GARETH BALE adds some much-needed star appeal to this week’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where world No 10 Matt Fitzpatrick is the top ranked player in the field.
There are plenty of bets available on how Bale will perform, and the 50-1 on him to win the team prize at the first time of asking may be over-priced, in view of how much golf he plays.
The Pebble Beach Pro Am takes place this week
And while I usually steer well clear of short prices, the 6-4 on offer for the former Wales captain to break par at least once in the four rounds may not be a bad bet either.
Pebble itself is no picnic. But the other two courses used this week – Spyglass Hill and Monterey – offer two handicapper Bale decent opportunities to show off the talents that impressed Jon Rahm at Torrey Pines last week.
The main event features US Open champion Fitzpatrick’s first outing since he finished in a tie for seventh at the 39-man Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, and the English star disputes favouritism with Viktor Hovland and Jordan Spieth.
Spieth was runner-up to Tom Hoge last year, blowing a two shot lead over the closing holes, while Fitzpatrick was not far behind in a share of sixth.
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Hovland was in terrific form towards the end of last year, rounding it off by showing off in front of host Tiger Woods with a successful defence of his Hero World Challenge title in the Bahamas.
So all three have plenty going for them. But they are not the only ones.
Hot shot: Maverick McNealy, 18-1.
It is surely only a matter of time until the 27 year old California native breaks his PGA Tour duck – and after finishing fifth here in 2020 and second a year later, this looks as good a place as any.
McNealy is not the longest off the tee, but he a is deadly putter – and his type tend to be well rewarded in this event.
Two top tens in his last four starts means he will turn up at the Monterey Peninsula full of confidence.
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Mid price: Andrew Putnam, 28-1.
The bookies are not taking any chances with Putnam, but as another player who excels with the putter and is the best scrambler on the PGA Tour at the moment, that is understandable.
He also arrives in decent form – no missed cuts in his last 14 starts, a run that includes a second place at the Zozo Championship and fourth in the Sony Open a few weeks ago.
Throw in the fact that he was tied for the lead here after 54 holes last year – before slipping back to finish alongside Fitzpatrick in sixth – and he looks a good fit for this.
Long shot: Robby Shelton, 80-1.
This latest crop of Korn Ferry graduates have not been disgracing themselves in the big league, and Shelton is another of the new kids on the block who has caught my eye.
He went into the notebook as a potential winner with two Korn Ferry victories last year – taking him to four in all – it is almost as tough to win there as it is in more regular PGA Tour stops.
Shelton, 27, did not stick around long after his previous victories in 2019 earned him a first tilt at the top tier. But top tens in the RSM Classic and the AmEx suggest he will make a bigger impact this time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really require a golf membership to play?
You do not need to have a membership at the course. A membership gives you access to the entire course, including the driving ranges and putting greens.
Which is the most important shot of golf?
The putt is the most crucial shot for golfers. The putt is the most important shot for a golfer. If you don’t hit it perfectly, you will likely lose the hole (and perhaps the game).
How can I reduce my golf score by five strokes
You must first improve your swing mechanics. Although you may be able to hold the club properly, if your body isn’t comfortable with the swing, it won’t give you the right feedback. Once you have mastered this step you will want to work on increasing your strength and flexibility. Slowly start, then work your way up to greater distances. As you progress towards higher scores, your game will become more consistent.
What’s the average score for a golfer?
An average golfer is able to shoot between 80-85 yards and their driver.
How do I improve my game of golf?
These simple tips will help you improve your game of golf quickly and easily.
- Practice more, play less. You can improve your skills by practicing more. Playing too much means you’re practicing bad habits.
- You should play when you feel good. There are times when it is not easy to play golf. Don’t force your self to do things you don’t like. Instead, find ways that golf can be made more enjoyable.
- Take breaks. Golfers will often take breaks during a round to stretch, walk around and eat lunch. Breaks allow your body to relax, and help you stay focused during the round.
- Drink water! It is easy to forget how many drinks you have consumed while on the course. Be sure to drink enough water, so you don’t get dehydrated. Hydration is key to feeling energized and ready to go for the next round.
- You must eat right. You will be able to do well on the course if you eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
- Hydration is key. The best way for you to stay hydrated, is to drink plenty of water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. This includes water from drinks (such as coffee) and plain water.
- Get warm. Begin your round by walking or running for five to ten minutes. Focus on becoming loose and limber.
- Keep your head down. It’s important that you keep your eyes focused on the ball when you tee-off. Do not look at the ball or pay attention to where it lands. Instead, focus your attention on the hole.
- You should always wear proper form when you’re dancing. Proper form could mean different things for different people. You want to avoid hitting the target. Instead, aim for the ball to be in the middle of your club face.
- The process is what matters. There are many things that go into a successful swing of golf, but focusing on the process will allow you to develop the best technique. To put it another way, if your hands are not still, you can try relaxing your grip. Focus on good posture, if you find it difficult to balance.
How can my golf game be improved overnight?
Your best bet for improving your golf game is to practice 20 minutes per days, three times a weeks. If you want to be able to play well at any tournament, then you need to practice consistently. Practice makes perfect!
Statistics
- According to Shot Scope’s database of more than 30 million shots, 80% of missed greens are missed short. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- If you have 14 attempts and convert as little as 50% of them into Pars – you can double bogey the remaining 4 holes and still shoot 87 for your round. (golfmadesimple.com)
- The blade aim at impact controls 92% of the ball’s start line, so prioritise face aim as a place to start (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
External Links
golfdigest.com
nicklaus.com
faziodesign.com
amzn.to
How To
How to Improve Your Golf Swing
How to improve your game of golf
Practice is the best way to improve your golf swing. Practice makes perfect! It is important to practice every day in order to improve your game. If you want to make improvements, you must put in consistent effort. At least five practice sessions per week are recommended. To get results, it’s crucial to practice this consistently.
When learning to play golf, it is important that you start slow. You should start with shorter shots and then move up to longer shots. This will help you build strength and endurance. When you first start playing golf, it is common to struggle with the swing. You will improve your golf swing if you work hard.
Practice swinging from different stances and positions. Practice hitting the ball with your feet while standing still. Then, you can move forward and reverse. Then try hitting the ball while walking backwards. Finally, try hitting the ball while running. Each swing requires a different stance or position. These exercises will help determine which position and stance is best for you. Once you know what stance and position works best, you can use them during actual games.
Keep track. Tracking your progress will help you identify areas for improvement. Write down everything you practice doing. Keep track of how often you practice and note your score. Use this data to determine whether or not you are making progress.
Learn from a professional instructor to improve your golf swing. A qualified instructor will show you the proper technique and offer tips to help improve your game. They can also help you choose equipment that is right for you. Your chances for success are significantly increased when you have someone who knows the ropes.
Golf is one the most loved sports of all time. Every year, millions of people play the sport. There are many things you can do to help you play better golf. These tips include learning how the greens are read, practicing your swing, and improving your short game.
