By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.
For comments: [email protected]
Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as we look back at the Masters while looking ahead to this week’s RBC Heritage. |
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1. Shane Ryan: Appreciate Scottie’s greatness
Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan…”This is what’s called generational talent, and we haven’t seen it in almost 20 years. Steve Stricker read the tea leaves when he picked Scheffler for the 2021 Ryder Cup—a decision that was richly rewarded—and starting in 2022, he was off to the races. The only hiccup was a few putting woes last year, but even that only served to highlight how remarkable his ball-striking had become—instead of winning, he was finishing third. When he fixed the putting, with help from a new coach and a bit of equipment advice from Rory McIlroy, he soared yet again to the top of the game, but this time he seemed more indomitable, more inevitable, more brilliant.”
- “The sustained success of the last three years has officially made him the best professional golfer since Tiger Woods, a conclusion supported by analytics, the eye test, and every other metric you could dream up. With fewer majors, he has nevertheless leaped past Spieth, McIlroy, and Koepka in terms of pure ability. He doesn’t have their legacy, yet, but if we’re talking about peak performance, he’s already surpassed them.”
- “He’s so much better than everyone else, which is a sentiment that is both commonplace—I saw it on Twitter over and over again—and revelatory. It’s the thing you say because there is nothing else to say. You’re left with the wild truth, which words can describe but never capture.”
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2. Aberg: I want to be No. 1
The AFP’s Simon Evans…”The 24-year-old finished second, four strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler, after carding a final round 69 but he certainly won many admirers among the patrons at Augusta National and beyond.”
- “And his performance has filled Aberg with self-belief.”
- “Everyone in my position, they are going to want to be major champions. They are going to want to be world number one, and it’s the same for me, that’s nothing different,” he said.
- “It has been that way ever since I picked up a golf club, and that hasn’t changed. So I think this week solidifies a lot of those things are there, and we just need to keep doing those things and put ourselves in positions to win tournaments, ” he said.
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3. Homa’s honest answer on double bogey
Golf Channel staff report…”But Homa’s tee shot at No. 12 bounded off the putting surface and into a bush. After a healthy search, Homa found his ball and had to take an unplayable lie. He made double bogey, effectively ending his bid at a maiden major title.”
- “Homa tied for third, seven shots back of Scheffler. Asked about what happened on the fateful 9-iron, Homa offered two replies.”
- “The honest answer is, it didn’t feel fair. I hit a really good golf shot, and it didn’t feel fair. I’ve seen far worse just roll back down the hill,” he said.
- “The professional answer is, these things happen.”
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4. Harbour Town ahead
RBC Heritage field notes, via Adam Stanley of PGATour.com…”Scottie Scheffler is, for now, set to tee it up at the RBC Heritage. He was clear to say that if his wife, Meredith, would go into labor during the Masters, he would head home to be with her, so it’s safe to assume that same rule will stand at Harbour Town. Scheffler has not shot an over-par round all season and has three victories (and one runner-up). He made his debut at Harbour Town last year and finished T11… Matt Fitzpatrick looks to become the first golfer to go back-to-back at the RBC Heritage since Boo Weekley in 2007-08. Fitzpatrick, a playoff victor last year, has two top-10 finishes this season. He has just one missed cut at Harbour Town over the last six years and he finished fourth in 2021 to go along with two more top-15 results in a three-year span (T14 in 2018 and 2020)…”
- “Jordan Spieth is hoping to continue his run of fine play at Harbour Town after a playoff loss last season and a playoff win the season prior. Spieth has five top-25 finishes at the RBC Heritage in seven starts… Justin Thomas earned a spot in the field after remaining in the top 30 (he’s No. 30) in the Official World Golf Ranking despite a missed cut at the Masters. Thomas, who finished T25 last season at Harbour Town, has two top 10s on the season… Ludvig Åberg, who is tops in the Aon Next 10, will head to Hilton Head for the first time. Åberg has had a fabulous 2024 campaign thus far with four top 10s (including two runner-up results) and is knocking on the door for a victory… Hideki Matsuyama was the only eligible player who did not commit to the RBC Heritage, while Viktor Hovland – after a missed cut at the Masters – withdrew from the field on Saturday.”
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5. Reed’s caddie’s needle
Our Matt Vincenzi…”After a particularly bad drive during his third round on Saturday, Reed’s caddie, Kessler Karain, also his brother-in-law, made a snide but factual comment to Patrick.”
- “Your driving has cost us a lot this week,” Karain remarked.
- “Reed didn’t disagree and told reporters after the round that there was nothing good about his round…
- “A reporter then asked: “It’s a good thing he’s a family member, right?”
- “Yeah, exactly. I’d probably be dragging him up that last hole,” Reed said. “I swear.Just what you want to hear as you’re looking at the ball in the tree, and he goes, ‘You need to drive it better.’ Thanks, Kessler. I appreciate it. Great words of wisdom. Drive it better.”
