THE WORST SHOTS

GLOBAL FAILURES

Angry golfer

“I will F%@#ing Sue you!!!”

What is it about golf that has me sooo thoroughly entertained by witnessing these train wreck-like situations on that beautiful, green, professionally manicured rug that breaks the will of very rich men just as much as I admire the magnificence and execution of the game when it’s played at its highest level?  I’ll probably never know…

In any regard, I found myself sinking into my couch at the way too late/way too early hour of the morning sipping on some Ginger Peach Turmeric tea (excellent flavor, btw…) and in a haze decided to look up ‘miserable golf shots’ which turned out to be one of the best half asleep decisions that I’ve made in quite awhile…or at least since the last time I decided to hit the snooze button at 11:43 a.m….which was a little over 5 months ago…Anyway…I digress.  A little distraction for the day never hurt anybody…  Enjoy!

U.S.

“Gosh-Dangit!!!”

VS.

THE WORLD

“Oh, bullocks!!!”

My biggest take away is that European announcers are very subdued when it comes to the art of dissing golfers poor play and execution on a professional course.  The Detry/Pepperell sequence (‘3:50-‘5:00) was particularly tough to watch, but the play-by-play was so seamless and smooth the tragedies got built up in a awkwardly comfortable sequence.  The diplomatic nature of their telecast still drips with an  immense amount of shade and makes me feel like I’m watching golf highlights at Masterpiece Theater (Age exposure ref) 😉 …

Of course, here on the sunny side of the drink, there’s nothing like getting some good ol’ fashioned real-time emotional reactions of astonishment, bewilderment and sheer disbelief from Jim Nantz and co.  

THE 2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH

Collin Morikawa closes with a 64 to win 2020 PGA ChampionshipMorikawa captures the 102nd PGA Championship in his home state of California at TPC Harding

 

SAN FRANSISCO, CA–Any person remotely associated with the PGA saw this coming…Seeing Collin Morikawa’s play on tour is something like witnessing a tornado destined to hit your town from miles away outside of your window.  You get a sense that something terrible is on its way towards you, but you are paralyzed by the sheer magnificence of the force.  Instead of running away initially, you sit and watch, if only for minute…Then, just as you snap back to reality and frantically gather loved ones, precious resourses and finally begin to escape: you’re hit.  The tornado has, in full-effect, indeed arrived. 

In only his second major tournament, Collin Morikawa officially put himself on the scene this past week at TPC Harding Park.  Morikawa’s sweeping performance laid waist to one of the most decorated and competitive Day 4 leaderboards’ in PGA Championship history. Morikawa’s steel demeanor and mental toughness pushed him past the field, finishing at 13-under, while also leaving us with a moment to remember hitting a shot for the ages to ensure his first professional major championship.   

Morikawa’s triumph at TPC Harding was a true culmination of his complete skill set.  He has an impressive control over his own game, remaining true to himself while not bowing to trends at the PGA Championship.  Despite a modest 290.5 avg. on drives off the tee, Morikawa’s relied on his discipline which was displayed on the greens with his driving accuracy (69.64%), hitting 39 of 56 fairways, landing on the short grass a raw 70% of the time, well ahead of the field average of 50%.  Morikawa is the first player since Louis Oosthuizen (2010 The Open Championship) to win a major while leading the field in driving accuracy.  Morikawa’s master class putting (8.086) effectively shut the door on all other aspirants before they even realized what was happening. 

HOME STATE VICTORY

Locals rejoice as Morikawa brings it home

PGA Championship Final Leaderboard

Collin Morikawa -13 

(6-under round 4)
Paul Casey -11
Dustin Johnson -11
Matthew Wolff -10
Jason Day -10
Bryson DeChambeau -10
Tony Finau -10
Scottie Scheffler -10

THE AIR UP THERE

PGA Championship 2020: The two clutch shots that likely won Collin Morikawa the Wanamaker | Golf World | Golf DigestMorikawa scorched the back 9 and may have hit the shot of the year off his driver on 16th on his way to eagle and glory.  MORIKAWA MADE 22 STRAIGHT CUTS TO BEGIN HIS CAREER AND AT 23, IS ONE OF THE YOUNGEST TO EVER WIN A MAJOR in pga tour history

 

CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE

Morikawa’s Inner Drive: Revealed

There’s a maturity there that at 23, it shouldn’t exist. The skillset that he has is a little different than what we see in a modern young player. But there are some intangibles there that we don’t necessarily have statistics or categories for. But you can see it when you watch him play, and it was on full display today. He won high level amateur events. This guy came out here ready to play. We’re seeing the job that these college coaches are doing in getting their players ready for the PGA TOUR.”

