Hickory Golf

2019 Masters Memories: Tiger Woods Wins His 5th Green Jacket & 15th Career Major!

April 14, 2019 By admin

Nothing better than being back at The Masters and hanging out under the old oak tree by the clubhouse!

The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday practice rounds and Par-3 Tournament were memorable for a lot of reasons but in the end just a prelude to Tiger’s redemptive win—perhaps the biggest of his amazing career which now stands at 15 Career Majors and 81 PGA TOUR wins!

2019 Masters Monday: Walking the Second Nine at Augusta National Golf Club!

2019 Masters Tuesday: Walking the First Nine at Augusta National Golf Club!

2019 Masters Wednesday: Jack, Gary, & Tom Playing in the Par-3 Contest!

Plus, of course, a memorable night of merriment with the Tourism Ireland folks at the historic Benjamin House!

2019 Masters Thursday: Golf Ireland Party Hosted by Tourism Ireland!

Tiger Woods, 2019 Maters Champion! Photo Credit: Google Search.

I was there at the 2019 Masters to see history being made! Tiger Woods winning his fifth green jacket, 15^th career major, and first since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines—nearly eleven years ago! I was there to see Tiger making history in 2008 too! In fact, my time on tour beginning back at the 2008 Honda in February 2008 pretty much mirrors Tiger’s Major Timeout Period!

The Comeback of Tiger Woods is legendary, historic and redemptive! There were the crushing lows on and off the golf course. The injuries—overcoming the broken leg and knee injuries that came to a head in 2008 and the back injuries and successive surgeries. The foretelling triumphs—six wins in 2009 including Arnold & Jack’s tournaments—ZERO wins in 2010 and 2011—three wins in 2012 including Arnold’s, Jack’s, and his own tournament—FIVE wins in 2013 including THE PLAYERS Championship and the WGC Bridgestone Invitational –ZERO wins in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017—won the Tour Championship at Eastlake in September 2018 amidst a fairway of followers on the par-5 18^th fairway—and the first Major of the year, the 2019 Masters Invitational Tournament in April 2019.

Tiger hugging lady, daughter Sam nearby and Andy in blue shirt in background! What a thrill to witness history! Photo Credit: Unknown.

Once Jack and Gary hit their ceremonial tee shots first thing Thursday morning, the golfing competition for the 2019 Masters began. As the week progressed, the headlines of the Masters Section of the Augusta Chronicle told the story of the previous day’s round:

Thursday, Round 1: “Ahead of the Pack;” Bryson DeChambeau who birdied six of the final seven holes and Brooks Koepka who had the only bogey-free round of the day both shot 6-under 66s. Patient Rahm right where he needs to be; shooting a 3-under 69, his best opening round in three Masters appearances. Ian Poulter keeps it all together for a top-five start (4-under 68, T4). Dustin Johnson shot 68, tied for fourth place. Back-nine charge (birdied 4 of the last 6 holes) nets Mickelson 67. Patient Aphibarnrat catches fire late with eagle on No. 13 and back-to-back birdies on Nos 15 and 16; final six holes in 4-under. McIlroy to regroup after 6-bogey round. Patient approach working for Fowler (70, T11). Hovland shoots 72 to lead amateurs. Top-ranked Rose struggles in first round (75). Spieth struggles (75). Day’s back (70). Corey Connors (Monday Qualifier at and Winner of the Valero Texas Open and the last to be invited to play in the Masters) enjoying unexpected appearance (70). Adam Scott shoots opening-round 69. Poor finish (bogeys 3 of final 4 holes) mars Howell’s round. Reed begins defense with 73. Kisner scrambles to stay near top of leaderboard (69). Iron play hurts Mize (77). Justin Harding shines in first round (69). Woods satisfied with his start (70, T11).

Tiger hugging Mom! Andy in the background! Redemption on many, many levels for Tiger! TROML Baby (an exclamation of JOY)! Photo Credit: Unknown.

Friday, Round 2: “One Slammed Leaderboard;” Five Major Winners share top spot at 7-under (Brooks Koepka, Jason Day, Louis Oosthuizen, Francesco Molinari, and Adam Scott) share top spot, with Tiger close behind (one stroke). Koepka rights the ship late (66-71). Day bounces back, grabs share of lead (70-67). Oosthuizen shoots 66 with hot putter to grab tie for lead (71-66). Molinari makes move in bogey-free round (70-67). Scott hopes to stay consistent (69-68). Woods one shot from top (70-68).

NIKE Dad Tiger & NIKE Son Charlie celebrating his 5th Masters Win! Andy in the background! Photo Credit: Unknown.

Harding in the hunt at 6-under (69-69). Poulter stays in striking distance (68-71). Mickelson chases victory, history (oldest winner of major). Rahm nears top of leaderboard at 5-under (69-70). Schauffele roars for tourney-best 65 (73-65). Zach Johnson’s miscue (hit ball with driver while taking a practice swing on the 13^th tee) worth a good laugh. McIlroy seven back of leaders. Top-ranked Rose misses cut for first time. Woosnam calls it quits- again. Four amateurs (Takumi Kanaya, Viktor Howland, Alvaro Ortiz, and Devon Bling) make the cut. Past champion Langer makes weekend again. Friday frustrating for DeChambeau (66-75). Spieth rebounds from rough start in Round 2 (75-68). 1987 champ Mize misses cut. Howell cards best round at Masters (73-67). Reed gains ground Friday (73-70). After a wild round, Kisner still in hunt (69-73).

Saturday, Round 3: “Molinari (-13, 70-67-66) stays the course,” British Open champ leads Woods (-11), Finau (-11). Trio of 64s make history—Stellar Saturday puts Webb Simpson in contention (-9, 72-71-64)—Finau in final group after record-tying 30 on front nine (-11, 71-70-64)—Cantlay nearly ties tournament record (-6, 73-73-64). Woods in hunt for fifth Masters (70-68-67). Even after all this time, Tiger’s vibe draws patrons.

