Sims actually first burst on to the (golf) scene when Koepka captured his first major at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills — and Joe Buck infamously misidentified her. To be fair to Joe, Jena had only recently come into the picture. She has been there for Brooks’ other biggest moments, but unfortunately she missed seeing major No. 5 — and major No. 1 as a married man — in person because she was at a Sports Illustrated event in Miami over the weekend.

Of course, she also revealed that she and Brooks are expecting their first child later this year. Exciting times!

But first, they are expecting another Wanamaker Trophy. As expected, Jena heard from some people/trolls/haterz on social media about not being at Oak Hill. And she clapped back with this savage video of her getting Brooks’ trophy case ready for its latest major haul:

@jenamsims

Replying to @Buck couple more spots remain #savage #brookskoepka #trophiesdrake #majorchampionship

♬ Trophies – Young Money

What a response. What a flex. Well played, Jena. And Brooks. At this rate, that trophy case might need to be expanded pretty soon.

The post Jena Sims posts savage video in response to trolls asking why she wasn’t at Oak Hill for Brooks Koepka’s latest major win appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The four-time major champion, in a recent interview with Golf Digest, started a bit of a golf firestorm with comments on the on- and off-course challenges associated with the Ryder Cup, noting how different it is to adopt a team mentality. Former U.S. captain Paul Azinger responded to those comments in a conference call Wednesday, suggesting that Koepka should “relinquish his spot” if his heart wasn’t truly in it.

All this to say, Koepka has been the main character in golf this week, and that’s without even touching a club.

But it’s his candour that makes Koepka such a compelling interview and a true star in today’s social media age. There is perhaps no better place to put that quick brain and smart mouth to the test than mic’d up in front of a camera with your fiancee.

Koepka and Jena Sims, golf’s pop culture power couple, sat down with Golf Digest to partake in everybody’s favourite couples activity: the newlywed game. Or, in this case, the not-yet newlywed game.

Koepka and Jena Sims answered an assortment of questions, ranging from Koepka’s favourite cheat meals to Sims’ favourite stop on tour to which one of them their dog, Cove, loves more. Koepka, who is famously nonchalant when talking about golf, was even all smiles when admitting that Sims may want to just outright replace him with Ryan Reynolds, if she could change one thing about him.

Spectators are more connected to players now than they’ve ever been, so whether through Sims’ Instagram or taking subtle—or not so subtle—shots at rival Bryson, we all have a pretty good idea of what’s going on in Koepka’s world at all times. This sitdown is an even bigger window into the lives of the recently engaged couple.

You can watch the interview, in its entirety, below.

The post Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims play everyone’s favorite couples game appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

WE’RE BUYING

Abraham Ancer: How can you not root for a guy who learned the game at a public driving range in Mexico, began his collegiate career at a junior college, and might be shorter than the Wanamaker Trophy? Throw in a bunch of close calls and it was nice to see him notch his first PGA Tour win (Yes, we know he previously won the Australian Open). At a World Golf Championship to boot!

Sam Greenwood

Oh yeah, he can also do this:

First TOUR win for @Abraham_Ancer. ? pic.twitter.com/YTiwH030Fq

— Skratch (@Skratch) August 8, 2021

As if winning on the PGA Tour as one of the shortest—and shortest-hitting—players wasn’t magic enough, the dude is an actual magician.

Nelly Korda: A week ago we were celebrating the return of the GOAT with Annika Sorenstam winning the U.S. Senior Women’s Open by eight shots. Well, we could be witnessing the emergence of the next GOAT in the sport. Just weeks removed from winning her first major title, the 23-year-old captured the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Mike Ehrmann

The No. 1 ranking in women’s golf has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years, but this looks like the beginning of a lengthy reign for Nelly The Great.

Aditi Ashok’s putting: I’m still bummed this 23-year-old didn’t medal in Tokyo (Then again, I would have been bummed no matter who missed out on a medal during that fantastic final round), but what a performance by Ashok. Specifically, on the greens, where this Indian star putted like Tiger Woods in his prime as she gained more than 13 strokes on the greens alone. If I need someone to sink a four-footer with my life on the line, I’m calling this lady:

Chris Trotman

Ashok was surely disappointed to finish fourth, but her showing will do more for golf in her home country with a population of 1.4 BILLION people than any of the other golfers’ efforts. That being said, kudos to Mone Imani for following up Hideki Matsuyama’s Masters win and Tsubasa Kajitani’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur title with a silver medal. What a year for golf in Japan. And Lydia Ko is “BACK!” after taking bronze. You love to see it. What a tournament.

Erik Van Rooyen: Nelly Korda wasn’t the only joggers-wearing golfer to win this past week and Abe Ancer wasn’t the only golfer to earn his maiden PGA Tour title. This South African joined them both with his victory at the Barracuda Championship. Along the way, Van Rooyen shredded Tahoe Mountain Club’s Old Greenwood Course like he shreds the guitar, breaking the scoring record at the event that uses the modified Stableford scoring system.

Alex Goodlett

Smashing scoring records seems a lot more fun than smashing tee markers!

WE’RE SELLING

Bryson’s Sunday back nines: Something is clearly going on here that goes way beyond swing mechanics. Since all this “Brooksy” stuff started (more on that in a bit), DeChambeau has been in position to win two golf tournaments and has failed to break 40 on the back 9 either time. The first, a 44 at the U.S. Open and now a 41 at TPC Southwind, where even just a 39 (3 over) would have gotten him into a playoff. DeChambeau went from holding a two-shot lead at the turn to barely finishing in the top 10. These are just complete meltdowns that you might expect a great player to have a couple times in their careers, not a couple times in a couple months. Again, something is up. Something like . . .

Icon Sportswire

“Brooksy”: Bryson has made it easy to root against him at times and this week was certainly no exception. Whether you believe people should get the COVID vaccine or not, to say you didn’t get one because you didn’t want to “take the vaccine away from someone who needs it” was off the mark given that vaccines are in ample supply in the United States. Oh, and he also said nothing to the media once the tournament started. Bad job. But anyway, that’s not the point. I’m actually trying to stick up for Bryson here(!) as did Harris English following the final round and our Shane Ryan, who followed the two during that brutal Sunday back nine. Shane called the fan heckling “bullying” and I agree. It’s gone too far (Brooks Koepka stoking the flames didn’t help) and it should stop. Seriously, purposely calling someone by the wrong name? What are you, in first grade? Let’s do better, people.

Tinder swing tips: These shouldn’t be given unsolicited in general, but on Tinder? At the very least, you should know who you’re talking to. But “Todd” from IT had no clue he was conversing with a former LPGA Tour pro when he offered some advice for getting more distance on the tee to Anya Alvarez:

Random man on tinder giving me advice on my golf swing.

