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19th Hole

Players wary of ‘unfair’ Royal St. Georges

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It’s the first Open Championship for two years, but a trip down south to Royal St. George’s hasn’t got every golfer excited for the week ahead, with some high-profile players not exactly thrilled with the venue.

The ever candid Brooks Koepka spoke on Tuesday about the course, where he made it clear that it’s not one of his favorite courses, with the many blind tee shots not to his liking.

“It’s not my favorite venue that we have played. I think Portrush and St Andrews are definitely the favorites. I haven’t seen all 18, I’ll see the back nine today. But quite a few blind tee shots, kind of hitting to nothing. Fairways are quite undulating. I don’t know, it’s not my favorite of the rotation, put it that way.

“This one, it’s just not as exciting. I don’t know why. Whether it be a couple shots to nothing, a couple of blind tee shots or shots in where you can’t really see much. I’m not too big of a fan of that.”

Bernhard Langer, who finished in the top-3 here three times in his career, is another who isn’t a fan of the English golf course, telling the Daily Mail on Tuesday that: “It is, to me, the most unfair of all the courses on the rota.”

It’s also fair to assume that the course isn’t number one on Rory McIlroy’s list of favorites either, who speaking on a podcast last year, stated: “Can’t we just skip St George’s and go straight to St Andrews?”

However, it seems the Irishman has had a change of heart over the course, as speaking to media this week, McIlroy revealed that after playing a softer Royal St. Georges at the weekend, the venue seems improved to him:

“Even before all the rain, the course was quite lush and green and we weren’t seeing the bounces that we’re accustomed to getting here,” he said. “I walked away after the weekend thinking this is a much better golf course than I remember.”

As for the big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau, it appears that the 27-year-old is prepared to dial it back this week in order to stay out of the “diabolical hay” surrounding the fairways.

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Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected].

19th Hole

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

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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

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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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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

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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.

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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