2016-2017 Golf Season Thread

[Stray]

I control+f'd the first four or 5 pages till I found the 2015 golf thread so I figured we needed a new one.

[Stray]

So whatever anyone expected of Tiger on his return to the Hero World Challenge, I think it's safe to say he's been better than expected.

[Kingspoint]

I must be old because I still miss starting the season with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

The Americans had a great Ryder Cup to end 2016. There's really a ton of good players making it nice not to have Tiger Woods' name not mentioned very often. Dustin Johnson finally got the monkey off his back last season, yet it's clearly always ready to climb right back on again. Should be a great season.

[Boston Red]

Say goodbye to Tiger's name not getting mentioned very often. It's of course instructive, though, that this thread didn't get started until Tiger made his debut.

[Stray]

Say goodbye to Tiger's name not getting mentioned very often. It's of course instructive, though, that this thread didn't get started until Tiger made his debut.

I watch with or without him, but his healthy return is huge news in the sports world.

[Boston Red]

I watch with or without him, but his healthy return is huge news in the sports world.

Me, too, and completely agree. Especially if he doesn't suck, and it looks like he won't.

[Kingspoint]

Me, too, and completely agree. Especially if he doesn't suck, and it looks like he won't.

Here's to him having better luck with his back than Duvall did.

[Red Raindog]

Got my first eagle of 2017 yesterday ---- 100 yards out -- under a tree with lower hanging branches --- punched 6 iron --- clunked on the pin and dropped in --- you should have heard the others guys whining

I told them I was trying to get it close to the pin -- but this worked just fine....

[Kingspoint]

Got my first eagle of 2017 yesterday ---- 100 yards out -- under a tree with lower hanging branches --- punched 6 iron --- clunked on the pin and dropped in --- you should have heard the others guys whining

I told them I was trying to get it close to the pin -- but this worked just fine....

It's too cold out there.

[Red Raindog]

It's too cold out there.

Never too cold to take quarters from your buddies


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[texasdave]

Tiger throws up a +5 in the first round of Dubai. I wonder if he will ever get it back. Maybe the physical problems are worse than we know.

[Redhook]

Tiger throws up a +5 in the first round of Dubai. I wonder if he will ever get it back. Maybe the physical problems are worse than we know.

It's not pretty right now. I was somewhat encouraged after watching him play in December, but he looks somewhat defeated right now. He's not even close.

[bucksfan2]

Tiger is done. In his prime he got by on being able to do things that other players couldn't and a mental game unparalleled to anything we had seen since Nicholas. His mental game is a disaster now, and he is no longer the strongest player in the game. I would imagine that the average striker of the ball on tour hits it as long as Tiger did in his early prime. I think strength and conditioning separated Tiger from the pack, but it ushered a new generation of player who has never known anything different, and are stronger than TW.

Tiger broke in playing the Titleist D driver, a great driver, probably one of the drivers that revolutionized the game. It was the same driver that I used in HS, and then shortly after HS. The thing that I have noticed, and I buy a new (used) driver every 5 years or so, is that with each newer model I get I add a little bit of distance. I do wonder if he wasn't playing with lesser technology with the Nike stuff.

[Boston Red]

And now Louisville St. X's Justin Thomas may be the best golfer in the world. Excellent!

[texasdave]

Tiger pulls out of Dubai citing back spasms.

[Sea Ray]

Tiger pulls out of Dubai citing back spasms.

Yeah I heard that today. Doesn't sound good for a guy who's career is in jeopardy due to back issues

[Sea Ray]

Got my first eagle of 2017 yesterday ---- 100 yards out -- under a tree with lower hanging branches --- punched 6 iron --- clunked on the pin and dropped in --- you should have heard the others guys whining

I told them I was trying to get it close to the pin -- but this worked just fine....

First eagle of 2017???

