2020 U.S. Open Flyover: Fourteenth Hole At Winged Foot

With the 14th, the mid-back nine closing stretch is where Winged Foot West gets a little less memorable in my view. While this 452-yarder features a beautiful uphill, obstructed view tee shot. I’ll be curious to see if the tight, bending fairway contour forces 3-woods off the tee. Even then it’ll still be a short iron in for today’s jocks.

That said, the 14th is a hole to keep an eye on. The green sets up for a right-to-left bending shot but lacks a greenside bunker that players from 2006 will not see. Instead, deceptive cross bunkers are its main defense in addition to the usual Tillinghast contours.

Dan Hicks, NBC’s lead voice on the broadcast and a Winged Foot member, shared this about the 14th when talking about the course this week:

But there are so many that are, they're all good and I think probably the hole that probably looks, it will look the most different from all of them is 14. It's got that little cloverleaf bunker over the teeing area as you go out to the fairway. They brought a bunker in that's going to, that could cause some problems on the approach. But the biggest difference is the tree removal. That 14th green looks totally different from the fairway because as you look up it has this infinity look to it, it's absolutely gorgeous. They took away that bunker short left of the green, so I think that hole will look the most different of all of them.

Here’s the flyover in advance of next week’s tournament courtesy of the USGA and Deloitte:

No. 14 at Winged Foot is a 452-yard par 4 featuring fairway bunkers that are only partially visible from the tee. Players are faced with a tough decision between taking them on or playing the hole more strategically.

In collaboration with @DeloitteUS. pic.twitter.com/wMgDcj5iY3

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) September 9, 2020

Blue Wall: ANA's Bizarre Backstop Billboard

In golf architecture we have seen Mother Nature’s natural features accepted no matter how annoying. While design elements created by humans are typically met with derision.

Then we have unnatural objects accepted as part of a tournament setup: grandstands, temporary boundaries and other infrastructure. In recent years, grandstanding has become a thing at recent PGA Tour stops in Austin and Detroit, where players intentionally using unnatural objects to get a good bounce or drop.

And now, the ultimate backstopping at this week’s ANA Inspiration. The reachable par-5 18th, normally backed by a small stand for humans, features a blue tarp wall with sponsors promoted. However without fans, such an option was unnecessary and is not only stopping balls from entering the water long, but getting used as a backboard by those mulling a go at the green in two.

Ryan Lavner reports for GolfChannel.com on the player’s “surprise” at seeing the blue wall.

“I was actually thinking about what 18 would be like without the bleachers, because visually, that is just a protector for most of us,” said Madelene Sagstrom, who shot 67. “I know there’s water behind it, and I don’t think that would visually be a very nice shot to go for in two. I don’t really know the reasoning for the thing, but I’m kind of happy it’s there if I want to go for it in two, to be honest.”

First-round leader Nelly Korda said that fellow competitor Megan Khang threw a ball underneath the structure and it still rolled into the water behind the green.

“Honestly, I wish they didn’t have that wall there, because I think it would play really cool as an island green,” Korda said. “It’s, like, really close to the green this year. Usually the palm trees, you have to play around them or they come into play, but this year it’s very close to the green.”

Maybe it could go bye-bye for the weekend? This is a major, after all.

**Beth Ann Nichols at Golfweek considered the matter, offered several sharp insights from her many years on the ground in Rancho Mirage and this:

The LPGA didn’t want to comment on the wall, except to say that it’s no different than the hospitality structure. Except that it is different in that there aren’t any seats. It’s also worth noting that the lettering on the wall isn’t that big either. The scoreboard, which typically sits off the island, is now adjacent to the wall behind the green.

Carolina Think Tank: “This is the state helping Pinehurst Resort with something that was probably gonna happen anyway.”

North Carolina’s John Locke Foundation “believes in free markets, limited constitutional government, and personal responsibility” and clearly holds no affinity for the state’s governor, Roy Cooper. The organization’s founder Art Pope, was the budget director for former Republican governor Pat McCrory, who lost to Cooper.

Some political stuff to keep in mind in Kari Travis’s story talking to two of their researchers charged with monitoring the state’s government and no fans of the legislative deal to bring more USGA to the Tar Heel State.

