Six years later, Streb wins again at The RSM Classic

NASSAU, Bahamas – Keegan Bradley would love to be one of the PGA TOUR’s best putters. In his heart, though, he knows that’s not realistic. So he has a more achievable goal for 2019. “This is going to sound weird, but my goal is just to putt average,� he said Wednesday on the eve of the Hero World Challenge. Actually, it’s not weird if you look at the rest of Bradley’s game. Last season, he ranked second in Strokes Gained: Approach-the-Green. The year before, he ranked 10th in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee. The year before, he ranked 25th in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green. He knows he can put all those elements together, and indeed he ranked 14th in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green last season. In the last six years, he’s never ranked outside the top 30 in that category. Putting has been his nemesis, thanks in part to the anchored putting ban that forced Bradley, among others, to make major adjustments in their game a few years ago. The way Bradley figures it, his game from tee-to-green is good enough to give him a chance in every start … as long as his putting doesn’t derail him. And when his putting is at its best – such as at Aronimink when he won the BMW Championship, ranking first in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting – then he’s hard to beat. “With the way I’m striking the ball, I’m going to be competitive,� Bradley said. “And if I do have weeks where I putt great, I’m going to contend and hopefully win. … “I definitely want to be one of the best putters, for sure, but statistically if I’m near the average on the TOUR, I’m going to gain a lot of shots on the field.� With his victory at Aronimink still fueling his enthusiasm, Bradley is looking forward to making the kind of noise he did in his breakout 2011 season, when he won two events, including the PGA Championship in his first-ever start in a major. “I can’t remember a time I’ve been more excited about a year than next year,� Bradley said. “I’ve got to be careful that I don’t go overboard with that, but I feel as though my golf game is the best it’s ever been. [If] I just kind of keep improving with my putting and stuff, I should be there. I should be ready to go and contend in more tournaments and hopefully win some more.� And if he starts winning some more, he’ll put himself into consideration for a spot on the U.S. Team at the 2019 Presidents Cup in Australia. Bradley hasn’t made a U.S. appearance since the disappointing 2014 Ryder Cup. Missing out on the last four years has been tough for a player who thrives on national pride. “It’s tough not play but it’s even tougher to not even be part of the conversation,� he said. “… Now what’s fun is this year, I feel I have a legitimate shot to make the team. I thought I had that chance in years past, but it was a little distant. This year I feel as though I can make that team, and with Tiger as the captain – for a lot of us players that grew up watching him, that’s going to be pretty incredible.�

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Sony, one of the PGA TOUR’s longest-tenured title sponsors, will remain the title sponsor of the Sony Open in Hawaii through 2026 after signing a four-year extension. Sony has sponsored the Sony Open in Hawaii continuously since 1999 in support of Friends of Hawaii Charities. Nearly $22 million has been donated to over 350 charities to date, making the tournament the largest charity sports event in Hawaii. “Sony has had a tremendous impact in building the Sony Open in Hawaii into what it is today – a favorite among our players and fans – while making an indelible charitable impact throughout the Hawaiian Islands,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “We appreciate Sony’s friendship and thank them for their loyalty in extending their partnership an additional four years.” As the largest charity golf event in Hawaii, with charity proceeds totaling more than $1 million annually, the Sony Open impacts more than 100 non-profit organizations each year. And while this past year was especially challenging due to the pandemic, Sony made it possible for the the tournament to match the previous year’s charitable total at a time when community support was especially critical. Historic Waialae Country Club has hosted the Sony Open every year since 1965. It has been the setting for some of the PGA TOUR’s most memorable moments. Justin Thomas shot the lowest score in a 72-hole event in PGA TOUR history (253, including a first-round 59) to win the 2017 Sony Open. Isao Aoki became the first Japanese winner in PGA TOUR history after famously won the 1980 Sony Open after holing out from 130 yards for eagle on the 72nd hole. Past winners at Waialae include Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Lanny Wadkins, Mark O’Meara, Corey Pavin, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. The Sony Open debuted in 1965. In 1999, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc., became the host organization and Sony became title sponsor. “Almost 25 years ago, a partnership built on respect for culture, custom, commitment to community, innovation and excellence was formed between the Sony Group Corporation and the Friends of Hawaii Charities. This marked the birth of the Sony Open in Hawaii — a treasure to the people of Hawaii and beyond,” said Corbett Kalama, President of event charity host, Friends of Hawaii Charities. “The Sony Group made today a banner day by renewing its commitment to Hawaii by extending its sponsorship of the Sony Open in Hawaii on the PGA TOUR another four years!” Kalama continued. “Coupled with the loyal support of Waialae Country Club, Hawaii Tourism Authority, numerous business sponsors, and over 1500 volunteers, Sony has once again demonstrated visionary genius by aligning peerless technology, the best golf pros from Japan and the PGA TOUR, with the alluring beauty of Hawaii for the global television audience, all while honoring its commitment to help thousands of islanders in need. Mahalo Sony for being true friends of Hawaii charities!” The 2022 Sony Open at Hawaii will be held Jan. 13-16 at Waialae Country Club with Kevin Na expected to defend his 2021 title.

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