Connect with us

PGA News

Fowler Sets Off Fireworks on 4th of July Weekend

Published

on

Rickie Fowler wins Rocket Mortgage Classic, ends 4-year drought. The power of 4 was ever present this week!

Rickie Fowler tilted his head back, exhaled, and smiled. In a three-man playoff at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic with Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, Rickie Fowler makes a birdie on the par-4 18th, the first extra hole, for his sixth career win on the PGA TOUR and first since the 2019 WM Phoenix Open. A dozen words summed up why the golf world so loves Fowler: when interviewed he said – “Yeah, winning is great, but there’s a LOT more to life than that”! Gotta love this guy…

To put that in perspective, his last win came before he got married and had a child. To put it lightly…a LOT has happened since then…As Ricky mentioned in his post-round interview, some things are just more important than golf. Then again he had just won 1.5 million dollars for a weekend’s work! So he’s got that goin’ for him…which is nice!

He finally did it, holding on after so many have seemingly slipped away. I watched as he was wearing his usual Sunday Orange and found myself wondering just how that came to be. “Who the heck wears orange golf gear?” well turns out, Ricky does and says he wears Orange on Sundays to make himself his own man – to stand out. Think Tiger Red on Sundays!

Refusing to crumble and collapse again, Fowler made a 12-foot birdie putt, that slid in on the right-hand side on the first playoff hole of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He had done it… He outlasted Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin, just two weeks after squandering a chance at the U.S. Open.

“It’s just nice to have this one out of the way,” Fowler said after winning for the first time in four years. “I’m obviously going to soak this one in and celebrate a bit.

“Yeah, it’s just been a long road.” Fowler ended a career-long, 96-start championship drought after missing out on two chances to win in June, closing with a 75 at the U.S. Open to tie for fifth and with a 69 last week at the Travelers Championship to drop into a tie for 13th.

ADVERTISEMENT

Followed all day by a sea of orange at Detroit Golf Club, Fowler was knocked down on the leaderboard by a near-record-tying round from Morikawa. Fowler responded on his 72nd hole of the tournament with an approach from 145 feet that left him with a 3-foot birdie putt to pull into a three-way tie with Morikawa and Hadwin at 24 under.

Fowler hit an errant tee-shot way right in the playoff, and after a drop, his approach from 184 landed 12 feet from the cup. Morikawa was inches long on his approach, and instead of having the ball spin back to the hole, it bounced into the rough.

“I truly thought I hit the perfect shot,” Morikawa said. “It just was a little juiced, went a little far and just didn’t have the putter in the hand. Not that the chip wasn’t possible, but would have been nice to have the putter in the hand.”

Hadwin missed a 22-foot putt and Morikawa his chip, opening the door for Fowler to close out the tournament before thunderstorms rolled over Detroit.

“I knew it was just a matter of time with how I’ve been playing,” said Fowler, who has eight top-10 finishes this season. “I’ve had a couple of tough weekends where I had a chance.”

Even though Morikawa was disappointed in coming up short of a victory he has been shooting for since winning the 2021 Open Championship, he was happy for Fowler. “He’s been playing phenomenal golf, it’s great to see,” he said. “People love him.” Morikawa’s 8-under round put him 1 shot back from the course record of 63. Hadwin shot a 67 and Fowler a 68.

Fowler had a share of the 54-hole lead last month at Los Angeles Country Club with an opportunity to win his first major and was at least a co-leader after three rounds in one tournament in each of the previous two years. Before his breakthrough in Detroit, he had won just two of the 10 times he was the third-round leader or co-leader.

The 34-year-old Fowler physically and mentally did what was needed to earn his sixth PGA Tour victory and his first since winning the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The fan favorite and longtime ambassador for Rocket Mortgage was cheered with chants of “Rick-ie! Rick-ie!” as clusters of people gathered around the 18th green hoping he would win it.

Full-Length Post Win Interview

While Fowler faltered, going 10 straight holes and settling for pars on a relatively easy course, Morikawa had four birdies on both the front and back nine. Morikawa made a 10-foot putt at No. 12, his fourth birdie in a six-hole stretch that put him within a shot of Fowler, and his 9-footer for birdie at No. 14 pulled him into a tie with Fowler at 23 under.