Tiger Woods eagles the 18th on Saturday at Torrey Pines in the 2008 U.S. Open. Andy in background with arms raised for ‘Victory!” Tiger would birdie the 18th on Sunday to force a playoff, birdie it in the Monday 18-hole playoff to force sudden death and then par the 7th, the next playoff hole to WIN! Photo Credit: Unknown.

Dustin Johnson is still lurking (-8, 68-70-70). Ian Poulter keeps himself in mix (-9, 68-71-68). Kuchar rallies with back nine birdie streak (-8, 71-69-68). Rookie Harding hangs on (-8, 69-69-70). ‘Hiccups’ hurt Schauffele in 70 (-8, 73-65-70). Day (-6, 70-67-73), Scott (-7, 69-68-72) can’t get moving. Fowler patient, but must start fast today to stay in contention (-7, 70-71-68). Rahm loses ground with Saturday 71 (-6, 69-70-71). Mickelson laments missed opportunity (-6, 67-73-70). Oosthuizen slips, stays in hunt (-8, 71, 66-71). Koepka has shot at another major (-10, 66-71-69). Looks like a no-go on repeat for Reed (+1, 73-70-74). Cold putter costs Howell (E, 73-67-976). Kisner loses ground in third (-2, 69-73-72).

Amateurs: Hovland still learning course (-2, 72-71-71)—Aggressive style pays off for Kanaya (-1, 73-74-68)—Ortiz goes through up-and-down round (+1, 73-71-73)—Bling shoots his best round yet (+2, 74-73-71).

Weather moves up tee times for final round. Players will go off both No. 1 and No. 10 tees in threesomes. The first groups will go off at 7:30 am, and the leaders will tee off at 9:20.

Hello from Founders Circle in front of the Clubhouse at Augusta National!

Happy Masters Sunday! WOW, what an exciting Masters! Wet Monday & Tuesday practice rounds; a sunny day on Wednesday for the Par-3 Contest; Koepka & DeChambeau opening 66s on Thursday; Schauffele’s 65 was the low round on Friday but still was one stroke shy of the record 5-way tie for the lead after 36 holes at 7-under between Oosthuizen, Molinari, DJ, Scott, & Day. Tiger’s 70-68 start had him at 6-under as well. There was a late half-hour weather delay but everybody finished. Saturday brought a record three 64s by Cantlay (T14), Simpson (T5), & Tony Finau (T2) though Molinari (66) leads Finau and Tiger (67) by two strokes at 11-under going into Masters Sunday. A memorable Masters finish is already guaranteed with golfers going out in pairings of three off both the first & tenth tees starting at 7:30 am to beat approaching severe weather! Let’s hope we beat it with good wishes for all golfers to play their best! Who will win the 2019 Masters? My hope is Tiger Woods! How about you? (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post; Saturday, 4-13-19)

Sunday, Final Round: “Hear Him Roaring!”

Final Group off No. 1 at 9:20 am: Francesco Molinari (-13); Tony Finau (-11); and Tiger Woods (-11).

Penultimate Group off No. 1 at 9:09: Brooks Koepka (-10); Webb Simpson (-9); and Ian Poulter (-9).

DeChambeau aces the par-3 16^th hole; his first-ever hole-in-one! Molinari going for a record-tying 50^th consecutive non-bogey hole, bogeys the 7^th and Tiger birdies for a 2-stroke swing to get within one stroke of Molinari. Both birdie the par-5 8^th hole.

Sunday Second Nine where The Masters begins… and ends!

Tiger bogeys No. 10; falls two strokes behind.

Poulter (-7/12) and Koepka (-9/12) in the group ahead both find water and double bogey the par-3 12^th hole. Koepka recovers with an eagle on No. 13.

Molinari (-11/12) and Finau (-8/12) playing with Tiger both find water and double bogey the par-3 12^th hole. Tiger pars and is at even par for the round and is at 11-under same as Koepka after his eagle on No. 13.

Finau would birdie three of his last six holes and finish at 11-under in a four-way tie for fifth with Molinari, Jason Day and Webb Simpson.

Jon Rahm nearly aces the par-3 16^th hole, then his playing partner Justin Thomas does!

Cantlay, the low am in 2012, eagles the 15^th to lead the Masters at -12 through 15 holes.

Schauffele birdies 13 and 14 to tie Cantlay at 12-under.

Cantlay, who was 9 strokes back going into the weekend, bogeys the 16^th , bogeys the 17^th and pars the 18^th to shoot a Sunday 68 and finish T9 at 10-under par.

Molinari and Woods birdie the par-5 13^th hole to get in a 3-way tie for the lead with Schauffele who fails to birdie the par-5 15^th hole and settles for a par.

It was at this point that I realized the gum-chewing, red mock turtleneck, vintage his Masters win in 2005 was going to win his fifth Masters!

Jason Day birdies the home hole to post 11-under and becomes the new clubhouse leader.

Dustin Johnson birdies the 17^th to get to 12-under.

Now there are five golfers tied at 12-under: Woods, Molinari, Koepka, Schauffele and DJ.

Schauffele makes a 7-footer for par on the 16^th and pars the 17^th and 18^th to finish at 12-under and tied for second with DJ (who pars the 18^th) and Koepka (who finished with all pars except a birdie on the 15^th after his eagle on the 13^th).

Woods reaches the par-5 15^th in two swings and two putts from 40-feet for a birdie and the lead at 13-under.

Molinari also finds water and double bogeys the 15^th, the other par-5 on Augusta National’s second nine; after clipping a tree limb with his approach to the green. He would shot a Sunday 74 and finish T5.

Tiger nearly aces the 16^th and taps in for a deuce and a two-stroke lead with two holes to play and nobody behind him with more holes to play than he.

