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5 Questions About the Brooks-Bryson Showdown

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5 Questions About the Brooks-Bryson Showdown

The best characteristic of the folks behind The Match, golf’s series of made-for-TV showdowns, is that they’re willing to adapt.

The first Match pitted the game’s two biggest names, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, in a $9 million Las Vegas pay-per-view the day after Thanksgiving in 2018. Viewers flocked to place their orders; when else would they get to see Tiger vs. Phil like this? Overall, the show delivered; we got Woods sending it to sudden death playoff holes, we got a peek at Shadow Creek (Vegas’ mythic golf cathedral) and we got Mickelson winning the entire thing in the darkness on the 22nd hole on a strange, modified par-3 over a waterfall. It was strange and it was wonderful and it was very Vegas.

But not everything worked. The pay-per-view, for one thing. And Mickelson and Woods never quite seemed to decide whether they were doing friendly or intense, so instead they didn’t really do either. Their banter was flat and forced, their golf was lackluster and the whole thing took damn long.

Then the show adapted. Its next iteration brought back Woods and Mickelson, but this time with partners: Woods got Peyton Manning, while Mickelson got Tom Brady. Suddenly there were more characters, more dialogue, more natural banter. There was less dead air, with golfers in carts connected to the broadcasters. There were more golf shots. And there was heightened star power, too — a certain subset of the American populus would watch Tom Brady and Peyton Manning visit the DMV, so watching them play golf added another layer of intrigue. (Note to self: that DMV idea isn’t half-bad…)

Mickelson excelled in the format, so he stayed on to anchor the next edition, which aired the day after Thanksgiving 2020 and featured the redemption of Charles Barkley’s golf game, the all-athlete team of Manning and Steph Curry and a terrific format tweak to modified alternate shot. It wasn’t fast-paced. It wasn’t viral, must-see TV. But it was still fun.

They added a couple wrinkles for The Match IV, heading to Montana and introducing Bryson DeChambeau and Aaron Rodgers to face off against Brady and Mickelson. Rodgers showed up with a surprisingly sharp game, we got to see DeChambeau pound driver at elevation and a bear even wandered through the set. (It was slow, though.)

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Now The Match V returns with the original 1 v. 1 format, pitting DeChambeau against rival Brooks Koepka, who is making his series debut. They’ll play 12 holes at The Wynn, just steps from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The Match’s announcement was received with excitement and eye-rolls in seemingly equal measure. So who’s right — the believers or the skeptics? In short, we don’t know yet. The Match’s producers and competitors have some questions to answer. Here are five of the biggest:

1. How real is the feud, anyway?

There’s a reason we’ve been begging for this matchup, whether in a PGA Tour event or elsewhere. Their public beef dates back to January 2019, when Koepka called out DeChambeau for slow play. Since then there have been too many developments to properly catalog. But of late the feud seems to have cooled; Commissioner Monahan called off fans yelling “Brooksy” at DeChambeau, the two agreed to play nice at the Ryder Cup and even finished the week with a public embrace.

When the Match was announced, then, some golf fans were understandably wary. Was the entire thing a marketing ploy? An attempt to climb the PIP leaderboard? Was it all just made up?

My guess: It’s more real than you might think. Think back to the moment this initially took off, when an outtake from Koepka’s interview with Todd Lewis leaked and his reaction to DeChambeau walking by became the eye-roll seen ’round the world. That was real annoyance. There’s no faking a reaction like that. And now they’re taking advantage of it. They’re cashing in on that very real tension. Speaking of which…

2. Will they go friendly or frosty?

There are two approaches that would result in particularly worthwhile viewing here. The first would be a reconciliation of sorts, where the two hash out their differences in an authentic series of conversations that take place over a series of holes. They wouldn’t necessarily resolve anything but they’d at least address the root of the feud. I’m envisioning Zoolander and Hansel getting together for their epic confrontation:

“Why you been acting so messed up towards me?”

