News

Koepka slams DeChambeau’s slow play; DeChambeau defends his lengthy pre-shot routine

Published

5 years ago

Jan 30, 2019

The slow play issue in golf is reaching an inevitable crescendo, and this week Brooks Koepka aired how he feels about players who possess lengthy pre-shot routines, calling their actions “embarrassing.”

The three-time major champ was speaking to Michael Weston on Golf Monthly’s podcast, and when the subject of Bryson DeChambeau’s pre-shot process came about, Koepka didn’t hold back.

“I just don’t understand how it takes a minute and 20 seconds, a minute and 15 to hit a golf ball; it’s not that hard. It’s always between two clubs; there’s a miss short, there’s a miss long. It really drives me nuts especially when it’s a long hitter because you know you’ve got two other guys or at least one guy that’s hitting before you so you can do all your calculations; you should have your numbers.

“Obviously if you’re the first guy you might take ten extra seconds, but it doesn’t take that long to hit the ball, especially if it’s not blowing 30. If it’s blowing 30 I understand taking a minute and taking some extra time with some gusts, you know changing just slightly, I get that but if it’s a calm day there’s no excuse. Guys are already so slow it’s kind of embarrassing. I just don’t get why you enforce some things and don’t enforce others.”

DeChambeau, who romped home at last week’s Dubai Desert Classic for his fifth win worldwide in the space of eight months, responded separately after the event, giving his perspective on his suggested slow play to the media. For DeChambeau, the ends justify the means, as, after all, golf is his livelihood.

“It’s actually quite impressive that we’re able to get all that stuff done in 45 seconds. People don’t realise that it’s very difficult to do everything we do in 45 seconds. I think that anybody that has an issue with it, I understand, but we’re playing for our livelihoods out here, and this is what we want to do. If we want to provide the best entertainment for you, it’s part of our process. It’s part of my process, at least.”

The Californian’s view that people should be impressed by the length of his pre-shot routine is sure to raise some eyebrows. This video posted on Twitter by the European Tour, showcased DeChambeau’s 75-second pre-shot process at last week’s Dubai Desert Classic, and it’s fair to say, golf fans were not impressed.

An insight into @B_DeChambeau’s process ???? pic.twitter.com/WfTyzstkDu

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 27, 2019

Undoubtedly authorities need to be more transparent on their stance concerning slow-play in the game. It’s an issue which frustrates the majority of golf fans, but despite the countless examples of slow play in the professional game, there has only been a handful of penalties handed out for the transgression throughout history.

The European Tour has introduced The Shot Clock Masters, which debuted in 2018 and proved to be very popular amongst both players and fans. The experimental event could prove to be the catalyst in combatting slow play in the sport which as of now is one of the few remaining which doesn’t possess a shot clock week in and week out.

As for DeChambeau, according to the man himself, any issues over the length of time it takes him to prepare before a shot will vanish with more course experience, while the five-time winner on the PGA Tour also confirmed that the looseness of the slow play rule, for better or worse, allows players to take advantage.

“Some people don’t do what we do and they are successful. But they have got loads of experience that I haven’t really necessarily had, so I have to find another way to be just as consistent as them without the experience. So I have to kind of do that stuff initially, and down the road, it will keep getting quicker and quicker and quicker, because I’m certainly not a slow walker, I know that.”

“It’s just a part of the process and unfortunately the Rules of Golf allow for a certain amount of time, and we’re using it to our fullest potential.”

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30 Comments

Steve

Jan 31, 2019 at 4:38 pm

The way I see it, is to add a second caddie so they have another person to give his opinion. Three heads are better than two and move things along alot quicker. Maybe. Also, the other caddie could rake the sand, fix the divot in the fairway, and crowd control. Many other things.

Reply Report comment
Michael Kutilek

Jan 31, 2019 at 2:33 pm

The late great Julius Boros once said that if you didn’t know what you were going to do by the time you got to your ball you needed to find another line of work. Amen.

