Opinion & Analysis
10 things not to do at a PGA Tour event
This story was selected as one of the 15 best GolfWRX stories of 2015!
Heading to a PGA Tour event in the upcoming season? Don’t do this stuff.
Wear your golf shoes
“Hello, sir. Are you participating in the tournament today?” If the answer to that question is no, you have NO business wearing your golf shoes at a PGA Tour event.
Period.
Do the spike-wearers also lace up their cleats when they head to football and baseball games?
And whatever material advantage one gains in terms of on-course traction is surely outweighed by the ridiculousness quotient.
Note: Caddies don’t wear golf shoes and they walk the course with 50-plus pound bags strapped to their back. Thus, you don’t need to either.
Be the beer-and-cigar guy
Do you know this guy/these guys (they usually travel in packs)? Booming alcohol voice, douchily attired, clutching three-plus empty plastic beer cups in one hand and a (lit or unlit) cigar in the other?
And whether the product of beer-induced tunnel vision, total lack of concern, or general ignorance, beer-and-cigar guy (and his beer-and-cigar buddies) is always spouting off with little regard for those around him.
He’ll be happy to add a few colorful words to your child’s vocabulary and will offer unrestrained praise for the assets of the fairer sex he spots in the gallery.
Yell “Baba Booey,” or “mashed potatoes,” or “get in the hole”
You’d like to think that even repeat “Baba Booey-ers” are annoyed when they hear the signature exclamation of golf fan idiocy bellowed as a Tour pro tees off.
If you find yourself compelled to belt out the above or any other ridiculous exclamation for that most-rewarding knowledge that you “got on television,” please don’t.
It’s a race to the bottom with these folks, and the upcoming season will bring with it new moronic vocalization.
Great.
Trample or otherwise fight children for autographs
Look, I understand adults have the right to ask pros for autographs. Maybe you have a sports memorabilia business, want to make a quick buck on eBay, or are merely looking proudly display a signed Phil Mickelson 8-by-10 in your office.
All of that is fine. Still, children must have first priority in the hunter for Tour pros’ Sharpie scribbles.
Why?
Do you not remember being a kid? Do you not remember the deities that professional athletes were to you? Do you not remember the overwhelming sentimental value of an autograph?
Autographs are most important to children and children’s enjoyment of golf is most important to the future of the game.
Don’t be one of those guys trampling children in an effort to get Adam Scott’s autograph.
Offer on-course commentary
Have you seen this guy (and it’s usually a guy)? He posts up at a hole and shares his expansive knowledge of the game of golf and the players on the PGA Tour with anyone who will listen. As he’s often attending the tournament alone, he has no choice but to scatter his pearls of wisdom before strangers.
In addition providing color commentary (“Dufner’s wife is hot”…”He has great hands. Shouldn’t have any trouble with this pitch”), he’ll share his green reads with anyone in his proximity.
He’s honed the reads, of course, from camping out at the same green all day.
Act like an idiot around Tiger Woods/ say stupid things when players walk by
The two behaviors above go hand in hand. It’s a gross oversimplification to say golf fan behavior has gotten worse in the near two decades Tiger Woods has been on tour. Still, there is an element of truth in that statement. Certainly, there are fans who pay the price of admission purely to see El Tigre who wouldn’t otherwise be in the gallery of a PGA Tour event.
And unlike most other sports, golfers walk right in front of fans. Thus, anyone in the gallery can say basically anything to any player’s face. For those who enjoy heckling from the cheap seats, the opportunity is too much to pass up and they end up saying something dumb to a player. Multiply this by at least a power of 10 where Tiger Woods is concerned.
Inappropriately bust out your camera phone
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Whatever the cell phone policy of the event you’re attending is, can you please adhere to it?
And don’t try to snap a photo of Bubba Watson for Instagram or record his swing to post to YouTube.
Just don’t.
Try to sneak by when marshals have quiet signs raised
Don’t you love these people? If you’ve been to a PGA Tour event you’ve seen them: When the marshal in your immediate vicinity raises his/her hands because a player is about to hit, everyone stops dead in their tracks.
Everyone, that is, except the slithering or obvious doofus to whom the rules apparently do not apply.
Don’t be a marshal-disobeyer.
Show up without a clue
Here’s something you shouldn’t do mostly for your own sake, not because it aggravates others, but rather because it compromised your experience at a PGA Tour event: Don’t show up without a clue.
Check the list of prohibited items. If you bring a bag, make sure it’s clear. Have some idea of the course layout. Figure out if you want to follow groups (Who? When? Where?), or if you want to hang out at a hole and watch players come through.
An ounce of preparation will save you a lot of wasted time wandering around like an idiot, and it’ll increase your enjoyment of the event substantially.
Interrupt a trophy presentation and make bird calls
Finally, don’t do this…
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 RBC Heritage betting preview: Patrick Cantlay ready to get back inside winner’s circle
Just a two-hour drive from Augusta National, the PGA TOUR heads to Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise and Harbour Town is one of the most beautiful and scenic courses on the PGA TOUR.
Harbour Town Golf Links is a par-71 that measures 7,121 yards and features Bermuda grass greens. A Pete Dye design, the course is heavily tree lined and features small greens and many dog legs, protecting it from “bomb-and-gauge” type golfers.
The field is loaded this week with 69 golfers with no cut. Last year was quite possibly the best field in RBC Heritage history and the event this week is yet another designated event, meaning there is a $20 million prize pool.
Most of the big names on the PGA Tour will be in attendance this week with the exceptions of Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland. Additionally, Webb Simpson, Shane Lowry, Gary Woodland and Kevin Kisner have been granted sponsors exemptions.
Past Winners at Harbour Town
- 2023: Matt Fitzpatrick (-17)
- 2022: Jordan Spieth (-13)
- 2021: Stewart Cink (-19)
- 2020: Webb Simpson (-22)
- 2019: CT Pan (-12)
- 2018: Sotoshi Kodaira (-12)
- 2017: Wesley Bryan (-13)
- 2016: Branden Grace (-9)
- 2015: Jim Furyk (-18)
In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).
Key Stats For Harbour Town
Let’s take a look at key metrics for Harbour Town Golf Links to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach is exceedingly important this week. The greens at Harbour Town are about half the size of PGA TOUR average and feature the second-smallest greens on the tour. Typical of a Pete Dye design, golfers will pay the price for missed greens.
Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.27)
- Tom Hoge (+1.27)
- Corey Conners (+1.16)
- Austin Eckroat (+0.95)
- Cameron Young (+0.93)
Good Drive %
The fairways at Harbour Town are tree lined and feature many dog legs. Bombers tend to struggle at the course because it forces layups and doesn’t allow long drivers to overpower it. Accuracy is far more important than power.
Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds
- Brice Garnett (88.8%)
- Shane Lowry (+87.2%)
- Akshay Bhatia (+86.0%)
- Si Woo Kim (+85.8%)
- Sepp Straka (+85.1%)
Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye Designs
Pete Dye specialists tend to play very well at Harbour Town. Si Woo Kim, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and Webb Simpson are all Pete Dye specialists who have had great success here. It is likely we see some more specialists near the top of the leaderboard this week.
SG: TOT Pete Dye per round over past 36 rounds:
- Xander Schauffele (+2.27)
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.24)
- Ludvig Aberg (+2.11)
- Brian Harman (+1.89)
- Sungjae Im (+1.58)
4. Strokes Gained: Short Game (Bermuda)
Strokes Gained: Short Game factors in both around the green and putting. With many green-side bunkers and tricky green complexes, both statistics will be important. Past winners — such as Jim Furyk, Wes Bryan and Webb Simpson — highlight how crucial the short game skill set is around Harbour Town.
