COVID-19 Vaccine: PGA Tour Assures Players They Won't Get Microchipped

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This Frenchie has Been microchipped but for different reasons

This Frenchie has Been microchipped but for different reasons

Hey it’s still April. Just not the 1st.

But it seems the PGA Tour’s finest are more vaccine resistant than we could have imagined. Bob Harig reports for ESPN.com story on the PGA Tour wrapping up its incredibly successful on-site COVID-19 testing this June. Parts of a memo to players reveal that those choosing not to be vaccinated will be responsible for the cost and burden of getting tested if they want to chase points.

• "The COVID 19 vaccine has been administered to over 700 million people worldwide. There have been very few significant side effects reported. Once a vaccine is authorized for use, monitoring continues with systems in place to track problems or side effects that were not detected in clinical trials.''


Apparently enough have shared crackpot theories to the Global Home that the brass addressed them. In writing.

• "There are common misconceptions and concerns about infertility, altering DNA, microchipping, becoming infected with COVID as a result of the COVID 19 vaccine. These misconceptions and concerns are false.''


The microchip conspiracy theory. Common? Only in some circles. At one time 28% of Americans thought the vaccine would come (free of charge!) with the Bill Gates microchip. The origins of the theory—brace for shocking plot twist—appear to be Russian.

Besides highlighting the conspiratorial tendencies of the PGA Tour membership, let’s not underestimate the role of staggering ignorance. Harig quotes an anonymous player who probably isn’t reading much:

"I've had 60-plus tests, all negative,'' said one veteran PGA Tour player who wished not to be identified. "My caddie and I have been through every airport, public transportation, you name it, without getting COVID. But the tour is going to make it a pain for us if we don't take it. They are not forcing you, but it will be a pain if you don't.''

Also, it would be a pain to finally get the virus after all that time and give it to someone you love. Or anyone.

The player said he would be more receptive to getting a shot if it is the Johnson & Johnson version, which has been put on hold by the Centers for Disease Control. The vaccine requires just one shot, and some players are leery of potential side effects associated with two doses and how that might impact their playing schedule.

Now that’s devotion to one’s self on a spectacular level. But FedExCup points will do funny things to people.

USGA: "Limited Number of Fans" At U.S. Opens, Vaccination Required For Out-Of-State Ticketholders

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Noteworthy here: proof of vaccination will be required for out of state fans, vaccination or negative test results for California residents at the U.S. Open (Torrey Pines) and U.S. Women’s Open (Olympic Club).

Not clear: how many fans will be welcomed.

For Immediate Release:

USGA to Welcome a Limited Number of Fans in June at 2021 U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Open Championships 

Ticket information now available at uswomensopen.com and usopen.com

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (April 19, 2021) – The USGA announced today that the 2021 U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Open Championships will be played with a limited number of fans in attendance. The 76th U.S. Women's Open will be held at The Olympic Club (Lake Course), in San Francisco, Calif., from June 3-6, and the 121st U.S. Open will be held at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course), in San Diego, Calif., from June 17-20. 

"Last year, we missed the energy that fans bring to our U.S. Open championships," said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director, Championships. "We are grateful to our local and state health and safety officials in California to be in a position to welcome some fans back this year to witness the greatest players in the world contending for these prestigious championships, while working to maintain the health and safety of all involved."

Those who have already purchased tickets to the U.S. Open will receive a direct communication from the USGA with additional details.

Information on tickets for each championship is available on uswomensopen.com and usopen.com. 

The USGA will continue to monitor developments and guidelines in California and will update local policies and procedures on the championships' respective websites as required.

For both championships, the following guidelines will be in place:

  • Face coverings will be required for fans, staff and volunteers, and must be worn at all times, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status;

  • All fans, staff, and volunteers will be required to abide by social distancing guidelines;

  • State of California residents must show proof that vaccination against COVID-19 has occurred at least 14 days prior to the championships or that a negative test result has been received;

  • It will be mandatory for all out-of-state fans to provide proof that vaccination against COVID-19 has occurred at least 14 days prior to the championship;

  • Information regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification will be made available on uswomensopen.com and usopen.com;

  • Sanitization stations will be available throughout the grounds, and spectators will be permitted to bring hand sanitizer.

The U.S. Women's Open will be held at The Olympic Club for the first time in its 76-year history. The storied venue has hosted five U.S. Opens, as well as five other USGA championships. Torrey Pines will host the U.S. Open for the second time; in 2008, it was the site of Tiger Woods' memorable Monday playoff victory over Rocco Mediate.

