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Shane BaconShane Bacon

Tiger Woods will likely not be the Ryder Cup captain because he doesn't want the life-consuming media commitments.

I'd heard Tiger didn't really want to do it. I mean there's a lot of commitments. You see how involved Luke Donald is on the European side. It's basically become his life. I don't think Tiger wanted to do a lot of the background media stuff, things like that. So I don't necessarily think he was gonna do that anyway.

Tiger Woods did not serve as captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup (Keegan Bradley was named captain).
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Shane BaconShane Bacon

Scotty Scheffler's iron play has been average and inconsistent for a pro golfer this season.

I'd say bad for a pro golfer. He's 82nd right now [in strokes gained]. He's average on the PGA tour this season with his irons. This is a stat that he's led each of the last three seasons. If Steph Curry started to miss free throws, you'd be looking around going, what's going on here?

Strokes gained data is verifiable and Bacon is citing actual tour rankings for that specific point in time.
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Max HomaMax Homa

I am going to shock the world at the Masters this year

Against all odds I am [playing the Masters]... I think this is the year I do too. Shock the World. I think this is the year. Zero expectation.

Homa finished T3 at the 2024 Masters, which was indeed a 'shock the world' level performance compared to his previous major results.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Getting your wife pregnant is the secret to winning golf tournaments

If you want to win a golf tournament, you have to get your wife pregnant. And then sure enough, either right after you give birth or right after you conceive, you will get an interview right after you win something and you'll announce it.

Morikawa did win Pebble Beach in this fictional/future timeline right after his child news.
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Shane BaconShane Bacon

Europe will win the Ryder Cup and a visiting team win would be good for the tournament

I think Europe's gonna win... I actually think it's kind of important for the Europeans to win this thing. I think putting the, the pressure kind of on the Americans in a couple years... I think actually the the visiting team winning one of these things that hadn't happened since 2012 would actually be good for Ryder Cups.

Europe won the 2025 Ryder Cup 15-13 at Bethpage Black, the first visiting team win since 2012. Both predictions (Europe winning and it being good for the tournament) came true.
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Shane BaconShane Bacon

Betting on Europe at +170 is a 'hammer' bet

I think the fact that you're getting plus money on Europe is wild. I would, I would, I would hammer Europe right now. I think, I think it, I think it's potential for blowout on the European side.

Europe won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black 15-13 over the United States. Betting Europe at +170 was indeed a winning bet.
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Tommy FleetwoodTommy Fleetwood

Europe will win the Ryder Cup back in 2025

Of course I'm gonna stand by my boys and my team and say that, you know, I'm gonna go in with full faith in our team and say Europe are gonna bring the Ryder Cup back.

Europe won back the Ryder Cup in 2025 at Bethpage Black, defeating the US 15-13 to become the first away team to win since 2012.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Rory McIlroy only cares about winning tournaments in the UK now

It seemed like he didn't care about this tournament. He's like, once you win the Masters, it's like, that was the big hurdle... I only care about tournaments that take place in the UK now.

OpinionGolfMediumSarcastic
Rory actually stated he's looking forward to the Open at Port Rush as his primary motivator, supporting PFT's sarcastic framing.
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Big CatBig Cat

JJ Spawn only won the US Open because of the rain delay

All time rain delay though for JJ Spawn because it did... it felt like he was lost and that rain delay helped him so much.

Spawn himself and many analysts credited the 'reset' of the rain delay for his comeback win.
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Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The winner of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont will be over par

I think based on what I've been reading and seeing on Twitter, like we might have like a a over par winner... I want that. I love that about the US Open.

The winning score at the 2025 US Open was +2.
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Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

The best way to lower your golf score is to get good from 100 yards and in

If you wanna get good at golf, number one I'd say is get good from a hundred yards and in. 'cause then all your bad [shots] drop... get in the hole in three shots, you know, like you're gonna, your scores are gonna get lower so much quicker.

This is a widely accepted fundamental of golf strategy and statistics.
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Scott Van PeltScott Van Pelt

Rory McIlroy's Masters win was primarily 100% relief

It was almost all relief. And the thing that Andy North described to me... you feel so much more relief than joy... it was so obvious that sure there's joy in there... but clearly it was like, just thank God I did it.

Rory himself later admitted it was a burden, supporting this view.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I am officially 'opting out' of ever playing Augusta National

I have opted you. You forget Big Cat like three years ago on this show. I said I don't want to play at Augusta. I'm not Augusta material. All right. Fair. I'm opting out.

OpinionGolfHotSarcastic
He is indeed not playing at Augusta, though the 'choice' is irrelevant.
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Max HomaMax Homa

The road to being a good golfer is to eliminate big mistakes by not overswinging

I respect that you've come to that, that that is how I would say the, that's the road to good is to eliminate the, the big mistakes by not over swinging.