His profession?

He works in IT pic.twitter.com/DYl1y7c9Pp

— Anya Alvarez ??‍ (@anya__alvarez) August 5, 2021

Cringe. It doesn’t get much more awkward than that. Todd, the only way you’ll ever hear from Anya again is if she has computer problems.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour heads to Greensboro for its final regular-season event, the Wyndham Championship, AKA Rickie Fowler’s last stand. Fowler enters this week at No. 130 in the FedEx Cup standings so he’ll need a good performance just to move into the top 125 to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs and keep his PGA Tour card for next season. Puma, Farmers, Mercedes, TaylorMade, Grant Thornton, Rocket Mortgage, etc. will be watching closely.

Random tournament fact: In 2019, J.T. Poston became the first player since Lee Trevino in 1974 to go bogey-free while winning a 72-hole PGA Tour event. The fact that that’s even been done one time is insane.

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Rickie Fowler will go bogey-free this week: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds
—Rickie Fowler will win this week: 50-to-1 odds (Actual odds)
—You will see plenty of Rickie next season no matter what happens this week: LOCK

PHOTO/INSTAGRAM OF THE WEEK

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kevin Na (@kevinna915)

Hey, sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I had obviously some close calls this year and the previous seasons. I didn’t want to think of like, oh, my God, I’m so due, I didn’t want to put extra pressure. I’ve done enough in other events to win and it just didn’t go my way. So I just stayed patient, I didn’t change anything. I just try to get better at how I play golf and keep my head cool.”—World-class golfer and tequila mogul Abraham Ancer. Ugh, I said the T-word again. Going to need a minute.

THIS WEEK IN PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

One of The Grind’s favourite WAGs met The Grind’s favourite local radio host/Masters leaderboard update provider!

what a world pic.twitter.com/WTsyeVcVMv

— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) August 8, 2021

CHRIS VERNON ALWAYS BURNIN’! Wait, CHRIS VERNON ALWAYS EARNIN’! OK, so we’re going to have to workshop that some more.

THIS WEEK IN PHIL BEING PHIL JOHN DALY BEING JOHN DALY

John Daly sitting at the slot machines is, well, exactly how you’d picture John Daly sitting at the slot machines:

Looks like he’s super pumped for the Cowboys season to be starting soon as well.

THIS WEEK IN ME GROWING FORCING THE GAME ON MY DAUGHTER

Actually, this was all her after I came back from playing golf one day! I swear!

Played golf at work today and then came home to this… so yeah, today was a good day. pic.twitter.com/785LAQNTGD

— Alex Myers (@AlexMyers3) August 5, 2021

Next up? We’re going to take a stab at mini golf. Pray for me.

THIS AND THAT

Congrats to University of Tennessee senior Tyler Johnson for shooting 27 under and winning the Tennessee Amateur by 14(!) shots. More like Tiger Johnson, am I right? . . . There is a 288-yard par-3 at Oakmont this week for the U.S. Amateur. Just a guess, but the scoring won’t be as good as the Tennessee Amateur. . . . Justin Thomas says he flew 23,587 miles in a recent four-week stretch. That’s a lot, but Gary Player probably isn’t impressed. . . . And finally, congrats to Chris Reynolds and Ron Kaspriske for winning the sixth annual Golf Digest Trainwreck Tournament (and the first one to have this beautiful trophy-like award):

And check out the gallery of co-workers who watched the playoff:

There are some tour events that would love to have that many fans! By the way, the team of Ryan Herrington and myself finished one shot out of that playoff in solo third. Sadly, there was no bronze medal.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Who will represent the U.S. in golf at the next Olympics?
Will my daughters like golf?
Will I ever (knowingly) drink tequila again?

The post Bryson DeChambeau’s disastrous week, Abraham Ancer’s right answer, and an embarrassing Tinder fail appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

WE’RE BUYING

Masters invites: ’Tis the season for a lucky few golfers to get the greatest piece of mail ever. No matter who you are, it never gets old. And it never gets old watching reactions like this:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Thompson (@michaelthompsongolf)

By the way, we’re already inside 100 days until the Masters. Now we just have to keep our fingers crossed that patrons will be back in April. And if I’m lucky enough to go, fingers crossed I’ll be able to chew again by then. As Dustin Johnson noted, those Augusta National sandwiches are incredible.

Valentino Dixon: While we’re on the subject of Augusta National, a rendition of the famed 12th hole by our favourite artist wound up in the hands of Barack Obama:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

It’s the latest chapter in Dixon’s tragic, yet inspiring journey. The man who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit and was freed thanks in part to Golf Digest’s Max Adler, is now creating art that’s hanging in the home of a former President of the United States. Amazing. Speaking of Christmas gifts …

Josh Allen: In his third NFL season, the Buffalo Bills QB hasn’t just morphed into an MVP candidate, but one of the best teammates you could ask for. Just look at how he treated his offensive line for Christmas:

Bills QB @JoshAllenQB’s gift to his offensive linemen this year: a set of Callaway golf clubs and lessons at Crag Burn Golf Club pic.twitter.com/QCRsxPagFm

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 22, 2020

Just give this guy the MVP right now. What a great gesture. And a smart one as well for team bonding. Yep, the future looks bright in Buffalo. Speaking of bright futures …

Charlie Woods: Yeah, yeah, it’s been a couple of weeks, but how cool was seeing this young dude playing with Pops? And playing so well? The kid made his first eagle on national TV! And gave us the moment of the tournament with this familiar-looking fist pump:

?Charlie Woods fist pump ?

The low uppercut. A Woods special. pic.twitter.com/KhJPSC1Sw4

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 20, 2020

He’s also already getting kids all over the country into the sport:

My motto for 2021: pic.twitter.com/nx5AnSlsX1

— Alex Myers (@AlexMyers3) January 1, 2021

OK, so my daughter had no interest in watching one second of the PNC Championship, but she’ll get there. Hopefully. In any event, no matter how Charlie’s golf career winds up going, he’s already got better highlights than 99.999 percent of golfers. And after performing so well under such pressure, those sixth-grade finals are going to be a breeze.

WE’RE SELLING

People knocking people getting excited about Charlie Woods: Unfortunately, much of Golf Twitter clutched its collective pearls and couldn’t allow themselves to just enjoy this. “He’s just a kid! Stop putting all these expectations on him!” First of all, who exactly was seriously saying Charlie is going to win 100 PGA Tour titles and 25 majors? No one! Also, if the most private person on the planet wanted to trot his son out there for the world to see, then that’s all you need to know. It was awesome to watch. End of story.

People knocking Kyle Berkshire’s chances: In case you haven’t read or heard it (Subscribe to our Local Knowledge Podcast, please!), I put together a story about the reigning World Long Drive champ’s decision to pursue a second career as a tour pro.

