Championship Chronicles: Fairways, Follies, and Fantastic Feats

Welcome, fellow golf aficionados, to the realm of rolling greens, wayward swings, and endless frustration! We proudly present to you the Birdie Banter, a newsletter designed to cater to those whose passion for golf is only surpassed by their talent for losing balls in lakes and cursing under their breath.

Here's what we are stroking through today:

• Tee Time - PGA Championship

• Putting Predictions - Charles Schwab Challenge & LIV Golf Tour DC

• Tips & Tricks

• Meme of the week

Tee Time

PGA Championship - Oak Hill

Brooks Koepka's Remarkable Triumph at US PGA Championship Sends Ripples of Satirical Delight

In a dazzling display of golfing prowess, Brooks Koepka emerged as the victor, thwarting the valiant efforts of Scottie Scheffler and

Viktor Hovland, to add another US PGA Championship title to his illustrious collection at the iconic Oak Hill in New York state.

Koepka, at the sprightly age of 33, skillfully carded a three-under 67, securing his fifth major with a resounding nine-under total, leaving Scheffler and Hovland two shots behind in a state of golfing despair. Scheffler, witnessing a miraculous return to world number one status, shot a stellar 65, reaching an impressive seven-under. Hovland, despite stumbling with a double bogey on the 16th, managed to salvage a two-under 68.

Notably, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland concluded his campaign with a respectable 69, finding solace in a joint seventh position at two-under par.

Amidst the intense competition, a touch of magic ignited the atmosphere when Michael Block, a carefree club professional from sunny California, once again illuminated the East Course with a hole-in-one at the 151-yard par-three 15th. The spectators erupted in jubilation, showering Block with adoration and applause, while he himself remained blissfully unaware of his feat until he turned to his playing partner, McIlroy, and questioned, "Rory, did it go in?" Their warm embrace sealed the enchanting moment. Block's remarkable ace, the first at this championship since 2020, propelled him to a joint 15th finish, earning him an exemption for next year's tournament at Valhalla, much to the delight of his devoted fans.

While Block's accomplishment was awe-inspiring, it couldn't overshadow the captivating tale of redemption unfolding for Koepka, his fellow American golfer. Koepka, having held a commanding four-shot lead at the Masters in April, only to succumb to the triumphant Jon Rahm, found solace once again in his recent victory. "This is beyond belief," Koepka exclaimed, overwhelmed with joy. Reflecting on his journey, he added, "When I think back to where we were just two years ago, this moment feels unbelievably cool. I never even dared to dream of standing alongside such revered names. To join the ranks of Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thomson, Byron Nelson, John Henry Taylor, and James Braid as a quintuple major winner is nothing short of incredible."

Notably, Koepka's achievement holds even more significance, considering it comes merely two years after undergoing extensive knee surgery and his recent transition to the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf setup. With the Wanamaker Trophy in his grasp and a substantial paycheck worth $3.15 million, Koepka solidifies his position as one of the rare few, becoming the sixth player to claim victory in the Championship on three or more occasions, joining the likes of Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, and Sam Snead.

In the realm of golfing satire, Koepka's remarkable feat serves as fodder for celebratory mockery, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his extraordinary journey to success.

Putting Predictions

Charles Schwab Challenge

Behold, the epic tale of Michael Block, the chosen one who descended upon the Charles Schwab Challenge like a golfing deity. Though not the last man standing, his presence was an absolute necessity to complete the spectacle. The 46-year-old PGA Professional received the coveted sponsor exemption, ensuring that the field of 120 competitors at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, remained whole. Such is the unwavering power of a PGA Professional on a mission.

Colonial Country Club, standing tall as the exclusive haven for this prestigious tournament since its inception in 1946, holds steadfast to its single-course tradition. Oh, the audacity of change! No, Colonial shall not succumb to the whims of variety or innovation. Its manicured fairways stand as a testament to golfing sanctity, untouched by the restless winds of change. As the projected contenders scroll or swipe past, we delve into the heart of what lies ahead for the field—a path fraught with peril and a drought that has stretched its gnarled fingers into a third decade.

Dear field, brace yourselves for the challenges that await. Within the bounds of Colonial's hallowed grounds, golfers shall face trials beyond imagination. The clash of precision and finesse with the unruly greens shall be legendary. Winds shall carry whispers of dreams and aspirations, only to shatter them against the unyielding rocks of reality. Prepare for lost balls, shattered dreams, and a path to victory that is as treacherous as it is elusive.

