By Joel Beall
Patrick Reed’s behaviour has occasionally been cloaked in smoke. That behaviour appears to extend to the realm of social media.

Reed’s official Twitter handle has long been noted for blocking media and golf fans from viewing Reed’s accounts. In itself this is not newsworthy; plenty of athletes and personalities block users who criticize them, although the amount of people who assert Reed has muted them is prodigious. However, there are still Twitter users who are able to see Reed’s Twitter activity, and one of Reed’s tweets over the weekend was a curious replica of another Twitter account.

Following Reed’s controversial drop during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open, Reed’s official Twitter account sent the following reply at 8:09 PM ET to a Twitter thread involving CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis: “RORY MCILROY @McIlroyRory DID THE SAME THING TODAY ON HOLE 18! AND DIDN’T EVEN CALL A RULES OFFICIAL OVER TO DEEM THE BALL EMBEDDED. END OF STORY.” Twitter users quickly pointed out that the account handle “useGolfFACTS” had sent a very similar message (ultimately sent 16 times) to various Twitter accounts in defence of Reed. The “useGolfFACTS” account’s first message about Reed/Rory was sent at 7:59 PM, the last at 8:44 PM.

The parallels were noteworthy due to year-long speculation that the “useGolfFACTS” account is affiliated with Reed, his family or team. A look into the account’s replies shows heavy activity in defence of Reed from various allegations throughout his career. However, the account has done more than defend Reed, making numerous critical and disparaging remarks toward Reed’s fellow competitors and the PGA Tour.

RELATED: Patrick Reed’s runaway win in the Farmers Insurance Open will be shadowed by questions and controversy

The “useGolfFACTS” handle has routinely knocked Justin Thomas, among the complaints that Thomas didn’t deserve to be on the cover of the PGA Tour’s 2K21 video game, that Thomas “is a taker,” and that Thomas shouldn’t get his $2 million Wyndham Rewards bonus because he didn’t play in the Wyndham Championship. There was also a shot at Thomas’ temperament. “His bad attitude and actions were on full display and it was disrespectful to Niemann-his playing partner,” the account asserted on Jan. 4, 2020.

Xander Schauffele was another of the account’s targets. Also on Jan. 4, 2020, under a Golf Channel headline on Schauffele’s odds to repeat at the 2020 TOC, the “useGolfFACTS” handle replied, “Someone should check his new driver to make sure it is conforming,” alluding to Schauffele’s driver failing R&A compliance at the 2019 Open Championship. The account also alleged Schauffele patted down the rough at the 2020 TOC, attaching a video of Schauffele making practice swings.

The “useGolfFACTS’’ account has also routinely criticized the PGA Tour, making complaints about the tour’s pay structure (“More like Tour greed will kill the golden goose. They should offer all top 125 players a base salary, every year. And they don’t even do that”), pin placements that favour certain players, the tour’s leader board app and the tour’s selection of featured pairings. Other notable comments from the “useGolfFACTS” account include that the green jacket should not have been awarded at the 2020 Masters since no fans were on property and calling the Ryder Cup team selection process into question.

RELATED: Why Rory McIlroy is now part of the Patrick Reed rules flap, and how he (potentially) helps Reed’s cause

But to those who believe Reed’s tweet on Saturday is the smoking gun, Reed’s attorneys say that’s not necessarily the case. In response to a Golf Digest email about Reed’s Saturday night Tweet and his connection with “useGolfFACTS,” Reed’s lawyer, Phillip B. Costa, replied, “Please be advised that the person who manages Patrick Reed’s Twitter and Instagram accounts does not run the @ use GolfFACTS account.” As of writing, a direct message to the “useGolfFACTS” account from Golf Digest has not been returned.

Why does this matter? In addition to ensuring some awkward tournament pairings, proof of Reed’s direct involvement with a Twitter account that disparages the tour and other players would appear to be in breach of a section of the player code of conduct that addresses such public criticism. A PGA Tour spokesperson told Golf Digest the tour has no comment on the matter. As of writing, Golf Digest has not received a response for comment from Thomas or Schauffele.

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The Curious Case of Patrick Reed

The post The curious Twitter activity of Patrick Reed appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Even Austin Johnson’s Masters caddie bib is making the rounds—with The Great One getting a taste.

We just hope Johnson doesn’t have to return his coveted coat in April. Getting to keep it for only five months doesn’t seem fair—for both DJ and those following along on Instagram.