The 14-time Major Champion and 80-time winner on the PGA TOUR pars the 17^th and takes his two stroke lead to the 18^th tee. His drive is right on 18 and he fans an 8-iron short right; chips up and two putts for the safe bogey and Masters Win!

Though tied for 47^th in fairways hit (67%), Tiger was No. 1 in greens hit in regulation for the final round and for the week at Augusta National.

His 14-year gap between Masters Wins surpasses Jack’s 11 years previous record.

Tiger wins his first major after trailing after 54 holes.

Watch out for Tiger—he is back, completely back and ROARING!

2008 PLAYERS: Tiger Woods Admits Jack Nicklaus Forever Better than Me

But remember he once said Jack is the all-time best but that was said a long time ago…

Congratulations Tiger Woods on winning your 5^th Masters, 15^th Career Major, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom!

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM! 1:35 PM – Apr 15, 2019

Andy Reistetter is feeling blissful at Augusta National Golf Club.

April 14 at 5:23 PM · Augusta, GA ·

What a Masters! Congratulations Tiger Woods! Exciting, riveting, & historic!

Ian Harris

April 14 at 2:33 PM ·

Andrea Reistetter Harris Michael P. Reistetter Daria Anne Hirtz anyone know this guy?!

Andy Reistetter you had the best seat in the house! God is good eh?

Fred Shaheen

April 14 at 2:32 PM ·

Great to see local boy Andy Reistetter in the background as Tiger celebrates his win at the Masters. Who has it better than you Andy?

‎Malinda Schindler‎ to Andy Reistetter

April 14 at 2:37 PM ·

I see you Andy!!!!

‎Melissa Teske‎ to Andy Reistetter

April 15 at 9:15 AM ·

I wasn’t too far off when I referred to you as Mr. Hollywood – there you are, standing in the midst of it all at The Masters – a historical moment!

‎Michelle Perski‎ to Andy Reistetter

April 15 at 9:29 AM ·

I saw you on tv! Congrats to Tiger! And way to go Andy, following your dream all these years!

Joan E.Davis

April 15 at 5:59 AM ·

I have to say…Andy Reistetter I love this picture of a man and his mother with so much expression and passion..and YOU in the background….what an awesome life you lead to be able to witness these things…see you soon!!!

Monica Glickman

April 15 at 8:53 AM ·

What an amazing moment for you Andy to be standing right there. Wow!

Thanks for all the Facebook Comments—they are included below the Photo Gallery!

Jeff Hughes Jr. I’ll see you out on the course tomorrow…I’ll be escorting a player through all 18 holes

Melissa Teske Ok Mr Hollywood – looking good!

Anthony Quagliata Tiger!!!

Peter Benn gonna be an early start mate

Debra Cottrell Looking great!

Byron Bos You made every highlight package in the world yesterday

Ian Harris Jon Harris you notice this guy in the background?!

Andrea Reistetter Harris Andy Reistetter. awesome!

Edward M. Reistetter Favor!

Andy Reistetter God is Great! Andrea Reistetter Harris Michael P. Reistetter Daria Anne Hirtz Ian Harris WOW, you guys don’t miss a thing! Who taught you how to watch golf like that! I know! George, Andy, & Leonard!

Tom Lamphere Who is he Fred??

Andy Reistetter Thank you for the kind words Fred Shaheen & Robin Fellows! Tom Lamphere, let’s tee it up up at Ely Park this summer!http://www.elyparkgolfcourse.com/

Robin Fellows Lol! You don’t want to see my golf game. Its lame. I only like and use 2 clubs. Driver and putter. Not because I go from tee to green. No. I’m an idiot with a wedge. Lol!

Tom Lamphere Are you Larry’s brother???? He bought my Grandparent’s house back in 1977…

Michael J. Corrao History in the making Andrew “We Did It Mom”!

Larry Sansky Great photo bomb

Debra Cottrell What a great day for golf ⛳️

Tessa A Mollric Amazing day for Golf !
Oh the power of love courage , forgiveness and redemption.

Valerie Tidwell So glad you were able to be there for this historical moment.

Bev Mosteller-Bertok Amazing! Glad you were there to witness history! Great day for golf!

Michael McMillan Oh wow!! That’s amazing!

Jane Spicer So exciting!

Connie Cossar And the crowd goes wild !!
So happy for him

Jeff Hughes Jr. I thought that was you in the blue…i was standing right next to you

BJ Smyth Andy I spotted you behind Tigers family on tv today. I see you got the clip

Debbie Howard Benzley Wow look at you front row…so happy you got witness history!!

Bill Willhoit I told my wife it was you when I was watching! Great to see you in action.

Tom Brewster Funny I was watching you as it was happening. This was definitely one of your Forrest Gump moments.

Karen K Hayt So so HAPPY ❤️❤️

Scott Robbins You show up in all the good places!

April Ann Wow

Kim Hastert Love IT

John Henebry Wow ! Andy and you got to be there !! How great was that??

John Henebry Forest Gump

Sam Keiffer Thought I saw you

Monica Glickman Wow, thanks for sharing!

Andrea Reistetter Harris

Andy Reistetter Tiger’s last major win, 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines and yours truly, Forest Gump of Golf, was there too!

Matthew Cyberski I thought that was you! Amazing you were that close to sports history of the games living legend!

Kim Hastert Awesome sauce with a cherry on top.
I just realized that you are just in the picture Andy Reistetter
Bonus cool points.

Peter Harris REALLY AWESOME and HISTORIC……..POWER OF PERSISTENCE

Peter Harris Andy…….You Witnessed Sports History……REALLY SPECIAL…..

Marie Lyon Carney The sound of silence and them came the roars and cheers! So happy for you that you got to be there.

