News
Tour Rundown: Koepka ascends to No. 1
October passed its midway point with four tournaments spread across the globe. The LPGA Tour’s Asian Swing continued, while Spain hosted the European Tour, and the PGA Tour visited Korea. The Champions Tour stayed stateside, in Virginia, to complete the slate. It was a mildly interesting week, as a new name ascended to the top of the official world golf rankings, and a major champion revealed an affinity for home cooking. For all the news. have a glance at this week’s Tour Rundown.
Koepka turns on the afterburners for win at CJ Cup
There was a point, midway through the final round on Jeju Island, when Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland both sat at -14. Koepka was struggling, with loads of pars and a mix of birdies and bogeys. Woodland was in great form, with birdies on six of his first nine holes. Just when it seemed that all was lost, and that Kopeka would be resigned to winning majors alone, the Floridian turned on the afterburners and fired a back nine for the ages. Five birdies and a glorious eagle at the 18th gave him 29 on the inward half and -21 for the tournament.
Woodland attempted to keep up with everything he had, but two bogeys on the inward half offset five homeward birdies, and Woodland finished in second place with 63 and -17. The win elevated Koepka to world number one, the 23rd golfer to reach Olympus since the rankings debuted in 1986. Third place belonged to Ryan Palmer, who birdied his final seven holes for 62 on Sunday and -15 overall.
MIC DROP. ????@BKoepka holes it!#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/baP7yIT9qy
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 21, 2018
Kang is Kueen in Shanghai
Danielle Kang celebrated her birthday on Saturday with a cheer and a dance at the first tee. On Sunday, she sped past the overnight leaders to claim her second career LPGA Tour title at the Buick LPGA. Both Carlota Ciganda of Spain, and Sei Young Kim of Korea, had designs on adding to their personal victory columns, but neither could resist a ride on the bogey train. Ciganda had five birdies on Sunday, but more than matched them with four bogeys and a double. She finished tied for ninth at -10. Sei Young counted three birdies on Sunday, and an otherwise-clean card would have earned victory. Thee bogeys dropped her to -11, into a seven-way tie for second at -11. Danielle Kang was nearly flawless on Sunday, with one bogey at the fourth to count against her. Like Koepka above, she ignited the engines late, with four birdies over her final eight holes, to ease past the pack and reach -13. A year after making the Women’s PGA her first tour title, Kang added a second with calm play down the stretch in Shanghai.
Join us for a great big birthday cheer for Danielle Kang! pic.twitter.com/xZZlDUmf2q
— #CMEFinalStretch (@LPGA) October 20, 2018
Valderrama Masters is third for Garcia on European Tour
Sergio Garcia does it soooo well. He hosts and he mosts. He also wouldn’t mind if the Ryder Cup returned to Valderrama every … other year. Garcia claimed his third victory, and second consecutive, in the Valderrama Masters, by four strokes. Despite a bit of a struggle in the Sunday/Monday final round, Garcia’s second round brilliance was enough to hold off Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who finished solo second at eight under par. Unlike round two of the rain-shortened event, when the Iberian champion was brilliant with seven birdies against zero bogeys, the final round demanded his best patience. Garcia had a four-shot lead at the 11th hole, but made two immediate bogeys. He regrouped and birdied two of his final five holes to afford a comfortable walk down the final hole.
Sergio Garcia drives off 11th tee with a four-shot lead.
Live Blog: https://t.co/zUANtr20bf#ValderramaMasters pic.twitter.com/Bk6EytKVmA
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 22, 2018
Virginia is for Austin this week, as Schwab Cup playoffs begin
Kip Henley, a PGA Tour looper, predicted on Friday that Woody Austin would win this event. Austin wasn’t on page one of the leaderboard on Saturday night, but the prescient Henley was correct. His reasoning? His younger brother, Brent, was on Austin’s bag for the first time in eight years. Austin drained a birdie putt on 18 to outlast Bernhard Langer by one stroke. He finished on -11 after closing with 69 on Sunday.
Third-round leader Jay Haas, normally a solid closer, went somewhere else with 74, tumbling to a tie for third, two behind the winner. Haas was in the thick of things when he double-bogeyed the 14th hole. His only birdies on the final day came at the 1st and the 18th, too little and too late for victory.
What a day for Woody Austin at the @DECCGolf. ???? pic.twitter.com/aGZDQEM4yb
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) October 22, 2018
- LIKE1
- LEGIT1
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK0
News
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
New here?
- LIKE20
- LEGIT4
- WOW19
- LOL6
- IDHT1
- FLOP1
- OB1
- SHANK12
News
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
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
News
Morning 9: Tiger 2025 Ryder Cup talks continue | Rory: Tour in a worse place with Dunne’s resignation
|
- LIKE1
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
-
19th Hole2 days ago
Brandel Chamblee says this is the primary reason why Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major in 10 years
-
Whats in the Bag3 days ago
Tiger Woods WITB 2024 (May)
-
19th Hole1 week ago
Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Gary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
-
Equipment1 week ago
Details on Justin Thomas’ driver switch at the Wells Fargo Championship
-
Whats in the Bag3 weeks ago
Team McIlowry (Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry) winning WITBs: 2024 Zurich Classic
-
Whats in the Bag1 week ago
Keegan Bradley WITB 2024 (May)
-
Equipment2 weeks ago
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
Mr. Edward 1488
Oct 22, 2018 at 10:26 am
Koepka went to no.1 on the weekend. I took a big no.2 this morning. Its a small world.