19th Hole
Suzann Petterson accused of ‘golfing jingoism’ as criticism piles in over Solheim Cup captain’s picks
The 2023 European Solheim Cup team has been finalized, with captain Suzann Petterson announcing her four captain’s picks on Tuesday.
Captain’s picks will always be scrutinized, but Petterson’s picks have seemingly caused even more controversy than usual as she picked two fellow Scandinavians Emily Kristine Pedersen and Caroline Hedwall.
The first two of her picks, Madelene Sagstrom and Gemma Dryburgh, were pretty obvious to anyone paying attention, but the choices of Pederson and Hedwall raised some eyebrows.
The 27-year-old Pederson is currently ranked 114th in the world, and the 34-year-old Hedwall is ranked 120th. Both players have Soleheim Cup experience.
One of the players who was passed over in favor of the two Scandinavians was Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who’s ranked 51st in the world, with Shadoff’s husband calling the decision ‘perplexing’ in a now deleted social post.
Plenty of golf fans on social media also questioned the decision.
I cannot believe that Suzann Petersen has picked two fellow Scandinavians, Emily Pedersen and Caroline Hedwell, and completely overlooked Jodi Ewart Shadoff for the Solheim Cup.
Jodi is ranked 60 places above both of ‘em and if that ain’t golfing jingoism I don’t know what is.
— TheGolfDivoTee™ (@TheGolfDivoTee) August 23, 2023
Albane Valenzuela @AlbaneGolf is at least 3x better than Caroline Hedwall at this point in their careers. That’s either ethnic favoritism or at the very least friendship favoritism. Jodi Ewart Shadoff @Jodi_Ewart is a fierce bulldog as well. That’s a poor job by Suzanne.
— DontTreadOnMeEV (@DontTreadOnMeEV) August 22, 2023
There were also a few people who are giving the captain a chance to show she knew what she was doing with her picks.
Never saw Pedersen getting picked if Im honest but she might be brilliant. Hedwell is fair given her experience and what she brings and the others were obvious. The likes of Jodi Ewart Shadoff unlucky to miss out. A very Scandinavian team but they're there on merit #teameurope ??
— Aidan Dulohery (@aidanous) August 22, 2023
Time will tell if Petterson chose well, as the European team looks to win its third consecutive Solheim Cup next month.
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19th Hole
Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open
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
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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19th Hole
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Over the past year or so, PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay has taken a great deal of criticism for his pace of play.
Now, Cantlay is once again under fire for a questionable decision he made on Sunday at the RBC Heritage.
After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, whose ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.
On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.
Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and return to chip and putt on Monday morning.
Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision-making.
Can’t believe my eyes watching Patrick Cantlay why on earth would you hit your second shot then mark your ball absolutely crazy, maybe says a lot ?
— Ian Woosnam (@IWoosnam) April 22, 2024
Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 Monday morning.
Following his round, Cantlay explained his decision to wait to hit his third shot the next morning:
“I really did want to finish last night, so I felt like if I could get the ball up there maybe in an easier spot, maybe I would have finished, but as I got the ball up near the green, I realized it would be easier to finish this morning. That’s what I decided to do.”
GolfWRX has reached out to Patrick Cantlay’s management team for a response to Woosnam’s comments.
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