This is a fundamental tenet of amateur golf improvement, widely supported by teaching pros.
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Shane BaconShane Bacon

A European or International player will win the 2025 Masters

I think it stops here [American dominance]. I think it ends here. Oh, I think Rory or Rom or Sep or somebody like that does it. So Leman, I I, that's kind of where I'm at is I think, I think the, I think the, the internationals are gonna win this. I think probably a European's gonna win it.

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irish/European player, won the 2025 Masters in a sudden-death playoff against Justin Rose (also European). This take was correct.
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HankHank

Rory McIlroy is officially back and this will be the year he finally turns it around to win the Masters

My Who's Back of the week is Rory McIlroy. He's smashing. He won the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. This might be his year... he might turn it around. [Golf doesn't start until the Masters] This might be his year to win it.

Rory McIlroy did win the 2025 Masters, defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff. He completed the career Grand Slam and won his first green jacket, confirming this was indeed 'his year.'
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

I love when the US dominates international tournaments the rest of the world cares about more than we do

I love more than anything—I love it when the United States dominates tournaments that we don't give a fuck about. And the rest of the world cares deeply about it.

The US did go on to win the 2024 President's Cup 18.5 to 11.5, continuing their historical dominance.
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Xander SchauffeleXander Schauffele

The Olympics place a unique emphasis on finishing top-three that is not found in other golf tournaments

In the Olympics everyone's fighting to finish in the top three more so than any tournament. You know, you podium versus if you don't do well and you come in second or third. I think the emphasis on second and third is a lot more than a normal tournament.

The medal structure of the Olympics inherently creates different incentives than standard stroke-play events.
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Big CatBig Cat

Josh Allen will finish in the 30s at the American Century Championship

I think I gave you [Josh Allen] in the thirties. [Josh: That means I'm probably shooting anywhere from 75 to 80 all three days.]

Josh Allen finished T-31 at the 2024 American Century Championship.
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David WellsDavid Wells

I have zero chance of winning the American Century Championship this year

I have zero chance of winning. Okay. In this... I've come this year with zero expectations. You know, I had a shoulder replacement in December, so I'm just getting that back... it's not pretty.

Wells did not win the 2024 American Century Championship (Mardy Fish won).
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David WellsDavid Wells

Adam Thielen is a sleeper to win the celebrity golf tournament

Adam Thielen and he's, he's a sleeper to win this. I, on on the 10th hole today, he hit, he hit a little iron and he hit about 300 down the middle. I went, oh boy.

Adam Thielen finished tied for 4th in the 2024 tournament, validating him as a top contender/sleeper.
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HankHank

The winners of the John Deere Classic always stay in the same rental home in Illinois

For the last three years, each winner of the John Deere Classic has stayed in the same rental home in Illinois. Whoa. It's officially the trophy house. Davis Thompson, SEP Straka, JT Poston.

This was a widely reported coincidence in 2024 following Davis Thompson's win.
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Adam ThielenAdam Thielen

Patrick Mahomes is not the biggest threat on the celebrity golf circuit

I don't think Patrick Mahomes is the biggest threat on the golf course. Oh, okay. On the football field obviously is the biggest, but golf course I think a little different... I know he does have like a real golf hole in his backyard... I just don't see him winning it.

Mahomes finished T82 in the 2024 American Century Championship, while Mardy Fish won. Thielen's assessment was accurate.
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Smylie KaufmanSmylie Kaufman

Rory McIlroy will likely pull out of the Travelers Championship

I think this one's gonna sting for a really long time and it won't surprise me to see him pull out of the travelers this next week. I, I doubt we'll see him there. I'd be shocked if we see him there and yeah, the fifth major, there you go.

Rory McIlroy did withdraw from the Travelers Championship the following day, stating he needed a few weeks to process everything.
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Smylie KaufmanSmylie Kaufman

Bryson DeChambeau's bunker shot on 18 was a one-in-a-million execution

I was probably 15 yards away from him... a 55 yard bunker shot is one of the more difficult shots in the game. And Bryson probably hit a gap wedge... full swing. The fact that he went in there full swing and bringing in literally watching it over the clubhouse and having the nerve to pull the shot off and get it inside at five feet was unbelievable.

Expert analysis of a specific sporting moment.
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HankHank

Bryson DeChambeau will win the U.S. Open as an homage to Payne Stewart

I think this is it for Bryson [DeChambeau]. If Bryson comes and wears, because remember he used to wear the scaly cap. Payne Stewart. I could see it happening. As a homage to Payne Stewart. I'll call my shot right now.

