KPMG Upgrading Women's PGA Stats Effort, But Still A Ways To Go

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In all of the talk gender equity discussions of late, purses get most of the focus. But a closer look at the ANA Inspiration, U.S. Women’s Open, Women’s Open Championship or KPMG PGA shows room for growth in statistics.

Granted, the priorities have been on just funding the events, trying to get more network coverage and upgrading to quality venues. Now that those things are happening and more cash is great, there is a glaring disparity in available stats for women’s events versus the men. With incredible advancements like ShotLink and a similar system developed by the USGA/Augusta National, it’s time to have real data at women’s majors. Because whether it’s for bettors or simply the increased interest, context and sophistication that comes with compelling stats, talk of raising the women’s game bar must include data.

So it’s nice to read the first step with KPMG continuing their pretty relentless push at bettering the Women’s PGA this week at Atlanta Athletic Club. As Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols writes, “it’s not ShotLink, but it’s a quantum leap in the right direction.”

The KPMG program will be similar to what’s on the European Tour, with caddies recording shots, club selections and the lie of every shot. They’ll turn in a special scorecard after every round and get paid a stipend for the efforts. KPMG is covering that, too.

Overall strokes gained and strokes gained by game area (off the tee, approach, around the green, putting) will be available as well as deeper insights into individual strokes gained by 25-yard increments and individual shots taken. Players, fans and media will know how close players hit it on average from certain distances. There will be shot dispersion charts, average birdie putt length and performance indexing over time against the field.

"R&A World Golf Museum Opens Following A Complete Redevelopment"

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Great news for those visiting St Andrews as the renamed R&A World Golf Museum has been renovated and “re-interpreted”. It sits right across from the R&A clubhouse, so if you’re there for golf or just killing time during an Open Championship wind delay, make sure to check it out.

I thought the museum told the story of golf quite beautifully—the cafe upstairs is also handy for St Andrews golfers—but it sounds like they’ve made the place better.

For Immediate Release…

THE R&A WORLD GOLF MUSEUM OPENS FOLLOWING A COMPLETE REDEVELOPMENT

21 June 2021, St Andrews, Scotland: From today, The R&A is pleased to welcome visitors to The R&A World Golf Museum, in St Andrews, which has undergone an extensive redevelopment.

Beginning as a cabinet of curiosities in the 1800s and known as the British Golf Museum for the past 30 years, the Museum based at the home of golf enters a new era as The R&A World Golf Museum.

Closed since early 2020, the Museum galleries, have been redisplayed and re-interpreted, ready to welcome visitors to explore the rich history of golf.

Visitors will be uplifted and inspired as the past, present and future of golf is brought to life around them through immersive, eye-catching and interactive displays.

Phil Anderton, Executive Director – Chief Development Officer at The R&A commented, “Golf is synonymous with St Andrews – it was first played here in the 1500’s and The Old Course is the first 18 hole course in the world, so it is fitting that The R&A World Golf Museum resides just steps from its 1st tee.

“Golf is rich in tradition which has been built through centuries of enjoyment. It is these traditions and the evolution of the game which are explored in the galleries of The R&A World Golf Museum.

“Through the interactive galleries we hope to engage with current and new fans to deepen their knowledge and connection to golf.”

The story of golf is presented through six new thematic zones, each designed to engage and entertain through experiential and video displays.

From July 2021, The R&A World Golf Museum will also feature an exhibition celebrating the life of legendary golfer Severino Ballesteros. Seve – His Life Through the Lens - will run for 18 months, including throughout The 150th Open in St Andrews, and visitors will enjoy a unique collection dedicated to his greatest achievements in golf, including winning The Open on three occasions in 1979, 1984 and 1988.

The R&A World Golf Museum has created a five-star visitor experience that is accessible to all.

Angela Howe, Director – Museum & Heritage at The R&A said, “Our goal when developing The R&A World Golf Museum was to re-imagine the golf heritage experience; making it appealing to established golf fans whilst attracting and educating those new to the sport.

