R.I.P. Bob Goalby

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The 1968 Masters champion, 11-time PGA Tour winner and longtime NBC golf announcer passed away at age 92.

The team at KSDK in St Louis was first to report the sad news. 

Dan O’Neill’s lengthy and detailed remembrance for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is a fitting salute to the only native of that city to win a major. He opened with this:

Shortly after he won the 1968 Masters, Bob Goalby received a letter from Bobby Jones, the legendary patriarch of the championship. In his correspondence, Jones wrote:

“I ask you to always remember that you won the tournament under the rules of golf and by superlative play.”

Adam Schupak at Golfweek noted this in his story:

Goalby was drafted into the Army in 1950 and he served until 1952. Afterwards, Goalby began playing professionally and was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1958. He also played in the 1963 Ryder Cup Matches.

But it was the 1968 Masters that was his signature triumph. Goalby’s heroics down the stretch often have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the tournament. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Goalby birdied Nos. 13 and 14, then made eagle at No. 15, drilling a 3-iron from 200 yards to 6 feet. He shot 66 and posted 11-under 277 at Augusta National.

In a PGATour.com salute by Jim McCabe, he writes:

Born into the Great Depression, he persevered and made a beautiful life. He contributed a voice in building the PGA TOUR into the mega-enterprise it is. The PGA TOUR Champions didn’t exist until he and a few friends relentlessly campaigned for it.

On so many occasions he should have heard “thank you” for being a man of strength and vision. Instead, often he was expected to say “sorry” for playing a brilliant round of golf on April 14, 1968.

Go figure.

One of the better interviews Goalby gave was this 2018 My Shot for Golf Digest.

Here is the final round broadcast starting at the 14th hole, where Goalby made birdie followed by eagle at the 15th:

Some tributes:

Who Needs A Pro Jock? Bhatia Wins Korn Ferry Event With Girlfriend On The Bag

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The 19-year-old prodigy who skipped college and turned pro has only shown glimpses of greatness. But facing uncertain Korn Ferry Tour status Akshay Bhatia, pulled off a win that will change his year, notes GolfChannel.com’s Brentley Romine:

Bhatia got into this week’s field courtesy of the category reserved for Nos. 151-200 in FedExCup points, and his original goal, one that remained as he began his final round, was to finish inside the top 10 and automatically qualify for another week. Such is the life of a tour pro without full status. Only Bhatia, who played his final nine in 5 under with birdies on three of his last four holes, no longer has that problem.

He finished the win off in style, hitting the 18th hole flagstick:

The week started off with Bhatia and girlfriend Presleigh Schultz explaining the partnership that all started with an Instagam DM and without her knowing anything about golf. (But she is a content creator and business manager!).

Who needs a pro jock?

Here was the social content posted by the Tour and lambasted by some respondents before Bhatia went on to win:

American Express To Keep The Desert Tradition Going Through 2028

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Larry Bohannan reports the stellar news for what was once a staple of the PGA Tour schedule which has seen a revolving door of sponsors and hosts. But armed with a blue chip sponsor, The American Express is enjoying its strongest field in years.

The story says Phil Mickelson’s foundation will continue to benefit from tournament proceeds through 2024, but there is no mention of Mickelson’s role as host (announced in 2019) and he did not give a pre-tournament press conference.

American Express Extends Sponsorship of The American Express through 2028

Title Sponsor, American Express, helps TOUR continue sixty-two-year tradition in the Coachella Valley  

LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA — The PGA TOUR today announced American Express will continue its role as title sponsor of The American Express in La Quinta, California, through 2028. The annual tournament, which features a unique pro-am format, takes place January 20-23 at PGA WEST Stadium, PGA WEST Nicklaus and La Quinta Country Club.

“Giving back to the community while celebrating the passions of our customers is at the center of what we do at American Express,” said Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express. “We’ve seen the positive impact this tournament has on golf fans and the local community in the Coachella Valley. We’re honored to continue this legacy by extending our role as title sponsor and growing the total charitable funds raised to support so many outstanding local organizations focused on helping small businesses, the health and wellness of the community, youth sports, education and more.”

