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Our Favorite PGA Tour Players to Watch – and Some We’d Skip

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Our Favorite Tour Players to Watch

Most PGA Tour events are kind of like a two for one deal. The first two rounds begin on Thursday and golfers must make the cut in order to continue on in the event. This is proceeded by the big weekend excitement that golf fans are sure to be near a television to watch. Plus, that prize money is nothing to turn your nose up at either. This is the pros after all. Top earners are walking away with seven figures, easy.

Of course, all of that big money would not be possible if it weren’t for the network broadcasts. As we’ve especially learned during Covid, televised sporting events hold a lot of value. With even more golf fans tuning in from the comfort of their living room, they are willing to pay for that subscription to be able to tune into the action. The PGA Tour’s relationship with networks is more important than ever. The golfer’s themselves don’t come close to bringing in enough money to even touch the payout that live coverage can provide.

The only pro who could claim that title is Tiger Woods. After his horrific car crash at the beginning of the year, we haven’t seen much of the GOAT. He hasn’t even announced plans to come back any time soon.

Whereas Thursday and Friday’s rounds offer a rapid-fire succession of golf shots to viewers, Saturday and Sunday take on a very different dimension. The focus shifts to those atop the leaderboard. This is where we really get to know the golfers. How their facial expressions tell us a little about what is going on inside their head. The shifts in their body language when they are feeling the pressure. We really get to know their quirks. If a player is doing particularly well, TV cameras will have us invested in on player for well over an hour.

As a disparate audience, we draw conclusions. These are based on our own experiences and despite our lack of professional training. We judge the players based on this persona that we have been deciphering on TV. Because some players are easier to like than others, whether that appeal comes from a swing full of power and grace, an everlasting smile, some crowd interaction or a simple appreciation for one’s intense determination.

As a result, we are able to read the golfer’s thoughts and feelings closer than other professional athletes we analyze from our couch. With some invaluable help from a half-dozen pairs of eyeballs and my own marginal sense of perspective, what follows is an assessment of nine marquee players, each of whom has been assigned a “watchability” rating. Using the Bo Derek scale (10 for best, 1 for worst), our subjects are graded for their on-course deportment and assorted observational factors that add to (or detract from) the viewing experience.

This is not a ranking. Just a subjective look at the men who make the game so interesting.

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PING Hoofer

Rory McIlroy — 9 out of 10

The victory in Vegas last weekend makes Northern Ireland’s finest the perfect leadoff hitter. McIlroy maintains a rapid pace of play that a lot of other golfers on Tour can’t match. He makes some ridiculous course-management decisions at times, but that’s not a negative. When things are going well, he jaunts down the fairway like a 9-year-old kid. When they’re not, he wears it on his face like few others. Sadness, not anger. He is incapable of gloating or showboating. Polite but outspoken. Two steps above gifted but flawed beyond explanation. A wonderful asset to the game and one of the more enjoyable players to watch. 

Patrick Cantlay— 6 out of 10

His businesslike approach obviously paid off handsomely in 2021, although I prefer the fiery, fist-pumping version of Cantlay we saw at the Ryder Cup. He is unabashedly slow on the greens, and that shuffle of his feet over a putt can leave a fella feeling seasick, but he holes so many bombs that you feel thankful he won’t need another 90 seconds to knock in the next one. 

Jordan Spieth — 5 out of 10

He talks to his golf ball more than he talks to his wife, or anyone else, for that matter. This typically happens as his ball sails off and he sees that it is most certainly not headed in the direction he intended. Tiger Woods has been found guilty of the same crime, but his ball rarely disobeyed his command. Spieth is probably the most verbally animated player on the Tour, which certainly can grate on a viewer’s nerves after a while. That said, his short game alone is reason enough to tune in and enjoy. 

Tyrrell Hatton— 8.5 out of 10

When Sergio Garcia gets angry, his behavior is considered petulant, mainly because it is. Hatton’s temperamental outbursts qualify as an amusing form of self-abuse. He becomes so unhappy with himself that he appears ready to quit the game, then makes three consecutive birdies and breaks out the most apologetic grin known to golfkind. If England’s most tenacious grinder ever takes to fatherhood, you can bet your life his kids will behave themselves when daddy’s home. 

