Ashok came within a stroke of a medal playoff but has the talent (and Olympic experience) to be an icon of the sport in India.
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After years of near-misses and disappointments, Kevin Na finally got hot when it counted, cruising at The Greenbrier to his second PGA Tour win.
Savanna Wiegand and Tony Layher have never met. It’s not likely they ever will. With the best days of her young life still ahead of her, Wiegand is thriving as a sophomore at Columbia College in South Carolina, playing golf on scholarship. Layher is a medically-retired Electrician’s Mate Chief who spent 18 years in the Navy, which is almost the same amount of time Wiegand has been on earth. As a result of two traumatic brain injuries, Layher suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is prone to epileptic seizures. Along with his wife, Sarah, and seven children, home these days is on a rural parcel of land on the westside of Jacksonville, Florida. Savanna Wiegand and Tony Layher have nothing in common. Or so it would seem. On Wednesday of this week’s RBC Heritage, their worlds became one by virtue of the Kisner Foundation, organized and operated by PGA TOUR member Kevin Kisner and his wife, Brittany. The mission of the Kisner Foundation is to support organizations which lend support to the physical and emotional well-being of kids. Broad strokes paint a big picture of charity’s success. The truest, most resounding impact, though, is credited to the details, those being the lives of specific individuals and families enhanced by that organization. One result of that success is the First Tee of Aiken in Kisner’s South Carolina hometown. “I was about nine years old when my mom heard about The First Tee starting a chapter in Aiken,� said Wiegand. “From the get-go, she wanted me involved. I had played every other sport known to man, but had never touched a golf club. At first, I hated it and thought I couldn’t do it. But, as I kept going, I really started enjoying it. One time led to two and two times led to seven. Then, 10 years later, I became the first female graduate of the Ace program at the First Tee of Aiken. The program goes in levels, with Ace being the highest.� From a humble beginning in lean financial times, Wiegand’s life today is a far cry from what it once was. “I wouldn’t be nearly the woman I am today without The First Tee of Aiken,� she said. “When I started there, I had a really low self-esteem and didn’t like going out to meet people. I didn’t get out of my comfort zone. I was like a little shelled child. Not only did it give me the confidence and self-esteem to go out and make friends, but it helped me with school, essays and resumes. It’s so much more than just golf.� Wiegand’s first real passions were volleyball and dance. When her passion for golf developed through The First Tee of Aiken, for financial reasons, she needed to make a decision as to what she would stick with and pursue. “I chose golf and am so glad I did,� she said. “Without having made that decision, I wouldn’t have had nearly the number of opportunities I’ve had to grow into who I am today.� Among those opportunities, thanks to The First Tee of Aiken, is a golf scholarship. Today, Wiegand is in her second year at Columbia College with a double major in Communications and Business Administration, with a minor in Leadership. Not only is she active on the college’s golf team, but she also holds down two jobs and an internship. “I credit The First Tee of Aiken entirely for being able to get a scholarship to college to play golf,� she said. “She told me she used to go through life with no confidence,� said Kisner, winner of last month’s World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play. “But, now she has a golf scholarship to take care of the cost of her education and is as confident as ever. That makes me feel like everything we do is worthwhile.� Kevin and Brittany were instrumental in getting The First Tee of Aiken started and have been staunch supporters since its 2015 inception. In addition to financial assistance, the Kisner Foundation donates clubs and clothes and is continually trying to entice kids who’ve never been exposed to the game to give it a try. Kisner began fundraising in 2017. He and Brittany gave out seven grants in 2018 and have already provided 13 grants this year, as well as two scholarships – one for a male and one for a female – to go to college. “It’s always great to see kids go through The First Tee of Aiken program and make it,� said Kisner. “I loved Savanna’s comment about having built confidence in the program. That’s the best.� “The leadership ability they helped bring out in me has allowed me to go so far and overcome so much,� said Wiegand. “But, just having Kevin as the face of The First Tee of Aiken is amazing. I mean, he was just in the Masters last week and is from my town. He helps out my favorite organization on the planet and has truly changed lives forever.� To celebrate Wiegand’s success, she was treated to a unique experience during Wednesday’s RBC Heritage pro-am. She connected with Kevin formally for the first time, which included walking inside the ropes with him for several holes and even hitting a few shots. With confidence and talent, she did so in front of a crowd, something the old Wiegand would have never attempted. “My favorite thing about today was getting to hit that drive on 18,� Wiegand said. “But, one thing that really stood out was his advice to go bold and not play safe. His point was that if I didn’t go bold, I would never learn how to improve myself. I’m going to really try to incorporate that approach more often into everything I do. “He also encouraged me to only try to control the controllable. In other words, if I can’t control it, why focus on it? I need to try and focus on the things I can change. He was so enthusiastic about everything, so it was really an incredible experience for me.