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Houston Open 2021 Expert Picks to Win

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HOUSTON OPEN 2021 EXPERT PICKS TO WIN

Another week, another Fall Swing winner from the Golf Digest expert picks column, with both Rick Gehman and Brandon Gdula hitting on Viktor Hovland’s title defense at 19-1 in Mayakoba. Picking up right where we left off in 2020-’21. Not to brag.

This week, we like our chances again, even with just one year of course history at second-year Houston Open host venue Memorial Park. Not sure if you’ve heard, but Brooks Koepka did have a little bit of input on the massive renovation project, which was largely overseen by Tom Doak. It’s made Koepka anything but a sneaky play this week among the gambling community.

While Koepka deserves plenty of attention, there are a ton of intriguing names at the top of this week’s odds board, which the scorching-hot Sam Burns sits atop as the solo favorite. Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Smith, Sungjae Im, Talor Gooch, Matthew Wolff, Tyrrell Hatton and Tony Finau fill in the space between Burns and Koepka. Our experts aren’t straying too much further down the board, because if the Fall Swing has shown us anything it’s that elite players usually win golf tournaments.

Houston Open 2021 picks: Outright Predictions

Anonymous Caddie Picker of the weekSam Burns (12-1, DraftKings) — It’s crazy to think four-time major champ Brooks Koepka is double the odds of Sam Burns. But Burns has really put on tee-to-green exhibitions all year. He doesn’t get enough credit. He got the win at Sanderson, and I could absolutely see him winning again. He’s motivated to be a star.

Pat Mayo, DraftKings/Fantasy National, Mayo Media Network analystBrooks Koepka (28-1, DraftKings) — Forget all that business about him helping redesign the course, that matters not. What matters is that you’re getting the best player in the field at 28-1. Sure, he’s been playing like trash, but this is really no different than his horrendous play before winning in Phoenix in February. And, in the outright betting market, there’s no difference between second place and a missed cut. Go with the guy who churns out those firsts at the highest rate in the field.

Brandon Gdula, FanDuel/numberFire managing editorCameron Smith (23-1, FanDuel) — Last year, we saw Memorial Park reward those with great wedge play, and that sets up well for Cam Smith. He’s my win simulation model’s most likely winner but isn’t listed as a betting favorite; there’s value here. The course played moderately tough a year ago, and Smith has a combination of birdie ability and bogey avoidance.

Rick Gehman, data scientist and RickRunGood.com founderRussell Henley (45-1, DraftKings) — Are there better players in the field? Absolutely. Are there better players at better prices? Probably not. Memorial Park will be stout, checking in at 7,400 yards as a par 70—but that shouldn’t intimidate Henley. He’s made 13 starts in his career on par 70s that are at least 7,250 yards. He’s gained strokes on the field in every start and has four top-10 finishes. His 1.31 strokes gained per round is second to only Koepka of golfers in this field who have played at least 40 rounds under those conditions, per the RickRunGood.com golf database.

Stephen Hennessey, Golf Digest dep. managing editorJoaquin Niemann (30-1, PointsBet) — It’s tough coming off a few ShotLink-less weeks—we’re flying a little blind without the data. What we do know is Niemann’s playing some great golf this year, with runners-up at Rocket Mortgage and the Sony Open. And he finished fifth after a hot Sunday at Mayakoba. I just think Niemann’s peaking toward another win soon, and his length should be a big advantage at Memorial Park.

Christopher Powers, Golf Digest assistant editorBrooks Koepka (28-1, DraftKings) — Will go to war with Brooksy one more time before we don’t see him again until 2022. As Pat said, he missed three straight cuts before winning at Scottsdale last year, so the poor recent form doesn’t scare me at all. He’s the best “flip-switcher” in the world, and at 28-1 that’s absolutely worth the risk.

Lee Alldrick, FanShare SportsTalor Gooch (30-1, FanDuel) — Gooch comes into this event ranked second for strokes-gained/total over the last two months and ninth in the FanShare Sports’ course-suitability ranking. His fourth-place finish here last year will ensure he comes brimming with confidence too.

Houston Open 2021 picks: Sleepers/Dark Horses

Caddie: Sahith Theegala (150-1, BetMGM) — You’ve seen his name on the leader board a few times already in the fall. It will be a continued sight all year. This loaded field might be a tall task for him, but 150-1 just seems too high.

Mayo: Danny Willett (130-1, DraftKings) — The king of mixed results, Willett has started to play much more consistent golf the last two months and even won the Alfred Dunhill Links event a month ago. A terrific scrambler, Willett tends to play better in more difficult conditions, and a par 70 playing over 7,400 yards will afford him that luxury.

