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The most viral golf moments of 2021

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There were a handful of humorous moments at the 2021 Masters, but this moment from Hideki’s caddie was as wholesome as they get.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Check out that hair. Next up, we have some golf action in Tokyo.

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.

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.

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.

Bryson got a lot of attention in September, as he competed in the World Long Drive after the Ryder Cup.

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.

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.

And just when we thought that would be the biggest golf moment of the day, Tiger posted this.

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.

Three days later, Tiger committed to the PNC Championship, and the golf world once again exploded.

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.

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

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Weather and the Game: The Undeniable Influence of Elements on Championship Outcomes

Learn how weather affects different championship outcomes.

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Introduction

As a sports enthusiast, you might have noticed that weather plays a significant role in sporting events, particularly in championships. From the power of a baseball pitch to the course of a golf ball, from the strength of a football kick to the stride of a marathon runner – the elements can influence each of these and more. In this article, we delve into the fascinating intersection of meteorology and sports, examining how weather conditions can make or break a championship game.

The Impact of Weather on Different Sports

Whether it’s football, baseball, golf, tennis, or marathon, each sport faces unique challenges when it comes to weather. Let’s delve into the specifics:

Football and Weather Elements

Football is a sport that’s played in almost all weather conditions except for severe ones like lightning storms. However, weather elements have a significant impact on the game.

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    1. Rain: A wet field makes the ball slippery, impacting players’ ability to handle, pass, or kick the ball accurately. Rain can also make the field muddy, affecting the players’ ability to move swiftly.
    2. Wind: Strong wind can alter the trajectory of the ball, affecting passes and kicks.
    3. Cold: Extremely cold temperatures can affect players’ physical performance and endurance, while also making the ball harder and more challenging to catch.

Baseball and Weather Elements

Baseball is another sport where weather conditions can significantly influence the outcome.

    1. Wind: The direction and speed of the wind can affect the trajectory and distance a baseball travels.
    2. Humidity: High humidity can make the ball denser, potentially reducing its bounce and speed.
    3. Temperature: Low temperatures can make the ball harder, affecting its bounce and the players’ ability to grip and hit it effectively.

Golf, Tennis, and Marathons

Weather conditions play an equally crucial role in golf, tennis, and marathons.

    1. Wind: In golf, the wind can alter the ball’s direction and distance. In tennis, wind can affect ball control, altering serves and volleys.
    2. Temperature: Extreme heat can affect a marathon runner’s performance significantly, leading to dehydration and exhaustion.
    3. Rain: In golf, a wet course can slow down the ball, while in tennis, a wet court can make the ball bounce irregularly.

Case Studies: Weather Influencing Championship Outcomes

This section presents some examples of games where weather conditions significantly influenced the outcome.

  1. The “Ice Bowl” (1967): The NFL Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as the “Ice Bowl,” witnessed one of the coldest conditions in NFL history, affecting players’ performance and the final outcome.
  2. The “Windy City” World Series (1945): The World Series game between the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers was so affected by the wind that it changed the trajectory of the baseball multiple times, influencing the game’s final score.
  3. Wimbledon Championships (2019): The final match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer was played with the Centre Court’s roof closed due to rain, limiting the natural elements’ effects and perhaps altering the match’s dynamics.

Conclusion

The impact of weather on sports is an exciting field of study, revealing how the natural elements influence games and championships. From altering the trajectory of a ball to affecting a player’s physical performance, weather can indeed be a game-changer. As fans and enthusiasts, understanding these influences can add another layer of excitement and anticipation to our favorite sports.

So the next time you attend or watch a game, remember to check the weather forecast. It might just give you a sneak peek into the game’s possible outcome!

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The Unofficial Rules of Golf: A Gentleman’s Guide to Not Being Judge Smails

The official rulebook is thicker than a dictionary and twice as boring. Let’s talk about the rules that really matter on the course: how to have fun, respect the game, and not be a stick-in-the-mud. Hint: It involves less plaid and more cosmic harmony.

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You’ve seen him. I’ve seen him. The guy who quotes the USGA rulebook like it’s scripture. He’ll happily tell you your ball moved a quarter of an inch when you addressed it, costing you a penalty stroke. He’s got a plumb bob for a three-foot putt and the personality of a rake. He is, in spirit, Judge Smails. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to be Judge Smails.

