Woodland takes 1-shot lead over Rose in US Open

“When I get some time off, I think this could be a game changer.” That was Will Zalatoris’ first thought after rolling a few putts with a Scotty Cameron Phantom X 11 prototype putter in May. He got that time off, unfortunately, following a back injury that forced him out of The Open Championship and kept him on the sidelines until last week. While resting and rehabbing at home following his early exit from Royal St. George’s, Zalatoris, who “hated every minute” of the downtime, decided to engage in some flatstick experimentation. He found the Phantom X 11 prototype putter — with a black topline for added alignment — both rolled the ball a more predictable distance and gave him more feedback off the face. “I loved how immediately off the face … I just get immediate feedback,” Zalatoris said. “I was starting to lose that a little bit with my putter. … I can feel that ball exactly where it comes off on the face.” Zalatoris put the putter in play at last week’s World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, where he finished eighth. He was ninth in Strokes Gained: Putting at TPC Southwind after ranking 150th in the category for the season. Zalatoris has been one of this season’s breakout star and his putter has been a big topic of discussion because of the arm-lock method that cured his putting woes and allowed him to capitalize on his incredible iron play (he currently ranks seventh in Strokes Gained: Approach-the-Green). His play has earned him a TOUR card for next season but he must win this week’s Wyndham Championship to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs. Regarding the putter, Scotty Cameron TOUR Rep Drew Page said, “Players just love the way the 11 sits on the ground. Will’s putter has the same single-bend shaft configuration, it’s just longer to accommodate the arm-lock stroke. When you put it down, it doesn’t open, it doesn’t close, it just sets up so easily.” Beyond the ease of setup, Zalatoris described his testing and the clarity of feel with the flatstick. “I was hitting putts and not looking at where the ball was going and just trying to guess long (or) short, and I immediately was getting that,” he said. “I wasn’t able to do that with my old one, so right there I know exactly this is the putter I was going to go to.” While Zalatoris hasn’t tested the putter on any putt analysis system, he said he felt the ball skidded less off the face and began rolling sooner than with his previous putter, which high-speed cameras confirmed. While he conceded, “Part of (the decision to switch putters) was just because I couldn’t hit balls for two weeks so kind of the boredom was kicking in,” Zalatoris was quick to point out “it’s been a great switch.” While one tournament with a new wand is a small sample size, it’s difficult to argue with that sentiment so far. Will Zalatoris putter specs Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 11 prototype Loft: 5.5 degrees Lie angle: 70 degrees Length: 42.5 inches

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The PGA TOUR announced that an hour-long special titled PGA TOUR 2017: Moments at the Memorial presented by Nationwide will air Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 2 p.m. ET on CBS, prior to the network’s final-round coverage of the Memorial Tournament. Produced by PGA TOUR Entertainment, the show will highlight players as they work their way into contention at this week’s Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide and showcase the dedication of the people that work behind-the-scenes to ensure positive results. The feature will take an inside look at players arriving at Muirfield Village Golf Club, their practice rounds, and the preparation both on and off the course that leads to an exciting tournament inside the ropes. The Tournament’s philanthropic achievements, which are close to the hearts of Tournament host Jack Nicklaus and the entire Nationwide family of the Memorial, will also be showcased. PGA TOUR 2017: Moments at the Memorial presented by Nationwide will be shot with multiple cameras in high definition and edited throughout Tournament week. With production ending on Saturday evening, the show’s timeliness will be a true enhancement of the final product. The show will feature events leading into the final round and set up Sunday’s exciting finish. The CBS Sports feature will also cover the following topics: Jack Nicklaus: The architect of Muirfield Village Golf Club and the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, Nicklaus continues his commitment to improving his home community by way of a world-class PGA TOUR event. The feature will catch up with the host of the 42nd annual Memorial Tournament, while highlighting the various charitable endeavors driving the Tournament’s success. Legends Luncheon: Watch the annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, as Nicklaus hosts a fundraising event that generates millions of dollars in charity for the Tournament’s primary benefactor, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in the Columbus, Ohio area. Viewers will get a first-hand look at highlights from the luncheon, including a special conversation with Nicklaus and fellow World Golf Hall of Fame member and 2017 Memorial Tournament honoree Greg Norman, culminating with the presentation of the ‘Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award.’ Peyton Manning: As a sporting icon and Nationwide ambassador, Peyton Manning will play in the Memorial Tournament’s official Pro-Am, the Nationwide Invitational at the Memorial, at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The show will document his round as he plays with a PGA TOUR star on one of golf’s most iconic courses. Justin Thomas: The three-time winner during the 2016-17 season grew up just three hours away from Muirfield Village Golf Club in the tiny town of Goshen, Kentucky. The 24-year-old Thomas, a third-generation golfer, learned the game at his father’s course and fell in love with it immediately. His unique golfing journey will be documented in this feature and how a chance meeting with Nicklaus as a 7-year-old, helped set him on the path to PGA TOUR stardom. Si Woo Kim and K.J. Choi: Fresh off his impressive win at the 2017 PLAYERS Championship, Kim joins his hero and mentor, 2007 Memorial Tournament winner K.J. Choi for a practice round at Muirfield Village GC. Follow along as they discuss Kim’s life and career as well as their preparations for this year’s Tournament.

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The Barracuda Championship takes place today at Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood). Here’s how to follow the action. Round 1 leaderboard Round 1 tee times HOW TO FOLLOW Television: Thursday-Friday, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel). Saturday-Sunday, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Golf Channel). MUST READS Power Rankings Expert Picks New course has four drivable par 4s

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