More records were set on the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club on Friday at the U.S. Open. The sunshine also made an appearance firming up the course and is expected to continue shining over the weekend.
Here are 10 things to know about the second round.
A bright yellow sphere made an appearance on Friday at The Los Angeles Country Club that likely left a few people red in the face. A lack of sun and wind that had left the North Course a bit exposed for the game’s best players on Day 1 of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship became part of the mix in Round 2.
USGA officials came up with a game plan for the expected morning marine layer by setting up the course to its scorecard length – 7,423 yards (par 70) – including two par 3s that measured 290-plus yards and a par 4 (555-yard 16th) that played longer than one of the par 5s (the 535-yard eighth).
Records were smashed on the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club on Thursday during the first round of the U.S. Open.
Here are 10 things to know about the opening round.
One year ago, Rickie Fowler milled around The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., signing a few autographs, pounding balls on the range and chatting up competitors, caddies and fans. Basically, he did everything but hit a shot that counted in the 2022 U.S. Open.
As an alternate – the next guy into the field if any player withdrew – all the affable Fowler could do was wait and hope for the call to come. It never did, and he left without competing in the National Open for a second consecutive year.
At the 1949 U.S. Open at Medinah Country Club, more players chose to put a Titleist golf ball in play than any other brand, with 32 (20%) of the 159-player field teeing up a Titleist. For the first time, Titleist was the #1 ball at the U.S. Open Championship.
At every U.S. Open for the next three-quarters of a century – from Oakmont to Olympic and Pinehurst to Pebble Beach – Titleist golf balls have been the top choice of players competing for the U.S. Open trophy and a place in history.
Rickie Fowler shot an opening round 62, 8-under today on the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club to set a new 18-hole U.S. Open record. Fowler's 10 birdies also marked the most ever recorded in any U.S. Open round.
Here is a list of the clubs Fowler used.
Fans will be able to follow the U.S. Open like never before thanks to a comprehensive suite of digital offerings that will immerse audiences in the action at The Los Angeles Country Club from June 15-18.
“We’re thrilled to provide fans with an unprecedented level of access to this year’s championship through a number of innovative digital offerings that are sure to bring golf fans closer than ever before to the action at The Los Angeles Country Club,” said USGA Chief Commercial Officer Jon Podany. “From live streams of championship play on our all-new app to in-depth performance analytics, golf fans across the world will be able to immerse themselves in the U.S. Open.”
Los Angeles is a city known for creativity and entertainment, so for the iconic US Open held at LACC, PUMA Golf linked their athletes with custom footwear artists to create designs that reflect each players’ individual inspiration for the week. PUMA Golf has also tapped native Angeleno and LA muralist Jonas Never, known for his renowned pop culture and sports murals around town, to create a mural featuring PUMA athletes Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland and Justin Suh.
The mural, heavily inspired by Los Angeles graffiti and tattoo culture resides on the side of the Roger Dunn store at 1801 S. Bundy Dr., in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, just minutes from Los Angeles Country Club.
Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be the winning driver and wood shaft across multiple global tours, with four victories on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, LPGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour.
At the RBC Canadian, Fujikura once again dominated the standings as the #1 driver, wood and hybrid shaft during the event at Oakdale Golf & Country Club. In total, 38.5% of the field used a Fujikura driver shaft, with another 35.8% using a Fujikura wood shaft and 32.0% using a Fujikura hybrid shaft.
EA SPORTS PGA TOUR has deployed Title Update 4.0, which celebrates the upcoming U.S. Open Championship happening this weekend with a new playable course, the Los Angeles Country Club, and updated designs in-game styled in the Season 3 U.S. Open Championship theme.
In addition to players being able to play the new course in all game modes, new challenges will also be released live during the major golf tournament that recreate iconic moments from each day.
PUMA Golf today introduced its new limited edition STARS AND STRIPES IGNITE ARTICULATE golf shoe. Designed as a celebration of the US Open, the limited model features a patriotic color scheme including red, white, and blue as well as understated stars covering the entire upper of the shoe.
Like the in-line version of the Ignite Articulate, the Stars and Stripes model takes cleated innovation to the next level thanks to a design that features an articulating outsole, midsole and upper that flexes with your foot, delivering exceptional support. Built to meet the rigorous performance demands of the world’s best golfers, the IGNITE ARTICULATE combines PUMA’s Tour-validated technologies in a lightweight, extremely comfortable package with a modern athletic silhouette.
