Welcome back to Hittin’ the Links! Kevin Chappell finally broke through, winning on the PGA Tour for the first time in 180 events at the Valero Texas Open. Tiger Woods, on the other hand, had quite the opposite week, and won’t be winning for quite a while, if ever.
We’ll also preview next week’s Zurich Classic, check in on the Champions Tour, and get an update on Rory McIlroy’s marriage. All that plus some more Rules of Golf news, a Sergio sighting, and a book from Ping.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Kevin Chappell Wins in Texas
In his 180th start on the PGA Tour, Kevin Chappell finally took a spin through the winner’s circle. [Link]
Hole #2: Team Event Zurich Classic Favorites
Next week’s Zurich Classic is going to be a team event. The pairing of Rickie Fowler and Jason Day is Vegas’ odds-on favorite to take home the trophy. [Link]
Hole #3: Vijay and Carlos Franco Win on Champions Tour
Speaking of team events, Vijay Singh and Carlos Franco won the PGA Tour Champions’ Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge this week. The event was shortened to just 36 holes, and the Franco-Singh squeaked out a one-stroke win. [Link]
Hole #4: Tiger Has Fourth Back Surgery
Tiger Woods had another back surgery this week – a spinal fusion meant to alleviate lingering pain. In a statement on his website Tiger stressed the importance of being able to live a pain-free life, with or without golf, something I think we can all be sympathetic with. [Link]
Hole #5: USGA and R&A Set to Announce Rules Change in Wake of Lexi Thompson Blunder
The USGA and R&A are reportedly set to announce a rules change that will address the Lexi Thompson incident from nearly a month ago. This proposal comes in addition to a larger-scale reassessment of the Rules of Golf by the two organizations. [Link]
Hole #6: Rory McIlroy Gets Married
Rory wedded longtime girlfriend Erica Stoll this week at a star-student celebration in Ireland. [Link]
Hole #7: Ping Authors Book on Its History
And the Putter went… Ping is a 500-page behemoth of a coffee table book, packed with over 1000 pictures, that’s set to chronicle the storied history of Karsten Solhem and his company’s rise to prominence. [Link]
Hole #8: Sergio Garcia Kicks off El Clasico
Wearing his shiny new green jacket, Real Madrid supporter Sergio Garcia kicked off the most recent match between Madrid and FC Barcelona. It wasn’t a happy ending for the spaniard, however, as Lionel Messi scored twice to win it for Barca. [Link]
Hole #9: Weekly Woods Wrap-up
Today’s weekly Woods wrap-up is a collection of stories from Tiger’s fellow Tour players. [Link]