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The Elephant in the Room is $40 Million Dollars!

Published

4 years ago

August 18, 2021

Let’s be honest…There are far more questions than answers right now on the new PGA bonus program the Tour is calling its Player Impact Program, which will be known going forward as the PIP. That’s right, we made it an acronym. That’s how we do!

What is the PIP:

Well, first It’s worth noting that the tour did not publicly announce the program. That’s right, a silent roll out of a HUGE bonus program paying out a whopping $40 million to select 10 players deemed to do the most to boost publicity and engagement for the game and the PGA Tour. The news rather was broken by Golfweek and then confirmed by tour officials. That got us thinking…Why? Why the hush hush, this is a big deal! Maybe because the idea was to reward the one percenters? Maybe because they weren’t sure how it would be received. Either way, it feels a little hush hush and begs the question…what’s the deal with this and why is it important to the tour?

All that being said, we have a few questions:

1. Where is the tour getting this lump sum of stashed loot?

Its not like it’s a few grand laying around, its $40 million! As it stands, there’s no corporate sponsor and there’s not likely to be one, if only because Fred Smith, the CEO of FedEx, which has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the tour dating to 2007, would probably lose his mind if PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stood up and proudly proclaimed a new multi-million-dollar corporate partnership (Think Elon Musk) in order to pay 10 players millions of dollars.

2. As it is, I am curious how in the heck FedEx, whose contract with the tour runs for the next 6 years, will react to a new program that rewards players for being – wait for it…popular?

Flawed as the FedEx Cup playoff system is, the hundreds of millions the company has invested has incentivized the top players to keep playing through the end of the summer. In years past, many would simply take a break or “mail it in” after the last major championship is over. To be fair, that was precisely the point when then-commissioner Tim Finchem negotiated FedEx to sign on in the first place. FedEx and the PGA Tour are in bed so deep that the FedEx logo is imbedded in the floor of the lobby inside the tour’s new multi-million-dollar headquarters.

3. Here’s the catch: the tour laid off about 50 employees last summer in the midst of the pandemic.

Now, however, they apparently have $40 million laying around to spend on 10 of its wealthiest players. Essentially saying: “We will just go ahead and chip off what we need of the gold bar and close up the old safe when we’re done”. Now, we are not getting political here, but It’s also worth noting that the tour would not move the Tour Championship out of Atlanta in the wake of the Georgia legislature passing a controversial voting-rights bill because leaving the area would harm local charities. Sooooo, why couldn’t the tour take a chunk of that $40 million, give it to the charities it benefits in the Atlanta region and move the tournament someplace else? Not saying that’s what should have been done, but it is worth an argument that Major League Baseball did exactly that when it announced it was moving the All-Star game out of Atlanta soon after the bill was passed?

4. Therein lies the next question: Why spend $40 million this way anyway?

Aren’t there a myriad of other, more worthwhile things, the money could can be used for other than handing out millions to a small group of men who are already multi-millionaires? The tour constantly cites its charitable giving—which to be completely fair is very generous and quite substantial. This is not an indictment on the tour but rather an open letter asking the question couldn’t all or some of that $40 million be better spent? Maybe give more to charity, Maybe support local junior golf initiatives, Maybe supporting families affected by Covid-19, shoot I can think of a dozen or so other ways to spend such a nest egg. There’s no such thing as enough when it comes to charities, especially nowadays in the wake of the pandemic.

MORE: Tour pros reaction to PGA Tour bonus pool: ‘There’s a little bit of envy’

Here’s an idea: The tour could use some of the money to increase purses at some of its lower-profile tournaments, where the bigger names don’t show up, alluring some bigger names and thus increasing interest amongst the golf community, better TV ratings and overall better golf. Right now, there are four major championships, three playoff events, four WGCs and the Players Championship that stars are expected to play. That’s 12 tournaments in 52 weeks. Really? That essentially means a top player only needs to play three more times to meet his minimum of 15 events per year. While I love incentives, The PIP does nothing to encourage the tour’s stars to play in more tournaments, or tournaments that could use their needle-moving power.