Since its introduction in 1960, the tournament has generated approximately $63 million for numerous non-profit organizations in the Coachella Valley that enrich the lives of Valley residents. In just two short years, The American Express has since donated $2.1 million to Coachella Valley-based charity organizations and looks forward to continuing to make a significant impact within the local community for years to come.

“Extending our partnership with American Express secures the future of PGA TOUR golf and its impact in the Coachella Valley for years to come,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner. “In the past two years alone, American Express has helped produce tremendous growth and awareness for this historic event, offering up a great field and a first-rate tournament experience. All this while generating significant charitable impact in the region.”

World No. 1 ranked player Jon Rahm, FedExCup champion Patrick Cantlay and Phil Mickelson, a 45-time PGA TOUR winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member headline The American Express field. Si Woo Kim of South Korea, winner of The American Express last year by one stroke over eventual FedExCup champion Patrick Cantlay, returns in 2022 to defend his title. All four rounds throughout the weekend will be carried live on Golf Channel and streamed on ESPN+.

du Preez: 6-Foot-9, 144 M.P.H Clubhead Speed, 212 M.P.H. Ball Speed

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The Desert Sun’s Shad Powers files a look at James Hart du Preez, a 26-year-old South African making his PGA Tour debut at the American Express. Du Preez is 6-foot9, 260 pounds and led the Sunshine Tour last year in driving distance. His average? 373.1 yards.

His combination of clubhead speed and raw power — his fastest clubhead speed is 144 miles per hour and his fastest ball speed is 212 miles per hour — has become the stuff of legend. His exploits are popular on YouTube as videos of him hitting tee shots have hundreds of thousands of views.

But he doesn’t like to be pigeon-holed as just a long-drive specialist.

“When people see me, obviously they don’t see 6-9 golfers come around very often so the first thing they gravitate towards is the long-hitting,” du Preez said. “But funny enough putting is the best part of my game and has been since I was a little kid. I didn’t grow until late in my life until about 16 or 17 so before then I never hit the ball far so I had to learn how to score chipping and putting.”

Check out the column as it’s a fun read, but I’d be remiss in not copying these “stock yardages” of du Preez:

  • Driver: 345

  • 3-wood: 305

  • 3-iron: 275

  • 4-iron: 253

  • 5-iron: 240

  • 6-iron: 227

  • 7-iron: 206

  • 8-iron: 190

  • 9-iron: 180

  • Full wedge: 160

  • 50-degree wedge: 145

  • 54-degree wedge: 127

  • 58-degree wedge: 105

Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes: January 20, 2022

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Southern Hills after a recent storm (Southern Hills)

CBS Returns With Saturday Farmers Finish And More Technology

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The CBS golf gang briefed media on plans for the upcoming 2022 season, the 65th consecutive for the network. A few highlights:

  • CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said the relationship with the PGA Tour “has never been better” as they start a new production arrangement

  • The Tour provides “below the line” personnel and pictures, CBS retains control of personnel and ability to deliver enhancements

  • McManus credited Farmers for “coming up with” this year’s Saturday finish to avoid AFC and NFC Championship games

  • Jim Nantz will work the opening Farmers event remotely from the AFC Championship game site and said “my longing for golf is the one that I feel the most” of sports he covers.

  • Colt Knost expands his role as on-course reporter and will team with Amanda Balionis to host a 16th hole set at the Waste Management Open

  • McManus said “the sales marketplace for golf in the first and second quarter is extremely strong,” noting “advertiser interest is very high”

  • The network is promising upgraded drone coverage and more tracers week-to-week

  • McManus said CBS is fully supportive of the Tour’s deal with Netflix: “We’re all in on it.”

  • Asked about the Saudi disruptor league, McManus said “we’re focused on the PGA Tour.”