The real game of golf, the one that keeps us coming back, isn’t played by those rules. It’s played by a higher law. An unwritten code of conduct that’s all about flow, friendship, and the pursuit of that one perfect shot. It’s a gentleman’s agreement with the universe.

So, let’s talk about the rules that actually matter.

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1. The Cosmic Readjustment (aka The Mulligan). Your first tee shot is a mess. It goes sideways into the woods where the gophers play. The Smails of the world would tell you to take a penalty and hack it out. I say the universe is just getting warmed up. The “breakfast ball” isn’t cheating; it’s a course correction. It’s an agreement among friends that a round of golf shouldn’t be ruined before it even begins. Take another. The Dalai Lama would want you to.

2. The Art of Flow (aka Pace of Play). This isn’t about rushing. Rushing is a fool’s game. This is about flow. It’s about being ready to hit when it’s your turn. It’s about watching your friend’s shot so you can help them find it. It’s about moving with a purpose, not like you’re searching for your car keys in a dark parking lot. Don’t be the anchor that drags the whole group down. See the line, hit the ball, walk on. Nanananana.

3. The Circle of Friendship (aka Gimmes). Is the putt inside the leather? Good enough. Pick it up. Life is too short to watch your buddies sweat over an 18-inch putt for a double bogey. A gimme isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a gesture of goodwill. It says, “I trust you, you trust me, and neither of us needs the anxiety of missing this tiny putt.” It’s good for the karma, and even better for the pace of play.

4. The Final Verdict (aka The 19th Hole). The most important rule is this: no matter what happened out there, you shake hands on the 18th green and settle things over a cold drink at the 19th. The guy who shot an 82 and the guy who shot a 102 are equals in the clubhouse. The stories get better, the putts get longer, and the bad shots fade away. This is where the real game is won.

So, forget about the fine print. Focus on the feeling. Be a good playing partner, enjoy the walk, and don’t be a Smails. You’ll find your score starts to take care of itself.

Did this speak to your soul? Pass it along to your foursome to make sure everyone is on the same page. For more deep thoughts from the fairway, be sure to follow us on social media. It’s the right thing to do.

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When Golf Gadgets Fail: Navigating Common Tech Mishaps on the Golf Course

A Look at What Happens When Modern Golf Gadgets Go Wrong

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Imagine this: you’re on the golf course, teeing off on a beautiful, sunny day. With the help of your trusty golf gadget, you’re confident you’ll hit a birdie or even an eagle. But just when you’re about to swing, your gadget malfunctions. Suddenly, your perfect game is thrown into chaos. Welcome to the world of technology fails, where even the most advanced golf devices can sometimes let you down. In this article, we’ll explore some common tech fails and provide some tips on how to handle them.

When Golf Gadgets Let You Down

Modern golf devices, from smart clubs to digital scorecards to GPS-enabled watches, have revolutionized the game. They provide golfers with real-time data, helping them refine their swing, choose the right club, and navigate the course. But what happens when these devices fail?

Unreliable Data

One of the most common golf gadget fails is inaccurate or unreliable data. GPS devices might show the wrong distance to the pin, swing analyzers might give incorrect feedback, and digital scorecards might miscalculate your score. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re relying on these devices to improve your game.

Battery Drain

Another common issue is battery drain. Many golf gadgets require a significant amount of power, and if they’re not properly charged, they can die in the middle of a game. This leaves you without the data you need to make informed decisions on the course.

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Technical Glitches and Malfunctions

Sometimes, golf devices just stop working. They might freeze, crash, or refuse to turn on. These technical glitches can be caused by software bugs, hardware issues, or even user error.

Preventing Golf Gadget Fails

While it’s impossible to prevent all golf gadget fails, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk.

Regular Updates

Keeping your devices updated can help prevent software-related issues. Regular updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can enhance the performance of your device.

Proper Charging

To avoid battery-related problems, make sure to fully charge your devices before hitting the course. Some devices also have power-saving modes that can help extend battery life.

Backup Plan

It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your devices fail. This might mean carrying a traditional scorecard or having a basic understanding of how to calculate distances without a GPS.

When Gadgets Go Wrong: The Bottom Line

Golf gadgets are a fantastic tool for any golfer looking to improve their game. However, like all technology, they can sometimes fail. By understanding the common issues and how to prevent them, you can ensure you’re prepared for any tech-related hiccups on the course. After all, golf is about more than just the gadgets—it’s about the experience, the skill, and the love of the game.

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