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

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WEEKLY BREAKDOWN: RORY'S DECISION

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.

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

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.”

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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:

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.

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.

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.

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?!

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

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Swinging into the New Year

Golf Resolutions You’ll Probably Break by February

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Ah, New Year’s resolutions—that time-honored tradition where we make promises to ourselves, armed with nothing but good intentions and the fleeting optimism of January 1st. For golfers, this is when we vow to fix our slices, improve our short game, and finally learn how to use the driver properly (instead of just blaming it for our poor aim). But let’s be honest: golf resolutions are like bunker shots—great in theory, but tricky to pull off.

Still, hope springs eternal, and the New Year is the perfect time to dream big. Let’s tee it up and take a swing at the golf resolutions we’d love to keep… but probably won’t.

This Year, I’m Hitting the Fairway.

Every golfer’s dream. You stand on the tee box, stare down the fairway, and picture your ball landing gracefully in the middle. You know, instead of careening into the trees or ricocheting off a sprinkler head into the clubhouse parking lot. But by the second round of the year, you’re back to muttering, “Play it where it lies,” while wading through knee-high rough. Hey, it’s the thought that counts.

I’m Going to Practice My Putting… Seriously This Time.

Every year, we promise ourselves that the short game is where we’ll shine. “No more three-putts!” we say, convinced that with just a little practice, we’ll master those pesky 10-footers. Fast-forward to March, and your putting practice has been reduced to rolling balls across the living room carpet, dodging the dog and hoping no one notices your “training” involves a coffee mug as the hole.

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I’ll Stay Calm on the Course.

Ah, the noble resolution to embrace serenity. You’re a zen master, calmly accepting every mishit and bad bounce with grace. That is, until you chunk a chip shot into the bunker you just escaped, and suddenly serenity is replaced with creative combinations of four-letter words. Golf is a test of patience, after all, and nothing says personal growth like learning to love double bogeys.

No More Buying Clubs to Fix My Game.

Every golfer knows the allure of shiny new gear. You tell yourself that this club is the one—your magical Excalibur that will fix your swing and lower your scores. This year, you swear off impulse buys and commit to working with the clubs you already own. By April, you’re drooling over the latest driver that promises an extra 10 yards and a straighter ball flight, credit card in hand. Resistance is futile.

I’ll Finally Learn the Rules of Golf.

Sure, you know the basics: don’t cheat, yell “fore,” and never talk in someone’s backswing. But when it comes to the finer points—like how to drop a ball after it lands in the drink—you’re winging it. Every year, you promise to read the rulebook. And every year, it sits on the shelf, pristine and untouched, because let’s be honest—Google exists for a reason.

This Year, I’ll Play More Rounds.

The ultimate resolution for any golfer. “I’ll hit the course every weekend,” you declare, imagining endless sunny days and perfect swings. Then life gets in the way—work, family, weather, and the realization that golf takes five hours, plus a nap to recover. Suddenly, “more rounds” turns into “well, I’ll watch the Masters.”

Why Resolutions Matter (Even If They Don’t Stick)

Here’s the thing: golf is a game of eternal hope. Every round begins with the belief that today will be different. Your drives will be straighter, your putts will drop, and your scorecard will look less like a math problem. New Year’s resolutions are the same. They’re not about perfection—they’re about the optimism that keeps us coming back, swing after swing, year after year.

So go ahead, make those resolutions. Dream big. Promise to break 80 (or just 100). Swear off the slice and commit to fixing your tempo. Will you keep them? Probably not. But in golf, as in life, it’s not about the end result—it’s about the pursuit. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always 2025.

Now get out there and start the year strong… even if it ends with a mulligan. Happy New Year, golfers!

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Exploring the World of Indoor Simulators

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Imagine teeing off at St. Andrews, tackling the iconic Amen Corner at Augusta National, or conquering Pebble Beach’s breathtaking oceanfront holes—all without leaving your home. Thanks to indoor golf simulators, this dream is now a reality. Modern technology has revolutionized how we experience the game, making it possible to play courses from around the world in stunning detail. Let’s dive into the world of golf simulators, their incredible realism, and how you can bring one into your home.

Play the World from Anywhere

Golf simulators offer players the chance to experience legendary courses without hopping on a plane or even driving to the local range. Using high-definition visuals, advanced sensors, and real-time feedback, simulators recreate the experience of playing on real-world courses. You can virtually stand on the first tee at courses like Royal Troon or Bethpage Black, with every bunker, green contour, and hazard accurately represented.

