Video: "Meet the 10-year-old golf phenom who’s already compared to Tiger Woods"

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NBC’s Blayne Alexander introduces us to Xeve Perez, a 10-year-old phenom born premature at 20 weeks and weighing just three pounds. He took up golf at 18…months and is said to have won his first tournament at three. Just work with me here. It’s a good feature.

Anyway, he’s picked up plenty of wins since, is Georgia’s top ranked player in the 12 to 14 division even though he’s just ten. Also, he’d love to play Augusta some day. The 2026 Masters is penciled in right now and looking at that swing he’s got a shot.

Stick around for the live discussion and input from Today’s resident golfer Carson Daly. It’s fun stuff.

Today In The Struggle To Play It As It Lies, Files: R&A Clears Thompson Of Breach

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The ongoing trend of top players fiddling, pushing, mashing, digging and generally meddling immediately behind their ball continued Thursday at Troon.

This time it was Lexi Thompson in the AIG Womens’s Open who appeared to push aside some meddlesome Marram, but was cleared by the R&A of a Rule 8.1 breach because the grass returned to its original location. From Beth Ann Nichols’ report:

Yesterday, as part of its normal TV review procedures, The R&A viewed Lexi Thompson’s actions prior to playing her second shot at the 16th hole in round one of the AIG Women’s Open. 

Following a discussion between Chief Referee David Rickman and the player prior to her signing her scorecard it was determined that, although the player had moved a growing natural object behind her ball, it had returned to its original position. 

Thompson posted rounds of 78-75 and will miss the cut.

Here is the video:

In the last year we’ve had Reed, Kuchar and Rahm incidents, a chance to reset the demise of play it as it lies, and a need for someone to explain to players how bad this looks.

But I have good news! In the era of sports betting, with the PGA Tour now advertising prices on telecasts, the gamblers will eventually warrant a crackdown if the tours want that hard-earned betting money.

After Strong 2020, Berger A Little Baffled At Lack Of Masters Invite

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When the Masters was postponed to November and the field frozen at 96, a Daniel Berger was bound to happen.

Ryan Lavner explains why the most consistent player this year before and after the pandemic is an obvious serious omission from the current Masters field. He’s now 18th in the world, 7th in the FedExCup standings and a winner at Colonial this year.

Augusta National said any players who win a Tour event this summer and during the fall portion of the 2020-21 season – or qualify through any of the other avenues such as high finishes in the majors – would earn an invitation to the 2021 event.

“I’m not sure what else I have to do at this point to get into Augusta,” he said. “I’m a little baffled that I haven’t had more opportunity to at least hear from some of the guys over there and have a chance, obviously. The field was set, but – I don’t know if I could say I deserve a spot, but I feel like I’m playing well enough to earn a spot into the Masters.”

With the November days already extremely short for a very decent-sized Masters field, adding invitations at this point seems logistically impossible.

So unless past champions past their prime to sit this one out to help get a player like Berger in, I can’t see a solution that allows the Masters to reverse course.

2K21 Allows Users To Create, Play And Share Custom-Designed Courses

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From Nick Menta’s review of a big return to golf gaming with a fun design touch:

As someone who’s been playing PGA Tour video games since 1999, this was the one thing I always wanted from EA Sports: the ability to create my own courses or to recreate courses that EA simply couldn’t license. Once I got that from HB Studios in "The Golf Club," I found myself pining for what I had with EA: Tour branding, Tour pros, Tour courses.

This game, finally, has both.

It’s been awhile since users could design their own or, thinking out loud here, a design of merit that could not be licensed. As someone totally oblivious to this world, I’m eager to hear what ways this addition potentially influences interest in the game and course design.

Today In The Distance Debate: Why A Workable Solution $eems Unlikely

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MorningRead.com’s Gary Van Sickle looks at all of the distance forces in play and not to be a spoiler, but there is money involved. And a lot of people who will take the cash over supporting what might be the right thing for golf’s sustainability and interest.

