2022 LPGA Season Odds and Ends

[Argonne69]

8 hours ago, KBong said:

https://sports.news.naver.com/golf/vod/index?id=889599&autoPlay=true&firstVid889599=&category=golf&listType=total

 

@Argonne69 just for you...the LOVELY HYP testing out some new sticks.

 

HYP is back as a Mizuno staffer....I'm kinda shocked consider HYP is near wash-out status.

 

I don't think she was ever not a staffer in recent years. She had a Mizuno staff bag last season. 

[KBong]

6 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

I don't think she was ever not a staffer in recent years. She had a Mizuno staff bag last season. 

I thought at one point she wasn't on staff.

I don't think her endorsement is huge.

[Argonne69]

10 minutes ago, KBong said:

I thought at one point she wasn't on staff.

I don't think her endorsement is huge.

 

A couple of years ago I saw her at a tournament where she didn't have her Mizuno bag. A few events later the staff bag was back. Now, there are plenty of staffers who don't have the company bag, so it doesn't necessarily mean that she lost her Mizuno contract. 

 

[Yellow Jacket]

I got selected to be a walking scorer at the KPMG Women's PGA here at Congressional this summer. It's not the USWO, no tournament is, but it's probably second best?

 

I'll also miss the amateurs compared to the USWO. I'd love to see Rose Zhang and the best college golfers. (US Women's Am was closed to outside spectators when she won here in 2020).

Edited January 28, 2022 by Yellow Jacket

[JungleJimbo]

On 1/26/2022 at 10:46 AM, KBong said:

https://sports.news.naver.com/golf/vod/index?id=889599&autoPlay=true&firstVid889599=&category=golf&listType=total

 

@Argonne69 just for you...the LOVELY HYP testing out some new sticks.

 

HYP is back as a Mizuno staffer....I'm kinda shocked consider HYP is near wash-out status.

@KBong Thanks for sharing that video Link... didn't know there's a "Mizuno Golf TV" with golf gear videos posted on Naver. (https://tv.naver.com/mizunogolfkr)

HYP = "The Rocket"? 🚀

(a.k.a. the first LPGA pro that was highlighted in @Argonne69's fashion thread, circa 2015?)

 

Edited January 28, 2022 by JungleJimbo

[18majors]

 

 

The story continues on Grace and Jane Park.  Both Nelly and Lydia reached out on Jane's behalf today to ask about potential stem cell treatments for Grace.  Below is heart warming story about Megan Khang, Alison Lee, Danielle and Nelly:

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by 18majors

[postfold]

Hit up the LPGA YouTube channel for an all access feature from the CME Group Tour Championship.  I'm only a few minutes in but so far it's well done.  Two more episodes coming this week too.

[fredogolfer]

12 hours ago, postfold said:

Hit up the LPGA YouTube channel for an all access feature from the CME Group Tour Championship.  I'm only a few minutes in but so far it's well done.  Two more episodes coming this week too.

I didn’t think it was very well done. The camera work is shoddy in parts as is the audio. If the LPGA is trying to jump on the Formula One Drive to Survive bandwagon, the standard has been raised and everything will compare to that. I was surprised to find out Gaby and Amy Anderson are friends. I don’t believe what Amy said though, that everyone on the LPGA tour are friends. Not true at all and not sure why the LPGA continues to try and sell that narrative. 

[KBong]

1 hour ago, fredogolfer said:

1) I didn’t think it was very well done. 

 

2) I was surprised to find out Gaby and Amy Anderson are friends.

 

3) I don’t believe what Amy said though, that everyone on the LPGA tour are friends. Not true at all and not sure why the LPGA continues to try and sell that narrative. 

1) I found it a bit boring....I didn't really learn anything new or interesting....give me some WITB stuff.

At 1st...I thought it was going to be The Nelly Korda Show....but they knew better to stick with her as it would have been a snoozefest.

 

2) Me too.....Gaby is friends with the RR #1...but I'm sure JYK has better things to do at night than to chop up a bunch of vegetables....the segment in the kitchen was BORING.

 

3) Tru Dat...are you friends with everyone in your office?...NO.

The LPGA is all about Pink Ribbons, Cotton Candy and Unicorns....it's pretty pathetic considering their main target market is middle age drooling guys.

How many women or young kids/teen do you know who consistently follow or watch the LPGA.

 

The 1st video has only 16k views on Youtube...it's not exactly going viral.

Hopefully the next 2 videos are better, but I'm not holding my breathe. 

 

A video with GIMMEE partying with her gal pals in Vegas would be worth watching.

Edited February 1, 2022 by KBong

[Golf Dino]

3 minutes ago, KBong said:

A video with GIMMEE partying with her gal pals in Vegas would be worth watching.

 

 

The Real Golfers of Las Vegas ??   Sponsored by whatever casino/hotel sponsored them in the past?