Wow, just typing that makes me consider its improbability. But it’s not impossible. The “authentic” note just seems like the toughest one to hit.

The second approach would be embracing the rivalry’s contentiousness. They could each demonstrate their legitimate dislike for the other through open frostiness. Uncomfortable silences. Pettiness. Non-conceded putts. General graveness. The outside chance of a physical altercation would linger over every green. This would be awesome but, again, unlikely. It’s golf.

My guess: DeChambeau is, by nature, friendly and non-confrontational, which might make both options difficult. Koepka is good at staredowns, he’s good at pettiness and he’s good at looking dour. But he has also seemed more comfortable buddying up with DeChambeau in recent weeks, so it’s not clear he could really go full heel here. Hopefully there’s some middle ground they can hit, but managing this balance seems like this match’s biggest challenge.

3. Can 1 vs. 1 work?

There’s a reason event organizers added more characters to this thing. Not even Woods and Mickelson could fill four-plus hours of dead space. There’s a lot of pressure to be entertaining when millions of people are tuning in just to watch you walk from the tee to your ball — and these guys are used to making those walks in silence or muttering to their caddies.

It’s tough to keep tension high for four-plus hours when there are just two golfers and they’re forcing banter. And it’s tough to fill the space if they aren’t forcing banter, too. So this is another challenge.

My guess: They’ve taken a few steps to resolve this one. First there are the earpieces, which connect competitors to broadcasters who can guide conversation or introduce wrinkles of their own that take some of the pressure off their mano a mano interactions. Next are the golf carts, which speed up play and avoid the awkwardness of figuring out whether they should walk together down the fairway. And then there’s the decision they’ve made to shrink the competition to 12 holes.

4. Is 12 holes the correct answer?

There is an obvious benefit to 12 holes: It doesn’t take as long as 18 holes. The Match has struggled with going too long, and now it will be shorter! But it’s still longer than nine holes, so you’re getting two-thirds the golf instead of just half. That would be unsatisfying.

The downside is mostly to the match’s perceived legitimacy. A round of golf is generally considered to be 18 holes, and golf matches are generally considered to be 18 holes. Does 12 holes take away from the winner’s accomplishment?

My guess: We’re still talking about The Match here. It’s fun, but it doesn’t exactly define a player’s legacy. So 12 holes isn’t really a deal-breaker. If we’re splitting hairs, I’d rather get 13 holes than 12, but I think it’s a worthy effort to stave off accusations of “this is boring!” and squeeze into a shorter TV window.

5. What, if any, role will Phil Mickelson play?

The only constant through the first four editions of The Match has been ole Lefty. Now the PGA Champ won’t be on the playing field — but will he be in the broadcast booth? Standing on the 18th hole, challenging each guy to a closest-to-the pin competition? Watching from the adjacent sportsbook, firing in prop bets? Several hours of Mickelson behind the microphone could be exactly the sort of eccentric energy this event demands.

My guess: He’ll be there, reunited with his former partner Charles Barkley, calling the action alongside Ernie Johnson. That’ll be an extremely good thing for everyone watching and trying to stave off a post-Thanksgiving nap.

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

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Sweating It Out: Guide to Playing Golf in the Summer Heat Without Melting Into the Fairway

Learn from Ty Webb on how to play in the heat of the summer without melting into the fairway.

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Hey there, sun-soaked swingers of the sticks. Ty Webb here, and today we’re talking about summer golf — you know, that magical time of year when your golf ball flies farther, your shirt clings tighter, and your sunscreen budget could bankrupt a small country.

Playing golf in extreme heat isn’t for the faint of heart… or the faint of hydration. Once the temperature climbs above 90°F, the fairway turns into a frying pan, your putter grip feels like it’s been left in the oven, and you start questioning whether that hazy mirage in the distance is the green or just your sanity evaporating.

