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19th Hole

Graeme McDowell thanks social media for getting his golf clubs back

Published

6 years ago

on

Graeme McDowell’s golf clubs were lost in transit from Paris to Manchester Sunday. Air France’s snafu left McDowell sans sticks as he was slated to tee it up in the Open Championship qualifier, Tuesday.

Ultimately, he withdrew, explaining he wouldn’t be able to cobble a set together from the tour trucks.

“My equipment is kind of old generation stuff,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “My irons are three years old. My driver is a couple years old. I really don’t play with a lot of up-to-date equipment, so a lot of the stuff would have been very difficult to replace. The irons I use, Srixon won’t carry those on the truck anymore. The wedges I use, Cleveland, they won’t be on the truck anymore. The putter is 15 years old.

Now, McDowell must finish in the top 10 at this week’s Irish Open or next week’s Scottish Open to have a shot at making the Open field.

Fortunately, his weapons have been returned to him, and he credits the roles social media played in the return.

“I spent most of Monday on the phone to customer service at Air France which was frustrating to say the least,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.

“We established that the clubs were in Paris but not when they would get to me. It was basically ‘get in the queue, you’re one of many that have lost a bag and you’ll wait your turn.’

“On Monday night, I still didn’t know where my clubs were. It wasn’t until around 10.3am on Tuesday morning that I talked to somebody sensible at Air France who could tell me they would put the clubs on a flight for me.

“Thankfully the story had a happy ending. They landed at Dublin on Tuesday night at 10 o’clock and a courier company had them in the hotel by 3am this morning.

“It was really the power of social media in the end. If it wasn’t for Twitter and the fact that the story gained a huge amount of momentum to where Air France’s PR department had to call me and sort things out, the clubs would still be in Paris somewhere.”

Beyond just losing McDowell’s bag, can you believe he was told “get in the queue?” Dude didn’t just lose his luggage, he lost the ability to do his job…and from a PR standpoint, why step in it, Air France?

Here’s a bit of advice for any airlines losing a pro’s bag (again, this happens more than it should, and will continue to happen): Make a public apology (social media is great for this!) and a diligent search for the clubs! Good riddance!

 

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19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

3 days ago

on

Apr 26, 2024

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On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

4 days ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

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After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

4 days ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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