It seems obvious the PIP is simply a reaction to the threat of the proposed Premier Golf League, which was first publicly discussed a year ago. The PGL model calls for 18 events in a season for huge money (reportedly $240 million) each year. But despite all of the financial enticements, a handful of top-ranked players, including Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka, have already went on record saying they weren’t interested, stymieing the tour’s launch.

The very idea of the PGL clearly scared the tour, and in my humble opinion, the PIP appears to be a direct response to that concept: If we give top players millions for doing nothing on top of the millions they are already making, they won’t be tempted by the “currently conceptual” PGL. It’s an overreaction to something that doesn’t even exist at the moment.

That said, it’s worth noting who might be among the 10 players in line this year to receive the $40 million in bonuses the tour is going to hand out.

Presumably Tiger Woods is No. 1 on the list (because the tour hasn’t made any ranking public) even though he is recovering from his horrific car accident. Woods is often the most mentioned on social-media platforms that the tour proposes to use to measure, and I am finger quoting here, “impact”. If that’s the case, he still arguably receives more attention than anyone who is actually playing golf right now.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Here is what Tiger has done to the game…Years ago, when Woods was the No. 1 player in the world by leaps and bounds, Tommy Roy, NBC’s longtime golf executive producer, told me that a survey the network had done asked viewers this question: “Would you rather watch any other player hitting a shot or watch Tiger Woods leaning on his bag waiting for his turn to play?” According to Roy, 45 percent of viewers said they’d rather watch Woods talk club selection with then-caddie Steve Williams.

Woods is 45 now and no one knows if he will ever play in a PGA Tour event again, I for one believe we will see him peg it in 2022. Even with that there are still legions of fans who would rather read one of his tweets than watch Stewart Cink win at Hilton Head—all due respect Cink, whose comeback story is truly inspiring.

Now, guess who probably should be No. 2 on the list, if popularity is the measure? How about Charlie Woods. OK, he’s not eligible (yet) but think about the interest his presence at the PNC Challenge last December created among the media, TV, print, digital, social and otherwise. Of course, I’m kidding that Charlie should be paid for the engagement he helped bring the tour, but I bring him up to make the point that paying competitive athletes (or their children) based on popularity is ludicrous.

MORE: These are funny social-media posts from pros already gunning for the tour’s bonus pool cash

You know who else is clearly in the top 10, perhaps the top five? Rickie Fowler. Yes, I said it. Captain Orange. He is currently ranked 109th in the world and 128th on the FedEx points list. Remember, this isn’t about playing well, it’s about being popular. Fowler hasn’t been seen in a late group on Sunday in a long time, but he’s still on TV selling product non-stop and has a strong social-media presence. Plus, he’s a genuinely nice guy. Everyone loves Rickie, regardless of his struggles inside the ropes.

Bryson DeChambeau, aka Popeye, the sailor man, as well as Brooks Koepka, aka Brooksie would both certainly make the list for their feud and the attention it drew on social media. Bryson also won the U.S. Open last September, he now looks like a young Arnold Schwarznegger and could probably compete with Kyle Berkshire for length.

DJ, Rory, Spieth, Lefty (yes, at almost 51 Phil Mickelson) JT are likely to crack the list. Adam Scott? Perhaps given his appeal among men and women and his playoff finish at the Wyndham. Patrick Reed? Well, lets not get ahead of ourselves…Probably not so much unless it is during a Ryder Cup week and American fans are chanting, “USA,” every time he holes a putt. Then we love you Patrick any other week, not so much.

What about Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama? If this was Japan, he would be No. 1 by a massive margin. But it’s not. Collin Morikawa, the PGA champion and probably the best young player in golf? Maybe, maybe not. He’s just a superb player, an extremely bright guy and personable as they come. But he’s not big on social media. Get cracking Colin!

The larger point isn’t so much who will or will not be on the list. It’s the question again of why spend $40 million to make a bunch of very rich guys richer? To get them to sign more autographs or go on social media more often? Seriously? It’s flailing at an opponent who doesn’t even exist at the moment. It is just about the worst idea since New Coke. With luck, it will go away just about as quickly. Bye Felicia!

