⛳️ Tiger talks on the PGA-LIV merger

(4 min read) PLUS: Open Championship preview, golfing in Markham, and more..

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

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

  • Golfing in Markham

  • Open Championship preview

  • Tiger speaks on the PGA-LIV merger

  • Is there going to be an American Major sweep?

But first..

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Golf Trip

The North Course at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario, is a premier golfing destination known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. Designed by Doug Carrick and opened in 2001, the course has hosted prestigious events, including the 2007 Canadian Open, allowing golfers to tread the same fairways as the pros.

Course Layout and Features

  • Fairways and Greens: The North Course features Providence Bentgrass on tees, greens, and fairways, providing a consistent and true playing surface. The fairways are lined with jagged, peaky, and pain in the ass fescue-covered dunes, and the course is dotted with three- and four-foot sod wall bunkers, giving it a distinctive Scottish links feel. You get in one of those deep bunkers, good luck.. 😰

  • Bunkers and Hazards: The sod wall bunkers are a notable feature, with their vertical faces posing a significant challenge. Natural wetlands, streams, and woodlands add to the course's complexity and beauty, requiring strategic play and precision. (Pack extra balls!)

  • Greens: The greens are known for their subtle undulations and relatively fast speeds. They have a true roll, testing the skills of even the best putters.

Playing Experience

  • Tee Options: The course offers four sets of tee blocks, accommodating various distances and allowing golfers to choose their preferred difficulty. Choose wisely, the tips are wayyyy back there.

  • Scenic Beauty: The natural landscape of wetlands, streams, and woodlands provides a picturesque backdrop for a round of golf, enhancing the overall experience.

  • Technical Challenge: The combination of fescue dunes, sod wall bunkers, and water hazards requires a mix of power and finesse, making the North Course a true test of golfing ability.

Angus Glen's North Course has a storied history, having hosted the 2007 Canadian Open and serving as a venue for the 2015 Pan Am Games.

The North Course at Angus Glen Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience characterized by its challenging layout, beautiful scenery, and top-notch facilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend golfer, the North Course promises an engaging and enjoyable round of golf in a stunning natural setting.

2024 Open Championship Preview

The 2024 Open Championship, the final major of the year, is set to take place at the historic Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland. This marks the 10th time Royal Troon has hosted the Open, with its last appearance in 2016 when Henrik Stenson triumphed in a memorable duel against Phil Mickelson. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling golf action on one of the sport's most challenging links courses.

Storylines to Watch

1. Scottie Scheffler's Quest for History
Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one, is the favourite to win with odds of +450.Scheffler aims to secure his seventh PGA Tour victory of the season, a feat only Tiger Woods has achieved in recent history. Despite a recent dip in form at the U.S. Open, any time Scheffler tees it up he’s a serious contender.

2. Rory McIlroy's Major Drought
Rory McIlroy, with odds of +750, is looking to end his decade-long major drought. He bounced back last week at the Scottish Open after his US Open debacle, and is in fine form to be in contention on Sunday.

3. Bryson DeChambeau's Major Form
Bryson DeChambeau, another top contender with odds around +900, has had a strong run in majors this year. His unique approach to the game and powerful driving could give him an edge on the demanding Troon layout.

4. Potential for American Major Sweep
With American golfers winning the first three majors of the year, there is a chance for a rare major sweep if an American wins at Royal Troon. The last time this happened was in 1982.

5. LIV Golfers in the Mix
Several LIV Golf players, including Brooks Koepka (odds of 25-1), are in the field and looking to make a statement. Koepka's history in majors makes him a player to watch at every major.

Course Overview

Royal Troon Golf Clubis renowned for its challenging layout, particularly its par-4s and the iconic "Postage Stamp" 8th hole, a 123-yard par-3 that demands precision.The course is a par 71, stretching 7,385 yards, with the front nine offering birdie opportunities and the back nine posing a stern test with its demanding finishing stretch.

Key Stats at Royal Troon

Par-4 Performance

  • Royal Troon features several LONG par-4s, especially on the back nine. Players who excel in this area, like McIlroy and Scheffler, will have an edge. The ability to gain strokes on these holes will be a significant factor.

Wind Play

  • Controlling the ball in windy conditions is essential at Royal Troon. Players with strong iron play and the ability to shape shots have historically performed well here.

The 2024 Open Championship promises to be a intense event with a mix of top favourites and potential dark horses. The unique challenges of Royal Troon, combined with the unpredictable weather, ensure that golf fans are in for an exciting and unpredictable tournament. Whether it's Scheffler chasing history, Rory ending his major drought, or a surprise contender emerging, the Claret Jug is up for grabs in what is sure to be a memorable championship!

Other News

The ISCO Championship, a co-sanctioned event by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, saw a record-breaking cut. The cut was set at eight-under-par, the lowest in PGA Tour history since detailed records began in 1970. Notable players like Rafa Cabrera Bello and Chesson Hadley missed the cut despite strong performances.

The LPGA Tour is heading to Sylvania, Ohio, for the 39th Dana Open. This follows an exciting week at The Amundi Evian Championship.

Sergio Garcia secured a victory at the LIV Golf Andalucía event. This win adds to his achievements in the emerging LIV Golf League, where Joaquin Niemann currently leads the points standings.

Tiger Woods has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the merger talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf backer, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). Woods mentioned that negotiations are ongoing with a positive outlook.

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Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.