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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- ‘I’ve given up on him’ – Brooks Koepka accuses LIV teammate of being a quitter in scathing attack
- Major golf publication blasted for ‘insensitive’ Bryson DeChambeau post
- ‘Are you that dumb?’ – Dave Portnoy rips CBS over lack of live TV coverage of Rickie Fowler’s victory
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19th Hole
Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis
According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.
Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.
However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”
Here's Rory McIlroy talking about the PGA Tour policy board and the "subset of people on the board that were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason." pic.twitter.com/0skNOwtWxz
— Patrick McDonald (@pmcdonaldCBS) May 8, 2024
The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.
The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.
The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.
The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.
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19th Hole
Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf
On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.
The second Phil Mickelson retires he'll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/ulrtBHcyB6
— Chris McKee (@mrmckee) May 7, 2024
“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”
Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.
Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality…
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) May 8, 2024
“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”
While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.
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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19th Hole
PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites
This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.
PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.
Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in. @NUCLRGOLF @Daniel_Rapaport @PGA https://t.co/8Snkq0l2Vg
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ???? @NUCLRGOLF @Daniel_Rapaport @acaseofthegolf1
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) May 7, 2024
“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”
“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”
“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”
Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.
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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