Overseeding desert golf courses is a challenge with temperatures staying high into October

Overseeding desert golf courses is a challenge with temperatures staying high into October

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Like most residents of the Coachella Valley, Nick Leitner is amazed by the weather in the Coachella Valley the last few weeks.

“These temperatures have just been insane to the point where I’ve been here close to seven years now and I’ve never seen Oct. 1 at 115 degrees,” said Leitner, directory of agronomy at the 36-hole Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Leitner’s interest in the unseasonable heat is different than most people in the desert who are complaining about temperatures over 110 degrees in October. With October the traditional month for overseeding golf courses and other landscaping in the Coachella Valley, Leitner’s concern is getting cool-weather rye grass to germinate and stay alive in the high temperatures.

“It’s just taking as many precautions as we can. The use of fungicides and phosphite to be able to combat for disease because when you have water and heat, diseases are really present, and it can go and wipe out that cool weather grass in a matter of minutes,” Leitner said.

What is overseeding?

Overseeding is the process of transitioning from warm-weather grasses like Bermuda grass to cool-weather grasses like rye or bluegrass. Bermuda turns dormant and brown in the winter temperatures in the desert, but the triple-digit heat of the summer kills the cool-weather grasses. To keep courses green, they must overseed in the fall. In the spring, the rye grass dies off naturally and the perennial Bermuda springs back to life.

October is the transition month because temperatures, particularly at nighttime, make it possible for rye grass to germinate. At the Indian Wells Golf Resort, with two courses, Leitner and his crew have already overseeded the Celebrity Course, but the heat has caused concern about how effective the overseed will be.

“I’ve already got germination out there, which is fantastic. Now it’s just trying to move ahead,” Leitner said. “The ideal nighttime temperatures that I am looking for are between 65 and 70 degrees. That is ideal. So we have germination, now it’s just trying to manage it to the point where the rye grass doesn’t start melting out because of how hot it is or that the Bermuda grass doesn’t take it over.”

Those nighttime temperatures haven’t been seen in the Coachella Valley this fall.

“Dating back to the 21st of September, the Palm Springs area has not had a low below 70,” said Kyle Wheeler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego. “There actually was a brief period when it was in the 60s, but that was a couple of days in the middle of September. But since then, it has been much higher.”

One way to combat the heat is with water, but overwatering the grass to keep it cool can lead to the threat of disease, Leitner said.

“Water management, making sure that you are not throwing too much water to the point where you can cause disease, or it becomes oversaturated,” Leitner said. “The seed won’t germinate during that.”

Even if the seed does germinate, the heat forces Leitner and his staff to take extra precautions on some areas of the course.

“You are focusing on a lot of your south-facing slopes, hot spots that you have to be able to make sure that seed is getting enough water. So it is a balancing act,” Leitner said. “From that point, just kind of hoping and praying that temperatures will start dropping, and whatever misses you have or the seed didn’t germinate, we’ve got to come back in and fix that after the fact.”

At Indian Wells Golf Resort, like other golf facilities that have multiple golf courses, the overseeding schedule is staggered so that one golf course is always available for play. So while the Celebrity Course was being overseeded, the Players Course remained open for public play and the Epson Tour Championship that ended Sunday. The Celebrity Course re-opened last week, while the Players Course closed on Sunday.

“I’ve been monitoring the 10-day (forecast) for the last month and next week when we go to shut down the Players, temperatures look like they are going to start being ideal,” Leitner said.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/8MuekW7

This college golf coach is the best speedgolfer in the world. No, really!

This college golf coach is the best speedgolfer in the world. No, really!

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Lauren Cupp is always on the run.

She’s the men’s and women’s golf coach at Hamilton College in New York, her alma mater. She and her husband, Wes, own Rome Country Club. The couple has three children, ages 10, 7 and 3.

When she’s not running around the country coaching her teams, handling her duties as a mother and more, she’s running on the golf course.

No, literally.

Cupp is a speedgolfer. And not just any speedgolfer. She’s a world record holder and the best female speedgolfer in the world.

Cupp’s women’s golf team is at Sandestin Resort’s Links Course this week for the Golfweek October Classic, which comprises one of the strongest fields in Division III history. Not only did she start the women’s team at Hamilton, building them into a top-25 power, she has become a global star in speed golf, even if the sports isn’t as popular in the United States as places like Japan, where she’ll head in a couple weeks to compete in the Speedgolf World Championships.

