Ryder Cup Preview

Ryder Cup Preview

Hard to believe it’s been two years since the Ryder Cup was hosted in (kind of) our own backyard. The U.S. put on a dominating performance at Hazeltine National in Chaska, MN, (17-11 U.S. win) and the Euros will be looking forward to avenging the loss on their (kind of) home turf. Let’s take a look at the Ryder Cup so you know what you’re talking about this weekend.

Dates: September 28^th – 30^th

The Course: Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France (Outside of Paris)

Par 72, 7,331 Yards

The Albatros Course at Le Golf National will host the 2018 Ryder Cup, as well as the 2024 Olympics. Le Golf National has hosted the French Open on the European Tour since 1991 (with the exception of 1999 and 2001), so obviously some of the Euro players will have a course history advantage. Take a look at the course here. The place looks gorgeous.

The Format: The Ryder Cup is played over three days. The first two days are comprised of four-ball and foursome matches (see below), and the third day is 12 singles matches.

Four-ball is basically best ball, where everyone plays their own ball. In teams of two, the lowest score on each hole is taken. The team who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match.

Foursomes is alternate shot, also played in teams of two. One player tees off on odd holes and the other on even. The team who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match.

Singles is straight up match-play. Everyone will play singles on Sunday. The player who has the lowest score wins the hole. If it’s a tie, the hole is halved. If you win more holes than your opponent, you win the match (notice a trend?).

A team wins the Ryder Cup by gaining 14 ½ points (out of a possible 28). Each match in the three formats is worth one point, with halves (ties) worth ½ point. If the Ryder Cup ends in a 14-14 draw, the previous winner retains the cup. That would be the U.S. this year folks.

The Teams:

U.S.A. (CP = Captain’s Pick)

Captain: Jim Furyk

Vice-Captains: David Duval, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Davis Love III, Steve Stricker

Players: Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Bryson Dechambeau (CP), Tony Finau (CP), Phil Mickelson (CP), Tiger Woods (duh, CP)

Europe:

Captain: Thomas Bjorn

Vice-Captains: Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood

Players: Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Alex Noren, Thorbjorn Oleson, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Paul Casey (CP), Sergio Garcia (CP), Henrik Stenson (CP), Ian Poulter (duh, CP)

For the U.S., the top eight in the Ryder Cup points standings automatically qualify. The Captain (Furyk) then chooses four other players.

The European team’s first four are decided by the European points list, then the next four the World points list. The last four are also Captain’s picks (Bjorn).

What to Expect: As always, an electric atmosphere. I was lucky enough to go to the Saturday matches at Hazeltine in 2016, and it was, for lack of a better word, nuts. People were dressed in crazy costumes, screaming at the top of their lungs and yes, inebriated. It seemed to attract a different type of golf fan, which is awesome. I can’t speak for the Europeans, or if it will be any different because it’s the first Ryder Cup played in France, but I would guess they’ll be just as wild.

The U.S. hasn’t won in Europe in 25 years, but many experts think this is the team to do it. The Americans have often been overshadowed by drama between players (cough…cough…Tiger and Phil) players and captains (cough…cough…Watson and Phil) and simply not as much team chemistry as the Euros have had.

This team, however, is stacked. The U.S. has 9 of the top 15 players in the world. There is much more comradery than in years past. Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth grew up together, and are obviously good friends with Rickie Fowler. Koepka and DJ work out together and play a similar type of game. Mickelson has mentored many of these guys since they first hit the Tour. Patrick Reed is basically the U.S. version of Ian Poulter.

That’s not to say the Euros won’t be tough, especially at the site of the French Open. Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are in fantastic form, and Francesco Molinari won the (British) Open this year. They will be a little more used to the course and have home-field advantage, which I didn’t think was big in golf until Hazeltine last year. The crowds will be roaring and chanting through all three days.

