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19th Hole

Fred Couples on Seattle, being a feel player, and what Phil Mickelson is the best ever at

Published

6 years ago

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Fred Couples joined Johnny Wunder for the latest installment of his “Gear Dive” podcast. Couples, as he approaches 60, is an interesting case from an equipment perspective, and he’s seen some major changes in the clubs he’s so fluidly swung across his career.

Particularly interesting is the fact that Couples seems to stick with a club until he wears it out. Look at his current driver (a 2013 TaylorMade SLDR) and 3-wood (a 2008 Callaway FT-i Squareway). Hearing what he has to say about those clubs and his equipment philosophy is darn interesting (and atypical).

That said, we’re pulling a section of the pod for further examination that has more to do with technique than equipment, as Couples had some interesting things to say about growing up as a feel player and learning to hit shots around the green.

Johnny: “You’re the epitome of a ‘feel guy’…growing up in Seattle, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, you have to be a feel player, you have to feel your way around a golf course…can you commentate a little bit on how to get yourself out of trouble…how to scramble? How did growing up in the Pacific Northwest teach how to play well hitting it straight and play well hitting it sideways?”

Fred Couples: “If you look at some of the shots some of us play. If you grow up in Seattle…I played at Jefferson Park…small greens; they called them ‘pop-up greens.’ If you missed the green, you had to have great feel, and you had to have touch to get it up in the air and to stop it fast. There weren’t many times where I took a 7-iron out and played a little bump-and-run; it was all sand wedge.”

“So when I got on the PGA Tour, ever time I used a club from off the green, it was a sand wedge…then as you go to Florida and you’re playing on Bermuda, that’ll make you look bad fluffing chips, so you just learn to play around the United States…”

“You mentioned a guy earlier, Phil Mickelson. People want to know how good he is–he’s probably the best player ever to judge a lie. Whether it was a bad lie, good lie, in the rough. We know he’s tried to hit drivers out of the rough and tried to do things, but more or less, that’s what makes Phil the player that he is…he’s got the feel for every shot, and he tries to pull off every shot. And if we’re anywhere alike, we’re like that…I do judge the ball well out of the rough.”

“Seattle, it certainly made me the player that I am. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

Incredible perspective from Couples–although he did later say rain is his kryptonite, which is somewhat odd for a Seattle boy. Anyway, the rest of Johnny’s talk with Boom Boom is well worth your time.

Check it out below.

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19th Hole

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

Published

17 hours ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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.

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

20 hours ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 24, 2024

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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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