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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
The Pioneers Who Shaped the Game
In our journey through the rich history of golf in the series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today’s installment celebrates the pioneers who have shaped this noble sport. These trailblazers have not only mastered the game but also influenced its development, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Let’s honor some of these influential figures and their indelible impact on golf.
Old Tom Morris: The Grandfather of the Green
Old Tom Morris, born in 1821 in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a figure synonymous with the early days of professional golf. Morris was a four-time winner of The Open Championship during its nascent stage. More than just a player, he was instrumental in designing courses, crafting equipment, and nurturing young talent, including his son, Young Tom Morris, who was also a golfing champion. His contributions to course design, especially at St. Andrews, helped mold the very arenas in which the game evolved.
Bobby Jones: The Gentleman Golfer
An amateur who competed against the world’s best professional golfers, Bobby Jones left an indelible mark on the world of golf. He co-founded Augusta National and The Masters Tournament, creating a stage for golfing greatness. His sportsmanship and commitment to the amateur spirit of golf earned him a revered place in golf history.
Arnold Palmer: The King of the Fairways
Arnold Palmer, known affectionately as “The King,” brought golf to the masses. His charismatic personality and aggressive style of play won him a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army.” Palmer’s approachable persona and business acumen helped turn golf into a sport accessible to all, and he played a key role in the commercial growth of golf during the television age.
Annika Sörenstam: Redefining Women’s Golf
Annika Sörenstam, a dominant force in women’s golf, pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in the women’s game. With 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour wins, her precision and consistency set new standards. Sörenstam also played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s golf globally.
Tiger Woods: A Modern-Day Legend
Tiger Woods’ impact on golf is profound, transcending the sport itself. His unparalleled career includes 15 major championships and numerous records. Woods brought athleticism to the forefront of golf, influenced countless with his competitive nature, and broadened the sport’s appeal across diverse audiences.
These pioneers have not only shaped the way the game is played but have also influenced how it is perceived around the world. Their stories are not just of personal achievement but also of advancing the sport to new heights.
As we celebrate the legends who have shaped golf, it’s essential to also recognize emerging talents who are poised to leave their mark on the sport. Among the promising new stars, Collin Morikawa stands out as a future legend in the making.
Join me next time as we explore how golf’s major tournaments have evolved into the global events they are today.
Thank you for tuning in to our exploration of golf’s greatest pioneers.
Warm regards, Robert Greenfield
Blog
From Knickers to Performance Wear, The Evolution of Golf Fashion
From argyle socks and knickers to performance fabrics and UV-blocking shirts, golf fashion has transformed alongside the game, blending style, comfort, and innovation.
Ah, golf fashion—proof that what we wear on the course evolves as much as our handicaps (or lack thereof). Once upon a time, golfers roamed the links in knickers and argyle socks, looking like extras from a 1920s costume party. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve got performance fabrics that wick sweat, block UV rays, and might even lower your score (okay, maybe not, but let me dream). Let’s take a lighthearted stroll down memory lane and explore how golf fashion has gone from “Oh, how quaint” to “Wow, is that breathable moisture-control technology?”
The Golden Age of Knickers and Argyle
Back in the day, golfers dressed like they were starring in a black-and-white film. Knickers—those baggy pants that stopped just below the knee—were all the rage, paired with argyle socks and flat caps. These outfits weren’t just about making a statement; they were about showing the world that golf was a gentleman’s game. Sure, they might’ve been heavy and hot, but at least you looked like a gentleman while sweating through a round.
Plaid, Polyester, and the Rise of Loudness
Enter the mid-20th century, where golfers decided subtlety was overrated. Plaid pants in every color of the rainbow dominated the fairways, paired with brightly colored polo shirts and polyester blends that barely breathed. Golfers of this era dressed like peacocks, and honestly? It was magnificent. Fashion was fun, bold, and a little bit absurd—just like some of our swings.
The Caddyshack Era: Fun Meets Freedom
Ah, the 1980s—an era when golf fashion got a little looser, a little more fun, and a lot more relatable. Movies like Caddyshack brought golf to a new audience, and suddenly, you didn’t need to look like you’d stepped out of a haberdashery to play a round. Shorts made their debut (thank you, sunshine), and colorful visors became as essential as putters. The best part? You could actually move in these clothes.