In a nutshell: they are not fans of deal re-written legislation passed and hastily signed this week securing 35 $80k+ USGA jobs, the move of various departments from Far Hills, and future majors for North Carolina.

“I’m so tired of these things, I can’t even work up fire for it,” Joe Coletti, JLF’s senior fellow for fiscal and tax policy, said after the USGA announcement. “This is the state helping Pinehurst Resort with something that was probably gonna happen anyway.”

Coletti has spent countless hours tracking North Carolina’s economic struggle through the governor’s COVID-19 shutdown. In short, he’s exhausted. And now, despite the state’s significant tax losses and slumping economy, the legislature managed to scrape together enough money for a golf deal. 

As with many states in the COVID era, North Carolina’s hospitality industry is in trouble and Colletti takes issue with the lack of any immediate effort to help the sector.

The project will yield $2 billion for North Carolina’s economy over 25 years, USGA estimates. 

“None of these numbers are real, except for what’s being paid out by the state,” Coletti said. 

Another Locke Foundation researcher pointed out the not-so-subtle handout for lawmakers and one other oddity.

USGA is legally required to spend just $5 million of its own money on the project, while North Carolinians remain on the hook for $18 million, said Jon Sanders, JLF’s director of regulatory studies. The Championship NC Act carves out a benefit for the state, too, ordering USGA to provide the Commerce Department a “hospitality pavilion” at each men’s championship. 

“Defining it as a ‘gift’ lets the governor and legislators do a statutory Jedi hand wave and say it isn’t a form of quid pro quo,” Sanders said. “We (Lawmakers) gave them (USGA) $18 million, and out of the goodness of their hearts they just up and let us enjoy this large, catered gathering place at a major championship sporting event for free. Oh, but just men’s championships, for some reason.”

Anyone who has been to a U.S. Open in normal times can envision a huge economic impact number. Maybe not $2 billion over the life of the deal—unless the Executive Committee holds every future annual meeting at Pinehurst and pays the rack rate—but certainly between the Opens and those 50 $80k minimum jobs, there will be legitimate revenue for the state.

Meanwhile the question remains for golf: what are the USGA’s priorities? Given that the organization joined with the R&A in carving out a case for a sustainability threat to the sport first recognized in 2002, subsequently postponed the next phase of discussion this summer due to the pandemic, and are signaling an interest in growing the business of golf with the North Carolina deal, it’s hard to fully comprehend the urgency of this week’s effort.

Return To Winged Foot Means A Recap Of The Zany 2006 U.S. Open

The last time Winged Foot hosted, Geoff Ogilvy won with an incredible up-and-down at 18 to edge a host of players, including Phil Mickelson and Colin Montgomerie. (Geoff joins Andy Johnson on the Fried Egg podcast to discuss that and other topics, as always a great listen.)

At GolfDigest.com, Joel Beall makes a reasonable case that Phil Mickelson cost himself that U.S. Open with plenty of other shots. But let’s be real, it’s the 18th hole still being discussed 14 years later.

This week on an NBC conference call to discuss next week’s tournament, Roger Maltbie offered this about the moment he witnessed firsthand as on-course commentator:

Well, certainly for some period of time it was as talked about as anything that I've ever witnessed, whether it was Tiger's putt two years later in 2008 that Danny called so well at Torrey Pines or -- good or bad, the question that I received over and over again and I obviously have no answer for is, what was he thinking? I don't know. I don't know. Phil carries that bravado and aggressive style of play with him all the time, but there is a real line there as to what is aggressive, what is bold, and what is foolhardy. And I think he ventured on to the side of foolhardy and tried a shot that, hey, it was not the right decision to make and he paid the price, a big price.

And this from Dan Hicks, who helmed the broadcast alongside Johnny Miller and will do so again this year. He’s also a member at Winged Foot and will bring that extra bit of insight to the proceedings:

I think it's amazing how we're still discussing this 14 years removed. I know it was the last U.S. Open there, but that's how powerful that story was, has remained, and will be until we tee this thing off next week.

