- The 19th Hole
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- Top Moments Unveiled: Your 2023 Open Championship Recap!
Top Moments Unveiled: Your 2023 Open Championship Recap!
Welcome to The 19th Hole!
In Today’s Round:
Brian Harman Waggles His Way To A Win
Ideal Driver Launch Numbers To Instantly Hit It Further
Course Of The Week
Equipment Tip
Best Links From Around The Web
Golf’s Best Links
Play Better
Bubbie Gets A Lesson From Jordan Spieth's Coach (LINK)
The Importance of Head Position In The Golf Swing (LINK)
The L To L Is Your Full Swing // Malaska Golf (LINK)
Hit It Farther and Get Fitter
Training With a Purpose - Explosive Core Workout (LINK)
He Couldn't Hit The Ball Farther Until I Showed Him This Incredible Drill (LINK)
This 2 SECOND Tip Will Add 30+ Yards To Your Drives (LINK)
Youtube Golf
Paige Spiranac Joins Bob Does Sports! (LINK)
We Played a One Club Challenge w/ Hailey Ostrom (LINK)
Peter Finch Tells The Truth About Rick Shiels Situation… (LINK)
Brian Harman’s Unusual Road To Champion Golfer of the Year - Passion, Perseverance, Putting, and Waggles.
Hoylake, England, witnessed an astonishing victory at the 151st Open Championship as Brian Harman took the golfing world by storm with his trusty putter and an unprecedented number of waggles that make me glad I wasn’t his playing partner. Standing a towering 5’7”, Harman may not have been the most intimidating golfer on the course and he certainly wasn’t the crowd favorite, but, his game spoke for itself in the dominating win!
As the championship unfolded, the crowd's attention seemed fixated on the big hitters and the flashy ball strikers. But Harman, with his blue-collar work ethic and a putter that had its own gravitational pull, emerged as the true dark horse of the tournament. When the final putt dropped, he had out-putted and out-waggled the competition, securing not just his first major victory but also the coveted title of Champion Golfer of the Year for 2023. Who needs popularity when you have a shiny Claret Jug you can drink beers out of?
With a six-stroke win over Jon Rahm, Jason Day, Tom Kim, and Sepp Straka, Harman left no doubt that he was a force to be reckoned with. And at 37 years old, he proved that age is just a number, making history as the oldest first-time major winner since Sergio Garcia's Masters triumph in 2017. Move aside, young phenoms; it's time for the seasoned veterans to shine!
Harman's journey to the winner's circle was no easy feat. Since his last PGA Tour victory over 2,000 days ago, he had seen his fair share of ups and downs, with 32 top-10 finishes that must have felt like almost wins. But this week, Harman decided to show everyone that he was more than just a great putter – he was a winner!
Throughout the tournament, Harman embraced his role as an underdog and wore it like a badge of honor. While the crowd cheered for his competitors, he put his head down and played like a man possessed – possessed by the desire to prove himself and to join the legends who have won The Open over the history of golf.
Harman's putting prowess was nothing short of legendary, with a mere 106 putts over the entire week. Who needs flashy drives when you can have a putter that misses only 1 putt inside 10 feet all week? With each stroke of his putter, Harman's confidence grew, and so did his lead over some of the biggest names in golf.
Rain or shine, Harman marched on, unbothered by the elements and the heroics of his fellow competitors.
As the final holes approached, Harman's lead seemed unassailable. Even the rain couldn't dampen his spirits. And when the final putt dropped, Harman was not just a champion; he became a legend!
Congratulations, Brian Harman, on your remarkable victory and influencing thousands of golfers to use a pre-shot waggle again! The Claret Jug looks great with you drinking beer out of it, and we can't wait to see the next time you waggle into the winners’ circle.
GolfFit Tip of the Week
The easiest way to add more distance to your driver?
Maximize your driver launch numbers.
