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Alongside Michael Jordan: How Justin Thomas got his first car of his own

Justin Thomas was recently a guest on Stephen Colbert’s ” The Late Show” and chatted about his appearance in the second season of the Netflix series “Full Swing” and his love of the Ryder Cup. He also explained how he ended up on the golf course alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan at the age of 15.

Justin Thomas: At the age of 15 at Michael Jordan’s side

Through a mutual friend, Michael Jordan ended up playing golf for several years in a row at the golf club in Kentucky where Justin Thomas’ father Mike was head coach. Justin Thomas himself initially had the task of accompanying the golfers as a caddie – until he was allowed to swing a club in the flight himself at the age of 15. He was allowed to play seven holes in a team with Michael Jordan, surprised everyone, holed out four times for birdies and won a lot of money. The money with which he was subsequently able to finance his first car. Watch the video for the whole story:

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“Happy Gilmore 2”: Paige Spiranac as part of the cast?

The legend lives on: it seems that there will soon be a sequel to the 1996 comedy “Happy Gilmore” – “Happy Gilmore 2”. Producer and leading actor Adam Sandler is working on a second version of the film, as Christopher McDonald aka Shooter McGavin revealed. The hearts of “Happy Gilmore” fans are beating faster at this news and the first wish casts are spreading on the Internet. Definitely set, according to social media users: Instagram star Paige Spiranac in the role of the “Public Relations Lady”.

Paige Spiranac seems to be made for the role

Back in 2021, Adam Sandler had already hinted that he would like to see a sequel to the comedy. Now it seems to be getting serious, as McDonald reported. “I saw Adam about two weeks ago, and he says, ‘McDonald, you’re gonna love this. He shows me the first draft of Happy Gilmore 2,” the actor said in an interview in Cleveland, “He did show me that, and I thought, ‘Wow, that would be awesome.’ So it’s in the works. Fans, demand it, damnit!”

Since the news has been doing the rounds on the internet, fans have already been fantasizing about a possible cast: alongside Will Zalatoris and Tiger Woods, they also want to see Paige Spiranac. The 30-year-old used to play professional golf but has been concentrating on golf training and social media since 2017 for health reasons. She regularly shares photos and videos from her life and the golf course with her 4 million followers on Instagram.

She recently posted a photo of herself on Twitter, which she originally took in 2022, in which she sees herself in the role of the “public relations lady”. With the words “I was born ready”, she agrees with the fans’ suggestion. Will we see Spiranac on Netflix soon?

This is “Happy Gilmore”

The 1996 film comedy is about Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), a clumsy but talented ice hockey player who decides to use his talent on the golf course to earn money. In the process, he gets into numerous absurd and comical situations as he struggles through the world of professional golf. The film is known for its quirky humor and over-the-top golf tournaments, as well as the unconventional way the main character approaches the sport.

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Scottie Scheffler and his wife: A highschool love story

Scottie Scheffler, the renowned golf champion, is not just celebrated for his prowess on the golf course but also for his enduring love story with his wife, Meredith Scudder.

Scottie Scheffler and his wife: Highschool sweethearts…

Their journey began at Highland Park High School in Dallas, where their paths crossed during their freshman year. Although it took until their senior year for romance to blossom, their bond endured even as they pursued higher education at rival colleges, with Meredith attending Texas A&M and Scottie at the University of Texas.

Meredith, initially unaware of Scottie’s golfing talents, was astounded when she saw him featured in a commercial for a major tournament. This revelation marked a turning point in her understanding of his dedication and skill in the sport.

…turned lifetime partners

Their wedding in December 2020 was a testament to their enduring love, complete with a winter wonderland-themed celebration surrounded by family and friends. Since then, they have celebrated milestones together, including Scottie’s numerous victories on the golf course.

Beyond the fairways, faith plays a central role in their marriage, with both Scottie and Meredith leaning on their Christian beliefs for strength and guidance. Their shared values extend to their involvement in philanthropic endeavors, including supporting organizations like Behind Every Door, which provides opportunities for underprivileged youth in their community.

Scottie Scheffler: A golf phenomenon

Scottie Scheffler’s achievements in golf are nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a standout high school athlete to his rise as a professional golfer, Scheffler has consistently showcased his talent and determination on the course. With multiple PGA Tour victories, including prestigious titles like the US Masters and back- to-back The Players Championship, Scheffler has cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite players. Despite Meredith’s initial unfamiliarity with golf, she has embraced Scottie’s passion for the sport, even stepping in as his caddie on occasion.

Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith ath the Par 3 Contest at the US Masters. (Source: Getty)

Beyond golf, Scheffler’s love for pickleball is a testament to his passion for sports and competition. In August 2023, he became an investor in the Texas Ranchers, a pickleball team, demonstrating his enthusiasm for the game.

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How much does Paige Spiranac earn from social media?

Golf influencers continue to grow in popularity and Paige Spiranac tops the list. With four million followers on Instagram and around one million on X (formerly Twitter), she is well ahead of her peers, with Grace Charis in second place with around 2.8 million followers on Instagram. But how much is Spiranac’s social media network worth?

Paige Spiranac with five-figure sums per Instagram post

The answer should come as no surprise when you look at the earnings of other influencers outside of golf. At up to 12,000 dollars per social media post on Instagram and at least 8,500 dollars per post, even the “cheaper” ones are well above a normal monthly pay cheque.

The article from Vegas Insider doesn’t stop at just Paige Spiranac, but compares the earnings of professional golfers with those of golf influencers. Scottie Scheffler typically earns between 2,000 dollars and 3,000 dollars per post. The average post price for professional golfers is around 994 dollars, whereas golf influencers generally earn about 4,837 dollars per post.

Golf Earnings Comparison

Golf Earnings Comparison

Name Role Earnings Per Post
Paige Spiranac Golf Influencer $8,477 – $12,716
Scottie Scheffler Professional Golfer $2,000 – $3,000
Average Professional Golfer Professional Golfer $994
Average Golf Influencer Golf Influencer $4,837

Who is Paige Spiranac?

For those who aren’t frequently active on Instagram and X, Paige Spiranac may not be a name you recognise. She is a former college golfer who has gained notoriety in the golf world as a social media influencer. She played collegiate golf at the University of Arizona and San Diego State University, where she earned All-Mountain West Conference honours in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons. After retiring from professional golf, Spiranac became known for her social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares golf tips, tricks and her personal experiences.

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Bernhard Langer reveals: This is how he really sustained his injury

Last month there was bad news: Bernhard Langer, probably the most successful German golfer of all time, had torn his Achilles tendon at the age of 66. The tournament golfer suffered the injury during training, preventing him from taking part in the first highlights of the calendar year. Langer now revealed in the “Musings on Golf” podcast that there was another cause behind the injury.

Bernhard Langer: Achilles tendon rupture while playing pickleball

Bernhard Langer did not tear his Achilles tendon during golf training, as he originally explained. The injury resulted from a maneuver while playing pickleball. Pickleball is an American ball sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The question now arises as to why Bernhard Langer, a professional golfer for whom his body is his asset, would expose himself to such a risk of injury. “I play all sorts of sports to stay fit, and this was part of my fitness regime,” Langer explains in the podcast.

The situation in which his Achilles tendon ruptured sounds like a classic move: “Somebody was trying to lob me. I did a few steps backward and hit an overhead, and as I landed on the ground with my feet I heard this huge pop, very loud, like a gun shot. I knew right away it was a torn Achilles.”

Chances of recovery and comeback

Immediately after his injury, it was questionable whether or when the 66-year-old would return to the golf course. The chances of him taking part in this year’s Masters, which he also wanted to celebrate as his farewell to the major tournament, were promptly negligible. His appearance at the BMW International Open 2024 in Munich was also in the stars. However, in conversation with Dr. Tino Lorenz, sports physician and surgeon from Dresden, Golf Post learned that the golfer had a good chance of returning to the sport soon thanks to the optimal support that would most likely be offered to him after the operation.

Bernhard Langer’s positive update from rehab
Bernhard Langer has now confirmed this in person by revealing his tournament plans. In the podcast, he revealed that he is aiming to start at the Insperity Invitational in Houston from May 3 to 5, 2024. Langer would probably surprise many with a start at this tournament – only around three months after his injury. Hopes are growing that he will be able to make his planned start in Munich at the beginning of July.

Although Langer will not be able to play in Augusta this year, he would like to make the trip to golf’s most famous major. As a two-time Masters champion, the German would at least like to take part in the Masters Club Dinner for Champions.

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Golfers as trading cards: LIV Golf announces deal with Panini

Panini’s trading cards have long been a source of joy for young sports fans, spanning generations. Now, following a deal with LIV Golf, the first golf trading cards are set to hit the shelves. Panini will serve as the exclusive trading card partner for the LIV Golf League.

LIV Golf Introduces the First Golf Trading Cards

Panini’s inaugural golf lineup will feature physical trading cards adorned with match-worn memorabilia and autographs from players. Panini plans to unveil the first LIV Golf trading cards featuring its popular Prizm and Impeccable brands. Additionally, Panini will launch an LIV Golf Panini Instant card program, releasing real-time cards post-tournaments showcasing some of the season’s winning moments and best shots, as well as team sets. “LIV Golf is excited to collaborate with Panini, a global brand committed to connecting with fans worldwide through a shared love of sports,” said Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “Just as our league continues to evolve, bringing professional team golf into the mainstream, this partnership will introduce new products to millions of passionate fans and collectors worldwide. As a former player, I am particularly excited for our players and teams to expand their platforms in this realm.”

Players are also enthusiastic about the deal: “I’m an avid collector of various types of sports memorabilia throughout my career, so personally, it’s very exciting for me to have the opportunity to work with a premium trading card brand,” said Majesticks GC Co-Captain Ian Poulter. “While trading cards are often associated with younger demographics, I believe this partnership between LIV and Panini is a great opportunity to elevate professional golf to the same level as other professional leagues by creating memorabilia for the kid in all of us.”

Team Format as an Incentive

Panini is also venturing into new territory with this partnership, marking its first foray into golf. The format of LIV Golf ultimately convinced the company to take this step. “We’ve often pondered how to introduce some of our most beloved trading card brands into golf, but the sport always presented challenges. LIV brought an entirely new dynamic to the sport. The team and league format is something that didn’t exist and creates another level of collectibles for fans,” said Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America.

Panini collaborates with many of the biggest leagues and brands in the sports and entertainment industry, including the NFL, NBA, FIFA, Premier League, LaLiga, NASCAR, and more. The Panini Group was founded in Modena, Italy, in 1961 and is the international market leader in stickers and trading cards.

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Netflix Full Swing: What fans can expect in the second season

The excitement is huge among golf enthusiasts worldwide as the second season of “Full Swing,” a documentary series produced by Netflix offering a profound insight into the world of professional golf, is scheduled to air from March 6, 2024. With a trailer released on Wednesday during the Genesis Invitational, viewers were treated to initial insights into the upcoming season. The 27-second teaser not only reveals the titles of all eight episodes but also provides a sneak peek at which players will take center stage in each episode. Returning from the first season are protagonists such as Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Joel Dahmen, and Matt Fitzpatrick, while new faces include Tom Kim and Wyndham Clark.

Ryder Cup and Fusion Take Center Stage in Full Swing’s Second Season

The second season will primarily focus on two main themes: the announcement of a fusion between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the 2023 Ryder Cup. The initial two episodes are likely to delve into the battle for supremacy in professional golf between the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf League. Cameras from “Full Swing” evidently captured the moments when news of the fusion rocked the golfing world, promising viewers insights into the associated dramas in two episodes titled “The Game Has Changed.” The season will also conclude with a two-part finale. The last two episodes, titled “All Roads Lead to Rome,” are expected to meticulously follow the events of the Ryder Cup in Rome.

The production of the new season was a monumental task, involving over 900 hours of new footage and more than 10,000 hours of archival material. Consequently, fans can once again anticipate deep behind-the-scenes insights into the world of golf. While filming for the third season has already commenced, an official confirmation from Netflix is pending. The decision will hinge on the success of the second season.

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LPGA Tour player Jessica Korda Announces Birth Of Her Child


As LPGA Tour player Jessica Korda announced, there was a new addition to her and her husband Johnny DelPrete’s family last weekend.

Jessica Korda Welcomes Baby Greyson

Jessica Korda became a mother for the very first time with her newborn. According to her Instagram post, her son Greyson John DelPrete was born on Saturday, February 3rd. Last August, she announced her pregnancy on Instagram with a sign saying “Tee Time for 3, coming February 2024.” Jessica’s younger sister Nelly Korda, currently ranked second in the world, is also thrilled about her new role as an aunt. “I’m mostly excited just to see this new chapter in Johnny’s and Jess’s life. And I think it’s going to be really exciting,” says Nelly Korda.

Previously, Jessica Korda struggled with back problems. In May 2023, she last participated in a tournament, having to withdraw after the first round. Her best finish in six tournament appearances last year was a tied 18th place. She last won in 2021 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, where she defeated Danielle Kang in a playoff.

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World Golf Ranking: Scheffler Leads, Spotlight on Wyndham Clark

In the current World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler from the USA remains at the pinnacle, holding firmly onto the number one position. His compatriot Xander Schauffele also maintains his standing at fifth place. Both players exhibit stability in their rankings, matching their positions from the previous week.

Wyndham Clark on the way to the top 5?

Moving through the ranking, American golfer Wyndham Clark has seen a notable ascent, moving up from the tenth to the sixth position, which signifies a considerable positive shift. Patrick Cantlay and Max Homa, ranked seventh and eighth respectively, have experienced a decline, each dropping one place compared to last week. Significantly, Ludvig Aberg from Sweden made a leap from the 27th to the 11th position, indicating a strong upward trajectory. In the context of international golf, the World Golf Ranking provides a snapshot of professional performance and potency. This week’s ranking update not only underscores Scheffler’s continued dominance but also sheds light on the shifting dynamics amongst the finest golfers, with American players prominently featuring both stability and volatility in their ranking positions.

(Created with AI)

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Leaders of the World Golf Ranking: Scheffler and UK’s Finest

In the latest World Golf Ranking update Scottie Scheffler is still at the top, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland retains the second spot with Jon Rahm from Spain remaining in third. The movements within the World Golf Ranking top 10 include a significant leap made by American Wyndham Clark, ascending from rank 10 to six. In positions one through three, there have been no changes, with Scottie Scheffler from the USA holding firmly onto the top position. Further down, from positions four to 10, we observe Viktor Hovland from Norway and Xander Schauffele from the USA remaining consistent, whereas Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Brian Harman from the USA experienced a slight drop in ranking like Matt Fitzpatrick. Each movement within the top 10 holds potential implications for upcoming tournaments and the overall dynamics of the World Golf Ranking.

World Golf Ranking: UK’s Players

Among British players, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is on position nine, loosing one rank from last week. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, looses one at rank 12, and Tyrrell makes up one place and is in 15th place. Looking down the World Golf Ranking list, Justin Rose from England saw improvement, reaching rank 41 from a previous 45. In contrast, Robert MacIntyre from Scotland dropped slightly to rank 67 compared to last week’s 64, a negative trend similarly experienced by England’s Aaron Rai who now stands at 73 after descending from position 68. 

(Created with AI)