SG: SG Over Past 24 Rounds
- Jordan Spieth (+1.11)
- Taylor Moore (+1.02)
- Wyndham Clark (+0.98)
- Mackenzie Hughes (+0.86)
- Andrew Putnam (+0.83)
5. Greens in Regulation %
The recipe for success at Harbour Town Golf Links is hitting fairways and greens. Missing either will prove to be consequential — golfers must be in total control of the ball to win.
Greens in Regulation % over past 24 rounds:
- Brice Garnett (+75.0%)
- Scottie Scheffler (+69.9%)
- Corey Conners (+69.0%)
- Shane Lowry (+68.3%)
- Patrick Rodgers (+67.6%)
6. Course History
Harbour Town is a course where players who have strong past results at the course always tend to pop up.
Course History over past 24 rounds:
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.34)
- Cam Davis (+2.05)
- J.T. Poston (+1.69)
- Justin Rose (+1.68)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+1.59)
The RBC Heritage Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (24%), Good Drives (20%), SG: SG (14%), SG: Pete Dye (14%), GIR (14%), and Course History (14%)
- Shane Lowry
- Russell Henley
- Scottie Scheffler
- Xander Schauffele
- Corey Conners
- Wyndham Clark
- Christiaan Bezuidenhout
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Cameron Young
- Ludvig Aberg
2024 RBC Heritage Picks
Patrick Cantlay +2000 (FanDuel)
With the exception of Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour has yet to have any of their star players show peak form during the 2024 season. Last week, Patrick Cantlay, who I believe is a top-5 players on the PGA Tour, took one step closer to regaining the form that’s helped him win eight events on Tour since 2017.
Cantlay limped into the Masters in poor form, but figured it out at Augusta National, finishing in a tie for 20th and ranking 17th for the week in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. The former FedEx Cup champion will now head to one of his favorite golf courses in Harbour Town, where he’s had immaculate results over the years. In his six trips to the course, he’s only finished worse than 7th one time. The other finishes include three third places (2017, 2019, 2023) and one runner-up finish (2022). In his past 36 rounds at Harbour Town, Cantlay ranks 1st in Strokes Gained: Total per round at the course by a wide margin (+2.36).
Cantlay is winless since the 2022 BMW Championship, which is far too long for a player of his caliber. With signs pointing to the 32-year-old returning to form, a “signature event” at Harbour Town is just what he needs to get back on the winning track.
Tommy Fleetwood +3000 (FanDuel)
I truly believe Tommy Fleetwood will figure out a way to win on American soil in 2024. It’s certainly been a bugaboo for him throughout his career, but he is simply too talented to go another season without winning a PGA Tour event.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, Fleetwood made a Sunday charge and ended up finishing T3 in the event, which was his best ever finish at The Masters. For the week, the Englishman ranked 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 10th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking and 16th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is a perfect layout for Fleetwood, and he’s had relative success at this Pete Dye design in the past. In his four trips to the course, he’s finished inside of the top 25 three times, with his best finish, T10, coming in 2022. The course is pretty short and can’t be overpowered, which gives an advantage to more accurate players such as Fleetwood. Tommy ranks 8th in the field in Good Drive % and should be able to plot his way along this golf course.
The win is coming for Tommy lad. I believe there’s a chance this treasure of a golf course may be the perfect one for him to finally break through on Tour.
Cameron Young +3300 (FanDuel)
Cameron Young had a solid Masters Tournament last week, which is exactly what I’m looking for in players who I anticipate playing well this week at the RBC Heritage. He finished in a tie for 9th, but never felt the pressure of contending in the event. For the week, Young ranked 6th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Despite being one of the longest players off the tee on the PGA Tour, Young has actually played some really good golf on shorter tracks. He finished T3 at Harbour Town in 2023 and ranks 20th in the field in Good Drive% and 16th in Greens in Regulation in his past 24 rounds. He also has strong finishes at other shorter courses that can take driver out of a players hand such as Copperhead and PGA National.
Young is simply one of the best players on the PGA Tour in 2024, and I strongly believe has what it takes to win a PGA Tour event in the very near future.
Corey Conners +5500 (FanDuel)
Corey Conners has had a disappointing year thus far on the PGA Tour, but absolutely loves Harbour Town.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, the Canadian finished T30 but ranked 20th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach. In his past 24 rounds, Conners ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 3rd in Greens in Regulation % and 24th in Good Drive %.
In Conners’ last four trips to Harbour Town, his worst finish was T31, last season. He finished T4 in 2021, T12 in 2022 and ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course over his past 36 rounds.
Conners hasn’t been contending, but his recent finishes have been encouraging as he has finished in the top-25 in each of his past three starts prior to The Masters, including an impressive T13 at The PLAYERS. His recent improvement in ball striking as well as his suitability for Harbour Town makes Conners a high upside bet this week.
Shane Lowry (+7500) (FanDuel)
When these odds were posted after Lowry was announced in the field, I have to admit I was pretty stunned. Despite not offering much win equity on the PGA Tour over the last handful of years, Shane Lowry is still a top caliber player who has the ability to rise to the top of a signature event.
Lowry struggled to score at The Masters last week, but he actually hit the ball really well. The Irishman ranked 1st for Strokes Gained: Approach on the week and 7th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. As usual, it was the putter that let him down, as he ranked 60th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is most definitely one of Lowry’s favorite courses on the PGA Tour. In his six starts there, he’s finished in the top 10 three times, including third twice. Lowry is sensational at Pete Dye designs and ranks 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in his past 36 rounds on Dye tracks.
Lowry is perfect for Harbour Town. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 5th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 2nd in Good Drive% and 5th in Green in Regulation %. If he figures it out on the greens, Shane could have his first win in America since 2015.
Lucas Glover +12000 (FanDuel)
This is one of my weekly “bet the number” plays as I strongly believe the odds are just too long for a player of Glover’s caliber. The odds have been too long on Glover for a few weeks now, but this is the first event that I can get behind the veteran being able to actually contend at.
Glover is quietly playing good golf and returning to the form he had after the understandable regression after his two massive victories at the end of 2023. He finished T20 at The Masters, which was his best ever finish at Augusta National. For the week, Lucas ranked 18th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 20th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Over his past 24 rounds, Glover ranks 9th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th in Good Drive %. Harbour Town is a short course that the 44-year-old will be able to keep up with the top players on Tour off the tee. He’s played the course more than 20 times, with mixed results. His best finishes at Harbour Town include a T7 in 2008, but recently has a finish of T21 in 2020.
Glover has proven he can contend with the stars of the Tour on any given week, and this number is flat out disrespectful.
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The 2024 Masters offered up plenty of excitement throughout the week with Scottie Scheffler delivering when it mattered to live up to his pre-tournament favorite tag. With the year’s opening major now in the books, here are my six biggest takeaways from the 2024 Masters.
Scheffler In a League of His Own
In the most impressive way possible, Scottie Scheffler won the Masters without having his absolute best stuff. For the week, Scottie ranked 19th in Strokes Gained: Approach, which is a category the number player in the world typically dusts the rest of the field in. After a strong approach day on Thursday, the 27-year-old lost strokes to the field on approach on Friday and Saturday, before gaining on Sunday. The iron performance was more than solid, but it was an all-around game that helped Scheffler get it done around Augusta National.
For a year or more, the narrative around Scheffler has been, “With his ball striking, if he can just putt to field average, he’ll be unbeatable.” At Augusta, his ball striking came back down to earth, but his touch around the greens and ability to manage the golf course demonstrated why he is the best player on the planet right now. For the week, Scheffler ranked 1st in the field in Strokes Gained: Around the Green and 24th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
For the time being, there is a major gap between Scottie Scheffler and the second-best player in the world, whoever that may be.
