<ul class="summary-list"><li>Max Homa won $790,000 at the BMW Championship.</li><li>He also cost one "probably drunk" spectator $3 by making a putt in the third round.</li></ul>Max Homa is one of the most liked golfers on the PGA Tour <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/maxhoma23">thanks to his social media presence</a>, but even he has his limits.Homa finished tied for fifth at this week's BMW Championship as part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The result earned him $790,000, pushing his season winnings to $10.5 million. However, those good vibes were marred by an ugly-ish moment with a spectator.On the 17th hole during the third round, Homa attempted a putt for a birdie, and as he started his stroke, a fan heckled the pro golfer. After making the putt, Homa and his caddie yelled at the spectator.You can see the moment here. In classic Homa fashion, he turned the moment into one to celebrate by giving the ball to a young girl in the stands.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Max Homa yells at a fan who had a $3 bet on him to miss the putt and then gives the ball to a young girl. <a href="https://t.co/2bSW9UQt1m">pic.twitter.com/2bSW9UQt1m</a>— Cork Gaines, Ph.D. (@CorkGaines) <a href="https://twitter.com/CorkGaines/status/1693665884760383690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></blockquote>After the round, Homa explained the interaction, noting that the fella had a $3 bet on Homa to miss the putt and was trying to get him to miss."There was a — probably drunk, I hope for his case, or else he is just the biggest loser there is," <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/golfweek/status/1693314517453652334">Homa told the media</a>. "He was cheering and yelling for [fellow golfer Chris Kirk] to miss his putt short. He kept yelling that one of them had $3 for me to make mine. I got to the back of my backstroke, and he yelled, 'Pull it!' pretty loud."Homa later added that he loves that fans can bet on golf, but this type of move is the "one thing" he is worried about."It's just always something that's on your mind," <a target="_blank" href="https://golf.com/news/pro-max-homa-2-words-fan-yelled/">Homa said</a>. "It's on us to stay focused or whatever, but it's just annoying when it happens.Homa got the last laugh, making the putt, costing the fan his $3 and helping himself to a win of almost $800,000.More importantly, Homa is sixth in the FedEx Cup standings and will be one of 30 golfers competing in the Tour Championship and a shot at the first-place prize of $18 million.

Pro golfer Max Homa got into a heated exchange with a fan over a $3 bet and a putt

