I was literally making a sandwich when my phone blew up yesterday. Had to drop everything and watch the replay about 15 times. Si Woo Kim just did something that made me spill mustard on my favorite shirt and I don't even care.
252 yards of pure insanity
The South Korean golfer (who I've been following since 2019 when he nearly took my head off with a wayward drive at Sawgrass) just casually demolished the record for longest hole-in-one in major championship history. We're talking 252 YARDS at the 6th hole at Quail Hollow.
Let that sink in.
What makes this even more ridiculous? He broke his OWN record. Last year at Royal Troon, he knocked in a 238-yarder that had us all losing our minds. My buddy Dave still owes me $40 from the bet we made that nobody would top that this season.
That celebration tho...
Listen. I've seen some wild celebrations in my day (remember when Tiger dropped to his knees at Augusta in '05?), but Kim's reaction was something else. Man threw his 5-wood into the stratosphere like he was trying to knock a satellite out of orbit. The Charlotte crowd absolutely lost teir minds, and honestly, who could blame them?
One fan summed it up perfectly: "That's ridiculous man."
Another with a gift for understatement just said: "Some wack."
Even the football guys couldn't keep it together
Jamie Redknapp, who I usually find about as exciting as watching paint dry, actually showed some personality: "Oh stop it! Would you believe it!"
And then there's Roy Keane. God. That man could witness the second coming and still look unimpressed. His response to witnessing literal golfing history? "Good shot." That's it. That's all we got from the Manchester United legend. Poor Kim... breaks a world record and gets the emotional equivalent of a participation trophy from Keane.
What does breaking your own world record feel like?
Kim, with a smile wider than the fairway he just conquered, said: "It's exciting. I hit it exactly how I wanted. So it was cool and it was a pretty memorable hole-in-one at a major."
Understatement of the century, my friend.
The 29-year-old started on the back nine and added six birdies with just one bogey. He matched Max Homa for the low round of the day, which is pretty impressive considering he probably couldn't feel his hands after the adrenaline rush of that ace.
Weekend warrior or major champion?
After shooting a one-over 72 in the opening round, Kim needed something special to stay in contention. Well... mission accomplished in the most spectacular way possible!
Now ranked 66th in the world (which seems criminally low after what we just witnessed), Kim is suddenly in the mix for his first major title. But he's keeping it cool: "It's just still Friday. I just played good two rounds, but still a lot of work to do. Then especially, the weekend is going to be hotter and then more tense. I'm just going to try to play my golf and just try to have fun."
Have fun? After what he just did, I'd be walking around Quail Hollow like I owned the place. But that's why he's a pro and I'm sitting here writing about it with mustard on my shirt.
I'm heading to the course tomorrow. Bringing binoculars and hoping for another miracle. The betting odds on Kim just crashed, but I still think there's value there. Just don't tell my wife I'm putting another $100 on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my golf swing be improved?
It is possible to improve your golf swing with practice, proper technique and, often, with professional instruction. Beginner's stance, posture, and grip are all fundamentals. It is essential to achieve a balanced stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, grip the club correctly with neither too tight nor too loose a hold, and maintain a posture that allows for a fluid swing. Practice your swing in slow motion to understand the components of the swing path, clubface alignment, and the point of contact. To improve your technique, work with a golf coach and receive personalized feedback. Also spend time driving the course or at the practice range. Consistency is important, so don't worry about hitting the ball harder, but rather focus on making a good swing.
How do I know my golf handicap?
A golf handicap is an objective measure of the golfer's ability. It allows players with different skill levels to compete in a fair manner. For you to receive a handicap from your golf club, or a handicap agency, you will need to provide scores for at least one round (the number varies by country). The scores are then adjusted to reflect the difficulty of the golf course and the tee you played from, by using a calculation method that takes the average of the best differential scores. The national golf association or your golf club can give you detailed guidelines on handicap calculation.
How do you choose the right club for a specific shot?
The club you choose depends on the distance, the wind conditions, your ability level and any hazards. When playing off the tee, or from the fairway, woods will be used to hit long distance shots. Irons are used as you get closer and closer to your green. A lower number iron (like 4 or 5) is used for the longer approach shot, while a higher number iron (like 8 or 9) is for the shorter approach. When you are aiming for accuracy, a sand or pitching wedge may be used. You will also need a putter to complete your putting. Estimating the distance to the target and understanding how far you can typically hit with each club can greatly aid in club selection.
What is the proper golf etiquette on the course?
It is just as important to understand the rules as it is to respect golf etiquette. It is important to recognize the pace of play, which includes being prepared to shoot when your turn comes and walking quickly between shots. Always show consideration for other players by remaining silent and still when someone is preparing to swing. Safety is a key factor - do not play a stroke until the group behind you is no longer within reach. Repair divots and rake bunkers. Fix ball marks on greens. Additionally, it is polite to dress appropriately according to the dress code of the course you are playing.
What do I need to know about the maintenance of golf courses and their impact on game play?
The maintenance of a golf course includes many different practices. These include mowing, watering, aeration, and topdressing. The maintenance of a golf course can affect the play. Aerated greens are slower and may not be as smooth. Fairways with a lot of water may feel longer and softer. And tighter mowing can result in faster fairways and quicker greens. Understanding the schedule of maintenance can help inform your strategy. Check local rules and notices prior to your round. They may provide information about temporary course conditions as a result of ongoing maintenance activities.
What are golf's basic rules?
The R&A & the United States Golf Association standardize a complete set of rules that governs the game. The essence of the game is to get the ball from the teeing grounds into the hole, using one stroke or several strokes. A few key principles of golf are: play the ball on its own, follow the course you're playing, and complete the hole as quickly as possible. Rules violations such as playing the course from the incorrect place, hitting the ball in the wrong direction, and losing the ball are punishable. The game of golf is not only about the rules but also the etiquette. This includes considerations like safety, taking care of others and the course.
Is there a difference between men's and women's golf equipment?
Men's and Women's Golf Equipment are different. This is mainly because of differences in physicality and swing speed. Women's clubs are typically lighter, with more flexible shafts to accommodate a generally softer swing speed compared to men. Club heads often have a high launch angle that helps women golfers hit the ball farther. Additionally, grips are usually smaller to suit smaller hands, and the aesthetic design may differ. The right equipment for any golfer is determined more by personal preference, individual ability and physical attributes than by gender.
Statistics
- Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
- About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.
- It is estimated that over 90% of dedicated golfers maintain their equipment regularly, which aids in performance consistency.
- Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
- Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
- Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
- Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
External Links
How To
How to Manage frustration and stress on the Golf Course
Managing stress and frustration on the golf course starts with setting realistic expectations for your abilities and the understanding that golf is a game of patience and learning. Deep breathing exercises can help calm nerves and keep your focus. Stay in the moment by focusing your attention on the shot you are about to take. Accept mistakes as a chance to learn from them and improve your golf game. Consider walking between the holes as an exercise to reduce stress. It will also help clear your head for the next shot. Last but not least, golf is a sport, so the main goal is to have fun.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/golf/shane-lowry-loses-his-sht-after-pga-officials-deny-relief-for-embedded-ball
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