Bubba Watson — 3 out of 10

You don’t need a degree in psychology to know how Bubba’s day is going. When he’s missing putts, which isn’t all that uncommon, Watson’s dramatic reactions come with a level of authenticity that would have inspired Sir Laurence Olivier. Astonishment. Bewilderment. Injustice. Watson’s collection of grim faces are the stuff of a thousand conspiracies, but the big fella can still shape his ball like nobody’s business. Don’t cry for Bubba. He’ll probably miss one from the same distance on the next hole.

Louis Oosthuizen — 8 out of 10

Beyond owning the smoothest move in every town he visits, the gentle South African has taken his close-but-no-cigar status like a man. And thank goodness, because his career of late has been plagued by a severe stogie shortage. He’ll never be a fan favorite because he doesn’t do cartwheels after making a 15-footer and he doesn’t win tournaments — he’s still 0-for-America — but Oostie is an under appreciated, overlooked commodity from a country that hasn’t exactly been burning up the world stage in recent years. Think of him as the anti-Bubba. 

Bryson DeChambeau — 1 on some days, 10 on others

Oh, where do we start? He drives it 380 yards without tearing a pectoral muscle, blames everyone but himself when things go wrong, says some of the dumbest things since Jethro Bodine but still carries himself like the smartest guy in every room he enters. Not for nothing, DeChambeau is also the only active golfer who truly moves the needle—a guy capable of adding 5,000 spectators on any given week or boosting the Tour’s rigid TV ratings. Love him or loathe him, he’s a man of impact. People can’t take their eyes off him. 

Justin Thomas— 3 out of 10

Clearly one of the game’s most talented players, Thomas can’t seem to see the forest for the trees. He has won some big tournaments but has taken himself out of others with an allergy to adversity that seems to grow more acute each year. The woe-is-me thing simply doesn’t work at the game’s highest level. He’s a handful and a half when everything’s working, but a lot of bad things happen on a golf course. You deal with them. If JT possessed the inner fight that drives his close buddy Spieth, he’d win six times a year. 

Jon Rahm — 9 out of 10

While we’re on the subject of disposition makeovers, let us pay tribute to the year’s most successful competitive lobotomy. Rahm might not have won the U.S. Open if he hadn’t diverted from his hotheaded ways, a change brought on by the birth of his first child and the COVID-19/forced withdrawal that cost him the Memorial, but it’s hard to envision a dude with such a short fuse emerging triumphant at golf’s ultimate battle of attrition. He has always been a big boy physically, but in 2021, Rahm added another 20 pounds of emotional muscle.

He is bright, exceptionally well-spoken and clearly thankful for the opportunity life has given him. Americans have always been hesitant to embrace foreign golfers as one of their own. Rahm is on a brisk pace to become the most popular international player of all-time. 

This article originally appeared on SI.com

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Maintenance during the off season

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Ever wonder what kind of repairs you can do to keep your clubs in shape during the off season?

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Many of us find the grips on our clubs starting to wear down and nothing brings new life into your older clubs like a new set of grips.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a small fortune having someone else do this for you, this handy DIY video by Coach Lockey will show you how to replace your grips at home. Click below and have a watch. Then see some of our suggestions for new grips you can buy today.

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

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Hey there, golf fans and last-minute shoppers! Can you believe it? We’re down to just 9 days until Christmas, and this year, Hanukkah also starts on the 25th, too! If you’ve got a golfer in your life, the clock is ticking to grab that perfect gift. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some amazing last-minute ideas that will arrive in time, thanks to Amazon’s super-fast shipping.

So, skip the stress and check out these top picks that will make any golfer light up like the holiday tree or menorah this year. Let’s dive in!

1. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Golfers can never have too many golf balls, and Callaway’s Supersoft is one of the best around. Known for its soft feel and incredible distance, it’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Plus, it’s an easy, no-brainer gift that any golfer will appreciate.