WE’RE BUYING

Robotic Dustin Johnson: What a clinic this guy put on at Augusta National. What a heater he’s been on the past few months. And he barely even gives a fist pump. Amazing. We’ve had plenty of World No. 1s the past few years, but Johnson is the undisputed heavyweight champ heading into 2021 following a record-breaking Masters win that caps a brilliant run of six top-two finishes in his past seven starts (the other start was a T-6 at the U.S. Open NBD).

Ben Walton

More importantly, Johnson got a big—and dare I say, deserved—boost to what was already a Hall-of-Fame resume. With his latest spurt that also includes a FedEx Cup and a second PGA Tour Player of the Year Award, Johnson now has essentially the same accomplishments (24 PGA Tour wins and two majors) as Johnny Miller. Based on his personality, we’re not projecting the same broadcasting career as Johnny, but you get the point. He’s among the greats. And at 36, he’s not nearly finished adding to that résumé.

RELATED: Dustin Johnson’s play in 2020 redefines his golf legacy

Emotional Dustin Johnson: We joke about Johnson’s robotic-like reactions, but after everyone flipped away to watch football, he returned to the 18th green donning his new green jacket and finally showed he’s human. These tears were real—and they were spectacular. Kudos to CBS’ Amanda Balionis for handling it so well.

Winning the Masters is a dream come true for Dustin Johnson. pic.twitter.com/2gGJ9HuMSJ

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 15, 2020

Wow. . . It’s getting DUSTY in here!

WE’RE SELLING

Tiger Woods’ 10: As Tiger deposited an entire sleeve of Bridgestones into Rae’s Creek, there was one thought that kept running through my head: Thank goodness this didn’t happen on Sunday last year. In other words, SAY AMEN AT THE CORNER!

Ben Walton

But seriously, that was pretty wild. A year after everyone around Woods got wet on No. 12, Tiger recorded the worst score of his career. Of course, he proceeded to birdie five of his final six holes because he’s the freaking GOAT. Hopefully, aspiring golfers—and some of his fellow tour pros—were taking notes. Despite that 10, TIGAH WOODS WAS ONE UNDAH! And while we’re sad we can no longer refer to Tiger as the defending Masters champ, there’s this:

Bubba Watson
2012: won Masters
2013: made 10 on 12th hole on Sunday
2014 won Masters

Tiger Woods
2019: won Masters
2020: made 10 on 12th hole on Sunday
2021: ?

It's science?

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) November 15, 2020

So you’re telling me there’s a chance. . .

RELATED: How Tiger Woods turned a 10 on a par 3 into an inspired performance

Playing behind Bryson: Already known as one of the more, um, deliberate players on the PGA Tour, now you have to wait for him to go for every par 5 in two and try to drive any par 4 under 400 yards because HE HITS THE BALL LIKE A GORILLA! And then there are the search parties caused by his erratic misses. After Friday’s round, Jon Rahm was asked if he was involved in the search for Bryson’s golf ball. Rahm’s response? “Which one?”

"This place plays like a par 67 for me." pic.twitter.com/JYKHOQqk3F

— Alex Myers (@AlexMyers3) November 12, 2020

Well played, Jon. JON RAHM IS DA BOMB! Although, the next day he hit a punch shot backward off a tree and into some bushes setting off another search party. The golf gods are always listening.

Suspenders: Arguing about hoodies on the golf course seems like a distant memory after watching Sandy Lyle navigate Augusta National looking like a bank teller from the 19th century. That being said, the 1987 Masters champ had a good reason for wearing the suspenders, which are apparently called “braces” in the U.K. (the more you know).

Rob Carr

“I do it because I am so fed up with my shirts coming out and coming down here and constantly having to tuck it in,” Lyle said. “And when it’s so warm like this and you’ve got grubby hands, you tuck your shirt in, you pull your hand out and the shirt comes with it.”

TMI, Sandy. Let’s just agree that if you’re over 60 and a Masters champ, then you can wear whatever you want. I don’t think Chris Vernon ever addressed the suspenders, but he did say LARRY MIZE FOUGHT IN WORLD WAR II when he found out he was two under. Maybe next time.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour heads to the RSM Classic, AKA that tournament I attended last year and expensed a lot of BBQ and milkshakes. Sadly, I will not be at Sea Island Golf Club this year, but it’s actually a really good field thanks to the proximity to Augusta National. WHERE IS CHARLEY HOFFMAN?! We missed the perennial early-round leader at the Masters, but he’ll be back in action this week.

