19th Hole
12 players to follow in 2022: (4) Austin Eckroat
Over the next 12 days, the two presenters on our new ‘Across The Pond’ podcast, Matt Vincenzi and Jason Daniels give their 12 players to follow for 2022 to coincide with the 12 days of Christmas.
None so far have won on their respective tours, so here’s to a long-term watch and investment!
3. Austin Eckroat (PGA Tour)
Oklahoma State’s 2018 NCAA title team was led by couple of current PGA Superstars who you may have heard of in Viktor Hovland and Matthew Wolff. However, there was an honorable mention All-American Freshman who was also a part of that team of whom many fans may not be familiar with: Austin Eckroat.
Having just wrapped up his career at Oklahoma State, the 22 year old now has his sight set on winning at the professional level. Back in May, Eckroat secured his Korn Ferry Tour card via PGA Tour University; which grants status on the Korn Ferry Tour and the Tour’s other developmental tours to the top seniors at the end of the NCAA golf season.
Although his status on the Korn Ferry Tour is secure, it is extremely likely that Eckroat will get plenty of chances on the PGA TOUR this season as well via exemptions. He got his feet wet with six PGA TOUR starts in 2021, including a 16th place finish at the 3M Open in July, showing he has the talent compete at the highest level.
Eckroat has a well-rounded skill set that should allow him to jump out of the gates quickly in 2021. He won’t challenge Bryson DeChambeau in driving distance anytime soon, but he is a superb ball striker who can find the fairway and get dialed in on approach shots.
I expect Eckroat to follow in the footsteps of his former teammates Hovland and Wolff and make an impact in professional golf right away in the 2022 season.
- LIKE8
- LEGIT2
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK0
According to Josh Carpenter of Sports Business Journal, last week’s Open Championship suffered its lowest television rating in almost a decade.
NBC and Peacock drew 3.39M viewers on Sunday for Xander Schauffele’s two-shot win in @TheOpen, down 4% from last year and Brian Harman.
That’s the lowest number for the final round since Zach Johnson’s win in 2015, which finished on a Monday on ESPN (cable) pic.twitter.com/9r7guxnfx1
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) July 23, 2024
The final round was down four percent from Brian Harman’s win in 2023 at Royal Liverpool, which offered very little drama down the stretch. It was the lowest-rated final round since Zach Johnson’s win in 2015 at St. Andrews: and that was a Monday finish.
Stars such as Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland all missed the cut, which may have contributed to the lack of interest from casual golf fans.
This year, the Masters and The Open have decreased in ratings while the PGA Championship and U.S. Open saw an uptick. It’s fair to speculate whether the inclusion of Bryson DeChambeau deep into contention had an impact.
More from the 19th Hole
- Shane Lowry says this prevalent criticism surrounding Rory McIlroy ‘makes his blood boil’
- Brandel Chamblee on why he feels Rory’s game ‘deteriorates in the biggest moments‘
- Tiger Woods aims brutal dig at Colin Montgomerie
New here?
While you’re here, check out BK’s look at Xander’s Open-winning WITB.
- LIKE6
- LEGIT2
- WOW0
- LOL3
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK5
19th Hole
‘That looks brutal’ – First photo of Tiger Woods’ leg without sleeve shows depth of injury
It’s been a struggle of late for Tiger Woods on the golf course. The 15-time major champion has only teed it up five times in 2024, finishing 60th in The Masters and missing the cut in the other three majors. He also played in the Genesis Invitational and was forced to withdraw.
Woods has many ailments, but none as debilitating as his surgically repaired leg. Since his car accident three years ago, the 48-year-old has rarely been seen without wearing a leg sleeve. However, on Monday, a fan was able to take a photograph of Woods’ leg without the sleeve.
@blakebunkersgolf IG
??? #LOOK: A photo has emerged of Tiger Woods without his leg sleeve @TWlegion
(Via: blakebunkersgolf/IG) pic.twitter.com/ppaGLdXg8X
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 22, 2024
The photo was taken at an event Tiger’s son, Charlie, was playing in by “blakebunkersgolf” on Instagram, and one of the top responses on X towards the photo was simply “That looks brutal.”
Woods has struggled with the lack of reps on the course but hasn’t given any indication as to whether his schedule will look any different come 2025.