Every time -- I got to tell you, every time I have played that 18th hole, and it's hundreds of times since then, whether I'm with fellow members or whether I'm with guests -- first of all guests all want to know where Phil hit it. They ask, where did he go? We get to that 18th hole on the West, everybody wants to know that. But I'm telling you, even the members who have seen it and talked about it a million times, they ask me about it, we talk about it, and we just kind of mutter to ourselves down the fairway thinking exactly what Roger said, what the heck happened? How did it happen and how great is it going to be -- I have said it could be one of the all-time great stories of all time if, at the age of 50, he gets into contention. I think it's just, it just would be right up there maybe almost with Francis Ouimet. It would rival what Tom Watson was trying to do at the age of 59 at The Open Championship. So that's going to dominate.

Thanks to The You Tube, you can be reminded how poorly some standard definition ages and watch that crazy 18th hole scene.

Also, Michael Bamberger and Golf.com reviewed the events, walking the 18th hole with Fox Sports producer Mark Loomis, a longtime member at Winged Foot.

Revisiting Phil Mickelson's 72nd hole double bogey at Winged Foot in 2006.

And if you have lots of time, this US Open “classic finish” sets up the finale and gives you a good portion of the last day telecast.

2020 U.S. Open Flyover: Thirteenth Hole At Winged Foot

The thirteenth is a solid par-3 and a fine test of skill, but this one just doesn’t capture hearts and minds like the tenth. It could be the location or the distance or the more seemingly generous opening to the green.

That relative simplicity of the left-to-right favoring look is offset by the pitch, contours and all but impossible back hole locations. Just a tough par-3.

Winged Foot's 13th is a 212-yard par 3 that puts a premium on distance control. The front two-thirds of the green slope significantly from back to front, so landing on the wrong level will result in a very challenging two-putt.

In collaboration with @DeloitteUS. pic.twitter.com/6f23EC2Nr5

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) September 8, 2020

2020 U.S. Open Flyover: Twelfth Hole At Winged Foot

At 633 yards with a giant tree blocking the way for players trying to get home in two, we might have an actual three-shotter on our hands. Winged Foot West’s 12th bends to the left and even after a stock 330-yard drive does open up a view of the beautifully restored putting surface.

Note the roll 2/3rds of the way through the green where the surface goes away from the player. A very different twist on a course where many greens slope steeply back to front.

The 633-yard, par-5 12th at Winged Foot is the longest hole on the course. Clearing an 80-foot-tall tree at the turn of the dogleg with the second shot is imperative to allow a clear view of the green.

In collaboration with @DeloitteUS. pic.twitter.com/CBgdFrlGRr

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) September 7, 2020

USGA Approached North Carolina For Help With Pinehurst Deal To Grow The Golf Industry While Delaying Distance Decision

As a 501(c)3, and also the organization started to run national championships, protect the amateur game and make rules, I continue to struggle with this notion of the USGA moving into the business of growing the business of golf while tabling a decision on distance.

Besides giving a huge gift to Pinehurst Resort—which at least provides an elite tournament venue and is an American institution any golfer can appreciate—they’ve secured future U.S. Opens and new office space in a temperate climate. All good. (Well, except when when put in this carnal manner by a USGA ambassador.)

But it’s a bit odd to be reading how an amateur golf organization is actively looking to expand a role into areas that might include businesses they also regulate for the good of the game (alongside the R&A).

In Mike Stachura’s GolfDigest.com piece about Wednesday’s ceremonial signing in North Carolina, he quotes the USGA’s Chief Brand Officer Craig Annis, a former candy bar executive who positioned Mars as a leader in health and well being.

Annis explains the timeline of the deal announced today and suggests the USGA pursued government assistance, not the other way around.

But while Annis noted the appeal of the region’s one million annual visitors in helping golf’s governing body to “drive engagement with the history we have responsibility for,” he also said that the state of North Carolina provided compelling incentives to involve more than a commitment of a handful of U.S. Opens. Those discussions intensified over the last year.

“We started thinking if we’re going to work on a larger deal between the USGA and Pinehurst, well we’re hearing that North Carolina is a state that’s known for thinking long term, thinking big picture, their intent on really growing the golf industry within their state, not just in Pinehurst but also beyond. And so we started to engage them in conversation and really started to talk about the potential incentives that would be available should we think about this longer term, bigger picture relationship,” Annis said. “That’s where we learned from a research, science, and innovation perspective, North Carolina is very focused on attracting organizations and corporations in that space so that there would be this potential for incentive.”