-Justin Leonard 

MORIKAWA-ROUND 4
Hole
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
OUT
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
IN
TOT
Par
4
4
3
5
4
4
4
3
4
35
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
35
70
Score
4
4
2
4
4
4
4
3
4
33
4
3
4
4
3
4
2
3
4
31
64
tournament Strengths:
driving accuracy: 69.64% (1st)
SG: putting-8.086 (1st)
SG: total-15.130 (1st)
Bogeys: 7 (17th)
Birdies: 18 (9th)
eagle(S): 1 (T-1st)
Dbl Bogeys: 0 (T-1)

 

MORIKAWA: BEST SHOTS-RD 4

Agent of Cool: California kid seizes his moment

 

Morikawa-TOURNAMENT STATS
Driving Distance
Driving Accuracy
GIR
Putts per GIR
Sand Saves
Eagles
Birdies
Bogeys
290.5
69.6%
70.8%
1.686
66.7%
1
18
7

The Los Angeles native precise drive off the tee on the 16th hole to set himself up for the eagle that locked up the Wannamaker Trophy will be lauded in the clubhouse for years to come, signaling his place amongst the elite of his sport.  Morikawa’s trajectory in the PGA tour has been sci-fi rocket-style.  As a sign of things to come following a stellar amateur career at UC-Berkeley, where he was ranked no. 1 on 3  different occasions, Morikawa won his 1st pro tournament (2019 Barracuda Championship)  and proceeded to make 22 straight cuts to start his career for the second hottest start in tour history (25-Tiger).  At age 23, and in only one season on the pro tour, Morikawa is among a select club of the youngest players to win a major, joining Jack Nickalus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McILroy.

This was Collin Morikawa’s PGA Championship debut  and his 2nd major played.  Morikawa vaulted in the rankings following his successful week at TPC Harding. now the World’s no. 5, he also ranks 2nd in the FedExCup standings.

BLOWING THE TOP OFF

Collin Morikawa closes with a 64 to win 2020 PGA ChampionshipA GLIMPS OF THE FUTURE: Don’t worry Collin…That’s just your unlimited potential popping off

“He’s the lone man that managed to play this golf course mostly from the fairway and mostly not make mistakes of strategy, mental errors and what not. You’re just not supposed to do this stuff after 29 events.”

-Brandel Chamblee (Golf Channel)

BONUS FEATURE:

L.A. DREAMER

on sunday, Morikawa won his first major along with a fair share of the purse ($1.98M) and is now ranked no.5 in the world

2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS: MOVING DAY

MAJOR PUSH

US PGA Championship: Dustin Johnson leads, Koepka ramps pressure, final round tee times | Today's GolferSunday’s final round is a loaded field led by the World’s no.5 ranked golfer and u.s. open champion (2016) dustin Johnson and full of contenders who are in the world’s Top 20 as well as a resurgent Jason day

HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN LOOMS

dUSTIN Johnson IS ON THE ATTACK

2020 PGA Championship, TPC Harding Park, SAN FRANSISCO, CA

JOHNSON-ROUND 3
Hole
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
OUT
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
IN
TOT
Par
4
4
3
5
4
4
4
3
4
35
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
35
70
Score
4
3
3
4
3
5
3
3
6
34
4
3
4
4
3
3
4
2
4
31
65

DJ finished 2nd last year behind tour rival Brooks Koepka who is looking to stay on track to capture his 3rd consecutive PGA championship

