Episode 7: PGA-LIV Merger, US Open, and Pine Lakes Country Club!
In this episode of Tee’d Off, Aaron and Ben discuss the bombshell merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf that took everyone by surprise! US Open favorites and sleeper picks are revealed. Jimmy Biggs is in the studio to discuss Pine Lakes Country Club, Myrtle Beach golf, and of course… what Tee’s them Off!
The crew express their initial shock and disbelief upon learning about the merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour. They analyze the potential reasons behind the merger, speculating about financial pressures, legal battles, and the involvement of Saudi money in various PGA Tour sponsors. The discussion covers the reactions of players, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s previous criticisms of LIV Golf. The hosts question the future structure of the tours, the potential return of LIV golfers to the PGA Tour, and the role of Greg Norman and Jay Monahan in the new entity.
The conversation shifts to the upcoming U.S. Open at LA Country Club. The crew share their favorite picks, with Brooks Koepka being the consensus favorite among them. They also discuss their sleeper picks, including Tom Kim, Rickie Fowler, and Bryson DeChambeau. The hosts express excitement for the West Coast major, allowing for primetime viewing after work. They also discuss the course features, including the 290-yard par-3 hole, and the potential incorporation of team events in the future.
Jimmy Biggs, the general manager of Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach, joins the conversation. He shares his personal journey into the golf industry and his experience at Pine Lakes. The discussion highlights the rich history of Pine Lakes, being the first golf course in Myrtle Beach and the birthplace of Sports Illustrated magazine. Biggs also discusses the recent renovations to the course, including the installation of new greens and overseeding for improved conditions. Aaron promotes Pine Lakes as a must-play course for golf trips to Myrtle Beach and highlights accommodation options and package deals for your next Myrtle Beach Golf Trip.
The hosts discuss the ‘Rewards Package‘ offered by the Founders Group, which includes a $100 gift card for each golfer when booking four or more rounds. They also highlight the Ashworth accommodation in North Myrtle Beach as their featured accommodation for the episode. With 2, 3, and 4-bedroom oceanfront condos, the AshWorth is located just off of Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Designer furnishings, plentiful bedding options, large balconies, and fully equipped kitchens are just a few of the amenities you can expect at the AshWorth condos with MB Golf.
In the ‘Teed Off’ segment, the crew share their frustrations related to the game, including losing a match due to an opponent’s chip-in, the ineffectiveness of bunker rakes, and the lack of ‘ready golf’ etiquette among some players.