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THIS IS TIM BURKE COMPETING in the Open Division of the "Smash in the Sun" at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.


Source: Golf Swing Wednesday: Tim Burke in World Long Drive Competition

I WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON I-64 during the final round of the 2019 Masters. I had attended my aunt's funeral in southern Indiana. Now my wife and I were heading home to Virginia after a difficult and emotional week for our family.

Somewhere east of Louisville my cousin called.

"Hey, are you watching the Masters?"

My wife and I laughed. Yes, we are.

I had the live stream on my phone perched between us on the console. I could easily listen to Jim Nantz and others describe the action as the contenders navigated Amen Corner and the finishing holes. But it was hard to watch the Masters while I drove the interstate. I tried, though, stealing glances at a putt, a tee shot, a pitch. My wife kept telling me to watch the road. I am, I am, I said.

As Tiger Woods later said in Butler Cabin, the...

I'VE BEEN ABSENT FOR AWHILE, away from home and taking a break from this blog. But now I'm back, and perhaps like you, I'm keeping an eye on the Masters.

Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau are the first-round leaders at 6-under 66. Phil Mickelson is one shot back after a scrambling 67. Scoring was impressive on a good weather day at Augusta National.

Following is a Masters infographic courtesy of WalletHub.


Source: WalletHub


Source: INFOGRAPHIC: 2019 Masters Tournament

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BEN CRENSHAW MET TOM KITE in Austin, Texas, when they were kids in the early 1960s. A long friendship and Hall of Fame careers followed.

Here's a short excerpt from Melanie Hauser's feature at PGATOUR.COM:

GOLF CHANNEL ACADEMY LEAD COACH Jill Finlan Scally demonstrates how full swings with feet together can help balance.

I like this drill and the idea behind it. I don't know about you, but for me this technique has been around (and something I've used) since I played junior golf decades ago. And not just how Jill presents it.

In the past, when I've struggled with various aspects of my swing, I've often narrowed my stance or brought my feet together to improve balance and tempo, shorten my golf swing and regain control.

Sometimes I've gone to a narrow stance mid-round as a desperate measure. Whether on course or during practice, this adjustment can lead to smoother swings and more solid golf shots.


Source: VIDEO: Feet Together Swing Drill by Golf Channel Academy's Jill...

MATCH PLAY, AS DAVID FEHERTY OPINES, is a different game within the game. Of course, he's right.

I like match play for the same reasons I like March Madness. Just about anything can happen on any given day, or over 18 holes. That's a big part of what makes sports so compelling. I certainly don't mind an upset and have been known to root for the underdog.

The WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play begins on Wednesday at Austin Country Club. The field of 64 features the top players in the world, including Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, Francesco Molinari, Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods.

Golf Channel and NBC will provide live TV and streaming coverage.


Source: VIDEO: David Feherty Explains Match Play or 'Theory of Feherativity'

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By USGA

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – Following an extensive search, the USGA has appointed longtime PGA Tour player and four-time U.S. Open competitor Jason Gore as its first senior director, Player Relations.

The appointment launches a comprehensive program aimed at sharing information and strengthening engagement with players in areas of importance to the USGA. These include initiatives to grow and advance the game, research critical to the game's health, and continuing to incorporate the players' perspective in its work to advance the sport.

Gore's primary role will be to interact with professional and elite amateur players across the game, particularly focusing on competitors in the USGA's Open and amateur championships.

He will...

I RAN ACROSS THIS CLIP from The Players Championship. Tiger Woods answered the question with good humor.

The career wins (major and other) of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, the two greatest players of their eras, are pretty similar overall and miles ahead of everyone else.

So, who's the GOAT? And what's your criteria?

(I know Tiger isn't finished. He might bag a few more wins.)

I've often noticed that one's answer to this question depends on their age. There's a generational bias.


Source: Who's the Greatest: Tiger or Jack?