Connect with us

Blog

Rahm Keeps Testing Positive and We Have Questions

Avatar photo

Published

on

By now you know that Jon Rahm was set to compete in the Olympics last week until he tested positive yet again. We’ve seen this before, not too long ago, at the Memorial Tournament in early June where Rahm’s positive result was delivered to him on live television. After missing out on a $1.7 million prize and a chance at a gold medal, Rahm must be wondering how he managed to be so unlucky as to carry the virus…twice.
 
“I would have loved to have been the first Spanish Olympic gold medalist in golf, but unfortunately destiny had other plans,” he tweeted after receiving the news. “This is a great reminder for all of us that we’re still in a pandemic.”
 

Now many of you are likely saying ‘He should have been vaccinated, it’s his own fault.’ Well, as it turns out, the golfer received his Johnson & Johnson shot prior to competing in the Memorial Tournament.
 

Breakthrough Infections

 
Right now, the news cycle is flooded with reports on the Delta variant and how easily it spreads from one host to another. We’ve seen stories of breakthrough infections occurring in those who have been administered the vaccine.
 
Is this what the future of sports holds for us? By now it is clear that the pandemic is not something we will get behind us for the foreseeable future. Between low vaccination rates and breakthrough cases, we are likely to see many athletes forced to sit out major competitions due to a positive Covid test.
 
“You’re going to have this over and over again,” said Stanley Perlman, a University of Iowa coronavirus researcher who also sits on the panel that advises the FDA about authorizing Covid-19 vaccines. “This is a story more about being cautious and being sad for the golfer than it being any risk for the world.”
 
While rare, it is unlikely that vaccinated individuals will become severely ill after full vaccination. Many states are reinstating mask mandates to curtail the spread now that many hospitals are again running out of beds. Doctors are still unsure just how contagious someone is if they are vaccinated.
 

Antibody Detection

 
Theodora Hotziionnou is a virologist at Rockefeller University who has been tasked with studying Covid19 immunity. She explains how testing detects the virus after receiving the vaccine.
 
“Two weeks is just when your antibody levels start going up. That’s when you can detect them very, very nicely. But it’s also not the peak. They continue to grow for a few weeks.”
 
While Rahm is obviously not happy that he had to sit out two major events, there may be something to be said for how efficiently his immune system responded to the virus.
 
“It is possible that the first infection was well controlled by emerging vaccine-elicited immunity, and therefore the first infection might have had little immunological consequence itself,” said Paul Bieniasz, another Rockefeller University virologist working on Covid-19 immunity. “If that were true, then the second infection would be perhaps surprising, but not shocking.”
 
As it is unclear how long antibodies remain in your system after the vaccine or a Covid infection, it is possible to receive a false positive depending how long you have carried the virus. This means that even with a positive result, Rahm may not have even been contagious.
 
“This has implications for him professionally. This is a big deal,” said Krutika Kuppalli, assistant professor of infectious diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina. “If I were on the committee coming up with the [Olympic] policies, this would be one of the scenarios I’d think about.”
 
It’s clear the rules are in place to protect not only the athletes, but the volunteers and spectators they are likely to come in contact with. For now, it seems it is better to be safe than sorry

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Blog

The Art of Golf Course Photography

Capturing a golf course’s essence involves conveying its beauty and tranquility through masterful photography techniques.

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

Peter Gibb

Capturing the Beauty of the Game

Ahoy, shutterbug golfers! This week, we’re diving into the enchanting world of golf course photography – because what better way to preserve the magic of the game than through the lens of a camera?

Check out the work by Peter Gibb he takes to the sky and photographs some iconic golf holes and then paints them on these beautiful canvases. Perhaps his style will inspire you as you capture your own images.

Peter Gibb
Art by Peter Gibb

So grab your cameras, polish your lenses, and let’s explore the art of capturing the beauty of the game:

1. Seek out Stunning Vistas: Every golf course has its own unique beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a breathtaking ocean view, a majestic mountain backdrop, or a lush green fairway stretching into the horizon, seek out stunning vistas that showcase the natural splendor of the course.

2. Embrace Golden Hour: The golden hour – that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset – is a photographer’s best friend. The soft, warm light bathes the landscape in a golden glow, casting long shadows and creating dramatic contrasts. Embrace the golden hour to capture your golf course in all its radiant glory.

3. Focus on Details: While sweeping landscapes are certainly breathtaking, don’t overlook the smaller details that make each golf course unique. Whether it’s the intricate design of a bunker, the delicate petals of a flower, or the serene reflection of a pond, focus on capturing the finer details that add depth and character to the scene.

Advertisement
Advertisement

4. Experiment with Perspectives: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your compositions and perspectives. Experiment with different angles, vantage points, and framing techniques to add visual interest and depth to your photos. Whether you’re shooting from ground level, aerial drones, or even underwater, the possibilities are endless.