� Meanwhile, also at Harbour Town Golf Links, Brittany was representing the Kisner Foundation as an integral part of Operation Shower. Founded in 2007, Operation Shower provides expecting moms with ties to the Armed Services with gifts and a day of feeling appreciated for their hand in keeping America a safer, free country. The PGA TOUR partnered with Operation Shower in 2010. “Operation Shower has always been near and dear to our heart,� Brittany said. “Even though our foundation is based locally, it’s so great that we have been given the skills to do what we do because of the PGA TOUR. This mission of Operation Shower is so near and dear, because these men and women make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. So, anytime we can give back to them, we say, ‘Yes.’� A lot of broad strokes provide validation to Operation Shower, but, again, the clarity is in the details. In the case of Wednesday, that clarity came in the form of Tony Layher. Before two on-the-job traumatic brain injuries, Layher was a Nuclear Submariner. As such, he dealt with propulsion and electrical generation on nuclear submarines. He was on four different ships along the east coast and commissioned some of the newer classes of submarines.    As a surprise, Layher, his wife and the couple’s two-week-old baby – their seventh child – were featured as special guests. The Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes found the Layhers through their connection with Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor. When an organization called Angel Flight Soars learned of the invitation, they prepared a “Compassion flight,� free of charge, from Jacksonville to Hilton Head and back. “This is absolutely amazing,� Layher said. “This is the first time we’ve had an organization do anything like this for us. Because I wasn’t a boots-on-the-ground combat veteran, I wasn’t given some of the avenues some of the others were presented. So, to be invited to this is pretty amazing. Everyone is treating us so well.� “I cannot even imagine the sacrifices they have made,� Brittany said. “As a result of brain injury, he battles PTSD and seizures. They’ve just had their seventh child and Tony’s wife is his primary caregiver. So, any help we can give to them and their children is something I’m happy to be a part of.� Kevin Kisner is peaking right now on the PGA TOUR. Having recently claimed his third career PGA TOUR title, he’s excited with where his game is. But, more than anything, he’s thrilled with where the collective heart of he and Brittany remains. “What I did with the PGA TOUR Wives Association gave me the courage and insight into the non-profit world,� Brittany said. “I’ve always worked with children in healthcare, but Kevin is the name and face. Everyone wants to see him. We’re so fortunate to have great sponsors that appreciate him and give back to our foundation. But, the work is just beginning.� And, for two individuals that have never met and may never come face-to-face with one another, it’s a fresh start as well. If the details that are Wiegand and Layher are any indication, the Kisner Foundation has become a pretty impressive portrait amongst a lot of broad strokes. “At the end of the day, when you can look around and see that the work you’re doing is making a difference, it makes all the work and effort worth every second,� Kevin said. “If you can see that kind of success, then that’s all we could ever ask for.�
THE OVERVIEW OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. – The FedExCup Playoffs are accustomed to starting in unknown territory. For the fourth time in 11 years, the opening event will be held on a course making its PGA TOUR debut. That means no track record, no horses for courses this week. A field of 120 players will tee off Thursday at Glen Oaks. Any one of them could find an immediate liking to the 7,346-yard layout and make the first big move towards the FedExCup. Don’t be surprised if this week’s winner of THE NORTHERN TRUST is, well, a surprise. “No one’s ever seen it,â€� said Justin Thomas, the current No. 2 seed. “We don’t know what to expect.â€� Added 2015 FedExCup champ Jordan Spieth about a new course: “It brings in more of the field.â€� Consider the 2009 Playoffs. The opening event was held at Liberty National for the first time. Heath Slocum, who entered that week ranked No. 124 in points – in other words, next to last – beat Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker by a stroke. As a result, Slocum moved to third in points. That 121-position increase remains the biggest jump in Playoffs history, and Slocum remains the poster boy for the FedExCup’s version of the Hail Mary. On the flip side, defending FedExCup champ Rory McIlroy usually struggles out of the gate in the Playoffs – in part, he says, because he lacks familiarity with the courses. He was T-56 in his first look at Ridgefield and T-19 in his first start at Liberty National. He’s won each of the other three Playoffs events at least once – and twice at TPC Boston, next week’s venue — but he’s never come close to winning THE NORTHERN TRUST. “I think I’ve always been comfortable around the golf course in Boston,â€� McIlroy explained. “I think here, because the venue changes most years, that’s maybe a factor.â€� That’s not to say the big dogs can’t thrive on a new course. At Ridgewood in 2008, Vijay Singh won a three-man playoff to start his drive toward the FedExCup. And at Plainfield in 2011, with Hurricane Irene barreling toward the area, Dustin Johnson won the tournament shortened to 54 holes. Patrick Reed is this week’s defending champion. Even though he won’t get the opportunity to defend at Bethpage Black, Reed doesn’t consider it a detriment to play a new course. Those with the best form will generally find their way into contention on any course. “If it’s at the same venue, you go in there and sometimes you almost go in too confident,â€� Reed said. “If you’re too comfortable with place, you kind of get lazy around the golf course. “So any time you win, if it’s a new venue, it doesn’t really matter because at the end of the day, whether you know the golf course or you don’t, whoever is hitting the ball the best, whoever is putting the best, whoever is making the lowest score is going to win the golf tournament at the end of the day.