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A PGA Tour wedding, a football-TIGER crossover & Golf Twitter Beef

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Weekly Breakdown - Jan 23, 2022

Hello friends! It’s time for another edition of the Weekend Report. I’m feeling really good this week because I’m officially on the way to becoming a Football Gal™️. I grew up “watching” the Patriots and Boston College football, but never really paid attention. Last week, I made it my goal to finally start to understand the game, and to my pleasant surprise, there has been quite some overlap between football and golf. Honestly, the whole thing reminds me of those Disney Channel crossover episodes I obsessed over as a kid! So, let’s get right into it.

Georgia golf alums celebrate the National Championship

When I think of college golf powerhouses, I think of the recent NCAA Championship winners: Stanford, Oklahoma State, etc. It’s not until photos like these appear on my social media feed that I remember the absolute DEPTH of the Georgia Bulldogs’ PGA Tour roster.

We’ve got the second and third place Sony Open finishers in this very photo, as well as Hudson Swafford, Keith Mitchell, Brian Harman and Harris English. Honorable mention to all of them for committing to golf’s official off-course uniform: khaki shorts and sneakers.

A PGA Tour wedding

Keith Mitchell got two birds with one stone on his trip to Hawaii. He got married AND played in the Sony Open. Keith married Claire Watson on the beach in Hawaii, and these are the only photos I’ve come across from the event. Between his T-7 finish at the Sony, Georgia winning the national title, and marrying the love of his life, we’re guessing it was a good week to be Keith Mitchell. Congrats to the happy couple!

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Golf Twitter Drama!

A LOT happened on Twitter this week, and I’m breaking the main event into three acts to help you follow along. (Side note: if you are not on Twitter, you absolutely need to be. It’s where personalities shine, jokes are made and drama ensues.)

I. Grayson Murray and Kevin Na go at it

Kevin Na’s pace on the greens has been a point of discussion in the past, but it came up again after this photo of his playing partner Talor Gooch waiting on him at the Sony Open starting making the rounds on Twitter.

Next up, Grayson Murray Tweeted about it. And Na didn’t hold back in his reply.

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II. The conversation continues, others get involved, Murray doubles down

The beautiful (or horrible) thing about Twitter is that anyone can chime into a conversation at just about any time. Take Ben An, for instance.

And then Colt Knost.

III. Na discusses it all on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio

Here’s what Na had to say:

“I had an idea people were going to laugh, because when I tweeted it, my caddie Kenny Harms was texting me, I said, ‘Look at this idiot.’ I said, ‘Watch this,’ and I showed him, he was laughing pretty hard. It was amazing how many players and caddies came up to me and complimented me, not on my round, about my tweet. I’ve had some big boys telling me how good it was. Even Brooks messaged me. Brooks Koepka messaged me saying how good of a tweet that was.Somebody mentioned oh, is this [like] the duel you had with Bryson and Brooks? First of all, [Murray’s] not even on Tour. You have to be somebody to make this worthwhile or make money out of this match. I mean, I can barely create a buzz — barely. I’m not a major-winner. I’m just a maybe above-average player on Tour. And who’s this guy? Nobody cares. That’s the sad part.”

Yikes!

Did Deebo Samuel wear a Tiger Woods mock neck under his jersey on Sunday evening? An in-depth analysis:

The following post blew up on Twitter on Sunday evening when TWLegion grabbed a screenshot of what appeared to be a Tiger Woods mock neck under Deebo Samuel’s jersey.

But truthfully, that grainy image wasn’t enough proof. I zoomed and zoomed on that photo and, as much as I wanted to see the TW logo, I just didn’t. I needed more proof. So I did what any social media manager would do on a Sunday night and looked on Getty Images. Still no luck. Most of Deebo’s photos from the game were face-on. But I wasn’t giving up. I took my talents to his tagged photos on Instagram. Enter River Cracraft, who I’d like to thank for tagging his teammate in the following photo. (Sidebar: It’s amazing how quickly one can go from ‘learning football’ to ‘introducing a football player named River Cracraft to an audience of golf fans.’)

Ah-ha! Finally, a clearer image. I took the liberty of zooming in here as well and went from being like, 10% convinced that it was a Tiger Woods mock neck to about 50% sure. (It’s not perfect, but hey, it’s something!)

I also learned that both Tiger and Deebo are signed with Excel Sports Management, so it wouldn’t be too much of a reach for the 49ers wide receiver to be sporting the shirt. Of course, I promise to update you all on this very pressing issue if any more information becomes available.