I was pleased to see he mentioned a slightly larger ball, though I’m not sure from some informal Callaway Magna testing that the distance fallout would be as great for hacks as Van Sickle thinks:

The laws of friction will reduce its flight. That’s been done before. The British “small ball” was used in the United Kingdom until late in the 20th century, and it went farther than the slightly larger American model. Another bump on ball size could do the trick, although amateurs would protest vehemently.

Another option would be to limit ball dimples and their shapes, in hopes of taking another percentage point or two off ball flight and by giving golf balls more curve than today’s forgiving models. We’re in a golden age of golf-ball technology. The old balls, when mis-hit, curved way off-line. Not anymore. More spin would bring more skill back.

"What’s it like to caddie with Tiger Woods? Incredible..."

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Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier tracked down Alex Fernandez, whose son was recently paired with Charlie Woods and his caddie, Tiger. While I’m never comfortable with the viral photos shared of Woods’ children just being kids, unless shared by Tiger, Dethier does a nice job addressing what it’s like to be at a U.S. Kids event where one of the two best to ever play the game is a looper.

It’s a long story about how things played out, including how young Fernandez had his instructor on the bag. But it’s a fun read and doesn’t feel intrusive. There is also this point that was largely all I could think about:

Better yet, Jonah had acquitted himself well. “I was so proud of him because he just played so well,” Payne said. “I don’t mean like, scores, I’m not going to talk about that. But I can’t imagine being 11 and trying to play golf in front of Tiger Woods. It was awesome.”

Slumbers on R&A Hosting The Women's Open This Week

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A question I’ve seen asked a fair amount with this week’s AIG Women’s Open and two men’s majors to go: why didn’t they reschedule The Open for the fall?

Given that events are proceeding without horrible travel restrictions and other constraints, it’s a fair question. But the R&A had pandemic insurance and there was this, in Ewan Murray’s Guardian story quoting Chief Executive Martin Slumbers suggests the R&A only recently saw an opportunity to play this week at Royal Troon:

“But if I’m really honest, it was probably only a month or so ago that we were really comfortable that we could get this away. It has been an enormous effort by an enormous number of people, and our thanks go to not just our partners but the government both in Westminster and Scotland who have been tireless in helping us try and make a statement of putting this championship on.”

So Not Everyone Loves Links Golf: England's Charley Hull Confirms Her Longing For Tree-Lined Courses On Open Eve

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As the AIG Women’s Open Championship kicks off at historic Royal Troon, one of England’s great hopes admitted she is not fan of links golf.

Ewan Murray reports for The Guardian from Troon on Charley Hull’s forthright assessment of links golf:

The prospect of Charley Hull ending her wait for a major title this weekend at Royal Troon has diminished after the 24-year-old admitted her indifference towards links golf. Hull risked offending those immersed in the ancient form of the sport by admitting she will visualise holes at the famous Ayrshire venue lined with trees during the Women’s Open when it begins on Thursday.

“I’m not the biggest fan of links golf,” said Hull. “I like playing with my friends and stuff as a bit of fun but I find it hard to score around sometimes. I like parkland golf courses and American-style.”

“I just try to picture the fairways being tree-lined because I like really, really tight golf courses. I like to feel like tunnel vision, where this is kind of open and flat and it’s hard to pick your lines because it’s hard to pick out the fairways sometimes. So you’ve just got to be really focused.”

Well then, we’ll be looking elsewhere with our investment strategies this week.

Collin Morikawa Isn't Sure Where The Infamous PGA-Winning Driver Will End Up

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AP’s Doug Ferguson looks back at Collin Morikawa’s 2020 PGA Championship win at Harding Park and tries to pin down the winner on where various historic artifacts are headed. The caddy gets the loathsome Giants-themed bag. How about the shoes and the world famous driver? Morikawa isn’t sure.