I'm still looking for the first eagle of my life

[Razor Shines]

I see that more than one article has noted the fact that Tiger flew 17 hours from LA to Dubai....now, I've never flown on a private jet but I have to imagine it doesn't put the strain on one's back that would come from flying commercial. Is it still a strain? I suppose but if there's anyone who could afford to make that strain as minor as possible it would be Tiger.

[kaldaniels]

Yeah I heard that today. Doesn't sound good for a guy who's career is in jeopardy due to back issues

I was surprised to do the math tonight and realize as of this summer, it will be 9 years since his last Major.

[Red Raindog]

First eagle of 2017???

I'm still looking for the first eagle of my life

:evil:

for my age (64.9ish) I can still get it out there - my golf balls are personalized as longandlost --- which means I can reach some of the par 5's and get in wedge range on some par 4's if I can find the golf ball......

[paintmered]

:evil:

for my age (64.9ish) I can still get it out there - my golf balls are personalized as longandlost --- which means I can reach some of the par 5's and get in wedge range on some par 4's if I can find the golf ball......

As they say, the woods are full of long hitters. :)

[Red Raindog]

Our local course is built on an old federal fish hatchery
Lots of water too
I've found I can't fill them with golf balls yet


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[Chip R]

I see that more than one article has noted the fact that Tiger flew 17 hours from LA to Dubai....now, I've never flown on a private jet but I have to imagine it doesn't put the strain on one's back that would come from flying commercial. Is it still a strain? I suppose but if there's anyone who could afford to make that strain as minor as possible it would be Tiger.

I would think spending 17 hours mostly in a seated position would not be real good on your back. I remember back in the late 80s early 90s when Larry Bird was having back problems I believe they said he would actually lie down on longer flights to alleviate the discomfort. So I would guess that is a thing.

[Boston Red]

I'm certain that whatever flight Tiger took had a lay flat option.

[bucksfan2]

I would think spending 17 hours mostly in a seated position would not be real good on your back. I remember back in the late 80s early 90s when Larry Bird was having back problems I believe they said he would actually lie down on longer flights to alleviate the discomfort. So I would guess that is a thing.

Then don't play. If he wants to keep up appearances for "show up fees" then by all means play in Dubai. If he wants to compete, then flying to Dubai isn't exactly the best idea.

[Chip R]

The USGA and R&A are seriously considering streamlining the Rules of Golf and even changing several.

http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/18794692/united-states-golf-association-ra-propose-rulebook-reduction-eyes-2019-implementation

[texasdave]

Tiger will miss the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and quite possibly the Masters. http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/golf/the-tiger-woods-mystery-deepens-after-bay-hill-news/ar-AAo76ls?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

[Razor Shines]

SERGIO!!

I'm really happy that he finally won a major. Really nice moment when they chanted his name.

[Stray]

That was a fantastic final round. Sergio was dialed in like something fierce. Got a little shaky with the putter down the stretch, but every full swing he took was perfect. Like for the last 5 holes or so.

Deserving champ, he's had his share of heartbreak over the years. Almost wonder if this won't lead to more for him. He has the ball striking to win US Opens, and he's usually competitive at British Open courses.

[Chip R]

A fourth back surgery for Tiger.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/golf/2017/04/20/tiger-woods-has-a-4th-back-surgery/100711146/

[Stray]

That Tiger mugshot is about the most depressing thing ever.

[ScotlandRed]

That Tiger mugshot is about the most depressing thing ever.

It's not pretty at all. Sad to see him like that but not got much sympathy for drink drivers.

[paintmered]

Mods: please delete this post (can't get the attachment to load)

[Sea Ray]

It's not pretty at all. Sad to see him like that but not got much sympathy for drink drivers.

He's claiming that he wasn't drinking. It was another reaction to Rx drugs. This is the same line he used in 2009. He needs to consider himself an ex-golfer and get on with the next stage of his life.

[Sea Ray]

This case shows how unreliable the media is on getting out the truth. Did Tiger refuse or pass a breathalyzer?