<ul class="summary-list"><li>PGA professional <keyword id="11909180" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="max-homa" source="Orion">Max Homa</keyword> is the most interesting man in <keyword id="11895642" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="golf" source="Orion">golf</keyword>.</li><li>Homa is a modern athlete, with a podcast and a wry Twitter presence that has earned him many fans.</li><li>Homa told Insider that he hopes to use his influence to grow the game.</li></ul>Max Homa is the most interesting man in golf.A two-time winner on the PGA Tour, Homa has had a phenomenal year in 2021 that pushed him into the top 40 of the World Golf Rankings.Homa spoke with Insider over Zoom while promoting his partnership with <a href="https://gillette.com/en-us/the-latest-from-gillette/deodorants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gillette Deodorant</a> and <a href="https://nextgengolf.org/72-club" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their "The 72 Club" initiative</a>.This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.I was a bit confused to hear you were working with Gillette until I realized this was their deodorant rather than razors. How did this partnership come about?Yeah, I was confused too. When I was presented with Gillette, I thought to myself, "This is a lot of hair to trim out."But it's a deodorant, and it's amazing. The fact that Gillette is getting in the golf world is really cool for the game. What they're doing with <a href="https://nextgengolf.org/72-club" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the 72 Club</a> and <a href="https://nextgengolf.org/city-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the NextGenGolf City Tour</a> is awesome for growing the game of golf as well.When's the last time you were clean-shaven?Not since college. My coach used to make me shave all the way down, and I hated it.I <a href="https://www.insider.com/harold-varner-iii-michael-jordan-golf-course-grove-slaughterhouse-23-2021-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke with Harold Varner III</a> earlier today and asked him if he had any questions I should ask you. He asked, "How did you become the king of Twitter?"Oh wow. I had a lot of weekends off for a while, so I had extra hours. I had a lot more time on my hands when I wasn't playing as well. I think Harold's the funniest dude in real life that there is. Behind a screen, maybe I take on the persona that Harold has.I guess to answer it seriously, I think I understand, uh, why Twitter was made. It's shockingly not made to convince people of your political views. It was made to connect with people and find common links. Just tweeting dumb stuff in a hotel room, being observant at an airport, other people are kind of like, oh yeah, I think that way too, and laughing about it.That's the coolest part about Twitter. It was really made so some kid in his dorm room could tweet at LeBron James and say great game, and LeBron right back can say "thanks," or like the tweet. All of a sudden, you just talked to the best basketball player in the world. I wish people would grasp that a bit more.Is there a follower on Twitter you've earned that you're especially proud of? Or someone you'd still like to get a follow from?There's definitely a couple. All the athletes that I just respect the hell out of that follow me. I've even gotten some of their numbers and then we've met up. That kind of stuff is really cool. Again, why I think social media can be good. I met Chris Vernon last week in Memphis. He's the man, and that would've never happened without Twitter. I think it'd be really cool if like, the Biebs ever followed me at some point. I know he likes to golf and he's like, you know, pretty much the coolest person there ever was.Between your podcast and your Twitter presence, you are in a pretty unique position as a modern athlete, especially in the world of golf. Was building this type of following always a plan for you?I guess a little bit. Someone I really respect and looked up to was Rickie Fowler. He was kind of the first guy I can remember once I was old enough to notice, someone who I was like, "Man, that guy is actively doing something for his brand." Like, the Rickie Fowler brand. He had a plan and it seemed like he was executing it.Thinking about that, they talk about the word legacy a lot, and I think it sounds a lot bigger than it really is, but we should all kind of leave our mark with whatever you do in the world. And I was thinking, man, I really love the game of golf. I grew up at a public golf course where we just had a blast. And I said, well, I'd like to grow this game of golf. And in an odd way, through social media, you can help grow the game.Even if it was one more kid that decides, "Hey, I'm going to give this a go." Even if it doesn't mean professional golf, just going out and playing, that's what I want from what I'm doing.When you hear a kid say, oh man, you're my favorite player, that means somebody wants to go hit a few golf balls. That's just kind of been my goal.You're extremely open about your mental game on the course, especially on your podcast. Were you ever hesitant to speak about that side of the sport?Watching <keyword id="11893855" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports" source="Orion">sports</keyword> with my dad growing up, if I talked through the post-game interviews, he would tell me to be quiet and listen, and you'd learn a lot. I don't know if that just sunk in, but I've always appreciated that honesty, because you can learn something from it.It doesn't do me any harm to be honest and tell you how I'm feeling. There's probably some things I might leave out that are a little deeper. But for the most part, I find it therapeutic to talk about it at times.Okay, probably the most important question I'm going to ask. What's the best thing on the menu at Augusta National?The domestic light beer is good. I don't know which one it is, but it's good. I don't eat much cheese, so I've never had the pimento cheese sandwich, but the weirdest thing you'll get - in the sense that it says it's as good as it can possibly be - is they have this chicken sandwich, grilled chicken. There's nothing on it except maybe pepper. And it's a little bit cold and it is really good. It could just be because you're at Augusta. I'm not sure. But I get like four throughout the week while I'm there.

PGA golfer Max Homa is using Twitter to help grow the game of golf

<ul class="summary-list"><li>American golfer <keyword id="4064029" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="xander-schauffele">Xander Schauffele</keyword> won gold at <keyword id="1581035" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tokyo-2020">Tokyo 2020</keyword>.</li><li>Schauffele's fellow PGA Tour pro <keyword id="1859571" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Max-Homa">Max Homa</keyword> says caddies should get a medal as well.</li><li>At the Olympics, coaches do not get medals when their athletes win, but rowing coxswains do.</li></ul>American golfer Xander Schauffele won gold at Tokyo 2020 on Saturday, saving par on the 18th green to take home the top prize.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-NBC <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">Sports</keyword> (@NBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1421752181301071880">August 1, 2021</a></blockquote>While Schauffele will get to wear the gold proudly for the rest of his career, his caddie, Austin Kaiser, will leave Tokyo only with the memories of helping his golfer to the triumph.One of Schauffele's fellow PGA Tour pros, Max Homa, says it's time for that to change.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-max homa (@maxhoma23) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1421469313047818244">July 31, 2021</a></blockquote>The line delineating who gets medals and who doesn't at the Olympics is somewhat unique.Coaches don't receive Olympic medals - whether in a team or individual competition - when their athletes reach the podium. However, at some world championships and other elite sporting competitions, they are recognized with hardware.Meanwhile, in team relay competitions in the pool, some countries will swap athletes in and out of rotation in the qualifying heats. If a team earns a medal, <a href="https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/dressel-has-honeymoon-plan-after-five-gold-medal-wins?chrcontext=wral">every person who entered the pool during their path to the podium receives a medal.</a> However, only the four who won the final receive their medal on the podium.But the closest comparison to the role of a caddie at the Olympics might be the rowing coxswain.While they aren't rowing to gold, they are in the boat, directing their teams to victory. When their boat wins a spot on the podium, the coxswain takes home a medal.Similarly, a caddie is out in the competition with their golfer, helping them judge the wind, read the greens, and build a strategy to take on the course. But despite this apparent involvement in the success of their golfer, caddies are not awarded medals.There's a strong argument to be made that caddies deserve medals, but by Paris 2024, the issue may resolve itself.A prototype of the Paris 2024 medals designed by Philippe Starck showed medals that can break apart into four distinct pieces."Now more than ever, we don't win alone," Starck said in a video showing off the design. "This is a really good reward for team spirit."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">-Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/885084514137124865">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>Should the design be officially adopted at Paris 2024, golfers offering their caddies a slice of the medal would be a no-brainer.Until then, Schauffele will have to find another way to thank Kaiser for his effort in Tokyo. Maybe a nice watch or a few bottles of wine will do the trick.

