Rickie Fowler has withdrawn from the WM Phoenix Open citing illness, tournament officials confirmed.His exit removes a notable contender from the field and forces organizers to rework pairings and tee sheets.
Following a spate of obscene chants directed at Rory McIlroy during a recent event, Bethpage’s master of ceremonies has resigned, the club announced. The step-down has intensified scrutiny of spectator management and prompted demands for stronger enforcement of fan behavior policies.
Bethpage MC resigns after vulgar chants targeting Rory McIlroy ignite public backlash
After the resignation tied to the incident of coarse chanting aimed at a touring professional, coaches, trainers and players at Bethpage and comparable venues ought to treat the episode as a wake-up call: pressure control and venue-specific tactics should be embedded in every curriculum. Bethpage Black, as an example, punishes imprecise play with tight landing corridors, penal rough and quick, crowned greens, so instruction needs to stress strategic aiming: off the tee prefer the wider, safer corridor (often the center or the side away from trouble) and select clubs that the player can hit consistently-typically aiming for agreeable carries in the 220-260 yard band instead of forcing low-probability driver shots. Integrate Rules awareness into lessons as well-cover normal relief options for an unplayable lie and the prohibition on grounding a club in a bunker under the Rules of Golf-so players can choose penalty relief sensibly rather of gambling on risky recoveries. To make this practical across skill levels, include these scenario-based drills:
- Practice narrow fairway targets with 10‑yard wide aiming windows at 200-250 yards.
- Run decision-making drills that give three choices (attack, play safe, or circumvent) and require students to justify the selection using yardage and hazard placement.
From a mechanics standpoint, the swing should be aligned to support the course-management priorities above. begin with setup anchors: stance about 1.5× shoulder width for full swings, ball position centered to slightly forward for mid‑irons, and a modest spine tilt of 3-6° with weight roughly 55/45 favoring the lead foot at address. Build progressions such as: (1) verify alignment with an alignment rod; (2) execute a controlled shoulder turn in the 80-100° range depending on mobility; (3) shallow the shaft into the downswing to produce lag and compress the ball, finishing with a slight forward shaft lean of 2-4°. Typical faults-early casting, excessive hip over-rotation that creates pulls, and a collapsing spine angle-can be corrected with drills like the toe‑up/shaft‑lean sequence for lag, impact‑bag work for compression, and the towel‑under‑arms drill to preserve connection. Make progress measurable: aim for a 10% drop in clubhead speed variance and a target such as a 50% increase in fairways hit during dedicated practice blocks over six weeks.
On firm, fast surfaces like Bethpage’s greens, the short game and putting frequently enough decide outcomes, so coaching must combine technique with routine. For bunker play teach an open‑face, committed swing with the ball slightly forward of center, accelerating through the sand while remembering grounding the club in a bunker before the stroke is prohibited.Teach the bump‑and‑run (lower‑loft club, forward ball position, minimal wrist hinge) alongside higher‑lofted flop shots using a 56° or 60° wedge with an open face when the lip is severe; practice both until players can hold a green inside a 15‑foot circle from a range of lies. Putting instruction should marry green reading and stroke mechanics: use a gate drill to square the path, a three‑putt elimination routine (75 putts from 10-30 feet aiming for ≤15% three‑putts), and simulate crowd noise during practice to build tolerance. Recommended routines:
- 50 bunker repetitions from mixed lies focusing on consistent sand entry behind the ball.
- 100 pitch-and-run reps from 20-40 yards aiming at 5‑yard landing zones.
- 200 putts weekly with pressure finishes (string together 10 makes in a row at 6 feet).
The episode also highlights the need for mental toughness training and principled coaching: teachers should embed pre‑shot routines, breathing techniques and crowd‑resilience exercises so golfers of every handicap can retain composure. Teach a succinct pre‑shot sequence (visualize the flight, take a calming breath, execute within 7-9 seconds), and rehearse adverse conditions-wind gusts of 10-20 mph, firm lies, or recorded arena noise-to desensitize pupils. Offer two‑tier strategic frameworks: higher‑handicap players should prioritise conservative options (lay up to preferred distances,avoid forced carries); lower‑handicap players can practice aggressive pin‑seeking onyl when the risk‑reward clearly supports it (such as,a green with a 15-20 yard safe margin and a helping wind). coaches should also fold sportsmanship and crowd‑etiquette into advancement plans so technical gains and character growth advance together, converting instruction into measurable scoring improvements on stern tracks like Bethpage.