THE DEFENSIVE MAN

2020 PGA Championship: Nine golfers who can catch Dustin Johnson at TPC Harding Park - CBSSports.comBrooks Koepka continues his disciplined push towards a 3rd straight PGA Championship
KOEPKA-ROUND 3
Hole
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
OUT
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
IN
TOT
Par
4
4
3
5
4
4
4
3
4
35
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
35
70
Score
4
4
3
4
4
4
4
3
4
34
5
3
3
5
5
5
3
3
3
35
69

HAROLD VARNER III

Harold Varner III: 10 things to know about the PGA Tour playerHarold Varner (-3/t-21st) is aiming for his highest finish in a major. in 2019, the 8 year pro bowed out in 36th place at the PGA Championship at Bethpage
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HAROLD VARNER III

COLLIN MORIKAWA

Collin Morikawa is young, poised and in PGA Championship huntCalifornia native, Collin Morikawa plays far beyond his years and has the mentality to overcome nerves on Championship Sunday.  The 23 year old is only two strokes back of the lead (-7)
MORIKAWA-ROUND 2

2020 PGA Championship

DOING ELITE THINGS

The stars show off at TPC Harding

 

DeCHAMBEAU NAILS 95 FOOT PUTT

Bryson DeChambeau’s 95+ foot putt on Saturday was the longest on tour since 2017

CAMERON CHAMP

PGA Championship 2020: Distance is all the rage, and Cameron Champ hopes he can be again, too | Golf World | GolfDigest.comThe Sacramento native and Texas A&M graduate is displaying impressive power and accuracy off the tee
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  77                                               Age:  25
FedExCup Rk:  21                                      Events:  16
2020 Tour Victories:  1                       Top 10:  1
Total Majors: None
Est. 2017
Strengths:
SG: off the Tee-1.017 (2nd)
driving distance: 321.3 (2nd)

CHAMP-IONSHIP THOUGHTS

DRIVING FORCE: CAMERON CHAMP LEADS THE FIELD IN DRIVING AFTER 3 ROUNDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

 

THE PGA IS ON POINT WITH THIS MAJOR.  THIS IS PRETTY EXCITING STUFF!

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY 

When is the 2020 PGA Championship - National Club Golfer2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD

 

2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS: ROUND 1

A VERY GOOD DAY

PGA Championship 2020: Jason Day reflects on his lone major five years ago, and whether his game can reach that level again | Golf World | Golf DigestA CONFIDENT Jason Day shares the lead with Brendon Todd after A Round 1 BOGEY FREE 5-UNDER 65 

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP-RD 1

TPC HARDING, SAN FRANSISCO, CA 2020

THE JOURNEYMAN

The Latest: Brendon Todd claims a share of PGA lead

Brendon Todd’s highest finish at the PGA Championship was in 2014 (72nd)
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  46                                               Age:  35
FedExCup Rk:  9                                      Events:  20
2020 Tour Victories:  2                       Top 10:  3
Total Majors: None
Est. 2007
Strengths:
Scrambling%: 68.23 (1ST)
driving accuracy%: 72.28 (3rd)

XANDER SCHAUFELE

PGA Championship: These four players are worth a wager
Young Xander Schaufele is in the mix tied FOR 3rd after his 4- under 66 on Thursday
2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW (II)

THE DARK HORSES

*COLLIN MORIKAWA

Collin Morikawa on the key equipment change that led to victory at Muirfield Village | Golf World | Golf DigestCollin Morikawa won his second tour title at the Workday Charity Open this past July and is quickly catching the attention of his peers
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  12                                               Age:  23
FedExCup Rk:  6                                      Events:  17
2020 Tour Victories:  1                       Top 10:  5
Total Majors: None
Est. 2019
Strengths:
SG: Approach the Green-1.053 (2nd)
SG: Around the Green-1.053 (2nd)
SG: Tee to Green-1.507 (4th)

RICKIE FOWLER           

PGA Tour: OH, OH, OH, Where's “Golf Boy” Rickie Fowler? | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights

Current PGA Tour King of Fashion looks to surprise this week at TPC Harding
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  32                                               Age:  31
FedExCup Rk:  79                                      Events:  12
2020 Tour Victories:  None                       Top 10:  2
Total Majors:  None
Est. 2009

TONY FINAU

Tony Finau - Agent, Manager, Publicist Contact Info

Could this be the breakthrough for Tony?
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  17                                               Age:  30
FedExCup Rk:  27                                      Events:  16
2020 Tour Victories:  None                       Top 10:  5
Total Majors:  None
Est. 2007
Strength: SG Tee to Green: 1.098 (10th)
FINAU’S FINESTS
Best results in major championships
Masters Tournament
T5: 2019
PGA Championship
T10: 2015
U.S. Open
5th: 2018
The Open Championship
3rd: 2019
finau loves it when the lights are brightests, but can he finish?

