It's Official: Glen Abbey Will Not Be Subdivided

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It never made an ounce of sense and several years after Glen Abbey was designated a heritage site, the owners have officially dropped all efforts to turn revisit development plans. The many-times Canadian Open seems safe and folks will be able to keep trying one of the greatest non-GIR shots ever hit by Tiger Woods, or any golfer.

From an unbylined CBC report:

Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark said in a statement Friday he'd secured a commitment from Glen Abbey owner ClubLink Corp. to not go ahead with its plans.

"I am incredibly thankful to ClubLink for its cooperation and for ensuring that this heritage landscape will be protected from development," Clark said. 

Preserving the golf course was "precisely" what the town, Halton region and residents wanted, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said in a statement.

"The thousands of letters written to the province made a difference and showed how our community is an engaged community," the mayor said.

What's Next For The aberashun Scottish Open?

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Namely, should the Renaissance Club keep getting a shot or should the abladioblada Scottish Open return to a rota?

David Jones has done a thorough and entertaining look at how the event can evolve should it grow into a co-sanctioned event next year.

Also noteworthy was this video of course developer and new consulting player architect Padraig Harrington out looking how to liven up Tom Doak’s design going forward:

European Tour Unleashes The Fake Pundit On Players

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Yet another gem from the European Tour team, this time the pranksters were Matt Wallace and Søren Kjeldsen joining forces with “Fake Pundit” Seán Burke. They put the abrsplen Scottish Open field through awkward interview questions. Tip of the cap to Sky Sports for loaning the real mic and stage. And to mostly non-Americans for showing up to do an interview at all, even if it was for purely viral reasons.

Quadrilateral: A Look Back At Royal St George's Pre-War Opens

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Walter Hagen makes a brief appearance on the podium to accept the Claret Jug from the Prince Of Wales

Walter Hagen makes a brief appearance on the podium to accept the Claret Jug from the Prince Of Wales

Perry Dye Dies At 68

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Another Dye has left us. The ASGCA’s remembrance of the golf architect and son of Pete and Alice Dye.

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – Perry O’Neal Dye, ASGCA, died July 8, 2021 in Denver. He was age 68.

A member of one of the most famous families in golf, Dye received his first experience building golf courses at age 12, when he began an apprenticeship under his father, ASGCA Past President Pete Dye. He accompanied his father to work on sites in the Midwest and the Dominican Republic through his youth and college years.

Perry formed Dye Designs in 1984. The company is known for building unique, environmentally sensitive golf courses. In 1986, Dye Designs further expanded internationally as Perry recognized the growing demand and market for world-wide golf services. In Japan alone, Perry designed nearly two dozen golf courses, and Dye-designed facilities can be found in more than 15 countries. 

With more than 80 courses to his credit, Perry’s dedication to golf included promoting growth within the golf course industry by cooperating with and supporting industry and professional groups, civic organizations and the general public. A member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America, in 2004 he received the inaugural award that bears his name – the Perry O. Dye Service Award – which honors “exceptional individuals who have unselfishly contributed their influence to foster positive changes for the association and have continually endeavored to make it better.”

“This is a great loss for golf design, but right now we should all be sending our love and support to the Dye Family,” ASGCA President Forrest Richardson said. “Perry and I shared many good times, and I am so grateful to have spent time with him at the 2020 Golf Industry Show just before the COVID lockdowns began. As usual, he was full of life, smiling and telling stories. We will miss him.”

Courses designed by Perry Dye, ASGCA, include: Pound Ridge Golf Club, Pound Ridge, New York; West One’s Country Club, Kato, Hyogo, Japan; Desert Pines Golf Club, Las Vegas; Auburn Hills, Wichita, Kansas; and Lykia Links, Antalya, Turkey.

Dye became an ASGCA member in 1996 and served on the ASGCA Board of Governors. He was preceded in death by his parents, ASGCA Past Presidents Pete and Alice Dye. He is survived by his brother, P.B. Dye, ASGCA, wife Ann, children and their spouses Lucy (Erik) Bowman and Lilly (Ross) Harmon, and grandchildren Brooks and Margaret Harmon.  