“The driver, who knows when TaylorMade is going to come out with a new one and I’ve got to switch,” Morikawa said. “I’ll probably just mark it with a little ‘PGA Championship,’ maybe a Sharpie on the head to remember it.”

And then?

“Probably just stick in my other bags at home when I start collecting them and they start piling up,” he said. “I really don’t know.”

There will be plenty of prominent places happy to display that one when it loses it’s place in the rotation.

Playoffs: Brooks Koepka's "Season" Ends Due To Injury

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With two majors looming, Brooks Koepka might get well in time for his favorite events. But in withdrawing from this week’s Northern Trust at TPC Boston, the gym-rat and major-slayer is also giving us a peak into the future of issues facing “athletes” in golf.

From Ryan Lavner’s bleak assessment of Koepka’s physical health and WD from the Boston stop, which also means no more 2019-20 playoff events:

The 3 1/2-month coronavirus shutdown should have come at a perfect time. Gifted a total reset, he could rest and rehab his body. He could sort out his swing. But other than a sterling final round at the RBC Heritage, he wasn’t a factor until his title defense at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, where he chased Justin Thomas down the stretch before a water ball on the 72nd hole. The following week, at the PGA, he was two shots off the lead heading into the final round before fading badly on Sunday. He’ll end this lost season with only two top-25s in 13 starts.

Good news? The man now synonymous with majors has plenty to get well for. Assuming a surgeon’s scalpel isn’t needed before then.

"Hosted Experiences" The First Effort To Welcome Back Golf Fans

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Rex Hoggard looks at the “hosted experiences” apparent to viewers duing last week’s Wyndham through the eyes of Tournament Director Mark Brazil. He saw the addition of a few guests to get some sponsors on site and commence what will be a slow, challenging process in eventually welcoming spectators back to tournaments.

“It’s better than nothing and it allowed us to give a special thank you to Wyndham and all the key sponsors who stayed with us,” said Mark Brazil, the Wyndham Championship tournament director. “It wasn’t the 5,000 we planned on a day but I think the Tour has made the right call as far as fans go.”

Brazil built three hospitality-style tents adjacent to the 18th green to accommodate what the Tour has dubbed a “hosted experience.” What that means varies wildly from market to market depending on local and state COVID-19 regulations, but at the Wyndham it meant that 25 guests were allowed to gather outside and 10 were allowed inside the tents.

It seems, at least based on what we know now about COVID-19 spread, that the golf course and even outdoor hospitality areas will generally be safe if spaced. It’s getting to the site—without a long shuttle bus ride—that will be a long term issue for many tournaments.

Oh, and we’ll need some form of rapid testing and a system to confirm one is asymptomatic. And eventually, get everyone inoculated against the virus. No problema!

Laura Davis Teeing Off First In The Open, But About That Wind Forecast...

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Slow play is a focus as the women turn up at Royal Troon for a major and, other than Laura Davies going out first to set the pace, the forecast calls major gusts by 9 am. So how long golf can be played remains to be seen.

From Beth Ann Nichols story on Davies, playing in her 40th Open, also working this week for Sky’s broadcast team.

“I played 18 holes yesterday morning at 7:30, basically on my own, in two hours and 15 minutes,” said Davies, “played every hole properly, chipped and putted on quite a few. I’m not saying we can get ’round in two hours and 15 minutes, but we should be ’round in under four, as long as the weather is not crazy. If the weather is crazy then obviously you get up on those holes around the turn, anything can happen. You can spend half an hour on the tee if you’re unlucky.”

The weather on Thursday doesn’t look promising, with wind gusts of up to 55 to 60 mph predicted around 9 a.m. Tournament Troon will look nothing like what they’ve faced in the practice rounds thanks to what they’re calling, “Storm Ellen.”

Martin Dempster points out how the R&A is preparing for delay scenarios, including shortening of the tournament or a 36-hole Sunday. A Monday finish is not in the cards.