Gdula: Charley Hoffman (90-1, FanDuel) — Hoffman finished 29th here last year, giving him course knowledge and success at a still-new track. He’s got the right combination of Bermuda putting and tee-to-green ability to pull off a win as a long shot.

Gehman: Denny McCarthy (180-1, DraftKings) — We are seeing signs of life from McCarthy lately, making the cut in Bermuda then following it up with a T-15 last week in Mayakoba. Now he gets to travel to Houston where he will find Bermudagrass greens. McCarthy has gained 0.82 strokes putting per round on that surface, making him the best Bermudagrass putter on the planet.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Shane Lowry (46-1, FanDuel) — Andy Lack’s Inside Golf podcast is always a great listen, and that’s true this week despite him having my guy CP on his show. CP and Andy make the case for a bunch of guys who play hard, long golf courses well … Tyrrell Hatton, Marc Leishman, Grace (below). Lowry’s in that category, too, and his price is finally starting to creep above the 30s and 35-1s we were seeing this summer. The Irishman finished T-11 here last year, too. Take the drift.

Powers, Golf Digest: Branden Grace (95-1, FanDuel) — Friend of the “Be Right” podcast Andy Lack convinced me on the South African this week. Grace plays his best golf on tougher courses, evidenced by top 10s at Zozo, Wyndham, the U.S. Open and Memorial, which all came in the last five months.

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Alldrick, FanShare Sports: Denny McCarthy (180-1, DraftKings) — Not only is McCarthy the best putter in the field on fast Bermuda greens, he ranks seventh in the FanShare’s course-suitability ranking this week. A pair of 69s last year here at Memorial Park shows just how well he can navigate his ball around here. Two top 20s in his last four events shows he’s current form is solid too.

Houston Open 2021 picks: Players to Fade This Week (who will disappoint)

Caddie: Brooks Koepka (28-1, DraftKings) — That long range session Koepka put in at Mayakoba is probably not a good sign. I’m sure Jena was none too pleased.

Mayo: Sam Burns (12-1, DraftKings) — The betting favorite is likely to have a good week, but generating the same favorite number he saw at Sanderson isn’t quite the same when you glance at the other higher-end options in the field this week.

Gdula: Scottie Scheffler (16-1, FanDuel) — It’s really nothing against Scheffler in particular but more a statement of the value at the top of the field. Aside from Cam Smith, the top of the field rates out as overvalued, via my model, and so it’s hard to recommend a favorite. I’m more worried about Sam Burns than Scheffler, so Scheffler is the least likely bet I’ll have this week.

Gehman: Adam Scott (28-1, DraftKings) — It’s a bit jarring to see Scott’s price shorter than Aaron Wise, Joaquin Niemann, Carlos Ortiz and even Patrick Reed. All of which have either played much better in the short-term or own more historical win equity than Scott. Scott has been a little volatile recently and Bermudagrass is his worst putting surface.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Aaron Wise (30-1, DraftKings) — Who is going to bet Aaron Wise at 30-1 in a field like this?

Powers, Golf Digest: Matthew Wolff (25-1, DraftKings) — This could end up looking very dumb come Sunday, but I’m not prepared to overpay for Wolff just yet. Would love to see him drift back to 40- or 50-1 this winter and pounce then.

Alldrick, FanShare Sports: Tony Finau (25-1, DraftKings) — Finau ranks just 78th in the FanShare Sports’ course-suitability ranking this week and didn’t even make the top 20 here last year. His recent form has not been great too, ranking just 69th for SG/total over the past two months.

Houston Open 2021 picks: Matchups

Caddie: Mackenzie Hughes (+115) over Maverick McNealy (Bet365) — McNealy’s playing some solid golf in the past few months, but Hughes embraces the long, tough golf course—like we saw at Torrey Pines. McNealy is more of a shorter course savant.

Mayo: Patrick Reed (-110) over Christiaan Bezuidenhout (DraftKings) — Very similar players outside of one very clear difference: When running well, Reed can really drive the ball. Bezuidenhout never really can. That’s a BIG advantage for Reed this week at a longer track . . . assuming he’s not spraying it all over the course.

Gdula: Kevin Streelman (-112) C.T. Pan (FanDuel) — Long term, Streelman separates in this head-to-head in tee-to-green play and in overall ball-striking over Pan. Each are similar putters, so I’ll be taking the edge in tee-to-green here.