As Perry would say “Keep it in the fairway.” A Celebration of Life will be planned for later this fall.

Remember To Thank Your Marshals And Security Guards, Files: Vijay's Flop Shot, Rory's Driver Gets Lifted

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While I’d like to find humor in the awertwqret Scottish Open situation involving Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, this could have been a total disaster. Apparently post-COVID there needs to be a reminder that marshals and security guards are needed more than ever to protect players from fans. Or fans from players.

Two beauties over the last two days:

**Update: the players were asked and were not alarmed by it. They aren’t paid to be smart. From ESPN.com’s Connor O’Halloran’s story:

"I was surprised. Everyone saw what happened on TV," McIlroy said when asked about the incident. "It was handled efficiently and everything was OK. I had no idea who it was."

"Me and Rory didn't say anything," added Jon Rahm, who set the early clubhouse target with a 65 to go 11 under overall on Day 2. "He was holding a 6-iron and I didn't want to get hurt.

"It didn't put anyone off. If anything, it put a smile on our faces. It will be a pretty good story to tell in the future."

The one that comes with a knife next time will be a story to tell, too.

Also, the gentleman treating the trespasser as if he was asking for directions is rather astoundingly kind. We love the Scots and their hospitality but in this case? Where is Stevie Williams when you need him?

An AP account included this statement from the European Tour:

“At approximately 8am on Friday morning, a spectator entered the tenth tee area,” a statement from the European Tour read. “He was quickly escorted from the tee by security personnel and the matter is in the hands of Police Scotland.”

If that’s a quick escort from the tee…

And here is Vijay Singh hitting this recovery shot at the U.S. Senior Open. Why the fans were not moved a little wider is beyond me, or what was in that ball to cause the poor man to go down so hard is also a mystery. I’m sure Vijay got him another beer though.

Part 2: Q&A With Martin Ebert On Royal St George's And The 2021 Open

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5th tee view. Ebert wonders if players will try a 330-yard carry over the dunes (Geoff Shackelford)

5th tee view. Ebert wonders if players will try a 330-yard carry over the dunes (Geoff Shackelford)

The Open Physician for several courses including 2021 host Royal St George’s, Martin Ebert shares more about what took place since the last championship at Sandwich.

He also faces down my hostile questions in defense of the lost Maiden, blind par-3’s and which of the three courses overlooking Sandwich Bay is best.

The Quad will be going behind the paywall for most of the next week so hop along for the ride if you’re looking for influencer and sponsored-content free coverage of the 149th Open!

Angel Cabrera Wears His Best Presidents Cup Jacket To Sentencing Hearing

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There’s nothing funny about former U.S. Open and Masters champion Angel Cabrera getting two years for assault against his former partner. Especially given this from the prosecutor, as reported by AP:

“His situation is much more complex than this, he has other charges for which there are arrest warrants, too. There are other victims,” prosecutor Laura Battistelli told TV channel Todo Noticias.

The first charges were brought by Torres Mana, and two other women then did the same.

The golfer traveled to the United States in July 2020 without seeking permission, which led the province of Cordoba to request his arrest.

But you have to admire his devotion to the Presidents Cup cause in choosing to wear his team jacket to court. A crowning achievement for the brand. What better way to impress a judge, right?

Quadrilateral: Major(s) News And Notes In Advance Of The 149th Open

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I try to read between the lines on NBC’s plans to produce The Open from Connecticut, plus a bunch of other things ranging from Rory and Rickie comments, to weather and a 150th Open ticket ballot tip.

The Quad is free to sign up but in major weeks like next, only paid subscribers are guaranteed to get all daily newsletters, access to all old editions and the discussion forum option to vent about the number of commercials.

Other past editions can be viewed here at the Quad’s homepage.

The Brooks Eye-Roll Comes Into Focus Again After Bryson's Caddie Split

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Is this the moment Koepka hears Tim Tucker getting yelled at, Leading to the Man Feud with Bryson?

Is this the moment Koepka hears Tim Tucker getting yelled at, Leading to the Man Feud with Bryson?

Or is that a catty split?