The U.S. Open returns to Los Angeles on the 75th anniversary of Ben Hogan's win in 1948. Los Angeles Country Club will be hosting the championship for the first time.
The North Course will pay to a par of 70, at 7,423 yards and is ready for it's world spotlight. Here's a deep dive into the 123rd U.S. Open from LACC North.
Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced today that the winner of the RBC Canadian Open tournament held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada was playing a Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 95 X flex hybrid shaft in his Titleist TSR2 21° Hybrid. The champion eagled the 4th playoff hole to claim his 3rd PGA Tour victory and become the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open since 1954.
“Congratulations to the RBC Canadian Open champion on his historic win this past weekend in Canada. The champions ability and his trusty hybrid were two key elements that aided him during the playoff holes to earn the win” stated Bill McPherson, Vice President of Sales, Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc.
Father's Day is a great way to show the dad in your life how much you care—about him and his golf game. Located in some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, Omni Hotels & Resorts has a portfolio of 26 above-par golf courses designed by renowned architects and offer challenges for golfers at all levels of play. Schedule tee time or plan a golf vacation in prime locations on legendary greens to enjoy the resorts championship golf resorts. Select properties listed below with un’FORE’getable Father’s Day offers.
As the proud Official Hotel Partner of the PGA TOUR®, Omni Hotels & Resorts is excited to offer an exclusive golf package at 12 select resort destinations across the country with the PGA Tour Golf Package.
And when Los Angeles Country Club opens its curtains to the world this week for the 123rd U.S. Open, it will be a legacy defining moment.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced tee times for the first two rounds of the 2023 U.S. Open Championship, Thursday (June 15) and Friday (June 16), at 7,423-yard, par-70 The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club (North Course).
The U.S. Open is a 72-hole, stroke-play competition. A field of 156 players will play 18 holes of stroke play on June 15 and 16, after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties. Those players making the cut will play 18 holes on June 17 and 18. If there is a tie upon the completion of 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff will immediately follow. If this playoff results in a tie, the tied players will immediately continue to play off hole-by-hole until the winner is determined.
For 100 years, FootJoy has been synonymous with golf-specific design and performance innovation. The brand was born from a company-wide naming competition in 1923, where an associate in the Brockton, MA stitching room submitted a name for a new line of shoes the company was developing – FOOTJOY.
The brand continues to lead and innovate in golf wearables and will celebrate 100 years in the making with the Centennial Collection. This collection is FJ’s take on an unmatched legacy of performance innovation and style, featuring a limited edition Premiere Series Wilcox for Men, a Women’s Premiere Series Shield Tip and an apparel collection that includes timeless and sophisticated polos, cardigans, hoodies and sweaters.
With the arrival of the 2023 US Open, COBRA Golf has unveiled a Limited-Edition US Open Staff and Stand Bag. Like all COBRA Golf bags, those made for the US Open are crafted with premium materials for an elevated, Tour-caliber look and feel.
This year the US Open will be hosted by the storied Los Angeles Country Club from June 15th to June 18th. The club has previously held the Walker Cup but the 2023 US Open will be the first major played at LACC and the first US Open contested in the Los Angeles area in 75 years. To celebrate the momentous event, Cobra will release a new Americana inspired bag that layers in the iconic landmarks and street culture of Los Angeles, adorned with palm trees and stars to reference to key locations like Beverly Hills and Sunset Blvd.
The Los Angeles Country Club is hosting a U.S. Open for the first time. It is the seventh venue to make its U.S. Open debut over the last 50 years, joining Atlanta Athletic Club (1976), Pinehurst (1999), Bethpage (2002), Torrey Pines (2008), Chambers Bay (2015) and Erin Hills (2017).
This will mark the 15th U.S. Open, and 20th major played in the state of California. The only foreign players to win a U.S. Open in California are Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell (in 2010 at Pebble Beach) and Jon Rahm (in 2021 at Torrey Pines). The only other foreign player to win a major in California is Australia’s Steve Elkington, who won the 1995 PGA Championship at Riviera.
The Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course will be set up at 7,423 yards and will play to a par of 35-35–70.
The yardage for each round of the championship will vary due to course setup and conditions.
