2021 Bank of Hope LPGA Match Play (May 26 - 30)

[Argonne69]

4 minutes ago, Stooch said:

 

I'm pretty sure here in Canada, the USGA and TSN (biggest Sports Network) have their own deal.  In 2020, both Men's and Women Peacock coverage was played with our On-Air TSN Network coverage, I think we are Geo-blocked with Peacock here in Canada.

 

A VPN doesn't take care of the geo blocking? 

[Stooch]

Just now, Argonne69 said:

 

A VPN doesn't take care of the geo blocking? 

 

Sure, but I'd still have to pay for the service and outside a few hours of golf every year, sub'ing Peacock has never even come up lol

[Golf Dino]

6 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

A VPN doesn't take care of the geo blocking? 

 

Actually it doesn't.   To use the NBC services, much like the Golf Channels, we would have to identify the US cable provider along with our account details in order to access the GC or Peacock services.   Big Cable here in Canada doesn't want to lose its ability to throttle its customers for as much money as possible.

[18majors]

14 minutes ago, Stooch said:

 

I'm pretty sure here in Canada, the USGA and TSN (biggest Sports Network) have their own deal.  In 2020, both Men's and Women Peacock coverage was played with our On-Air TSN Network coverage, I think we are Geo-blocked with Peacock here in Canada.

 

 

Peacock will account for 6 of the total 26 hours of live coverage; it sounds you'll miss all of that?  It's unfortunate.

 

One other big deal is the featured group coverage that Fox used to carry and did a fantastic job.  I'm not optimistic NBC/Golf Channel will resuscitate it next week.

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2021 by 18majors

[Golf Dino]

5 minutes ago, Golf Dino said:

 

Actually it doesn't.   To use the NBC services, much like the Golf Channels, we would have to identify the US cable provider along with our account details in order to access the GC or Peacock services.   Big Cable here in Canada doesn't want to lose its ability to throttle its customers for as much money as possible.

 

To clarify, in order to subscribe to or use the "free streaming" service on GC, we must select our cable provider that we use in the U.S. along with our account details (which naturally we don't have) ... and that is how we get screened out from GC, Peacock, etc. . . 

 

Now if @18majors or @Argonne69 would share their details with us, we could log on and get access using a VPN!  😄 

 

[Stooch]

4 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

 

Peacock will account for 6 of the total 26 hours of live coverage; it sounds you'll miss all of that?  It's unfortunate.

 

One other big deal is the featured group coverage that Fox used to carry and did a fantastic job.  I'm not optimistic NBC/Golf Channel will resuscitate it next week.

 

 

 

 

 

No, we'll get the Peacock coverage, when the US has to use Peacock, it shows up on our TV as normal programming,  I'm not sure who but TSN is paying somebody for that time.  Or at least it did in 2020, I guess it could change this year, who knows lol

[Stooch]

1 minute ago, Stooch said:

 

No, we'll get the Peacock coverage, when the US has to use Peacock, it shows up on our TV as normal programming,  I'm not sure who but TSN is paying somebody for that time.  Or at least it did in 2020, I guess it could change this year, who knows lol

 

Or I guess to keep it in spirit of streaming, TSN can throw that time on their paid streaming service which is fine, I get it as a subscriber, although remembering all the passwords could be touch and go 😂

[Shilgy]

23 hours ago, golfortennis said:

 

Was just about to say the same.  Good grief.  Is she afraid of missing the ball?

Worked for Jack in ‘86

 

On 5/26/2021 at 9:37 AM, Argonne69 said:

I like Natalie, but c'mon, how does she get in this event as a sponsor invite? I can think of a dozen players that didn't make it that would be better picks based on their recent play.

 

Ummm, that’s not typically how sponsors invites work.  I know you know this but level of play has little to do with sponsor exemptions.

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, Shilgy said:

Worked for Jack in ‘86

 

Ummm, that’s not typically how sponsors invites work.  I know you know this but level of play has little to do with sponsor exemptions.

 

Yes, I know that, but this is a limited field event. It was the same with the CME last year. The so-called tour championship should not have sponsors invites, or they should go to players who missed the cutoff due to extenuating circumstances.

 

[elwhippy]

The course is magnificent. Love watching Henderson tear into the ball. 

[18majors]

Welcome back, Nasa: we haven't seen you for a while!

 

 

[Oldboy]

were the groups selected randomly?