“Very Fast” swing speed (more than 105 mph with the driver)
Launch: 10-16 degrees
Spin: 1750-2300 rpm
Peak height: 100-120 feet
Angle of descent: 34-38 degrees
“Fast” swing speed (97-104 mph)
Launch: 12-16 degrees
Spin: 2000-2500 rpm
Peak height: 87-100 feet
Angle of descent: 33-37 degrees
“Average” swing speed (84-96 mph)
Launch: 13-16 degrees
Spin: 2400-2700 rpm
Peak height: 70-86 feet
Angle of descent: 32-36 degrees
“Slow” swing speed (72-83 mph)
Launch: 14-19 degrees
Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
Peak height: 58-70 feet
Angle of descent: 31-35 degrees
“Ladies” (less than 72 mph)
Launch: 14-19 degrees
Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
Peak height: 45-58 feet
Angle of descent: 27-31 degrees
More speed won’t translate to more distance unless you fall within these parameters.
Not sure if you do? Get a fit or lesson from a pro with a launch monitor!
Course Spotlight
Shadow Creek (Las Vegas, NV)
Nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert, Shadow Creek Golf Course is a pristine oasis of golfing perfection in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for its exclusivity and legendary status, this hidden gem is often regarded as one of the most remarkable golf courses in the world. Originally crafted as a private playground for the wealthy casino magnate Steve Wynn and his VIP guests, Shadow Creek is now open to the public, providing an extraordinary golfing experience like no other.
Design and Landscape:
Designed by the renowned architect Tom Fazio, Shadow Creek's layout seamlessly blends with the surrounding desert landscape. The course's transformation from barren desert to a lush and verdant oasis is a testament to Fazio's artistic vision. Hundreds of thousands of trees were imported to create the picturesque fairways and greens, which are impeccably manicured and maintained.
The course features dramatic elevation changes, well-placed water features, and strategically positioned bunkers, challenging golfers of all skill levels. Each hole presents a unique set of obstacles and scenic vistas, creating a harmonious blend of challenge and beauty.
Exclusivity and Serenity:
Shadow Creek is committed to providing a serene and private atmosphere, limiting play to just a few golfers each day. Tee times are highly sought after, and visitors must secure their reservations well in advance, adding to the allure of this exclusive golf destination.
Upon arrival, golfers are treated to a luxurious and personalized experience. A limousine whisks guests from their accommodations in Las Vegas to the secluded course, setting the stage for an unforgettable day on the links. The unparalleled level of service continues throughout the round, with attentive caddies and top-notch amenities ensuring every player's needs are met.
Signature Holes:
While every hole at Shadow Creek is a masterpiece in its own right, a few holes stand out as true highlights of the course. The par-3 17th hole, known as "Waters Edge," features a green surrounded by a shimmering lake, with the Las Vegas skyline visible in the distance. This stunning view provides an awe-inspiring backdrop as golfers attempt to navigate the challenging water carry.
Another memorable hole is the par-4 18th, aptly named "Home Stretch." Golfers must confront a strategically placed fairway bunker before approaching a well-guarded green, making for a thrilling finish to an unforgettable round.
Legacy and Impact:
Beyond its exceptional golfing experience, Shadow Creek has left a lasting legacy on the world of golf. Many famous professional golfers, celebrities, and dignitaries have graced its fairways, adding to its mystique and allure. Several high-profile golf events have been held here, further solidifying its status as a premier golf destination.
Cost To Play:
You may not want to know… $1,000 during its peak season (March to May; plus October and November) and $750 during off-peak. And, this is only avaiable during the week… tee times on the weekend are reserved for Wynn guests with invite.
Equipment- Did You Know?
Should you go shorter with your driver?
A common theme over the last several years in the game of golf has been… distance.
And, rightfully so! Most amateur golfers will improve their scores by simply hitting the ball farther. Approach shots will get shorter, more greens will be hit, and overall lower scores.
With the trend of hitting the ball farther, many have experimented with longer driver shafts.
It is true that a longer shaft will allow you to swing the club faster. But, will the 1-2 mph of clubhead speed actually make you hit it further?
For most golfer… NO!
The added length on the driver will often cause more off center hits!
What many fitters are noticing and experimenting with is actually shortening the length of the driver shaft for more consistentcy with no loss or even gains in distance!
As discussed earlier in the GolfFit Tip, one of the most important components to driver distance is hitting the ball out of the center of the face with proper launch numbers.
Without that, more speed won’t equat more distance!
Upcoming Golf
This Week:
PGA Tour: 3M Open (BLAINE, MINNESOTA • USA, JUL 27 - 30, 2023)

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