First Looks At Jack Nicklaus' Last (He Says) Renovation Of Muirfield Village

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Golf.com has posted a documentary that aired on CBS last Sunday called “One Last Bite.”

It’s worth it even though you’ll have to deal with the usual pop-ups hawking Golden Bear hats (still!).

WBNS TV sent out Drone10 for a (slow) flyover of all 18 holes. First reactions: several fairway bunker rearrangements look to be calling for shaping tee shots a bit more (in line with Nicklaus’s most recent and best version of the 17th). The new look 15th still isn’t clicking with me given the raw beauty of the old hole. The creek and banks may improve with age, but at least the new green complex looks a bit more demanding to with a fun back right pin placement.

Kevin Durant On Post-Pandemic Fandom

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Things got ugly when the Nets visited the Boston and in light of what has looked or sounded like an increased edge to some recent golf proceedings, I thought Kevin Durant’s comments were of note.

"Fans gotta grow up at some point," Nets forward Kevin Durant said Sunday. "I know that being in the house for a year and a half with the pandemic got a lot of people on edge, got a lot of people stressed out, but when you come to these games, you have to realize that these men are human. We are not animals, we are not in the circus.

"You coming to the game is not all about you as a fan. So, have some respect for the game. Have some respect for the human beings and have some respect for yourself. Your mother wouldn't be proud of you throwing water bottles or spitting on players or tossing popcorn. So, grow the *&^% up and enjoy the game. It's bigger than you.”

Defending Shanshan Feng's Concession

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It’s never a great look when a player WD’s from an event without an injury excuse, but in Shanshan Feng’s case it seems she made the right call to pass up the consolation match.

The Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play is a new event at Shadow Creek and it’s not off to a super start. The event was added in February and poorly scheduled by the LPGA. Going from match play in near 100-degree weather to San Francisco for the U.S. Women’s Open was not a great call, particularly with an LPGA event at nearby Lake Merced Golf Club the week after the Open (a great pre-U.S. Women’s Open test).

GolfDigest.com’s Kent Paisley noted many other elements that justify Feng’s decision to pass on the consolation match and the chance to win an additional $23,000.

Feng played a total of 112 holes over five days, more than anyone in the tournament. On Saturday alone she played 41 holes, outlasting her opponents in extra holes in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals.

Afterward, Feng confessed that she was so tired she thought about potentially dropping out of the event mid-match.

“There were quite a few times when I was on the course I was like, You know what, you've tried your best already. Yeah, maybe you just … you don't have to give it your 100 percent. You know, if you make any mistakes, it’s acceptable,” Feng said Saturday.

Also noteworthy for those who would argue this was unfair to the sponsor or television: Golf Channel opted to show two Playing Lessons reruns and a rebroadcast of the European Tour’s final round instead of the semi-final matches (either live or tape-delayed).

Is The USGA Close To Inking A U.S. Women's Open Sponsor?

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Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch says the USGA is on the verge of inking a deal for a U.S. Women’s Open presenting sponsor and quotes USGA chief brand officer Craig Annis as not ruling out what would be a first for the non-profit organization.

How about a “presenting” sponsor, in which the corporate branding comes after the event title?

“I would not rule that out,” Annis said. “We are always considering more ways to bring in corporate support for our championships and our programs and services.”

Annis declined to speculate on the potential price tag of any sponsorship — one source familiar with the pitch pegs it at $7-$10 million — and wouldn’t confirm whether a deal is close. “We would never disclose any conversations until they are ready to be made public,” he said.

The story also claims the U.S. Women’s Open loses $9 million annually. Yet Lynch says taking on such a presenting sponsor would be in an effort at achieving “purse parity” with the men’s U.S. Open and not about making up for revenue shortfalls.

“We’ve previously said that our long-term vision is to work to achieve purse parity,” he responded. “In the short term, we’re going to continue to be leaders in the purses amongst majors.”

On its most recent tax filing viewable to the public, the USGA reports $509,493,063 in net assets as of 2019. The organization is also halfway through a 12-year, $1.2. billion domestic TV rights deal.

De-Skilling Files: Rangefinders At The Senior PGA

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Steve Stricker’s caddie uses a rangefinder from far off line.

Steve Stricker’s caddie uses a rangefinder from far off line.

The Senior PGA from Southern Hills has been such a joy this week. It’s amazing to see beautiful ground features, creeks and grass instead of shade. The course overhaul is also allowing players are more opportunities for recovery from trouble. And seeing play on a golf course with adjacent fairways reinforced what a mistake it is to allow distance measuring devices into a major championship.

Last week’s PGA at Kiawah did not provide many examples of stuff like this, starting with Retief Goosen who, in round two wedged out from the 13th hole’s trees into the nearby 17th fairway.

Far off line, his caddie is seen here shooting a yardages:

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Despite a bad tee shot, Goosen was spared a penalty for his effort. He also gained access to a perfect (rangefinder) yardage to the flag when he played down the next fairway. That made his pitch-out from the trees even easier knowing he could get a number and clean look. His playing partners and the field who drove accurately off the 13th tee lost some of their reward from playing more accurately.

All because rangefinders are allowed at PGA of America championships.

This is noteworthy given that “skill” will be a hot topic when the USGA and R&A make their case for distance regulation. (At least they are allowing the devices at the U.S. Open or The Open, yet.) Situations like the above rangefinder usage chips away at real skill. The same goes for players relying on green books to get around local knowledge study.

Add both to the termination list if we’re genuinely trying to restore more nuanced skills to this great game.

Some Intriguing Work Taking Place At Augusta National

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Eureka Earth posted photos of a new pro shop under construction but that won’t mean much unless you’re a member or guest.