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Scheffler vs. DeChambeau: A Tale of Two Golf Giants

A Clash of Styles in Modern Golf

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2025

Bobby Markowitz

In the ever-evolving world of professional golf, few rivalries capture the contrast of style and substance like Scottie Scheffler versus Bryson DeChambeau. While both have claimed massive wins and global headlines, their paths to success and how they play the game couldn’t be more different. Here’s a deep dive into their strengths, weaknesses, career highlights, and what makes each stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

Backgrounds and Styles

Scottie Scheffler
The Dallas-born Scheffler embodies a classic, workmanlike approach to golf. Known for his calm demeanor, efficient swing, and remarkable consistency, Scheffler has risen to the top of the world rankings with little flash but elite-level substance. His game is built on balance, precision, and one of the most reliable tee-to-green performances the sport has seen in years.

Bryson DeChambeau
Nicknamed “The Scientist,” DeChambeau has taken an analytical and experimental approach to the game. He’s redefined physical fitness in golf, adding serious bulk to increase driving distance. Known for using single-length irons and obsessing over launch angles and biomechanics, Bryson is a true disruptor. His aggressive style polarizes fans and analysts, but it undeniably commands attention.

Strengths

Scheffler

Tee-to-Green Excellence: Leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained tee-to-green.
Consistency: Rarely misses cuts and often finishes in the top 10.
Short Game: Exceptional touch and creativity around the greens.
Mental Game: Composed under pressure; rarely rattled.

DeChambeau

Driving Distance: One of the longest hitters in the game; regularly over 320 yards.
Innovation: Willing to take unconventional approaches for marginal gains.
Power Play: Dominates par 5s and shortens long courses with his length.
Confidence: Self-belief and boldness to attempt shots most won’t.

Weaknesses

Scheffler

Putting: Historically his weakest stat, though he’s shown improvement.
Media Presence: More reserved; lacks the big personality that moves the needle for fans and brands.

DeChambeau

Inconsistency: Can be volatile—either dominating or struggling.
Course Management: Aggressiveness sometimes leads to trouble.
Injury Risk: His physical transformation has come with some health setbacks.

Biggest Wins

Scottie Scheffler

The Masters (2022)
The Players Championship (2023)
Multiple WGC and Signature Events
As of 2025, Scheffler has claimed over 10 PGA Tour titles and continues to rack up top finishes in majors and elite events.

Bryson DeChambeau

U.S. Open (2020)
Arnold Palmer Invitational (2021)
Multiple LIV Golf Wins
DeChambeau made headlines by joining LIV Golf, where he’s claimed multiple high-stakes victories, including a team championship and a dominant individual LIV win in 2023.

Career Earnings

Scheffler:
Over $50 million in PGA Tour earnings alone, with additional income from endorsements like Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex.

DeChambeau:
Estimated $60–$80 million, largely boosted by a reported $100+ million LIV Golf contract and additional prize money. His endorsements have shifted due to his controversial LIV move, but he remains a marketable figure.

Similarities

Both are U.S.-born and played collegiate golf (Scheffler at Texas, DeChambeau at SMU).

Each has reached the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Both have won majors and represented the U.S. in Ryder Cups.

Each has shown a willingness to be different—Scheffler through quiet dominance, DeChambeau through outspoken innovation.

Key Differences

Trait	Scottie Scheffler	Bryson DeChambeau
Playing Style	Traditional, consistent	Aggressive, experimental
Physical Transformation	Minimal	Extreme (bulk and strength)
Equipment	Standard setup	Single-length irons
Public Persona	Reserved, grounded	Outspoken, controversial
Tour Affiliation	PGA Tour loyalist	LIV Golf convert

Final Thoughts

Scheffler and DeChambeau represent two archetypes in modern golf: one a quiet technician, the other a showman scientist. Whether you admire Scottie’s stoic efficiency or Bryson’s radical reinvention, both are changing the game in their own way. And in a sport where individuality meets performance, there’s room—and demand—for both.

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Why Proper Club Fitting Is the Real Game Changer

Published

7 days ago

May 2, 2025

Resident PGA Pro

If you’ve ever walked off the 18th green thinking, “It’s not me, it’s the clubs,” well… you might be half right.