The press release contains more details on what to expect in the way of technology improvements:

CBS SPORTS TEES OFF 65th CONSECUTIVE SEASON OF PGA TOUR COVERAGE FEATURING 20 PGA TOUR EVENTS ORIGINATING FROM FOUR COUNTRIES

 CBS Sports’ 2022 PGA TOUR Season Begins with Farmers Insurance Open on Friday, Jan. 28 and Features a Special Saturday Finish

 Increased Drone Usage, More Tracer Coverage than Ever Before, Graphic Enhancements and Virtual Interview Area Highlight 2022 Coverage Advancements

 CBS Sports begins its 65th consecutive year of PGA TOUR coverage, as once again the network features the most comprehensive lineup in network television, with 20 total PGA TOUR events originating from four countries.  

CBS Sports tees off its 2022 PGA TOUR season at the Farmers Insurance Open from Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, Calif., with play concluding with a special Saturday finish. The third-round on Friday, Jan. 28 (5:00-8:00 PM, ET) and final-round on Saturday, Jan. 29, (4:30-8:00 PM, ET), will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network and streamed live on Paramount+.

Jim Nantz serves as CBS golf anchor, beginning with the Farmers Insurance Open, broadcasting the event live from the site of the AFC Championship game. Lead analyst Sir Nick Faldo, along with Ian Baker-Finch, Frank Nobilo and Trevor Immelman, handle announcing and analysis from the Super Tower throughout the season. Lead on-course reporter Dottie Pepper, with Mark Immelman and Colt Knost in an expanded role, along with reporter Amanda Balionis, round out the CBS golf announce team. Andrew Catalon will host select CBS broadcasts as well. 

CBS Sports continues its legacy as the gold standard for broadcasting and innovation in golf television, building off last season’s successful elements and enhancements including the constant leaderboard and rules official in conjunction with the PGA TOUR, among others.  

This year, the network will add additional technology and equipment throughout the course of the season to enhance the broadcast and better serve viewers. Some of those developments include increased drone usage that present picturesque and never before seen views of the course to provide overviews of holes; additional cameras and more tracer coverage than ever before to showcase ball flight information and shot shaping on key holes; graphic enhancements – including utilizing more Shotlink data to provide additional data on a given player or hole through virtual overlays – and a new, virtual interview area for Balionis with augmented reality to better contextualize different holes and shots on the course.

Sellers Shy is lead producer, with Steve Milton as lead director, for CBS Sports’ golf coverage. Sean McManus is Chairman, CBS Sports. David Berson is President, CBS Sports. Harold Bryant is Executive Producer and Executive Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

CBS SPORTS’ MULTI-PLATFORM COMPLEMENTARY GOLF PROGRAMMING 

CBS Sports will provide multi-platform, complementary golf programming throughout the season as well. Beginning Monday, Jan. 24 (11:00 PM, ET), CBS Sports Network will air COURSE RECORD WITH MICHAEL BREED, featuring renowned golf instructor Michael Breed and co-host Greg DuCharme discussing the latest in the golf world.

Additionally, CBS Sports Network will air both classic PGA TOUR telecasts each week leading up to the tournament on CBS, as well as encores of CBS’ final round coverage on Monday nights.

The CBS Television Network will broadcast, with Paramount+ streaming live, five PGA TOUR Specials and six Korn Ferry Tour Specials, multiple COURSE RECORD WITH MICHAEL BREED and FALDO FORMULA episodes, along with additional golf programming throughout the season leading into live golf coverage. 

The CBS Television Network and CBS Sports Network will also each air an hour special highlighting the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour this summer, highlighting the stories of the golfers and the rich history of the Tour.

For all PGA TOUR events this year, CBS Sports’ full coverage will be available to stream live in markets across the U.S. on Paramount+ with additional coverage on CBSSports.com, the CBS Sports app, and CBS Sports HQ, the 24/7 streaming sports news network. 

