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19th Hole

Greg Norman’s watches (and the stories behind them) are incredible

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Following in Jack Nicklaus’ footsteps, Greg Norman chatted with Jon Beus, Senior Editor at Hodinkee, about his watch collection (and unlike Nicklaus, Norman has not worn the same Rolex for 50 years).

Norman tells Hodinkee he was one of the first golfers in the modern era to wear a watch during play. Ebel approached Norman and and asked him if he’d be interested in wearing a watch on the golf course. Norman “thought about it long and hard,” and decided to go ahead. He tried metal bands, leather bands, and even different color faces to see what he was most comfortable playing golf in.

Interestingly he chose a dark face that isn’t very reflective, saving him from the glare of the afternoon sun. Norman says that when he wore a watch on his left wrist with a more reflective face, it distracted him during his putting, so he opted instead for a flatter look and wearing the watch on his right wrist. Norman also says when he tried a metal band on his left wrist, it interfered with his action through impact.

For watch junkies, the rest of what Norman has to say and the tour of his collection is must-see stuff.

Bues asked Norman a couple of non-watch questions that will be of interest, including asking the two-time major champion how he got started in the game.

“I was…bored one day down in Brisbane, going on my 16th birthday, and I went out and caddied for my mother. My mother at that time was a really good player, she was a three handicap. When she went in for a cup of tea with her friends, I took her golf clubs out..played out and back, out and back…four holes…[and I] got hooked.”

Norman mentions his won his first professional tournament less than five years from that initial experience with his mother’s golf clubs. He also talks through how he learned the game–relying heavily on Jack Nicklaus’ Golf My Way.

It a great interview and one which–if you like golf and watches, at least–you’d like to have seen be 10 times longer.

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19th Hole

Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis

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According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.

Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.

However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”

The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.

The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.

The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.

The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

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On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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19th Hole

PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

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This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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