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Tour Rundown resumes: Kim, Korda, Hatton, and Clarke take trophies
My predictions are usually declassified, years after the fact, as wretched fails by a desperate prognosticator. Such attachments fail to dissuade me from continuing to prognosticate, and my anticipation for 2021 is that it will be the Year of the Hatton. If interested, read the European Tour summary below.
After two weeks of single events on the PGA Tour, the pistons of three other tours began to pump in week three of January 2021. Such machinations can mean but one glorious thing: the return of Tour Rundown … Olé!
From the LPGA to the PGA, from the Europeans to the Champions, welcome back and welcome home. It’s great to have your eyes on these words again. Sit back and enjoy Tour Rundown número uno for 2021.
PGA Tour: The American Express counts three wins for Kim
Patrick Cantlay probably figured that he needed to make birdie on two-thirds of the holes Sunday, to have a shot at the title at The American Express. It’s not that he feared third-round leader Tony Finau, who has developed an uncomfortable penchant for not closing the deal on Sunday. It’s that too many finishers, starting with Abraham Ancer and Si Woo Kim, were close enough to threaten. On Sunday, Cantlay posted 11 birdies for 61 and came up one shot shy of a playoff. Despite doubling his strokes under par, from -11 to -22, Cantlay found only second spot on the podium.
Prior to Sunday, Si Woo Kim had not won in nearly four years. His last victory, his second, was at The Players Championship in 2017. That’s a pretty strong victory for anyone, so when victory beckoned in Palm Desert, Kim was ready. His round wasn’t as electric as Cantlay’s, but its strength lay in its consistency. Four times on Sunday, Kim made back-to-back birdies. That four-pack of duets totaled eight under par, enough to vault him past Finau (4th place), past a hard-charging Cameron Davis (130 on the weekend for solo 3rd) and Cantlay, to minus-23.
European Tour: Abu Dhabi Classic is Hatton’s sixth tour title
Tyrrell Hatton, Knight of the Thrice Double Consonant, is golf’s heir to the Most Interesting Man crown, worn currently by Miguel Ángel Jiménez. From the coiffed facial hair, to the square jaw, from the clenched-when-not-grinding teeth to the under-his-breath narrative, Hatton oozes hilarity. It’s not that he doesn’t look, sound, nor play like a boss; it’s that the combination of all of his characteristics, mannerisms, and nuances is beyond the pale when it comes to interest and humor. And when he wins, it is glorious.
Hatton’s generation lay in the shadow of one Rory McIlroy. When the Northern Irishman and his massive curls arrived fifteen years back, his counterparts certainly wondered “Why him?” and upped their games. As a result, we have Hatton, Fairway Jesus, Shane Lowry, and others, from the British isles, playing at McIlroy’s level. The shadow has grown weighty for McIlroy, and Hatton is poised to claim it from the four-time major champion.
Hatton posted four bogies on the entirety of the week in the United Arab Emirates this week. McIlroy twice had rounds with four bogies or worse. Hatton is tidy, while poor Rory has grown sloppier with age. In the first and fourth rounds, Hatton posted clean cards, consisting of five or more, sub-par holes. After opening with an eight-birdie, no-bogey effort, McIlroy set sail on the seas of turbulence. What is most enervating about his play is that he finished five back of Hatton, after opening with birdies on two of his first three holes in round four. Where was the continuity of that brilliance? Absent.
In total contrast, Hatton played thorough and conservative golf until the turn of the course arrived in view. Standing one-under on the day and in complete command of his senses and game, the Englishman notched three birdies from holes seven to ten, to seize absolute control of the tournament. Even though Aussie Jason Scrivener would match Hatton’s closing 66, it would gain but a solo second finish, four back of the pride of High Wycombe. Thus spake Zarathustra: 2021 will be the Year of the tight-jawed bloke from Buckinghamshire.
LPGA Tour: Diamond Resorts is Jessica Korda’s sixth tour title
No one, let me restate, NO ONE, should follow up a third-round 60 (featuring a back-nine 28) with a 66—while playing with her younger sister (#4 in the world) and the #5-ranked player (the overnight leader.) Despite the long odds, Jessica Korda did precisely that. After her meteoric rise from nowhere to contention, thanks to a nine-birdie, one-eagle Saturday round, things looked gloomy for Korda early on Sunday. She stood at one over through five holes, already two shots down on the day to overnight leader Danielle Kang.
We may never know what transpired at that point, but a switch certainly flipped. Kang played two-under golf the rest of the way, and lost four shots to Korda. Younger sister Nelly Korda caught her own bottle of lighting, posting a seven-under 64. It vaulted her to solo third, two behind Korda and Kang. In the end, Jessica and Danielle went into overtime, with Korda making birdie at the first extra hole for the win.
Know this: you’ll see many a stellar third round in 2021, on all the world’s tours, as players avail themselves of moving day. You’ll also count on one hand the number who challenge on Sunday, and you might count on your thumbs the number who win. What Jessica Korda did to open the 2021 tour was certainly uncommon, if not outright unbelievable.
PGA Tour Champions: Mitsubishi Electric is Clarke’s 2nd senior title
There is no doubt that contestants want to know how Fred Couples shot 63 on day two of the Mitsubishi Electric. A quick scan of the top 15 finishers reveals that most signed their worst scorecard of the week for that middle round. Another one of golf’s mysteries, so let’s move on to the finish and Darren Clarke.
The 2011 Open champion claimed an inaugural Champions Tour win in November of 2020. The victory was his first since his seminal triumph at Royal St. George’s. This week, on the Big Island of Hawai’i, Clarke outmatched his 2nd round co-leader, Jerry Kelly, and the other 41 competitors in round three. He departed paradise with a two-shot victory, a smile, and a trophy … and some cash.
Clarke began the week with a flawless 63 (7 birdies and 1 eagle) to stand one back of Retief Goosen’s 10-birdie 62. Day two arrived, and Goosen “soared” to a 71. Clarke held firm with 68, and seized a two-advantage, courtesy in part of Goosen’s bogey-bogey finish. Those strokes would stand up in round three, as both golfers posted 64 over the final round, tied for low daily by two strokes.
Jerry Kelly might have had his Green Bay Packers on the mind, as he could not match playing partner Clarke’s magnificence. The Wisconsin native posted the same number of birdies as his Northern Irish counterpart, but stumbled thrice with a double and two bogeys. No doubt a third-place finish is not the worst way to begin the 2021 campaign, but Kelly will certainly chew his lip on the long mainland flight over what slipped away.
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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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