“The refurbishment of the galleries provides a modern back drop for people to learn about golf’s heritage via immersive, interactive and interesting exhibits.

“We are looking forward to opening on the 21 June and welcoming guests to enjoy all that The R&A World Golf Museum has to offer.’’

The R&A World Golf Museum is located on Bruce Embankment, St Andrews, Scotland and is open from 09:30 until 17:00 Monday – Saturday and 10:00 until 17:00 on Sunday from 21 June, 2021. The Café is open five days a week, from 09:30 until 17:00 Wednesday-Saturday and 10:00 until 17:00 Sunday.

In addition to the galleries The R&A World Golf Museum also offers a retail shop and a café which overlooks the famed West Sands Beach.

Entry into the Museum is £12 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children and free for children under the age of four.

What Needs To Happen For Torrey Pines To Host Another U.S. Open?

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After Sunday’s thriller and with no Torrey Pines on the future venue list, the natural question was raised by several writers: will it be back?

AP’s Doug Ferguson writes:

Ten players were separated by one shot at one point when the final group was on the front nine. Separation came from bad decisions, bad lies, bad shots, typical of a U.S. Open. Four players who were within one or two shots of the lead made double bogey on the back nine. The winner, Rahm, was the only player to not drop a shot on the back nine.

GolfDigest.com’s Joel Beall went to David Fay for insights and the former Executive Director who steered the USGA to Bethpage and he sees a positive outcome, regardless of what happens.

Fay, however, says that’s not the case. Instead he views the era as a tip of the hat to the USGA’s constituents. “People who play public facilities, they could say a true public links was good enough to host a U.S. Open,” Fay says.

As for its goodbye? Fay says don’t get too sentimental, because in this world goodbyes don’t exist. “I understand why golfers who play true publics would be disappointed, I do. But golfers love their history, and history lives. Once a U.S. Open has come, you are a U.S. Open course in perpetuity.”

Rex Hoggard makes the case of players liking it as almost enough reason even if the course is flawed, but wonders if the USGA’s “anchor site” concept will get in the way.

There have been quiet indications that the USGA is considering a championship “rotation” like that used by The Open. Although officials declined to comment on those rumors, they also didn’t deny them.

“Nick Price said a few years ago on our championship committee, he said, 'You know, it's important where the players win their U.S. Open,'” said John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of championships. “I would just say buckle up because there's really some cool things coming. I would say that on both sides, of the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women's Open.”

Finally, I made my case in The Quadrilateral for the paying folk (here). I say yes and believe it will happen because of money more than anything golf architecture related, but a few key things still need to change.

Trump Sues New York Over Ferry Point Contract Termination

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The Trump Organization, which had a 20-year contract to operate Ferry Point in the Bronx, claims it was unfairly targeted by Mayor Bill DeBlasio.

Jonah Bromwich of the New York Times reports on the Trump Organization is suing New York City for wrongful termination of the Ferry Point contract. In a statement, the company told the Times the course was “widely recognized as one of the most magnificent public golf experiences anywhere in the country.”

Plenty of tee times still available, especially with those twilight rates…

Anyway, this from Bromwich’s piece:

Now, the organization has made its case in an 18-page petition saying that it was never obliged to attract an actual tournament but merely to maintain “a first class tournament quality daily fee golf course.” The petition included several statements from professional golfers, including Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, attesting to the course’s being “first class” and “tournament quality.”

A spokesman for the city’s law department said that it would “vigorously defend” its decision to terminate the contract and that it “looked forward to selecting a new vendor for Ferry Point.”

More Men's Olympic WD's: Sergio, Tyrrell, Louis

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While Zika was a convenient excuse, COVID-19 remains a threat, particularly to the unvaccinated. And those who have taken the jab still face absurd restrictions that nullifies everything about the Olympic “experience".

So far, no eligible player has pulled out due to safety fears. Instead it’s been mostly about the schedule, majors, Ryder Cup and of course, resting for the playoffs.

