News
A new breed of cover curse? Dustin Johnson withdraws
You’ve seen the contentious Paulina Gretzky Golf Digest “Fitness Issue” cover that’s been circulating around the web since yesterday.
If somehow you haven’t, check it out here.
But did you see what Ms. Gretzky’s fiance did on the course at the Shell Houston Open yesterday? Johnson’s performance was, in a word, bad.
Have a look.
D.J. went out in an abysmal 43 that included two double bogeys and a snowman (and two birdies). He was steadier on the back, until doubling No. 18 to vault him into the rarified 80-and-above territory.
Following the round, the No. 10-ranked player in the world withdrew without explanation. The opening 80 placed him in 144th position, dead last at the Golf Club of Houston.
So, you’ve heard of the “Sports Illustrated cover jinx.” Perhaps you’re familiar with the “Madden curse.” Johnson’s implosion at the Shell Houston Open invites the following question though: Is this the first instance of the “Fiance on Golf Digest’s cover curse?”
Further, are we OK with Johnson’s decision to bag it after a poor showing? Sure, players who WD during a round need to offer the Tour a medical rationale for their decision (remember Toothachegate last year?). However, when a guy decides to slam his trunk and take off after posting a high score, he doesn’t need to offer an explanation, medical or otherwise. Nevertheless, when he doesn’t, it’s difficult to feel sympathetic.
Perhaps Johnson is dealing with a medical issue. However, if I were him, his agent, or his PR firm, I’d want to make sure everyone was abundantly aware of the fact. Instead, without a clear rationale, we’re left to suspect he’s the victim of some sort of sorcery, or something even worse: a quitter.
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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
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence 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
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade 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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corey
Apr 6, 2014 at 3:04 pm
if he was truly experiencing pain the entire round then what would it have hurt him to explain that in a simple tweet. however, since he didn’t we are all left to speculate and frankly i am more inclined to side with Ben on his reasons for the WD. He should be thinking about his fans and the impression it left on them when he WD with no explanation. he clearly had enough time to tweet/retweet stuff about paulina. what would it hurt him to tweet out a message that his back was the reason or something like that.
Tim Schoch
Apr 5, 2014 at 11:00 am
It’s the year of WDs. Seems PC to back out these days. Although, I will say, it looks like most of these players do have problems, like Day, Bubba, Mahan, Dustin, and of course Tiger. Still, I suspect they are doing too much of something–gym, reps, ping-pong.
Casey
Apr 5, 2014 at 9:47 am
He made a wise choice to WD if he really is experiencing pain. No use in making an injury worse by playing another round when he only has a week to be 100% for the Masters.
Mike
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:02 am
the only good thing about this article was the link to DJ’s fiancés cover shoot…
Chris
Apr 5, 2014 at 12:41 am
I sw her on the cover and immediately realized I did not need a new driver 🙂
nikkyd
Apr 4, 2014 at 4:29 pm
I can recall a mens league round last summer. I ate about 8 peices of fried chicken about a half hour before i teed off. I tell you what, stupid things can ruin your game. I shot a 54. And im an 8 hcp. Worst round in ages
Dirk
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Funny how all you clowns bash him but weren’t there. I was following that group yesterday cause Luke Donald is my favorite player and DJ was clearly in pain. He was stretching constantly and at one point the Dr came out on hole 4 to talk to him. Like a man he finished the round instead of withdrawing mid round. When I got home I watched it on TV and they didn’t show anything about that. So next time get all the facts before you open your mouths. On hole 11 Rory told DJ “take your time bro” when DJ said sorry for taking extra time stretching.
Greg
Apr 4, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for sharing this, stupid articles like this can escalate and ruin a guys fan base for no reason, DJ should have said why but he didn’t, doesn’t mean these writers should say he quit wow!!
steve
Apr 4, 2014 at 4:01 pm
If this is true, then why play at all. Withdraw and let someone else that play in your spot.
BS
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:29 am
Dude, he was able to FINISH the round. Which means, it wasn’t that bad. I mean come on – so you sprayed a few – it happens when you’re a bit tight and off-timing. But to withdraw on tightness AFTER you finished the whole round? Why not have just walked off after a couple more holes when you knew it would cause problems, or even after 9 holes? But to be able to finish and then withdraw? Bogus, I say.
Philip
Apr 5, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Because it is his job. I don’t know about anyone else here, but no matter how crappy I feel I push myself to the end of the day and if by the next morning I’m done before I start, then I’m not going to work.
They don’t know any other kind of work, their perspective is skewed a bit. Yes any of us would likely rather be playing golf, throwing up and in pain than at our regular jobs, especially if we are being paid for our efforts.
Mx
Apr 6, 2014 at 7:03 am
With Masters next week, he made a wise choice to finish the round and then wothdraw instead of being a douche and just walk off the course like tiger does it. He didnt want to disappoint the fans that were following him on that day. And DJ is a good sport. He tried his best to play well due to the pain or tightness or whatever.
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yo!
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:44 pm
For pro golfers with little desire, it’s easy to quit after shooting an 80
James
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Butterface, I just don’t wee what the big deal is about her. As for DJ, quitter…
RobN
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Butterface. No doubt!
Lippy
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:38 pm
She had such a bad lip job done, she looks terrible
Pingback: Dustin Johnson shoots 80, withdraws from Houston Open | Distinct Athlete
erkr
Apr 4, 2014 at 2:26 pm
She is very nice.
But why is she on the cover of Golf Digest? There are other mags for that. I lose respect for GD
Rancho Bob
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Pretty poor behavior on Johnson’s part, but no worse than Rory’s faux toothache. I’m sure there’s plenty of pros who would love to have his spot in the field. Grow a pair and at least try to make the cut.
Jeff
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:49 pm
She should be on every golf cover. Preferably in a bikini.
steve
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Dustin and Paulina a real high moral couple there.
J Duf
Apr 4, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Ive had trouble swinging since I saw that cover as well 🙂
Pappy
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:56 am
Does a mental issue count as a medical problem? lol
Ian Bainbridge
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:38 am
Bad back?? Difficult to refute. Or he just chucked it, mind you if you know you can’t make the cut and you have that girlfriend at home? I guess I would take time off and return for Masters 😉
Ben
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:54 am
he mad
The dude
Apr 4, 2014 at 11:11 am
About what??
Curt
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:29 am
Based on his fiance’s overflowing sexuality, he’s just not focused on the right things to make his golf game better. She may not be the best influence on his golf game!
As my dad use to say to me, “get your mind off that tail and back on your books!”
froneputt
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:22 am
This is truly a desperate attempt to make a mountain out of a molehill.
The GD cover is tasteful. Holly’s cover last year was tasteful. Next year’s will be … tasteful.
It’s about fitness, and nothing sells fitness like sexiness.
The dude
Apr 4, 2014 at 10:10 am
Really lame……