Leslie Hale Weed I immediately recognized You Andy Reistetter!
Wow! Awesome!! ⛳️

Susie O’Dell I met his mom on a Mother’s Day at TPC Sawgrass. She was sitting under a tree reading a book waiting on Tiger. I complimented her shoes and then realized who she was. Very pleasant. I told her I too was waiting for her son.

April Ann I used to hike at Torrey Pines to the beach.

Nick Brewster Photo bomber!

Corry Schiermeyer I saw you while watching on TV. How exciting and awesome!

Keith Chesk and you want to be at Ely when your at the masters!!! lol

Andy Reistetter Keith Chesk Oh no, have to be at Augusta National for The Masters! Love Ely Park for its spectacular views, sporty design, tasty spiedie salads but its only social golf!

Joanne Reistetter Ehrlich Andy, I had to share this great pic.

Pat Wilson Hi Andy I saw you whilst watching it live here in Australia. I got pretty stoked.
Good stuff mate
⛳️ ⛳️

Edward M. Reistetter How come you did not get a Tiger hug? LOL!

Andy Reistetter Good catch Malinda Schindler! Thanks for sharing!

Javier Cabanellas

Lisa Bennett-Fish

Katherine Deen Way I sent you a few screen shots last night of this. Did you get them? They are good!

Andy Reistetter Right on Melissa Teske from someone who knows LA Baby!

Andy Reistetter Woo Hoo Tiger did it Michelle Perski! I am following, yes I am! TROML Baby (an exclamation of JOY)!!!

Andy Reistetter See you soon Joan E.Davis! Great commentary! Someone should give you a microphone!

Nancy Reistetter Ryan That’s my cousin Andy is blue

Andrea Reistetter Harris awesome Andy Reistetter!

Nancy Reistetter Ryan I even saw you when they televised this moment
Wow were you close!!!!!!

2019 Masters Wednesday: Jack, Gary, & Tom Playing in the Par-3 Contest!

April 10, 2019 By admin

Special Moment today at the Par-3 Contest! Jack Nicklaus tee shot on the 5th hits the flagstick! I was more interested in watching Jack’s swing! Still has it at age 79! Playing with Gary Player & Tom Watson! Love the camaraderie of golf! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with 1 Video; Wednesday, 4/10/19)

CLICK HERE for Video of Jack Nicklaus hitting the Flagstick!

Wednesday is Par-3 Contest day with players and their families participating! Fun day, Masters competition starts tomorrow! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with 40 Pics; Wednesday, 4/10/19)

Thanks for all the Facebook Comments—they are included below the Photo Gallery!

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Peter Benn it is the only game that lasts a lifetime mate

Marc Belsher I so wish Cora and I were there!!!

Steve Hannaford Enjoyed my Monday there, special place!

Sue Allen “Ladies and Gentleman, the 2019 Masters Golf Tournament is finally underway!

Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

2019 Masters Tuesday: Walking the First Nine at Augusta National Golf Club!

April 9, 2019 By admin

Another beautiful day at Augusta National Golf Club! A weather delay in the middle but able to walk the first nine and see the newly upgraded 5th hole (new tee 40 yards longer; repositioned fairway bunkers and more receptive green). Nothing like The Masters Tournament to fell Springtime inside and outside! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with 35 Pics; Tuesday 4/9/19)

Thanks for all the Facebook Comments—they are included below the Photo Gallery!

[Show slideshow]

BJ Smyth Great pictures Andy!!

Peter Benn are you using your fone or a camera ?

Jeff Hughes Jr. I’ll be over on the driving range near the putting green again….stop by

Valerie Tidwell Beautiful Andy…enjoy!

Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

2019 Masters Monday: Walking the Second Nine at Augusta National Golf Club!

April 8, 2019 By admin

Always beautiful, always serene, always feels like the very first time here, blessed to walk Augusta National today! Mainly walked the second nine before a storm came in & closed the course around 3:30 pm. Happy Masters! (Andy Reistetter, Facebook Post with 30 Pics, Monday 4-8-19)

Thanks for all the Facebook Comments—they are included below the Photo Gallery!

[Show slideshow]

Peter Benn have a fantastic time mate

Phil Lago Enjoy!

Delia Guerrero Nava On my way. Maybe I’ll see you!

Bettyann Procter Harlow We had such a nice time last year Andy, miss you a lot

Lissa Marchette Rothstein Have a great time. I’m sure Frosty is smiling

Lisa Bennett-Fish Very nice Andy Reistetter!

Terry Anderson Lucky dog!

Rick Bell Sorry we missed you! Walked all 18. Great day!!!

Muffy Jennings See you Wednesday.

Katherine Deen Way See you Thursday!

Jason LeBlanc My hero

Jeff Hughes Jr. Come say hello…I’ll be working security near the driving range all week

Mary Eaton Rhodes We were there last year. It’s amazing!

Tracy Dantzscher Underwood Enjoy it!

Joan E.Davis keep the pictures coming…..awesome!!!!!

Donna Papas Simons Beautiful, enjoy your time there.

Tim Crosby Nice to see the dogwoods and azaleas blooming like they did when I was a kid!

Nadia Allem Are you there all week?

Kim Hastert There in spirit

Pamela Haugner Sky looks as bad there as here!

Kathleen Wolfe BEAUTIFUL ANDY A great place to be, have fun!

Keith Chesk see, thank got you are not at Ely now!

Debra Cottrell Looks beautiful…wish I could be there…Enjoy!

Marimoraes Moraes Felicidades amigo♥️

Sharon Young DiPasquale We’ll be up there Friday. I hope we can see you.

Paula Scott LOVE LOVE THIS!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Jim Maggiore So, who do you think will be wearing the green jacket this Sunday?

Dan DeMuth Thanks Andy great pics, 🙂 I always enjoy attending the masters was unable to make it this year based on being in Arizona for so long. Nancy Lopez Was sponsored by a company out of my home town and Saint cloud Minnesota at the time when I was a kid great memories. I caddie for her back then and she had so many good insights. 🙂

Tom Lamphere I was there on Monday!!!!

