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5. USGA backpedals
Golf Digest’s Christopher Powers on the latest episode of the Justin Thomas, USGA saga.
“The USGA took notice, and in a somewhat out-of-left-field move replied to Thomas’ tweet. “Justin, we need to talk,” read the USGA statement. “You’ve cancelled every meeting we’ve planned with you, but we are reaching out again. We were at the first 5 events, and tournaments last year, and your tour has had a seat at the table for 7 years. We’d love nothing more than to give you a seat. Call us.”
- “Thomas was confused by the statement, later calling it “a little shocking,” and “inaccurate.” His claims were solidified on Tuesday morning, when the USGA PR Twitter handle tweeted out, “After further and more direct conversations with Justin Thomas, we realize he did not avoid a discussion with the USGA nor cancel any meetings. We value his and all players’ opinions and are committed to a productive dialogue as the golf world adjusts to the modernized rules.”
- @USGA_PR tweeted…“After further and more direct conversations with @JustinThomas34, we realize he did not avoid a discussion with the USGA nor cancel any meetings. We value his and all players’ opinions and are committed to a productive dialogue as the golf world adjusts to the modernized rules.”
6. Asking for a mulligan
Not surprisingly, the Palm Beach Post has issued a mea culpa for its Keith Mitchell victory headline.
- The bizarre decision makes a bit more sense with context, sure, but assuming the readership understands the requisite nuance and background….not the best editorial choice!
- Anyway, the editor in question is expectedly penitent…but maybe don’t put that apology/explanation behind a paywall?
7. Snedeker reunites with former swing coach, Todd Anderson
Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard on the pair getting back together
- “In 2014, Brandt Snedeker made what he called one of the hardest choices of his career when he left long-time swing coach Todd Anderson to work with Butch Harmon.”
- “At the time, Snedeker, who won the 2012 FedExCup while working with Anderson, said he needed to hear something different. But after four and a half years apart, Snedeker and Anderson have reunited.”
- ‘”I just felt like this was a good move for me. We’ve always been friends and Todd knows me so well. It was an easy decision for us to start working together again,” Snedeker said.”
8. Rory returns to Bay Hill
Site of his most recent PGA Tour victory, McIlroy isn’t frustrated, he says, that he hasn’t won since slipping into the red cardigan at last year’s tournament.
- Philip Reid of the Irish Times writes…”In fact, McIlroy’s last outing in the WGC-Mexico Championship saw him finish runner-up to Dustin Johnson – who has since returned to number one in the latest world rankings – and profess to having “good vibes” about returning to Bay Hill for the defence of his title.”
- “My game’s been good, really solid,” observed McIlroy, backed up by a run of 4th-5th-4th-2nd in his four tournament outings so far this season.
- “McIlroy – one of three Irish players in the field at Bay Hill this week, where Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell are also competing – has to believe that sooner or later, and more likely sooner, he will again be back in the winner’s enclosure.”
- “I’m not frustrated, because it seems like I can only do what I can do and I can only control me . . . . it’s just about staying patient, and hopefully one of these weeks it will fall my way.”
9. You’re a cheat!
A wild scene at a South African golf tournament led to a viral video clip…and really, reading anything pertaining to the context is never going to paint the full picture of the comic brutality…
- But here’s this, via Justin Terranova of the New York Post…”A South African golf tournament turned ugly when one competitor accused the presumed winner, named Mike, of cheating at the bar afterwards.”
- “You’re a thief, man. You’re a cheat!” was yelled across the clubhouse at Lake Club Benoni when the man charged at his accuser, headbutted him through a window and then punched him repeatedly.
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19th Hole2 weeks ago
19th Hole1 week ago