And so far, about 90 percent of comments are that the 24-year-old is wasting his time or has no chance. Look, would I bet on him making it to the PGA Tour? No. But I think it’s pretty cool that a guy who dropped out of college before cracking the starting lineup would put so much on the line to give this such a serious try. And considering Berkshire’s staggering length and the importance of distance in today’s game (SEE: DeChambeau, Bryson), now seems like a good time to give it a go. At the very least, it should be fun to watch. So good luck, Kyle, and bombs away.

This shirt:

It’s actually a hilarious concept. Get a shirt to memorialize a golf buddy’s worst blowup hole. But it instantly gave me nightmarish flashbacks to the double bogey I made on the 10th hole at Mid Pines during the final round of last year’s HGGA Championship. And the triple bogey I made on the 14th hole when I was still in the hunt. I am such a choker it’s not even funny. But this shirt on someone else kind of is. OK, maybe I’m buying.

This jackass:

Very sorry for a Bledge and the RCP team. Course in outstanding nick despite this. Let’s hope the Kent Constabulary catch them? pic.twitter.com/swxd9BO5qh

— Tim Checketts (@CheckettsTim) December 28, 2020

Now that is someone who deserves to spend a long time in prison.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour is back! And it’s calendar-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions is more loaded than it has been for a long time. Almost all of 2020’s winners accepted their invite and because of the weird season, anyone in the top 30 of the final FedEx Cup list got invited as well. So it’s not really a “tournament of champions” this year, but a tournament of champions and really good players.

Random tournament fact: All told, 17 players got the nod who normally wouldn’t, and 42 of the 45 players eligible accepted. A vacation in Hawaii to play for a big purse against a limited field with no cut? Merry Christmas, indeed.

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Kyle Berkshire will win a major by the time he’s 25: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds
—Charlie Woods will win a major by the time he’s 25: 825-to-1 odds (Actual odds!)
—Charlie Woods was the coolest kid in school when he returned from winter break: LOCK

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK

There were a couple of Anthony Kim sightings recently. First, with longtime swing coach(!) Adam Schriber:

 

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A post shared by Adam Schriber (@adam.schriber)

And then the funniest one yet. A sighting in which the person taking the photo didn’t even realize it was an AK sighting, but focused on former Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops instead:

taking a picture of Bob Stoops that accidentally includes Anthony Kim is like taking a selfie on a hike and getting Bigfoot in the shot pic.twitter.com/eIhhtzQxBA

— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) January 2, 2021

That’s how long he’s been gone. Crazy. Also, many have pointed out the comparison to seeing Big Foot, but there’s one key difference. Anthony Kim is REAL. And he was spectacular. And as much as I’m happy to see he’s still out there, each sighting is a sad reminder of what could have been.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Check out Austria’s Matthias Schwab playing golf on his skis:

 

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A post shared by Matthias Schwab (@matthiasschwab)

How has this dude not won on the European Tour yet? Anyway, love the concept and the Hosung Choi-esque follow-through. See? It really works!

THIS WEEK IN TOUR PRO PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Props to Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims for coming up with the most creative Christmas card of the season:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jena Sims (@jenamsims)

THIS AND THAT

Jon Rahm made huge equipment news by switching from TaylorMade to Callaway. I guess rocketing to World No. 1 faster than almost anyone in history wasn’t good enough. … Speaking of equipment, shoutout to Ryan French, AKA Monday Q Info on Twitter, for helping out high school and middle school golf teams in need this year. Here’s more info:

Goal in 2021 is to help 12 high schools or middle school teams in need. 1 is going to be my hometown girl's team, so will need 11 others. If you are a coach or know of a team in need please DM me, I will try to help the teams that are in need the most. Going to do 1 per month.

— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) December 28, 2020

And finally, congrats to Kiawah’s Ocean Course for securing a second major championship of 2021. In addition to May’s PGA Championship, this year’s HGGA Championship—AKA my annual golf trip—will also be held there. What an honor for this spectacular venue!

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

What hole will I choke away this year’s HGGA?
Where will we see Anthony Kim next?
Why didn’t I listen to my dentist as a kid?

The post Brooks Koepka’s creative Christmas card, inspirational holiday gifts and the funniest Anthony Kim sighting yet appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Mike Ehrmann

It also made the day week month for golf fans everywhere. Not since Tiger Woods winning the freaking Masters last year has Golf Twitter been so together, so positive and so downright giddy. Same time, same place next week, guys? Seriously, this Sunday is going to be a real letdown. Anyway, let’s talk about The Match and everything else (still) going on in golf.

WE’RE BUYING

Tiger Woods: It had been nearly 100 days since we saw Tiger playing golf and boy, was it worth the wait. The 15-time major champ looked healthy and locked in, especially off the tee. Check out this absolute stripe show of Woods working it both ways on command:

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

This guy wasn’t going to lose on his home turf. And he certainly wasn’t going to lose to Phil again. The majors can’t get here soon enough.

Peyton Manning: Why was this so much better than other recent made-for-TV golf events? Because it was so much different than them. Obviously, having two NFL legends compete was the main reason for this, but it was Peyton’s presence that seemed to lighten the mood and continually keep the conversation going. I didn’t think this guy could be any more popular, but then he nearly made a hole-in-one to win the entire country a six-pack of beer. That would have definitely done it. Thanks for the effort, Peyton.

Charles Barkley: We knew he’d be awesome in the booth, because the guy is tougher on players than Johnny Miller ever was. We also knew Barkley would never make bogey on that charity challenge hole. That being said, it was a good effort, and the dramatic/hideous hitch in his swing looked like it was gone, so we’re happy for the Round Mound of Rebound. But if the NBA isn’t coming back for a while, we’d love to hear this guy in the 18th tower more.

Charles Barkley after Tiger smokes a driver, says “that looks just like me.”

“I meant we’re both black.”? https://t.co/e71GZI9DMB

— Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) May 24, 2020

Justin Thomas: The former World No. 1 drew rave reviews for his TV debut as an on-course reporter and rightly so. Thomas was at ease on camera and never overdid it. Of course, it helps when you’re friends with everyone, but his insight and his humour (especially when he called Barkley a “fat ass”) were a refreshing addition to Turner Sports’ coverage. Obviously, JT shouldn’t quit his day job, but when he finally does quit his day job—or just goes into a huge slump—it’s good to know he’s got a gig waiting for him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAog_I1hDpb/?utm_source=ig_embed

WE’RE SELLING

Tom Brady’s raingear: As a Giants fan, there’s a lot I could get on Tom about. His brutal play to start (Was that the worst six holes ever televised? Is Tom a SYSTEM QUARTERBACK?!), him not knowing the rules for taking a drop (He’s never been much of a “rules” guy), and his audio magically going out when he was struggling (Kinda like it does for opposing teams in Foxboro). But I won’t, because I’m a good guy and I appreciate Tom putting his pride on the line to do this for charity, especially with Shot Tracer. I will knock his raingear, though, because it didn’t seem to do him much good. From the rain gloves—don’t wear them if you’re not used to wearing them!—to his pants that split after he finally hit a great shot. Although he may have saved Under Armour’s stock from tanking with this tweet:

Next time I’ll make sure to be wearing my @UAGolf pants ?‍ #LessonLearned https://t.co/GauGM9ZLdl

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) May 25, 2020

Smooth. Funny, Tom was playing in the Super Bowl the last time a wardrobe malfunction this bad happened.

