The definition of a love-hate relationship
WINTER GOLF, YOU CHEEKY LITTLE FIG, YOU
LOL
The answer is always more golf.
Sometimes I say silly things.
The Match thoughts
CRINGE-Y BUT SOLID
You could easily rephrase the Spieth quote above for my overall reaction to the latest edition of The Match
The joy out of watching Tiger on The Match does not match the joy of watching Tiger play actual competitive golf.
And I think that's really the biggest issue with the format. For it to be truly must-watch golf, it's got to have:
1) Actually competitive golf
2) Quick-witted, funny personalities
3) Household names
However...
Golf, as we all know, is a crapshoot on whether your best stuff arrives on any given day. Then counting on four different people to show up with their best stuff... is not the easiest of propositions.
It's hard to be quick-witted and funny over a long period of time. Humble brag? Kind of, but mostly it's just a reality that even the best comedic actors and comedians can't stay THAT funny, off-the-cuff, for multiple hours on end.
And finally, household names knocks out about 90% of the interesting and dynamic personalities on the Tour. Ask a random TNT viewer who Joel Dahmen or Max Homa is... and they're going to guess characters on Rizzoli & Isles or something.
What we're left with is usually just one or two of the three. This latest edition had the household names and moments of quick wit, but the competition was pretty one sided and as much as I'd love to be part of Thomas and Spieth's crew—their humor falls on the wrong side of cringe for most part. As they poke fun at the GOAT, who is smiling through the pain and mentally logging every insult for the day when he roars back and knocks 'em around Augusta in a few months... one would hope.
The Match antidote
GOOD WHOLESOME FAMILY FUN
Speaking of formats that really sing, I adore the PNC Championship family event. In a sport as tense as golf can get, it's genuinely refreshing to watch these pairings tee off each year and see the back-and-forth and genuine connections between them.
Sure, getting some Charlie Woods trying to rile up Justin Thomas is always fun, too. But even without Woods, I still think this format has legs.
Quick Pairing Power Rankings
5) Singh—Faldo
4) Daly—Harrington
3) Player—Trevino
2) Spieth—Korda
1) Duh.
Love a good heat map
ANYTHING TO SAY IT WASN'T MY FAULT
Lou dropped this heat map graphic a few weeks ago and I have already used this excuse twice on the course. (Also lol @me just casually saying Lou like I had any clue he existed prior to this graphic.)
Long story short, he shows the percentage of made putts by pros based upon distance and time of day. The later in the day? The less your putts will drop.
And I started following Lou after this chart made the rounds in golf social and he's chock full of simultaneously depressing and uplifting stats. So if you're ever in need for a reality check or an uplifting moment of inspiration—check him out.
"Welp—I joined the office fantasy league" update
THE BEST LAID PLANS
Easily one of the hardest-earned .500 seasons I've ever produced in fantasy. This was a SLOG and while I really only started this column to introduce you (and myself) to all my coworkers back in AZ, there was a tiiiiiiiiiiny part of me that thought it'd be a real boost for my ego to bring you all along on a journey to victory.
Alas, it's been likely brutal to watch every week from a competitive standpoint—and hopefully inspiring from a "getting to know the people behind one of the greatest f***** golf companies to ever exist" standpoint.
To poor, poor Bad Birdie Wes... can't wait to watch the performance. You saved me from the pits of despair. A noble deed you've done for me.
And here they are—your playoff contenders! Loving The Goffather out of the 2 spot.
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