19th Hole

Ian Poulter labels WGC Match Play format ‘annoying’

Published

3 years ago

Mar 25, 2021

The round-robin WGC format replaced the straight knockout style back in 2016, but the change hasn’t necessarily been popular amongst every professional, highlighted by Ian Poulter’s comments on Wednesday.

Having trounced Rory McIlroy 6&5 during his opening match in Austin, Poulter admitted to media that he would prefer a return to the straight knock out style format, describing the latest structure as “annoying”.

“I prefer the old way, to be honest. It’s really simple. The simplicity of win your match or go home I think is the right way to play.

A couple of years ago, I beat Kevin Kisner in my first match and two days later we’re heading off in a playoff to get out of the group and he beats me and goes on to win. So, I’ve just technically beaten the guy that wins the tournament. It’s a bit annoying, to be honest with you.”

The Englishman went on to call the group system “funky” but understands why sponsors and tour organizers changed the format five years ago.

“This group format gets a little funky. When there’s a couple of scenarios that can happen in these group matches which, if you’re in a position where you can’t advance, are you really trying really hard? I’m not really sure.

The sponsors pay big money and the sponsors want the players here for as many days as possible, so they have the right to do that and I am not saying it’s right or wrong, but I think there’s a number of players that would like it back to the old way, where if you lose, you go home.”

WRXers, do you like the round-robin format, or did you prefer the straight shootout style?

Your Reaction?

LIKE294
LEGIT33
WOW2
LOL4
IDHT4
FLOP12
OB3
SHANK30

19th Hole

Report: Greg Norman spotted following a surprise grouping on Thursday at the Masters

Published

2 days ago

Apr 12, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Greg Norman is at this week’s Masters tournament but found himself in a situation where he had to buy himself a ticket to enter the grounds.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Norman explained why he was at Augusta National:

“I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them. So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’ ”

So who was Norman following during the opening round of this year’s Masters? Well the answer may surprise you.

Per Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, Norman was spotted following the LIV-less grouping of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.

Spotted in the gallery at Augusta: Greg Norman following Rory McIlroy ? (and Scottie and Xander)

— Bob Harig (@BobHarig) April 11, 2024

We’ll find out a little later today whether Norman will make his third appearance in as many days at this year’s opening major.

New here?

Find out more about GolfWRX and the GolfWRX forums.

Your Reaction?

LIKE10
LEGIT1
WOW1
LOL5
IDHT1
FLOP3
OB0
SHANK24

19th Hole

Collin Morikawa makes surprising late putter switch at Masters

Published

3 days ago

Apr 11, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Collin Morikawa has had plenty of success with a blade in his hands over the course of his young career, but after a lean spell on the greens lately, it appears that the 27-year-old is ready to try something new.

Related: Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia make significant equipment changes as 2024 Masters looms

The California-native began the year with his TaylorMade TP Soto before switching to a Logan Olson proto last month. Now at this week’s Masters, Morikawa has been spotted with a Spider Tour X, the same flatstick that Scottie Scheffler will be using at Augusta.

The move would represent a big change, but it has been a very frustrating year on the greens for Morikawa, who will hope the TaylorMade mallet can offer him a similar upturn in fortune to that of Scheffler. In 2024, Morikawa ranks 164th for Strokes Gained: Putting, and 157th for Total Putting.

We’ll keep an eye whether Morikawa puts the mallet into action on day one of the Masters.

New here?

Find out more about GolfWRX and the GolfWRX forums.

Your Reaction?

LIKE16
LEGIT1
WOW2
LOL3
IDHT0
FLOP1
OB0
SHANK5

19th Hole

Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters

Published

4 days ago

Apr 10, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Fresh off of winning $2.76 million on UConn’s victory over Purdue on Monday night, Barstool Sports’ founder Dave Portnoy has just placed a massive bet for this year’s Masters.

Tweeting on Wednesday morning, Portnoy revealed that he has placed $300,000 on Scottie Scheffler to win this year’s Masters at odds of +450.

Should he win, that’d be a total payout of $1.65 million.

Keep the momentum. For people who wanted me to hedge for is why I didn't. So I could take another shot at glory. #DKPartner #scotty pic.twitter.com/X9a0X8HOTZ

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 10, 2024

Scheffler is one of the shortest priced favorites of recent times at the Masters, and is looking for what would be his third win in his last four events.