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Insane Cart Path Bounce Helps Golfer Capture Title at Torrey Pines

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Insane Cart Path Bounce Helps Golfer

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.

“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.

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Scheffler vs. DeChambeau: A Tale of Two Golf Giants

A Clash of Styles in Modern Golf

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In the ever-evolving world of professional golf, few rivalries capture the contrast of style and substance like Scottie Scheffler versus Bryson DeChambeau. While both have claimed massive wins and global headlines, their paths to success and how they play the game couldn’t be more different. Here’s a deep dive into their strengths, weaknesses, career highlights, and what makes each stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

Backgrounds and Styles

Scottie Scheffler
The Dallas-born Scheffler embodies a classic, workmanlike approach to golf. Known for his calm demeanor, efficient swing, and remarkable consistency, Scheffler has risen to the top of the world rankings with little flash but elite-level substance. His game is built on balance, precision, and one of the most reliable tee-to-green performances the sport has seen in years.

Bryson DeChambeau
Nicknamed “The Scientist,” DeChambeau has taken an analytical and experimental approach to the game. He’s redefined physical fitness in golf, adding serious bulk to increase driving distance. Known for using single-length irons and obsessing over launch angles and biomechanics, Bryson is a true disruptor. His aggressive style polarizes fans and analysts, but it undeniably commands attention.

Strengths

Scheffler

  • Tee-to-Green Excellence: Leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee-to-green.
  • Consistency: Rarely misses cuts and often finishes in the top 10.
  • Short Game: Exceptional touch and creativity around the greens.
  • Mental Game: Composed under pressure; rarely rattled.

DeChambeau

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  • Driving Distance: One of the longest hitters in the game; regularly over 320 yards.
  • Innovation: Willing to take unconventional approaches for marginal gains.
  • Power Play: Dominates par 5s and shortens long courses with his length.
  • Confidence: Self-belief and boldness to attempt shots most won’t.

Weaknesses

Scheffler

  • Putting: Historically his weakest stat, though he’s shown improvement.
  • Media Presence: More reserved; lacks the big personality that moves the needle for fans and brands.

DeChambeau

  • Inconsistency: Can be volatile—either dominating or struggling.
  • Course Management: Aggressiveness sometimes leads to trouble.
  • Injury Risk: His physical transformation has come with some health setbacks.

Biggest Wins

Scottie Scheffler

  • The Masters (2022)
  • The Players Championship (2023)
  • Multiple WGC and Signature Events
    As of 2025, Scheffler has claimed over 10 PGA Tour titles and continues to rack up top finishes in majors and elite events.

Bryson DeChambeau

  • U.S. Open (2020)
  • Arnold Palmer Invitational (2021)
  • Multiple LIV Golf Wins
    DeChambeau made headlines by joining LIV Golf, where he’s claimed multiple high-stakes victories, including a team championship and a dominant individual LIV win in 2023.

Career Earnings

Scheffler:
Over $50 million in PGA Tour earnings alone, with additional income from endorsements like Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex.

DeChambeau:
Estimated $60–$80 million, largely boosted by a reported $100+ million LIV Golf contract and additional prize money. His endorsements have shifted due to his controversial LIV move, but he remains a marketable figure.

Similarities

Both are U.S.-born and played collegiate golf (Scheffler at Texas, DeChambeau at SMU).

Each has reached the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Both have won majors and represented the U.S. in Ryder Cups.

Each has shown a willingness to be different—Scheffler through quiet dominance, DeChambeau through outspoken innovation.

Key Differences

TraitScottie SchefflerBryson DeChambeau
Playing StyleTraditional, consistentAggressive, experimental
Physical TransformationMinimalExtreme (bulk and strength)
EquipmentStandard setupSingle-length irons
Public PersonaReserved, groundedOutspoken, controversial
Tour AffiliationPGA Tour loyalistLIV Golf convert

Final Thoughts

Scheffler and DeChambeau represent two archetypes in modern golf: one a quiet technician, the other a showman scientist. Whether you admire Scottie’s stoic efficiency or Bryson’s radical reinvention, both are changing the game in their own way. And in a sport where individuality meets performance, there’s room—and demand—for both.

