Blog
Weekly Breakdown: Rory’s contentious decision, Torrey Pines props, and shaky putting

Welcome back to the Weekly Breakdown, where we’re wondering if Tom Brady is getting out now to give himself a few years to get ready for the Champions Tour… Let’s get to it!
FIRST GROUP OFF
Torrey Pines.
There is a contingent of diehard golf fans who have a notably complex relationship with Torrey Pines. There are a handful of gripes with varying levels of legitimacy, which include the following: It’s boring. It doesn’t take advantage of its surroundings. Narrow fairways and long rough are meh. The greens are bumpy. There are a bunch of forgettable holes that generally just blend into each other. The pond on 18 is silly and makes zero sense in the context of the rest of the course. And then there’s the big one: Given the breathtaking cliffside property, it should be so much better.
I’m not saying those arguments are without merit. At last summer’s U.S. Open I even found myself thinking that a major championship should be held at a course that was less familiar and more exciting. But this week, in the PGA Tour’s third trip to Torrey Pines in 12 months, I found myself fully enjoying the viewing. What gives? A number of factors. Here are a few nice things I’d like to say about this week’s Tour site:
There is no course that has benefitted more from the widespread use of drone shots than Torrey Pines, which can look drab and scrubby from ground level but magnificent with proper perspective. It’s fun to have a PGA Tour course where bogeys lurk around every corner. Showcasing one of the greatest municipal golf complexes in the world on a yearly basis is a good thing for golf. There are a few holes in particular — 3, 4, 12 and 18 come first to mind — that make for terrific entertainment. The leaderboard is always bunched with solid ballstrikers coming down the back nine in the final round. And we’re deeply familiar with the finishing stretch, with memories dating back to Tiger Woods at Buick Opens, various national championships, crowning moments for Jason Day and Jon Rahm and more. That intimate knowledge of fairways, green complexes, drama, pitfalls — it all makes for better viewing. Maybe it’s Stockholm Syndrome. Maybe it’s the fact that all you need for a good Tour event is a close finish on a hard, familiar course. Whatever it is, the Farmers Insurance Open was fun.
WINNERS
Who won the week?
Viktor Hovland’s jinx
This week’s golf was chock-full of nail-biting finishes but the hottest finish came from Viktor Hovland, who seemed out of contention beginning the day six shots back and seemed further out of contention when he bogeyed No. 15 but then finished birdie-eagle-birdie to plant a flag in the clubhouse at 12 under and then deliver a top-notch jinx to his biggest threat:
“There’s some drama, there’s some water, but I mean, Rory [McIlroy] is a pretty good player, so I’m thinking he’s going to close this one off,” Hovland said as he waited. The rest is history — and more on that later.
Looks like Hovland got Rory with the mega-jinx: pic.twitter.com/D2Zw5y9D6L— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 30, 2022
A reporter asked Hovland if the finish was the best of his career, and he gave a curious qualifier in his answer.
“Under the circumstances, yes, for sure,” he said. What did that mean? Hovland clarified:
“I do distinctly remember a little match that I had in college. We used to do a little Ryder Cup — me and Kristoffer Ventura against Zach Bauchou and Sam Stevens. We were basically playing for dinner and it was kind of getting dark, like this, and it was pretty feisty. We all didn’t want to lose and I remember we were doing stroke-play best-ball, I think, and we were down I think three strokes with three to go, and I finished birdie, birdie, and then eagle on the last to beat them by a shot and they were so mad, and it just brought me so much joy. So I do remember that one.”
The reporter pointed out that this win — worth more than $1.3 million — was more lucrative than a dinner bet.
“It is. But the other one was pretty satisfying, too.” No wonder people like this guy.