In the event of a “significant amount of playing time” being lost on the first two days, the number of players making the cut could be reduced from the intended top 65 and ties, something that would be beneficial if the target was to play two rounds on Sunday.

“I don’t think it’s going to be easy for the next two days,” predicted Slumbers, both in terms of the challenge facing the players and the R&A’s team of rules officials. “We are easing the golf course as much as we can to make it as playable because we want a spectacle. But we have not taken the full teeth out of the golf course.”

For American viewers, the tournament airtimes:

Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         5:30-8:30 a.m. / 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Live) / 1:30-4:30 a.m. (Friday replay)

Friday             5:30-8:30 a.m. / 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Live) / 1:30-4:30 a.m. (Saturday replay)

Saturday          9 a.m.-Noon (Live) / 11:30 p.m.-3 a.m. (Sunday replay)           

Sunday            8 a.m.-Noon (Live) / 12:30-3 a.m. (Monday replay)

NBC (Eastern):

Saturday          Noon-2 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            Noon-1 p.m. (Live)

Women's Open Headed To Carnoustie, Muirfield, Walton Heath, St Andrews, Porthcawl

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The R&A has lined up some incredible future hosts for the AIG Women’s Open, including surprise of all surprises, Muirfield in 2022. The home of the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is not currently penciled in for a men’s Open but is still in the rota after relenting and agreeing to admit female members.

Also of note: all but Walton Heath can be classified as a links, steering the championship to primarily links courses after a mix or predominant number of inland courses. Wales will also be hosting its first Women’s major with Porthcawl’s berth.

The full press release:

WORLD-CLASS VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR THE AIG WOMEN’S OPEN THROUGH TO 2025

19 August 2020, Troon, Scotland: The R&A has underlined its commitment to enhancing the AIG Women’s Open’s status as a leading major sporting event by announcing five world-class venues for championships being played from 2021 to 2025.
The future championship venues for the AIG Women’s Open are:

  • 2021 – Carnoustie

  • 2022 – Muirfield

  • 2023 – Walton Heath

  • 2024 – St Andrews

  • 2025 – Royal Porthcawl

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “With our partners at AIG, we have a real ambition to grow and elevate the AIG Women's Open for the benefit of the world's leading golfers and so we are excited to confirm our intention to play the next five championships at these renowned courses. 

“It has truly been a collaborative effort from all the venues involved to make this schedule possible and the flexibility that they have shown in adjusting their own calendars has been vital in allowing us to confirm our plans for the championship through to 2025.

“We are grateful for their support, particularly during a time when golf has been impacted by the on-going pandemic, and we look forward to working with these venues to deliver an outstanding experience to be enjoyed by everyone involved in the AIG Women’s Open.”   

Peter Zaffino, President and Global Chief Operating Officer, AIG, commented, “AIG is pleased to partner with The R&A to increase visibility and engagement in women’s professional golf by enhancing the global stature of the AIG Women’s Open. We proudly welcome the involvement of these venerable courses, which will be fitting hosts for these accomplished golfers as they compete at the highest level.”

Muirfield, Walton Heath and Royal Porthcawl will be hosting the women’s major championship for the first time.

Muirfield has a prestigious history of hosting major championships, having held The Open on 16 occasions. It also hosted The Curtis Cup in 1952 and 1984 as well as the Vagliano Trophy in 1963 and 1975.

Walton Heath has been a venue for the Ryder Cup, the Senior Open presented by Rolex and the British Masters.

Royal Porthcawl has held The Amateur Championship on seven occasions and was the venue for the Walker Cup in 1995 when Great Britain and Ireland defeated a United States of America team featuring Tiger Woods. It has also hosted the Senior Open presented by Rolex, the Curtis Cup and the British Masters.  