[KBong]

1 hour ago, Golf Dino said:

 

 

The Real Golfers of Las Vegas ??   Sponsored by whatever casino/hotel sponsored them in the past?

MGM Grand🤣

 

I think, except for Bronte Law....I suspect Alison's gal pals aren't really golfers???...I think many are UCLA sorority sisters.

[postfold]

On 12/16/2021 at 9:22 AM, 18majors said:

 

 

 

3 hours ago, fredogolfer said:

I didn’t think it was very well done. The camera work is shoddy in parts as is the audio. If the LPGA is trying to jump on the Formula One Drive to Survive bandwagon, the standard has been raised and everything will compare to that. I was surprised to find out Gaby and Amy Anderson are friends. I don’t believe what Amy said though, that everyone on the LPGA tour are friends. Not true at all and not sure why the LPGA continues to try and sell that narrative. 

 

I'm sure it was done on a shoestring and frankly I'm comparing it to No Laying Up videos and stuff like that.  Haven't seen the F1 video.

 

As for the narrative, Amy comes across as a very friendly, likeable person - it may just be her perception because she gets along with everyone.

 

1 hour ago, KBong said:

1) I found it a bit boring....I didn't really learn anything new or interesting....give me some WITB stuff.

 

 

Yeah, I'm sure that'll bring the casualfans on social media 🤣

[KBong]

2 minutes ago, postfold said:

Yeah, I'm sure that'll bring the casualfans on social media 🤣

LMAO.

Ya...we know what the casual golf fans wants....2 things.

 

Paige THE POSER Spiranac has 5M+ IG followers.

[ChronicSlicer]

5 hours ago, KBong said:

LMAO.

Ya...we know what the casual golf fans wants....2 things.

 

Paige THE POSER Spiranac has 5M+ IG followers.

Beer and Hot Wings? 🤷‍♂️

[KBong]

1 hour ago, ChronicSlicer said:

Beer and Hot Wings? 🤷‍♂️

I like my wings deep fried and then with a squeeze of lemon and some salt OR with some honey garlic sauce to dip the wings in.

 

In the 1960's, my dad was a partner & GM of a very popular Chinese restaurant....the owner who supplied the restaurant with chicken would give my dad chicken wings for free....why?.....he could not sell the wings....no demand.

In the 70's my mom would make beef stew with ox tail....why?...it was so cheap to buy...nowadays...ox tail is about $12-$13/lb....nothing is CHEAP nowadays...Covid has not helped.

Ox tail is great if prepared properly.

[Argonne69]

Anyone else getting pop-ups on the LPGA website on every single page? Really annoying.

 

[KBong]

4 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Anyone else getting pop-ups on the LPGA website on every single page? Really annoying.

 

#DRIVEON😛

[KBong]

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/rose-zhang-rachel-heck-headline-augusta-national-womens-amateur-commitments

 

Defending champ is not playing or maybe has yet to make her commitment???

@Supermilo any news?

[KBong]

Zalatoris had Covid...now a WD from Pebble.

 

I'm surprised there have been few Covid WD's on the LPGA...unless they don't disclose many.....quite a few Covid WD's on the PGA tour.

[fredogolfer]

The All Access Part 2 was an improvement on Part 1 but still A bit blah. I think what makes this different than Formula One: Drive to Survive is the lack of compelling personal stories. At the end of the day regardless of what they’re doing this is little more of a collection of interviews with some b roll very little actual “behind the scenes.” The pickle ball feature was fun but as much as I love Gaby her workout segment was boring. Lots of generic statements  about pushing yourself, growth, mental strength etc. 

Edited February 2, 2022 by fredogolfer

[HMHS]

1 hour ago, KBong said:

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/rose-zhang-rachel-heck-headline-augusta-national-womens-amateur-commitments

 

Defending champ is not playing or maybe has yet to make her commitment???

@Supermilo any news?

she was sent an invitation but didn't bother... aka, she's probably turning pro... 

Edited February 2, 2022 by HMHS

[KBong]

3 minutes ago, Supermilo said:

dude, she's already turning pro...

Thanks...I didn't know...so did she qualify for the JLPGA via their Q school.

[HMHS]

3 minutes ago, KBong said:

Thanks...I didn't know...so did she qualify for the JLPGA via their Q school.

correction/grammatical mistake: she's tried to turn pro last year and  is still trying to turn pro again this year -- eg she did take the "professional" test aka QSeries japan version but failed... either way, i'm sure she'll be trying again and hence the decline of the invite... 

 

edit: she obviously failed to pass their QSeries in 2021 based on my above statement, just to be super clear LOL 

Edited February 2, 2022 by HMHS

[KBong]

1 minute ago, Supermilo said:

correction/grammatical mistake: she's tried to turn pro last year and  is still trying to turn pro again this year -- eg she did take the "professional" test aka QSeries japan version but failed... either way, i'm sure she'll be trying again and hence the decline of the invite... 

