PGA News

It’s Decision Time for U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson, and It Doesn’t Look Easy

Published

1 year ago

August 29, 2023

Jason

Here’s our best guess at who makes the U.S. Ryder Cup team and who gets snubbed

It is possible the decision is easier than it appears. Zach Johnson might very well have the exact pieces he wants to fill out his U.S. Ryder Cup team roster, leaving the rest of us to overanalyze the situation.

Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele are the automatic qualifiers for the Americans, having qualified through the BMW Championship.

Here’s a look at the players—in order of the final points finish—and some guesses as to who might be in Rome next month.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks: Contenders

The reigning PGA Championship winner, who tied for second at the Masters and has Ryder Cup experience, should not be in doubt. But the political infighting due to LIV Golf leads to the possibility that Koepka is left off the team. The guess here is that Johnson wants to avoid that negativity and knows that Koepka will be an asset.

Ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 15th in the Sports Illustrated World Golf Rankings, Spieth is a virtual lock, at least according to several sportsbooks that have him off the board. His experience—and the fact that he’s been a good partner to another possible pick, Justin Thomas—and finishing eighth in points is more evidence. If you want to look for negatives, Spieth barely qualified for the Tour Championship, didn’t have a great week in Atlanta, and hasn’t had a top-five since the Memorial. But do you skip the 12th-ranked player who was eighth in points? The guess here is Spieth is on the team.

The reigning PGA Tour rookie of the year contended at the British Open again but has yet to win on Tour and has just six top-10 finishes in 2023. An excellent ball striker, his putting woes mirror some others on the team, which is why he is a risky pick. It’s possible that Johnson sees a role for such a solid player. And it’s tough to pass on No. 9. But the guess here is that Young gets left out.

A two-time major champion who has failed to win in each of the past two seasons, Morikawa is difficult to leave off the team based on his excellent ball-striking ability. He went 2-1 last year at the Presidents Cup and 3-0-1 at the 2021 Ryder Cup. The guess here is that Morikawa gets a pick.

A two-time winner this season, Keegs hasn’t played in the Ryder Cup since 2014, and both of his team experiences were losses. But he’s viewed as the kind of fiery competitor that the U.S. team can use, and his putting has improved immensely. Since winning the Travelers Championship, he had not placed in the top 20 until the Tour Championship. Whether that is enough is up for debate. The guess here is that Bradley is a surprise pick.

His victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic—against Morikawa in a playoff—was one of the field-good stories of the year after more than four years without winning. But is that enough to get a Ryder Cup pick? His experience and overall good-guy vibe, along with being a solid putter, are assets. But he’s just 3-7-5 in four Ryder Cup appearances. And while he was trending well ahead of his victory this summer, he’s cooled off since. Another tough call. The guess here is yes.

A difficult decision that promises to be controversial if Thomas gets picked. He’s missed the cut in three major championships, shooting in the 80s in two of them. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, finishing 71st. He’s also had just one top-five finish all year. But this is where having all the picks allows for intangibles, gut feelings, or pairings. Thomas is 6-2-1 in his two Ryder Cups, including 4-1 in Paris in 2018. He’s been a team leader at the Presidents Cup as well. And he’s the type of player who can get under an opponent’s skin. And let’s not forget, Tiger Woods has some influence behind the scenes. Woods and Thomas are buddies. You know Thomas will be ready. The guess here is yes

Notable Others

Certainly, there are others to consider. Sam Burns: He seemed a lock after winning the WGC Match Play in March, but Burns has not done much since that time, and his record at last year’s Presidents Cup—0-3-2—is nothing to get excited about either. But he’s good friends with Scottie Scheffler, and how much influence does the No. 1 player yield? They went 0-1-2 as teammates at the Presidents Cup, which at least means they have experience playing together. This is a tough call. The guess here is no. Denny McCarthy: He’s 14th in points and had a playoff loss to Viktor Hovland at the Memorial. It’s probably not enough for a player who’s never won and never played in a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. He’s had a solid year and shown plenty of promise, but there are too many other choices. The guess here is no. Lucas Glover has won twice lately and is a popular player who’d get along with anyone and could be a good partner for several players. Tony Finau somehow is just 21st in points despite a victory earlier this year and has been a member of several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams. Dustin Johnson, who plays for LIV Golf, went 5–0 two years ago. Bryson DeChambeau, who also plays for LIV, is intriguing given his length.

There are numerous directions Zach can go. The good news is that we will get the answers today!

