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Tour News

US Open 2024: Scottie Scheffler With “Another Frustrating Day”

As the winds got rougher Scottie Scheffler struggled again with Pinehurst No. 2. The World No. 1 didn’t find the “groove” on the greens at the US Open 2024 moving day. With a stimp meter of around 13 they where difficult as they can be and brought Scheffler more than a few missed birdie putts and a few bogeys. With two bogeys and just one birdie on the front nine Scheffler couldn’t keep an even par score. On the back nine he stabled his score and contained even par with one birdie and one bogey. He starts round 4 with a total score of +6.

US Open 2024 – Scheffler: “I thought I played a lot better than my score”

Q. How was today?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: How was today? No, another frustrating day. Today was a day where I thought I played a lot better than my score. I’m having a lot of trouble reading these greens. I had a lot of putts today where I felt like I hit it really good. I looked up and they were not going the way I thought they were going to go. Really my swing today felt a lot better than it did yesterday. I felt like the last 27 holes I’ve played, I’ve hit it really nice, but I just haven’t been able to hit it quite close enough, which is difficult around this course. I haven’t been able to hole the putts the last few today.

Q. (Question regarding the course setup.)

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: Definitely tricky pin positions. It’s going to get firmer. The sun is out. The wind is blowing enough that the greens are definitely going to dry out. I definitely in noticed that coming down the stretch. They’re getting pretty firm. With the way these runoffs are, it’s
going to be pretty challenging this afternoon. If you’re in play, with how firm the fairways are, you will be able to able to stop it. The minute you hit it out of the fairway…

Q. What are some of your goals the rest of the time here at Pinehurst?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: The rest of my time here at Pinehurst? Hit the gym this afternoon, pack up, put my feet up for the rest of the day, hang out with my little man and my wife. I’ll show up tomorrow morning ready to play. Like I said, I’ll go to the gym today, wake up in the morning, get ready to come out to the course again, see if I can learn. Like I said, the last 27 holes I played a lot better. I just haven’t been able to hole any putts. Hit a lot of putts from seven to 10 feet, where it would be good momentum for me to get going in the round. Hit the putt, it will be burning the edge. There’s another missed opportunity. So I feel like that’s a lot of what this week was for me so far. Hopefully going into tomorrow, as far as goals, I don’t really think about it. I’ll try to have a good round tomorrow.

Q. (No microphone.)

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: The game of golf is a mental torture chamber at times, especially the U.S. Open. Yeah, I thought it was challenging. The first 27 holes, I was in the native area way too much of the times. Everything felt really tough. Now that I was able to hit a lot more fairways today, it maybe felt a touch easier to me. Wouldn’t be using me as a bearing for what’s good right now. Pretty mediocre at best right now.

I think going into the major championships, especially the ones we know are going to be really challenging, it may be in my best interest not to play the week before. Like I said, that’s stuff for me to figure out later in the year. That’s some of my thoughts sitting around watching the cut.

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International Travel

Discover Norba Club de Golf: Historic Beauty and Unique Course Challenges

The Norba Club de Golf is located in Caceres, Spain. Situated in close proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage City Cáceres renowned for its rich monumental, cultural, and gastronomical history, the golf course offers a unique appeal to both local and foreign visitors.

Norba Club de Golf: Historic Charm and Stunning Landscape

The Norba Club de Golf is described as a great golf course with natural surroundings that appeal to visitors from different parts of the world. The location not only offers a gameplay experience for golfers of all backgrounds, categories, and levels but is also positioned near Cáceres. This combination of a rich historical location and a well-structured golf course makes it an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts.

The course is designed with the first nine holes being easier, followed by the second nine which present a different challenge. The layout is marked by blind tee shots and varying elevations, leading players to encounter a lake which is best crossed in two shots. The golf course also features areas with endemic flora and fauna, as well as centenary and acorn oaks, making for a variety of interesting gameplay scenarios. These challenging aspects, along with the diverse natural landscape, contribute to the unique character of the course.

Greenfee Deals and a Warm Welcome

Additionally, Norba Club de Golf offers competitive green fee deals, making it a cost-effective choice for golfers. There is also a golf academy on-site where players can book lessons with the club’s head pro. The club extends a warm welcome to all golfers, ensuring that their experience will be enjoyable and worth remembering. This alignment of quality gameplay and attractive pricing, combined with professional training opportunities, serves to enhance the club’s appeal.

Overall, the Norba Club de Golf not only provides a venue for golf but does so in an environment enriched with cultural and historical charm. Its varied course design, combined with natural beauty and professional facilities, makes it a comprehensive golfing destination.

