Few golf events bring the fun quite like this one does every couple of years. Buckle in for a week unlike any other and with that, it is time for our prediction contest and thread for the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The Prize
A few weeks ago, Titleist released their Vokey SM9 Flag Engravings and if you missed our feature on them, you can find it here. The winner of this contest will receive their choice of either the US or European Flag engraved limited edition wedge.
How to Enter
Post below who you think will win The 2023 Ryder Cup. Also share which SM9 engraved flag you would choose as your prize if you win.
We will randomly select one person that picks correctly and send them their choice of the new Vokey SM9 wedges.
Entries must be posted by the time the first players tee off of the 2023 Ryder Cup event.
Make your prediction now and win this awesome prize courtesy of Vokey Wedges. We will announce the lucky winner the following week on the THP Forum.
[QUOTE=”Nice 2, post: 11789178, member: 72638″]
Call it what you want, I will maintain putting has gotten into his nerves.
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Well, he still is number 1 in the world (total of 53 weeks). So, he is doing a lot right and I’d take his rattled nerves any day. Lol.
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 11788917, member: 65357″]
Saw a more footage of #caddiegate, bigger picture is pretty interesting.
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Tell us more. What did you see?
[QUOTE=”jezimmerman1, post: 11789251, member: 70643″]
Tell us more. What did you see?
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What I see is a caddy interfering with a guy trying to line up a putt. Rory haters won’t though. People can judge for themselves.
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Put Jack, Arnie, Ben Hogan, Tiger, Tom Watson, Sam Snead and whoever else you want to put on the team in their prime but do so today in 2023. The USA should never again be the favorite on European soil until they win again. EVER
After a full nights rest I woke up thinking about this event and it made me angry but gave me a clear head. With this new sense of clarity I have following take. Xander Schauffele is the worst great player in the game. He’s a fraud. He never shows up and always disappoints. He doesn’t get the criticism he deserves and while Cantlay got a lot of flak this week where is it towards Xander? He’s the #6 player in the world and he’s trash.
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11789507, member: 70831″]
After a full nights rest I woke up thinking about this event and it made me angry but gave me a clear head. With this new sense of clarity I have following take. Xander Schauffele is the worst great player in the game. He’s a fraud. He never shows up and always disappoints. He doesn’t get the criticism he deserves and while Cantlay got a lot of flak this week where is it towards Xander? He’s the #6 player in the world and he’s trash.
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I think some of that is fair. He won a gold medal for his country so part of the pass comes from that in my opinion.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789513, member: 3″]
I think some of that is fair. He won a gold medal for his country so part of the pass comes from that in my opinion.
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Yeah true but the Olympics is such a weird event. I think he gets too much credit for that.
The table has certainly been set for 2025 at Bethpage Black.
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 11789524, member: 65357″]
The table has certainly been set for 2025 at Bethpage Black.
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Oh yeah. I think the New Yorkers are going to have lots of fun with the Euro’s. LOL
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Interesting, although based on what I’ve read about Stefan probably worth taking with a grain of salt. No question that Xander’s play was a real disappointment, however.
I have to admit that Homa taking an unplayable from near the bunker then getting up and down (still from the rough) to win his singles match was one of the b@llsier performances that I have seen. Definitely the MVP for the US team.
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11789515, member: 70831″]
Yeah true but the Olympics is such a weird event. I think he gets too much credit for that.
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I for one am on the opposite side and think an Olympic gold medal should be high on the achievements list. Almost to a major. At least equal to a FedEx Cup and above the Players.
Is there a specific reason you feel that way? Field strength? Newish event for golf? Just curious because no one talks about it.
Should the PGA Tour move the Zurich to the fall so players on the team can get some reps in 4ball and 4somes?
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11789552, member: 70831″]
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If what is said is to be believed, he is not wrong at all.
Its been talked about for over a decade by some of the biggest names in golf. That the PGA of America takes in a ton of cash for this event and distributes the way they seem fit, including to the PGA Tour. So this small team’s money goes to the entirety of the tour’s retirement plan. And then if one digs deeper into how the PGA of America spends it, it comes off as a mafia like solution.
