Golfing News & Blog Articles

The PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1916. Originally known as the Professional Golfers' Association of America, it was created by a group of golf professionals to promote and elevate the status of golf as a profession. The organization aimed to provide support and resources to golf professionals and enhance the overall growth and development of the sport.

In the early years, the PGA primarily focused on organizing professional tournaments and establishing guidelines and standards for golf professionals. It played a crucial role in formalizing the rules of golf and conducting championships, including the PGA Championship, one of the four major golf tournaments.

Over time, the PGA expanded its scope beyond tournament organization and began offering educational programs, certifications, and career development opportunities for golf professionals. It aimed to improve the skills and expertise of its members and enhance the overall professionalism of the sport.

In addition to its educational initiatives, the PGA also became involved in golf course management, with many of its members assuming leadership roles in the management and operation of golf facilities. This led to the establishment of the PGA Golf Management program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum for aspiring golf industry professionals.

The PGA Tour, the premier professional golf tour in the United States, is a subsidiary of the PGA. It was officially formed in 1968 when the PGA restructured its tournament system to create a separate entity dedicated to organizing and managing professional golf events. The PGA Tour became synonymous with some of the most prestigious tournaments in golf, including The Players Championship, the FedExCup playoffs, and the PGA Tour Championship.

The Los Angeles Country Club (LACC) is a prestigious and private golf and social club located in Los Angeles, California, United States. Here are some key details about the Los Angeles Country Club:

1. History: The Los Angeles Country Club was established in 1897 and has a rich history. The club has two campuses, the North Course and the South Course, which are both known for their classic and challenging designs.

2. Location: The club is situated in the affluent neighborhood of Holmby Hills, in the western part of Los Angeles. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the city.

3. Golf Courses: The Los Angeles Country Club features two championship 18-hole golf courses, the North Course and the South Course. Both courses have hosted numerous prestigious tournaments and are known for their traditional layouts, lush fairways, and manicured greens.

4. Membership: The Los Angeles Country Club is a private club that requires membership for access. Membership is exclusive and by invitation only. The club offers various membership categories, including golf, social, and junior memberships.

Sir Nick Faldo, born on July 18, 1957, is a retired professional golfer from England. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his generation and one of the most successful British golfers in history. Here are some notable highlights of Sir Nick Faldo's career:

1. Major Championships: Faldo won a total of six major championships, including three Masters Tournaments (1989, 1990, 1996) and three Open Championships (1987, 1990, 1992). His victory in the 1996 Masters Tournament is particularly memorable, as he overcame a six-shot deficit in the final round to secure the win.

2. Ryder Cup Success: Faldo represented Europe in a record 11 Ryder Cup competitions between 1977 and 1997. He played a pivotal role in several European victories, and his strong match play skills earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor in the event.

3. World Number One: Faldo achieved the World Number One ranking for a total of 97 weeks during his career. His consistent performances and dedication to his craft allowed him to reach the pinnacle of the golfing world.

4. Order of Merit Titles: Faldo won the European Tour's Order of Merit (now known as the Race to Dubai) on three occasions (1983, 1992, 1993). This accolade recognizes the leading golfer on the European Tour based on season-long performance.

Gene Sarazen's double eagle on the 15th hole of the 1935 Masters Tournament is widely regarded as one of the greatest shots in golf history. Here are some additional details about this remarkable achievement:

• The 15th hole at Augusta National Golf Club during the 1935 Masters Tournament was a par-5 hole, measuring approximately 485 yards.
• Sarazen, who was trailing by three shots at the time, decided to take a bold approach for his second shot. He opted to use a 4-wood, which was a risky choice given the distance and the water hazard in front of the green.
• With a powerful swing, Sarazen struck the ball perfectly, sending it soaring towards the green. The shot covered a distance of around 235 yards.
• The ball landed on the green, took a couple of bounces, and then rolled straight into the cup for a double eagle. A double eagle is a score of 2 on a par-5 hole, as opposed to a traditional eagle, which is a score of 3.
• Sarazen's incredible shot not only tied him for the lead with Craig Wood but also created a significant shift in momentum. It is worth noting that the term "double eagle" was coined after Sarazen's historic shot.
• Sarazen went on to win the 1935 Masters Tournament in a 36-hole playoff against Wood, securing his place in golf history as the champion of that year's event.

