R&A Women Members Might Be Getting Their Own Locker Room Eventually, Probably

Given the R&A’s progressive push under Martin Slumbers, this story from Ewan Murray of The Guardian reveals plans are (finally) in motion to add a women’s locker room to the Royal and Ancient clubhouse are finally in motion.

He provides the backstory, hiccups and an update on the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ very slow efforts to add a place for the many new female members to gather, change and…act like members. Not that anything related to the plight of Princess Anne and the other lucky few compares to real world problems, but this is worth noting…

“We are in the early stages of planning upgrades to the clubhouse, including the installation of women’s changing rooms,” a spokesman for the R&A said. “We are consulting with members before we finalise our plans. There is no firm timetable but it will be a phased programme which will take us beyond 2021.”

The number of women among the R&A’s global membership of around 2,000 is unknown. Princess Anne, Laura Davies and Annika Sorenstam were among the first to gain admission. Perhaps it is unfair to castigate the R&A for doing the right thing. The clubhouse, as opened in 1854, will not be a particularly easy building to modify. The enhancements will be costly.

Nonetheless, it is bizarre that having admitted women to such fanfare, the delivering of equal facilities was not an immediate goal.

Bum Knees Unite: Tiger Understands If Brooks Has To Bow Out Of Presidents Cup

The buried lede in Tiger’s comments from Japan: world No. 1 Brooks Koepka is weighing a possible surgery to repair the knee he re-injured last week in the CJ Cup.

The main headline, for now, is Woods leaving things up to Koepka to decide if he’s Presidents Cup worthy, depending on “what his protocols are going forward,” Tiger said.

From Steve DiMeglio’s Golfweek story quoting Tiger on news of Koepka’s injury:

“As of right now, we’re just waiting on what the surgeon says and what Brooks is going to do,” Woods added. “He is getting other opinions on what are his options. You want to go through as many different opinions as you possibly can before you decide what you are going to do.

“I told him to take his time. No hurry. You’re part of the team. You earned your way in the top eight spots. You’re on the team. You have to figure out what is best for your career and your knee and if you decide you can’t play, great. I totally understand. We’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”

Tripp Isenhour and I discussed this run of left knees going back today on Golf Central:

Rory Signals Intent To Play For Ireland In 2020 Olympics, Do Many Care Like They Did Four Years Ago?

It was a neverending, bizarre and unfortunate chapter in Rory McIlroy’s career: having to decide between Ireland and Great Britain for 2016 Rio games representation. With the Zika virus a concern and most golfers largely apathetic toward the Olympic movement, he ultimately chose not to play.

Four years later he’s near Tokyo and the 2020 Games are less than a year away, with no Zika and a golf-crazy country welcoming the players, and McIlroy has declared his intent to represent Ireland should he qualify.

Rex Hoggard with that news for GolfChannel.com.

More interesting will be the reaction to his decision given how inflammatory the topic was four years ago. So far, the topic seems like old news and not particularly intriguing to most. Is that a product of the old debate, Brexit distractions, or overall Olympic golf apathy?

Marsh: Manufacturers "Bamboozed Everybody" On Distance Growing The Game

Powerful stuff on this week’s Inside the Ropes podcast from Australian golf great and architect Graham Marsh, talking about how quickly bunkers he placed early in his design career are now, and how little the race to add distance has done to grow the game.

Martin Blake reports the comments for Golf Australia.

“It’s been one of the great tragedies of the game. We were given this load of guff by the industry, that if we were to go with these game-improvement clubs, that everybody was going to play better, and of course the ball was going to go further, and they kept developing that with a good commercial arrangement, to make more money. That’s what you do in that industry.

“But the problem is, the players didn’t get better, the handicaps have gone up, the equipment’s more expensive and there’s less people playing the game. It was a great lie. They bamboozled everybody, including the USGA and the R and A. Completely bamboozled everybody.’’

You can listen to the full podcast here:

Here’s the distance talk:

Housing Developer Offers $120 Million For Top Canadian Course

Thanks to reader MJ for this stunning Globe and Mail story about the National Golf Club of Canada considering a $120 million sale to a real estate developer. The No. 3 course in Canada in Golf Digest’s latest ranking and an exclusive all-men’s club, is situated on prime Toronto real estate but has members fleeing due to excessive difficulty and cost.

From Andrew Willis’ story:

When noted golf architects George and Tom Fazio designed the National, which opened in 1974, it was well north of Toronto’s suburbs. Over more than four decades, the city swallowed the club. Large homes now surround the course, while shopping malls, Canada’s Wonderland amusement park and a subway station are minutes away.

