Blog
Insane Cart Path Bounce Helps Golfer Capture Title at Torrey Pines
Add one more quirky circumstance to the lore of the 18th hole of the Torrey Pines South Course: the cart-path bounce.
Tied for the lead with Tim O’Neal as they stood on the 18th tee on Sunday in the APGA’s Farmers Insurance Invitational, Patrick Newcomb hit his worst drive of the day, way right of the fairway. But his ball hit the cart path and caromed forward for what Newcomb estimated to be another 40 yards. He’d have had no shot at hitting the par 5’s green in two otherwise, but was able to make the gutsy decision to go for it with his 3-wood from 254 yards.
“I drew a great lie,” Newcomb said. “It was a great break, honestly. You always hope for something good to happen down the stretch. I hit such a poor shot, but it went up into a good spot where I could get a clean 3-wood on it. We were just, like, we don’t want to play anymore holes.”
Facing fading light in the late afternoon, just as the PGA Tour players had in Luke List’s one-hole playoff win over Will Zalatoris on Saturday in the Farmers Insurance Open, Newcomb hit a “perfect” approach that sailed over the pond fronting the green and into the left bunker. O’Neal hit a beautiful third-shot approach to 10 feet below the hole—think Zalatoris’ putt to win in regulation on Saturday—and looked like he could be the champion.
But Newcomb pulled off an impressive up-and-down, making a birdie from 12 feet above the hole, and when O’Neal’s putt from lipped out, the 31-year-old Newcomb earned a one-shot victory with a one-under 143 total over 36 holes. He shot a three-over 75 in his first-ever round on Torrey South after recording the day’s best score of four-under 68 on Saturday on his maiden tour of Torrey North. O’Neal, 49 and an APGA regular since its inception, shot the day’s best score of one-over 73 in his first experience on the South.
Patrick Newcomb (@ThreeWiggle99) has won the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational! ?
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 31, 2022
This is his first career @APGA_Tour victory and earns him an exemption into the @KornFerryTour‘s Simmons Bank Open. pic.twitter.com/81ZHnSCwB1
“I’ve always struggled on Poa annua greens anyway,” O’Neal said. “No excuse for that one [the last putt]. But, yeah, first time playing the golf course, playing it blind, so that was a task right there. All in all, considering playing it blind, I think I did all right.”
Newcomb has played on all of the PGA Tour’s developmental circuits and has partial Korn Ferry Tour status this season after tying for 11th in the KFT Qualifying Tournament. He captured the final event on PGA Tour Latinoamerica in ’21, and this was his first victory on the APGA after posting a handful of top-10s last year.
“Winning is winning,” Newcomb said. “I’ve preached that. Winning a mini-tour event, a weekend tournament at your club, for some cash … winning is winning. It boosts your confidence. I didn’t putt as well as I normally do today, but I held it in there and to get it done means a lot.”
In a historic week for the 11-year-old Advocates Pro Golf Association, Sunday’s round was the first to be shown on national television via Golf Channel. Eighteen players were vying for the tour’s largest purse, including the $30,000 first-place check. That is big, potentially life-changing money for players at this level, and it was no different for Newcomb, a Kentucky native and Murray State alum who said this check probably matched the largest in his career. Last year he was sixth on the money list on PGA Tour Latinoamerica with a win and four top-10s, and he earned just over $52,000.
“The purse [for the Farmers Invitational] was fantastic,” Newcomb said. “When I saw it, I thought there was no way we were playing for that kind of money. I’m super excited. Being from the Korn Ferry Tour … I feel like people at home, they don’t realize it’s not as much of a luxury as people make it out to be. We have to work hard for a paycheck.”
The APGA is a tour that was founded to give minorities more opportunities to play professional golf, but it has not closed the door on anyone either. Tour officials estimate that about 15 percent of the competitors are white, and Newcomb is one of those golfers. He qualified for the Farmers Invitational by finishing fourth on last year’s APGA money list, having started to play the tour in 2021 because it offered more events than other circuits during the pandemic.
“They’ve been great, open arms,” Newcomb said. “They had no issues with me coming out and playing. It’s been a fantastic atmosphere. What they’re doing is great for guys to grow their game and don’t have the money to. You know, this last year I didn’t really have the money to do it, so it’s been fantastic.”
O’Neal, who earned $17,000 for second place, said this year’s event was another step forward for the APGA.
“It’s good for the guys to get a chance to play a PGA Tour event and see tour conditions and kind of see what it’s all about,” he said. “Good or bad, where you need to get. For a lot of guys, playing a course like this, you see how you stack up and things you have to work on to get better.”
This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.
Ah, New Year’s resolutions—that time-honored tradition where we make promises to ourselves, armed with nothing but good intentions and the fleeting optimism of January 1st. For golfers, this is when we vow to fix our slices, improve our short game, and finally learn how to use the driver properly (instead of just blaming it for our poor aim). But let’s be honest: golf resolutions are like bunker shots—great in theory, but tricky to pull off.
