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Ryder Cup Recap: Day One
It seems obvious that team USA has elected to return to the original spirit of the Ryder Cup team matches; that of an exhibition. How else to explain the generosity it showed in tossing four matches away in Friday’s afternoon session, after jumping out to a 3-1 lead over Europe? After all, seizing a 6-2 or 7-1 advantage would have meant that the Yanks actually cared to win this competition. How do I know all this? Well for starters, look at the margin of defeat in each of those foursomes (alternate shot) matches: 16th green, 16th green, 14th green, 14th green. Those are not razor-thin margins, readers. As always, there is more to the story, so let’s have a look at our day one Ryder Cup Recap.
Morning Four-balls
Things looked quite nice for the western hemisphere after 54 holes of golf in the better-ball competition. The teams of Finau-Koepka and Thomas-Spieth eeked out 1-up wins over Rose-Rahm and Casey-Hatton, respectively. The side of Johnson-Fowler was strong in a 4 & 2 win over McIlroy and Olesen. Unfortunately for the visitors, the tide began to turn as the Tiger Curse continued. With what seemed like his 400th losing partner, Tiger and Patrick Reed went down to defeat, at the hands of the Frank-and-Tommy Show. Molinari and Fleetwood dusted the heavily-favored Americans by a 3 & 1 margin.
The Ryder Cup rarely sees team play catch legitimate fire. Typical rounds are a back-and-forth affair, and this was the case with all four morning matches. Each time that Rose and Rahm appeared poised to leaver Finau-Koepka in their wake, the Americans found a way to bounce back. Buoyed by this tenacity, the Americans won three of the final six holes to escape with a win. Their success included the epitome of “hand of fate” for Finau. Have a look below:
THAT was a heck of a bounce, Mr. Finau.#GoUSA pic.twitter.com/LHG56SjLn0
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 28, 2018
In the day’s second match, little happened until the turn, when Europe won its only hole of the McIlroy-Olesen era. Anticipate this being the beginning and the end of said partnership. Johnson and Fowler won five of the next eight holes, rendering the final two fairways inconsequential. Fowler’s putter was hot in the morning session, as evidenced by this long-range effort:
Rickie with a birdie from long distance. #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/xW1tYBua5z
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 28, 2018
Match three offered the return of Paul Casey to RC competition. Casey and countryman Tyrrell Hatton battled back with zeal after falling behind by three holes on the outward half. The English duo snatch holes 11 through 13 from Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth to square the match. Only one of the final five holes would be won outright, and it would be enough to give the American pair the winner’s point. It’s not yet Sunday, so the fist pumps and chest thumps aren’t quite measuring on the Richter Scale. Still, putts like this one from Spieth will be necessary if the USA is to retain the Cup for the first time in what seems like forever:
Another hole. Another birdie for Spieth.
Thomas/Spieth move to 3-up. #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/Vwj5eZOngl
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 28, 2018
The fourth match of the AM assembly featured Woods and Reed being McIlroy and Olesen. The pair took a 2-up lead with birdies at nine and 10. That’s it. No more. Molinari and Fleetwood stormed back with wins on five of the next seven holes. No idea where the Red, White and Blue retired, they just simply … went … away. That can’t happen again for Team USA to win. Reed is Captain America, while Woods is Captain Irony. While Reed revels in Ryder Cup atmospheres, Woods cannot master the method that a GOAT should have in team competition. Maybe the secret Fleetwood squat need be adopted by the American pair, to fire up their putters.
SOUND ON ????#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/OaE6boX5fc
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2018
Afternoon Foursomes
These are either palatable (winning 1.5 points) or atrocious (getting skunked) for Team USA. The reality is, it’s more of a cultural way than it is a skill. Europeans have always understood that golf A) need not be played the same way all the time; and B) can be played quickly if you take half as many shots. Foursomes is a way of life at club and courses in Europe, allowing camaraderie AND a 2-hour 18 holes of golf. Lesson that should be learned in the USA, in order to make the game more enduring and endearing. Today? 4-0 whitewashing in the afternoon hours. Welcome back to the competition, Team Europe. You can stop now and go to the European Ryder Cup Twitter feed for highlights, but we’d prefer that you read what we have to say. Let’s start with this: Rory was two different golfers on day one. In the AM, he was AWOL; in the afternoon, he was this:
"That's unbelievable!"#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/1kJTGBP5bi
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2018
Here are the afternoon numbers: 54 holes played, 27 holes won by the men in blue, 10 holes claimed by the guests in red. That’s so lopsided, it’s not worth debating. Four matches were played over the holes required for three rounds of golf. Early dinner reservations, Team Furyk? Miss your nap time? What we know is this: Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson went meekly into that good night, losing on the 16th hole to Poulter and McIlroy. Phil Mickelson and Bryson Dechambeau saw their first action and ghosted after 14 holes, at the hands of Sergio Garcia and Alex Noren. This won was particularly bad: the Euros won seven of the first nine holes. They won 1/4 of the European holes this afternoon, in a nine-hole stretch. Uggh. Yuck. Bleck. Phil was always going to be a suspicious Captain’s pick; he’s on the verge of being this year’s Lee Westwood, unless Tiger beats him to it.