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 11789650, member: 51852″]
Should the PGA Tour move the Zurich to the fall so players on the team can get some reps in 4ball and 4somes?
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I like the idea. But I don’t think the players would want to play on Louisiana in September. The least hot day was 89 and most were mid 90’s.
[QUOTE=”odom730, post: 11789647, member: 46310″]
I for one am on the opposite side and think an Olympic gold medal should be high on the achievements list. Almost to a major. At least equal to a FedEx Cup and above the Players.
Is there a specific reason you feel that way? Field strength? Newish event for golf? Just curious because no one talks about it.
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Yeah field strength is the biggest issue. Idk maybe I am being a little harsh because it’s new and weird. It should and I think will be a good event but doesn’t feel like it yet.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789680, member: 3″]
If what is said is to be believed, he is not wrong at all.
Its been talked about for over a decade by some of the biggest names in golf. That the PGA of America takes in a ton of cash for this event and distributes the way they seem fit, including to the PGA Tour. So this small team’s money goes to the entirety of the tour’s retirement plan. And then if one digs deeper into how the PGA of America spends it, it comes off as a mafia like solution.
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Yeah I agree with the message but find it hard to root for the messenger (he and Cantlay).
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11789692, member: 70831″]
Yeah I agree with the message but find it hard to root for the messenger (he and Cantlay).
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I would argue that both sides have players that have been vocal about this internally and that it just made for good clicks to put it out this week.
I have no problem with them getting paid – but only for winning. And, if they get paid, then they have to pay for all the costs associated with them participaing, travel, lodging, food.
If they want it to be another ‘limited field event’ then they should open their wallets to get there. I know it’s a small price, still there is something about very wealthy people who play a game for their livelyhood asking for more for a week’s work every 2 years.
There is a solution but it’s not just sure here’s the cash – that is only part of the solution. Of course once it happens, and there are even more commercials and ticket prices double, and beer costs $18 a can – don’t complain to the event organizers – direct those complaints at the players – and yes, still that’s a small part of the whole.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11789725, member: 63219″]
I have no problem with them getting paid – but only for winning. And, if they get paid, then they have to pay for all the costs associated with them participaing, travel, lodging, food.
If they want it to be another ‘limited field event’ then they should open their wallets to get there. I know it’s a small price, still there is something about very wealthy people who play a game for their livelyhood asking for more for a week’s work every 2 years.
There is a solution but it’s not just sure here’s the cash – that is only part of the solution. Of course once it happens, and there are even more commercials and ticket prices double, and beer costs $18 a can – don’t complain to the event organizers – direct those complaints at the players – and yes, still that’s a small part of the whole.
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Thats just it though. I agree with this, but that isnt really the argument.
Xander never asked to be paid for the Olympics. Its not about being paid to play for your country. Its about the amount of money taken in and where it goes that is the struggle.
[QUOTE=”Bob M, post: 11789612, member: 60765″]
Interesting, although based on what I’ve read about Stefan probably worth taking with a grain of salt. No question that Xander’s play was a real disappointment, however.
I have to admit that Homa taking an unplayable from near the bunker then getting up and down (still from the rough) to win his singles match was one of the b@llsier performances that I have seen. Definitely the MVP for the US team.
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He is such an easy guy to cheer for. I was so happy to see him play so well.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789734, member: 3″]
Thats just it though. I agree with this, but that isnt really the argument.
Xander never asked to be paid for the Olympics. Its not about being paid to play for your country. Its about the amount of money taken in and where it goes that is the struggle.
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Yes, I get that too, and agree, have opened the books on this yet? I read (this am or late last night) something, maybe in Golf Digest that they try or are, a net even not for profit and all $ is distributed. Now, I have worked with many non-profit organizations and many of them get tons in salary, perks, bonuses in order to maintain that net even place. If this is the case here – and they are getting richer off the players, that needs to be addressed, and if possible fixed.
I still see (fear?) that the fan is the one who pays in the end – as they always seem to do.
