SUB 60 HEADLINES

Scottie Scheffler won the Hero World Challenge with a final-round 68, marked by a significant improvement in his putting for the week (23 birdies and 2 eagles) — an area that had previously hindered his otherwise stellar performance on the PGA TOUR.

Scheffler, who finished the season as the world No. 1, had struggled with his putting throughout the year, losing crucial strokes in key events.

Working with putting coach Phil Kenyon, Scheffler addressed his putting issues by finding a balance between athleticism and sound mechanics. Coincidentally (or not?) he also used a new putter this week from Olson Golf. It’s safe to say this putter will be staying in the bag for the next little while.

The improved putting performance in the Hero World Challenge signals a potential sustained improvement, making Scheffler a formidable force as the calendar turns to 2024.

LIV GOLF’S DOUBLE TRIUMPH

LIV Golf dominated the DP World Tour this week as Joaquin Niemann secured victory at the ISPS Handa Australian Open, making history as the first South American winner, with an eagle on the second playoff hole.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, Dean Burmester clinched back-to-back wins at the Investec South African Open Championship, expressing the significance of winning a tournament he had always aspired to and highlighting the special connection with a sponsor that supported him since childhood.

ROLLING, ROLLING, ROLLING . . . ROLL BACK!

The golf ball rollback, proposed by the USGA and R&A to address increasing distance in professional golf, appears to be coming soon — but it’s still uncertain how it will play out. The least drastic scenario involves the rollback failing, maintaining the current status quo, possibly due to legal challenges or resistance from stakeholders.

Alternatively, there might be a compromise with tournament-specific rules, applying the rolled-back ball selectively in certain events, or a broader adoption across all tournaments — creating a split between competitive and recreational golfers.

The most severe outcome could result in a chaotic standoff, with major entities refusing to adopt the rollback, potentially leading to the formation of a breakaway governing body and significant turmoil in the golfing community. It should be an interesting week.

SOCIAL OF THE WEEK

Do any of these “35 signs you are completely, utterly, undeniably OBSESSED with golf” strike a chord with you? 😂 

Is your first question when planning a vacation, “What good courses are nearby?” We’re certainly guilty as charged!

WINNERS FROM LAST WEEK: CORE FOUR

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKINGS: TOP 60

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