Investigation launched into crowd behaviour and event security lapses at Bethpage
After reports that the Bethpage tournament commitee resigned amid widespread accounts of disruptive, vulgar chants directed at a competitor, crowd management and event security have moved from off‑course concerns to on‑course variables that affect performance. From a teaching angle, coaches should prepare players for external interference the same way they prepare for wind or firm turf-through repeatable pre‑shot routines and scenario rehearsal. Useful checkpoints include 20-30 second visualization before shots,a steady two‑to‑three breath cadence to settle the pulse,and abbreviated practice swings when ambient noise rises. On a layout such as Bethpage Black-where narrow corridors and steep spectator mounds amplify sound-players should rehearse a compact 3‑step pre‑shot routine: (1) picture the target flight, (2) confirm alignment and grip, (3) settle on one committed swing thought. use this checklist to protect focus under pressure.
When distractions intensify, simplify swing fundamentals to preserve contact and direction. Reiterate setup basics: neutral grip, feet shoulder‑width, ball position mid‑to‑forward for long irons, and a forward shaft lean near 3-5° for compressed irons and wedges. Teach rotation targets-aim for a backswing shoulder turn near 90° and a controlled hip turn around 45°-and a tempo ratio close to 3:1 (backswing:downswing) to avoid rushing. Helpful drills include:
- Slow‑motion 9‑o’clock routine to lock positions and timing
- metronome tempo practice (60-72 bpm) to ingrain a repeatable rhythm
- Impact‑tape feedback to monitor consistent center strikes
These drills convert directly into “survival” shots when crowd noise spikes, aiding beginners in building a dependable swing and helping lower handicappers tighten dispersion.
Short game and greencraft become decisive when outside factors alter shot selection. On bethpage’s firm, sloped greens and step‑down approaches, prioritise landing‑zone control: for a 60‑yard pitch aim to land the ball 10-15 yards short of the hole and employ a lower‑trajectory shot that allows four‑to‑six feet of rollout. for putting under pressure, emphasise distance control with gate drills and a pendulum stroke: start with backstrokes of 12-18 inches for putts inside 15 feet and scale up for longer attempts. Practice sequences:
- Three‑cup routine (aim at 6, 12 and 18 feet sequentially) to cut three‑putts
- Speed ladder (putt past markers at 3, 6 and 9 paces) to nail uphill/downhill pace
- Bunker blast to a two‑ball target inside a 5‑yard circle to refine trajectory and spin
Also, read greens with grain and slope in mind-at Bethpage expect subtle grain shifts and factor roughly 0.5-1.5 feet of break per 10 yards on meaningful slopes when planning lines.
Course planning and equipment choices should mirror the venue and the potential for off‑course disruptions. under noisy or volatile event conditions-made evident by the committee change following the chants-adopt conservative lines: aim for wider targets rather than risky shapes and prepare for wind changes funneling through tree corridors. Equipment notes include picking a ball with predictable spin characteristics around the greens and shafts that instill confidence; for measurable progress, establish a practice cadence of three sessions per week (30 minutes putting, 30 minutes short game, 60 minutes range with target work) with goals such as lowering average par‑4 scores by one stroke within eight weeks.Fix common tendencies with concrete corrections:
- Over‑aiming under pressure – eliminate with a single alignment cue and an alignment stick
- Rushed transitions – rebuild tempo using the metronome drill
- Poor chip distance control – complete 50 wedge repetitions to develop feel
By combining technical, tactical and mental rehearsals-and by practising in loud, staged settings that mimic Bethpage spectator layouts-players at every level can convert instruction into steadier scores when event conditions turn unpredictable.
Club leadership faces calls to tighten fan conduct policies and enforcement mechanisms
In the fallout from the incident reported as Bethpage MC steps down over vulgar Rory chants, instructors are revisiting how they teach resilience and focus alongside mechanics.Instructional experts note that crowd noise and unexpected interference aren’t mere etiquette issues but practical variables that affect pre‑shot execution and target perception. To counter this, establish a standard pre‑shot routine adaptable for all levels: set posture (spine angle ~30° at address), align feet to the intended line, verify ball position (center for mid‑irons, forward for longer clubs) and use a two‑breath cadence. These cues create repeatable neuromuscular patterns so golfers can protect technique when distractions arise. For beginners keep grip pressure light (about 4-6/10); for advanced players focus on micro‑adjustments-toe/heel alignment and 1-2° of face rotation-to control initial ball flight under duress.
