Top 10 Moments of the 2016 PGA Tour Season

The 2016 PGA Tour Season was a coronation.  Not of any particular player, but of the sport itself.  We didn't just see amazing golf.  We saw a full blown attack of golf at it's absolute and untranslatable best. 

 

We lost ourselves in the stunning combination of shots, epic back-and-forth performances, and chilling displays of raw emotion that all make up the "you know it when you see it" aspects of sheer greatness. 

PGAPappas Costco Kirkland Golf Balls Giveaway

It's the hottest golf item on the market right now. Well actually, scratch that.  It's more like the insanely popular, sizzling holiday craze of the year.  And it's still picking up steam. 

I'm talking of course about Costco's new $1.25 Kirkland golf ball, which is seemingly flying off the shelves at speeds faster than light.  And at a price of $29.99 for two dozen balls, that shouldn't be entirely surprising. 

 

I put them in play a few times last month, and they were definitely solid performing balls at a great price.  But they didn't exactly blow me away or make me want to switch from the brands I normally play.

3rd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway

I'm watching the clock writing this, as I rush to get ready for my 3rd Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway, but I have to share a quick story with you first.  Because I gave unsolicited advice to a Tour player earlier this summer, and am chuckling now thinking how ironic it is that maybe I should have given similar advice to myself. 

 

 

Many of you know I'm a huge Rory fan.  You probably saw my 1Rory17 license plates.  And I watched Rory closely at a number of tournaments early on this year.  I wasn't concentrating on his mechanics so much as his demeanor while he was struggling.  A few times Rory looked so angry you'd have sworn his head was about to explode.  Other times he looked so sad you might have mistaken him for the last player picked in high school for dodgeball.

PGAPappas Holiday Golf Gift Guide - 2016 Gear of the Year

Stuck on holiday gift ideas for that golf obsessed friend or family member?  No need for guesswork or to stress out this year. 

I’ve hand-picked, and play-tested every item in this guide.  And not coincidentally, everything here has also earned a spot in my “Gear of the Year” for 2016. 

 

These no fail gift ideas will delight everyone on your list.  And are sure to put huge smiles on their faces this holiday season and on the golf course throughout the New Year.

Wilson Staff 2017 Triton Driver Preview: A Technological Marvel

I'm not a big fan of reality television.  But I have to say Wilson Golf really knocked it out of the park with Driver v Driver. 

The program was immensely entertaining, sometimes out-and-out hysterical, and above all, uncommonly revealing into what went into the design and development of Wilson's newest driver, the Triton.  (If you missed it the first run, I strongly recommend watching reruns on Golf Channel). 

 

The name Triton was chosen because it represents power, speed, and strength.  Triton also happens to be the name of a mythological Greek god.  And I'm not joking, if it winds up being even half as good as it looked during Driver v Driver (some guys looked like they were launching surface to air missiles off the tee with Triton), it's going to have a place in the Wilson pantheon of the best clubs Wilson's EVER made.

Safeway Open Giveaway: Scott Piercy Silverado Course Record Signed Titlist Ball

The 2015-16 PGA Tour season ended with a rousing Tour Championship, followed by one of the most exhilarating Ryder Cup competitions in recent history.  You might have thought the fireworks for the year were done. 

But yesterday Scott Piercy began the new PGA Tour season by setting the course record at Silverado (first set by Johnny Miller in 1976), shooting a blistering 10-under par, 62 in the first round at the Safeway Open. 

 

And I'm starting the new Tour season by giving away a Scott Piercy signed Titleist Pro V1x ball to a lucky winner on twitter. 

The Best Pictures from the 2016 Ryder Cup - Tuesday Practice Round

If you're still one of the few golf fans who think the Ryder Cup isn't that big a deal, all you have to do is check out pictures from Tuesday's practice round. 

 

We saw larger crowds than some Tour events this year, and I'd venture a guess that every single man, woman, and child on the Hazeltine grounds wouldn't have wanted to be any other place in the world.

New Titleist 917 F2 and F3 Fairway Woods: Preview

Setting the standard for complete performance from both the tee and turf, new Titleist 917 fairways provide more distance and forgiveness with the most precise adjustability available to dedicated golfers of all skill levels. 

 

Titleist 917F2 and 917F3 models, like their 917 driver counterparts, are designed using new patented Active Recoil Channel 2.0 and SureFit CG technology to produce an uncompromising combination of distance, forgiveness and trajectory control with tour-preferred looks, sound and feel.

2016 BMW Championship FedExCup Playoffs Giveaway

I'm live from the BMW Championship this week for the third of four playoff events in the FedExCup playoffs.  And you guessed it, I've picked up some things for you again.  Actually, a lot of things. 

 

I'll post pictures and videos from the tournament over the weekend of players like Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, and Jordan Spieth (you can find some already on my twitter and instagram).  But for now let's get into the giveaway. 

This week I'll be giving away signed swag from players in the field for three straight days.  Each day we'll have new winners.