As a PGA Professional who’s watched thousands of swings—from scratch players to first-timers—I can tell you that one of the most overlooked keys to better golf is proper club fitting. Not just buying shiny new sticks off the rack, but taking the time to find clubs that are tailored to your swing.

You don’t need a Tour card to get Tour-level precision. Let’s talk about why club fitting matters, what it changes, and how it can truly transform your game from the tee box to the final putt.

The Myth of “Good Enough”

“I’m not good enough to be fit for clubs.”

That’s the most common thing I hear—and it’s completely backwards.

High-handicap golfers have even more to gain from club fitting than low-handicappers. Why? Because the equipment can help you fix ball flight, optimize distance, reduce mis-hits, and build confidence—all without having to reinvent your swing.

Off-the-rack clubs are designed to fit “average” specs. But no two golfers are the same. Length, lie angle, shaft flex, grip size—these all play a massive role in how the club interacts with your body and the ground.

What Happens in a Proper Club Fitting?

At its core, a fitting session is about matching the equipment to your natural swing—not forcing you to swing a certain way to fit the gear.

Here’s what a proper club fitting includes:

1. Interview & Swing Assessment

A certified fitter (or PGA pro like myself) will ask about your current set, ball flight tendencies, common misses, and goals. Then we’ll watch you hit some shots to get a baseline.

2. Launch Monitor Data

Using tools like TrackMan or Foresight, we’ll capture numbers like:

Ball speed
Launch angle
Spin rate
Club path and face angle
Carry distance and dispersion

These numbers don’t lie—and they tell us what to tweak.

3. Testing Head & Shaft Combinations

You’ll hit several combinations of club heads and shafts to find what gives you the best performance. One degree of loft or a different shaft flex can make a huge difference.

4. Dialing In Lie Angle & Length

Lie angle affects directional control—too upright, and you might pull shots left; too flat, and you’ll miss right. Club length affects control, consistency, and strike location.

5. Grip Size & Feel

Don’t underestimate this. A grip that’s too thick or too thin can alter your grip pressure and release pattern.

Real Results—Backed by Data

One of my students recently went through a full iron fitting. He was using clubs he bought off the rack 10 years ago. His miss was a push-fade, and he struggled with distance control.

After 90 minutes, a combination of slightly shorter shafts, softer flex, and two degrees more upright lie changed everything. His dispersion tightened by 40%, and he gained an average of 12 yards per club. More importantly—his confidence skyrocketed.

And it wasn’t just him. Across the board, golfers who get fitted:

Gain more consistent contact
Reduce directional misses
Improve distance gapping
Hit more greens in regulation
Score better, without changing their swing

The Mental Game Boost

Here’s a secret: it’s not just about numbers. Fitted clubs give you confidence. When you know the tool in your hand is built for you, you swing freer, commit more fully, and stop second-guessing every shot.

Confidence leads to better swings. Better swings lead to better results. It’s a cycle—and it starts with the right equipment.

What About Cost?

Yes, a proper fitting might cost $75–$150 depending on where you go. And yes, custom-fit clubs may be slightly more than what you’d pay at a big box store.

But if you’re already spending time and money on golf, wouldn’t you want to get the most out of it?

A one-time investment in fitting can save you years of frustration—and possibly hundreds spent chasing fixes that won’t work with ill-fitting clubs.

Look—I’ve given thousands of lessons in my career, and nothing changes a golfer’s outlook faster than finally swinging clubs that work with them, not against them.

Whether you’re a 5 handicap trying to fine-tune yardages or a 25 handicap tired of slicing your driver, a proper club fitting can absolutely be a game changer.

You don’t need a new swing—you just need the right tools.

So before you spend another dollar on swing gadgets or tip videos, find your local PGA professional or certified fitter and book a session. Your game (and your sanity) will thank you.

Want more ways to play better without starting over?
Visit ClickItGolf.com every week for practical golf improvement tips, equipment reviews, betting insights, and advice from golfers who live the game every day.

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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.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2025

Kelly Hodgeson

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.