News
Yikes: A Noose on the Cover
Talk about hoist with one’s own petard; "There was a great deal of debate over it," Golfweek editor Dave Seanor told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "But it was the news of the week, no question about it. That’s what everybody in the game is talking about." I’m not sure who Mr. Seanor was talking to, I discussed it earlier on these pages, but have since left it alone because in the grand scheme of things it was a small deal. A slip of the tongue during a live television event, these things happen, and everyone including Tiger Woods and commissioner Tim Finchem were willing to move on to more important things. Nobody I know has discussed this in a while other than to ponder how awkward Ms. Tilghman’s return to the booth would be for her and Golf Channel viewers.
"Was it an arresting image? Yes, it was," Seanor told USA Today. "We chose it because it was an image we thought would draw attention to an issue we thought deserved some intelligent dialogue." And the way to intelligent debate is to picture the prefered method of killing used by the Klu Klux Klan? To even attribute the word intelligent to the decision making process involved in the choice to run this cover leads me to wonder if these folks can define intelligent. Certainly the cover led me right to the idea of debate about free speech and race, . First thing that comes to mind when I see that noose hangin’ there. Mr. Seanor should be arrested for even thinking of such an idea. I certainly hope he was on drugs at the time he came up with this dandy of an idea , because if his brain wasn’t addled by drugs then he thinks this way normally. Another scary thought, that.
What Kelly Tilghman said was insensitive and unfunny but off the cuff. What Golfweek’s editors did, while also insensitive and unfunny, was premeditated in an effort to create some controversy. Somehow I think Mr. Seanor got more than he bargained for, since he’s newly joined the ranks of the unemployed. Nobody will remember Ms. Tilghman’s gaff, but this cover won’t soon be forgotten.
So what was the point, who’s caught in that noose anyway? Golf Channel because it eventually suspended her after the story became an issue? No not at I discovered after reading the editorial content. This is meant to be a rant against Rev. Al Sharpton because after his voice came out in favor of taking Ms. Tilghman’s job, her employer suspended her for two weeks. I’ll let you read the editorial content concerning Rev. Sharpton and decide what you think,: here are quotes from it’s content…"… the loudest voice often sets the agenda, regardless of how informed or accountable that voice may be." So this would make him uninformed and unaccountable in a very loud way. Hmmm. Then later comes this, "Regardless of how one feels about the shrill voice of the Rev. Al Sharpton, he wields enormous influence." Shrill he is, um really. Apparently the Rev Sharpton is not someone they hold in high esteem at Golfweek. So about this time I’m starting to get the idea that this isn’t about golf at all. Nor is it about the lack of integration in golf. No sir, what this is about is that demon "Political Correctness", which is apparently best addressed in a golf magazine because it is a monster so out of control we need to stick a noose on our cover and bash Al Sharpton. Puddin’ heads pure and simple. It’s a sad sad day for golf and golf journalism when this is how we think to stimulate intelligent discussion.
I’ve never claimed to be clever, nor very bright, only opinionated and openminded enough to listen to an argument before I decide it’s merit. If you want to have an intelligent discussion about race in golf, do so with the dignity of Golfworld, who’s cover this week shows a picture of Bill Spiller and tell’s his story of trying to break the PGA tour’s color line. Even I understand how this approach can get one thinking about race and free speech, unfairness and the sadness that accompany it uncomfortably throughout the recent past. There is no place for such offensiveness in a dialogue, that’s just name calling, and no possibility of dialogue begun in an aggressively insensitive manner. The boys at Golfweek should be ashamed, they’ve hoist themselves, quite publically indeed.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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News
Vincenzi’s 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson betting preview: International talent to shine
As anticipation mounts for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla in a few weeks, the PGA Tour makes a pit stop in McKinney, Texas to play The CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Last year was the third time TPC Craig Ranch hosted the Byron Nelson. Prior to 2021, the event was held at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
TPC Craig Ranch is a 7,414-yard par-71 that features Bentgrass greens. The event historically plays relatively easy, and that has remained the case in the three editions at TPC Craig Ranch.
The course structure may provide some additional intrigue with the par-3 17th featuring a stadium setup called “Ranch 17” which is reminiscent of the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. The course also has both long and difficult par-4s mixed with drivable par-4s, which should create some exciting moments.
There are 156 golfers in the field this week, and many stars will be taking the week off to prepare for 2023’s second major championship in a few weeks and a “signature event” at Quail Hollow next week. Notable players in the field include Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Sungjae Im, Stephan Jaeger, Tom Kim, Si Woo Kim, Min Woo Lee, Alex Noren, Adam Scott and Will Zalatoris.
Past Winners of the AT&T Byron Nelson
- 2023: Jason Day (-23 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2022: K.H. Lee (-26 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2021: K.H. Lee (-25 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2019: Sung Kang (-23)
- 2018: Aaron Wise (-23)
- 2017: Billy Horschel (-12)
- 2016: Sergio Garcia (-15)
- 2015: Steven Bowditch (-18)
Key Stats at TPC Craig Ranch
Let’s take a look at five key metrics for TPC Craig Ranch to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach remains the best measure of current form.