Si Woo's Penalty And Signs That Slow Play Might Be Wearing Thin With Officials

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Now that a twosome of American pro golf takes north of four hours to get around any course—even short and well-synced Harbour Town—there are signs the PGA Tour might be recognizing the absurdity of it all.

Since the Florida swing when the Tour has played twosomes on weekends (unless forced by weather to go out in three), their network partners at NBC and CBS have routinely missed their scheduled sign-off on time. This means the rules staff projects a pace hoping to have the round finish just before the network sign-off time. Yet fields are still missing the time par.

Besides being tedious to watch, the extra 45-60 minutes costs “partners” money. And every sport is trying to prevent bloat in fear of the coveted demo going back to their Playstations (if they ever left them to watch golf).

I realize we’ve known this is a problem for a decade or more going back to the Finchem era when the idea of handing out penalties was physically repulsive to Commish Moonbeam. But there were signs last weekend that the act has grown old. CBS noted when Stewart Cink or the group in front of him was put on the clock and without any defense of the slowpokes. The announcers repeatedly questioned the amount of information discussed with caddie/son Reagan. Hint, hint: there was not a lot of admiration for the extent of chit-chat. (Though I’d argue the banter and “process” has helped Cink re-focus to pull off an incredible resurgence.)

Since pace rules have not been enforced with penalties the Cink’s and other slower players have no incentive to change. Throw in green books, all par-5’s within reach in two, a drivable par-4 wait, and it’s hard to break four hours.

The weekend also produced Si Woo Kim’s one-stroke penalty for exceeding the ten-second rule. Noteworthy here is not the enforcement of the rule, but the Tour posting so much controversy on their Twitter feed and the wild sight of Matt Kuchar coming to Kim’s defense. This, as official Stephen Cox calmly explains the rule without highlighting that no ball, dangling on the edge, can move for a minute and not fall in the cup!

Predictably, Tour players whined about this travesty, as Nick Piatkowski documented. (You’ll be shocked to learn Grade A whiner Charley Hoffman once again blames the USGA.)

The sad reality? The entitlement factor is strong in these ones.

Without any enforcement of rules, players have come to believe they should be able to do as they see fit as long as it’s cool with their bros on Tour. You look the other way when I take 3 minutes to hit a shot and I’ll be real slow to mark my ball behind the cup. You know, to speed up play.

No entertainment vehicle today can afford to take its sweet time or to not enforce its rules. With betting getting a hard push from the Tour, slow play penalties or backscratching behavior will only scare off wagerers. So even if the stars believe in talking out every element of a shot on Thursday, or believe it’s their right to watch a ball hanging on the edge for a minute, the business of golf cannot support the pace.

But I leave you with good news!

Over in Hawaii the leaders whizzed around the LPGA Tour’s Lotte Championship final round in just over 3:30, as Twitter noticed in celebrating Lydia Ko’s first win in three years. And check out the speed of that Golf Channel cameraman running to get to the notoriously speedy Nelly Korda in time. We need more of this…

Cink Continues Amazing Late Career Run After Caddie Change, Distance Gain

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It wasn’t exciting and the pace was so slow the leaders couldn’t finish before CBS’s scheduled sign-off times. And Stewart Cink won’t care.

From Dylan Dethier’s story at Golf.com on the Cink’s backstory and the amazing game turnaround since sacking looper Kip Henley:

In Reagan’s first start of the year, Stewart shocked the golf world. The 47-year-old shot 65-65 on the weekend in Napa to edge out his Safeway Open competition; for the first time in 11 years, he was in the winner’s circle.

“I can’t really overstate how important Reagan’s been as a caddie, too,” Cink said after the win. “He understands golf to the very, very highest level. It was really a great experience.”

Father and son got to enjoy the walk up 18:

And it wasn’t like Cink lucked into this one, as Doug Ferguson noted in sharing the scoring records Cink broke:

Cink put on show for the ages — shattering the lowest 36-hole score at Harbour Town of 13-under 129 shared by Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson. Cink also broke the 54-hole scoring mark of 16-under 197 that Justin Leonard had in his 2002 win.

Cink averaged 306 off the tee, the same as his 2021 season average and continues his amazing distance carry surge detailed by Cameron Morfit in January after committing to a massive weightlifting and cardio prog…wait, oh, it was thanks to Trackman. Sorry.

Anyway, the win came in Cink’s 600th career start, a feat commemorated earlier in the week:

Joe Biden Plays His First Golf Round As President

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It’ll be tough to reach Donald Trump’s 150 (or so) rounds of golf as President, but Joe Biden has his first round in the books.