In recent years, an increasing number of National members decided to unload their stakes, in part because aging golfers often find the course too challenging to play enjoyably. Not enough new members stepped forward and there are currently more sellers of memberships than buyers, according to Roxborough, who declined to comment on the exact numbers. Several sources at the National, whom The Globe And Mail granted confidentiality to because they were not authorized to speak for the club, said dozens of members are currently trying to sell their stakes, which typically change hands for around $40,000. Annual dues at the club are about $12,000.

Hundreds of course closures have occurred in recent years, but I’m fairly certain this would vie as the most significant

On Tiger: "Four rounds without the troubling signs of the summer should be enough."

Bob Harig at ESPN.com assesses what we’ve seen from Tiger since landing in Japan and revealing how long the surgically repaired knee has been an issue. While Harig sets a low bar, it’s the right one given this being Woods’ first start since August and also likely his last until December’s Hero World Challenge.

He acknowledged Monday that the knee surgery he had in August was something he meant to do a year ago, but put it off after winning the Tour Championship. After capturing the Masters, his knee slowly got worse, to the point that it was difficult for him to squat and read putts.

He said the knee pain and uneasy walking led to other issues with his back. He also withdrew from a tournament with an oblique injury.

Perhaps this is the explanation for Woods looking out of sorts for most of the summer. Why the back stiffness and unsteady gait led to some unseemly scores, especially for the Masters champion. And maybe it is why he seemed so at ease Monday, knowing that things are on the right path.

He did look genuinely at ease walking, swinging and playing the role of entertainer. That certainly was a far cry from the gimpy, bruised-and-battered looking golfer we saw post-Masters. Add it all up and this increases the intrigue around his Presidents Cup captain’s pick status and more importantly, 2020.

Technology Debate: "Those Superfast Nike Shoes Are Creating a Problem"

Many thanks to reader JH for sending Amby Burfoot fascinating look at Nike’s new technologically superior shoes causing serious rules consternation. This follows a pair of remarkable performances by Eliud Kipchoge in Vienna and Brigid Kosgei in Chicago prompting calls for more stringent rules on legal running shoes.

Here’s the part about the recent design breakthrough:

The Nike shoes also include a carbon fiber plate in the midsole. This plate might increase energy return, or it might improve foot function during the running stride. Either way, the plate is prominently mentioned in Nike’s patent application.

Nike-supported experts soon published papers in scientific journals showing that the Vaporfly shoes could improve marathon times up to 3 percent. That sounds small until you consider it is often the difference between a gold medal and a quickly forgotten fifth-place finish.

The results were so astounding, in fact, that some considered them as just another example of Nike sports marketing.

“I was skeptical at first, but then came the second and third and fourth report,” said Ross Tucker of the Science of Sport website. “I had to change my skepticism. Now I think the effect is real, and large.”

And this may sound familiar to those interested in the golf techology debate. The quote is from a rival manufacturer whose runners appear to now be at a disadvantage:

Nike is well known in the patent world for its large and increasingly frequent applications. It also has plenty of lawyers, though no one can say what might happen in any patent infringement case until it is litigated.

White said he would be unhappy if the I.A.A.F. tightened its shoe regulation policies. “We could end up limiting creativity and losing the chance to improve running shoes for the everyday runner,” he noted. “I think the ‘must be widely available’ part of the rule is the best answer.”

The everyday runner is likely not seeing the advantage that the elite runner is getting. Sound familiar?

GroundBreaking: A First Look At PGA Of America's New 36-Hole Frisco Facility

The Dallas Morning News’ Scott Bell attended the Governor William J. Le Petomane Thruway, err, I mean, Silicon Valley of Golf groundbreaking on some of Frisco’s finest farmland.

The usual groundbreaking speeches and demos were presented, though refreshing in the videos below with Gil Hanse and Beau Welling discussing their works, the “fun” word was mentioned as the priority. Imagine that ten or fifteen years ago.

The golf portion includes two 18-hole championship courses -- the East Course and the West Course -- as well as a short course and practice areas. Organizers expect the new PGA of America headquarters to become the home of national player development and coaching programs.

In total, the city of Frisco expects more than $2.5 billion in economic development over the next two decades, according to an economic impact study it commissioned.

Preparation for major golf events is already underway

There will be no shortage of big events taking place at PGA Frisco.

The site has been promised 23 championship events over a 13-year span, including six majors across the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours: PGA Championship (2027, 2034), Women’s PGA Championship (2025, 2031) and Senior PGA Championship (2023, 2029).

Ticket sign-ups for those events coming soon, get them if they ever have the chance to last!

A couple of preview videos, first with Hanse and Welling, and a second with a look at the land plan that includes a par-3 course and Himalayas “interactive” putting green.

"It was like the Skins game version of Between Two Ferns. In that way it was almost endearingly bad."