Tiger Woods had no alcohol in his system when he was arrested for DUI early Monday morning, according to outlets citing what appears to be the police report. Two breathalyzer tests registered a .000 blood alcohol content.

The report, issued by the Jupiter Police Department (though they have yet to officially release it), states that the 41-year-old golfer was found asleep at the wheel on the side of the road, and had to be woken up.

http://people.com/sports/tiger-woods-blew-a-zero-on-a-breathalyzer-test-during-his-dui-arrest-report/


Woods grew “arrogant” during the stop and refused to take a Breathalyzer test, which is grounds for an automatic arrest.

http://nypost.com/2017/05/29/tiger-woods-arrested-for-dui-in-florida/

Now that we have a police report we can honestly see that Tiger was not under the influence of alcohol nor was he driving. He was asleep at the wheel. Tiger's clearly got some issues but it's not what was reported yesterday.

Goes to show you can't trust unnamed sources "reporting" things even though nowadays there are headlines everyday that amount to nothing more than that.

[bucksfan2]

It could be an innocent reaction to prescription meds, its what Tiger is saying, and also explainable by the police report. Some times the simplest answer is the right answer.

Tiger's downward spiral since he won the Open at Torrey Pines has been nothing short of shocking. Honestly, I think there was more at play than just an innocent mistake. I have no proof, want to give Tiger the benefit of the doubt, but his story has been depressing over the past 8 years.

[texasdave]

This case shows how unreliable the media is on getting out the truth. Did Tiger refuse or pass a breathalyzer?


http://people.com/sports/tiger-woods-blew-a-zero-on-a-breathalyzer-test-during-his-dui-arrest-report/



http://nypost.com/2017/05/29/tiger-woods-arrested-for-dui-in-florida/

Now that we have a police report we can honestly see that Tiger was not under the influence of alcohol nor was he driving. He was asleep at the wheel. Tiger's clearly got some issues but it's not what was reported yesterday.

Goes to show you can't trust unnamed sources "reporting" things even though nowadays there are headlines everyday that amount to nothing more than that.

Who has time to ascertain the facts? We have to get that story out pronto.

[Sea Ray]

It could be an innocent reaction to prescription meds, its what Tiger is saying, and also explainable by the police report. Some times the simplest answer is the right answer.

Tiger's downward spiral since he won the Open at Torrey Pines has been nothing short of shocking. Honestly, I think there was more at play than just an innocent mistake. I have no proof, want to give Tiger the benefit of the doubt, but his story has been depressing over the past 8 years.

I'm comfortable saying that it was the meds and not alcohol. His breath test supports that but how screwed up is he physically that he needs 4 meds that put him to sleep? That tells me that he's not right physically and possibly has a Rx drug problem. Either one doesn't bode well for his golfing career

[Kingspoint]

Casey Martin's Oregon Ducks (seeded #5) are about to knock off #1 seed Vanderbilt and advance to the Championship Match against Oklahoma. Ducks will be seeking back-to-back Championships in Men's golf. A remarkable job by Casey Martin. He should have won Coach-of-the-Year last season, but didn't. He truly deserves it this year.

[Boston Red]

Case Martin is DEFINITELY the most famous college golf coach! :)

[Boston Red]

Also, my buddy has a nephew on OU's team, so I'll definitely be paying attention tomorrow.

[Chip R]

I'm comfortable saying that it was the meds and not alcohol. His breath test supports that but how screwed up is he physically that he needs 4 meds that put him to sleep? That tells me that he's not right physically and possibly has a Rx drug problem. Either one doesn't bode well for his golfing career

I think this is probably what happened. I also think the charges will be dropped. Perhaps they will suggest that he seek some counseling about painkiller abuse if that's a thing. It could have been worse. He could have crashed again or hit someone. It doesn't have the stigma of drunk driving but the result could be just as bad.

