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Matthew Wolff wins the Aon Risk Reward Challenge

The PGA Tour’s 2020-21 regular season is in the books. It was unpredictable and exhilarating, filled with remarkable highs and gut-wrenching lows. For third-year PGA Tour player Matthew Wolff, it’s been a year like no other. Wolff, 22, kicked off …

Wolff, 22, kicked off the wraparound season in style with a runner-up finish last September at the 2020 U.S. Open and followed it up with a tie for second place at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Fast forward six months to April 2021, he stepped away from competitive golf to focus on his mental health. In June, Wolff returned to the Tour at the U.S. Open with a better sense of self and tied for 15th. He’s feeling better and “having fun on the course again.” Considering the obstacles, it’s remarkable that he played well enough to be in the hunt for the third-annual Aon Risk Reward Challenge, a season-long competition across the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.

The Aon Risk Reward Challenge, the brainchild of the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Aon, a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions, highlights the season’s best decision-makers on each Tour. Its format? At each tournament, the golfer’s two best scores on the designated Challenge hole will count (minimum 40 rounds). It’s winner-take-all, and the player on each Tour with the lowest average score to par pockets the $1 million prize and the Aon trophy.

With two regular-season tournaments remaining, the PGA Tour paused last month for the Olympics. At the time, Wolff had climbed to the top spot of the Challenge, followed by Louis Oosthuizen, Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith. After the Olympic break, Wolff continued his stellar play at the World Golf Championships – FedEx St. Jude Invitational. The Aon Risk Reward Challenge hole, No. 16 at TPC Southwind, is a reachable par-5. In Round 1, Wolff overpowered the 511-yard hole with a booming 316-yard tee shot (which, coincidentally, was his average driving distance for the season). From 195, his 8-iron approach led to a two-putt birdie. Oosthuizen kept pace with birdie while Niemann settled for par.

The hole was lengthened to 539 yards in Round 2. Wolff belted his drive 305 yards into the right side of the fairway. With his second shot, Wolff made the decision to go for the green, a strategy that was familiar for Matthew throughout this year’s Challenge (55% GFG on ARRC par-5s) at a widely successful rate (45% success rate when GFG on ARRC par-5s). His 4-iron shot from the rough ran through the green. He played a delicate chip with the 60-degree lob wedge from light rough to three feet past the pin and drained the birdie putt. Wolff’s recipe for success: Better decision-making and rock-solid execution. Both Oosthuizen and Niemann could only muster par. Wolff’s final tally at St. Jude was 2-under par. Both Oosthuizen and Niemann (birdie in Round 4) notched one-under for the week. On the strength of a two-under-par performance, Cameron Smith climbed from fourth place to second. Niemann maintained third while Oosthuizen dropped to fourth.

Did it ever cross Wolff’s mind during rounds that he was on the brink of something special? (Laughing) “Absolutely. I was a little more nervous knowing they [Aon holes] mattered more than the rest of tournament,” said Wolff. “It was nerve-wracking stepping up on those tees and trying to make the putts, knowing it could turn into something really big.”

Wolff had a commanding position going into the final event, the Wyndham Championship. “It was a comfortable lead, but I knew it wasn’t impossible to lose,” he said. Smith chose not to play but still had a mathematical chance to overtake the leader if Wolff’s best two scores totaled two-over par on the 545-yard par-5 15th hole at Sedgefield CC. Niemann wasn’t in the field either, and Oosthuizen withdrew due to injury prior to Round 1, guaranteeing they’d finish behind Smith.

As it turned out, Matthew Wolff made a routine par in Round 1 and a birdie in Round 2 to clinch the Aon trophy and $1 million payday. He didn’t do it alone. “In this Challenge, as in business, the ability to leverage insight and information, as well as support and advice from your team, leads to better decision-making,” said Eric Andersen, President, Aon. “Matthew was able to see the bigger picture, put everything together, and won the Challenge because of it.”

After clinching the title, the champ reflected on his accomplishment.
“I’m honored and excited to win the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, which recognizes not only performance but also consistent, strategic decision-making,” said Wolff. “It’s no secret that the harder the hole or course, the more I like it so each week I focused on making the right decisions when it mattered most, which paid off in a big way. It’s an awesome way to end the regular season.”