To recap: Annis says the USGA approached the state of North Carolina, which then delivered re-written legislation with significant economic incentives for the USGA and in the hope of attracting golf companies.

As this explanation of a 501(c)3 notes, tax exempt status comes with plenty of restrictions for these charities, with plenty of reminders about the no-no that is lobbying and “legislative activity”…

501(c)(3) organizations are highly regulated entities. Strict rules apply to both the activities and the governance of these organizations. No part of the activities or the net earnings can unfairly benefit any director, officer, or any private individual.

In addition, all assets are permanently dedicated to a charitable purpose.  In the event that a 501(c)(3) organization must cease operations, all assets remaining after debts are paid must be distributed for a charitable purpose.

Further, lobbying, propaganda or other legislative activity must be kept relatively insubstantial.

I’ll leave the line-blurring of “relatively substantial” for the tax lawyers to grapple with. The really strange part involves how the USGA and R&A delayed, for another year, any serious action on distance and a key notion to ensuring sustainability, due to the pandemic.

Yet a project centered around new office space, some job creation and a U.S. Open 21 years down the road —with a corporate hospitality tent for the folks delivering the state money—was okay to pursue and announce in a time of pandemic?

One could almost get the sense golf governance falls a distant second these days.

"Caddyshack star Michael O’Keefe will caddie at 2020 US Open"

Any concerns you had that next week’s U.S. Open was all business, only allowing essential folks on site and not just Hale America 2, can rest assured, Danny Noonan is only coming out of retirement for the practice rounds, reports the New York Post’s Mark Cannizzaro.

The story is a fun look back at some of actor Michael O’Keefe’s backstory in jokingly throwing this idea out at Golf.com and his interesting tie to Winged Foot, along with the pro golfer who will go for the stunt, Danny Balin, and the looping gig broker, Michael Breed.

Asked if he plans to bring a lighter carry bag for O’Keefe next week, Balin said, “No, he’ll be carrying the full tour bag. I’m going to put him to work.’’

Balin said he DVRed “Caddyshack’’ on Tuesday night even though he estimated he’s watched the movie “15 or 20 times.’’

“I’m going to have to watch it to get the one-liners down so I can give it to him,’’ Balin said. “Because I’m going to be all over him during this whole … stunt.’’

Michael Breed, the former Golf Channel instructional personality who now teaches at Trump Ferry Point, was the middle man to this transaction, reaching out to Balin, his fellow Met Area pro, and pitching the idea of O’Keefe caddying for him.

“I try to take this somewhat serious, so I would never do this during a tournament round,’’ Balin said. “But I was like, ‘Yeah this will be cool. Danny Noonan. Monday and Tuesday.’ It’ll be a fun couple of days. It’ll lighten the mood up.’’

The USGA plans to have some fun with this, making it a social media event on its platforms.

Thank you for the warning.

2020 U.S. Open Flyover: Eleventh Hole At Winged Foot

The other short par-4 at Winged Foot is a visual gem with granite, strong fairway slope, attractive bunkering and a picturesque second shot.

The 384-yard 11th is arguably one of the more memorable on the property and could highlight how the game has changed since the West Course last hosted in 2006.

Given its distinct fairway tilt and narrowness, the intrigue during this year’s tournament may center around whether players automatically lay-up with an iron, or, use their strengthened ransverses abdominis’ to carry the ball 330 and gouge a lob wedge onto the green.

Another enjoyable flyover courtesy of the USGA and Deloitte:

Pinehurst Gets Five U.S. Opens As USGA "Accelerates" Strategy To Stage At "Iconic Venues"

Since we’ve had some idea what was coming—state funded incentives to bring more tournaments and USGA facilities to North Carolina—the main headline for golf fans involves the acceleration of a U.S. Open rota, as noted in the press release below. The positives are obvious: more regular returns to great venues, the downside being the excitement and intrigue that comes from occasional visits to a Merion, Los Angeles Country Club or Bethpage.

For Immediate Release…with interruptions.

