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PGA Championship Preview

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Fresh off of watching Rory McIlroy play some of the best golf he’s played in years (more on that later), we are now in PGA Championship week. The second major of the year is being contested at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The only major of the year that doesn’t invite amateurs has arguably the strongest field that will take to the course in a professional event this season with all of the top 50 on the OWGR list competing. With the special invitation given to Talor Gooch and five other members of the LIV League who were not otherwise eligible, 16 members of the 54 League are in the field. There are also 21 PGA Club Professionals teeing it up. (Normally the PGA of America invites the top 20 from the PGA Professionals Championship, but PGA Pro Michael Block earned his way into the field with his finish at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oakmont).

This is the third time that Valhalla has hosted the PGA Championship with prior winners being Mark Brooks (1996) and Tiger Woods (2000). Valhalla has also hosted two Senior PGA Championships and was the venue for the 2008 Ryder Cup. The course is a monster playing 7,609 yards as a par 71. The bentgrass greens average 5000 square feet making these some of the smallest greens players will see all season on tour. In 2021 the fairways were converted to Zoysiagrass specifically to make the course firmer and faster earlier in the season. There are 3 layers of rough (a mixture of Kentucky Bluegrass and tall fescue), increasing in height the further off the fairway the errant shot flies.

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Scoring will be lower than you would expect at a PGA Championship. The course, while lengthy, has three scorable par 5’s and 2 sub 400 yard par 4’s. More importantly, the course has been receiving rain all week and the forecast for the weekend is not much better. The fairways which drain very well, will still not be as firm and fast as we would normally see with dry conditions.

By issuing the invites to Gooch, David Puig, Dean Burmester, Adrian Meronk, Lucas Herbert and Patrick Reed, the PGA of America made for an interesting field. Much like at Augusta, the pre-tournament media room and coverage has been filled with discussions of the “Tour Wars.” Jon Rahm made waves on Tuesday by stating that he “is still a member of the PGA Tour.” How the LIV players compare to the PGA Tour players will make for a compelling backdrop no matter how your loyalties lie in this “fight.”

There are a few other interesting backstories in play this week. Monday the story broke that Rory McIlroy filed for divorce this week. Some pundits are downplaying his chances as his “mind will be elsewhere.” My two takes on this are that Rory knew he was filing for divorce on Sunday at the Wells Fargo when he played Xander Schauffele into a body bag and that in May 2014 Rory ended his engagement with Caroline Wozniacki and went on a tear. Rory won the 2014 PGA Championship.

Finally, if you believe in coincidences, Matt Fitzpatrick won the US Open at Brookline where he had previously won the US Amateur. Valhalla has hosted the Junior PGA Championship. The winner? Akshay Bhatia.

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How To Shoot 13 On One Hole Like A Pro!

Stay out of the bunkers!

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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.

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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!

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Golf Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

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Welcome to the Future of Golf
Forget everything you know about traditional golf tournaments. The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) is here, and it’s ready to redefine the sport. Imagine the world’s best players, cutting-edge technology, and non-stop action packed into two electrifying hours. Sound good? Let’s dive into what TGL is all about and how you can watch and join in the excitement.

TGL, presented by SoFi, is the brainchild of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. This revolutionary league blends real-life golf with virtual gameplay, creating a high-tech, fast-paced experience like nothing you’ve seen before.

  • Six Teams of PGA TOUR Stars: The league kicks off with six stacked teams, each featuring four world-class players.
  • Prime-Time Matches: Forget those day-long tournaments—TGL matches are played in just two hours, making them perfect for prime-time TV.
  • High-Tech Venue: Matches take place at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, complete with massive screens and an innovative short-game complex.

How Does it Work?

TGL takes place in a hybrid environment that combines the best of virtual and physical golf:

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  • Virtual Long Shots: Players hit drives and approach shots into a massive 64’ x 53’ simulator screen.
  • Live Short Game: Once on the green, the action shifts to the “GreenZone,” a real-life short game area designed to simulate different course conditions.
  • Shot Clock: Players have just 40 seconds per shot, keeping the pace fast and thrilling.
  • Mic’d Up Players: Hear the strategies, banter, and personalities of the players in real-time.

Each match features 15 holes, broken into team-based “triples” and individual “singles” sessions. Scoring is straightforward, making it easy for fans to follow.

The TGL roster reads like a golf hall of fame. Here’s a breakdown of the teams:

  • Atlanta Drive GC: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover—a powerhouse team blending experience and firepower.
  • Boston Common Golf: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott—loaded with precision and consistency.
  • Jupiter Links GC: Tiger Woods, Tom Kim, Max Homa, Kevin Kisner—Tiger’s team is as exciting as it gets.
  • Los Angeles Golf Club: Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose—a mix of youth and veteran savvy.
  • New York Golf Club: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young—a lethal combination of flair and focus.
  • The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry—bringing a global flair to the competition.

With these players on deck, you can expect drama, skill, and jaw-dropping moments every match.

TGL isn’t just golf—it’s an experience. Here’s why fans are buzzing:

  1. Fast-Paced Action: Two hours of high-intensity golf—no downtime, no filler.
  2. Star Power: Watch the biggest names in golf go head-to-head.
  3. Immersive Technology: Feel like you’re part of the action with virtual and live elements.
  4. Prime-Time Drama: Matches are perfectly timed for evening viewing, making it easy to tune in with family and friends.

The TGL’s inaugural match takes place tonight, January 7, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST. Here’s how you can catch the action:

  • TV: Tune in live on ESPN.
  • Streaming: Watch on ESPN+ or your preferred streaming platform.
  • Global Options: Fans around the world can check local listings for viewing options.

Want to take your fandom to the next level? Here’s how:

  • Find Your Team: Take the “Find Your Team” quiz on tglgolf.com and pledge your allegiance.
  • Shop Merchandise: Rep your team with official TGL gear.
  • Join the Conversation: Follow TGL on social media for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
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