Kuchar test fiasco, golf’s most underrated weeks
Claire Rogers
Matt Kuchar and Jason Day at the Grant Thornton Invitational.
Getty Images
Hello, friends, and welcome to the Gulf Coast edition of The Rogers Report! I’m currently playing in the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, the second stop on my personal “Florida Swing.” I started the week at the Golf 100 Teachers Summit at Cabot Citrus Farm, where I met (and sought advice from) some of the best golf instructors in the world. Then I drove three and a half hours to Naples for the second (and my first) Grant Thornton Invitational.
Friends, the main season may be long over, but allow me to explain why the next two weeks are the best two weeks in golf. But before that, some personal news: The TGL broadcast team announced Thursday morning that I will be serving as one of the league’s digital hosts! I’m very excited about it, and of course, you’ll get the full report in the Rogers Report in January.
Grant Thornton International-PNC Championship back-to-back: The most underrated week in golf?
I know, I know, it’s the “offseason.” The CME Tour Championship and Tour Championship are behind us. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore golf. This week, the LPGA and PGA Tour pros are joining forces at Grant Thornton Stadium, which means we’re going to get ton Good content, like when we were kids when Disney Channel had those crossover series. As much as I enjoy watching PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events individually, there’s something special about players from both sides coming together for a week. Tiburon is definitely a competitive atmosphere, but a lot of it is about bonding and having fun.
Over the next few weeks, the personalities of professional players will shine through in ways we’re not usually used to. Team activities often bring out these, and Grant Thornton is no exception. The same goes for the PNC Championship. Professionals may be working, but in a “take your kids to work” kind of way. What’s more important is sharing experiences. So make sure you keep an eye on social media over the next 10 days or so because I have a feeling we’re going to get some hilarious, healthy, and fun content from Grant Thornton and PNC. (Remember, the tiger “big dog” meme originated at PNC.)
This last note really only applies to those attending the Grant Thornton and/or PNC Championship, but I have learned that there is nothing I enjoy more than being on the Ritz-Carlton golf course, especially around the holidays . There’s tons to explore here, and you can’t beat the food and clubhouse.
Kuh and Kang’s Funny Quiz
Remember when I said we were getting some great crossover content this week at Grant Thornton? Megan Khang and Matt Kuchar kicked things off with an incredible back-and-forth, with Khang, 27, asking her teammate, 46, for some Gen Z slang . Do yourself a favor and watch this hilarious video.
Kuchar delivers; he’s the ultimate dad in this footage, excitedly making his point even though every word is so wrong. In fact, I’m impressed that Kuchar was able to find answers for every semester even though he was a six-and-none here. Kuh, maybe it’s time to ask your sons for some Gen Z slang lessons. I’m sure they will be more than happy to assist you.
A healthy press conference
My favorite part of Thursday’s Grant Thornton Invitational was Lydia Ko and Jason Day’s press conference. It’s clear the defending champions are giddy to be back, but what’s even clearer is how much Day and Ke respect and admire each other.
Some excerpts from the transcript:
sky: i have I’ve heard a lot of – actually, a lot of stories about how she was one of the nicest people on the LPGA, and obviously I think a lot of people know that now. Pure courses on and off the golf course.
Ke: I remember Jessica Korda said, oh, you’re playing with Jason, right? She said, you are playing with the best people in the world, you will Be the best team possible.
Ke: A few weeks ago, when I was playing in the Tour Championship, I thought, man, it would be great if I had a partner like Jason, it would make my life easier.
sky: I’m a huge fan of Lydia and her games. More importantly, as a person, she is great.
Ke: In fact, I’ve told a lot of people that out of all the players I’ve played with, Jason’s game, whether it’s ball striking, driver, irons, wedges and putting, is actually the best I’ve ever seen ‘s best player.
Guys, find a golf partner who can cheer you on like Jason Day and Lydia Ko. Even if your talent isn’t even a fraction of theirs.
Claire Rogers
Golf Network Editor