Lydia Ko’s latest chapter
It remains hard to fathom, but Lydia Ko — winner of this week’s Gainbridge LPGA — is still just 24. That’s difficult to comprehend because she became world No. 1 at just 17, which means she has already played a lengthy professional career, but it’s also hard because that career has had so many chapters. Early success. Then some struggles. Caddie changes, coaching changes, team changes. And now, with 17 wins under her belt, Ko has validated her comeback tour and cemented herself among the top pros in the world. Since the beginning of 2021, Ko has made 24 starts, missing just one cut while logging 16 top-10s, nine top-threes and three victories. She’s solidly at No. 3 in the world behind the dueling duo of Jin Young Ko (back at No. 1 after this wee
Lydia Ko became a 17x LPGA Tour winner with a final round 69 at the @GainbridgeLPGA ?
Watch her highlights from Sunday in Boca! ? pic.twitter.com/20R0DlkX7l— LPGA (@LPGA) January 31, 2022
On Sunday, Ko held off Danielle Kang with a clutch up-and-down from a greenside bunker at No. 18. Post-round she reminded everyone that you can’t try to be a past version of yourself; neither life nor golf works that way. And she summed up her feelings succinctly:
“Three words: Excited, cocktail, sleep,” she said. “I’m a little — I could do with sleep right now, thank you. I had a cocktail. That’s why I said cocktail. I feel like my cheeks are getting red, too.”
Well earned.
Luke List’s horrendous layup
This sounds like a dig but it is, in fact, admiration. Luke List came to No. 18 at Torrey Pines reeling; he’d just missed a four-footer at No. 17 to fall a shot off the lead. Then he missed left with his tee shot, forcing a layup so that he could get it close to the front-left funnel pin. But then he committed the cardinal sin of Torrey Pines: He layed up into the rough.
But then we saw the benefit of List being a terrific ball-striker and a very strong human being. Even from the rough he was able to generate enough spin that his ball landed softly on the front of the green and settled some 13 feet from the hole. He matched speed with line perfectly, making birdie to force a playoff. And in that playoff, he hit an even better layup from a worse lie (plugged in the right fairway bunker) and followed that with an even better approach shot, which he spun back to inside a foot. That made him a winner. And it was pretty clear just how much that win meant:
Follow along behind the scenes with Luke List after securing his first victory on TOUR @FarmersInsOpen ? pic.twitter.com/zdxKYjpmVZ— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 31, 2022
ALMOST-WINNERS
So close, and yet…
Danielle Kang’s tunnel vision
Coming off a win at the Tournament of Champions, Danielle Kang nearly made it two in a row — but her birdie try at No. 18 just wiggled past. Kang and Ko dueled their way down the stretch but Kang credited her charge in part to staying in her own lane.
“I wasn’t necessarily paying attention to a lot of what [Ko] was doing, to be honest, because I didn’t even know on 12 she had to hit a provisional because I got up to the fairway and there was four golf balls and I said, What happened here?”
Richard Bland, Ageless Wonder
If it’s possible for a playoff loss to feel like a win, how ’bout the runner-up finish for Richard Bland at the Dubai Desert Classic? As a quick recap: He’s turning 49 next week, he’s up to No. 53 in the world, Viktor Hovland needed 73 holes to beat him and, given the strength of the field, the finish registers as his best-ever result in terms of World Ranking points.
Will Zalatoris (and yes, his putter too)
The wobbly putting stroke of Will Zalatoris was front and center this weekend, largely on the basis of one sketchy missed shortie and two missed putts on 18 (one in regulation, one in the playoff). Let’s attempt something challenging: Let’s try to hold two thoughts in our head at the same time. Will Zalatoris’ putting woes might be real and might also be overstated.
Viewer discretion is advised. https://t.co/gTFPPhUDBv— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) January 28, 2022
Tee to green, Zalatoris was the best golfer in the field, gaining an extremely impressive 12.5 strokes. On the greens, he was a troubling 64th of the 79 players who made the cut, and he made nothing on Saturday, taking 29 putts on the 15 greens he hit in regulation. He actually made very little on Saturday, too, when he hit it so well he shot seven-under 65 despite losing ground on the greens. That basically never happens.
So the putting isn’t great. No doubt about that. It wasn’t great either, when Zalatoris finished the season No. 122 on Tour in putting, which is below average but well ahead of other notables like Hideki Matsuyama (who won the Masters) and Collin Morikawa (who won the Open Championship and conquered the world).