Calvin Kong Zhi Xian when can have a golf game with you at Augusta?

Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

2019 DSGO: Jack Nicklaus heading to Greater Binghamton for the First Time Ever!

April 2, 2019 By admin

PJ, Lopez, Annika, & now the Golden Bear himself, Mr. Nicklaus is coming to the 2019 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in my hometown of Binghamton, NY! Congratulations John Karedes, David Pessagno, et all for landing the BIGGEST name in golf! Keith Urban performing on Friday night too! Over the top! Word on the street is Jack is working with Barry Goldstein & may actually compete in the Champions DSGO event? Or it may just be the great fishing in the Susquehanna River? April 2nd, this is for real! Soooo excited! The Golden Bear returns to the Valley of Opportunity, aka the Valley of Spiritual Growth! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with DSGO Link; 4/2/19)

Jack Nicklaus receives the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 PLAYERS Championship while Tiger Woods Admits Nicklaus is “Forever Better than Me.”

Jack at the 2008 PLAYERS Championship!

That was the closest I ever got to Jack Nicklaus. No picture but I did get the program autographed. Historical Moment for two reasons: Jack is honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the PGA TOUR and Tiger admits in writing that Jack will always be “Forever Better than Me!”

The 2019 Friday Night Concert is Keith Urban!

CLICK here for tickets and more information!

Facebook Comments:

Barry Goldstein Greatest of all time Jack ❤

Andy Reistetter Barry Goldstein Yeah! Understand that you can’t comment! Be a great story… from Parkside to Greenside; life & golf!

Barry Goldstein He’s as good a human being as he was a player.

Lisa Bennett-Fish Fantastic!

Pete Kinney Awesome news! May have to make the trip up.
He never played in the B.C., despite promising Alex, (many times), that he would. I was privileged to hear one of those conversations, at the 1980 PGA, in Rochester. Not the Bear’s fault, as no player had more of a limited schedule, (due to putting his family, before his career), which is very admirable, for sure.

Christine Pavlisak Wow,my favorite!

Andy Reistetter The DICK’S Sporting Goods Open along with UHS and Dr. Bai Lee are thrilled to announce the Honorary Host for the 2019 UHS Golf Expo will be World Golf Hall of Fame Member !⛳️

This will be the 18-time Major Champion’s first visit to Endicott!

Joan E.Davis I WILL BE THERE!!!!!

Filed Under: Featured People, Greater Binghamton, NY, Hickory Golf, People in Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

Memories of the 2019 Valspar at Innisbrook Won by Defending Champion Paul Casey!

March 24, 2019 By admin

Memories of the 2019 Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Won by Defending Champion Paul Casey!

2018 Left; 2019 Right! Photo Credit: Google Search/Getty Images.

It’s been a long road back for Paul Casey and a colorful one at that! In the year of 2009 Paul Casey won for the first time on the US PGA TOUR and reached his highest Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR)—third! With 13 European Tour wins from 2001 to 2014 nine came before the 2009 Shell Houston Open victory and five afterwards.

Casey lost twice in playoffs in 2015 on the PGA TOUR and remained dormant until the rejuvenated breakthrough win at the 2018 Valspar Championship.

Now his third PGA TOUR victory and OWGR No. 11!

The par-4 18th on Copperhead; sometimes an easy birdie; sometimes an easy bogey; always a difficult par to win!

A courageous one at that closing with a Sunday 1-over par 72 to beat Louis Oosthuizen (69) and Jason Kokrak (71) by one stroke. Oosthuizen was in the clubhouse at 7-under par. Kokrak finished with a bogey after driving so wide right he was right of the bunkers. With a wedge in his hand he failed to reach the green and then failed to get it up-and-down. Casey had a 3-putt bogeyed on the 17^th and looked to be headed to another on the 18^th when he drove into a deep bunker. But he responded with a gallant shot reaching the green and 2-putting for a par and victory!

The Valspar Championship is a colorful one, on and off the golf course!

The Copperhead Course at the Salamander Innisbrook Resort is a great test of golf and with firm and fast conditions and some wind played quite difficult the entire week. Another testament to Casey’s brilliance this week was World No. 1 Dustin Johnson’s final round 74 while paired with Casey.

So good to be back at the Valspar Championship for the first time since the 2008 PODS Championship won by Sean O’Hair. But I have been to the Salamander Innisbrook Resort several times in between to tee it up on the Copperhead Course. In 2018 I played all four courses!

America’s Best Golf Resort: Innisbrook a Salamander Resort near Tampa, FL!

Note the 36 on the back nine of the Copperhead Course!

Who’s behind the awesome Salamander Innisbrook Resort and hostess to the Valspar Championship?

Lady Trump Outshines Donald in FLA.

Ms. Sheila Johnson is!

Don’t disregard Mr. Paul Casey at the season’s first Major Championship—The Masters in two weeks’ time. His last four finishes there in the last four years, chronologically—T6—T4—6^th—T15.

Tribute to the great golf course architect Lawrence Packard, an Innisbrook Legend!

An absolutely spectacular day for Round 3 of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort! Paul Casey (68), DJ (67), Jason Kokrak (66), & Jim Furyk (68) made moos on Chick-fil-A’s Mooving Saturday! Thirteen players within 5 strokes of leader Paul Casey who is at minus-9! Tough but fair championship course is Copperhead! Likely a Sunday Shootout & maybe a Playoff too! I was last here in 2008 on my original Florida Swing. My oh my has this tournament grown into something truly special! Had the feel of a Players Saturday today! Hats off to Sheila Johnson, Copperhead Charities, & the tournament staff & volunteers! (Andy Reistetter; 3/23/19; Facebook Post with 30 Pics)

On Course Reporter Jane Crafter in her element and out of the snow in Arizona!