Edit to add, and not saying that is the case here, but don’t most countries (including the US) give cash incentives to medal winners? May not be a lot for the professionals but still something.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11789761, member: 63219″]
Yes, I get that too, and agree, have opened the books on this yet? I read (this am or late last night) something, maybe in Golf Digest that they try or are, a net even not for profit and all $ is distributed. Now, I have worked with many non-profit organizations and many of them get tons in salary, perks, bonuses in order to maintain that net even place. If this is the case here – and they are getting richer off the players, that needs to be addressed, and if possible fixed.
I still see (fear?) that the fan is the one who pays in the end – as they always seem to do.
Edit to add, and not saying that is the case here, but don’t most countries (including the US) give cash incentives to medal winners? May not be a lot for the professionals but still something.
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Long live the masters app
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11789761, member: 63219″]
Yes, I get that too, and agree, have opened the books on this yet? I read (this am or late last night) something, maybe in Golf Digest that they try or are, a net even not for profit and all $ is distributed. Now, I have worked with many non-profit organizations and many of them get tons in salary, perks, bonuses in order to maintain that net even place. If this is the case here – and they are getting richer off the players, that needs to be addressed, and if possible fixed.
I still see (fear?) that the fan is the one who pays in the end – as they always seem to do.
Edit to add, and not saying that is the case here, but don’t most countries (including the US) give cash incentives to medal winners? May not be a lot for the professionals but still something.
[/QUOTE]
You nailed the issue that the players have (and it is far from just Xander).
The millions taken in goes to some suspect places and then a percentage goes to the PGA Tour to fund retirement plans of all players.
The PGA of America charity donations don’t exactly bring a clarity to the topic, based on their ratings.
If it was about the money solely, every one of these players would play for free and have the money donated. Sadly, it is used to fund an organization that many out there (not tour players) strongly believe stiff arms the game much like the mafia.
[QUOTE=”JW Smoove, post: 11789761, member: 63219″]
Yes, I get that too, and agree, have opened the books on this yet? I read (this am or late last night) something, maybe in Golf Digest that they try or are, a net even not for profit and all $ is distributed. Now, I have worked with many non-profit organizations and many of them get tons in salary, perks, bonuses in order to maintain that net even place. If this is the case here – and they are getting richer off the players, that needs to be addressed, and if possible fixed.
I still see (fear?) that the fan is the one who pays in the end – as they always seem to do.
Edit to add, and not saying that is the case here, but don’t most countries (including the US) give cash incentives to medal winners? May not be a lot for the professionals but still something.
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Don’t forget that the not-for-profit PGA Tour has for-profit subsidiaries.
[QUOTE=”Greg Kulbick, post: 11789905, member: 15014″]
Don’t forget that the not-for-profit PGA Tour has for-profit subsidiaries.
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Profit / NFP – 501c3 etc etc.
I think that this is a lot more confusing than it needs to be and that confusion makes people not look too deep into it.
Honestly, I don’t care where the money goes. I care about enjoying my time watching golf and the current state of professional golf telecast is almost unwatchable. This weekend was a highlight of that. You had only a couple groups on the entire course at a time and we missed most of the actual golf being played. PGA of America, PGA Tour etc need to take some pride in their products and don’t let companies like Comcast destroy their product. This was terrible coverage all weekend. ESPN and the Masters do a great job with multiple feeds and options. This has the perfect opportunity to do a multi feed redzone like channel. But whatever no-one cares what I think. But if you do care then I will also mention I think Azinger is a turd bucket.
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11790310, member: 70831″]
Honestly, I don’t care where the money goes. I care about enjoying my time watching golf and the current state of professional golf telecast is almost unwatchable. This weekend was a highlight of that. You had only a couple groups on the entire course at a time and we missed most of the actual golf being played. PGA of America, PGA Tour etc need to take some pride in their products and don’t let companies like Comcast destroy their product. This was terrible coverage all weekend. ESPN and the Masters do a great job with multiple feeds and options. This has the perfect opportunity to do a multi feed redzone like channel. But whatever no-one cares what I think. But if you do care then I will also mention I think Azinger is a turd bucket.
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I think if you were able to survey every golf fan they would agree with you.