Sarazen's double eagle on the 15th hole is still remembered as one of the most iconic and influential shots in golf. It not only showcased Sarazen's skill and bravery but also played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the tournament. The shot continues to be celebrated as a testament to the thrilling and awe-inspiring moments that make golf such a captivating sport.

There are numerous famous par 5 holes on golf courses around the world that have become iconic due to their design, challenges, or historical significance. Here are a few examples of famous par 5s:

1. Augusta National Golf Club - Hole 13 (Augusta, Georgia, USA): The 13th hole at Augusta National, known as "Azalea," is a legendary par 5 played during the Masters Tournament. It requires a precise tee shot to navigate the narrow fairway and a strategic approach to the green, which is guarded by a creek in front.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links - Hole 18 (Pebble Beach, California, USA): The 18th hole at Pebble Beach is a picturesque par 5 that runs along the stunning coastline. With the Pacific Ocean on the right and bunkers strategically placed along the fairway, it presents a challenging finish to one of the most famous golf courses in the world.

3. St. Andrews Links - Hole 14 (St. Andrews, Scotland): The 14th hole, known as "Long," at the Old Course in St. Andrews is a historic par 5. It features a blind tee shot over a hill and requires strategic shot placement to avoid bunkers and reach the green. It has been part of the course since the early days of golf.

4. Cypress Point Club - Hole 16 (Pebble Beach, California, USA): The 16th hole at Cypress Point is a renowned par 5 that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It requires precision and strategic shot-making to navigate the narrow fairway, bunkers, and coastal hazards, making it a favorite among golfers.

Sam Snead (1912-2002) was a legendary American professional golfer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Here are some key points about Sam Snead:

1. Early Life and Amateur Career: Samuel Jackson Snead was born on May 27, 1912, in Ashwood, Virginia, United States. He grew up playing golf and developed his skills through practice and playing on his family's farm. Snead turned professional in 1934 after a successful amateur career.

2. PGA Tour Career: Snead had a highly successful career on the PGA Tour, winning a record 82 official PGA Tour events. This record still stands today. He won his first PGA Tour event in 1936 and his last in 1965, demonstrating his longevity and consistency as a player.

3. Major Championships: Although Sam Snead had a remarkable number of PGA Tour victories, he won a total of seven major championships. He claimed three Masters titles (1949, 1952, 1954), three PGA Championships (1942, 1949, 1951), and one Open Championship (1946).

4. Unique Swing and Playing Style: Snead had a distinctive and fluid golf swing that was admired by many. Known for his graceful and powerful swing, he generated tremendous clubhead speed and was considered one of the longest hitters of his era. His playing style was characterized by his natural talent, athleticism, and ability to shape shots.

Fred Couples, commonly known as "Freddy Couples," is a professional golfer who has had a successful career on the PGA Tour. Here are some key points about Freddy Couples:

1. Early Life and Amateur Career: Fred Couples was born on October 3, 1959, in Seattle, Washington. He played collegiate golf at the University of Houston, where he was a three-time All-American and helped lead his team to the NCAA Championship in 1977.

2. Professional Career: Couples turned professional in 1980 and joined the PGA Tour in 1982. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented and popular golfers of his generation. Couples has won numerous tournaments throughout his career, including the Masters Tournament in 1992.

3. Playing Style: Known for his smooth and effortless swing, Fred Couples has been admired for his natural talent and rhythm on the golf course. He possesses a powerful driving ability and a superb touch around the greens, making him a consistent and formidable player.

4. Major Championships: Fred Couples has had notable success in major championships. In addition to his victory at the Masters Tournament in 1992, he has recorded several top-10 finishes in other major championships, including the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.

Ben Hogan was a renowned professional golfer who achieved remarkable success in his career. Here are some key highlights about Ben Hogan:

1. Early Life and Golf Beginnings:

   • Ben Hogan was born on August 13, 1912, in Stephenville, Texas, USA. He grew up in a modest family and began playing golf at a young age. He worked as a caddy and practiced relentlessly to refine his skills.

2. Professional Career:

   • Hogan turned professional in 1930 and faced early struggles in his career. However, his breakthrough came in the 1940s and 1950s when he established himself as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

3. Major Championships:

   • Hogan won a total of nine major championships in his career. These include four U.S. Open titles (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953), two Masters Tournament victories (1951, 1953), two PGA Championships (1946, 1948), and one Open Championship (1953).