XANDER SCHAUFFELE

PGA Tour returns: Xander Schauffele leads with Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy in contention - SportsAlert

recent PGA Rookie of the Year (2017), Schauffele tries to make his mark on the PGA Tour with a victory at the PGA Championship
2020 PROFILE
World Rk:  11                                               Age:  26
FedExCup Rk:  11                                      Events:  14
2020 Tour Victories:  None                       Top 10:  5
Total Majors:  None
Est. 2015
Strengths:
SG: Tee to Green-1.362 (6th)
SG: Total-1.586 (9th)
Scoring Avg.: 69.416 (6th)
Greens in Regulation%: 72.02 (5th)
Scrambling %: 66.18 (7th)

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW (I)

 TAKING AIM AT THE 2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Jordan Spieth's message to PGA Tour rivals: I'll play even better next year  | National Post 

Jordan Spieth sets his sights on a Grand Slam.  Having already won the Masters and US Open in 2015, while also clinching The Open Championship in 2017, the PGA Championship is the only major to elude the former PGA Player of the Year (2015)

 

SAN FRANSISCO, CA– Set against the cypress tree-lined Lake Merced, the improved TPC Harding Park Course layout features soft bunkers and graceful undulating fairways. An additional 400 yards was also added to the course to make it a championship-caliber golf facility ready for PGA TOUR action. The course also underwent a greens renovation in December 2013 re-opened in 2014.  Here’s the rundown on the season’s first major:

ALPHA MALES

Rory McIlroy major warning sent to rivals ahead of 2020 PGA Championship - EXCLUSIVE | Golf | Sport | Express.co.ukThe most popular and polarizing athletes on the PGA tour will be on the attack for the tour’s first major of the season

THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP

Flipboard: Justin Thomas won the 2020 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational in thrilling fashion. Let's never do it again.Justin Thomas regained the World’s no.1 after having ceded the ranking to Jon Rahm for two weeks.  Thomas clinched his position after outlasting defending champion Brooks Koepka AT the FedEx Cup St. Jude Invitational 
2020 profile
World Rk:  1                                               Age:  27
FedExCup Rk:  1                                      Events:  14
2020 Tour Victories:  3                       Top 10:  9
Total Majors:  1-PGA Championship 2017
Est. 2013

King JT is by far the hottest golfer on tour and is the legitimate favorite going into the PGA Championship.  After a grueling battle of endurance, Thomas defeated rival Brooks Koepka this past weekend at the WGC St. Jude’s Invitational in Nashville, setting up a juicy showdown featuring the two men who have dominated the past three PGA Championships

Strengths:
  • *SG: Approach the Green Value-1.072 (1st)
  • SG: Around the Green Value-1.072 (1st)
  • SG: Tee to Green Value-1.928 (1st)
  • SG: Total Value-2.085 (1st)
  • Scoring Average: 69.001 (2nd)
  • **Scrambling%: 66.29 (5th)
*Strokes Gained  **The % of time a player misses the green in regulation, but still make par or better

GHOSTS OF VALHALLA

Rise of Rory: How McIlroy is pushing his way back to top of the world - Sport360 NewsAlthough World’s no. 3 Rory McILroy has been a constant threat on tour, he has failed to produce a major win since he doubled up in 2014 (PGA Championship/The Open Championship)
2020 Profile
World Rk:  3                                             Age:  31
FedExCup Rk:  5                                      Events:  11
2020 Tour Victories:  1                       Top 10:  6
Total Majors: 4-U.S. Open (’11)/PGA Championship (2)-(’12/’14)/The Open Championship (’14)
Est. 2007

Fan favorite McILroy can hear the whispers of ghosts in the gallery.  Ever since his 2014 triumph at Valhalla, Rory has been unable to duplicate his magic touch at majors in recent years, despite his unquestioned position as a tour heavyweight.  The world will be watching as  McILroy attempts to return to championship form.