The Future is Now
Ludvig Aberg went into his first back-nine at the Masters with a legitimate shot to win the tournament. When he teed it up on the treacherous 11th hole, he was one behind Scottie Scheffler, who had just stuck one to a few feet on the 9th. By the time he approached his tee shot, which was perfectly striped down the left side of the fairway, he was two behind. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old got too aggressive with his approach at the 11th and found the water, making double bogey. Ludvig rebounded nicely and finished the event in solo second place.
With the Masters now in the rearview, it’s never been more evident that Ludvig Aberg is no longer an “up-and-comer” — he has arrived. The Swede has been an integral part of a winning European Ryder Cup team and has now contended at Augusta National. With a calm demeanor, a picture-perfect swing, and a build and stature that appears as if it was built in a lab, Ludvig Aberg is already amongst the world’s best. I’d be extremely surprised if he wasn’t in the mix at next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Nostalgia Wins
I try to avoid as many cliches as possible, but there’s something about the Masters that brings out the sentimentality in me. Tiger Woods strategically making his way around Augusta National without all of the physical tools that made him arguably the most dominant athlete in the history of sports will always be riveting, regardless of what score he shoots. Woods made it interesting until a tough stretch of holes on Saturday, but he ultimately wore down, shooting 16 over for the week in difficult conditions. It’s remarkable that the 15-time major champion was able to put together a few solid rounds of golf despite barely playing any competitive golf in 2024. As long as Woods tees it up at Augusta, we will all continue to be mesmerized by it.
Verne Lundquist’s 40th and final Masters Tournament was also a must-watch aspect of the event. The iconic voice of Lundquist and his calls throughout the years still give me chills each time I hear them. Verne is an icon of the game and will be missed in future renditions of the Masters.
The Masters also brings another element that is unique to the tournament. Former champions turn back the clock to battle with the golf course again which creates some amazing stories. There are a few that stick out this year and were an absolute pleasure to witness. 61-year-old Vijay Singh made the cut for the first time since 2018 and shot a pretty incredible even-par, 72 on Sunday. 58-year-old José María Olazábal made the cut as well, reminding us why fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm sought his valuable advice prior to his Masters victory in 2022.
Regardless of who wins, the Masters always delivers.
Bryson Moves the Needle
Plenty will disagree with me on this point, but outside of Tiger Woods, and potentially Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, no one moves the needle in golf as much as Bryson DeChambeau. The uniqueness in which Bryson approaches the game has always been fascinating, and if he gets near the top of the leaderboard at any major championship, whether it’s to root for him or against him, people are interested.
It began on Monday with a pretty bizarre story of DeChambeau using 3D-printed irons that got just got cleared for use by the USGA when the week began. It once again felt like a storyline that would only be possible with a character as eccentric as Bryson. He then raced off to a first-round lead in tough conditions, reminding the world of what made him such a great golfer to begin with. He made some mistakes on the weekend, but still finished a career best T6 at The Masters.
Bryson is more than just quirky; he is a former U.S. Amateur Champion and U.S. Open who I believe will contend for more majors in the future. I will continue to root for DeChambeau, but I’m perfectly content with the fact that plenty will root against him, and I encourage those people to do so. That’s what makes it fun.
LIV Walks Away Empty-Handed
Last year, there were a multitude of questions about LIV players coming into the year’s first major. They had played very limited tournament golf, and critics of LIV questioned whether the 54-hole events were enough to sharpen the players enough to compete against the best in the world on the biggest stage.
The results were fascinating, with LIV players all over the leaderboard. Brooks Koepka held the 36- and 54-hole lead, with Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed finishing T2 and T4, giving LIV three golfers in the top-4 of the leaderboard.
This season, with even more time removed and with some more massive additions to the roster, the intrigue surrounding LIV players at Augusta was once again palpable. While some players, including Bryson DeChambeau, exceeded expectations, I can’t help but walk away from the Masters feeling underwhelmed by the performance of the LIV players.
Brooks Koepka finished runner-up last season and is a certified major championship killer. The 5-time major champ was never involved and simply didn’t have it at Augusta. Dustin Johnson put together a putrid performance, shooting 13 over for his two rounds, making it fair to wonder if his days of contending at major championships are over as he rapidly approaches his 40th birthday.
Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann were both players who were amongst the favorites this week, but Rahm was faced with the daunting duties of defending champion and Niemann proved he was still not quite ready to master the quirks of Augusta National, bleeding strokes both around and on the greens.
To be fair, when all was said and done, LIV had four players in the top twelve at The Masters. Tyrrell Hatton stormed the leaderboard early on Sunday, finishing T9 and earning himself an invite back to Augusta next season. Cam Smith and Patrick Reed put together gritty performances, which isn’t too surprising considering the fact that they both absolutely love Augusta National, but neither ever felt a real threat to win. There’s no doubt the players on LIV are good, and that’s why some encouraging leaderboard positions aren’t enough. They needed to contend.
With no players part of the storyline on Sunday, I view the first major of the year as a disappointment for LIV. The players will head into next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla with a lot to prove.
Rory’s Struggles Continues
Rory struggling at Augusta National is no surprise at this point. The four-time major champion has now had 10 attempts to complete the career grand slam and has never had a chance to win. His T2 in 2022 was deceiving, the Northern Irishman stormed the leaderboard on Sunday, but was never in contention, and never got within three shots of the winner, Scottie Scheffler.
I didn’t expect Rory to win, but I have to admit that this year felt a bit different. McIlroy played the week prior to the Masters, which he typically doesn’t do, and finished third at the Valero Texas Open. He gained 7.56 strokes on approach and 2.0 strokes off the tee, which told me that his visit with world-renowned swing coach, Butch Harmon, after the Players Championship paid dividends.
McIlroy also approached the media quite differently. He cut his pre-tournament press conference short after only 10 minutes and seemed to be laser-focused on just playing golf.
Despite the different approach to the Masters, the results were the same. McIlroy struggled over the course of the week, finishing T22 (+4) and never sniffed a decent weekend position on the leaderboard. It’s back to the drawing board for McIlroy, and I have doubts that he will ever figure it out at Augusta.
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We’ve finally reached The Masters and excitement is at an all-time high. The world of golf has been fractured for the better part of two years, but for a week at Augusta National, all of the outside noise will disappear. All of the best players in the world will be together seeking to make history.
In addition to betting on The Masters champion. This is one of the few weeks of the year where there are so many more markets to explore, with value to be had in plenty of different categories.
Throughout this article, I’ll discuss all of my favorite props and players for the 2024 Masters.
Placement Bets:
Tony Finau Top 5 +750 (DraftKings):
I badly wanted to include Tony Finau in my outright betting selections, but I simply ran out of room on my card. Additionally, it’s slightly difficult to see him hitting the putts necessary to win the Masters on back nine on Sunday. However, I do strongly believe he will play great golf this week at Augusta National.
In his past 24 rounds, Finau ranks 4th in Strokes Gained: Approach is always amongst the best drivers of the golf ball in the game. Back in 2019, Finau had a great chance to win The Masters. I expect him to be hanging around over the weekend once again in 2024.
Gary Woodland Top 20 +550 (DraftKings), Gary Woodland to make the cut -110 (DraftKings):
Last season, Gary Woodland had his best ever finish at The Masters in his eleven tries. The 39-year-old finished T14 and played incredibly steady across all four rounds.
In Woodland’s most recent start at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, he struck the ball incredibly well. He led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach (+8.8) and Strokes Gained: Ball Striking (+10.0).
Gary has been working with Butch Harmon and absolutely flushing the ball both in tournaments and during practice.
Woodland appears to be healthy once again and in a great place physically and mentally. If he can build off his impressive performance at Augusta last year, he can place inside the top ten in 2024.
