Blog
The most viral golf moments of 2021

We all know that Tiger moves the needle in the world of golf, but there were plenty of other moments in 2021 that sent us all into a frenzy. I’m here to remind you of the stories you forgot about and the stories that the pros probably wish they could forget about. Without further ado, here’s the funny, the heartwarming, the good and the bad viral moments of 2021.
January
The year in golf started off on an interesting note. Was mercury in retrograde? Are golfers just strange sometimes? Tom Watson somehow came up with a new way to wear headphones, and thus the first Golf Meme of 2021 was born.
February
The golf world stood still on February 23 when Woods was involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles. There was an outpouring of love and support from across the globe, and many pros chose to wear Sunday red in honor of Woods the following Sunday.
Most people have a tough time pulling off the red-and-black look. Tommy Fleetwood is not most people. This man looks glorious pic.twitter.com/z0phrtvHFa— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) February 28, 2021
Seemed fitting for tomorrow after the kind of week we’ve had… Black and red on Sunday for TW! pic.twitter.com/TOUcWnUf1p— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) February 28, 2021
Sunday red ❤️@ANNIKA59 | @PGATOUR | @GainbridgeLPGA pic.twitter.com/o2FHDPPUGf— LPGA (@LPGA) February 28, 2021
It’s a @TigerWoods Sunday for the maintenance staff at the @PuertoRicoOpen. @PGATOUR pic.twitter.com/OheyF4o1N8— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) February 28, 2021
?#NEW: Jason Day, Justin Thomas, Min Woo Lee and Sebastian Munoz arrive on Sunday red ?⚫️ pic.twitter.com/ZPa3dMtlLT— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) February 28, 2021
A last-minute shopping trip to buy a red shirt with a logo he never thought he’d wear. All worth it in support of Tiger. pic.twitter.com/KAqDYD0ArW— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) March 1, 2021
It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts. To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 1, 2021
March
Love him or hate him, Bryson DeChambeau’s drives are fun to watch. At Bay Hill, DeChambeau took an outrageous line on the 565-yard, dogleg par-5 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational not once, but twice. It’s safe to say the fans were excited over his two 370-plus-yard drives.
370 yards. ??
The longest drive on the 6th hole since 2003.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/zkL2jlU8S3— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 6, 2021
Drive: 377 yards.
Distance to the pin: 88 yards.@B_DeChambeau does it again at No. 6.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/HYSyDvQCMm— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 7, 2021
On to the Players Championship. Call it the fifth major or whatever you want, the event is one of the most exciting of the year. That combined with the Twitter star that is Ben An, and you’ve got yourself this funny viral moment.
@ByeongHunAn https://t.co/BqQcee3cwo— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) March 11, 2021
Thank you https://t.co/0EWKvRFU8T— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) March 12, 2021
Ok, ok. Perhaps it wasn’t funny for An in the moment. Carding an 11 anywhere is no laughing matter … until a few hours later. An handled it perfectly.
April
We’ve always had the Masters to look forward to in April, but now we have the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as well. Before we get into that, we must address the two former World No. 1’s who re-entered the winner’s circle.
After 1,351 days, he’s back in the winner’s circle. ?
Jordan Spieth earns his 12th PGA Tour victory and first win since the 2017 Open Championship at the Valero Texas Open. pic.twitter.com/WBGEcDeZAv— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 4, 2021
On to Masters week. After breaking the color barrier at the Masters in 1975, Lee Elder made history at Augusta once again in 2021 when he joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as an honorary starter.
Will Zalatoris turned heads all week at the Masters, not just because he was contending. People noticed that he resembles one of the caddies from Happy Gilmore, and even Adam Sandler got involved in the bit.
If you’re ever in need of a caddie again let me know. I’ll be better this time. I’m always available for you, Mr. Gilmore. https://t.co/R1e8awZIvh— Will Zalatoris (@WillZalatoris) April 12, 2021
There were a handful of humorous moments at the 2021 Masters, but this moment from Hideki’s caddie was as wholesome as they get.
Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji, removing his hat and bowing his head after returning the pin.
Quite an image. pic.twitter.com/chUVA9XRTF— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) April 11, 2021
Masters week ended with two Japanese winners: Hideki Matsuyama and Tsubasa Kajitani.
The morning after his Masters victory, Mastuyama was photographed looking like any old guy at the airport … with the addition of a green jacket, of course.
