Upper East Side Golf

Slightly hot take... the Aronimink set-up stinks. I'm not usually one to wade in on how a course is set-up but I think the data suggests this isn't a great set-up. Let me explain. I wrote a piece earlier in the week (see reply below) looking at the data from past events at Aronimink. Yes, they were a long time ago and the 2018 BMW played very wet, but all three events were essentially putting competitions. ▫️In 2018, Keegan led the field in putting and won. Of the players who finished in the top 10, eight ranked in the top 10 on the greens. ▫️In 2011, Nick Watney led the field in putting and won. The top five on the leaderboard that week all ranked in the top 15 putting. ▫️In 2010, Ryan Moore led the field in putting and finished one back of Justin Rose (4th in putting). 5 of the top 6 players on the leaderboard ranked inside 16th or better in putting. That year, of the top 6 players in strokes gained approach, two missed the cut and none finished in the top 15. The strategy at Aronimink appears to be, get it on the green, then try not to three-putt. Potgeiter hit 5 of 14 fairways and ranked 63rd in proximity on his approaches, yet he is co-leader after 18 holes. Of the 7 players tied for the lead: • 5 are in the top 15 in putting • 2 are in the top 15 in driving • 1 is in the top 15 in approach • 1 is in the top 15 around the green My point is this, what do we consider both entertaining and valued at majors? Is it players avoiding three putts, or being rewarded for high-quality tee shots (Open courses), executing precise approach play (think Augusta and US Opens) and the ability to show creativity and skill around the greens (again, Augusta)? None of the top 6 players at this year's Masters finished in the top 15 in putting. Was that an entertaining watch? What was the challenge that week? I know, it's early in the tournament and yes, players that putt well "tend" to score well. But if this plays out for the week, like it has the last three times Aronimink has hosted a Tour event, I fear it could be a flat week. For the record, I hope it's not.

Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro voiced the open on ESPN for the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Trying to get better at golf is bad guys! Very bad thing to do. Instead you should chase playing a list of courses that other men came up with.