19th Hole

Was Zac Blair wrong in his remarks about Glen Abbey?

Published

6 years ago

Jul 27, 2018

Zac Blair is one of the most engaging and accessible PGA Tour pros on Twitter. He’s also an unabashed golf architecture nerd, so his opinion about a course carries weight.

The proprietor of the future Buck Club, Blair was asked by Golf Channel’s Chantel McCabe for his thoughts on Glen Abbey, host site of the Canadian Open.

He said, “Yeah, um, you know, it’s OK.”

OK!? You mean a PGA Tour venue is something less than great? This won’t play well…

Blair continued

“I mean, the course is in really good shape, which is always nice and that’s all you can ask, but it sounds like it’s going to Hamilton next year and that sounds like a pretty neat spot, so I’m looking forward to that for sure.”

Here’s the clip, c/o the Fried Egg

Yeah ummm it’s ok pic.twitter.com/YH5WVBpgfH

— the fried egg (@the_fried_egg) July 26, 2018

Canadian golf writer Rick Young was having none of it (although he later offered Blair an apology)

It has played a significant role in my career & in the careers of many on Tour over four decades. @z_blair can say whatever he wants about @GlenAbbeyGC to @ChantelMcCabeGC but IMO his comment today was uncalled for & the question handled with a lot more class & diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/SxEowQ2pal

— Rick Young (@YoungerGolf) July 27, 2018

Here’s the thing: Blair didn’t say Glen Abbey ought to be renamed Glen Goat Track. He merely gave it a five or six on a scale of 10.

Golfweek’s Brentley Romine put Blair’s points in the appropriate objective(ish) context.

“According to Golfweek’s rating system, Blair is right…In ranking all the Tour courses in 2017-18, Glen Abbey, a 1976 Jack Nicklaus design, slotted 36th out of the 55 courses with Golfweek ratings…Back in 2016, the last time Golfweek did a ranking of modern courses in Canada, Glen Abbey ranked 32nd.”

In other words, it’s an OK track–exactly as Blair said.

Should players be obligated to offer puffery to a host venue merely because tournament is being contested their? Should Blair be encouraged to dial back his honesty? I certainly don’t think so.

So lie?

— Zac Blair (@z_blair) July 27, 2018

What say you, WRXers?

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19th Hole

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

Published

23 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

1 day 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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