Still, hope springs eternal, and the New Year is the perfect time to dream big. Let’s tee it up and take a swing at the golf resolutions we’d love to keep… but probably won’t.
This Year, I’m Hitting the Fairway.
Every golfer’s dream. You stand on the tee box, stare down the fairway, and picture your ball landing gracefully in the middle. You know, instead of careening into the trees or ricocheting off a sprinkler head into the clubhouse parking lot. But by the second round of the year, you’re back to muttering, “Play it where it lies,” while wading through knee-high rough. Hey, it’s the thought that counts.
I’m Going to Practice My Putting… Seriously This Time.
Every year, we promise ourselves that the short game is where we’ll shine. “No more three-putts!” we say, convinced that with just a little practice, we’ll master those pesky 10-footers. Fast-forward to March, and your putting practice has been reduced to rolling balls across the living room carpet, dodging the dog and hoping no one notices your “training” involves a coffee mug as the hole.
I’ll Stay Calm on the Course.
Ah, the noble resolution to embrace serenity. You’re a zen master, calmly accepting every mishit and bad bounce with grace. That is, until you chunk a chip shot into the bunker you just escaped, and suddenly serenity is replaced with creative combinations of four-letter words. Golf is a test of patience, after all, and nothing says personal growth like learning to love double bogeys.
No More Buying Clubs to Fix My Game.
Every golfer knows the allure of shiny new gear. You tell yourself that this club is the one—your magical Excalibur that will fix your swing and lower your scores. This year, you swear off impulse buys and commit to working with the clubs you already own. By April, you’re drooling over the latest driver that promises an extra 10 yards and a straighter ball flight, credit card in hand. Resistance is futile.
I’ll Finally Learn the Rules of Golf.
Sure, you know the basics: don’t cheat, yell “fore,” and never talk in someone’s backswing. But when it comes to the finer points—like how to drop a ball after it lands in the drink—you’re winging it. Every year, you promise to read the rulebook. And every year, it sits on the shelf, pristine and untouched, because let’s be honest—Google exists for a reason.
This Year, I’ll Play More Rounds.
The ultimate resolution for any golfer. “I’ll hit the course every weekend,” you declare, imagining endless sunny days and perfect swings. Then life gets in the way—work, family, weather, and the realization that golf takes five hours, plus a nap to recover. Suddenly, “more rounds” turns into “well, I’ll watch the Masters.”
Why Resolutions Matter (Even If They Don’t Stick)
Here’s the thing: golf is a game of eternal hope. Every round begins with the belief that today will be different. Your drives will be straighter, your putts will drop, and your scorecard will look less like a math problem. New Year’s resolutions are the same. They’re not about perfection—they’re about the optimism that keeps us coming back, swing after swing, year after year.
So go ahead, make those resolutions. Dream big. Promise to break 80 (or just 100). Swear off the slice and commit to fixing your tempo. Will you keep them? Probably not. But in golf, as in life, it’s not about the end result—it’s about the pursuit. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always 2025.
Now get out there and start the year strong… even if it ends with a mulligan. Happy New Year, golfers!
Blog
Exploring the World of Indoor Simulators
Imagine teeing off at St. Andrews, tackling the iconic Amen Corner at Augusta National, or conquering Pebble Beach’s breathtaking oceanfront holes—all without leaving your home. Thanks to indoor golf simulators, this dream is now a reality. Modern technology has revolutionized how we experience the game, making it possible to play courses from around the world in stunning detail. Let’s dive into the world of golf simulators, their incredible realism, and how you can bring one into your home.
Play the World from Anywhere
Golf simulators offer players the chance to experience legendary courses without hopping on a plane or even driving to the local range. Using high-definition visuals, advanced sensors, and real-time feedback, simulators recreate the experience of playing on real-world courses. You can virtually stand on the first tee at courses like Royal Troon or Bethpage Black, with every bunker, green contour, and hazard accurately represented.
The experience is immersive and highly customizable. Want to adjust the wind, weather, or difficulty? No problem. Simulators allow you to practice specific shots, refine your swing, or just enjoy a casual round with friends—all while enjoying the comfort of being indoors.
How Far Technology Has Come
Gone are the days of pixelated graphics and clunky interfaces. Today’s simulators use cutting-edge technology, including:
- Ultra-HD Graphics: Simulators now feature breathtaking visuals that mimic the exact look of the course, down to individual blades of grass.
- Advanced Ball Tracking: Using radar, infrared sensors, or cameras, these systems capture every detail of your shot, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more.
- Swing Analysis: Simulators like TrackMan or SkyTrak provide instant feedback on your swing mechanics, making them invaluable tools for improvement.
