Tour News
5 Things We Learned: Day 1 of the 2016 PGA Championship
No one went super low on Day 1 at Baltusrol, and 70 players are within five strokes of the lead. If you were predicted to impact the 2016 season, you have a shot. If you have won lately, you have a shot. If you were injured recently, you have a shot. Tired, poor, huddled masses are all still in it. Richer, poorer, sick and healthy are still in the mix.
We did learn 5 specific things from Day 1 at the 2016 PGA Championship, the 98th of its kind. Have a look and see if you agree with our assessment.
How do you know it’s a PGA Championship?
Just six of the top-35 golfers have won a major title, while the rest are hoping to break through. Martin Kaymer is one off the lead at 4-under par, Henrik Stenson is at 3-under, Jason Day is at 2-under, and Rich Beem (yes, that Rich Beem) is 1-under.
The rest of the Thursday-night chasers are guys like Emiliano Grillo, James Hahn and John Senden. Be careful with John Senden. Some say he practices telepathy; others say it’s the black arts.
Hint: You won’t get the Senden joke unless watch the video below.
What? How? Really? #PGAChampionship https://t.co/IPJI7dFokK
— PlayBetter (@PlayBetter) July 28, 2016
Jimmy Walker probably won’t win
Remember when I wrote that Andrew Landry wouldn’t win at Oakmont, and he didn’t, and people yelled at me in internet-ese? Well, here I go again.
I like Jimmy Walker, and he is a great photographer. I like his wife, Erin Walker, because she is real and reachable and pertinent to fans and journalists. Jimmy Walker won’t win. He hasn’t played in, let alone challenged at, enough major tournaments to be comfortable through the week. If he does pull this one off, though, he will become a major force for Team USA at Ryder Cup time.
Jimmy Walker is on fire! 5-under through 10 holes and leads by 2. Here's his birdie on the par-3 16th.#PGAChamphttps://t.co/e05vmGoo1n
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) July 28, 2016
Give me the guys at 70 and you can have the rest of the field
Here’s the list: former major winners Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth; comers Patrick Reed, Branden Grace and the eat-well story of 2016, Andrew “Beef” Johnston. I get the feeling that one of those lads will find the Friday flame and turn in a 64.
WARNING: I don’t bet, because I never win. Don’t run to your bookie on my account.
Back-to-back Beef birdies. ???????? pic.twitter.com/kuahNGykCl
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) July 28, 2016
There’s no sure thing
How many people laid their hard-earned cash on a +7 performance from Dustin Johnson today? I’ll go with none. The best driver, wedge player and putter in recent major events struggled in all three categories at Baltusrol. The king of chill had one birdie and bunch of mustard-yellow numbers on his PGA.com scorecard, and sits in a tie for 143rd place.
DJ sums up 95% of my fairway bunker shots in just one swing. #golfproblems #pgachampionship https://t.co/RMfZLoeIML
— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) July 28, 2016
Driving and irons seems simple, right?
No other major championship this year saved its birdie holes for Nos. 17 and 18. There are no short, driveable par-4 holes, no par-3’s under 196 yards, and just two par-5’s (yep, those final two holes). Baltusrol is asking its champion and contenders to drive the ball in play (that secondary cut of rough looks like spinach) and spank an iron close to the hole (these are large putting surfaces). Anything less will result in an early flight home, or an early tee time on Sunday. Irons kinda like this one.
That was close! Young-Han Song comes within inches of a hole-in-one!#PGAChamp https://t.co/hpj4YGsv7D
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) July 28, 2016
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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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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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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Tom
Jul 31, 2016 at 7:34 pm
#4… well your prediction fell short
Marty Moose
Jul 29, 2016 at 6:14 pm
#6: Lots of annoying people in the gallery. Was watching the broadcast online and thought it was a Nascar race. Guess that’s NJ for you.
Matto
Jul 29, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Different to any other U.S crowds?
Ronald Montesano
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:18 am
Yes, way more. No clue why.
Ronald Montesano
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:17 am
There seem to be more at A) The PGA, every year and B) metro NYC events, even though Balty is a bit of a hike.
Adam Sutherland
Jul 29, 2016 at 12:30 am
Now I’m not Walkers biggest fan but your comments not being able to win are ridiculous!! He’s had five wins in the last three years, in that time he has had three Top 10s in majors! He also beat Jordan Speith in his latest victory (by 4 strokes), he also beat DJ at Pebble. Comparing him to Andrew Landry is a bit rich! Prior to Oakmont Landry had never played a Major and only played 13 PGA Tour Events. Prior to this weeks PGA Championship Walker had played in 17 majors and 257 PGA Tour Events. Plenty of Major winners didn’t have that resume before winning their first Major.
There is no doubt Walker isn’t having as good a season as the past three years, missing 5 cuts and only 3 top 10s. But to say the guy “hasn’t played in, let alone challenged at, enough major tournaments to be comfortable through the week” absolute rubbish!
COGolfer
Jul 30, 2016 at 1:04 am
Too many people discount his wins as not having any talent in the field. I think it’d be awesome to see him pull it off.
Ronald Montesano
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:19 am
Have you seen his record in the majors? He hasn’t played 10 of them yet, let alone challenged.
Adam Sutherland
Jul 30, 2016 at 10:25 pm
Ronald, if you had read my comment you would note that prior to this week Jimmy Walker has played in 17 majors and had 3 top 10s. For example recent major winners like Simpson, McDowell, Oosthuizen and Kaymer hadn’t had the “experience” or been in “contention” like Walker has when they won their first major.
My point was your logic was flawed and poorly researched. People reading articles on the home page of this site deserve better.
Philip
Jul 31, 2016 at 10:18 pm
I don’t think he is considering missing the CUT playing in a major and I would tend to agree on that point. However, Ronald was totally incorrect on this prediction and I’m waiting for him to eat crow.
dapadre
Aug 1, 2016 at 4:36 am
HAHAHA me too. I remember reading this and think how can you say that. When he is on, he is one of the best Butch Harmon even said when he came to him for help the first thing he told him, you know you are more talented that many who I have coached or ever will. He said his ball striking was upper level, it was mainly minor things and confidence. Like my old coach you to say, WINNING SHUTS UP PEOPLE QUICK. HAHAHA!
Yrrdead
Jul 28, 2016 at 11:02 pm
Telepathy != telekinesis
Ronald Montesano
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:20 am
My head hurts from using both of them.
Jeff
Jul 28, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Not that it matters, but isn’t it 6 of the top 35 that have won majors? Forgetting Webb Simpson and Louie Ooooo.
Zak Kozuchowski
Jul 28, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Thanks for the edit, Jeff. You are correct.
Ronald Montesano
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:21 am
Thanks, Jeff. Leader Board changed on me a few times, but no excuse. Can’t ignore Webb “Birdman” Simpson or Louis “I just want a tractor” Oosthuizen and their moments of glory.