Concerned tour pros: Add Adam Scott to the list of tour pros worried about playing so soon on the PGA Tour and about the protocols being put in place during these unprecedented times. Scott is a former winner at Colonial, where the season is scheduled to restart next month, but he told the AAP’s Evin Priest he might not return for the first two months. Listen, you can’t blame him. This is a very personal issue for every golfer, and it shows that this won’t be a simple flip-the-switch-back-on situation for the PGA Tour. What we’re really selling here is the angst that every player is going to be facing in the next few weeks.

Kevin Na keeping secrets: I’ve been a huge Kevin Na fan since he came on the Golf Digest Podcast a couple years ago and candidly spilled his guts about everything I asked him. But I’d be worried about him spilling his guts if I were to ever tell him a secret. In an interview with Sky Sports, Na revealed a rumour he’d heard that Tiger Woods will captain Team USA at the 2022 Ryder Cup, and then revealed his source was one of Woods’ friends, just digging his hole even deeper. Kevin is like Elaine opening the vault in Seinfeld—except he doesn’t need any peach Schnapps.

ON TAP

Sadly, not much. I’ll have to find something else to watch on Sunday while I enjoy my chips and salsa. At least for the next couple weeks before the PGA Tour (fingers crossed) returns June 11 for the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial.

Random tournament fact: Kevin Na is the defending champ of the Charles Schwab Challenge. And he reminded everyone of that with the most adorable TikTok of quarantine:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbpfuIgXw4/?utm_source=ig_embed

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Charles Barkley will ever play in The Match: 1 MILLION-to-1 odds
—Tiger Woods will ever tell Kevin Na a secret: 10 MILLION-to-1 odds
—Justin Thomas has a future in golf broadcasting: LOCK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Love this look at Tiger grinding away in the rain:

Mike Ehrmann

What a legend. Maybe I should practice in the rain? Nah …

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Playing golf with this dude: Tiger, Phil, Peyton and Tom did a lot this weekend to improve golf’s street cred. This guy did not:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiqa2HnhIf/?utm_source=ig_embed

THIS WEEK IN TOUR PRO PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims celebrated a big anniversary! Yay!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAljs5Wgpfs/?utm_source=ig_embed

Brooks didn’t post anything commemorating the big occasion. He must still be ticked off about that haircut Jena gave him.

THIS WEEK IN CELEBRITY GOLFERS (NOT NAMED PEYTON OR TOM)

Things really fell apart on 11 pic.twitter.com/l0TNwWIAYJ

— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) May 22, 2020

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Do you want me to use one of my U.S. Open medals?” —Tiger Woods after Phil Mickelson asked him to mark his golf ball. Poor Phil.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnBnpGFB3n/

THIS AND THAT

The Match was the most viewed golf telecast in cable TV history. No big deal. . . . A signed scorecard from a round at Seminole in which Ben Hogan shot 61 sold at auction for $33,715. Imagine what Hogan’s set of golf clubs from that day would fetch? … Speaking of golf clubs, Justin Rose officially split from Honma. Let’s just say his clubs during that partnership would fetch less than Hogan’s clubs. … Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson and Morgan Pressel will participate in ESPN’s Pro-Athlete All-Star Ride on Peloton this Saturday. Time for all of Rory’s quarantine training to really pay off. … And finally, with a postponed Masters, I needed my personal Amen Corner more than ever this year:

Eat your heart out, Augusta National.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Who will be in the next The Match?
When is the next The Match?
Why didn’t I bet my house on Tiger winning?

The post Tiger Woods’ all-time dagger, Tom Brady’s embarrassing wardrobe malfunction and a TV star is born appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Once you attempt this DIY experiment, you quickly come to realise that hairstylists are not only worth whatever price they’re charging, they’ve probably worth more. Brooks Koepka found this out the hard way on Thursday, though he didn’t try to do it by himself. He enlisted girlfriend Jena Sims, and luckily for us they both documented it on their Instagram accounts. Let’s see how it went for Brooksy:

Jena Sims gave boyfriend Brooks Koepka an at-home, quarantine haircut. It went about as well as you’d imagine.
Hint: It did not go well. pic.twitter.com/BknUBvgK8t

— Samantha Marks (@SamanthaSMarks) April 23, 2020

Yeah, not great. But wait, there’s more!

Describe this photo in one word: pic.twitter.com/bidx1hk3kv

— Samantha Marks (@SamanthaSMarks) April 23, 2020

YIKES. Good on Brooks for allowing this to be documented, and then allowing this closeup. As someone who tried to cut his own hair two weeks ago, I wasn’t as proud of my results. I’ve been wearing a hat 24/7 ever since, which appears to be Koepka’s new strategy:

Bowl cuts are back. #QuarantineCuts pic.twitter.com/8kUnoWkq8S

— Brooks Koepka (@BKoepka) April 23, 2020

But don’t let this discourage you from cutting your own hair folks. What’s the worst that could happen? There’s no going out in public anyway. Might as well mess around and go full Friar like Brooks.

The post Brooks Koepka’s quarantine haircut is just as bad (if not worse) than yours appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Kobe certainly had his flaws, but you can’t argue the impact he had on the world. As Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard pointed out, 13(!) PGA Tour pros list him as their favourite athlete in their media guide bios. He was bigger than a sports star, bigger than a brand. His Mamba Mentality is a movement. And one that isn’t going away anytime soon. So let’s keep Kobe in our heads, at least for his relentless drive and tireless work ethic. And let’s keep Kobe, his daughter GiGi and the seven other victims of this tragedy in our hearts as a reminder of how precious our time on Earth is. OK, time to talk about some happier stuff.

WE’RE BUYING

Marc Leishman: The Aussie won the Farmers Insurance Open while playing with a different tragedy on his mind, providing the latest victory for a country looking for any good news. “Pretty amazing, particularly with all the problems that have been happening back in Australia with the fires and people losing their lives. Just devastating really,” Leishman said. “So if this can bring them a little bit of joy, it’s a big win for me personally and then for them as well. I hope this can bring them a bit of joy.”