First Look Preview: Titleist Introduces New Cameron & Crown Putters by Scotty Cameron

Life is short and sweet.  And so is the new line of Cameron & Crown putters by Scotty Cameron, offering four of Scotty’s most-trusted models precisely crafted at 33 inches, and specifically weighted for players whose setup demands a shorter putter. 

 

Available in U.S. golf shops beginning Sept. 23, Cameron & Crown putters deliver the craftsmanship, quality and tour-proven performance that have made Scotty Cameron putters the choice of many of the world’s best players for more than two decades.

2016 PGA Championship Giveaway: Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy Signed Swag

It's PGA Championship week, which means it's the last chance for major glory this season.  And just as it is for the players, it's also your last chance to win one of my major tournament giveaways. 

 

This giveaway is all about the Top-4 Players in the World.  Signed swag from Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy are up for grabs.

Sights and Sounds from the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational

The 2016 Bridgestone Invitational fell on Independence Day weekend this year, and playing the right roles, Justin Johnson and Jason Day were shooting off fireworks coming down the stretch on Sunday. 

 

Johnson outlasted Day and came from behind to win his second tournament of the season, making him the only American to win in the last seven WGC events.

Sights and Sounds from Championship Sunday at the 2016 U.S. Open

Dustin Johnson overcame a five-stroke final day deficit, battled an unfair USGA rules violation fiasco mid-round, and vaporized years of major championship heartache by winning the 2016 U.S. Open Sunday evening at Oakmont Country Club. 

 

Here are some pictures and videos from Championship Sunday at the 2016 U.S. Open. 

Sights and Sounds from the 2016 U.S. Open Wednesday Practice Round

Oakmont Country Club is widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" of championship golf, and 2016 marks the ninth time the U.S. Open will be played here. 

 

Jack Nicklaus won his first major here, Johnny Miller's final round 63 is one of the greatest final rounds in championship history, and I spent the day Wednesday walking the course, observing the players, and coming to my own conclusion that Oakmont might be possibly be the most difficult course in the world.

2016 Bridgestone Invitational Giveaway: Autographed Golf Balls

The Bridgestone Invitational is one of my favorite events of the season.  It's a world class, extremely strong field, with no cut line.  Firestone is a traditional layout, playing at brutal 7,400 yards.  And of course there's the world famous, 667-yard, Par 5, No. 16, also known as "The Monster." 

 

And of course whenever I'm traveling on Tour, I like to pick something up for my readers.  So this week I'll be giving away golf balls signed by players in the field.

Dustin Johnson TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF Wedge Good Karma U.S. Open Giveaway

I probably like Dustin Johnson for the same reasons you do.  He's a freakish athlete with a one of a kind swagger.  It's ridiculously thrilling to watch him play.  And of course he's a bit of an eccentric character. 

I also like D.J. however because he's endured more heartbreak than anyone should have to endure in major championships.  And so Saturday, I took matters into my own hands.

Throwing out some @DJohnsonPGA good karma. If DJ wins the #usopen, I'll give someone the TaylorMade EF 52* he plays. pic.twitter.com/M6JlCNNWzP

— Pete Pappas (@PGAPappas) June 18, 2016

Throwing some good karma out into the universe, I tweeted (and posted on Instagram) that I'd give away the same TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF wedge Johnson uses if he wins the U.S. Open.  And you know what happened yesterday.

USGA Statement Regarding Dustin Johnson Ruling

The USGA wishes to congratulate Dustin Johnson on his victory and thank him, and the other players in the field, for their professionalism and grace throughout the championship. Dustin is a wonderful champion, a talented golfer and a gentleman. 

 

Our team at the USGA has seen and heard a great deal of discussion and debate about the ruling on Dustin’s ball moving during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. In addition to the explanations we offered upon the conclusion of the final round, we add these comments.

2016 U.S.Open Giveaway: CRU Golf Limited Edition U.S. Open Headcover, Official Oakmont Cap and Ball Marker, Adam Scott Signed Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

For the best examination of a player, where vengeance lays waste upon the world's best golfers, there's nothing like the four days of reckoning at a U.S. Open. 

 

 

And I'm in Oakmont this week for the 116th U.S. Open with some giveaways you're going to definitely want to get in on.

A Comprehensive Guide to the 2016 U.S. Open: Facts, Records, and Television Coverage & Live Streaming

Are you a U.S. Open super fan?  If you are here's a comprehensive guide to the 2016 championship at Oakmont, including records, figures, and other fun facts about U.S. Open history. 

 

I'll be in Oakmont all week starting Wednesday with tons of coverage, news, and giveaways.  And by the way, my pick to hoist the U.S. Open trophy on Sunday?  He's pictured above.

Sights and Sounds from The Memorial Tournament - Wednesday Practice Round 2016

The biggest names in golf are in Dublin this week for The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.  And the Wednesday Pro-Am was loads of fun for fans who got to check out their favorite players up close and personal. 

 

Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy drew some of the biggest crowds during their practice rounds.  Johnny Miller was recognized as the 2016 Memorial Tournament Honoree.  Even Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning was in town, showing off his 4 handicap index.