When PGA stars are away, Rookies will play

GM. This is Easy Pars. The golf newsletter that’s got a question for you (later on in the issue).

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• The year of rookies and amateurs

• Charlie’s round was plagued with terrible fans

• Anthony Kim to return?

New stars are breaking into the atmosphere

We’ve had a ton of rookies, amateurs, and overall young players strutting in the Korn Ferry and PGA in 2024.

This past week’s “Mexico Open” was no exception.

Ever heard of Jake Knapp? Probably not.

Two years ago, he was a bouncer. Yesterday, he became a millionaire by winning the Open.

Is Jake a good golfer? Absolutely. But was it easier to win in Mexico? Likely so.

There’s a cadence to PGA events. Big league stars usually sit out at strategically placed events — to gear up for things like Majors, Signature Events, and notable tournaments.

This rhythm gives up-and-comers a chance to shine. Sometimes this raw talent isn’t as refined in their game.

Take for instance Knapp’s “fairways hit” percentage:

We’re not knocking his performance. He won!

It is also undeniable the field was light of pros who usually make the front page. Here’s a full list of payouts, from Golf.com, to support our opinion.

Now, the other part of the cadence kicks in. He takes this win and it fuels his way to a top name.

Let’s go, Jake!

Cheer up, Charlie

As you may remember, last Thursday, we were also rooting for Charlie Woods to make it to Round 2 of the Cognizant qualifier.

He didn’t, after shooting an 86.

Then, we get wind that he was essentially harassed by fans.

People wondering why he wasn’t in school. Other events (almost certainly this one, too) people have told him he’s not his dad.

Allegedly, a grandma tried to get him to notice her granddaughter!

In our opinion, qualifiers have an opportunity to draw more people into the sport. Maybe we’ll do an op-ed on it, in the future.

But the entities putting on these qualifiers will have to step up their security.

Charlie’s future is still very bright. We hope he continues to try and elbow his way onto the tour.

First pro round after a 12-year hiatus?

Anthony Kim had a superstar PGA career, winning or placing top 10 in nearly every tournament he played.

And then he mysteriously vanished.

To be honest, the details around his return are still fairly opaque. We do know he’s supposed to make his re-debut at LIV’s Jeddah event.

How will he do? Hopefully great. If he shoots 80s, it’ll be a flare. If he places, it’s good for the game.

We’ll see.

Short Game Shenanigans

• Great look at Jake Knapp’s history, provided by this article from PGATour.

• Rahm’s making the rounds. Here he is with Golf YouTubers, The Bryan Bros and Grant Horvat.

• Great write-up here, from GolfWeek, about Tiger protecting Charlie (rightfully so).

Quick Question for you?

Please give us an answer for the future of Easy Pars.

Meme of the Day

Anybody else find themselves checking if the St Andrews Links courses are open, even though they’re thousands of miles away?

😂😂

That’s it for today, golf fan. We’re gearing up for another “winter” round here at Easy Pars HQ.

Gotta take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. Hope you can too, wherever you are!!

Later gator,

E.