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U.S. Open

Shane Lowry Comes Close to Breaking Records with Spectacular 62 at PGA Championship

Shane Lowry Comes Close to Breaking Records with Spectacular 62 at PGA Championship

Shane Lowry missed out on the opening-round record at the PGA Championship by a single shot, but the Irishman nevertheless fired a superb seven-under-par 62 to take an early lead. The 2019 Open champion eagled the first hole on the Valhalla course in Louisville, Kentucky, and added seven birdies and no bogies in an almost flawless display. Lowry’s 62 was one shot outside the major championship record of 61 set by Branden Grace in the 2017 Open and tied by Marc Leishman in the 2018 Open.

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Thitikul leads, Korda in pursuit on LPGA Tour

Thitikul Takes the Lead with Korda in Hot Pursuit on the LPGA Tour

Atthaya Thitikul took a one-stroke lead over Nelly Korda after the first round of the LPGA Tour’s TOTO Japan Classic. Thitikul, 19, birdied four of her final five holes to shoot a 5-under 67 at Seta Golf Course. Korda, the world’s No. 1-ranked player, is one stroke back after a 4-under 68. Korda, 23, is seeking her fourth LPGA Tour victory of the season and her first since winning the Meijer LPGA Classic in June.

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Schauffele matches major record again with 62

Schauffele matches major record again with 62

Xander Schauffele shot a course-record 10-under 62 on Thursday to seize the first-round lead at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn.

Schauffele matched the major championship record for the lowest opening round at the 2018 Masters Tournament. He carded an eagle, nine birdies and just one bogey on the par-70 TPC River Highlands layout. Only one player has ever shot a sub-60 round on the PGA Tour — Rhein Gibson, who posted a 59 in the final round of the 2012 Puerto Rico Open.

Schauffele, 28, birdied the par-4 18th hole to cap his round. He leads by three shots over five players: J.T. Poston, Kramer Hickok, Cameron Young, Hank Lebioda and Martin Trainer. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 2 Rory McIlroy both shot 68.

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Factors Influencing the Design and Development of Golf Courses in the Contemporary Context

Factors Influencing the Design and Development of Golf Courses in the Contemporary Context

**Excerpt: Factors Shaping Golf Course Design in Modern Times**

In contemporary golf course design, design principles are influenced by a confluence of factors.

Environmental considerations paramount include sustainable practices and water management, shaping courses that harmonize with natural surroundings. Additionally, advancements in technology have empowered designers with sophisticated visualization tools and enhanced capabilities for course optimization.

Moreover, the growing popularity of recreational golf has spurred demand for courses accessible to players of diverse skill levels. Designers must strike a balance between challenge and playability, ensuring courses provide an engaging experience for all.

Lastly, economic realities impact design decisions, with budget constraints and projected revenue streams shaping course layout and amenities.

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Scheffler, McIlroy or Koepka? Can Tiger’s body hold up? Here’s what to watch for at Valhalla

Scheffler, McIlroy or Koepka? Can Tiger’s body hold up? Here’s what to watch for at Valhalla

With a major win already under his belt this year, Scottie Scheffler enters the Valhalla Championship as the favorite. Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka are also in contention, while Tiger Woods’ participation remains uncertain due to ongoing health concerns. The tournament will be a major test for all involved, with the undulating greens and challenging layout posing a significant challenge. Fans will be eager to see if Scheffler can continue his impressive form, if McIlroy can find his best again, or if Koepka can claim his third major title of the year. Tiger Woods’ presence will also be a major talking point, as he looks to overcome his physical limitations and contend for another major championship.

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Seven LIV golfers invited to PGA Championship

Seven LIV golfers invited to PGA Championship

Seven LIV golfers, including Talor Gooch and Hudson Swafford, have received special invites to the 2023 PGA Championship. The PGA of America extended the exemptions based on the players’ rankings and performance, despite their affiliation with the controversial LIV Golf series. The decision has sparked controversy, as the PGA Tour has suspended LIV members. However, the PGA of America maintains that its choice is based on merit rather than affiliation. The invited LIV golfers will avoid qualifying through the Open Championship for a spot in the U.S. Open.

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Tour Confidential: Brooks Koepka’s heating up, Tiger Woods’ U.S. Open spot and more

Tour Confidential: Brooks Koepka’s heating up, Tiger Woods’ U.S. Open spot and more

**Tour Confidential: Brooks Koepka’s Heating Up, Tiger Woods’ U.S. Open Spot, and More**

Brooks Koepka is heating up at the right time. The four-time major champion is coming off back-to-back thirds-place finishes leading into this year’s U.S. Open, one of Koepka’s best major performances in recent years, with finishes of 14th, T-4, T-36, and T-13.

And then there’s Tiger Woods. He says his body is good as he prepares for the U.S. Open. Woods hasn’t played since missing the cut at the PGA Championship last month. Even with the question marks surrounding his health, Woods will still be one to watch come Thursday at Brookline.

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Why Brooks Koepka has an ‘odd’ practice range routine

Why Brooks Koepka has an ‘odd’ practice range routine

**Brooks Koepka’s ‘Odd’ Practice Range Routine**

Brooks Koepka has always been known for his unique approach to the game of golf. From his unconventional swing to his often stoic demeanor, Koepka is not afraid to do things his own way.

And that extends to his practice range routine. While most players hit balls for hours on end, Koepka takes a more minimalist approach. He typically only hits a few dozen balls before heading to the putting green.

But what really sets Koepka’s routine apart is his use of a weighted club. The club is about twice the weight of a normal club, and Koepka uses it to develop his power and accuracy.

“It’s all about creating speed,” Koepka said. “The heavier club forces me to swing faster, which in turn helps me generate more power with my regular clubs.”

Koepka’s practice range routine may seem odd to some, but it’s clearly working for him. He is one of the most successful golfers in the world, having won four major championships and been ranked No. 1 in the world.

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Tiger accepts special exemption for U.S. Open

Tiger accepts special exemption for U.S. Open

Following injuries and limited playing opportunities in 2022, golf icon Tiger Woods received special permission from the United States Golf Association (USGA) on Wednesday to compete at this year’s U.S. Open.

Woods’ last significant event appearance is the 150th Open at the Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland, in July 2022. Before that, he made a brief return at the Masters and PGA Championship.

His last U.S. Open appearance was in September 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club, where he tied for 38th. Woods boasts an impressive record at the U.S. Open, lifting the trophy thrice, his latest victory coming in 2008.

Golf enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Wood’s return, following his grueling recovery from leg injuries sustained in a February 2021 car accident.

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