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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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Legendary Golf Coaches and Their Signature Teaching Techniques

A Deep Dive into the Art of Golf Coaching. There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf.

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There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf. The game demands a unique blend of physical precision, mental resilience, and strategic insight. As such, the role of a golf coach extends far beyond mere swing mechanics and course management. They also play a crucial part in shaping the mindset and overall approach of the player. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the profound impact that legendary golf coaches have had on the sport, highlighting their signature teaching styles that have produced world-class golfers and changed the face of golf across generations.

Butch Harmon: The Guru of Simplification

Butch Harmon is a name that resonates with any serious golf enthusiast. Known for his work with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman, Harmon’s coaching style is characterized by its simplicity. He focuses on making the swing as effortless as possible, keeping technical jargon to a minimum and emphasizing feel and natural movement. His approach has proven successful, with his students winning numerous major championships.

David Leadbetter: The Technician

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David Leadbetter, renowned for his work with Nick Faldo, is often considered a technician in golf coaching. He pays great attention to minute details of the swing, believing that consistency and efficiency come from mastering the fundamentals. Leadbetter introduced the “A Swing,” a technique designed to simplify the golf swing while increasing efficiency and reducing strain on the body.

Hank Haney: The Strategist

Best known for his six-year coaching tenure with Tiger Woods, Hank Haney is a strategist at heart. Haney emphasizes the importance of course management and strategic decision-making, helping players choose the best shot for any given situation. His teaching style aims to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses, thereby maximizing scoring opportunities on the course.

Sean Foley: The Modernist

Sean Foley represents a new wave of golf coaching, blending traditional golf instruction with modern technology. Notably, he uses advanced tools like 3D motion analysis and Trackman to provide detailed feedback on swing mechanics. Foley, who has worked with players like Justin Rose and Tiger Woods, believes in a holistic approach, incorporating physical fitness and mental preparation into his coaching regimen.

Pete Cowen: The Philosopher

Pete Cowen, known for his work with major winners like Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell, approaches golf coaching from a philosophical perspective. Cowen’s teaching style emphasizes the importance of mental strength, discipline, and a strong work ethic. He believes in building a solid foundation, focusing on short game and wedge play, and then working up to full swings.

Legendary golf coaches like Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Sean Foley, and Pete Cowen have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their unique teaching styles, whether it be simplification, technical precision, strategic insight, technological innovation, or philosophical approach, have helped shape the careers of many world-class golfers. Aspiring golfers and coaches can learn a great deal from their methodologies, applying these lessons to improve their own game or coaching style. After all, golf is not just about the swing; it’s about the approach, both on and off the course.

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Ryder Cup Revelry: A Long Island Love Story (Sort Of)

Did the Ryder Cup fans on Long Island get too loud? Ty Webb talks the rowdy few vs. the quiet majority. Time for some course correction! 🏌️‍♂️

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Well, another Ryder Cup is in the books. And while the scoreboard didn’t exactly sing a sweet American victory tune, the fans… oh, the fans. They certainly hit a high note, even if it was occasionally a little off-key and yelled with a thick Long Island accent.

For those of you who spent the weekend blissfully unaware of the happenings near the big city, let me set the scene. The ultimate transatlantic golf showdown landed in our backyard—specifically, on Long Island, New York. And when you put a major sporting event in a place known for a certain… enthusiasm (and perhaps a few loud opinions about how to drive on the LIE), things are bound to get interesting.

Now, before the entire Tri-State area cancels my membership (if I even had one), let me clarify. Golf fans, by and large, are the best. They appreciate a great shot, know when to clap, and generally understand that “Hole in One!” is not, in fact, an acceptable battle cry on the tee box.

But then there’s the Ryder Cup. It’s like a regular golf tournament went to a party, had too many energy drinks, and decided to wear a very loud, oversized foam Statue of Liberty hat.

The Long Island Effect

Let’s be honest. Long Island has a reputation. We’re talking about people who love their sports, are fiercely loyal, and occasionally view volume control as a suggestion, not a rule. They’re the kind of fans who make you feel like you should be ordering a hot dog with “the works” and shouting “Yankees!” even if it’s a golf tournament.

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This weekend, that famed Long Island swagger was on full display. We saw a few… vocal individuals who clearly believed that the European players needed to be personally informed of every single American’s opinion regarding their putting stroke. Were there chants? You bet. Were there questionable fashion choices in red, white, and blue? Oh, absolutely. I’m pretty sure I saw one guy wearing a Captain America cape and trying to do a chest bump with a security guard.

My advice to those particular patrons? Learn a thing or two from the Zen of the fairway. As I always say, “Nirvana is not as far as you think.” Or, in this case, “Maybe just applaud the guy’s bogey and move on.”

The Quiet Majority

Here’s the thing that often gets lost in the hullabaloo, especially when a broadcast camera zeroes in on the three loudest guys in the grandstands: Most American golf fans were fantastic.

For every chap heckling a European player (which, by the way, is not what golf is about, fellas), there were a hundred others politely murmuring their appreciation, setting a fine example, and genuinely enjoying the world-class golf being played. They’re the silent, appreciative backbone of the gallery—the ones who understand that the real drama is between the golfer and the ball, not between the spectator and his blood alcohol level.