Before analyzing the angles of WD attack, this is just your friendly Tuesday reminder that the PGA Tour rebuilt the men’s pro golf schedule into a tighter window for the FedExCup Playoffs, the Olympics and the NFL season. The PGA moved to May and the major season still feels too condensed, with the U.S. Open build-up feeling less robust compared to the past.

Now, only one of those three wraparound reasons appears a legitimate rationale at this point (NFL…).

Anyway, who says these guys aren’t creative? We’ve got Olympic WD’s for all sorts of reasons, starting with Sergio turning his focus to the Ryder Cup.

The next eligible Spaniard is Rafa Cabrera Bello, currently ranked 140th in the world.

Next up is world No. 10 Tyrrell Hatton, who blames the congested schedule that is definitely congested.

Hatton’s replacement would normally be Matthew Fitzpatrick, but reports suggest he’s already telegraphed his intention to pass. Lee Westwood would then be next but he’s already said he would not play. Next on the clock with the fifth round pick for Team England is Tommy Fleetwood.

Louis Oosthuizen is passing up a chance to represent Team South Africa to spend more time witht he family and play the FedExCup season (get that man a Playoff(C) memo).

This presumably opens up a spot for Christian Bezuidenhout to join Garrick Higgo in Tokyo.

Before these latest WD’s on Twitter, G.C. Digital had the scoop on the field yesterday. Impressive, that kid.

Actually, the final rankings already knew these players were pulling out before they took to Twitter. Here is the “final” list.

Men's Olympic Golf Field Finalized, For Now

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You can view the full list here at GolfNewsNet.

Slovakian great Rory Sabbatini is in easily and that has to be a huge sigh of relief in those parts.

Whether all of these players go is another story.

Xander Schauffele after his U.S. Open final round:

Q. Secondly, I'm assuming you're going to go to the Olympics since you're qualified. Is that true?

XANDER SCHAUFFELE: That is a decision -- my goal was to try to win this. I haven't really reached. I knew I had to try and qualify for the team. It was getting really bunched up with everyone behind me. I haven't really made a decision yet. It's something I was going to decide tonight or tomorrow morning.

Q. What would keep you away if you decide not to go?

XANDER SCHAUFFELE: Logistics are tricky. There's no opening ceremony, no experience of Japan. You're kind of locked down in your hotel. You can't go and see other venues or events. In terms of an actual Olympics, obviously, you're playing for some hardware, some gold medals and what not, but the overall experience, which I hear is really cool, isn't going to be there in Japan this year.

Fun!

Rahm Wins A Thriller: 2021 U.S. Open Final Round Wrap-Up

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Whew, that was a doozy. I’m beat so no blog posts tonight but we have plenty of time to ponder a busy week that will have huge ramifications down the road for everything from the skill debate, distance and the already painful television announcer cheerleading issue.

For now , I have a robust final round Quadrilateral that went out to all free and paid subscribers. It’s a look at Jon Rahm's first major as other stars crumbled, including Bryson DeChambeau who posted a back nine 44.

Plus, player praise for Torrey's setup, the streaker story, NBC notes, the trophy ceremony and Tweets.

R&A: 2021 Open Expects To Welcome 32,000 Daily

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Good news on The Open Championship regarding fans and attendance at Royal St George’s:

STATEMENT ON THE 149TH OPEN AT ROYAL ST GEORGE’S

Following the UK Government’s announcement to delay the planned easing of restrictions, we are now actively working with the government and public health authorities, including those in Kent, in the next phase of the Events Research Programme, which will enable a number of events to take place with higher capacities than the current Step 3 guidance.

As a result, we can now confirm that we will be able to welcome up to 32,000 fans on each championship day of The 149th Open at Royal St George’s and that this will include those existing ticketholders and hospitality guests who have already purchased tickets.

Our end goal is to stage a fantastic Open at Royal St George’s and give our fans and players something to be genuinely excited about this summer. Continuing to ensure the health and safety of all of those attending remains our highest priority.

