The Highlights:
• The British Open at Royal Troon - The last major of the year is here
• Rory McIlroy - Already turned down player-captain offer for 2027 Ryder Cup.
• Callaway Opus Wedges - Move over Jaws, these new wedges are the real deal.
• Do you struggle with fairway bunkers? - David Leadbetter breaks it down with one simple set up tip.
• Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre wins his national open - becoming the first Scot in 25 years to win their national open.
• At the bottom - If you're a real golf junky and need more, there's more boring golf stories to make sure you get your fix.
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The 2024 Open Championship:
A Wild Ride at Royal Troon
The fourth major of 2024 is here, and it's shaping up to be a barnburner. The 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon is notorious for throwing curveballs, and with a field that's more open than a 24-hour diner, this year's edition promises to be a rollercoaster. Sure, Scottie Scheffler is the heavy favorite at 9/2 odds, but The Open has a habit of crowning unexpected champions.
Let's dive into the 10 storylines that will keep us glued to the screen.
1. Rory's Psyche: The Battle Within
Rory McIlroy is in the spotlight again, but can he conquer his demons? Watching Rory handle pressure will be pure drama, especially after his recent struggles.
2. The Wide Open Open
Scheffler might be the favorite, but the field is wide open. From Collin Morikawa to Ludvig Åberg, there are plenty of contenders ready to seize the moment.
3. Bryson DeChambeau’s Big Chance
Bryson is on the brink of a historic season with top finishes in all majors. A strong finish at The Open could cement his legacy alongside legends like Tiger Woods.
4. Does Scheffler Need Another Major?
Scheffler's season has been spectacular, but one major might feel like a missed opportunity. His challenge will be overcoming the randomness of links golf.
5. Tommy Fleetwood: The Open Specialist
Tommy Fleetwood has consistently performed well at The Open. The big question is: Can he finally close the deal and win his first major?
6. LIV Golfers: Will They Show Up?
Bryson DeChambeau has been the standout for LIV Golf, but his teammates have underperformed. Can anyone from LIV make a statement at Royal Troon? I'm looking at you Cameron Smith and Tyrrell Hatton.
7. Collin Morikawa: Under the Radar
Collin Morikawa is having a stellar statistical year without the wins. Can he stay patient and avoid frustration to contend at The Open?
8. Royal Troon’s Wild History
Royal Troon has a history of epic battles and unexpected champions. The course's challenging layout and unpredictable weather promise excitement.
9. Spieth’s Struggles
Jordan Spieth has dominated The Open in the past, but he's been off his game this year. His struggles with iron play and injuries are holding him back.
10. Ludvig Åberg: The Next Big Thing?
Ludvig Åberg is a young star with great potential. Can he follow in Morikawa’s footsteps and claim the Claret Jug in his rookie year?
Buckle Up for a Wild Week
With a field this stacked and storylines this compelling, the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon is set to be a spectacular show. Whether it’s Rory battling his demons, Scheffler chasing history, or an underdog rising to the occasion, this tournament has it all.
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Tiger and Rory: No Ryder Cup Captain Showdown
If you were hoping to see a Ryder Cup captain showdown between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, brace yourself for disappointment.
Tiger Woods was in talks for the 2025 American captaincy but turned it down due to time constraints. Now, he’s the front-runner for the 2027 captaincy, once his PGA Tour-LIV Golf negotiation duties are expected to wrap up.
As for the European captaincy, the picture is murkier. Given the 2027 Ryder Cup will be held in Ireland at Adare Manor, and considering J.P. McManus’s friendship with Rory McIlroy, there was buzz about McIlroy taking on a player-captain role to counter Woods’ star power.
However, after shooting a first-round 65 at the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy squashed that fantasy.
“There’s too much work that goes into it,” McIlroy said. “I've seen what Luke [Donald] went through preparing for Rome. There’s no way you can be as good a captain as you need to be and be playing as well. It’s one or the other."
Callaway Opus Wedges
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For over a decade, Callaway’s Jaws wedges have been the gold standard, but it’s time to meet the new kid on the block: Opus. And not just one, but two models – Standard and Platinum. They’ve ditched the Jaws name for something that screams class and performance. Here’s what you need to know.Tech That’ll Make Your Head Spin
1. Spin City, Baby!
Callaway’s new “Spin Gen Face Technology” is like strapping a turbocharger to your wedges. Here’s the scoop:
Tighter Pitch: More grooves on the face means more spin – it’s that simple.
Offset Groove-in-Groove: Spin it like a pro when you open the face.
Aggressive Face Blast: Get that extra bite on partial shots, even when the green’s as slick as a dance floor.
“We’ve crammed more grooves onto the face,” said Brian Herr, Callaway’s wedge wizard. “Lower launch, more spin. It’s like magic.”
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, they threw in a quartz blast. Yeah, quartz. “It’s a game-changer in wet conditions, giving you that extra grip when you need it most,” Herr added.
2. Tour Tested and Approved
“We’ve got the pros on speed dial,” said Joe Toulon, Callaway’s tour rep. The result? A wedge that looks and plays like a dream. Think more rounded shapes and a leading edge that’s just begging to be opened up around the greens.
Major winners like Xander Schauffele and Yuka Saso have already given these bad boys a spin. “Opus is a nod to our journey, a masterpiece composed for the players, by the players,” Toulon beamed.
3. Platinum Perfection
The Opus Platinum wedges are the Bentley of wedges. No expense spared, no detail overlooked. Featuring metal injection molding (MIM) and tungsten, these wedges are all about lowering that launch.