Reminder: Latin America Amateur From Casa De Campo This Week

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The event returns after a year off and will offer the winner a spot in The Masters, The Open at St Andrews, The Amateur and the U.S. Amateur.

Two hours will be broadcast daily from Pete Dye’s masterpiece, with live streaming at LAACgolf.com and these outlets across the globe:

ESPN2/ESPNEWS (United States), Fox Sports (Australia), SuperSport (Southern Africa), TSN (Canada), Sky (New Zealand), GolfTV throughout Europe, SBS Golf (Korea) and Sky Sports (United Kingdom). 

All times ET:

First Round Thursday, January 20 12-2 p.m.
Second Round Friday, January 21 12-2 p.m.
Third Round Saturday, January 22 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Final Round Sunday, January 23 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You can see first round groupings here.

Monty: "There is a one-dimensional quality to it that was never the case back in my day."

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GolfDigest.com’s John Huggan talked to Colin Montgomerie about a wide range of topics and since this is a state of the game blog, I’d be remiss in now sharing this which includes some vintage third personspeak. But that should not take away from the essence of what he’s saying:

“And it has gotten worse since then,” he continued. “Not worse. Although that’s me saying that it has. Now they’re hitting wedges. I see them all on the range. There’s 131 of them this week—because I’m 132nd—and they all seem to play the same game and in the same way. There is a one-dimensional quality to it that was never the case back in my day. I know I sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but golf never used to be one-dimensional. It’s not the same now. It’s all about brute force.”

Indeed, like so many of his generation, Monty bemoans the relative lack of nuance and subtlety present in modern-day tour golf. He yearns to see players “holding up” mid-irons against left-to-right breezes, displaying the artistry that has been lost amidst so much science.

“I don’t think ‘peak Monty’ would do as well on this tour as he did when he played here full-time,” he said. “I would have to find a way to add more distance, just to compete. Nick Faldo would be the same. And so would Luke Donald, even more so. Luke holed everything for 18 months and got to World No. 1, which is hugely commendable. But how he did it was never going to be a sustainable formula. Not now anyway. Luke couldn’t survive now. And neither would I. I’d have to adapt. I’d have to become one of those guys on the range hitting the ball the same way as everyone else.”

Telegraph: Stenson Facing Decision On Ryder Cup Captaincy Or Saudi's $30 Million

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James Corrigan says Henrik Stenson has been given an ultimatum: take $30 million for the apparently-coming Saudi Golf League fronted by Greg Norman, or the 2023 Ryder Cup captaincy in Rome.

Traditionally the captain is named around this time (just under two years away), and was expected this week in Abu Dhabi. But these are not normal times, as Corrigan notes.

Along with Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, Stenson has been linked with the SGL, with reports indicating he has been offered $30 million. So will he opt for the Saudi gold or the blue and gold? “It is a heck of a decision,” an inner member of Stenson’s coterie said. “It’s complicated not only by the huge amounts on offer.

“This [captaincy] could be his one and only chance with so many big Europe figures about to come into the picture for future matches. But then, it’s far from guaranteed he will get it this time anyway, with Luke obviously having a strong shout and the case for Karlsson seemingly strengthening by the day.”

Sony Open Finish Highlights What We Should See More Often In Big Time Golf

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Hideki Matsuyama's tactical decision and a go-for-the-green 3-wood shows what can make pro golf genuinely thrilling. Gosh it’s fun when to see a player go for a par-5 in two with a wood!

The latest Quad is free for all to read because this is not about a major and I know there are Cowboys fans across the globe grieving today.

Today In Golf's Drive To Survive: Players Will Not Be Paid And Irish Times Columnist Asks If The Netflix People Have Ever Met A PGA Tour Golfer

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While we’re a year away from the as yet-unnamed Netflix show tracking the lives of PGA Tour golfers, a few notes, observations and a dissenting view from Ireland:

  • The millennial jubilation over this show’s potential appears based in large part on a key detail from Dylan Dethier’s Golf.com story: a lack of PGA Tour editorial control. Which does make one wonder if there has been any Global Home introspection over just how much joy this gave the only demographic they care about until Gen Z is about to become the obsession?