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Tour News

Watch: PGA Tour Highlights from Round 2 of the US Open Golf 2024

The U.S. Open is currently underway at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2) in Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA.

Ludvig Åberg from Sweden is leading the leaderboard with a total score of -5. In a tie for second place are Bryson DeChambeau from the USA, Thomas Detry from Belgium, and Patrick Cantlay from the USA, each with a total score of -4. Tied in fifth place are Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, Tony Finau from the USA, and Matthieu Pavon from France, all with a total score of -3.

For those interested in watching the action, a video compilation of the U.S. Open highlights from this round is available, encapsulating all key moments and noteworthy performances. Be sure to check out this comprehensive collection of highlights to stay updated on all the significant developments.

As the tournament reaches its exciting conclusion, attention is focused on who will emerge as the champion of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. This prestigious event marks an important milestone in the PGA Tour calendar, showcasing top-tier golf talent from around the world.

U.S. Open: The PGA Tour round 2 highlights

About the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.

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Tour News

Tiger Woods Missing Cut at US Open 2024: “Highest Score I Could Have Possibly Shot Today”

Tiger Woods misses the cut at the US Open 2024 after a second round of 73 shots. On day 1 he played a round of 74, leaving him with a total score of seven over par.

Like on day 1, Woods holed an early birdie, at the par 4 hole 4. But that was the only birdie he would make during the day and he followed it directly bogey. He lost three additional shots during his round.

Tiger Woods on his second round at the US Open 2024

TIGER WOODS: Well, it was probably the highest score I could have possibly shot today. I hit a lot of good shots that just didn’t quite go my way, or I hit good putts, and then I put myself in a couple bad spots with some bad lag putts. But again, as I said, it was probably the highest score I could have shot today.

Q. You said yesterday that it’s pick your poison between playing tournaments in the lead-up or not being sharp. Do you think with how your body is feeling, is there a scenario in which you’d try to play a little bit more?

TIGER WOODS: I’ve only got one more tournament this season, so I’m not going to — I don’t think even if I win the British Open I don’t think I’ll be in the Playoffs. Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.

Q. You’re a serial winner. You’re used to winning. How much does it hurt to not make the cut, and have you at any point this week felt, hand on heart, this could be your last U.S. Open?

TIGER WOODS: Well, it’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut. I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating.

I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out.

As far as my last Open Championship or U.S. Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.

Q. How did you feel? It seemed like you were walking stronger, looked stronger, and then the lip-out on 15, how deflating was that?

TIGER WOODS: Yeah, 15 hurt. That was a good — sweet little 7-iron in there and a good putt, high-side lip. If I make that putt, it flips the momentum, and I’m looking pretty good on the last three holes, and instead I’m on the wrong side of the cut line and having to do something good on the last three holes, which I end up hitting a sweet shot out of the trouble on 16 and I thought I holed my bunker shot at 17.

Q. You seem to be walking well, getting good shots off the tee. What will your main takeaways be from this week at Pinehurst?

TIGER WOODS: Frustrating. I’m not here for the weekend. Granted, my ball-striking and felt like my putting was good enough to be in contention, and I’m not.

Yes, it is frustrating because I’m not here to have a chance to win on the weekend.

Categories
Tour News

US Open 2024 Rory McIlroy: “I Don’t See Anyone Running Away with it Today”

Rory McIlroy secured himself a good position for the weekend in round 2 of the US Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2. The Northern Irishmal finished with a round of 72 shots on the par 70 course, dropping to a total score of three under par. Two bogeys on the first nine had him struggling on day two. After the birdie on hole three he strived to go back to even par but instead a final bogey prevented that. At the time of him finishing the round McIlroy was two back from the lead but the afternoon session with Patrick Cantlay and Ludvig Aberg had only started.

Rory McIlroy about his second round at the US Open 2024

RORY McILROY: Yeah, obviously not quite as well as yesterday, but I feel like the golf course plays a little more difficult, even though we were off in the morning. Some of the hole locations were definitely a little tougher. Sort of had to have your wits about you. I putted it off one green there on 17.

Yeah, overall I felt like I did a pretty good job at keeping some of the mistakes off the scorecard. I wish I had converted a couple more of the chances. Hit the ball pretty well. I think only missed one fairway. So I had plenty of opportunities.

Yeah, wasn’t quite as good with the putter today. Still overall in a great position going into the weekend.

Q. Can you talk about the 5th hole a little bit, how that helped your round as far as the score is concerned.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, that back left hole location on 5 is pretty treacherous. If you miss it left there at all, obviously you saw what Xander and Scottie did. After sealing their two attempts, I was pretty happy with mine just to get it over the other side of the green and get it up-and-down for 5.