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The key to summer golf survival? Hydration, shade, and pacing yourself like you’re in a pro-am with a three-hour lunch break. Don’t just drink water — drown in it. Wear light, moisture-wicking clothes (unless you enjoy the sensation of golfing in a wet wool sweater). And for the love of Arnie, apply SPF like you’re frosting a cake.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — “But Ty, won’t all this caution kill my competitive edge?” Not at all. Summer heat golf is all about strategy. Tee off early to beat the worst of the sun, embrace a slower swing to conserve energy, and always, always pick the cart with the best cup holder-to-seat ratio.

And when the last putt drops and you’re peeling yourself off your shirt like a human fruit roll-up, remember: every blister, every sunburn, every suspicious tan line is just proof that you survived the ultimate challenge — golf in summer heat.

So, keep your cool, keep your game sharp, and I’ll see you out there… probably hiding in the cart’s shadow between shots.

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The Unwritten Rules Every Golfer Should Know About Etiquette

Learn the essential golf etiquette rules that will make you a welcome playing partner on any course. Master these unwritten rules of golf.

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There’s an old saying in golf that the game reveals character, and nowhere is this more evident than in how a golfer conducts themselves on the course. Golf etiquette isn’t just about following rules – it’s about respect, consideration, and preserving the traditions that make golf the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game it has always been.

I learned this lesson early in my golf journey during a round at a prestigious private club where I was a guest. I was so focused on trying to play well and impress my host that I completely forgot about basic etiquette. I walked across putting lines, failed to repair ball marks, and generally acted like someone who had never set foot on a golf course before. My host was gracious about it, but I could tell I had embarrassed both of us. That experience taught me that how you play golf is just as important as how well you play golf.

Golf etiquette exists for practical reasons. It keeps the game moving at a reasonable pace, protects the course conditions for everyone who follows, and ensures that all players can enjoy their round without unnecessary distractions or frustrations. But beyond the practical aspects, etiquette is what separates golf from other sports and maintains the unique culture and traditions that make the game special.

The beauty of golf etiquette is that it’s largely based on common sense and consideration for others. If you approach each situation by asking yourself, “What would I want other golfers to do in this situation?” you’ll usually arrive at the correct etiquette choice. However, there are specific guidelines and traditions that every golfer should know, whether you’re playing your first round or your thousandth.

Understanding and following proper golf etiquette will make you a welcome playing partner at any course, from your local municipal track to the most exclusive private clubs. It shows respect for the game, the course, and your fellow golfers. More importantly, it helps ensure that everyone can enjoy their round and that the course remains in good condition for those who follow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of golf etiquette, from the moment you arrive at the course until you shake hands on the 18th green. These aren’t arbitrary rules designed to make golf stuffy or intimidating – they’re time-tested guidelines that help everyone enjoy the game more fully.

Starting Your Round Right

The first tee sets the tone for your entire round, and proper tee box etiquette establishes you as a considerate golfer from the very beginning. Arriving at your tee time is the foundation of good golf etiquette. Being late doesn’t just affect you – it can throw off the entire day’s schedule for the golf course and create delays that ripple through every group behind you.

Plan to arrive at the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time. This gives you time to check in, warm up, and be ready to play when your time comes. If you’re running late due to circumstances beyond your control, call the pro shop immediately to let them know. Most courses will try to accommodate you if they have advance notice, but showing up 10 minutes late without warning is inconsiderate to everyone involved.

The honor system on the first tee is traditionally determined by handicap, with the lowest handicap player teeing off first. However, many casual groups simply decide among themselves or use a random method like flipping a tee. What matters most is that everyone agrees on the order before anyone hits.

Once the teeing order is established, maintain it throughout the round unless the group decides to play “ready golf” to speed up pace. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor on the next tee. In case of ties, the player who had the honor on the previous tee retains it.

Silence during others’ shots is perhaps the most fundamental rule of golf etiquette. When someone is preparing to hit or is in their swing, everyone else should be quiet and still. This means no talking, no practice swings, no rattling of clubs or tees, and no movement in the player’s peripheral vision. The concentration required for golf is intense, and even small distractions can significantly affect performance.