  • Last week as the names agreeing to appear in the PGA Tour’s Netflix were promoted heavily, I Tweeted that World No. 1 amateur Keita Nakajima’s participation must mean he’s taking advantage of looser USGA/R&A amateur status rules. The answer is no. I heard from a few people directly associated with the project that no player, as far as they know, is going to be compensated for their participation. (Rickie Fowler’s production company is involved so presumably he will see financial reward for his participation.) Given Netflix’s annual spend on content creation—$17 billion in 2021—it’s a bit surprising there nothing, you know, for the effort.

  • Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times penned a column wondering if the folks at Netflix have “ever met a PGA Tour golfer”, his very nice way of suggesting the sport doesn’t lend itself to producing charisma. A much more diplomatic case is made than say, Walter Simpson’s belief that the more “fatuously vacant the mind is, the better for play. It has been observed that absolute idiots play the steadiest.”

When you’re up close to golfers going about their business, you realise they are exactly as dull as you think they are. That’s not to denigrate them, it’s just the nature of the game. The whole point of golf is to be calm, to expunge all exterior thought, to glide through your round with a plain visage and head that is empty of everything that doesn’t apply to the next shot. Dustin Johnson has earned close $100m in prize money. Now you know how.

Dull and staid is the Valhalla of golf. The very thing that attracts millions of us to the game is the chance to be still, to be at peace, to be at a remove from the ever-going world.

Today In Sportwashing: Bryson Speaks, Andy Murray Says No Way And WSJ's Tough Take On Saudi Arabia

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As a sizable herd prepares to descend on Saudi Arabia in a few weeks to cash in and talk league golf with Greg Norman’s pals, there are signs that the Crown Prince’s act is wearing then. Except with autocrat-tolerating pro golfers.

While the potential damage to sportwashing may make those at the Global Home feel better about the likelihood of Saudis failing at disruption, the damage done to the “product” may be just as painful.

Last week Bryson DeChambeau, who has been blowing off press sessions even when he’s endorsed by the tournament sponsor, gladly talked about the Public Investment Fund Saudi International Powered by Softbank Investment Advisers (PIFSIPSIA).

It’s amazing what happens when the fees are paid by folks linked to murder instead of mortgages! From Steve DiMeglio’s item at Golfweek:

“So, not a politician, first off,” he said Thursday in a video conference with the media ahead of next month’s tournament in the Middle East. “I’m a golfer, first and foremost, and I want to play where the best golfers in the world are going to play. And that is the end of the story for me.”

It was the only time DeChambeau was curt and agitated during a 30-minute Zoom call with the media ahead of the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.

This was in sharp contrast to tennis’ Andy Murray who has told his agent he won’t take the Saudi money even after lucrative offers.

“He’s turned down stuff in Saudi and I don’t think he would play there just because of what’s gone on,” the Scotsman's agent, Matt Gentry, was quoted as saying in The Independent.

“If he feels strongly about something regardless, he’s at the stage where he will happily call it out and he will have that debate with people. I don’t think he’s scared to voice his opinion on it.”

That sounds like, what, one golfer? Rory. Anyone else?

And finally, the Wall Street Journal dropped a devastating piece on Saudi Arabia’s pitiful business culture. Even with all of the Public Investment Fund investment in major American companies and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s desire to create Western business friendliness, the murder-orderer can’t resist his dark passenger. While former president Donald Trump seemed cool with this, it sounds like most in business are cooling to the Crown Prince.

From Stephen Kalen and Justin Schenk’s WSJ story that leads by saying the “business environment has grown more hostile and investors are souring on the oil-rich kingdom.” The numbers would agree:

Foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia was $5.4 billion in 2020, less than half the level of a decade ago and well below the $19 billion that the country had targeted. It was on track to top $6 billion in 2021 based on data through the third quarter. That excludes the $12.4 billion sale of a stake in a Saudi pipeline company to foreign investors.

