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

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2021

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.

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.

Happy 30th birthday to the always entertaining @tyrrellhatton. May the mics get hotter as Tyrrell gets older. pic.twitter.com/velVJ40biW— Skratch (@Skratch) October 14, 2021

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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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.

Published

4 days ago

April 22, 2025

Kelly Hodgeson

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.

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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The Majesty of Golf, A Game for All

Golf is more than a game—it’s a generational thread that weaves families together, teaching life lessons while welcoming players of every age.

Published

5 days ago

April 21, 2025

Robert Greenfield

There’s something quietly majestic about golf. It doesn’t demand attention with stadium roars or flashy lights. It unfolds slowly, deliberately—like a conversation between generations. Golf, perhaps more than any other sport, lives comfortably across ages and abilities. It’s not just a pastime. It’s a shared language, a lifelong bond, and, in many ways, a bridge between the young and the old.

A Game Without an Expiration Date

At its heart, golf is uniquely timeless. Where most sports favor youth, speed, and raw physicality, golf welcomes wisdom, patience, and experience. You can start at five or at seventy-five. A round of golf can be as leisurely or as competitive as the group playing it. There is no shot clock, no age bracket. Just a tee time, a little sunlight, and a willingness to play.

I once watched a grandfather and his 9-year-old grandson walking side by side down the fairway—one with a cane and a push cart, the other skipping ahead, driver in hand. They weren’t just playing a game. They were telling stories, teaching lessons, building something between them that no screen or streaming service could replicate.

The Handicap: Leveling the Field

Golf’s handicap system is one of the game’s most democratic features. It allows players of differing skill levels—and by extension, different generations—to compete on relatively equal footing. A teenager with a single-digit handicap can play a meaningful match with a retiree who’s playing bogey golf. The game doesn’t exclude. It adapts.

It’s not about hitting the ball the farthest; it’s about knowing how to play the course, how to recover, how to stay patient. These are life skills, not just sports skills. In golf, a 10-year-old can outplay an adult not because of power, but because of discipline and mental sharpness. And that’s part of what makes it beautiful.

Time, Conversation, and Connection

Eighteen holes is a gift of time—four hours away from screens, noise, and distraction. In that time, parents bond with children, friends reconnect, business partners find common ground. For grandparents and grandchildren, those hours on the course become memories stitched together by stories, laughter, and the occasional errant shot into the woods.

There’s an unspoken rhythm to golf that mirrors life itself. The ups and downs. The challenges. The need for composure and resilience. It’s a sport, yes—but also a meditation, a masterclass in grace, a celebration of presence.

A Sport That Grows With You

Unlike sports you outgrow or age out of, golf grows with you. The course you played as a kid feels different at 40, at 60, at 80. Your swing changes. Your focus shifts. But the game remains loyal. It evolves with your body and your mindset, always offering new lessons.

It’s not just a sport you play. It’s a sport that stays with you—for a lifetime.

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The Masters Par 3 Contest: History, Traditions, & Memorable Moments

Golf, family, & fun!

Published

3 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Bobby Markowitz

Fun Fact: In 2020 and 2021, the Par 3 Contest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making its return in 2022 all the more cherished by players and fans alike.

Every April, as azaleas bloom and the eyes of the golf world turn to Augusta, one beloved tradition kicks off the festivities with charm, smiles, and a dose of superstition: The Masters Par 3 Contest.

Since its inception in 1960, the Par 3 Contest has been a lighthearted prelude to one of the most prestigious events in golf. Held the Wednesday before the first round of The Masters, this fan-favorite exhibition takes place on a 9-hole course nestled within the Augusta National grounds. Though its tone is far more relaxed than the main event, the Par 3 Contest is steeped in its own rich history and lore.

A Legacy of Fun (and Family)

The idea was the brainchild of legendary Augusta National Chairman Clifford Roberts, who envisioned a more casual, fan-friendly event that would complement the seriousness of the tournament itself. The course, designed by George Cobb in collaboration with Roberts, features holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards, wrapping around a series of picturesque ponds and creeks.

What sets the contest apart is the joy. It’s not uncommon to see legends of the game handing off putters to their grandkids or teeing off with their children. Many players invite their families to serve as caddies, often clad in the iconic white Augusta jumpsuits. These moments create some of the week’s most heartwarming and viral images—tiny toddlers sinking putts, Hall of Famers laughing with their spouses, and multi-generational bonding that transcends the game itself.

Star Power and Special Moments

Over the years, the Par 3 Contest has produced unforgettable highlights. In 2008, Gary Player, at 73 years old, aced the 7th hole. In 2015, Jack Nicklaus hit a hole-in-one at the age of 75—adding to a staggering total of over 100 aces recorded during the event’s history.

It’s also become an informal showcase of golf’s greatest legends. In many years past, you might see Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—collectively known as the “Big Three”—sharing laughs and swinging side by side. Today, stars like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth keep the spirit alive, bringing their kids, friends, or even celebrities along for the ride.

The Par 3 Curse

Despite the fun, there’s one unspoken truth players know all too well: No winner of the Par 3 Contest has ever gone on to win The Masters in the same year.

Call it superstition or coincidence, but many contenders intentionally avoid trying too hard to win the Wednesday event. They’ll joke about laying up on par-3s or missing short putts on purpose. For those laser-focused on the green jacket, taking home the crystal trophy from Wednesday might feel like a kiss of death.

More Than Just a Sideshow

While it’s technically an exhibition, the Par 3 Contest captures something that often gets lost in elite competition: pure joy. It’s a chance for players to breathe, fans to connect, and Augusta National to showcase its softer side. In an event known for its rigid traditions and rules, this one feels like a sweet exhale before the storm.

Whether it’s a child’s first swing, a legend’s final walk, or a spontaneous hole-in-one, the Par 3 Contest continues to add magic to Masters week—reminding us all that golf, at its heart, is a game to be enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

The Masters Par 3 Contest might not crown a green jacket winner, but it wins hearts year after year. It’s living proof that in a sport built on precision and patience, there’s still plenty of room for fun, family, and a little bit of luck.