Prediction: U.S. 14 ½, Europe 13 ½

I’m predicting one of the closest Ryder Cups in years. This is the strongest U.S.A. team since world rankings were introduced in 1986, but they’re away from home on a somewhat unfamiliar course.

Enjoy the pageantry this weekend ladies and gents. Happy golfing!

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What Does TrackMan Do?

What Does Trackman Do?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that we now have TrackMan at Hart Ranch. This week, we’re going to give you some insight into what exactly TrackMan is, what it’s capable of and how it can help improve your game.

TrackMan is a radar system that reads club and ball data by the changing frequency of microwaves reflected off the club and ball (much like a doppler weather system). This allows TrackMan to record critical data, including Club Path and Speed, Attack Angle, etc. In essence, it shows exactly why a golf ball behaves the way it does. TrackMan has redefined golf instruction, as old ball-flight “laws” were shown to be false when TrackMan was introduced to the industry. For example, for years people thought that club path was the main indicator of where the golf ball started relative to the target line. TrackMan showed that Face Angle was actually the main indicator (~80%). This along with other new data has changed golf instruction significantly.

Here are some of the many parameters TrackMan records:

Ball Speed: The speed of the ball immediately after impact. The biggest factor for distance. Center contact creates the most ball speed (relates directly to Smash Factor).

Club Speed: The speed of the clubhead at impact. More Club Speed equals more potential distance (relates directly to Smash Factor).

Smash Factor (Club Speed divided by Ball Speed): The amount of energy transferred from the club to the ball. The higher the number, the better. Max of 1.5(1) due to USGA club regulations.

Spin Rate: The amount of spin on the ball immediately after impact. Extremely important for distance and height of golf shots.

Club Path: The direction the club is moving (right or left) at impact.

Face Angle: The direction the face is pointing (right or left) at impact. This is the main factor in determining the starting line of the shot.

Face to Path: The direction the face is pointing relative to the path of the club. This is different than Face Angle, as it relates directly to where the face is pointing compared to the path of the club rather than the target line. Assuming centered contact, this is the main factor for Spin Axis (a fancy word for how the ball curves in the air).

Attack Angle: The direction the clubhead is moving (up or down) at impact. Shots hit directly off the ground should have a negative Attack Angle in order to create ball-first contact (this isn’t to say you should try to smash down on the ball like chopping wood folks).

Carry: What we all want more of. Carry is how far the ball is hit in the air before landing. Carry is mainly determined by Ball Speed, Club Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle and Spin Rate.

These are just a few of the numbers you’ll get when hitting golf shots on TrackMan. This data is why the best instructors and players in the world rely on it to get better, and so can you. Whenever we as instructors ask what our students struggle with, the overwhelming answer is “consistency.” The truth is, your swing is probably much more consistent than you think, just not necessarily in the correct way. TrackMan gives us reliable data to show you why you hit the ball the way you do, and ultimately give you the tools and drills to help you improve.

Be sure to stay tuned as we post updates on our new simulator room (it’s going to be awesome) and other TrackMan events. We’re ready to help you unleash your potential. Happy golfing!

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The Trackman Cometh

The Trackman Cometh

Besides the fairly recent revolution in golf ball and club design, nothing has changed the game of golf more than launch monitor technology. We’re proud to announce that we have acquired Trackman, widely recognized as the most advanced launch monitor in the world. Used by tour pros, instructors and amateurs around the globe, nothing has advanced the understanding of why the golf ball flies the way it does quite like Trackman.

Obviously, we’re excited. In the coming weeks, we will schedule demo days where you can hit shots on Trackman to get your numbers. It will also be available for certain lessons and clubfittings, giving you exact details on why you’re hitting that monster slice or hook. When the cold weather inevitably hits (ugh) we will move Trackman inside. There will be more information to follow as we iron out details, so stay tuned.

If you’d like to further your understanding, we highly suggest visiting TrackmanUniversity.com, where you can get a free, in-depth education on everything our new launch monitor offers. We’re looking forward to making your golf game better than ever. Updates will follow soon ladies and gents…let’s have some fun!

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Hart Ranch in Autumn

Hart Ranch in the Fall

“Cheesy quote about summer passing, leaves falling, changing colors, pumpkins and how lovely Hart Ranch is in the fall.”

-Those of Us Who Golf Hart Ranch in the Fall

Ladies and gentlemen, summer is almost officially over. That means the kids are back in school, football season is gearing up and some of the best tournaments of the year are coming to Hart Ranch. Be sure to clear your calendar for the following events:

September 15^th– Retribution of the Ranch (4-Person Scramble)

September 29^th – LA Open (ask Pro Shop for details)

October 13^th – 14^th – Gary Gross Memorial 3-Stick

October 28^th – Heaven and Hell (2-Person Scramble, Wavi Benefit)

We also have a Tuesday Night Fall League starting next Tuesday, September 4^th. This will be a 2-person team League with no weekly commitment (play any time after 4pm). We’ll play through October 9th, with a different format each week. Just call the shop at (605) 341-5703 by 1pm each Tuesday to sign up and reserve your tee times.

Keep an eye on the blog, your email and Facebook as we have some big news coming in the next couple weeks. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing. Let’s all enjoy the nirvana that is fall golf at Hart Ranch and try not to think about winter being a few short months away. Happy golfing!

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FedEx Cup Playoffs Preview

FedEx Cup Playoffs Preview

Introduced in 2007, the FedEx Cup is the PGA Tour’s version of a playoff, culminating in the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta. With over $35 million in prize money and $10 million going to the winner (but unfortunately not a gold jacket), there’s plenty on the line for even the richest golfers. Let’s take a gander at what is going to happen over the next month in professional golf.

Format

Over the 43-tournament PGA Tour season, players compete for points weighted heavily on high finishes and wins. The top 125 players in points move on to the FedEx Cup Playoffs (FECP), which begin Thursday. There is then a progressive cut, with the top 100 advancing to TPC Boston, then 70 to Aronimink, then a reseed with the final 30 going to the Tour Championship in Atlanta. The first three events of the FECP are worth 2,000 points (regular events are worth 500, WGCs are 550 and majors are worth 600 FEC points).

The Courses

The Northern Trust – Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, New Jersey (Aug 23-26)

Dell Technologies Championship – TPC Boston, Massachusetts (Aug 31-Sep 3)

BMW Championship – Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania (Sep 6-9)

Tour Championship – East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia (Sep 20-23)

Current Leaders

Click to see full FECP Leaderboard

Past Champs

2007 – Tiger Woods

2008 – Vijay Singh

2009 – Tiger Woods

2010- Jim Furyk

2011 – Bill Haas

2012 – Brandt Snedeker

2013 – Henrik Stenson

2014 – Billy Horschel

2015 – Jordan Spieth

2016 – Rory McIlroy

2017 – Justin Thomas

Some big names, no?

Prediction

There are a ton of big names at the top, but this feels like a year for a somewhat random winner. I’m going to go with Webb Simpson, who’s had a big resurgence and seems primed for another win which will vault him to the top quickly. If (and that’s a big IF) his putter gets going he’s one of the best on Tour tee-to-green and can compete with anyone. We’ve had three superstars the last three years, it feels like a not-quite household name’s year to win.

Here’s to hoping you can get out to Hart Ranch before summer really winds down. Happy golfing!

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2018 PGA Championship Preview

PGA Championship Preview

The Course

Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, MO

7,380 Yards, Par 70

Nick Price won when Bellerive last hosted the PGA Championship in 1992, but the course has undergone some major renovations since then. Rees Jones toughened up the course in 2006 (Jones has also worked on Torrey Pines and Winged Foot), but it appears the greens are running slow due to heavy rains this week. My guess is we’ll see a winning score around 15 – 16 under par.