The Masters may have ended on the 11th, but there were still a handful of big golf moments later in the month. For instance, the birth of the famous LPGA hoodie.
The Player Impact Program news broke in April, as well. Golf Twitter hasn’t been the same since.
PGA Tour’s new incentive plan is schoolyard math, and it makes perfect sense — cool kids keep their lunch money. https://t.co/Zts9apfnFq via @golfweek— Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) April 21, 2021
And finally, Tiger posted his first photo since his accident on April 23.
May
The PGA Championship provided a plethora of viral moments, starting with Phil and the drone. Hey, when you’re on your way to becoming the oldest major champion of all-time, you can request whatever you want.
“Can you please move that drone from my flight?
“Not only is it annoying, but it’s gonna hit it.”
SICK pic.twitter.com/XYT13yjH31— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) May 22, 2021
It wouldn’t be a proper golf tournament without some sort of Brooks and Bryson interaction, which is exactly what we got at Kiawah. That came in the form of a leaked video. It’s been taken down from most platforms, but I was able to find one living copy of it here.
I could’ve dedicated this entire article to viral Brooks and Bryson moments from 2021, but you can learn all about that here. And for our last PGA Championship viral moment, Phil took to Twitter to celebrate his win.
June
June got off to an unfortunate start when Jon Rahm tested positive for COVID-19 with a six-shot lead at the Memorial.
Jon Rahm was forced to withdraw from the Memorial seconds after completing his third round due to a positive Covid-19 test. https://t.co/7sQN6CLWbT— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 5, 2021
Then things took an interesting turn when the Premier Golf League published this open letter to the world of golf. I’m still not entirely sure what to make of it.
An open letter to the world of golf from the PGL team
Find out more ? https://t.co/rXO4jz389C pic.twitter.com/NuJYKf4ZrJ— Premier Golf League (@premgolfleague) June 8, 2021
On to the U.S. Open. First, Viktor Hovland withdrew due to sand in his eye and then wrote a hilarious Instagram caption to explain the situation.
And then outgoing USGA executive Mike Davis caddied for marker Jason Gore in Round 3.
We can’t forget the two insanely clutch putts that earned Rahm his first major title.
Last but not least, Phil Mickelson spent some time with Kelley Cahill Rahm and Kepa Rahm while Jon hit balls in case of a potential playoff.
Phil bringing over a chair for Kelly and the baby to sit and watch Rahm hit balls is the sweetest ? @PhilMickelson @usopengolf pic.twitter.com/aE4x09AVl3— Kira K. Dixon (@KiraDixon) June 21, 2021
“I didn’t sign up for a Phireside chat” pic.twitter.com/bVtqvQRdBt— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) June 21, 2021
Nelly Korda capped off the month of June by winning her first major at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and becoming the World No. 1.
MAJOR CHAMPION.
Nelly Korda makes history in Atlanta at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship ? pic.twitter.com/AWncpUzsGG— LPGA (@LPGA) June 27, 2021
July
Ah, Open Championship month and the start of the Olympics. July delivered a handful of viral moments. Let’s start with Paul Larsen, head greenskeeper at Royal St. George’s.
This is Royal St. George’s head greenskeeper ? pic.twitter.com/kIMiuH6EMV— LKD (@LukeKerrDineen) July 14, 2021
Check out that hair. Next up, we have some golf action in Tokyo.
Went into the Olympic village for a nice workout last night. Safe to say there weren’t many athletes fighting me for the 20 lb dumbbells ?— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) July 26, 2021
Relatable. And although Patrick Reed got a late start, he arrived to the games in style.
August
It’s safe to say it was REALLY hot at the women’s Olympic golf tournament. So hot, in fact, that some players wore cooling vests to combat the extreme temperatures.
Some golf moments seem like they happened just yesterday. Rory throwing his 3-wood at Liberty National is one of those moments.
Why did Rory McIlroy spend so much time hitting 3-woods on the range yesterday?
“I threw my 3-wood onto the New Jersey Turnpike off the 9th hole on Monday, so I was without a 3-wood coming here,” he said.
“If someone wants to go get a 3-wood, there’s one in there somewhere.”— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) August 25, 2021
September
The month of team golf. Let’s kick things off with a look back at the Solheim Cup. It’s safe to say it was a fun time, and the European Team went back-to-back.