Sean M. Haffey

Leishman joins Cameron Smith as Aussie winners on the PGA Tour in the past three weeks. Plus, Lucas Herbert won the European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Well done to all three providing a much-needed boost and raising awareness and relief funds for what’s happening Down Under.

Sebastian Soderberg: The Swede didn’t come close to winning in Dubai, but he did shatter the European Tour record for fastest round by shooting a Sunday 75 in 97 minutes. Soderberg and his caddie, younger brother Jasper, also got in their cardio workout by 8:45 a.m. and had the rest of the day to do whatever they wanted. How efficient.

97 minutes. 75 shots. ?

Sebastian Söderberg on the fastest round in European Tour history.#ODDC pic.twitter.com/4J4TxH9wV1

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 26, 2020

When it comes to playing quickly, though, Soderberg couldn’t quite catch Wesley Bryan, who played a solo Sunday round at the BMW Championship in 89 minutes. Oh, and shot 69, by the way. That prompted this Grind video in which I tried my best to speed talk like the Micro Machines Man in Wes’ honour:

In any event, golfers of every skill level don’t need to play this fast, but we could all pick up the pace a bit. So to guys like Wes and Sebastion, thanks for the inspiration.

Tiger Woods’ new driver: Not to give TaylorMade free advertising here, but Woods sure looked comfortable swinging the new Sim driver around during his T-9 at Torrey Pines to kick-off 2020.

While Phil Mickelson has resorted to wildly swinging out of his shoes as he approaches 50 (he hit 2 of 14 fairways on Friday), Woods has throttled back by hitting what he calls a “slap cut.” He’s hitting more fairways, his misses are manageable, and “slap cut” is instantly one of my all-time favourite Tigerisms.

WE’RE SELLING

Jon Rahm’s Sunday: First of all, that was a rough start. I mean, wow. ROUGH. It makes you wonder how much more pressure he was feeling to win this tournament than a Euro Tour event. . . To the Spaniard’s credit, though, he made a furious late rally only to come up one shot short. But making matters worse is the fact he thought he was actually tied for the lead when he tapped in for birdie on 18. How can you not know where you stand in a tournament?! How could he not know he needed eagle on 18?! That’s a bad job. A really bad job.

Bryson DeChambeau’s finish: On the bright side, Bryson says his new bulk has “opened new boundaries I never thought were possible.” But his recent quote about hitting it so far that his pace of play won’t matter didn’t hold up too well as DeChambeau was given a bad time on the back nine while contending in Dubai. Also not holding up too well was his play down the stretch as he threw away his chance to defend his title. . .

Today in Dubai, Bryson DeChambeau was put on the clock and given a slow-play warning on the 10th hole.

He went on to shoot 76, T-8, which included bogeying his last four holes. pic.twitter.com/3RovwMAgbM

— Samantha Marks (@SamanthaSMarks) January 26, 2020

Coincidence? Maybe. But this is certainly something to keep an eye on, especially when he plays on the European Tour.

Tiger’s bad break: Seriously, how in the world did this not stay in the hole?!

@TigerWoods nearly holed out from the fairway.

The ball went IN the hole … and came back out. ? pic.twitter.com/ikm21gLSju

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020

No, seriously. How? Did anyone ask Bryson? Tiger out here doing magic tricks.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour heads to TPC Scottsdale for the country’s biggest annual boozefest, which also coincides with a golf tournament. Welcome to the Waste Management Phoenix Open! Please try not to get arrested! And if you’re playing golf like Bryson DeChambeau, please try to keep up with the group in front of you!

Random tournament fact: It’s been one year since Johnny Miller signed off on NBC for his last tournament. I miss you, Johnny. I miss you every day. Well, every Sunday, at least.

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Tiger Woods would ever make a leader board gaffe on the final hole: 1-MILLION -to-1 odds

—Tiger Woods will win the Masters: 10-to-1 odds (Actual odds, now a co-favourite)

—Johnny would have a LOT to say about Bryson this week: LOCK

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Fully understand if Bryson wants to keep hitting it 40 past me tomorrow so we don’t have to chat.

— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) January 25, 2020

Eddie Pepperell is the best. And he followed it up with this update after he and Bryson played together on Sunday:

We actually got on quite well. And to his credit, he’s sped up.

— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) January 26, 2020

Well, other than that bad time, of course.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (PGA TOUR EDITION)

This is pure golf porn, folks.

Flushed. ?

?? pic.twitter.com/kNJUJFnKh0

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 22, 2020

Nicely done, PGA Tour.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (EUROPEAN TOUR EDITION)

And kudos to the European Tour CONTENT makers as well for this gem of a game pitting Viktor Hovland and Andrew “Beef” Johnston:

Beef ?Hovland #LuckOfTheDraw ??#ODDC @OMEGAGolfDubai pic.twitter.com/d0glMwwGQj

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 24, 2020

Just don’t try this at home. Unless your course is completely empty.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Lucas Herbert is a European Tour winner. And an honest bloke:

Victory + Australia Day = ? pic.twitter.com/Sj0ObZRnPO

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 26, 2020

Hope Monday morning wasn’t too painful, Lucas. You’re only 24! It gets much, much worse. Trust me.

THIS WEEK IN PGA TOUR PRO-WAGS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

https://www.instagram.com/p/B704RKDAaz9/?utm_source=ig_embed

Get it? “Boat” load? Good stuff, Jena. Also, by my extensive research of Jena’s Instagram account, this is the first time she’s posted a photo of the couple on a boat together since May 4 of last year. What’s significant about that? Brooks won the PGA Championship that week. So he’s basically a lock-in Saudi Arabia this week.

And how about C.T. Pan going shopping with his wife and sometimes caddie, Michelle:

When it comes to grocery shopping, I’m her caddie. 3 tasks I need to do for her, show up, keep up and shut up. #happywifehappylife #groceryshopping #happymondays #groceryshopping pic.twitter.com/k1nAAFuZDc

— C.T. Pan (@ctpangolf) January 27, 2020

Also, pay up at the end. ? https://t.co/ojLON1xv2R

— C.T. Pan (@ctpangolf) January 28, 2020

Looks like someone learned his lesson from that time he knocked Michelle’s caddying skills on national TV.

