⛳️ Quick Update: WM Open
Good Morning! Welcome to Shanks. Nick Taylor shot a tournament record tying 60 in the opening round of the WM Open. He had the 5th most SG:P in a single round, by anyone, since 2004. He uses a TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter, by the way.
FYI: The third round is starting right about now (1:15pm ET) on Golf Channel.
Golf Trivia: Before Nick Taylor, who was the last to shoot a 60 at the WM Open?
Here's what we've got for ya today:
- Quick Update: WM Open
- It’s Not About The Money
- Shots Heard Round The World
- WM Open Security Isn’t Paid Enough
- Thing We’d Buy If We Weren’t Broke
Quick Update: WM Open
Nick Taylor and Andrew Novak Lead
12-under is the mark.
Nick and Andrew got there in different ways. Taylor with the record tying opening round 60, which he followed up with a shaky second round of 70.
Novak shot 65-65. He missed the cut in his first three events this year, but he’s now looking to join a growing list of longshots to win on tour in 2024.
Just behind the co-leaders, you have Maverick McNealy (-10) and Scottie Schefflers’ college teammate at UT, Doug Ghim (-9).
Can Sahith Hang On? What about everyone else?
Sahith Theegala has come close to winning the WM Open before, in fact, it was at this tournament in 2022 where he was introduced to the golf world at large.
He came up just short, cried in his mothers arms at the scoring tent, and in the two years since he’s become one of golf’s best players and a fan favorite.
Maybe this year will be his year?
He is currently T4 through 11 holes in the second round, followed closely by Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, and Cameron Young (T6).
Shanks Picks Recap
The card is alive and well.
Winner: Justin Thomas
JT is T6 after two rounds and within striking position at 8-under.
Top Five: Sahith Theegala
We don’t need him to win (although that would be cool) we just need him to hold on for a pre-tourney +650 winner.
Top Ten: JT Poston
Our biggest let down this week, he looks like he will make the cut on the number.
Top Twenty: Tom Hoge
This would be such a solid hit at +300 pre tourney. Let’s go Hoge!
Longshot: Kurt Kitayama
At +6600 pre tournament odds, Kurt has been as solid as we could hope. He is in legit contention heading into the third round and T10.
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It’s Not About The Money
First, credit here goes to Reddit user Usual-Author1365, who posted the screen grab.
If you didn’t catch the figure bottom left, it’s the Youtube Live viewership for LIV’s Vegas event, which shows a paltry 16,000 viewers for it’s second round.
For what LIV has paid these golfers that is embarrassingly low.
In fact, it’s so shockingly low that the reddit user asked the most obvious question. How will the Saudis ever get a return on the money they spent?
It will be impossible with their current viewership numbers and yes, I am aware that Youtube isn’t the only way to view LIV - it’s still pathetic.
Here’s another thing - Reddit serves as a great gauge of sentiment among golf fans, because the communities on Reddit are so large.
Just read the comments and replies to the post.
People aren’t stupid. This has never been about the money for the Saudis and golf was better for fans before they arrived on the scene.
WM Security Isn’t Paid Enough
Shots Heard Round The World
THE PGA TOUR HAS GONE MAD WITH MONEY
RUB SOME DIRT ON IT AND WALK IT OFF
TRACKING RORY’S LIV STANCE, A TIMELINE
Thing We'd Buy If We Weren't Broke
Do you have FOMO about the WMPO? You may not be able see your favorite goflers in the desert throw darts in front of a sold-out crowd, but you can still get a lil piece of the action thanks to Fanatics.
From tees designed by Barstool ($45) to high class hoodies ($100) for those early morning rounds, if there is a piece of merch you probably saw someone wearing on TV, it’s probably available online.
Our favorites:
- Here to Partee T-Shirt: $39.00, this shirt says it all.
- Ahead Shawmut Adjustable Green Hat: $24.99, is something you’ll want to wear on the range or going out to Top Golf with the boys.
- Peter Millar Lizard King Polo: $112.99, if you need to class up the joint.
Check out the Waste Management Phoenix Open collection on Fanatics.
Trivia Answer: Phil Mickelson
That’s all folks! See you Monday.
