Previewing the RBC Heritage and the Chevron women's major, discussing course fit, favorite memories at Harbour Town, changes at the Chevron, Nelly's run, and a travel series debut.
01:05:10
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The Chevron event underwent significant course enhancements to create challenging putting surfaces and tougher playing conditions.
The LPGA tour is making strides in elevating its events to major status through improved coverage and increased sponsorships.
Insights on player performances, strategies, and competitive dynamics offer predictions on top contenders and standout performers.
Deep dives
Course Enhancements and Weather Challenges
The Chevron event has seen significant course enhancements, including new greens and bunkers, making the putting surfaces extremely challenging and raw. The changes aim to toughen the course with unforgiving hard fringes and expanded pin locations. Despite improvements, unsettled weather forecasts threaten the event with rain on Friday and possibly into Saturday, posing additional challenges.
Feature Group Broadcast and ESPN Coverage
Viewers can expect detailed coverage with feature groups like Roseang, Oi Jo Kim, Na Yeon Choi, Nelly Korda, Minji, and defending champion Lily Boo. The broadcast schedule includes golf channel slots from 10 to 2 and 6 to 8 on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, ESPN+ will air feature group coverage at 2:30 PM Eastern Time on both days.
Anticipation and Expectation for Year Two
With the second edition of the Chevron event, there is a sense of anticipation and higher expectations for enhanced course play and broadcast experience. The adjustments reflect a commitment to elevate the event's status and quality. Despite previous shortcomings, efforts to raise the event's profile and competitiveness are evident through course upgrades and detailed coverage plans.
LPGA Tour Leadership and Initiatives
The podcast discusses the progress and initiatives of the LPGA tour towards establishing their events as majors. It highlights the improvements in coverage, streaming options, and viewer engagement, including partnerships with NBC and ESPN Plus. The LPGA tour leadership's efforts to increase purse sizes and attract more sponsors showcase a commitment to enhancing the tour's status and viewership, emphasizing the potential growth of women's golf.
Insights on Player Performance and Predictions
The episode features insights on players like Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Se-Young Kim, discussing their current form, playing styles, and potential success in upcoming events. Player performances, strategic choices, and unique playing styles are analyzed to make predictions on top contenders and standout performers in the tournaments. The discussion delves into factors like player confidence, life ownership, and competitive dynamics, offering a comprehensive outlook on player strategies and tournament expectations.
A double dip this week as we preview the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, and the first women's major of the year at the Chevron. We talk course fit at both places, our favorite Harbour Town memories, what's changed at the Chevron, Nelly's run, and preview our travel series that debuts tonight.