Take A Drop

Tag: pga-tour

  • Plaid Jacket – A lesser known tradition at the RBC

    April 16th 2025

    Signature Event After the Masters?

    I had the same question. Why do we have signature events right after arguably the biggest tournament of the year? While I do not understand it, all of the PGA tours best will tee it up this week at the RBC Heritage.

    While odd, this event has no cutline, a 20 million dollar purse & 72 of the best teeing it up this week. We can’t really complain right?

    Last years Master’s Champion, Scottie Scheffler, won the event. With it, came a Plaid Jacket and 4.5 million dollars in winnings. If you have not seen it yet, the plaid jacket is a nice touch after the elusive green jacket at Augusta.

    This week is a friendly reminder of most of the cities the PGA tour visits. Laid back, coastal town where families go to vacation each year. Could not be more different than Augusta, where hundreds of private jets are flying in for only a few days. It is a quiet venue – you have to tune in to understand what I mean.

    All this being said, the course plays tough, and the players are all on their A game post teeing it up at the first major of the year.


    Harbour Town Golf Links – What’s it like?

    Coming off of Augusta National’s crazy greens, long par 4’s, and elevation, this weeks course at Harbour Town Golf Links could not be any different.

    Harbour Town is tight. The fairways are not easy to hit and the greens are some of the smallest on tour. At a time where this game favors the bombers, this course is a bit of a new look. At only ~7200 yards and a Par 71, these guys are going to be able to reach every green in 2, but require excellent tee shots. A few yards to the left or right will have you stuck behind a tree or in the woods. Look out for the guys who have driven the ball well this year to be in contention.

    Who to Watch – Winner Predictions

    As we discussed, you do not need to be a far driver of the golf ball to compete at this course. Scottie is middle of the pack, and won last year. Matthew Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, and Stewart Cink have all one in the last few years. None of these guys overpower course

    My favorites to win this week.

    Collin Morikawa – He is hitting the ball really well. If he can putt, look out for him. At +1100, he is a good value here ($10 to win $110).

    Corey Conners – In contention last week at the Masters. One of the best ball strikers on tour. This course fits him very well. +2500 ($10 to win $250)

    Brian Harmon – Won 2 weeks ago at TPC San Antonio. He hits the ball straight, has putted better of late, and has played well here T12 & T7 the past two years. +8000 ($10 to win $800)

    My pick – Corey Conners.

    Follow @TakingADrop for more golf insight and commentary! Let me know who your pick is this week!

  • Rory’s Master Win & What it means for Golf

    April 14 2025

    He Actually Did It!

    Wow. That is the only way to describe what we watched Sunday April 13th at the Masters. Rory Mcilroy is the 2025 Masters Champion and he did not do it the easy way.

    He won and lost this tournament over and over again. From chunked wedges, a ball in Rae’s creek, to some of the best golf shots we have ever seen, Rory Mcilroy conquered his demons. For the average fan, this was an incredible tournament that drew in millions of viewers (early reports are 19 million) while having everyone on their edge of their seats. For the golf enthusiasts, this was 11 years of watching Rory shake the weight off the world from his shoulders.

    When Rory made the final putt, in the playoff on 18 – he sank to his knees and sobbed. No one can blame him. It was a gut wrenching display from a man who needed this to complete something only 6 other men have ever accomplished – the career grand slam. Seeing him hug his caddie, embrace his wife and daughter, and cry on the shoulders of his friends, had every viewer emotional. This was a man who accomplished his dream.

    Is His Career Just Beginning?

    In Rory’s own words, he made his dreams come true. Winning the Green Jacket put him in the exclusive Grand Slam Club.

    One could wonder “Is this it?” I think the opposite.

    At 34, he is just 1 year older than Phil Mickelson was when Phil won his first major. Phil went on to win 5 more. Golfers are playing longer and longer, and Rory Mcilroy may have just unlocked another gear that prior to this week, we did not see coming. With favorable courses, a healthy body, and the best swing of this generation, Rory may just start to run the table.

    What is Next?

    The stars are aligning for Rory. This year, the majors are played at the following courses

    PGA Championship – Quail Hollow
    US Open – Oakmont CC
    Open Championship – Royal Portrush

    Why does this matter? Rory can dominate these tracks.

    Quail Hollow, the next major host, has a course record, held by no one other than Rory Mcilroy (61). He won here last year, in dominating fashion. He has won at this course 4 times since turning pro. Rory will be the betting favorite anywhere you look.

    Oakmont Country Club, host of the US Open, was last won by Dustin Johnson in 2016. While Rory did not play well, it is a bombers paradise. He drives it as long as anyone & if the driver holds up, he is going to be a problem.

    Royal Portrush, host of the Open Championship, is in Rory’s home country of Ireland. The last winner, Shane Lowry, is Rory’s best friend on tour. With the inspiration from the Masters, Rory will be the betting & hometown favorite.

    What to Expect?

    More big time wins. I would guess he wins another major this year (why not all 3) and go on a tear.

    Yesterday was an incredible day for golf. Hopefully everyone enjoyed and had the chance to experience history be made. Good for you Rory.

    Follow @TakingADrop on X for up to date stories and takes!