That’s all I’ve got for this week, folks. I’m looking forward to my sleep schedule improving at the Tour moves from Hawaii to California this week — hopefully setting the stage for more appropriately timed Twitter drama. Until next week!

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

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Zurich Classic 2025: Betting & Fantasy Insights from Kelly Hodgeson

Rory McIlroy returns to the Zurich Classic with Shane Lowry as favorites, but in this unique team event, betting and fantasy success comes down to smart picks and hidden value—here’s how to play it.

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The Zurich Classic of New Orleans returns this week, offering a unique team format that challenges both bettors and fantasy players alike. As someone who enjoys the thrill of wagering and the strategy of fantasy golf, I’ve taken a close look at this year’s field to provide insights that could help you make informed decisions.

Understanding the Format

The Zurich Classic is the PGA Tour’s only team event, featuring 80 two-man teams competing over four rounds:

  • Rounds 1 & 3: Best Ball (Four-Ball)
  • Rounds 2 & 4: Alternate Shot (Foursomes)

This format emphasizes team chemistry and strategy, making it distinct from traditional stroke play events.

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Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry enter the tournament as favorites, with odds around +350 to +360 across various sportsbooks. Their victory last year and McIlroy’s recent Masters win contribute to their favored status.

Betting Consideration: While their form is impressive, the low odds may not offer substantial value. In team events with unpredictable dynamics, it’s often prudent to seek teams with higher potential returns.

Teams to Watch

Several pairings present intriguing opportunities:​

  • Billy Horschel & Tom Hoge (+2200): Horschel’s history at TPC Louisiana, including a previous win, combined with Hoge’s recent top-20 finishes, make them a formidable duo.​
  • Thomas Detry & Robert MacIntyre (+1800): This European pair has shown consistency, with Detry’s earlier victory this season and MacIntyre’s solid performances leading up to the Masters.​
  • Patrick Fishburn & Zac Blair (+8000): As longshots, their fourth-place finish last year and recent form suggest they could surprise the field again.

Fantasy Golf Insights

For those setting fantasy lineups, consider the following:​

  • Nick Taylor & Adam Hadwin: Their past success at TPC Louisiana, including a second-place finish in 2023, indicates strong course compatibility.​
  • Davis Riley & Nick Hardy: Winners in 2023, their chemistry and experience in this format could translate into valuable fantasy points.​
  • Alex & Matt Fitzpatrick: The Fitzpatrick brothers have shown steady improvement, with a T11 finish last year, making them a reliable mid-tier option.

Strategic Betting Tips

  • Value Over Favorites: In a format prone to variability, consider teams with odds of +1800 or higher that exhibit strong recent form and synergy.​
  • Monitor Course History: Teams with a track record at TPC Louisiana may have an edge, especially in navigating the unique team dynamics.​
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather conditions and any last-minute team changes, as these can significantly impact performance.​

As the tournament unfolds, the combination of strategic betting and informed fantasy selections can enhance your engagement with the Zurich Classic. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the unique challenges this team event presents.​

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The Majesty of Golf, A Game for All

Golf is more than a game—it’s a generational thread that weaves families together, teaching life lessons while welcoming players of every age.

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There’s something quietly majestic about golf. It doesn’t demand attention with stadium roars or flashy lights. It unfolds slowly, deliberately—like a conversation between generations. Golf, perhaps more than any other sport, lives comfortably across ages and abilities. It’s not just a pastime. It’s a shared language, a lifelong bond, and, in many ways, a bridge between the young and the old.

A Game Without an Expiration Date

At its heart, golf is uniquely timeless. Where most sports favor youth, speed, and raw physicality, golf welcomes wisdom, patience, and experience. You can start at five or at seventy-five. A round of golf can be as leisurely or as competitive as the group playing it. There is no shot clock, no age bracket. Just a tee time, a little sunlight, and a willingness to play.

I once watched a grandfather and his 9-year-old grandson walking side by side down the fairway—one with a cane and a push cart, the other skipping ahead, driver in hand. They weren’t just playing a game. They were telling stories, teaching lessons, building something between them that no screen or streaming service could replicate.

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The Handicap: Leveling the Field

Golf’s handicap system is one of the game’s most democratic features. It allows players of differing skill levels—and by extension, different generations—to compete on relatively equal footing. A teenager with a single-digit handicap can play a meaningful match with a retiree who’s playing bogey golf. The game doesn’t exclude. It adapts.