According to Yahoo News’ Sebastian Smith, the round took place at Wilmington Country Club, home to the 2022 BMW Championship and where Biden joined in 2014. He was sporting a Beau Biden Foundation cap and Wilmington vest for those analyzing his fashion choices.

The Democrat's motorcade swept into the Wilmington Country Club for the unannounced outing around lunch time. Clearly surprised members of the private, upscale club paused between swings and putting to watch, some whipping out cellphones to film the spectacle.

The White House said Biden's playing partners were Ron Olivere, father-in-law of Biden's late son Beau, and senior advisor Steve Ricchetti.

This was not just the first time Biden has devoted a day to golf since taking over from Trump in January, but likely the first time many Americans realized that he plays at all.

One eye-opener when I searched Twitter for Biden and golf for photos: accounts that the President was dazed and confused according to a linked report. The site where this “report” supposedly sat? Progolfweekly.com and there was no such story posted and only one on Biden from last year.

The bots never sleep!

AP’s Jonathan Lemire Tweeted this photo of Biden and round recap from the President:

First Look At The Matsuyama Effect On Golf In Japan

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An unbylined AFP story looks at Hideki Matsuyama’s possible impact on Japan’s golfdom.

Matsuyama’s victory was watched by a rapt TV audience in his home country, where around seven million people play golf.

It prompted blanket media coverage as newspapers rushed to publish special online editions.

At a large driving range in Tokyo on Monday, amateur players were savouring Matsuyama’s victory as they hit balls off the tees.

“When I saw that Matsuyama, who is usually very stoic, had tears in his eyes, and when I heard the emotion in the commentator’s voice, I couldn’t hold back my own tears,” said restaurant owner Teruyuki Onogi.

This sounds familiar…

At the driving range on Monday, restaurant owner Onogi agreed that Matsuyama’s win could help revamp golf’s image in Japan.

“As the news spreads, people might stop considering golf to be a sport played by old men, and take an interest in it,” he said.

“If we can create a more inclusive environment that allows people to take up golf more easily, I think Japanese will become better at it.”

Ball Goes Too Far, Files: The Story Behind Harbour Town's Bryson Range Extension

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GolfDigest.com’s Shane Ryan documents the silly saga at Harbour Town where they had to combat long drives by erecting a temporary fence contraption to protect fans, workers and anyone near the 8th green.

It would have been $100,000 if they could even do an unsightly permanent extension and a temporary solution as Riviera must undertake annually for the Genesis.

Ryan talked to superintendent Jonathan Wright about the headache and costs of concocting a solution for the 400-yard club, only to have Bryson DeChambeau WD from the RBC Heritage.

"It was the most stressful part of our week," Wright said. "It was a bit of a process, man."

He and Morgan Hyde, the vice president of operations at the tournament, estimate that the total cost of the net and the lifts and the various smaller equipment needs ran to about $20,000, and that's not counting the roughly 30 hours of man hours it took to get it fully operational.

If you're a fan of futility or the universe laughing at your plans, you'll love this next detail: According to reports from the ground, players are still hitting balls over the net.

Which is why, when Wright heard that DeChambeau had withdrawn from the tournament, he didn't know quite how to take the news. Should he be disappointed or relieved?

"I would have liked the guy to be here because he's one of the top players in the world, so it hurt my feelings a little bit," Wright said. "But at least we knew we were a little bit more secure with spectators, you know?"

Let’s hope the CBS drones don’t get caught up in this fakakta mess:

First Look At Renovated (Again) Muirfield Village

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As the 2020 Memorial wrapped up play work had already begun on what Jack Nicklaus called his last chance to get the course where he wanted. With the 2021 edition not far way a PDF has been created to update players and caddies on the changes made.

Most notable changes are at the 3rd, 4th and 15th holes. The unimaginative bunkering is a bit of a surprise but in time hopefully they develop more character. The new landing area bunkers at 15 are also pretty artificial on what was once such a neat, rambling and natural par-5.

Bougle Run Opens: 14-Hole Short Course At Barnbougle Dunes

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As noted in a previous post about short course openings in 2021, Barnbougle Dunes has added a much-needed short course to compliment its two world class 18’s for that late afternoon fun or early morning warm-up.

Coore and Crenshaw designed the “Bougle Run” course featuring twelve par-3s and two par-’s next to their Lost Farm design.

Garry Lu has the details and many stunning images of the new short course.

Arizona: PGA Tour And DraftKings Can't Wait To Start Taking Your Money

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The ink isn’t dry yet because Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has yet to sign the bill, but that didn’t stop the PGA Tour and DraftKings from announcing a new TPC Scottsdale-based year-round sportsbook.

