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Surprise Leader in Houston Hasn’t Made a Cut in 4 Months

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Houston Open's Surprise Leader

The numbers are presented not to demean Martin Trainer, but simply to put into perspective just how brutal the game can be at the PGA Tour level, and how difficult it can be to fight your way out of massive slumps.

And for that matter, how remarkable it is that Trainer is leading this week’s Hewlett Packard Enterprise Houston Open after two rounds.

Since a February Sunday in 2019, when he captured the Puerto Rico Open in only his ninth start as a tour member, Trainer had played on the weekend only nine times in 63 appearances. The 30-year-old was 3-for-16 after the win in 2019, 2-for-19 in ’20, 4-for-23 last season and this year he began the 2021-22 campaign going 0-for-5 before arriving in Houston. He’d missed 17 of the past 18 cuts, playing his last weekend at the 3M Open in late July.

But one’s golf outlook can change in the matter of a single week, and Trainer is having one of those breakthroughs that he hopes isn’t fleeting. With back-to-back 65s on the par-70 Memorial Park Golf Course—his best scores since a 64 in the 2021 Sony Open—Trainer is alone at the top, one shot ahead of Kevin Tway and three up on Adam Long with second-round play continuing into Saturday because of Thursday’s weather delay.

“It’s been tough at times for me the last couple years not playing well, but now that I figured out a little bit of ball-striking, dropped some putts, it really can turn around that quickly,” Trainer said. “So I’m just grateful that that’s happening to me this week, and hopefully I’ll keep it going.”

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Not all missed cuts are the same, and Trainer said he hit the ball better than he had in a long time in shooting 72-69 while missing the cut last week at Mayakoba. He just couldn’t make putts, but he’s put it all together this week, gaining more than a half-stroke (.60) on the field with the flat stick. Trainer started on the 10th hole on Friday and made bombs of 25 feet and 34 feet, respectively, at the 15th and 17th.

“Every course on tour is firm and fast and difficult, but this week especially so,” Trainer said. “So it’s really tough just to make pars, and then I had a couple instances today where I was just trying to two-putt and they dropped in from long range. When that happens, not only do you know it’s your day, but you’re thankful that you’re in that position.”

Trainer, who was born in France and raised in California, admits that he’s been demoralized at times by the results. After all, he very well earned his way onto the PGA Tour with two victories in 2018 on the then-Web.com Tour. He seemed destined for more success after the victory as a big-league rookie in Puerto Rico. But it’s been a monumental struggle ever since. In the last two years, Trainer has earned a total of $149,766 after making $692,155 in his first full year.

This is the last season he can lean on being a tour winner to own his card.

“There’s always an incentive to play, and there’s always that hope that maybe I can find it, but yeah, there’s definitely been times when I haven’t been playing well in the last couple years where I thought about and pondered my future in the game. It’s nice to finally have one of these validating performances where all that work actually is paying off.”

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

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The Battle of the Bunkers

Escaping the Sandpit with Style

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Hey there, golf warriors! Today, we’re venturing into the sandy side of the course—those bunkers, traps, and beach-like hazards that seem to pop up exactly where you don’t want them. Bunkers are like the quicksand of golf; one wrong step and your game could sink faster than a golf ball into a water hazard. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the art of bunker escapes with a touch of humor and, hopefully, without too much sand in our shoes.

