Hovland Wins in the Bahamas and Tiger Hits the Range

Christmas music is good. Find a new slant.

Let’s get tropical

For a hit-and-giggle in the Bahamas, the Hero World Challenge brought the goods this weekend. Sunday was set up for a coronation of Collin Morikawa, who started the round with a five-stroke lead and a chance to take the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. But it turned out to be a bad day at the office for the 24-year-old. Morikawa went out in 41, and Viktor Hovland made the most of the opportunity. Hovland made five birdies and back-to-back eagles en route to a 66 and his fourth professional title.

According to Data Golf’s True Strokes Gained metric, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland are in rarified air. Since 2004, both rank inside the top 10 in SG: Tee-to-Green and are the only players in the top 35 under 25 years old. With nine pro wins between them and a combined age of 48, Morikawa and Hovland are just getting started.

Sidebar: Hovland received more world ranking points for this victory (48) than Morikawa did for his DP World Tour Championship win (46). That’s some nonsense.

Boards

Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, Steph Kyriacou, Atthaya Thitikul, Kelly Tan, Kaitlyn Papp, and Bianca Pagdanganan are through to the second week of LPGA Q-Series.

Daniel van Tonder won the South African Open on the Sunshine Tour for his sixth worldwide victory in the past 24 months.

Quick Hooks

Morikawa’s off day wasn’t the only bizarre story at the Hero World Challenge on Sunday. Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson played from the wrong tee box on No. 9, and each incurred a two-stroke penalty; Patrick Reed hit shots left-handed on back-to-back holes; and Sam Burns (leader at the time) made a triple bogey on a drivable par 4 without taking a penalty stroke or hitting a shot from the putting surface.

Seven top amateur tournaments are teaming up to form the Elite Amateur Golf Series. The new series will include a points system that will determine exemptions into USGA and PGA Tour events.

Hero World Challenge host Tiger Woods hit range balls multiple times this weekend. There is no official word on whether he will play the PNC Championship with his son Charlie later this month.

The Latest from The Fried Egg

2022 Fried Egg Events – The 2022 Fried Egg Event schedule will be released on our social media channels this week. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram to see our dates for the upcoming year!

ICYMI – Fried Egg Stories: The Hickory Open – When Garrett Morrison went to the U.S. Hickory Open at Gearhart Golf Links earlier this year, he took his mic with him. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify.

The Shotgun Start – Andy and Brendan briefly interrupt their Year in Review to break down the wild weekend in the Bahamas. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify.

Pro Shop

This Thursday is the deadline to ensure your print order will arrive in time for Christmas! Whether you want something for yourself or someone else, our paper and metal prints make excellent gifts. Shop our full collection!