THIS AND THAT

The Players Championship’s purse will increase $2.5 million to $15 million total with $2.7 million of that going to the winner. And no one even batted an eye. . . . Phil Mickelson missed his second consecutive cut to start a calendar year for the first time in his career. And at No. 86 in the Official World Golf Ranking, he might have a few more holes on his schedule since he currently isn’t qualified for a slew of big events. . . . Speaking of the OWGR, Jordan Spieth dropped out of the top 50 for the first time since his rookie season. That historic 2015 campaign seems like it was decades ago. . . . The Premier Golf League, a possible PGA Tour competitor, is drawing interest from players, including Rory McIlroy. The bad news for Phil and Jordan? These would be 48-man events. Ouch. . . . And finally, it looks like I need to find a new hiding spot for my fruit snacks. . .

She’s a crafty one. And like Kobe, I’m a proud girl dad. RIP Kobe and GiGi.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

What’s the golf equivalent of Kobe’s 81-point game?

How fast could I play 18 holes walking?

How much should I bet on Brooks Koepka?

The post Tiger Woods’ new toy, Jon Rahm’s brutal leader board gaffe, and a possible good omen for Brooks Koepka appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Roks was so into the event that he bought a Wake Forest golf shirt to match the one he knew I was bringing. And he drained the last five putts he looked at and we danced around the 18th green as we had just hit the lottery. Good times. Anyway, with a heavy heart, let’s turn to everything else happening in the world of golf.

WE’RE BUYING

J.T. Poston: What a performance by Poston, who is winning the Wyndham Championship matched Lee Trevino at the 1974 Greater New Orleans Open (now the Zurich Classic) by not making a single bogey for 72 holes and winning a PGA Tour event. Remarkable.

Streeter Lecka

A couple of weeks ago, a newspaper spelt his name wrong when he was leading the Barbasol Championship. And just a couple of years ago, Poston tweeted that he was mistaken for a valet at the Honda Classic and that he needed to play better. Now he’s hash-tagging tweets with “playED” better.

All I can say is WOW!! @PGATOUR winner!! What an unbelievable week in my backyard in NC!! Absolutely loved playing in front of so many familiar faces and to go 72 holes without a bogey. Don’t think I can dream it up any better than that #playedbetter

— J.T. Poston (@JT_ThePostman) August 5, 2019

Well played. By the way, J.T. Poston has a win this season while JT (Justin Thomas) remains winless. Golf is a crazy sport, huh?

Hinako Shibuno: Speaking of crazy, how about this 20-year-old Japanese golfer’s debut outside of her home country at the AIG Women’s British Open? A closing 20-foot birdie gave her a one-shot win over Lizette Salas at England’s Woburn Golf Club. And it’s a good thing it went in because it might have rolled to Scotland if it hadn’t hit the hole:

BANG ?

Hinako Shibuno, " The Smiling Cinderella" drills the back of the cup for birdie to win the 2019 @AIGWBO!

??? pic.twitter.com/2TztfpPT0p

— LPGA (@LPGA) August 4, 2019

Too bad Mike Breen wasn’t on the call … BANG! In addition to her superb play, Shibuno, who became just the second Japanese golfer to win a major championship, was praised for her pace of play and attitude. She’s nicknamed “the Smiling Cinderella,” and we are looking forward to seeing more of her in years to come.

“The Hovland Rule”: First of all, I’m buying Viktor Hovland, who continued his impressive play since turning pro after the U.S. Open with a fourth-place finish in Greensboro. But second, I’m into the new USGA rule clearly made with him in mind that will allow the reigning U.S. Amateur champ to turn pro and still keep his exemption into the U.S. Open the following year. Had Hovland’s T-13 at Pebble Beach counted toward his PGA Tour earnings, he would have still just missed wrapping up his card for next season (he is eligible to play in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals), but at least he would be roughly $250,000 richer. Hopefully, the Masters will allow its amateur qualifiers to turn pro as well, but it’s the Masters, and the people there do whatever they want, so they probably won’t. And again, it’s too bad the Hovland Rule won’t actually help Hovland.

WE’RE SELLING

Dumb penalties: Brendan Steele was docked two strokes for using an alignment stick during a round. This is dumb, A) Because alignment sticks are dumb in general and he could have just used a club or a regular stick instead, and B) Because how did he not realize instantly that using an alignment stick during a round is a penalty? Then there was Josh Teater, who picked up his ball in the fairway because lift, clean and place were used the first two rounds. More understandable, but again, dumb. Not that I should say anything like someone who once just scooped a ball up during a stroke-play event. Unfortunately for Steele and Teater, neither were able to climb into the top 125 and get into the FedEx Cup Playoffs. If they decide to play in the Korn Ferry Finals, we’re betting they won’t commit either of these infractions again.

Jordan Spieth: Seriously, what is going on? A 77 after putting himself in contention heading into the weekend? At the Wyndham Championship?! Why is Jordan Spieth even playing in the Wyndham Championship?!

Tyler Lecka

In any event, the struggle is real.

The Women’s British Open venue: I’m sure Woburn Golf Club is a fantastic track, but it seemed odd seeing a British Open being played on a course that looked like it was in central New York.

Richard Heathcote

Boring.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour’s top 125 head to Liberty National, AKA that place with the views of the Statue of Liberty, for the Northern Trust, the first of three FedEx Cup Playoff events. Yep, that’s three instead of the usual four. Another tweak? That bonus has been bumped up to $15 MILLION. For more about the postseason, check out this postseason preview from GolfDigest.com’s newest hire, Greg Gottfried.

Random tournament fact: Liberty National’s 13th hole was the site of Tiger Woods’ famously falling to his knees in pain at the 2013 (Is that enough 13s for you?) Barclays. It’s also the site of his ominous, “Yeah, definitely,” press conference at the 2017 Presidents Cup when he was asked if he could see a scenario in which he didn’t return to professional golf. Fingers crossed that he has a more positive outlook when he plays for the first time since saying, “I just want to go home,” after missing the cut at the Open last month. And in 2009, he missed a short birdie on the 72nd hole to lose to Heath Slocum, the No. 124 player in the FedEx Cup standings. In other words, this isn’t Tiger’s favourite place in the world.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0rTQAODPPW/?utm_source=ig_embed

What a year for the Woodlands.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (YOUNG STUDS DIVISION)

How about Matthew Wolff going full Sergio Garcia on this incredible approach shot?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0yn3OuHm7V/?utm_source=ig_embed

To clarify, that’s going full GOOD Sergio Garcia. Not the videos of the Spaniard destroying golf courses and throwing golf clubs that have been going viral of late …

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (YOUNGER STUDS DIVISION)

https://twitter.com/Max_Marcovitch/status/1156232679450431493

SIX-foot-EIGHT at 14?! Good lord, what a beast this guy is going to be.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (EVEN YOUNGER STUDS DIVISION)

?HOLE-IN-ONE ALERT?