4. Swing Technique:

Seve Ballesteros, born Severiano Ballesteros Sota on April 9, 1957, in Pedreña, Spain, was one of the most influential and charismatic golfers in the history of the sport. Here is an overview of Seve Ballesteros' life and career:

Early Life and Rise to Fame:

1. Seve Ballesteros grew up in a family of golfers and started playing the sport at a young age. He honed his skills by practicing on the beaches near his home, using a cut-down three-iron.

2. Ballesteros turned professional at the age of 16 and quickly gained attention for his exceptional talent and flair on the golf course.

3. In 1976, at the age of 19, Ballesteros burst onto the international golf scene by finishing second in The Open Championship. This performance marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

There have been many influential and famous golf course designers throughout history who have left their mark on the world of golf. Here are some of the most notable golf course designers:

1. Alister MacKenzie: Alister MacKenzie is considered one of the greatest golf course architects of all time. He is renowned for designing Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters Tournament. MacKenzie also designed Cypress Point Club and Royal Melbourne Golf Club, among others.

2. Donald Ross: Donald Ross was a Scottish-American golf course designer known for his classic designs. His courses emphasize strategic play and natural beauty. Some of his notable designs include Pinehurst No. 2, Seminole Golf Club, and Oakland Hills Country Club.

3. Pete Dye: Pete Dye was an American golf course architect known for his bold and challenging designs. He created iconic courses such as TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players Championship, Whistling Straits, and Harbour Town Golf Links.

4. Tom Fazio: Tom Fazio is a prominent American golf course designer known for his innovative designs and attention to detail. He has designed many renowned courses, including Shadow Creek, Wade Hampton Golf Club, and Quail Hollow Club, host of the Wells Fargo Championship and the 2017 PGA Championship.

Hole 1 - Par 4: A challenging opening hole that demands accuracy off the tee. It features a slight dogleg to the left, with a fairway bunker on the right side. The approach shot to the green is typically uphill, making club selection crucial.

Hole 2 - Par 5: A long par 5 that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid fairway bunkers. The fairway narrows as you approach the green, making accuracy essential. The green is guarded by bunkers on both sides, and it slopes from back to front.

Hole 3 - Par 3: A mid-length par 3 that demands an accurate tee shot over a pond to a well-protected green. The green slopes from back to front, making it important to avoid being above the hole.

Hole 4 - Par 4: A straightaway par 4 with a narrow fairway. Bunkers on both sides of the fairway and near the green come into play, requiring precision on both the tee shot and approach.

Hole 5 - Par 4: A dogleg right par 4 with a fairway that slopes from right to left. The tee shot needs to favor the left side to have a clear approach to the green. The green is elevated and well-bunkered.

Tom Kite, born on December 9, 1949, is a retired professional golfer from the United States. He had a successful career on the PGA Tour and is known for his consistent play, solid ball-striking, and exceptional short game. Here is some information about Tom Kite and his career:

1. Professional Career: Tom Kite turned professional in 1972 and played on the PGA Tour for several decades. He amassed a total of 19 PGA Tour victories during his career.

2. Major Championship: Kite captured one major championship title, winning the U.S. Open in 1992. The victory came after several close calls in major tournaments throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the best players of his era.

3. Consistency and Accuracy: Kite was known for his remarkable consistency and accuracy on the golf course. He was known to meticulously prepare for each event and had a methodical approach to his game. Kite's precision off the tee and his ability to navigate challenging courses made him a formidable competitor.

4. Short Game Expertise: Kite was particularly renowned for his exceptional short game skills. He had a delicate touch around the greens and was considered one of the best putters of his time. His proficiency in chipping, pitching, and putting was a key factor in his success.

Lee Trevino, born on December 1, 1939, is a retired professional golfer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Here is some information about Lee Trevino and his career:

1. Early Life: Lee Trevino was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in a modest background. He faced several challenges in his early life, including working as a caddie and golfing against racial segregation. These experiences shaped his resilience and determination.

2. Professional Career: Trevino turned professional in 1960 and competed on the PGA Tour for over three decades. He amassed an impressive record, winning 29 PGA Tour events, including six major championships.

   • Major Championships: Trevino's major victories include the U.S. Open (1968, 1971), The Open Championship (1971, 1972), and the PGA Championship (1974, 1984). His ability to perform under pressure and his superb shot-making skills made him a formidable competitor.

   • Rivalries and Successes: Trevino had memorable rivalries with golfing legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. He had great success against them and was known for his sharp wit and charismatic personality on and off the golf course.

