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Folds of Honor opens scholarship applications for K-12 recipients

Folds of Honor opens scholarship applications for K-12 recipients

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Folds of Honor opens scholarship applications for K-12 recipients https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Folds of Honor announced scholarship applications are now open for kindergarten through 12th graders interested in receiving awards for private education tuition and tutoring.

The scholarships, which began accepting applications Feb. 1, also cover higher education tuition assistance for spouses or dependents of fallen or disabled service members.

Since its founding by PGA Member and F-16 fighter pilot lieutenant colonel Dan Rooney in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 29,000 scholarships totaling more than $145 million. Forty-one percent of scholarship recipients are minorities.

Rooney, played college golf at Kansas and has spoken twice for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, is currently stationed at Eglin AFB Florida as a member of the 301st Fighter Squadron.

Visit Folds of Honor’s website for scholarship applications.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3tkRRt3
This NFL star took his mind off the retirement question by playing Phoenix Open pro-am

This NFL star took his mind off the retirement question by playing Phoenix Open pro-am

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
This NFL star took his mind off the retirement question by playing Phoenix Open pro-am https://ift.tt/39IEuLl

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has yet to announce a decision on his future, he said at Wednesday’s Waste Management Phoenix Annexus Pro-Am at TPC Scottsdale.

Fitzgerald, having completed his 17th season with the Cardinals, was in golf mode as the celebrity player in a group that included PGA Tour pros Cameron Champ and Jason Day. He was twice asked about his future.

“I’m just playing golf right now, that’s all I’m worried about,” Fitzgerald said. “No timeline. I’m just taking it day by day.

“Honestly I haven’t given it much thought.”

Fitzgerald said he was “banged up” at the end of this past season and just started feeling better, so he hadn’t played as much golf as he would have liked to before Wednesday.

He said he’s enjoyed his offseason so far.

“The kids have been keeping me busy, normal offseason, nothing different,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald, wearing green pants and carrying his own red bag full of clubs, was a hit on the course with the fans, even with attendance limited to a few thousand throughout the day. He hooked his first shot of the day off the tee and the ball landed under a tree, after which it took him two more shots to get to the green.

“Luckily there was no spectators over there, I would have had a lawsuit on my hands if that was the case,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m glad I was able to rebound and get it going later in the day. I know I beat Patrick Peterson, that’s all that matters.”

Peterson, Fitzgerald’s Cardinals teammate, also took part in the pro-am.

Fitzgerald birdied the third hole, dropping in a short putt after a quality third shot over the rough. Then he called to a young fan holding a football and motioned for him to throw the ball.

The teenager tossed the pass, Fitzgerald yelling “Kyler!” in reference to Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

“I hope so,” said 16-year-old Jake Walden, a golfer at Gilbert Higley High School who played catch with Fitzgerald, asked if he hopes the longtime Cardinal will be back. “I would give anything to see him back on the Cardinals for one more season, especially with where we’re at with D-Hop (Deandre Hopkins), Kyler. I mean, it’s up to him though, he’s been in the game for a long period of time. Whatever he does I’m still going to support him and follow him.”

Phoenix Open Pro-Am

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald at the Annexus Pro-Am at the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via USA Today Network)

At the famed 16th hole, which has only one deck this year and will not be as rowdy with far fewer people in the stadium seats, Fitzgerald’s opening shot was deemed to be the closest to the flag of any player taking part.

Fans cheered him, chanted his name and implored him to come back. Fitzgerald signed a few autographs, posed for socially-distanced photos and made conversation with bystanders and his golf group.

“It’s always a fun time to come through that tunnel and see the support that this community gives to this event, which is magnificent,” Fitzgerald said of walking into No. 16.

Gilbert residents Jeremy Holmes and his young son Carter, who followed Fitzgerald around the course, also hope for a Fitzgerald return.

“I just hope he keeps playing. He’s my favorite player,” Carter said. “He’s just all around amazing, on and off the field.”

Even other athletes who played Wednesday offered thoughts on Fitzgerald. Nolan Arenado, the former Colorado Rockies All-Star third baseman now with the St. Louis Cardinals, said Fitzgerald should keep playing.

“He’s still good. There’s no reason to retire. Larry’s a cool dude, I’ve gotten to talk to him a little bit,” Arenado said. “He’s a good genuine dude and he’s still performing at a high level, so he needs to keep going.”