Teach swing mechanics as a ladder of measurable checkpoints, progressing from fundamentals to advanced refinements. Start the takeaway low for the first 12-18 inches and rotate the shoulders to approach a lead shoulder turn near 90° on full swings; many mid‑handicappers will benefit from a restricted shoulder turn near 70° to preserve balance. Transition into the downswing using a 3:1 tempo ratio (three parts backswing : one part downswing) to encourage sequencing and prevent casting. use tactile drills that provide immediate feedback:
- Impact bag drill – feel a square face and forward shaft lean on impact
- Wall takeaway – stop early inside moves by keeping hands clear of a nearby wall
- pause‑at‑top – improve transition timing with a brief hold at the top
Advanced players focusing on shape should add path‑to‑face work with alignment rods offset by 3-5° and monitor dispersion using launch monitors for spin and launch readings.
Short game coaching must be tightly linked to scoring scenarios, especially where course setup or hostile atmospheres magnify management choices. Teach a two‑step decision process when approaching greens: first select the landing zone based on firmness and slope, then pick the execution (bump‑and‑run, flop or full pitch). Chipping cues include a narrower stance,ball slightly back of center and a 40-60% swing to promote run; for flop shots open the face 10-15° and hinge the wrists decisively to generate loft. Practice plans should close measurable gaps:
- Wedge gapping – verify yardages for each wedge in 10-15 yard bands
- Lag putting – 30-60 foot drills with target zones to reduce three‑putts by ≥30%
- Bunker standard – 20 reps from soft sand focusing on entering 1-2 inches behind the ball
Common errors include trying to alter trajectory at impact (remedy with a slower tempo) and over‑rotating the lower body (fix with hip stability drills).These corrections lower scores on tough, noisy days by limiting random mistakes.
Strategy and the mental game link technique to scoring outcomes. Teach intentional shot shaping-practice controlled draws and fades with 4-8° face‑to‑path differentials based on the curve desired-and make club choices that account for wind, firmness and crowd disruption. As a notable example, when grandstands or hostile spectators create erratic noise, prefer the center of greens, use lower‑trajectory options into firm surfaces and pick clubs that broaden error margins. Practical drills for resilience include:
- Shaping sets – 50 balls alternating draw/fade with launch monitor feedback
- Simulated pressure – hit shots while teammates recreate distraction levels
- Visualization/breathing – a 90‑second pre‑round routine to lower heart rate and sharpen focus
Equipment notes-select wedges with the right bounce (8-12° for soft sand, 4-6° for tight lies) and confirm shaft flex to achieve desired launch-should be part of the integrated instruction plan so technique, gear and strategy produce measurable gains.
Urgent recommendations include increased stewarding, CCTV coverage and rapid-response teams
Begin with a universal setup and swing blueprint usable across ability ranges: novices should secure a neutral grip and a 50-55° shoulder tilt (spine angle) with the ball centered for mid‑irons and progressively forward for longer clubs, while low‑handicappers refine nuances such as 5-10° shaft lean at address for crisp iron contact. Steps: (1) align feet, hips and shoulders to the line using an alignment rod; (2) set weight distribution to 60/40 front/back for irons and move toward a 50/50 split for drivers; (3) take a controlled backswing to parallel, aiming for a 45° shoulder turn on 3/4 shots and about 90° on full swings. Test equipment-shaft flex and loft-to hit launch targets; for a mid‑launch iron profile target an attack angle near +1° to +3°.Emphasise rhythm: a 3:1 backswing-to‑downswing tempo builds sequencing and curbs casting.
Then prioritise the short game with precise cues and drill work. For chips and pitches keep the hands 1-2 inches ahead of the ball, weight around 60% on the front foot and use a compact, wrist‑light hinge for runny shots; in bunkers open the face 10-15°, stabilise with a dug‑in stance, put the ball just forward of center and swing on the foot‑angle line to splash sand. Putting fundamentals include eyes approximately over the ball, a consistent toe‑to‑heel arc and a stroke that accelerates through the hole with the face held within ±2° at impact. Drills:
- Gate drill for pure contact (two tees to force center hits)
- Landing‑spot drill for pitches (pick a 3‑yard target and vary wedge length)
- 3‑putt prevention – from 25-40 ft, make three consecutive 6‑ft returns
These routines produce clear targets (such as, halve three‑putts in six weeks) and can be adapted for fast, firm Bethpage‑style greens by practising lower, softer landings.