Additionally, the make the cut number on Woodland seems generous considering the number of players who miss the cut will be relatively small this week. Woodland is striking it well enough to make the cut even if he’s hindered by a balky putter once again.
Thorbjorn Olesen Top 20 +400 (FanDuel):
The Thunder Bear, Thorbjorn Olesen, made his Masters debut in 2013 and finished an incredibly impressive T6 for the week. In the two additional starts he’s made at Augusta National since then, the Dane has continued to be incredibly solid, finishing T44 and T21.
This week, Olesen heads into the week playing some good golf. He gained 3.8 strokes on approach and 5.52 strokes around the green at last week’s Valero Texas Open on his way to a strong T14 finish. Back in January, he won the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour.
Olesen has the skill set to be successful at Augusta and seems primed for a good performance this week.
Top Nationalities:
Sergio Garcia Top Spanish Player +280 (DraftKings):
I believe Sergio Garcia can get into contention this week with the way he’s striking the ball in addition to his good vibes with a refurbished version of the Scotty Cameron that he used at the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah.
I am slightly concerned about the emotional letdown he may face after losing in a playoff at LIV Miami, but I believe a veteran and former Masters champion should be able to regroup and focus on an event far more meaningful.
This is essentially a tournament head-to-head with Jon Rahm at +280. While Rahm deserves to be respected this week, the history of the lack of success of defending champions at The Masters is difficult to ignore.
Joaquin Niemann Top South American Player -230 (FanDuel):
While I hate paying this much juice, I don’t see a world in which Joaquin Niemann isn’t the top South American this week at The Masters. Joaco comes in playing better golf than anyone in the world not named Scottie Scheffler and has a serious chance to win the green jacket.
He only needs to beat two players: Emiliano Grillo and Camilo Villegas.
Tournament Head-to-Heads:
Justin Thomas -110 over Collin Morikawa
JT isn’t having his best season but is playing a lot better than he is getting credit for at the moment. In the past three months, there are only six players on the PGA Tour who have averaged 1.7 Strokes Gained: Tee to Green or better. Justin Thomas (+1.7) is one of the six and is currently tied with Rory McIlroy (+1.7).
Morikawa, on the other hand, has been extremely poor with his irons, which is incredibly uncharacteristic for him. I can’t help but feel like something is completely off with the two-time major champion.
Tony Finau -110 over Wyndham Clark
I explained in the placement section why I’m so high on Tony Finau this week. With how well he’s striking the ball, it seems as if his floor is extremely high. I’m not sure if he can make the putts to win a green jacket but I believe he will be in the mix similarly to 2019 when Tiger Woods emerged from a crowded pack of contenders.
Clark is a debutant, and while some debutants have had success at The Masters, it certainly poses a challenge. I also don’t believe Augusta National suits Clark as well as some of the other major championship venues.
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Uncle chop chop
Oct 11, 2016 at 6:33 am
I spotted a few idiots trying to slip and slide around the 2010 Ryder cup at Celtic Manor in standard trainers/sneakers. If you thought us golf shoe wearers looked stupid you should have seen them, it was like watching Bambie on ice. Half of them fell flat on there backs and were covered in mud, esepcially around the riased viewing areas on the 16th and 17th. I’ll take some grief for wearing my golf shoes, you can give me as much as you want when I’m picking you up of the floor on a wet Welsh Monday morning
beefrank
Jun 10, 2015 at 12:25 pm
The fact that there is armed security at these events is an indication a lot has changed in the last two decades. About the only pro sports events a family can attend these days with relative safety and civility is minor league baseball.
BloughMee
Apr 12, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Pro golf is pretty much for white Ivy-League frat-boy stuffed-shirt ultra-douchebags anyway, so does it surprise anyone that the idiots attending one of these events would act like that?
chuck
Jun 6, 2015 at 3:16 pm
I still remember when going to play golf and even go to pro events were so much better than now a days. Like num. 6 talks about how people are 10 x’s worst when tigers around. Before he played golf fans were not complete morons and actually playing the game was so much better. You have all these people who don’t need to be on a golf course out there. They place their hands around their hat bills reading puts like they are him. Hopefully now that he has started to sucks so bad more idiots will quit playing and attending events.
Dave
Sep 18, 2016 at 9:19 am
Your comment shows you really know nothing about golf
Pingback: What NOT to do at a PGA Tour Event - The Golf Shop Online Blog - The Golf Shop Online Blog
Connor
Jan 27, 2015 at 2:43 am
Other than Beau Hossler contending, the bird call was the best thing about the US Open that year.
JM
Jan 25, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Above all, the most important thing is to remember that golf is the “gentleman’s” game, whether playing or spectating. With the game evolving, there is a fine line with golf remaining true to it’s gentleman’s code and staying relevant with younger crowd, who is the future of the game. When at an event, it’s not a crime to have a few beers or a cigar, it’s just the manner in which it’s done. I don’t promote having a cigar in a crowd following Tiger, Rickey, Rory, etc., where one would be blowing smoke in the face many people, especially children. But, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a cigar in areas where there aren’t large crowds. I’d much rather stand in a crowd of respectful cigar smokers/beer drinkers, than next to a person screaming all kind of nonsense every time a player hits a shot. As for attire and shoes, dress comfortably (but in proper taste) because it’s a very long day and could include a great deal of walking. Enjoy the course and players respectfully, and you can’t go wrong!
David
Jan 23, 2015 at 12:11 pm
Spikeless shoes are one thing but I must say I find it pretty comical when I see spectators wearing soft spiked golf shoes to a PGA Tour event. Do they think they belong out there walking with the Pros? Do they think they are cooler than you? I get that they are waterproof and great for walking around a golf course but are they going to make that big of a difference compared to wearing regular running shoes? I will stick to my New Balance running shoes for walking the course as a spectator.
Steve U.
Jan 21, 2015 at 2:52 pm
I worked at the Oakland Hills PGA in 2008. Tiger Woods did not appear at that event because he was rehabilitating his knee injury. The anticipated crowds did not appear, as the Walmart Tiger fans stayed home in droves. Kind of sad, really, that people can be such ‘fair weather’ fans. It did make viewing a lot nicer for those true golf lovers who did show up.
Billy
Jan 24, 2015 at 1:08 am
Breaking News: Tiger Woods appearing/playing = More attendance.
terry
Jan 17, 2015 at 12:28 pm
#! is funny. I have always thought that….
Swingblade
Jan 16, 2015 at 2:59 pm
I guess you could have specified golf shoes are OK if attending in bad rainy weather. But, that is only logical and no one should have felt the need to point out that possible shortcoming. What you seemed to be saying is that, people who wear golf shoes to walk around on grass look like tools to most folks. With respect to comments by others above, the trouble with a small number of today’s spectators is that they are convinced it is all about them and their supposed inherent right to do anything they want and screw anyone who disagrees. They are the problem and no one is going to win an argument with anyone who was so poorly brought up by equally self serving indifferent parents.
Straightdriver235
Jan 19, 2015 at 1:11 pm
No, no golf shoes period. If it is muddy, wear lightweight gripping hiking shoes like Vasque, Northface, etc. They do look like tools, and looking like a tool is a major issue, it detracts from others aesthetic pleasures. But I personally disagree with the cigar comments… smoke small, refined ones, and stay up wind from the crowds when you do so, or better yet a pipe with something like Dunhilll in hit. Now I’ll provide one tip, that none of you will follow, and you may say I am a tool for doing it, but I wear a comfortable bicycle shirt, without a lot of logos, of course, because of the excess amount of reachable pockets in the back that do not encumber you throughout the day. This allows you to carry a whole bunch of stuff legitimately, handsfree, including cigar tubes, plus they are sport shirts designed for such activities.