[Argonne69]

4 minutes ago, Oldboy said:

were the groups selected randomly?

 

No. Seedings are based on world rankings, and then the players are distributed based on a formula that ensures the top players have the "easiest" pairing in the next round assuming the higher seed moves forward in each group. 

 

For example, Jin Young (#1) has the 32nd, 33rd, and 64th ranked player in her group. Inbee (#2) has the 31st, 34th, and 63rd ranked players. Sei Young (#3) has the 30th, 35th, and 62nd ranked players. Etc, etc. 

 

[HMHS]

Sigh, why bother with grp #15.... 😈

 

ok c'mon grps #1 (JYK), 3 (SYK), 11 (SYR)... 🧐

 

 

[Raving Shanker]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Yes, I know that, but this is a limited field event. It was the same with the CME last year. The so-called tour championship should not have sponsors invites, or they should go to players who missed the cutoff due to extenuating circumstances.

 

I absolutely agree with that. The Tour Championship, with the biggest prize in women's golf, based on the entire season's performance, should not have sponsor invites. That was bizarre.

[Raving Shanker]

I was amazed at how uncomfortable JYK looked when asked about match-play! Is this the culture of women versus men, or the Koreans/Asians versus occidentals?

 

In a way, JYK embraces that spirit of the game where it is a self-discipline and struggle for self mastery. But we also embrace golf as a chance to be showy, sledge our opponents a bit, and generally mess around. I am not sure what the right balance is.

 

And on a similar theme, Ariya claps enthusiastically when Lauren Stephenson holes a putt to halve their match!!! I think I like that overall.

[18majors]

Jennifer keeps her hope alive

 

 

[Golf Dino]

22 minutes ago, Raving Shanker said:

I was amazed at how uncomfortable JYK looked when asked about match-play! Is this the culture of women versus men, or the Koreans/Asians versus occidentals?

 

In a way, JYK embraces that spirit of the game where it is a self-discipline and struggle for self mastery. But we also embrace golf as a chance to be showy, sledge our opponents a bit, and generally mess around. I am not sure what the right balance is.

 

And on a similar theme, Ariya claps enthusiastically when Lauren Stephenson holes a putt to halve their match!!! I think I like that overall.

 

It's a big generalization, but I think in those general terms, match play golf is not as "evolved" as it is North America and the U.K.    And when I say "evolved", I mean that the culture in East Asia and Japan and South Korea in particular is not as competitive and is so very polite that I get the sense that the winner in match play would apologize for winning.  

 

Match play is one of the only forms of play where you literally are playing the other person and it becomes that much more competitive.  A player can pressure another with a beautiful tee shot, putting a par 5 within range of a second shot; the approach shot stuffed near the pin, means the opponent has to consider getting the ball closer and not the safer middle of the green and 2 - putt.   

 

Match play can be psychological, which means that a player like Danielle Kang shines ... her aggressiveness and tough exterior can intimidate her opponents.  I almost believe that when a Korean or Asian player wins, its not because of the "competitiveness" or psychological intimidation, but that they simply played a good round of golf -- better than their opponent and winning the match in the process.  Again, I know its a generalization but I do think that there is something to this.

[18majors]

5 minutes ago, Golf Dino said:

Match play can be psychological, which means that a player like Danielle Kang shines

 

 

Danielle Kang's rose to fame with her back to back US Women's Amateur win in 2011 and 2012.  Clearly, she shined with both her golf talent and her mentality.

 

Are you surprised that her career Solheim Cup Record is 4-4-0, four wins four losses and no ties?  Do you attribute it to the aggressiveness of European Solheim Cup teams?

 

 

[postfold]

1 hour ago, Raving Shanker said:

I absolutely agree with that. The Tour Championship, with the biggest prize in women's golf, based on the entire season's performance, should not have sponsor invites. That was bizarre.

 

While I certainly agree in principle, the CME Group puts a ton of money into the LPGA.  If they want sponsor invites and I'm the commissioner I'm saying yes (at least within reason).  Someday when the LPGA has USGA or PGA Tour money they can be purists and say no.

[Golf Dino]

1 minute ago, 18majors said:

 

 

Danielle Kang's rose to fame with her back to back US Women's Amateur win in 2011 and 2012.  Clearly, she shined with both her golf talent and her mentality.

 

Are you surprised that her career Solheim Cup Record is 4-4-0, four wins four losses and no ties?  Do you attribute it to the aggressiveness of European Solheim Cup teams?

