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5 Most Meaningful Golfers in 2021

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5 most meaningful golfers in 2021

Looking back at 2021, we can’t believe it is almost over. It seems like the last twelve months have flown by, but that doesn’t mean it was uneventful in the slightest. The pandemic is still affecting every aspect of our daily lives from mandates to cancelled events we’ve been looking forward to for years.

The same is true for the world of golf. When Covid first came along, majors where rescheduled, some multiple times, and golf fans were left longing for any tidbit of golf news they could sink their teeth into.

But 2021 was different. So much has happened that it’s hard to believe it could fit all in one year. Not all of it was pretty, but it was quite entertaining to say the least. On the flipside, so many wonderful things happened as well. We got to watch some of our favorite players rise up to new challenges and unexpected winners showcase their talents.

One of our favorite things to do at the end of every year is to take a look back at these memorable moments and find the ones that affected us the most. In determining who belongs where on this year end list, we will be looking at more than just the wins a golfer racked up. Sure, you might feel differently about the choice made here, but that’s what we love about this sport. So many people can get different things out of every situation.

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All in all, we wanted to put together a list that meant something for this year in golf. Something we could take a look back at years down the road and remember the talents that helped define 2021. It was very difficult as there were so many to choose from.

Here’s our list for the top five golfers from the last year:

1. Jon Rahm

This one seemed like a no-brainer for us. Easy day. His list of accomplishments is ridiculous, but even his win total — only that U.S. Open victory in June — belies how good he was. It’s important to note that Rahm led the Memorial Tournament in June by six before having to withdraw following Round 3 after testing positive for COVID-19. He also finished T1 at the Tour Championship if you look at who took the fewest strokes throughout that week and don’t factor in players’ starting scores.

Rahm’s 2.28 strokes gained was the best in the world in 2021, just ahead of Patrick Cantlay’s 2.14 and well ahead of Daniel Berger — who finished third — at 1.85. Rahm also had the highest percentage of top 10s (62%) across all events worldwide and the lowest cumulative score of the golfers who made the cut at all four major championships. At those four majors, he finished T5-T8-1-T3. He beat or tied 539 of 552 (97.6%) of golfers at the four most important events. And if all of that wasn’t enough, he was one of just three golfers to win more than a single point for Europe at the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

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2. Collin Morikawa

The only other lock for me. While his strokes-gained number was not as impressive as Rahm’s (Morikawa finished 10th in the world in strokes gained), he won a major, had the second-highest top-10 percentage behind Rahm and took the Race to Dubai by winning the DP World Tour Championship. He was also a nightmare for Europe at the Ryder Cup. Morikawa is a tremendous example of strokes gained not telling the entire story. According to Data Golf, even though he ranked 10th overall in strokes gained for the year, he ranked third when you look at the 95th percentile of players’ rounds. In other words, his best stuff was better than the best stuff of everyone other than Patrick Cantlay and Rahm.

3. Jordan Spieth

I know everyone will be shocked that I included Spieth, but his case is fairly airtight. He finished fourth in strokes gained on the year, won the Texas Open and legitimately mixed it up at both the Masters and Open Championship. He could have fairly easily won either one of those. Additionally, he accumulated the fifth-most OWGR points behind Morikawa, Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Sam Burns. You could have made a compelling argument that, for most of the first half of 2021, Spieth was once again the best golfer in the world.

4. Patrick Cantlay

This might surprise you, but Cantlay was actually difficult for me to include on here. He was not very good at the major championships (best finish was T15 at the U.S. Open), but he was very good everywhere else and won two big-time events at Memorial (although Rahm probably should have won) and that epic playoff at the BMW Championship over Bryson DeChambeau. Ultimately, the fact that he was the only golfer other than Rahm to top 2.0 strokes gained on the year won me over, but I strongly considered throwing Brooks Koepka or Louis Oosthuizen into this spot.

5. Hideki Matsuyama

Another player who won’t win any statistical wars but did win perhaps the two most meaningful tournament of the season. First, he became the first golfer from Asia to win the Masters in April, and then he won in his home country of Japan at the Zozo Championship in the fall. The rest of his year was fairly tepid — top-five finishes at the Olympics and in Memphis at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational — but any list of the best and most important golfers in 2021 has to have Matsuyama on it.

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The toughest golfers to leave off the list were Louis Oosthuizen, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson. They all had interesting cases to make, but ultimately didn’t win enough, weren’t consistent enough or didn’t play enough high-quality golf throughout the year to warrant inclusion.

Mickelson is especially intriguing because I think when we look back on 2021, his PGA Championship victory will be one of the most memorable moments. But he was so bad the rest of the year that it made it impossible to include him. He lost strokes over the course of the entire 2020-21 PGA Tour season and did not rank in the top 150 in the world in strokes gained. He didn’t have another top 10 worldwide other than that PGA win, which somehow makes the PGA win even more impressive but also means that he falls short of making this list.

This article originally appeared on CBS Sports.

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The Art of Golf Course Photography

Capturing a golf course’s essence involves conveying its beauty and tranquility through masterful photography techniques.

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Peter Gibb

Capturing the Beauty of the Game

Ahoy, shutterbug golfers! This week, we’re diving into the enchanting world of golf course photography – because what better way to preserve the magic of the game than through the lens of a camera?

Check out the work by Peter Gibb he takes to the sky and photographs some iconic golf holes and then paints them on these beautiful canvases. Perhaps his style will inspire you as you capture your own images.

Peter Gibb
Art by Peter Gibb

So grab your cameras, polish your lenses, and let’s explore the art of capturing the beauty of the game:

1. Seek out Stunning Vistas: Every golf course has its own unique beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a breathtaking ocean view, a majestic mountain backdrop, or a lush green fairway stretching into the horizon, seek out stunning vistas that showcase the natural splendor of the course.