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Position yourself appropriately when others are hitting. Stand where you can see the shot but are not in the player’s line of sight or directly behind them. Generally, this means standing to the side and slightly behind the person hitting. Never stand directly in front of someone who is hitting, even if you’re well out of range – it’s distracting and potentially dangerous.

Be ready to play when it’s your turn. This means having your club selected, your ball teed up, and your pre-shot routine ready to begin as soon as the previous player has finished and moved away from the tee. Waiting until it’s your turn to start thinking about club selection or to begin looking for your ball is a sure way to slow down the group.

Keep your practice swings to a minimum and take them in an appropriate location. One or two practice swings are usually sufficient, and they should be taken to the side of the tee box, not directly behind the ball where they might damage the tee area. Some golfers take so many practice swings that they’re tired before they actually hit the ball.

Keeping the Game Moving

Pace of play is perhaps the most critical aspect of golf etiquette, and it’s where many golfers unknowingly create problems for themselves and others. A round of golf should take approximately four hours for a foursome, though this can vary depending on course conditions, difficulty, and the skill level of the players.

The key to good pace of play is being ready to hit when it’s your turn. This preparation begins while others are playing their shots. Use the time while others are hitting to assess your lie, select your club, determine yardage, and plan your shot. By the time it’s your turn to play, you should be ready to step up and execute.

Walking or riding efficiently between shots is crucial for maintaining pace. If you’re walking, move at a brisk pace between shots. If you’re riding in a cart, follow cart path rules and position the cart so you can quickly access your clubs and continue to the next shot. Don’t drive the cart to one player’s ball, wait for them to hit, then drive to the other player’s ball – this wastes valuable time.

The “ready golf” concept has become increasingly popular as a way to speed up play without sacrificing the traditional honor system. Ready golf means that the player who is ready to hit goes ahead and plays, regardless of who technically has the honor. This is particularly useful on par-3s where everyone is hitting from the same tee, or when one player is significantly delayed in getting ready.

Lost ball procedures can significantly slow down pace of play if not handled properly. The rules allow five minutes to search for a lost ball, but in the interest of pace of play, many golfers limit their search to two or three minutes. If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, play a provisional ball to save time. This allows you to continue play without having to return to the tee if your original ball isn’t found.

Be aware of the group behind you and let them play through if you’re holding them up. If the group behind you is consistently waiting for you to clear before they can hit, and there’s a gap between your group and the group ahead of you, it’s courteous to invite the faster group to play through. This is especially important if there’s a significant skill difference between the groups.

When playing through, do so efficiently and courteously. Thank the group that’s letting you through, play quickly, and don’t hold up their play any more than necessary. Once you’ve played through, maintain an appropriate pace so you don’t create the same problem with the next group ahead.

Respecting the Most Delicate Areas

The area around the green requires special attention to etiquette because it’s where the course is most delicate and where small inconsiderations can have the biggest impact on other players’ experiences. The putting green is the most carefully maintained part of any golf course, and it deserves special respect and care.

Never walk across another player’s putting line. The line between a player’s ball and the hole is sacred territory in golf. Walking on this line can leave footprints or create small depressions that can affect the roll of the ball. Always walk around putting lines, even if it means taking a longer route to your ball or the flagstick.

Repairing ball marks is not just good etiquette – it’s essential for course maintenance. When your ball lands on the green, it often creates a small depression called a ball mark. Use a ball mark repair tool or a tee to gently lift the depressed area back to surface level, then smooth it with your putter. A properly repaired ball mark will heal within 24 hours, while an unrepaired mark can take weeks to recover and may leave a permanent scar.

The general rule is to repair your own ball mark plus one other that you find on the green. This helps ensure that the greens remain smooth and true for everyone. Some golfers make it a habit to repair several ball marks on each green, which is greatly appreciated by course maintenance staff and fellow golfers.