More from the 19th Hole
- Shane Lowry says this prevalent criticism surrounding Rory McIlroy ‘makes his blood boil’
- Brandel Chamblee on why he feels Rory’s game ‘deteriorates in the biggest moments‘
- Tiger Woods aims brutal dig at Colin Montgomerie
New here?
While you’re here, check out BK’s look at Xander Schauffele’s winning WITB.
- LIKE14
- LEGIT15
- WOW24
- LOL0
- IDHT3
- FLOP3
- OB0
- SHANK5
John Daly withdrew at last week’s Open Championship with a knee injury, but the 58-year-old was back on the links this week showcasing one of the most famous golf courses in the world for his fans.
While at Trump Turnberry, John Daly recorded a video of the 18th green.
In the video, the 1995 Open Champion shared his opinion that Turnberry is the best golf course in Scotland, even better than St. Andrews.
?????????? #BEST OF THE BEST — John Daly says Trump Turnberry beats out St Andrews for the title of best golf course in Scotland.
Do you agree?
(Via: @LGlick1) pic.twitter.com/Ya7FIJEfp2
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 22, 2024
“Hey everybody, John Daly here. I’m at Trump Turnberry today. I went out and tried to play a little bit. This place is amazing. It is the best golf course in Scotland, I think. St. Andrews is my baby, but I think I just found my new baby. I’m at the 18th green right here, this thing is unreal.”
Turnberry hosted its first Open Championship in 1977, which was dubbed “The Duel in the Sun” when Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus by a single stroke. The most recent Open the course hosted was 2009, where Watson almost won again, but lost to Stewart Cink in a playoff.
The course is not slated to host any Open Championships in the foreseeable future.
More from the 19th Hole
- Shane Lowry says this prevalent criticism surrounding Rory McIlroy ‘makes his blood boil’
- Brandel Chamblee on why he feels Rory’s game ‘deteriorates in the biggest moments‘
- Tiger Woods aims brutal dig at Colin Montgomerie
New here?
While you’re here, check out BK’s look at Xander Schauffele’s winning WITB.
- LIKE27
- LEGIT6
- WOW3
- LOL0
- IDHT1
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK19
Experts on understanding ground force and how shoes can impact your golf game
Three Swing Challenge: Testing the Edel Array F-2 putter
‘Most overrated course in the world!’ – Major champ rips ‘awful’ Pinehurst No. 2
Miura launches new forged wedge series
AimPoint under attack again as footage from U.S. Open enrages golf fans
What clubs do equipment free agents choose to use on tour? We found out
‘You’re right, we’re always wrong!’ – Sergio Garcia receives warning during Open qualifier
Rory McIlroy releases statement following crushing U.S. Open loss
Patrick Cantlay switched driver, irons ahead of the U.S. Open
Highlights from the Wilson Golf Product Testing and Fitting Experience at Pinehurst
Maverick McNealy WITB 2024 (July)
Maverick McNealy WITB accurate as of the 3M Open. More photos from the event here. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 “Dot” (10.5...
Sam Burns WITB 2024 (July)
Sam Burns’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the 3M Open. More photos from the event here. Driver: Callaway...
Club Junkie WITB league night, week 14: Soft conditions ahead
Week 14 is upon us and it looks like we are going with some more forgiving irons and a new...
Sahith Theegala WITB 2024 (July)
Sahith Theegala what’s in the bag accurate as of the 3M Open. Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees @9) Shaft:...
-
Product Reviews2 weeks agoThree Swing Challenge: Testing the Edel Array F-2 putter
-
Equipment2 weeks agoWhat clubs do equipment free agents choose to use on tour? We found out
-
News3 weeks agoHighlights from the Wilson Golf Product Testing and Fitting Experience at Pinehurst
-
News3 weeks agoDavis Thompson’s winning WITB: 2024 John Deere Classic
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoMajor champ ‘disappointed’ not to be chosen as U.S. Ryder Cup captain
-
Whats in the Bag5 days agoXander Schauffele’s winning WITB: 2024 Open Championship
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoIan Poulter explains decision to skip Open Championship qualifying
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoLIV pro explains how he believes players are ‘cheating’ on DP World Tour