KK
Feb 2, 2015 at 10:37 pm
Most of the guys I know don’t have hiking shoes. Most guys I know don’t have bicycle shirts either. Which, btw, if you’re gonna do that, I think you should just go all the way and wear the shorts and bicycle shoes too. At least your outfit would be cohesive.
Frode
Feb 10, 2015 at 3:39 pm
I LOL’ed when I read this, you think people that walks around a golf course wearing golf shoes looks like tools, but you’re out there in a bicycle shirt because it’s so practical with those pockets? Well played sir 🙂
Steve
Jan 14, 2015 at 10:18 am
Ben, you lost me at item # 1. You see, I don’t play football or baseball, therefore I don’t wear those shoes to those events. I do play golf….and walking a golf course and attending a tournament is a completely different fan experience unless you are inclinded to find a bleacher seat behind a green and sit there all day. I’ll wear my FootJoy’s on the course, thank you very much. Oh, and if you don’t mind, I’ll put change shoes in the parking lot with my trunk lid up. I hope you can handle that.
Obee
Jan 11, 2015 at 8:51 pm
I’ll continue to match my shoes to whatever it is I’m looking to do and, most importantly, the conditions I’m going to be in while wearing them. At a PGA tournament in the dry southwest, I’m probably going to wear lightweight, cool running shoes or even comfortable sandals. But if I’m going to a tournament where the ground is wet, I’m going to wear a comfortable to walk in, yet waterproof shoe. The only waterproof shoes I own are golf shoes, so yes, I’ll wear them to a PGA Tour event. There was a time when I would care what others might think, but I can finally, thankfully say (at 47 years old), that I both have worn and will continue to wear spikeless golf shoes to watch PGA tournaments when it’s even the slightest bit wet.
Jack
Jan 13, 2015 at 4:04 am
Spikeless ones are a great choice.
bradford
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:47 am
Agreed, I like to hit up the college tournaments if possible, because you can walk the fairways with the guys. I also only have one type of shoes for these conditions…so yeah.
APC
Jan 11, 2015 at 9:16 am
This whole notion of a “gentlemens game” has flown out the window… With Tigers vulgar mouth, Patrick Reed’s nice 3 putt, you @$%#@$, and all the other prima donna actions, these guys are still making millions off the fans, not the other way around…. Why not have a PGA event where people don’t have to be quiet, like the world series or Superbowl… Crowd noise is fun.. And I’m willing to bet that event would be awesome ……. Obvious argument to my point, most people are stupid and take things too far…. But still
dunn2500
Jan 11, 2015 at 3:30 pm
Hey cursing has been around 4 ever and yes even golfers of nicklaus and hogan era cursed on course….it just wasn’t caught on camera or televised….nothing has changed except technology and every spectator basically having a camera and recorder in their hands vs nobody having it 20 yrs ago and beyond…..golf is frustrating….every recreational golfer who actually cared about his game has cursed on the course…..i would be willing to bet the people who slam the pros for profanity are actually much worse when they play…..people are always looking for slightest error so they can pounce on them….it’s sad but that is our world today…..
bradford
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:49 am
They have that event, at Scottsdale. I won’t even watch it…can’t stand watching morons getting drunk–that’s what football and Nascar are for.
Steve
Jan 11, 2015 at 3:09 am
Jeeze. After going through these comments, you’d think these guys play on extremely hilly courses in pouring rain every week.
Sizzle
Jan 10, 2015 at 11:05 pm
No beer or cigar? Then I would just fall asleep like I do watching these clowns playing a 5 hr round from home.
bradford
Jan 22, 2015 at 10:51 am
I’m a cigar guy too, but I think the point was more about the choice of location. I won’t kid myself that at least several people hate the smell, so I make it a point to be separate from the crowd.
Chris C
Jan 10, 2015 at 9:22 pm
As an owner of at least several dozen pairs of Ecco golf shoes, I wear them for comfort and functionality. Accordingly, when I have attended various PGA events, I have worn a pair of Ecco golf shoes. I also wear them when I walk the dog; when I accompany my wife to the local mall; when I go fishing and when I am simply kicking back. I do not wear them in an attempt to pose as one of the players. My alternatives include a collection of wing tips, cowboy boots, loafers, sandals or or a pair of Baffins rated for 148degrees below zero(which I intend to wear at tomorrow’s Packer game. None of these strikes me as being more appropriate for waking around Whistling Straits.
Sergio
Apr 29, 2016 at 4:18 pm
dork
Ken
Jan 10, 2015 at 5:53 pm
Really, Ben? What’s more comfortable than wearing a pair of great spikeless golf shoes to trek a few miles?
JDMOnly
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Thank goodness I don’t see anyone in California wearing golf shoes to tournaments- Must be a flyover state thing. Wannabe status to the fullest. Sissies worried about mud and slipping, maybe lose a few Pounds you too heavy fat-azzes.
Todd Turner
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:19 pm
I’ll enjoy my cigars and beer.. I just get away from the crowds when puffing..
CDJ
Jan 12, 2015 at 9:52 am
Don’t need beer to enjoy good cigar….but it helps…and I won’t stop either. Should have mentioned the douche cut and glasses instead!
JJC51
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:45 pm
All good and obvious points except the first one. I only own black leather shoes and golf shoes so which would I wear to an event? Because I make the obvious choice I will not suffer to be thought a dweeb.
deh
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Ben,
It appears your article had the intended effect. People have responded, engaged and are talking about it good and bad.
KK
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Ditto the waterproof shoe comment by others.
Chilman
Jan 10, 2015 at 11:47 am
Why no cell phone pics or videos? Mine makes zero noise. We take videos and pics when out golfing to analyze our swings. Has no negative affect, even with the person standing directly behind you. It makes no noise. At PGA event they tell you no cell phones and then there are 6 professional photographers next to you who’s cameras click away a hundred times???? Plus it wouldn’t hurt the tour with more people promoting it thru social media sites.
KK
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Someone would have to screen the noisy camera folks from the noiseless camera folks. Maybe you could volunteer?
SNxTif
Jan 13, 2015 at 3:44 am
Nice one 🙂
For me, I just simply wonder why on earth people would like to shoot a pro with their own phones…
with all youtube videos available…
bragging right? (what to brag anyway)
think that they can do better job at shooting? (with that phone…)
want a shot of the exact outfit???
Golf
Jan 10, 2015 at 7:49 am
I attended a few PGA Golf Tournaments in the 70’s. The only thing that I was interested in or even thought about was enjoying watching the PGA players play golf. I know without a doubt that I nor any of my friends were concerned about whether a spectator had on golf shoes, what they were wearing, saying or doing. Who goes to a PGA Tour event to watch spectators????… Thinking back, I do remember that there were similar annoyances to what is going on currently. I think what the difference is now vs back then is that it is much more concentrated. Last year I bought tickets to attend 3 days of a PGA Tour event. I attended 2 days and that was enough for me. I did not realize that Tour events have evolved into such as it is now. Never say Never, but most likely my last effort to attend a tour event. I love watching golf, playing golf, studing golf, and clubmaking and fitting. Not the least bit interested in spectators.
8thehardway
Jan 10, 2015 at 6:50 am
Cattle have no dignity… thin the herd and the heard by cutting ticket sales 1/3rd. Silence and tranquility will follow.
Mikec
Jan 10, 2015 at 7:22 am
Tournaments are there to make money
wscaddie56
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Hmmm, I thought PGA Tour events were non profit entities, you know like college athletics.
Maybe Bubba should consider playing in noise canceling headphones.
Woody
Jan 10, 2015 at 5:39 am
Try viewing a golf tournament in the UK, when it’s raining.
