19th Hole
Rival European Ryder Cup captain candidate fires warning over ‘joke’ option of Thomas Bjorn
The fallout from Henrik Stenson’s departure to the LIV Golf Series sees no sign of stopping yet.
The former 2023 Ryder Cup captain, now stripped of his duties, tweeted his reasons for joining the alternative tour but was at pains to point out that he was “hugely disappointed to not be allowed to continue in my role.”
Meanwhile, whilst the 46-year-old is “on hand to support Ryder Cup Europe in any way I can,” his departure has led to confusion as to who will now take the pressurized position in charge of a revenge attempt for a 10-point defeat by the United States at Whistling Straits in 2021.
With the likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Graeme McDowell also on the Saudi-backed tour, legitimate candidates are thin on the ground, although there seemed an air of confidence that one of three names originally interviewed for the post along with Stenson, would be offered the job.
There could be little said against the claims of Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, and Paul Lawrie, so the rumors that Thomas Bjorn has entered the frame have caused some antagonism, particularly in the Lawrie camp.
The Dane was victorious European captain in 2018, when his side comprehensively defeated their rivals 17.5-10.5 in France and would make an awful lot of sense bar the fact he is on the voting panel, something Lawrie made quite clear in the week of the British Senior Open.
Lawrie told The Telegraph that,
“I assume they just go back to the way they did it before, with the five guys voting on the now three people who were up for the job initially. I’m led to believe that might not be the case. And if it’s not the case, then it’s a joke.”
On the rumbling of Bjorn’s name, he fumed:
“You hear Thomas’s name being banded about now. I don’t see how that can be the case. He’s voting. How can you get the job when you are voting? You can’t change the rules. The process is the process. It’ll be fun and games if it’s not.”
Whether that spurred him on, the 53-year-old Scot ended his week at Gleneagles with a final hole eagle, finishing in the top-10, and seven ahead of the Dane.
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- ‘You don’t mess with that guy’ – Bryson reveals the last golfer he would want to fight
- ‘You like apples?’ – Greg Norman takes bullish shot at PGA Tour over LIV poll numbers
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19th Hole
54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV
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.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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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.
More from the 19th Hole
- The wild reason why Mark Wahlberg was initially denied entry to an Australian golf club
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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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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