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Tour Rundown: Morikawa, Lipsky, and Warren claim titles on three world tours
After nearly a month of covering a single tournament each week, today feels like a birthday, with three presents to open. The European Tour returned to action for the first time since Qatar, in early March. The Korn Ferry Tour was again in action, this time in a canyon in San Antonio, Texas. And the PGA Tour headed into territory not charted since the 1950s. More on that tease in a moment. As humanity navigates the careful steps required by quarantine, our professional golf tours have done their best to clear a path on how to properly do so. There is stumbling and mild retreat, but in the end, movement forward. Here’s to caution and confidence, as we return to Tour Rundown, this second week of July 2020.
Collin Morikawa claims first PGA Tour medal-play title
Justin Thomas is young. He’s only 27. The thing is, Collin Morikawa is younger. Like a quarter-generation younger. In an era of internet immediacy and social media fame, people identify by these five-year segments of a generation. On Sunday, at the Workday Charity Open, Morikawa earned his second tour title in less than a year, and he did so by staring down the 2017 PGA champion.
In a word, Sunday in Columbus, Ohio, was crazy. Arriving weather dictated threesomes off early, on both front and back nines, for final-round completion. Morikawa was paired with Thomas and Viktor Hovland, on a stage set for drama. Thomas had the lead at the outset, but Morikawa seized it back with two birdies and an eagle in the first five holes. Thomas responded, as in the middle rounds of a prize fight, with a stunning sequence of his own. Birdies at 8 through 11, followed by birdie-eagle at 14 and 15, appeared to pave a path to a 13th tour title for the Kentuckian.
With a flicker, Thomas made bogey at 16 and 18, while a 17th-hole birdie by Morikawa evened the score. Off to extra holes they went. Thomas appeared to have stolen the win with a 50-feet bomb for birdie at th 18th, but Morikawa matched him with a putt for three of his own. They returned to 18 one more, where pars sent them off to the 10th tee. A change of venue, to the 10th hole, brought resolution to the week. Morikawa’s drive found the fairway, while Thomas’ tee ball was stymied behind a wee sapling of a tree trunk. Forced to pitch out, Thomas ultimately missed a 15-feet putt for par. Morikawa took two putts from six feet, and the victory was his. After an initial win in the modified-stableford Barracuda Championship 11 months ago, the young Californian now has a stroke-play title, against one of the best of the tour, on his sleeve.
For the first time since 1957, the PGA Tour will host events on the same course, in consecutive weeks. The Workday Classic steps aside for the Memorial Invitational. Expect faster greens, deeper tees, thicker rough, and angrier hole locations as Jack’s event takes center stage.
David Lipsky steps out of covert operations for San Antonio Challenge win
If you’re one of those Golf Channel stalwarts, the ones who watch early-morning telecasts from the Asian and European tours, you know his name. If not, please allow me to introduce David Lipsky. A graduate of Northwestern University, a Big Ten titleist in college, 2-time champion on both the European and Asian tours, and now, a winner stateside. By reaching 25-under par on Sunday evening, David Lipsky claimed an inaugural Korn Ferry tour title at the (deep breath) TPC-San Antonio Challenge at the Canyons. The native of La Cañada, California, turned in a weekend scorecard of 128 for 36 holes, blazing past the field by four shots.
The majority of the onslaught took place on Saturday. Lipsky had been known, on his overseas tours of golf duty, to post the occasional low round. Following it up was always the difficult part. More on that in a jiff. On day three, Lipsky posted consecutive bogies, at the 13th and 14th holes. No worries. They were sandwiched by a birdie and an eagle. And those were sandwiched by two more birdies on either side. And that was after an outward nine of five-under 31. Lipsky’s matching nines totaled 62, and included 10 birdies and that screaming eagle.