“When cost is no issue, you get Opus Platinum,” Herr said. “We added a 17-gram tungsten weight to pull the CG up higher, creating a lower launch. And the Platinum Blue finish? Pure curb appeal.”
These wedges come with a tighter grind, perfect for the low-handicap player who wants a bit of help. The Z Grind even sports a leading edge chamfer for that friendly yet fierce performance.
The Nitty-Gritty
Pricing/Availability:
Opus Standard: $179, pre-order from July 19, hitting stores July 26.
Opus Platinum: $230, in stores August 16.
Why You Need Opus in Your Bag
If you’re looking to up your wedge game, the Callaway Opus wedges are your ticket. Whether you opt for the rock-solid Standard or the luxurious Platinum, you’re in for a treat. These wedges are crafted with the precision of a Swiss watch and the flair of a Ferrari.
So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your short game and show off that spin to your golf buddies. The Spin Doctor is in, and it’s called Opus.
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Taste is on Point!
Boost Your Game, Recharge Your Body: With a blend of carefully selected ingredients, Groove gummies provide the energy, focus, and recovery you need to enhance your performance on and off the course.
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Taste is on Point!
Boost Your Game, Recharge Your Body: With a blend of carefully selected ingredients, Groove gummies provide the energy, focus, and recovery you need to enhance your performance on and off the course.
See Why Groove is #1
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Mastering Fairway Bunkers w/ David Leadbetter:
From Sand Trap to Green Glory
Alright, let’s get real for a second. You’ve just parked your tee shot in a fairway bunker. What’s running through your mind? Maybe something like, “Just get it outta here!” or “Hello, double bogey!” Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Fairway-bunker shots are a nightmare because, let’s face it, no one really practices them. And even if you’re not sweating bullets over these shots, I bet you’re not exactly banking on hitting the green.
Here’s a kicker: Even the PGA Tour pros only hit the green about 50% of the time from these suckers. But guess what? We’re about to crank up those odds in your favor.
Stability is Key
First off, get stable. Widen that stance, dig your feet into the sand a bit, and lean your ankles inward. Think of yourself as a human tripod. Also, grip down on the club and position the ball slightly back in your stance, with your sternum just ahead of it.
Stand Tall, Swing Smart
Stand a bit taller over the ball (Like the left image whereas the image on the right is a normal stance). Why? Because you actually want to thin these shots a bit, catching the ball first and kinda picking it clean off the sand. Visualize your spine angle more vertical than your usual stance. Got it? Good.
Let’s talk swing thoughts
Assuming you’ve got a club that can clear the lip and reach the green (pro tip: club up from the sand), playing a fade is your best bet. A fade gives you a steeper swing path, which is clutch for ball-first contact. Plus, the open clubface helps get the ball airborne.
Regardless of whether you’re shaping a shot or not, focus on a smooth, three-quarter swing. Keep your chest over the ball and your lower body nice and quiet. No lurching up like you’re trying to swat a fly. And remember, when in doubt, thin it out.
So next time you find yourself staring down a fairway bunker shot, don’t sweat it. You’ve got the tools, the setup, and the swing thoughts to turn that sandy nightmare into a fairway dream. Go get ’em, champ!This bunker tip was brought you by Golf Digest, see the original story here
MacIntyre's Clutch Putt Wins National Open
Robert MacIntyre just pulled off one of the most epic finishes at the Genesis Scottish Open, sinking a wild 22-foot birdie putt on the final hole. That clutch move made him the first Scot in 25 years to win his national open, and the crowd went absolutely bonkers.
This is when things started to get good: MacIntyre is on the par-5 16th, stuck in rough so deep he probably needed a snorkel. But then, he hits the jackpot—realizing he's standing on a sprinkler head. That meant a free drop to shorter grass. From there, he launches a 248-yard missile to six feet from the hole, setting up an eagle that ties him with Adam Scott.
Then comes the final putt. This thing took one last agonizing turn before dropping, and MacIntyre let out a scream that could wake the dead. “I think I lost my voice with the scream on that hole,” he said. “It’s incredible. Next week is a new week, but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here. I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to The Open when we pitch up to The Open.”
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Morikawa's Lefty Chip: Mastering the Unusual
When you're playing the slopes and pot bunkers of North Berwick, you might find yourself in some pretty wild situations. Just ask Collin Morikawa, who had to flip his club and hit a lefty chip because his ball was too close to a bunker for a right-handed stance.
It wasn't a Phil Mickelson masterpiece, but it turns out Morikawa's got some lefty skills up his sleeve. He's been practicing with a left-handed 8-iron, just to be ready for moments like this.
Check out the video to see his slick shot in action!
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VENTUS Tartan Prize Package Giveaway
To celebrate the final major of the season, we created a limited run of Tartan Shafts that captures the spirit of Scotland. Enter for a chance to win a prize package that includes a limited-edition Fujikura Tartan VENTUS VeloCore+ Blue Shaft, matching leather headcover and tee.
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Other Boring News...
Tiger Woods responds to Colin Montgomerie over retirement suggestion
Rory McIlroy laughs off accidentally ghosting Tiger Woods
LIV Golfer Abraham Ancer, launches TF out of his wedge after a chunked chip
Jason Kelce joins brother Travis as long-drive champion at American Century.
Tommy Fleetwood's caddie - Ian Finnis, returns after open-heart surgery.
Ludvig Aberg gets bad break of the century after approach shot strikes Morikawa’s ball.
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