Golf News
Masters Preview
April 3, 2023
Starting on Thursday the best players in the world will be playing at Augusta National. Last week the best Women’s Amateurs in the world took to Augusta. Rose Zhang, the world number 1, was able to hold on despite a tough last round. Rose was was tied with Jenny Bae through 17 holes after being up 6 starting the round. Rose was able to finish the job and beat Jenny in extra holes. Watching the Women’s Am reminded me of recent blow ups we have seen at Augusta. From Rory in 2011 to Jordan Spieth in 2016 Augusta continues to break hearts on Sundays.
The most interesting hole is number 12 (pictured above). Golden Bell, the shortest par 3 at Augusta National, plays around 155 yards on Sunday, but can require anything from a 6 iron to a 9 iron for most players depending on the wind. Due to swirling winds, it is often difficult to pinpoint the direction, leading to multiple shots in the water. In 2019 as Tiger Woods was closing in on his first Major title since 2008, his two closest opponents (Tony Finau and Francesco Molinari) both hit their tee shot into the water on 12. This opening propelled Tiger to a one stroke victory.
Like in 2019, I anticipate a tight race going into number 12. A smart player will be aiming left of the pin towards the middle of the green. A solid tee shot leading to a two putt par could be the difference to propel a player to the Master’s title.
Scottie Schefler is the large favorite (+700 odds) going into Augusta this week. Scottie has two recent wins at the Waste Management Open and The Players Championship. Scottie is the defending champion and looks as good this year as he did last year going into the tournament. Following Scottie is Rory Mcllory (+800 odds). Rory has had a solid, but inconsistent year in 2023. Rory had a T29 finish at the Genesis Invitational along with a T32 at the Phoenix Open. The last large tournament, The Players Championship, Rory missed the cut. Rory won the Dubai Championship and tied for 2nd at the Arnold Palmer Invite.
My overall favorite, along with the crowd, is Scottie to repeat as champion. His driver doesn’t miss and he has been making every clutch putt he needs to. My (easy) sleeper is Jordan Spieth (+1600). My simple reason for Jordan winning is because he has won on Easter the last two years! Jordan won the 2021 Valero Texas Open and in 2022 he won the RBC Heritage on Easter Sunday. This trend could be showing the fate of this year’s Master’s Champion.
Phil Mickelson and LIV
October 17, 2022
The LIV has taken the golf world by storm. With huge payouts and a shorter schedule many of the top golfers have made the jump from the PGA. In his newest remarks on 10/13/22, Phil Mickelson believes fans will have to pick a side moving forward. Mickelson said, “You have to pick what side do you think is going to be successful.” Mickelson currently believes he is on the winning side with LIV golf.
Dustin Johnson, the first big name to sign with LIV after Mickelson, just won LIV’s player of the year. This included a HUGE payday of $18 million from the year long points race. This payout brought his season total over $30 million. For reference, Scottie Scheffler was the top money earner in 2022 and made $14 million on the PGA Tour.
Although many players took criticism for their move away from the PGA, the players and caddies seem to be enjoying the new atmosphere. In my opinion, the Saudi backed LIV has too much money for the PGA to compete with. The LIV can continue to pay players to come to their brand and support it. Until the LIV and PGA sit down and have peace talks, the PGA will continue to lose golfers to the shortened schedule and increased payouts.