USGA Announces Plans for Golf House Pinehurst, Test Center and 
Five U.S. Open Championships at Pinehurst

Agreement establishes a golf innovation hub in North Carolina and the
organization’s first U.S. Open anchor site  

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Sept. 9, 2020) – In an effort to expand its impact in golf and extend its mission to champion and advance the game, the USGA will establish “Golf House Pinehurst” in North Carolina, to include a new equipment-testing facility, innovation hub, museum/visitor center and offices by 2023, and host five U.S. Open Championships in the golf-rich state by 2047.

Is the innovation hub is where they come up with a tournament ball allowing Pinehurst No. 2 to be relevant again for one of those U.S. Opens well into the future?

The announcement adds four U.S. Open Championships to be contested on the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course – in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047 – to the already scheduled 2024 event. The decision accelerates the USGA’s strategy to stage its premier golf championship at America’s most iconic venues with greater frequency. By doing so, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will serve as the USGA’s first anchor site for the U.S. Open.

Anchor site: that’s American for rota.

“There is no better place for the USGA to plant new roots than the Home of American Golf,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Thanks to the vision of North Carolina, Moore County and Pinehurst leaders, we are taking a bold step forward and forging a long-term commitment that will elevate our championships, foster greater innovation in golf, and ultimately help grow the game.”

The innovation word again. Rulemakers are innovators? Turfgrass research and the Green Section, absolutely. Otherwise…

“The USGA’s North Carolina history in golf is legendary, from Arnold Palmer to Webb Simpson, and we welcome this new chapter in golf history with the USGA’s new hub in Pinehurst,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

From Arnold to Webb.

“We welcome the USGA’s selection of our state for this significant new component of its operations and new jobs, and look forward to growing with the game across North Carolina.”

Ding, ding, ding! We have our first grow the game.

“The USGA’s plans for this significant new presence in Pinehurst elevates the Village’s reputation in the golf world and enhances North Carolina’s prestige as a destination for both businesses and tourists,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland. “Today’s news will add new energy to the leisure and hospitality services and significantly contribute to the long-term recovery of that important segment of our economy.”

I’m sure the bookings have overwhelmed the operators standing by.

The plan, conceived over the last several years, came to fruition through a comprehensive economic development effort that involved representatives from the North Carolina General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Commerce, Moore County, the Village of Pinehurst and economic development experts. 

The total $25 million investment over the next several years includes the construction of two buildings to be located near the clubhouse on the historic Pinehurst Resort property, housing 50 full-time USGA staff members. 

The campus will feature the USGA’s Equipment Standards Test Center – a laboratory dedicated to testing golf balls and clubs for conformance to the Rules of Golf. It will replace the current facility on the USGA’s Liberty Corner campus and enable significant new investment in advanced technology required to perform this global governance function.

They won’t get outsmarted by the manufacturers thanks to this new lab?

Pinehurst will also serve as the USGA’s base for its work to advance the game of golf through innovation, research and science, in collaboration with some of the state’s leading universities. 

A USGA Golf Museum experience will also be added, giving visitors a chance to delve into the association’s premier collection of golf artifacts and connect them more deeply with the game’s rich history. 

Here, here, the best part of this announcement given the Village of Pinehurst’s charm, heritage and the likelihood visitors there should enjoy the museum’s offerings.

Independent studies estimate that the total economic impact of the USGA’s long-term presence will exceed $2 billion to the state of North Carolina. More than 1 million visitors travel to Pinehurst annually. 

The USGA, the Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort all celebrate their 125th anniversaries this year.  

“The USGA and Pinehurst Resort have a deep and storied history of partnering to foster the game of golf and crown its greatest champions,” said Bob Dedman, Jr., speaking on behalf of the Dedman family, which owns Pinehurst Resort. “We are honored to be selected as the U.S. Open’s first anchor site, an unprecedented distinction and testament to Pinehurst No. 2’s legacy and future as a championship test for the world’s greatest golfers.” 

Since it was a tad dusty and a “distant” spectating experience last time around, hopefully a water truck is purchase number one. And money for those pricey new back tees needed on No. 2 to offset all the innovation created next to the course.

“While so much of the game’s history is rooted in timeless traditions, both the USGA and Pinehurst have embraced innovation in golf course architecture, agronomy, equipment design, player development and the Rules of the game,” added Dedman.