Anyway, it’s been a mystery what made Brooks Koepka lose his train of thought, swear and stop a Golf Channel interview that is the most watched golf of the year and the stuff of Player Impact Program dreams. At least until the unintentionally viral video was (mostly) deleted online.

NFL writer Ian Rapoport has sources telling him what Koepka was “sick of” when hearing DeChambeau yapping away. If what he said on The Pat McAffee Show is true, this could solve one of golf’s great unsolved mysteries.

The clip:

Video: Brandon Stone Takes A Hickory Test

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You may recall Brandon Stone’s wife got him some Longhorn-themed hickories during what turned out to be a victorious 2018 Scottish Open win. While he was mostly enamored with burnt orange grips applied at the Jack White shop in Gullane, the South African and Texas Longhorn went on to take his hickories to the Old Course.

I mention all this to point out he was not going into this sampling session for GolfTV without hitting hickories before. His strikes with the old irons are particularly impressive. And so is Stone’s swing, no matter what club he’s hitting.

Whew: College Golfers Can Unveil Their Brand Rollouts ASAP, Other Am's Must Wait Until January

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I know many of you are clamoring to buy some NFT’s and personal-logoed items from top college golfers and Ryan Herrington reports on the USGA paving the way for players to cash in.

The unlocking of NCAA name, image and likeness started immediately for most sports, with athletic departments creating in-house teams to develop logos and brand campaigns for both current athletes and recruits. What could go wrong there?

Anyway, non-college golfers can climb aboard the gravy train while other amateurs must wait for relaxed USGA/R&A amateur status rules to take hold in January. Let the merch flow!

Ryder Cup Adds A Sportsmanship Award: The Nicklaus-Jacklin Presented By AON

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Boy this is a tough on so many levels.

First, what are we going to be calling this Ryder Cup sportsmanship award? The branding experts who gave Aberdeen a flattop might shorten this to the Nick-Jack By AON. Excuse me, the nickjackbyAON?

Eh, no thanks.

The Tony? The Jack Tony? The Tony Jack? The Jack Jacklin?

And acronym doesn’t work either: TNJAPBAON.

And then there’s the whole matter of who will get this award at the Ryder Cup since, well, there haven’t been too many “concession” moments in recent times. More like, shushing and excessive celebrations and a few manspats at the after-parties.

This raises a whole new concern should someone win the nickjackbyAON and then act like an ass back at the team room gala. I digress.

Just know the committee is on it. And what a committee it is.

For Immediate Release:

The PGA of America, Ryder Cup Europe and Aon plc (NYSE: AON) ― a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions ― today jointly announced the creation of “The Nicklaus – Jacklin Award presented by Aon,” which will debut during the 43rd Ryder Cup, Sept. 24-26, 2021 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

The first-of-its-kind award will be given to two players ― one each from the U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams ― who best embody the spirit of the event: seeing the bigger picture and making decisions critical to sportsmanship, teamwork and performance at the Ryder Cup.

Vice Captain McDowell, sensing Poulter’s energy was running low, ran back to the clubhouse in this cart-free COVID playing of the Ryder Cup, secured a perfectly ripened banana, then ran back to the 14th fairway to get Europe’s star some necessary potassium. Then, to the shock of all, McDowell offered a banana to Poulter’s singles opponent, Patrick Reed, in the greatest show of sportsmanship since The Concession. For that, we give him Team Europe’s 2021 AON!

Sorry, go on…

The recipients of the inaugural award will be selected by a committee consisting of Jack Nicklaus, Tony Jacklin, other past European and U.S. Ryder Cup Captains, PGA of America President Jim Richerson, PGA of Great Britain and Ireland Chairman Alan White, representatives from Sky and NBC Sports and Carlo Clavarino, Executive Chairman, International Business, Aon.

More like, who isn’t on the committee?

The Ryder Cup has a history of rivalry, excitement and passion, but is also the essence of true sportsmanship. Named after the famous 1969 concession by Jack Nicklaus, which saw him give Tony Jacklin a two-foot putt for a halved match that resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history, this new award commemorates sportsmanship, teamwork and the type of sound, strategic decision-making that attracts people to the game.