Golfweek October Classic: Scores

“I’ve been able to connect with people from all over the planet, which is pretty cool, through this little dorky sport,” Cupp said.

Hamilton golf coach Lauren Cupp is the top-ranked female speedgolfer in the world. (Photo provided)

Cupp is an accomplished golfer herself, but when her daughter was born 10 years ago and her time became more restricted, she wanted golf to remain a part of her life.

Enter speedgolf.

Speedgolf is scored with two results: the number of strokes taken plus time elapsed from the first tee shot to the final putt dropping. If Cupp shoots 75 in 55 minutes and 30 seconds, her score would be 130.30.

She started when her daughter was in a stroller, pushing her around while starting with 9 holes at a time. She and Wes watched an ESPN clip of the sport, and while there were frustrating moments at first, they were hooked immediately.

“I could do like nine holes and like 48, 49 minutes with the stroller just jogging,” Cupp said. “Then I found out it was a sport you could play competitively.”

And in speedgolf, you don’t need a lot of time to finish a round.

Cupp lives at Rome Country Club, and she can look out and see when the final groups of the day are nearing the 16th and 17th holes. That means it’s time to sprint off the first tee and get a quick 18 in.

Hamilton golf coach Lauren Cupp is the top-ranked female speedgolfer in the world. (Photo provided)

“That’s the best thing about speedgolf is that you can practice it quickly in the morning before the kids are even awake,” Cupp said.

Ranked as the No. 1 female speedgolfer in the world, she holds the world record with a 1-under 72 in 50 minutes and 48 seconds at Teugega Country Club, another course in Rome. She shot the round in the 2021 New York State Open.

Earlier this summer, Cupp won the U.S. Speedgolf Open, which she and Wes hosted at Rome Country Club. Instead of an 18-hole sprint, it was a 54-hole marathon. The event was comprised of the first 18 holes on one evening, and the next day was an 18-hole round in the morning and then again in the evening.

Cupp has used a Sunday bag for close to 10 years, and she normally carries five clubs: a driver, 6-iron, 9-iron, wedge and putter. That’s more than a majority of high-ranking players. However, she’s considering changing to a silo golf club carrier, which is a small device that clubs clip into, before the World Speedgolf Championships next month in Tokyo.

“I do think I’m faster with it,” Cupp said. “I know I’m faster with that than the bag. The issue for me is the putting. So right now I’m like tucking it under my armpit and putting with two hands. I just cannot get into the one handed putting, which is what a lot of people do. I struggle enough with two hands.”

Her fame has risen in the United States, though the sport isn’t as big yet. Cupp has been featured on national news outlets and been an incredible advocate for the sport, but she remains grounded. Hamilton is where her heart is.

She played volleyball and competed in track and field while a student at Hamilton. The school didn’t have a women’s golf program, so she started a club team. In 2012, Hamilton made women’s golf an official sport, and Cupp became the head coach, where she has remained since. Cupp took over the men’s job in 2017.

A couple weeks ago, a pair of Cupp’s men’s players were near the end of practice, and it was getting dark and cold. They decided to play speedgolf the final two holes, something that made Cupp smile when the two were sprinting down the fairway with their full bags.

They both finished practice with a pair of pars.

“They both joked it was a lot better than the last time they played 17 and 18,” Cupp said.

Hamilton golf coach Lauren Cupp is the top-ranked female speedgolfer in the world. (Photo provided)

There have been other times Cupp’s players have played speedgolf, as well. The fast-paced environment of the sport, combined with the fundamentals of golf, can challenge players and force them to hit different types of shots and be creative. More often than not in speedgolf, a player is between clubs, forcing them to be creative and be an athlete, an invaluable lesson when faced with a difficult circumstance on the course.

“There is something to be said about that, about just being an athlete, getting the ball in the hole in the fewest amount of shots, not getting caught up with all these swing thoughts and TrackMan parameters and things,” Cupp said. “And there’s certainly value to those things. But there is something to be said about just remembering that you’re just an athlete playing a sport, and we’re just trying to get the job done.”

Cupp’s life is nonstop, like a round of speedgolf. But no matter how busy her schedule gets, when there’s free time and an open course in front of her, Cupp will blaze new records and continue growing the sport that has taken over her life.