[Sea Ray]

I think this is probably what happened. I also think the charges will be dropped. Perhaps they will suggest that he seek some counseling about painkiller abuse if that's a thing. It could have been worse. He could have crashed again or hit someone. It doesn't have the stigma of drunk driving but the result could be just as bad.

I agree the charges will be dropped and actually I'm fine with that. I would like to know why he had two flat tires. Did he swerve off the road?

[Redhook]

Casey Martin's Oregon Ducks (seeded #5) are about to knock off #1 seed Vanderbilt and advance to the Championship Match against Oklahoma. Ducks will be seeking back-to-back Championships in Men's golf. A remarkable job by Casey Martin. He should have won Coach-of-the-Year last season, but didn't. He truly deserves it this year.

I hope he wins it too. He's a super nice guy. And a phenomenal golfer. I was lucky enough to play with him about 15 years ago in a Canadian Tour event. If his leg wasn't an issue, he'd still be on tour.

[Boston Red]

15 years ago? That was after his Supreme Court case, so was he driving around in his cart when you played with him? Does he still have the leg? I remember 20 years ago the stories about him suggested he would eventually have to have the leg amputated.

[ScotlandRed]

Well, seems like a few in the media and myself jumped to a couple of conclusions about Woods DUI.

Not sure where this leaves him though.

[Kingspoint]

Chronic back pain issues are something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Addiction to pain-killers happens all too frequently. THC without the smoke, seems to be the best remedy.

[Boston Red]

My buddy's nephew won his match today for the NCAA champion Sooners.

[Kingspoint]

My buddy's nephew won his match today for the NCAA champion Sooners.

Watched the whole thing. Like watching Ryder Cup. Wadkins hit the nail on the head when he said the high winds would favor Oklahoma because it was identical to the conditions they play every day on their home course. That's exactly what happened as Oregon struggled all day trying to figure out the winds, even on the greens, but especially above the trees, while Oklahoma knew, and was better at, that trying to keep the ball low was the only way to play. Oregon kept challenging and misjudging the wind.

[Boston Red]

Tomorrow is Justin Thomas's time.

[Kingspoint]

Tomorrow is Justin Thomas's time.

I came here expecting a comment about Day.

The pressure of a Major.

I like that they are moving the tournament to be the 2nd Major. It bridges the other two better.

[paintmered]

Tomorrow is Justin Thomas's time.

Good call.

[IslandRed]

I like that they are moving the tournament to be the 2nd Major. It bridges the other two better.

Agreed, and it's also a huge benefit IMO for The Players Championship, which will go back to March (and part of the Florida Swing) where it belongs.

[Kingspoint]

Definitely makes the TPC have a lot more relevance and will truly be the 5th Major.

[bucksfan2]

I like that they are moving the tournament to be the 2nd Major. It bridges the other two better.

I don't really care for it. I think the golf season is still getting into the swing of things in May and as a fan, I like having a later major in the year when my golf game is at full swing.

I wonder with them moving the PGA in between the Masters and US Open will effect northern courses like Whistling Straights.

[Reds Fanatic]

Agreed, and it's also a huge benefit IMO for The Players Championship, which will go back to March (and part of the Florida Swing) where it belongs.

It will also allow them to get more focus on the FedEx Cup playoffs. Now with the new schedule they will get done by Labor Day before the NFL season which now takes a lot of the focus off the playoffs. Also it will help for Olympic years too as last year they had to really move up the PGA several weeks to give the players time to fit the Olympics in. Now with the majors done in July it gives a lot more flexibility during those Olympic years without having to adjust the major schedules.

[Chip R]

I don't really care for it. I think the golf season is still getting into the swing of things in May and as a fan, I like having a later major in the year when my golf game is at full swing.

I wonder with them moving the PGA in between the Masters and US Open will effect northern courses like Whistling Straights.

It might. The southern courses may come back into play.

[Boston Red]

It might. The southern courses may come back into play.

The PGA was in Charlotte, NC this past weekend. That course is about 5 miles from South Carolina. That's the south.