 

 

 

 

For sure!  Danielle has always had the reputation as an extremely good player in match play format.  Yeah, of course her Solheim Cup record is going to be reflective of the inspirational/motivational play by the Europeans.  There is no point in leaving a putt short if you need to sink it to halve the hole so the fear of a three-putt is neutralized.

 

 

I think some of the players to watch in this event (from a Solheim Cup perspective) include Leona Maguire, Bronte Law (who really needs to up her play to get into the Solheim Cup and a good showing here may cement her as a captains pick if she doesn't qualify). 

 

Also, players like Celine Boutier (not having her best season in 2020-21), Caroline Masson, Azathara, Anna Nordqvist and Sophia Popov will use it to get back into the match play mindset (even though it doesn't tke place till September).    Others will use it to (hopefully) put up a good showing for one of the captains picks.

 

As it stands, the European Team (as of May 26) is: 

Emily Kristine Pedersen

Nanna Koerstz Madsen

Sophia Popov

Carlota Ciganda

Mel Reid

Charley Hull 

 

There are 6 - captains picks. 

 

[18majors]

50 minutes ago, Golf Dino said:

Yeah, of course her Solheim Cup record is going to be reflective of the inspirational/motivational play by the Europeans.

 

 

Solheim Cup is big, it's almost bigger than LPGA.

 

I read in many forums that Solheim Cup should be cancelled, because Europe doesn't present as many high ranked players as Korea, Japan or Thailand.  What they don't remember is Solheim Cup may not be as big as Ryder Cup, but it's bigger than almost everything else.

 

Why kill a golden goose, especially a golden goose that has been laying golden eggs for more than thirty years?

 

I'm looking forward to Solheim Cup this coming September, it'll be a true spectacle especially after what Europe did in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2021 by 18majors

[jobin]

I can only watch next day on Utube.  A few thoughts: when i google LPGA, no news of this tourney.  The tourney list goes from Kingsmill to USWO.  Some confusion there.  Sure, more search can find what i want.

 

And i watched Leona Maguire on day one and noted her very fair skin color. Quite like mine (we share many genes, no doubt) so hope she takes good care of herself regarding skin cancer and the aging effects of UV radiation.  One big sunburn on her arm will teach her a hard lesson.  And to be frank, i had never heard of her before.

 

So i was surprised to learn of her long tern excellent play and USA connections.

More here on Leona:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leona_Maguire

[ChronicSlicer]

43 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

 

Solheim Cup is big, it's almost bigger than LPGA.

 

I read in many forums that Solheim Cup should be cancelled, because Europe doesn't present as many high ranked players as Korea, Japan or Thailand.  What they don't remember is Solheim Cup may not be as big as Ryder Cup, but it's bigger than almost everything else.

 

Why kill a golden goose, especially a golden goose that has been laying golden eggs for more than thirty years?

 

I'm looking forward to Solheim Cup this coming September, it'll be a true spectacle especially after what Europe did in 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I get it, it's a huge event. But, on paper US vs EU does look like a bloodbath waiting to happen despite the actual results. I would have zero issues swapping out Europe for the Koreans.

[ChronicSlicer]

8 hours ago, Golf Dino said:

 

The last I understood was that Butch no longer accepts anymore players and is actually looking to reduce that amount to just a couple.  The idea being that many of them would migrate to his son and others in the Harmon clan.

 

I believe he will take a peek at some video, he just isn't traveling anymore. 

[18majors]

6 minutes ago, ChronicSlicer said:

I get it, it's a huge event. But, on paper US vs EU does look like a bloodbath waiting to happen despite the actual results. I would have zero issues swapping out Europe for the Koreans.

 

 

I've no problems with your point of view.

 

But the way I look at it; talents change over years and tradition is forever.

[ChronicSlicer]

24 minutes ago, 18majors said:

 

 

I've no problems with your point of view.

 

But the way I look at it; talents change over years and tradition is forever.

Agree, it's about tradition really. Even though the rivalry really is nil. lol

[ChronicSlicer]

Well look who showed up to play some golf @18majors your girl Alison Lee! 

[postfold]

Alison Lee's wheels are back ON

 

Clutch putt on 18!

[18majors]

16 minutes ago, ChronicSlicer said:

Well look who showed up to play some golf @18majors your girl Alison Lee! 

 

Yes, Alison now and Yealimi later.