News
USA Team Azinger Wins Ryder Cup
The professional pen-wielders said Paul Azinger’s team was a serious underdog in this years version of the Ryder Cup. After all, Tiger Woods wasn’t playing due to injury, while Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard, Stewart Cink, and Jim Furyk had all been utilized as cleaning solvent by the Euros in Cups past. The rest of the squad a bunch of Cup rookies whose underwear was sure to shrink so small as to make breathing a conscious activity.
The professional pen-wielders said Paul Azinger’s team was a serious underdog in this years version of the Ryder Cup. After all, Tiger Woods wasn’t playing due to injury, while Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard, Stewart Cink, and Jim Furyk had all been utilized as cleaning solvent by the Euros in Cups past. The rest of the squad a bunch of Cup rookies whose underwear was sure to shrink so small as to make breathing a conscious activity.
Nick Faldo’s European squad had a bunch of guys with winning Ryder Cup experience led by Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez. It was a given these guys would come in to Kentucky and make putts from all over the yard leaving the US squad cleaning their wounds and drowning their sorrows with imported Tennesee Whiskey.
Something happened on the way to the mugging. How about the only American not to win a match being Steve Stricker, the captains selection whose putting prowess is well documented managed a half point over the three days. The rest of the US team won two matches each save Mr. Mickelson, Ben Curtis and Mr. Cink who won one match apiece. Compare that to the European squad members who won no matches; Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Soren Hansen, Padraig Harrington, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Lee Westwood. If I had been offered a wager on that group being winless, I’d have lost a nice tidy sum. Mr. Faldo’s controversial captains picks, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter were 3-1-0 and 4-1-0 respectively. I’d say 7 of the 11.5 total points confirms the wisdom of those selections.
Anthony Kim dismantled Mr. Garcia during Sunday singles, recording 3’s on the first four holes and playing the front nine 4 under par thanks to two birdies and an eagle for a 3 up lead. He closed Mr. Garcia out 5 & 4 with two more birdies along the way. Quite a display from a young man on the way to the top of his sport. It was marvelous to watch great golf shots and the exuberance of youth. The talent was obvious, as was the sense that the best is yet to come.
Kenny Perry was a man living a dream. His goal, as anyone who paid any attention to golf this year, was to make this team. To see him Sunday roll in putts of various lengths in jumping out to a 3 up lead was to see a man performing at his best. When Henrik Stenson turned his game around on the 10th hole by making a birdie, Mr. Perry followed with a birdie of his own on the 11th hole. Mr. Stenson birdied the 12th, Mr. Perry the 13th, Mr Stenson the 14th, Mr. Perry the 15th, a remarkable stretch of golf as one could ask to see on any stage. Mr. Perry then closed out the match on the 16th hole with a par. Exciting stuff.
Boo Weekley started Sunday riding his driver like a horse into battle, a vision I will never forget. All three days Mr. Weekley waved his arms exhorting the crowd to cheer louder, antics which got under the waistband of Mr. Westwood on Friday. Mr. Weekley subsequently stayed calm until everyone had holed out before returning to his role as cheerleader. If there ever was someone so obviously having fun with this atmosphere, it was Mr. Weekley. For a man not know for his putting prowess, he made enough to earn 2.5 points. The game is certainly easier when you’re having fun, both to play and to watch.
Hunter Mahan, captain’s choice maligned by both talking heads and pen wielders alike for speaking his mind about the inanities surrounding the Ryder Cup, only won more points than anyone for the US team. I liked his selection immediately because the guy can putt and has streaks where he makes everything he looks at during a round. Witness his 5 rounds of 62 in 5 years on tour. This is a player who can go low consistently. Putting wins Ryder Cups, so give me all the putters you can find. He and Justin Leonard’s two wins Friday helped the US to an early lead they never surrendered. He almost stole a half point from Paul Casey Sunday when he made a side hill bomb on the 17th hole, but gave it back with a drive into the hazard on the 18th hole.
I should leave Phil Mickelson alone, but can’t, really I just can’t help myself but to say this is not the format for Mr. Mickelson. His putter just let him down too many times all weekend. They say that Ryder Cup pressure will expose the weakness in your golf game and it surely did that today. 18 hole match play is just not his forte. Too bad, because Mr. Mickelson is someone who could have real fun with this environment. Maybe he should stay home next time.
So the day ended with Team USA holding the Cup. For some, Captain Azinger with be hailed as a genius for his changing the rotation of events on Friday, and in allowing for 4 captains selections. His course set up will probably be praised to the heavens as a feat similar to that of walking on water, hey he even got the way they cut the grass in the rough named after him. Captain Nick Faldo will be swatted around in the British press like a badminton birdie for his team losing to a bunch of underdog nobodies. Neither will deserve everything handed out by the all knowledgable press monkies. These two did a great job promoting the event, witness all the made for the tube competitions they aired because there was nothing else to show. What we saw was an entertaining event, the first such in 9 or so years. It did what it was supposed to do, show us how good these guys really can be, and how funny the game of golf can be at times.
I salute both teams, the last three days were as entertaining as any tournament this year. I thank you all for your stellar performances.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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bobsuruncle
Sep 26, 2008 at 1:14 am
Great golf all round. It looks like the side with the burden of expectations (this year – Europe) has faltered again. The stars with the burden placed on them to “carry the team” on both sides, especially Europe’s Big 3, faltered. Historically, the world #1&2 also didn’t deliver for the USA. Perhaps they should just loosen up and relax to play their best.
cody
Sep 23, 2008 at 7:15 pm
i think this was one of the most exciting molments in golf for me ever. Even though the Americans were slated as the underdogs for not having Tiger. I KNEW that they were going to win because they did not have Tiger, they had a bunch of young bloods that wanted to win very very badly. that is all the ryder cup takes determination and a will to represent ones county> I hope future American ryder cup captains take not and look for young hot players that want to go and wail.
mark
Sep 23, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Great golf to watch. GREAT for golf itself. Very well done T.V. even when I had to use the mute button when Mr Miller rambled on. Course conditions and set up looked fantastic. Both captains and there interactions made it even better. Celtic Manor here I come. Thank god for that ancient Scott so long ago who had that wonderful idea.
ander
Sep 23, 2008 at 9:06 am
justin rose wasn’t the other captain’s pick, that would be paul casey. good article though.
Joef
Sep 22, 2008 at 5:25 pm
How on earth do you bash Mickleson but praise Kim? Mickleson is not a great match play player no doubt there..But Remember he had to Birdie the last 2 holes on His own Friday to salvage that match he also played very well in the first match which they might have won if Anthony Kim had not duffed the shot out of the bunker on 18. Also he kind of fell apart on Saturday Morning which is why He did not play Saturday afternoon and what did it take to beet mickleson and Mahan on Saturday afternoon? Robert Karlson went lights out and shot 6 birdies on the back..Mickelson finished Even 1-2-2 thats 2 points for 2 against…YEah what a smart comment Dont show up next time…Anthony Kim praised Phil for helping Him..
Frankie
Sep 22, 2008 at 10:23 am
This was VERY exciting! Some will say that because the Americans won is the reason I think it was great (true) but to see Mr. Karlsson make putts for everywhere says one thing to me…. look out world “this guy is good!” Mr. Poulter gained a lot of respect from me as I love the guy that has fire in his gut and he does, there is nothing wrong with showing some emotion, then there was Mr. Garica shouting after holing the long put for birdie and Mr. Stricker (I think) holing out on top of that! Just a great Ryder Cup.