Let’s tee off!
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is doing the funniest thing in golf: casually stacking top-10s everywhere... while Riviera continues to act like it’s immune. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s political season just delivered a twist, as Lucas Glover went from loud critic to the guy holding the gavel. And in between the drama, we’ve got a sponsored gear quick-hit to keep your bag (and your fit) moving in the right direction.
Table of Contents
Birdies: Where the Pros Play 🏆
Scheffler’s Still Trying to Solve Riviera
Scottie Scheffler shows up as the trendy pick everywhere — because he’s World No. 1 — but Riviera’s still on his unsolved list. In six tries, he’s only cracked the top 10 twice, and he’s never won here. The scary part? His “not solved” version still comes with an 18‑event top‑10 streak and a Pebble final round that included three eagles. If he cracks Riviera, it won’t be subtle. Read more here.
Takeaway: Even the best have a “problem course” — it’s normal, not a curse.
Lucas Glover: From PAC Critic to PAC Chairman
Golf’s favorite plot twist: Lucas Glover — who’s been openly critical of the Tour’s direction (and even the PAC itself) — just got elected Player Advisory Council chairman for 2026. After his year as chair, he’s set to move into a four‑year term on the Tour’s policy board (2027–30). Translation: the guy who used to throw rocks is now helping design the windows. Read more here.
Takeaway: Complaining is loud. Leadership is quiet and time‑consuming.
⛳ Gear Drop: This Week’s Deals
Men's FUSION Grip Stability Traction Wide Spiked Golf Shoes | PUMA Golf Widen your stance.
Tighten your game. Fusion Grip Stability Traction Wide pairs soft-spike stability with a lightweight build, ultra-soft cushioning, responsive energy return, and a roomier fit that finally gives your feet some breathing room. See here.
Callaway Lightweight 1/4 Zip Golf Pullover
Approx. Price: Now ~$38 USD (was ~$110 USD), 66% off. Final Sale.
Lightweight single knit fabric keeps it breathable, while built-in stretch allows a full, unrestricted turn. Add in UPF sun protection and a water-repellent finish, and you have a go-to layer for cool mornings and breezy back nines. Clean quarter-zip styling makes it easy on the course and off it. See here.
Nike Air Max 1 ’86 OG G Men’s Golf Shoes
Approx. Price: Now ~$105 USD (was ~$150 USD), 30% off.
A streetwear legend, now course-ready. You get the iconic Air Max 1 look with the visible Air unit for comfort, plus golf-specific traction and stability so you can walk 18 without slipping or sore feet. Fits small, so consider going up half a size. See here.
VRST Men’s Fairway Golf Jogger Pant
Approx. Price: Now $23.97 to $30.97 (was $88.00), 65% to 73% off.
These are the “I can play 18 then grab dinner” joggers. Multi-directional stretch for an easy turn, breathable moisture-wicking fabric to stay cool, and wrinkle resistance so you do not look like you slept in the cart. Bonus: a gripper waistband helps keep your polo tucked when the swing gets aggressive. See here.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver
Approx. Price: Now ~$385 USD, 34% off.
This is TaylorMade’s forgiveness flex: Forged Ring Construction for stability, Speed Injected Twist Face to protect mishits, and a Speed Pocket for extra zip on low strikes. If your “perfect” drive shows up twice a round, this one helps the other 12 behave. See here.
Links and promo codes are subject to change—always double-check the retailer page before you check out.
Bogeys: For Us Weekend Golfers 🏌️♂️
If I Wanted to Banish a Slice Fast… I’d Do These 3 Drills
Golf Monthly’s fix is simple: stop hoping your slice “settles down” and give your swing a new feeling on purpose. The drills are built around three needs: (1) a committed path, (2) arms working around you instead of cutting across you, and (3) a shallower angle of attack so you’re not chopping down and glancing the face open. It’s practical, low‑equipment, and brutally honest: the slice isn’t “random,” it’s a pattern. Read more here.
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The 30‑Minute Putting Drill That Covers All the Important Distances
If your putting practice is just “roll a few from 6 feet and leave,” this PGA.com routine fixes that. It’s three blocks: 10 minutes of lag putts from 40–60 feet (goal: everything inside 3 feet), 10 minutes from 15–25 feet (track makes + tap‑in finishes), and 10 minutes from 3–6 feet (make 10 in a row before you bounce). It’s not glamorous — it’s exactly why it works. Read more here.
Bourbon: Life on the 19th Hole 🥃
Subscriber Story: I Finally Beat My Buddy... and It Only Took 12 Years
I have been losing to the same friend every Saturday since college. Same course, same breakfast ball on the first tee, same excuse about “just not having it today.” Last weekend felt different. Driver behaved, putter warmed up, and for once, I did not implode on 18. I stuck a 7 iron to six feet, poured it in, and signed for a 78... two shots clear of my longtime tormentor. He blamed the greens. I blamed destiny. The post-round handshake felt like a major. The group chat has not been quiet since.
⭐ Course of the week ⭐
Rustic Canyon (Moorpark, CA) is minimalist, wide‑open, and sneaky‑brilliant — a Gil Hanse / Geoff Shackelford / Jim Wagner design routed through a sandy arroyo about 40 miles north of L.A. Wide fairways invite you to swing, but the greens will absolutely demand your attention (and your humility). It’s the kind of course where the ground game is alive, walking feels natural, and “creative” shots actually get rewarded instead of punished.
Pass info: Rustic Canyon Golf Course website.
One Last Thing
Golf isn’t a straight line, even for the best player in the world. Scheffler has everything dialed... and Riviera still won’t fully cooperate. Glover spent years calling out the system... and now he’s helping run it. Different stories, same point: the game always has one more question to ask.
So if your swing feels “almost there” or your season plan feels messy, good. That’s not failure... that’s golf working as intended. Keep showing up, keep tinkering with purpose, and let the next round be the one where the course finally blinks first.
See you next week,
Adam Rosen
Editor-in-Chief, Birdies, Bogeys & Bourbon
PS: Have a fun golf story? Share it here, and we may include it in the next edition.