News

Morning 9: RIP Doug Sanders | Tiger talks ’19 Masters win | USGA doling out $5 mil in grants

Published

6 years ago

Apr 13, 2020

1. RIP Doug Sanders

AP’s Doug Ferguson on the passing of a singular professional golfer…”Doug Sanders brought a flamboyance to golf fashion ahead of his time, a colorful character known as much for the 20 times he won on the PGA Tour as the majors that got away.”

“Sanders died Sunday morning in Houston, the PGA Tour confirmed through a text from Sanders’ ex-wife, Scotty. He was 86.”

“Sanders was still an amateur when he won his first PGA Tour event in 1956 at the Canadian Open in a playoff against Dow Finsterwald, and his best year was in 1961 when he won five times and finished third on the PGA Tour money list.”

“But he is best known for four runner-up finishes in the majors, the most memorable at St. Andrews in the 1970 British Open.”

Full piece.

2. Rory keen on November Masters chances

Tom Schmitt for Golfweek…”The world’s current No. 1 player spent some quality Easter time with Michelle Wie on a Nike Golf Instagram Live, and said he’s excited about the fact that the dynamics might be very different this year.”

“I feel like there’s anticipation going to Augusta the first big event of the year. There’s all this hype,” McIlory said. “I don’t think it’ll feel like that this year, I think it’ll feel a little bit different, which I’m looking forward to. It’s going to be a different Masters and personally, selfishly, maybe that’s what I need to get the jacket.”

…”November is going to be different. It’s going to be cold. The course can play very long. I mean, it plays long already, but it could play very long. The greens might not be as fast as they usually are in April, depending on the moisture,” McIlroy said. “Obviously, they can do whatever they want with the course with SubAir and everything, but I think it’ll be a different feel as well. It’s the back end of the year as two of the majors have already been played – hopefully, the Ryder Cup’s already been played. People might be in their routines and in their flow a little bit.”

Full piece.

3. Tiger on where his game was heading into what would have been Masters week: “I was peaking”

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”Despite the suspension of the PGA Tour schedule, which forced the Masters to new Nov. 12-15 dates, Woods said he continued to practice and play at his home club, Medalist, which has remained open. His mind and body were coming together, too, as Woods said he was transforming into his “normal pre-major-championship self.”

“I was out practicing and subconsciously getting ready – I didn’t realize I was getting ready, I just wanted to go out there and have some fun, hit some balls and get out the house,” Woods said. “It’s amazing. I’ve been doing it for so long, that things were starting to come together, I was starting to peak. Trying to peak four times a year – and I know that the tournament’s been postponed, not [to be played] until November, but for some reason I was still peaking anyways. It was kind of funny.

“Just goes to show you, muscle memory.”

Full piece.

4. $5 million in grants

Tod Leonard for Golf Digest…”The work is enormously valuable, the USGA recognizes that, and its making a considerable investment to give the associations a boost in the troubled times of COVID-19. On Saturday, the USGA announced that it has established an emergency relief fund for its 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGA) and will give out up to $5 million in grants.”

“In a release, the USGA said the grants are intended to maintain business continuity and staffing levels. Individual AGAs can apply for up to $100,000 in relief, and additional financial assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The application process begins on Monday, April, 13, and will continue through the summer as needed. Should additional funding be needed if the disruption is prolonged, the USGA said it will consider further contributions.”

“These golf associations are the backbone of the recreational and competitive golf communities at the local, state and regional level,” USGA CEO Mike Davis said in the statement. “They play a vital role not only in delivering the USGA’s core services, but also in engaging millions of golfers across the country at the local level. This support will help enable the game to make a strong return once it’s safe to do so.”

Full piece.

