Not Feeling Glum: Tyrrell Hatton Overcomes Early Week Filming Duty To Win In Abu Dhabi

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Somehow regrouping from Tuesday’s anger management group (filming) duties—an unthinkable player ask on the PGA Tour—Tyrrell Hatton passed Rory McIlroy to win the 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

From Ewan Murray’s Guardian story:

Hatton has all but secured a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team for later this year already. He is entitled to further, lofty goals. “Everyone in their career, their goal is to win a major and I’m no different,” said Hatton. “Obviously the majors last year for me were disappointing, I missed the cut in all three. But golf’s a funny game. You’re trying your best every single week, and some weeks, it sort of works out better than others. So I’m hoping that in 2021, the majors fall in good weeks for me.”

Hatton has struck up a wonderfully successful partnership with the charismatic Scottish caddie Mick Donaghy. “Mick has won four times the amount that I have,” said Hatton with a smile. That point relates to experience. “I love our partnership and working together. I’m hoping that continues for a very long time.”

Now Hatton has to hope he can return to the U.S. as new travel restrictions seem inevitable.

With a 300 strength of field to the American Express’s 269, Hatton will continue his move up from world No. 9, perhaps to as high as fifth and ahead of McIlroy.

McIlroy continued a strange run to start the year as Kyle Porter notes here at CBSSports.com:

Rory McIlroy continued what has been a bit of a notorious run of great (but not great enough) play to open 2021. With a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, McIlroy has now finished in the top five of his first event to start a new year in 12 of the last 13 years. That run includes nine (!) top-five finishes at the Abu Dhabi Championship (eight of them within the top three) and another handful elsewhere around the globe.

But the biggest story remains Hatton’s ability to participate in what must have been a fairly lengthy social media shoot on Tuesday and recover in time to win a tournament by four. All credit to the team.

Tommy Fleetwood’s admonition to raise the thumb when feeling glum immediately became a thing (if you haven’t watched the short film this will all sound absurd). Some fun from the European Tour social team:

Got up to 162. Wow!

The director’s cut of Hatton highlights:

Flashback: Arnold Palmer On Larry King Live

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Longtime personality and interviewer Larry King, who passed away at 87, loved sports and while he didn’t know much about golf, managed to draw plenty out of the few golfers he talked to over his career.

This chat with Arnold Palmer was played during the 15th Club with Scotty Sayers and Ed Clements today, where yours truly was also a guest. The opening story about Arnie’s Army should draw you in.

Mark Hubbard Displays The "Snail" On National TV

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Well, it was on cable, the thing Comcast is phasing out faster than most it seems.

But on his way to a 76 and MC, Mark Hubbard pulled this out during round two of the 2021 American Express Championship (where a very nice leaderboard has developed).

Adam Schupak at Golfweek explained what it was all about:

Hubbard later explained that the maneuver is called the “snail”, a name that one of his former San Jose State teammates came up with.

“It usually makes for an automatic putt inside five feet,” Hubbard said. “Little disappointed I missed that one.”

The video:

Tokyo "Focused On Hosting" Olympics But Reports Suggest Cancellation Looms

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While much of golf seems focused on just the men’s and women’s majors played this year, do not forget the huge schedule sacrifices made in the name of Olympic golf. The PGA moved permanently to May and the prime month of July is built around Tokyo (again) this year.

But as AP’s Syephen Wade notes, a Times of London story citing government sources expecting cancellation of the games, the IOC is insisting otherwise. It sounds, at best, like a television-only event despite 80% of the country opposed to holding or postponing the Games (again). However, the story says the IOC derives 73% of its revenue from TV money and will be loathe to cancel.

Nice MBASpeak here too in a statement…delivery partners.

“All our delivery partners including the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) are fully focused on hosting the games this summer,” the statement said.

“We hope that daily life can return to normal as soon as possible, and we will continue to make every effort to prepare for a safe and secure games.”

The men’s and women’s individual stroke play competitions are set for July 30-August 8th at Kasumigaseki Country Club.

News And Notes From The Majors: Par 3 Contest, Chambers And The PGA, Plus More

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Here is my second ever Thursday news and notes newsletter, this time landing on an actual Thursday. If you subscribed it’s already in your inbox in Substack’s gloriously readable format.