Monday qualifier Peter Kuest (65), Lucas Glover (65), and Taylor Moore (67) were tied for fourth at 21 under. Kuest, who started the week ranked 789th in the world, did well enough to earn a spot in this week’s John Deere Classic in Illinois. See ya next week Pete!

Play was suspended Saturday for 1 hour, and 42 minutes because of lightning, and the schedule for the final round was adjusted because of inclement weather in the forecast. The leaders teed off Sunday morning about five hours before the original schedule with threesomes starting on both the front and back nine.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Welcome to the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open!

Avatar photo

Published

on

Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.

Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.

ADVERTISEMENT

Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.

At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.

Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!

Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.

Continue Reading

News

The Final Day of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

A thrilling showdown looms

Avatar photo

Published

on

As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.

After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.

“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.

ADVERTISEMENT

PING Hoofer

Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.

The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.

Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.

Charlie Neibergall / AP

One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.

Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.

Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.

Continue Reading

News

Beau Hossler Leads the Charge as Sanderson Farms Championship Heats Up

Moving Day Brings Drama and High Stakes in Jackson

Avatar photo

Published

on

The Sanderson Farms Championship is heating up, and as we head into today’s round, all eyes are on Beau Hossler. The 28-year-old is chasing his first PGA TOUR victory and currently sits atop the leaderboard after an impressive 8-under 64 on Friday. Hossler is feeling the pressure but remains focused, holding a slim one-stroke lead over Daniel Berger. Berger, in his own right, put together a masterful bogey-free 65, showcasing his ability to bounce back from a long injury layoff and reminding everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

As the action continues at the Country Club of Jackson, Mississippi, the field is tightly packed. With players like Keith Mitchell and David Skinns close behind, it’s anyone’s tournament at this point. Mitchell’s aggressive play and Skinns’ steady consistency have kept them in striking distance, making this weekend a must-watch for fans of the sport. Adding to the storylines is Gary Woodland, who’s battling his way up the leaderboard in an inspiring comeback following his recent health challenges. Woodland posted a bogey-free round, keeping himself in contention and capturing the hearts of fans who admire his resilience.

ADVERTISEMENT

PING Hoofer

The Sanderson Farms Championship is known for delivering unexpected drama, and this year is proving to be no different. The course at the Country Club of Jackson, with its tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards, has been testing the skills of even the most seasoned players. Low scores have been a hallmark of the event so far, but the weekend always has a way of separating the contenders from the pretenders. With the cut set at 6-under 138, those who made it through will need to stay aggressive while avoiding the lurking dangers that could derail their chances.

As we move into moving day, expect to see more aggressive pin-seeking and bold drives. Players know this is their opportunity to position themselves for a shot at glory on Sunday. Hossler and Berger will have to navigate the pressure, but they are not alone. Mitchell, Skinns, and a host of others are all within striking distance, making for a tightly contested leaderboard. It’s this kind of competition that makes the Sanderson Farms Championship such a thrill to watch—an event where up-and-coming talents clash with seasoned veterans, each hungry for a win.

Fans should also keep an eye on some dark horse players who are quietly lurking just a few shots back. Golf is a game of momentum, and all it takes is a hot streak to vault up the leaderboard. The championship offers crucial FedExCup points, and with many players seeking to improve their standings as the season winds down, there’s an extra layer of urgency to every swing, every putt, and every decision.

The Sanderson Farms Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it’s an opportunity for these players to prove themselves on a big stage. As the weekend unfolds, the focus will be on consistency, resilience, and the ability to handle the pressure that comes with competing for a PGA TOUR title. Who will rise to the occasion? Will Hossler finally get his breakthrough win, or will Berger’s comeback story reach a new high? One thing is for sure: it’s going to be an exciting weekend of golf filled with drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of unpredictability.

Stay tuned for continued coverage as the Sanderson Farms Championship intensifies. The pursuit of glory and those all-important FedExCup points will only get more dramatic as the players continue their quest for victory.

Continue Reading

Trending

Click here to get all the latest golf news

Close