Why it’s great:

  • Affordable and high-quality
  • Available in fun colors like yellow and matte pink
  • Ready to ship and arrive before the holidays

👉 Buy Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls on Amazon

2. PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer

Help the golfer in your life sharpen their short game with this ingenious training tool. The PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer is compact, effective, and ideal for indoor practice—perfect for winter days away from the course.

Why it’s great:

  • Builds confidence in putting
  • Lightweight and portable
  • A hit among golfers of all levels

👉 Buy PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer on Amazon

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3. Golf Trunk Organizer

This gift is a game-changer for staying organized. The Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer is perfect for stashing shoes, gloves, tees, and other golf gear in one tidy place. It’s functional, practical, and will earn you big points for thoughtfulness.

Why it’s great:

  • Keeps gear neat and ready for action
  • Fits easily in any car trunk
  • Arrives quickly with Prime shipping

👉 Buy Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer on Amazon

4. Titleist Players Golf Glove

A good golf glove can make all the difference in grip and comfort, and Titleist is a trusted brand. This premium glove is a simple yet thoughtful gift that will see plenty of use on the course.

Why it’s great:

  • High-quality construction
  • Comfortable fit and feel
  • Available for fast shipping

👉 Buy Titleist Players Golf Glove on Amazon

5. Garmin Approach G12 GPS Rangefinder

For the tech-savvy golfer, the Garmin Approach G12 is a small but mighty gadget that provides distances to the green, hazards, and more. It clips onto a bag or belt, making it easy to use during a round.

Why it’s great:

  • Compact and accurate
  • Preloaded with 42,000 courses
  • Ships in time for the holidays

👉 Buy Garmin Approach G12 on Amazon

6. Funny Golf T-Shirts

Every golfer loves a little humor on the course. A witty golf-themed T-shirt is a fun, budget-friendly option that’s sure to get laughs and compliments.

Why it’s great:

  • Tons of designs to choose from
  • Budget-friendly and personal
  • Many options with next-day delivery

👉 Browse Funny Golf T-Shirts on Amazon

7. Practice Golf Net

A home practice net is a dream for golfers who want to perfect their swing without leaving the house. It’s the gift of endless practice, even in the off-season.

Why it’s great:

  • Easy to set up in a backyard or garage
  • Perfect for winter training
  • Many available for fast delivery

👉 Buy Practice Golf Net on Amazon

Don’t Wait—Act Now!

Time is running out, and the holidays are almost here! These gifts are perfect for golfers and will make it to your doorstep in time, but only if you act fast. Stock is limited, and the closer we get to the big day, the tighter the shipping windows get. Click those links, fill your cart, and cross those gifts off your list today.

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The Golfer’s Gift Guide

Unique Ideas for Dad This Christmas

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Is your dad a golf nut? Christmas is the perfect time to show him how much you care with a gift that’s right up his fairway. Whether he’s a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a perfect gift out there for every golfer. Let’s take a look at some ideas that will have him swinging with joy all year long.

Stocking Stuffers for the Golf-Obsessed Dad

Even the most experienced golfer appreciates the little things.

These stocking stuffers are perfect for adding a little fun to his game:

Personalized divot repair tool

Give dad the custom tool when fixing his divots.

Novelty golf tees

Let the tees do the talking for dad on the course.

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NFL logo balls

Give dad the balls with his favorite NFL team logo.

Help dad take his golf game to the next level with these stylish and practical gifts:

New golf gloves

Keep the grip right with new gloves for dad.

Nike golf hat

Up dad’s game with a stylish new hat and keep his head covered.

UA golf shoes

Under Armour will make dad look cool on the course while feeling very comfortable.

The Golfer’s Haven

Help dad unwind after a long day on the course with these cozy and relaxing gifts:

Cozy golf blanket

Keep dad warm on the couch while reminding everyone of his favorite game.

Comfy chair

When dad is walking the course for all the exercise, give him the chair to sit in while he waits his turn.

Robotic massage

This holiday season, give dad a gift he’ll never forget. Send him a wellness experience like no other with an Aescape gift certificate.

With this guide, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the golfer in your life. Happy holidays!

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