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3rcod7k
Jon Rahm sets sights on winning his home game at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Jon Rahm sets sights on winning his home game at Waste Management Phoenix Open

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Jon Rahm sets sights on winning his home game at Waste Management Phoenix Open https://ift.tt/36ETsQA

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jon Rahm has played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open five times. Little did he know that there’s actually grass left of the bunker on 18 at TPC Scottsdale.

“Usually there’s stands and people,” he said. “So, the look is different; the feel is the same.”

Indeed, there is no way to replicate the madness of hundreds of thousands of spectators at the greatest party on grass. Count Rahm among the players who are happy that this year’s party hasn’t been canceled, but rather significantly downsized. The PGA Tour has had a smattering of fans at tournaments in Texas, Mississippi and Hawaii, but none of the California events the previous two weeks or the upcoming two events have permitted spectators.

“I’m glad we can have at least 5,000 a day. Makes a big difference out there,” Rahm said. “After having nobody for so long on the golf course, 5,000 feels like a lot. I’m going to tell you that right now. You can feel their presence. They’re making themselves felt. They’re a little bit more active. They want to be part of it because they’ve missed it, as well, not being able to be a part of anything for so long.”

Rahm, an Arizona State alumnus, experienced his coming out party here, finishing T-5 as an amateur in 2015. He’s finished 16th or better in all five of his starts in the event and despite still adjusting to his off-season decision to change to Callaway clubs, he’s recorded three straight seventh-place finishes and has been seventh or better in seven of his past nine events.

“When you change clubs, manufacturers, like that, you’ve got to get used to the tendencies of each one to find the perfect one,” he explained. “Still trying to get there, but really happy with where I’m at.”

Ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Rahm is arguably the current holder of the dubious distinction of being the best player never to win a major. Still just 26 years old, Rahm should be a force for years to come, but his Masters preparation and potentially his participation this April could be impacted by the impending birth of he and wife Kelly’s first child.

“I think it’s second week of March is going to be week 36, and as my mom has told me, because she’s been a midwife many times, starting that week it can come any day,” he said. “No matter where I am and what I’m doing, if the phone rings I’m flying back, and I’m going back home to be there for the birth of my son. Before anybody asks, yes, if I’m at Augusta and I’m playing well and she starts (going into labor), I’m flying back. I would never miss the birth of my firstborn in a million years, or any born for that matter.

“Yeah, that last month I’m going to be really focused on what’s going on. I don’t know how we’re going to do it at Augusta because we can’t have our phones in. I might need to ask for an exception in that sense.”

For the time being, Rahm would like nothing more than to clutch the winner’s trophy on Sunday of the tournament that has become his personal fifth major.

“It’s a home event. Get to sleep in my own bed, so it’s nice,” he said. “My first cut made on the PGA Tour was here. Had a great finish as an amateur, and the whole Sun Devil vibe and just the familiarity with everything. I love the event, love the fans.”

Listen to Adam Schupak preview the Phoenix Open with Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 AM in Phoenix (scroll to 24:48 mark):

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3oNMCOV
Play with the Pro… Vista Pro

Play with the Pro… Vista Pro

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Play with the Pro… Vista Pro https://ift.tt/2O5sJX1

Fujikura engineers a brand-new Vista Pro shaft line for 2021

Even as custom fitting goes more mainstream, some golfers—new and old—are hesitant to be fit. We’ve all heard the typical reasons such as, “I’m not good enough,” “fittings are too expensive” or “shafts are too stiff.” First, let’s dispel a myth. You ARE good enough, regardless of ability. And, second, most fitted clubs do come with an added cost compared to “off-the-rack” models with stock shafts. As it should be. But not all quality custom-fit equipment is exorbitantly priced. For instance, the popular shaft company, Fujikura, offers a broad spectrum of fitting options with a vast range of prices.

Let’s take a closer look. Fujikura primarily sells three premium-priced aftermarket driver shafts: the flagship Ventus, $350, the powerful Motore X, $275, and the workhorse Vista Pro, $125. To draw a parallel with automobiles, BMW has the 7 Series, 5 Series, and 3 Series. The crème de la crème is the 7 Series. However, the 5 Series has many of the same features, and even the 3 Series possesses some bells and whistles. All three brands deliver a satisfying experience. Just like Fujikura’s shafts. “The Ventus is an absolute performance machine, like buying a sports car,” says Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion Golf, the industry’s largest high-end custom fitter with 77 locations nationwide. “It fits a lot of people but not everyone. The best part about Fujikura is the wide array of products and price points to hit so many types of golfers looking for and needing different types of performance.”

Do you want to be custom fit without breaking the bank? Tell the fitter you’d like to try the Vista Pro. Maybe it’ll be a good match. The Vista Pro has been a dependable, go-to shaft for years. And now, in 2021, the Vista Pro’s been redesigned with higher-quality materials and new construction. In essence, the company’s R&D team leaned on Enso®, a proprietary 3D motion-capture system, to build a better mousetrap. There are more carbon fiber and less resin throughout the shaft. Also, small pieces of carbon (called “plies”) in the tip section were replaced by material that extends the length of the shaft for improved feel.

Golfers can expect similar launch and spin characteristics to the previous model, with the payoff of added stability and a smoother feel. “Vista Pro has always been a vital line to us, as it’s a great price point and fits many golfers,” says Sherburne. “With so many weights and flexes, along with the lower price point, custom clubs are more accessible to [people with] many different budgets.”

Engineered for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, or irons, the new Vista Pro is available in five flex options (“Ladies” to “Extra Stiff”) and a selection of weights (48 to 75 grams). In the lighter shafts, players should see higher launch and more spin whereas the heavier ones produce mid-launch shots and moderate spin.

Lastly, the company gave Vista Pro a cosmetic makeover. A stately black foundation extending the full length replaces the two-tone silver and black with bright red accents.

Take the Vista Pro for a test drive at one of Fujikura’s authorized dealers [fujikuragolf.com/dealer-locator]. You might just like how it handles.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3cFtG2q
Rory McIlroy on USGA, R&A Distance Insights Report: 'It's a huge waste of money'

Rory McIlroy on USGA, R&A Distance Insights Report: 'It's a huge waste of money'

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Rory McIlroy on USGA, R&A Distance Insights Report: 'It's a huge waste of money' https://ift.tt/3riiuN7

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rory McIlroy wanted to talk. And when McIlroy wants to talk, you better listen. His press conference ahead of his debut at the Waste Management Phoenix Open had come to an end without anyone asking him a question about yesterday’s USGA/R&A announcement that they are moving into “the solution phase,” a year after issuing its Distance Insights Report.

“No one asked me about the equipment,” McIlroy said in a voice that was a combination of surprise and disappointment.

The camera was still rolling, his mic was still hot and McIlroy said, “I’ve got all day.”

So, we asked and McIlroy didn’t hold back.

“So I think the authorities, the R&A and USGA, are looking at the game through such a tiny little lens, that what they’re trying to do is change something that pertains to 0.1 percent of the golfing community. Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the people that play this game play for enjoyment, for entertainment. They don’t need to be told what ball or clubs to use,” he said. “We have to make the game as easy and approachable as possible for the majority of golfers. Honestly, I think this Distance Insight Report has been a huge waste of time and money, because that money that it’s cost to do this report could have been way better distributed to getting people into the game, introducing young kids to the game, introducing minorities to the game.

“I heard Mike Davis say something about we’re trying to protect the game for the next hundred years. This isn’t how you do it. This is so small and inconsequential compared to the other things happening in the game. It’s the grassroots. It’s getting more people engaged in golf. That’s where they should be spending their money, not spending it on the Distance Insight Report.”

Asked if he would be in favor of a local rule or different rules for the pros, McIlroy said: “I would be all for that. If they want to try to make the game more difficult for us or more – try to incorporate more skill to the game, yeah, I would be all for that, because I think it only benefits the better play, which I feel like I am.

“I think maybe they said that in terms of local rules and maybe some sort of bifurcation, but we we are such a tiny portion of golf. Like golf is way bigger than the professional game. Golf is like – we’re such a tiny part of it. It’s the other stuff that really matters, and that’s the stuff they need to concentrate on.”

In other words, McIlroy wouldn’t be opposed to bifurcation, a word that the governing bodies seem to have an allergic reaction to whenever it is brought up.

“That wouldn’t be the worst outcome,” McIlroy confirmed. “If they want to make it more difficult for us and make more skill involved at the top level, I’m OK with that.”

Rory McIlroy blasts driver off the eighth tee at TPC Scottsdale during Wednesday’s pro-am at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. (Adam Schupak/Golfweek)

McIlroy continued his rant in an interview with Golf Channel shortly thereafter, saying that the governing bodies are looking at regulating distance through a tiny, narrow lens.

“The fact is they are looking at the wrong thing,” he said. “They spent millions of dollars doing this Distance Insights Report. It’s not going to change the game at all. They might put a few new regulations, but the manufacturers are going to find a way around them. That’s how good they are.

“We need more young people in the game, more minorities in the game. That’s how we keep the game going for the next 100 years, not by looking at the ball. That’s my point. I’m probably going to get in trouble for saying this, but it reeks of self-importance.

“Yes, they’re the gatekeepers of the game but their job is to make sure the game thrives in 100 years time. This isn’t the way to do it. The way to do it is to get more people into the game and make it more approachable. This is honestly going to make the game less enjoyable. You need balls that can get up in the air and drivers that can go a long way. That’s what people want to do. That’s why they want to play the game.

There was a moment when Golf Channel had to stop rolling to change batteries and McIlroy said, “I was just getting going.”

Indeed, he was. He was rolling.

“I woke up in a mood,” he said, noting that he had spent 24 hours of listening to all this equipment stuff.

Nothing quite like a good McIlroy rant, especially when it comes to the latest hot-button topic in the world of golf.

Listen to Adam Schupak preview the Phoenix Open with Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 AM in Phoenix (scroll to 24:48 mark):

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/2Lf5GYz
Photos: Waste Management Phoenix Open 2021 at TPC Scottsdale

Photos: Waste Management Phoenix Open 2021 at TPC Scottsdale

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Photos: Waste Management Phoenix Open 2021 at TPC Scottsdale https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

It’s a toned-down affair in 2021, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open is back at TPC Scottsdale, and so are some fans.

A limited number of spectators will be allowed on site during the week, starting with Wednesday’s celebrity pro-am.

The par-71 TPC Scottsdale, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, will play 7,261 yards this week. Webb Simpson is the defending champion.

Rory McIlroy is making his first-ever appearance at the Phoenix Open.

Check out some photos here.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/36Fmboq
Peacock, NBC's streaming service, partners with Rory McIlroy to launch GolfPass channel

Peacock, NBC's streaming service, partners with Rory McIlroy to launch GolfPass channel

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Peacock, NBC's streaming service, partners with Rory McIlroy to launch GolfPass channel https://ift.tt/3oJ3x5i

Rory McIlroy and Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, announced on Wednesday that a new GolfPass channel will launch Feb. 8, featuring instruction and entertainment content from GolfPass as well as timely news each day from Golf Channel.

GolfPass, which was developed in partnership between McIlroy and NBC Sports Group, is a direct-to-consumer subscription program that offers more opportunities to play golf, comprehensive tools to improve your game and high-quality video content.

“Being able to share all the great things about the game I love with as many people as possible has been a passion project of mine through GolfPass,” said McIlroy, who will sport the Peacock logo on his golf bag from this weekend’s Waste Management Phoenix Open through the end of the year.

Rory McIlroy bag Peacock

Rory McIlroy’s golf bag, featuring the Peacock logo. (Photo: NBC Sports Group)

“After finishing a record-breaking year, I can’t think of a better next step for GolfPass than being part of the amazing momentum surrounding Peacock.”

The new channel will feature a sample of what’s available via a GolfPass membership, including golf improvement videos, series like Feherty and Big Break, as well as GolfPass originals like The Conor Moore Show. The channel will be programmed for 24 hours a day and will also feature original programming produced with McIlroy, including the popular Ask Rory instructional series.

After a 10-week hiatus following the November Masters, McIlroy returned to play with a third-place finish at the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship two weeks ago and then found himself in an embedded ball situation similar to that of Patrick Reed at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open.

After this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, McIlroy will take a week off before playing four straight events, finishing with the Players Championship. He’ll also play the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, as well as the Masters, meaning he will have played nine times in a dozen weeks to start the year.

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3jfrW0X
Rory McIlroy says a volunteer stepped on his ball at Torrey Pines

Rory McIlroy says a volunteer stepped on his ball at Torrey Pines

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
Rory McIlroy says a volunteer stepped on his ball at Torrey Pines https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rory McIlroy is making his first visit to the Waste Management Phoenix Open but his pre-tournament media session on Wednesday eventually turned to an incident four days ago at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Discussion of last Saturday’s third round at Torrey Pines was dominated by embedded balls moreso than the birdies and bogeys. Patrick Reed’s embedded-ball situation drove the bulk of the chatter but McIlroy had a similar deal as both golfer’s balls had bounced in thick rough and both were then deemed to have been embedded.

On Wednesday at TPC Scottsdale, McIlroy, when first asked about his social-media presence, then redirected the discussion to explain that he received information on Monday about what had happened.

“So what’s came to light is. … on 18, as we were searching for my ball. … well, it wasn’t apparent at the time, but an email was sent to the Tour on Monday saying my ball was stepped on to be found, but the volunteer didn’t tell me that on Saturday.

“So that’s why I took embedded ball relief, because it was an embedded ball, but I didn’t know it had been stepped on.”

At least in McIlroy’s situation, that would explain why his ball embedded after it clearly bounced.

“I don’t feel anyone played fast or loose with the rules,” McIlroy said. “I went to bed Sunday night sort of questioning whether I had done the right thing after seeing the video.”

McIlroy said had he known his ball was stepped on, he would’ve proceeded differently, by placing the ball instead of dropping it. But as he said, he didn’t have that information at the time.

“I feel like I sort of got a free pass because of my reputation rather than my actions,” he said. “I’m glad that my actions were the right thing to do as well.”

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3cCNvqZ
North Florida, freshman Nick Gabrelcik, pass a tough test with Sea Best Invitational wins

North Florida, freshman Nick Gabrelcik, pass a tough test with Sea Best Invitational wins

Golfsolutions February 03, 2021
North Florida, freshman Nick Gabrelcik, pass a tough test with Sea Best Invitational wins https://ift.tt/36CRPTo

The University of North Florida golf team keeps passing important tests early in the season.

Last week at the Timuquana Collegiate, the Ospreys proved they could come from behind in a birdie-fest, posting the low team score of the final round and tying for fourth, four shots out of a playoff with Florida and Liberty.

On Monday, UNF jumped out to a big lead in the first 36 holes of the Sea Best Invitational, under brutally cold conditions at the TPC Sawgrass Dye’s Valley.

On Tuesday, the Ospreys proved they could play with the lead, and after a 19-shot spread at the turn dipped to nine shots over Liberty with four holes to play, Nick Gabrelcik, Nick Infanti and Cody Carroll all birdied the par-4 15th hole and UNF went on to win by 12 shots over Liberty and Duke at 21 over.

It was the Ospreys’ first team title since the 2019 ASUN Championship and the first time they have won the Sea Best, hosted by cross-town rival Jacksonville University.

Gabrelcik supplied the frosting on another cold, windy day when he shot 68 to win the individual championship at 3 under, one shot clear of Easton Paxton (72) of N.C. State and three shots over Adrien Pendaries of Duke (71).

“All three rounds were really hard and we knew, teeing off today, that pars were going to be good scores,” said UNF coach Scott Schroeder. “We played pretty steady. There were a few glitches at the end but generally speaking, it was pretty steady for everybody, which is all you really wanted.”

Gabrelcik, of Trinity, Florida, has tied for fourth and won in his first two college starts. When Paxton finished his round, Gabrelcik had seven holes left, and he played them bogey-free, at 2-under, with a 35-foot birdie putt at No. 12, a 4-footer at No. 15 and a testy two-putt for par from 60 feet at No. 17.

“I’m not going to lie … that was the time I was the most nervous, hoping to lag that putt up there close,” Gabrelcik said.

He cozied it up to 2 feet and tapped in.

Needing a par to win at the last, Gabrelcik split the fairway at No. 18, hit a pitching wedge to within 10 feet, and safely two-putted.

“I felt good going into this week but the conditions were very tough,” he said. “I’ve played when it’s been this cold before, and I’ve played when it’s been this windy, but never both at the same time. I just worked my ball around well.”

Rankings: Men’s team | Men’s individual
More: All the latest college news on the Road to Grayhawk

Gabrelcik became the first UNF individual champion since Jordan Batchelor in the 2019 ASUN Championship and the first freshman to win for the Ospreys since Joey Petronio at the 2012 Gary Koch Invitational at Old Memorial Golf Club in Tampa.

UNF had four players among the top-23, with Infanti (72) finishing 13th at 9 over, Robbie Higgins (77) tying for 14th at 10 over and Cody Carroll (76) tying for 23rd at 12 over.

Campbell finished fourth at 42 over, N.C. State fifth at 44 over and Jacksonville and Charlotte tied for sixth at 45 over.

JU was led by a 10th-place finish by Michael Sakane (76) at 6 over. Joey Sullivan birdied three of his first five holes and matched Gabrelcik’s 68 to tie for 14th at 10 over.

The Ospreys’ quick start has come with only one senior in the starting lineup and without the benefit of a fall season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schroeder said there’s still room for improvement.

“I knew we had a chance to be pretty good but I didn’t know exactly how good we’d be,” he said. “We played pretty good but didn’t putt it great. We had 20 three-putts this week. If we can clean some of that stuff up, it’s going to be really fun this spring.”

from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3rkoDII