Translate practice into scoring through systematic course management and shot shaping. Start each hole with a brief risk check: distance to hazards, green runoff angles, wind vector and surface firmness; when unsure, choose a shot that leaves a comfortable approach-often 15-25 yards short of hazards to preserve a wedge. Mechanics for shaping include closing the face and flattening the plane for a draw, or opening the face and adding loft for a fade; for a low punch shorten to a 3/4 backswing, move the ball slightly forward and keep the hands leading through impact to de‑loft ~2-4°. In tournament or noisy gallery situations-mirrored by the Bethpage episode-tighten the pre‑shot routine: pick an intermediate target, rehearse two practice swings at the intended tempo and breathe for four seconds before stroking.If a lie is unplayable and the preferred relief area risks further penalties, select the safe lateral relief to protect your card.
Build a measurable practice framework that uses video and on‑course simulation for ongoing enhancement. Capture slow‑motion or high‑frame‑rate video (ideally 120-240 fps) from down‑the‑line and face‑on to inspect swing plane, low point and impact; treat clips like a review log with timestamps for corrections. Weekly plans should include:
- One technical range session (45-60 minutes) focussed on a single measurable-in attack angle within ±1°, for example
- two short‑game sessions (30 minutes each) with specific landing targets
- One on‑course simulation (9 holes) to practice strategy, club selection and wind handling
If a player slices, evaluate grip and exit path; if stopping greenside is a problem, increase loft or employ higher‑spin wedges and practise a steeper 65-75° attack angle. Integrate mental work-breath control, landing‑area visualization and a short focus mantra-to maintain concentration under stress. Together, these elements furnish beginner progress markers and provide low‑handicappers with exact refinements that translate into lower scores and smarter management.
Governing bodies urged to clarify penalties for abusive spectator behaviour at tournaments
Tournament committees and governing authorities are under growing pressure to spell out how spectator misconduct will be sanctioned so players can concentrate on performance rather than adjudication. To help, players should adopt a compact, repeatable pre‑shot sequence that preserves tempo and alignment when crowds turn hostile: a 10-15 second, three‑breath routine to calm the pulse, feet shoulder‑width, and ball set 1-2 inches forward of centre for mid‑irons (add ~1 inch forward for long irons/hybrids). Approach the ball with weight near 60/40 front to back for steadier contact, align using an intermediate target 10-20 yards ahead to lock sight lines, then make a compact backstroke no longer than the planned follow‑through to limit timing errors caused by external noise. These measurable building blocks give both novice and elite players a reproducible baseline under pressure and assist marshals and committees in assessing whether play was materially disrupted and warrants intervention under the Rules or local regulations.
When crowd abuse interferes-imagine a boisterous chant as a player navigates the downhill steps at Bethpage-technical adjustments can preserve shot quality. Prefer a shortened three‑quarter swing, hold a spine angle within ±3° through impact, and keep the hands slightly ahead of the ball (shaft lean 3-5°) to reduce spin and boost predictability. Drill examples:
- Impact Bag: 20 reps honing forward shaft lean and a square face at impact.
- counted Backstroke: 50 swings using a 2‑count back, 1‑count pause at transition, 1‑count through to stabilise tempo.
- Gate putting: 30 putts inside a narrow gate to improve face control under pressure.
These exercises yield measurable outcomes-aim to cut approach shot dispersion by 10-15 yards-and can be done on the range or during a short practice walk to replicate spectator noise.
course management becomes paramount when fan behaviour is unpredictable; shift from an all‑out aggressor plan to a risk‑managed approach that protects scoring. On forced carries or downhill steps like those at Bethpage, opt for a club that guarantees the safe carry and be willing to take an extra club into the green if wind or noise undermines carry confidence. Use shot‑shaping intentionally: for a controlled fade set the face 2-4° open to the path and aim slightly left; for a draw close the face 2-4° and aim right. Practical checks:
- Verify yardage with laser/GPS and add/subtract 10-15 yards for elevation.
- Increase club choice by 1 club when gusts exceed 15 mph into the face.
