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The 7 juiciest U.S. Open storylines to follow at Los Angeles Country Club

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

LACC is hosting its first U.S. Open. Trust me, I have played there, it will be a real test. And that USGA rough will be crazy this year! Like you wont be able to see the color of your shoes crazy in some spots!

Let’s face it – The golf world has already been turned upside down this month, and there are undoubtedly more fireworks to come this week with the third men’s major of the year, the U.S. Open.

In the wake of last Tuesday’s shocking announcement by the PGA Tour that it is combining commercial operations with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (which funds LIV Golf) and DP World Tour, the best golfers in the world — including LIV’s finest — head to Hollywood for golf’s toughest test on a mostly unfamiliar venue in Los Angeles Country Club.

Storylines will abound this week, but here are seven of the best we’ll be closely following.

1. Pro golf’s future…ad nauseam

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

The U.S. Open is not run by either the PGA Tour or LIV Golf, but you can bet those two tours will be discussed at length this week. The Open will be the first gathering of players from both tours since the stunning deal was unveiled. Relations had somewhat normalized four weeks ago at the PGA Championship where Brooks Koepka became the first LIV Golf major champion. But no one — save for PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and their respective inner circles — could have foreseen the circumstances surrounding the game’s third major. The arrangement is not finalized and the US Senate has just opened an inquiry on the nature of the deal…so there are still many unknowns about what pro golf might actually look like next year. Expect many of the players who have yet to weigh in to be peppered with questions about it early in the week. Get your popcorn ready!

2. A different kind of U.S. Open venue

Now to the birdies and bogeys. Los Angeles Country Club will play host to its first-ever U.S. Open and its first PGA Tour event since the 1940 Los Angeles Open. Needless to say, LACC’s North course has changed a good bit in the past 73 years, especially since a 2010 Gil Hanse-led restoration of the George Thomas design. The club has typically been one of the more reclusive and exclusive in the country; until recently, the membership has been less reluctant to show off the course.

The course will still feature brutally long U.S. Open rough, but this will be Bermuda rough (a first at the U.S. Open since 2005) and there won’t be quite as much of it. Wide fairways will force pros to get strategic as they plot their way around. There are two par-3s that may play as long or longer than the par-4 6th. The U.S. Open is typically the hardest of the four majors — and that should still be the case this year — but just in a different way.

3. Can Phil Mickelson complete the Grand Slam?

Phil Mickelson at the PGA Championship. Can he FINALLY complete the Philthy slam?

Are we crazy for rating this the third-biggest storyline? Maybe. But Phil Mickelson made us all think twice about his major prospects when won the 2021 PGA Championship. Then LIV Golf happened and he put together a number of poor showings. But at Augusta in April, he redefined everybody’s expectations once again by rallying for a Sunday 64 and a T2 finish. He made the cut and finished back of the pack at the PGA Championship last month, but even as he celebrates his 53rd birthday Friday, is it that outrageous to think he could contend again? While I am sure there is some gas left in the tank, and he is a so cal guy, my money is on a missed cut. Sorry Phil, just gotta shoot ya straight. I hope I’m wrong, but this course is a different and unfamiliar beast.

4. When will Rory McIlroy win another major?

Rory McIlroy at the RBC Canadian Open last week. Lookin pretty in pink – see what I did there…

With the weight of his “PGA Tour spokesperson” role theoretically lifted, can McIlroy finally win a major after nine years? That’s right read that again – It’s been over 3,000 days and 35 Major chances without taking home the hardware. He shockingly missed the cut at the Masters after finishing in the top 10 in every major in 2022. At the PGA, he was solid but recorded a distant T7, seven strokes behind Brooks Koepka. He’s been near the lead in each of his last two PGA Tour starts only to fade out of contention on Sunday. Not only is he seeking to end his major drought, but he also has yet to win on the PGA Tour this season. McIlroy was in a similar position in 2022 before winning in Canada the week before the U.S. Open and later claiming the FedEx Cup. He finished T-9 last week at the RBC and will be paired with Keopka in the first 2 rounds of the U.S. Open this year – That is must-see TV

5. Who is No. 1?

Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler at the Memorial.

McIlroy may have begun 2023 with the No. 1 ranking, but Jon Rahm quickly asserted himself as the world’s best golfer by winning four times, including the Masters. But after two wins, including the Players Championship, Scottie Scheffler enters the year’s third major as the World No. 1. Scheffler’s struggles on the greens have been well documented but his otherworldly ball-striking has carried him to a T2 at the PGA, and T3s in his last two starts on Tour (he finished a shot out of playoffs each time). Rahm, meanwhile, has been quieter since his Masters win but is no doubt still poised to collect a second U.S. Open title. Of course, neither player won the PGA Championship. That accolade went to Koepka, who also finished T2 at the Masters and is looking very much like his 2017-19 World No. 1 self. Koepka is built to win majors and this course sets up great for him – I like his chances to give it a run on Sunday.

6. California King Max Homa returns home

Max Homa has two wins in his home state this season. He loves Cali golf – that’s for sure… Oh yeah, and he has the course record at this very venue!