Random tournament fact: When Tyler Duncan beat Webb Simpson in a playoff last year, it was his first win anywhere on any level since the 2011 Indiana Amateur. We’re pretty sure he’s the first player in history to pull off that elusive double.

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—I will consume more calories this week than during last year’s RSM: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds
—Dustin Johnson will lose the green jacket in the Caribbean: 3-to-1 odds
—Dustin Johnson will not be playing golf for the next few days: LOCK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Huge shout-out to Grind producer Ben Walton for a big week of TAKING PICS ON THE COURSE! Here was my favourite:

RELATED: Dustin Johnson’s emotional (seriously) interview wound up being the best part of Masters Sunday

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

HOLY GATOR?: take a look at this massive gator walking through Valencia Golf Course in Naples. He looks like he belongs in Jurassic park!

?: Tyler Stolting pic.twitter.com/skr3Du9EBQ

— Nicolette Perdomo (@NickiPerdomo) November 12, 2020

Good lord, that thing is massive. A T-REX IS ON THE COURSE! A T-REX IS ON THE COURSE!

THIS WEEK IN PROS ARE JUST LIKE US! (SORT OF)

Tyrrell Hatton let everyone in on quite a tale from his Augusta rental house. “We actually rented the house in 2018, so it’s quite nice kind of going back to something that feels familiar. I just hope that my manager doesn’t leave a knife in the oven this year and melt it.” Hatton added that they left an awkward note and money for a new knife set. Wow. TYRRELL’S MANAGER ALWAYS MELTIN’! OK, so Chris Vernon didn’t say that, but he did say, “PAUL CASEY ALWAYS SMILIN’!” And he’s right. Even when he’s in trouble on the course, Paul Casey is always smiling.

THIS WEEK IN TOUR PRO PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

YO DJ, WHERE PAULINA AT?! Actually, we all saw where she was as she rushed the 18th green after Johnson had officially won. Unofficially, she’s believed to be the first WAG to do that at Augusta National. What a trailblazer! And they walked off into the sunset hand in hand. Sort of.

Rob Carr

Awww. Notice also how Paulina was rocking a green jacket of her own. Talk about having confidence in her man.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Favourite tradition . . . For me, I don’t know if it’s really a tradition, but my favourite thing about the Masters is the sandwiches.” —Dustin Johnson. Loved this response, but I’ve got a feeling he might answer differently if asked the same question in April.

THIS AND THAT

Kirk Herbstreit says he turned down Tom Izzo’s invite to play Augusta National three times. And suddenly, I’m questioning whether to remain a Kirk Herbstreit fan. . . . The PGA Tour will be going to Delaware for the first time with the 2022 BMW Championship moving to Wilmington Country Club. All I can think of is Wayne’s World: “Hi, I’m in . . . Delaware.” . . . The Masters had its lowest final-round TV ratings since 1957 proving once again that it’s tough to compete with the NFL—and Tiger in contention. Also, if you listened to last week’s Local Knowledge podcast on Augusta National’s history, you’d know the Masters has been televised since 1956. Speaking of that podcast. . . Not to toot our own horns, well, actually, definitely to toot our own horns, but that podcast reached No. 1 on the charts!

How long did we stay there? I have no clue. But we’ll always have that moment. Thanks for listening. OK, now where do we go to accept the golf podcast green jacket?

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

How many majors will Dustin Johnson wind up winning?
Is Dustin Johnson the first Masters champ who can dunk?
Is Tom Izzo looking for someone to play Augusta National with him?

RELATED:

The post Dustin Johnson (and Paulina Gretzky) make Masters history and a crazy gator sighting appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Our @AlexMyers3 rewrote the lyrics of "Chances" by Five for Fighting to detail his struggle over whether to bet on Tiger at the Masters. ?

(?: @AlexMyers3) pic.twitter.com/9Qfu4eARja

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 10, 2019

That turned out to be a pretty good omen for Tiger, huh? But a lot has changed since then and we’re not even sure when the Masters will take place again. Of course, a golf tournament is at the low end of peoples’ worries this week, so I promise to not be that guy bitching about not being at the Masters. That being said, I also promise to not be the guy bitching about the guy bitching about not being at the Masters this year. Let’s just agree to be nice to each other during these stressful times, OK? Cool. Now let’s talk about what else is happening—and not happening—in golf right now.

