@tossthechalk@GhostofSwiftH Touchuponastar’s connections are the biggest pussies in racing. Duck every big race besides NO Classic home field advantage to beat up on lesser horses. Should be in G1s what a joke
Slightly hot take... the Aronimink set-up stinks.
I'm not usually one to wade in on how a course is set-up but I think the data suggests this isn't a great set-up.
Let me explain.
I wrote a piece earlier in the week (see reply below) looking at the data from past events at Aronimink. Yes, they were a long time ago and the 2018 BMW played very wet, but all three events were essentially putting competitions.
▫️In 2018, Keegan led the field in putting and won. Of the players who finished in the top 10, eight ranked in the top 10 on the greens.
▫️In 2011, Nick Watney led the field in putting and won. The top five on the leaderboard that week all ranked in the top 15 putting.
▫️In 2010, Ryan Moore led the field in putting and finished one back of Justin Rose (4th in putting). 5 of the top 6 players on the leaderboard ranked inside 16th or better in putting.
That year, of the top 6 players in strokes gained approach, two missed the cut and none finished in the top 15.
The strategy at Aronimink appears to be, get it on the green, then try not to three-putt.
Potgeiter hit 5 of 14 fairways and ranked 63rd in proximity on his approaches, yet he is co-leader after 18 holes.
Of the 7 players tied for the lead:
• 5 are in the top 15 in putting
• 2 are in the top 15 in driving
• 1 is in the top 15 in approach
• 1 is in the top 15 around the green
My point is this, what do we consider both entertaining and valued at majors? Is it players avoiding three putts, or being rewarded for high-quality tee shots (Open courses), executing precise approach play (think Augusta and US Opens) and the ability to show creativity and skill around the greens (again, Augusta)?
None of the top 6 players at this year's Masters finished in the top 15 in putting. Was that an entertaining watch? What was the challenge that week?
I know, it's early in the tournament and yes, players that putt well "tend" to score well. But if this plays out for the week, like it has the last three times Aronimink has hosted a Tour event, I fear it could be a flat week.
For the record, I hope it's not.
What are we doing here?
The R&A said in December 2023 that top players would lose about 13 to 15 yards with a rolled back ball.
Cam Young has been using a ball that would pass the new "rolled back" regulations. He averaged 302.7 yards (all drives) last season. He's averaging 302.7 yards this season.
Adam Scott also said he has tested a conforming ball (via @RexHoggardGC) and lost... around 2 yards per drive.
(Sigh.....)
This is hilarious. The Ocelli owners are going crazier than the Golden Tempo owners. Ocelli in the red hats and Golden Tempo in the box next to them. I’m not sure how I wouda reacted if I was Ocelli owners. 3rd place was a MONSTER effort outta clouds. But they looked like they were home for a minute. I think the guy in the red jacket woulda been me. Thrilled, shocked but devastated for a second too.