There’s no definitive line that separates sporting generations.
It’s a know-it-when-you-see-it jot down deal.
So we shift our focus even younger, at those 25 years old or younger.
This was a banner week for that demographic.
Yes, it’s the offseason.
No, neither of these wins will occupy much real estate in the casual golf fan’s mind.
Kim’s victory, his first of 2023, brings him to a career-high ranking of the world No.
11 in the much-maligned Official World Golf Ranking.
If Data Golf’s more your jam (it should be), he’s up to No.
13, and he’s by far the highest-ranked player at his age.
Kim’s established himself as a world-class player even if he still sounds like a kid behind a microphone.
I’m going to go back home.
I can’t wait to finish that chocolate.
I’ve wanted to finish it so bad."
Lee’s now No.
35 in Data Golf’s ranking, though there are a few 25-or-youngers between he and Kim.
They’re going to be around for a while.
Bae has not been the same golfer since he returned from his nearly two-year hiatus.
He’s kept playing nonstop since, and playing well.
Aberg flew from Rome to Jackson, Miss.
The Swede also played in Vegas and shot a final-round 62 to post a T13 finish.
He is, mercifully, not playing at this week’s Zozo Championship in Japan.
He’s now No.
68 in the world and dropping quickly.
He’s currently out of position by 17 spots.
Won the Nicklaus Award there as the nation’s top player and finished No.
So he headed to the KFT and safely graduated to the PGA Tour after his first full season.
Akshay BhatiaAge: 21Data Golf ranking: 136
He zigged while the rest zagged.
But Bhatia opted to turn pro at 17, a decision that drew significant criticism at the time.
He’d still be in college had he gone that direction.
Lexi Thompson impresses in Vegas
She didn’t make the cut, but she did everything but.
Two shots short, to be exact.
She certainly didn’t do that.
“I think I said that on the last hole.
A little kid screamed out, go Lexi, you’re great, and that just makes my day.
That’s what it’s all about, just inspiring.”
It has major “but I was told Steph Curry wasn’t a good shooter” energy.
I mean, a 7 handicap said that?
And we’re giving it airtime?
Let’s put an end to it.
LIV has now played out two seasons and can not claim to have built much grassroots momentum at all.
Perhaps missing the buzz a little bit.
Especially given the recent OWGR ruling.
The same holds for a guy like Joaquin Niemann, who’s outside the top 65 and dropping quickly.
As you’re probably able to tell, I am not a fan of the OWGR’s decision.
The PGA Tour heads to Japan this week for the Zozo Championship at Accordia Narashino outside Tokyo.
Until next week,
Dan
