Today, we’re shaking things up. I’ve categorized each event on the PGA Tour schedule, which is bound to spark various opinions and reactions. I’m ready for some debate.
Additionally, there’s a player spotlight on a golfer who’s been excelling off the tee, along with a reader-submitted question as always.
It’s a challenging task to neatly organize these events into tiers. For instance, feel free to criticize my decision to leave TPC Craig Ranch and Colonial out of the Texas Swing. I aimed to classify them in a logical manner.
Aside from a handful of events and the Playoffs, which haven’t been successful, the PGA Tour schedule is functioning fairly well right now. This year’s two-week span from the Charles Schwab Challenge to the Memorial is unexpectedly one of the highlights of professional golf, featuring two fantastic and contrasting golf courses. I hope to see a repeat in 2026.
The Scottish Open and Canadian Open lack excitement for various reasons. Improving the venue could elevate the Scottish Open to a top-notch tournament, while the Canadian Open suffers from poor scheduling that needs addressing.
Player Spotlight: Chris Gotterup
As I prepared for the Rocket Classic this week, one name stood out: Chris Gotterup, who has been performing impressively off the tee. Currently, he ranks 15th on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, gaining nearly half a stroke per round, although he hasn’t faced the toughest competition. Recently, though, he’s excelled in stronger fields.
At the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Gotterup averaged 1.5 strokes gained off the tee, placing second in that category. Over the last two months, his lowest off-the-tee performance was at the Charles Schwab Challenge, where he gained 0.4 strokes, finishing 26th in the field. Despite four top-30 finishes in his last five events, his putting struggles have hindered him, as he ranks 132nd in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Gotterup has a strong chance for a solid finish at the Rocket Classic, as Detroit Golf Club favors players with high ball speeds, and he’s among the fastest in the field. At just 25, with a Haskins Award under his belt and a previous PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, he seems well-positioned for future success.
Reader-Submitted Question
Reader: Are you going back to LIV Dallas this year?
Answer: No, not this year. I attended last September and found the experience decent, but hosting a professional golf event outdoors in late June in North Texas seems unwise. The heat in Dallas could reach 100 degrees this weekend, making for a tough fan experience.
Planning a professional golf calendar is complex, especially securing venues with adequate space. If LIV Golf intends to stay, I’m curious to see how they approach venue choices going forward. There are rumors of potential new constructions, and if they were to build a top-notch tournament venue, it might be their best move yet.
Overall, I believe there’s a gap in the market for a modern championship venue, and it will be interesting to see who tackles this challenge in the coming years.
That wraps it up for this week. If you have a question for next week, feel free to email me at [email protected]!