Strengths:
  • SG: Off the Tee Value-.801 (4th)
  • SG: Tee to Green Value-1.499 (5th)
  • Scoring Avg: 69.016 (3rd)
  • Driving Distance: 312.9 (5th)
  • SG: Total-1.595 (8th)

EVERYONE IS GUNNING FOR BRYSON

Why Is the Golf World So Scared of Bryson DeChambeau? | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and HighlightsTour phenom Bryson Dechambeau will have all eyes on him as he attempts to drive his way to his first major at TPC Harding
2020 Profile
World Rk:  7                                              Age:  26
FedExCup Rk:  4                                      Events:  25
2020 Tour Victories:  1                       Top 10:  8
Total Majors: None
Est. 2016
Strengths:
  • Driving distance: 324.4 (1st)
  • SG: Off the Tee Value-1.120 (1st)
  • SG: Putting Value-.808 (6th)
  • SG: Total Value-2.004 (2nd)
  • Scoring Avg: 68.996 (2nd)
  • Scrambling %: 65.61 (8th)

    METAMORPHOSIS

  • ImageBryson DeChambeau hopes to stress out the drone technology this week as he brings his tour leading () avg to TPC Harding

50 SHADES OF LEFTY

Phil Mickelson, after playing Saudi pro-am with backers of rival PGA Tour venture, says he's impressed by Premier Golf League pitchLefty hopes to lean on his performance at the WGC St. Jude Invitational
2020 Profile
World Rk:  49                                               Age:  50
FedExCup Rk:  62                                      Events:  14
2020 Tour Victories:  None                       Top 10:  2
Total Majors:  5-The Masters (3)-(’04/’06/’10)/PGA Championship (’05)/The Open Championship (’13)
Est. 1992

Perennial fan favorite, Phil Mickelson is now entering his Golden Age and his rewind performance last weekend in Nashville has inspired the hope within his rabid fanbase that Lefty has another major in him, even at 50.  Mickelson will embrace the challenge and the adulation this week in attempt to take down *Julius Boros‘ 52 year old record and become the oldest player on tour to win a major since 1968.

Julius Boros Sports stars smoke camels (cropped).jpg

Julius Boros (1949)

*(PGA Championship 1968-48 years, 4 months)

 OUT OF THE WOODS?

Tiger Woods confirms he's been personally approached by PGA Tour rival Premier Golf League | Golf World | Golf DigestWoods arrived early to TPC Harding, his first time back since the 2009 President’s Cup
2020 Profile
World Rk:  15                                               Age:  44
FedExCup Rk:  48                                      Events:  4
2020 Tour Victories:  1                       Top 10:  2
Total Majors:  15-The Masters (5)-(’97/’01/’02/’05/’19)/U.S. Open (3)-(’00/’02/’08)/PGA Championship (4)-(’99/’00/’06/’07)/The Open Championship (3)-(’00/’05/’06)
Est. 1996

If Tiger could demonstrate some proximity of his apex game, he will have a shot at the PGA.  Having skipped the 3M Open and the WGC St. Jude, Woods has invested his preparation time  for TPC Harding, a course he has not visited in 11 years.  For that to happen he must remain healthy throughout the duration of the weekend.  In this tournament, if Woods gets off to a confident start the golf world will begin to focus its attention on how his body is maintaining.  From his swing off the tee to every step that he takes on the march, Tiger will be heavily scrutinized as he chases major no. 16.

BROOKS AND MORTAR

Tiger Woods: PGA Championship: Brooks Koepka survives black course - The Economic Times2-time PGA Championship defending champion Brooks Koepka is gunning for a prestigious 3-peat and layING a foundation that will count him amongst the golf giants
2020 Profile
World Rk:  6                                               Age:  31
FedExCup Rk:  96                                      Events:  11
2020 Tour Victories:  None                       Top 10:  2
Total Majors:  4-(2) U.S. Open (’17/’18)/(2) PGA Championship (’18/’19)
Est. 2012

Pride.  Legacy.  Mental Toughness.  Left Knee.  All will play a factor in Koepka’s historical 3-time defense of the PGA Championship.  Koepka appeared to be rounding into form as he maintained a high level of play last week in Memphis, finishing in 2nd place.

