Contents

PGA TOUR Essential Guide

contents Congaree Golf Club, Hole 2, see pp.70, 71, 145.

Introductions 7 Commissioner’s Welcome, Jay Monahan 19 Editor’s Welcome, Jeff Babineau 25 Tournament Schedules

by Ward Clayton

A stellar performance, with a strong challenge from three shots behind, gave Justin Thomas a well-earned victory

38 A Healthy Prognosis by MICHAEL LORÉ

A year of the coronavirus pandemic has sparked an unexpected and remarkable increase in the popularity of golf

47 On the Tee by DAVE SHEDLOSKI

The long ball impresses—but doesn’t always rule

52 For the Love of Golf by JIM MCCABE

There are players who, for the love of the game, play a remarkable number of tournaments—they are the ironmen

images: James Haefner Photography

62 Tokyo Olympics 2020 by CHRIS SMITH

Current enthusiasm for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games is sure to overcome the new challenges

68 Golf Adventures

Enticing golf vacations in Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, and Oklahoma

86 Awesome Lineup of Champions by STAN AWTREY PGA TOUR Champions finds itself in a great place to resume life in a post-COVID world

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102 Promising Prospects by SEAN MARTIN

Talent and determination are the essentials for young players making their way to the big stage

Answer the Challenge

30  COVER STORY: THE PLAYERS

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The latest young players making an impact are driven to increase their standings by pushing forward at every opportunity

109 International PGA TOURs

Features Championship

92 Seize the Day! by KEVIN PRISE

by LAURY LIVSEY

A global pandemic altered dramatically the PGA TOUR’s International Tours in 2020, resulting in 2021 Tours having a different look and a different feel

112  The Will to Win by JEFF BABINEAU, CHRIS REIMER, ALAN SHIPNUCK, KEVIN PRISE, BEN EVERILL

Defining Moments series: thrilling anticipation for the fans and career-defining landmarks for the players

120 Brandt Snedeker’s Balancing Act by HELEN ROSS

A less recognized skill that many pros develop is balancing the pressures of the tournament circuit while devoting time to a young family

125 Winning Opportunities by MICHAEL LORÉ

For the PGA TOUR, and very much on trend, the commitment is to deliver new opportunities for a fun and responsible betting experience

132 A Cut Above by BRADLEY S. KLEIN

An inside look at the hard work and expertise that keeps championship golf courses in pristine and tantalizing condition

136 In the Zone

Products • Services • Announcements June – December 2021  PGA TOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE  17

05/07/2021 14:00