But let’s remember what Brandel Chamblee said a couple weeks ago in reference to Matsuyama:
“It’s not about who putts the best. It’s about who putts best, amongst the best ball strikers. And when [Hideki] does that he always has a decent chance.”
Zalatoris was a couple of inches from winning last week. If he keeps hitting the ball like this, he’ll have a whole bunch more chances.
So, so close.
Will Zalatoris and Luke List are headed for a playoff. pic.twitter.com/Ah9XeXd0DY— GOLFonCBS (@GOLFonCBS) January 30, 2022
Jason Day’s chase for No. 1
Even as he has dropped steadily in the world rankings, Jason Day has continued to talk about the goal of returning to World No. 1. I’ve admired his ability to think big, given he entered this week at World No. 129. But his game was solid through the bag, he turned in a vintage putting performance and contended until the end, finishing one shot outside the playoff and posting his first top-three finish since 2018.
Jon Rahm’s grip on World No. 1
All last week, Jon Rahm looked, uhh, unsatisfied with his game.
Jon Rahm just beat the tee box so hard he broke out the ball mark repair tool! pic.twitter.com/tY0hIE4IR3— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 27, 2022
He still had a putt on the 72nd hole to get into a playoff. I’m starting to think he’s pretty good.
NOT-WINNERS
Maybe next week?
Not laying up
Rory McIlroy seemed destined for victory when he stepped to the 17th tee on Sunday tied for the lead with a drivable par-4 and reachable par-5 in front of him. But a messy tee shot on 17 left him scrambling for par and then he laid back with 3-wood off the tee on 18, forcing a difficult decision: From 267 yards, should he pull 3-wood and go for the green? Or should he lay up, try to wedge it close and, if he made par, get into a playoff?
After the fact, the wise golf minds of the internet seemed unanimously incredulous that McIlroy went for it (and dumped it way short, at least 10 yards shy of clearing the water). I actually think his decision to go for it was reasonable, at least at the outset. If he clears the water, he’s very likely making birdie and leaving with the win. If he lays up, birdie is in play, but it’s far less likely — plus par means a three-man playoff and bogey is still in play, too, given McIlroy’s occasional misadventures with a wedge. Plus, McIlroy still had that same wedge shot to get up-and-down for par and force a playoff, so the back-door win was still available.
Instead, I’d say the mistake was in the execution as much as it was the decision to go for it. Perhaps there was mud on the ball that affected its flight. Perhaps he and caddie Harry Diamond misjudged the wind. Either way, you just can’t hit the high, slicey soft one there. He did, and it cost him the tournament.
Justin Thomas’ weekend
On Friday, we seemed destined for a Jon Rahm-Justin Thomas duel in the final round. But that never quite materialized. Yes, Rahm stayed in the hunt, but Thomas disappeared in a peculiar way, making seven bogeys against just three birdies in his final 27 holes to finish T20. It’s tough to pinpoint one issue in particular, because Thomas hit some loose tee shots in the third round while his short game seemed the main culprit on Saturday, losing three shots to the field around and on the greens. Thomas’ weekend isn’t cause for worry — he entered the week with five top-six finishes in his last seven starts — but it does feel like a missed opportunity.
Bleach-blond Brooks
I’m a big fan of Brooks Koepka’s new hair color and his general willingness to do something people will make fun of him for doing. But I think if you go hard on the bleach-blond hair you have to make the cut, right?!
Brooks Koepka looks like he ate Will Zalatoris pic.twitter.com/p92yxKMdSk— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 27, 2022
Koepka went all Marshall Mathers before Wednesday’s opening round, but come Friday he shot 74 in his second round to miss the weekend by three. The good news for Koepka: He had plenty of company! Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson were among the list of big names to miss the weekend.
This article originally appeared on Golf.com
Blog
Embracing Sustainability in Golf: How Green Can the Greens Get?
Golf is a beloved sport worldwide, but like many industries, it has a significant environmental footprint.