There have been many exceptional wedge players in the history of golf. Here are some of the notable golfers known for their exceptional skills with wedges:

1. Phil Mickelson: Phil Mickelson is renowned for his incredible short game skills, including his proficiency with wedges. His ability to hit precise approach shots and execute delicate flop shots around the greens has earned him numerous victories and a reputation as one of the best wedge players in the game.

2. Tom Kite: Tom Kite was known for his exceptional wedge play during his career. His ability to control distance and trajectory with wedges was instrumental in his success, including his victory at the 1992 U.S. Open.

3. Bob Vokey: While not a professional golfer himself, Bob Vokey is a legendary club designer and wedge specialist. His Vokey wedges are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry, and many professional golfers, including numerous major champions, rely on his wedges to enhance their short game performance.

4. Tiger Woods: Although Tiger Woods is celebrated for his all-around game, his wedge play has also been highly impressive. Woods has showcased his skill in executing precise wedge shots from various distances and challenging lies throughout his career.

Royal County Down Golf Club is renowned for its stunning scenery and challenging links course located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. Here's a hole-by-hole description of the Championship Course at Royal County Down:

1. Hole 1 - "Annesley": A par 5 that requires a precise tee shot to avoid the deep bunkers on both sides. The fairway narrows near the green, guarded by bunkers.

2. Hole 2 - "Ninewells": A long par 4 with a fairway that slopes from left to right. Accuracy is crucial to avoid the bunkers and find the well-protected green.

3. Hole 3 - "Brandywell": A challenging par 4 with a narrow fairway and a blind tee shot. The approach shot must carry a deep chasm to reach the green.

4. Hole 4 - "Sleeve Donard": A par 3 that demands accuracy, with the Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

The "Coliseum" is a nickname for the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, which is a par-3 hole that is famous for its lively atmosphere during the Phoenix Open golf tournament. The hole is surrounded by a large grandstand that can hold up to 20,000 fans, creating a "coliseum"-like atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

The 16th hole measures 163 yards, and it's known for its relatively simple layout, which makes it a great spot for golfers to make birdies or even a hole-in-one. However, the hole's design, with its circular green surrounded by water and bunkers, can make it a challenging shot, especially with the added pressure of the enthusiastic crowd.

The "Coliseum" at TPC Scottsdale has become one of the most iconic holes in professional golf, and its unique atmosphere has helped to make the Phoenix Open one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour.

The Augusta National Golf Course, located in Augusta, Georgia, is a famous golf course that hosts the annual Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf. Here is a brief description of each hole on the course:

1. Hole 1 - Tea Olive: A relatively short par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. The green is heavily guarded by bunkers on both sides.

2. Hole 2 - Pink Dogwood: A longer par 5 with a slight dogleg to the left. The green is relatively large and guarded by a pond on the left.

3. Hole 3 - Flowering Peach: A mid-length par 4 with a slight dogleg to the right. The green is protected by a large bunker on the left and a smaller one on the right.

4. Hole 4 - Flowering Crab Apple: A shorter par 3 with a small green that is surrounded by bunkers.

A brief overview of each hole on the TPC Sawgrass course:

1. Par 4, 393 yards - A straightaway hole with a fairway bunker on the right side and trees on the left.

2. Par 5, 532 yards - A dogleg left with water on the left side and a large tree on the right. Approach shots must avoid a large bunker in front of the green.

3. Par 3, 177 yards - A mid-range par 3 with a large bunker guarding the front of the green.

4. Par 4, 384 yards - A narrow fairway with trees on both sides. The green is elevated and protected by a bunker on the front right.

Amen Corner is a term used in the sport of golf to refer to a specific stretch of holes on the Augusta National Golf Club course, which is the host of the annual Masters Tournament.

The term Amen Corner refers specifically to holes 11, 12, and 13, which are located on the back nine of the course. These holes are known for their difficulty and strategic design, and have played a significant role in many memorable moments in Masters history.

The 11th hole, known as White Dogwood, is a long par-4 with a difficult approach shot to a green that slopes from back to front. The 12th hole, known as Golden Bell, is a famous par-3 with a narrow green surrounded by water and difficult wind conditions. The 13th hole, known as Azalea, is a long par-5 with a green that is reachable in two shots for longer hitters.

The term Amen Corner was coined by golf writer Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 Sports Illustrated article, in which he described the pivotal role that these holes play in the Masters Tournament. Since then, the term has become a widely recognized part of golf lore and a popular destination for golf fans visiting Augusta National.