Gehman: Matthew Wolff (-130) over Marc Leishman (DraftKings) — We are seeing signs of positive play from Wolff, who has finished T-17, runner-up and T-5 in his three starts this season. His style of play couldn’t be any more different than Leishman’s style and on a 7,400-yard par 70, it’s Wolff’s natural skill-set that creates the edge.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Sam Burns (-122) over Scottie Scheffler (FanDuel) — Burns is playing as well as anybody in the world right now, and sure, Scheffler had a great week last week—but he also had a T-38 and a MC in his two previous starts. I’ll take the consistency of Burns here.

Powers, Golf Digest: Talor Gooch (-110) over Tony Finau (DraftKings) — Gooch is absolutely cooking right now with four straight top-11 finishes, plus he finished fourth here last year. Finau has hit the ball quite well in the fall but his putting has been abysmal and Bermuda appears to be his least favorite putting surface according to the numbers.

Alldrick, FanShare Sports: Sungjae Im (-122) over Tony Finau (FanDuel) — As you can see above I don’t like Finau this week, Im on the other hand comes into this event ranked second in the FanShareSports CSR and fourth for SG/total over the last two months and third for SG/total over the last two years. ​

Matchup Results from the Houston Open: Caddie: 1 for 1 (Hovland (-143) over Finau); Mayo: 1 for 1 (Thomas (-105) over Ancer); Hennessey: 1 for 1 (Grillo (-120) over Harman); Alldrick: 1 for 1 (Scheffler (-120) over Koepka); Powers: PUSH (Fowler (-120) over Rose); Gehman: 0 for 1; Gdula: 0 for 1

Matchup Results from this season (Wins-Losses-Pushes): Mayo: 6-1-0 (up 4.52 units); Caddie: 5-2-0 (up 2.66 units); Powers: 4-2-1 (up 1.82 units); Gehman: 2-4-1 (down 2.26 units); Alldrick: 2-4-1 (down 2.32 units); Hennessey: 2-5-0 (down 3.20 units); Gdula: 1-6-0 (down 5.07 units)

Houston Open 2021 picks: Top 10s

Caddie: Sam Burns (+150) — I might as well back up our Burns outright with the top-10.

Mayo: Branden Grace (+550, DraftKings) —The more difficult and gusty the conditions, the better for Grace. While the ball striking is never consistent, he’s seen spike weeks with his irons and his short game is always reliable.

Gdula: Tyrrell Hatton (+310, FanDuel) — Hatton is trending back up and is available at a good number for a top-10 finish. Hatton has great wedge play and is sixth in adjusted strokes gained: tee to green in my database over the past year.

Gehman: Jason Kokrak (+350, DraftKings) — On paper, Memorial Park should be a perfect fit for Kokrak. When things are going well, he’s long off-the-tee and has a putter that allows him to reach his ceiling more frequently than his peers. He’ll need to shake off a run of bad form recently, but his price is depressed and too good to pass up.

Hennessey, Golf Digest: Max Homa (+700, FanDuel) — It seems like oddsmakers regularly forget how good Max Homa is, even after he keeps winning. A difficult, long course is typically where Homa has had success (Riviera, Quail Hollow, for example).

Powers, Golf Digest: Brandon Hagy (+1600, DraftKings) — A bit of a Hail Mary here, yes, but Hagy has so much upside, particularly off the tee, that he’s worth a flyer every week because of how ridiculous his odds always are.

Alldrick, FanShare Sports: Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+550, FanDuel) — Bezuidenhout ranks third in the Fanshare’s course-suitability ranking this week. One of the main reasons for this is his excellent putting on fast Bermuda greens. He ranks second in the field this week for SG/putting on fast Bermuda over the last two years. His form is also good having recorded a 15th, fifth and third-place finish in his last four events.


Top-10 results from the Houston Open: Everybody: 0 for 1

Top-10 results from this season: Powers: 2 for 7 (up 12 units); Mayo: 1 for 7 (up 8 units); Caddie: 1 for 7 (down 4.3 units); Hennessey: 1 for 7 (down 1.5 units); Gdula: 0 for 7 (down 7 units); Gehman: 0 for 7 (down 7 units); Alldrick: 0 for 7 (down 7 units)

Houston Open 2021 picks: One and Done

Gehman: Sam Burns — 
Every arrow points directly at Burns this week. He’s gained 2.14 strokes per round in his last 24 rounds, second on TOUR to only Jon Rahm. He hasn’t finished worse than T-21 in any of his last seven events while earning a win at the Sanderson Farms Championship in the process. Now he heads back to Bermudagrass greens, which is his specialty. His last four starts on Bermudagrass greens have yielded two wins, a T-2 and a T-18 — per the RickRunGood.com golf database. The year of Sam Burns is going to continue this week in Houston.

Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship: Kevin Na; Sanderson Farms Championship: Mito Pereira. Shriners: Abraham Ancer. CJ Cup: Louis Oosthuizen. Zozo Championship: Hideki Matsuyama. Bermuda Championship: Seamus Power. Mayakoba: Abraham Ancer.

Hennessey: Sam Burns — Ride the hot hand.

Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship: Emiliano Grillo; Sanderson Farms Championship: Carlos Ortiz. Shriners: Abraham Ancer. CJ Cup: Collin Morikawa. Zozo Championship: Takumi Kanaya. Bermuda Championship: Seamus Power. Mayakoba: Aaron Wise.

Powers: Marc Leishman — Leish has been putting the lights out lately and Bermuda greens are where he does his best work.

Previous weeks: Fortinet Championship: Brendan Steele. Sanderson Farms Championship: Mito Pereira. Shriners: Aaron Wise. CJ Cup: Talor Gooch. Zozo Championship: Joaquin Niemann. Bermuda Championship: Patrick Rodgers. Mayakoba: Jhonattan Vegas.

By The Numbers

2.06 – The strokes gained per round by Sungjae Im in his last 24 rounds. That’s second to only Sam Burns and they are the only two golfers gaining 2+ strokes per round.

41.6% – The percentage of time that this event has gone to a playoff in the last 12 years (5/12).

15 – The number of consecutive cuts made by Christiaan Bezuidenhout, the longest active streak of anyone in this field.

7.75 – The average finish for Talor Gooch in four starts this season (T-11, T-5, T-11, T-4).

About our experts

Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long and short-form content, owner of the Mayo Media Network and host of The Pat Mayo Experience. (Subscribe for video or audio. Mayo (@ThePME) won the 2020 Fantasy Sports Writing Association Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and Golf Writer of the Year awards, along with the Fantasy Sports Trade Association Best Sports Betting Analyst award, and was finalist for four FSWA Awards in 2020 (Best Podcast, Best Video, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year). His 21 FSWA nominations lead all writers this decade and are third-most all-time. Mayo is on the board of governors at www.fantasynational.com.

Brandon Gdula, managing editor and analyst for NumberFire, a FanDuel daily-fantasy analysis company, recently won the 2018 fantasy sports-writers association Golf Writer of the Year *(congrats, Brandon!)*. Gdula also co-hosts the DFS Heat Check podcast.

Rick Gehman is the founder of RickRunGood.com and the RickRunGood YouTube Channel, is one of the industry’s leading experts on golf DFS and gambling. Gehman is co-host of the First Cut Podcast and appears regularly on the Pat Mayo Experience golf podcasts. Follow him on Twitter: @RickRunGood.

Lee Alldrick of FanShare Sports started out writing an article highlighting the best bargain plays for fantasy golf under his twitter handle @DKGolfBargains. His success at this prompted FanShare Sports to enlist him as a guest writer, which evolved into him writing the weekly Under The Radar article. As a U.K.-based expert, Alldrick’s insight into European Tour regulars and low priced, low owned plays has provided an invaluable edge for readers when it comes to DFS GPPs.

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

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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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The Mental Game: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure on the Golf Course

Master the mental side of golf with proven strategies to stay calm under pressure and play your best when it matters most.

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Golf is often called a mental game, and for good reason. While physical technique is important, the difference between a good round and a great round often comes down to what happens between your ears. I’ve seen golfers with beautiful swings fall apart under pressure, and I’ve watched players with less-than-perfect technique shoot amazing scores because they had their mental game dialed in.

The mental challenges in golf are unique. Unlike other sports where you react instinctively to changing situations, golf gives you time to think – sometimes too much time. Standing over a shot with water on the left and bunkers on the right, you have plenty of opportunity to imagine all the things that could go wrong. Learning to manage these thoughts and emotions is crucial for consistent performance.

Understanding Golf Pressure

Pressure in golf comes in many forms. There’s the pressure of playing well in front of others, the pressure of a tight match, the pressure of trying to break your personal best score, or simply the pressure of hitting a good shot after several poor ones. The key is recognizing that pressure is normal and learning to work with it rather than against it.