We will be emailing all existing ticket holders and hospitality guests to confirm the arrangements for The 149th Open this afternoon, including the requirements for Covid status certification.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “We are pleased to now be able to proceed with our plans for having a significant attendance at this year’s Championship. These fans will play a huge role in creating a very special atmosphere as the world’s best players compete for the Claret Jug and we look forward to welcoming them to Royal St George’s.

“I would like to acknowledge the support and understanding we have received from the government and public health authorities, fans, players, our patrons and partners, as we have worked through this extremely challenging process. The Open is a very special championship in the world of sport and we are fortunate that so many people care as deeply about it as we do.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said, "The Open Championship returns to Royal St George's for the first time in a decade and what better way to welcome its return than with more than 30,000 fans each day watching the best golfers in the world battle it out for the famous Claret Jug.

"We have always said we will do everything possible to return fans to our iconic cultural and sporting events as soon, and as safely, as possible — and thanks to the phenomenal success of our vaccine rollout and uptake of the NHS App we're able to take another step forward through our flagship Events Research Programme."

Quadrilateral: Brace For Bland Headlines! U.S. Open Second Round News And Notes

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The Early Save-Green-Reading-Book Arguments Need Work

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Kudos to Jim Stracka for speaking and GolfDigest.com’s Daniel Rapaport for disclosing the magazine’s partnership with Stracka Line in this story about the surprise green reading book news.

The bad news? The arguments against require taking on the PGA Tour, not the big bad governing bodis, and assume the books would be banned from practice rounds (highly doubtful). But we don’t know the specifics because this aggressive bit of Player Advisory Council rulemaking has not been fleshed out yet. The details will be tricky since the Tour is not normally one to intervene in rules of golf issues.

But I don’t think these arguments will hold up.

Stracka also expressed concern that the banning of the books on the PGA Tour would confuse the hordes of amateur golfers who use them. The ban, it would seem, would only apply to the PGA Tour, and the books would not be made illegal in the Rules of Golf. It’s also not yet clear what, exactly, the ban would cover, or how it would be implemented.

“They’ve tried to avoid bifurcation forever,” Stracka said. “What they’re doing is, they are bifurcating the Rules of Golf. They are creating a new set of rules for them and one for everybody else. And that’s just bad for the game."

The PGA Tour is supposed to be entertaining and watching people look at a cheat sheet is tedious. They also make players wear pants during tournament days in the name of the “product.” It’s refreshing they are going to lead instead of follow on something that adds cost and time to the game, despite claims of one college golf study suggesting green reading books speed up play.

Why, then, would the players vote as they did?

“My only guess it there were a couple influential players who basically convinced the other players on the committee to say yeah, let’s get rid of these books. Why, I have no idea because most of them use the books! It’s mind-boggling.”

Maybe some actually care about how the sport is played, rewarding skill, making players and caddies resort to using eyes, and know it looks ridiculous?

Matthew Wolff On TV Announcers Making Golf Sound Too Easy

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Matthew Wolff after a U.S. Open first round 70, discussing at length his attitude and recent inability to find happiness on the course:

“I was talking to Bubba Watson earlier on the range this week and he told me he stopped watching golf, he only watches LPGA because they're so positive. He goes, LPGA is like the commentators, like everyone is just so positive, like every shot they hit is the best shot ever. And I think that -- and I'm not, I'm not like hating on the LPGA, I think it's awesome, because like these shots are hard out here and it's like, you know, sometimes they're describing a shot and they make it sound easy and it's not. And it's just, I'm only trying to have positive thoughts in my head and be positive. And I mean, kudos to pretty much every professional athlete out there, it's, I haven't been in this world for a long time, but it's fucking hard.”

I don’t think this will help announcers to feel emboldened to say what they think.

A New Tee On Augusta National's 505-Yard Par-4 11th?

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Eureka Earth has posted another photo of the major work taking place to sand-cap and update Augusta National, with the latest view showing what appears to be the start of a new back tee at the 11th hole (very upper right corner of Eureka’s image).

Currently 505 yards, a more cynical mind might conclude the club is not expecting a distance rollback any time soon.