Out of the snow in Arizona… into the Florida sunshine… one of the best in the golf broadcasting business… good to see Jane Crafter out there with the Jon Rahm/Rory Sabbatini pairing this afternoon at the Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa Resort! (Andy Reistetter; 3/23/19; Facebook Post with 30 Pics)

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Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

Memories of the 2019 PLAYERS Championship Won by Rory McIlroy!

March 17, 2019 By admin

Memories of the 2019 PLAYERS Championship Won by Rory McIlroy!

Rory McIlroy, 2019 PLAYERS Champion! Photo Credit: Google Search

A memorable Sunday at the PLAYERS!

First, another inspirational FCA Chapel Service!

2019 PLAYERS: FCA Sunday Chapel Service with Justin Hueber & The Jason Lovins Band!

Second, immediately following the first, an ACE at the par-3 17^th by yours truly! The replicate par-3 17^th that is! Not the full 136 yards, more like 13 yards or 40 feet. But it went IN!!!

Third, what an amazing finish with Rory strong and steady to win by one stroke over local favorite Jim Furyk!

What an exciting morning out at TPC Sawgrass and then an exciting afternoon watching the drama play out on TV!

Tiger Woods, 2-time PLAYERS Champion!

Even though Tiger Woods was out of it, his Sunday 69 moved him up 13 spots to a T30 finish. His gallery with playing partner Matthew Fitzpatrick (71, T41) was huge and moved through the Stadium Course with good cheer. Tiger birdied 4 of his first 11 holes; 7 of his last 18 going back to Saturday’s Round 3 but it was the quadruple bogey 7 on the par-3 island green 17^th in Round 2 that came between Tiger and his third PLAYERS win to tie Jack Nicklaus!

Jon Rahm, hot off his Saturday 64, was leading heading into the back nine at 14-under par with Jim Furyk who was 5 groups ahead and through the 12^th hole. Rory birdies No. 11 to get to that 14-under mark.

The picturesque 11th doomed the fate of Rahm & Fleetwood in the 2019 PLAYERS!

Tommy Fleetwood, Rahm’s playing partner in the final pairing, unexpectedly hits his second shot into the water at the par-5 11^th hole. A petulant Rahm, after not heeding the advice of his caddie, tries to him the miracle hook down wind that does hook and winds up in the water too. Rahm was pretty much done for the day at that point. Fleetwood later eagles the par-5 16^th hole to get back to the 14-under mark and has a chance until he finds water on the 17^th. And this time Rahm follows him into the drink! A ‘do-see-do’ dance that favors no one!

Earlier Eddie Pepperell birdies the 17^th and there is a 4-way tie at 14-under until the scores above at No. 11 are posted. Furyk bogeys the 15^th missing a 3-footer for par. Now it’s only Rory & Eddie leading at 14-under.

Rory drains a 20-footer for birdie at the short par-4 12^th after a poor chip while Pepperell pars the 18^th for a Sunday 66 and is the clubhouse leader at 14-under. Now Rory and Furyk know what the number to win is!

Another memorable PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass!

Johnny Vegas, defying the Vegas odds makes a bomb of 72 feet on the tiny 17^th green which is indeed better than most and the longest putt made to date on the island! Vegas also pars the 18^th, posts a Sunday 66 to tie Pepperell in the clubhouse at 14-under.

Furyk birdies the 16^th, a hole that he has markedly has never eagled, to get back to 14-under while Rahm does the same with a deuce at the 13^th.

Rory does not get it up-and down from the players-left greenside bunker, a difficult shot, for par at the 14^th and falls into a 5-way tie at 14-under with two of those scores in the clubhouse!

Furyk burns the right edge with a 15-footer for deuce at the 17^th but gets the birdie he needs (and needed to make a playoff with Kaymer in 2014) to post 15-under in the clubhouse after a solid Sunday 67.

Rory’s heroic shot to win comes from the right bunker on the par-4 15^th and then he makes the 12-footer to get back to 15-under and a tie with Furyk. Then it comes down to power golf, Rory power, with only a 9-iron second shot into the par-5 15^th he gets the birdie he needs and the two pars coming home to win his first PLAYERS Championship!

The new walkway from the Nicklaus Gate, evidence of the new era of PGA TOUR Chairman Jay Monahan!

Congrats Rory! Great job Furyk, double Sawgrass SPLASHES for Rahm & Fleetwood on 11 & 17! Great fun & entertainment is the 2019 THE PLAYERS Championship! (Andy Reistetter; 3/18/19; Facebook Post with 30 Pics)

LOL, aced the replica 17th hole this morning after attending the 7 am Chapel Service! Two balls; sleeve of balls if hit both on the green; skulled the first, literally said & was heard ‘might as well make this one;’ took dead aim with 52 degree wedge, landed softly & it went in sideways as shown on the end of this video of my new friend Curtis & his father Rich! Happy Players, Happy Andy! TROML Baby!!! (Andy Reistetter; 3/17/19; Facebook Posts with 8 Pics)

Always, always, always a memorable PLAYERS Championship but this year with my friend Sir Walter, my ace at the 17th, and Rory roaring to victory was extra special!

Awesome THE PLAYERS Championship in progress! Enjoyed being out there this week with my good friend Sir Walter & watching the NBC/Golf Channel broadcast! Impressive Jon Rahm leading after 3 rounds. Rory & Fleetwood are one stroke back; then Day & Ancer; then a group of six golfers 5 strokes back including local favorite Jim Furyk! A Sunday 65 just might do it for Furyk! Going to be a great PLAYERS Championship Sunday and it all will start with an inspirational 7 am Chapel Service inside the PLAYERS Welcome Center inside the new & updated Nicklaus Gate. Hope to see you out there! TROML Baby! (Andy Reistetter; 3/16/19; Facebook Post with 30 Pics)

Thursday Round 1 at the PLAYERS! In the Stadium on the Stadium Course! Happy PLAYERS! (Andy Reistetter; 3/14/19; Facebook Post with Panoramic Pic)

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Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

Memories of the 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Won by Francesco Molinari!