“We’re excited to work with the USGA as they create leading edge equipment and training facilities to advance the game, as well as a new visitor center to link the past to the present and future.”

It’ll be interesting to see what constitutes “leading edge equipment and training facilities to advance the game.” As noted here, it sure sounds like the USGA is becoming a grow-the-golf-business organization. What could go wrong?

In addition to four newly scheduled U.S. Opens, the USGA will bring its other premier championships to the state at an increased rate, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Junior and U.S. Girls’ Junior. 

Increased championship frequency will allow the USGA and Pinehurst to make future investments that will enhance the association’s ability to create a first-class player, corporate partner, fan, volunteer and media championship experience.

Water truck! Binoculars to see the golf!

The streamlining of operating costs due to the permanent presence will also allow the USGA to increase its annual investment in the game. 

North Carolina has hosted 33 USGA championships since 1955, including last year’s U.S. Amateur Championship at Pinehurst Resort. The 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will be conducted at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in nearby Southern Pines before the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2 for its fourth playing in 2024. 

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2022. Formal design plans are not complete; however, the new buildings will be no more than two stories tall and reflect the aesthetic of the village and Pinehurst Resort.  

USGA staffers based in Pinehurst will include members of the championship operations, Research and Test Center and Green Section teams. The number represents approximately 15 percent of the USGA’s current workforce and will include some of the game’s foremost scientific and golf management experts. 

At least, the ones who didn’t take the buyouts last year.

The administrative building in Pinehurst will feature educational exhibits and memorabilia from the USGA Golf Museum and Library in Liberty Corner, which serves as the primary repository of golf history and learning in the world.

The majority of USGA staff will continue to be based at the association’s main campus in New Jersey.

On a serious note: all of this talk of innovation, growing the game, building a future comes during a pandemic when play is up largely for two reasons that have little to do with innovation, tournament golf, technology and other grow the game nonsense: time and outdoor physical distancing.

So spend away and innovate away, but remember, golf is thriving because folks have more time to take up something safe and outdoors.

2020 Masters Final Round Will Need To Start Early To Make Way For A Dolphins-Jets Mid-Season Thriller

CBS Sports President Sean McManus previewed the NFL season and Sunday, November 15th came up—aka rescheduled 2020 Masters week.

The final round sounds as if it’ll have a similar setup to the 2019 Masters when tee times were moved up to get play in before inclement weather. This time, however, the expedited start will be making room for a mash-up of mediocrity between 2019’s 5-11 Miami Dolphins against the 7-9 New York Jets.

What Clifford Roberts might have said to member/NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on that news? Maybe a passive-aggressive Heidi reference? Or a reminder that the Masters only happens once a year? Or…if you’d like to keep wearing that green jacket you’ll move this massive meeting of mediocrity?

Anyway, a 7:30-9 am or so setup, featuring threesomes off split tees, will be used again to accommodate the NFL on CBS based on the below Tweet and confirmation I received of the general window from CBS:

CBS sports chairman Sean McManus says Masters final round will end by 2:30 or so on Nov. 15 to make way for 3 NFL games at 4:05,including Fins-Jets.Also, in this ongoing call with writers,Romo explained to me why he likes how Dolphins are doing this rebuild.(More on this shortly)

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 8, 2020

For those wondering, sunrise is expected at 6:59 am ET on November 15th and sunset is set for 5:24 pm ET.

Paul Lawrie Blesses Royal Dornoch's New 7th Hole For Tartan Pro Tour Event

We were delighted to welcome former Open champion Paul Lawrie to officially open our new 7th hole on the Championship Course 😊 Taking time out from this week's @tartanprotour event, Paul even made birdie at the first attempt! Look out for the footage soon... 👌 📸 @johnpaulfoto . . . #royaldornochlinks #friendsofroyaldornoch #lawrie #theopen #scottishhighlands #seventh #scenic #instagolf #golflife #linksgolf #photography #film

It’s not often that a nearly perfect golf course to get just a bit more perfect, so this a salute to Royal Dornoch for hosting the Lawrie Series/Tartan Pro Golf and unveiling a revamped 7th.