The realism is so advanced that professional golfers use simulators to train during the off-season. From the feel of the turf to the precise replication of putting greens, the gap between real and virtual golf is closing fast.
Bring the Course Home
Installing a golf simulator at home has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious enthusiast, there’s a setup for every budget and space.
SWINGLOGIC MICROSIM PRO-Pack
Indoor Golf Simulator for Home – SWINGLOGIC MICROSIM PRO-Pack
Affordable Indoor Home Golf Simulator + Accessories with GPS, Swing Analyzer, and Golf Indoor Swing Stick
- Basic Setups: Portable systems like the OptiShot 2 are affordable and easy to set up in small spaces. They provide a solid introduction to indoor golf.
- Mid-Range Systems: Options like SkyTrak offer more detailed data and a wider range of courses, perfect for improving your game.
- High-End Simulators: TrackMan and Foresight Sports simulators are the gold standard, offering unmatched accuracy and realism. These setups require more space and investment but provide a premium experience.
Many setups include a projector, impact screen, and turf mat, creating a dedicated golf space in your home. Got a spare room, basement, or garage? You’re halfway there.
The Rise of VR in Golf
Virtual reality is taking indoor golf to a whole new level. Using VR headsets like the Meta Quest or HTC Vive, players can immerse themselves in a fully 3D environment. With VR, you can physically walk the course, interact with the environment, and feel as though you’re truly there.
VR-based golf simulators like “Golf+” or “Pro Putt by Topgolf” are gaining popularity, combining realistic physics with a fun, interactive experience. It’s an exciting frontier that brings a fresh, futuristic dimension to the game.
Indoor golf simulators and VR technology have transformed how we play and practice golf. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for some off-season practice or a passionate golfer dreaming of playing bucket-list courses, simulators offer something for everyone. So why not bring the game you love into your home? The future of golf is here, and it’s more accessible and exciting than ever.
Ready to play? Your dream course is just a swing away.
Blog
How Weather Shapes the Game of Golf
The wind roared across Royal Troon, but the spirit of one determined golfer proved unshakable, a testament to the resilience that defines the game.
It was a day that began like any other at Royal Troon, the sea breeze whispering across the links as early morning dew sparkled under the Scottish sun. But as the players teed off, the skies turned darker, and the wind began to roar—a ferocious, unrelenting force that turned the course into a battlefield.
A Test of Skill and Resilience
In the world of golf, weather is the great equalizer. It can humble the strongest players, turning even a simple par-four into an epic struggle. That day at Royal Troon was no exception. As the wind howled, the carefully groomed fairways became a treacherous maze. Players who had practiced their swings tirelessly found themselves grappling with gusts that sent their drives veering unpredictably.
Among them was a young competitor named Callum, playing his first Open Championship. Watching from the stands, I marveled at how this newcomer faced the elements with unyielding determination. His drives sliced through the gale with a low trajectory, and his putts danced on the greens, refusing to be dictated by the storm. Callum wasn’t just playing golf; he was wrestling with the very soul of the course.
A Battle of Wits and Nature
Weather has always been an integral part of the game. At St. Andrews, golfers often contend with rain showers that come as suddenly as a whispered secret. At Augusta, the swirling winds around Amen Corner have broken many a championship dream. But it is on the windswept links of the British Isles where weather becomes a character in the story, its presence felt in every decision, every shot.
That day, Callum made his stand. On the infamous 8th hole—The Postage Stamp—where the green is small and the stakes high, his precision was a sight to behold. The crowd held its breath as he selected his wedge, adjusted for the gale, and executed a shot that landed softly, mere feet from the pin. It was a masterstroke, the kind that resonates long after the final score is recorded.
A Lasting Memory
Callum didn’t win that day. But as the storm cleared and the sun broke through, his courage and adaptability left an indelible mark on all who watched. Weather had tested him, and though the elements won the round, they couldn’t extinguish the fire of a player determined to rise.
Golf isn’t just about clubs and courses. It’s about moments like these—when players confront nature’s raw power and find within themselves the skill, resilience, and courage to keep going. The wind roared that day, but so did Callum’s spirit, echoing across the links and into the hearts of everyone present.
-
Product Review5 years ago
The Perfect Practice Putting Mat Review by Jason Tenzer
-
Blog3 years ago
Loophole Rule Offers PGA Tour Pros a Mulligan
-
Blog3 years ago
2021 Buyer’s Guide: The Top 10 Value Golf Balls For Distance & Feel
-
Blog4 years ago
Golf Marriage Counselor
-
Blog5 years ago
9 Biggest Chokes Of The Past Decade
-
Product Review5 years ago
THE ADJUSTABLE IRONS: WALKING STICKS GOLF CLUBS
-
Blog3 years ago
What Your Golf Clubs Say About You
-
Equipment5 years ago
OHK Sports Interview by Jason Tenzer