I have gone over and over it, back and forth… BUT – Here’s my final roll call on the U.S. side: Keep in mind It’s 4 a.m. and I am sleep-deprived…

Automatically qualified: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele
Easy Captain’s Picks: Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Collin Morikawa
Harder, but Still Definite Captain’s Picks: Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler
Last Man In: Keegan Bradley in a surprise upset pick
First Man Out: Sam Burns or Cam Young Too Close to Call, but I believe both will be watching on TV
Close, but No Cigar: Lucas Glover, Denny McCarthy, Tony Finau, DJ

Blog

10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

The Golf Hacker

For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

They-call-it-golf-because-all-the-other-four-letter-words-were-taken

On The Mark

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

No Laying Up

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

The Chipping Forecast

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

Chasing Scratch

This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

The Sweet Spot

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Rick Shiels Golf Show

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Beef’s Golf Club

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

Golf Is Ruining My Life

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Hack It Out Golf

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

The Rough Cut Golf Podcast

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

Blog

Unique Football & Golf Parlays For The Weekend!

Have fun with Super Bowl and WM Phoenix Open combo bets!

Published

2 weeks ago

February 8, 2025

Kelly Hodgeson

As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, and the WM Phoenix Open taking place from February 6-9 at TPC Scottsdale, sports enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to combine their passion for football and golf through parlay betting.

Super Bowl LIX Betting Lines

As of February 7, 2025, the betting lines for Super Bowl LIX are as follows:

Point Spread: The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Over/Under Total Points: The total points scored by both teams is set at 49.5.
Coin Toss: Heads (-105) or Tails (-105)
First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600), A.J. Brown (+800), Patrick Mahomes (+2000)

WM Phoenix Open Betting Odds

The WM Phoenix Open features a competitive field with the following notable odds:

Scottie Scheffler: 3-1
Sam Burns: 22-1
Nick Taylor: 55-1
Sungjae Im: 22-1
Jake Knapp: 125-1
Hole-in-One Prop Bet: Yes (+120), No (-150)

Fun Parlay Betting Combinations

Here are some intriguing parlay combinations that blend outcomes from both the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open, along with their potential payouts on a $100 bet:

Favorites Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Kansas City Chiefs to cover the 1.5-point spread (-110).
- Golf: Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top 5 (-150).
- Coin Toss: Heads (-105).
- Parlay Odds: +450
- Payout: $100 bet wins $450.
Underdog Upset Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win outright (+120).
- Golf: Nick Taylor to finish in the top 10 (+500).
- Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
- Parlay Odds: +1300
- Payout: $100 bet wins $1,300.
High-Scoring and High-Performance Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Total points over 49.5 (-110).
- Golf: Sam Burns to finish in the top 5 (+450).
- First Touchdown Scorer: A.J. Brown (+800).
- Parlay Odds: +2500
- Payout: $100 bet wins $2,500.
Longshot Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win by more than 7 points (+275).
- Golf: Jake Knapp to finish in the top 10 (+1100).
- First Touchdown Scorer: Patrick Mahomes (+2000).
- Parlay Odds: +7500
- Payout: $100 bet wins $7,500.
Quick Thrill Parlay:
- Coin Toss: Tails (-105).
- First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600).
- Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
- Parlay Odds: +1400
- Payout: $100 bet wins $1,400.

Combining bets from the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open can add an extra layer of excitement to your sports weekend. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!

Blog

All the Best Moments in Pebble Beach History

Featuring Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and Bill Murray

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

Lord Eagleman III

Spanning over half a century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone changes in latitude as well as attitude. But the core of the tournament remains not only the exceptional golf by the world’s best players, but also the lore surrounding each yearly winter extravaganza.

Wyndham Clark made history at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Tied for 23rd heading into Saturday’s third round, he ended the day in first place with a 12-under 60, setting the course record for the lowest score ever at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

In 2017, Justin Rose & Justin Timberlake collaborated on one of the most unique moments in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am history. While JR took a selfie, JT nearly made an ace on the iconic par-3 7th ultimately leading to a tap-in birdie.

Always a fan favorite and one of the best entertainers Pebble Beach has ever seen, check out Bill Murray’s best shots and funniest moments from his career at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Signature moments from the five U.S. Opens that were held at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, site of the 2019 championship.

Perhaps remembered best for a hole out at the par-4 15th hole, Tiger Woods came back from a 5-shot deficit to move past 54-hole co-leaders Mark Brooks and Matt Gogel and claim victory at the 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.