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19th Hole

LPGA major champ hits out at Bubba Watson and his wife over decision to join LIV

Published

2 years ago

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The question is simple.

“What are the reasons you (LIV golfer) jumped ship from the PGA/DP World Tour?”

It’s been a long-held argument from those opposed to the Greg Norman-led tour that players are ignoring the human rights record of the backers — the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.

And instead, golfers are masking the financial benefits via rhetoric containing reasons such as “more time with family,” “exciting (54-hole shotgun start) golf” and that they should be free to work for whoever they like, rather than be tied down by the leading organizations.

Latest signing, Bubba Watson, has explained his own situation rather differently.

As the series unveiled him at Bedminster, home of last week’s third LIV event, the two-time Masters champion gave his reasons for leaving the PGA Tour behind:

“My wife loved it, we prayed about it, we came to the decision and here we are. Everyone’s a team. It’s not an individual sport any more. It’s another thing we didn’t have and now we’re bringing it to life.”

An interesting explanation, and not bought by many on the circuit.

Indeed, LPGA Tour player Angela Stanford took to Twitter to show her exasperation at the statement.

The 2018 Evian Champion was making a point that many have made — pointing to the human rights record of the Saudi regime — although it wasn’t received well by everyone.

Replies ranged from the supportive, “Thank you for saying this. I don’t believe a word of his statement,” and, “nailed it, ” to ones that questioned the support provided by Arab companies for some top-class women’s events.

One poster asked, “Wait, wasn’t there just a women’s event in Saudi Arabia? Georgia Hall won in March, in SA in a Sanctioned event. Is that not ok? I’ll sit back and wait for this answer.”

As the tour continues, so do the arguments. It seems unlikely we are any nearer to harmony.

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19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

19 hours ago

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Apr 26, 2024

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On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

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

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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.

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

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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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