In a wide-ranging interview at the end of his tenure, R&A chief executive Slumbers cautions: “The constant dialogue of money has damaged the reputation of the sport.”
While most people see the rules as limiting what golfers can do on the course, a broader understanding of golf’s dos and don’ts allows players to take advantage of opportunities the rules also present – and keep your scorecard from blowing up in the process.
At the end of a long week dominated by slow play that saw the opening two rounds both take about six hours to complete, the New Zealander reached the seven-under-par total that proved too strong for a formidable host of challengers down the stretch.
In prevailing conditions – strong winds and heavy showers – that have done nothing for the case that Scotland really does have a summer, Korda’s creative shot-making and solid putting has been extraordinary indeed.
To see Xander and Stefan Schauffele embrace – Xander holding on tight, Stefan’s sunglasses unable to conceal the tears that flowed from behind – was a reminder of the spell this beautifully dumb game has on so many of us.
For all that the former US Open champion performed with notable distinction en route to a tie for second place in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, there is certainty that he is nearer the end of his career than the beginning.
Xander Schauffele’s second major championship of 2024 suddenly, maybe has started an unexpected debate for who the PGA Tour Player of the Year is. But there’s no debate who was the best player in the year’s four major championships.
The book on Xander Schauffele heading into this year’s major season said he couldn’t close after finished in a tie for second at The Players. After his performance Sunday at Royal Troon, Schauffele clearly is in the midst of a major rewrite.
Schauffele certainly got the job done with his irons. He ranked second in strokes gained/approach the green, picking up more than 10 shots on the field average. He also ranked second in greens in regulation.
A guaranteed return to the Open Championship via a top-10 result was the silver lining for Adam Scott after cooling from an early charge at a second career major championship.
Australian Golf Digest