2. Embrace Golden Hour: The golden hour – that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset – is a photographer’s best friend. The soft, warm light bathes the landscape in a golden glow, casting long shadows and creating dramatic contrasts. Embrace the golden hour to capture your golf course in all its radiant glory.

3. Focus on Details: While sweeping landscapes are certainly breathtaking, don’t overlook the smaller details that make each golf course unique. Whether it’s the intricate design of a bunker, the delicate petals of a flower, or the serene reflection of a pond, focus on capturing the finer details that add depth and character to the scene.

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4. Experiment with Perspectives: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your compositions and perspectives. Experiment with different angles, vantage points, and framing techniques to add visual interest and depth to your photos. Whether you’re shooting from ground level, aerial drones, or even underwater, the possibilities are endless.

5. Tell a Story: Finally, use your golf course photos to tell a story – not just of the game, but of the experience and emotions it evokes. Whether it’s the joy of sinking a putt, the frustration of hitting into a hazard, or the camaraderie of playing with friends, let your photos capture the essence of the golfing experience in all its glory.

So there you have it, fellow photographers – the art of golf course photography in all its majestic splendor. Whether you’re seeking out stunning vistas, embracing golden hour light, focusing on details, experimenting with perspectives, or telling a captivating story, let your camera be your guide as you capture the beauty of the game for all to see. And if you are just interested in a wonderful piece of art reach out to Peter Gibb.

Until next time, may your shots be as sharp as your focus, your compositions be as flawless as your swings, and your photos be a window into the soul of golf. Snap on, my fellow shutterbugs!

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Golf’s Grand Stages: Iconic Tournaments and Their Impact

The game’s greatest events.

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Majestic events for some of golf’s elite

Hello, golf enthusiasts,

As we extend our series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today we shift our focus from players and equipment to the grand stages themselves—the tournaments that have defined competitive golf. These events are not just competitions; they are cultural phenomena that have shaped the sport and its global following. Let’s explore some of the most iconic golf tournaments and their profound impact on the sport.

The Masters: A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is synonymous with tradition and prestige. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1934, this tournament is known for its green jacket, a coveted prize that symbolizes excellence and membership in golf’s most exclusive club. The Masters has been a stage for some of golf’s greatest moments, from Jack Nicklaus’ historic win in 1986 at the age of 46 to Tiger Woods’ dramatic comeback in 2019.

The Open Championship: Golf’s Oldest Major

Commonly referred to as The British Open, The Open Championship is the oldest of golf’s four major tournaments, first played in 1860. It is conducted annually on the links courses around Scotland and England, presenting a unique challenge with its unpredictable weather and rugged landscapes. The Claret Jug, awarded to the champion, is one of the most recognized trophies in all of sports.

The U.S. Open: Ultimate Test of Golf

The U.S. Open is renowned for its rigorous setup, which aims to test the limits of players’ skills and mental toughness. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this tournament is played at various locations across the United States and is known for its narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. Winning the U.S. Open is a testament to a golfer’s precision and perseverance.

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The PGA Championship: A Showcase of Talent

The PGA Championship, conducted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, is where golf’s best professionals vie for the Wanamaker Trophy. This tournament is distinct for often being held at parkland courses across the U.S., featuring lush fairways and challenging greens. It’s a test of both skill and strategic play, often bringing out the best performances from the world’s top golfers.

These tournaments are more than just annual sporting events; they are a celebration of golf’s rich history and a showcase of its evolving future. Each tournament brings its unique flavor and set of challenges, contributing significantly to the legacy and popularity of the sport worldwide.

Join me next time as we explore golf’s role in fostering international camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Thank you for following along.

Warm regards,
Robert Greenfield

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The Joy of Golfing with Friends

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Building Bonds on the Fairway

Ahoy, golfing companions! This week, we’re celebrating the unparalleled joy of teeing off with friends – because as any golfer knows, there’s nothing quite like sharing the fairway with your favorite playing partners. So gather your crew, dust off your clubs, and let’s explore the magic of golfing with friends:

1. Shared Laughter, Shared Memories: Golfing with friends isn’t just about hitting the ball – it’s about sharing laughs, swapping stories, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re reminiscing about past rounds, joking about missed putts, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the camaraderie of the game is what makes it truly special.

2. Support and Encouragement: One of the greatest benefits of golfing with friends is the support and encouragement they provide. From cheering you on after a great shot to offering words of wisdom when you’re struggling, your playing partners are there to lift you up and help you stay positive, no matter what challenges the course throws your way.

3. Friendly Competition: While golf is ultimately a game against the course, there’s no denying the thrill of a little friendly competition among friends. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, playing for a friendly wager, or simply trying to outdo each other on the scorecard, the spirit of competition adds an extra layer of excitement to every round.

4. Strengthening Bonds: Golfing with friends isn’t just about the game – it’s about strengthening bonds and deepening friendships. The shared experiences, inside jokes, and moments of triumph and defeat on the course all serve to bring you closer together, forging bonds that are as strong as steel.

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5. Lifelong Companionship: Finally, golfing with friends is about more than just the present moment – it’s about building lifelong companionship that extends far beyond the fairway. Whether you’re celebrating victories, commiserating over defeats, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the friendships forged on the golf course are ones that will endure for years to come.

So there you have it, fellow golfing comrades – the joy of golfing with friends in all its glorious splendor. Whether you’re sharing laughs, supporting each other through the ups and downs, or strengthening bonds that last a lifetime, there’s nothing quite like hitting the links with your favorite playing partners by your side. Until next time, may your rounds be filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Friends on, my fellow golfers!

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