Reply Report comment
Dan

Jan 31, 2019 at 8:23 am

I thought BD had a great answer. People want to see the best players play their best and that what he needs to do that.

Until the tour, college, junior events adress slow play it will only get worse.

Reply Report comment
Travis

Jan 31, 2019 at 6:39 am

Have them play ready golf … playing out of turn is not a penalty
Why should slow play be an advantage for the slow player so hit when ready then go get a beer or a hot dog
I agree it shouldnt take that long to play but theyre playing professionally & not for my $5/5/5/5 bet
The problem (as always) is how it trickles down to bother us during our games

Reply Report comment
Andrew Olson

Jan 30, 2019 at 11:33 pm

He’s looking at air density from the US.

It’s actually very smart to calculate.

For example if the typical United States golfer plays in Colorado, they would take air density into account.

When you are playing all across the globe, it’s smart to normalize data.

Reply Report comment
- Wes B
  
  Jan 31, 2019 at 1:24 am
  
  True BUT air density isn’t changing from shot to shot. He should have all that figured out in his warm up and practice rounds. Every pro in the games yardage change week to week and they adjust accordingly.
  
  Reply Report comment
KoepkasIQ

Jan 30, 2019 at 7:24 pm

Clearly Bryson doesn’t use enough supplements for Brooksies liking.

Reply Report comment
Tom

Jan 30, 2019 at 5:01 pm

New Rules do NOTHING to address slow play….existing rules are selectively enforced at best Also, the new rules should have addressed how when your ball comes to rest in someone else’s unreplaced or unfilled divot you should be allowed to drop. Unreplaced or unfilled divots are a result of another player/caddie’s negligence and should not cause you to suffer.

Reply Report comment
Thomas Noel

Jan 30, 2019 at 2:34 pm

And I thought watching golf on TV was all about me! Of course on TV they can edit the time frame, so slow play doesn’t effect me. It must really suck to have to wait to hit your ball while playing on exclusive courses that I will never see. Poor, poor babies! Never mind making millions. If you really want to speed play, fire all the caddies and give the Pros’ electric golf carts so they can race to the ball, then they can take as much time over the shot as the want. Or maybe polo golf! I want to see the best shot possible. Stop whining about slow play!

Reply Report comment
BTO

Jan 30, 2019 at 1:31 pm

Easy fix for all the nonsense as mentioned already. The ruling authority needs to step up to the plate. By why stop at Bryson! IMO the world’s #1 drives me nuts, especially on the putting green. With my own patience issues I’d be a basket case playing with ANY of these guys to tell the truth.

Reply Report comment
joro

Jan 30, 2019 at 1:30 pm

Although DeDhampeau is a really good guy, a real gentleman in fact, he is oblivious to what his slow pace does in the long run. He is painfully slow at times thumbing his nose at the rules which are mostly overlooked by the Officials on scene. His slow play affects slow play on all fronts causing a lot of people to quit the game not having the time to stand around waiting for the players in front doing their act because they see the Tour do it and think they should also. And of course the announcers do not help when they say you can’t rush a shot.

The fact is it is a plague affecting the game. We had a High School Championship at our course 3 yrs ago which took the first group over 6 hrs to shoot in the 90s. That meant that many people with tee times after the Tournament did not get to play because the Matches went on too late. I know some rules are stupid but slow play is not stupid, it is ridiculous. Bottom line is how would you like to play behind a slow player.

I timed Bryson on one 8 ft. Putt that took 2 min. and 10 sec. to hit,,,,,,, and he missed it, ridiculous, and no penalty for slow play ever to top player who have no consideration for those in back of them. And the Ladies are no better, it is a plague.

Reply Report comment
Todd Dugan

Jan 30, 2019 at 1:05 pm

You can take as long as you want UNLESS your group is put on the clock for being out of position. Having said that, I’d say that the PGA Tour’s Pace of Play policy is a joke.

