4th December Newsletter

Author

TJ Biggs
December 04, 2023

Hello team, December is finally here, I hope you are slowly closing up shop and booking those golf rounds in because I sure am.

Dean Burmester went back to back taking the Joburg Open two weeks ago and now the SA Open, the LIV golfers are stepping up as Joaquin Niemann clinched the Australian Open in a playoff.

This week saw some heated topics come up as Jay Monahan makes the news and a very controversial story about the golf ball rollback unfolds.

Something that won’t make the headline but is worth mentioning. Collin Morikawa’s caddie used a device on the practice green to calculate slope which is not illegal, but he then added that info to his handwritten notes in the yardage book which is a breach of the rules. The question is; is this taking the rules too far?

Here's to a week filled with more pars, fewer bogeys ⛳🏌️‍♀️🏌️

RESULTS
Weekly Results From Around The World

Image: Golf Monthly

PGA Tour: Hero World Challenge - Scottie Scheffler | -20
DP World Tour: ISPS HANDA Australian Open - Joaquin Niemann | -14
DP World Tour: Investec South African Open Championship - Dean Burmester | -11
Asian Tour: Taiwan Glass Taifong Open - Suteepat Prateeptienchai | -19

News
Short News Snippets From Around The World

Image: Golfdigest

  • Could we see more of Tiger in 2024? Apparently, Tiger Woods has been telling people that he will be playing at least 5 to 6 rounds in 2024, with his aim to play one a month. This is music to my ears 🐐

  • Goodbye Jay Monahan. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is reportedly set to step down after seven years, amidst controversy. Golf journalist Bob Ball claims Monahan lost trust among players, threatened sanctions for joining LIV Golf, and secretly negotiated with PIF, causing a lack of trust among PGA Tour members and employees. Monahan allegedly exploited relations with broadcasters to hinder the Saudi-backed circuit and may leave due to a shortage of successors. The official announcement is expected after the PGA Tour's framework agreement with PIF is finalized.

  • Golf Ball Roll Back. The USGA and R&A are set to announce a universal golf ball rollback, affecting both elite and recreational players. The expected change involves raising the swing speed for testing from 120 mph to 125 mph while maintaining a distance limit of 317 yards. This adjustment, following three years of consultation, aims to address concerns about hitting distances. Despite initial resistance from the industry, the decision, expected to be implemented in 2028 for elite players and 2030 for all conforming balls, aims to ensure the long-term future of the game. I personally think it is ridiculous.

  • Jon Rahm update. There has been no update on the Jon Rahm situation regarding his move to LIV Golf. However in the past the longer the silence the more likely it is to happen. Tiger Woods refused to comment on the situation at the Hero World Challenge.

STATS
The Tiger Effect 🐯

  • In 1980 the 125th player on the PGA Tour money list earned $19,895 (BEFORE expenses).

  • In 1980 the median household income was $21,020.

  • Last year on the PGA Tour, the 125th player on the money list earned $1,026,002.

  • Last year the median household income was $87,864.

1980:
➡️125th on the money list: $19,895
➡️Median household income: $21,020

2022:
➡️125th on the money list: $1,026,002
➡️Median household income: $87,864

In 1980 the 125th best golfer on the PGA tour earned WAY less than the typical household (after expenses).

Imagine being that good at golf and hardly making any money. This is one reason why fields are so much deeper today than they were back then. There is so much more money available.

REVIEW
Odyssey Ai-ONE Putters

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The navy blue PVD finish adds a premium touch and interchangeable front weights allow personalization. Models like Rossie S, Seven S, and Double Wide DB cater to diverse strokes.

The striking blue finish enhances visibility, and the firmer feel provides instant feedback. In performance, Ai-ONE putters excel in forgiveness and distance control.

The Odyssey Ai-ONE lineup offers golfers a blend of cutting-edge technology, superior performance, and elegant design, presenting a thrilling opportunity to enhance putting proficiency.

For the full article CLICK HERE

TWITTER
What Should Be The Punishment For This? 👮‍♂️

EVENTS
What Can We Expect From The Upcoming Events

Image: Compleat Golfer

PGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational - Inaugural Event
DP World Tour: Alfred Dunhill Championship - Defending Champ | Ockie Strydom
LPGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational - Inaugural Event
Asian Tour: No event

That’s a wrap for this week. Thank you for taking the time to read the fifth edition of this newsletter, please feel free to leave me a comment or reply with some feedback. If you are looking to sponsor this newsletter let me know, I would love to have you on board.

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Cheers,

TJ 🏌️