WE’RE BUYING

Indoor trick shots: If TikTok and Zoom are the big winners during this dark time, a close runner-up would be this budding genre. Some of the ones floating around the interwebs are unreal. Here’s the best from the amateur division:

I think we can all agree, this is winning so far? #golf #trickshot #quarantine pic.twitter.com/qbbPba3Op0

— Peter Finch (@PeterFinchGolf) April 3, 2020

Meanwhile in the pro division, the master, Joshua Kelley, just continues to raise the bar:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CmavqhFo0/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-SKpZzhRO0/?utm_source=ig_embed

No one has ever made the transition to working from home more seamlessly.

This backyard mini-golf course: If you can’t go play golf (more on that later), there are creative ways to get your golf fix at your own house. And these guys might have come up with the best solution:

This backyard mini golf course is next level. ?
(?:Instagram/Connorwags) pic.twitter.com/zdt6DoyaxR

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 5, 2020

Well done, but where does one find that much Astroturf? Do these guys have an Astroturf guy? Is there such a thing as an Astroturf guy?

Sergio Garcia: People are quick to knock this guy when he does something bad, so it’s only fair to praise him for doing something good. Really good. The 2017 Masters champ and his family has donated more than $250,000 to Coronavirus relief efforts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QRKc3pc2-/?utm_source=ig_embed

That’s about $50,000 per green he damaged in Saudi Arabia last year! Sorry, couldn’t help it. Seriously, Sergio, that’s awesome.

WE’RE SELLING

The Open closed for business: The cancellation of the Open Championship is the biggest blow to the golf schedule yet, as first reported by our Joel Beall and Brian Wacker last week. Nice work, boys, but couldn’t you dig up something a little more positive? Anyway, this is a tough one, made even tougher by part of the report this decision was made so early in part for insurance reasons. Read this:

Hmm. I understand there is a lot of money at stake for the R&A—and it was pretty smart to take out a policy against a possible pandemic—but imagine if the USGA did that for the U.S. Open? Golf Twitter would get off their couches and storm Far Hills, N.J. Well, not now, because we are all under quarantine, but you get the point.

Other postponements: The U.S. Open has been moved to September but will stay at Winged Foot, the PGA Championship has been moved to August and will stay at Harding Park (for now), the Masters is headed to November, and the Ryder Cup will stay in its slot at the end of September. While this all sounds like great news, of course, the only thing we know for sure is the Masters isn’t moving from Augusta National. In other words, it’s all very tentative amid an ongoing global pandemic. Still, let’s keep our fingers crossed. In the comfort of our homes, of course.

Golf course arrests: Three Massachusetts men were arrested for playing golf on a Rhode Island course, a violation of the state’s current quarantine order. And there’s no question the trio knew what they were doing considering they met at a Rhode Island McDonald’s parking lot to load their clubs into a car with Rhode Island plates, and, well, this was the sign posted at the course:

Three (not fore) Massachusetts men arrested after golfing, charged with violating gov's executive order on quarantine (via @HannahDickison) https://t.co/OPwC27MNYX

— Tim White (@TimWhiteRI) April 2, 2020

Strange times, but rules are rules. And until Massachusetts lifts its ban on playing golf, these guys might want to check out those videos above for some inspiration. Or drive somewhere a lot farther away. Actually, don’t do that. Just stay put, everyone. Please.

ON TAP

Again, this was to be Masters week. And while it’s one thing for the Valero Texas Open to be cancelled, it’s another to not be watching golf from Augusta National. In fact, this composition from John Huston—not to be confused with golfer Jon Huston—perfectly sums up the mood:

Random tournament fact: On the bright side, CBS will air the 2004 final round on Saturday and 2019 final round on Sunday instead. As far as substitutes go, that’s some pretty strong programming. So grab some popcorn and enjoy as best you can.

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Tiger will serve turkey and stuffing at the November Champions Dinner: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds
—That composer is going to hear from Augusta National’s lawyers: Even odds
—I’m going to cry again watching the 2019 Masters replay: LOCK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A Tiger Woods sighting on Sunday is bound to brighten everyone’s week. Even better? We have an OFF-COURSE WHITE BELT! Alert the fashion police!