Check out here at the Quadrilateral’s home page to read more on the Masters Par 3 contest, Chambers Bay, early Ryder Cup rumblings and a nice designation for Chicago Golf Club.

If you’ve been in a coma, here is my easy explainer site for the newsletter.

Past issues can be read here now for free, but some content will soon be behind the dreaded paywall including a piece I’m excited about (likely next week depending on Friday news dumps).

And here to subscribe.

Thanks to all for the amazing early support!

The Iconic PGA Tour Logo Turns 40 And We Get To See What Might Have Been (They Made The Right Call!)

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Deane Beman posing with mock-ups of possible PGA Tour logos

Deane Beman posing with mock-ups of possible PGA Tour logos

We have our branding fun in these parts but we all know there is something to a timeless logo. So as the PGA Tour’s turns 40, Laury Livsey posted a few stories at PGATour.com about its origin, timelessness and golfer mystery.

The best part of the package? The many other logos considered. I see some great ironic trucker hat options for The Players merch tent, but it’s also apparent the shield with the most permanence and class—after some small tweaks—was selected.

From Livsey:

Outside of minor tweaking here and there through the years—but nothing along the lines of a facelift—the iconic symbol of professional golf remains largely unchanged from its original 1979 design that replaced the TOUR’s “shield” logo. Four decades later, it has stood the test of time. With companies changing logos and color schemes and brand imaging all the time, the TOUR has not budged.

As for the mystery of who the golfer is, well, Livsey tries to answer that question. I won’t spoil it but will paste this from Deane Beman, who signed off on the final version.

About the logo’s design, Beman remembered, “There is no question in my mind as to what I said was that I want the name on it—PGA TOUR—and I want an active golf figure in it.” So what would the silhouette be doing? “I didn’t want him to be at address. That doesn’t denote motion. It has to be during the course of the swing or at the finish of the swing,” Beman added.

And don’t forget to check out what could have been…

Phil: "If I don’t play well early on...I’ll start to re-evaluate things"

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This week’s American Express Championship host may be inching closer to full time PGA Tour Champions duties.

Adam Schupak of Golfweek reports on Phil Mickelson’s surprising confession that competing is more fun, no matter which Tour. In his case, it may be the PGA Tour Champions if things do not pan out on the West Coast Swing.

“I’m excited to start the year and see if I’m able to continue playing at the highest level. If I am, I’m going to really try to play more events on the PGA Tour and make a push hopefully for the Ryder Cup,” he said. “But if I don’t play well early on, I’ll start to re-evaluate things and maybe play a few more events on the Champions tour because what’s fun for me is competing, getting in contention and trying to win tournaments.”

2021 Sony Open Final Round Ratings Beat Out, Well, Not Much

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2021 Final Round Sony Open overnight rating

2021 Final Round Sony Open overnight rating

With tee times moved up and going against the NFL’s Browns-Chiefs playoff game, the 2021 Sony Open drew pitiful ratings and reinforced the annual insanity of going up against the NFL.

According to ShowBuzzDaily the final round .19 meant an average of 305,000 viewers and just 30,000 from the 18-49 yo demo.

The four rounds as reported by ShowBuzzDaily:

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2020 December Equipment Sales Increase 58%

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Your monthly reminder that more rounds and more people hitting balls is growing the equipment business, not the promise of more distance…

U.S. GOLF MARKET CONTINUES RECORD BREAKING MONTHLY GROWTH - DECEMBER EQUIPMENT SALES INCREASE 58% COMPARED WITH 2019 

Golf Datatech Reports All-Time Best December Equipment Sales Numbers;

2020 National Golf Performance Report for Rounds Played and Retail Equipment Sales Set to be Released on January 25   

Kissimmee, Fla., January 20, 2021 – Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer and trade trends, has announced that U.S. golf equipment sales for December 2020 were up 58% over the same period in 2019, while exceeding December’s previous all-time high, set in 2006, by 16%.  

These record-breaking sales are being released just days before the full 2020 National Golf Performance Report for Rounds Played and Retail Equipment Sales, which is set to be released on Monday, January 25. 

“December sales are consistent with the golf industry momentum we’ve seen over the past seven months of 2020,” said John Krzynowek, Partner, Golf Datatech, LLC. “As we all continue to deal with the pandemic in our everyday life, golf equipment sales continue to surge, up over 40% for the June-December time frame.”