Six of the par 4s measure over 450 yards, and the 524-yard 4^th hole usually plays as a par 5 for the members. The back 9 has a ton of elevation change and tree lined holes (reminiscent of Augusta), and long bunker shots abound here. It will take a good driving week for the winner.

The Field

This is a monster field, with 156 golfers teeing it up. All the high-ranked players will be here, but there are also 20 or so PGA club pros that qualify (awesome). The era of the club pro winning majors ended long ago, so you can write these guys off as far as actually competing (although there are some great stories). Look towards a high-ranked, heavy hitter to win this event, as the last 7 major champions have all been ranked top 25 in the OWGR.

Trends

– Six of the past seven winners of the PGA Championship finished T15 or better in their previous start before winning this event (Thomas finished T24 in his prior start in 2017).

– Four of the past seven winners of this event ranked sixth or better for the year in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee in the year of their win (Dufner 46th in SG:OTT in 2013; Justin Thomas 30th in 2017).

– The past four winners of the PGA combined to average 308.7 yards in Driving Distance for their years of their win.

Odds (Moneyline)

Dustin Johnson +800
Rory McIlroy +1200
Justin Thomas +1400
Jordan Spieth +2000
Brooks Koepka +2000
Jason Day +2000
Rickie Fowler +2200
Justin Rose +2200
Jon Rahm +2500
Tiger Woods +2800
Tommy Fleetwood +2800
Francesco Molinari +3300
Patrick Reed +3500
Tony Finau +4000
Alex Noren +5000
Henrik Stenson +5000
Patrick Cantlay +5000
Paul Casey +5000
Xander Schauffele +5000
Bubba Watson +5000
Hideki Matsuyama +6600
Marc Leishman +6600
Joaquin Niemann +6600
Webb Simpson +7500
Thorbjorn Olesen +7500
Bryson DeChambeau +8000
Kyle Stanley +8000
Louis Oosthuizen +8000
Matt Kuchar +8000
Phil Mickelson +10000

Prediction

Remember how I just said it would be a heavy-hitting, top-25 player that won this tournament? Nope. I’m going with a weird hunch and saying Ryan Moore. I really don’t have a great reason for you, but if there’s a major someone you don’t expect to win can, it’s this one (see Jimmy Walker, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Y.E. Yang, Shaun Micheel, Rich Beem, etc.). I’ll be wrong as always, but it’s worth a shot.

Losing Draftkings Lineup

Tommy Fleetwood

Patrick Cantlay

Ryan Moore

Jason Day

Xander Schauffele

Joaquin Niemann

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Yoga on the Green at Hart Ranch GC

Yoga on the Green

Do you know any golfers who’ve held the same handicap index for years, decades or generations? Know anyone who plays a lot but never seem to get better, no matter how much practice time they put in, lessons they take or clubs they buy?

The truth is that while all the above can certainly help, there comes a point when the body will simply not allow a player to consistently do what it takes to hit a golf ball long and straight. Even the umm… heftier players on professional tours tend to be extremely strong and flexible (even if they don’t always look it).

While any exercise is fantastic, and we would of course encourage you to continue with any regimen you’re on, there’s one all-encompassing form of exercise we can guarantee is great for golf: yoga.

Here are just a few of the many benefits yoga offers:

• Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility
• Decreased Pain
• Increased Endurance
• Decreased Weight
• Increased Strength
• Decreased Flab
• Increased Balance and Stability
• Decreased Signs of Aging
• Increased Focus
• Decreased Tension

If getting healthier and therefore better at golf (OK, you might still need lessons or a clubfitting) interests you, join us on August 11th and 25th at 5:45am (you can do it!) for a little Yoga on the Green. Teresa Parker from Sol Vibe will be at Hart Ranch GC to lead an outdoor Sunrise Yoga class in our beautiful setting.

The cost for each class is $10 for Hart Ranch GC and Sol Vibe Members or $15 for public (click the links to purchase online). This might be just the breakthrough you need for your game…see you bright and early at Hart Ranch!

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