Almost!

Look, golf on TV is hard to do. The Skins Game succeeded for two decades in part because it was only nine holes per day and tape delayed. And the money meant something back then. So did the timing of Thanksgiving weekend.

The revitalized and much-hyped MGM Grand Resorts The Challenge Japan Skins was played to provide GOLFTV Powered by the PGA Tour content and to kick off the Tour’s first official Japan event was bound to be imperfect. And other than not playing a practice round or taking their warm-up very seriously, leading to some loose golf early on, the players did their part. But the actual event execution was abysmal, from the broadcast production to the brilliant idea of playing a rushed 18 holes (instead of two days of nine holes). A foursome of Trevino, Demaret, Hagen and Palmer couldn’t have come off well with these constraints.

The Golf.com gang’s take, including the Josh Sens line from the headline above:

Michael Bamberger, senior writer: It looked like a practice round on a course that would never be the site for a PGA Tour event, here in the lower 48. I should say I fell asleep before the gents reached the fourth green. It was just guys playing golf and spreading good cheer. They weren’t raising money for war bonds, but it was still a good time and at times a good cause. What’s not to like?

Alan Shipnuck, senior writer (@AlanShipnuck): I didn’t make it to the back nine. The golf was sloppy, the course uninspired, the banter forced and cheesy, the money laughably small. But other than that…

Josh Sens, contributor (@JoshSens): Well, that was one weird show. The production itself was almost local cable access quality — you could hear the players talking and then you couldn’t; the shot tracer worked and then it didn’t; the images glitched and jumped then steadied. It was like the Skins game version of Between Two Ferns. In that way it was almost endearingly bad. I kind of liked how unslick it was.

Maybe the kids today and the adults who put all of the capital into appearance fees instead of the Skins and production will have found this acceptable. But it’s hard to imagine Tiger and friends will want to be associated with a glorified Periscope broadcast, no matter how lavish the appearance fees.

As we discussed on Morning Drive, it’s hard to have fun banter or great Skins moments when you’re in a hurry:

Rory: "He's super competitive like we all are. I see where he's coming from.''

Rory McIlroy diffused any kind of potential manspat with World No. 1 Brooks Koepka, for now.

Bob Harig reporting for ESPN.com from Chiba, after the MGM Grand The Challenge Japan Skins Powered By The PGA Tour In the The Middle Of The Night.

"What Brooks said wasn't wrong,'' said McIlroy, who was competing with Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama on Monday at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club, the site of this week's Zozo Championship.

"He's been the best player in the world for the last couple of years. Four majors. Don't think he had to remind me that I haven't won one in a while. I love Brooks. He's a great guy. He's super competitive like we all are. I see where he's coming from.''

McIlroy’s on-course chat with Hennie Zuehl during The Challenge:

"What Brooks said wasn't wrong."

Rory addresses Brooks Koepka's recent comments about rivalries. pic.twitter.com/B55h0pavLq

— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) October 21, 2019

"Braggadocious Brooks stands out for reasons that are obvious."

Nice work by Eamon Lynch to explain for Golfweek readers why some are so offended by Brooks Koepka’s blunt ways:

Boastfulness isn’t much embraced in professional golf. A sport that prides itself on being a gentleman’s game is predisposed to treat bombast as vulgarity. Through that muted lens, Walter Hagen was viewed as more carnival barker than confident champion. Greg Norman held his ego largely in check until he moved wholly into business, at which point it was a brand asset. Even at his peak, Tiger Woods lets his clubs speak for him, though that didn’t stop the sniping about his aloofness and fist-pumping being unbecoming.

Golf has long lionized stars who conduct themselves as though inhabited by the ghost of Byron Nelson: courteous throwbacks to a time when sportsmen were free of profanity, scandal and indictments. Blandness over bluster. Against that colorless standard, Braggadocious Brooks stands out for reasons that are obvious.

Matt Every Suspension And Poll: Is Marijuana Performance-Enhancing For Golf?

In some dark corners of the internet you’ll find outrage that tour player Matt Every’s second suspension for being in the vicinity of Mary Jane is a sign of some sort of tone-deaf problem. Even though the drug policy is set by WADA, the PGA Tour has issued warnings ad nauseum to players reminding them of the policy and a common sense belief that marijuana could be a performance enhancing, some think it’s a different beast.

Eamon Lynch at Golfweek does not believe so:

Count me among those who believe recreational drug use that doesn’t improve performance is no one else’s business. But all players know the Tour policy is in line with stringent World Anti-Doping Agency protocols. That’s what Every signed up to.