“Since its inception, the Ryder Cup was imagined as a spirited but friendly competition amongst allies. At its core, this remarkable tradition is based on the fundamental pillars of sportsmanship, teamwork and performance,” said Seth Waugh, PGA of America, CEO. “We want to recognise and celebrate that key foundational tenet and so in collaboration with Aon, created an award to honor Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin’s historic act from 1969 that exemplified those honorable traits and set the stage for the future of the Ryder Cup.”

“The players are the beating heart of the Ryder Cup,” said European Ryder Cup Director Guy Kinnings. “Once every two years, these individual giants of our sport come together as a team and have to make decisions under the utmost scrutiny that not only affects themselves, but also their team-mates, their fans and their continent.

“Decision-making under such intense pressure is a crucial part of any Ryder Cup. It is fitting, therefore, that this new award, presented by Aon, not only recognises the decisions that ultimately characterise success, but also the sportsmanship which has defined many of them over history and will continue to do so.”

Guy, let’s tighten up that empty quote next time.

“Inspired by the events at the 1969 competition, this new award embodies values we aspire to at Aon, and also celebrates the decisions that will continue to shape the future of this iconic team event,” said Carlo Clavarino, Executive Chairman, International Business, Aon. “In golf - as in business - the decisions that really make an impact aren’t always obvious. Every day, we work to ensure our clients have the information, insights and advice they need to make better decisions that deliver successful outcomes.”

So you would not have put Tiger and Phil together at Oakland Hills? I think that’s what you were saying.

“The excitement and energy surrounding the Ryder Cup always tests your poise, composure and decision-making, and when it matters most,” said Jack Nicklaus, record 18-time major champion, 2-time U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain and 6-time U.S. Ryder Cup Team Member. “The challenge is that every decision is magnified to its fullest because we’re not playing for just ourselves, but we’re playing for our country, teammates, captains, and fans. I’m glad to see that everyone involved in the Ryder Cup is identifying the importance of the choices these players make in the heat of competition and on one of golf’s biggest stages, and that they are recognizing and celebrating individuals who approach this competition with the proper spirit and who put an emphasis on good will and camaraderie.”

Just, don’t vote on this until after the loser’s press conference, ok?

“There’s always a decision that defines you in the Ryder Cup and to have an award that also highlights that decision is innovative for the game of golf and the Ryder Cup,” said Tony Jacklin, Major Champion four-time European Ryder Cup Team Captain and seven-time European Ryder Cup Team Member. “When I look back on my career, to be a part of Ryder Cups, the team atmosphere, and the importance of the decisions that followed - to giving players the opportunity to win an award based on that decision carries a lot of weight and will be a key accomplishment in their career.”

That’s four “decisions” in one press release quote, a new record.

To support the award and create momentum leading up to the event, the Ryder Cup and Aon will launch two digital content series, one focused on providing key course insights that will inform players’ decision-making at Whistling Straits, and another that will showcase the most unforgettable, defining decisions of the Ryder Cup to date.

To watch The Nicklaus – Jacklin Award presented by Aon launch video, narrated by Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay of NBC/Golf Channel, and for more award information, click here.

Hint, I think the word decision will come up a time or, 400.

Royal St George's: Q&A With Martin Ebert, Part I

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Newly restored bunkering at the 7th, Royal St George’s (Mackenzie and Ebert)

Newly restored bunkering at the 7th, Royal St George’s (Mackenzie and Ebert)

I can’t thank golf architect Martin Ebert enough for supplying so much insight and accompanying imagery of Royal St George’s. A wealth of information so vast that it required breaking up our Quadrilateral chat into two parts.

Whether you know the course or not, I think you’ll enjoy learning more about what went into analyzing the historical record, stats from recent Opens and Ebert’s common sense approach to our most treasured venues.

And don’t forget to sign up if you haven’t already! Next week’s going to be a busy one and subscribers will get daily newsletters.

Here is flyover of the 18th referenced in the interview. You can see the pinching bunker filled in down the right that made this one a bit of a crap shoot in firm conditions: