Welcome back to Hittin’ the Links! This week was the first tournament of the FedExCup Playoffs, and as such, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take a look at champion Patrick Reed from several angles, and read about how Justin Rose finished the event out in a unique fashion.
We’ll also delve into Ryder Cup coverage, as the Barclays saw Zach Johnson leapfrog Rickie Fowler on the Ryder Cup list, and the European team’s captain’s picks have leaked. All of that plus a preview of the outfits and a look into Davis Love III’s own captain’s picks.
Let’s dive in!
Hole #1: Patrick Reed Wins at Bethpage
Patrick Reed won his fifth PGA Tour event (doesn’t that seem high?) by a stroke over Sean O’Hair and Emiliano Grillo after an implosion by Rickie Fowler on Sunday. [Link]
Hole #2: More on Patrick Reed
For a little bit more on Patrick Reed, here’s his story in his own words. [Link]
Hole #3: Rose Wears Olympic Gold at Barclays
After he cozied his birdie putt on the 72nd hole to just a few inches, Justin Rose’s caddy draped his Olympic gold medal around his neck for the final putt. Phil Mickelson’s caddy Bones Mackay gets credit for the idea. [Link]
Hole #4: Zach Johnson Secures Ryder Cup Spot
After a three-over finish for the last four holes, Rickie Fowler slipped out of automatic qualifying for the Ryder Cup, and Zach Johnson took advantage. [Link]
Hole #5: Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, and Thomas Pieters to be Named to European Ryder Cup Team
Early word is that Belgian Thomas Pieters will join Englishman Lee Westwood and Germany’s Martin Kaymer as Europe’s three Ryder Cup captain’s picks. [Link]
Hole #6: Ryder Cup Outfit Preview
For a quick look at what the American team will be wearing at Hazeltine, Golf.com has you covered. [Link]
Hole #7: Love III Using Statistics to Improve Ryder Cup Chances
Davis Love III, U.S. team captain, has employed the services of Scouts Consulting Group, a strategy firm based out of Virginia, to make his captain’s picks. Tom Watson is still figuring out how to spell “statistics.” [Link]
Hole #8: McIlroy and Woods Inundated with Golf Clubs
Since Nike Golf announced earlier this month that they would be extracting themselves from the golf club business, star players Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have become themselves free agents. Other manufacturers are taking advantage. [Link]
Hole #9: Weekly Woods Wrap-up
Let’s go a little more Mickelson-focused this time, eh? [Link]