It seems inefficient autocracies are not conducive to business or human rights.

Prince Mohammed failed to change many of the old deterrents to investment. Then Saudi Arabia added new ones.

The country tried to address a cash crunch by levying retroactive taxes on dozens of large foreign firms. In the past year-and-a-half, companies including Uber, its regional subsidiary Careem, and GE have faced huge tax liabilities and sometimes additional fines when their appeals were rejected.

Tax authorities offered the companies little recourse, prompting the State Department late last year to appeal unsuccessfully to the Saudi government for relief.

Golfers and team members of the world headed to collect checks, cover your eyes:

Investors are also increasingly concerned about their physical safety. While most of the people arrested in Prince Mohammed’s crackdowns on criticism or alleged corruption have been Saudis, some have been foreigners. One foreign businessman said he was detained and tortured after saying publicly that some business laws were unfair.

Another, an American, recently authorized the State Department to disclose relevant information to the media should the person be detained in Saudi Arabia. A second American, seeking to expand his Ohio-based nursing-home operation, was detained on arrival last year in a cramped airport holding cell for three days and deported without explanation.

But never forget: women can eat in restaurants.

Task Force Blues: Kisner Calls Cup Selection Process Too Political

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It’s not a huge surprise to read of Kevin Kisner’s frustration over getting passed over in recent Cup Captain’s picks. After stellar play in 2017’s Presidents Cup, Kisner seemed like a wise candidate for Paris the following year. Especially given the likelihood of the European’s narrowing landing areas and nullifying long driving. He was passed over for Royal Melbourne’s 2019 Presidents Cup despite being a strong fit for the course and format. And as he continued to emerge as an incredible match play golfer, culminating in a 2019 WGC match play win, his game was seen as less suited to the (ultimately successful) plan for Whistling Straits: bomb’s away!

Either way Kisner’s no Task Force fan based on comments made in the Subpar podcast hosted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.

From Golf.com’s story by James Colgan detailing Kisner’s gripes:

“I don’t know, man. They don’t like me I, guess,” Kisner told GOLF’s Subpar podcast. “I’ve had the same phone call for about four [Ryder Cups] in a row from about every captain. ‘Man, you were on the team and then you didn’t play well in the playoffs.’ OK, bud.”

If match play resume is part of the criteria, Kisner certainly has an argument. In five starts at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, between 2016-2021, he’s 16-6-2, including a victory at the event in 2019.

And then he really let ‘er rip…

“I don’t know. I didn’t give a s—,” he said. “It’s too political for me, I didn’t really care, and I don’t really get caught up in that s—. I love Stricker to death, but he didn’t pick me this year, which I get — I didn’t play worth a s— in the playoff.”

2022's Major Venues: Ranking The Intrigue Factor

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The Quadrilateral has lumped the nine men’s and women’s major venues of 2022 into one package and done what any self-respecting publication would do: rank them. I should probably also rank where this year ranks on the list of great venue years but one ranking is enough for now. Too many exciting venues sporting shiny new paint jobs to celebrate!

This entire list is for ambassadors of the newsletter, but you can get a preview of what it looks like here.

And subscription info/links can be found here.

Twitter Manspat: Murray v. Na, Sony Open Slow Play Edition

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I know what you’re thinking. Who is Grayson Murray? Didn’t he leave Twitter? Has Tour status of some kind? Took time away from pimping the shallowest of MAGA tropes on the range of Trump Jupiter and sharing predictable anti-vaccine grievances while Tweeting at Lebron? Oh and providing updates on his post-rehab monster back tat?

Well, he got some much-desired attention for his special brand of buffoonery in taking a jab at Kevin Na’s slow play. Na heads into the Sony Open weekend seven back of 36-hole leader Russell Henley and is, indeed slow.

Here is Twitter manspat in all of its early season glory below, at least until the deletes start flying (Murray already took one down). But please, guys, save some of this for Netflix!