[Chip R]

The PGA was in Charlotte, NC this past weekend. That course is about 5 miles from South Carolina. That's the south.

Right. But other courses too that may be a bit too warm to play in August like Atlanta CC, Colonial, perhaps. Maybe some of the Florida courses.

[Boston Red]

Right. But other courses too that may be a bit too warm to play in August like Atlanta CC, Colonial, perhaps. Maybe some of the Florida courses.

Those places aren't really any warmer than Charlotte, NC or Louisville, KY in August.

[Kingspoint]

The PGA was in Charlotte, NC this past weekend. That course is about 5 miles from South Carolina. That's the south.

Yes, but Texas and Arizona and Florida can now host the PGA.

[MWM]

It will also allow them to get more focus on the FedEx Cup playoffs. Now with the new schedule they will get done by Labor Day before the NFL season which now takes a lot of the focus off the playoffs. Also it will help for Olympic years too as last year they had to really move up the PGA several weeks to give the players time to fit the Olympics in. Now with the majors done in July it gives a lot more flexibility during those Olympic years without having to adjust the major schedules.

Bingo. This is why it was done. It will elevate the FedExCup Playoffs as it will no longer take place in the first few weeks of the NFL season. For those that like a late summer "major", I think the playoffs will now actually seem bigger. There have been some incredibly fantastic finishes (like last year) that just don't get noticed because no one really cares about anything else once the NFL kicks off.

Now there will be one big event every month from March through August. I like the changed.

[bucksfan2]

Bingo. This is why it was done. It will elevate the FedExCup Playoffs as it will no longer take place in the first few weeks of the NFL season. For those that like a late summer "major", I think the playoffs will now actually seem bigger. There have been some incredibly fantastic finishes (like last year) that just don't get noticed because no one really cares about anything else once the NFL kicks off.

Now there will be one big event every month from March through August. I like the changed.

Eh, the PGA has about 4 big events each year, with a couple others getting some serious pub because most of the name players are playing. The Ryder Cup is a big event, but that is every other year, and I don't think the President's Cup garners as much attention, but is interesting. You have events like The Players and The Memorial which get big draws, as well as the WGC events, but everything else in the golf calendar is pretty lackluster. I know they want to stress the FedExCup Playoffs, but its a hard sell later in the season, especially as the field gets dwindled down.

[MWM]

Eh, the PGA has about 4 big events each year, with a couple others getting some serious pub because most of the name players are playing. The Ryder Cup is a big event, but that is every other year, and I don't think the President's Cup garners as much attention, but is interesting. You have events like The Players and The Memorial which get big draws, as well as the WGC events, but everything else in the golf calendar is pretty lackluster. I know they want to stress the FedExCup Playoffs, but its a hard sell later in the season, especially as the field gets dwindled down.

I think the new schedule will eventually have a big impact on how the FedExCup is viewed by golf fans. It won't happen right away, but I believe it will happen. This is the 11th year of the FEC. The players themselves didn't embrace it for much of that period, but they have really began to past few years. That will have a big impact, IMO.

[Kingspoint]

Dustin Johnson really showed his swagger today.

[dubc47834]

Tiger back to chipping now!

Hopefully he can get back to some lesser version of the old Tiger. Just want to see him competitive again. Golf without him just isn't the same. Lots of young talent, which I think is directly related to Tiger Woods!!!

[Boston Red]

Louisville's Justin Thomas is the best golfer on the planet.

[MWM]

Tiger is back and looking decent.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Tiger is back and looking decent.

He just eagled the 9th hole and is -8 and in the lead.

[Boston Red]

Are we allowed to like Tiger given that he's buddies with Trump?

[Red Raindog]

I matched Tiger with an eagle today --- par four playing 275 yards over water --- to 12' & rolled in the only putt I made all day

looking at the future weather -- might be my last one of the year -- I reached a par 5 in two today & proceeded to 3 jack it