Hot iron play will be at a premium this week. Last year, Jason Day gained 6.4 strokes on approach, which was fourth in the field. In 2022, K.H. Lee was ninth in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, gaining 5.2 strokes. In his 2021 victory, he was second in the field and gained 8.3 strokes on the field in the category.
Strokes Gaines: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Tom Hoge (+1.12)
- Keith Mitchell (+1.02)
- Henrik Norlander (+0.99)
- Ryan Moore (+0.98)
- Ben Martin (0.80)
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Fairways are wide at TPC Craig Ranch.
Distance will certainly be helpful, and there aren’t too many difficult holes on the course. Golfers who put themselves in position off of the tee this week should have a sizable advantage.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds
- Peter Kuest (+0.93)
- Kevin Daugherty (+0.91)
- Alejandro Tosti (+0.83)
- Keith Mitchell (+0.82)
- Kevin Tway (+0.74)
Birdie or Better %
There aren’t many hazards on the course, and all of the par-5s should be reachable in two for the majority of the players in the field. I am anticipating a birdie fest, and this statistic should be helpful in finding the birdie-makers.
Birdie or Better % Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Wesley Bryan (31%)
- Kelly Kraft (26.2%)
- Peter Kuest (25.9%)
- Matti Schmid (25.7%
- Jimmy Stanger (25.2%)
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)
Many golfers on TOUR have some major putting surface variance in their statistics and prefer Bentgrass to other surfaces.
Bentgrass is common in Texas, and we often see golfers who play well in Texas continue to do so, finding a great feel around the greens.
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Maverick McNealy (+0.92)
- Aaron Baddeley (+0.87)
- Callum Tarren (+0.86)
- Harry Hall (+0.81)
- Nick Hardy (+0.69)
Course History
This statistic will tell us which players have performed the best at TPC Craig Ranch over the past three seasons.
Course History Over Past 12 Rounds:
- Jordan Spieth (+2.69)
- K.H. Lee (+2.59)
- Seamus Power (+1.84)
- Ryan Palmer (+1.76)
- Adam Scott (+1.72)
CJ CUP Byron Nelson Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: OTT (24%), Birdie or Better % (18%), Course History (17%) and SG: Putting Bentgrass (16%).
- Alex Noren
- Adam Scott
- Keith Mitchell
- Si Woo Kim
- Stephen Jaeger
- Jordan Spieth
- Jhonnatan Vegas
- Nate Lashley
- Brice Garnett
- Tom Hoge
2024 CJ CUP Byron Nelson Picks
Byeong Hun An +3000 (DraftKings)
Byeong Hun put together an excellent performance at The Masters, finishing T16, which ties his best ever finish at a major championship (also T16 at 2019 U.S. Open). The South Korean gained 9.16 strokes from tee to green, which ranked 2nd in the field behind only the champion, Scottie Scheffler.
An’s next start at Harbour Town didn’t go as well (67th), but he still had a fantastic ball striking week. The 32-year-old bled strokes both around and on the greens, which was his eventual undoing. In his past three starts, An has gained significant strokes on the field both off the tee and on approach.
Benny had a strong start at last year’s Byron Nelson, finishing in a tie for 14th. With limited challenges on the course, he shouldn’t have to do much scrambling. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 17th in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 17th in the field in birdie or better percentage. The putter is up and down per usual, but his ceiling putting weeks with his LAB Golf putter in 2024 are higher than they’ve been in past seasons.
An is starting to become my “white whale” of the PGA Tour, but I believe in his talent and TPC Craig Ranch is a course that should suit his excellent tee to green play.
Mackenzie Hughes +5500 (FanDuel)
Mackenzie Hughes is quietly putting together a very good season. He finished in a tie for 3rd at the Valspar Championship and followed that up with a T14 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
In his past 36 rounds in Texas, the Canadian ranks 5th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total. Last year, he finished in a tie for 14th at this event and gained strokes putting and off the tee. Mackenzie played well that week despite being in extremely poor form. He missed two cuts in a row prior to the event, and four consecutive cuts immediately after. His irons were off that week, but in 2024, we’ve seen an improvement in Hughes’ approach game. He now comes to the event playing some steady golf. He’s gained strokes on approach in four of his past five events and is hitting the ball very well from tee to green.
Hughes has two victories on the PGA Tour, both coming in relatively low-scoring affairs (-17 in each). He will need to go a bit deeper to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson but has the type of putter that can keep pace in a birdie barrage.
Seamus Power +7000 (FanDuel)
After struggling over the past few seasons with injuries, Seamus Power seems as if he is rounding back into the form that made him a really consistent player on the PGA Tour.
Power finished T12 in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage, which is encouraging considering it was a “signature event” with a very strong field. For the week, the Irishman gained 4.4 strokes on approach and 2.8 strokes putting, which is the combination he’s used in the past to contend on Tour.
In his three trips to TPC Craig Ranch, Power is yet to finish outside of the top-20, with his best finish being a T9 in 2019. He ranks 4th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course. The 37-year-old thrives on easy tracks and has won in 2021 (Barbasol Championship) and 2022 (Butterfield Bermuda) on easier layouts with weaker fields.
