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New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
The Memorial picks, odds: Three best bets at Muirfield Village
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The PGA Tour makes its annual stop to Muirfield Village, aka 'Jack's Place,' this week for the Memorial. Along with The Players and the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Memorial has the feel of a tournament one tier below a major championship. That means you can expect a tough course, an elite field and a lot of good prices on the betting board. Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is the clear favorite to win the 2025 Memorial Tournament. He's +280 this week and in a league of his own on the oddsboard. With no Rory McIlroy in the field, there is a wide gap between Scheffler and the chasing pack. Collin Morikawa, a two-time runner-up at the Memorial and the winner of the 2020 Workday (which was held here to replace a Covid-canceled event in July of that year), and Xander Schauffele are next up at 16/1 odds, just ahead of Justin Thomas at 18/1. As with any tournament with this kind of setup, there are some tempting prices out there on some big names, but it must be said that this event has been dominated by the superstars in recent years. Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay (twice), Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Scheffler all have wins here since 2018, while the only real surprise in that span was Billy Horschel in 2023. However, that run of chalk ended a ridiculous three-year stretch of long-shot winners. First was Willie McGirt in 2015, then came David Lingmerth in 2016 and Jason Dufner shocked everyone in 2017. Tony Finau has endured an up-and-down 2025 season so far. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Best bets for the Memorial Shane Lowry (40/1, DraftKings) He doesn't have any hardware to show for it, but 2025 has been a terrific year for Shane Lowry. The Irishman has two runner-ups and four top-10 finishes in 11 outings (not including team events) this season, and he's just a couple of weeks removed from a T2 at the Truist Championship. So, why is Lowry sitting at 40/1? Recency bias. Lowry missed the cut as a trendy sleeper pick at the PGA Championship, causing plenty of punters to abandon ship and his price to drift. We'll buy the dip and hope that the former Open Champion can make some noise in Ohio this week. Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps Tony Finau (50/1, FanDuel) It looks like Tony Finau is starting to turn things around. After a Jekyll-and-Hyde start to 2025, Finau has posted back-to-back top-20 finishes at the Truist and PGA Championship, putting him back on the radar for this week's event. Finau has five top-15 finishes at the Memorial, including two top-10s in his last three trips to Jack's Place. It's the right time and place to get back in on Finau. Nick Taylor is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour. Getty Images Nick Taylor (170/1, FanDuel) We'll channel Dufner, Lingmerth and McGirt with one dart for this week's trip to Muirfield Village. Nick Taylor is the type of golfer you always want to consider backing when his price drifts this far out. The Canadian is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour and already has taken a trip to the winner's circle in 2025 (Sony Open). What's more is that Taylor has proven he loves the big moment. Not only does the Winnipeg native have three wins via playoff, but he's won some big titles including the 2023 Canadian Open and 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Taylor missed the cut at the PGA Championship, but he posted a T17 at the Truist a few weeks back. Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Toronto Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Nick Taylor weighs in on sport's biggest mystery: 'Doubts don't creep in"
It is what every athlete needs to reach the top. It is largely immeasurable but easily seen. If this is beginning to sound like a riddle, that's because in large part that's what it is. Get the latest from Jon McCarthy straight to your inbox Nick Taylor of Canada chips onto the 13th green prior to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Alex Slitz/ / Getty Images CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Whatever it is, Nick Taylor has it. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It is what every athlete needs to reach the top. It is largely immeasurable but easily seen. If this is beginning to sound like a riddle, that's because in large part that's what it is. If the 37-year-old Canadian golfer from Abbotsford, B.C. finds himself in contention on Sunday at this week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, expect to hear commentators reference his guts, or his killer instinct, or any other combination of words to describe something that is largely indescribable. Expect to see highlights of his historic tournament-winning playoff eagle bomb at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, or his gutsy playoff birdie putts versus Charlie Hoffman at the 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open, or his eagle chip-in on the 72nd hole and two playoff birdies to win the 2025 Sony Open. Jon McCarthy has something for every golfer, with a notably Canadian slant. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I get more clarity in those high-pressure situations. Maybe that's just a gift that I've been given to be able to do that,' Taylor told Postmedia. 