The Bogey Times: Unearthing the 'Rough' Truths of the U.S. Open and Beyond!

Welcome, fellow golf enthusiasts, to "The Birdie Banter," where we bring you the most twisted tales from the fairways, the shocking shanks, and the divot disasters that make the game of golf both infuriating and absurd.

This week we'll delve into the chaotic realm of the U.S. Open, where players wrestle with unplayable lies, greens that resemble lunar landscapes, and the eternal struggle of finding a lost ball in the Bermuda Triangle of rough. Strap on your plaid pants and prepare for a hilarious journey through the pitfalls of the sport we love to hate!

• Tee Time - RBC Canadian Open

• Putting Predictions - US Open

• Tips & Tricks - Putt Like A Pro

• Meme of the week

Tee Time

RBC Canadian Open

Hold onto your putters, folks, because we've witnessed a golfing marvel courtesy of Jordan Klein at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Who could have predicted such a moment? Golf, the epitome of unpredictability, strikes again.

In a nail-biting turn of events, Nick Taylor soared to victory with a sensational 72-foot eagle on the fourth playoff hole in Toronto. Prepare to have your minds blown! This triumph will be forever etched in the history books, as Taylor becomes the first Canadian winner of the RBC Canadian Open since Pat Fletcher in 1954. That's right, folks, a drought of 69 years has been washed away!

Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum can hardly contain his elation, acknowledging the significance of Taylor's win for Canadian golf. It's like the missing puzzle piece, connecting Taylor's triumph with Brooke Henderson's CPKC Women's Open win. They will forever be linked, forming a harmonious duo of Canadian Open victors over the past five years. It's a moment we've yearned for, a moment that defies belief.

Let's not forget the visionary, Jordan Klein, whose LinkedIn message initiated Oakdale Golf and Country Club's journey to hosting the prestigious PGA TOUR. Against all odds, they made it happen! Oakdale joined the ranks of the tournament's elite venues, making a grand entrance into Canadian sport.

While Mike Weir's 2003 Masters victory remains iconic, we can't help but raise Taylor's accomplishment to the same pedestal. Alongside Brooke Henderson's win in Regina, it shines as one of the greatest feats in Canadian sports history. The trio of countrymen—Corey Conners, Mike Weir, and Taylor—followed every second of the gripping playoff, leaving no room for regrets. Beers in hand, they basked in the glory, cherishing this monumental moment.

So let's salute Jordan Klein, Nick Taylor, and Oakdale Golf and Country Club for making dreams come true. This triumph is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Canadian golfers. It's a victory that defies expectations, leaving us speechless and in awe of what can be achieved on the green. Cheers to an unforgettable milestone!

Putting Predictions

US Open

In a surprising turn of events, the glamorous world of Hollywood has once again beckoned a couple of A-list celebrities to take on leading roles in an unlikely field: golf course architecture. Yes, you heard it right! None other than Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, the darlings of the course design scene, have returned to grace us with their presence in the city of angels, Los Angeles.

It's been ages since Hanse and Wagner worked their magic on the North Course at The Los Angeles Country Club, but their artistic prowess refuses to fade away. The golfing playground, nestled snugly against the opulent backdrop of Beverly Hills, is all set to witness a spectacle that will surely leave spectators on their feet, clapping and cheering, as the 123rd edition of the U.S. Open unfolds.

But wait, there's more! Let's delve into the captivating challenge that awaits the players, and discover what it takes to make it to the legendary walk of fame. To uncover all the juicy details, dive right into the expanded ranking of projected contenders below. Get ready for a show like no other!

Power Rankings

The golfing prodigy! He triumphed at California's major and seized a Masters title just two months ago. With four wins this season, he reigns as the FedExCup frontrunner and claims second in the all-around ranking. A legend in the making!

The unwavering champion! His messaging remains unchanged since dominating at Oak Hill just a month ago. A two-time U.S. Open winner and a triumphant answer to a T2 at the Masters. His greatness knows no bounds!

Prepare to be dumbfounded! The world No. 1 graciously gives away strokes on the greens but still dominates in adjusted scoring on the PGA TOUR. Oh, and did I mention his impressive co-runner-up finishes at the 2022 U.S. Open and the recent PGA Championship? What a master of the almost-win!

The Birdman’s Pick

Behold the mighty golfing force celebrating his 10th anniversary US Open win at the cozy classic, Merion! After a decent T6 at TPC Sawgrass, he's been on fire, going 7-for-7 with three top 10s and six top 25s. He even conquered Pebble Beach in February. Talk about a golfing legend!

Tips & Tricks

Putt Like A Pro

To kick things off, don't just admire the green—understand it. Gauge your putt like a shrewd antiques dealer eyeing a priceless artifact. Become one with the contours and elevations. They're not obstacles, but stepping stones to your hole-in-one.

1) Read the Green - Before embarking on a putt, take a moment to fully observe your surroundings. The terrain on the green, rather than air factors, will influence your putt significantly. Take note of the ground's slope and distance to the hole by viewing it from behind and from a side angle. This strategy will offer valuable insight before executing your putt

2) Ball Position - When it's time to position your ball, place it closer to your leading foot. The ball should be perfectly aligned with your target line, with your gaze directly over it. Let your arms hang naturally and hold the putter with a relaxed grip. During your putt, ensure your hands stay level or even slightly in front of the ball.

3) Putting Stroke - As for the swing itself, initiate it by moving the putter backward in a smooth, controlled motion. The power should come from your shoulders driving your arms, not from your elbows or wrists. Aim to keep your putter on target while you draw it back and then as you push it forward. Consistency in your tempo is key here.

4) Strike the Ball - When hitting the ball, don't go too hard. The clubhead should meet the ball during your upswing. The feeling should resemble your right palm (if you're a right-handed golfer) pushing toward your target. The optimal strokes will appear seamless, with the club moving backward and forward at an equal pace. The goal is to achieve a rolling effect rather than a sharp hit, allowing for better distance control and preventing the ball from overshooting the hole.

5) Follow Through - Once you've struck the ball, remember to follow through properly with your club. Resist the urge to immediately track the ball with your eyes. Maintain your focus on the spot the ball once occupied for at least two seconds before checking the result of your putt. Avoid cutting your follow-through short or not giving enough attention to its force. A successful follow-through extends all the way to the hole and should never be shorter than your backswing.

Memes 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.

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The Birdman