PGA golfer Max Homa says Xander Schauffele's caddie should also get an Olympic gold medal for golf

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1859571" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Max-Homa">Max Homa</keyword> won the Genesis Invitational after a playoff against Tony Finau.</li><li>Homa had the chance to win the tournament on the 18th green with a three-foot putt, but missed.</li><li>Rather than fall apart, Homa bounced back with the help of some simple advice from his wife.</li></ul>Max Homa got the win he'd be wanting his entire career on Sunday, <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-max-homa-interview-genesis-invitational-tiger-woods-2021-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking the Genesis Invitational at Riviera</a> after a playoff against Tony Finau. But the victory might not have come without some sage advice from his wife, Lacey.Homa, who grew up attending tournaments at Riviera as a fan, had the chance to seal his victory on the 18th green on Sunday, needing only to sink a three-foot birdie putt on the final hole to take the trophy. But despite what looked like an easy win, Homa's putt lipped out, forcing the playoff.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363627414576914432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>It was the sort of miss that could have sent any golfer into a tailspin. But as Homa explained after the round, a small piece of advice from his wife Lacey helped him get through the moment."At the beginning of every round since 2021 started, she'll tell me 'Oh I need to give you advice,'" Homa said <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-55-max-wins-at-riviera/id1492360046?i=1000510202274" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on his podcast, "Get a Grip with Max Homa and Shane Bacon"</a> on Monday. "She always forgets. 'I need to give you advice.' She'll give me a couple nuggets. She'll admit, they're dumb. It's off the top of her head. It's just her way of being fun. Supportive, fun, and light. It's stupid."But while the advice is usually just something of an inside joke - Homa said that he is often reminded to "putt smooth," a direction he didn't quite understand - the advice she gave him on Sunday hit home: Be patient, and forgive quickly.After his miss on the 18th green, Homa spoke with his wife again before the playoff."I had forgotten about 'forgive quickly.' And I called her, and I said, 'I choked babe. I screwed it up.' And she goes 'Forgive quickly. Let it go.' And that was weird. Because of all the dumb stuff we talk about before rounds, that one really resonated hard. And I was like, alright, I'm over it."From there, Homa bounced back from his miss to win the playoff, taking home the second PGA Tour win of his career at a tournament he had dreamed of winning his entire life.

Max Homa says a simple bit of advice from his wife helped him bounce back to win the Genesis Invitational

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1859571" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Max-Homa">Max Homa</keyword> won the Genesis Invitational on Sunday after a playoff with Tony Finau.</li><li>Homa missed a chance to win the tournament with a three-foot putt on the 18th green.</li><li>Homa gave an emotional interview, saying that the tournament was where he fell in love with <keyword id="1226" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Golf">golf</keyword>.</li></ul>Max Homa delivered a spectacular performance over the weekend at Riviera to win the Genesis Invitational in dramatic fashion.Heading into the 72nd hole of the tournament, Homa was tied for the lead with Tony Finau and could take home the win with a birdie. After a brilliant second shot, Homa was left with a nervy three-footer for birdie and the tournament but pushed it.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—GOLFonCBS (@GOLFonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363627225040486401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>Tied after 72 holes, Homa and Finau headed to a sudden-death playoff. On the first playoff hole, it looked as though Homa's hope of winning the tournament vanished after his tee shot left him nearly snookered against a tree.But despite the poor location, Homa was able to scoop around the ball and shovel himself into position on the green, saving par and forcing a second playoff hole.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363633501338275842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>Homa won the tournament on the next playoff hole, taking home the second PGA Tour win of his career.After the win, Homa was emotional in his post-round interview."It didn't hit me until just now," Homa said, fighting back tears. "I've been watching this tournament my whole life. It's why I fell in love with golf.""City of champions. Dodgers, Lakers, and me now. It's a weird feeling."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—CBS <keyword id="6356028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sports">Sports</keyword> HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363638123666800645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>Homa grew up attending the PGA Tour's tournaments at Riviera and joked on Twitter that after years of attempting to connect with Tiger Woods as a fan, he was now set to receive a trophy from him as a player.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—max homa (@maxhoma23) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363675548048744451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>A year ago, Homa described the intense emotion he felt playing at Riviera on his podcast "Get a Grip with Max Homa and Shane Bacon." In 2020, Home finished tied for fifth, three strokes behind winner Adam Scott."This was the first event I ever had where I wanted it maybe too much," Homa said of his performance that year. "It was the first time I ever finished an event, and my brain was scrambled. It was all of the emotions."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1363637036264034304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>One year later, Homa was the winner of the tournament he wanted too much, shaking off what could have been a back-breaking missed putt to take home the trophy and the $1.6 million top prize that came with it.