Bryson DeChambeau won the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
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Big CatBig Cat

Bryson DeChambeau has successfully changed his public perception by embracing his role as a 'showman' and an entertainer

I do think he also has gone a little bit of the JJ Watt story arc where if you're so beyond corny and like do everything for the camera, if you can just dial it back a little and be a somewhat normal person, we'll immediately just be like, you rock. ... He is come all the way back around... he's a little bit of a human being and it works for him now.

DeChambeau's popularity surged following the PGA Championship and his subsequent US Open win, largely due to his YouTube presence and 'showman' style.
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Big CatBig Cat

Valhalla is a 'pussy' course for allowing record-low PGA scores

For guys like us who love the course, what a fucking pussy Valhalla is. Yeah. Got absolutely demolished... 72nd position was, was under par. Braden Shaddock went minus one and he finished 72nd by himself. That's nuts.

The field did finish 214 under par, a record for a PGA Championship, supporting his claim of it being easy for pros.
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Shane BaconShane Bacon

Valhalla is a golf course that heavily favors players who hit it far and high

I'm looking at players to pick or favorites to kind of focus on, I'm looking at guys that hit it far and hit it high. Guys like Rory McIlroy and Brooks [Koepka]... but you gotta beat it forever and you gotta hit it relatively straight because the rough is gnarly.

The 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla saw Xander Schauffele win with record-low scoring, though distance and ball-striking remained key themes for the leaders.
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Big CatBig Cat

Do not bet on Scottie Scheffler to repeat as Masters champion in 2025

Remind us not to bet on Scottie Scheffler [next year], which I still will... for a returning champion at Augusta, I think it's been like only two of the last 20 have even finished in the top 10.

Big Cat's take was to 'not bet on Scottie Scheffler to repeat.' Scheffler finished 4th at the 2025 Masters, failing to repeat as champion. The advice to not bet on Scheffler as defending champion proved correct.
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Big CatBig Cat

Bryson DeChambeau will win a major championship in 2024

He will win a major this year. He looks warm. Oh, he looks like a regular golfer now with the 3D printed clubs. Yeah. He will win one.

Bryson DeChambeau won the 2024 U.S. Open in dramatic fashion at Pinehurst.
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Big CatBig Cat

The 2024 Masters feels like it is Scotty Scheffler's destiny to win

Scotty Scheffler does just look like it's a destiny. It looks like he is locked in on all accounts.

Scotty Scheffler went on to win the 2024 Masters on April 14, 2024.
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Ryan WhitneyRyan Whitney

Ludvig Åberg is a future true superstar built in a lab

This Ludvig guy from Sweden's my new favorite golfer. He's just built in a lab. Perfect swing, stallion, 6'3". I think he's gonna end up being a true superstar.

Åberg finished 2nd in the 2024 Masters in his major debut, supporting the 'superstar' trajectory.
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Max HomaMax Homa

My great golf is good enough to win a major

I know for a fact my great golf's good enough. It just needs to come out the right week. So let's just hope it's this week. It's a big difference. It's a little bit more calming knowing that like, it doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be good.

Homa finished T3 in the 2024 Masters, proving his 'great golf' can indeed compete for a major.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Tiger Woods was better at golf when he was 'dirtier' and having more sex

Tiger was at his best when... the grip of his putter smelled like absolute shit from his hands. Perkins waitresses. The dirtier Tiger was the better golf. Yeah. When he was getting it in the hole. Now he's gonna not do, maybe he just can't have sex 'cause he like, he can't walk.

Tiger Woods finished 60th at the 2024 Masters, the worst finish of his career for those who made the cut, suggesting the sex ban didn't lead to a resurgence.
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Big CatBig Cat

Tiger Woods is officially over the hill

I think Tiger might be a little bit over the hill. I think it might have happened. I want him to be in these events 'cause it's fun when he is there. But it also is a bummer when he has to withdraw.

Tiger has struggled to finish tournaments or remain competitive at a high level throughout 2024.
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HankHank

Selecting Justin Thomas for the Ryder Cup is a risky pick given his current form

He's not playing good golf right now. ... I just feel bad for, you know, Keegan and the guys. ... It's a risky pick in my opinion. ... Imagine if he performs badly. The final day is 12 singles matches. If he performs badly, everyone would be like, why would you pick a person who didn't even make the FedEx Cup playoffs?

Thomas's poor form continued into the Ryder Cup, where he had a losing record and the US lost.
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Max HomaMax Homa

It would be crazy if I didn't get a Ryder Cup pick

I've been in the getting a pick category this whole time. I felt like last week, last week solidified it. Where now I think it would be crazy if I didn't.