“I have become a much better golfer playing speed golf,” Cupp said. “I’ve had a lot of really cool opportunities.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/8MuekW7

Rookies who have won on the PGA Tour in 2024

Rookies who have won on the PGA Tour in 2024

So far in 2024 on the PGA Tour, there are four rookie winners.

That eclipses the number of rookie champs for all of last season, when Ludvig Aberg (RSM Classic), Vincent Norrman (Barbasol Championship) and Nico Echavarria (Puerto Rico Open) found victory lane.

Two of those 2023 wins were opposite-field events. The first three in 2024 were “regular” Tour stops, with the fourth a FedEx Fall series tournament.

There were just two rookie winners in 2022 and one each during the 2021 and 2020 seasons. There were six in 2017, so 2024 has a chance to be one of more prolific years for rookies in a while.

Check out the list of rookie winners this season.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/8MuekW7

Division III college golf is as good as it has ever been, and it’s about to get even better

Division III college golf is as good as it has ever been, and it’s about to get even better

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Not every team is going low, but the ones who are, are doing so like never before.

The Golfweek October Classic is one of the best events in Division III college golf, on both the men’s and women’s side. Yet after two rounds at Sandestin Resort’s Raven Course, Washington & Lee is dominating the men’s competition, reaching 26-under 542, a number that would shatter the previous 54-hole scoring record, even if Washington & Lee plays even-par golf Tuesday in the final round. On Monday, however, it carded a 16-under round, which is where second-place Sewanee sits after 36 holes.

Low scores, tighter leaderboards and depth of fields is becoming more and more common at the Division III level. That’s because the sport is as in good of a place as it has ever been.

“These kids have more access to better technology at a younger age,” Guilford College coach Ben Potter said. “I’m only 27, and even when I was growing up, not everyone had access to Trackman technology.”

Golfweek October Classic: Scores

Methodist has dominated the sport in the 21st century. Coach Steve Conley has collected 14 national championships and maintains one of the best programs in the country, regardless of division. However, the gap between his program and others has shrunk, and it’s not because he’s doing less.

It’s because others are doing more.

As Potter alluded to, practice facilities across the nation have become better. Players work with coaches all year round, whether in school or on their own, and access to numbers and swing analytics help fine tune swings and produce better results on the course.

There’s also the depth, which gets better each and every year. In year’s past, a team would have three or four players who were safe in the lineup, no matter what. Now, most of the top teams are leaving players at home who didn’t qualify that could be a top player at another school.

” I’d even venture to say our kids at the top Division III schools are as good as kids at the mid level D-Is, and we see it in summer tournaments, too,” Illinois Wesleyan coach Jim Ott said. “If you ever look at our top teams that go play in tournaments with D-Is, we hold ourselves very well to the to the mid-major type schools, maybe not the Texas or Vandy, but the other ones I mean, it’s right there.”

With how good Division III golf has become, it’s only going to get better.

With scholarship limits coming to Division I sports, teams are likely going to be limited to eight or nine roster spots, meaning teams with 11 or 12 players are going to have to cut some.

That means a trickle-down effect, where players will move down, and it will build up D-II golf and then D-III will also improve with a bit better players.

“In the top-30 teams, you have guys who are as strong as some of the guys I had at Jacksonville State,” Rhodes College coach Michael Brice, who took the job this year, said. “These top teams can go anywhere and compete.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/8MuekW7

After three-victory promotion from Korn Ferry Tour, Matt McCarty needs just two starts to win on PGA Tour at Black Desert Championship

After three-victory promotion from Korn Ferry Tour, Matt McCarty needs just two starts to win on PGA Tour at Black Desert Championship

Matt McCarty just keeps winning, no matter the tour.

The 26-year-old former Santa Clara University golfer smashed his drive within 3 feet of the hole at the drivable par-4,14^th green at Black Desert Resort to set up an eagle en route to posting a final-round 4-under 67 on Sunday and win the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Ivins, Utah.

“I knew if I played well this week after last week then I could maybe have a chance but to do it like this, I don’t know how you could expect this, to be honest,” he said.

McCarty won three times in a span of six events on the Korn Ferry Tour to earn a promotion to the PGA Tour and in just his second start in the big leagues, he returned to the winner’s circle with a 72-hole total of 23-under 261 and a three-shot victory over Stephan Jaeger.

“Winning sometimes just seems like it kind of happens, especially lately,” McCarty said. “When it rains it pours right now for me.”