Congratulations to Kevin Zhang (10) from Clemmons, NC who made his very first hole-in-one during his very first PGA Jr. League match!! ?? pic.twitter.com/14OvaBuHV5

— PGA Jr. League (@PGAJrLeague) August 5, 2019

A hole-in-one at 10?! And I’m still waiting for my first? Must be nice, kid.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK (OLD STUDS DIVISION)

Bernhard Langer has more trophies than you:

He also has a very understanding wife to let him just toss those trophies all over the house.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

J.T. Poston’s caddie, Aaron Flener, when learning his man is paired with Tiger Woods this week:

I’m having a little trouble breathing right now. pic.twitter.com/SMOLGetxih

— Aaron Flener (@AaronFlener) August 5, 2019

THIS WEEK IN PHIL BEING PHIL

I know I need to let go of the past, but when you crush the past like this it can be hard to let go of it. pic.twitter.com/6jxJFL7KgV

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) August 4, 2019

Admittedly, I thought this was Dick Fowler, P.I., when I first saw it. But nope, it’s Phil. Wow. Just … wow.

THIS WEEK IN DUSTIN JOHNSON-PAULINA GRETZKY BROOKS KOEPKA-JENA SIMS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION SORCERY

Remember those white pants Jena ruined last week? Well, apparently, one of her friends saved them somehow:

Amazing.

THIS AND THAT

Congrats to NHL referee Garrett Rank, who won the prestigious Western Amateur. Rank also qualified for the 2018 U.S. Open. Talk about having some serious street cred at the next hockey game he officiates. … Congrats to Jake Beber-Frankel, the son of Oscar-winning director David Frankel, who broke Akshay Bhatia’s scoring record at the Junior PGA Championship. And now 6-foot-8 Tommy Morrison is coming for them. … Long Drive champ Maurice Allen hit one across Niagara Falls 14 years after John Daly failed to do so. To summarize: John Daly hits it hard, but Maurice Allen hits it harder. … And finally, one more shout-out to my fallen friend by looking back to when he won his second green jacket at the 2013 HGGA Championship:

Of course, that was the year he showed up to Myrtle Beach as a “16” handicap. The rest of us had no chance.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Which golfer has the biggest trophy collection?

Can Jena’s friend work on a couple of my golf shirts?

Do sandbaggers go to heaven? (Kidding, Roks. RIP buddy.)

The post A new rule comes too late, Matthew Wolff channels (good) Sergio Garcia, and Phil Mickelson’s groovy photo appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

WE’RE BUYING

Matthew Wolff: That didn’t take long, huh? Less than three weeks after hitting his first tee shot as a pro, Wolff won his first PGA Tour title at the 3M Open. And he did it in spectacular fashion with a back-nine 31 capped by a walk-off eagle on No. 18:

A weekend to remember.@matthew_wolff5 had a highlight-reel finish @3MOpen en route to his first TOUR win. ?#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/H8jKAwWUrm

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2019

I’m not sure what was better. The eagle itself or the fact Wolff didn’t even watch the ball go into the hole before starting to celebrate (watch it again, closely).

He knew it was good before it went in. ?

That's some confidence, @matthew_wolff5. ? pic.twitter.com/gMrgeSjvfq

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 8, 2019

The reaction from his swing coach, George Gankas, who was watching from his pool with some buddies, was also pretty good:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzocs2fARaI/?utm_source=ig_embed

The weather was awful a couple of weeks ago when I went to the first round of the Travelers Championship. But I braved the elements and the mud pit I had to park my car in (can I expense a car wash?) for the sole reason of being able to say brag one day that I saw Wolff’s pro debut. Incredibly, that day is already here. The Matthew Wolff Era is officially upon us. And I can say I was there from way back on Day 1 . . . a couple of weeks ago.

Collin Morikawa: OK, so it wasn’t technically a walk-off eagle by Wolff because this fellow newbie had a crack of his own to tie Wolff moments later. Morikawa missed, but his two-putt birdie gave him a T-2 and a decent consolation prize in a special temporary PGA Tour membership. Since making his debut at the Canadian Open last month, the Cal product has a scoring average of 68.792. Snazzy.

Jon Rahm: Remember when this guy was all the rage for winning his first PGA Tour title with an eagle from the fringe on 18? Seems like ages ago, and yet Rahm is still only 24. And still really, really good. Over the weekend he offered arguably his most impressive performance yet, firing rounds of 64 and 62 at Lahinch to claim the Irish Open for the second time in three years.

Ross Kinnaird

Oh yeah, I’m buying Lahinch, too.

This any good or nah? pic.twitter.com/CLoWs8X0Ri

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) July 5, 2019

That place looks absolutely spectacular.

The Bob Vokey Tour Experience: Earlier this year, I had the honour and pleasure of going through a fitting with this wedge wizard at Titleist’s beautiful facility in Oceanside, Calif. And now I’m reaping the rewards with clubs hand-crafted by the legendary club maker himself. Tough assignment, I know. For those interested, click here for more on this unforgettable experience that can also be yours. It will just cost you. . . (gulp) $2,400. Here’s a pic of Mr. 60 (What I call myself around the office) and the real Mr. 60, who turns 80 next week:

Happy birthday, Bob! And if I win my upcoming major (the 2019 HGGA Championship), I will be sure to thank you in my victory speech.

WE’RE SELLING

John Daly’s week: The two-time major champ made two big announcements in the past week. First, that the R&A was denying him the use of a golf cart at next week’s Open Championship at Portrush. Then that he had undergone surgery after being bitten by a spider while vacationing in England with his family.

Thankfully, Daly is OK, but not feeling well enough to play in the year’s final major. Instead, he’ll play at the Barbasol Championship, where he will likely be allowed to use a cart. In a related note, I’m buying these things being called “buggies” like they are in the UK. And yes, I’m selling spider bites that send you into surgery. Terrifying stuff.

Tiger Woods’ early wake-up calls: Apparently, the 15-time major champ is setting his alarm clock for 1 a.m. to try to get on Northern Ireland time ahead of next week’s Open Championship in Royal Portrush:

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

I dig Tiger’s enthusiasm, but that seems a bit much. Also, wouldn’t he be better served by heading across the pond and waking up at a normal time in Northern Ireland to get used to the time difference? And, you know, actually playing some golf over there? Just a thought, Tiger. . .

Shooting 28 under. . . and losing: That’s exactly what Ariya Jutanugarn did at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic. Despite a final-round 64 to get to that absurd number, Jutanugarn came up one shot short to Shanshan Feng, who shot a Sunday 63 to get to an even more absurd total of 29 under par. Congrats to Shanshan on winning for the first time in nearly two years, and condolences to Ariya.

ON TAP

The PGA Tour heads (At least, those not playing in this week’s Scottish Open on the Euro Tour) to TPC Deere Run for the John Deere Classic, AKA the Steve Stricker Open. Sadly, the Strick Show has chosen to play the Senior Players Championship instead. He will be missed—especially since this field might not have the star power of the Senior Players. On the bright side, a guy with an ELECTRIC swing that has taken the golf world by storm is playing!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzqk5B1FM9N/?utm_source=ig_embed

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzss3KlFLKs/?utm_source=ig_embed

Oh, yeah. Matthew Wolff will be there, too.

Random tournament fact: Defending John Deere champ Michael Kim won by eight shots last year. He returns having missed 20 (yes, TWENTY because I’m not counting Kapalua where there wasn’t a cut) consecutive cuts. Freaking golf, am I right?

RANDOM PROP BETS OF THE WEEK

—Michael Kim will win the John Deere Classic by eight shots again: 1 Million-to-1 odds

— Matthew Wolff will win the John Deere Classic: 15-to-1 odds (Actual odds)

— George Gankas’ lesson schedule is booked up for a while: LOCK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Not only did Bryson DeChambeau have his own 18th-hole heroics topped by Matthew Wolff, but he also became a meme. Introducing “Brysoning”:

Bryson's face when Matthew Wolff made his eagle putt on 18 ???? pic.twitter.com/hakzXEThqt

— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) July 7, 2019

Credit where credit's due: when the camera is rolling, Bryson plays the best frat-house-comedy villain in golf. Wolff makes a putt behind him, and our man delivers pure "my father, the DEAN, will hear about this!" incredulity. pic.twitter.com/HykarBtDEL

— Garrett Morrison (@garrett_TFE) July 7, 2019

looking through email after a long holiday weekend pic.twitter.com/tSNMTE6dK6

— Brendan Porath (@BrendanPorath) July 8, 2019

Poor guy.

VIRAL VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The European Tour’s latest stroke of genius involved surprising fans by putting them in the TV booth to call the action. And the results were fantastic:

What happens when unsuspecting Irish golf fans end up on 'live TV'?

Introducing… #AccidentalCommentary ? pic.twitter.com/vpOKqvTKkt

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 8, 2019

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Maybe a virgin pina colada.” — Matthew Wolff when asked how he planned to celebrate. The kid’s got jokes as well.

THIS WEEK IN CELEBRITY GOLFERS

Will Smith showed off an interesting way of setting off fireworks:

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

Is this a scene from the next Independence Day?

THIS WEEK IN DUSTIN JOHNSON-PAULINA GRETZKY BROOKS KOEPKA-JENA SIMS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

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

Does Brooks Koepka play in between majors just to miss weddings?

THIS WEEK IN OTHER TOUR PROS PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION

And Maverick McNealy and Danielle Kang continue to be golf’s new “it” couple:

https://twitter.com/MavMcNealy/status/1147974972905676800

Love the use of WAG, Mav.

THIS AND THAT

We had George Gankas on the Golf Digest Podcast to discuss Matthew Wolff and also try to get some tips to increase my pathetic swing speed. He didn’t disappoint.

https://soundcloud.com/user-96678684/matthew-wolffs-breakthrough-win-george-gankas

Speaking of increases, the R&A announced a 40-per cent spike in the purse for next month’s Women’s British Open. That deserves a big golf clap. . . . Phil Mickelson managed to take seven(!) penalty strokes during an opening 74 at the 3M Open, including dumping two balls into the water on No. 18. Hopefully, he dives into some of his craziest rounds in the next “Fireside with Phil” episode. . . . Congrats to Air Force captain Kyle Westmoreland for making his second consecutive cut on the Korn Ferry Tour. It took a pilot’s focus to make it to the weekend this past week in particular with Golf Digest photo editor/Grind producer Michael Sneeden subbing in as his caddie. . . . And finally, I have no clue whose lawn this is, but it always catches my eye when I play the Links at Union Vale:

If Golf Digest ranked America’s greatest lawns, this would have to be on the top of the list.

RANDOM QUESTIONS TO PONDER

How many majors will Matt Wolff win?

How many times have I watched Fargo?

How do I mow my lawn like that?

The post Matthew Wolff’s speedy arrival, Tiger Woods’ early wake-up calls, and Bryson DeChambeau becomes a meme appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
Being Brooks Koepka hasn’t been too shabby this past fortnight. After pocketing a cool €130,278 for a T-9 finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – not including his undisclosed appearance fee – the world No.2 headed straight for Saudi Arabia to continue his guest for golfing immortality – via a week in the Maldives with PGA Tour pal Dustin Johnson and their respective partners that is.

It seems DJ and Paulina Gretzky and Brooks and Jena Sims had quite the time in the Indian Ocean paradise. There is social media evidence but lets just say there was a little too much cheek to share it on this family-friendly forum. We’ll let you do the research if you so desire.

But elite golf is not all play and no hard work; Koepka and Johnson are back at it this week at the European Tour’s new $3.5 million Saudi International event and won’t have it easy in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), especially not with Bryson DeChambeau flying in from Dubai with the Desert Classic in his bag and world No.1 Justin Rose fresh, albeit probably horribly jet-lagged, from victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

Throw in Ryder Cup villain Patrick Reed and the likes of Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter and a resurgent Ernie Els into the mix, and the focus of the golfing world, for sporting and geopolitical reasons, will be on Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. That has Koepka, who struggled to get his game out of first gear at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, fired up to kick-start 2019 after claiming two of his three major titles last year.

“I always want to play against the world’s best players as it helps to sharpen my game,” said the 28-year-old Floridian.

“I enjoy the intensity of coming down the back nine on Sunday with a chance to win and that is even better when you are playing against the likes of my good friend DJ, Justin [Rose] or Henrik [Stenson],  the list goes on.

“I started my career on the Challenge Tour in Europe and then the European Tour before going to the PGA Tour and I really believe that playing in different environments and experiencing new cultures helped broaden my horizons as both a player and a person. I love visiting new countries.”

Indeed, the Saudi International powered by SBIA will serve as an early-season form barometer ahead of this year’s big events, which now see three majors and two World Golf Championship (WGC) events before the end of June. With much to play, a maiden appearance in Saudi Arabia is a challenge Koepka is relishing.

“One of my main goals for 2018 was to win multiple times and be one of those players that does that consistently every year. Last year was amazing, winning two majors was a dream come true and certainly something I wasn’t expecting earlier in the year when I was injured.

“Historically I’ve warmed up through the year and have won more of my events later in the season. I had a good break in the off-season and I’m feeling good mentally and ready to play well again. I’ll be doing everything I can to pick up some silverware and get the ball rolling as early as possible. To be the first person to win the Saudi International would be pretty special.”

The post Fresh from a top-10 in Abu Dhabi and a romantic week in the Maldives with Jena Sims (and DJ and Paulina), Brooks Koepka eyes history in Saudi appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.