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Tour Rundown: Berger wins at Pebble, golf world wakes up

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3 years ago

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The 2021 AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach was one for the memory, and not just for the eventual champion, Daniel Berger. The week began with the cold reality that pro-am participants, and the fans that they attracted, would not participate. The announcement had been made weeks before, but to see Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach golf courses, essentially unimpeded, was a not-unwelcome opportunity.

In the absence of the celebrities and those who can afford (and receive) a sport in the Pro-Am, a full field of 156 golfers was able to start play on Thursday on the Monterey peninsula. Tour Rundown takes a look at what defined this year’s event, and how it might be shaped for years to come.

Berger is very good when he’s very good

If you follow golf (and your presence here suggests that you might) you’ve read ad nauseum that Daniel Berger was the hottest golfer on tour in the weeks leading up to the 2020 pandemic shutdown. It was true then, and it may be developing into a different shape in 2021. When a Florida kid wins on California greens, especially those at Pebble Beach, it’s big news. To put it bluntly, they’re not the same kind of putting surface. We’ll talk about that in a bit.

For Berger to shoot 65, with a pair of eagles, including one at the final hole, was stunning and telling. Berger is a gamer and should be a fixture on USA Ryder and Presidents Cup teams. He is that strong and, with the proper partner, would be a double weapon for the Red, White, and Blue. Look for Berger to win at more than one of the Florida events that run from late February to late March.

California kids went away on the weekend

What about those raised in the region? They didn’t go away, but they didn’t win. In fact, if not for Berger’s brilliance, one of them might have won. Maverick McNealy, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Cameron Tringale are all natives of the USA’s 31st state. Each of them had a storied amateur career, including stints on the USA side of the Walker Cup. Each of them seeks to establish himself on the PGA Tour as a consistent winner.

Sunday was an opportunity for the foursome, but something impeded their individual marches to the top of the podium. McNealy had a pair of bogeys on the outward nine, but my goodness, he did post 8 birdies on his way to a career-best, solo second-place finish. Cantlay began the week with a 10-under effort at Pebble, but struggled on Friday and Saturday (where he really lost the tournament.) His play Sunday was strong, but when 65s and 66s were available for the taking, a 68 wasn’t going to get the job done. Since Max Homa gave up his side-hustle of Funny Twitter Guy, he’s turned in some sizable performances. Bogey on two hole on Sunday’s back nine revealed that some work lies ahead, but top ten means that he’ll have the security to do so. Tringale is the elder statesman of this group, by a few years. His work on Sunday was similar to that of McNealy: lots of birdies (7) and a pair of bogeys. Tringale needed to be perfect, but perfection eluded him on this day.

Back to those greens

The putting surfaces at Pebble, and many courses along the California coast, wage annual war with poa annua and nematodes. The former is a grass that invades desirable putting-green grasses and can be a devil to eliminate, both at cost and work hours. The latter is a type of worm that can do severe damage to gardens and grasses. Putting on poa annua is an art form, not usually mastered by East Coast golfers. In Florida, the dominant grasses found on putting surfaces are strains of Bermuda, which is essentially a weed found across the southern hemisphere. Putts tend to break more and run slower. Even professional golfers admit to great comfort in one of three regions: west, southeast, or north (where bent grasses are most common.) While the PGA Tour does play on surfaces that are groomed to near perfection, kids still grow up on imperfect surfaces and get to know those surfaces well. That’s why Berger winning this week is such a big deal.

Who put a hex on round three?

Francesco Molinari topped a tee shot at the first hole, Akshay Bhatia chunked his approach to the 8th green (but did make it over the chasm), and Vincent Whaley laid up on the par-three twelfth hole. That’s three odd shots in one round, and television caught two of them live. Perhaps the professionals do it more than we expect (which is never), and perhaps the absence of amateurs allowed us to see more of the professionals (we’ll discuss that next), but still, seeing clubs go off-line and shots go awry was equal parts jolting and comforting.

Should the amateurs return?

In one word: no. We don’t love golf for the antics of the celebrities, and we don’t need to see corporate types who clearly have enough time to get their games in shape to play well on a big stage. It’s cool for them to receive an invitation, but the return for golf is not equitable.

