US Golf Channel's 'Best Shots by Club': Ram Putter, DeChambeau Driver, Cantlay Iron, Korda Wood, Mickelson Lob Wedge
World No. 1 Jon Rahm is cheering after scoring consecutive birdies on the 17th and 18th holes on the final day of the US Open in June.
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "7.5m Major Winning Birdie."
World No.1 Jon Rahm (Spain) sank consecutive birdies from 7.5m at the 17th hole (par 4) and 5.5m downhill at the 18th hole (par 5) on the final day of the US Open (total prize $12.5 million) held last June at Torrey Pines Golf Course South Course (par 71) in San Diego, California. This thrilling one-stroke comeback victory made him the first Spanish player to become a US Open champion. We reviewed the ‘Best Shots by Club’ in the global golf scene this year, selected by the Golf Channel.
'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau made big news by attempting a '1-on' at a par-5 hole during his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.
▲ DeChambeau "Seen a 377-yard Long Drive?" (Driver) = ‘The Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau drew the spotlight when he attempted a ‘tee shot on green’ at the 6th hole (par 5) of Bay Hill Golf Club (par 72) in Orlando, Florida, during the Arnold Palmer Invitational (total prize $9.3 million) in March. The fairway doglegs in a semicircle along the left-side lake. To carry over the water, the ball must fly at least 350 yards.
He actually hit 370 yards in the 3rd round and 377 yards in the 4th round. Although the ‘1-on’ was unsuccessful, he easily made birdies on both days. DeChambeau is the PGA Tour’s longest driver (average 323.7 yards), and it is interesting that he transformed into a power hitter after bulking up by 18 kg last year. He rose from 302.5 yards (34th) in the 2019 season to 322.1 yards (1st) in 2020. He insisted, "You have to hit far unconditionally so the second shot becomes easier and you can get closer to the hole."
Patrick Cantlay succeeded in reaching the green in two shots on the 18th hole (par 5) of the final 4th round at the Tour Championship in August with a 6-iron shot, maintaining his position as 'PO 1st place'.
▲ Cantlay’s "$15 Million Shot" (Iron) = Patrick Cantlay’s 6-iron shot created a value of $15 million (1.78 billion KRW). It was at the 18th hole (par 5) of the final 4th round of the Tour Championship, the 3rd and final playoff event of the PGA Tour, held in August at East Lake Golf Club (par 70) in Atlanta, Georgia. His 6-iron shot from 218 yards landed 3.3m from the hole across the lake, leading to a birdie. The ‘Playoff No.1’ bonus is $15 million.
Harris English (USA) is a ‘3-iron shot master.’ On the last day of the season-opening Sentry Tournament (total prize $6.7 million) held in January at Kapalua Resort Plantation Course (par 73) on Maui Island, Hawaii, he hit a 268-yard shot on the 18th hole (par 5) for a ‘2-on 2-putt’ birdie, forcing a playoff with Joaquin Niemann (Chile). He made another birdie on the first hole of the playoff resumed at the 18th hole.
Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) laid the foundation for the first Asian player to win the Masters with his 5-iron shot. On the 15th hole (par 5) of the third day of the Masters (total prize $11.5 million) held at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72) in Georgia in April, he made an eagle with ‘2-on 1-putt’ and surged 7 under par to take a 4-stroke lead, eventually winning by one stroke. Sam Burns’ 7-iron shot (May Valspar Championship) and Collin Morikawa’s 8-iron shot (November European Tour DP World Tour Championship) also made the list of winning weapons.
Nelly Korda claimed her first major championship in her career on the final day of the June KPMG Women's by leading with a 7-wood shot.
▲ Korda’s "Golf Queen 7-Wood Shot," Mickelson’s "Difficult Lob Shot" (Fairway Wood and Wedge) = Nelly Korda’s 7-wood shot was the highlight. On the final day of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (total prize $4.5 million) held in June at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia, she reached the green in two shots on the 5th hole (par 5) and made a ‘tap-in eagle,’ cutting two strokes at once. She built a milestone with her first major victory and becoming the No.1 in women’s golf world rankings.
Phil Mickelson is a ‘short game magician.’ On the final day of the PGA Championship (total prize $12 million) held in May at Kiawah Island Ocean Course (par 72) in South Carolina, he made a fantastic lob wedge shot birdie from the greenside bunker on the 5th hole (par 3), setting the record for the oldest major winner (50 years 11 months). Xander Schauffele led with a superb sand wedge shot to win Olympic gold in Tokyo in August, and Max Homa (both USA) won the Genesis Invitational in February with a gap wedge shot.
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