Unfortunately some wanted clicks (and still do) and took it upon themselves for a false narrative about disfunction, etc.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789680, member: 3″]
If what is said is to be believed, he is not wrong at all.
Its been talked about for over a decade by some of the biggest names in golf. That the PGA of America takes in a ton of cash for this event and distributes the way they seem fit, including to the PGA Tour. So this small team’s money goes to the entirety of the tour’s retirement plan. And then if one digs deeper into how the PGA of America spends it, it comes off as a mafia like solution.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]
“including to the PGA Tour.” I knew Monahan had a hand in this fiasco.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”Saywhat4412, post: 11790310, member: 70831″]
Honestly, I don’t care where the money goes. I care about enjoying my time watching golf and the current state of professional golf telecast is almost unwatchable. This weekend was a highlight of that. You had only a couple groups on the entire course at a time and we missed most of the actual golf being played. PGA of America, PGA Tour etc need to take some pride in their products and don’t let companies like Comcast destroy their product. This was terrible coverage all weekend. ESPN and the Masters do a great job with multiple feeds and options. This has the perfect opportunity to do a multi feed redzone like channel. But whatever no-one cares what I think. But if you do care then I will also mention I think Azinger is a turd bucket.
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[IMG alt=”Black Power Yes GIF by BrownSugarApp”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/YrTrlxw4nIwK0lrQJp/200.gif[/IMG]
25 % of the America slice goes into the player pension fund, so they do get paid, which is more than the Euros.
[QUOTE=”Leftyuk, post: 11790871, member: 50513″]
25 % of the America slice goes into the player pension fund, so they do get paid, which is more than the Euros.
[/QUOTE]
As already mentioned…But that goes to 200 players (which includes the Euro players that play on the PGA Tour)
This is exactly the fight Rory has been talking about. That stars shouldnt be playing to pay the other people. Hence the reason limited fields became a thing again.
I overall really enjoyed this Ryder Cup at leat what I got to see anyway. The coverage was awful and they should be ashamed. But, that is the regular deal for golf coverage. I am almost to the point that I just say this is what it is…
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789816, member: 3″]
You nailed the issue that the players have (and it is far from just Xander).
The millions taken in goes to some suspect places and then a percentage goes to the PGA Tour to fund retirement plans of all players.
The PGA of America charity donations don’t exactly bring a clarity to the topic, based on their ratings.
If it was about the money solely, every one of these players would play for free and have the money donated. Sadly, it is used to fund an organization that many out there (not tour players) strongly believe stiff arms the game much like the mafia.
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Just like 80% of contributions to American Cancer Society, goes to affluent losers to have fancy dinners, field trips, and get fatter, more corrupt.
I’ve been following golf since the early 1960’s. The coverage on TV is basically unwatchable, and an annoyance to listen to. An amazing collection of Talented male and female pro golfers, who seem to let others bastardize their profits, and offer a consistently terrible media product. I think they bend over and act like silent children, cause they know they’re grossly overpaid, over-entitled. Shell’s Wide World of Golf was more entertaining, even w/o all their technological BS no one needs.
[QUOTE=”bill816, post: 11788985, member: 53310″]
Don’t want to wear the uniform . Don’t play should never be on the team again .
[/QUOTE]
Trivial, grow up
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 11788437, member: 3386″]
Hopefully they put that up on a never-ending loop on the screens at Bethpage. I’d love to see the crowd reduce that little pr*ck to tears.
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One of the greatest players in history, can hit a drive 450 yards. When did this stop being about a sport called Golf?
[QUOTE=”Sean, post: 11788405, member: 794″]
I don’t think he truly understands what NYC fans will be like, lol.
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And that’s too bad for golf.
[QUOTE=”aknow, post: 11791499, member: 50110″]
Trivial, grow up
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No, sorry: if you agree to participate in an event knowing you won’t get paid, don’t complain about not getting paid and publicly protest during the entire event. Cantlay will gain plenty of money from this and likely already has.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789734, member: 3″]
Thats just it though. I agree with this, but that isnt really the argument.