You may have heard Max Homa owns the LACC North course record. Then a senior at Cal, Homa fired a nine-under 61 in the opening round of the 2013 Pac-12 Championships. Fast-forward 10 years and Homa is now a six-time PGA Tour winner with all but two of them coming in his home state. But Homa has still yet to record a top-10 in a major championship. He will no doubt have his attention divided this week with all the friends and family around. But there’s no better opportunity for him to get in contention at a course he might know better than anyone else in the field. I love the chances of a Top-10 run and maybe even a chance to hoist a trophy come Sunday Evening.

7. Will an amateur contend?

Vanderbilt’s Gordon Sargent is one of 19 amateurs in the U.S. Open.

The first two majors both thrilled fans with underdog stories. At the Masters, it was U.S. Amateur winner Sam Bennett who played his way into the final group Saturday and ultimately finished as low amateur with a T16. Last month’s PGA Championship saw club pro-Michael Block come from nowhere to hang around the lead all four days and eventually finish T15 and earn his way back to the tournament next year. While Bennett is playing his second tournament as a pro this week and Block just missed qualifying for his third U.S. Open, there are still 19 amateurs and plenty of other journeyman pros who could delight fans with a Cinderella story.

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These 18 Golf Jokes Are So Funny, Even Your Scorecard Will Laugh!

If your golf game isn’t turning heads for the right reasons, keep your playing partners entertained with these 18 hilarious golf jokes—one for every hole!

Published

6 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Bogeyman "Boo"

Let’s face it—sometimes, your golf game isn’t exactly Tour-level. And when your drives are slicing into the trees and your putts are missing by a mile, you need a solid backup plan. That’s where humor comes in.

Next time you’re out on the course, distract your playing partners from your less-than-stellar shots with a few well-timed golf jokes. Not only will you lighten the mood, but you might just make them laugh so hard they forget to notice how bad your last swing was.

So, here are 18 hilarious golf jokes, one for each hole. Enjoy—and may your game be better than your punchlines!

Hole 1 – The Warm-Up

🏌️ Why do golfers always carry an extra pair of socks?
Because they might get a hole in one!

Hole 2 – Getting Into the Swing

🏌️ What’s the difference between a bad golfer and a bad skydiver?
A bad golfer goes, “Whack… darn.” A bad skydiver goes, “Darn… whack.”

Hole 3 – The Early Struggles

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole in one… again!

Hole 4 – Time for Some Trash Talk

🏌️ Why did the pro golfer bring string to the course?
To tie the score.

Hole 5 – That First Lost Ball

🏌️ Why did the golfer wear two different shoes?
Because he had a rough time deciding which was the right one.

Hole 6 – The First Bogey of the Day

🏌️ Why don’t golfers ever get locked out of their cars?
Because they always have plenty of “drivers.”

Hole 7 – That One Friend Who Takes Golf Too Seriously

🏌️ Why did the golfer take an extra club to the course?
Because he heard the drinks were on the house.

Hole 8 – Time for a Drink at the Turn

🏌️ What’s a golfer’s favorite type of music?
Swing.

Hole 9 – Mid-Round Meltdown

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a ladder?
Because he heard the course was on another level!

Hole 10 – Starting the Back Nine Strong

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a light bulb to the course?
Because he wanted to brighten up his scorecard.

Hole 11 – Watching Someone Miss an Easy Putt

🏌️ Why did the golfer put his money in the fridge?
Because he wanted cold, hard cash for the skins game.

Hole 12 – That One Friend Who’s Always Complaining

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring sunscreen?
Because he didn’t want to get burned on the scorecard.

Hole 13 – When Your Friend Thinks They’re Better Than They Are

🏌️ What’s the difference between a golfer and a fisherman?
A golfer lies about how many strokes he took, a fisherman lies about how big his catch was.

Hole 14 – Golf Etiquette 101

🏌️ Why do golfers always tell the truth?
Because they can’t handle any more penalties.

Hole 15 – The Last-Ditch Effort to Save Your Score

🏌️ Why do golfers love donuts?
Because they’re always working on their “hole” game.

Hole 16 – The Final Stretch

🏌️ Why did the golfer get kicked out of the party?
Because he kept trying to address the ball.

Hole 17 – When Everyone’s Feeling Good

🏌️ What do you call a golfer who always gets a par?
A liar.

Hole 18 – Wrapping It Up in Style

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring an umbrella?
Because he heard there was a chance of showers on the scorecard.

If your golf game isn’t making people smile, at least your jokes can. Keep a few of these in your bag, and even if your drives aren’t straight, your humor will be right on target.

Now go out there, crack a joke, and enjoy the game—because at the end of the day, golf is supposed to be fun! 🏌️‍♂️🤣

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5 Pristine Public Courses To Start Your Florida Tour!

Warm up on these pristine public courses in the Sunshine State.

Published

7 days ago

February 13, 2025

Bobby Markowitz

Florida is a favorite among golf lovers with 1,154 courses and 101 sunny days each year. The state also boasts the most rounds played, the most new courses opened, and the most courses under construction or in planning.