Power Rankings

settled for an 11-way T29 at Oak Hill, but his left wrist emerged unscathed, relieving serious concerns. Oddly, his short game faltered, yet Colonial offers a forgiving terrain. Notably, he reigns as the tournament's all-time earnings leader.

Fresh off a forgettable T72 at Oak Hill, our non-factor hero prevails as the victor of Vidanta, and now sets foot on Colonial's hallowed grounds with a flawless 7-for-7 record. A stellar solo second in 2019 and a commendable T4 in 2022 highlight an impressive string of top 20 finishes. Busy schedule? No problem for this golfing force.

Our avenging hero returns, reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the OWGR after a remarkable T2 at Oak Hill, where he closed with a field-tying-low 65. The man to beat, week after week.

The Birdman’s Pick

With relentless determination, he's conquered 18 straight starts in 10 months, maintaining his composure. The 25-year-old boasts a flawless record at Colonial with two top 25 finishes.

LIV Golf Tour - DC

LIV Golf League Swings into D.C. After Record-Breaking Tournament in Tulsa

Fresh off his triumphant victory at the 2023 PGA Championship, Brooks Koepka is set to make his much-anticipated debut at LIV Golf DC. The event marks the league's seventh tournament of the season, hitting the midway mark of its thrilling 14-stop schedule.

In an exhilarating playoff showdown, 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson clinched the individual title in Tulsa, edging out Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith and Stinger GC's own Branden Grace with a clutch birdie on the first extra hole. This win solidified Johnson's status as a multiple LIV Golf event champion, joining the esteemed ranks of Koepka and Talor Gooch.

Meanwhile, Grace and the formidable all-South African squad of Stinger GC, led by Captain Louis Oosthuizen, celebrated their one-shot victory over 4Aces to claim the team title. This triumph marked Stinger's first win of the season and their second overall, building upon their success at the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event in London back in 2022.

The upcoming LIV Golf DC tournament boasts an impressive lineup, featuring not only the incomparable Koepka but also the 15 other LIV Golf League members who teed off at the PGA Championship last week. Among them, Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau, who finished a solid T4, and Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith, securing a commendable T9 placement.

Get ready for more electrifying golf action as LIV Golf League brings its star-studded cast to the vibrant capital city, ready to thrill fans and make their mark on the course.

The Birdman’s Pick

Hard to pick anyone else after his electrifying win in Oak Hill last weekend. Hopefully he hasnt partied to hard this week!!!

Tips & Tricks - Bunker Basics

Today, we're tackling the age-old mystery of the bunker shot. We start, as one does, with how you're clutching that clubface. Folks, this isn't a death grip situation; think of it more like you're helping the club to take a little sand vacation.

A bunker shot is essentially a beach party for your club. Its mission? To gracefully glide over the sand without so much as a by-your-leave. And for that little dance to happen, you need the club to meet the sand with its widest part. Yes, we're talking about the clubhead's sole, not to be confused with the sole of your golf shoes

1) Club Choice

A correct club is crucial for bunker shots. Typically, opt for a sand wedge (56 degrees) or higher with the right bounce for smooth sand navigation.

2) Sand Evaluation

Inspect your ball's lie in the sand. Is it damp and packed or dry and fine? Your strategy will depend on the sand's condition.

3) Clubface Positioning

Set the clubface based on sand condition. Use a more closed clubface for packed sand and open it for fine sand.

4) Positioning Adjustments

Maintain a wide stance in the sand for balance, grounding your feet for a firm base. Play the ball slightly forward in your stance, aiming a bit left of your target. If the blade is more open, aim further left.

5) Swing Adaptation

Bunker shots require a steep angle of attack. Achieve this by aggressively hinging your wrists. Aim to hit an inch or two behind the ball, letting the club glide through the sand. The ball should lift out with the sand, landing safely on the green.

Until next time, bunker-dwellers, stay sandy!

Meme of the Week

And so, fellow fairway fanatics, as our golf escapades come to a close, let's take a moment to channel our inner Birdman, flap our wings, and soar into the sunset. Remember, keep your head down, swing easy, and don't forget to replace your divots.

Don't forget to join us on twitter & instagram.

The Birdman

P.S. - For all of our loyal readers we are changing from 2 newsletters a week to 1 on a Wednesday. We will be including all of your favorite topics such a “Tee Times”, “Putting Predictions”, “Tips & Tricks” and keep an eye out for some new content!!!