Well done, Matthew.

Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington is full-speed ahead with VKTRY Insoles

Padraig Harrington is a three-time Major Winner and has been playing on Tour for 24 years now. The Europe 2021 Ryder Cup Captain is still contending at age 49 after a recent T4 at the PGA Championship, won by fellow ageless wonder Phil Mickelson. How has Harrington stayed in the game with all this young talent coming up every year? He has always stayed very fit, worked hard on new training techniques, and is always searching for the best gear.

We all know how we can feel the day after walking 18 holes, let alone 72 holes every single week. Improper support under your feet can lead to soreness of the back, lower body and feet. “I was suffering from pain in my legs and feeling a lot of tiredness after a round of golf. That went completely away since I started wearing VKTRY Insoles,” said Padraig. VKTRY Insoles provide support of the heel and arch, plus energy return with every step as the carbon fiber base plate gives back what you put into it.

Since finding relief with VKTRY, Padraig has become a brand ambassador and is spreading the word on Tour, hoping to help others see the benefits of a carbon fiber insole in golf. “We did a little experiment when we were in the desert out in Dubai. My caddy was carrying the bag, and it really hits you hard on the sandy golf course, especially your legs and lower limbs. So after the first three days, he was really feeling it, so I say ‘why don’t you try these insoles in your trainers the next day?’ and so he did. He had NO pain that round. No fatigue, it was IMMENSELY better.”

The benefits Padraig sees from his VKs are nothing new for someone trying the insoles for the first time. VKs are backed by 10 years of R&D and worn by tens of thousands of athletes around the world. Here are the top reasons why the world’s top golfers love VKTRY Insoles:

Clinically proven injury protection & recovery

Test subjects in a clinical study performed by the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut reported a lower rate of fatigue while wearing VKTRY Insoles. In addition, the study found that wearing VKTRY Insoles resulted in less joint load on the lower extremities and improved common injuries such as plantar fasciitis and shin splints. “My ankle and knee soreness went away almost instantly when I started wearing VKTRY Insoles,” stated Padraig.

The Ryder Cup Captain will be on his feet all day again in Whistling Straights, and anyone spending eight-plus hours on their feet in a day will enjoy the feeling of fresher legs after a long day.

More speed = More distance

VKTRY’s patented carbon fiber technology has been proven by 3rd party, PhD-led research to increase an athlete’s ground force by greater than 8%. You may have heard the phrase “power comes from the ground up”. VKTRY’s carbon fiber base stores the energy you put into the ground, and rather than dispersing it like a foam insole would, it returns it back to you. VKs help a golfer rapidly transfer energy from the backswing to the follow throw – creating a more explosive swing. Professional golfers have reported a 2-3 mph increase in clubhead speed, translating to 5-10 yards more distance. Check out how Padraig harnesses the energy return of VKTRY and other speed-gaining tips in his Paddy’s Golf Tips video:

INCREASING SPEED IN THE GOLF SWING | Paddy’s Golf Tip #13 | Padraig Harrington.

Every pair is customized to YOU

Most companies provide you with footgear that is made to fit your foot size… end of story. VKTRY goes a step further to give each customer a unique insole tailored to their weight and sport. VKTRY’s Pro Level algorithm customizes each pair using your age, gender, weight, and activity, providing you with a “Pro Level” that will allow you to get the most out of your VKs. The higher the Pro Level, the higher the spring strength. All athletes are not alike. A big athlete needs more push or bounce than a lighter-weight athlete. VKTRY ensures every customer’s experience is optimal to their needs.

The first tee shot of the 2021 Ryder Cup is 70 days away at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, and the buzz is building in the golf world. European captain Padraig Harrington will be ready to lead his team when it matters most, and VKTRY will be with him every step of the way.

Learn more about VKTRY Performance Insoles at VKTRYGear.com.

Beyond the Course: Former LPGA player Jeehae Lee shows off new golf app that turns 2D video into 3D

A simple smartphone video can be all you need to get a number of key stats, and a complete 3D look at what you’re doing through your swing.

Remember when fixing a swing issue meant setting up time with a swing coach, driving to the coach’s range, and spending time waiting for your coach to finish a lesson?

