay’s management team for a response to Woosnam’s comments.

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