The Events that Matter (and the 2016 Olympics)

In a press conference for the ages Rory McIlroy firmly planted his foot in his mouth and now looks like a spoiled, rich, professional golfer who is out of touch with the game he plays for living.

Thrash TalkOne of the things I like best about Rory McIlroy is his candor during press conferences. He is open, honest, and says what is on his mind. I love it. It is such a contrast to the robotic answers that we got for so many years from Tiger Woods. At the British Open Rory’s press conference was not only interesting, he lit the dang thing on fire.

The questioning was about his participation in the Olympics. Male golfers are dropping out at an alarming pace. Rory was not the first and he was not the last. In his initial statement he said he was dropping out because of the Zika virus. Almost everyone has cited the virus, or as Jordan Spieth calls it “health concerns” (we’ll get to him later). But during his press conference he seemed to backtrack. He basically said Zika was one of many reasons. I think he had to do this because the Zika virus is a really weak excuse. As a reporter I could have easily asked him why if he was so concerned about the virus did he go to the Bahamas on vacation a location where reported cases of the Zika virus have been found. Or stay at his house in Florida where mosquitos have been found with the virus. The virus was not a legitimate excuse and he probably knew it. Then he went down a path I would have recommended he not go down.

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Volume Four Hundred Eighty-Five

Henrik Stenson, Henrik Stenson, and more Henrik Stenson.

Hitting the LinksIt wasn’t the Duel in the Sun, but it may have been the Battle in the Breezes, as Phil Mickelson shoots a final-round, final-pairing 65… and loses by three to Henrik Stenson’s 63, with none other than Johnny Miller on the call.

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TST Staff Predictions for the 2016 British Open

The third major of the season gets underway this week, lets see who the staff expects to play well at the British Open.

Thrash TalkIn my opinion Royal Troon is the perfect British Open golf course. It is a links course with a certain amount of holes where you can play well, and a some really really hard holes. I love watching the players play the postage stamp, just great viewing. Adding to this years event, many of the world’s best golfers are playing really well and we have recipe for an outstanding event.

Royal Troon has a history of winners that is very interesting. For one Americans have won there since Arnold Palmer in 1962. There is not a clear reason for this, but it is an interesting fact. It also has a history of crowning some unsuspecting winners such as Todd Hamilton. So we are likely in for an interesting tournament. Let’s see what the staff expects for this year’s event.

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Volume Four Hundred Eighty-Four

We cap off the U.S. Women’s Open, look forward to the British, and check in on the Olympics.

Hittin the Links Hello SandTrappers! I am Jeff … umm John … umm Jamieson Wilson or something like that, and welcome to this week’s Hittin’ The Links. Today, we take a look backwards to the history of Royal Troon, get into some current rules and PR issues that the USGA is having, and look forward to next week’s British Open.

All that plus Zach Johnson’s last hurrah with the Claret Jug, shots fired from the International Golf Federation, and Good Guy Paul Goydos taking home a hefty check on the Champions Tour.

Let’s get into it!

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Volume Four Hundred Eighty-Three

DJ wins, JD falls apart, and a preview of the U.S. Women’s Open.

Hittin the Links Dustin Johnson, he formerly of the 800-lb major championship gorilla, appears to be breaking through big time. With his most recent win, this time at Firestone, Johnson now has three WGC wins, and continues to move up the career wins list. Johnson’s 11 PGA Tour wins look more and more impressive by the year as the PGA Tour searches for a dominant star player to fill the Tiger void.

On this week’s Hittin’ the Links, we take a look at DJ’s win, JD’s collapse, and more from this week on the PGA Tour. We also check in with Stacey Lewis, who has some opinions on the Olympics, take a look at the best food at the turn, and learn how to get a tee time at The Old Course.

Let’s get to it!

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What’s New and Notable

New drivers from Titleist, two new lines from Srixon, and more toys coming soon.

Bag DropNew releases on their way from Titleist, Srixon and Odyssey, plus a few items you can take advantage of right now.

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TaylorMade M2 Fairway Wood Review

Building on the success of the M1, Taylormade introduces the M2 line of woods and hybrids.

taylormade_m2_fairwayBuilding on the success of the M1, TaylorMade introduces the M2 line of woods and hybrids that feature all the benefits of the M1, apart from adjustability. Keeping with the same looks and lower price point, the M2 line targets the player looking for distance and forgiveness with a more competitive price tag.

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Volume Four Hundred Eighty-Two

Billy Hurley picks up his first win, Charlie Woods nearly breaks through, and the PGA Tour cancels the Greenbrier.

Hittin the LinksBilly Hurley III was the highlight of the weekend, winning the Quicken Loans National to earn his first career PGA Tour victory. He was joined in the winner’s circle this week by Lydia Ko on the LPGA Tour, Henrick Stenson on the European Tour, and very nearly by Charlie Woods on the junior circuit.

We’ll also check in on the rapidly declining Olympic golf player pool, see how Oakmont looks after the U.S. Open, and find out why there won’t be a Greenbrier Classic this year. All that plus Gary Player being Gary Player.

Let’s hit the links.

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TaylorMade M2 Irons Review

How high and how far do you want to hit your irons?

TaylorMade M2 IronThe TaylorMade M2 irons promise to do two things that should benefit a whole lot of golfers out there: hit golf balls a long way and with a high trajectory.

Actually, those two are closely related for most players. Since the majority of us don’t swing at anywhere near the speed of a pro, getting the ball up in the air so it can travel as far as possible is our best bet to knock it past our buddies. So those two M2 promises are a crucial combination that a lot of players will be looking for.

So how well do they deliver? Read on.

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