PXG has launched a PXG Apparel Summer 2023 Capsule that contains both trendy and timeless pieces that fit effortlessness into every golfer’s summer wardrobe. With the limited collection, PXG focuses on core, golf-centric pieces, introducing new technical fabrications that deliver contemporary silhouettes and boast a timely and timeless color palette of sunshine yellow and navy.
The PXG Apparel Summer 2023 Capsule features 11 classic course-ready styles with PXG signature details – six for men and five for women. The men’s capsule features 4 core polos, one with brand-new bonded fabrication technology that allows for extreme breathability and comfort. Two new silhouettes with a classic appeal also make their debut, a layerable, four-way stretch golf vest and a new slim golf short, adding flare as well as function to a golfer’s summer game.
The PLD Limited Zing 2 putter, the third of four precision-milled PING putters celebrating the brand winning all four major championships in 1988, will be available for purchase on pingpld.com, beginning at 2 pm ET on Tuesday, June 13.
Known as the “PING Slam”, the celebration recognizes a historic achievement that had never happened before 1988 and hasn’t happened since for any putter brand. Precision-milled versions of the four winning models (Pal, Pal 2, Zing 2 and Anser), respectively, are available each Tuesday of this year’s four major championship weeks, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a part of PING’s storied putter history.
Adiidas and Macklemore’s Bogey Boys are reimagining timeless styles from the 70s and 80s that established new trends for fashion, lifestyle and sports. Today, adidas and Bogey Boys are introducing the adidas x Bogey Boys collection featuring crisp designs and high-quality performance materials that combine vintage styles from golf and tennis with a modern feel, all for easy on- and off-course wear. The limited-edition capsule featuring apparel and footwear for men and women will be available at select locations beginning Wednesday, June 14.
“As the original sports brand, we’ve been designing product for sports like golf and tennis for more than 50 years,” said Dylan Moore, senior creative director, adidas Golf. “As we continue our mission to be the most progressive golf brand in the world, this heritage gives us the luxury of revisiting our extensive archives for inspiration. Those now-retro designs were inspiring to us, and we know that golfers are once again looking for products that present classic, clean, and bold aesthetics with an attitude. Macklemore and the Bogey Boys team were the perfect partners for this because of their love for vintage apparel and eye-catching designs.”
Yesterday's bombshell news of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour merging with the PIF (Public Investment Fund) and LIV Golf is making a potential golf super league look more and more probable. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf will all exist under one umbrella and professional golf may never be the same again.
My guest for Episode 2 is superstar sports agent Leigh Steinberg, and his insights into the proposed merger and issues surrounding it are profound and penetrating. Leigh and I talk about the winners and losers in the deal, what PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan has done wrong and what opportunities exist for him to do right, as well as sportswashing, player and fan vested interests, and a whole lot more.
The PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced a landmark agreement to unify the game of golf, on a global basis. The parties have signed an agreement that combines PIF’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) with the commercial businesses and rights of the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that delivers maximum excitement and competition among the game’s best players.
In addition, PIF will make a capital investment into the new entity to facilitate its growth and success. The new entity (name TBD) will implement a plan to grow these combined commercial businesses, drive greater fan engagement and accelerate growth initiatives already underway. With LIV Golf in the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work together to best feature and grow team golf going forward.
With Father's Day just around the corner, Linksoul invites you to discover an exceptional collection of gifts that will make every dad feel truly appreciated. As a brand deeply rooted in a philosophy that values family, community, and the pursuit of soulful experiences, Linksoul offers a range of products designed to cater to dads of all types and passions.
When Dad Hits the Course. For the golf-loving fathers, Linksoul presents the perfect collection of polos and shorts that combine performance and style on and off the course. This Father's Day, give your dad the gift of comfort and sophistication with our selection of golf polos and Boardwalker shorts. Introducing the Rincon Polo, Delray Polo, and Solid Boardwalker Shorts.
The first step is admitting there is a problem…with off-the-shelf clubs. It’s time for a Fittervention and Club Champion is here to help. Just in time for Father’s Day, Club Champion is kicking off their Fittervention campaign by offering a 20% bonus card on gift card purchases made June 9-18, 2023. A Fittervention is the perfect gift for a golf-obsessed dad!
“Many times, it’s not you, it’s the clubs,” said Club Champion founder, Nick Sherburne. “Sometimes you need an intervention — or a Fittervention, in this case — to see what custom clubs can really do for your game.”
The 2024 Masters ticket lottery is open, and would-be patrons have two weeks left to apply ahead of the June 20 deadline.