Power has the game to go extremely low and I believe he can get back in the winner’s circle for the third time in four years.
Chan Kim +10000 (FanDuel)
Chan Kim has been striking the ball beautifully this season and is a proven winner with two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 as well as eight career Japan Tour wins.
At last week’s Zurich Classic, Kim and his partner Doug Ghim finished in a tie for 28th. Prior to that, the South Korean T14 at the Valero Texas Open and T6 at the Corales Puntacana Championship. His success this season in Texas as well as he propensity to play his best golf on the PGA Tour’s easier courses make him and ideal fit for TPC Craig Ranch.
2024 has given plenty of longshot winners on the PGA Tour, and with a birdie fest like this, I believe there’s a strong chance we get another this week in McKinney, Texas.
Alejandro Tosti +10000 (FanDuel)
Alejandro Tosti is one of the most polarizing players on the PGA Tour thus far in the 2024 season. His antics can rub many the wrong way, but he’s shown on a few occasions that he has what it takes to compete in Tour events.
This season, Tosti has been elite off the tee. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The Argentine hits it long and straight, which works at any course on earth. He got a taste of contention a few starts ago at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, finishing in a tie for 2nd place.
Tosti had a fantastic year in 2023 on the Korn Ferry Tour, where going low is a prerequisite to success. If this turns to a shootout, which it likely will, the 27-year-old has the ability to set the pace. Tosti will look to become the second Argentine to win in Texas in the past two seasons after Emiliano Grillo emerged victorious at last year’s Charles Schwab Challenge.
C.T. Pan +15000 (FanDuel)
Outside of a T3 at the Mexico Open, C.T. Pan doesn’t have strong results this season in terms of finishes. However, over his past two starts, Pan’s iron play has come alive. At The Players, he gained 6.6 strokes on approach. At the Valero Texas Open, he gained 3.7. At last week’s Zurich Classic, Pan and his partner Kevin Yu finished T28. For a player who can get extremely hot with his scoring clubs, I believe he’s playing better than the results have shown over the past month or so.
Last season, Pan finished 4th at TPC Craig Ranch and was spectacular across all the major stat categories. In his past 36 qualifying rounds, he ranks 16th in Strokes Gained: Total in Texas.
Pan has won on the PGA Tour at the RBC Heritage and is always a player that I believe has what it takes to win on a Sunday if he finds himself in contention.
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News
Morning 9: McIlroy, Lowry win Zurich | Green repeats on LPGA | Steele victorious down under
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Scott
Jan 20, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I personally am tired of the overreaction to each and every comment that is of ill regard (intentional or other). The senstitivity of the population as a whole has made everyone a victim of sorts. Everyone can make issue of something each day that is repulsive, or sensitive to ones feelings. It is people like the highly esteemed Rev Al (currently being investigated for fed. racketeering) that highlights the obvious ill spoken words without regard.
To be honest what is the difference between a rape victim and the media’s nightly newscasts bringing light to these actions by of others. It brings up reminders that the victims obviously don’t want to relive.
My point is we need to get a little thicker skinned and not take a personal attack to off the cuff insensitive comments. I don’t fault Tilgman – she obviously didnt mean it in a derogitory manner.
Golfweek – I really dont fault them. Insensitive… yes. But as I said above, that is the media. It just happens that for some it is easier to brush off, and for others it seems that they can’t move on.
Todd
Jan 20, 2008 at 8:50 am
Thankfully seanor is gone,but i question the upper ranks from golf week,,didn’t they think about how this issue would be perceived from golf readers and the general population alike,,they should have let it pass,,just like Tiger did, the fine,fine young man that he is.Unfortunatley Ms Tilgmans mistake of a remark will more than likely not be forgotten for some time thanks to golf weeks publication of this article and the rev. al sharpton who by the way probably woudn’t have said a thing if Kelly was of a different color..
Ryan
Jan 20, 2008 at 5:31 am
This is terrible, yes the cover caught my attention but in a bad way. It is bad enough Kelly Tilghman had to have a two week suspension from the golf channel and now GolfWeek magazine continues the Kelly Tilghman slip out ACCIDENT by putting a noose on the cover. The media should just leave her alone, she apologized to Tiger Woods and Tiger accepted her apology, that is done. There should be no more talk about what happened that day. GolfWeek magazine is just making things worst. In addition, the cover they chose for GolfWeek’s magazine is a nightmare. That picture offends people and it brings back bad memories. I can’t believe how GolfWeek could even think of choosing a cover like that.
habana
Jan 19, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Kelly spoke without thinking. Golfweek had a week to think about this cover. Both were wrong, but tell me which is worse.
John
Jan 19, 2008 at 11:25 am
Mr. Seanor should have lost his job! The way to deal with people like Al Sharpton, publicity whores who will jump on any media opportunity to flog themselves, is to ignore them. Take the higher ground. You can editorialize, but for Golfweek to take this step, to attempt to profit off of what was really a minor slip on Kelly Tilghman’s part, is reprehensible. Golfweek can forget about my subscription.