â€� THREE PLAYERS TO PONDER Hideki Matsuyama He’s practicing with FIVE putters this week; will decide Thursday on which one to use. Consider it golf’s version of The Bachelor. Rory McIlroy Tiger’s the only two-time FedExCup champ. Will Rory’s body hold up long enough to make a serious run at joining the club? Phil Mickelson Has two chances to play in NYC area in the next six weeks. This one’s guaranteed; the other (Presidents Cup) isn’t – at least not yet. GET TO KNOW GLEN OAKS It’s the first PGA TOUR event this course has hosted. Here’s what you can expect: BOMBERS PARADISE. Course superintendent Craig Currier was asking some of the players earlier this week about their first impressions. “All seem to think it will favor the bombers,â€� he said. The fairways are generous – somewhat like Erin Hills at this year’s U.S. Open. That should bode well for somebody like Brooks Koepka, the winner at Erin Hills. “If the guys can pipe it 330 down every fairway, that’s a big advantage,â€� Currier said. Said Jordan Spieth: “It’s a big hitter’s golf course. Wider fairways, extremely thick rough with big greens. It reminds me of like a Congressional, even like a Muirfield, Jack’s place.â€� UNDULATING POA ANNUA. The comparison is to Bethpage Black except with more movement. “A lot trickier than Bethpage,â€� Currier said. Since the majority of the field have never played Glen Oaks prior to this week, those players who can figure out the poa annua greens the fastest will also have the advantage. Probably not a good sign when Hideki Matsuyama said Tuesday, “That will be challenging for me.â€� Said Currier: “These greens are our best defense. They’ve got a lot of subtle breaks. With these guys not knowing them, I think the greens might surprise them a little bit.â€� 4-INCH ROUGH. Like at Erin Hills, for the tee shots that do miss the generous fairways, a price will be paid. Currier said the 4-inch bluegrass rough will be consistently tough. “If they hit it in the rough this week, it’s going to be truly be a penalty for them,â€� he warned. Said Patrick Reed: “The penalizing part around this place is, you know, hitting in that rough. If you’re playing out of the rough, you’re going to struggle. But if you’re out of the short grass, you’re going to be able to go out and shoot a number.â€� BACK-NINE FIREWORKS. The front nine is 378 yards longer and more difficult than the back nine, Currier said. The par-4 first is nearly 500 yards and to a skinny green. The second is the longest par-3 on the course. The par-5 third is nearly 100 yards longer than its counterpart on the back, and Nos. 4 and 5 are longish par 4s. Meanwhile, Nos. 11, 13, 14 and 18 are scoring holes; 18 particularly for the long hitter. “Somebody could post some low scores on the back,â€� said Currier, who estimates the back nine will play 1-1/2 shots easier than the front. THE FLYOVER Here’s a look at the final three holes at Glen Oaks – the par-4 400-yard 16th, the par-3 233-yard 17th and the par-4 475-yard 18th. THE LANDING ZONE The 11th is a drivable par 4, listed at 323 yards on the scorecard. Water guards the left-side of the dogleg left hole and a small pot bunker left of the green will likely gobble up a few shots, so laying up to the fat part of the fairway will likely be the play. With such a short par 4, birdies should be in abundance, right? Not so fast, said course superintendent Craig Currier. “Even if you lay up there, it’s really easy to spin it in the water,â€� he said. A year ago, Glen Oaks hosted the Met Open – and the 11th was the hardest hole on the course, said Currier, playing to a stroke average of nearly 3/4ths over par. WEATHER CHECK Should be terrific weather all week. Pleasant temperatures. No rain in the forecast, light winds for the most part (picking up a bit on Friday). Winds may shift on Sunday; if so, players may need to adjust. For the complete weather forecast from Old Westbury, New York, check out the PGA TOUR’s Weather Hub. SOUND CHECK I moved into a new house that fall or winter and figured that counted. I was up in the air about potentially buying that house, and then that kind of pushed it. ODDS AND ENDS BACK TO WORK. Justin Thomas is making his start since winning the PGA Championship and moving to No. 2 in FedExCup points. He said winning his first major has yet to set in. “I was shocked by that,â€� he said. “I don’t know if it was because I had so many obligations or just things to kind of do. I never really wanted to celebrate or enjoy it. I just was so tired and I wasn’t in a mood to really do anything.â€� ANY COURSE IS FINE. Dustin Johnson (No. 4 in points) has four top-10s – on three different courses — in his last six starts in this event. He thinks Glen Oaks will offer him a similar opportunity this week to contend. “I really like the golf course,â€� he said Wednesday. “First time seeing it today. I’m a big fan.â€� FEDEXCUP CHAMPS. Vijay Singh (2008) remains the only winner of THE NORTHERN TRUST to go on and win the FedExCup. Two of the last three FedExCup champs have missed the cut in this event – Jordan Spieth in 2015 and Billy Horschel in 2014. A year ago, Rory McIlroy tied for 31st at Bethpage Black. A message from our sponsor: United MileagePlus® members, you can use your award miles to enjoy The Northern Trust from the comfort of the United Airlines Fairway Club, located on the 16th Green. You and a guest will enjoy complimentary food and beverages while watching the top PGA TOUR® players compete. Limited quantities available on-site. Click here for details.