The U.S. is a big place, and our golf culture is deep and respectful. We don’t all act like we’re waiting for the Islanders to score a game-winner. In fact, most of us look at those over-the-top antics and shake our heads with a wry smile, thinking, “Oh, those guys. They must be from the Island.”

A Lesson in Chill

So, to my fellow Americans who might have earned us a reputation for being the loudest kids in the sandbox this weekend: Take a breath. Take a page out of my book. Be the ball. Let the good vibrations flow.

Next time, maybe we could exchange the constant cheering for the serene sound of a well-struck iron. And perhaps trade in that enormous foam finger for a nice, understated pair of sunglasses.

We love the passion, we love the patriotism, but let’s remember that golf is a gentleman’s game. Even when it’s played by guys who might still think a nine-iron is something you use to fight off traffic on the Southern State Parkway.

Keep it classy, America. And maybe next time, let’s win the Cup quietly—or at least, with a little less yelling and a lot more accurate putts.

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Fore! Reasons Your Golf Cart Needs a Glow-Up (and How to Do It)

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Let’s be honest. We all love the game, the fresh air, the occasional well-struck shot that makes us feel like a temporary Rory McIlroy. But what about the unsung hero of our weekend rounds? The trusty, sometimes rusty, golf cart. For too long, these magnificent machines have been relegated to mere utility. A box on wheels to get us from the pro shop to the first tee and back again. Well, I say no more! It’s time to infuse some personality, some pizzazz, some… us into our golf cart experience. Because a golf cart isn’t just a ride; it’s an extension of our golfing soul.

Think about it. We obsess over driver lofts, putter grips, and the perfect golf fashion ensemble. We want to look good, feel good, and play good. Why should our golf cart be any different? It’s often the first and last impression we make on the course, a mobile clubhouse, and sometimes, let’s be real, a temporary confessional after a particularly brutal triple bogey. So, if you’re ready to ditch the drab and embrace the fab, here are four compelling reasons your golf cart needs a serious glow-up, along with some hacker-approved tips to get you started.

1. Stand Out from the Rough (Literally)

Golf courses are a sea of sameness when it comes to carts. White, beige, maybe a splash of green if you’re lucky. But what if your cart announced your arrival with a flourish? Imagine pulling up to the tee box in a cart that screams “I’m here to have fun and maybe even sink a few putts!” A personalized cart isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making a statement. It’s about showing off your golf passion even before you hit your first drive.

Hacker Hack: Start with a custom paint job or some snazzy vinyl wraps. Think bold stripes, a subtle argyle pattern, or even a replica of your favorite golf course’s logo. For the truly committed golf enthusiast, consider some underglow LED lights. Not only do they look cool, but they also make those twilight rounds a whole lot more exciting. Don’t forget custom golf cart wheels and tires; they can completely transform the look and feel of your golf cart.

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2. Boost Your On-Course Comfort (and Cool Factor)

Let’s face it, golf can be a long day. Hours spent traversing fairways, searching for wayward shots, and waiting for slow groups. Why not make those hours as comfortable as possible? A basic golf cart seat might suffice, but a souped-up one? That’s next-level golf life. We’re talking about enhancing your overall golf experience.

Hacker Hack: Invest in some premium, upholstered golf cart seats. Think marine-grade vinyl for durability and comfort. Add a custom steering wheel for better grip and a more luxurious feel. And for those scorching summer days, a golf cart fan is an absolute game-changer. You can even install a small cooler to keep your beverages chilled, making you the most popular person in your foursome. Consider a golf cart enclosure for those unexpected rain showers or chilly mornings, keeping you dry and warm.

3. Unleash Your Inner Technophile (and Score Better?)

Who says technology is just for your golf swing analyzer? Your golf cart can be a hub of innovation, making your rounds smoother, more enjoyable, and dare I say, potentially lowering your handicap. From GPS systems to rocking sound setups, there’s a world of golf cart tech waiting to be explored. We’re talking about smart golf accessories for your golf cart.

Hacker Hack: Integrate a golf GPS system directly into your dash. No more fumbling with your phone or rangefinder. Install a Bluetooth sound system so you can enjoy your favorite golf podcasts or pump up the jams between holes. And for the ultimate convenience, consider USB charging ports for your phone or other golf gadgets. Some golf carts even offer built-in ball washers and club cleaners, keeping your golf equipment pristine.

4. Express Your Golfing Personality (and Start Conversations)

Your golf cart is a canvas. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique golf style and personality. Are you a traditionalist? A wild card? A minimalist? Your cart can reflect that. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and a way to connect with other golfers who appreciate a bit of flair. It’s all about golf cart customization and golf cart accessories that speak to you.

Hacker Hack: Personalize your golf cart with custom floor mats, a unique dash panel, or even a personalized license plate (check your local course rules first!). Add some fun decals or stickers that reflect your golfing sense of humor. A custom golf bag attachment can also add a touch of individuality. The possibilities for golf cart upgrades are endless, from practical additions like a sand bottle for divot repair to purely aesthetic touches.

So, next time you’re about to hop into that plain, run-of-the-mill golf cart, think about the potential. Think about the golf cart accessories, golf cart parts, and golf cart upgrades that can transform it into something truly special. Your golf cart isn’t just transportation; it’s an experience. It’s an extension of your golfing journey, and it deserves to shine as brightly as your best golf shot. Now go forth, hackers, and give your golf cart the glow-up it deserves!

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