On Sunday, the third-round leader picked up where he left off. He made few mistakes on the day, and expanded his week-long birdie total by seven. As his closest pursuers hiccoughed and stumbled, Canada’s Taylor Pendrith took up the challenge. Pendrith reached the turn on a five-birdie streak, but was unable to maintain the momentum. He reached 21-under par, one clear of Paul Haley II and Paul Barjon in third, and claimed his first runner-up finish on the Korn Ferry tour. Coming on the heels of a tie for third the previous week, Pendrith is one to watch as the Korn Ferry tour moves across property to the Oaks course, for a 2nd consecutive TPC San Antonio event.
Marc Warren edges Schneider by one in Austria
Compared with the above winners (23 and 32) Marc Warren is an old guy. He’s 39, which qualifies for tour-old status. Not as old as Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the 36-hole leader, but certainly trending upward in circles around the tree trunk. No matter, after 72 holes, it was Marc Warren by one shot, for his fourth career win on the European tour. Six years had passed since the Scotsman hoisted the Made In Denmark trophy, and this rep was more than sweet.
Warren sat two shots behind the ageless Spaniard, Jiménez, aftet two rounds. Surprising himself, the PGA Tour Champions regular was out in 133, emboldened by a Friday 65. What went right on day two, moved in the opposite direction on Saturday. Jiménez turned in a 77, dropping out of the top five. Warren seized the opportunity on a difficult day, and took the lead with a two-under 70. On Sunday, the Caledonian struggled with his swing, giving the lead away to runner-up Marcel Schneider, midway through the back nine. Emboldened by years of toil, Warren responded with birdies at 15 and 17 to snatch the lead back. A par at the last was sufficient to close in 13-under par, one clear of Germany’s Schneider. Holland’s Will Besseling turned in the day’s best score (66) to ascend 16 spots on the board, into solo third position.
The tour remains in Austria this week, at the Euram Bank Open. Unlike the US tours, the remainder of the Euro schedule is uncertain. With fortune, previously-scheduled events will make a return to competition in 2021, if not sooner.
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Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police on the way to Valhalla Golf Club this morning due to a traffic misunderstanding.
“Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, and Scheffler then stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then began to scream at Scheffler to get out of the car.
“When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer shoved Scheffler against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. He is now being detained in the back of a police car.”
Darlington also posted a video of the dramatic moment which you can view below:
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
There was an unrelated accident at around 5am, which is what may have caused some of the misunderstanding of which traffic was moving.
Speaking on ESPN, Darlington broke down exactly what he witnessed in full detail:
“Entering Valhalla Golf Club this morning, we witness a car pull around us that was Scottie Scheffler. Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police officers, placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security, ended up being police officers.
“They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop, the police officer attached himself to the vehicle, and Scheffler then travelled another 10 yards before stopping the car.”
“The police officer then grabbed at his arm, attempting to pull him out of the car, before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back in handcuffs.
“Very stunned about what was happening, he looked towards me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. He very clearly didn’t know what was happening in the situation.”
“It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively. He was detained in that police vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. The police officers at that point did not understand that Scottie Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the number one player in the world.”
Full details on Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, excellent reporting by @JeffDarlington.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 17, 2024
Due to the accident, play has been delayed this morning. Scheffler’s current tee time for the second round of the PGA Championship is 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler’s mugshot following the incident:
Scottie Scheffler’s mugshot from Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections. pic.twitter.com/bcJn54Nu5x
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 17, 2024
*Update*
Scheffler has been charged with 2nd Degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler charges
– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer
– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
– Reckless driving
– Disregard signals from officer directing traffic pic.twitter.com/bX8mFF2Xay— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
*Update*
According to ESPN+, Scottie Scheffler has been released and is now on his way to the golf course.
*Update*
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08 a.m second round tee time.
After being detained by police earlier this morning, Scottie Scheffler was released and is back at Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/KvS5Hwo6PS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 17, 2024
*Update*
The PGA of America released this statement regarding the fatal accident, which diverted traffic at Valhalla this morning.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler released the following statement.
Scottie Scheffler’s statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
We will update this developing story as more information on the situation is revealed.
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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Five Things We Learned: Thursday at the PGA Championship
It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head-to-head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting soul, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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Morning 9: Tiger 2025 Ryder Cup talks continue | Rory: Tour in a worse place with Dunne’s resignation
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