After a dismal performance by many US Ryder Cup stars at the 2024 Open and the 2023 Ryder Cup, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is faced with the burden of finding a solution to the struggles of American golfers on Links courses. The fact that many top US players failed to bring their A-game to these high-stakes events has raised concerns about the PGA Tour’s ability to prepare its stars for the unique challenges of Links golf, and Monahan is under pressure to find a robust solution to this problem.
Many golfers believe that Links golf is the purest form of the game, requiring a unique combination of creativity, strategy, and skill to navigate the wind-swept terrain and undulating greens. In the latest YouTube video by DP World Tour, Alex Noren talked about many things, including his affinity for playing Links golf and the Open, which he attributes to his European roots. He mentioned that he feels more at home on Links courses, where he can be more creative with his shots.
This comfort level is reflected in his performance at the British Open, where he has consistently done well. “The main thing for me has always been like the way I’ve played since I was young has been maybe a little bit more creative than just like plotting my way along like Fairway greens,” Noren explained. This creative approach to the game has served him well on Links courses, where he can rely on his instincts and shot-making skills to navigate the challenging terrain.
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Noren also shared his struggles with playing in America, where the courses are often stricter and require more precision. “I struggle at some places like Muirfield Village when you like if I do not hit the Fairway here I cannot hit the green,” he added. Despite these challenges, Noren is determined to work hard and adapt to these challenges in pursuit of his first win: “I’m working hard to get the first win.” Not only DP World Tour players, but golfers from LIV Golf have also shared their experience with link courses in the past.
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Bryson DeChambeau shared his takes on the link courses
During the 2024 Open, Bryson DeChambeau opened up about his experiences with links golf, a style of play that has presented him with unique challenges throughout his career. With only six previous starts at the British Open, DeChambeau is still learning the intricacies of links golf. “It can be a difficult challenge,” DeChambeau admitted, but he’s relishing the opportunity to test his skills against the unique demands of links golf.
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As DeChambeau continues to gain experience in links courses, he’s confident that he’ll become more comfortable and proficient. “It’s always been a difficult test for me because I wasn’t great at putting early on in my career,” he acknowledged. However, DeChambeau believes that he’s making progress and that with “just a couple more reps,” he’ll be able to contend for major titles on links courses.