Remember when crazy golf used to be a mere holiday distraction?
Well, David Feherty’s departure from mainstream television to become a part of LIV Golf’s broadcast team came with a bizarre twist as a number of players welcomed him to the fold . . . including a message from Phil Mickelson from a gorilla refuge in Rwanda!
As for Graeme McDowell? He too offered a welcome to Feherty with the words: “He’s just another guy with a messed up Northern Irish accent to go along with me.”
Feherty carved out a niche role in broadcasting stateside after retiring from professional golf, working with NBC and the Golf Channel.
In the official release of his signing for LIV, Feherty said: “As a storyteller, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help write a new chapter in this sport’s history. LIV Golf is developing ideas and innovations that are going to grow the audience and engage the next generation of players and fans . . . I’m eager to contribute to a world class broadcast production that has a vision towards the future.”
And don’t forget the wads of crazy money!!
Feherty makes his broadcasting debut at this week’s tournament in New Jersey, where Henrik Stenson – who has stepped down as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain – will be making his playing debut.
In-form Foley set for Irish Challenge tournament
In-form Hugh Foley – winner of the North of Ireland and the South of Ireland championships inside the past fortnight – has been given a late invite to play in this week’s Irish Challenge tournament at The K Club.
As part of the policy of providing leading amateurs with an opportunity to cut their teeth against tour professionals, Foley is one of four amateurs in the field alongside Mark Power, Matthew McClean and Robert Moran who also showed impressive form as part of the winning Britain and Ireland team who played against continental Europe in Slovakia last week.
By the Numbers: 64-64
Brooke Henderson became the first player in LPGA Tour history to begin any Major with back-to-back rounds of 64 en route to winning the Amundi Evian Championship, her second career Major title.
Word of Mouth
“My heart almost skipped a beat, I couldn’t believe it. I said, ‘Wait a sec here’” – Tony Finau on looking at the leaderboard by the 16th green at the 3M Open to discover he had a three-shot lead after long-time leader Scott Piercy imploded down the straight (suffering four bogeys in a five-hole stretch before a triple-bogey on the 14th). Finau finished with a final round 67 for a total of 267, three shots clear of runners-up Sungjae Im and Emiliano Grillo, for his third PGA Tour win.
On this day: July 26th, 1970
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer – superstars in their day – teamed-up for the National Four-ball Championship, a two-man team event on the PGA Tour, and had the crowds flocking to Laurel Valley Country Club in Pennsylvania where the pair beat all-comers to claim victory.
Despite a number of warnings from rules officials for slow play, The Golden Bear and Arnie stuck to the task at hand to finish with a 67 for a total of 259 in the best ball format, three strokes clear of the three teams who shared the runners-up position.
Orville Moody, the 1969 US Open champion, and Australian Bruce Crampton had emerged as the strongest challengers to the superstar duo in sharing the lead at the turn. But a back nine charge of three birdies from Nicklaus and Palmer was sufficient for them to pull clear and claim the title for a second time, having previously won in 1966.
“I like these member-guest tournaments, I am going to invite Jack back every time it’s played here,” quipped Palmer of teaming up with his friend and rival at the course where he was the touring professional.
Twitter Twaddle
That was an interesting day, just left it too late. 2 lost balls in a week doesn’t get it done. Nice to shoot 6 under back 9 with 15 putts. Interesting how much easier it is to play when your chasing. Well done to @DarrenClarke60 who led from the front – Pádraig Harrington, who came up a shot shy of larke, tipping his cap to the victor.
What a really great week, thanks again @Gleneagleshotel @euLegendsTour. Congrats Darren, who is still a really class player, particularly in ‘narly’ conditions. Competitive tension between he & Padraig has been good for both throughout their careers … more golf next week yay – Paul McGinley
An amazing three days in Ireland with the boys! Thank you to Old Head, @traleegolflinks and @BallybunionGN for looking after us! – Tyrrell Hatton playing bucket list golf on his busman’s holiday.
What an incredible experience playing in the @3MOpen Truly a week I will never forget. I’m proud to be the first person to play on the @atptour and the @PGATour Chase your dreams, no matter how ridiculous they may be! – former Canadian tennis professional and Olympic silver medalist Mardy Fish on switching from racquet to golf clubs. Fish shot rounds of 81-74 to miss the cut in the 3M Open won by Tony Finau.
In the Bag
Darren Clarke - British Seniors Open
Driver – TaylorMade Stealth Plus (8 degrees)
3-wood – TaylorMade Stealth Plus (13.5 degrees)
Hybrid – TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19.5 degrees)
Irons – Srixon ZX (2), TaylorMade P7MC (4-PW)
Wedges – Cleveland RTX ZiprCore (50, 54 and 58 degrees)
Putter – Scotty Cameron T-11.5 Proto
Ball – Titleist ProV1x
Know the Rules
Q In stroke play, Player A’s ball is resting against a rake in a bunker. Without marking the position of his ball, the player moves the rake causing the ball to move. What is the ruling?
A Such a situation is covered by Rule 15.2a: there is no penalty and the player must replace the ball to its original position.
