Discussion
Rosscow said:
Sounds like Koepka and Ancer are joining LIV, and even some noise surrounding Morikawa (which would be surprising).
Looks like its confirmed they are both going. Rankings 19 and 20 which apparently means 8 of the top 50 have come across. PGA must be worried though. Already announced more money for prizes, showing more content on Youtube as well.
According to reports Norman has applied for LIV events to be given world ranking points to allow people to attend the Majors. If they get that, I can the LIV tour getting bigger.
Challo said:
PGA must be worried though.
They deserve all they get - attempting to bully the players all the while being hypocritical in their critisicm was never the right move......I think the interesting one is the DP world tour's slience so far - I don't fully understand the "strategic" relationship between them and the PGA, but I wouldn't be surprised if they allow LIV golf players to play on the European tour in between LIV events.
This way, LIV gets to do its thing, DP world tour gets better fields, players get ranking pts and major qualification - and everyone is a winner (well apart from the PGA)....
Although I can't yet get excited from a sporting point of view about LIV - I need to see where the competition element gets to - the hypocrisy and laziness of the PGA and others has lead us here.
PGA Tour have had plenty of well dodgy sponsors (look up Allianz holocaust for example), as well as huge tie ups with China, so coming over holier than now is ridiculous. Most non golfers I've explained the situation to can't see any moral difference at all, and by implication don't think the players have done anything wrong.
We get better TV coverage here with Sky filling in the commercials time, Americans have a brutal time trying to watch live PGA broadcasts with barely a shot shown.
PGA Tour have had plenty of well dodgy sponsors (look up Allianz holocaust for example), as well as huge tie ups with China, so coming over holier than now is ridiculous. Most non golfers I've explained the situation to can't see any moral difference at all, and by implication don't think the players have done anything wrong.
We get better TV coverage here with Sky filling in the commercials time, Americans have a brutal time trying to watch live PGA broadcasts with barely a shot shown.
The bit that gets me is when the PGA Tour plonk someone in front of the camera - usually Rory - to opine about how terrible LIV and their source of funding is. Now don't get me wrong, I like Rory and he is definitely growing into a statesman for the game - however to see him sitting there attacking LIV for "dubious funding" when he's sitting there dressed head to toe in Nike - who make lots of cash from gear made in sweatshops / with slave labour - does stick in the craw ever so slightly.
theplayingmantis said:
this is spooky.
i was about to post has anyone ever played JCB. HAving been reading an article on the top100 site. Please report back.
May i ask what category you fall in to play there?
I've been very lucky and am only really there by chance - I started playing with a chap on and off at the local par3 - Turns out, he works for a company that works with JCB and have some rounds at the course that he can apply to use. He has very kindly dragged me along (second time tomorrow). i was about to post has anyone ever played JCB. HAving been reading an article on the top100 site. Please report back.
May i ask what category you fall in to play there?
The first time out (in March), we were one of only 4 or so groups out that day - The whole experience is awesome - From the little pyramid of prov1 practice balls, to the chipping and putting greens, the embroidered towel on arrival etc. It feels really special.
The course is truly impressive - I guess it helps that they had one or two JCBs to help sculpt the place - You can really tell that it has been designed with big crowds in mind - several of the holes have banking alongside whcih would make a great viewing area.
I am hoping to try and improve on my performance from last time - and have been playing regularly just to increase the pressure on myself - last time out on 17, we were playing into a 25mph+ headwind and the only club I could take was driver! - I cleared the lake with my second (by about 1 ft) and then had 3 more goes - all of which splashed!
bodhi said:
The bit that gets me is when the PGA Tour plonk someone in front of the camera - usually Rory - to opine about how terrible LIV and their source of funding is. Now don't get me wrong, I like Rory and he is definitely growing into a statesman for the game - however to see him sitting there attacking LIV for "dubious funding" when he's sitting there dressed head to toe in Nike - who make lots of cash from gear made in sweatshops / with slave labour - does stick in the craw ever so slightly.
Have been seeing that over the past few weeks on Twitter from numerous US journalists - absolute hypocrites.ukwill said:
Have been seeing that over the past few weeks on Twitter from numerous US journalists - absolute hypocrites.
I will admit the sanctimony on display from the PGA camp is actually making me far more sympathetic to LIV. I mean let's be honest it's exhibition golf rather than competitive, however there's been a long history of exhibition stuff as far back as I can remember - from the recent The Match(es) all the way back to Shell's Wonderful World of Golf - it's hardly a new concept, and I don't understand why playing in this exhibition is getting such short shrift from the PGA.If it's because they're upset that some of their top players are getting poached by promises of more prize money - well, the European Tour for the last 30 years has has the same issue with their top players reducing their commitments (or leaving entirely a la Casey) to play on the PGA, but I don't see the ET banning them from going back.
It would almost be ironic if the DP World Tour ended up with loads of household names playing on it because the PGA had banned them.
bodhi said:
ukwill said:
Have been seeing that over the past few weeks on Twitter from numerous US journalists - absolute hypocrites.
I will admit the sanctimony on display from the PGA camp is actually making me far more sympathetic to LIV. I mean let's be honest it's exhibition golf rather than competitive, however there's been a long history of exhibition stuff as far back as I can remember - from the recent The Match(es) all the way back to Shell's Wonderful World of Golf - it's hardly a new concept, and I don't understand why playing in this exhibition is getting such short shrift from the PGA.If it's because they're upset that some of their top players are getting poached by promises of more prize money - well, the European Tour for the last 30 years has has the same issue with their top players reducing their commitments (or leaving entirely a la Casey) to play on the PGA, but I don't see the ET banning them from going back.
It would almost be ironic if the DP World Tour ended up with loads of household names playing on it because the PGA had banned them.
The PGA has known they control the top players, and now worried players are leaving and its diluting their brand.
SAw chase at centurion, so thought it was suspicious as you would think they would be on the same page, now confirmed!
the Telegraph on the Saturday of the LIV openers said DJ had applied for DP T membership, but seems to have gone quiet on that with no noise, so not sure how accurate it was. As others say would be great if DPT binned the 'alliance' with PGA adn embraced LIV players, would liven up some of the crummy fields on the tour at least!
I can't see how they can though as they are entwined and cordial relations, despite being the country cousin and suffering from players gravitating to the PGA tour, they are close and need to be aligned on many things as to how its played, not least Ryder cup, rules (along with R&A), equipment restrictions etc.
the Telegraph on the Saturday of the LIV openers said DJ had applied for DP T membership, but seems to have gone quiet on that with no noise, so not sure how accurate it was. As others say would be great if DPT binned the 'alliance' with PGA adn embraced LIV players, would liven up some of the crummy fields on the tour at least!
I can't see how they can though as they are entwined and cordial relations, despite being the country cousin and suffering from players gravitating to the PGA tour, they are close and need to be aligned on many things as to how its played, not least Ryder cup, rules (along with R&A), equipment restrictions etc.
fat80b said:
I've been very lucky and am only really there by chance - I started playing with a chap on and off at the local par3 - Turns out, he works for a company that works with JCB and have some rounds at the course that he can apply to use. He has very kindly dragged me along (second time tomorrow).
The first time out (in March), we were one of only 4 or so groups out that day - The whole experience is awesome - From the little pyramid of prov1 practice balls, to the chipping and putting greens, the embroidered towel on arrival etc. It feels really special.
The course is truly impressive - I guess it helps that they had one or two JCBs to help sculpt the place - You can really tell that it has been designed with big crowds in mind - several of the holes have banking alongside whcih would make a great viewing area.
I am hoping to try and improve on my performance from last time - and have been playing regularly just to increase the pressure on myself - last time out on 17, we were playing into a 25mph+ headwind and the only club I could take was driver! - I cleared the lake with my second (by about 1 ft) and then had 3 more goes - all of which splashed!
Enjoy and go well!The first time out (in March), we were one of only 4 or so groups out that day - The whole experience is awesome - From the little pyramid of prov1 practice balls, to the chipping and putting greens, the embroidered towel on arrival etc. It feels really special.
The course is truly impressive - I guess it helps that they had one or two JCBs to help sculpt the place - You can really tell that it has been designed with big crowds in mind - several of the holes have banking alongside whcih would make a great viewing area.
I am hoping to try and improve on my performance from last time - and have been playing regularly just to increase the pressure on myself - last time out on 17, we were playing into a 25mph+ headwind and the only club I could take was driver! - I cleared the lake with my second (by about 1 ft) and then had 3 more goes - all of which splashed!