PGA Tour journeyman Max Homa fought back tears during emotional interview after his incredible win at the Genesis Invitational

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Amateur Sam Bennett has absolutely crushed his first two rounds at the Masters.</li><li>Through 36 holes, Bennett has just one bogey at Augusta National and ended his round solo second.</li></ul>Amateur Sam Bennett has played two absolutely magical rounds of golf to open up the <a href="https://insider.com/category/masters-2023">Masters</a>.The 23-year-old, currently enrolled at Texas A&amp;M, made the Masters field after winning the U.S. Amateur in 2022, and is <a href="https://www.insider.com/sam-bennett-masters-golf-dads-last-note-tattoo-2023-4">making the most of his moment</a>.Bennett opened his time at <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/augusta-national">Augusta National</a> on a tear, playing the first two holes of the tournament three under par with a birdie-eagle start.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1644040966641446913">April 6, 2023</a></blockquote>Bennett fired this start while playing in the same group as World No. 1 and <a href="https://www.insider.com/scottie-scheffler-wins-masters-run-2022-4">reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler</a>, as well as World No. 5 <a href="https://www.insider.com/max-homa-twitter-grow-the-game-2021-8">Max Homa</a>.Bennett would find one more birdie at the sixth before making par on 12 straight holes to close out his round at 4-under — a score that was good for a tie with World No. 1 Scheffler and put him three strokes ahead of Homa.Homa didn't seem to mind getting bested by the brilliant amateur."That was awesome," Homa <a href="https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2023-04-06/2023-04-06_historic_hot_start_powers_amateur_bennett_to_68.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said after the round</a>. "I can't imagine coming here as an amateur, what that might feel like, and then come out here and perform. He played some great golf."Bennett was pretty calm with his performance.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1644329976366333955">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>On Friday, it was more of the same for Bennett, who once again birdied the first...<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1644343208699400192">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>...and later put up back-to-back birdies on Nos. 8 and 9 and Nos. 13 and 14.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1644378509861584902">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>Suddenly, Bennett was rising up the leaderboard. Beyond looking good to win low amateur, Bennett was one of the few players within striking distance of <a href="https://www.insider.com/masters-brooks-koepka-caddie-penalty-masters-2023-4">leader Brooks Koepka</a> after completing 36 holes.After his round, Bennett spoke with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt inside Butler Cabin. Again, he was extremely calm about his performance."I love being in big time situations. I love being nervous. I use that to my advantage," Bennett said. "I love hitting shots when they matter. To put up two rounds and get the chance to be around for the weekend. It's going to be fun."Bennett went on to state what he had already made pretty obvious through two rounds at Augusta National, the lights certainly weren't too bright for him."I'm probably more nervous sitting in Butler Cabin talking to you than I am on the course," Bennett said. "When I get out there, especially with the patrons and playing Augusta National, I kind of black out. I'm not thinking of anything other than just golf."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1644413038638899230">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>While fans following the action at home might be shocked to see Bennett's name so high on the leaderboard, it was part of his plan all along. He wasn't showing up at the Masters just to compete for low amateur. He wanted to win the whole dang thing."This is going to sound crazy, but before the week everyone was talking like 'Oh I hope you get low amateur,' and I'm like, there's seven guys to beat. That's it? There's a green jacket on the line."I felt like I was experienced. I was prepared. I did some good work in the practice round. I feel like I belong on this stage."Bennett was <a href="https://www.insider.com/sam-bennett-masters-golf-dads-last-note-tattoo-2023-4">already one of the feel-good stories of the tournament</a>. A tattoo on his arm carries the last words his father ever spoke to him: "Don't wait to do something."In June 2021, his father died due to <a href="https://www.insider.com/a-35-year-old-dad-talks-about-having-alzheimers-2022-10" rel="">early-onset Alzheimer's</a> disease.Through two rounds at Augusta National, Bennett is living up to those words. He's not waiting.