Categories leading the way for the total year were golf bags and wedges, which increased by 29% and 26% respectively. Overall equipment sales at Green Grass pro shops were up 1% while Off Course sales grew by 16%. 

Krzynowek adds, “Green Grass pro shop sales were more heavily impacted by government mandated closures and restrictions on businesses, so even though courses may have been open to play the game, shopping and buying products inside a golf shop did not explode like the Off Course Specialty channel, which benefitted from a significant expansion in online sales.”

The Quadrilateral: Considering Tiger's Major Future

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Another year, another back surgery for Tiger Woods.

Daniel Rapaport with what details are known and Tiger’s hopes of a 2021 Masters return.

Because it’s never too soon to wonder if we’ve seen Tiger’s last major run, I, Mr. Sunshine, offer the best opportunities for Grand Slam glory over the next few years.

The latest Quadrilateral that’s still 100% free for a while, so check it out and past letters if you love the majors.

Sorenstam: “I’ve always been somebody to move forward"

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As noted here, International Golf Federation president Annika Sorenstam has been silent since traveling to Washington and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom mere hours after the Capitol riot killing five. Until today.

Serving as ambassador at the LPGA’s Diamond Resorts this week, Sorenstam spoke to Golfweek and Golf Channel about the events and seemed to be sticking to not looking back.

From Beth Ann Nichols’ Golfweek story:

“I’ve always been somebody to move forward,” she said. “I’m going to spend energy and continue to give back to the game of golf.”

And this…

Many feel her sterling reputation a global ambassador for golf has now been significantly tarnished.

“I’ve heard from a lot of people, and you can imagine the range of emotions and comments,” Sorenstam said. “I hear clearly those who see it differently. … Now I’ve got my golf hat on. I am going to continue to be the mother I am, continue to be the philanthropist I am, continue to be the golfer that I am. This week I’m going to pick up the clubs and we’re going to do that.”

Here is Steve Burkowski’s interview with Sorenstam where she reiterates a lack of desire to second-guess and lack of energy to look back.

“I don’t want to spend any energy looking back, I like to spend energy looking forward, continue to open doors, create opportunities for the young girls around the world.”

Eventually after a third question, Sorenstam acknowledges the capitol riots were unfortunate.

“Listen, I share the sadness and the fear with everyone, what happened at the Capitol was a dark day in America’s history.

Asked by Burkowski if she would have done anything different, Sorenstam intimated she’s heard from those who see things “differently”.

“Looking back, you know I don’t second guess. I like to look forward you know and not spend energy on what could have been. It’s all about opening doors. That’s one thing I’ve learned. You know I’ve heard from a lot of people, a lot of opinions, a lot of comments and you know I hear clearly what those people say. I know they see it differently but you know I listen and I embrace them all.”

Do Not Live Over Par: "Have A Game Plan.­® Bet Responsibly" Aims To Educate Golf Fans On Gaming

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You’ve got to know when to hold' ‘em, know when to lay up, know when to…I digress.

Sorry Kenny and RIP. Just a stellar song.

So remember kids, know that when you put a hundred down on Zach Johnson to hit the longest drive of the day at 200-1, you might have a problem. The AGA is here to help. And they’ve registered Have A Game Plan in case you were getting any ideas of stealing that killer slogan.

For Immediate Release:

PGA TOUR and AGA Align to Educate Fans on Responsible Gaming

TOUR to introduce golf-specific content campaign “Know When to Lay Up” 

January 19, 2021, 10 AM ET

WASHINGTON – The PGA TOUR joined the American Gaming Association (AGA) as the newest Have A Game Plan.­® Bet Responsibly public service campaign partner to educate golf fans on responsible sports betting. 

As part of the campaign, the TOUR will develop content that encourages its fans to “Know When to Lay Up” and bet responsibly. The co-branded responsible gaming content will appear on social and digital platforms along with public service announcements that will air on PGA TOUR Radio.

Wait what? Radio? No TV?

“A key pillar of the PGA TOUR’s sports betting strategy is responsible gaming and ensuring our fans are equipped with the appropriate resources so they are properly prepared and educated,” said Scott Warfield, VP of Gaming at the PGA TOUR. “By aligning with the American Gaming Association in support of its Have A Game Plan campaign we’re able to align our efforts and provide a consistent message focused on responsible gaming.”

To the vast radio audience.