- Use conservative bailout lines (aim for fairway centre rather than corners) to reduce recovery difficulty.
these tactical steps link with equipment choices-loft and ball spin profiles-and help players across the spectrum protect pars and seize birdie chances amid external pressure.
Mental resilience and clear event protocol round out the response: players should document incidents, request marshal intervention promptly and rehearse pressure‑replication routines so performance is less vulnerable to spectator hostility.Implement daily practice blocks alternating technical work with pressure drills-for example, 10 two‑minute quiet routines followed by 10 two‑minute “crowd noise” rounds with headphones-and set measurable aims, such as cutting three‑putts by 30% over eight weeks or boosting fairways hit by 15%. Governing bodies must also publish unambiguous spectator conduct rules and sanctions so marshals can enforce removal, fines or match penalties when behaviour impacts play; concurrently, players should know how to lodge objections without impeding play. Combined, clearer rules, consistent marshal action and on‑course tactics that simplify setup, swing and club choices will preserve competitive integrity and let golfers perform under testing conditions.
Sponsors and players seek accountability as club outlines immediate remedial measures
In response to the controversy and the club’s rapid remedial steps, coaches and players are refocusing on fundamentals as the bedrock of accountability. Instruction begins with a reinforced setup checklist: shoulder‑width stance,precise ball position by club (for example,driver: 1-2″ inside left heel; 7‑iron: centred; pitching wedge: slightly back),and a spine tilt of ~5-10° toward the lead hip. Use slow‑motion video and alignment rods to validate the takeaway plane and hand positions at hip height; immediate drills include mirror work for consistent shoulder turn and a gate routine for a square face at impact. Rules and conduct reminders will be woven into lessons so players understand when spectator interference or play interruptions justify relief or a restart under committee authority-a procedural matter highlighted by the fallout from the Bethpage match committee stepping down over vulgar Rory chants.
from setup the next focus is swing mechanics and controlled shaping.Break the swing into checkpoints: takeaway to waist on plane, a compact transition with ~60% weight to the front foot at impact, and a controlled release through the ball. Drill work includes:
- Impact bag to feel a square face and a solid left wrist at impact.
- Alignment stick down the target line and another along the lead forearm to train connection and face alignment.
- Slow‑motion 8‑to‑4 to instil consistent transition timing and a neutral face.
Set quantitative targets-keep face within ±3° at impact on 8 of 10 tracked shots-and use launch monitor data where available to log launch angle, spin rate and dispersion.For shaping practice low punch fades and high draws using small (3-5°) grip or stance tweaks while maintaining path consistency so shot selection becomes intentional rather than accidental.
Short game and course management are central to the club’s remedial programme. Coaches will refine trajectory and spin control: for example, use a 52-54° wedge for 80-100 yard approaches with 35-45° landing angles to help hold firm greens, or employ a bump‑and‑run with a 7‑iron on very fast surfaces. Putting combines alignment checks with green reading-use AimPoint or a two‑wall mirror to confirm setup-then rehearse pressure drills such as 50 putts from 6-12 feet targeting a 70% make rate and 20 lag putts from 30-50 feet leaving 3‑feet or better 80% of the time. Tweak practice conditions-wind, firmness and green speed-to help players choose conservative targets (e.g., favour the fat side of greens or the back of fairways to avoid pot bunkers) and reduce recovery demands in competition.
The remedial programme connects technique to measurable practice and behavioural accountability. The club recommends a weekly plan of three sessions (two short‑game and one full‑swing) with session metrics-such as 100 successful chip/pitch shots to a 10‑yard target or 60% fairways hit with a chosen tee strategy-logged in a coaching diary. Offer tiered pathways: beginners focus on setup,contact and basic green reading; intermediates and low‑handicappers refine shape,trajectory and pressure routines using video and launch monitor metrics. Immediate measures also include mandatory etiquette and spectator‑management briefings for players and volunteers,underscoring that technical improvement and professional conduct are inseparable: progress requires equal attention to mechanics,strategy and the standards that protect the game’s integrity.