This week was a gentle reminder of the pitfalls inherent in the PGA Tour’s old marketing line, “These Guys Are Good,” which implies there isn’t a jerk, blowhard, cheat or abuser among them. Most guys are good, to be fair, but the Tour’s reputation need not be symbiotic with those who play it. Hitching its image to the conduct of individual players risks the Tour being embarrassed with every minor transgression, and crucified when a major one invariably comes.

That Every has already served three months for a prior violation, continued the use and did not apologize in issuing a statement, suggests either he may continue the practice when he returns to the PGA Tour.

“For me, cannabis has proven to be, by far, the safest and most effective treatment,” Every said. “With that being said, I have no choice but to accept this suspension and move on. I knew what WADA’s policy was and I violated it. I don’t agree with it for many reasons, mainly for my overall well-being, but I’m excited for what lies ahead in my life and career.”

While he says the doctor who has treated him since age five could not provide any other alternative remedy for his issues, Every has never suggested he filed for, and was denied, a Therapeutic Use Exemption. Nor has the PGA Tour deviated from WADA with regard to marijuana, as they have in a few other areas.

Which brings us back to the core issue: is marijuana potentially performance enhancing?

I have no idea but given that Matt Every stuck with it after one suspension and never suggested he ever applied for its use medicinally, it was not performance unenhancing.

Whether pot usage is enough to alter outcomes is another story. But in the grander scheme, as its usage is legalized in more places and a younger generation sees it as harmless, golf and WADA may need to study its impact on performance. I don’t need a case made but there may be a surprising number of fans who struggle to understand what the big deal is all about.

So…simple question based on your views of the game and what you know about cannibas…

Is marijuana performance enhancing for golf?

Dude, of course it is, are you high?

No way man! It's an herb, nothing more

 

pollcode.com free polls

"Tonight’s event, for Woods, really is about GOLFTV. "

While it’s hard to take The Challenge too seriously given that the purse is lower than the original Skins Game (1983) and a third of what Mickelson, Mediate, Choi and Ames played for in 2008 before sending Skins six-feet under.

Still, there should be plenty of things to watch for in the midnight ET event on Golf Channel, which is carrying the event in America while GOLFTV Powered by the PGA Tour beams the Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day exhibition to the rest of the world.

Michael Bamberger at Golf.com thanks Tiger for spicing up what would have been just a nice, average fall night for late night golf viewers. But he also makes clear in this Golf.com column this is about Tiger clocking in and earning some credits on his GOLFTV Powered By The PGA Tour deal.

Tonight’s event, for Woods, really is about GOLFTV. His contract with GOLFTV looms large in his life. Woods has done only one interview about winning his fifth green coat win since leaving Augusta National on Masters Sunday, and that interview was a GOLFTV production. The interview was conducted by Henni Zuel and it lasted 28 minutes, but Woods likely got credit for an even half-hour. It’s an excellent interview, by the way, but too short.

Woods will surely have more to say about that Masters win in his memoir, Back. No publication date has been announced. In the interest of synergy, GOLFTV could film Woods while he is writing his book. That could be interesting.

No one should have to see that, or whoever it is doing the transcribing.

Anyway, as Bamberger correctly notes, the game face will come on later in the week in the inaugural Zozo Championship where we’ll find out the state of Woods’ game.

Hovland Sets New Mark: 19 Straight PGA Tour Rounds Under 70

This Golfweek item was posted after the PGA Tour rookie posted a 69 to set the mark of 18 under-70 rounds in a row.

Viktor Hovland followed with a second round 69 in the CJ Cup to make it 19.

More astounding may be the sight of only one round over 71, as seen in this Tweet (again, before round two’s 69):

PGATOUR: Viktor Hovland's rounds on TOUR as a pro:

67
71
68
73
70
69
70
64
69
66
69
65
69
69
68
64
66
66
64
65
68
68
68
64
69#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/1WUQMLJo0R #PGATour

— Wayne Willmore™ (@crazy_willows) October 17, 2019

"Caracas Country Club: Where the 0.01% Await Socialism’s Collapse"

Bloomberg’s Ethan Bronner takes us inside Venezuela’s Caracas Country Club, where the dress code standards have been slipping. But given what’s going on outside the club gates, it’s a minor issue for the historic club situated amidst a crumbling country.

It may seem remarkable, if not obscene, that a citadel like this exists, and thrives, in the middle of one of the world’s most violent and distressed cities, the capital of a country whose economy has collapsed and where malnutrition and disease rates are soaring. Millions have emigrated to escape the grind of finding enough to eat, of living without reliable electricity or tap water. And here, inside a gracious hacienda where chandeliers twinkle overhead, there is renewed focus on sartorial protocol.

Bronner’s piece goes on to consider the many striking and bizarre issues facing the country club set in a place of turmoil.