It’s not about hitting the ball the farthest; it’s about knowing how to play the course, how to recover, how to stay patient. These are life skills, not just sports skills. In golf, a 10-year-old can outplay an adult not because of power, but because of discipline and mental sharpness. And that’s part of what makes it beautiful.

Time, Conversation, and Connection

Eighteen holes is a gift of time—four hours away from screens, noise, and distraction. In that time, parents bond with children, friends reconnect, business partners find common ground. For grandparents and grandchildren, those hours on the course become memories stitched together by stories, laughter, and the occasional errant shot into the woods.

There’s an unspoken rhythm to golf that mirrors life itself. The ups and downs. The challenges. The need for composure and resilience. It’s a sport, yes—but also a meditation, a masterclass in grace, a celebration of presence.

A Sport That Grows With You

Unlike sports you outgrow or age out of, golf grows with you. The course you played as a kid feels different at 40, at 60, at 80. Your swing changes. Your focus shifts. But the game remains loyal. It evolves with your body and your mindset, always offering new lessons.

It’s not just a sport you play. It’s a sport that stays with you—for a lifetime.

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The Masters Par 3 Contest: History, Traditions, & Memorable Moments

Golf, family, & fun!

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Fun Fact: In 2020 and 2021, the Par 3 Contest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making its return in 2022 all the more cherished by players and fans alike.

Every April, as azaleas bloom and the eyes of the golf world turn to Augusta, one beloved tradition kicks off the festivities with charm, smiles, and a dose of superstition: The Masters Par 3 Contest.

Since its inception in 1960, the Par 3 Contest has been a lighthearted prelude to one of the most prestigious events in golf. Held the Wednesday before the first round of The Masters, this fan-favorite exhibition takes place on a 9-hole course nestled within the Augusta National grounds. Though its tone is far more relaxed than the main event, the Par 3 Contest is steeped in its own rich history and lore.


A Legacy of Fun (and Family)

The idea was the brainchild of legendary Augusta National Chairman Clifford Roberts, who envisioned a more casual, fan-friendly event that would complement the seriousness of the tournament itself. The course, designed by George Cobb in collaboration with Roberts, features holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards, wrapping around a series of picturesque ponds and creeks.

What sets the contest apart is the joy. It’s not uncommon to see legends of the game handing off putters to their grandkids or teeing off with their children. Many players invite their families to serve as caddies, often clad in the iconic white Augusta jumpsuits. These moments create some of the week’s most heartwarming and viral images—tiny toddlers sinking putts, Hall of Famers laughing with their spouses, and multi-generational bonding that transcends the game itself.

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Star Power and Special Moments

Over the years, the Par 3 Contest has produced unforgettable highlights. In 2008, Gary Player, at 73 years old, aced the 7th hole. In 2015, Jack Nicklaus hit a hole-in-one at the age of 75—adding to a staggering total of over 100 aces recorded during the event’s history.

It’s also become an informal showcase of golf’s greatest legends. In many years past, you might see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—collectively known as the “Big Three”—sharing laughs and swinging side by side. Today, stars like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth keep the spirit alive, bringing their kids, friends, or even celebrities along for the ride.


The Par 3 Curse

Despite the fun, there’s one unspoken truth players know all too well: No winner of the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win The Masters in the same year.

Call it superstition or coincidence, but many contenders intentionally avoid trying too hard to win the Wednesday event. They’ll joke about laying up on par-3s or missing short putts on purpose. For those laser-focused on the green jacket, taking home the crystal trophy from Wednesday might feel like a kiss of death.


More Than Just a Sideshow

While it’s technically an exhibition, the Par 3 Contest captures something that often gets lost in elite competition: pure joy. It’s a chance for players to breathe, fans to connect, and Augusta National to showcase its softer side. In an event known for its rigid traditions and rules, this one feels like a sweet exhale before the storm.

Whether it’s a child’s first swing, a legend’s final walk, or a spontaneous hole-in-one, the Par 3 Contest continues to add magic to Masters week—reminding us all that golf, at its heart, is a game to be enjoyed.



Final Thoughts

The Masters Par 3 Contest might not crown a green jacket winner, but it wins hearts year after year. It’s living proof that in a sport built on precision and patience, there’s still plenty of room for fun, family, and a little bit of luck.


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