To all golf enthusiasts out there, Happy Thanksgiving! Winter is upon us in the greater Northeast, and the odds of squeezing in one more round this season are pretty bleak. The next 4 months are a time of self reflection, carpet putting and spontaneous purchases of golf gimmicks to give you an extra 10 yards off the tee. Here at Golfballin, we’re reflecting on the game of golf and what we are thankful for, a few golf nuts just chasing the dream. Enjoy your turkey day, everyone!
We are thankful for:
Tiger being back
Whether you love him or hate him, Tiger Woods provided a lot of excitement to the PGA Tour season. He had chances to win the British Open and PGA Championship and 5 other top tens, including his win at the Tour Championship. The crowd flooding the 18th hole at Eastlake was an incredible tribute to the man who’s given golf so much.
Fresh blood on the PGA Tour
Cam Champ, Joaquin Niemann and Denny McCarthy are a few of the many young players on the PGA Tour. Champ already has a win and 4 top tens and hits the ball further than everyone (even you, Bubba). Niemann played well enough on sponsors exemptions in 2018 to secure his tour card, and McCarthy already had a chance to win in the fall series. Who do you root for?! These kids will go toe to toe with the likes of Jordan, Rickie and Tiger in 2019 and don’t be surprised if they come out on top.
New PGA Tour schedule
Who can argue with 5 major tournaments in 5 months? The PGA Championship is moving to May next year, meaning “Glory’s Last Shot” will have a more prominent role in the major calendar. Also, with the Tour Championship finishing before football season, you won’t have to decide what channel to watch come September.
The race for #1
World #1 used to be a show of dominance. More specifically, it was Tiger versus the rest of the world. There were 9 changes in the top spot between 4 different players in 2018. None of those players were named Tiger, Jordan or Rory. #1 is starting to show who has the hot hand rather than who’s the most dominant, and that trend will continue next year.
Pernilla Lindberg’s Playoff Victory
It took 8 playoff holes and 2 days for Pernilla Lindberg to win the ANA Inspiration earlier this year. Her putting exemplified the word “clutch,” making multiple 10 - 15 footers down the stretch, in the playoff and eventually to win the tournament. Her gutsy performance was one of the best of 2018 and it was must watch TV, with one of the holes finishing under the lights. Thanks for the dramatic play, Pernilla.
2019
We can all shoot under par next year, right? We have 4 months to figure it out and hit that opening tee shot. ;)