The celebrities slow up the process in three ways: fan interaction, in-round interviews, and bad play. Fan interaction is nice but can be encouraged in ways beyond dancing elderly ladies into bunkers. In-round interviews are insightful, but always incite slow play, which makes rounds drag on, and opportunities at victory ebb away. Bad play? No justification to televise that. No one wants to see bad golf anywhere other than a viewer-controlled YouTube video. Subject us to hours on end, and we’ll turn our attention elsewhere.

Why might the amateurs stay? Some would point to the origin of the event, as the Bing Crosby clambake. That event went through an evolution, from a few friends in the California desert to a move to the coast, to a short stay in North Carolina (without the PGA Tour, of course) when AT&T took over the title on tour. It’s the last event that folks from past generations associate with a celebrity host (not even the Hope is remembered thus); not the Genesis (Glen Campbell), nor the American Express (Bob Hope), nor the Farmers (Andy Williams), nor the Honda (Jackie Gleason) have had that staying power.

The AT&T has an opportunity to re-imagine its event. Fingers and toes are crossed that it makes the bold decision to eliminate the Am portion of the event for good. The courses of the Monterey Peninsula tell a wonderful story.

Return the Monterey Peninsula Shore Course to the rotation next year, add even more professionals, and let the layouts be the focus of the telecast.

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Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

21 Comments

21 Comments

  1. Will Skeat

    Jul 8, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    Ron,, you should stick to writing about things you can comprehend – like snow. Read the following, and learn:

    http://willotheglenongolf.blogspot.com/2021/02/if-you-are-going-to-gripe-about-pebble.html

    Reply Report comment

  2. Pingback: Morning 9: Give Berger his due | Willie Mack III’s story | The case for the AT&T No-Am – GolfWRX

  3. Will

    Feb 16, 2021 at 8:38 am

    Cant agree more on the amateur subject. This was the first AT&T I’ve watched in years due to the pure golf offered. If I want to see bad golf and general buffoonery, there’s plenty of places to do that.

    Reply Report comment

  4. Henny Bogan

    Feb 16, 2021 at 8:05 am

    I noticed several typos in this article.Perhaps it was not Ronald´s fault but someone needs to correct them. It´s difficult to read a critique with such unforced errors.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 16, 2021 at 8:41 am

      I’d love for you to list them. I went over it with a loose-toothed comb and found the missing “S” (the one that is on my red and blue superhero suit.)

      Reply Report comment

  5. T

    Feb 16, 2021 at 7:24 am

    It’s one event a year that has celebrities in rotation. Is it silly? Sure, sometimes. But other times it’s good entertainment. Take away the celebrities and it’s just another event like any other. It also raises an absurd amount of money for charity, but you didn’t bother mention that. If you don’t like it, there’s a bunch of other things on TV to watch that week. I think the celebrities potentially bring a lot more people into the game who might not ever golf before. What I do think they need to get rid of are the corporate CEO’s and other wealthy people who buy their way in just cause they can. I enjoy seeing Bill Murray, but I couldn’t care less about seeing some random business mega millionaire chop it around. In my opinion, keep the celebrities, keep raising money for charity, but stop with the random wealthy people nobody knows about, stick to actual celebs only.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 16, 2021 at 8:45 am

      I appreciate this comment. I still disagree with its premise, but it is well-laid out. I like watching Bill Murray act; perhaps Bill would enjoy watching me teach (what I do best.) I know that there are celebrity-only events that are televised. Problem is, those are based on skill. It’s ironic that the one that involves professionals, is the one with the greatest amount of distractions.

      I suspect that the fans in attendance do their best to egg the entertainers on, and they respond, and hold up play, and donkey’s out the door.

      Reply Report comment

  6. Megakarl99

    Feb 16, 2021 at 7:24 am

    I enjoy watching less skilled players play if they’re entertaining. Bill Murray comes to mind. The match with Peyton and Brady was one of the most entertaining golf broadcasts I saw in 2020 (though I admittedly was jonesing at that point). There’s a relatability to seeing a botched shot and a funny, honest reaction. There’s a REAL enjoyment at watching someone who’s been struggling hit a great shot and owning it a la Brady’s epic hole-out.

