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With tournament play back to near full capacity, the familiar rhythm of golf has more or less returned to what we remember. Fans are still mostly absent, yes. But the build-up and competition each week of events major and not-so-major once again helps us mark the time.
In his own steady, understated manner, veteran Kirk Triplett is stepping up into his moment in time. With the Black Lives Matter logo he has affixed to his golf bag, Triplett is choosing to amplify that message for reasons both personal and powerful.
As Ron Green Jr. explains, Triplett’s version of activism comes from his conviction of the need for change. And as Triplett himself says, his point is having that message seen “in a place where you don’t typically see it.”
On the fairways and greens, who had Sergio García out of nowhere for his first PGA Tour victory since the 2017 Masters? The now 40-year-old Spaniard tapped into his flair for the dramatic Sunday, unleashing impeccable approach shots on two of his last five holes for a come-from-behind win at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
As the LPGA moves from the Jersey Shore to Philadelphia for its next major championship, a British Invasion of sorts is underway. Solheim Cup veteran Mel Reid of England claimed her first victory on American soil Sunday at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, matching the feat of countrywoman Georgia Hall last month in Oregon.
Upon the retirement from the European Tour of Scotland’s Paul Lawrie, John Hopkins takes a moment to appreciate the high standard reached for three decades by the past Open Championship winner and Ryder Cup stalwart for Team Europe.
Also in Europe, Lewine Mair examines the recent success of American John Catlin. With two victories in the space of three weeks, he has validated the roundabout route he’s taken to his spotlight moments.
At the European Tour’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, the hardware went to England’s Aaron Rai in the first round of a playoff when Tommy Fleetwood failed to convert a short par putt.
Comfortably established in the upper echelons of the amateur game, Florida State University senior John Pak is taking measure of his potential paths to the PGA Tour. As Sean Fairholm reports, our unusual times have somehow brought Pak into an enviable position.
Also, two new tournaments arrived on the amateur calendar last week, with well-credentialed players doing the inaugurating: Chip Lutz won the Society of Seniors’ Super Senior National Championship, and Lauren Greenlief won the Women’s National Amateur Championship, staged by the Amateur Golf Alliance.
And this week brings a festive episode of the Divot. Having completed his most recent trip around the sun, Scott Michaux reflects on celebratory drinks past and present and surveys the go-to concoctions of various GGP staffers.
Sam Dolson
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