No longer.

As former LPGA player and former Michelle Wie agent Jeehae Lee tells us in this video, sponsored by Rocket Mortgage, now a simple smartphone video can be all you need to get a number of key stats, and a complete 3D look at what you’re doing through your swing.

The day is fast approaching when Lee’s company, Sportsbox AI, will be able to send you instant recommendations after you download a video.

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Beyond the Course: Former LPGA player Jeehae Lee shows off new golf app that turns 2D video into 3D

A simple smartphone video can be all you need to get a number of key stats, and a complete 3D look at what you’re doing through your swing.

Remember when fixing a swing issue meant setting up time with a swing coach, driving to the coach’s range, and spending time waiting for your coach to finish a lesson?

No longer.

The day is fast approaching when Lee’s company, Sportsbox AI, will be able to send you instant recommendations after you download a video.

Bridging the digital divide in Detroit with Connect 313

As part of its Changing the Course initiative, the Rocket Mortgage Classic is working to connect the city of Detroit by providing technology and broadband access to underserved residents. Connect 313, a collaborative organization between the City of Detroit, Rocket Mortgage® and other partners, has been instrumental in providing access to those who need it most, especially low-income seniors who were isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s commitment to driving digital inclusion in Detroit at RocketMortgageClassic.com.

Driving donations in Detroit with ‘the most charitable three holes in golf’

The Detroit Golf Club’s AREA 313, named after the city’s area code, encompasses “the most charitable three holes in golf” on the PGA TOUR®. Watch this video to find out how the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s AREA 313 Challenge works to trigger donations to the city of Detroit in support of Changing the Course, an initiative helping bring technology, digital literacy and broadband access to underserved residents.

Learn more about the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in Detroit or make a direct donation today.

Rocket Mortgage Classic blog: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo plays with Phil Mickelson at pro-am

for those of you who missed it, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo teed it up with none other than reigning PGA Champ Phil Mickelson during the pro-am.

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There are a few storms in the forecast, but the scene is set for another Rocket Mortgage Classic here at Detroit Golf Club.

Follow along as we blog all week from the event — which is marking its third year after Michigan had a lengthy absence from the PGA Tour.

We have a team of folks on the ground in Detroit, including our Adam Schupak, Detroit Free Press columnist Carlos Monarrez and many others who will provide insight throughout the week.

Update, 10:18 a.m.: An interesting group will speak to the media today, including returning champ Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed.

Don’t forget, DeChambeau won the event last year after an incident with a cameraman during Saturday’s round. Our Eamon Lynch waved poetic on the subject in one of his most biting pieces:

DeChambeau paid for the cameras in his home, but not those at Detroit Golf Club. But he seems to believe any lens has the same function: to celebrate his brand of data-crunching and protein-shaking, to showcase his prodigious distance but never his astonishingly shallow depth. In short, to help him sling product. And you, dear viewer? Well, you’re just the mark. That’s what his comments Saturday told you.

We’ll have more after the champ speaks.

Also, for those of you who missed it, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo teed it up with none other than reigning PGA Champ Phil Mickelson during the pro-am. Here’s a look at the fun.

This is nothing new for the coach. Izzo played with Tiger Woods at the 2005 Buick Pro-Am at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, near the height of Tiger Mania and a few months after the Spartans made their fourth of now eight Final Fours under Izzo. Two years ago at the inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic’s Area 313 Challenge, Izzo teamed with Bubba Watson and others against groups led by Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson.

Which Chrome Soft is better for your game?

For golfers, finding the right golf ball requires a combination of factors and a thorough examination process. With Callaway’s latest family of Chrome Soft golf balls, golfers can get dialed for a ball that’s a better fit based on their playing …

USGA and Cisco team up to enrich U.S. Open fan experience with revolutionary interactive 4D swing technology

Jon Rahm. The 2021 United States Open champion. It has a nice ring to it. Rahm, who outlasted the field at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South) in San Diego, is the first Spaniard to capture the U.S. Open. It’s been a memorable month along the …

It’s been a memorable month along the California coast for the United States Golf Association (USGA) as well. It conducted two stellar national championships—the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, which took place in early June in San Francisco. During both tournaments, the USGA collaborated with corporate partner Cisco and 4DReplay to bring first-of-its-kind interactive 4D swing technology to users’ fingertips. At Torrey Pines, 88 cameras were positioned around the perimeter of the 6th tee. As players teed off the dogleg-right par-4, their swings were captured in 4D. And, in a flash, the 4D swings appeared on the USGA’s U.S. Open mobile app.