So what exactly are the golf odds of winning Masters tournament tickets through the lottery? After doing some research, Bookies.com put together a complete guide of the process of deciding the odds and found the odds of winning the Masters lottery for a single-day tournament ticket to be 0.55%.
Uneekor, makers of the world’s most obsessively and meticulously engineered golf simulator technologies, is pleased to announce a special Father's Day promotion for their most powerful launch monitor, the EYE XO2. Customers can now receive a discount using the promo code "EYEXO2SPRING" at checkout for $2000 off now through June 30, 2023.
The EYE XO2 is the ultimate overhead golf launch monitor. With the addition of a third camera, advanced infrared sensor technology, and nearly double the hitting zone, it accurately measures ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more to provide golfers with comprehensive data and feedback about their ball flight and swing. The EYE XO2 also includes the addition of the new Trouble Mat which simulates rough and bunker lies just like they are on the course.
Demonstrating a commitment to foster a welcoming and inclusive golf industry by providing more work opportunities, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has hired 20 students from underrepresented communities for its 10-day Pathways Internship Program, held during U.S. Open Championship week in Los Angeles.
Launched in 2022 as the Lee Elder Internship, the career training program returns as part of the USGA’s four-pillar U.S. Open community engagement strategy that aims to utilize USGA resources and expertise to propel a healthier future for the game. Supported by foundational sponsor Deloitte, as well as Cisco, Sentry Insurance, NBC Sports, Peter Millar and host community partners The Los Angeles Country Club and Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), the program aims to expose students to various career offerings in golf.
Cisco and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have announced a multiyear extension of their partnership, which began in 2018 and established the global technology leader as the Official Technology Partner of the USGA and its championships. Through the new term, the two organizations will leverage Cisco’s industry-leading solutions, innovation and expertise to strengthen the USGA’s technological infrastructure at their championships and foster continued innovation and inclusion in golf.
Over the past five years, Cisco and the USGA have implemented several innovations benefiting fans, media and event organizers, including debuting the first-ever “Connected Course” at the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. That USGA championship marked the first launch of course-wide Wi-Fi. Cisco played a key role in the USGA’s ability to seamlessly and securely deploy virtual connectivity solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing Webex by Cisco to the forefront of both fan engagement and media operations. Additionally, Cisco powered the use of 4D technology as part of the broadcast experience of USGA championships, giving fans watching at home a new perspective on their favorite players’ swings.
One of America’s most in-demand golf destinations just got even more appealing with news that it is adding another golf course, this one a dramatic par-3 18-hole layout under construction adjacent to Payne’s Valley, the astounding championship course designed by Tiger Woods and Beau Welling that is drawing players from around the globe.
Construction is still in its early stages and no timetable for completion was shared.
Original Penguin by Munsingwear, a division of Perry Ellis International, is pleased to announce the launch of the Chi Chi Rodriguez 2023 Summer Collection. Introducing a retro yet modern look, combined with the classic Original Penguin heritage and style, the Chi Chi collection brings his trademark swagger on and off the course.
“The Chi Chi Rodriguez collection fully incorporates what it means to be an original,” stated Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “El Toreador is a true icon in the game and one of the most popular golfers of all time. This collection perfectly reflects his distinct style, from his hallmark fedora to his signature “sword dance” celebration. We are excited to bring this collection of products to market, merging Chi Chi’s original style with Penguin’s trademark performance.”
Luxury Italian golf shoe brand Duca del Cosma is offering a premium leather golf glove with every pair of golf shoes purchased from its latest range to coincide with Father’s Day next week.
Several glove models can even be paired up with a selection of the latest SS23 golf shoes to deliver a super stylish feel-good factor on the golf course.
William Mouw, a three-time All-American at Pepperdine University, has turned pro and joined PING’s global tour staff, company CEO & President John K. Solheim announced today. The 22-year-old Mouw, who makes his professional debut at this week’s Korn Ferry BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD Synnex, was previously under contract with PING through an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreement.
“William’s record is extremely impressive, going back to his victory at the Junior World Championships as a 14-year-old and his recent success at Pepperdine that included an NCAA team title in 2021,” Solheim said. “Since then, he’s continually added to his long list of accomplishments. I really like his approach to the game. He plays with a lot of confidence and has a well-rounded game. He has a strong faith, and his outgoing personality is very engaging. He’ll be fun to watch, and we’re excited to have him join our staff and represent PING.”