'You'll have to talk to other guys to see what they feel if it doesn't go their way but for whatever reason my brain almost works better in those situations.' In the past few years, Taylor has gone from more-or-less a journeyman PGA Tour player to a five-time winner with a cold-blooded reputation. This clutch gene is routinely attributed to superstar athletes such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and other greats. But Nick Taylor is far from a superstar. In many statistical aspects, he's a slightly above average pro golfer. But in one aspect he's far from average. 'I've been fortunate to pull off the shots when I need to when I'm in those positions,' Taylor said. 'The belief is there. Doing it once, twice, will give you the belief that you can do it a third time. And you have confidence going into those situations.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It was far from an easy road to get here. After turning pro as the World No. 1 ranked amateur, his career stalled and it took four long years before he finally made the jump to the PGA Tour. After winning in just his fourth PGA Tour start in 2014, it would be six more years before he stared down Phil Mickelson in the final group the Pebble Beach to notch his second win. These days, a season can't seem to go by without seeing Taylor in the winner's circle. One major change that has coincided with his recent rise in the game is the addition of caddie Dave Markle in 2022. Taylor and Markle have known each other since childhood when they used to compete against one another as juniors. Taylor credits his friend and caddie for reminding him of the player he was growing up. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's been great to snag one each year over the past few years but we're all trying to just get more consistent and get ourselves in a position to contend as much as we can,' he said. Consistency is what every golfer yearns for in the up-and-down world of the professional game. It's good for your wallet and it's easier on your mind. At the Masters in April, Taylor finally broke a rather shocking streak of nine consecutive missed cuts at major championships. It's tough to have a big Sunday when your week ends on Friday. With that weight lifted, and with an early season win in his back pocket, Taylor has set his sights on contending at a major as his next career goal. And if he gets there, it's a safe bet that he'll be ready for his moment. 'It's fun being in those scenarios and having a clear objective,' he said. 'Doubts don't creep in.' Must be nice. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Relationships Toronto Maple Leafs Olympics Columnists
Mint
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
The story of golf's underdog hero: Ben Griffin's viral journey to PGA Tour triumph
'I love the noise. It's the closest I'll ever get to feeling like an NFL player…" said Ben Griffin, appearing in a popular golf-podcast earlier this year. Griffin, who plays on the US PGA Tour, was responding to a question about the Waste Management Phoenix Open—an event with a reputation for a raucous gallery. 'You've got to embrace the noise. Some guys don't like it…I don't have a problem with it," he added. Griffin was spot on with the observation of his peers—most pro golfers don't like noisy galleries on the course. On most professional tourneys, a hush descends every time a player is about to hit a shot as course marshals hold up placards asking for silence. In that moment, ripe for disturbance, the inadvertent crack of a twig under someone's foot can sound like a rifle shot. Cue, the collective stares of the gallery. 'You just disrespected the players. You boor." Obviously, I'm dramatising a bit. But this is pretty much the way things were, at least until the LIV Golf Tour—with its loud music and American sport arena-style atmosphere—came along. The tourney has team events that run concurrently with the individual competition; and that format lends itself more to fans' involvement on the course. But even on LIV Golf, there have been plenty of instances of players lashing out at fans who they deem to have crossed the line. And you can't blame them: golf isn't like football; heck, it's not even like tennis. The players are just not used to it. Griffin's journey as a pro golfer has been eventful but by no means extraordinary. The game is rife with tales of players' plummeting down the rankings, even exiting the game, and then clawing their way back to the top echelons of the game. Griffin, 29, talented as he was as a young amateur, turned pro in 2018 but was unable to deliver on his promise. In 2020, facing financial strain and dwindling confidence, Griffin stepped away from the game, and took up a position as a loan officer at a residential mortgage company in his hometown. The stark contrast of it: a desk job, staid at best, and the high-flying life of a PGA Tour pro, made Griffin's story, one of more 'shareable", almost 'viral" pieces of golfing goss. Also Read Reinventing golf for a new generation of fans Griffin didn't disappoint: almost on cue, he wrote the next episode of his life's drama by making a comeback. In 2022, he made it the hard way, fighting his way back to the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour for the 2022 season. And then, perhaps on a whim, or recognising the potential of his story, Griffin embraced social media, cultivating a significant presence on TikTok and Instagram. His content offered fans an intimate look into the life of a professional golfer, blending behind-the-scenes glimpses with personal insights. His series on how much it costs a professional to play on the PGA Tour became one of the most watched golf content on Tik Tok. Griffin acknowledged the role that fans' support has played; buoying his spirits and helping rebuild his confidence. Sponsors sat up and took notice; fans began recognising and supporting him at events. Griffin's brand equity skyrocketed. In 2023, Griffin made it back to the PGA Tour and finished second on two occasions (including a playoff loss at