By now it’s become pretty evident that the LIV exhibition/circus/rumor mill attracts most of its attention through rumors and lawsuits.
PGA Tour stars Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele have been the focus of the latest LIV rumors.
In January, Cantlay will be the fifth player joining the 10-member PGA Tour policy board. He joins Rory McIlroy, Kevin Kisner, James Hahn and Charley Hoffman. Those four were elected by the players and each serves a one-year term as chairmen of the PAC. Cantlay was appointed by the board and will serve a three-year term.
Now considering that, it seems those latest rumors are like most — pure bunk.
Cantlay’s buddy, Schauffele, recently came up with his own declaration:
“I had to weather that storm of all the social media news that I don’t really get on my phone. I had to end up googling what was going on, there were these articles saying that Pat and I are leaving (the PGA Tour). So yeah, I pretty much just told everyone what I’m telling you, I haven’t talked to anybody. I was pretty much minding my own business in Vegas and then this whole thing blew up.
“Why it blew up and how it blew up I have no idea, probably similar to the first time around, just random rumors that catch wind and it just blows up in your face,” Schauffele added.
The one rumor gaining traction is that Greg Norman (The Lamest Commissioner In All The Land) could be on his way out.
James Corrigan of the London-based Telegraph, broke that story. What gives it credence is that Corrigan has broken nearly all the major LIV scoops/reports/stories. Obviously his sources are credible and solid. Corrigan reported that former TaylorMade CEO Mark King is the man the Saudis are speaking with as a replacement for Norman.
Cole Hammer’s 64 Good For First Round Lead At RSM:
Cole Hammer finally found his groove on the PGA Tour and it came courtesy of an eight-under par 64 Thursday at the RSM Classic.
Hammer played the Plantation course at Sea Island and had nine birdies on his scorecard. Up until this week, he’s had mixed results, making just one cut in seven Tour starts.
“I just had about zero patience. As soon as I made a bogey, I felt like the world was ending,” Hammer said of his Tour experience prior to last week’s Houston Open, where he tied for 27th. “In Houston I just relaxed, took a deep breath and I made some bogeys. I basically just told myself that I can come back and nobody plays perfect golf.” Hammer put on a strong performance on day one despite chilly temperatures and blustery winds.
He was a shot in front of Ben Griffin (65), who also played the Plantation course.
Over on the Seaside course, where the final 36-holes will be played, Beau Hossler and Callum Tarren shot six-under par 64s. Justin Suh, a dominant force last season on the Korn Ferry Tour, shot 66 on the Plantation course.
The field plays both courses over the first two rounds. The real leader won’t be known until late Friday afternoon.
PGA Tour Unveils Changes To University Program:
Earlier this week, the PGA Tour unveiled a plan to provide direct access to the circuit for the top college player via the PGA Tour University program. Thursday, Cole Hammer offered a timely reminder of why the new program was needed.
RSM first round leader Cole Hammer (University of Texas), said the new programs are not only crucial for young players who have historically faced a challenging uphill climb to the Tour, but will benefit college golf programs as well.
“I don’t see why you would ever leave early now. College coaches have to be through the roof. I think it’s great staying for four years and having that experience,” Hammer said.
The PGA Tour University program will grant Tour membership to the top-ranked college senior as well as access to the circuit for underclassmen who meet certain performance benchmarks, like college golf awards, amateur victories and performance in Tour events.