Faux pas number one about golf shoes would soon become a moot point
gerald
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:37 am
Our culture has coarsened. You see this in demonstration on the golf course especially during a tournament, with loud coarse language, inebriation, and cameras clicking. The lack of civility indicates that the fans are not really golfers, but frequently young males, who use their attendance as an excuse to get out of the house for male companionship and boozing. These bad behaviors are a thing of recent years, as fifty years ago you couldn’t and wouldn’t want to display any discourtesy. Golf shoes have ALWAYS been used by smart tourney attendees because they are waterproof and make hill climbing much safer. Golf once was called “a gentleman’s game”, not because it was masculine, but because you followed rules, both of the game and of decorum.
Jimmy
Jan 10, 2015 at 5:56 am
Gah it’s going to be so great when this generation goes
Chuck
Jan 10, 2015 at 2:49 pm
Wow. I am so tempted to write, “The feeling’s mutual, millennial-boy.” But I’m sort of curious where this generational warfare comes from, in the context of golf shoes.
The younger generation’s taste in golf shoe designs is such that I think I could go to almost any big box retailer and find some golf shoes that look pretty much like gym shoes in any event. Not that I’d want to buy them.
Jimmy
Jan 11, 2015 at 7:52 am
Wow, please die off.
Ken
Jan 10, 2015 at 5:38 pm
Yeah, Jimmy. Once the guys who understand what “class” means are extinct, you’ll move to the front of the line.
don davis
Jan 10, 2015 at 3:32 am
I don’t know how the pros put up with the crazies at golf tournaments.
Well oiled from often free booze. Golf tournaments are fun but they are a bit much sometimes. You forgot the women in hight heels.
Ian
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:41 am
haha,terrible article Ben, everything you listed in the “not to do” section is what makes our game great. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY cares about Webb winning the U.S Open. However I do agree with adults asking for autographs (unless it is for their kid). Mashed potatoes was great, Tiger even mentioned how he got a chuckle from it @ Isleworth a month ago.
Ben, can you break 80?
Juan Ayala
Jan 10, 2015 at 12:17 am
Sorry Ben but you’re absolutely wrong about wearing golf shoes at a tournament. First of all I don’t know why it’s so offensive to you. You’re on a golf course idiot, you can wear golf shoes. What’s next, I can’t wear a golf shirts or golf hats either because I’m not pro. For the record, caddies walk on the flatiest part of the golf course not on the steep sides trampled and made slippery about thousand people walking on it
Jimmy
Jan 10, 2015 at 5:59 am
Your just the guy who looks like an idiot and people get a chuckle out of
Kyle
Jan 10, 2015 at 9:56 am
Lol. So you’re the guy I laugh at at tournaments.
Jack
Jan 13, 2015 at 4:10 am
Well golf shoes are better than if a woman wore high heels to a golf course. That’d be funny.
Chris S
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Way to offend lots of golf fans Ben. Well done.
Kyle
Jan 10, 2015 at 9:55 am
Lol. So you’re the guy I laugh at at tournaments.
Justin
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:37 pm
I will always where golf shoes in the event of rain. Before,after, or otherwise forecast. hills with crowd paths and water turn into mud slides. We buy them to walk the course, this instance is no different. And when we do (buy them) we get cleats and make sure they come with a two year water warranty. It’s a game played in the elements and in being in proximity to the memorial, wgc Bridgestone, oakmont and Rochester, I’ll be on some hills. So this should be on the next list… What to do…
Kyle
Jan 10, 2015 at 9:57 am
You buy spikes to have traction when swinging, not comfort for watching tournaments. Why would you wear golf shoes with spikes when you’re not golfing? Makes zero sense
Rob
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:45 pm
Ben,
I have to respectably disagree with not wearing golf shoes to a PGA golf event..I have been to a dozen or so tournaments in the Northeast, and have learned from experience years ago. My golf shoes are waterproof.. Why should I trash my sneakers. When you walk around, you end up in the most trashed areas of what once was grass, where a little rain turns it into mud pits. I was at Merion for the Thursday of the US Open when it poured in the morning.. Thank god I had them on.. Thanks FootJoy!!
Chuck
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Ben, you’re a good writer and I ordinarily enjoy pretty much everything you post. I especially like your work on reporting the latest golf patents.
Your list should have started — and ended — with “NO MORE ‘BABA BOOEY’, ‘GET IN THE HOLE’ AND ‘MASHED POTATOES’.” It would have been funnier, more effective and better for professional golf if a ‘Top Ten List’ had “No more Baba Booey” as items 1 through 9.
As for golf shoes on the golf course, I ordinarily don’t wear golf shoes as a spectator, but I have done it before, I may do it again, and I would not care what you thought about it.
The simple reason that caddies never wear golf shoes is because they stand next to the hole, right around the hole, on ever hole. At least one caddy does. And nobody wants their spike marks a foot and a half away from the cup.
I’m not trying to act like a player. I’m trying to walk about five miles on a golf course, comfortably. I’m not sure if you’ve ever walked a rain-soaked Muirfield Village, or Augusta, or Whistling Straits. Your association of not wearing spikes to a football game or a baseball game is idiotic. I am not on the field at a football game or baseball game. I am on the golf course at a Tour event. It’s assuredly not a big to me; it’s just a bit more comfortable, in some cases. Don’t tell me I am wrong about that because I am not.
As for wearing cleats at a football game, you may be too young to remember Woody Hayes, Joe Paterno or Bo Schembechler. I dare you ti find a picture of any of them without some sort of cleats in a game. They didn’t wear helmets or shoulder pads. They weren’t playing. They wore windbreakers. But cleats made sense for their feet.
I’m not wrong about all of this, Ben. You are. And please don’t talk to us about any sort of “wannabe” factor in this debate. The events I much prefer to attend, because of your entire list of pet peeves (in which I mostly share) are the USGA amateur events. And as often as not, when you see officials, match referees and scorers at those events, they are wearing cleats if they have to reliably walk the whole course in damp conditions. I’ve seen USGA and Masters Committeemen wearing cleats. They aren’t pretending about anything.
ken
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:32 pm
-On very rare occasions, i will enjoy a cigar at one of these events….I stand well back from the ropes.
– I will scowl at the “yellers”….Hoping they see my utter disdain over their annoying attempts at attracting attention…
-I cannot stand anyone over the age of 15 who shows up in Ricky Fowler attire.
-Attention grownups….Autographs and player tossed balls to the gallery ARE FOR KIDS…..
-NO GOLF SHOES…You look like a dweeb.
-Snarky comments about players should be kept to your group. Saying them out loud makes one look like they crave attention. And are pretty stupid people.
-those who have course knowledge…it’s ok to bestow that…..on those with whom you are attending…Nobody else cares. Keep it down so the rest of us cannot hear you….
-Stay OFF your phone…..
I stand down from my soap box.
bill
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Why are you essentially repeating what I just read in the article?
Jack
Jan 13, 2015 at 4:11 am
Do you yell at Fowler too? He’s definitely older than 15.
marcel
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:01 pm
Duffer’s wife is hot! period or without!
marcel
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:36 pm
If I was straight I’d definately try to “dj” her
JHM
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:44 pm
might be worth it anyway
alan
Jan 9, 2015 at 4:46 pm
douchey guy at least has a nice panerai
ken
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Yes, she is….But every one else knows this….
Golfraven
Jan 10, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Yes, and looks like my brother, real j…
LPGA
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:54 pm
Although, I do get a laugh at them because it looks like they are sucking on a turd, Cigar guy…you are the worst! Smell is as offensive as the dis guarded cigar butts on the ground. I imagine it is like the, ‘Hey! Look at me!’ type behavior you see in adolescent boys. Do you need to smoke those things out in a crowd of people? It doesn’t make you look appealing or attractive.