the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship). In May 2024, much to everyone's surprise, Griffin signed up with Maxfli, a golf ball manufacturer that has been absent in pro golf for over two decades. In the 1970s, Maxfli was a tour de force in pro golf with players including Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples on its roster. At the time Griffin admitted that, 'The (Maxfli) ball is the one that piqued my interest the most. Maybe part of the reason is because it doesn't have a presence (on Tour). It's an opportunity to showcase how good it is. I've done enough testing with it to feel like I'm confident with it out here." Also Read The best global destinations for a golfing vacation In April 2025, nearly one year after putting the ball in play, Griffin, teaming up with Andrew Novak, stood over a putt on the penultimate hole of the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Egged on by a loud gallery chanting 'Griff-in!" He sank the 35-footer to break a tie with the Højgaard twins. After two-putting the par-5 18th to seal a one-stroke victory at 28-under par, Griffin turned around and doffed his cap to the gallery. Ben Griffin had won his first PGA Tour event and Maxfli had won its first after 22 years. A classic underdog story if there ever was one. Meraj Shah is a Delhi-based writer, golfer and television producer. Also Read Thailand's best-kept golf secret
USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Amateur Josele Ballester leaning on college coach's advice ahead of 2025 Masters
Amateur Josele Ballester leaning on college coach's advice ahead of 2025 Masters AUGUSTA, Ga. — Josele Ballester approached Arizona State's golf coach, Matt Thurmond, with an idea. The Sun Devils had three tournaments sandwiched between March 17 and April 1, and Ballester — one of five amateurs competing in the 2025 Masters — thought his plate might be overflowing. 'I was like, 'Hey, Coach, maybe I'm going to need one week off,'' Ballester said. Thurmond looked at his star, declined the notion, and then shot advice: don't change who you are. 'The Masters is such an emotional week, you try to do everything perfect,' Ballester said. 'Coach told me not to start doing different things, or prepare for this tournament in a different way, just because it's more special.' Ballester earned his Masters invite by capturing the 2024 U.S. Amateur, becoming the first Spaniard to earn the title. Since then, he's competed in the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Mexico Open. On Tuesday, Ballester began his Masters preparation by picking the brain of 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia. 'He's got everything,' Garcia said of his fellow Spaniard. 'A ton of speed, great swing. He has it all.' Does Sergio see a bit of himself in Josele? 'He hits it way further than I did (as an amateur),' Sergio admitted. Ballester played Augusta National five times before Masters Week, but it's his recent experiences on the PGA Tour that he plans to rely on. 'Obviously gonna be very nervous on the first tee at Augusta but I have that experience from being on No. 16 at TPC,' Ballester said. 'I was calm. I believed I could hit a good shot under those circumstances.' Ballester added: 'You gotta act the way you would on a different course. So not be afraid of taking risks when I need to. Also, not be afraid of certain shots. It's what I've done my entire life.'
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
I've lived in Scottsdale for over 20 years. Here are 10 biggest mistakes I see tourists make when they visit.
After living in Scottsdale, Arizona, for 20+ years, I've seen countless newcomers make mistakes. Some expect a hike through the desert to be the same as a hike through the woods, but it's not. Others don't look out for desert wildlife, which can lead to painful or even fatal consequences. After more than two decades living in Scottsdale, I've learned a thing or two about the West's Most Western Town. Although I'm thrilled that so many people flock here for the sunshine and world-class hiking trails, I see many of them make avoidable errors that get in the way of their perfect trips. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes I've witnessed tourists make in Scottsdale. Eating at chain restaurants instead of local spots If you want a true taste of Scottsdale, focus on local options. Mexican and Southwestern flavors are staples in this region, so you'll find no shortage of restaurants offering tantalizing tacos, prickly pear margaritas, and tableside guacamole presentations. For example, Old Town Tortilla Factory is known for its homemade tortillas and tequila bar with 120 premium options. It's located in a historic adobe house with a charming patio. Scottsdale also offers world-class eateries serving global cuisines, along with James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurants. Not making restaurant reservations As one of the warmest spots in the country, Scottsdale's high season runs from October through April, the opposite of most US cities. During this timeframe, snowbirds flee their primary residences in colder states in favor of their second homes in our warmer climate, and plenty of first-time tourists come here to enjoy the weather too. Plus, winter is when Scottsdale hosts some of its most popular annual events, including the Barrett-Jackson auction in January, the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, and the Cactus League spring training games in February and March. Hotels, Airbnbs, spas, golf courses, and restaurants book up weeks or months in advance during these events, so you'll need to make reservations ahead of time in order to enjoy your dream itinerary. This town runs on reservations, so those who don't plan ahead get left behind. Seeing the city without a car There