But this latest post of work on the 15th and 17th is noteworthy because (A) they are not taking some of the Hootie-era anti-Jones/MacKenzie tree plantings out, and (B) some large areas of turf were removed. Most interesting may be what appears to be pretty significant shaping equipment in the 15th hole landing area and the 17th green looking like it’s set for re-grassing.

My guess? Instead of taking out the Hootie-era trees down the right, the landing area is getting softened to not send a good drive behind the left pines. Or it may be a less sexy thing like sand-capping the landing area and installing SubAir under the spectator walkway.

Sleuthing The Koepka Interview Origins: How Can We Ever Look At The Player Impact Program The Same Again?

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Golf.com’s Dylan Dethier has dug into the leaked Brooks Koepka interview never aired by Golf Channel and it only raises more questions about the purity of the PIP race.

When a once-secret $40 million bonus pool with seemingly pre-determined standings is compromised, it really makes you wonder, why we even bother to get up in the morning?

Dethier went to the source, the mysterious @RJWinfield, who knows none of the individuals involved. Instead he obtained the video after it started going around via a MediaSilo link, Golf Channel’s preferred site for in-house video sharing. The big question with millions at stake: why was the interview’s first take uploaded?

Dethier has dug into the origins of the Koepka interview and it only raises more questions about the purity of the PIP race:

Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter said that Koepka himself had requested the clip from a Golf Channel contact to watch himself and send to friends for a laugh. He hadn’t intended for it to spread so widely, the sources said, but he might not have cared that it did, either. Remember how the video ended?

“I honestly wouldn’t even care,” Koepka said.

Maybe he meant it.

While there may not have been intent by Koepka for the clip to go viral, millions of views and some serious Meltwater/Google/MVP Index engagement, which, when multiplied by FedExCup standings rank and divided by a number of Vice Commissioner McIlroy’s choosing, Koepka may have improved his PIP status when things accidentally went viral.

Or, was it accidental?

This could be a $1 million difference in the final standings. I think I’ve lost all faith in formerly secret marketing program points races.

As Long As You Love Me: Bryson And Brooks Get A Song

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Who knew a little tape could inspire such artistry?

Golf Channel’s aborted-but-massively-viral Brooks Koepka interview has inspired a retooling of the Backstreet Boys “As Long As You Love Me”. Well done Sam Harrop. Kudos for not dumbing down the lyrics and slipping in some stellar core-fan only lines.

The engagement! The authenticity! Get this man a record deal!

Or as they do the kids do these days, subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Come For A Vaccination, Stay For The Memorial Tournament Presented By Nationwide

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The Memorial Tournament steps up with an impressive opportunity for attendees of this year’s tournament. Maybe they’ll even get some players to join in the battle against COVID! Microchips sold separately:

the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide and OhioHealth partner to offer COVID-19 vaccinations 

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines will be available to patrons attending the 2021 Memorial Tournament on June 4, 5 and 6 

Dublin, Ohio – The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, in partnership with OhioHealth, announced today they will host on-site COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for patrons attending the 46th playing of the Memorial.

The Memorial Tournament’s on-site vaccination location will be conveniently located near the Tournament’s main entrance, adjacent to the Information Tent on the west side of the Practice Area. The vaccination station will be staffed by OhioHealth and offer Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccines to Memorial patrons from Friday, June 4 to Sunday, June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Memorial is excited to welcome back fans to this year’s Tournament and happy to partner with OhioHealth to offer those individuals the opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Memorial Tournament Executive Director Dan Sullivan. “This is a perfect way to enjoy the world’s best golfers, and all that the Memorial Tournament has to offer, while also helping more Ohioans get vaccinated.”

Any patron who chooses to take advantage of the onsite COVID-19 vaccination opportunity must complete an OhioHealth health questionnaire, provided during their visit, and will automatically be enrolled as an OhioHealth patient.

“OhioHealth has been a leader in the COVID-19 vaccination activation, administering more than 210,000 vaccines,” Dr. David Lee, vice president, OhioHealth Employer Services said. “This opportunity to help vaccinate patrons at the Memorial Tournament is a tremendous honor, and one our teams are looking forward to participating in. The COVID-19 vaccine is the key in safely getting back to enjoying amazing events like the Memorial Tournament, and we are excited to continue our mission of improving the health of those we serve in a unique way, at such a wonderful, iconic setting. We’d like to thank the Memorial Tournament for being such a valued partner, and for the ability to do this work for our communities.”

Colonial To Go Under The Knife After 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge

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As play gets underway at storied Colonial Country Club, the often tinkered with John Bredemus/Perry Maxwell design has green lit more work, this time approving a Gil Hanse master plan. Work will start after the 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge, with the course reopening a year later.

From Randy Jennings in the Dallas Morning News:

The project will include a modern irrigation system, new bunkers, tees and green complexes.

Soil temperatures will be controlled by a subterranean cooling and heating system for the green complexes.

Features will be rebuilt and new turf will be established throughout the entire course.

“While Colonial is one of the most recognizable names in golf, the course has evolved far afield from its original vision,” Hanse said in a statement. “We are honored that the members have entrusted us with this classic gem and will work hard to make it more visually artistic and more interesting to play.

”We are similarly hopeful that upon playing the restored course the best players in the world will find that the attributes that make Colonial challenging will still be at the heart of the design.”

Tiger's Goal: "Walking on my own."

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GolfDigest.com’s Daniel Rapaport interviewed Tiger Woods in what I believe is the first post-accident chat with a media member.

The most sobering quote:

Asked about his hopes of playing golf again, Woods had no comment, but said, “My physical therapy has been keeping me busy. I do my routines every day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time.”