Welcome one, welcome all to another week of Hittin’ the Links. Dustin Johnson overpowered Glen Oaks Club this weekend, winning the first leg of the FedExCup Playoffs in sudden death over Jordan Spieth. Lucas Glover, meanwhile, didn’t have quite as nice of a week.
We’ll also check in with the LPGA Tour, Michelle Wie, and some real nice new irons from TaylorMade. All that, plus recognition for Ernie Else and the USGA’s final plea for Rules feedback.
Let’s hit the links!
Hole #1: Dustin Johnson Wins The Northern Trust, First Leg of FedExCup Playoffs
Dustin Johnson won the very confusingly-named The Northern Trust (which is not the annual early-season event held at Riviera, formerly called the Northern Trust Open, now the Genesis Open) in a stirring one-hole playoff over Jordan Spieth. If you’ve ever doubted Dustin Johnson’s ability to overpower a golf course, all you have to do is watch the playoff hole. [Link]
Hole #2: Lucas Glover Narrowly Avoids Mid-Swing Torn Knee
Lucas Glover’s back foot slipped during his approach shot into the 17th hole on Saturday, causing an injury that luckily turned out to just be a strained patellar tendon rather than the feared ACL tear. Glover stayed on the ground until the medical team showed up, but managed to finish out his round. [Link]
Hole #3: Sung Hyun Park Wins on LPGA Tour
Following her first LPGA victory at the Women’s U.S. Open, Sung Hyun Park won the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open this week by two strokes over Mirim Lee. [Link]
Hole #4: Wie WDs with Appendicitis
Despite being in 23rd place going into Sunday, Michelle Wie was forced to withdraw from the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, and underwent appendix surgery on Sunday. [Link]
Hole #5: TaylorMade Unveils P790 Forged Irons
Can you tell I’m drooling? [Link]
Hole #6: Ian Poulter Whines About Playoff Hole
Short-hitting Ian Poulter upset that long-hitting Dustin Johnson’s long hitting gave him an advantage. [Link]
Hole #7: PGA Tour Institutes New Cell Phone Policy
The Northern Trust was the first event during which the PGA Tour openly allowed spectators to use cameras and cell phones during tournament rounds. As the article describes, reception has been mixed. [Link]
Hole #8: Feedback Period on Updated Rules of Golf Closes This Week
The comment period on the proposed updated Rules of Golf closes at the end of this week, so get your feedback in! [Link]
Hole #9: Ernie Els Wins Heisman Humanitarian Award
In recognition of his work to fight autism, Ernie Els was given the Heisman Humanitarian Award this week. [Link]