5. Most memorable moments of Tiger’s 2019 win

From an ESPN roundtable…”When was the first time during the week you thought, ‘Wait, Tiger Woods could actually win this thing’?…Michael Collins: After the round on Saturday night, there were a couple of us in the parking lot talking with Tiger and his girlfriend, Erica Herman. Just before they jumped in the car, someone said, “You’re gonna win this thing tomorrow aren’t you?” And Tiger looked back calmly, “Yeah, I know.” I gave him a bro hug and repeated, “You ARE gonna win tomorrow, aren’t you?!” Seeing the look in his eyes (still gives me goose bumps) when he said yes again, there was no doubt in my mind.”

“Memory that stands out the most?…”Bob Harig: The scene behind the 18th green on Sunday after Tiger won. Not just the hugs with his son and daughter and later his team, but the noise and the chanting as he walked toward the scoring area. And it was there where he was greeted by some of the players who were in the tournament, waiting to congratulate him, including past champions such as Bernhard Langer and Trevor Immelman, who wore their green jackets.”

Full piece.

6. Lavner’s take

The Golf Channel scribe, who covered Tiger’s 2019 Masters win from Augusta National, finally sat down to watch the telecast and offer perspective…

“Some background: Viewers at home, of course, are keenly aware of the leaderboard jockeying and key shots. Even us scribes, in our state-of-the-art Augusta National media center, can stay locked into the action, each of our work areas equipped with a stats tablet and a TV monitor that pulls in feeds from all of the broadcast partners. Still, the Masters is unlike any other tournament we cover. Without cellphones or social media or inside-the-ropes access, we’re all in the same position – mingling among the patrons, listening to the roars, waiting for the hand-operated leaderboards to update.”

“Keeping track of the constant fluctuations in the scoring area? Forget about it…Communicating with co-workers about what they’re writing? Not once you leave the media center.”

“In a way, it’s actually a risk venturing out onto the course, knowing I’ll be incommunicado and the at-home viewer will be more knowledgeable about what transpires. But our press credential also grants us unique access, and, in my opinion, it’s our responsibility to utilize it. So that’s what I chose, walking with – but, while battling teeming crowds, not necessarily watching – the last group for much of the final round.”

Full piece.

7. Tiger reflects

Via the transcription efforts of one Bob Harig…On what he remembers about holing the final putt and the aftermath:

“Well, the funny part about the whole thing is — I don’t remember screaming. I don’t remember putting my arms up, and I don’t remember yelling. That’s one of those kind of blackout moments. There’s certain celebrations throughout my career that I’ve made putts or celebrated, I just don’t recall it. I guess I’m so locked into the moment.

“What I do remember is my eyes coming back down and seeing people in front of me. I do remember that. I remember all the arms up. But as far as me celebrating, I don’t remember that part. I remember — ‘OK, let’s get to Fran and his caddie and Tony [Finau] and his caddy,’ and then shook their hands and — ‘Where the hell’s Joey? I need Joey.’ And I finally found Joey and said, ‘We did it.’ ‘Cause we did, we did it together. Joey was there helping me go to soccer games when I couldn’t drive a car. He came down here as a friend and helped try and nurse me back to health. He was there in those low times.”

Full piece.

8. Jim Nantz

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak…”Jim Nantz didn’t have a rehearsed phrase at the ready for Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket and 15th major title at last year’s Masters.”

“As Tiger tried to figure out how to play his second shot at 18, Steve Milton, our director, cut to a shot of the family gathered behind the green and it triggered the thought that if he makes five and wins this thing, ‘What is that scene going to look like?’ ” Nantz recalled in a phone interview from Pebble Beach, California, where he’s been sheltered-in-home since March 19. “I drew a comparison to 2006 when he won (the British Open) at Hoylake for the first time after his father, Earl, had passed away. I thought there might be some parallels. I remembered how emotional that was for Tiger.”

“Just seeing the family on the monitor, I knew that this was going to be a moment that transcended a golf achievement; this was an achievement that was bigger than that. This was a story about a man that made it all the way back. He was on top of the world and had many things in his life go sideways, including injuries that would have marked the end of virtually anyone else’s career. Doubters by the millions. And there’s his family about to embrace him and welcome him back to a place he’d once been. The word glory surfaced in my head.”

Full piece.

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

7 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

3 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase