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19th Hole

The ‘repeated flaw’ in Greg Norman’s game that Nicklaus told him about before Shark’s first major win

Published

2 years ago

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As part of its 30th anniversary, ESPN is running a series of shows looking back at some of the most notable sports happenings that occurred from 1979 to 2009.

For golf fans of that era, one of the biggest talking points was surely Greg Norman’s seemingly continual inability to get it done during the 1986 major championships. After all, the Australian had already lost 54-hole leads at the Masters and U.S Open, when a 72nd hole bogey and a poor final round had respectively cost him the titles that his play through the season had richly deserved.

Coming a couple of years after losing a play-off at the U.S Open at Winged Foot, things were not stacking up well for a player that spent 331 weeks as the world number one. As he again led through three rounds, this time at The Open Championship at Turnberry, the omens were not in his favour.

Having admitted that he was nervous about going into the ultimate day, he walked into the clubhouse to be approached by 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus, at the time eating lunch with Tom Watson, himself an eight-time major winner.

Nicklaus tells the documentary, “I walked over to him and sat down, and I told him: ‘You know, I’ve watched you in the last couple of majors where you didn’t quite get it done, and I’ve seen a flaw repeated.”

The three-time Open champion had spotted that Norman was gripping the club too tight under pressure. This was causing Norman’s ordinarily long, loose and powerful golf swing to become shorter and tighter under pressure, which would cause him to hit wayward shots.

Norman tells that the advice was fairly simple:

“He put his hand on my shoulder: ‘Just focus on your grip pressure tomorrow, that’s it,” revealed Norman.

Lunch companion Watson summed it up: “It was typical Jack, keeping it simple – keep your hands lightly on the club, and just play golf.”

It seemed to do the trick. Norman shot a one-under 69 in his final round to win the first of his two majors by five shots.

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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

20 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

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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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