Blog
Loophole Rule Offers PGA Tour Pros a Mulligan
You may not even remember the name Michael Campbell? I suppose I can’t blame you. You see, while he may not be a Blockbuster name on tour today in 2021, he certainly had his moment. Let me take you back in time to 2005.
You may remember that year for several events: Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, flooding over 80% of the entire city. A popular video sharing website was created by 3 former PayPal employees. That website today gets over 5 billion daily video views and is worth a staggering 170 billion dollars. You know that startup website today as YouTube. George W. Bush was entering his second term in office and in golf the infamous “Tiger Chip” at the Masters was all the rage.
With all of that, I will ask you…Can you remember who won the U.S. Open that year? Remember, it was played at the Deuce (Pinehurst #2) and as was the case in almost every Major back then, El Tigre was in contention coming down the stretch in his Sunday Red. However, Tiger didn’t win that U.S. Open…
You guessed it, Michael Campbell did. Holding off a late surge by the young GOAT he claimed the trophy winning by 2 strokes. This ended up being the only major championship victory of his PGA career. Sure, he went on to win a few more events, including the Match Play in the same year (2005) but by most accounts he just kind of faded out after that and became background noise.
Enter the resurgence. Well, sort of. Recently, at the Senior Open, the very same Michael Campbell was permitted, by a very interesting and unusual rule, to hit a mulligan. Check out this bizarre series of circumstances below that lead to the ruling…
1. Campbell has a unique pre-shot routine. He takes his practice swing dangerously close to the ball and does so almost immediately after teeing it up. Think Zach Johnson at Augusta a few years back.
Wow! Zach Johnson is all of us… pic.twitter.com/BvVWA1wBvU
— Fantasy Golf Pod (@fantasygolfpod) April 12, 2019
2. Just like Johnson, Campbell accidentally hit the golf ball during his practice swing. The ball tumbled half willingly down the fairway about 100 yards (mostly on the ground). Michael, laughing at his blunder, walked off the tee feeling like most of us do at a shotgun charity event after topping one into the bushes on the 1st hole.
3. Here is where it gets interesting. Campbell, who has done this before on tour, was permitted to take a mulligan under the Rules of Golf. Rule 6.2b states “when you are playing a ball from the teeing area, the ball is not in play until a stroke is made at it. This means that once you tee your ball up, you must make an intentional pass at the ball for it to count as a stroke. Making contact with the ball during a practice swing that accidentally strikes and moves the ball, you have not made an intentional stroke or purposefully moved the ball into play. “The Rules allow you to simply re-tee that same ball or another ball without penalty.”
4. While Campbell was able to reload his tee shot, he was not able to overcome his blunder. He missed the cut shooting +11 over par after Friday’s round and did not survive to play on the weekend.
Today at the Senior Open @MCampbellgolf ?
?: @MichaelVerity/ Warren Coopey #SeniorOpen pic.twitter.com/KEsF0fBjbn
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 22, 2021
“Pretty much sums up my day today,” Campbell tweeted. “(Zach) I know how you felt.”
While mulligans on the PGA tour are indeed very rare, to us weekend warriors they are all too familiar. Interesting fact: The term “Mulligan” is said to be derived from Canadian golf professional David Mulligan. He once re loaded his morning tee shot while playing with his buddies on a Saturday morning friendly match, and they let him have it. He has never lived that down and will forever be known as the father of the golf re-do.
During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.
Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.
Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.
The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.
Golf: always full of surprises!
Blog
Reinventing the Game We Love
Golf is evolving with innovative formats like TGL’s tech-fueled arenas and the World Series of Golf’s poker-inspired strategy, blending tradition with modern excitement.
Golf, my friends, is no longer just about walking the pristine fairways of Augusta or sinking a 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th at St. Andrews. No, the game is evolving, stretching its traditional boundaries in ways that might make Old Tom Morris do a double take. From tech-fueled formats like the TGL to the high-stakes innovation of the World Series of Golf, golf is embracing a bold new future. Let’s dive into these groundbreaking formats that are shaking up the game, one swing at a time.
Tech Meets Tradition
Imagine a golf league where cutting-edge technology meets the competitive spirit of team sports. That’s the promise of the TGL, a new format backed by heavyweights like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Set to launch soon, the TGL is played on a state-of-the-art virtual course in a high-energy arena, complete with live crowds and fast-paced action.
Gone are the long walks and contemplative silences—this is golf reimagined for the modern audience. Think Monday Night Football vibes, but with drivers, wedges, and a lot less tackling (unless someone gets really heated over a bunker shot). The TGL is set to bring in new fans, especially those who love the thrill of eSports and tech-driven experiences.