Why this needed to be announced before the sports betting bill was signed is beyond me, but the appearance of desperation is kind of embarrassing. This couldn’t wait a week?

Anyway, start planning your budget now Scottsdalians. Though don’t expect any fun prop bets that might upset the players.

For Immediate Release:

PGA TOUR and DraftKings expand relationship with Arizona market access and plans for one-of-a-kind retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale  

Premium sportsbook planned at TPC Scottsdale as part of 
mutual commitment to fan engagement and innovation 

 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – April 14, 2021 — Following the Arizona Legislature’s passage of HB 2772, which would authorize fantasy sports and sports betting in the state pending action from Governor Doug Ducey, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today announced that they will expand their existing commercial relationship to provide DraftKings market access for retail and mobile sports betting in Arizona, pending regulatory approvals. As part of this agreement, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings have also announced plans to operate a premium retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale.

“When DraftKings became the first Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. “This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA TOUR is a testament to the vision of both organizations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”

The vision…to take your money.

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings plan to create a visually stunning “19th hole” experience at TPC Scottsdale where fans can gather year-round to place wagers, watch sports and enjoy quality food and beverage options. The PGA TOUR and DraftKings are working closely with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organization of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximize economic, tourism and charitable benefits to the local community. Several locations are being considered at TPC Scottsdale for the retail sportsbook, with details to be announced at a later date.   

“The PGA TOUR commends the State of Arizona and Governor Ducey for their forward-thinking approach to legal sports betting.” said Norb Gambuzza, Senior Vice President of Media and Gaming at the PGA TOUR. “We are thrilled to work with DraftKings – along with the City of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds – to explore a one-of-a-kind sportsbook experience at TPC Scottsdale and the world-class Waste Management Phoenix Open. ‘The People’s Open’ is one of the most attended events in golf and with this announcement we look forward to taking the fan experience to another level.”

Key word: taking.

Pursuant to the expanded agreement, DraftKings will also become the exclusive sports betting partner of the Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted annually at TPC Scottsdale. Additionally, the PGA TOUR and DraftKings will collaborate on co-marketing initiatives and exclusive hospitality experiences to position TPC Scottsdale as a premier global destination for sports bettors and avid golf fans. 

Look, I’m pro betting but good golly, let’s make sure it’s legal first and as a charitable non-profit organization, try ease into the accelerator. Yowsers.

"A Push to Move the Golf Course Atop a Native American ‘Stonehenge'"

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Historians hoping to preserve the ancient Octagon Earthworks in Newark, Ohio, as a UNESCO World Heritage site faces a problem: the golf club that leases the property.

The New York Times’ Sarah Bahr explains how historians are looking to preserve the ancient Octagon Earthworks in Newark, Ohio and earn them an UNESCO World Heritage designation.

The problem? These earthworks have been part of Moundbuilders Country Club more more than 100 years but have not become an issue:

But now the club, which has leased the land for more than a century, is being asked to relocate so that the mounds can be properly embraced as an archaeological treasure, a move club members understand — they have preserved the mounds for generations — but one that they say will be difficult for them to undertake unless representatives of the state kick up the ante for the cost of creating a new golf venue.

The $1.7 million amount the state’s representatives have proposed under eminent domain is up from an initial offer of $800,000. But the club wants $12 million. The dispute heads to the Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday.

It’s a terrific and balanced read, so as always I urge you to hit the link.

Also, here is 1930 Golf Illustrated story on Moundbuilders.

Horschel Apologies To Augusta Members For "The Fire Inside Me" Running Hot

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Being blocked by Billy Ho has it’s benefits. So I didn’t see this Sunday apology to the members of Augusta National from the AJGA National Chairman following his amped up and often embarrassing Masters antics.

To be fair, Horschel was in a featured group window both weekend days and there was more opportunity to see the club slamming, tossing and “Oh Billy” self talk. Undoubtedly, some of the uncontrollable rage Sunday might have come from Scott Van Pelt leading off the previous night’s Sportscenter with Horschel’s slide down the tributary of Rae’s Creek.

My favorite mix of replies to the Tweet:

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2021 Masters Ratings: 5.52, 9.45 Million Average Audience For CBS

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There’ll be quite a bit of alarm over the Masters all-time low ratings but I’d argue we are just seeing the effect of a star power void and increased streaming.

Yes, the ratings are the lowest for a springtime playing since Nielsen has been tracking, but still hit an average audience of 9.4 million/5.52 rating with a peak of 12.89 million as Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele got to the finishing holes. That would make it the most watched golf tournament since the 2019 Masters.

Let’s throw out 2020 (November) and 2019 (Tiger/early start to beat storms) for comparison purposes:

  • 2018: 13.027 million average on a 7.9 rating for Patrick Reed’s win.

