19th Hole
‘Next time have the courage to tag me’ – Tour pro responds to journalist amid Bay Hill range controversy
This week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational is not only a welcome stop for many of the top professionals in the game, but also something of a tribute to the man known as the ‘The King’.
One of the greats of the modern game, the seven-time major winner is honored at many courses around the world, and particularly at Bay Hill, scene of ‘his’ tournament that starts today.
However, one PGA Tour player has been accused of ”golf felony” by Golf Digest reporter Dan Rapaport, after repeating an act seen as sacrilege to the fans of golf history.
Rapaport originally replied to a post from March 2021, by Billy Horschel’s caddie, Mark Fulcher, showing a player practicing in the space historically reserved for Arnie, with the looper’s comment, “Seems like Mr Palmer’s spot is no longer sacred.”
API week means it’s the one-year anniversary of this Golf Felony. Let us hope this Golf Felony is not repeated this year. https://t.co/zuis0KucQH
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) March 1, 2022
The writer retweets with the hope that, “API week means it’s the one-year anniversary of this Golf Felony. Let us hope this Golf Felony is not repeated this year.”
However, alongside is a separate image showing it has been, this time revealing the identity of the felon – Dylan Frittelli, with the header, “Oh man. Picture from the ground shows that same man committed the same Golf Felony for the second consecutive year!”
Oh man. Picture from the ground shows that the same man committed the same Golf Felony for the second consecutive year! Wtf!! https://t.co/YsNPY1UmlL pic.twitter.com/nYMIKo1Tqe
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) March 1, 2022
The South African, winner of the 2019 John Deere Classic replied, “I’m sure Arnie would’ve let me hit some balls from his spot while he ate lunch or went to play 9 holes.”
Golf fans weren’t so sure.
“Might as well stomp on Arnie’s grave. Prediction: Frittelli misses the cut due to the Palmer curse.” said one, to which the player responded, “Let’s see if you’re right.” Another offered the comparison, “Do you think if the Lakers designated a seat on the bench for Kobe players would sit in it?”
The 31-year-old did have some support however, with one fan posting that, “If you don’t want someone hitting there, rope it off! If not, it’s fair game. Unwritten rules aren’t rules.”
Outwardly undisturbed by the events, Frittelli pleaded ignorance to the unwritten rule saying “Nobody ever told me this spot was his? It’s my third time here”, after hitting back at Rapaport, saying “Have the courage to tag me next year Daniel!”
Frittelli tees off with Charles Howell III and Danny Willett at 12.35pm.
More from the 19th Hole
- ‘Hey Cypress, we took your best shot!’ – Golfer plays Cypress Point in 70mph howling wind
- The chaotic F1 season finale explained in golf terms is absolutely hilarious
- ‘Don’t drink and order Taco Bell on Uber Eats’ – John Daly’s Taco Bell order is pretty incredible
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19th Hole
Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis
According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.
Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.
However, On Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason”.
Here's Rory McIlroy talking about the PGA Tour policy board and the "subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason." pic.twitter.com/0skNOwtWxz
— Patrick McDonald (@pmcdonaldCBS) May 8, 2024
The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was amongst the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.
The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.
The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudi’s.
The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former Tour player.
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19th Hole
Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf
On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.
The second Phil Mickelson retires he'll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/ulrtBHcyB6
— Chris McKee (@mrmckee) May 7, 2024
“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”
Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.
Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality…
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 8, 2024
“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”
While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.
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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19th Hole
PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites
This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.
PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.
Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in. @NUCLRGOLF @Daniel_Rapaport @PGA https://t.co/8Snkq0l2Vg
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ???? @NUCLRGOLF @Daniel_Rapaport @acaseofthegolf1
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”
“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”
“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”
Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.
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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