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2019 Primer: Will Tiger get his 15th?

Cole Bergman
Jan 22, 2019, 3:18 pm
Masters.com

The big question for 2019: Will Tiger win a major this year? Showing no issues with his back, Tiger got stronger as the year went along in 2018. In fact, he closed out with a bang, winning the Tour Championship Tournament, proving he can compete with the young guns. What follows is my bold predictions for the Majors and other things to watch for in 2019.

The Masters-April 11-14: Rory McIlroy

Last year the golfing world cried when Sergio Garcia put the green jacket on Patrick Reed's shoulders. The fans will be happy to see anyone but Reed win this year at Augusta National, and no one will be happier to take the green jacket from Captain America than Rory McIlroy. Rory told the press that he will focus on playing more golf in the states this year, as well as playing the week before every major, something that he has never done before. And since he has changed to a spider putter, his putting, long a weak part of his game, has made tremendous strides. With just a decent week with the flat-stick, Rory will complete his career grand slam at the Masters.

PGA Championship-May 16-19: Matt Kuchar

A different look for the PGA Championship this year, as it changes from the last major of the year to the second. The tournament is headed to the big apple, where Bethpage Black hosts the tournament for the first time. Bethpage Black was the host of 2 US Opens (2002, 2009) as well as the Barclays (2012, 2016).

With massive crowds likely on hand, the prediction here is that they will be chanting KOOOOOCH on Sunday. Mr. calm, cool and collected will finally break through to win his first major.

Kuchar's great ball-striking and tremendous putting are a good fit at Bethpage, where the fairways and greens are relatively small. Kuchar has already won twice this season, with a win in Mexico at the Mayakoba Classic and the Sony Open in Hawaii, so he looks to be in good form already. If that form keeps up, it will be Matt Kuchar hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy on May 19th.

US Open-June 13-16: Tiger Woods

Pebble Beach hosts the US Open this year, and the scoring should be much lower than last year's debacle at Shinnecock Hills. Pebble Beach plays into the games of two of the most prominent golfers in the world: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Tiger looks to get his first major win since 2008. In the 2010 US Open Tiger finished T-4 here and won in 2000 by 15 strokes. Pebble sets up for Tiger's game, and there is no better time for Tiger to show he is back than at a course which he eats up. Tiger's "frenemy", Phil Mickelson, also loves the coast of Cali and is looking to breakthrough for his career grand slam on his birthday. It would not be a shock to see Tiger and Phil battling it out on Sunday just like old times. No one is better at closing tournaments than Tiger Woods, and if he has the lead going into the back nine on Sunday, Tiger looks to add another major win to his milestone.

The Open Championship-July 18-21: Xander Schauffele

This is going to be the year of Xander Schauffele. He already won the first tournament of the year at Kapalua and really has no flaws in his game. He hits it long and low along with a phenomenal short game. Last year at The Open, Xander finished 2nd to Molinari and in 2017 had a top-25 finish. Granted, Carnoustie and Royal Birkdale are different from Royal Portrush, but Xander enjoys taking the trip across the pond and playing links style golf. The Irish will be all over the home favorite Rory McIlroy, so Xander will be under the radar going into The Open. Do not be shocked to see Schauffele taking a sip out of the Claret Jug by the end of the weekend.

Other:

A new year brings along new rules for the 2019 PGA Tour season. One major rule change includes keeping the flagstick in while putting. Bryson DeChambeau is one of the few golfers who is using the new rule change to his advantage. We'll see whether the science in DeChambeau's head has gone too far, as the former SMU golfer looks to add on his 6th career win.

Another question mark going into the new year is what will happen to Jordan Spieth? Jordan had his first "human" year on the PGA Tour in his short but phenomenal career. Will he bounce back or will the yips haunt him for another year? 2019 is in store for some wild finishes and controversy, but with so much talent brewing, it could be the best year in golf history.

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Discover These Pet-friendly Courses And Tips To Keep The Fun While You And Your Dog Are On The Course

Walk and have a tee time with your dog in these pet-friendly golf courses

Photo by Matthias Zomer from Pexels

There aren't many things in life that beat a cool crisp fall or winter round when the grass is freshly cut and the course is ready to play. The only thing that can make it better is walking or playing a round with your dog beside you. These dog-friendly courses bring the best of golf and the company of your dog to a round on the links.

Belgrade Lakes Golf Course - Belgrade Lakes, ME

Located in the wooded areas of central Maine, this course dog-friendly was born out of necessity for golfers. Many of the rentals don't allow unattended dogs on the property.

Well behaved dogs can even stay off-leash! The only time they will need to stay by the cart is when putting, some dogs have been known to dig. Enjoy the lush wooded areas with a scenic round of golf and a long walk with your dog.

The Goodwood Estate - Chichester, United Kingdom

Part of the allure of The Goodwood Estate is the tradition of dogs on golf courses. Since 1697, dogs have been allowed to walk the course with their owners. The two championships eighteen-hole golf courses provide golfers a unique experience.

An emphasis at the golf club makes sure each dog is comfortable. Many of the holes have water and food bowls tended by the club members. After finishing your round on one of the pristine courses, treat your best friend to the clubs restaurant where you both can enjoy a meal simultaneously.

True Blue Golf Club - Pawleys Island, SC

Only a short distance from Myrtle Beach South Carolina lies the 19th century True Blue Golf Course. Located near the beach in the low country of the southeast, this dog-friendly course welcomes golfers to iconic scenery and a one of a kind clubhouse.

Make sure to book your tee time outside of peak season because this area is packed during summer months and your dog won't be able to join you!

Agate Beach Golf Course - Newport, OR

A nine-hole course located near the beach of Newport Oregon, this course challenges golfers and welcomes dogs. Once you and Fido have finished your round, treat yourselves to Agate Beach Golf Course Cafe where you both can enjoy a meal.

After finishing a round and a good meal, enjoy the natural ocean scenery at the nearby Agate Beach State Recreation Site.

Fun Golf Games for Your Dogs

While on the course your dog will likely want to run and play. Here are a few tips to keep them occupied and happy on the course.

Chip and Treat

This is fun to do with any type of hard treat that won't break on impact. Simply have your dog sit away from your swing and take a high lofted club and hit treats up in the air for them to catch.

Long Ball Chase

Using a racquet or tennis ball, have your dog sit near you and hit the ball with middle to long iron and have them chase it downrange.

These golf courses understand the importance of dogs in the lives of their owners. A round of golf is only more enjoyable when you have your best friend following you by your side. The unconditional affection that comes from a dog will make any tee shot or errant shot more enjoyable. To make sure both of you enjoy the tee time, give your dog a nice meal before you both go to the course and hit the ball. You can also find some dog-friendly patios in Houston that you and your dog might enjoy when you visit the city.

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