Golf is a beloved sport worldwide, but like many industries, it has a significant environmental footprint. From water consumption to pesticide use, the golf sector has traditionally been associated with a range of sustainability challenges. However, the tide is turning as golf courses and industry players increasingly prioritize environmental stewardship, aiming to make the greens as green as possible. This article explores the evolving sustainability practices within the world of golf and discusses the potential for even more significant strides toward eco-friendliness.
The Environmental Impact of Golf
Golf, like other sports, has an environmental footprint. The most notable impacts are water consumption, chemical use, and habitat disruption.
Water Consumption
Golf courses are notoriously thirsty, consuming vast volumes of water to maintain lush, green fairways and greens. In dry regions, this can strain local water resources, impacting both human and ecological communities.
Chemical Use
To maintain pristine conditions, golf courses often rely on fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can contaminate local waterways, harming aquatic life and potentially impacting human health.
Habitat Disruption
The construction of golf courses often involves significant land clearing, which can disrupt local ecosystems. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity, as plants and animals lose their habitats.
Turning the Tide: Sustainability Practices in Golf
Despite these challenges, the golf industry is making strides towards greater sustainability. Here are some of the ways golf courses are reducing their environmental impact.
Water Conservation
Many golf courses are implementing water conservation strategies, such as using drought-resistant grass varieties, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and harvesting rainwater.
Reducing Chemical Use
There’s a growing trend towards organic golf courses, which forego synthetic chemicals in favor of natural alternatives. Techniques like integrated pest management and composting can help maintain course conditions while minimizing environmental harm.
Habitat Restoration
Some golf courses are prioritizing habitat restoration, preserving areas of natural vegetation and creating wildlife corridors. These initiatives can not only enhance biodiversity but also provide aesthetic benefits for players.
Case Study: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links in California exemplifies the shift towards sustainability. They have implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives, including water recycling, native plant restoration, and integrated pest management. These efforts earned them certification from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf, an international program that recognizes golf courses committed to environmental stewardship.
The Future of Golf: Even Greener Greens?
While the golf industry has made significant strides towards sustainability, there’s room for further improvement. Emerging trends such as solar-powered golf carts and zero-waste tournaments suggest a future where golf can be both a cherished pastime and a driver of environmental sustainability.
The world of golf is becoming greener, both literally and figuratively. From water conservation to habitat restoration, golf courses around the world are demonstrating that it’s possible to balance the love of the game with a commitment to the environment. As these trends continue, the future of golf promises to be not just a celebration of sport, but also of sustainability.
Are you a golf enthusiast passionate about sustainability? Join the green golf movement by supporting golf courses that prioritize environmental stewardship. Let’s make the greens greener together.
Sources:
- Audubon International, “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf”
- Pebble Beach Resorts, “Sustainability at Pebble Beach Resorts”
- United States Golf Association, “Advancing Sustainable Practices”
- Golf Environment Organisation, “Sustainability in Golf”
Blog
Majestic Links Abroad: A Golfer’s Guide to Global Bucket-List Courses
From the windswept dunes of Scotland to the sun-kissed greens of the Caribbean, golf offers a global array of spectacular venues.

From the windswept dunes of Scotland to the sun-kissed greens of the Caribbean, golf is a sport that offers an array of spectacular venues around the world. For golfers of all handicaps, playing on a variety of global courses is not just a sporting challenge, but an opportunity to experience some of the most stunning landscapes the world has to offer. This guide will take you on a tour of the most majestic links abroad, the dream destinations that make up the ultimate bucket-list for golf enthusiasts.
-
-
St. Andrew’s Old Course, Scotland
-
No golfer’s journey is complete without a pilgrimage to the historic St. Andrew’s Old Course. Known as the “home of golf,” St. Andrew’s is the oldest golf course in the world, where the game has been played since the 15th century.
The course, located in the Scottish town of the same name, features 18 holes that are as challenging as they are awe-inspiring. The Old Course is famous for its deep bunkers and large double greens, which add a unique twist to the game. The Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker are iconic features that are must-see for any golf enthusiast.
-
-
Augusta National Golf Club, United States
-
Although not technically “abroad” for American golfers, Augusta National Golf Club is a global icon of the sport. Home to the Masters Tournament, Augusta’s immaculate fairways and pristine greens have been graced by the greatest golfers in history.