Remember when Seve and Olazabal won everything in sight, and they were never separated? Same should happen with Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson. They are straight fire when paired, and it should be written in stone that they never part. They were reunited in the afternoon, and they massacred two of the morning USA heroes, Fowler and Johnston. The Olympic pair (gold and silver medalists in Rio) took a 5-up lead before the Americans even attempted a rally; it was feeble, a mere 2 holes won, and the Europeans coasted to yet another afternoon point.
Finally, Molinari and Fleetwood continued their dominant ways. They dispatched Spieth and Thomas by a 5 and 4 tally. The Euros won three out of four holes on the front, two consecutive holes at the turn, then two more in a row, midway through the homeward half and that was that.
Hottest thing in France right now?
Tommy Fleetwood's putter ???? pic.twitter.com/pbhUK3TH28
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2018
No doubt, Europe have the home feel, so Team USA need an extra bit of effort to remain valid. Tiger and Reed MUST win tomorrow morning. Team USA must win at least 2.5 points in the morning, to narrow the two-point gap. Then, they must do no worse than 2-2 in the afternoon foursomes. Anything worse than a 10-6 deficit, heading into Sunday’s 12 singles points, will be too much to overcome for the colonial squad.
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Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police on the way to Valhalla Golf Club this morning due to a traffic misunderstanding.
“Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, and Scheffler then stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then began to scream at Scheffler to get out of the car.
“When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer shoved Scheffler against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. He is now being detained in the back of a police car.”
Darlington also posted a video of the dramatic moment which you can view below:
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
There was an unrelated accident at around 5am, which is what may have caused some of the misunderstanding of which traffic was moving.
Speaking on ESPN, Darlington broke down exactly what he witnessed in full detail:
“Entering Valhalla Golf Club this morning, we witness a car pull around us that was Scottie Scheffler. Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police officers, placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security, ended up being police officers.
“They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop, the police officer attached himself to the vehicle, and Scheffler then travelled another 10 yards before stopping the car.”
“The police officer then grabbed at his arm, attempting to pull him out of the car, before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back in handcuffs.
“Very stunned about what was happening, he looked towards me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. He very clearly didn’t know what was happening in the situation.”
“It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively. He was detained in that police vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. The police officers at that point did not understand that Scottie Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the number one player in the world.”
Full details on Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, excellent reporting by @JeffDarlington.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 17, 2024
Due to the accident, play has been delayed this morning. Scheffler’s current tee time for the second round of the PGA Championship is 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler’s mugshot following the incident:
Scottie Scheffler’s mugshot from Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections. pic.twitter.com/bcJn54Nu5x
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 17, 2024
*Update*
Scheffler has been charged with 2nd Degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler charges
– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer
– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
– Reckless driving
– Disregard signals from officer directing traffic pic.twitter.com/bX8mFF2Xay— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
*Update*
According to ESPN+, Scottie Scheffler has been released and is now on his way to the golf course.
*Update*
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08 a.m second round tee time.
After being detained by police earlier this morning, Scottie Scheffler was released and is back at Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/KvS5Hwo6PS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 17, 2024
*Update*
The PGA of America released this statement regarding the fatal accident, which diverted traffic at Valhalla this morning.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler released the following statement.
Scottie Scheffler’s statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
We will update this developing story as more information on the situation is revealed.
More from the 19th Hole
- Phil Mickelson drops big retirement hint; Says LIV will grow the game “on a much more global basis”
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Tiger explains why golf has “negative connotations” for daughter Sam
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Five Things We Learned: Thursday at the PGA Championship
It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head-to-head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting soul, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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Morning 9: Tiger 2025 Ryder Cup talks continue | Rory: Tour in a worse place with Dunne’s resignation
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Expat Golfer
Sep 29, 2018 at 12:21 am
Sadly I’m not the least surprised. Team USA just can’t ever seem to rise up for this great event – and honestly, I’m going into these things half cheering for Europe at this point, they’re just more fun to watch.
Tom
Sep 28, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Wow, the guys picked to play alternate shot was made up of several players who just can’t hit it straight on a very tight layout. What was Furyk thinking? After getting pounded will Mickelson finally apologize to Tom Watson, and sit himself out???lol that was horrible golf by the USA Team.