?NUCLEAR: Big Cat filling up his Range Rover in Florida this afternoon., in Golf clothes let’s go ? (via IG DM: travers080) pic.twitter.com/R1CTZZlnM0

— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) April 5, 2020

Then again, maybe he was coming to or from the course. In that case, he’s excused. In any event, Tiger Woods. Man of the people. Just out and about pumping his own gas. Love it. I just hope he washed his hands really good after.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Longtime PGA Tour caddie Heath Holt took advantage of raised cups at his course and fired the first Coronavirus-aided “59” by firing at the flagsticks all day. Literally. Check it out:

Historic! The best part is when he says his round was saved because, “Luckily, I made a couple 40-footer comebackers. . . for par.” Great stuff, Heath.

THIS WEEK IN TOUR PRO PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION (AND CHARITY)

You know what they say: The couple that raises money together stays together. OK, so we change what “they say” every week, but this is a cool gesture by LPGA star Danielle Kang and her boyfriend, PGA Tour rookie Maverick McNealy:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ktCpNnVl3/?utm_source=ig_embed

And here’s more info on their #ChallengeEachOther campaign:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

comment below for any questions! Directions: Step 1. Come up with a challenge Step 2. Pledge the amount and challenge someone Step 3. Post and donate! Simple! Our communities need our help and we’re asking for YOUR help in order TO help. @challengeeachother

A post shared by Danielle Kang (@daniellekang) on Apr 4, 2020 at 4:06pm PDT

How cute are these two? I challenge them to sing a duet of “Anything you can do, I can do better.”

THIS WEEK IN OTHER TOUR PROS BEING QUARANTINED

Graham DeLaet has gotten into smoking meats:

5 day brine, 4 hr smoke. First time making bacon. It’s absolutely phenomenal. @BigGreenEgg Wow. ? pic.twitter.com/7pw23M2RQh

— DeLetty (@GrahamDeLaet) March 31, 2020

Bubba Watson is preparing for a second career as a trick-shot artist:

Snuck into @PensacolaGolf… #OffTheRoof #FirstTake #ClubDrop #urwelcome pic.twitter.com/tXrCFF6n18

— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) April 3, 2020

And Billy Horschel finally took down the King of Peloton, Rory McIlroy.

We got the ?. We finally able to knock of @McIlroyRory. He pushed me till the end but was able to hold him off! @alextoussaint25. Thanks for the push Rory! #weallgettingbetter pic.twitter.com/BBWu5pG0wh

— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) April 4, 2020

Rory later Instagramemed it was supposed to be his “recovery day,” but let’s let Billy have his moment.

THIS WEEK IN GOLF TV PERSONALITIES BEING QUARANTINED

CBS’ Amanda Balionis has perfected whatever this is:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nRooYp2m_/?utm_source=ig_embed

Yeah, we’re getting bored too, Amanda.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

U know what helps on a cold November day in Augusta, Georgia? A brand new green jacket

— max homa (@maxhoma23) April 6, 2020

Good call, Max. Although, some Masters-logoed mittens might be needed as well.

THIS AND THAT

Larry David’s Riviera caddie fund seems to have sparked a bunch of similar efforts by other golf clubs. This is like the reverse of his “Spite Store” on Season 10 of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Amazing. . . . Trevor Immelman will take over for Ernie Els as Presidents Cup captain. He also joined us on this week’s Golf Digest Podcast, so please have a listen:

The U.S. Women’s Open is moving to December. As you probably guessed, it is not being held at Winged Foot. . . . And finally, I finally busted this bad boy open:

When I said, “Grab some popcorn” and watch some old Masters tournaments this weekend, I mean that in the most literal sense.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

What would my handicap be playing with raised cups?
How many white belts does Tiger Woods own?
How many days meals will that tub of popcorn last me?

The post A Tiger Woods sighting(!), a tour pro couple pitches in for charity, and a “59” you have to see to believe appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

WE’RE BUYING

Patrick Reed: How about this guy’s timing? For a second time in three years, Reed won his first event of the season at the first FedEx Cup Playoffs event, all but locking up a spot on Team USA for the Presidents Cup in December. Captain America winning in the shadow of Lady Liberty. How PATRIOTIC.

Kevin C. Cox

Incredibly, this was also Reed’s first victory since winning last year’s Masters. His seventh PGA Tour title only moved Mr. Self-proclaimed Top 5 back to No. 15 in the Official World Golf Ranking. But it did vault him to No. 2 (from No. 50) in the FedEx Cup standings. If he claims that $15 million bonus, he’ll never have to worry about sitting in the “cheap” seats again.