    Pro-ams could be a lot of fun if they changed the presentation. The current formula isn’t working. The LPGA pro am event a few weeks back was a disaster. Get the right people in the mix, mix them up and make them an added value, not an obstruction

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 16, 2021 at 8:48 am

      You’ve nailed it! The hot mess that Pro-Ams have devolved into, needs retooling. I propose the idea of a celebrity playing specific holes in the round, but not all of them. The celeb and the pro know precisely which hole it will be (like the par three holes and a couple of the scenic ones: six in total) The rest of the time, they stroll the fairways and chat up the fans. If amateurs want to compete, the USGA, state and local associations have events. If celeb amateurs want to compete, the celeb tour has events.

      People are afraid of letting go of something that their grandparents and parents and greats loved, and something that might have gotten them into the game. I loved the click-clack of metal spikes, but I don’t miss them.

      Reply Report comment

  7. Christian Rossi

    Feb 15, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    Celebrity amateurs to be scratch or better only.
    No more over sixty and people who tooks three hybrids to get to a green.
    That would be a good Pro-Am otherwise drop them definitely.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 15, 2021 at 9:11 pm

      I don’t dislike this idea. There would always be clowns who claim a lower handicap, just to get in. There could be a trial by shame on the 7th: miss the green and you’re out.

      Reply Report comment

  8. Garrett

    Feb 15, 2021 at 12:08 pm

    Here’s another vote to get rid of the amateurs. Get rid of em!! Do that garbage somewhere less, I don’t know, Pebble Beachey….

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 15, 2021 at 12:33 pm

      I actually think that the amateurs would work splendidly at the Waste Management event. It’s already a wild child, so why not take it to the extreme and bring in all the rowdy friends? Can you imagine Bill Murray and the Scottsdale crowd on the 16th hole?

      Reply Report comment

    • Get Good Garrett

      Feb 15, 2021 at 2:22 pm

      Garrett stopped in, between rounds of 113, 118 and a personal best 107, to comment.

      Reply Report comment

  9. g daddy

    Feb 15, 2021 at 11:52 am

    You forgot about JT hosting the Las Vegas event. LOL

    It was an excellent tournament, the greens for whatever reason, we’re especially difficult on the short putts. Don’t think I’ve ever seen pros miss so many short ones – except maybe in a dried out US Open.

    Didn’t miss the celebs at all, except Bill Murray. Can’t say that I would want them to go away, it’s sort of the spirit of the tournament. If the networks could just avoid showing them so much and avoid the dumb interviews.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 15, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      I don’t think that they can avoid showing them so much, and they can’t belittle them, and they have to stroke their egos by interviewing them about their latest project.

      Reply Report comment

  10. David Landig

    Feb 15, 2021 at 10:18 am

    Best Pebble Beach Pro-Am to date. Didn’t miss watching the CEO/celebrity hacks take up the camera time one bit!

    Reply Report comment

  11. T Lo

    Feb 15, 2021 at 10:10 am

    Zip about Spieth blowing another 54 lead??

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 15, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Don’t beat a man when he’s down. The next time I mention Spieth, it will be for a win.

      Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 15, 2021 at 12:37 pm

      It was like watching Winged Foot at the September Open, and Augusta National at the November Masters. Zero obstruction, pure golf course, no fan interference/assistance. So good.

      Reply Report comment

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Published

13 hours ago

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Apr 23, 2024

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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

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

 

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

Published

13 hours ago

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Apr 23, 2024

By
By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

  • “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

  • “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
  • “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

  • “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

  • “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

  • “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
  • “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

  • “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
  • “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
  • “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
  • “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

  • “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
  • “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

  • “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
  • “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.
Full piece.
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Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 22, 2024

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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WITB

Whats in the Bag6 hours ago

Rasmus Højgaard WITB 2024 (April)

Rasmus Højgaard what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Callaway Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5 degrees)...
Whats in the Bag7 hours ago

Rory McIlroy WITB 2024 (April)

Rory McIlroy what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.  Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Whats in the Bag1 day ago

Sam Burns WITB 2024 (April)

Sam Burns’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees...
Whats in the Bag1 day ago

Will Zalatoris WITB 2024 (April)

Will Zalatoris’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.  Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)...

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