News
Tour Rundown: Georgia Hall wins the Women’s Open for England
If you blink, the golf season will be over. The dog days of August feature a WGC, followed by the PGA, then the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs … and that’s just the PGA Tour. The professional lady golfers contested their 4th major of the year at the British Open, while the Champions and Web.Com tours were also in action. If that’s not enough, the European and American PGA tours featured bonus events in Fiji and Nevada. It was a smorgasbord of delights for the epicurean golfer, so let’s run down this week’s ample buffet.
Bridgestone Invitational swan song at Firestone
When he wasn’t blasting 375-yard drives, Justin Thomas was placing his approach shots closer than the competition. Those two figures added up to a 9th tour win and a first WGC championship for the young man from the hills of Kentucky. The 2017 PGA champion opened with 65-64, good for a tie with Ian Poulter atop the board. Thomas went a bit higher with 67 on Saturday, but it was quite good against Poulter’s even-par 70. On Sunday, while Dustin Johnson was sending shivers with an outward 29, Thomas continued to play with confidence and guile. Firestone has always been an air-ball course, and with the deeper drives of the contemporary player, the angles have changed. Thomas figured those out better than anyone this week, and brought a fine champion in the final year of Firestone on the PGA Tour. As Poulter drifted farther off, to a tie for 10th, Kyle Stanley took advantage of the opening and posted 68 for 11-under, and solo second.
Tree trails ????
JT saved par from here. pic.twitter.com/jZWfKj1xC9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 5, 2018
Women’s British Open trophy will stay in England
14 years passed since Karen Stupples last won the British Open for England. In 2018, Georgia Hall played her way into the final game at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s. Paired with Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum, the 22-year old Hall began the 4th day with 3 birdies in her first 6 holes … and lost ground! Phatlum scorched the opening third with 4 birdies of her own, Bogey at the 8th appeared to derail the Thai golfer’s momentum, and she did not birdie again until the 15th. Meanwhile, Hall kept her card clean, then added birdies at 13, 15 and 16 to wrest the lead from Phatlum. Both players showed nerves over the closing stretch. Phatlum made a double-bogey 6 at the 17th, to finish on 15-under par. Hall closed with bogey, but had enough strokes in the suitcase to close at 17-under, 2 strokes clear of Phatlum. The win was Hall’s first major, and first LPGA Tour victory.
That’s how you start the final round of a Major
With a birdie to tie the lead @georgiahall96 -13 ???????????????????????????? @pphatlum01 -13 ????????
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) August 5, 2018
Barracuda Championship belongs to Putnam
We know that the PGA Tour will return to Montreux golf and country club, in Reno, next July. The event will have a new sponsor, but hopefully, the same format. A good Stableford, with 5 or 7 points on the line at the last hole, keeps everyone’s attention. Andrew Putnam came to the last hole with a 4 point lead, but up ahead, Chad Campbell faced an eagle pitch. Three at the last would have moved him ahead of Putnam, forcing the former Pepperdine golfer to make birdie for the win. Campbell could only summon birdie, meaning that Putnam only needed bogey to cinch his first Tour victory. He didn’t make it easy, with a drive into the rough and an approach shot, short of the green. Electing to putt, Putnam dropped his 4th for birdie, restoring his 4-point margin of victory. The biggest mover on day 4 was William McGirt, whose 20 points more than doubled Putnam’s 9. McGirt moved from 49th to 6th spot, and into 111th on the FedEx Cup points list.
A lifelong dream for @AndrewPutnam1.
He's won the @CudaChamp!
? First PGA TOUR win.
? 300 #FedExCup points.
? 2-year exemption. ????????#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/RURI6fPOlF— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 6, 2018
KC Golf Classic comes down to wire in Overland Park
The list of recognizable Austrian golfers is a short one. It might begin and end with Bernd Wiesberger, unless you are a true aficionado of the sport. With more performances like Sunday’s, Sepp Straka might make his way onto the radar screen. He’s so new, the Web.Com Tour site hadn’t updated his profile with career victory number one as of 6 am on Monday. Straka’s performance was up, down, and all around, but in the end, good enough for a 1-shot margin of victory over Kyle Jones. The 25-year old’s distaste for par was evident; he only made 7 in round 4. Seven birdies and 4 bogeys gave him 69 on day four. When Jones went from fairway bunker to fringe to bogey at the last, the door was open. Playing in the same group as Jones, Straka did him one better: fairway bunker to greenside bunker to par, for a double sandy and victory.
Kyle Jones and @SeppStraka traded punches throughout the weekend @KCGolfClassic.
And it came down to the final putt. pic.twitter.com/BSe1co4TWr
— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) August 6, 2018
3M Championship goes to nervous Kenny Perry
Is it possible to shoot a 60 that never had a chance to be a 59? Kenny Perry did just that on Saturday of the 3M Championship. His round was a thing of beauty, 8-under through 15 holes. He certainly would find himself near the top of the board. Perry closed birdie-birdie-eagle for 12-under on the day. Whooooooo. On Sunday, they say, the hardest thing to do is follow a super-low round with one good enough to win. Perry bucked the trend, survived back-to-back bogeys on the front nine, and finished off a 3-shot victory over Wes Short, jr. The runner-up did his best Perry impression, going 9-under on day three to apply pressure. Perry was solid on the inward half, posting three birdies for his 9th win on the Champions tour.
Dagger.@KennyPerryGolf is in perfect shape on the 18th green and holds a 2-shot lead at the @3MChampionship. pic.twitter.com/Wl2gGWipJg
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) August 5, 2018
European Tour: Fiji International to Bhullar with late heroics
How did he do this! Gaganjeet Bhullar missed a short birdie putt at 16 to close within one of leader Anthony Quayle. Quayle had just ripped a long iron to eagle range at the penultimate hole, then drained the putt to reach -14, or so we thought. Bhullar misplayed his 2nd to the par-five 17th, leaving a 30-yard pitch to the flag. Quayle made par at the last, and the television folk called it a fine, 10-under 62, a new course record. As cards were being signed, it was learned that Quayle had made an early bogey, and that his course record was 63, not 62. And Bhullar? Just a little pitch-in for eagle at 17, followed by par at 18 for a one-shot victory, the 9th of his career.
BHULLAR with an Eagle on 17!
Are you kidding me?!
He is now one ahead with one to play! #FijiIntl pic.twitter.com/pXetvjLfJY
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) August 5, 2018
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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ogo
Aug 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Watching womens golf is about as exciting as watching a toilet flush, over and over again. Same with womens tennis where all the players are leggy girls from Eastern Europe… while the golfers are short stubby Asians. Bleeech… 😮
Robert
Aug 6, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Georgia Hall showed nerves of steel coming down the stretch birdying 3 of the last 6 holes. On 18 she hit a very good shot from the right rough to get on the green. From there a safe 3-putt secured the Major win.
Of some WITB coincidence, both Georgia Hall and Andrew Putnam were using Odyssey Rossi Mallets.