Scott Harrington: Timing was on this guy’s side, too, as he completed one of the best stories in golf by earning his PGA Tour card for the first time at 38. The accomplishment was made all the sweeter by having his wife, Jenn, in attendance at Pumpkin Ridge a year after Harrington cut his season short when she was diagnosed with cancer. Now Jenn is doing great and so is Scott.

The culmination of an emotional rollercoaster for @ScottyGlf and his family.

His wife Jenn has twice battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is now cancer-free. She flew in Saturday night and got to hug her husband on 18 as he heads to the @PGATOUR. pic.twitter.com/6dupdnM3WJ

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) August 12, 2019

Congrats also to Bo Hoag on winning the Korn Ferry Tour finale to secure his PGA Tour card as well. As for what happened to Vince India on the final hole, well, we’re not going to talk about that. . . Thoughts and prayers to Vince India. . .

Playing in a pro-am: I had the pleasure of playing in an LPGA Pro-Am four years ago, but as you can imagine, everything is a bit more amplified at a PGA Tour pro-am. The crowds are a lot larger (although, fortunately, my opening tee shot came on No. 10 in front of only a few fans), the SWAG is a lot cooler (I got an early Christmas gift for the wife as well), and odds are (no offence, LPGA), you’re going to get paired with a bigger name. I drew Hideki Matsuyama. You’ve probably heard of him. Decent little player.

What a thrill. At least, while it lasted. . .

WE’RE SELLING

Getting rained out in a pro-am: My only task that came with this plum assignment was finding a different angle to write about than the usual “Playing in a Pro-Am is awesome” (but again, to be clear, it is). And Mother Nature provided just that by bringing a lightning storm that chased us off the course after only three holes.

Sigh.

Bryson’s pace of play: On one hand, I feel bad for Bryson getting absolutely torched by the rest of the golf world after a pair of videos exposing his plodding pace of play went viral. On the other, if that’s what needs to happen to bring about change, then so be it. First off, here are the two videos in question:

anyone need a nap?

here’s DeChambeau pacing off a 70-yard shot which took over 3 minutes to hit (couldn’t post the entire video it took so long) pic.twitter.com/7A3Azeftyu

— Eric Patterson (@EPatGolf) August 9, 2019

We can… pic.twitter.com/TOnRS4BXds

— Fantasy Golf Pod (@fantasygolfpod) August 10, 2019

Not good! And here is a sample response from Eddie Pepperell:

Just look at Tommy and Justin, both looking completely bored. Slow players do this to their playing partners making the game less enjoyable. Problem is, the unaffected single minded twit in this instance, doesn’t care much for others.

— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) August 10, 2019

Again, content! I’m also selling the fact that the PGA Tour hasn’t penalized an individual player since Glen “All” Day in 1995. That’s 24 years ago! DeChambeau was still using single-length diapers!

The Jason Day-Steve Williams Era: The old New Zealand looper was supposed to toughen up the young Aussie and rejuvenate the former World No. 1’s career. Instead, it resulted in a mostly forgettable T21-T8-T66-MC-T40-MC run over six tournaments. Day called the breakup “mutual” and that it was “a disconnect of old school and new school,” which can be summed up perfectly by this photo:

David Cannon

There’s no way Stevie stood for Jason wearing that shirt.

ON TAP

The top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings (including, hopefully, Tiger Woods. We’re going to forget last week’s WD ever happened. . . ) make their way to the BMW Championship at Medinah, AKA that place where Tiger Woods has won two majors and where the Miracle at Medinah happened in 2012. Isn’t it nice when things are so perfectly named? Makes them a lot easy to remember.

Random tournament fact: Medinah is also the site of Sergio Garcia’s running, leaping scissor kick at the 1999 PGA Championship. Sadly, Sergio won’t be here this year because he didn’t advance to the second state of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Sadly to the fans, that is. The course’s superintendent is probably relieved.

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK

Pick a photo, any photo from Michelle Wie’s wedding to Jonnie West. She Instagrammed 26 (and counting) to be exact:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DQSrlJh8w/?utm_source=ig_embed

Then there were other photos posted by guests, including tennis player Genie Bouchard:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1CM3fnpJYR/?utm_source=ig_embed

And Golf Digest’s own Hally Leadbetter:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1B9lAtAiTy/?utm_source=ig_embed

Anyway, congrats to Michelle and Jonnie on looking fantastic and for coming up with a great wedding couple hashtag. And congrats to THE LOGO, Jerry West!