Yeah, it’s tough. You’re hitting off a lie with the ball above your feet. It’s hard for that. And the winds a touch off the right as well. It’s hard to not let that ball go left on you with your second shot.

I’d say there’s going to be a lot of guys down in that left sandy area today.

Q. How would you say this golf course challenges you differently than your run-of-the-mill Tour course?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it just requires a lot more thought. Even though I hit a great drive up the 8th hole, I had 151 adjusted to the hole. I’m trying to land it 146. I can’t land it 144 because it’s not going to get up there. I can’t land it 148 because it’s going to go over the back of the green.

You just need to have a lot of precision. I feel like for the most part I’ve done that well this week. I’ve got the ball pin-high quite a lot, which is really important. I’m not trying to land the ball pin-high. You’re trying to hit it to a number with a wedge, maybe five short of that, and then with a mid-iron you’re trying to land it 30 feet short of the pin to try to get it pin-high.

Just a little more thought, a little more consideration to everything that you’re doing. Very conservative strategy off the tee. And because most of us are playing conservative off the tee, with irons you can aim down one side of the fairway or the other to try to give yourself better angles to these pins.

Q. Is it clear early on it’s going to be hard for somebody to run away, to get that 6- or 8- or 9-under? Is that in your mind at all?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I mean, I was 2-over pretty early. My goal going into that second nine was if I could get it back to even for the day, I would have been pretty happy. Got that birdie on 3. I was trying to claw one back there. Ultimately I gave one back again.

Yeah, with the way the golf course is and the way some of those hole locations are, I don’t see anyone running away with it today, building up too much of a lead.

That’s certainly what Martin did a few years ago here. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out this afternoon.

Q. 15 had a really tough pin position today.

RORY McILROY: Yeah.

Q. How hard was that playing for you guys? Can you talk about how you had to adjust your strategy for the hole location?

RORY McILROY: It’s funny, I feel like Xander and my shots, we both sort of landed it probably the exact same distance. But his was a little more aggressive and a little more right towards the pin so it stayed on the ledge. Mine was a little further left where the slope is a little steeper. Mine came back down. He’s got a birdie putt from 10 feet, and I’m trying to do well to save par.

As I said, you just have to be so precise. If you’re going left of the hole there, you have to land it at least pin-high, if not a little bit past it. But that’s the great thing about this golf course. If you take a shot on and you pull it off, it rewards you. Xander got that reward on that 15th hole today, and I didn’t.

Q. You said yesterday you didn’t like watching before you went out. Could you explain why. Do you like watching after you finish?

RORY McILROY: I don’t like seeing where other guys are hitting it. I particularly don’t like when I can watch people hit putts on greens because then, whenever I have a similar putt on the golf course, I’m going off the memory of what I think I saw on TV instead of seeing it with my own eyes. I’d rather just not have that option at all.

But yeah, I mean, this afternoon I’ll probably tune in a little bit and watch. But yeah, before I go out to play, I’ve learned the hard way at times that I don’t need to be watching on the TV.

Thank you.

Categories
Tour News

US Open 2024: Pro Makes Hole in One to Make the Cut

Francesco Molinari was in a dire situation when he came to hole 9, his last hole at round 2 of the US Open 2024. Because, bar a small miracle, this would be his last hole of the week, when at seven over par he had to expect to miss the cut. But then the incredible happens: The shot carries the bunker, landed on the green, breaking left to right on the line towards the hole – and goes in, catapulting Molinari into the cut line.

“It was the last chance to have a chance to play the weekend”, Molinari said after his round. He wasn’t exactly planning for the ace, though. “You’re trying to hit a good shot. I just bogeyed 8. I was hoping I was able to par 8 and then having to make 2 at 9, with that flag, if you hit a good shot, you can get it within birdie range, but when I dropped a shot at 8, standing on the 9th tee it was just put a good swing on it and see what happens.”

It was the second hole in one of the day after Sepp Straka aced hole 9 in the morning already.

Francesco Molinari’s Hole in One at the US Open 2024

 
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Tour News

Watch: Sahith Theegala’s Ridiculous Birdie at the US Open 2024

Missing the green is one of the most dangerous things that can happen at the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Sahith Theegala makes a virtue of this predicament and sinks the ball with a putt from off the green. A truly magical shot.

US Open 2024: Unbelievable shot by Sahith Theegala

 
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Categories
Tour News

US Open 2024: Scottie Scheffler Narrowly Makes the Cut

Scottie Schefflers troubles at the US Open 2024 worsened on day 2 and he shouldn’t have needed another shot, otherwise he would have missed the cut. No birdies for the world No. 1 on day 2 at Pinhurst No. 2, but two bogeys on the front nine and then disaster on hole 5. Like his flight partners, Scheffler was unable to escape his home turf and ended up with a triple bogey. With a round of 74 strokes and a total score of five over par, he is tied 57th after round 2.

Scottie Scheffler about his second round at the US Open 2024

Q. How much of a grind was it out there today?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: Yeah, it was for sure. Around this place you have to hit such good shots. The golf course is challenging. I think personally it’s fun to play, but yeah, it was definitely a grind.

Q. The fifth hole took a little bit out of everybody in the group. What was going on there?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: I think that’s part of the mystery of the kind of sandy areas. You get down there and it’s kind of luck of the draw whether or not you have a shot. Preferably I would have loved to have hit like a little runner out of there, but I had a bush in my way to where I couldn’t play the runner that I would have hoped to. Really all you’re trying to do from there is get it up on to the green somewhere, and I felt like I took the best route I could think of at first, and just because it’s so unpredictable.

So yeah, just pretty challenging spot for your ball to end up in.

Q. You’ve been playing so well, so consistently. Is it kind of a readjustment out there to remember how to play when it’s not going your way?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: Not really. I think this week — yesterday I felt like I played really well and got a lot out of my game, which I feel like I’ve done a good job of this year. Today was kind of the opposite. I felt like especially the back nine today I actually hit it really well. I just couldn’t get a putt to fall early. Then I had that unfortunate deal on No. 5 which probably on any other golf course if I hit those two shots, driver, 3-wood into a green on a par-5 and probably have a pretty good look at birdie, I’m not going to have walking off with a 7. But just unfortunate place for me to put myself.

Q. What positives do you have to take out of today if 5-over gets you into the weekend?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: I don’t think 5-over is going to get me into the weekend. But I’m proud of how I fought today. I gave myself a good chance. Really yesterday I felt like I did a great job. Today I just couldn’t get the putts to fall. This golf course can be unpredictable at times, and maybe it got the better of me the last couple days. I’ll sit down and think about where we’re going the last few days and figure it out.

Categories
Tour News

Sepp Straka Scores Hole-in-One During Second Round of US Open 2024

On Friday morning, Sepp Straka experienced a true magic moment at the US Open 2024 on Pinehurst No. 2. With a hole-in-one, the Austrian catapulted himself into the headlines and brought smiles to the faces of the spectators.

A Early Setback at the US Open 2024

The Friday could have started better for Straka. On the third hole, his second shot bounced off the flagstick and landed in the bunker. What followed was a painful triple-bogey that set him back to three over par—a tough blow for the usually confident player.

The Magical Moment on the Ninth Hole

But then came the moment that changed everything. On the ninth hole, a 177-yard par-3, Straka showed his full class. The 31-year-old hit his tee shot perfectly onto the green—about 26 feet from the pin—and the ball rolled straight into the hole as if by magic. Straka celebrated the first hole-in-one of this year’s US Open together with his caddie Duane Bock and American playing partners JT Poston and Peter Malnati.

A Special Entry in History

With this ace, Straka joins the few players who have achieved a hole-in-one on the ninth hole of Pinehurst No. 2. Before him, only Peter Jacobsen (2005) and Zach Johnson (2014) managed this feat.

The Road to the Cut

The hole-in-one brought Straka back into the tournament, as he was previously within range of the cut. In his career, Straka has already celebrated successes, including victories at the 2022 Honda Classic and the 2023 John Deere Classic. His best result at a major so far was a tied second place at last year’s British Open.

Categories
Equipment

Equipment: The Buyer’s Guide to the Perfect Golf Shaft

Acting as the “engine” of the golf club, the shaft forms the crucial connection between the clubhead and the golfer. Its length, flexibility, kick-point, weight, and alignment profoundly influence the club’s performance, warranting a thorough examination. Our experts at HIO Fitting are here to provide detailed insights.

Types of Golf Shafts

Golf shafts come in many types and subtypes, each with distinct properties affecting the game. Modern shafts are typically made from steel, graphite, or composite materials.

The Difference in Shaft Material: Steel or Graphite

The notion of “precision with steel vs. speed with graphite” is debunked by HIO Fitting experts. Golfers comfortable with graphite shafts will achieve precise shots, and those handling steel’s weight won’t necessarily swing faster with lighter graphite shafts. The increased swing speed associated with lighter shafts is due to their reduced weight, not their material.

Technological advancements from 2000 to 2015 have nullified the old belief that steel shafts offer more precision. Graphite shafts now dominate woods, while steel shafts are still preferred in hybrids for power players. The advantage of graphite in long clubs lies in their lighter weight and customizable profiles.

