This week we set the clocks ahead, which means that spring and the core of the golf season are almost upon us.
Next week is the Arnold Palmer Classic, a week later the WGC Match Play, then the Houston Open follows, and then the one we’re always waiting for. Major season begins with the Masters in four short weeks.
But first, the Valspar Championship frustrated tour pros all week and gave us the game’s #1 pro getting beat by the game’s #1 amateur. So that was pretty cool.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: He Usually Prefers Home Cooking
Charl Schwartzel gets a win (outside of Africa) by taking the first playoff hole at the Valspar Championship over Bill Haas. Charl’s final round included a 64-foot birdie putt. You need stuff like that to happen when you’re chasing your first win since 2011 (of course, that was the Masters). Prior to this week, eight of Schwartzel’s 11 wins worldwide wins had come in Africa. [Link]
Hole #2: Hend Wins True Thailand Classic
Aussie Scott Hend saw a six-point lead evaporate as local favorite Piya Swangarunporn put together a final round 63, which was good enough for the course record, but not the win. [Link]
Hole #3: Would-Be Golfer in Chief
Every golf fan knows of Donald Trump’s affiliation with golf, but John Kasich is also a devotee of the sport. Kasich says he doesn’t watch the news, but loves to watch the Golf Channel while traveling. [Link]
Hole #4: Ace for Fowler
Rickie Fowler holed out a 111-ish yard tee shot on the 19th hole in Monday’s Els for Autism pro-am that won $1 million for the charity, and Ernie went nuts. [Link]
Hole #5: Five Most Under-Rated Players
Patrick Reed… under-rated. Are we sure about that? [Link]
Hole #6: “We Are Already a Global Tour”
PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem’s comments last week about a consolidated tour met with a quotable response from the European Tour’s new head guy, Keith Pelley. [Link]
Hole #7: Now That’s a Pre-Shot Routine
It’s not really Keegan Bradley’s routine but The amazing thing is that Charlie Chaplin even hits the ball. [Link]
Hole #8: All for Driving in Circles…
Kevin Harvick’s backyard is probably nicer than yours. [Link]
Hole #9: Since Hoops Are on the Mind
It’s Kuch, from half court for charity. [Link]