The JCB course does look fantastic from what I have seen on YouTube. On the way to Alton Towers a few weeks ago we drove past the course and you get to see the Island Par 3 green from the road.
I have got some tickets to watch the Legends Tour play there in a few weeks, so it'll be good to see the whole course for real.
Unfortunately that's probably as close as I'll ever get as I hear it is incredibly difficult to play the course.
I have got some tickets to watch the Legends Tour play there in a few weeks, so it'll be good to see the whole course for real.
Unfortunately that's probably as close as I'll ever get as I hear it is incredibly difficult to play the course.
Rosscow said:
It's not that bad if you're straight! I managed to get around without losing a ball, think I found the heather twice but ball only rolled in from the fairway.
I played Ferndown so also have ferns to contend with lolHeathland courses do seem to plant a lot of heather for aesthetics, the head greenkeeper who came to FGC from Sunningdale apparently planted heather on the top of the bunkers which all got removed...if only they'd followed suit at ours removing his hallmarks!
I played a the Berkshire Blue Course and they plant overhanging heather on the green side edge of deep bunkers on the Par 3’s. You have zero chance of getting out, To stop you playing the percentages they like to lay a carpet of heather between the tee box and the bunkers too.
Start hole is a 200+ yd Par 3 with heather covering most of the ground directly between the tee box and the green, they put some handy white posts in the heather so you can at least get an idea of where you’re gone in if your tee shot isn’t 100% on point. It makes a nice pressure hole right outside the clubhouse for us mid handicappers
I know it looks good but when it flowers, it’s evil stuff,
Start hole is a 200+ yd Par 3 with heather covering most of the ground directly between the tee box and the green, they put some handy white posts in the heather so you can at least get an idea of where you’re gone in if your tee shot isn’t 100% on point. It makes a nice pressure hole right outside the clubhouse for us mid handicappers
I know it looks good but when it flowers, it’s evil stuff,
My course has a bit of an issue with clover at the moment so if you roll just off the fairway into it then you'll have to stand on your ball to find it. They've also let the rough grow knee high from about 10 yards off the fairways and have it really tight around the greens. I had 7 blobs on my card in the last comp and you will hardly ever find your ball if you are off line and if you do then you'll be lucky to even be able to get it out sideways. It sort of takes the fun out of the game TBH.
Tycho said:
My course has a bit of an issue with clover at the moment so if you roll just off the fairway into it then you'll have to stand on your ball to find it. They've also let the rough grow knee high from about 10 yards off the fairways and have it really tight around the greens. I had 7 blobs on my card in the last comp and you will hardly ever find your ball if you are off line and if you do then you'll be lucky to even be able to get it out sideways. It sort of takes the fun out of the game TBH.
Mine have done the same (but are reportedly cutting it al back this week!) - didn't make for a great medal round - lost balls, elongated pace of play and hayfever Playing Meon Valley this weekend and staying on site - should be fun!
kiethton said:
Tycho said:
My course has a bit of an issue with clover at the moment so if you roll just off the fairway into it then you'll have to stand on your ball to find it. They've also let the rough grow knee high from about 10 yards off the fairways and have it really tight around the greens. I had 7 blobs on my card in the last comp and you will hardly ever find your ball if you are off line and if you do then you'll be lucky to even be able to get it out sideways. It sort of takes the fun out of the game TBH.
Mine have done the same (but are reportedly cutting it al back this week!) - didn't make for a great medal round - lost balls, elongated pace of play and hayfever Playing Meon Valley this weekend and staying on site - should be fun!
Tycho said:
kiethton said:
Tycho said:
My course has a bit of an issue with clover at the moment so if you roll just off the fairway into it then you'll have to stand on your ball to find it. They've also let the rough grow knee high from about 10 yards off the fairways and have it really tight around the greens. I had 7 blobs on my card in the last comp and you will hardly ever find your ball if you are off line and if you do then you'll be lucky to even be able to get it out sideways. It sort of takes the fun out of the game TBH.
Mine have done the same (but are reportedly cutting it al back this week!) - didn't make for a great medal round - lost balls, elongated pace of play and hayfever Playing Meon Valley this weekend and staying on site - should be fun!
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