Good morning. This is your Happy Valley Golf Team weekly newsletter. Let’s get it!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Hawk’s Eye Golf Club at Shanty Creek

• McIlroy wins his 19th PGA Tour event

• Blockie is back this week

• It’s major week!!

Golf Trip

Hawk’s Eye Golf Club at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, MI, is a gem in Northern Michigan’s golfing crown. Designed by John Robinson, this 18-hole championship course offers a blend of beauty and challenge. The course is renowned for its stunning terrain, with water hazards on half of its holes and over 70 sand traps to keep you on your toes​. We are heading back there this weekend, I’m packing extra balls..

Golfers rave about the meticulously maintained fairways and greens, making every round a pleasure. It has, arguably, the best 2 opening holes in the state. #1 is a par-4 dogleg left around a lake. While #2 is a par-5 with a green side pond. This is just a little taste of all the trouble you’re going to encounter! Hawk’s Eye, part of Shanty Creek’s five-course lineup, is often praised for its variety and scenic views, providing both a visual treat and a test of skill​​.

In true Northern Michigan fashion, this course is not just about the game but the experience—complete with breathtaking views and a layout that rewards strategy over brute force. So, bring your A-game, but don't forget to enjoy the scenery and perhaps a post-round brew at Chipper's Pub in the clubhouse!

PGA News

Jimmy Dunne, a key player in the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger, has resigned from the PGA Tour board, declaring his role now "superfluous." His exit follows the controversial deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which aimed to end a divisive era in golf but sparked significant backlash. Despite stepping down, Dunne's impact on golf remains significant as the sport navigates this new partnership.

Rory McIlroy snagged his 19th PGA Tour victory by winning the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. Despite hitting a ball into the water on the 18th hole, Rory kept his cool, making a two-putt from 45 feet to secure a five-shot victory. His win was celebrated on Mother’s Day with his family by his side. Rory’s skill shone through as he declared Quail Hollow one of his favourite places to play golf. Can he keep it up moving into a major week?

Jon Rahm, navigating the choppy waters of golf politics, hasn't fully jumped ship from the PGA Tour even after signing with LIV Golf. He’s like that friend who moves out but still has a toothbrush at your place. Despite being technically suspended, Rahm still roots for the PGA Tour and faces the emotional tug-of-war of missing events he loves. It’s complicated, folks—like choosing between two great taco stands. He’s keeping his PGA membership card in his back pocket, hoping for a peaceful resolution that keeps everyone smiling at the end of the day.

Ready to watch some top-tier golf? The PGA Championship 2024 is swinging into action tomorrow with Brooks Koepka defending his crown right after a win at LIV Singapore. Not to be outdone, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are also hitting the greens in top form, having bagged victories in their recent starts. Don’t miss a moment of the action—it’s going to be a hole-in-one kind of event!

Tiger Woods is back at Valhalla for the PGA Championship this week. He’s eyeing a major comeback with his sights set on a 16th major win. Despite recent injuries and fewer playing days, he’s not just here for the scenery—he’s here to win. Woods is also juggling talks of becoming a Ryder Cup captain, proving he’s as much a multitasker as he is a golfer. Meanwhile, he’s wading through PGA Tour politics and dreaming of simpler times when golf was just golf.

Last year, Michael Block was just another club pro at the PGA Championship—now, he’s returning to Valhalla as a celebrity! Thanks to a hole-in-one and a stellar finish last year, Block isn’t just making club sandwiches; he’s making headlines. With new endorsements and fame, he's living the dream, but he’s still the down-to-earth guy who knows the golf course better than his backyard. This year, he's balancing the glitz with the greens, proving you can teach an old dog new tricks and maybe even some new tweets.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.