Xander never asked to be paid for the Olympics. Its not about being paid to play for your country. [I][B]Its about the amount of money taken in and where it goes that is the struggle.[/B][/I]
[/QUOTE]
Fundamentally this is the issue that led to some golfers going to LIV. Different governing entities involved now vs then, I believe. But there is a general theme here from the player’s side about transparency, equity, etc. I don’t blame them for being unhappy. I see it as a valid (holistic) issue.
Also, my gut tells me this was an issue amongst the US team and that it did have an effect. I felt like the story of the RC was less about Europe playing lights out and more about the US team being abysmal. 12 world class guys don’t simultaneously tank for nothing.
[QUOTE=”jezimmerman1, post: 11791561, member: 70643″]
No, sorry: if you agree to participate in an event knowing you won’t get paid, don’t complain about not getting paid and publicly protest during the entire event. Cantlay will gain plenty of money from this and likely already has.
[/QUOTE]
Its been covered relentlessly, there’s not truth to it.
[QUOTE=”Greg Kulbick, post: 11791729, member: 15014″]
Its been covered relentlessly, there’s not truth to it.
[/QUOTE]
From Xander’s dad’s comments it appears there is truth to the more global “what’s happening with the money” issue.
Not sure , I like the anticipation of the the crowd influence / performance
“ Just wait till he gets to New York “
It should be about the competition between two teams , not the theirs teams ability to contribute .
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11789734, member: 3″]
Thats just it though. I agree with this, but that isnt really the argument.
Xander never asked to be paid for the Olympics. Its not about being paid to play for your country. Its about the amount of money taken in and where it goes that is the struggle.
[/QUOTE]
It’s probably a bitter pill for the players when they know there are people making big money off it, and it’s not the players who are actually out there playing.
[QUOTE=”tequila4kapp, post: 11791734, member: 9704″]
From Xander’s dad’s comments it appears there is truth to the more global “what’s happening with the money” issue.
[/QUOTE]
Check the source : )
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11790903, member: 3″]
As already mentioned…But that goes to 200 players (which includes the Euro players that play on the PGA Tour)
This is exactly the fight Rory has been talking about. That stars shouldnt be playing to pay the other people. Hence the reason limited fields became a thing again.
[/QUOTE]
If they would pay each of the players that participated, $1M into their pension, do you think they would be ok with that?
I have no idea what it is like to see have 2 organizations use my name, likeness and ability to prosper. If the DP World Tour didn’t have this event, it may not exist.
I may be wrong but I don’t believe the Euro’s get paid a dime from the DP tour for their participation in the Ryder Cup. I believe Paul McGinley on the Golf Show mentioned this as well.
Maybe part of the problem, they play for country/team while the USA play for money/themselves.
[QUOTE=”jezimmerman1, post: 11791561, member: 70643″]
No, sorry: if you agree to participate in an event knowing you won’t get paid, don’t complain about not getting paid and publicly protest during the entire event. Cantlay will gain plenty of money from this and likely already has.
[/QUOTE]
Cantlay made it clear in his interview after his match that the story about money was a complete lie (as well as any kind of tension in the team room). Despite that, people still continue to believe the original story. Goes to show how easy it is to manipulate people on the Internet.
[QUOTE=”Deets, post: 11791901, member: 73093″]
I may be wrong but I don’t believe the Euro’s get paid a dime from the DP tour for their participation in the Ryder Cup. I believe Paul McGinley on the Golf Show mentioned this as well.
Maybe part of the problem, they play for country/team while the USA play for money/themselves.
[/QUOTE]
The Euro team gets paid the same way as the US team, through the contribution to the PGAT retirement fund (which almost every Euro player is a PGAT member)
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 11791872, member: 51852″]
If they would pay each of the players that participated, $1M into their pension, do you think they would be ok with that?
I have no idea what it is like to see have 2 organizations use my name, likeness and ability to prosper. If the DP World Tour didn’t have this event, it may not exist.
[/QUOTE]
Absolutely. I think they would be okay doing it for zero dollars. Again see the Olympics.
For a long time now members on both teams have struggled with the amount of money taken in and used in a way that they have no input on, including name and likeness