An amateur golfer who has shocked the world at the Masters says he planned to fight for the win

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Michael Block's magical run at the PGA Championship turned him into an overnight sensation.</li><li>Block has since gotten invites to play in several more PGA Tour events coming up.</li></ul>Michael Block's dream run of golf keeps on delivering.Last week, Block <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-block-pga-championship-star-golf-pro-lessons-2023-5">became the sweetheart story of the PGA Championship</a>, finishing as the low club pro amongst a field of some of the best golfers in the world. He capped off his run of play with <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-michael-block-dunks-ace-rory-mcilroy-2023-5">a hole-in-one on Sunday</a> and an up-and-down on the 18th hole that secured him a T15 finish and with it, an automatic invite to next year's PGA Championship.He also took home a check worth more than $280,000 — not bad for a weekend's work.But aside from the cash, Block has also enjoyed a newfound bit of celebrity, including a text message from basketball legend and golf enthusiast Michael Jordan."I'm a big Jordan guy my whole life. I was a little kid in Iowa saving 100 bucks for a pair of Jordans back in the day," Block told reporters ahead of this week's Charles Schwab Challenge, <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/37716027/michael-block-awed-fanfare-message-michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per ESPN</a>. "Pretty darn cool, to say the least."According to Block, Jordan's message was about "something in the way that what he saw is why he loves the game of golf so much."Jordan wasn't alone in loving what he saw of Block's story. <a href="https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/05/pga-championship-ratings-least-watched-final-round-15-years/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Sports Media Watch</a>, viewership on Sunday peaked as Block was finishing out his 18th hole alongside Rory McIlroy.Block was competing in the tournament as a club pro — his day job is working as head pro at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California. He's not your average weekend duffer, and has developed quite a reputation among some of the pro players that call California home.Max Homa, who has won five PGA Tour events since the start of 2021, called Block a "legend in southern California," <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/37716027/michael-block-awed-fanfare-message-michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to ESPN</a>."It's always amazing to see someone who, if you go to the U.S. Amateur or the U.S. Mid-Am and you see those players how great they are, and they have a job," Homa told reporters. "I spend all my days here practicing golf. That's all I have to do, and he can still whoop me real good."While Block has <a href="https://www.insider.com/pga-championship-star-golf-pro-michael-block-pga-tour-2023-5">no plans of trying to become a full-timer on the PGA Tour</a>, he will be present at a few more events this year, <a href="https://twitter.com/PGAChampionship/status/1660434151613317121" target="_blank" rel="noopener">having already secured a sponsor's exemption</a> to this week's Charles Schwab Challenge.Beyond his future PGA Tour events, if he can keep up the texts with Jordan, Block could also potentially score himself <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-23-golf-course">an invite to Jordan's home course</a>, The Grove XXIII.

Golf's newest sensation was floored by a text message he received from Michael Jordan

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tiger Woods flew to Delaware ahead of the BMW Championship to meet with some of the top players on the PGA Tour.</li><li>Those in the meeting reportedly agreed to propose a new, extended schedule of elevated events to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.</li></ul>WILMINGTON, Delaware — Just before the best golfers in the world prepared to compete at Wilmington Country Club in the BMW Championship, another meeting of the minds took place at the Hotel du Pont.Tiger Woods, who was not competing in the weekend's playoff tournament, flew to Delaware to hold a meeting with more than 20 of the other top players on PGA Tour to discuss the future of their sport and how best to respond to the threat of LIV Golf.<a href="https://www.si.com/golf/news/inside-the-meeting-tiger-woods-rory-mcilroy-leading-effort-to-create-18-event-pga-tour-circuit-with-20-million-purses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to a report from Bob Harig at Sports Illustrated</a>, the players left the meeting ready to bring PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan a proposal for a series of 18 tournaments, with $20 million purses and limited fields of just 60 players.<a href="https://nolayingup.com/blog/rory-tiger-top-players-agree-on-vision-for-pga-tour-changes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to No Laying Up</a>, the plan was to elevate purses at up to 15 events, which would allow for more of the top players to go up against each other on a more consistent basis.Those in attendance, <a href="https://nolayingup.com/blog/rory-tiger-top-players-agree-on-vision-for-pga-tour-changes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per No Laying Up</a>, were:Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, Sam Burns, Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Billy Horschel, Cameron Young, Joaquin Niemann, Max Homa, Shane Lowry, Tyrell Hatton, Kevin Kisner, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler and Woods.The meeting comes as the challenge posed by LIV Golf continues to threaten the PGA Tour, with <a href="https://www.insider.com/liv-golf-top-100-players-strength-of-field-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">numerous top players</a> making the jump to the new, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-sportswashing-liv-golf-saudi-government-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saudi-backed</a>, upstart league.<div type="image" title="Fans watch the final round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J." height="1733" width="2311" msid="93715546" hostid="261" sizebytes="433272"></div>One of LIV Golf's biggest selling points to fans is the fact that it can guarantee its biggest names will go up against each other at each tournament it hosts. On the PGA Tour, conversely, players are free to build their own schedules, leaving some events with just a few of the top players in the world actually competing.The new proposal could potentially alleviate that uncertainty, pitting the best players in the world against each other on a regular basis outside of golf's four majors.The meeting also signals a strong sense of unity amongst a core group of the top players on the PGA Tour. The list reported by No Laying Up includes 14 of the 15 top-ranked players in the world at the moment. Should they all stay the course, it would be tough for LIV Golf to pass the PGA Tour in terms of talent.<div type="image" title="Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm speak before teeing off for a practice round ahead of the 2022 US Open." height="1592" width="2123" msid="93715547" hostid="261" sizebytes="119378"></div>Woods' presence at the meeting also is indicative of his role as the leader of the PGA Tour, despite his days of regular play being far behind him."I mean, I think it's pretty apparent that whenever we all get in the room, there's an alpha in there, and it's not me," said Rory McIlroy of Woods' presence at the meeting.