Fans who download the U.S. Open app (or U.S. Women’s Open app) can enjoy—and learn—from the 4D swings. Even the contestants themselves are getting a kick out of it. “The 4D camera view of my swing was pretty awesome,” said Danielle Kang, currently sixth in the Women’s World Golf Ranking. “Being able to see my swing in a continuous motion from every angle can be very informative and I believe is a great addition to the U.S. Open.” You can check out Kang’s swing HERE, accompanied by expert instruction.

Users can start and stop the swing videos on demand, and on the mobile app, choose from 34 different camera angles. All of it is made possible by Cisco’s industry-leading networking capability. In addition, Cisco, the Official Technology Partner of the USGA, provided the connectivity for the 4D swings to be seamlessly transferred from the 6th tee to NBC’s on-site production center, where images were dropped into the live U.S. Open telecast. “Cisco is delivering new opportunities for fans to connect with players, to get closer to the action and to experience golf in a new way,” said Ashley Marusak, Global Lead, Sports Marketing, Cisco. “The 4D video technology is an innovative solution helping to make it possible. With the technology on display within the USGA mobile app, NBC broadcast and across social media channels, the fans experienced this year’s U.S. Open in a way that wasn’t previously possible.”

For a taste of the action, we’ve highlighted the 4D swings with five PGA TOUR stars—Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Matthew Wolff and Bryson DeChambeau. (All Tour stats and rankings are as of June 21, 2021.) Each video contains tips and analyses from Steve Scott, Director of Instruction, Golfweek. Scott, one might recall, had a legendary duel with Tiger Woods in the U.S. Amateur final at Pumpkin Ridge GC. Woods won the match-play classic—25 years ago!— in sudden death on the 38th hole. Relive the coolest moments in Scott’s new book, “Hey, Tiger—You Need to Move Your Mark Back.”

Jon Rahm

BIO: No. 1 Official World Golf Ranking; No. 1 PGA TOUR Official Money List; No. 2 FedEx Cup; No. 21 Average Driving Distance (307.6 yards); No. 2 Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee; 6 PGA TOUR titles; 1 Major.

4D SWING: Saturday, Round 3. Hole measured 534 yards.

BACKGROUND: Rahm came to No. 6 at -3. He hit driver 327 yards into the first cut of rough, leaving 206 yards to the hole. The approach shot found the green 36 feet from the cup. Two-putt par. Rahm would post -2 through three rounds. The final round 4-under par (67) vaulted Rahm to his first Major.

TAKEAWAYS

00:00:00 to 00:00:03 — The new U.S. Open champion shows the trigger that initiates a compact, powerful swing. A slight forward press with a neutral grip is how he starts the club in motion from a stagnant position.

00:00:04 to 00:00:06 — Even though the hands don’t get way above the head, Jon’s storing power in massive legs that are waiting to be shifted to and through impact.

00:00:06 to 00:00:08 — Jon’s lack of flexibility in the thoracic spine causes a shorter backswing. The bowed (bent forward) left wrist helps to square the clubface at the top. With a flat wrist, Jon’s clubface would be open at the top and require a compensating move on the downswing to square it up.

00:00:09 to 00:00:11 — Jon’s power move. The legs and hips are pulling the shoulders and hands around to impact, which means the stored power in his lower body doesn’t get lost.

00:00:12 to 00:00:13 — Notice that both heels are off the ground at impact, and all the weight has pushed to the toes. It’s difficult to play any sport well if the weight sits back on the heels too much. The left wrist maintains its bowed position, which keeps the clubface de-lofted through impact. I love that position.

00:00:14 to 00:00:17 — The right arm doesn’t straighten until after impact. Jon swings through the ball, not to the ball.

00:00:18 to 00:00:21 —Jon’s compact windup and massive explosion through the ball lead to a slingshot-like finish.

Next up: Brooks Koepka

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