RAHMBO: FIRST BLOOD? 

Jon Rahm offers support and guidance during coronavirus crisis | Golf News | Sky SportsJon Rahm attempts to bounce back after faltering in Memphis this past weekend at the FedEx St. Jude’s Invitational.  Rahm’s reign as World’s no. 1 came to an abrupt end after finishing in 52nd place by tournaments end shooting a score (+1).  The tour’s most versatile player will be in search for his first major at the Pga Championship
2020 Profile
World Rk:  2                                               Age:  25
  FedExCup Rk:  10                                      Events:  11
2020 Tour Victories:  1                      Top 10:  5
Total Majors:  None
Est. 2016
Strengths:
  • SG: Off the Tee Value-.710 (6th)
  • SG: Tee to Green Value-1.209 (8th)
  • SG: Total Value-1.691 (4th)
  • Scoring Avg: 69.522 (7th)

TOP ODDS TO WIN THE 2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

KOEPKA’S SCOPE IS FOCUSED ON 3X
US PGA Championship 2019: Brooks Koepka retains title – as it happened | Sport | The GuardianDefending back-to-back PGA Champion Brooks Koepka looks to make history at TPC Harding this weekend
(via William hill)
Justin Thomas: 10-1
Bryson DeChambeau: 10-1
Brooks Koepka: 11-1
Rory McIlroy: 11-1
Jon Rahm: 14-1
Patrick Cantlay: 18-1
Dustin Johnson: 20-1
Xander Schauffele: 22-1
Collin Morikawa: 22-1
Webb Simpson: 25-1
Tiger Woods: 28-1
Rickie Fowler: 35-1
tony finau: 35-1

PHIL MICKELSON: HOW TO SHAPE YOUR IRON SHOTS

LESSONS FROM LEFTY Vol. 2

Phil Mickelson | Caricature, Funny caricatures, Golf magazine

Phil’s back!  This time offering us a tutorial and a short video that provides us with some insight  into his eccentric putting game.  Mickelson demonstrates how to slice and draw the ball while maintaining a natural structural form.  The trick is in the way Lefty tweaks the mechanics of his forearm, wrists, and feet ever so slightly on the fly depending on the scenario he finds himself in.  Clearly, this is a man who suffers absolutely 0 fear when facing a daunting shot, making Mickelson one of the most daring, creative and confident golfers of his generation. 

Although he’s been labeled a bit of an adventurer when it comes to shot selection, there is certainly a method to his quirky madness.  Mickelson views the golf course through a Matrix-like lens, in which the dirt is green, water hazards don’t exist, and jumping into the maw of a quadruple bogey is nothing to worry about.

In Phil’s World:  Life is too short…

AN APPROACH FROM THE LEFT

Mickelson has always been held with lore within the pga tour community with numerous peers opining on his “creative” putting game over the years.  after an extended period of time, things began to stabilize.  Always flexible and never rattled, Mickelson’s ability to make constant adjustments in the middle of events actually speaks more to his high golf I.Q. 

Phil Mickelson Putting Technique Analysis - Golf Monthly

Set-up

  • Phil’s feet are just under shoulder-width apart at address, with ball position in line with his right heel
  • He tilts his upper body slightly away from the target to retain his desired loft at impact for an optimum roll
  • He places his hands on the club with the palms facing each other. Both thumbs run straight down the front of the grip, with his right index finger overlapping the fingers on his left hand

Stroke

Phil starts his stroke with a forward press of the hands, which gets them ahead of the ball and takes a little loft off the putter

LEFTY’S ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

Known for his unconventional use the claw grip for short putts and a conventional grip for everything else, Mickelson once said that the claw helped take his lower hand out of the stroke on short ones and produce a “softer hit.”