 

edit: she obviously failed to pass their QSeries in 2021 based on my above statement, just to be super clear LOL 

So did she register and play JLPGA Q school as an Am or as a pro?

If an Am...and based on what you wrote ....she still could have played the ANWA as an Am.

Maybe she doesn't want to play ANWA based on her failure at Q school and a lack of confidence.

 

As you know....anyone can designate themselves as a "pro"....I could call and designate myself a "pro"....or maybe I should say...a POSER pro.

[KBong]

@18majors 

On GC...Golf Today....you likely have/had GC playing in the background.

 

Shane Bacon & Rex Hoggard DROOLING over Smiley Mike....no mention of Mollie.

 

Shane complimented Whan about the significant and great impact Whan has done to grow the LPGA.

Shane described it as HUMMINGOUS.

 

Rex Hoggard said EVERYONE LOVES Mike Whan.

Rex played in a media event with Mike at Torrey Pines.

Rex said it can be lonely at the top....but Rex only had PRAISE for Mike.

 

I was a bit disappointed that Shane nor Rex discussed how Mollie is a better team player than Mike.🤣

[KBong]

Again on Golf Today.....I agree with Shane that Se Ri Pak is the most influential player...obviously he was referring to the woman's game....IMO....Tiger is the most influential overall.

Se Ri in 1998, sent S. Korea into a frenzy about golf and made both men & women to become golf addicts.

A Korean lady I know....said Se Ri gave S. Koreans hope and confidence to try to recover from the financial crisis occurring at the time in S. Korea.

There's a good movie about this crisis......we have a Cineplex in Coquitlam that showcases some S. Korean films.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Default_(2018_film)#:~:text="National Bankruptcy Day") is,based on real-life events.

 

It is so evident here in the Vancouver area. It's always difficult to obtain accurate demographic/population statistics.

I believe there are 1.5M people here in the GVRD....I believe there are 80,000 Koreans.

YET

Many courses here have tee sheets filled with so many Korean golfers...year rd.

The annual twilight pass I had in 2022 was about 85% Koreans and likely 60-70+% total Korean members in all categories.

 

There were about 10-12 4somes waiting during a frost delay yesterday....I only saw 1 group of non-Asians.

When we are paired up....it's a very high probability we'll be paired up with Koreans.

 

Rex took a difference stance....no surprise....opposing stances to create dialogue on the shows....he said Annika was the most influential player to grow the game.

Yes....Annika is one of the GOAT's but I can't say she brought in more golfers to the game vs. Se Ri.

 

Shane said someone in the media described Se Ri as a metaphor in S. Korea.

[18majors]

27 minutes ago, KBong said:

I was a bit disappointed that Shane nor Rex discussed how Mollie is a better team player than Mike.🤣

 

 

Don't worry, give them time and they'll learn!

 

You know, Mike Whan looks like God compared to Caroline Bivens!

 

 

[Golf Dino]

8 minutes ago, KBong said:

Again on Golf Today.....I agree with Shane that Se Ri Pak is the most influential player...obviously he was referring to the woman's game....IMO....Tiger is the most influential overall.

Se Ri in 1998, sent S. Korea into a frenzy about golf and made both men & women to become golf addicts.

 

Not to discount Se Ri's impact, but I am always reminded that perhaps the true individual responsible for growing Golf into the national sport of Korea was someone else (at 0:48):     

😂

 

 

 

[Golf Dino]

7 minutes ago, 18majors said:

You know, Mike Whan looks like God compared to Caroline Bivens!

 

 

Precisely.  THe LPGA was at its lowest point since the early years when Bivens left.  There is a reason why Mike was the LPGA Commissioner for over a decade.   He was the beneficiary of reduced expectations when following Bivens.    He also was the face of the deal with the LET.  The players bought into the vision that he articulated on behalf of the LPGA, USGA, etc.

 

Mollie has the unenviable job of following Mike.  But, she also has the benefit of walking into a much stronger LPGA (financially and organizationally), with the tools to continue growing women's professional golf and taking it to new heights.  Progress is always built on the shoulders or accomplishments of its predecessors. 

[KBong]

16 minutes ago, Golf Dino said:

 

There is a reason why Mike was the LPGA Commissioner for over a decade. 

I'm kinda surprised Whan stayed on for so long.

BUT

From the outside looking in,,,,,seems like good lifestyle job (assuming one is ok with the travel)....a pretty cushy job with good renumeration.....and playing golf in the pro-ams isn't too shabby a perk.

 

And I don't think Whan faced the pressure of a private sector CEO facing constant quarter over quarter demands to produce results and profits for the impatient shareholders and BoD.