The course, located in Augusta, Georgia, is known for its challenging Par 3s and the famous Amen Corner. The striking azaleas and towering pine trees provide a beautiful backdrop to this meticulously maintained course.
-
-
Pebble Beach Golf Links, United States
-
Located on California’s rugged central coast, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a stunningly picturesque course that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With holes that hug the coastline and strong sea breezes, this course offers a challenging and unforgettable golfing experience.
-
-
Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia
-
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, located in Black Rock, Victoria, is renowned as one of the finest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Its West Course is frequently ranked among the top golf courses in the world.
Designed by legendary golf course architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Royal Melbourne’s fast greens and strategic bunkering provide a challenging test for golfers. The course is set in a natural amphitheatre of sand dunes, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.
-
-
Old Course at Ballybunion, Ireland
-
The Old Course at Ballybunion is a classic seaside links course located on the southwest coast of Ireland. With dramatic dunes, narrow fairways and punishing rough, Ballybunion is both a challenging and visually stunning course.
The Old Course is renowned for its unique and varied hole designs, which require a wide range of shots. The natural beauty of the Irish coastline, with its towering cliffs and crashing waves, makes for an unforgettable golfing experience.
-
-
Muirfield Village Golf Club, Scotland
-
Another Scottish gem, Muirfield Village Golf Club is a historic and prestigious course that has hosted numerous major championships. Known for its tight fairways and fast greens, Muirfield Village is a true test of precision and patience.
-
-
Pinehurst Resort, United States
-
Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina is a historic golf destination with nine unique courses. The famed No. 2 course, designed by Donald Ross, is known for its crowned greens and strategic layout that challenges golfers of all skill levels.
-
Royal County Down Golf Club, Northern Ireland
Located in the seaside town of Newcastle, Royal County Down Golf Club is consistently ranked among the world’s top golf courses. The course offers a challenging links layout with stunning views of the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea.
The world is full of majestic golf courses, each offering a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to experience the world’s best, these bucket-list courses should be on every golfer’s itinerary. Start planning your golfing adventure and experience the thrill of teeing off in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Blog
The Road to Bethpage: Anticipation Builds for the U.S. Open’s Return to New York
Bethpage Black looms as the ultimate test of golf’s grit and grace, where the 2025 U.S. Open will challenge the world’s best on one of America’s most feared fairways.

There’s something about Bethpage that makes the heart beat a little faster. Maybe it’s the sign—the infamous warning at the first tee: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” Or maybe it’s the ghosts of past Opens—Phil’s near-miss in 2002, Tiger’s steely win that same year, or the soaked chaos of 2009. Whatever it is, the return of the U.S. Open to Bethpage Black promises a test of grit, patience, and pure golf artistry.
As we count down the weeks, the buzz is building. The New York crowd—famously rowdy, proudly loyal, and brutally honest—is ready. And so are the players, many of whom call a win at Bethpage one of the greatest badges of honor in the game.
This isn’t your average Open venue. Bethpage, a public course with a working-class soul, doesn’t rely on country club prestige. It relies on its teeth—towering rough, penal bunkers, narrow fairways, and greens that demand nerves of steel. This is where champions are forged under pressure, where shot-making and strategy take center stage, and where mistakes are punished with merciless efficiency.
For golf fans, it’s also a spectacle. The energy at Bethpage is electric. It hums with the passion of true golf lovers who’ve stood in line at 4 a.m. just to play it. It’s a place where pros walk the same fairways as weekend warriors, and where every shot is met with a roar—or a groan—that echoes through the Long Island air.
What makes the U.S. Open at Bethpage special isn’t just the course. It’s the drama. The weather. The unpredictability. It’s the way the leaderboard tightens on Saturday and explodes on Sunday. It’s the way golf feels here—gritty, real, and raw.
As the best in the world prepare to battle one of the toughest tracks in America, fans everywhere should be ready for a tournament that will be talked about for years to come. Bethpage doesn’t just host Opens—it defines them.
-
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