Max Homa was selected as one of the six captain's picks for the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
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Jon RahmJon Rahm

Doubling the first hole of a major is the best time to do it

If you're going to make a double bogey right. Might as well be that the first hole of the tournament when you have 71 holes to make it up or like Scottie [Scheffler] did the year before, do it on the last hole when you already know you've won and you can afford to do it.

Rahm's take is validated by his own performance; he doubled the first hole and still won the 2023 Masters.
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Tyrrell HattonTyrrell Hatton

Home support is a major factor in winning the Ryder Cup

Whistling Straits was a shame because we didn't have, because of COVID, European fans couldn't travel. ... I mean, fully deserved to win. There's no doubt about that. I just think home support goes a long way. And I think that that will play a, play a big role in Rome.

Team Europe won the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, 16.5 to 11.5, supporting Hatton's prediction about the home-field advantage.
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Big CatBig Cat

It wouldn't be surprising if Phil Mickelson joined LIV just so the Saudis could bankroll his gambling debt

He gambled so much that it, it wouldn't be surprising if Phil like gets in bed with the Saudis and tries to have them bankroll him.

While Mickelson's specific motives are private, investigative reports and books (like Billy Walters') have strongly linked his massive gambling debts to the LIV move.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Brian Harman is the Ben Simmons of golf

He's right-handed, but he plays left-handed. Love it. He's the Ben Simmons of golf.

The comparison is based on the verified fact that both athletes use their non-dominant hands for their primary sports action.
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Kirk MinihaneKirk Minihane

Rory McIlroy will not win the 2023 Open Championship because he won't win two weeks in a row

I don't like that Rory [McIlroy] won last week. That gives me bad vibes back to back. I don't think he's gonna win two weeks in a row. I kind of wish he had lost.

Rory McIlroy finished T6, failing to win the tournament.
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Big CatBig Cat

The 2024 Blake of the Year will be an in-person event featuring a golf scramble

Next year we're getting everyone together... no more Zoom. And we'll figure out a way to do a in-person Blake of the Year... We'll do a five-man scramble versus Brooks.

The 2024 Blake of the Year was indeed held in person in Chicago with all three Blakes, though it was a mini-golf setup rather than a full course scramble.
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Keegan BradleyKeegan Bradley

Relationships between American and European golfers genuinely change for the worse after playing in a Ryder Cup

Once you play in a Ryder Cup relationships change with Americans and Europeans. Like guys that you were like, it's not, it's it get on Sunday night, everyone gets together and has drinks and it's fun... but relationships change because of this tournament cuz it's really passionate and it gets intense.

This is a verifiable social claim within the world of pro golf, often echoed by other players regarding the intensity of the event.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

Modern golf has a serious ball problem because courses are becoming too easy

When I watched Keegan Bradley play, I was like, okay, golf does have a ball problem. Yeah, I mean it, it was an embarrassment to the game of golf. They're making the courses too easy. It's the balls actually, right?

The USGA and R&A eventually did announce a ball rollback plan in late 2023 to address this exact concern.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

If Rory McIlroy doesn't win the Open Championship this year, the narrative will become that he will never win another major.

I think if he doesn't win the open championship this year, then I think start of next season, Rory [McIlroy] will never win a major championship. It goes back to that conversation.

Rory did not win the 2023 Open Championship (Brian Harman won). Since then, he has continued to struggle in majors, intensifying this specific narrative.
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PFT CommenterPFT Commenter

LIV Golf comes out of the merger looking like the Michael Scott Paper Company

The LIV tour, by the way, they come out of this smelling like roses. They're the Michael Scott Paper Company comparably to the PGA tour. They started their own tour. Everybody laughed at 'em. Their ratings were bad. But at some point along the way, the PGA tour needed the LIV tour just as much as the LIV guys needed the PGA tour.

LIV successfully forced the PGA to the table, effectively validating their disruptive strategy.
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Big CatBig Cat

In 10 years, PGA players will realize the LIV merger was the moment they started making a lot more money

It's gotta suck to be a PGA tour player today because they were blindsided. [But] in like 10 years they'll probably look back and be like, yeah, we did make a lot more money. They already are making more money because of the PGA having to compete with LIV. They're probably all gonna make a shitload more money now.

PGA Tour purses and signature event prize pools have indeed ballooned since the merger announcement, with the 'PIF' investment intended to further solidify this growth.
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Dan RapaportDan Rapaport

The PGA/LIV merger is a total victory for Saudi Arabia

The general reaction is that this is a win for the Saudis. What's a reaction from the players? You've got the LIV players. Taylor Gooch is on there tweeting a picture of his feet at a beach. Phil is dancing. This is a victory for them. They've wanted this all along.

The PIF successfully integrated with the PGA Tour, achieving significant influence over the sport's future.

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