- “This may be the last major for Reed for a while, as the 33-year-old has not been invited nor qualified for next month’s PGA Championship.”
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6. LIV wants Hovland next?
Ewan Murray for the Guardian…”Rising speculation that Viktor Hovland will be the next high-profile golfer to be coaxed to the LIV tour will increase the need for Ryder Cup Europe to apply a simple qualification process for golfers on the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit.”
- “LIV is forging ahead with plans for 2025, which include new events and the recruitment of more players from the PGA and DP World Tours. The rate of turnover is likely to be increased by the number of golfers who had three-year contracts when joining LIV, which will expire at the end of 2024.”
- “Chatter on the range at the LIV event in Miami this month and again at the Masters largely surrounded Hovland, the world No 6 who starred for Europe in the defeat of the United States in Rome last year. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who also played in that team, have subsequently joined LIV. Hovland missed the cut at the Masters and promptly withdrew from the PGA Tour’s $20m stop in Hilton Head this week.”
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7. Rory’s management: LIV reports are ‘fake news’
Brian Keogh for the Irish Independent…”A report that Rory McIlroy was on the verge of an $850million move to LIV Golf has been slammed as “fake news” by his management.
“Fake news. Zero truth,” McIlroy’s manager Sean O’Flaherty said in an email.
London financial paper “City AM” reported today that sources have told them that McIlroy “could” join LIV Golf
The paper reported that “two separate sources have told City AM that they believe a deal is close. It is claimed that LIV Golf chiefs have offered world No2 McIlroy an eye-watering $850m to join, plus around two per cent equity in the competition.” |
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Curt
Oct 6, 2018 at 11:23 pm
Players hit it so far now it’s really difficult to keep an eye on the ball. Along with distance goes the angle as well, could be looking directly at it and just not see it thanks to sunlight. Unfortunately fans are brave enough to stand in the general drive zone and drivable par 4’s require some savage swings.. Maybe it’s time to slow down the distance a bit, shrink the drivers to make pros think a little more than swinging as hard as possible thanks to a giant face.. Imagine if the MLB let there equipment get stronger every year how dangerous foul balls would be nevermind players in the in field along with how big the stadiums would be lol. I guess I’m one of the rare ones who find Driver Wedge over and over again boring.
Dunn
Oct 5, 2018 at 9:34 pm
People need to take responsibility for themselves….people blame everything on everyone….I was hurt very bad (changed my life forever) and could have sued but I didnt cuz it was my own friggen fault!
Dunn
Oct 5, 2018 at 9:21 pm
These spectators get way too close to fairway, seen hundreds of people inches from path these guys are swinging on….if your gonna go to these events and you golf well you know how it is…..stay out of line of fire, feel bad for this woman and many others just like her but hey, you have to be a bit pro active and and know that balls are coming your way if you choose to stand near landing zones of these shots…sucks for Bruce too cuz now he has this on his conscience and he is just trying to play golf……give these guys some room, pay attn to shots being hit and if if you cant see the ball dont look up….
HDTVMAN
Oct 5, 2018 at 2:54 pm
She is an avid golfer, traveled to France for the Ryder Cup, has probably been to other tournaments, and has seen golf on TV. There is a risk at golf tournaments and baseball games at being struck by a ball. It was an unavoidable accident, and there is nothing to sue for. On TV we’ve seen people get hit and bleed, but you can’t sue. There are no legal grounds. On cross examination, you’ll be asked if you’ve seen spectators hit by a golf ball on TV? You’ll be asked why you weren’t paying attention? It has been stated “fore” was yelled several times, and players on the tee pointed to the ball going into the crowd. Why didn’t you turn your head and duck? If the person next to you ducked and you were struck, would you sue them for moving and allowing the ball to strike you? What about suing the crowd for loudness if you didn’t hear the warning? Let’s face it…it was an accident and no one is at fault.
Deegee
Oct 5, 2018 at 1:26 pm
Some of the remarks on here are disgusting. I’m sure you would be making such flippant comments if it was your own daughter or son who has lost an eye and their life has changed forever.
I hope that a loophole in the law is found and she gets judgement to help her future.
For example, a lot of small print is irrelevant if it’s not understandable…perhaps it is written in English and she doesn’t read that language.
Of course, there’s always a signed glove from the offending Golfer to fall back on.!!
NormW
Oct 5, 2018 at 1:51 pm
She is reported to say that she likes watching sports and playing golf. You don’t need fine print to explain the obvious. Life ruined? My club has a golfer with sight in one eye who plays to a 2 and is Club Champ.