  • 2017: 11.05 million average on a 6.8 rating for Sergio Garcia’s win.

A drop but CBS believes when all the numbers are in that this will the second-most streamed Masters other than 2019’s Woods win. With more cordcutting and three working options for viewing online or via apps, a nice chunk of the slide can be attributed to the better-than-most streaming options.

Also not helping: the languid pace of play (4:20 rounds) and the lack of any serious charges at Matsuyama until late. With many parts of the country reopening I’m sure CBS lost viewers to people happy to be out and about.

That said, this is a fine opportunity for all involved to also acknowledge golf’s “product” and star power issues in the post-Tiger era. Addressing this is no easy task and the PGA Tour is showing no signs of trying, believing if you just repeat the word “athletes” enough it’ll all work out in the end.

So it’ll be on the governing bodies to tighten up some equipment rules that might reward the most skilled, keep stars in the limelight just a bit more and shorten the length of rounds. One thing clear from the week: the ratings cannot be blamed on a lack of viewing options or production values.

On the Golf Channel front, going back to a comparable schedule in 2018 you can see the impact of multiple forces on the “Live From” show: increased ESPN presence, a larger streaming viewership and no real reason to watch with better alternatives. Weekend shows in 2018 prior to CBS live coverage hovered around 1.5 million viewers. This year, well less than half that many tuned in for a couple of shows earlier in the day before tuning out, focusing on streaming or going out for some golf.

2018’s ratings:

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Golf Channel sent out an odd April Fools-tinged press release to tout their Live From ratings as the most-watched Masters daily preview show.

There are only two and one spends more time cover other sports than the golf.

The release also compared numbers to the totally incomparable fall 2020 Masters.*

GOLF CHANNEL’S LIVE FROM THE MASTERS COVERAGE WAS MOST-WATCHED DAILY PREVIEW SHOW ON ANY NETWORK DURING MASTERS WEEK

Live From… Viewership for Full Masters Week UP 46% from 2020 and On Par with 2019, Which Featured Tiger Woods’ Historic Victory

Live From… Shows Ahead of Thursday’s Opening Round and Sunday’s Final Round Rank as GOLF Channel’s Most Watched on Respective Days Since 2018

STAMFORD, Conn. – April 13, 2021 – NBC Sports’ Live From the Masters coverage on GOLF Channel was the most-watched daily Masters preview programming on any network from Monday, April 5 through Sunday, April 11, according to official national data provided by Nielsen.

Live From the Masters daily preview coverage averaged 437,000 viewers for the full Masters week from Monday through Sunday*. For Thursday through Sunday coverage before each Masters round, Live From averaged 633,000 viewers, outperforming the closest competition by 67%.

Live From’s full-week average of 437,000 viewers topped by 46% the show’s average during November’s 2020 Masters (299,000) and was on par with the 2019 Masters (442,000), when Tiger Woods won his fifth green jacket and first major in more than a decade.

Additional viewership highlights from GOLF Channel’s Masters week coverage:

  • GOLF Channel’s average viewership for Masters week programming from Monday-Sunday (6 a.m.-3 a.m. ET) was up 50% vs. November 2020.

    1. Extended Live From the Masters coverage on Thursday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ET averaged 463,000 viewers – marking the largest audience for the show ahead of a Masters opening round since 2018.

    2. Live From the Masters on Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ET delivered an average of 697,000 viewers – ranking as the best figure ahead of a Masters final round since 2018.

In total, NBC Sports presented more than 55 hours of Live From the Masters coverage from Augusta National Golf Club last week as Hideki Matsuyama finished 10-under to secure his first Masters championship, marking his first major title and becoming the first Japanese man to win a major championship.

*Based upon regularly scheduled Live From… windows (Monday, 2-5 p.m. ET, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET, Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ET, Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ET)

*Asterisks in a press release…never good.

Ryder Cup Promo Video Gaffe Becomes Big Issue For Rome's Mayor

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Yes April 1 has passed but never discount its reach!

Lesson here for those cutting social-friendly videos: get the right Colosseum.

I don’t want to spoil too much here, but this is a bit like like showing Lambeau Field when you meant the Rose Bowl. Both old. Both football stadiums. But kinda far apart.

Here is a written report explaining the mess that Rome mayor Virginia Raggi is in for sharing a video on Facebook with the incorrect image. It’s a big mistake given that one ancient arena is intact and one has lost about half its upper shell. But it’s not like Raggi was in the editing bay when this happened!

Here is the offending video previewing Rome 2023 still includes the Arena of Nimes: