God. That front nine nearly gave me a heart attack.
I've been covering golf for 11 years now, and watching Scottie Scheffler's wild driving display yesterday felt like watching a completely different player than the machine who's been demolishing fields all season. One minute he's got a cushy five-shot lead, the next he's sharing it with a fired-up Jon Rahm who clearly didn't get the memo about LIV golfers supposedly going soft after their massive paydays.
Wine Glass Pasta Incident – Remember That?
Let's back up a sec. Remember when Scheffler sliced his hand open with that shattered wine glass while cutting pasta earlier this year? My colleague Mark texted me that night: "Did you see? World #1 taken down by spaghetti." Seemed like a freak thing that might derail his momentum. Now it feels like ancient history after watching him hoist the Wanamaker Trophy.
The 28-year-old Texan just collected his third major championship (Masters 2022, Masters 2024, and now the PGA), along with a cool $3.42 million prize – the largest payday in PGA Championship history. Not bad for four days of work... though that back nine on Sunday probably aged him about five years.
Was Anybody Else Screaming at Their TV?
I swear I spilled half my coffee when Scheffler kept missing fairways left during that front nine. Everything. Going. Left. It was like watching a completely different golfer than the guy who'd been methodically dismantling Valhalla all week. His five-shot cushion evaporated faster than my hope of breaking 90 at my local muni.
Meanwhile, Rahm was lurking. Stalking. Waiting for his moment.
Seven straight pars to open his round – boring golf that suddenly didn't seem so boring when he realized he was actually gaining ground on the world #1. Then boom – three birdies in four holes and suddenly we've got ourselves a proper duel.
The Moment Everything Changed
I've watched Scheffler enough to know he's got this weird ability to reset his brain mid-round. It's almost robotic. (And I mean that as a compliment, tho I'm sure his competitors find it terrifying.) After that birdie at 10 to reclaim the lead, something just... clicked.
You could see it in his walk. The confidence returned.
My buddy who caddies on tour once told me, "The truly great ones know how to win ugly." That's exactly what Scheffler did yesterday. Found a way when his A-game was nowhere to be found.
Poor Rahm...
Let's give Rahm his due. The Spaniard showed he's still very much a force, despite all that talk about him losing his edge after signing that reported £400 million LIV deal. (Side note: can you even comprehend that amount? I spent $1,200 on new clubs last year and my wife still brings it up monthly.)
But that water ball on 17... ouch. Double bogey. Dreams shattered.
If I'm Luke Donald, I'm calling Rahm this morning to confirm his Ryder Cup spot. Anybody who thinks he shouldn't be on that European team in September wasn't watching the same tournament I was.
The Forgotten Runner-Up
Lost in all this drama was J.T. Poston sneaking into second place. The journeyman played solid golf while the spotlight was elsewhere. That's a life-changing finish for a guy who doesn't have Scheffler's trophy cabinet or Rahm's LIV millions.
Back in 2019, I interviewed Poston after a missed cut in Phoenix. He was hitting balls in the dark, grinding away when everyone else had left. Sometimes golf rewards that persistence in unexpected ways.
What Happens Next?
We're watching something special with Scheffler. This win followed an EIGHT-shot victory in Dallas. Eight! When he's on, nobody else stands a chance.
McIlroy threw down the gauntlet with his Masters win, but Scheffler just picked it up and whacked him over the head with it. The $19 million purse (£14.3m) was a record, and Scheffler's $3.42 million winner's share tops what Xander took home last year.
But I don't think it's about the money for him anymore. The look on his face when he held his baby with his wife after winning... that told the real story.
In a world of golf chaos with LIV vs PGA drama still simmering, Scottie Scheffler remains the one constant – teh guy everyone else is chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times should I practice to improve at golf?
It is not the quantity of practice that makes a difference, but the consistency. For beginners, practicing two to three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements. You should devote time to the long shot, short game and putting. Quality practice means having a clear aim for each practice session, such as working on swing technique, shot accuracy, or distance control. Include professional instruction whenever possible to ensure you practice effectively and don't reinforce bad techniques. Don't just aim for the most balls possible. Make each shot count.
Can I play on my own? Or do I need a golf partner?
Solo golf is a great way to practice and enjoy the game. Solo play allows you to focus on your game without distractions and can be a great way to practice. However, golf is also a social sport, and playing with partners can enhance the golfing experience - providing competition, camaraderie, and the opportunity to learn from others. Golf courses usually allow single-player play, particularly at less busy times. But some golf courses may pair players together with groups to optimize the course's usage during peak hours.
Is it essential to take lessons with a professional golf coach?
While it's not mandatory to take lessons from a professional, doing so can vastly improve your game, especially as a beginner or intermediate player. A qualified golf instructor can offer you personalized guidance, help correct fundamental flaws and mental aspects, and give advice tailored for your specific playing style. In some cases, self-teaching results in bad habits. Even seasoned professionals can benefit by getting a tune-up with a golf pro every now and then to ensure their techniques remain sound. Lessons are a great investment that can lead to greater enjoyment and higher scores on the golf course.
How can I improve my golf swing?
It takes practice, good technique, as well as professional instruction, to improve your swing. Start with a solid grip, stance and posture. 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. Slow-motion practice is a great way to learn the elements of your swing path, the alignment of the clubface, and the point contact. Spend time on the practice area or driving range, as well as working with a coaching professional to get personalized feedback. Consistency matters, so you should focus more on repeating your good swing than hitting the golf ball hard.
How do I choose the correct golf club to make a certain shot?
The distance you are playing, the wind condition, hazards, as well as your own level of expertise, will determine which club to choose. In general, woods are used for long-distance shots when playing from the tee or fairway. 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. For precision shots, a pitching wedge or sand-wedge is usually used. A putter, on the other hand, is for putting. It is important to know the distances between the target and your club.
What do I need to know about the maintenance of golf courses and their impact on game play?
Golf course maintenance includes a range of practices, from mowing and watering to aeration and topdressing. How a course is maintained can significantly affect play. In some cases, a course's maintenance can have a significant impact on the game. For instance, freshly aerated, less smooth greens, or heavily watered, longer, softer fairways, may result in a faster round. Being aware of maintenance schedules can inform your strategy on the course. Check the rules and notices of your locality before you begin your round. These may contain information regarding temporary course conditions caused by ongoing maintenance.
What are the basic golf rules?
The R&A, along with the United States Golf Association(USGA), have developed a comprehensive set rules to govern the game of Golf. Golf is the game of playing a ball into the hole using a stroke, or a series of strokes according to the Rules. Playing the ball in its current position, following the course as it was found, and finishing the hole using the fewest number of strokes are all key principles. 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.
Statistics
- About 85% of golf instructors recommend that new players focus on short game skills as an effective way to reduce their scores.
- Over 35% of new golfers express the desire to play more rounds after experiencing their first full 18-hole game.
- Roughly 60% of golfers who maintain a handicap index see an improvement in their scores year over year.
- 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.
- The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
- 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%.
- Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
External Links
How To
How To Select the Right Clubs As a Beginner
The correct clubs are essential for a good foundation in golf. Beginners will want to consider a golf set with a driving club, a putter and irons 5-9. A pitching wedge and a wedge sand are also recommended. The putter is important on greens, but the driver is great for tee-shots. Irons can be used at different distances, depending on how close you are to the green. You can choose clubs that have a larger sweet-spot for greater forgiveness on hits off-center. You should also choose clubs with the right shaft flex. Those with slower swing speeds will benefit from a shaft that is more flexible. Finalize, check that the grip and height of your clubs is right for a comfortable swung.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/golf/mcilroys-uspga-nightmare-favourite-driver-confiscated-after-shock-test-failure
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