Physical symptoms of pressure include increased heart rate, sweaty palms, tight muscles, and shallow breathing. These are natural responses, but they can interfere with your golf swing if not managed properly. The first step in handling pressure is acknowledging these feelings rather than trying to ignore them.

Developing a Pre-Shot Routine

A consistent pre-shot routine is your best defense against pressure and negative thoughts. This routine should be the same for every shot, whether you’re hitting a driver on the first tee or a crucial putt to win a match. Your routine creates a familiar pattern that helps calm your mind and prepare your body for the shot ahead.

Your pre-shot routine should include both physical and mental elements. Physically, you might take a practice swing, check your alignment, and take a deep breath. Mentally, you should visualize the shot you want to hit and commit fully to that image. The key is making this routine automatic so it works even when you’re nervous.

Visualization is a powerful tool that many golfers underutilize. Before each shot, create a clear mental picture of the ball flying toward your target and landing exactly where you want it. See the trajectory, feel the solid contact, and imagine the positive result. This positive imagery helps crowd out negative thoughts and gives your subconscious mind a clear target to work toward.

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Course Management Psychology

Smart course management is as much about psychology as it is about strategy. Playing within your abilities and making conservative choices when appropriate can actually boost your confidence and lead to better scores. There’s no shame in laying up short of a water hazard or aiming for the center of the green instead of attacking a tight pin position.

The key is honest self-assessment. Know your strengths and limitations, and plan your shots accordingly. If you’re not comfortable hitting a 3-iron, don’t try to hit one under pressure. If you struggle with draws, don’t attempt one when a fade will work just as well. Playing to your strengths builds confidence and reduces the likelihood of big mistakes.

Risk versus reward decisions should be made with your head, not your ego. Before attempting any risky shot, ask yourself: “What’s the best possible outcome, what’s the worst possible outcome, and what’s most likely to happen?” If the potential downside significantly outweighs the potential benefit, choose the safer option.

Dealing with Bad Shots and Bad Rounds

Every golfer hits bad shots and has bad rounds – it’s part of the game. The difference between good players and great players is often how quickly they recover from mistakes. Dwelling on a bad shot or getting angry about a poor result only makes it more likely that you’ll hit more bad shots.

Develop a short memory for bad shots. Allow yourself to feel disappointed for a few seconds, then let it go and focus on the next shot. Some golfers find it helpful to have a physical routine for releasing frustration, such as taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, or making a practice swing to reset their feel.

Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them. If you hit a shot into the water, quickly analyze what went wrong (poor club selection, bad swing, mental error), make a mental note for future reference, then move on. The lesson is valuable, but continuing to think about it will only hurt your performance on subsequent shots.

Building Confidence

Confidence in golf is built through preparation and positive experiences. The more you practice and the more you understand your capabilities, the more confident you’ll feel on the course. Keep a record of your good shots and good rounds to remind yourself of your abilities when doubt creeps in.

Set realistic, achievable goals for each round. Instead of trying to shoot your career best every time out, focus on process goals like hitting a certain number of fairways or avoiding three-putts. These goals are more within your control and help build confidence through achievement.

Positive self-talk is crucial for maintaining confidence. Replace negative thoughts like “Don’t hit it in the water” with positive ones like “Hit it to the center of the green.” Your subconscious mind responds better to positive instructions than negative warnings.

Staying Present and Focused

One of the biggest mental challenges in golf is staying in the present moment. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself, thinking about what score you might shoot or worrying about difficult holes coming up. It’s equally easy to get stuck in the past, replaying bad shots or dwelling on missed opportunities.

The solution is to focus on one shot at a time. This isn’t just a cliché – it’s a practical mental strategy that keeps you grounded in the present moment. Before each shot, remind yourself that this shot is the only one that matters right now. The shots you’ve already hit are history, and the shots you haven’t hit yet don’t exist.

Breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused. Before important shots, take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm your mind and relax your body.

Conclusion: Developing Mental Toughness

Mental toughness in golf isn’t about being emotionless or never feeling pressure. It’s about acknowledging these feelings and having strategies to deal with them effectively. Like physical skills, mental skills improve with practice and attention.

Start incorporating mental training into your practice routine. Spend time visualizing successful shots, practice your pre-shot routine, and work on staying positive even when things don’t go as planned. The mental game might not be as visible as your swing mechanics, but it’s just as important for shooting lower scores and enjoying golf more.

Remember that even the best players in the world struggle with the mental side of golf sometimes. The difference is that they have developed tools and strategies to help them work through these challenges. With practice and patience, you can develop these same mental skills and take your game to the next level.

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