The TOUR joins NASCAR and the National Hockey League (NHL) as league partners in the campaign, which focuses on the fundamentals of responsible sports betting: setting a budget and sticking to it, keeping betting social, knowing the odds, and playing with trusted, regulated operators.

Ah now we’re getting somewhere. Trusted, regulated operators. Where we get a proper cut vs. Jerry at the corner bar.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the Vegas Golden Knights have also committed inventory in support of the campaign.

Committed inventory sends an even stronger message than radio.

“The AGA is thrilled welcome the PGA TOUR to our growing responsible sports betting campaign,” said Casey Clark, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications. “As legal sports betting continues to expand in both availability and popularity, it is imperative that responsible gaming education keeps pace. Today’s announcement is a testament to the TOUR’s thoughtful approach to sports betting and marks an important step in continuing to engage all industry stakeholders in our shared responsibility to educate fans on safely and responsibly betting on sports.” 

Gentlemen, this bill will be a giant step forward in the treatment of the insane gambler!

Launched in 2019, the AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign provides consumers with a state-by-state guide on where to find legal operators, spotlights the basics of sports betting, and raises awareness on signs of problem gambling. 

This partnership is the latest in a string of progressive and industry-leading sports betting initiatives by the TOUR. Following the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the TOUR instituted a robust integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports and later that year announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world. The TOUR’s official sports betting partners include BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet, and the organization continues to evolve its innovative GolfBet partnership with The Action Network. The TOUR is also a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Sure seems like they are worried more about the gamblers than how the gamblers might effect the players, but only time will tell. Still a ways to go

Background

  • 25 states and Washington, DC have now legalized sports betting, with 20 jurisdictions already operational.

  • 45%, or 115 million, of American adults now live in a jurisdiction where wagering on sports is legal.

  • Between June 2018 and November 2020, bettors legally wagered more than $35 billion on sports nationwide, generating nearly $2.5 billion in sportsbook revenue and approximately $330 million in tax revenue to state and local governments.

45% of states means this is illegal in 55% of states, FYI.

Bryson Reflects On The 2020 Masters: When The Frontal Lobe Works Too Hard

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Thanks to appearance fees and Bryson DeChambeau’s individuality, he kicked off the early season press conference world by reflecting on last year, his gut (health) and oh so much more.

The full transcript is here and good fun if you have the time.

In the latest Quadrilateral, I focus in on the major-championship related comments and in particular, revelations about what went wrong in Augusta.

Marvel: The Lido To Be Resurrected In Rural Wisconsin

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The obsession with recreating Lido Golf Club will finally come full circle near Sand Valley resort. In a world that craves Marvel’s latest Avengers remake, this might be a fitting course for the times and already under construction according to The Fried Egg’s Garrett Morrison. It’s a full CGI special based on Peter Flory’s interpretation after learning The Golf Club game. He was inspired Daniel Wexler’s Missing Links that detailed the Lido’s rise and fall best.

This is all a long winded way of saying all your favorite template holes will be meticulously recreated by Doak, from Captain America, I mean, the Punchbowl to the Channel, with cameos from all the rest of CB Macdonald’s favorites. Morrison on the novelty of the project:

Michael and Chris Keiser plan to resurrect the Lido Golf Club, the legendary Long Island course that disappeared 80 years ago. The Keiser brothers have hired Tom Doak to carry out the reconstruction of Charles Blair Macdonald’s original design.

With funding and zoning approval in place, the Wisconsin Lido is quickly becoming a reality. Pre-construction began several months ago, and in an interview with The Fried Egg, Michael Keiser—the developer behind Sand Valley and the eldest son of Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser—said Doak’s team has already rough-graded two famous holes from the Lido, No. 4 (“Channel”) and No. 12 (“Punchbowl”). “Two pretty good holes to start with,” Keiser quipped.

While a private course, Sand Valley resort guests may have an opportunity to play.

The par-68, 6,100-yard fun course Doak was to create for Sand Valley and called Sedge Valley, has been put on pause**.

For a full set of images Golfweek has posted pretty much the entire digital recreation of the course.

And if you are headed to Thailand any time soon, Gil Hanse’s team has already recreated the Lido, set for opening later this year.

**Updated after clarification from Kemper Sports that the course is on pause, not abandoned, which is sensational news given the potential to break barriers with a non-72/7000 course.