Modern Day: The Age of Performance
Today, golf fashion is all about performance. Fabrics that stretch, breathe, and repel rain have revolutionized what we wear on the course. Hats with cooling tech, shirts that block UV rays, and pants that move with your swing are now the standard. Plus, brands like Nike and Adidas have made sure we look good while wearing it all. Let’s just say if the golfers of the 1920s saw us now, they’d probably faint—though, to be fair, it might be from the lack of argyle.
The Future of Golf Fashion
What’s next for golf fashion? Smart clothes that analyze your swing? Shoes that adjust automatically to terrain? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: golf fashion will keep evolving, just like the game itself. Until then, wear what makes you feel good—whether it’s high-tech performance gear or a retro plaid throwback.
Blog
The Benefits of Custom Club Fitting: Is It Worth the Investment?
Discover how custom club fitting can transform your golf game by enhancing accuracy, distance, and confidence with equipment tailored to your unique swing.
In the ever-evolving world of golf, players are constantly searching for ways to improve their game. While swing mechanics and practice are critical, many golfers overlook one key factor: the importance of using clubs that fit their unique swing. Enter custom club fitting—a service that tailors golf equipment to match your individual needs. But is it truly worth the investment? Let’s break it down.
What Is Custom Club Fitting?
Custom club fitting is a process where golf clubs are modified or built to suit your swing characteristics, physical attributes, and playing style. Unlike off-the-shelf clubs, custom-fitted clubs ensure the perfect match for your swing speed, ball flight tendencies, and body measurements. This results in better consistency, improved accuracy, and more enjoyable rounds.
Key Benefits of Custom Club Fitting
- Enhanced Consistency
Custom clubs ensure your swing mechanics and equipment work in harmony. Properly fitted clubs help reduce mishits and make your shots more predictable. For example, adjusting the lie angle can prevent pulls or pushes, making it easier to hit straight shots. - Increased Distance
Optimizing shaft flex, loft, and weight distribution can unlock extra yardage on your drives. A correctly fitted driver, according to Callaway, can boost distance by improving launch angle and spin rate—ideal for maximizing power. - Improved Accuracy
Titleist research shows that custom-fitted irons tailored to the player’s height and swing path can significantly enhance accuracy. With the right specifications, you’re more likely to hit greens in regulation and lower your scores. - Comfort and Confidence
Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. Clubs that feel comfortable in your hands and suit your swing give you confidence on the course. TaylorMade emphasizes that properly sized grips alone can make a difference in how secure and natural the club feels. - A Better Long-Term Investment
While custom clubs may come with a higher price tag upfront, they save money in the long run by preventing the need to constantly replace ill-fitting equipment.
The Fitting Process
Custom fitting is more than just trying out a few clubs at the range. It’s a comprehensive process involving advanced tools and professional expertise:
- Assessment of Your Swing
Using technology like TrackMan or GCQuad, a fitter will analyze your swing speed, launch angle, spin rate, and other metrics. - Adjusting Club Specifications
Based on the data, the fitter will adjust or recommend specific shaft lengths, flex types, lofts, lie angles, and grip sizes to optimize your performance. - Trial and Feedback
You’ll test various configurations, providing feedback on how each club feels and performs. This step ensures you leave with clubs that truly suit you.
Where to Get Fitted
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of custom club fitting, here are some excellent options to explore:
- Manufacturer Studios
Brands like Ping, Callaway, Titleist, and TaylorMade offer fitting services at their specialized centers, ensuring precision and access to the latest technology. - Golf Retailers
PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods provide professional fitting services, often with certified experts. - Local Fitters
Independent club fitters, such as Club Champion and True Spec Golf, specialize in custom fittings with a wide variety of brands and configurations. - Golf Courses
Many courses partner with manufacturers or employ their own club fitters to offer on-site services.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For golfers committed to improving their game, custom club fitting is undoubtedly worth it. By investing in equipment tailored to your specific needs, you’ll not only play better but also enjoy the game more. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, custom-fitted clubs provide a competitive edge that off-the-shelf clubs simply can’t match.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to unlock your full potential on the course, book a custom club fitting today. With the right clubs in your bag, there’s no limit to how far your game can go!
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