Think their kids will be any good at sports? LOL.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Rory McIlroy delivered quite the random dagger at Matt Kuchar during the Wyndham Rewards awards ceremony:

Rory eviscerated Kuchar today. ? ? ? pic.twitter.com/omtMHRS8rh

— Chris Chaney (@Wrong_Fairway) August 6, 2019

Poor, Matt. He’s never living down that cheap tip.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Yeah, look, it’s changed my life a little bit. I’m definitely more recognized now, and even coming over here to events, but if anything when you’re like that, it makes you feel more comfortable. That’s the way I feel, anyway. They’re not calling me Beef or they’re not calling me J.B. Holmes out there, anyway. That’s a plus.” — Shane Lowry on winning the Open Championship. That’s a plus, indeed. Beardism is real.

THIS WEEK IN TOUR PRO PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Danielle Kang managed to be at her good friend Michelle Wie’s wedding in LA:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1B5AqtnwZb/?utm_source=ig_embed

AND in Oregon to see her boyfriend, Maverick McNealy, earn his PGA Tour card for the first time:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1DDCRWnx5t/?utm_source=ig_embed

Awww.

THIS WEEK IN PHIL BEING PHIL

First, Phil. . . went for a hike?

I hiked the Precipice Trail at Acadia National Forest and wanted to share that it is one of the coolest things I’ve done. Hard to explain the beauty and challenge of this amazing trail. pic.twitter.com/9dfc8HuFTf

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 6, 2019

Then Phil posted this odd video with Bryson DeChambeau (before the slow-play storm hit):

Intellectual thinking with @b_dechambeau. pic.twitter.com/TOhNkBMkGk

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 7, 2019

Then he retold a classic yarn involving himself, Tony Romo, and Tiger Woods in front of Tiger (sort of) in his latest Phireside Chat:

The one and only @TigerWoods was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule to join me on Phireside with Phil. We got to talk about all the times I beat him (one). pic.twitter.com/IPbUufpUKH

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 12, 2019

Absolutely brilliant. Both the gamesmanship at Pebble Beach in 2012 and the use of Tiger photos to re-tell the story. It’s too bad Phil didn’t start these little chats last year leading up to THE MATCH. Woods would have been happy to actually come on for real to promote that event.

THIS AND THAT

Congrats to Gabi Ruffels for winning the U.S. Women’s Amateur despite her caddie having to leave for a funeral on the 31st hole of the 36-hole final. Congrats to tour pro Ryan Ruffels as well. To say he was proud of his little sister is an understatement.

SHE DID IT US AM CHAMP LETS GOOO pic.twitter.com/50Q3UnH16Q

— Ryan Ruffels (@RRuffels) August 11, 2019

Congrats to Amanda Balionis for consistently hitting the gym on the road. That takes serious discipline (the only thing I consistently do on the road is eat fast food) and the results are evident by the GUN SHOW she put on at the Northern Trust:

Congrats to Chris Naegel for making this hole-in-one:

Eagle at 11.
?ACE at 12! ?

Chris Naegel is trying to do something special @PortlandOpen. pic.twitter.com/3kEbfV5orZ

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) August 11, 2019

But condolences to Chris for not winning the BMW on display behind the tee. That’s messed up. . . . And finally, now that my daughter, Julia, is walking, I presented her with her first set of golf clubs:

We need to work on her form, but most importantly, I’m doing my part to GROW THE GAME.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Will Steve Williams ever caddie on the PGA Tour again?

Will I ever play in a PGA Tour pro-am again?

When should I talk to my daughter about slow play?

The post Michelle Wie walks the aisle, Phil Mickelson needles Tiger Woods, and Bryson DeChambeau gets roasted for slow play appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

As Kevin Kisner divulged in an interview before teeing off as a co-leader at the PGA Championship on Saturday, Kisner keep it ordinary by hanging out with his daughter, Kate.

Here’s Kisner discussing his fatherly morning with Amanda Balionis ahead of his third round:

Build forts, hit fairways.

Amanda Balionis catches up with co-leader Kevin Kisner ahead of his #PGAChamp round Saturday! pic.twitter.com/ZwDS3AJMvh

— PGA of America (@PGA) August 12, 2017

Just another reason to like Kisner, who’s seemingly just a regular guy (except that he’s a lot better at golf than you or me).

The post PGA Championship 2017: Kevin Kisner prepared for his round Saturday by doing regular dad stuff appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.