Flagstick etiquette has evolved with recent rule changes, but courtesy remains important. Players can now leave the flagstick in while putting, but if someone requests that it be removed, honor that request. When tending the flagstick for another player, hold it firmly to prevent it from rattling in the wind, and remove it promptly once the ball is struck.

When removing the flagstick, place it gently on the green where it won’t interfere with anyone’s line or be in the way of foot traffic. Don’t drop it or throw it, as this can damage the green. Replace the flagstick carefully when everyone has finished putting, ensuring it’s straight and properly seated in the hole.

Be mindful of where you place your golf bag or cart around the green. Keep them off the putting surface and away from the next tee to avoid interfering with other groups. Many courses have designated areas for bags and carts near each green – use these when available.

Being the Golfer Others Want to Play With

Golf etiquette isn’t about being stuffy or overly formal – it’s about being considerate, respectful, and helping everyone enjoy their round. When you follow proper etiquette, you’re contributing to the positive atmosphere that makes golf special and ensuring that the traditions of the game continue for future generations.

The golfers who are most welcome on any course are those who understand that golf is as much about how you conduct yourself as it is about how well you play. You don’t need to be a scratch golfer to be a great playing partner, but you do need to be someone who respects the game, the course, and your fellow players.

Remember that golf etiquette is learned through experience and observation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about proper protocol in a particular situation. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes, and showing that you care about doing things correctly is always appreciated.

The next time you’re on the course, pay attention to how your actions affect others and how you can contribute to everyone’s enjoyment of the round. Good etiquette becomes second nature with practice, and once it does, you’ll find that you enjoy the game even more because you’re playing it the way it was meant to be played.

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Happy Gilmore 2: Back on the Tee, But Does It Swing?

Adam Sandler swings back into hilarious chaos with “Happy Gilmore 2,” packed with outrageous comedy, wild cameos, and plenty of nostalgic fun

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Hey there, golfers and movie buffs! Ty Webb here, back with my impeccable swing and my even better taste in cinema. Today, we’re teeing up “Happy Gilmore 2,” the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s beloved golf comedy. But is it a hole-in-one, or does it hook hard into the trees?

Right off the tee, it’s clear “Happy Gilmore 2” knows exactly who it’s playing for. Adam Sandler returns as our favorite hockey-player-turned-golfer, now battling middle-aged stiffness, overly enthusiastic influencers, and a golf industry that’s somehow gotten even wilder. Reviews have generally agreed—while the film isn’t exactly Oscar bait, it delivers exactly what fans expect: plenty of laughs, outlandish scenarios, and a nostalgic nod to the original.

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One of the best parts? The cameos. Oh boy, the cameos. There’s Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), still smug, still hilarious, and still can’t putt to save his life. Then you’ve got appearances from Tiger Woods, Bill Murray (whose comedic timing remains impeccable), and even a surprise drop-in from none other than Bob Barker’s hologram, ready for round two against Happy.

The story itself is as outrageous as you’d hope. Happy gets drawn back into the competitive golf scene by a ridiculous yet irresistible premise: saving his beloved grandma’s retirement home again, now threatened by—you guessed it—a sinister corporate developer played delightfully over-the-top by Will Ferrell. The jokes land like a bucket of range balls, frequent and sometimes wildly off-target, yet somehow, that’s exactly why it works.

Critics agree the film isn’t about nuanced storytelling or thoughtful character development. It’s about watching Happy unleash his signature wind-up drive (still absurdly effective), laughably bad putting technique, and seeing Sandler gleefully poke fun at modern golf culture. Whether he’s navigating influencer-driven golf apparel or battling robotic caddies gone rogue, Happy’s misadventures remain true to his lovable, chaotic spirit.

In short, “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t trying to win awards. It’s here for laughs, nostalgia, and to remind us that sometimes golf isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. So, grab your popcorn, practice your running swing, and prepare yourself for another ridiculous round with Happy. Just remember, the price is wrong if you don’t have a good time.

Catch you on the fairway (and at the movies), my friends!

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