Several of its major cities offer top-notch golf experiences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best public golf courses in Florida:

Orlando

Orange County National Golf Center
Features two championship courses, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, and a 9-hole short course called “The Tooth.” Renowned for its exceptional practice facilities and hosting the PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day.

Tampa

Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort
This Larry Packard-designed course is a favorite among PGA Tour players, known for its challenging layout and natural beauty. It hosts the Valspar Championship annually.

Naples

Old Corkscrew Golf Club
A Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course, it offers a scenic and challenging experience with firm greens and abundant wildlife. It consistently ranks among Florida’s top public courses.

Miami

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne: Located just 10 minutes from downtown Miami, this unique public course offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It features challenging bunkering, mangrove thickets, and seven saltwater lakes.

Port St. Lucie

PGA Golf Club: Located in Port St. Lucie, about an hour north of West Palm Beach, this club offers three distinct 18-hole courses: the Dye, Ryder, and Wanamaker. It will host the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.

Why Play Florida?

Diverse and Exceptional Courses

Iconic Venues: Florida boasts several legendary golf courses that offer unforgettable experiences:

Unique Course Characteristics

Varied Landscapes: Florida golf courses offer remarkable diversity:

Links-style experiences
Coastal views with ocean breezes
Courses with dramatic elevation changes
Layouts featuring water hazards, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens

World-Class Amenities

Most top Florida courses provide:

Luxury resort accommodations
Professional-level practice facilities
Top-tier caddies and service
Stunning natural scenery

Pro Tip: Bring your best game and be prepared for challenging, memorable golf experiences across Florida’s diverse courses.

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Winter is Ruining Your Golf Game—Here’s How to Survive Until Spring

Surviving the Brutal Wait for Spring’s Glorious Return

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Ty Webb

Ah, winter—a time of holiday cheer, cozy sweaters, and absolute, soul-crushing misery for golfers everywhere. As the latest round of winter storms batter the U.S., dumping snow where we don’t want it (on our fairways) and ice where we don’t need it (on our driveways), we golfers find ourselves trapped in a seasonal purgatory, longing for the smell of freshly cut grass and the sweet, soul-redeeming sound of a well-struck 7-iron.

If you’re like me, you’ve started to wonder: Is spring ever coming? Or is golf now just a distant memory, a sport we once played before Mother Nature decided we needed an extended lesson in patience?

The 5 Stages of Golf Winter Withdrawal

Denial: “It’s fine. Winter won’t last that long. I’ll be back on the course in no time.”
Anger: “WHY do I live in a place where my driver spends more time in the garage than in my hands?”
Bargaining: “Maybe if I buy an indoor putting mat, it’ll feel like the real thing? Maybe?”
Depression: “Is watching old Masters highlights at 2 AM healthy? Asking for a friend.”
Acceptance: “Guess I’ll just work on my swing in the mirror until April. Or move to Florida.”

The Snow-Covered Fairway Blues

Somewhere out there, our favorite golf courses are suffering. Once lush fairways now sit buried under six inches of snow, tee boxes frozen solid, and bunkers transformed into icy death traps. A cruel joke, really—Mother Nature took our sand hazards and said, “Here, let me make this worse.”

And yet, we dream. We dream of that first warm day when the snow finally melts, and the smell of spring fills the air. That first glorious tee shot—likely a slice after months of rust—will still feel like the best shot we’ve ever hit. Until then, we sit, bundled up indoors, questioning every life choice that led us to live somewhere that experiences seasons.

Indoor Golf: A Poor Substitute for the Real Thing

Some of us turn to golf simulators to get our fix, stepping into an artificial paradise where every shot is met with a digital readout rather than a real-world outcome. Sure, it’s fun, but let’s be honest—it’s not the same.

You know what’s missing? The smell of the grass. The feel of the wind. The guy in your foursome who takes five practice swings and still tops the ball 30 yards. Golf is a sensory experience, and no amount of indoor screens can truly replace the joy of walking down a sun-drenched fairway, feeling like you might break 80 today (but probably won’t).

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

As winter drags on, golfers get creative. Maybe you’ve chipped foam balls in your living room, narrowly avoiding a disaster with the ceiling fan. Maybe you’ve tried putting into a coffee mug, pretending it’s the final hole at Augusta. Maybe you’ve looked longingly at your clubs, whispering, “Soon, my loves. Soon.”

Whatever your coping mechanism, just know—you’re not alone. Golfers everywhere are suffering in silence, counting down the days until the courses reopen and we can finally, finally duff a wedge shot in real grass instead of on our living room carpet.

Hope Springs Eternal (Eventually)

Yes, winter is cruel. Yes, the storms will keep coming. But, fellow golfers, our time will come. The snow will melt, the courses will reopen, and we’ll once again complain about slow play and missed putts under the warm spring sun.

Until then, keep your head down, keep your grip loose, and try not to lose your mind while waiting for golf season to return. And if all else fails—maybe it’s time to book that trip to Arizona or Florida. Just saying.

Stay strong, my fellow golf-deprived souls. Warmer days are coming.