19th Hole

Multiple major champ says the pros should be made to play Persimmon woods

Published

1 year ago

Mar 17, 2023

Jason Daniels

Bifurcation – ‘the point or area at which something divides into two branches or parts.’ (Merriam-Webster dictionary.)

Related: Golf legend sounds off on ‘nutbag’ Phil Mickelson, ‘comical’ Cam Smith and ‘clown’ Sergio Garcia

Not a word heard very often, or at all, but now one ingrained into virtually every golf story in the past 48 hours, and now legendary player Tony Jacklin has joined other professionals in suggesting something other than the proposed Model Local Rule, where compettion organisers could enforce a ruling to ensure the players use a ball that travels shorter than balls currently used by professionals and amateurs alike.

The idea is not new. Indeed, the concept of differing balls used by the two sectors of golfer was debated on here as far back as 2017, but with technology moving apace and with players getting stronger and fitter, the two rules makers have proposed a move to stop the huge hitting players that “threaten golf’s long-term sustainability and undermines the core principle that a broad and balanced set of playing skills” that should “remain the primary determinant of golf.”

Whilst everyday golfers will always try to match their professional counterparts, it is a rare thing to hear any comment that it’s unfair that they can’t hit the distances of Bryson, Rory, Cameron Young et al, particularly as distance does not always equate to accuracy.

Player such as Long Drive World Championship runner-up Bryson DeChambeau called the move ” the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf,” whilst current PGA Champion Justin Thomas (wearing a manufacturer’s cap) said the proposed move was “selfish” and that it ignored the fact that “we [the professional golfers] are athletes now.”

On Wednesday, two-time major winner and twice winning captain of the European Ryder Cup side added his opinion to the debate surrounding length.

The 78-year-old took to Twitter to suggest the way to overcome the bombers is to bring back persimmon woods for the professional elite.

Bring back persimmon for pros,end of story !!!

— Tony Jacklin CBE (@jacklin_tony) March 15, 2023

Many replies were in agreement, suggesting the smaller head and sweet spot meant the driver used to be the hardest club in the bag to hit and the reason why classic courses were so difficult.

pic.twitter.com/YosKAMW1Tq

— Dan Malloy (@DoubleEagleDan) March 16, 2023

The last player to win a The Masters using a persimmon wood was Berhard Langer in 1993, with players such as Justin Leonard and David Love keeping one in the bag after the majority had moved on to metal beasts.

I’d just like to see top players having to hit medium irons into par 4’s. I’m guessing those days have gone!

— Tony Jacklin CBE (@jacklin_tony) March 15, 2023

Whilst it seems as though viewers like to see reachable par-4s, there is a particular delight in watching the guile required around the classic, shorter tracks such as this week’s Copperhead, host of the Valspar Championship.

Whilst Jacklin seems to concede the days of four-iron or five-iron to par-4s is a thing of the past, the current move is certainly trying to get close to it.

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

Published

17 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

21 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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Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days 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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