“It’s less about fundamentals and more figuring out how you’re going to get the ball closer to the hole and all that other stuff washes away.” - Scottie Scheffler, on links golf.
🎙 Leading Off
Goooooood Morning. While I’m certainly excited for the Open Championship, let’s not do too much sleeping in this weekend. We’re treated to both Wimbledon and the Scottish Open. Breakfast SPORT. Before you beach, go to the grocery store, or hit the auto mall (idk what you have on tap), enjoy some great action from across the Pond. It’s Country Club Weekend. Tennis and golf baby. Find yourself a chicken caesar wrap and enjoy the ride.
Wimbledon
It’s Swiatek vs Anisimova and Sinner vs Alcaraz. Iga Swiatek is looking for major title number 6, but American Upstart Anisimova stands in her way. On the men’s side, we’re less than a month from Sinner and Alcaraz’s infamous 5 and a half hour French Open final. Didn’t get enough in Paris? Great news. See you in London Sunday.
⛳ Hard In The Paint
(NYT)
You thought the Scotland golf trip was for fun? That was research! Who else should break down the Scottish Open except for KMARK and HP? Surely you’re more familiar with the Open Championship, but don’t skip the Scottish. The Big Dogs are all here. The Scottish is one of the few tournaments that offers dual eligibility for PGA and Euro (DP) tour players. Thus, it serves as the perfect warm up for American players to get a taste of links golf.
The Course
I’ll be honest - the Renaissance Club wasn’t one we ever considered visiting. It’s newer, less acclaimed, and hardly historic. Most of the Internet Excitement this week has been pros practicing at neighboring North Berwick. HP and I enjoyed Gullane 1, which formerly hosted the Scottish, but I don’t have the same background on Renaissance. From what I’ve seen in the early rounds, too many trees. Can’t have that in Scotland. Let’s keep it Coastal! Alas, it still presents a worthy test and enough Links to tickle your fancy.
The Field
As mentioned, PGA players have exemption to this tournament. It’s one reason why you aren’t watching the ISCO Championship this week. That’s only for those on the outside looking in. Scheffler, Rory, Schauffle and the rest of the Boys are at the Renaissance.
The Results
Contenders
- Chris Gotterup, -11 (leader)
- Matt Fitzpatrick, -8
- Ludvig Aberg, -8
- Rory, -7
Tuning Up For Next Week
- Brian Harman, -6 (defending Open champ)
- Xander Schauffle, -6
- Scott Scheff, -5
Work to Do
- Viktor Hovland, -2
- Justin Thomas, -1
Cut, but they get to go play Dunbar
- JJ Spaun, Collin Morikawa, Sungjae Im
📻 Over The Air
🔗 Lebron and the Lakers – (ESPN)
🔗 Pacers Re-sign Isiah Jackson – (HoopsRumors)
🔗 Scottish Open Leaderboad – (PGA)
🔗 Alcaraz v Sinner, again – (Wimbledon)
📡 JumboTron: Tonight’s Must Watch
All times PST
Game 1: Anisimova vs Swiatek, 8:00am ESPN, Women’s Wimbledon Final
Game 2: Scottish Open, 9:00am CBS
☎️ The Phone Line
Best thing on the timeline today:
🎵 Walkup Song
▶️ For Sports, it’s goin down everywhere:
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