“I start every ball on line, and I feel like on short putts, it’s more effective…Once the stroke gets a little bit longer than a certain point, I start to lose some of that feel and touch. But there’s so much better extension, and it’s such a softer hit without having that bottom hand on the club like I like it.”

Lefty

PHIL INC.

A BONUS LESSON: HOW TO MAKE MONEY (ONCE ESTABLISHED ON THE PGA TOUR)

Lefty’s ALWAYS printing money.  In 2015, Mickelson topped the golf world in earnings, clocking in at a cool $50.8M, edging out Tiger Woods by $200K.  Of his total earnings, $48M came from endorsements.  Never shy to take a poke at himself, Mickelson’s side hustle as a brand ambassador, to anyone who will meet his ruthless price, has actually exposed some pretty entertaining material (see Lefty’s “Dance” Lessons in Vol.1…)

Phil Mickelson net worth and sponsorship deals - and a 'grotesque' obsession with money - Mirror OnlineMickelson averages $40M annually from appearances and endorsements with notable partners that include: Callaway, Barclays, KPMG, Exxon Mobile, Rolex and Amgen.

PHIL MICKELSON: CHIPPING 101

LESSONS FROM LEFTY Vol. 1

Golfer Phil Mickelson (by adavis57) | KarikatuurAs a competitor, 5-time major champion Phil Mickelson’s playing style is described by many as “aggressive.” His strategy toward difficult shots (bad lies, obstructions) would tend to be considered risky

Mickelson’s excellent short game draws the most positive reviews, however, most of all his daring “Phil flop” shot in which a big swing with a high-lofted wedge against a tight lie flies a ball high into the air for a short distance.  Here Lefty takes the time to go over the delicate art of chipping:

Lefty Getting Chippy Wit It

GOLDEN REWIND

What golden years? Phil Mickelson still 'having so much fun' against young guns | Golf ChannelMickelson turned back the clock this Sunday in his final round at the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, Phil Mickelson hit 9 of 14 fairways and 12 of 18 greens in regulation, and finished the day without a bogey. Mickelson finished the PGA Championship tune-up tied for 2nd at 10-under

FLOPPED AND SCREWED

A remix of Lefty’s shot made famous over the years

“We were between scenes, standing around, and someone came up with a bet. There was this really tall pine tree, and someone said to Phil Mickelson, “I bet you can’t put your shoulder against the tree, drop a ball and hit it over the tree.” The shot basically had to go straight up. Everybody threw in a hundred bucks. I think there was $1,200 in the pot. And he did it! When the ball was still in the air, Mickelson bent over, picked up the money, and put it in his pocket.”

Cheech Marin (On the Set of Tin Cup)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHIL!!!

Lefty celebrated his Golden Anniversary on June 16th

At the ripe age of 50, Mickelson is attempting to become the first tour player to win a PGA event since Davis Love III won in 2015 at age 51 (Wyndham Championship).  Sam Snead is the oldest to win at age 52, in 1965

GOLF AMBASSADOR: ALONZO MOURNING

 DRIVE AND ‘ZO

Sports superstars tee off for college scholarships - The Washington PostFormer 7-time NBA All-Star and Miami Heat legend, Alonzo Mourning has been hosting Zo’s Winter Groove every January dating back to 2000.  The event focuses around issues and topics that are relevant to today’s youth.  The Winter Groove builds off of celebrity panelists in discussions, a health and wellness day, along with a weekend loaded with golf and physical activity  

MIAMI, FL–Alonzo Mourning is a sense of conviction.  The 2014 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee and current NBA executive has spent most of his “retired” life donating to his community and has pushed his love for the game of golf as a vehicle to lead others towards helping shape the social and economic causes that affect today’s youth.  In 1997, Zo founded the Mourning Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on youth development through advocacy, education and enrichment .

Mourning took his love for the game of golf and incorporated it into his various causes in 2000 by organizing the Zo Celebrity Golf Classic which he host every January in Miami.  The event draws various celebrities, local business members, and public officials who aim to help improve the many youth development programs that Mourning champions including the Overtown Youth Center and Honey Shine programs that are safe havens for the uninterrupted expansion of extracurricular activities and continued education.

