Victor Hovelin dominates the Tour Championship with a five-shot win, while Xander Schauffele's performance is scrutinized. The need for official injury reports in golf is discussed along with Ryder Cup picks. The 2023 season's biggest winners and disappointments are also assessed.
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Quick takeaways
Driving distance has significantly increased in recent years, with Rory McIlroy breaking the single-season driving record on the PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler's inconsistent putting has raised concerns about his performance in tournaments and his readiness for the Ryder Cup.
There is a growing demand for injury reports in golf to ensure fair betting practices and transparency, similar to other sports.
There is a desire to see Xander Schauffele achieve more statement wins and a higher level of competitiveness in major tournaments.
The podcast highlights the importance of addressing gambling concerns in golf, including creating clear rules and policies for players and fans.
Deep dives
Rory McIlroy breaks the single-season driving record
Rory McIlroy broke the single-season driving record on the PGA Tour. This season has seen a significant increase in driving distance, with 12 of the top 14 longest driving seasons of all time occurring in the last four years.
Concerns about Scottie Scheffler's putting
Scottie Scheffler's putting struggles have raised concerns, as he has been inconsistent on the greens, missing key putts and struggling to find the right line. This has impacted his performance in tournaments, and there is uncertainty about whether he will be able to address this issue before the Ryder Cup.
The need for injury reports in golf
There is a growing demand for injury reports in golf, as it is considered unfair to accept gambling money without providing information about players' injuries. Other sports, such as college football, have implemented injury reports to provide transparency, and it is a topic that golf should address to ensure fair betting practices.
Discussion about Xander Schauffele's performance
There has been a discussion about Xander Schauffele's performance and his ability to win majors. While he has had consistent top finishes and is highly regarded for his game, there is a desire to see more statement wins and a higher level of competitiveness in major tournaments.
Tough Decisions Ahead for Golf in Addressing Gambling Concerns
The podcast episode discusses the need for golf to address gambling concerns, similar to how other sports have done. It emphasizes the importance of creating clear rules and policies regarding gambling for players and fans alike. Golf needs to have a conversation about the potential dangers of gambling before finding themselves in a problematic situation. The podcast also highlights the existing anti-gambling policies in place and the need for players, including caddies, to adhere to them. It acknowledges the challenges of controlling fan behavior related to gambling during tournaments.
Analyzing the Players' Case for Season Awards
The podcast delves into the potential contenders for the player of the year award in golf. It highlights the performances of Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy, all of whom had strong seasons but with different levels of success. The hosts discuss their accomplishments, including wins, top 10 finishes, and major championships. Victor Hovland is also mentioned as a notable contender, particularly for winning the FedEx Cup. There is a debate around who deserves the title of player of the year, with contrasting opinions on the significance of wins compared to overall consistency and performance.
Reflecting on Disappointing Performances in Golf
The podcast addresses the topic of disappointing performances in golf throughout the season. Names such as Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy are mentioned as individuals who did not live up to expectations. Thomas's controversy around team Smash and McIlroy's lack of major wins are cited as contributing factors. Matt Wolff's inconsistent season is also discussed, with considerations of a potential rebound in form towards the end of the season. The hosts share their perspectives on the most disappointing players and reflect on their underwhelming performances.
European Ryder Cup Team Selection
The European Ryder Cup team made their picks, selecting Madeline Saggstrom, Gemma Dryberg, Carolyn Headwall, and Emily Christine Peterson. These picks were based on previous play and team dynamics, aiming to create a strong and competitive squad that will give the Americans a tough fight.
Disciplinary Issues and Withdrawal
Alejandro Tosti was forced to withdraw from a Corn Fairy event due to disciplinary issues. Tosti has had a history of disciplinary problems, including outbursts and difficulties with scoring. While details of the incident are still unclear, Tosti's actions have raised concerns about his behavior on the tour.
The 2023 Tour Championship finished with Viktor Hovland running away from the field with a five shot win over Xander Schauffele after a Sunday 63 to claim the $18 million first prize. We sing Viktor's praises after another dominant playoff performance and take stock of Xander's week in Atlanta, the confusing year for Scottie Scheffler and the need for official injury reports in golf. We also talk Ryder Cup picks and our biggest winners and disappointments from the 2023 season.