Sales of the latest Galvin Green premium hi-tech apparel collection have been soaring across the PGA Met Section in New York since the brand introduced its full range of garments to some of the country’s most prestigious golf clubs and stores earlier this year.
“We presented leading golf outlets in the Met Section and the New York area to the strongest ever range of Galvin Green garments across all layers – from award-winning outerwear in various colorways to some of the most exceptional shirt designs on the market – and the results have been pretty spectacular,” said Lou Delfino, General Manager in North America.
Together with GRAMMY award-winning artist and PXG® Ambassador Darius Rucker, PXG is thrilled to kick off the summer with an exclusive giveaway. The PXG Summer Swingstakes with Darius Rucker contest is officially calling all golfers to sign-up for a chance to win a golf outing with Darius, concert tickets, and a custom fitted PXG GEN6 full bag. The contest is available in four PXG Fitting & Retail Studio markets: Paramus, Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
To enter the Summer Swingstakes, golfers and music lovers are encouraged to stop by select PXG stores – PXG Paramus, PXG Boston, PXG Chicago North, PXG Chicago West, and PXG Minneapolis – to complete their entry. Enthusiasts can also enter on social media by following @PXG, tagging their concert buddy, and hash tagging a participating PXG store location on the official announcement post.
PXG recognizes that more women than ever are trying, enjoying, and succeeding in golf, and the company is doing its part to continue this momentum and ensure everyone feels welcome. During Women’s Golf Month, PXG is featuring its talented LPGA Tour players, celebrating its employees, and making a mark in the community through several key initiatives aimed at growing the game.
Premiering today, PXG pairs comedy icon and golf addict Rob Riggle with LPGA Tour Professionals, including Celine Boutier, Austin Ernst, and Christina Kim, for some core stimulating, performance-powering tips and tricks. Spanning the fundamentals to the game’s finer points, the nine-episode series, PXG Pro Tips with Rob Riggle: LPGA Edition, is available on PXG’s website and YouTube.
The next generation of the PGA TOUR’s most played irons – Titleist T-Series – will debut this week at the Memorial Tournament.
Titleist irons have been the longstanding top choice of the best players in the world. In each of the last nine seasons (and 18 of the last 19), more players on the PGA TOUR have had Titleist irons in their bags than any other brand.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that Jupiter Hills Club, in Tequesta, Fla., will be the host site for two USGA championships: the 2027 U.S. Mid-Amateur and the 2032 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. This will be the third and fourth USGA championships held at the club.
“The USGA is pleased to return to Jupiter Hills Club and continue a partnership that enthusiastically supports amateur competition on many levels,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director, championships. “We know that the club’s courses will challenge the best male and female mid-amateurs from around the world and that South Florida will embrace these two championships.”
PUMA GOLF athlete Emiliano Grillo fought off the competition on Sunday with a final round 68 and eight-under-par total to win the Charles Schwab Challenge, his second career victory on the PGA Tour. Grillo’s first win in over seven years came in dramatic fashion, as he outlasted Adam Schenk in a playoff to grab the prestigious title.
The 30-year-old Argentinian cruised around the famed Colonial Country Club in style, sporting PUMA PROADAPT DELTA Mids for solid footing and comfort, as well as PUMA DEALER TAILORED pants and a MATTR RISING polo shirt for style and performance. MATTR (Materials, Technology, & Research) is a performance fabric designed to provide the highest level of comfort in a wide variety of conditions. A technical, moisture-wicking and fast-drying material, MATTR performance no doubt played a hand in keeping Emi cool and calm on his way to victory.
The most decorated athlete in amateur women’s golf history will now be wearing the 3-Stripes as she begins her professional career. Today, adidas announced the signing of Rose Zhang to a multi-year contract that will see her wearing adidas apparel, footwear and accessories while on the course.
Zhang’s accolades as an amateur are unmatched. Beyond capturing every women’s amateur major championship – U.S. Girls’ Junior (2021), U.S. Women’s Amateur (2020) and Augusta National Women’s Amateur (2023) – Zhang finished her sophomore season by becoming the first woman to ever win back-to-back NCAA individual titles. In May of last year, Zhang became the first student-athlete to sign a Name, Image and Likeness endorsement agreement with adidas.
