News
5 things we learned on day one of professional golf’s return
We expected, months ago, that the conversation upon golf’s return would center on Covid-19 and the remaining concerns that surround its potency. We did not anticipate the protests, the awareness, the focus on identity and rights. No, we cannot claim golf, nor sports, as a safe space, away from all that other stuff. Life is life, and our lives are our lives, whether at the daily grind or in moments of repose.
Illness and injustice do not go away, while respect and equity need to always be present. It is wonderful that the top of the day-one leader board at the Charles Schwab Challenge includes two men of color, two men of Hispanic ethnicity, one Asian-American, and a host of others. Being mindful of who we all are, at all times, will make this return to athletics worthy of a true celebration.
There are at least 5 things that we learned today, so let’s get to them.
5. The PGA Tour is filled with strange things
Gallery ropes with no galleries? I don’t think you can explain that one. If anything, there will be some sort of rules issue that emanates from hitting a needless gallery stake or rope this week. The sound of silence? Social distancing? Whoever thought that an ace from Sung Kang would generate…quiet? Whoever expected golfers to march together yet separate, at least six feet apart?
4. The role of the caddie is underrated
We saw the uncertainty of Fowler, Wolff, Johnson, and McIlroy at Seminole last month. To be fair, their message was different from this one. They promoted safe, proper golf on the edge of a pandemic. Today, we saw Justin Rose and Harold Varner III reach seven-under par. Want to take bets on anyone in the field going seven deep while flying solo? The caddie-as-confidant offers both audience and second opinion. Reading putts, calculating wind and yardage, are bonuses. So many things that they do, leaving the golfer free to go about his business. No more snark aimed at the loopers!
3. Did we time travel back to the 1990s?
How else to explain that Scott McCarron, David Frost and Keith Clearwater are in the field? There must be a logical reason, but it begs the question, wasn’t there a struggling pro more deserving of an invitation? You know, the type of outcry that got Vijay Singh drummed out of the Korn Ferry Challenge at Sawgrass? Come to think of it, why wasn’t Vijay invited to Colonial, instead of McCarron, Frost or Clearwater? Someone needs to read my introduction.
2. Justin Rose is playing us
Remember when he switched to Honma, and won immediately at the Farmers Championship? We thought he was brilliant. Then, well, he wasn’t. Now he’s back with Taylor Made, and whooops, he’s in the lead again. If he wins this week (he might-he won at Colonial 2 years ago) he’ll set us all adrift and we’ll race to replicate his set, something that will make Taylor Made very happy.
1. Predictions are in
Most likely young gun to win: Collin Morikawa
Most likely established star to drift away: Justin Rose
Most likely Presidents Cup star to claim victory: Abraham Ancer
Most likely leftie to emerge as champ: Brian Harman
Most likely escapee from Muscle Beach to contend: Bryson DeChambeau
Most likely winner from South America: Jhonattan Vegas
There are many more categories to reveal, so check back tomorrow for 5 things we learned on Friday at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
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Morning 9: Rory: I’m not joining LIV | Masters ratings | Nelly: We just need a stage
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Morning 9: Aberg: I want to be No. 1 | Rory’s management blasts ‘fake news’ reports
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Brian LaFevre
Jun 12, 2020 at 9:31 am
The caddy comment is not valid. These guys play rounds outside of tournaments and shoot deep, the caddy simply lets them focus on the shots and not the numbers, while also not wearing their bodies out over the course of a week. The caddy is essential, yes, but not for the reason that they couldn’t go, “seven deep while flying solo”. That’s just ridiculous. I, for one, like caddies, as it is good for the game and for the players, but let’s be honest, if they gave the players a rangefinder and a cart the public wouldn’t notice much of a difference and play would speed up.
Ronald Montesano
Jun 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Disagree.
AOC
Jun 12, 2020 at 9:17 am
I am offended that they are playing golf with everything going on! DEFUND THE PGA TOUR!
jgpl001
Jun 12, 2020 at 4:56 am
I would like to see Rose’s WITB now
Interesting to see PX back in his irons after many years with the C-Tapers