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Rahm Ends Remarkable Streak, Spieth’s Wild Ride, & Hovland Turns Heads

Cameron Young broke the 36-hole scoring record for the Genesis Invitational, a pretty big deal considering the annual PGA Tour stop at Riviera dates back nearly a century. There’s just one slightly disappointing part about the 24-year-old’s first two days: He’s not even leading the golf tournament.
That’s because 23-year-old Joaquin Niemann broke that record as well, thanks to a second consecutive 63. That gives Niemann a blistering 16-under-par total of 126 through two days—five shots better than the previous 36-hole low at Riviera.
“I think everything is working pretty well,” Niemann told reporters after. “Obviously I’m making a lot of putts right now. I feel I’m starting my ball online with the putter. When you have greens this good when you start your line, I think you’ve got a good chance of making putts, so I think that’s been big this week.”
The young star from Chile said he didn’t get much sleep with an early tee time, but he eagled the first and birdied the second. After making the turn at five under, he bogeyed the famed 10th hole before bouncing back with birdies on four of his final eight holes.
There will be plenty of time to sleep before Niemann and Young have Saturday’s last afternoon tee time; however, nerves could always get in the way. Young, a two-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, will be looking for his first PGA Tour title. And for Niemann, who won at The Greenbrier in 2019, it seems that way.
“Yeah, it feels forever actually. I think it was two or three years ago. It feels a long time,” Niemann said. “Obviously you play this game to try to win every week and yeah, but you know how hard it is to win here and how competitive they are, how many good players there are here. You have to be patient and just wait for my week.”
At this rate, he might not have to wait much longer. Here’s what else you may have missed from Friday’s second round at Riviera.
Viktor Hovland turns heads
As he did on Thursday, Hovland played the 15th hole by hitting his tee shot down No. 16. And as he did on Thursday, he made par on the difficult par 4. Have a look:
Take two. ? https://t.co/tqnHYsPmF4 pic.twitter.com/pLH6l7p4YJ— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2022
After posting a second-round 64 to vault into contention, Hovland explained his eye-opening strategy.
“So I did that at the U.S. Amateur here in 2017,” Hovland said. “Actually, got to give my buddy Zach Bauchou some credit. He was the guy that first mentioned it. Yeah, I did it there and I did it once last year, I believe it was the third day and it was humming downwind. I think I hit a driver and a sand wedge in there. And there’s not too much trouble there I thought. Obviously that bunker on the left side is no good, but at the same time the bunker down 15 on the right is no good either. I don’t know, just fits my eye.”
But what caught the eyes of other people were Hovland’s lightning pants. Check these bad boys out:
Lightning pants for the win. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/3fTY6pX3dU— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2022
“It’s my first time,” Hovland said of wearing the pants. “Maybe I should keep wearing them.”
Hey, when you’re ranked fourth in the entire world, you can wear whatever you want. And he was certainly in better spirits than the World No. 1 following his round …
Jon Rahm’s remarkable streak ends
Well, he was due for a bad round. And it really wasn’t even that bad.
Rahm shot a one-over-par 72 on Friday, his first over-par round on the PGA Tour since Day 1 of the Open Championship. Yep, that’s right. We’re talking about July. As in seven months ago.
Rahm’s streak of shooting rounds of par or better ended at 34, one of the longest in tour history, and the longest since Charles Howell III also had 34 in 2003. The record, as you probably guess, belongs to Tiger Woods, who once went 52 rounds without shooting over par. Crazy.
On the bright side for Rahm, thanks to a clutch seven-foot par putt on 18, he’ll get to play the weekend. Unlike the next guy . . .
Dustin Johnson’s weird week
Although not technically the betting favorite entering this week (that would be Rahm), Johnson was certainly a favorite among fantasy experts, and for good reason. The two-time major champ has a sparkling record at Riviera with 10 top-10s in 14 starts, highlighted by a win and two runner-ups. But he was the most surprising player to miss the cut—especially when you consider how well he played during his Friday back nine.
Ben Jared
Johnson closed with a bogey-free 31, capped by a birdie on his final hole. But it proved to be too little too late. His undoing? A 40 on his front nine, including a double bogey on the par-3 16th. Oh, and a 73 on Thursday that also featured a double bogey on No. 10.
And all of this amid speculation that Johnson could join the Saudi-backed Super Golf League. Although he was able to avoid the media this week, he was unable to overcome a sloppy short game that cost him more than three shots over two rounds.
It’s been a slow start to the season for Johnson, who has only played in three events with a T-25 at Torrey Pines his best result. If he is thinking about leaving the PGA Tour, that can’t be helping his bargaining power.
Jordan Spieth’s (latest) wild ride
One guy who was using his short game to make up strokes on the field was Jordan Spieth. Shocking, we know.
The three-time major champ flashed some magic on the back nine, beginning with this chip-in eagle on No. 11:
Chip-in eagle at 11. ?@JordanSpieth gets to -10 and -5 on the day. pic.twitter.com/iqQwG0guh4— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2022
But then he managed four consecutive up-and-down pars on 12-15, three of which only required tap-in putts. And despite only hitting 11 greens in regulation and losing strokes on the greens, including a three-putt on No. 18, Spieth shot 67 and is T-4 heading into the weekend.
In other words, he’s just where he wants to be. Ready to make another Saturday charge—just this time at a place with no dangerous cliffs.
This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.
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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.

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.

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.

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.
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