Tiger Woods' secret meeting with top players on the PGA Tour could lead to its next stage of evolution

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12635548" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tiger-woods" source="Orion">Tiger Woods</keyword> missed the cut at the 150th Open Championship.</li><li>While Woods' weekend didn't go as planned, he still received a hero's welcome walking the final stretch of the Old Course at St. Andrews.</li></ul>Tiger Woods' weekend at the Old Course at St. Andrews didn't go as planned but still ended with a hero's walk down the 18th fairway.Woods had made the cut at both of the first two majors he played this year — his first competitive rounds since a car accident in February 2021 left fans wondering if the 15-time major winner would ever be able to walk again, let alone play <keyword id="11895642" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="golf" source="Orion">golf</keyword>.At the 150th Open Championship, Woods failed to advance into the weekend, shooting 78-75 through the first two rounds and finish nine strokes over par. But while Woods didn't perform the way that he had hoped he would, he still received a memorable ovation from the Scottish crowd as he approached the 18th green.As Woods made the walk up the final hole, many wondered whether he would stop and tip his cap while crossing Swilcan Bridge, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoKJTKbXCVo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">where Jack Nicklaus waved farewell to the sport</a>.In a fine show of respect, Woods' playing partners Max Homa and Matt Fitzpatrick paused to allow Woods to make the walk across the bridge on his own.Woods tipped his cap, but did not stop his walk, as the crowd roared.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1547953385936003085">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>The nod to the crowd appeared to suggest that Woods is hoping to be back, but will take in the moment just in case.As Woods continued his walk up the fairway, the crowd swelled with support again. Woods was clearly emotional, visibly choking up for a moment as he received his ovation.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1547949700086542337">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote>After his round, Woods acknowledged that he couldn't say for sure if he'd be able to play another Open at his favorite course in the world."I don't know if I'll be physically able to play another British Open here at St. Andrews," Woods said. "I certainly feel like I will be able to play more British Opens, but I don't know if I'll be around when it comes back around here. So the warmth and the ovation at 18, it got to me."The Open Championship rotates through several host courses from year-to-year. It's unclear when the Old Course will host its next Open, but venues have been booked through 2025, so it will be at least a few years.Woods is only 46, and he would have an invite to any Open hosted at St. Andrews as a former champion, but given his history with injuries, it's understandable that he doesn't know how his body will be holding up by the time the Old Course comes back around on the rotation.If he's able, Woods would undoubtedly love to give St. Andrews a more formal farewell in the future, ideally on a Sunday rather than a Friday. But if his walk today does wind up to be his final goodbye to the Old Course, it certainly was worthy of the moment.

Tiger Woods got choked up by the astounding ovation he received walking up the final hole at the Open at St. Andrews