Since being redesigned two years ago, the 15th hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club has been one of the most balanced risk-versus-reward par 5s all season on the PGA TOUR. Players have been almost split down the middle when it comes to the second shot decision: 52 percent go for the green, while 48 percent lay up. And while hitting the green in two has enormous value (eight-tenths of a stroke), a well-positioned layup can be beneficial, too. Laying up into the fairway can gain two-tenths of a stroke over players who go for it and miss with their approach.
At the end of the regular season, the most consistent player across each tour, with the lowest average score under par, on the Aon Risk Reward Challenge holes captures the $1 million prize.
Sam Bennett, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion and three-time All-American at Texas A&M, has turned pro and joined PING’s global tour staff, company CEO & President John K. Solheim announced today. The 23-year-old Bennett, who makes his PGA Tour debut as a professional at this week’s Memorial Tournament, was previously under contract with PING through an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreement.
“We’re excited to have Sam transition to our professional tour staff,” Solheim said. “His performance in winning last year’s U.S. Amateur received a lot of attention but it was his remarkable play at the Masters that skyrocketed his popularity and made him one of the biggest stories of that week. He’s an amazing talent who plays with a lot of confidence and passion, which should serve him well as he begins his professional career. We’re looking forward to having Sam represent the PING brand.”
FootJoy has been the most worn golf glove on professional tours since 1983. You put on a FootJoy glove and you know you're getting quality, reliability, comfort, and absolute, unparalleled performance.
And this year FootJoy updated their 2023 StaSof golf glove to improve on every aspect of the glove. I kid you not.
Looking to score an ace this year with your Father’s Day gift? Search no more as Reynolds Lake Oconee, the highly acclaimed golf community located between Augusta and Atlanta, offers dad a wide-ranging golf experience that he’ll not soon forget.
For starters, to ensure his equipment matches his passion for the game, dad will start with a comprehensive club-fitting and building experience with a visit to The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Since opening in 2007, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee is the country’s only TaylorMade fitting venue where recreational golfers have access to the same expertise and technology used by TaylorMade’s athletes and club pros.
True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, announced that they have partnered with Intown Golf Club to open True Spec Charlotte, True Spec’s third location in North Carolina.
Located in the SouthPark area of the Queen City, True Spec Charlotte will open at the new, highly anticipated private social club for golfers, Intown Golf Club, on June 1st. It is the latest in a series of partnerships that brings True Spec’s bespoke fittings and best-in-class customer service to prominent clubs and resorts across the country. True Spec Charlotte is now the third location in the state, joining True Spec Pine Needles and True Spec Raleigh.
Rose Zhang, of Irvine, Calif., has been granted a special exemption into the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which will be conducted July 6-9 at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links. The 20-year-old, who was previously exempt prior to turning professional, is set to make her fifth consecutive appearance in the championship.
“Competing in the U.S. Women’s Open is always a special experience, and being granted an exemption into the first at Pebble Beach is truly an honor,” said Zhang. “This is a big moment for our sport, and I’m very appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity to be part of it.”
On the heels of becoming the first female golfer to ever win back-to-back NCAA Individual Championships, the #1 ranked amateur in the world, Rose Zhang, has announced that she will be turning professional and has accepted a sponsor exemption in the Mizuho Americas Open, where she will make her professional debut from May 31 - June 4 at the iconic Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ.
The three-time McCormack Medal winner left the amateur ranks having held the top position in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking for a record 141 consecutive weeks, dating back to September 2020. Zhang, who received the 2022 and 2023 Annika Award as the nation’s top female collegiate golfer, set the NCAA scoring average record at 68.70 this season, surpassing the previous record that she set last year by nearly a full stroke. She established herself as a champion at the biggest events in the sport, including victories at the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior and 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Her 12 titles in NCAA competition, earned in just 20 collegiate starts, are the most in Stanford history, besting Tiger Woods, Patrick Rodgers, and Maverick McNealy by one.
This week, the USGA welcomed its largest class of P.J. Boatwright Jr. interns to the annual Boatwright Summit as the organization kicks off the 32nd year of the career development initiative that provides on-the-job training across the USGA’s network of 58 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs).
As part of the organization’s commitment to foster a more inclusive game and connect more individuals to careers in golf, the USGA funds the program, in part through philanthropic contributions, and works closely with AGAs on intern recruitment and training. In 2023, the USGA is delivering a program-high $2.09 million to pay each intern, provide travel costs to the annual summit and support AGA operations to manage staffing locally.
