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A New Dad. A New Justin Thomas.

Aug 07, 2025 | Edition #180
👋 Hey Golf Fans,
A new day in Memphis. And that too at a new (almost) course. PGA Tour’s top dogs have descended at the TPC Southwind. The revamped layout is more adept at separating the chaff from the grain. We will catch you up on everything you need to know before the FedEx Cup playoff starts today. And we are also talking about Justin Thomas’s comeback and Nelly Korda’s long-overdue recognition from Nike.
Let’s tee off…


Memphis Gets Tougher

TPC Southwind looks dramatically different this week. The Ron Prichard-designed layout underwent its most extensive renovation since 1998, with all 18 greens completely rebuilt and resurfaced. Course officials lengthened the layout by 50 yards to 7,288 yards.
These changes will fundamentally alter scoring. Previously, the course averaged 68.95 (-1.05) in 2024 and 68.64 (-1.36) in 2023. However, new and firm TifEagle Bermudagrass greens mean going under-par will be tougher.
Consequently, approach shots will require precision—the green complex, averaging 4,500 square feet, is the third-smallest on the Tour. Additionally, multiple holes have new pin locations, including the signature island green on par-5 11th.
For fans, that means the chances of witnessing another slam-dunk ace at the 11th are slim. So feast your eyes on this miraculous hole-in-one while you can.
As if the notorious pin locations weren’t enough, historical analysis doesn’t paint a favorable picture for future champs either:
TPC Southwind is notorious for waterballs (6,298), the highest in the Tour.
Three different holes average higher than a 5% double bogey or worse rate.
Fairways are the 6th narrowest in the PGA Tour.
Now, conventional wisdom favors Viktor Hovland (T2, T13, T20). But his putting trouble (SG: Putting -0.113) should temper your hopes. Justin Thomas is a far better candidate on that front: 1st in putting average, and 13th in SG: Putting. But you need to factor in iron play.
And we land on the usual suspect: Scottie Scheffler. He leads the Tour in SG: Approach to Green (+1.297), is 12th in reaching Greens in Regulation, and 4th in Fairway Proximity. With four titles and 13 top-tens this season, Scheffler is the man to beat at Memphis.
Here we go again…

Gear That Gives Back
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Built for the ones who enjoy the outdoors and respect those who’ve protected it.

Lucky Charm

Fatherhood has transformed Justin Thomas. Not just as a person, but as a golfer too. Since daughter Molly Grace arrived last November, the two-time major champion’s competitive edge has sharpened like never before.
The secret behind this turnaround? Well, uncle Tiger Woods did tell something to baby Molly when he met her earlier this year. But no, of course, that’s not the secret. Call it work-life balance if you will, JT has overhauled his routine. "I'm way more structured in my practice," Thomas revealed this week from Memphis.
Gone are the aimless range sessions and hapless tournament performances. The numbers don’t lie either: Thomas has posted seven top-10 finishes in just 18 official starts since Molly's birth, building a solid 38.9% top-10 rate. This resurgence peaked with his RBC Heritage victory in April, ending his over 1,000-day winless drought. His emotional celebration with Molly will tell you how much it meant for JT:
Now, the stakes are even higher for Thomas. He sits seventh in Ryder Cup standings, just outside the automatic qualification spots. Last time, Thomas endured enough criticism for getting Zach Johnson’s nod for the captain’s pick over Keegan Bradley.
The tables have turned. It’s Keegan who will have to make the decision. Unless, of course, Thomas moves up inside the top six for automatic qualification.
Regardless, his transformation follows the blueprint perfected by Scottie Scheffler, whose son Bennett has already started ‘whacking’ golf balls. Thomas has also mastered what elite tour dads understand: having everything to play for makes you perform at your absolute best.

Do You Think JT Deserves a Ryder Cup Spot Based on His Performance So Far? |

Sweat It Out

Justin Thomas shared the secrets of his special ‘headcover’ drill yesterday—you can find more details here. JT has transformed his physique by gaining 15-20 pounds of muscle and increasing his clubhead speed from 115 to 121 mph. Thomas works out twice per tournament week with trainer Tyler Parsons:
Hip mobility: Thomas starts workouts with squat-to-press movements using resistance bands. Drop into a deep squat position while pressing overhead. Follow with monster walks to activate glutes.
Shoulder mobility: Add Bird Dog ‘Y’ and ‘I’ to your fitness regimen. Start on hands and knees, lift arms into Y and I positions while keeping hips level. Let Justin Thomas show you how.
Improve stability: Use resistance band push-ups for upper body strength. Grab both ends of a looped band and bring it over to your head and behind your back, just as powerlifter Mark Bell shows here.
These simple moves build the foundation for consistent, powerful golf. Once you have aced that, these five tips below will help you build more momentum.
Skill-Up Further: Five Essential Golf Exercises to Unlock Power In Your Swing

Amanda Balionis is in a celebratory mood. The famed CBS broadcaster shared a positive update on her Instagram story.
Watch: Jason Day’s fashion statement is now drawing attention from fellow pros. His compatriot couldn’t hold back poking fun at Day’s outfit.
PGA Tour once again plans to axe the opportunity via Monday Qualifiers. This time they are not sparing the legends either.

Slaying in Style

Nike just dropped what we've been waiting for. A Nelly Korda Player Exclusive shoe. About time, you might say. Her actual signature on the insoles? Check. Mini golf ball on the heels? Check. Just watch the brilliant design here. Price tag? $155. Nike is serious about this investment. And it got everyone fired up.
Amanda Balionis went straight to the fire emojis when the news broke. Jessica Korda couldn't contain her excitement. Even Lydia Ko jumped in to show support. And this changes everything.
Despite the massive pay gap between the LPGA and PGA Tour, female athletes are finally getting the respect they deserve. After decades of watching men cash those massive endorsement checks, female golfers are breaking through. About time, honestly.

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