The Golf Thread

[social]

Lydia Ko to be bigger than any golfer in terms of marketability. Woods' marketing charm is going to possibly never recover to where it was. Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy Might be around for a while. But Lydia Ko is showing real talent.
Definitely watching this space

Cant see it happening as Inbee Park won 3 consecutive majors this year and was barely mentioned

Women's golf is still a very poor cousin compared to the men's game where money/exposure is concerned

 

[Son Of Coco]

Am having a hit at The Glades Saturday morning...should be interesting. I've only played once in about 4 years, so not expecting miracles. I find golf far more enjoyable when you play it intermittently though.

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Cant see it happening as Inbee Park won 3 consecutive majors this year and was barely mentioned

Women's golf is still a very poor cousin compared to the men's game where money/exposure is concerned

The demeanour of Park is the difference. So many have the same tough until under serious pressure. Tiger was another level. Ko gives me a similar feeling to Miller or Sobers in cricket. Good solid players but who realised the game wasn't everything. It might be because she's young, but I get the feeling she's going to go big.
You're right though in terms of marketability. The women's game is never going to be taken as seriously as it deserves. To that end I hope that Lydia Ko doesn't go down a path where she ends up getting her kit off or anything.

 

[grecian]

Agree with Schearzie here, she's a major talent, great personality, brilliant game, signed with IMG, and just signed a big contract with Calloway and also with ANZ, for what that's worth.

Throws like a girl though

 

[Son Of Coco]

The main problem with women's golf attracting the money and attention men's does is the quality on display (of golf I mean). They're just not as good, and don't have the 'wow' factor the men's game has when it comes to skills. I have been to a few women's tournaments and while they're fun to attend and there are a few very good players there, overall there's just not the talent there is in the men's game. The upside of it is when you watch the women's game you find yourself thinking "I can hit it that far" and it makes you realise you don't have to be hitting it 300 yards to score well (although you do if you're off the back markers, instead of a bit further up).

Of course, there are standouts like Sorenstam, Webb etc, who have very good swings and dominate for a long time, but the average player on the WLPGA is just that, very average.

 

[Riggins]

that's women's sport for you.

 

[The Battlers Prince]

The main problem with women's golf attracting the money and attention men's does is the quality on display (of golf I mean). They're just not as good, and don't have the 'wow' factor the men's game has when it comes to skills. I have been to a few women's tournaments and while they're fun to attend and there are a few very good players there, overall there's just not the talent there is in the men's game. The upside of it is when you watch the women's game you find yourself thinking "I can hit it that far" and it makes you realise you don't have to be hitting it 300 yards to score well (although you do if you're off the back markers, instead of a bit further up).

Of course, there are standouts like Sorenstam, Webb etc, who have very good swings and dominate for a long time, but the average player on the WLPGA is just that, very average.

It's a real shame. But I do agree with you. But with Sorenstam and Webb the situation was different to now. Marketing has changed, she may not be a huge person on the world stage, but she's younger than Sorenstam was when she reached the talent that Ko has. And Ko has more skills than what Webb had. Different time and Webb was a stand out back then.
That's what I find the biggest shame. Because it still doesn't change what you've said. She can't hit it 300y average. The clubs most of the top women are hitting in on an average par 4 in the US is a wedge. 90% of the time. It's not exciting in the sense for most viewers. I wish I had an easy answer, but it is as Riggins has said, for now at least.

 

[grecian]

Nah, she really doesn't hit it very far, she's very accurate, and can use the fairway woods very well, but she's not one of the big hitters in the woman's game, some can smack it. Yet she's still only 16 I'm sure she'll add length.

LexiThompson, probably hits it furthest most consistently. That's about 270 odd. She's only 18 too. Possibly more marketable than Ko.

 

[The Battlers Prince]

LexiThompson, probably hits it furthest most consistently. That's about 270 odd. She's only 18 too. Possibly more marketable than Ko.

Based on looks I'd agree.

 

[grecian]

Should be said though, the LPGA has taken over from the WTA in burn-out. Plenty of early retirements and people not achieving what it looked like they would.

 

[grecian]

Should I take the 194 pound on Larrazabal, before Phils Eagle attempt. basically I only win 197 even if he misses.

Too late....

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Should be said though, the LPGA has taken over from the WTA in burn-out. Plenty of early retirements and people not achieving what it looked like they would.

Yeah probably true from a media/commentator pov. But for me Ko is the best prospect I've seen (at a young age) since Karrie.

 

[Anil]

tiger and phil with very disappointing starts at one of their favorite venues...will speith win his 2nd title at torrey?

 

[grecian]

tiger and phil with very disappointing starts at one of their favorite venues...will speith win his 2nd title at torrey?

I'm hoping so. Kids a talent #statingthebleedingobvious.

Missed a lot of short putts these last two days, or he'd be running away with it. Maybe an achilles heel?

 

[grecian]

I'm enjoying the Africa Open, mainly because Aiken's wife is caddying for him, and she's hotter than the sun, and that most of the Saffie golfers seem to be swearing like it's going out of fashion.

The apologies are profusely English in tones from the comms.

 

[Riggins]

cant make a post like that without pics buddy.

 

[benchmark00]

How's Ricky Ponting shooting a 68 in a pro am event today.

 

[vic_orthdox]

Also won the longest drive comp.

Then caddied the next day, for a pro who he beat in the Pro Am.

 

[Ruckus]

Does anyone else get kind of stiff fingers after playing golf a lot...like i mean a lot (at least 3 times a week for hours at a time). Sort of lock up a bit when you clench your first. I have a pretty relaxed, orthodox grip so i guess it must be just the amount I've been playing.

 

[grecian]

McDowell been incredible to watch in the Matchplay, looked down-and-out in every game, but still in there.