Long-term strategy advised: fan education initiatives, revised ticketing and community outreach
coaches at the range stress that consistent scoring starts with repeatable setup and efficient swing mechanics.Grip, stance and spine angle form the base: for a mid‑iron the ball should sit roughly one ball left of centre in a neutral stance, with 3-5° forward shaft lean at address and about 10-15° knee flex. Beginners should prioritise a neutral grip and chest‑height takeaway; low handicappers refine wrist timing and a slightly narrower takeaway to control the arc. To translate learning into play use these checkpoints and progressive drills:
- Setup checklist: feet shoulder‑width (narrower for short game), shoulders square, weight ~60/40 front‑back for short irons.
- Gate drill: two tees outside the clubhead path to enforce an impact window within ±3°.
- Tempo meter: count 1‑2 on the backswing and 1 on the downswing to stabilise rhythm under pressure.
Move drills onto the course by rehearsing pre‑shot routines and alignment on a chosen hole so the sequence shelters players from crowd noise and shifting winds.
Short game proficiency yields the most immediate scoring gains; measurable targets work best: aim for an up‑and‑down rate of 70% inside 100 yards for intermediate players and 85%+ for advanced players. Tune contact by adjusting loft and bounce: open a sand wedge to 10-15° of exposure for splashy bunker shots or use a 50-54° wedge with neutral bounce for tight lies. Practical exercises include:
- Landing‑zone drill: place towels at 10, 20 and 30 yards and aim to hit 8/10 shots on the target towel to dial trajectory and spin.
- Clock‑face chipping: chip from 3-7, 9 and 12 o’clock positions to calibrate distance control.
- Putting gate: narrow a two‑tee gate to 1.5× putterhead width to train a square face at impact.
Teach green reading by gauging slope visually and converting that to putt break-for example, a 2% slope over 20 feet may move a ball roughly 6-10 inches-and practise on real slopes similar to tournament surfaces. Current rules permit putting with the flagstick in; teach when leaving it in will assist pace judgement. In real‑course scenarios such as stepped‑down greens at Bethpage, coach players to stand behind the ball to assess fall lines, then rehearse the stroke without moving the feet to simulate in‑play focus.
Shot shaping and course management bridge technique to scoring. train deliberate shaping: a controlled draw can be produced with an inside‑out path of ~3-5° and a face closed by 1-3°, while a fade requires the opposite. When weather or firmness matters, adjust club selection by 1-2 clubs and reduce trajectory by shortening the follow‑through and de‑lofting the face. Tactical tools to avoid big numbers include:
- Risk‑reward matrix: identify bailouts and commit to lay‑up yardages (e.g., on a 450‑yard par‑4, lay up to 160-180 if forced carry exceeds your max).
- Shape control ladder: five balls per incremental face/path change (+/‑1°) to train curvature feel and distance loss.
- Pre‑shot for noisy conditions: a 4‑count breath, visual line and feel rehearsal to hold execution amid crowd distractions.
Test these methods on a challenging layout and record metrics (fairways hit, GIR, scrambling %) to set 12‑week improvement goals.
Long‑term player development improves when coaching pairs technical work with community access and predictable practice time. Programs that add clinics, revised tee windows and outreach increase participation and accelerate growth; aim to increase lesson‑to‑round conversion by 25% within six months.Effective components include:
- Weekly themed clinics: rotate swing mechanics, short game and course strategy with KPIs (e.g., reduce three‑putts by 30% in eight weeks).
- Ticketing adjustments: reserve practice tee slots and offer discounted twilight access for lesson package clients to ensure on‑course application.
- Community outreach: junior starter programmes that stress etiquette (silence at address), local rules and crowd behaviour-especially relevant after noisy incidents at Bethpage.
Embed mental‑game coaching across curricula-pressure drills (make 5 of 8 putts under simulated crowd noise) and a practice log to track progress. By blending measurable technical goals, exact setup and swing checkpoints and community outreach that improves etiquette and access, instructors can drive sustained improvement across skill levels and lower scoring in tournament settings.
Excerpt (150-250 chars):
Rickie Fowler withdrew from the WM Phoenix Open because of illness, pulling out before Friday’s play. Tournament organizers said he left as a precaution and will undergo further medical checks.
Outro:
Bethpage accepted the master of ceremonies’ resignation after intense criticism over vulgar chants aimed at Rory mcilroy. The club said it will reassess event procedures and fan conduct rules to prevent repetition, reaffirming a commitment to sportsmanship and course integrity.
LIV golfers granted a new qualification pathway to The Open, opening potential slots via regional qualifiers and form-based exemptions as governing bodies move to integrate emerging tour talent into major fields.
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