March 10, 2019 By admin

Francesco Molinari looking good in Mr. Palmer’s Red Cardigan after winning the 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill! Photo Credit: Google Search

Francesco Molinari won the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational, which dates back to the 1966 Florida Citrus Open, coming from way behind shooting an 8-undr Sunday 64! Teeing off at 12:05 pm with Billy Horschel, a full hour and 40 minutes before the 1:45 final pairing of Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy.

Fitzpatrick, yet to win in 45 PGA TOUR events, had a one stroke lead over Rory McIlroy after Round 3. McIlroy who shot a sizzling 66 on Saturday looked destined to repeat as the API Champion. In 2018 he shot a Sunday 64 to win at Bay Hill for the first time and received the red cardigan sweater given in memory of Arnold Palmer. Palmer, who passed on September 25, 2016 at the age of 87. This was the third tournament without the physical presence of Mr. Palmer. Marc Leishman won the red cardigan sweater in 2017. Jason Day, the 2016 Champion, was the last to win with Arnold there to congratulate him.

Of course, Tiger Woods owned Bay Hill, winning the API eight times in fourteen years (200-2013). The last two back-to-back in 2012 and 2013. Tiger was injured (neck strain) and did not play in the 2019 API.

A Tribute to Arnold Palmer, Forever The King! (1929-2016)

Mr. Palmer, It was an Honor to Meet You!

Mr. Palmer’s Legacy is alive at Bay Hill with the new domed Experience Exhibit off the 10th fairway!

Molinari, Italy’s best all-time golfer, fully came out on the world golf stage in 2018. After winning for the sixth time on the European Tour (2018 BMW PGA Championship) and the first time on the PGA TOUR (2018 Quicken Loans National); he won his first major at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links. The he wrapped up his breakout season by winning 5 out of 5 points for Europe as they won the 2018 Ryder Cup on the Albatros Course of Le Golf National just outside of Paris, France.

Molinari made a 44-foot bomb on the 18^th hole, longer yet similar to Rory’s dramatic putt to win by 3 strokes in 2018 and Tiger Woods historic putts made there, to post 12-under and eventually win by 2 strokes over Fitzpatrick (Sunday 71, sole 2^nd) and 4 strokes over McIlroy (Sunday 72, T6). Molinari became the first to win by making a pin-in putt on 72^nd hole!

Congratulations Francesco Molinari, 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational Champion!

Always a thrill to be at Bay Hill… Mr. Palmer’s legacy and presence live on…

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of only five tournaments given “invitational” status by the PGA Tour, and consequently it has a reduced field of only 120 players (as opposed to most full-field open tournaments with a field of 156 players). The other four tournaments with invitational status are the Genesis Open, RBC Heritage, the Fort Worth Invitational, and the Memorial Tournament. Invitational tournaments have smaller fields (between 120 and 132 players), and have more freedom than full-field open tournaments in determining which players are eligible to participate in their event, as invitational tournaments are not required to fill their fields using the PGA Tour Priority Ranking System. Furthermore, unlike full-field open tournaments, invitational tournaments do not offer open qualifying (aka Monday qualifying).

Frosty My Love, Gone All Too Soon…

With Frosty My Love!

Been a few years since I have been at Bay Hill, first time since the King & Frosty have passed. Mr. Palmer would be pleased as this tournament continues to grow amidst just the right Arnie’s Army spirit permeating this special place. Golf course is in great shape. Good to make a few new friends and run into a handful of old friends including the beautiful Katherine Deen Way in the umbrella dress! Will be a great finish! Go Rory! (Andy Reistetter; Facebook Post with 30 Pics, Saturday 3/9/19)

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Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

Memories of the 2018 Web.com Tour Championship won by Denny McCarthy!

September 24, 2018 By admin

Denny McCarthy strolls up to get his trophy after winning the Tour Championship by 4 strokes!

Here is how the week at Atlantic Beach Country Club unfolded with a picture album at the end:

Here’s a recap of the 2018 Web.com TOUR season… and a quick guide to who’s IN and who’s OUT for the fifty 2018-19 PGA TOUR cards at stake!#WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with link; Andy Reistetter; 9-19-18)

2018 Web.com Tour… on the way to the FINALS and the Tour Championship!

Good start to the 2018 Web.com Tour Championship! Round 1 is in the books! Morning 63 by Ben Silverman was matched in the afternoon by Cameron Tringale and 2-upped by Chris Paisley’s 10-under 61! Sure to be an exciting Round 2 tomorrow! #WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with 25 pics; Andy Reistetter; 9-20-18)

What an exciting Round One! Looks like it was shoot 64 or better to open and move into position for a 2018-19 PGA TOUR Card! Six players did just that… who were they? #WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with link; Andy Reistetter; 9-21-18)

Paisley 61 to Open in Round One; Six Players IN and Six OUT of FINALS Top 25!

The Happy Graduating Class celebrating their tour cards!

WOW this Web.com Tour Championship at Atlantic Beach CC has quickly grown into a FUN, entertaining, & extremely well-organized & well-run event! Great to see Mary & Bill Price and that rock star??? Come out this weekend & have a blast! #WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with 30 pics; Andy Reistetter; 9-21-18)

Great Comeback Story in progress by Lucas Glover! #WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with link; Andy Reistetter; 9/22/18)

Glover’s Pair of 64s Leads Web.com Tour Championship; The Six IN/OUT of FINALS Top 25!

Straka Leads Web.com Tour Championship but Anything Can Happen Come Sunday!

Atlantic Beach CC is the host venue for the Web.com Tour Championship!