aren't a ton of public-transportation options in Scottsdale, so I advise renting a vehicle to explore the entire city, which is about 31 miles long and 11 miles wide. You'll find epic hiking trails and award-winning golf courses up north and many art galleries and museums further south. If you plan on visiting without a car and don't want to rent one, your best bet is to spend time in Old Town Scottsdale, where you'll find hotels, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, breweries, museums, public art installations, art galleries, and shops within walking distance. Here, you can rent electric scooters and bicycles, make use of golf-cart services and the free trolley, or book traditional rideshare options. Forgetting to watch out for desert wildlife If people aren't on the lookout for wildlife, they might be in for a painful surprise. After all, the desert is full of venomous and predatory creatures. Scottsdale is home to Arizona bark scorpions, the most venomous scorpions in North America. They're notorious for hiding in shoes, so always check before slipping your feet inside. Their stings are rarely fatal for humans, but they do hurt for days. The Sonoran Desert is also home to Gila monsters, black widow spiders, rattlesnakes, coral snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and javelinas. You could certainly see any of these on a hike, but they're also not strangers to residential and touristy areas. Failing to properly prepare for a hike Scottsdale is known for its miles of incredible hiking trails, many of which lead travelers through stunning desert preserves or up steep mountains. But one of the biggest mistakes tourists make is thinking a hike through the desert is the same as a hike through the woods. It's not. There's often very little, if any, shade, so you'll want to wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. You'll also need to wear proper footwear, which means no flip-flops, since the landscape is rocky and dusty. Bring a lot more water than you think you'll need, too. A good rule of thumb is to always turn back when you've run through half your water supply, advice you'll probably see displayed at some trailheads. On the trails, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes, which blend into the landscape, and avoid brushing up against sharp cactus needles. Hiking Camelback Mountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in Scottsdale, is like a badge of honor. However, few visitors realize that both trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are seriously challenging. You have to climb on your hands to scramble to the top. Once you summit, the view is well worth the climb. If you choose to hike Camelback in the summer, start at sunrise and finish by mid-morning to avoid heat exhaustion. Thinking hiking is the only outdoor activity in Scottsdale Scottsdale has 400 impressive miles of hiking trails, but there's plenty more to see and do here. Bike on the paved Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, go off-roading in the Sonoran Desert, or trail run in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Other options include riding a train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and tubing or stand-up paddleboarding on the Lower Salt River. If none of those activities excite you, book a Segway tour of Old Town, explore the beauty of Butterfly Wonderland, or take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Skipping Scottsdale's robust arts scene Take some time to explore Scottsdale's pedestrian-friendly Arts District, which is right in the heart of Old Town and offers a little something for everyone. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art and is free every Thursday and the second Saturday of each month. To enjoy art outside, take the self-guided Scottsdale Public Art Walking Tour, which winds you through more than 70 public artworks — including bronze statues, fountains, and interactive installations — in the span of about an hour. There are also dozens of galleries to pop into along the way. Finally, don't miss Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, a Smithsonian affiliate. Buying inauthentic Native American crafts as souvenirs As you stroll around Scottsdale's shops, you're likely to encounter plenty of wares that look like they're made by the local tribes in Arizona. Don't be fooled. Native Art Market is the first and only Indigenous-owned shop in Old Town Scottsdale, bringing cultural awareness to tourists and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the state's indigenous culture and art. All the vendors are of Native American descent and provide quality handmade items — including turquoise jewelry, carved wood-handled knives, kachina dolls, dream catchers, paintings, baskets, and pottery. Underestimating the power of our city's storms Scottsdale has more than 330 sunny days each year, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows here. Speaking of rainbows, they typically only come out during Arizona's monsoon season, which runs from June to September. This accounts for a large chunk of the area's annual precipitation. These storms can be intense, with high winds, flash floods, and even damaging hail. Unless you're really familiar with the roads, I don't recommend getting on a motor-powered vehicle during one. What seems like a little dip in the road can actually be a lake, and any dry washes can quickly transform into raging rivers. We also have haboobs, or massive dust storms, that can stretch as far as 100 miles wide and thousands of feet high. They sweep across the desert landscape, flinging debris and reducing visibility to nearly zero. This story was originally published on August 1, 2023, and most recently updated on March 11, 2025. Read the original article on Business Insider