Macarena dance time with @carlotagolf on the first tee ? pic.twitter.com/Wep5o22j0j— The Solheim Cup (@TheSolheimCup) September 6, 2021
.@SolheimCupEuro wins back-to-back Solheim Cup! ? pic.twitter.com/264saO1vEl— The Solheim Cup (@TheSolheimCup) September 6, 2021
Up next: iron covers. I know most of the golf world shuns them, but we found one exception in September. Pro Aaron Rai uses them, and for good reason.
And now over to the Ryder Cup. There were a lot of viral moments that occurred at Whistling Straits, so for time’s sake, I’ll present each without comment.
No. 23 at the 43rd Ryder Cup. ? pic.twitter.com/EHnPrfBEa4— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 24, 2021
Teammates hug. pic.twitter.com/KfIUrJRzEg— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 26, 2021
Bryson got a lot of attention in September, as he competed in the World Long Drive after the Ryder Cup.
403 yards.
Bryson WINS heat 3. He’s going nuts on the tee box pic.twitter.com/AL6aevkDQP— James Colgan (@jamescolgan26) September 28, 2021
October
On October 16, K.H. Lee, a golfer who I previously knew very little about, became my hero.
Next up is Brian Morris, the head pro at Ocean View Golf Course in Bermuda, who is battling inoperable brain cancer and teed it up in the Bermuda Championship.
For nearly two years, Brian Morris has undergone chemotherapy every three weeks.
He has terminal cancer.@Bermuda_Champ granted the 53-year-old Bermudian pro a sponsor’s exemption.
He’ll live out his lifelong dream this week. pic.twitter.com/VyDUxWTMkb— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 25, 2021
“My outlet is golf and I think that I’m better for it.”
Brian Morris’ dream of playing on the PGA TOUR becomes a reality today @Bermuda_Champ.
The local pro has been battling stage IV cancer for nearly two years. pic.twitter.com/nPHphxhtrP— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 28, 2021
And finally, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen dressed up as Phil Mickelson for Halloween.
November
First up is Rory’s ripped shirt at the European Tour finale.
Frustrations boiled over for Rory after a final-round 74.
(Via @tourmiss) pic.twitter.com/adHruD8T7u— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) November 21, 2021
And just when we thought that would be the biggest golf moment of the day, Tiger posted this.
Making progress pic.twitter.com/sVQkxEHJmq— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 21, 2021
A week and a half later, Tiger had his first press conference in nine months in November at the Hero World Challenge.
December
The Hero World Challenge was still underway when the calendar turned to December, and all of Golf Twitter lost their minds when Tiger was seen hitting balls in Sunday red.
Missed that Sunday Red.pic.twitter.com/DD0AOIJ6y1— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) December 5, 2021
Three days later, Tiger committed to the PNC Championship, and the golf world once again exploded.
Although it’s been a long and challenging year, I am very excited to close it out by competing in the @PNCchampionship with my son Charlie. I’m playing as a Dad and couldn’t be more excited and proud.— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) December 8, 2021
Nelly Korda won a major and an Olympic gold this year. She might be the best female golfer in the world! So watching her geek out over meeting Tiger Woods was the best thing I saw today pic.twitter.com/c2HPOMhs3C— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) December 19, 2021
Nelly Korda won a major and an Olympic gold this year. She might be the best female golfer in the world! So watching her geek out over meeting Tiger Woods was the best thing I saw today pic.twitter.com/c2HPOMhs3C— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) December 19, 2021
❤️pic.twitter.com/UsfLTtULnG— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) December 19, 2021
And finally, I’ll leave you with this PGA Tour-DP World Tour collab that is so, so good. Happy New Year, everyone. Here’s to more golf virality in 2022.
It’s year-end review time… pic.twitter.com/6GhXaI6127— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) December 27, 2021
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
Blog
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.
Blog
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.
-
Product Review6 years ago
The Perfect Practice Putting Mat Review by Jason Tenzer
-
Blog4 years ago
Loophole Rule Offers PGA Tour Pros a Mulligan
-
Blog4 years ago
2021 Buyer’s Guide: The Top 10 Value Golf Balls For Distance & Feel
-
Blog4 years ago
Golf Marriage Counselor
-
Blog6 years ago
9 Biggest Chokes Of The Past Decade
-
Product Review6 years ago
THE ADJUSTABLE IRONS: WALKING STICKS GOLF CLUBS
-
Blog4 years ago
What Your Golf Clubs Say About You
-
Equipment6 years ago
OHK Sports Interview by Jason Tenzer