If you’ve had the privilege or dream of some day getting there, you likely know the walk from 6 to 7 at Royal Dornoch is one of the best in golf and while the view is elite, the revamp allows you to keep enjoying that scenery while playing a better-positioned version of the old hole.

As for the Tartan event, Chris Maclean subsequently won with rounds of 66-69. That’s some fine play.

The epic view looking down on the sixth and tenth before turning to the new seventh (you may need to click on the image and hit play to see the video):

The 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie brings his Tartan Pro Tour to Royal Dornoch in a few hours ⛳️ so will be interesting to see what he and the rest of the pros playing make of our classic links and the new 7th hole 🤔 🎬@golflife_matt . . . . #scottishhighlands #linksgolf #golflifestyle #golflife #video #summervibes #oceanview #golftravel #scotspirit

Does The USGA's Pinehurst "Project Woodpecker" Hope To Spur The Creation Of Carlsbad East?

I couldn’t help but scratch my head reading Laura Douglas’ excellent Pilot story on the forthcoming marriage of the USGA and Pinehurst, complete with more majors, more USGA jobs and more exposure for golf lovers to the organization’s collection.

The downside? Some will not be thrilled at all of the tax breaks given to a for-profit resort and a tax-exempt 501(c)3 which specifically mentions such charitable organizations are forbidden from attempting “to influence legislation”:

County leaders unanimously approved a 10-year incentive grant for the project primarily in the form of tax breaks calculated as 90 percent of the total property taxes paid above and beyond the current property tax value — provided the USGA meets job creation and capital investment goals. Funding would be paid from new tax revenues collected as a result of the organization’s investment.

More disconcerting for those who believe the USGA is to govern the game is the suggestion of trying to create a new golf manufacturing and business community in Pinehurst. These are the folks in charge of regulating such matters, yet seem to be in the business of trying to be part of growing the overall golf business in North Carolina.

From Douglas in the Pilot:

“Their desire to construct a permanent home here also comes with a commitment to honor the traditions and respect for the game found here, and to preserve the historic nature of this community,” said Pat Corso, executive director of Partners in Progress (PIP), the county’s economic development arm.

Corso was president and chief operating officer at Pinehurst Resort when the first U.S. Open was held at No. 2 in 1999.

He noted USGA has committed to work directly with PIP to facilitate the recruitment of additional golf-related companies, including headquarters, research and development, manufacturers and associations.

“To have the USGA in Moore County puts our community in an enviable position as we look towards the future,” Corso said. “There cannot be a better suited project for our area.”

The reaction from Golf Pride’s Jame Ledford would appear to confirm this business push:

“I can’t think of a better opportunity for this community,” said Jamie Ledford, president of Golf Pride. “I could see this being something of a tipping point.”

He said USGA’s move could spur an even greater golf development cluster, potentially creating “an East Coast” version of the community that built up around Callaway Golf in Carlsbad, Calif.

“All you need to do is recruit just a handful of companies and with that come really attractive jobs for the community. There are a lot of jobs tied up in this opportunity, specifically, but you also need to think about downstream development.”

And here is the crux of the Project Woodpecker matter: does this mean the USGA is a pro-business support organization, or one that governs the game with only a regard for what’s best to support the sustainability of golf?

We’ll find out more Wednesday when the plans are explained in more detail.

USGA Moving Museum, Ball Testing, Green Section To Pinehurst

John Dell reports for the Winston-Salem Journal on the USGA moving some of its museum, Arnold Palmer Golf History Center, Green Section and ball testing from the recent multi-million dollar renovated Golf House to Pinehurst. The move comes less than a week after North Carolina’s legislature voted on a bill to subsidize a significant chunk of the cost for new satellite facilities with the USGA on the hook for at least $5 million worth.

”Project Woodpecker” requires the creation of 35 new local jobs and a staff of 50 for ten years, along with multiple championships and a corporate hospitality tent for local politicos.

From Dell’s report:

The moves of the museum, the ball-testing facility and the agronomy department from headquarters in Liberty Corner, N.J., were confirmed Tuesday by a source who did not want to be identified. A news conference at the Pinehurst Resort to make a formal announcement is expected Wednesday morning.

