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

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Hawks Head Golf Course

• Everything you need to know about the 3M

• Thorbjornsen playing for his Tour card

• Trumps putting stroke..

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Hawks Head Golf Course

Hawks Head Golf Course, located in South Haven, Michigan, is a hidden gem known for its exceptional design and beautiful surroundings. Designed by the renowned golf architect Arthur Hills, this course offers a unique and memorable golfing experience that caters to players of all skill levels. It has earned a prestigious 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest in their "Places to Play" category, underscoring its quality and appeal.

Course Layout and Design

Hawks Head Golf Course features a versatile layout that ranges from 4,889 yards at the gold tees to 6,915 yards from the tips, with a par of 72. The course is designed to provide a variety of challenges, ensuring that each hole offers a distinct experience. The layout includes:

• Generous fairways

• Strategic short holes

• Long holes that test distance

• A driveable Par 4 on the 11th hole

• Diverse lengths for Par 3s and Par 5s

The course's design does not repeat the same type of hole, it will be sure to keep you on your toes. The fairways are generally wide, hopefully saving a few lost balls, and the greens are designed to be fair yet challenging, making for an enjoyable round of golf.

Course Conditions

Hawks Head is known for its excellent course conditions. The greens are well-maintained, rolling true and medium-fast, and the bunkers are meticulously cared for. The course drains well, which is particularly beneficial given the variable weather in the region. Overall, Hawks Head is praised for its immaculate condition, making it a great choice for golfers visiting Michigan.

Signature Holes

One of the standout features of Hawks Head is its signature holes, which include:

• Par 4 11th Hole: A driveable Par 4 that offers a risk/reward scenario. Players must decide whether to lay up short of the waste bunker or attempt to carry it with a strong drive.

• Par 3s and Par 5s: These holes offer a variety of lengths and challenges, with the Par 3s being straightforward yet heavily influenced by that Lake Michigan air, which will toy with your distances.

Hawks Head Golf Course in South Haven, Michigan, is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. Its well-designed layout, excellent course conditions, and top-notch amenities make it a standout destination. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Hawks Head offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

2024 3M Open Preview

The 2024 3M Open, held at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, is set to take place this weekend. This tournament, which has quickly become a staple on the PGA Tour since its inception in 2019, is pivotal as players vie for crucial FedEx Cup points with the playoffs on the horizon.

Storylines to watch

FedEx Cup Playoff Race

With only two weeks remaining before the FedEx Cup Playoffs, the 3M Open represents a critical opportunity for players to secure their spots in the top 70 of the standings. This adds an extra layer of intensity as golfers on the bubble will be fighting to extend their seasons.

Players to watch on the bubble:

1. Lee Hodges

• Current Position: 72nd in the FedEx Cup standings

• Situation: Hodges, the defending champion of the 3M Open, needs a strong finish to move inside the top 70. He trails the 70th spot, currently held by Luke List, by 115 points. A fourth-place finish or better in one of the next two events would significantly boost his chances.

2. Joel Dahmen

• Current Position: 111th in the FedEx Cup standings

• Situation: Dahmen is 286 points behind the 70th position. He needs at least a solo second-place finish, which nets 300 points, to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

3. Michael Thorbjornsen

• Current Position: 125th in the FedEx Cup standings

• Situation: Thorbjornsen is on the cusp of losing his PGA Tour card and needs a significant performance to climb the rankings. A top-10 finish at the 3M Open could be crucial for him to stay within the top 125 and maintain his exempt status for the next season.

4. Davis Riley

• Current Position: 69th in the FedEx Cup standings

• Situation: Riley is just above the cut line for the playoffs. A poor performance could see him drop out of the top 70, so he needs to maintain or improve his position with a solid finish at the 3M Open.

Course Overview

TPC Twin Cities, designed by Arnold Palmer with consultation from Tom Lehman, is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. The course features numerous water hazards and strategic bunkering, making precision and course management key to success. The par-71 course stretches over 7,400 yards and is known for yielding low scores, with past winning scores often exceeding 19-under-par.

Key Stats to Watch for at TPC Twin Cities

1. Strokes Gained: Approach (SG: APP)

Strokes gained: approach is a critical metric at TPC Twin Cities due to the course's design, which rewards precise iron play. Historically, players who excel in this category tend to perform well here.

2. Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG: OTT)

Driving accuracy and distance are important at TPC Twin Cities, especially given the numerous water hazards. A strong off-the-tee game can set up easier approach shots and scoring opportunities.

3. Birdie or Better Percentage

Given the relatively high green in regulation percentage and the need for low scores to win, players who can convert birdie opportunities are at a significant advantage.

Wrap it up..

The 2024 3M Open is a make-or-break event for several players on the FedEx Cup bubble. Strong performances are essential for players to secure their spots in the playoffs and continue their seasons. The stakes are high, and the competition will be intense as these golfers strive to extend their campaigns.

Other News

It's time to have the Scottie-Xander debate: with 2 majors to 1 who is going to win player of the year?

PGA Tour winner and popular broadcaster Mark Carnevale dies unexpectedly at 64.

It Looks Like Trump May Actually Suck at Golf - Everyone has their days. But that putting stroke… 🫣

Struggling rookie credits this for historic SECOND PGA Tour win.

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Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.