5. Tell a Story: Finally, use your golf course photos to tell a story – not just of the game, but of the experience and emotions it evokes. Whether it’s the joy of sinking a putt, the frustration of hitting into a hazard, or the camaraderie of playing with friends, let your photos capture the essence of the golfing experience in all its glory.

So there you have it, fellow photographers – the art of golf course photography in all its majestic splendor. Whether you’re seeking out stunning vistas, embracing golden hour light, focusing on details, experimenting with perspectives, or telling a captivating story, let your camera be your guide as you capture the beauty of the game for all to see. And if you are just interested in a wonderful piece of art reach out to Peter Gibb.

Until next time, may your shots be as sharp as your focus, your compositions be as flawless as your swings, and your photos be a window into the soul of golf. Snap on, my fellow shutterbugs!

Continue Reading

Blog

Golf’s Grand Stages: Iconic Tournaments and Their Impact

The game’s greatest events.

Avatar photo

Published

on

Majestic events for some of golf’s elite

Hello, golf enthusiasts,

As we extend our series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today we shift our focus from players and equipment to the grand stages themselves—the tournaments that have defined competitive golf. These events are not just competitions; they are cultural phenomena that have shaped the sport and its global following. Let’s explore some of the most iconic golf tournaments and their profound impact on the sport.

The Masters: A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is synonymous with tradition and prestige. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1934, this tournament is known for its green jacket, a coveted prize that symbolizes excellence and membership in golf’s most exclusive club. The Masters has been a stage for some of golf’s greatest moments, from Jack Nicklaus’ historic win in 1986 at the age of 46 to Tiger Woods’ dramatic comeback in 2019.

The Open Championship: Golf’s Oldest Major

Commonly referred to as The British Open, The Open Championship is the oldest of golf’s four major tournaments, first played in 1860. It is conducted annually on the links courses around Scotland and England, presenting a unique challenge with its unpredictable weather and rugged landscapes. The Claret Jug, awarded to the champion, is one of the most recognized trophies in all of sports.

The U.S. Open: Ultimate Test of Golf

The U.S. Open is renowned for its rigorous setup, which aims to test the limits of players’ skills and mental toughness. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this tournament is played at various locations across the United States and is known for its narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. Winning the U.S. Open is a testament to a golfer’s precision and perseverance.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The PGA Championship: A Showcase of Talent

The PGA Championship, conducted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, is where golf’s best professionals vie for the Wanamaker Trophy. This tournament is distinct for often being held at parkland courses across the U.S., featuring lush fairways and challenging greens. It’s a test of both skill and strategic play, often bringing out the best performances from the world’s top golfers.

These tournaments are more than just annual sporting events; they are a celebration of golf’s rich history and a showcase of its evolving future. Each tournament brings its unique flavor and set of challenges, contributing significantly to the legacy and popularity of the sport worldwide.

Join me next time as we explore golf’s role in fostering international camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Thank you for following along.

Warm regards,
Robert Greenfield

Continue Reading

Blog

The Joy of Golfing with Friends

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

Building Bonds on the Fairway

Ahoy, golfing companions! This week, we’re celebrating the unparalleled joy of teeing off with friends – because as any golfer knows, there’s nothing quite like sharing the fairway with your favorite playing partners. So gather your crew, dust off your clubs, and let’s explore the magic of golfing with friends:

1. Shared Laughter, Shared Memories: Golfing with friends isn’t just about hitting the ball – it’s about sharing laughs, swapping stories, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re reminiscing about past rounds, joking about missed putts, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the camaraderie of the game is what makes it truly special.

2. Support and Encouragement: One of the greatest benefits of golfing with friends is the support and encouragement they provide. From cheering you on after a great shot to offering words of wisdom when you’re struggling, your playing partners are there to lift you up and help you stay positive, no matter what challenges the course throws your way.

3. Friendly Competition: While golf is ultimately a game against the course, there’s no denying the thrill of a little friendly competition among friends. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, playing for a friendly wager, or simply trying to outdo each other on the scorecard, the spirit of competition adds an extra layer of excitement to every round.

4. Strengthening Bonds: Golfing with friends isn’t just about the game – it’s about strengthening bonds and deepening friendships. The shared experiences, inside jokes, and moments of triumph and defeat on the course all serve to bring you closer together, forging bonds that are as strong as steel.

Advertisement
Advertisement

5. Lifelong Companionship: Finally, golfing with friends is about more than just the present moment – it’s about building lifelong companionship that extends far beyond the fairway. Whether you’re celebrating victories, commiserating over defeats, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the friendships forged on the golf course are ones that will endure for years to come.

So there you have it, fellow golfing comrades – the joy of golfing with friends in all its glorious splendor. Whether you’re sharing laughs, supporting each other through the ups and downs, or strengthening bonds that last a lifetime, there’s nothing quite like hitting the links with your favorite playing partners by your side. Until next time, may your rounds be filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Friends on, my fellow golfers!

Continue Reading

Trending