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11899347" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="harold-varner-iii" source="Orion">Harold Varner III</keyword> is the only "toe-to-head" Jordan Brand athlete on the PGA Tour.</li><li>Varner has played <keyword id="11897663" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="michael-jordan" source="Orion">Michael Jordan</keyword>'s <keyword id="11895642" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="golf" source="Orion">golf</keyword> course, "<keyword id="11899348" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-grove-xxiii" source="Orion">The Grove XXIII</keyword>" several times.</li><li>Varner told Insider that the course is a template to help grow the game.</li></ul>Harold Varner III is one of the most compelling players in golf.As North Carolina resident, Varner was <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-signs-harold-varner-iii-jordan-brand-2021-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a natural partner for Michael Jordan and Nike's Jordan Brand</a>, and as such has gotten to play Jordan's golf course, <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-golf-course-grove-xxiii-tour-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Grove XXIII</a>.The Grove is <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-golf-course-grove-xxiii-tour-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">simultaneously one of the most exciting and one of the most secretive courses</a> in the golf world, but Varner broke down some details about the course while speaking with Insider to promote his partnership with <a href="https://cutwaterspirits.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cutwater Spirits</a>, which specializes in canned cocktails.In our conversation, Varner explained why The Grove is unlike any other course he's played, and what it takes to beat Jordan head to head. We also talked about waffles.This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.Before we get going, you said you just finished up breakfast at Waffle House. What's the Waffle House order?Today I got three scrambled eggs, a side of sausage, side of bacon, hash browns, and wheat toast.Hash browns smothered and covered?Hell no, man. I'm trying to keep my pants clean for the day.You're promoting your partnership with <a href="https://cutwaterspirits.com/where-to-buy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cutwater</a> - how did the relationship with the brand come about?So basically a good friend of mine is in that world, in that business. He sent me some Cutwater. I wanted to drink regardless, and it just kinda worked out well. As long as you don't have too many, it's good.Are you going to see if you can get MJ to carry Cutwater at The Grove XXIII?That's not my decision, but I'm sure they would love it.Talking with <a href="https://golfsubpar.podbean.com/e/harold-varner-iii-interview-getting-big-timed-by-tiger-playing-slaughterhouse-xiii-with-michael-jordan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the SubPar podcast</a>, you said <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-golf-course-slaughterhouse-23-shit-his-pants-2021-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you've beaten MJ once and got beat by him once</a>. You finished birdie-birdie-eagle to win. Jordan is an intense competitor - what's going through your head when you've got a putt to beat him?Beat his ass. I play golf for a living. That's my job. It's not like we were playing basketball.Do you agree with <a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-golf-course-grove-xxiii-tour-2021-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the "Slaughterhouse 23" nickname</a> that the course has earned?I don't know if I agree with it, but it's happening. I just call it the Grove. And if I'm playing MJ, I'm trying to whoop his ass, and he's trying to do the same to me.What's one thing about the course people who haven't gotten to play it should know going in?I played it one time in gym shorts and t-shirt. I'm sure people know this, but it's just a great environment. Golf is going to get closer to there.I'm not saying that there's not traditions and they shouldn't stay, but to grow the game, we got to make it more appealing to people that aren't into wearing suits everywhere.Is there a restaurant in the clubhouse? What's the best order post-round?The clubhouse is top-notch. I get the chicken and waffles every time. Every time.You've said before that you have roughly 400 pairs of Jordans. Do you have a favorite?Yeah. I got quite a few pairs of shoes. The 3s and the 11s I would say are my favorites.Last thing - I'm talking to Max Homa later today. Do you have any questions I should ask him?I would ask him how he became the Twitter king. I think he's the Twitter king of golf.Like, Phil's only good because he's won a lot. Max Homa is like very intelligent and witty, <a href="https://twitter.com/maxhoma23" target="_blank" rel="noopener">just go look at his Twitter</a>. That guy... that guy would make it outside of golf. A lot of these guys, I wonder what they would do if they didn't play golf. What would you be doing if you didn't play golf?I'd be owning the world. I'd be doing the same thing. Helping people. That's what you're supposed to do.

Golfer Harold Varner III breaks down his Waffle House order and what it's like to beat Michael Jordan on his own course

