⛳ Finau to Stay, Greg Norman and Apples, Scheffler Chipping Lesson, WITB, and more.
Tony Finau goes public on his position, Tiger is in awe of Charlie's flop shot, and Greg Norman thinks there's more to come.
Welcome back to the Baller Golf newsletter.
This week has brought us more drama in the “who’s staying who’s going” saga between the PGA and LIV with Tony Finau making his position clear. The big golf manufacturers have been chiming in on the ball rollback story, and among other things, we take a look into the bags of Jason Day and Lydia Ko to see the tools that helped them win the Grant Thornton Invitational.
Let’s get into it.
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In this week’s newsletter 👇
The Opening Four-Ball
Titleist comments on the governing bodies’ golf-ball rollback 🧻
Tiger Woods’ reaction to son Charlie's 'f****** nasty' shot 👀
Greg Norman "more apples falling from the tree" 🤔
Scottie Scheffler downhill chip shots tutorial 🏌️
From the socials: Just for fun 😀
A course you need to visit: Skukuza Golf Course 🦁
Premium: Main Feature: Tony Finau decides PGA Tour future
Premium: What’s in the Bag: Lydia Ko & Jason Day: Grant Thornton Invitational ⛳
The Opening Four-Ball
Titleist comments on the governing bodies’ golf-ball rollback.
Acushnet, Titleist’s parent company, CEO David Maher responded to the USGA and R&A unveiling their proposal for new ball-testing conditions to take effect in 2028 for professionals and 2030 for recreational players.
“Many important stakeholders do not see distance as a problem the way the governing bodies do,” Maher said, “and therefore come to differing conclusions about how to proceed to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport.”
The governing organisations’ amended testing standards require manufacturers to test new balls at 125 mph clubbed speed, 2200 RPM spin rate, and 11-degree launch angle. (The current parameters are 120 miles per hour, 2520 revolutions per minute, and 10 degrees.) According to the statistics of the USGA and R&A, typical professionals and exceptional male players should expect to lose 9-11 yards off the tee. The loss will be 5-7 yards for LPGA players and 5 yards or less for most male recreational players with mid-90s clubhead speed.
Tiger Woods provides classic reaction to son Charlie's 'f****** nasty' shot
The 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods, was left awestruck after he watched his son Charlie execute a perfect flop shot during a warm-up at the 2023 PNC Championship family team event.
Greg Norman "more apples falling from the tree"
LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman says there will be "more apples falling from the tree" following Jon Rahm's decision to join the LIV tour.
"To have Jon on board was critically important to our future and what we want to do," Norman said.
Speaking to World Business Report, Norman added:
"It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree - no question about it, because LIV continues to develop."
Do you think he’s right? If so, who’s next?
Scottie Scheffler downhill chip shots tutorial
In the video below by TaylorMade, Scheffler demonstrates how he would approach the tricky downhill chip shot around the green, while also suggesting some alternatives that may be smarter options for amateurs.
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From the Socials
Hollywood’s Chris Pratt tells the story of hitting his best drive in front of Tiger 😲
A course you need to visit
Skukuza Golf Course: Kruger National Park
Originally constructed as a recreational facility for park personnel, Skukuza Golf Club fully lives up to its reputation as the most untamed golf course globally.
It stands as the sole golf course within Kruger National Park itself. In contrast to the exclusive nature of nearby Leopard Creek, Skukuza adopts a more inclusive approach, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds with considerably lower green fees than those charged at Johan Rupert's venue for the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Every guest at Kruger National Park is invited to enjoy the space offered by the Golf Club. Surrounded by the rich wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Skukuza Rest Camp, the Course provides visitors with a harmonious, close-to-nature golfing experience, allowing encounters with the Big Five, a variety of birds, and other fascinating creatures.
While it might be surprising, encountering an elephant on the fairway will no doubt be an unforgettable experience.
The Par 72 course spans 5831m (6450 yards) for men and 4950m (5480 yards) for women, with nine holes, requiring players to complete each hole twice for an 18-hole round. The lack of fencing around the course means that uninvited spectators, such as hippos, impalas, warthogs, and baboons, are common sights.
When it comes to wildlife encounters, players are advised to tailor their approach based on the type of animal and its proximity. Skukuza staff provide a comprehensive briefing to players, preparing them for the unique challenges and experiences they may encounter during their rounds.
Main Feature
Tony Finau decides PGA Tour future
Tony Finau has made a firm commitment to continue his presence on the PGA Tour for the upcoming season, putting to rest speculations that linked him to a potential move to LIV Golf.
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