19th Hole

Jack Nicklaus’ story of the only time he bet on himself is pure Jack Nicklaus

Published

6 years ago

May 30, 2018

Jack Nicklaus’ annual Memorial Tournament press conference is always worth a watch/read/listen.

And while Jack had plenty to say this year–from his take on Tiger Woods’ return (he didn’t think Tiger would play again, thinks he needs how to win again–to the PGA Championship’s move and its effect on his tournament (he’s not worried)–this story is one of the coolest.

Nicklaus offered a take on wagering inside the ropes during his days on the PGA Tour. While the Golden Bear admitted small wagers during practice rounds were common, he says he never bet another player during a tournament.

The only time he bet on himself at a sportsbook, however, was during the 1960 U.S. Open, while he was still an amateur.

“The only wager I ever had was the 1960 U.S. Open,” Nicklaus said. “It was a month before I was getting married. I was the U.S. Amateur champion and my dad said, ‘Hey, they got you at 35-1. You want some of that?’ I said, ‘I’ll have $20.’ He said, ‘You want place and show?’ I said, ‘I’m not here to place and show.’”

“I was more worried about winning $700 and getting married a month later as much as I was worried about winning the U.S. Open…That’s the only wager I’ve ever had in golf.”

Interestingly, Nicklaus did in fact “place,” finishing second, two strokes behind Arnold Palmer and his historic barnstorming 65.

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19th Hole

Report: Greg Norman spotted following a surprise grouping on Thursday at the Masters

Published

2 days ago

Apr 12, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Greg Norman is at this week’s Masters tournament but found himself in a situation where he had to buy himself a ticket to enter the grounds.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Norman explained why he was at Augusta National:

“I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them. So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’ ”

So who was Norman following during the opening round of this year’s Masters? Well the answer may surprise you.

Per Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, Norman was spotted following the LIV-less grouping of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

Spotted in the gallery at Augusta: Greg Norman following Rory McIlroy ? (and Scottie and Xander)

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) April 11, 2024

We’ll find out a little later today whether Norman will make his third appearance in as many days at this year’s opening major.

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19th Hole

Collin Morikawa makes surprising late putter switch at Masters

Published

3 days ago

Apr 11, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Collin Morikawa has had plenty of success with a blade in his hands over the course of his young career, but after a lean spell on the greens lately, it appears that the 27-year-old is ready to try something new.

Related: Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia make significant equipment changes as 2024 Masters looms

The California-native began the year with his TaylorMade TP Soto before switching to a Logan Olson proto last month. Now at this week’s Masters, Morikawa has been spotted with a Spider Tour X, the same flatstick that Scottie Scheffler will be using at Augusta.

The move would represent a big change, but it has been a very frustrating year on the greens for Morikawa, who will hope the TaylorMade mallet can offer him a similar upturn in fortune to that of Scheffler. In 2024, Morikawa ranks 164th for Strokes Gained: Putting, and 157th for Total Putting.

We’ll keep an eye whether Morikawa puts the mallet into action on day one of the Masters.

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19th Hole

Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters

Published

4 days ago

Apr 10, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Fresh off of winning $2.76 million on UConn’s victory over Purdue on Monday night, Barstool Sports’ founder Dave Portnoy has just placed a massive bet for this year’s Masters.

Tweeting on Wednesday morning, Portnoy revealed that he has placed $300,000 on Scottie Scheffler to win this year’s Masters at odds of +450.

Should he win, that’d be a total payout of $1.65 million.

Keep the momentum. For people who wanted me to hedge for is why I didn't. So I could take another shot at glory. #DKPartner #scotty pic.twitter.com/X9a0X8HOTZ

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 10, 2024

Scheffler is one of the shortest priced favorites of recent times at the Masters, and is looking for what would be his third win in his last four events.