McCarty, who opened with a bogey-free 62, grabbed the lead with a third-round 64 and entered the final round with a two-stroke advantage. All week long, the left-hander reminded himself that if he could win on the Kerry Ferry Tour, why couldn’t he do the same on the PGA Tour? On Sunday, he experienced nerves just as he had during his previous path to victory only this time they didn’t subside; they kept building, he said. It didn’t hurt that he added a birdie right out of th gate at the first and seventh before a bogey at No. 12 cut his lead to one stroke. But the eagle at 14 gave McCarty a three-stroke cushion and he tacked on two more birdies at Nos. 16 and 18, sandwiched between a three-putt bogey at 17 and cruised to his maiden title on the PGA Tour. He became the first player since Jason Gore in 2005 to win three times on the Korn Ferry Tour and then on the PGA Tour in the same season. It was just his third career Tour start — he had previously played in the 2022 U.S. Open and since 1970 only five players have won that quickly (or faster).

McCarty’s triumph at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Albertsons Boise Open in August secured him that circuit’s first Three-Victory Promotion in a year since Wesley Bryan in 2016, and just the 12th player to do so in the Tour’s 34-year history. Before his first start since his promotion last week at the Sanderson Farms Championship, he said, “it’s pretty surreal to be out here now. But at the same point, it’s very exciting. I’m ready for it.”

Indeed, he is. That’s a combined four victories in his last 10 starts.

“It’s just been a crazy last few months for me. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “This is what I’ve wanted to do. To be able to do it this quickly, to be able to play in all these tournaments I’m going to be able to play in coming up is going to be really special”

Jaeger, who held the 36-hole lead, failed to apply much heat on McCarty but did birdie three of the final six holes to shoot 68 and finished second.

“I didn’t drive it well enough to give myself shorter clubs in and ample opportunity for birdie,” Jaeger said. “To come back and birdie the last and end up finishing second is a big one for me.”

Lucas Glover made seven birdies in his first 10 holes and signed for 62 to post 19 under and tie with Kevin Streelman (69) and finish T-3 for the second straight week. Streelman recorded his first top-10 finish of the season.

“If I’d have putted better the first three days I would’ve been right there,” Glover said.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/mtJ0YZ2

Family affair: Twins sisters reunite as competitors in a 'most fun' round at Golfweek October Classic

Family affair: Twins sisters reunite as competitors in a 'most fun' round at Golfweek October Classic

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Carter and Peyton Sichol were looking forward to seeing each other for the first time since they left home for their junior seasons at Carleton College and Hamilton College.

The twins, juniors at their respective schools, are like plenty of other twins in the world. They grew up doing everything together, including golf. When it came time to go to college, Carter decided to go to Carleton in Minnesota. Peyton, however, chose Hamilton in New York.

When the schedule came out this year, there was a similar tournament on the schedule for only the second time in their college careers: the Golfweek October Classic at Sandestin’s Links Course. Then when they checked their pairings for the first round, they were in for another surprise.

They were paired together for the first time in a competitive round.

“I was super excited,” Carter said.

Added Peyton: “It’s Hamilton’s first time here. I was just excited to hang out with Carter. But this, yeah, it was really fun.”

The sisters were stellar in the opening round. Carter shot an even-par 72 while Peyton signed for a 1-over 73. Carter is T-9 after the opening round, and Peyton is T-13.

Golfweek October Classic: Scores

While there was plenty of competition between the two, it was also a round they’ll never forget.

“During the summer, we play together almost every day,” Carter said. “I felt the most relaxed I’ve ever felt in a tournament round.”

“It’s probably the most fun tournament round I’ve had forever,” Peyton responded.

Early on, their playing partners knew something was up.

By about the third hole Sunday, as Carter and Peyton were chatting it up like the two best friends they are, one of them asked whether they were old friends or friends from before because of how well they seemed to know each other.

“We’re actually twins,” they responded.

It was also a special day for Carter and Peyton’s parents, Adam and Lowey, both Hamilton graduates who were there for all 18 holes to support the twins, and they did so in a unique way.

Mom and dad each wore mismatched clothing, wearing a hat from one school and a shirt from the other.

“It’s one of my favorite tournament days ever,” Peyton said.

Even if they’re never paired together again, the Sichols will always have Sunday.

“There were a couple of short putts that we almost missed that we were laughing at each other,” Carter said. “But we did make them.”