The Old Course at St Andrews will stage the championship for the third time after Lorena Ochoa and Stacy Lewis won the title over the world famous links in 2007 and 2013. The AIG Women’s Open will return to Carnoustie for the first time since 2011 when Yani Tseng successfully defended her title. 

The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 16-22 August 2021 at Carnoustie with tickets now on sale via aigwomensopen.com.  

Adult tickets will start from £20 with children aged 16 years or under before the Championship admitted free of charge. Spectators aged 24 years or under will be entitled to purchase youth (16-24 years) tickets. A £5 Mastercard discount is available per transaction.

All future championship dates will be announced in due course.

For more ticket and championship information please visit aigwomensopen.com.
 

$60 Million Playoffs In A Time Of Pandemic: How Will Money Talk Fly With Fans?

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That’s the question I can’t get past after reading John Hawkins’ Morning Read rant about the $60 million “playoffs” forging ahead this week with the same purse and winner’s total ($15 million).

While we can all snicker at forced talk of seedings and birdie putts that move someone up five spots, on Thursday, with a stroke play reset before East Lake, I’m struggling to see how even the most rabid capitalist feels good watching players compete before the full $60 million with pandemic-induced 10% unemployment.

Shoot, the money wasn’t even enthralling fans when times were good. And that’s why Morning Read’s John Hawkins wonders out loud and in great detail if this year’s FedExCup playoffs—starting Thursday—will hurt the Tour’s mostly successful “return”.

Public perception is important, but it doesn’t pay the bills and it sure as hell doesn’t cover the $1.35 million awarded to Daniel Berger for his victory at Colonial.

Call them money-grubbers. Question their collective conscience. But don’t ever forget that the folks who run the most powerful organization in pro golf are overseeing a mighty empire at which the top priority is to serve its players. Always has been, always will be. That’s not going to change just because Aunt Gladys is now pumping her gas with a facial covering.

Perhaps, but hopefully money talk will be emphasized and at the minimum, some players pledge to do offer some of their winnings to a noble cause or two. We’re glad to have the game showing it can function in these bizarre times, up to a point.

R.I.P. Kate Wright

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Knowing how heartbroken so many with the European Tour must be, I can only say that Kate Wright was one of the great friends to golf media members and players. Maybe you weren’t so sure upon meeting her but in time you quickly appreciated Kate’s wit, brains and efficiency at running what is, essentially an adult day care center. AKA a media center.

Her tragic passing at 36 from cancer was noted in this lovely European Tour write-up, and while nothing about losing such a young, valued member of the golf world and planet earth can be spun in a positive light, I did get a nice smile imaging her getting coaching from Poulter. What a scene that must have been:

As the Tour’s Media Relations Co-ordinator for the past 12 years, Kate was a hugely popular figure amongst staff and players, but also amongst the journalists and broadcasters she worked with in media centres around the world.

Known affectionately as ‘Wrighty’, Kate was an accomplished golfer at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, in Bedfordshire, England, where she was coached as a youngster by future Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter.

After graduating from Staffordshire University with a BA Hons in Journalism, Kate initially worked in cricket, another sport she had a passion for, taking the role of Media Relations Assistant for England & Wales Cricket Board in 2006 before joining the European Tour’s Media Department in January 2008.

She quickly became a familiar and popular face in Media Centres as the main point of contact for all accredited international media and broadcasters and, through her role, helping to co-ordinate European Tour press conferences.

Kate passed away at her family home in Great Brickhill with parents Brian and Sue and her cat Frankie at her side.

She will be missed in so many ways and for those visiting from afar, the European Tour will never be quite the same without Kate. From her boss and friend, Scott Crockett:

“While we all feel a sense of loss right now, it is incomparable to what her dad Brian and mum Sue are going through. It goes without saying our hearts go out to them and that the thoughts of everyone at the European Tour who knew Kate and worked with her over the years are with them now. RIP Wrighty.”

Some of the tributes, starting with Tommy Fleetwood, naturally: