Vol. 32, No. 44 R O C H E S T E R Monday, December 7, 2020 Has Surged in Hovland Birdies the Last Hole 2020, but Nothing To Win Mayakoba Classic , Beats the ‘Tiger Effect’ (AP) — says his nerves are a jangled mess when he gets into contention. It sure didn’t look that way at the May- akoba Golf Classic, where he captured another PGA Tour title with another big putt at the end. Hovland saved with a splendid 40-yard save from a waste area on the 16th hole, and then he delivered the win- ner with a 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole to beat and win for the second time this year. Viktor Hovland holds up the trophy after winning the Mayakoba Golf Hovland — PAGE 5 Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Robert Fedez/Associated Press) by JASON LUSK and trends, estimate in a report The number of rounds of golf released this week that 2020 played late in 2020 have seen will end with about a 12-percent enormous surges versus 2019 as increase in rounds played in the 43-Year-Old Angela Stanford Wins all kinds of golfers — from novic- United States over 2019’s total es to past enthusiasts reentering round played. That equates to Her Home LPGA Tour Event the sport — have sought escape 50 million more rounds played from the coronavirus pandemic. in 2020, the second-highest in- THE COLONY, Texas (AP) — But that doesn’t mean 2020 will crease of any year reported. Angela Stanford won her home set the growth record. The highest? That would be LPGA Tour event in front of her Turns out, even this year’s 1997, when Woods grabbed parents, closing with a 4-under flood of golfers can’t beat Tiger international fame with his re- 67 for a two-stroke victory Sun- Woods in his youth. cord-breaking Masters title at the day in the Volunteers of America The National Golf Foundation age of 21. Classic. and Golf Datatech, both industry The U.S. saw a jump in rounds “I just haven’t had many observers tracking rounds played Tiger Effect — PAGE 3 chances to win in front of them. So to finally do it, it’s so cool,” Stanford said. “I couldn’t even look over at my mom coming up Season of Surprises 18 because I was starting to get Stanford — PAGE 5 As Two Tours Unite, Potential Global Schedule Intriguing for World’s Best

by REX HOGGARD Although there remains more questions than answers, last Fri- day’s announcement that the PGA Tour and European Tour have is the first reigning FedExCup No. 1 to enter the break formed a “strategic alliance” has leading the standings since the wraparound season started. (Patrick Smith/ created plenty of talking points — Getty Images) if not actual opportunities — at the moment. by CAMERON MORFIT The fall also provided a lot of While the agreement allows Viktor Hovland’s 12-foot bird- answers. for “further collaboration on ie putt to win the Mayakoba Golf We know whose biohack- scheduling,” there were no spe- Classic presented by UNIFIN, ing has worked. (Take a bow, cifics given, and even those who the 12th and final event of the Bryson DeChambeau.) should have an idea of where fall, moved him up to third in We know who won’t stop the alliance is heading were light the FedExCup and put a bow on knocking on the door. (Make on details. a wildly entertaining fall season. Surprises — PAGE 9 Tours Unite — PAGE 3

Our 1656 th GolfWeekRochester.com Consecutive Issue Page 2 • Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020 Mulligans News, Notes, Quotes & Anecdotes from the Local Golfing Community Pittsford’s Ford to Get Primetime Spot in NB3 Junior Golf National Championship Broadcast Wednesday When the inaugural Notah Qualifier held at Turning Stone the 3-day Junior Begay III Junior Golf National Resort in September, competed Golf National Championship, Championship was held last against a field of 36 other top the broadcast will also feature month in Louisiana, Pittsford junior girls in the Girls, 14-to- other highlights from the event, Sutherland High School soph- 18-year-old division when the including a long-drive contest, in omore Jayden Ford was there National Championship was which Ford also took part. representing all of Western New held in early November at the • • • York. Koasati Pines Resort in Kinder, On Wednesday, Ford will get Louisiana. Local USGA prime time coverage from that The Championship was re- GHIN Score appearance when highlights corded but has never been from the NB3 Junior Champi- broadcast. It is scheduled to air Posting Now onship are broadcast nationally for the first time this Wednesday, Over for 2020 for the first time. December 9, from 7 to 9 pm on If you are a USGA GHIN Ford, who qualified for the The . Handicap user and a member Championship in a regional In addition to the action from of the Rochester District Golf Association, the active score posting season for the 2020 season is now over. The RDGA score posting season officially concluded on October 31. For members of RDGA Mem- NATIONAL COVERAGE: Jayden Ford of Pittsford took part in the long ber Clubs in the area, that means drive contest during last month’s Notah Begay III Junior Golf National that any scores made in the Championship in Louisiana, from which this still was taken. The high- lights of that Championship will be shown on national TV this week. Rochester area between now (Photo: NB3 JGNC) and April 15, 2021 cannot be posted for handicap purposes. between November 1 and April Local score posting for the However, it is important to note 15 must still post those scores. 2021 season at all RDGA Mem- that RDGA members who play This would include warm-weath- ber Clubs will begin on Thurs- in active areas outside the RDGA er areas such as Florida. day, April 15. x Howard Hanna • 2x5 • 061520 • JT Nine Comfortable, High-Performing Golf Expositor-Ledger Newspapers Rochester Golf Week • The Jewish LedgerShoes We Recommend for the Holidays 2535 Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road, Rochester, NY 14623 by JOSH BERHOW (585) 427-2468 • FAX (585) 427-8521 Avid golfers are always in We want YOUR AD to be perfect…need of a good pair of golf IMPORTANT… shoes. Your ad will run as it appears here unless we hear from you immediately. Please review this ad carefully. ECCO S-Three n Check spelling and punctuation The Ecco S-Three golf shoes n Check addresses and phone numbers, as well as e-mail addresseslook and likeweb they’dsites. be at home on n Check dates and times of all events listed. either a spacesuit or basket- If there are any corrections, please call us immediately at 427-2468.ball court, but we’re here to let you know that there are in fact golf shoes. These spikeless golf shoes boast ECCO’s soft LUXURY CONDOS calf NAPPA leather with GO- ECCO S-Three ON CANANDAIGUA LAKE RE-TEX water protection for inclement conditions, but also Stop by our Sales Office, come with top-notch breathabil- 205 Lakeshore Drive ity and comfort. Other features include ECCO’S ZONAL FLU- IDFORM™ Technology midsole with 3 different zones feature differing levels of rigidity, an E-DTS® traction system con- sists of approximately 100 TPU traction bars boasting 800 trac- tion angles. We really dig the neoprene collar areas, which not only add a splash of color TravisMathew The Cuater MoneyMaker and style but also make these CHOICE UNITS SELLING FAST! shoes among the most comfort- able golf shoes we’ve seen this On Site: Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Isn’t it time you side of the moon. Center, Reserved Parking, enjoyed this lifestyle? Summer “Tiki Bar, ” Restaurant TravisMathew The Walk To: Beach, Grocery, Cuater MoneyMaker Ice Cream, Breweries, Cuater’s MoneyMaker spike- Restaurants, Shopping less golf shoe provides a versa- The complete terms are in an offering plan available Lake Group tile, athletic style that delivers from the sponsor. File # CD150046 229 Lake St, Penn Yan the tech features you need in Personal Tours by Appointment: 315.532.4726 a modern-day golf shoe. The canandaigualakesidecondos.com upper is extremely lightweight, Golf Shoes — PAGE 4 Puma IGNITE NXT Disc

“The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.”  Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020 • Page 3 Tiger Effect Since June, not only have over October 2019. ery and boom in rounds played. rounds played increased each There are other factors besides For example, resorts that require month versus the same periods the pandemic. Good weather travel, especially air travel, have in 2019, the rate of increase certainly has played a role. But not seen the same spikes as lo- has climbed significantly. In Oc- the NGF reported that typical cally favored destinations. tober 2020, rounds played in fluctuations in rounds played in And while rounds played at the U.S. were up 32.2 percent the U.S. have averaged less than private clubs have soared, that over the same month in 2019. 5 percent per year for more than doesn’t necessarily equate to That followed increases of ap- 20 years, so golf’s position as a increases in revenues. Dues typ- proximately 14 percent in June, relatively safe recreational activ- ically have remained static for 20 percent in July, 21 percent ity during the pandemic appears existing members, so basically in August and 26 percent in to have played the starring role the average cost per round has September. in 2020’s surge. dropped at many private clubs U.S. golf courses had lost ap- Despite all the good news, while maintenance requirements celebrates after sinking a 4-foot putt to win the 1997 Mas- proximately 20 million rounds there is still uncertainty about have increased. Meanwhile, ters with a record-low score of 18 under. He became the youngest winner as courses were closed in the any long-term gains. A large food and beverage revenue has at 21 years, 3 months and 14 days old. (Stephen Munday/Allsport/Getty Images) spring, according to Golf Datat- portion of the surge in rounds dropped for many clubs because ech, which at the start of May played has been by juniors and players are reluctant to linger in (Continued from Page 1) Not that 2020 has been any- put total rounds played in a novices, and it is yet to be seen a clubhouse after a round. played of 63 million in 1997 over thing to scoff at, considering the 16-percent hole compared to if those players will continue Still, all things considered in 1996, according to Golf Datat- pandemic and the fact that many the same period of 2019. But in golf for years to come or if what has been a terrible year ech. That year spawned what courses — and the sport in entire the increases since June have capture rates will decrease. The for so many, golf as a whole has became known as the “Tiger states — were shut down for resulted in an increase of 50 NGF also points out that not all proved to be a silver lining as the Effect” as players flocked to the much of the spring and early million rounds year to date. business segments are equally pandemic continues to storm. x game in the wake of Woods’ summer as coronavirus cases October 2020 alone saw an enjoying the “V-shaped” recov- © USA Today, via Yahoo! Sports inspirational April performance. first surged. increase of 11 million rounds Tours Unite

(Continued from Page 1) that would meld the best of both derstands the value and benefits “I mean, I obviously under- tours into a single schedule with- of a game that travels, the move stand it vaguely,” said Justin out the normal competing-event is all upside. Thomas, a member of the PGA strings attached would be wel- The only real question on this Tour’s 16-member player advi- comed by most of the game’s front is if others will agree with sory council. “I don’t probably top players. Koepka. understand the very extreme de- “It would help us tremendously. “I think it depends on the per- tails of it yet, exactly when cer- We’re more exposed to different son. Some guys are pretty set in tain things are going to happen places where you can grow our their ways, pretty comfortable,” or why or whatever it might be. I brands personally and become he said. “I think family plays a know we’re going to have a PAC bigger. I think that’s important,” big part in that. Other guys are meeting I think here coming up, Brooks Koepka said. “It depends just more comfortable with their so we’ll be able to talk about it wherever they want to go, they family, not traveling as much, more then.” make it truly like a global tour. getting a little bit older where it’s That lack of specifics has led It would be well known around more important to be home. But to plenty of speculation, and this the world, which I think could I would say the younger guys are week European Tour chief exec- be super, super big for the PGA definitely more willing to trav- utive Keith Pelley added to that Tour and European Tour.” el and more willing to go over speculation when he described Koepka is uniquely positioned there. I would go in a heartbeat.” All Ages. All Abilities. a “global schedule” to The Daily for whatever comes from the al- Although plenty of questions Mail. The idea would be to bring liance. He began his career on remain about the alliance, for the In-Person or Online Lessons. the two tours together to lever- Europe’s secondary circuit, the game’s best, any combination of age the star appeal and financial Challenge Tour, and is still cele- the globe’s two biggest tours is a We are Hochstein. Join us! Tuition assistance available. strength of the PGA Tour and brated by the continent. He also move worth making. x the global reach of the European understands better than many — if © Golf Channel 50 N. Plymouth Ave. • 585.454.4596 • hochstein.org circuit. While Pelley dismissed not all — of the current crop of social media suggestions that the young stars what it means to be agreement would lead to a PGA a truly global player. Tour takeover, he did describe Koepka also understands what potential windows when the two the alliance could mean to the tours would hold co-sanctioned European Tour. events in the United Kingdom “Obviously the European leading up to The Open Cham- Tour, they need a little bit of pionship and again in the fall help and I think with the way after the FedExCup. the PGA Tour is stretched, when At first blush the move pro- it comes to sponsors, when it vides stability for the European comes to fans, when it comes to Tour following what has been all these different things, that’s described as a “compelling” offer where the European Tour’s lack- from the Raine Group, the New ing,” he said. “Having an inter- York-based fund that is behind est, I guess, in the European the Premier Golf League con- Tour and bring some of those cept. The alliance also would whether it be sponsors or fans give the PGA Tour access to to create the hype around a new markets that had previously European Tour event. Some- been out of reach. times that’s lacking a little bit. ... But most of all it’ll give players Maybe to be able to bring more a true global platform. notoriety and bring much more Of the 50 events on the energy to the tour.” 2020-21 PGA Tour schedule, How membership for the com- just seven are scheduled to be bined tours is handled will be a played outside the United States. primary question for most play- The and CJ ers, as well as what happens Cup were both relocated to the to secondary events on both U.S. from Asia this fall because circuits. But for a player like of the pandemic. An alliance Koepka, a global player who un- Page 4 • Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020

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“The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.”  Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020 • Page 5 Hovland for Hovland, who qualified for ship his rookie season. Maui with his win in Puerto Rico Austin Eckroat of Oklahoma and was set for Augusta National State had a 67-65 weekend and by reaching the Tour Champion- tied for 12th. x

Viktor Hovland of Norway plays on the 2nd Hole during the final round of the PGA Tour , in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Sunday, Dec. 6. (AP Photo/Robert Fedez)

(Continued from Page 1) just couldn’t get them to drop.” top 15 who were still in college a It was the first time since the Hovland had four birdies in year ago in May. The others are Mayakoba Classic began in the opening six holes and built PGA champion 2007 that it was won with a a two-shot lead going into the and , a teammate birdie putt on the final hole. For back nine on a course softened of Hovland’s at Oklahoma State. the 23-year-old from Norway, by rain that caused a two-hour (67) and Tom it’s becoming old hat. Hovland delay in the morning. Hoge (69) tied for third at 17- won the in But he made bogey on the under 267. Hoge holed a 20- February for his first PGA Tour 12th hole, and that seemed to foot birdie putt from the fringe title by holing a 30-foot birdie create chances for a half-dozen on the 15th hole to get within putt on the last hole. players separated by one shot one shot, but he three-putted “I was shaking there at the along the back nine. from some 70 feet on the tough end,” Hovland said after closing Hovland responded with bird- 16th to fall back. Long lost hope with a 6-under 65. “I thought I ies on the next two holes, and he when he sent his tee shot into lost it after second shot on 16. appeared to be in control with a the vegetation on the 17th hole I made an awesome par there. I tee shot to 4 feet on the par-3 and took bogey. knew I had to make birdie on 18.” 15th. But he hit a tentative putt Emiliano Grillo, who led after Wise closed with a 63 and to remain tied with Wise, and the second and third rounds, did everything right over the Hovland thought he was in big closed with a 72 and tied for last two holes except make the trouble when his long iron on eighth, five shots behind. Justin birdie putts. Tied for the lead, he the 515-yard 16th hole sailed Thomas got back to the fringe missed birdie putts from 12 feet hard to the right toward trouble. of contention with a 62 on Sat- on each of the last two holes at It came down in the waste urday, and the world’s No. 3 El Camaleon Golf Club. area a few feet from the hazard, player followed that with a 69, The former NCAA champion and he hit a superb sand shot to making double bogey on No. 10 Hey drivers, what at Oregon also was going for his 4 feet to save par. to end his chances. second PGA Tour win, the first Hovland, starting his second This was the final PGA Tour one coming at the AT&T Byron season on the PGA Tour after a eventCerames of • 2x4.5 the • year,052317 •one SH last will it takeFax/Email: for [email protected] you Nelson two years ago. stellar college career at Oklaho- chance for players who either “I played 17 aggressive off ma State, finished at 20-under qualifyExpositor-Ledger for the Sentry Newspapers Tourna- to notice us? the tee. On 18, I hit two great 264 and moved to No. 15 in mentRochester of Champions Golf at Kapalua Week • The Jewish Ledger shots,” Wise said. “I hit every the world. or2535 lock Brighton-Henrietta up a spot in the Masters Town Line Road, Rochester, NY 14623 shot as good as I could hit it. I That makes three players in the next year. Neither was an issue (585) 427-2468 • FAX (585) 427-8521 In 2017, drivers injured or killed 411 IMPORTANT… Wepedestrians want YOUR and cyclists AD to in bethe perfect…Rochester Stanford Your ad will run as it appears herearea. Learn unless the factswe thathear may from help save you a immediately. Please review this ad carefully. life at drive2Bbetter.com. (Continued from Page 1) Women’s Open next week at Ko said. “In Checkhave confidencespelling and frompunctuation teary eyed. I’m like, ‘Just don’t Champions Golf Club in Hous- this weekn Checkfor next addresses week, soand I’m phone numbers, as well as e-mail addresses and web sites. look over there, don’t look over ton. really excited.”n Check dates and times of all events listed. there.’ I would have lost it.” Stanford pulled away with Anna NordqvistIf there are(70) anyand Charcorrections,- Space please donated to Causewave call us Community immediately Partners as a public service at of427-2468. this publication. The 43-year-old former TCU birdies on Nos. 13, 14, 16 and ley Hull (71) were 3 under. x star from Fort Worth won her 17, and closed with a bogey. seventh LPGA Tour title and first “I really think it boils down Family Owned & Lunch n Dinner n Take-Out since the major Evian Champi- to passion,” Stanford said. “I Operated Since 1970 n onship in 2018. She finished at just love trying to get better. I Catering Banquet Room 7-under 277 at Old American think if you love what you’re 3450 Winton Place • 427-7350 Golf Club in the event that start- doing and you love your process Cerames.com ed in bone-chilling cold Thurs- and you just are loving getting day. better, then you have to keep “It was windy, it was cold, and going.” I think growing up in Texas you Ryu was making her first U.S. have to play in a little bit of cold start since last year. in the offseason,” Stanford said. “I was quite nervous coming “The course played really tough, back, even though I played a but it just felt like Texas this few good events in Korea,” Ryu week, so I was really comfortable said. “It was really great to be in out there.” contention.” , So Yeon Ryu and Top-ranked Jin Young Ko was 19-year-old Yealimi Noh, tied fifth at 4 under after a 70 in her for the third-round lead, each second LPGA Tour start of the shot 70 to tie for second in the year. final tune-up before the U.S. “I’m looking for next week,”

“The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.” Page 6 • Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020 My First U.S. Women’s Open: Mayakoba Golf Classic Purse Payout: Viktor Hovland LPGA Players Tell Stories from Earns Nearly $1.3 Million The Mayakoba Golf Classic Viktor Hovland and the rest of Their Championship Debut was the final event of the year on the players who make the cut in the PGA Tour, but just the 12th Mexico earned in prize money event of the 2020-21 season. and FedExCup points. Here’s a look at what champion ©Golf Channel Digital

Finish Player FedEx Earnings ($) 1 Viktor Hovland 500.00 1,296,000.00 2 Aaron Wise 300.00 784,800.00 T3 Tom Hoge 162.50 424,800.00 T3 Adam Long 162.50 424,800.00 T5 100.00 266,400.00 T5 Lucas Glover 100.00 266,400.00 T5 100.00 266,400.00 T8 Tony Finau 77.50 203,400.00 T8 Emiliano Grillo 77.50 203,400.00 T8 77.50 203,400.00 T8 77.50 203,400.00 T12 58.00 147,600.00 T12 Max Homa 58.00 147,600.00 T12 Maverick McNealy 58.00 147,600.00 T12 58.00 147,600.00 T12 Austin Eckroat- a - T17 Corey Conners 49.00 117,000.00 T17 Patrick Rodgers 49.00 117,000.00 T17 49.00 117,000.00 T20 Joel Dahmen 43.00 95,400.00 T20 43.00 95,400.00 T20 Jhonattan Vegas 43.00 95,400.00 Amateur hits her tee shot on the par-4 14th hole during the second round of the 2012 U.S. T23 Daniel Berger 34.07 65,262.86 Women’s Open. T23 Tyler Duncan 34.07 65,262.86

by BETH ANN NICHOLS four holes; I teed off at like 7:30 was obviously extremely tricky. T23 Bo Hoag 34.07 65,262.86 As the 75th U.S. Women’s at night. The next morning, we It’s a golf course I’d seen from T23 Charles Howell III 34.07 65,262.86 Open kicks off this week in Hous- were hitting balls warming up, Se Ri’s win (in 1998) so it was T23 Vincent Whaley 34.07 65,262.86 ton, 41 players will be experi- and it was so lush. I was hit- super cool for me, especially T23 34.07 65,262.85 encing the game’s ultimate test ting wedges and my divots were being South Korean-born to go T23 Joaquin Niemann 34.07 65,262.85 for the first time. Rookie week at huge, thick and heavy. Just mud. to a golf course where there’s T30 Chris Baker 27.25 50,400.00 this championship is impossible I remember just hitting one after so much history and where she T30 27.25 50,400.00 to forget — the nerve-wracking, another and these divots were really changed the game and T32 22.30 43,056.00 awe-inspiring, did-that-just-hap- flying, and I wasn’t really paying women’s golf. It was cool to T32 22.30 43,056.00 pen moments are seared in the attention to where they were kind of see that and go oh, that T32 22.30 43,056.00 memory banks. asked flying. My caddie said maybe shot she hit on 18. It is proba- a number of LPGA players to you should aim somewhere else. bly, even to this day, maybe the T32 Kevin Streelman 22.30 43,056.00 share highlights from their U.S. I said why? Well, there’s a player trickiest, or top two trickiest U.S. T32 Camilo Villegas 22.30 43,056.00 Women’s Open debuts. It won’t over there giving you the evil Women’s Opens I’ve ever played 37 Sung Kang 19.00 37,440.00 be long now before names like eye. I looked over and it was in. I was so nervous that I hit my T38 Nate Lashley 17.50 34,920.00 Hinako Shibuno, Yealimi Noh Dottie (Pepper). It had landed on driver and hit my second shot on T38 Hank Lebioda 17.50 34,920.00 and Bianca Pagdanganan have her head like several times, this the green and I couldn’t line up T40 Branden Grace 13.50 29,160.00 stories of their own. wet divot. I was like oops. my putts. I use the line on my T40 Brandon Hagy 13.50 29,160.00 Maybe not the entry I had ball for putting and I just couldn’t T40 Satoshi Kodaira 13.50 29,160.00 Annika Sorenstam, planned. do it. I tried a few times and I T40 Troy Merritt 13.50 29,160.00 1992 Oakmont couldn’t… I remember putting T40 13.50 29,160.00 without a line that first hole. Country Club (T-63) Lydia Ko, 2012 Blackwolf T40 Rory Sabbatini 13.50 29,160.00 It was really rainy there. It was Run (T-39, low amateur) T46 K.J. Choi 9.25 20,952.00 so wet that year. That’s when I know what it was like for my , 2001 and cousin. She fainted that week be- Pine Needles (MC) T46 Doug Ghim 9.25 20,952.00 got in a playoff. The course was cause it was so hot. And then the It’s funny, the things I remem- T46 9.25 20,952.00 known for fast greens. They roll next day my aunt fainted. I think ber are the rain delays, because T46 Chris Kirk 9.25 20,952.00 12 and the members think it’s that was the first U.S. Open they it was a time that I was in the T46 - 20,952.00 slow. The first day I only played came to and the last as well. It locker room with all of these T46 Kyle Stanley 9.25 20,952.00 people I had looked up to. It was T52 Akshay Bhatia - 17,208.00 the locker room, and then there T52 Rafael Campos 6.25 17,208.00 was a little dining room. I never T52 Jason Dufner 6.25 17,208.00 wanted to leave. I just wanted to T52 6.25 17,208.00 sit there because it was an op- T52 6.25 17,208.00 portunity for me to talk and say T52 Sepp Straka 6.25 17,208.00 hi to all these people I had only T52 Will Zalatoris - 17,208.00 ever seen on TV. T59 Ryan Brehm 4.90 16,272.00 Maria Fassi, 2015 T59 Mark Hubbard 4.90 16,272.00 Lancaster Country T59 Kyoung-Hoon Lee 4.90 16,272.00 Club (MC) T59 Chase Seiffert 4.90 16,272.00 I birdied my very first hole. T63 4.30 15,840.00 I honestly don’t remember if I T63 Xinjun Zhang 4.30 15,840.00 started on 10 or 1, but there was T65 J.J. Spaun 3.90 15,552.00 a bunker on the right side and T65 Ben Taylor 3.90 15,552.00 we had talked about it with my T67 Hunter Mahan 3.50 15,336.00 caddie, that the bunker wasn’t T67 Quade Cummins - a - really in play. I remember flying 69 Michael Gellerman 3.20 15,192.00 it past the bunker because of 70 Keith Mitchell 3.00 15,048.00 how excited I was. We had a 71 Harold Varner III 2.90 14,904.00 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, Round One (My First — PAGE 8)  Rochester GOLF WEEK • Monday, December 7, 2020 • Page 7

The19th Hole . . . News, Notes & Quotes From the World of Golf Meet Upcoming Golfer Christiaan Bezuidenhout Who Accidentally Drank Rat Poison as a Child teractions as his self-confidence better my performances, which He’s now won three Europe- was affected by anxiety. He was really hurt me and my family. A an Tour titles and has his eyes scared to pick up the phone or lot of nasty things were said and firmly set on the majors after even answer a question. I was known as the guy banned winning on Sunday. As a result, he says he suffered from golf for a drug related “It’s unbelievable to stand here from depression and was even- incident.” with this win. It’s any South Af- tually prescribed beta-blockers After being left “inconsol- rican golfer’s dream to win his by his doctor when he was 14. able,” the South African decid- national tournament,” he said He says he used the medi- ed to use his enforced break to after winning the event by five cation, which is supposed to develop as a player and return strokes. reduce anxiety, for seven years stronger than ever. “It’s unreal. I’ve fought hard throughout his amateur career In his first event back, he won today. Font nine, things didn’t re- but while competing in the Brit- by seven shots and his career ally go my way but I dug deep to ish Amateur at Royal Portrush has only been heading in one come out with a win today.” x in 2014, Bezuidenhout was ran- direction since. ©CNN domly chosen for a drug test. He declared taking beta-blockers for his stutter and thought nothing more of it.

‘Inconsolable’ Christiaan Bezuidenhout poses with the trophy after his victory in the In his 2019 blog post, Bezuid- South African Open. enhout says he then received a phone call from his father who by BEN CHURCH In a blog post written for the told him he had been suspended (CNN) — South African golfer European Tour in 2019, the for two years for failing the test Christiaan Bezuidenhout knows golfer says it was a moment that — a sanction eventually reduced more than most about overcom- changed his life forever. to nine months. ing adversity. “As a result of that moment The International Golf Fed- The 26-year-old won the of naivety, I almost died,” he eration did not immediately South African Open on Sunday wrote. respond to CNN’s request for to become the first man to win “The hospital had to pump comment on Bezuidenhout’s back-to-back European Tour ti- my whole stomach to get rid of suspension and its subsequent tles since 2017 but his life could all the poison, but the poison reduction. have been very different. affected the whole nervous sys- “The worst part of it all were When he was just two-years- tem in my body, and one of the all the stories that came out old, Bezuidenhout accidentally long term effects of this led to from people in the golf industry drank rat poison in a grocery me having a stutter.” and supposed close friends back store after mistaking it for a can The stutter caused Bezuiden- home,” wrote Bezuidenhout. Bezuidenhout tees off on the 8th hole during the final round of the South of soda. hout to withdraw from social in- “I was accused of using it to African Open. Play Better Golf With

December 7, 2020 R O C H E S T E R Vol. 32, No. 44

Official Newspaper of the Rochester District Golf Association

BARBARA MORGENSTERN, Publisher & Editor Published weekly since 1989 by Rochester Golf Week 2535 Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester, NY 14623 Phone: (585) 427-2468 • E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.golfweekrochester.com Deadline for all copy is Monday at noon, four days in advance of publication date. All comments welcome

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My First (Continued from Page 6) good laugh after that, and then I semis at the North & South. I ing in 2002.) hit it to 4 feet and made the putt. was playing well. I remember thinking holy So I was like OK, first time out cow… how in the world did she here. It was a cool birdie, and a Ally Ewing, 2014 do that? So this (year) is 21 (for great way to start a U.S. Open. Pinehurst (MC) me). Just looking back on that, I My first U.S. Open was Pine- remember thinking I hope I get , 2007 hurst. I had won the North & to play 10, and this will be my Pine Needles (MC) South there the previous sum- 21st in a row! I was still in college. I had mer so qualifying for that was so And I remember being terrified (former Arkansas coach) Kelley exciting to me. I’d played well of . Hester caddying for me because there, and then I just got eaten she was going to Georgia that alive. Pinehurst is just a really Karrie Webb, 1996 summer. I remember I played distinct golf course. I have never Pine Needles (T-19) pretty terrible. It wasn’t the best walked away from a golf tourna- What I remember was that (my first U.S. Open experience. I ment feeling like I had executed caddie) said the word patience remember kind of being over- more shots then I was given so many times that I ended up whelmed by the golf course. It credit for. So I walked away like, I’m sick of hearing the word was hard. I just remember not from Thursday/Friday saying, (bleeping) patience! But that’s tees off on the 15th hole during the second round of feeling prepared. It was unlike you know, I hit some really good my biggest memory. I had to the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) anything I’d ever played before. shots that didn’t work out. It’s learn how to play U.S. Open As you do it more times, you just an unforgiving golf course. golf. You know, I’d play well going to be my Achilles’ heel at the screens for practice rounds kind of forget what that experi- up until then but had not come majors is patience. and Lorena had an opening in ence is like. You almost forget Angela Stanford, 2000 across a course as difficult. And her group. My dad was like just what it’s like to be that rookie or Merit Club (MC) I wasn’t used to making as many Brittany Altomare, 2009 do it! So literally my first U.S. to be that amateur that’s playing I played with Carol Semple bogeys and working as hard for Saucon Valley (MC) Open and professional tourna- for the first time. Thompson. We had played on pars. And it is, it’s about pa- My dad caddied for me. My ment I played a practice round I like seeing the girls here with the together that tience. I think that’s still, for me, grandfather had actually just with her. I was more nervous on their dads caddying because that’s year. I remember standing on my biggest battle at any major passed away when I had qual- Monday than I was teeing it up what I’ve always had. You try to a tee and I swear she said this is patience. I have, at times, ified, like a few weeks before. on Thursday. But she was like help them out, but they just need is my 27th in a row. (Editor’s been really good and then other It was kind of like a special mo- the nicest person ever. She was to experience that themselves. I note: Thompson, an amateur, weeks be a couple over early ment, playing in it. I didn’t know engaging with me and asking me was having a good summer too. did not play in 27 consecutive and start pressing and thinking that you could call and make questions. It could not have been I won nationals that year — won but she did compete in 32 U.S. about end scores and I know bet- practice round times. You go a better experience. x the Southern, the Western, Women’s Opens, her last com- ter than that. That’s just always and you register and look at ©USA Today Surprises

(Continued from Page 1) Scott Harrington (Sanderson Cink, 47, won the Safeway also described so much of 2020. position yet again. That’s be- room for Maui-bound Stewart Farms Championship) and Open, breaking a win drought Ortiz broke through at the cause Johnson shot 20 under Cink, , Jason Kokrak, Brendan Steele (Mayakoba Golf of 4,074 days since the 2009 Vivint in his at Augusta to break the Masters , Carlos Ortiz, Robert Classic) each made an albatross. Open Championship. He is cur- 118th career TOUR start, mark- scoring record (Tiger Woods, Streb and — deep breath — Hud- None of them won, either. Korn rently fourth in the FedExCup. ing his first victory of any kind ) by two. He also son Swafford.) Ferry Tour pro Will Zalatoris Last season he was 144th. since his three-win season on the finished T2 at the Vivint Hous- We were entertained, again, made a hole-in-one at the U.S. Gay, 48, won the Bermuda in 2014. Then ton Open, and T6 at the U.S. by Tiger and Phil. Woods made a Open at Winged Foot, then Championship for his first title in he broke down. Streb won The Open. Any questions? career-high 10 at the 12th hole at earned Special Temporary Mem- over seven years. Kokrak made RSM Classic six years after win- Johnson is 252 points ahead the Masters — then erased most bership on TOUR, a different 26 birdies and won THE CJ ning the 2014 RSM, a stretch of of No. 2 DeChambeau, who of that mess with five birdies in sort of victory. CUP @ SHADOW CREEK for 165 starts. along with Mickelson and Adam his last six holes. Mickelson won We witnessed brawn (De- his first win at 35. Because it’s The fall wasn’t entirely about Scott experimented with ex- the Dominion Energy Charity Chambeau at the U.S. Open; like they say: If at first you don’t winning; Matthew Wolff was tra-long driver shafts. Thomas Classic for his second victory in Dustin Johnson at the Masters), succeed, wait until your 233rd loading up on seconds long revealed a grudge match with as many starts on PGA TOUR and brains (three 40-something career start. before Thanksgiving. The run- Charlie Woods, 11, as Justin Champions, then carried Charles winners). We saw a salute to Laird won a playoff over Aus- ner-up to DeChambeau at the and dad Mike, and Tiger and son Barkley on his back for 18 holes. the golden oldies (, tin Cook and Matthew Wolff at , Wolff Charlie, anticipate their first-ever We saw three new courses, 64, made the cut at the Ber- the Shriners Hospitals for Chil- was runner-up to DeChambeau appearance at the PNC Cham- with Houston’s iconic Memorial muda Championship despite dren Open, his first trophy since again at the U.S. Open, and in pionship in Orlando later this Park in it for the long haul. THE averaging less than 245 yards the 2013 . his very next start lost a playoff month. CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK off the tee). Swafford (Corales Punta Cana (Laird, Austin Cook) to finish Said Thomas, “We'll have that and ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ Ageless Bernhard Langer, 63, Resort & Club Championship) T2 at the Shriners. Yep, three like inner tournament within a SHERWOOD were stopgaps. became the oldest to make the hadn’t won since the 2017 The near-misses in 10 starts. He’s tournament.” Fittingly, there were new course Masters cut. Playing with De- American Express, and Sergio ninth in the FedExCup. That’s That was the fall — a tour- records at all three. Xander Chambeau on Sunday at Augus- Garcia, 40, putted with his eyes a solid fall; Wolff might even nament within a tournament. Schauffele shot 8-under 64 at ta, the PGA TOUR Champions wide shut to steady his stroke at make the season-ending TOUR Because as great as it was, it Shadow Creek; Richy Werenski star hit hybrids and 3-woods into the Sanderson Farms Champi- Championship at East Lake, was just a taste of 2021, when 11-under 61 at Sherwood; Hide- most of the par 4s; DeCham- onship. It was his first victory on Sept. 2-5, 2021. If he does, Dustin and Justin, Viktor and ki Matsuyama 7-under 63 at Me- beau, meanwhile, scraped the TOUR since the 2017 Masters, he’ll likely run into No. 1 John- Xander, will return with the rest morial Park. (Justin Thomas also clouds with his tee shots and and he pointed to the sky and son. of them. Happy holidays and shot 5-under 65 at the Winged drove the third green. And Ber- blinked back tears while remem- Wait. Him again? Yep, meet see you in Maui for the Sen- Foot U.S. Open.) nie beat Bryson 71-73. bering his two uncles who had the new boss, same as the old try Tournament of Champions, None of them won. Surprising? Certainly. The fall died from the coronavirus. boss. The winner of last sea- Jan. 7-10. x (), was that. “It’s hard,” Garcia said, which son’s points race is in pole © PGATOUR.com STAND OUT Today, it’s not good enough to be one of the crowd. You’ve got to stand out, be different from the competition. You need a targeted ad campaign that’s professional, specialized Call (585) 427-2468 and affordable. Get noticed. Get your fair share, and more. STAND OUT IN A CROWD. www.golfweekrochester.com