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Why Proper Club Fitting Is the Real Game Changer

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If you’ve ever walked off the 18th green thinking, “It’s not me, it’s the clubs,” well… you might be half right.

As a PGA Professional who’s watched thousands of swings—from scratch players to first-timers—I can tell you that one of the most overlooked keys to better golf is proper club fitting. Not just buying shiny new sticks off the rack, but taking the time to find clubs that are tailored to your swing.

You don’t need a Tour card to get Tour-level precision. Let’s talk about why club fitting matters, what it changes, and how it can truly transform your game from the tee box to the final putt.

The Myth of “Good Enough”

“I’m not good enough to be fit for clubs.”

That’s the most common thing I hear—and it’s completely backwards.

High-handicap golfers have even more to gain from club fitting than low-handicappers. Why? Because the equipment can help you fix ball flight, optimize distance, reduce mis-hits, and build confidence—all without having to reinvent your swing.

Off-the-rack clubs are designed to fit “average” specs. But no two golfers are the same. Length, lie angle, shaft flex, grip size—these all play a massive role in how the club interacts with your body and the ground.

What Happens in a Proper Club Fitting?

At its core, a fitting session is about matching the equipment to your natural swing—not forcing you to swing a certain way to fit the gear.

Here’s what a proper club fitting includes:

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1. Interview & Swing Assessment

A certified fitter (or PGA pro like myself) will ask about your current set, ball flight tendencies, common misses, and goals. Then we’ll watch you hit some shots to get a baseline.

2. Launch Monitor Data

Using tools like TrackMan or Foresight, we’ll capture numbers like:

  • Ball speed
  • Launch angle
  • Spin rate
  • Club path and face angle
  • Carry distance and dispersion

These numbers don’t lie—and they tell us what to tweak.

3. Testing Head & Shaft Combinations

You’ll hit several combinations of club heads and shafts to find what gives you the best performance. One degree of loft or a different shaft flex can make a huge difference.

4. Dialing In Lie Angle & Length

Lie angle affects directional control—too upright, and you might pull shots left; too flat, and you’ll miss right. Club length affects control, consistency, and strike location.

5. Grip Size & Feel

Don’t underestimate this. A grip that’s too thick or too thin can alter your grip pressure and release pattern.

Real Results—Backed by Data

One of my students recently went through a full iron fitting. He was using clubs he bought off the rack 10 years ago. His miss was a push-fade, and he struggled with distance control.

After 90 minutes, a combination of slightly shorter shafts, softer flex, and two degrees more upright lie changed everything. His dispersion tightened by 40%, and he gained an average of 12 yards per club. More importantly—his confidence skyrocketed.

And it wasn’t just him. Across the board, golfers who get fitted:

  • Gain more consistent contact
  • Reduce directional misses
  • Improve distance gapping
  • Hit more greens in regulation
  • Score better, without changing their swing

The Mental Game Boost

Here’s a secret: it’s not just about numbers. Fitted clubs give you confidence. When you know the tool in your hand is built for you, you swing freer, commit more fully, and stop second-guessing every shot.

Confidence leads to better swings. Better swings lead to better results. It’s a cycle—and it starts with the right equipment.

What About Cost?

Yes, a proper fitting might cost $75–$150 depending on where you go. And yes, custom-fit clubs may be slightly more than what you’d pay at a big box store.

But if you’re already spending time and money on golf, wouldn’t you want to get the most out of it?

A one-time investment in fitting can save you years of frustration—and possibly hundreds spent chasing fixes that won’t work with ill-fitting clubs.

Look—I’ve given thousands of lessons in my career, and nothing changes a golfer’s outlook faster than finally swinging clubs that work with them, not against them.

Whether you’re a 5 handicap trying to fine-tune yardages or a 25 handicap tired of slicing your driver, a proper club fitting can absolutely be a game changer.

You don’t need a new swing—you just need the right tools.

So before you spend another dollar on swing gadgets or tip videos, find your local PGA professional or certified fitter and book a session. Your game (and your sanity) will thank you.

Want more ways to play better without starting over?
Visit ClickItGolf.com every week for practical golf improvement tips, equipment reviews, betting insights, and advice from golfers who live the game every day.

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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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