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

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• Golfing in Montana

• Scottish Open preview

• Cheaters on the DP Tour?!

• Golf Digest list the top 100 courses

Golf Trip

The South Course at Whitefish Lake Golf Club is a picturesque and challenging 18-hole course located in Whitefish, Montana. Designed by John Steidel, the course spans 6,575 yards from the tips and plays par 71. The course is known for its stunning mountain views and the presence of Lost Coon Lake, which adds both beauty and strategic water hazards throughout the property.

Course Layout and Features

The South Course is characterized by its bent grass fairways and greens, providing a high-quality playing surface. Here are some key holes on the course:

• Front Nine: The front nine holes present a mix of challenges, including strategic bunkering and water hazards. Notable holes including:

  • Hole 1: A par 4 that requires a well-placed drive to avoid trees and a wetland area.

  • Hole 7: A par 5 that tests distance and accuracy with its length and fairway bunkers.

• Back Nine: The back nine continues to challenge golfers with a variety of hole designs:

  • Hole 15: A straightforward par 3 with a pond on the right, offering a safe miss to the left.

  • Hole 18: A long, straight par 4 that demands a precise drive and approach shot to avoid the out-of-bounds area along Grouse Mountain Lodge and the bunkers surrounding the green

Playing Tips

• Accuracy Over Distance: Given the strategic placement of hazards, accuracy off the tee and on approach shots is crucial.

• Club Selection: Pay attention to the wind conditions, especially on the par 3s, to choose the right club for the distance and pin placement.

• Practice Facilities: Utilize the driving range and practice greens to warm up before your round. The practice area includes facilities for chipping and bunker shots, which can be particularly useful given the course's design

The South Course at Whitefish Lake Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience with its beautiful scenery, challenging layout, and excellent amenities. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this course is a must-play destination in Montana.

2024 Scottish Open Preview

The 2024 Scottish Open, held at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, promises to be an exciting prelude to the Open Championship. With a $9 million purse and a star-studded field, this tournament is a critical stop for PGA Tour players aiming to fine-tune their game ahead of the final major of the year.

Storylines To Watch

Rory McIlroy's Title Defense

Rory returns to defend his title after a dramatic victory in 2023, where he clinched the win with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes. Despite a recent near-miss at the U.S. Open, McIlroy's form remains strong, and he is eager to secure another win at The Renaissance Club.

Xander Schauffele's Momentum

Xander Schauffele, the 2022 Scottish Open champion and 2024 PGA Championship winner, is another top contender. Schauffele's recent performances have been impressive, and he aims to add another title to his resume before The Open Championship.

Young Guns

Ludvig Aberg and Tom Kim are among the emerging talents to watch. Aberg, who has rapidly ascended the golf world rankings, has shown consistent top-15 finishes in recent tournaments. Kim, known for his accuracy and strong finishes at The Renaissance Club, is also poised for a strong showing.

Course Insights

The Renaissance Club, designed by Tom Doak, spans 7,237 yards and plays as a par 70. The course's links-style setup, with firm and fast conditions, demands precision and adaptability from the players. Key statistics to watch this week are:

• Strokes Gained: Approach: This metric is crucial as the course's greens require accurate iron play.

• Driving Distance: The course favours long hitters who can navigate the coastal winds effectively.

• Putting: Fast and pure greens mean that putting performance will be a significant factor.

The 2024 Scottish Open is set to be a thrilling tournament with a mix of seasoned pros and rising stars. With McIlroy and Schauffele leading the pack, and emerging talents like Aberg and Kim poised to make their mark, golf fans can expect a week of high drama and exceptional golf at The Renaissance Club.

Other Golf News

Golf Digest has released its latest ranking of the world's 100 greatest golf courses. Serious question, how do I get the job of playing and ranking golf courses? 😂

Keegan Bradley has been appointed as the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team for the 2025 event, which will be held at Bethpage Black in New York. A lot of people expected it to be Tiger, not the case!

Cheating Allegations: A LIV Golfer has accused competitors on the DP World Tour of cheating by avoiding penalties for slow play rules.

Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to win the Paris Olympics. This should come as no surprise. He is the current world No. 1 and has had an exceptional season thus far.

A ball strikers dream: LPGA star Yuna Nishimura shows off her wear patterns on her clubs. It’s seriously impressive. I need to get back to the range..

The PGA fall schedule is nearly set. With only 5 more weeks of golf left until playoffs start, the fall swing will be here before we know it.

Nelly Korda is back this week for the LPGAs 4th major of the year. She is returning after 2 weeks off due to a dog bite.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.