ZO’S CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

2020 ZO'S CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC EVENT Pages 1 - 20 - Text Version | FlipHTML5

The former Georgetown Hoya great averaged 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and a whopping 5 blocks per game his senior season propelling Mourning to being selected 2nd overall in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.  His professional career continued to be decorated with accolades throughout but really heated up when he was traded to Miami during the 1995 offseason where he won Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons (1999-2000) and also signed a mega 6 year $105M contract.

Following a brief sabbatical in New Jersey in 2003 and 2004, Mourning returned to Miami for a second stint in 2005 where he won an NBA title in 2006.  After declaring that the 2007 season would be his last, Zo tore his patellar tendon in the winter of that year and was forced to bow out on December 17th after 15 seasons as a professional.  Mourning immediately turned his focus and energy towards his adopted community of Miami-Dade County directly after his retirement.

THAT ZO SWING

In 2009, 6 FT ’10 Alonzo Mourning was listed as one of the tallest celebrity golfers in the world.  Although he holds a massive advantage with his size and length his mechanics are still awkward and he naturally tends to overcompensate with his strength on his drives off the tee

THE WARRIOR AND ADVOCATE

Alonzo Mourning Net Worth | Celebrity Net WorthAlonzo Mourning is also famous for his bout with Focal Glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease that is the result of the scarring of the kidneys’ tiny blood vessels, the glomeruli, the functional units in the kidney that filter urea from the blood.  The scarring disturbs the filtering process of the kidneys and allows protein to leak from the blood into urine.  In 2003 Mourning required a kidney transplant to save his life.

Ivan Rodriguez, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Alonzo Mourning - Alonzo Mourning Photos - Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels Presents Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament Hosted By Jose Andres - Food Network South Beach Wine

Mourning with former MLB catcher Ivan Rodriguez and PGA tour legend Chi-Chi Rodriguez

“For me to come out of this the way I’ve come out of it and to win a world championship and overcome all those obstacles, and obviously you look at it from the outside, looking in and say, “Wow, that’s an incredible story.” … But in essence it is. And a lot of the reason why I came out of it and I think the reason why … is to help change the lives and inspire others to overcome and not to succumb to what they might be dealing with.”

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Alonzo Mourning joins President Obama for a round of golf - Los Angeles Times

Rubbing shoulders with Presidents is nothing new for Zo as he has also golfed with former President Bill Clinton.  Here he participates in a foursome that included 2-time NBA champion and legendary sharpshooter Ray Allen as well as the 44th U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 

 

COMMUNITY FIRST

WRECares - DeliverLean Launches Extensive Food Drive with Alonzo Mourning - World Red Eye | World Red EyeApril 20, 2020 –Mourning and  DeliverLean launched an expansive food drive initiative to collect non-perishable food items from South Florida homes in order to expand distribution locations with community partners so they can reach more families in need during the novel coronavirus pandemic

Even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic that has paralyzed public services and put increased strains on charitable organizations, Mourning continues to forge on for the residents in the Miami-Dade region.  Zo’s organized food drives have been a staple and has expanded dramatically over the years, encouraging other prominent members of the Miami-Dade region to contribute to their community.  This summer, Mourning was able to bring the newly formed Inter Miami CF into the good graces of the people through his program with DeliverLean and other companies that helps donate meals to roughly 400 families a week.

With a long a decorated career at his back and a massive responsibility to fulfill his community’s promise ahead, Alonzo Mourning continues to move forward for the people of the Miami-Dade community.

ALONZO MOURNING NBA HIGHLIGHTS

BENEATH THE SCRUM…

Best Jeff Van Gundy GIFs | Gfycat

Back in 1998 former New York Knicks coach and current ESPN NBA play-by-play announcer Jeff Van Gundy tries his best to control a melee involving the Miami Heat in Madison Square Garden.  His best resolve?  Latch on to Alonzo Mourning’s leg…

CLASSIC ALONZO

Mourning drills the game winner from distance defeating the Boston Celtics in the 1993 Playoffs

THE MOURNING AFTER A CHAMPIONSHIP

Championship Rosters | Miami Heat

Mourning is finally crowned NBA Champion in 2006