Barry
Oct 5, 2018 at 3:32 pm
It is called a ‘life changing’ injury for a reason
joro
Oct 5, 2018 at 12:38 pm
It is almost as stupid as the Liberal Fords accusations. You go to a Tournament where anything is possible, You stand there in the hitting area yards from the Fairway and then are surprised you got hit. I feel very sorry for her but she has no case other than Money. Phoooey.
Klondiko
Oct 5, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Gives real meaning to the term “Keep your eyes on the ball”.
Evan
Oct 5, 2018 at 1:26 pm
You’re a doofus. STFU
Jonathan wright
Oct 5, 2018 at 10:30 am
As I feel very bad for what happened to her, I pray that she wins nothing in this stupid lawsuit. She’s old nothing, but if Brooks himself wanted to help her out with some of the medical bills, I would see that as being very honorable.
You enter at your own risk in any professional golf tournament.
Robert
Oct 5, 2018 at 12:37 pm
In Europe we have an incurance, so the medical bills will be paid.
MeanJeanOkerlund
Oct 4, 2018 at 7:04 pm
I feel bad for her and it sucks big time, but she’s talking like she might not be able to go on in life. Clearly, she needs to pay a visit to her local Veteran’s Rehab Center. She’ll learn quickly that this is minor in the grand scheme of life and she just needs to suck it up, make adjustments where needed, and carry on.
Tom
Oct 4, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Tragic accident…..all she can say is “Aaaarrrrggghhhh!”
Terry
Oct 4, 2018 at 6:16 pm
Not that he has to, but hopefully BK provides some financial support on the low down.
Bob Parsons
Oct 5, 2018 at 8:41 am
Absolutely underrated comment, LOL.’
BOOM BABY,
BP
Golf Golf Golf
Oct 4, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Sorry about your eye… but the disclaimer on tickets usually indemnifies the player, course and tournament sponsor from this very thing. Enter at your own risk. Sadly its your loss (pun intended)
LawDontGoRoundHere
Oct 4, 2018 at 7:00 pm
You know nothing of what you speak of. Those disclaimers don’t mean jack in a court of law. People do sue and do win in these cases.
Jamie
Oct 5, 2018 at 2:38 am
Whose court? Those disclaimers do stand up here. Yes, there is a world outside of Libtardville.
Bob Parsons
Oct 5, 2018 at 8:42 am
I’m not sure you understand the concept of indemnity….
Herbie
Oct 4, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Lol
Jamie
Oct 4, 2018 at 1:36 pm
“It’s not my fault! It’s my right to be happy and unoffended!”
-Every Socialist in history
Geoff
Oct 4, 2018 at 11:34 am
Fell bad for her…but maybe less mimosa’s and more watching the event and this could have been avoided.
Dave
Oct 4, 2018 at 11:00 am
This is sad but what does she hope to accomplish? Are we going to have to line the fairways with nets to protect spectators? This rush to litigation is so prevalent these days. I feel for her but at some point, take a little blame for not paying attention at a sporting event where golf balls are being hit.
Kevin
Oct 4, 2018 at 10:50 am
Wear a hat and pay attention.
Luke
Oct 4, 2018 at 2:12 pm
Such sympathy!
Kevin
Oct 5, 2018 at 10:00 am
Your sympathy will bring her eyesight back? My good advice could help others in the future.
Jamie
Oct 4, 2018 at 10:13 am
Germany, Italy, and Spain will pay for it. Socialism works.
DrRob1963
Oct 3, 2018 at 11:38 pm
This is the risk we all take whenever we walk onto a golf course. It is possible, it does happen!
rymail00
Oct 3, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Wow that’s awful, and extremely unfortunate for her. But I think we all know what the out come will be from this, much like baseball games, and hockey, you basically waive all rights once you buy the ticket unless it turns into a Detroit basketball game where your physically attacked by player. Any injury from foul ball or errant drive your basically screwed if you get hurt. Its unfortunate but thats the risk.
I can’t imagine losing eye sight or some other type of sense due to attending a sporting event….
James
Oct 3, 2018 at 8:04 pm
Sad news… and I feel for this woman.
Not specific to her because I don’t know the details but I am always amazed at most of the spectators lining the fairways who are not even looking back at the tee. They are often the ones who are hit by an errant tee shot.
Tomt
Oct 3, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Wow your life can change so fast! Sad story
Johnny Penso
Oct 3, 2018 at 10:11 pm
If you don’t know exactly where the ball is, you should be looking away. You’re not going to get very injured getting hit on the back of your body. All the important stuff is at the front.
Paulie
Oct 5, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Abe Lincoln would argue that Johnny.
Bruce Ferguson
Oct 3, 2018 at 4:59 pm
A very sad and regrettable accident. Reminds me of an incident a few years back where a young lady was struck by a hockey puck at a hockey game.
As rare as these incidents are, they are always possible.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/girl-killed-by-stray-hockey-puck/