What an exciting weekend at the Web.com Tour Championship! Congratulations to Denny McCarthy who shot a Sunday 65 to win and earn an all exempt PGA TOUR card and all the FINALS Top 25! Good luck on the PGA TOUR! #WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with 30 pics; Andy Reistetter; 9-23-18)

Exciting week, exciting finish at the Web.com Tour Championship! Denny McCarthy won and five golfers went INTO the FINALS Top 25 and got their PGA TOUR cards and five golfers went OUT… Who were they? Find out right here on Andy’s Golf & Travel Diary! Play well where ever you play next year!#WebTourChamp #TourBound (Facebook Post with link; Andy Reistetter; 9-24-18)

Denny McCarthy Wins Web.com Tour Championship; FINALS Top 25 Get Tour Cards!

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Filed Under: Hickory Golf, PGA TOUR Golf

Denny McCarthy Wins Web.com Tour Championship; FINALS Top 25 Get Tour Cards!

September 23, 2018 By admin

Denny McCarthy Wins Web.com Tour Championship; FINALS Top 25 Get Tour Cards!

Denny McCarthy strolls up to get his trophy after winning the Tour Championship by 4 strokes!

Denny McCarthy, with the confidence of knowing his PGA TOUR card was secure coming into the week at No. 11, was ‘Mr. Consistency,’ and won the Web.com Tour Championship by four strokes. By doing so he ascended ten spots into the No. 1 position of the FINALS to bump that regular tour card into one that is all-exempt for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

Sungjai Im has one of those all-exempt cards as well having earned it by being No. 1 on the Combined Regular Season and FINALS Money List. Having sewn up that distinction coming into the Tour Championship he elected not to compete this week at the Atlantic Beach Country Club.

McCarthy, with his precise and lengthy drives, made his move on the back nine with birdies at Nos. 13 and 14 while his competitors in the final group—Sepp Straka, Curtis Luck, and Lucas Glover—faded a bit in the heat of the day and the moment.

The next wave of 50 new golfers on the PGA TOUR has arrived!

Glover shot even par on the front nine, stumbled with a double bogey on the par-4 11^th hole but recovered with four birdies on the final seven holes to finish solo second. He rose from No. 40 to No. 7 in the FINALS and has a tour card for next year in addition to his medical exemption from June knee surgery.

Sepp Straka, the leader by one stroke going into the final round, had it 3-under through No. 10 but suffered a triple bogey on the difficult par-4 16^th hole to shot and even-par 71. Though he slipped to a T3 finish he went from No. T80 to No. 20 in the FINALS and earned his tour card for next season!

Australian Curtis Luck was running out of luck towards the end of Round Three and the start of the Final Round. Bogeying the 16^th and 17^th though saving par after hitting into the water near the 18^th green on Saturday. He started with three bogeys today. However, his Sunday 71 and T8 Finish maintained his rock solid spot at No. 16 to earn his card for next season!

It was a 5-way tie for third in the Tour Championship as Chase Wright (64), Cameron Davis (66), Ben Silverman (68), and Cameron Tringale (69) joined Straka.

Atlantic Beach CC is the host venue for the Web.com Tour Championship!

Wright had already earned his tour card in the regular season. Davis improved his FINALS position two slots to No. 5. Silverman and Tringale, were rockets in the final week of the year to secure their tour cards. Silverman from No. T85 to No. 22. Tringale from No. T83 to No. 21.

Fabian Gomez (68-68-69-63; T17 Finish; from No. 29 to 24) was the fifth player to gain entry into the FINALS Top 25 joining Glover, Straka, Silverman, and Tringale in achieving tour cards for next season.

On the other side of the equation, the five players who dropped out of the FINALS Top 25 in the fourth and final event were: : Brian Campbell, Aaron Baddeley, Joseph Bramlett, Scott Pinckney, and Lanto Griffin.

FINALS Top 25 Bubble Watch:

The Happy Graduating Class celebrating their tour cards!

The five players that moved INTO the FINALS Top 25 at the Web.com Tour Championship were: Lucas Glover (64-64-68-69; 2^nd Finish; from No. 40 to 7), Sepp Straka (65-66-64-71; T3 Finish; from No. T80 to 20), Cameron Tringale (63-67-67-69; T3 Finish; from No. T83 to 21), Ben Silverman (63-68-67-68; T3 Finish; from No. T85 to 22), and Fabian Gomez (68-68-69-63; T17 Finish; from No. 29 to 24).

The corresponding five players that moved OUT of the FINALS Top 25 at the Web.com Tour Championship were: Brian Campbell (69-68-69-69; T46 Finish; from No. 25 to 28), Aaron Baddeley (68-67-CUT; from No. 20 to 30), Joseph Bramlett (71-68-CUT; from No. T21 to T32), Scott Pinckney (71-71-CUT; from No. 24 to 34), and Lanto Griffin (69-72-CUT; from No. T21 to T32).

Others near the cut off No. 25 point:

No. 20: Sepp Straka (65-66-64-71; T3 Finish; from No. T80 to 20)

No. 21: Cameron Tringale (63-67-67-69; T3 Finish; from No. T83 to 21)

No. 22: Ben Silverman (63-68-67-68; T3 Finish; from No. T85 to 22)

No. 23: Michael Thompson (66-68-64-71; T21 Finish; from No. 18 to 23)

No. 24: Fabian Gomez (68-68-69-63; T17 Finish; from No. 29 to 24).

No. 25: Jim Knous (67-69-70-71; T57 Finish; from No, 17 to 25)

No. 26: Justin Lower (68-66-66-69; T21 Finish; started and stayed at No. 26)

No. 27: Henrik Norlander (67-67-67-68; T21 Finish; started and stayed at No.27)

No. 28: Brian Campbell (69-68-69-69; T46 Finish; from No. 25 to 28))

No. 29: Matt Every (64-68-70-67; T21 Finish; from No. 30 to 29)

No. 30: Aaron Baddeley (68-67-CUT; from No. 20 to 30)