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  1. The Sand Trap Strategy: Aim for Survival
    First things first: getting stuck in a bunker isn’t the end of the world (though it might feel like it if you’ve found yourself in one of those “death traps” where the lip is higher than your dreams of breaking 90). The key? Survival. Don’t overthink it. Your goal is simple—get out and live to putt another day. Sure, you’d like to land softly on the green, but let’s be honest—getting anywhere onto solid grass feels like a win.
  2. The “Flop It and Flee” Approach
    Ah, the flop shot. When executed correctly, it’s one of the most beautiful shots in golf, and when it goes wrong, it’s like flinging a shovelful of sand in your face. The trick to a good flop out of a bunker? Open the clubface wide, aim slightly behind the ball, and swing like you’re trying to toss a pancake onto the green (without the sticky mess). The real key is your confidence—flop it and flee before anyone realizes you were as nervous as a cat in a dog park.
  3. The 3 Types of Bunker Players: Which One Are You?
    There are three types of golfers when it comes to bunkers:
    • The “Pretender” – This golfer steps into the bunker and instantly regrets every life choice that led them here. Their bunker shot might go sideways (literally), but they’ll put on a brave face and laugh it off. Bonus points if they brush off the sand with a half-smile, pretending it’s no big deal.
    • The “Digger” – Armed with a sand wedge and a mission, they dig into the bunker with full commitment. Every swing gets them closer to the surface… but mostly it’s just a lot of sand. By the time they’re out, they’ve practically built their own bunker.
    • The “Pro” – This rare breed strides into the bunker like it’s their personal beach. They barely disturb the sand, and the ball floats gracefully out, landing inches from the pin. These people exist to make the rest of us look like amateurs, but we all secretly want to be them.
  4. The Secret? It’s All in the Follow-Through
    Here’s the big secret that’ll change your bunker game: the follow-through is everything. You need to swing through the sand like you’re cutting through butter with a hot knife. Don’t stop after contact—keep going, and let that momentum carry you (and the ball) to freedom. Think of it as the golf equivalent of running through the finish line, not to it.
  5. Own the Sand Dance
    Lastly, let’s not forget that bunkers aren’t just about survival. No, my friends, they’re about style. The moment you step into that sandy pit, you’re not just a golfer—you’re an artist about to perform a masterpiece. Own the bunker like it’s your stage. And when you finally hit that ball onto the green, do the post-swing sand dance—you know, that little twist as you casually sweep the sand with your foot, pretending that was all part of the plan.
  6. Keep Calm and Rake On
    When all is said and done, remember: bunkers are temporary, but raking is forever. After your escape (or at least after you’ve dug yourself out), it’s time to channel your inner zen gardener and rake the bunker smooth for the next poor soul. It’s golf karma—leave it better than you found it. And don’t forget to smile while you rake—it’s part of the healing process.

So there you have it, fellow golf gladiators—the battle of the bunkers, waged and (hopefully) won. Next time you find yourself knee-deep in sand, remember these tips: survive with style, embrace the flop, own the follow-through, and most importantly, laugh it off. You’ll get out, eventually, and when you do, you’ll be a little wiser—and possibly a little sandier. Until next time, may your swings be clean, your sand traps be shallow, and your escapes be legendary. Swing on, my friends!

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The NFL 1 PM Parlay Adventure with a Golf Twist!

Kelly’s 7-leg parlay this Sunday combines NFL action and a bold golf pick, offering a thrilling chance to turn $10 into $1,778 while cheering for touchdowns and birdies!

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Hey there, fellow sports fanatics! 🏈⛳ It’s Kelly, back again to make your Sunday even more thrilling! Today, I’ve got something special for you—a 7-leg parlay featuring not just NFL action, but also a golf pick to keep things extra exciting. If you love football and want a little extra reason to cheer, while adding some golf flavor, this parlay might be the perfect way to spice up your Sunday! Let’s dive in!

  • Bengals Money Line (-250): Joe Burrow and the Bengals are taking on the Cleveland Browns, and I’ve got confidence in Cincinnati to come out on top. With their offense clicking, it’s hard to bet against them!
  • Vikings Money Line (-120): The Vikings are at home against the Detroit Lions, and I’m putting my money on Kirk Cousins to do what he does best—win at home. Detroit is scrappy, but the Vikings have that extra edge in front of their fans.
  • Colts Money Line (-165): The Colts are hosting the Miami Dolphins, and I think Indy is going to pull this one off. Miami’s been unpredictable, but the Colts’ defense should be enough to seal the deal.
  • Eagles Money Line (-165): The Eagles are going up against the Giants, and let’s be honest—the Eagles are just a better team right now. Whether it’s Jalen Hurts scrambling for yards or the defense stepping up, Philly looks good for a win.
  • Bills Money Line (-500): The Buffalo Bills are taking on the Tennessee Titans, and this one seems like a no-brainer. The Bills are strong favorites for a reason—they’ve been crushing it lately, and I expect them to keep up the momentum.
  • Seahawks Money Line (+130): Now for the fun underdog pick—Seattle over the Atlanta Falcons! Geno Smith has been looking solid, and I think the Seahawks have what it takes to upset Atlanta. Plus, at +130, this one adds some nice value to our parlay.
  • Doug Ghim Tournament Winner (+850): Adding some golf into the mix, we’re betting on Doug Ghim to take the win at the Shriners Children’s Open. Ghim has been in solid form, and a win here would make this parlay all the more rewarding. It’s a bold pick, but that’s what makes it fun!

