19th Hole

Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson involved in tense encounter over conceded putt

Published

3 years ago

Mar 27, 2021

There’s something about match play that always seems to bring about drama, and that was certainly the case on Friday in Austin as Kevin Na confronted Dustin Johnson on the 11th green.

Johnson lipped out his birdie putt to win the hole, and following the disappointment, scooped up his ball from inside a foot believing it was good. However, there had been no official concession from Na, who still had inside three feet for his halve on the hole.

This led to Na chasing down DJ at the edge of the green to make his point about Johnson picking up his ball without being told it’s good yet, where the 37-year-old warned the World Number One: “I know it’s this close, but you still have to wait until I say something.”

Kevin Na giving DJ a lesson on scooping a ball before it's officially conceded:

Na: "I know it's this, but you still have to wait until I say something." pic.twitter.com/GVJhXMBMXI

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) March 26, 2021

An already eliminated Na went on to dump DJ out of the event by birdieing the final two holes, which included a fist-pump on 17 followed by his patented early walk on his putt on 18. The fist-bump between the two, it’s worth noting, involved Johnson not looking at Na once.

@cpowers14

Following his round, Na elaborated on what had happened on the 11th green:

“He had six inches, and obviously it’s good, but I hadn’t said anything, and he whacked it,” Na said. “And I was like – I froze there and looked at [his caddie] Kenny, and I wasn’t going to say ‘that’s a penalty, you’re going to lose the hole. I was going to say, ‘you know what, that was good anyway.’ I didn’t want to be over that putt and be thinking about that.

So I called him over, and I said, ‘Hey, I’m not going to take the hole from you, but I just want to let you know before I said something you whacked the ball. But I’m going to give that putt to you, so we’ll call it a half and go to the next hole.

That’s what we did. I think it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to say — we all know he can make a six-inch putt, so I think I did the right thing.”

Like he said, Na was fully entitled to claim the hole as his win, as Matt Kuchar did following a similar incident against Sergio Garcia back in 2019.

The reaction to the incident was mixed on social media, but Na had his backers amongst his peers on Friday evening, with Jon Rahm telling media on Friday regarding the concession of putts:

“I try to say it loud and clear before they get to the ball. But, you know, even if it’s something that I was going to give to them and they do (what Johnson did), I would just tell them the same thing, ‘Hey, next time just wait for me so you don’t get in trouble.’

If it’s something like that, I would have done exactly the same thing Kevin Na would have done.”

Following his elimination, Johnson declined to comment and will now head to the Valero Texas Open, which he has opted to play following a late entry.

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

4 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv #OWGR #OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

7 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 day ago

Apr 24, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech. He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly. Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy. He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for. There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind. World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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