IT IS time for the top players to get their wheelbarrows out, as the PGA Tour’s “elevated” events get under way this week.
The Phoenix Open and the Genesis next week both offer $20million in prize money, along with guaranteed appearances by the game’s top players.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open will feature a stellar field
The big guns are only allowed to miss one of the 13 elevated tournaments – unless they are injured – and Rory McIlroy has already used his exemption by sidestepping the Tournament of Champions.
That was understandable. As a limited field event, that was ‘only’ worth $15million!
This time McIlroy headlines a field that includes eight of the world’s top ten. Will Zalatoris, the world No 8, uses his free pass, while LIV rebel Cameron Smith is the only other absentee.
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After his thrilling Dubai Desert Classic win it is no surprise to see McIlroy disputing favouritism with Jon Rahm, who went to college in Arizona and had made his home in the Grand Canyon State.
The rowdy Scottsdale hordes are likely to get behind the Spaniard and give McIlroy some stick if it comes down to a straight shoot-out.
But there are plenty of other players capable of spoiling that dream scenario.
Hot shot: Xander Schauffele, 14-1.
Schauffele still doesn’t win as often as you feel he should, but at almost double the odds of 8-1 co-favourites McIlroy and Rahm, the X man looks like the value bet.
He has yet to finish outside the top twenty in five starts at Scottsdale, and has made the top three in each of the last two years.
He was only a shot away from joining the play-off that saw Scottie Scheffler launch his early season spree in 2022 by taking down Patrick Cantlay, and you feel Schauffele has to be thereabouts again.
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Mid price: Hideki Matsuyama, 33-1.
The former Masters champion is the obvious horses for courses pick – five top tens in Phoenix, including two victories and a share of eighth a year ago.
Matsuyama finished only three shots behind Scheffler and Cantlay 12 months ago after shooting his worst round of the week – a two under par 69. That is almost as bad as it gets for him at TPC Scottsdale!
You always have to worry about injuries with Hideki, but he looked fit and healthy when he posted another top ten at the Farmers last time out.
Long shot: Alex Noren, 66-1
None of the players at three figure odds jump out, so the Swedish star gets the nod. He showed he has the game for this event by sharing eighth place with Matusyama and Justin Thomas last year
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has already received one big boost with Justin Rose ending a four year victory drought at Pebble Beach last year, and he would love to see another of his veterans follow suit.
It is hard to believe Noren, 40, has not won since his French Open victory in 2018. But there have been plenty of close calls – three runner-up finishes last year – and he has made the top five in each of his last three outings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are you more skilled at watching professionals play?
Watching pro players play makes you better at video games. Learn from other players’ mistakes and improve your game. You can also learn from the mistakes of professional players to improve your game.
How can my golf game be improved overnight?
Practice 20 minutes per session, three times per week, to improve your ability to play golf. It is important to practice regularly if you want your game to improve at every tournament. Practice makes perfect!
How do I improve my game of golf?
These tips can help you improve your golf game quickly.
- Practice more and play less. To improve at something, you need to practice more. To play too often is a sign that you are developing bad habits.
- You should play when you feel good. There will be times when you don’t feel like going out on the course. You shouldn’t be forced to do things that you don’t like. Instead, look for ways to make golf more enjoyable.
- Pause. Golfers frequently take breaks during the round to stretch and walk around, or eat lunch. Taking breaks can help your body relax and keep you focused throughout the round.
- Drink water! It’s easy to lose track of how many drinks you’ve had while out on the course. Drink enough water to ensure you don’t become dehydrated. A good way to feel refreshed is to drink lots of water before, while, and after your game.
- Be healthy. You will be able to do well on the course if you eat healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
- Keep hydrated. Drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses per day. This includes plain water and water made with beverages such as coffee.
- Properly warm up. Warm up for five minutes by walking, jogging or running before hitting your first shot. Then, you should be able to move freely and feel limber.
- Keep your head down. It is important to look straight ahead when you tee up. Don’t look at the ball and pay attention to where it hits. Instead, focus your attention on the hole.
- Correct form is important when you are trying to move. Proper form may mean different things to different people. You want to avoid hitting the target. Instead, aim for the ball to be in the middle of your club face.
- You should be focused on the process. While there are several factors that contribute to a successful golf swing, focusing on the process will help you develop the most effective technique. If you struggle to keep your hands still, relax your grip. Or, if you struggle to maintain balance, then focus on maintaining good posture.
Is it possible to earn money as a professional golfer?
Yes, it is possible to make some money as a pro golfer. You have to put in a lot of work and be dedicated. Pros make millions every year.
Does watching golf improve your game?
Yes, it makes my game better!
One of the most loved sports in the world is golf. The game involves hitting a golf ball towards a target using different distances, with sticks or clubs. It’s a great way to relax and spend some quality time outdoors. There are many benefits to golf. Here are a few:
- Golf helps you get fit
- Playing golf makes you feel good
- Playing doesn’t require you to think about too many things
- Golf teaches patience
- Inspiration can be found in watching golf
- Golf is a lot of fun
- It is very easy to learn how to play golf
- Golf is less expensive than other sports
- Golf is a great stress reliever
- Golf is a social sport
What is the average score for a weekend player?
For beginners, the average score is about 100. As you get better at golf, your scores improve. You will likely start playing 9 holes, and then work your way up to 18.
Statistics
- This means as much as 50% of your practice time. (practical-golf.com)
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- However, if you go in thinking that you will get all the way down to a 10, you will likely stunt your progress because your expectations are way out of line. (practical-golf.com)
- 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)
- Trackman found that over 65% of amateur’s golf shots finish short of the target from 160 yards. (golfinsideruk.com)
External Links
shotscope.com
amzn.to
faziodesign.com
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
How To
How to improve your golf swing with 5 easy exercises
Golf is a popular sport worldwide. To become a skilled golfer, it takes a lot practice. Exercising is the best way for improving your game. It is important to spend at least two hours each week playing golf. However, you don’t always find enough time to play golf. These five easy exercises will help improve your golf swing if this is you.
- Start from ground up: Stand straight, keep you back straight, hold your golf club straight, bend your knees slightly, then swing the club. Focus on the target and keep your head still. This helps you get into the right position to hit the ball.
- Maintain your balance – You need to stand straight, keep your feet apart, and make sure your weight is evenly distributed. Your weight should shift toward the front when you hit it with the ball.
- Bend your knees – To help you bend your knees, place your hands on your hips. Then, take a deep breath and exhale while bending your knees. This will allow your lower back to follow you as you swing the golf club.
- Relax your shoulders. – You can relax your shoulders to ensure that your swing is not impeded. Instead, let your shoulders relax and allow them to swing the club freely. This will allow you generate power and speed while not having to apply too much force.
- Focus on your target – Concentrate on your target instead of looking down at the ball. Focus your gaze straight ahead on the area you want to hit it. You won’t be capable of seeing what is wrong if your eyes are fixed on the ball.