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BD

Jan 30, 2019 at 12:55 pm

PGA Tour, in contrast to other tours, lack the guts to take action on slow play and so slow players, naturally, take advantage.
Unless the Tour develops some intestinal fortitude the problem will continue to worsen and fans, such as I, will continue to watch less golf.

Reply Report comment
Tom54

Jan 30, 2019 at 12:35 pm

Still don’t understand why range finders are not allowed. Would that not speed up play at least a fraction? While players that are away are hitting their shots,remaining players will at least have the exact yardage done before their time to hit. When it’s their turn all they should have to wonder about is the wind at that time. Caddy and player should already have most of the information done before its time to hit. Should not be staring at books and stuff when the camera goes to them. Doesn’t sound that complicated to me, does it?

Reply Report comment
- joro
  
  Jan 30, 2019 at 1:32 pm
  
  That is why the rules are a joke, a bad joke. Ah the hypocrisy of it all. Why let them do something that is better and faster.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Christopher
  
  Jan 30, 2019 at 11:22 pm
  
  Range finders are useful for targeting pins, but good players need more numbers, they want distance to the front and back of the green (as well as tiers) and carry distances over hazards (which could be included with GPS), but guys and girls trust their yardage books.
  
  I doubt when you factor everything thing in, that range finders are that much faster or much more accurate.
  
  Reply Report comment
Bob

Jan 30, 2019 at 12:20 pm

“It’s hilarious to watch him roll up all the variables such as air density and other BS. And get it totally wrong”

I’d love to know what your definition of “right” is…what’s your average leave from the rough @ 138yds? How is winning a tournament totally wrong? Does “totally wrong” get you an NCAA individual, a US Am, and seven pro wins at age 25? How’s that stack up to your resume?

“I don’t enjoy watching nerds calculate air density and whatever else they think is necessary”

Nor do you have to. But be prepared to spend a looooong time losing to the nerds who do

In my view, the bottom line here is that Bryson’s going to do his thing. Go ahead and enforce a 30s, 45s, 1min shot window (take your pick), he’ll figure out a way to condense the information. His way works for him and he has 15-20 more years of prime golf to further improve. If you don’t like it, prepare to spend the next two decades angry at a great golfer who might bother with your opinion once he’s done polishing the trophy collection.

Reply Report comment
- DB
  
  Jan 30, 2019 at 2:48 pm
  
  “I don’t enjoy watching nerds calculate air density and whatever else they think is necessary”
  
  “Nor do you have to. But be prepared to spend a looooong time losing to the nerds who do”
  
  That’s nice that you believe in SCIENCE! and think the future of golf is nerds beating everyone else. You must have missed the part of my post where I made it clear that BC would be playing exactly the same if he didn’t have all these neurotic behaviors in his pre-shot routine. It’s all in his head to make him feel comfortable.
  
  You’re right I don’t have to watch the TV, but you know what I do have to watch? All the amateurs on my home course who take their cue from professional golf and have 90-second pre-shot routines to hit each and every shot – and they still shoot 120.
  
  Reply Report comment
snapjack

Jan 30, 2019 at 12:11 pm

There is no justifying slow play, time to bring in a shot clock. Put it on the players bags so everyone can see. Give them distance penalties instead of stroke. 10 yards straight back no matter where you are. I hate slow players obviously.

Reply Report comment
Dave r

Jan 30, 2019 at 12:02 pm

I enjoyed watching golf but when it got to be 4 hours for the last 11 holes you lost me. They now have play thru the adds on tv but the 2 minute add is up and the dude still hasn’t hit his shot. I don’t blame the scientist for taking as long as he does ,blame the tour they are letting it happen. Man up get some balls and ding these guys where it hurts in the bank book. We have them where I play we nick name them CALANDER your here to watch me play and don’t you dare move or the scientist in me will start all over again and we are only playing for $2.00 ,$2.00 ,$2.00 needless to say they no longer play in our group ,they are now holding up the coarse behind us.