The Odds and the Thrill:

This 7-leg parlay comes in at +17681 odds, which means a $10 bet pays out $1,778.17! Now that’s some serious potential for a Sunday funday! 💸🔥 Imagine sitting back, watching the games unfold, and also keeping an eye on the golf leaderboard—it doesn’t get much more exciting than that!

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Why Bet This Parlay?

Adding golf to the NFL mix makes for an extra thrilling ride. Betting parlays like this is about making every moment count, from touchdowns to birdies. It’s not about breaking the bank—it’s about feeling the rush of having skin in the game. Even the smallest plays can make your heart race. With a potential payout of $1,778, why not take a shot?

Let’s Ride Together!

I’m calling this one “The NFL and Golf Parlay Adventure.” It’s a perfect blend of favorites, a strong underdog, and a golf pick to keep it spicy. Who’s in with me? Let’s place that small bet, cheer for every score, and see if we can turn $10 into $1,778 by the time the day is over! 🤑🏆

Drop your thoughts below, share your picks, and let’s enjoy this Sunday with a bit of added thrill. Remember, it’s all about having fun—bet responsibly and enjoy the ride! 🚀💚

#KellysPicks #NFLSunday #GolfBetting #ParlayTime #BettingFun #LetsWinTogether

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The Next Frontier in Golf

Smart Clubs and High-Tech Simulators

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Hello, golf enthusiasts and tech aficionados,

In today’s installment of “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” we dive into the exciting world of emerging golf technologies. From smart golf clubs that offer real-time swing analytics to next-generation simulators that bring the world’s top courses to your living room, the future of golf is here. Let’s explore these innovations that are transforming how we play and enjoy golf.

Smart Golf Clubs: Enhancing Performance with Data

The latest development in golf equipment is the smart club. These clubs are equipped with sensors and other technologies that provide feedback on every swing. Here’s how they’re changing the game:

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  • Swing Analysis: Sensors track speed, angle, and precision, offering suggestions for improvement.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Connect your club to a smartphone app to get immediate insights during practice rounds, enabling on-the-spot adjustments.

Next-Gen Golf Simulators: A Gateway to Virtual Courses

Golf simulators have evolved significantly, with the latest models offering an immersive experience that rivals playing on a real course. Benefits include:

  • Virtual Play on Famous Courses: Play world-famous courses from your home, experiencing different terrains and conditions without travel. Check out places like Top Golf and Five Iron Golf.
  • Improved Accuracy: High-definition cameras and sensors capture your swing and ball trajectory with incredible precision, providing a realistic golfing experience.

AI and Machine Learning: Customized Coaching

Artificial intelligence (AI) in golf isn’t just a concept; it’s becoming a practical coaching tool. AI analyzes your performance over time to offer customized coaching tips, making it a personal trainer at your fingertips.

Social Integration: Connect and Compete

Modern golf technologies allow players to connect with friends and competitors online. Share your performance data, challenge others to virtual rounds, and even enter online tournaments.

These technological advancements are making golf more accessible and enjoyable for players at all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to fine-tune your game or a newcomer seeking a friendly introduction to the sport, there’s never been a better time to be a golfer.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore how innovation is driving the future of golf.

Warm regards, Robert Greenfield

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