James
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Just have some class and dignity and all should be well.
birdeez
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:50 pm
The fact that we have to have this top 10 of what should be common sense things says a lot about the society we’ve grown to become.
How sad and pathetic yet how completely accurate this top 10 is. Part of the reason for those that simply can’t follow the basic rules and have an ounce of respect is that no one enforces the rules and the penalties are virtually non existent. how about the next time a guy pulls his phone out and snaps a pic and makes a noise, the phone is confiscated and the fan is given some time in the penalty box.
Jafar
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:04 pm
I’ve never been to a PGA event. But it’s good to know what kind of people I might encounter…
May just stick to watching it on TV…
Tim
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:18 pm
If you are a true Golf fan you owe it to yourself to go and see the best players in the world in person, TV doesn’t do it justice. Who cares what other people around you are doing, and what this writer says. A Golf course is a big area, just steer away from the beer stands where the drunks hang out and its a great time.
Robeli
Jan 9, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Too expensive.
Jafar
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Thomas and I love to curl up in bed with a cup of joe (or just Joe) and watch or at least golf channel is on if we’re in bed and not watching
Randy Dandy
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Never tell them you took a lesson from Monte S . The entire tour can’t stand that guy with his teaching fallacies . No clue what he is babbling about
Jay
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:47 pm
“Douchily Attired” That was the funniest part of this article. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be funny. I’ll bet you an Alec Bradley Sun grown that the douchiest guys at the event will not be the ones smoking cigars.
GABirddog
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Obviously this peckerwood has not been to Augusta in the Spring. Members, volunteers, press, Patrons, etc wear golf shoes. I’d love to see him covered in stinky black mud and green grass stains when he busted his butt after a rain storm.
Robeli
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Spectators wearing golf shoes are snobs and show-offs.
Tim
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Hate these types of articles, Golfwrx get rid of this hack!
Frank
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Fully agree. Basically sayin…….dont do anything but be a stiff at a sporting event! Golf sucks because of these stupid articles.
Smoking cigars….cool
Drinking cold beer in hot weather….cool
Weather golf shoes on a golf course….cool
Bird calling any time an arrogant rich daddys boy wins…. Cool
This article was lame!
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:01 pm
I don’t drink much but do like the positive cigar comments I have seen from this article. A cigar on the golf course is like a fine liquor after dinner, they just go together. I would not smoke it in a crowd but for Christ’s sake I’m outdoors and trying to relax. Most people who hate smoking are hypocrits, either doing some other vice they have or smoking pot, if in Washington and Colorado. I actually had some idiot tell me pot smoking is not as bad as cigar smoking. He is wrong beyond comprehension as cigar smoking cannot be compared to either not unless you inhale the cigar which few people do.
Bob Williams
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Sometimes it’s better to zip it and let everyone assume you have no clue than to open it and remove all doubt….
. I actually had some idiot tell me pot smoking is not as bad as cigar smoking. He is wrong beyond comprehension as cigar smoking cannot be compared to either not unless you inhale the cigar which few people do.
Read more at http://www.golfwrx.com/267551/10-things-not-to-do-at-a-pga-tour-event/#aJXoGHSuDJWeX4GV.99
That idiot is actually 100% correct and you couldn’t me more incorrect. Cigar smokers can get mouth and throat cancer and several other cancers from cigars just as easily as a user of chewing tobacco. Inhaling has nothing to do with it. The lack of inhaling may lower their chances of lung cancer but all the other sites are fully exposed. And what do you think happens when saliva is swallowed during a 30 min-90 min cigar? It’s carrying all of that crap right down with it. Yet, in the history of the world nobody has ever got cancer from smoking pot. If you know of a case, please post a link. Let me guess, you probably also don’t think there is any medical benefit to it? Not enough research for you. So all of the cancer patients who use it for appetite stimulant, nausea and pain management are wrong? All of the parents who have given their little kids oils from pot (minus the THC mind you. Hope you and everybody realizes that. We’re talking about the equivalent of non alcoholic beer here)whose 300-1000 seizures a day magically drop to a few a week. Mind you, this usually occurs when the patients and parents have tried and exhausted all pharmaceutical medications.
James
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Uh, there really isn’t enough evidence to say no one has gotten cancer from pot. Here is a UK article on it and that is what they say. It’s inconclusive but pot smoke contains 50 known carcinogens. I would suspect utilization of pot is different but to claim no one has ever gotten cancer from it is pretty wrong when we simply don’t know.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/cancer-questions/does-smoking-cannabis-cause-cancer
Chris
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:51 pm
1. If you think the article is dumb, don’t read it. Title clearly states what it entails. Read the title. Not your cup of tea, move on.
2. Golf shoes. No your feet arent wet. Yes you do look like a d-bag.
3. Tour stops have quickly become more about the social gatherings….even at Augusa. Half the people there unfornutately couldnt care less about golf. Sad but true and with that, you will get the type of patrons that true golf fans hate…just part of it.
Richard Hurtz
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Here, here Chris. I’ve been scratching my head about the necessity and absurdity of people who feel the need to wear golf shoes at events. Complete idiocy and I’m sorry the muddiness excuse carries zero weight. Those who are insulted by this fun little article are likely guilty of many of the things on the list. Common sense would serve these people well, but I know that is very rare these days.
Former Pro from the 70s
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:38 am
Chill out Ben, fans make golf successful. Most people who make a living at this game realize and appreciate that. Here’s a suggestion: If you woke up on the wrong side of bed and need to throw rocks, try picking on somebody who deserves it, like the USGA and R&A. They’ve been asleep at the wheel for 2 decades on equipment regulation for Tour players (not casual golfers) and now it’s too late. Many classic courses have been rendered obsolete and to a large extent so are the shotmaking skills once required to differentiate pros from would-be pros. Baseball figured out when aluminum bats were appropriate (amateur leagues) and it saved many stadiums, but not the USGA.
Jack Nash
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:30 am
You gotta admit, The Bird Guy was funny.
Joe Golfer
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:17 pm
I think I’ve seen that “Bird Guy” on the Jimmy Kimmel show. He makes a habit of showing up at press conferences and doing or saying odd things for comedic effect.
Wayne N.
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:29 am
As long as the PGA allows inappropriate behavior to continue…it will…and it will get worst.
Golf is perhaps one of the remaining sports that adhere to some resemblance of appropriate behavior and decorum. Depending on the mix of attendees and even perhaps where the event is held, there are varying degrees of bad behavior.
Hence, it’s sometimes refreshing to watch the Asian Tour on the Golf Channel.
Wayne N.
Jan 9, 2015 at 8:02 pm
After seeing the way straight guys act at sporting events,
Makes me glad to be the way I am.
Knobbywood
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
Apparently many of the readers of this website fit neatly into the above categories… As per their outraged comments bashing the author for calling them out for their idiocy
Beer and cigar guy
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:01 am
Slam your beers. Smoke your cigars just do it respectfully. And as far as language goes, tell your kid to understand that he’s in crowd of such awful people that do awful things like say the f word, smoke cigars and drink the unholiest of beverages. It’s called growing up and learning how to behave.
Chris
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:58 am
Until Nike makes a pair of waterproof tennis shoes, people are going to wear golf shoes. Get over it. I don’t see why this freaks so many people out. Some people don’t want to spend their day with soggy feet. If they come out wearing golf gloves carrying their bag through the gallery then you can laugh at them.
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:57 pm
I have a pair of Ecco Bioms and they are the most comfortable shoes I have. I don’t wear them to tournaments but for walking a lot they would be my first choice besides my pair of New Balances.