In exchange for up to $43 million in incentives from N.C. lawmakers to the USGA, golf fans in the state can expect to see more USGA events, including its most high-profile, played more often in North Carolina. Legislation requires the USGA to host a major men's championship at least once every five to seven years and one major women's championship at least every 10 years.

The Palmer history center was reopened in 2008 after a three-year $20 million renovation. Arnold Palmer attended the opening.

The Jack Nicklaus Room was added in 2015 and was attended by Nicklaus.

More recently, a three-story administration building was created and opened on the site with an undetermined price tag.

**Update: A GolfDigest.com story says only a wing of the museum is headed to Pinehurst (thanks reader NH), leaving the primary museum and history center in Far Hills. That certainly makes more sense in terms of recent spending, while still spreading the gospel of the game’s history at America’s golf mecca.

From the GolfDigest.com story by Mike Stachura:

The association’s primary headquarters would remain in New Jersey, as would the USGA Golf Museum and the Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History.

“We will be creating a golf museum experience for all the people that come to the Pinehurst area,” Annis said during the council meeting. “Our intent is to keep that facility [the current library and museum] and create an annex of sorts to ensure that we can share some of that history.”

Justin Thomas Is The PGA Of America's Player Of 2020, FedExCup Champ Finishes 5th

The best player of the year award for my money is free of politics and top secret votes. Unfortunately, it lands well before 2020’s schedule has played out. With two majors to go, the PGA of America has opted to acknowledge the PGA Tour’s wraparound schedule pandemic push that centered around the FedExCup holding its dates, followed by a “new” season this week in Napa.

In return, the system used to determine winner failed to acknowledge the FedExCup champ in the top 4 spots despite an incredible run by Dustin Johnson, putting the playoff’s place in a surprising historical context given the shortened season placing even more emphasis on those events (theoretically at least).

PGA Tour players and the Golf Writers Association of America will award POY winners in September and December, respectively.

For Immediate Release:

JUSTIN THOMAS CAPTURES SECOND CAREER PGA OF AMERICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Webb Simpson wins his first Vardon Trophy

Click here for the final 2020 PGA Player of the Year & Vardon Trophy standings

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2020) – Justin Thomas edged Jon Rahm to capture his second PGA of America Player of the Year Award, presented by the PGA of America for excellence by a PGA TOUR professional.

Thomas, who won three season events, earned his second career PGA Player of the Year honor and first since 2017. 

Thomas collected 66 overall points, including 30 for winning The CJ Cup at Nine Bridges, Sentry Tournament of Champions and the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. Thomas shared runner-up honors in the FedEx Cup with Xander Schauffele. 

Rahm finished with 56 points for his highest-ever PGA Player of the Year performance, while PGA Champion Collin Morikawa (54) was third and Webb Simpson (52) fourth, while collecting his first Vardon Trophy. 

Thomas won the season money title (20 points) based upon events prior to the 30-player FedEx Cup finale, and he finished third in the Vardon Trophy race for 16 points.
 
Schauffele posted a 265 total for 72 holes in the TOUR Championship, earning 10 points under PGA of America rules that reward the low scorer to determine the PGA Player of the Year. 

Since 1948, the PGA of America has honored the game’s best players with the PGA Player of the Year Award. It is presented to the top TOUR professional based on a point system for tournament wins, official money standings, and scoring averages. Points for the 2019-20 season began with the A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier on Sept. 12, 2019, and concluded Monday, Sept. 7, at the TOUR Championship.

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the TOUR schedule, there was only one major championship -- the PGA Championship -- played within the regular season points system.  

In the Vardon Trophy race, Simpson finished with a 68.978 adjusted scoring average based upon 52 complete rounds. Rahm was runner-up at 69.127; followed by Thomas (69.128), Rory McIlroy (69.219) and Schauffele (69.227).

Since 1937, the Vardon Trophy, named by the PGA of America in honor of legendary British golfer Harry Vardon, has been presented annually to the touring professional with the lowest adjusted scoring average. With 11 PGA Tour events canceled due to the pandemic, the Vardon Trophy required a minimum of 44 rounds, with no incomplete rounds, in events co-sponsored or designated by the PGA TOUR. The adjusted score was computed from the average score of the field at each event.

The PGA TOUR also recognizes its annual Player of the Year, with the winner announced in September, determined by a vote of the membership.