Steel Shafts

Heavier and stiffer, steel shafts suit players with high swing speeds and are cost-effective to produce. Typically weighing between 90g and 130g, they offer flexes from Regular to Extra Stiff (R-X). Though technically feasible, making steel shafts lighter and softer is prohibitively expensive.

Graphite Shafts

Our HIO Fitting experts dispel common myths about graphite shafts:

  • Graphite shafts are durable and don’t wear out or become fatigued.
  • Modern graphite shafts offer stability and precision even for high swing speeds.
  • They provide a consistent feel, ideal for perfect iron sets.

Graphite shafts are manufactured by wrapping graphite tape with epoxy resin around a steel spindle. After heating, the spindle is removed, and the shaft is ground, cut, and painted.

The primary advantage of graphite shafts is their low weight. Available from 29 grams in woods to 39 grams in irons, they can also weigh up to 125 grams, matching steel shafts in weight. Graphite shafts cater to all flex variants, from “Ultra-Light” to “X-Stiff,” accommodating every swing speed. They are also beneficial for golfers with joint issues due to their vibration dampening properties and can be customized to individual preferences.

Multi-Material Shafts

Multi-material shafts, which emerged in the mid-2010s, combine the best properties of steel and graphite, revolutionizing irons and wedges. New methods to incorporate steel fibers into graphite have made these shafts stiffer and lighter.

High-End Carbon Fibers

Innovations in the 2020s have introduced pure graphite shafts with advanced carbon fiber structures, like Mitsubishi Chemical’s “Braided Carbon Technology,” integrating new fibers like 1K Carbon Fiber or MR70. These shafts achieve high stiffness at low weights, with some as light as 30 grams or customizable in weight distribution.

Key Golf Shaft Terminology

What is Flex?

Flex refers to the shaft’s ability to bend, categorized into Ladies/Light (L), Amateur (A), Senior (S), Regular (R), Stiff (S), and Extra Stiff (XS). Flex levels vary by manufacturer, lacking a unified standard. Flex is measured by the shaft’s vibration frequency (CPM) before installation. During fitting, stiffness is adjusted by trimming the narrower end (tip trimming).

The Impact of Flex on Ball Flight and Feel

A shaft that’s too soft bends excessively, resulting in higher trajectories and leftward spins, while a stiff shaft does the opposite. However, HIO Fitting experts note that these effects vary among golfers. During fitting, flex is tailored to swing speed and golfer development, with a focus on feel and control.

Driver Distance and Corresponding Flex

  • Ladies Flex: Driver distance less than 175 yards (160 meters).
  • Senior or A Flex: Driver distance 175 – 210 yards (160 – 190 meters).
  • Regular Flex: Driver distance 210 – 240 yards (190 – 220 meters).
  • Stiff Flex: Driver distance 240 – 275 yards (220 – 250 meters).
  • X-Stiff Flex: Driver distance over 275 yards (250 meters).

What is Torque?

Torque measures the shaft’s twisting under load, impacting the clubface on off-center hits. Lower torque means less twisting but a stiffer feel, potentially losing feedback and distance. Finding the right torque value is essential for individual swing speeds.

What is a Kick-Point?

The kick-point is where the shaft bends most during a swing, influencing feel and ball flight trajectory. High kick-points result in lower ball flights, while low kick-points lead to higher trajectories.

The Weight of the Shaft

Shaft weight, measured in grams, affects clubhead speed and distance. Lighter shafts increase speed, while heavier ones provide stability. Proper weight distribution can significantly improve coordination and reduce mishits.

The Length of the Golf Shaft

Correct shaft length, determined by measuring the wrist crease to the ground, is crucial. Longer shafts increase distance but require repeatable, solid shots for consistency. Accurate fitting prevents distance loss due to off-center impacts.

Better to Get Fitted Than to Guess

Fitting, once exclusive to tour players, is now widely accessible. An experienced fitter can demystify shaft selection through a comprehensive fitting process, including static and dynamic fitting, ball flight analysis, and personalized adjustments.

How Can the Right Shafts Improve Your Game?

Hitting Further

A lighter shaft or optimized ball flight parameters through dynamic fitting can increase distance.

Hitting Straighter

A stiffer or heavier shaft can reduce dispersion, but lab conditions are recommended for comparison. Properly bent angles in irons and wedges also help.

Hitting Higher

Light shafts with low kick-points or heads with deep, rearward centers of gravity produce higher flights through increased backspin.

Hitting Lower

Heavy shafts with high kick-points or heads with forward centers of gravity achieve lower flights with reduced backspin.