Reply Report comment
~j~

Jan 30, 2019 at 11:45 am

I find it amusing how BC’s ‘slow play’ is so hard to watch, despite 99.9% of viewers watching it from their TV’s.

Brooks is a dainty one anyways. 9/10 times he’s complaining about something. I hope his next playing partners slow roll him all day for it. One less person to worry about on Sunday.

Reply Report comment
KS

Jan 30, 2019 at 11:30 am

I kind of object to your use of the verb “slam” in the headline of this article. I heard the entire Koepka question and response and I would never characterize it as a “slam” or “slamming” DeChambeau. Koepka was asked a simple question about slow play in general and DeChambeau’s time on a certain couple of shots. He answered the question clearly and and without any overall character shot. I think he actually went ou of his way to avoid attacking or “slamming” anyone individually, despite the question being prompted by DeChambeau’s “process.”

Reply Report comment
- Gianni se p*es Magliocco
  
  Jan 31, 2019 at 4:59 am
  
  Exactly, bout time we slam Gianni Magliocco for click bait headlines, and absolutely pathetic gossip articles.
  
  WHO THE F*CK CARES!!!!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
joe

Jan 30, 2019 at 10:01 am

It’s hilarious to watch him roll up all the variables such as air density and other BS. And get it totally wrong. One of the most annoying players on tour. I don’t care if he won by 20 strokes, he is painful to watch. And the “physics nerd nerd” schtick isn’t cute anymore.

Reply Report comment
- Benny
  
  Jan 30, 2019 at 5:00 pm
  
  Joe is spot on. Bryson could have done all of that math well before it was his time to hit. Instead he waited to go through all that jargon once the TV was on him to justify the “scientist” name.
  I think the kid has some skills and love the fact he is doing something different but man he makes it hard to root for him.
  
  Reply Report comment
JP

Jan 30, 2019 at 9:32 am

Either make EVERYONE follow the time rules, or NEVER enforce it again. Let Phil show you how much it sucks when he takes 10 minutes for each shot just to show the importance of enforcing the time rule. He’ll have a 12 hour round spread out over two days. Haha

Reply Report comment
dat

Jan 30, 2019 at 9:15 am

If he was a “normal” player and hit the shots he did, won the way he did, I’d be on board. It’s the total lack of reliability that alienates fans. DeChambeau should see a shrink.

Reply Report comment
- Greg V
  
  Jan 30, 2019 at 10:07 am
  
  I agree with you wholeheartedly. For as smart as DeChampeau is supposed to be, he’s fragile psychically.
  
  Besides, it’s not fair to the rest of the field. Shot Clock Masters is the best idea in a long time. Put them all on the clock, every shot, with penalty shots involved.
  
  Reply Report comment
Bert Gwaltney

Jan 30, 2019 at 9:11 am

The statement used in the article is “provide entertainment”, so that’s what it is, it makes slow play OK since your’re being entertained, what a joke. I assume the European Tour didn’t use the Shot Clock Master during this entertaining event. Penalties for slow play need to be enacted and enforced, and don’t start with the little guy as an example. Start at the top, right here. I tried to take one-minute to play a shot, it’s difficult.

Reply Report comment
DB

Jan 30, 2019 at 9:05 am

I don’t enjoy watching nerds calculate air density and whatever else they think is necessary. This is not sport. What’s more – I don’t think any of that is even helping, it’s just something he feels is necessary before he’s comfortable hitting the shot.

It’s effectively no different than Kevin Na’s pseudo-swings from a few years ago, this just has the veneer of “science” on it.

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Published

2 days ago

Apr 23, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

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

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

Published

2 days ago

Apr 23, 2024

Ben Alberstadt

By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

“After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”

Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

“A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

“It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”

Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

“The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”

Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

“Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”

Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

“The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”

“I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”

Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

“On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”

“Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”

“Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”

“Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”

Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

“While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”

“Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”

“Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”

“I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.

Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

“One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”

“He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”

Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.

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Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters

Published

3 days ago

Apr 22, 2024

Ronald Montesano

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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