The experience is immersive and highly customizable. Want to adjust the wind, weather, or difficulty? No problem. Simulators allow you to practice specific shots, refine your swing, or just enjoy a casual round with friends—all while enjoying the comfort of being indoors.

How Far Technology Has Come

Gone are the days of pixelated graphics and clunky interfaces. Today’s simulators use cutting-edge technology, including:

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  • Ultra-HD Graphics: Simulators now feature breathtaking visuals that mimic the exact look of the course, down to individual blades of grass.
  • Advanced Ball Tracking: Using radar, infrared sensors, or cameras, these systems capture every detail of your shot, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more.
  • Swing Analysis: Simulators like TrackMan or SkyTrak provide instant feedback on your swing mechanics, making them invaluable tools for improvement.

The realism is so advanced that professional golfers use simulators to train during the off-season. From the feel of the turf to the precise replication of putting greens, the gap between real and virtual golf is closing fast.

Bring the Course Home

Installing a golf simulator at home has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious enthusiast, there’s a setup for every budget and space.

  • Basic Setups: Portable systems like the OptiShot 2 are affordable and easy to set up in small spaces. They provide a solid introduction to indoor golf.
  • Mid-Range Systems: Options like SkyTrak offer more detailed data and a wider range of courses, perfect for improving your game.
  • High-End Simulators: TrackMan and Foresight Sports simulators are the gold standard, offering unmatched accuracy and realism. These setups require more space and investment but provide a premium experience.

Many setups include a projector, impact screen, and turf mat, creating a dedicated golf space in your home. Got a spare room, basement, or garage? You’re halfway there.

The Rise of VR in Golf

Virtual reality is taking indoor golf to a whole new level. Using VR headsets like the Meta Quest or HTC Vive, players can immerse themselves in a fully 3D environment. With VR, you can physically walk the course, interact with the environment, and feel as though you’re truly there.

VR-based golf simulators like “Golf+” or “Pro Putt by Topgolf” are gaining popularity, combining realistic physics with a fun, interactive experience. It’s an exciting frontier that brings a fresh, futuristic dimension to the game.

Indoor golf simulators and VR technology have transformed how we play and practice golf. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for some off-season practice or a passionate golfer dreaming of playing bucket-list courses, simulators offer something for everyone. So why not bring the game you love into your home? The future of golf is here, and it’s more accessible and exciting than ever.

Ready to play? Your dream course is just a swing away.

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How Weather Shapes the Game of Golf

The wind roared across Royal Troon, but the spirit of one determined golfer proved unshakable, a testament to the resilience that defines the game.

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It was a day that began like any other at Royal Troon, the sea breeze whispering across the links as early morning dew sparkled under the Scottish sun. But as the players teed off, the skies turned darker, and the wind began to roar—a ferocious, unrelenting force that turned the course into a battlefield.

A Test of Skill and Resilience

In the world of golf, weather is the great equalizer. It can humble the strongest players, turning even a simple par-four into an epic struggle. That day at Royal Troon was no exception. As the wind howled, the carefully groomed fairways became a treacherous maze. Players who had practiced their swings tirelessly found themselves grappling with gusts that sent their drives veering unpredictably.

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Among them was a young competitor named Callum, playing his first Open Championship. Watching from the stands, I marveled at how this newcomer faced the elements with unyielding determination. His drives sliced through the gale with a low trajectory, and his putts danced on the greens, refusing to be dictated by the storm. Callum wasn’t just playing golf; he was wrestling with the very soul of the course.

A Battle of Wits and Nature

Weather has always been an integral part of the game. At St. Andrews, golfers often contend with rain showers that come as suddenly as a whispered secret. At Augusta, the swirling winds around Amen Corner have broken many a championship dream. But it is on the windswept links of the British Isles where weather becomes a character in the story, its presence felt in every decision, every shot.

That day, Callum made his stand. On the infamous 8th hole—The Postage Stamp—where the green is small and the stakes high, his precision was a sight to behold. The crowd held its breath as he selected his wedge, adjusted for the gale, and executed a shot that landed softly, mere feet from the pin. It was a masterstroke, the kind that resonates long after the final score is recorded.

A Lasting Memory

Callum didn’t win that day. But as the storm cleared and the sun broke through, his courage and adaptability left an indelible mark on all who watched. Weather had tested him, and though the elements won the round, they couldn’t extinguish the fire of a player determined to rise.

Golf isn’t just about clubs and courses. It’s about moments like these—when players confront nature’s raw power and find within themselves the skill, resilience, and courage to keep going. The wind roared that day, but so did Callum’s spirit, echoing across the links and into the hearts of everyone present.

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