DG
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:58 am
I’m so f@$king tired of these kind of articles and comments from the ‘experienced’ golfer. When did everyone become so damn judgmental? We live in a somewhat free society. If an attendee has paid for his or her admission and wants to drink beer and wear golf shoes, God bless them. Last time I checked, golf should be thankful someone showed up, or is still paying green fees at the local muni or resort. This is a tough time for golf… Just let people be and enjoy their time.
ben
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Amen! I’m tired of these kinds of article and threads! People calling people posers, fashion police, behaving like golf is some kind of sacred members only, purist game. Its a GAME! And if we want it to be around much longer in a practical, affordable way, we need people to play.
Also, every other major game/sport has to contend with distractions/pressure during play. I think pictures/video should be allowed at professional tourneys. If a faint click can throw you off your game maybe you need to work on your focus/mental toughness! You’re a professional athlete after all!
birdeez
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:54 pm
i could care less about the cigars or the shoes, but the yelling after shots is flat out annoying. equally annoying is those that blatantly ignore the no cameras rule. other than that, have a good time, don’t be obnoxious, and dress as foolish as you want.
Worst Article Ever
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:53 am
Dumbest thing I’ve seen on this website yet. And as a cigar smoker, I’m insulted by the insinuation that we all act inappropriately.
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Second that..
John F. Erickson
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:49 am
Lamest article ever written. Beer and Cigar guy is the only reason people go to these things. You can’t see squat, so you may as well enjoy the the weather and drink up.
labillyboy
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Amen…
Telling other people how to live… must be a Demokrat.
Yes, wearing golf shoes as a spectator does look stupid, but hey, who am I going to laugh at and make fun of while smoking and drinking, if they don’t show up?
MHendon
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:01 pm
“Telling other people how to live… must be a Demokrat.” I think that would be more of a Republican action not Democrat.
steve
Jan 9, 2015 at 7:43 pm
“Yes, wearing golf shoes as a spectator does look stupid, but hey, who am I going to laugh at and make fun of while smoking and drinking, if they don’t show up?”
Haha, nice.
Josh
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:44 am
Top Thing Not To Do In Life…
1. Tell people how to conform…let people do what they want
If they want to wear golf shoes let them…sure they look goofy but very happy
If a dude can’t enjoy a cigar and a beer at a golf tournament that sucks
If I want to yell…guess what I’m at a sporting event
I could go on but it’s worthless telling people what to do…
enrique
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:01 am
If you want to yell you’re going to? You’re obviously “that guy”.
“Sporting Event” doesn’t allow you to shout ridiculous things while everyone else is silent.
Go try it at Wimbledon or the US Open (tennis).
Next you’ll be posting how it defeats your civil right to Freedom of Speech.
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:05 pm
At Wimbledon everyone has a bamboo pole up their butt as most English events do, except soccer. The last US Open I watched they were loudmouthing from the stands bigtime but you are correct, people should not yell at a golf tournament.
Bob
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:42 am
Marshalls??? We went to see the US Open at Pebble a fews back and waited at the tee box on hole #4 for about 1 hour in order to catch a glimpse of Mickelson. Phil arrive with 4 volunteer Marshalls, the Marshalls stand right in front of us and put their arms up. Quiet. No one was moving or making a sound. These guys are the worst offenders.
DevonC
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:39 am
What a pointless article. Please write something more useful next time.
Zooch79
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:26 pm
His back-up article was how to water proof your sneakers. But he probably figured this one would get some laughs… Oops.
Matt
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:38 am
Clearly you did not attend the ’09 US Open at Bethpage. I wore sneakers Tues and Wednesday. When deluge was in the forecast for thursday I wore my waterproof golf shoes. Best decision of the week. Wore them every day. By the end of the week they were toast, but my feet were not. Do better with your top 10 lists.
PT
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:49 am
Nailed the 09′ US Open comment. It was priceless watching girls coming out from the city in heals trying to walk through that mess.
Former Pro from the 70s
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:56 am
Absolutely! That stretch to the right of 12 fairway and then left of 13 fairway was like the Bataan mud march.
WhoNeedsFairways
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:08 am
I second that. I was there in 09 at Bethpage and an old pair of FootJoys served me very well.
It’s not about stability… it’s about not destroying a regular pair of sneakers with mud etc.
Stupid article.
Big Dave
Jan 9, 2015 at 12:57 pm
Also at ’09 Bethpage Open. Watching on #5 green (standing next to Notah Begay outside the ropes), a spectator advised Tiger “Yo Tiger, this putt is slow, everyone is leaving it short.” Tiger rolls it to 3″‘ joker yells, “See I told you it was slow. “. Begay just shakes his head.
I’ve also been to USTA US Open tennis, amazing the number of spectators in tennis dresses. Maybe Venus Williams will be sick and Serena will pull a fan from the stands as a doubles partner?
Shallowface
Jan 11, 2015 at 7:23 am
I like girls in tennis dresses.
Regis
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve been to a number of majors including both Opens at Bethpage. When it really rains and the Open rough gets soaked the spectator areas and walking paths are like a slip and slide. And putting down plywood doesn’t do much. There were a number of people carted away in ambulances with broken ankles and wrists and such. A fair number of lawsuits against the USGA as well
Chip Hunt
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:31 am
Well the PGA championship at Valhalla last year was treacherous to get around after all the rain. I didn’t wear golf shoes, but I wished I had a few times. I saw a lot of patrons covered in mud after slipping and falling. I have very good balance but sometimes it was like skiing downhill in my running shoes. I do smoke cigars but I find a place away from the crowd so smoke is not blowing in someone’s face. Golf courses are huge so it’s easy to find a spot to chill and have a stogie.
erkr
Jan 9, 2015 at 9:57 am
My golf shoes are waterproof. My other shoes not.
TheBrokenTee
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:15 am
That’s right. My street shoes aren’t for walking through wet, soggy rough on a golf course. My golf shoes are.
Enrique
Jan 9, 2015 at 10:24 am
Idiot. You want people to know you golf. Wear tennis shoes like a caddie. They walk in the rough too.
We laugh at the guys at these event wearing golf shoes.
Cliff
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:19 am
Laugh all your want! Caddies get to walk down the fairway 99% of the time and I’m sure the have some sort of waterproof shoe. A caddie is on the course for 5 hours while some spectators are there 8-10 hours.
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Why? Most of the comments have stated the article writer as wrong. Golf shoes are made for wet weather, walking in and offer better support than sneakers. Seems to me wearing golf shoes would be the better choice. With all the spikeless designs out now they would be appropriate.
me
Jan 9, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Sorry but to anyone that wears spikes at an event, you are a douche. People on here talking about wearing them to avoid broken legs and ankles?? wtf? Stop it already. You don’t go out wearing golf shoes in rainy weather, or when hiking. The fact that caddies don’t even wear spikes just says it all. Spikeless casuals are ok.
leftright
Jan 9, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Wish you had laughed at my guys at the Copperhead in Florida last year. Gary is a +3, I’m scratch, Bryan is +1 and Dennis is a 1. I guess we don’t know what we are doing.
SBoss
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:03 pm
I live in an area with a ton of hills. When the PGA is in town, guys have golf shoes on everywhere. Nobody wants to walk up or down hills without some good traction….
Also, nobody is wearing golf shoes to advertise that they play golf. Most of the spectators have played some golf…
I’ll agree with the “mashed potatoes” and “bobba booyie” crap.
Shallowface
Jan 10, 2015 at 10:06 pm
I’m as bad as you Enrique. I laugh at the guys with mud on their backs from slipping and falling because they were worried someone may notice what they have on their feet.
Little disturbed here by all of the guys admitting they stare at other men’s feet.
Travis
Jan 9, 2015 at 9:31 am
Who would be left if you excluded all those types!!
Captain Oblivious
Jan 9, 2015 at 9:45 am
Patrons. See: Augusta National