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Players Championship this weekend will test one of the toughest fields in <keyword id="1226" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Golf">golf</keyword>.</li><li>With so many contenders in play, it's a great weekend to bet.</li><li>Here are seven golfers to consider taking either to win, finish in the top 10, or to start in daily fantasy.</li></ul>This weekend the best golfers in the world will head to TPC-Sawgrass to contend for the Players Championship.The tournament boasts one of the most talented fields of the season, and thus, is one of the most exciting tournaments to bet. This year's favorite to win is world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, currently listed at 12/1 to take home the trophy.But digging a little deeper into the field, there's some better value to be had for bettors looking to get a few dollars down on the tournament.Whether you're looking for a long-shot bet to win, an exciting player that could sneak into the top 10, or trying to fill out your DraftKings lineups for the weekend, here are seven golfers I'll be watching this weekend and looking to be in contention on Sunday.All odds and prices via DraftKings.<h2>Xander Schauffele</h2><div type="image" title="xander schauffele" height="892" width="1190" msid="81436527" hostid="261"></div>Odds to win: 20/1Top 10 finish: +225Draftkings price: $10,300One thing to know: Xander Schauffele is one of the most consistent players on Tour, having held a streak of 16 straight top-25 finishes before a T39 finish at the WGC-Workday two weeks ago. Two years removed from his last win, Schauffele is due to come through, and at a course that rewards brilliant ball-strikers, this could be his weekend.<h2>Tony Finau</h2>Odds to win: 22/1Top 10 finish: +225DraftKings price: $9,100One thing to know: Speaking of "due for a win," no player is owed a victory by the golf gods more than Tony Finau. Already this year, Finau has put together a string of three straight second-place finishes, continuing a trend of being so close yet so far that has nagged at him for years. Finau has the game to take down a tournament on his own, but even if you think he's still not ready to bring home a trophy, he's worth a top-ten bet or inclusion in your daily fantasy lineup.<h2><keyword id="157273" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jordan-Spieth">Jordan Spieth</keyword></h2>Odds to win: 30/1Top 10 finish: +350DraftKings price: $8,600One thing to know: Jordan Spieth's past few years have been a roller coaster ride, as have been his past few rounds on Tour. Spieth's game this year is a wild one - refusing to hit fairways but still consistently contending thanks to brilliant iron play and putting. While Spieth still has yet to reach the mountaintop again after his string of wins years ago, he's shown great form of late, with three top-five finishes in his past four events played.<h2>Tommy Fleetwood</h2><div type="image" title="Tommy Fleetwood" height="1686" width="2248" msid="81436528" hostid="261"></div>Odds to win: 45/1Top 10 finish: +550DraftKings price: $7,900One thing to know: Tommy Fleetwood's 2020 season was not one to remember, but there's reason to think that this weekend could be a good one for the Englishman. Fleetwood has gotten his stroke back a bit over the past few months, including a T10 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last weekend. He has also contended at The Players before, finishing T5 and T7 in the past two years the tournament was completed.<h2>Jason Day</h2>Odds to win: 50/1Top 10 finish: +550DraftKings price: $8,000One thing to know: If you're looking for a golfer you can trust to contend at a longer price, Jason Day is a solid bet this weekend. Day has been playing good-not-great golf recently but has won at TPC before. He took home the Players in 2016, and has finished T5 and T8 the past two years. Whether as a long-shot bet or a daily fantasy play, Day is a player you can feel confident will at least put up a fight this weekend.<h2>Scottie Scheffler</h2>Odds to win: 50/1Top 10 finish: +500DraftKings price: $8,900One thing to know: Scottie Scheffler has finished T7, T20, and outright 5th in his past three events played. His game should translate well to TPC Sawgrass, where solid iron shots are rewarded. Just 24, Scheffler has already come close to winning a few times in his career. His breakout moment is bound to come soon.<h2>Max Homa</h2><div type="image" title="Max Homa" height="2028" width="2705" msid="81436529" hostid="261"></div>Odds to win: 110/1Top 10 finish: +1000DraftKings price: $7,600One thing to know: Max Homa has been on an incredible run of late, <a href="https://www.insider.com/max-homa-wife-forgive-quickly-genesis-invitational-2021-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">winning the Genesis Open</a> and finishing in the top 25 of six of the seven events he's played this year. Against such a crowded field, it may be tough to back him at such long odds, but as a daily fantasy play, he's a good bet to make the cut and play through the weekend and possibly even chase down the leaders on Sunday.

You Searched For "Max Homa" and got 11 results

Pro golfer Max Homa got into a heated exchange with a fan over a $3 bet and a putt

Cork Gaines

PGA golfer Max Homa is using Twitter to help grow the game of golf

Tyler Lauletta

PGA golfer Max Homa says Xander Schauffele's caddie should also get an Olympic gold medal for golf

Tyler Lauletta

Max Homa says a simple bit of advice from his wife helped him bounce back to win the Genesis Invitational

Tyler Lauletta

PGA Tour journeyman Max Homa fought back tears during emotional interview after his incredible win at the Genesis Invitational

Tyler Lauletta

An amateur golfer who has shocked the world at the Masters says he planned to fight for the win

Tyler Lauletta

Golf's newest sensation was floored by a text message he received from Michael Jordan

Tyler Lauletta

Tiger Woods' secret meeting with top players on the PGA Tour could lead to its next stage of evolution

Tyler Lauletta

Tiger Woods got choked up by the astounding ovation he received walking up the final hole at the Open at St. Andrews

Tyler Lauletta

Golfer Harold Varner III breaks down his Waffle House order and what it's like to beat Michael Jordan on his own course

Tyler Lauletta

Tips for fantasy lineups and how to bet on golf's 'fifth major,' The Players Championship

Tyler Lauletta