Why It Matters:
The TGL is making golf faster, more interactive, and more accessible for younger audiences who want action, not just tradition. It’s proof that golf can evolve without losing its soul.
Poker Meets the Fairway
Speaking of innovation, let’s talk about a format that combines the strategy of poker with the skills of golf: the World Series of Golf. This isn’t your typical weekend scramble. It’s a high-stakes competition where every shot counts, not just for your score but for the chips in your hand.
Here’s how it works: Players bet on their own abilities with each shot, calculating risk and reward just like in a poker hand. Do you play it safe and lay up, or go all-in for the green? The World Series of Golf isn’t just a test of your swing—it’s a test of your nerves, your strategy, and your ability to read the game (and maybe your opponents).
Why It’s Exciting:
The World Series of Golf adds a layer of mental gymnastics to the game, making it as much about psychology and risk-taking as it is about hitting a perfect shot. Plus, the format is ripe for TV, offering drama and intrigue that’s hard to match.
These innovative formats aren’t just novelties; they’re lifelines for a sport looking to grow its audience. Traditional golf is beautiful, sure, but let’s face it—four-hour rounds and hushed commentary aren’t for everyone. Formats like TGL and the World Series of Golf bring energy, accessibility, and excitement, appealing to both die-hard fans and newcomers who might find 18 holes of stroke play a bit daunting.
These innovations also open the door for a more inclusive golf culture. With shorter formats and new ways to engage, golf can attract younger players, diverse audiences, and anyone who’s ever thought, “Golf looks fun, but do I have the time?” Spoiler: You do now.
The beauty of these new formats is that they’re just the beginning. Imagine even more creative takes on the game—urban golf leagues, drone-assisted gameplay, or even VR tournaments where you can compete against the pros from your living room. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this moment so exciting.
Golf isn’t losing its roots; it’s growing new branches. The core of the game—the precision, the strategy, the camaraderie—is still there. But with innovations like TGL and the World Series of Golf, the game is proving it can evolve while staying true to what makes it great.
So here’s to the future of golf: a world where tradition meets innovation, and the next great shot could happen anywhere—from a virtual course to a poker-style showdown. Swing on, my friends, because the game we love is only getting better.
Staying in shape and maintaining your golf swing during the winter months can be challenging, especially with the temptation to spend weekends indoors watching football. However, these two seemingly disparate activities can complement each other. By incorporating football viewing, especially during the exciting NFL playoffs, with strategic exercises, you can stay engaged with sports and improve your golf game.
How Watching the NFL Playoffs Can Help Your Swing
NFL playoff games offer natural breaks in the action – timeouts, commercials, and halftime – which can be utilized for short bursts of exercise. These breaks are ideal for:
- Dynamic Warm-ups: During the pre-game, between quarters, or longer breaks, perform dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists. These movements improve flexibility and prepare your muscles for activity, mirroring the warm-up routines used by professional golfers.
- Swing Practice: Utilize shorter breaks for practice swings, focusing on maintaining proper form and grip. Imagine yourself on the course and visualize your swing, even without a club. This mental and physical rehearsal helps reinforce muscle memory.
- Core Engagement Exercises: Core strength is essential for a stable and powerful swing. During breaks, perform exercises like planks, side planks, and Russian twists. These exercises can be easily done in front of the TV without requiring any equipment.
Maximizing Your Football-Watching Workout (Especially During the Playoffs!)
To make the most of this approach:
- Create a Routine: Plan which exercises you’ll perform during different parts of the game. Having a structured routine will help you stay consistent and make the most of the breaks.
- Focus on Quality over Quantity: Short, focused bursts of exercise are more effective than long, drawn-out sessions. Prioritize proper form and technique over the number of repetitions.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the game. Proper hydration is crucial for muscle function and overall performance.
By combining your passion for football, especially the high-stakes action of the NFL playoffs, with strategic exercises, you can maintain your fitness, improve your golf swing, and enjoy the best of both worlds during the winter months.
Bottom’s Up and Bottom Line:
This is about doing something. Even 10 minutes a day is better than nothing. It’ll keep you from completely seizing up during the winter months. So when the sun finally comes out, you’ll be able to at least half-decently swing a club, rather than looking like you’ve just been defrosted. Plus, you might even feel a little less creaky.
-
Product Review5 years ago
The Perfect Practice Putting Mat Review by Jason Tenzer
-
Blog4 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
-
Blog4 years ago
What Your Golf Clubs Say About You
-
Equipment5 years ago
OHK Sports Interview by Jason Tenzer
-
Product Review5 years ago
Sparms Product Review – Save the Sunburn for the Beach