Now that Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press has spoiled any “announcements” from the PGA Of America that Zach Johnson will captain the 2023 Ryder Cup team, who’s in line for 2025 when the matches are played in New York at Bethpage Black?
Zach has been a quiet cart rider long enough so it’s humble, loveable underdog’s team when they play at the Marco Simone course outside Rome in the fall of ’23.
It’s been sort of a given that Phil Mickelson was next in line for the 2025 matches. He’s been an overwhelmingly popular figure in New York and it seemed that popularity in a given state helped Steve Stricker get the captaincy for the matches at Whistling Straits. Stricker was the first-ever Ryder Cup captain without a major championship on his resume.
Will Mickelson’s Saudi League Fiasco influence the PGA Of America?
One thing’s for sure, you won’t see him as a Presidents Cup captain anytime soon, perhaps never.
Brooks Koepka Puts The Smack On Mickelson:
Not too many high-profile guys at this week’s Honda Classic but Brooks Koepka, who lives close by, is in the field — typically he plays because the event agrees to give his younger brother Chase a sponsor’s exemption.
Koepka didn’t waste anytime giving his thought on Phil (Benedict Arnold) Mickelson’s Saudi Fiasco.
“I’m happy with the PGA Tour,” Koepka said. “I think everybody out here is happy. (Mickelson) can think whatever he wants to think, man. He can do whatever he wants to do. I think everybody out here is happy. I think a lot of people out here have the same opinion.”
Koepka added he wouldn’t be surprised if someone jumps to the Saudi League.
“I think there will still be talk. I think — everyone talks about money. They’ve got enough of it. I don’t see it backing down; they can just double up and they’ll figure it out. They’ll get their guys. Somebody will sell out and go to it.”
Problem is, it will take a lot more than one player selling out, at the minimum, they need at least 40.
Given that all the top 20 on the PGA Tour has poo-pooed the Saudis, things look grim from Greg Norman and his Saudi Gang.
At least for now.
Oakland Hills Wants To Rebuild Their Clubhouse:
Reports from the Detroit Free Press say that the membership at Oakland Hills plans to rebuild the clubhouse that was basically destroyed by fire last week.
Plans are to replicate the stately 90,000 square-foot behemoth.
As reported earlier, firefighters saved a lot of the trophies and memorabilia within the old clubhouse.
It was reported that the fire started in the attic of the old wooden frame structure.
Jon And Kelly Rahm Expecting Second Child:
The Rahm family is preparing for an addition.
Rahm was on social media this week with this:
“Happy birthday to my beautiful wife,” Rahm wrote. “Grateful for an amazing year, looking forward to adding baby boy this summer!”
One Comment
baxter cepeda
I want to believe Phil will captain the ‘25 Ryder Cup and will eventually head the Presidents Cup. But obviously it’s hard to predict these days what will happen with Phil and golf in general.
It is a great honor to captain golf teams, and I’m sure Phil would enjoy it, but in the whole scheme of things losing captaincies is not a big deal.
Phil’s main concerns imo are US Opens for obvious reason, and the masters for many reasons.
It seems the pga of America and R&A are very influenced by the pga tour these days. At least for now Phil will have to satisfy the pga tour to get the others on board.
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What do we call what was given to Brooks play Honda: an appearance brother?
They had to do something to get at least one of the players high in both world rankings and pip.
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It’s been a tough news week for golf but seeing those images of firemen removing treasures from Oakland Hills clubhouse was a much needed feel good moment.
Also congrats and blessings to the Rahm family.