“Pretty good vibes all day,” Peyton said.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/mtJ0YZ2

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE Delivers $1500 Promo for NFL Week 6: Bears-Jags to Bills-Jets

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE Delivers $1500 Promo for NFL Week 6: Bears-Jags to Bills-Jets

It’s a great Sunday to create a BetMGM account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE and secure a protected first bet up to $1,500 — because NFL’s Week 6 schedule is loaded with intriguing matchups that deserve the highest betting limit you’re going to find anywhere.

The 38 hours of football fun begins Sunday morning with the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars in London. While the Jags are regulars overseas, the Bears haven’t played in London in five years — and they haven’t had a quarterback like Caleb Williams since Sid Luckman in the 1940s.

The 38 hours concludes with the longstanding rivalry between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets on Monday Night Football. If you recall, the Bills and Jets met up in last year’s season-opening MNF matchup because of Aaron Rodgers — but he lasted just four plays before tearing his Achilles. This time around, Rodgers is dealing with a sprained ankle suffered in last week’s loss in London.

If you’re planning to bet on Jaguars-Bears, Bills-Jets or any of the games in between, don’t place any wagers until you join up with one of the top sportsbook promo codes: Start your account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE and claim your protected first bet up to $1,500.

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE – Score $1,500 Promo for NFL Week 6

BetMGM Bonus Code	SBWIRE
BetMGM Promo Offer	First-Bet Offer – Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets (five equal bonus bets for losses of $50 or more; single bonus bet for losses of less than $50)
Terms and conditions	New customers 21 and older in AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MA, MD, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV. 18+ in WY; 7-day expiration and 1x playthrough on bonus bets.
Last verified	Oct. 13

It’s faster than a two-minute drill to sign up with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE. Follow these steps to secure your $1,500 first-bet offer:

1. Tap any BET NOW button on your screen. You’ll go right to BetMGM ’s sign-up page.
2. Select your state.
3. Touch the “REGISTER” button and handle the simple questions that secure your account. Make sure SBWIRE is displayed as the BetMGM bonus code to secure your welcome offer.

3. Drop at least $10 into your new account. Now enjoy the NFL’s Week 6 slate.

How BetMGM Bonus Code Bonus Bets Work for NFL Betting & More

When you sign up with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE, you’re guaranteed a protected first bet up to $1,500. But how, exactly, does this work?

You can wager on your laptop, desktop or download the BetMGM  app — one of the best sports betting apps — so you have the latest odds and specials at your fingertips. Bet $5 or more, and if your first bet doesn’t win, BetMGM  will return the full amount to you in the form of bonus bets – up to $1,500.

You receive five bonus bets — each valued at 20% of your first bet — if your original wager was for $50 or more. You receive one bonus bet — equal to your first bet — your original wager was less than $50. You’ll get seven days to play your bonus bet(s).

Bonus bets are non-withdrawable, but BetMGM has the next-best thing with its 1X playthrough policy. This means any bonus bet must win just one time to pocket the profit in cash.

Use BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE for NFL Week 6 Betting

What do C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels have in common? We’ll explain right after we remind you that you can earn a $1,500 welcome offer just for registering for a BetMGM  account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE, one of the top NFL betting promos.

Stroud, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has his Houston Texans off to  a 4-1 start in the AFC. Likewise, Daniels the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has his Washington Commanders off to a 4-1 start in the NFC.

Stroud and Daniels both hit the road Sunday to try to improve to 5-1, but one of them should have an easier time. Stroud and the Texans are 7-point favorites to win at struggling New England at the best online sportsbooks, but Daniels and the Commanders are 6.5-point underdogs to win at the surging Baltimore Ravens — who have won three straight games.

The Texans are one of many road teams favored to win today. If you’re ready to play, do so with one of the most lucrative sportsbook promos: Set up your BetMGM  account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE and clinch your $1,500 offer today.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/9k3dZuH

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE Lands $1500 Promo Offer for Ohio State-Oregon, Top-25 NCAAF & More

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE Lands $1500 Promo Offer for Ohio State-Oregon, Top-25 NCAAF & More

The BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE lets you bet on one of the biggest college football games of the year when No. 2 Ohio State (-3.5) visits No. 3 Oregon. It’s apt to be a close game, but you can rest easy when making that first bet since this introductory deal has a first-bet offer up to $1,500.

That offer offsets a first bet loss up to $1,500 with a bonus bet of equal value. It’s a value cap that is hard to find among sportsbook promo codes and it applies to whichever game you wish to make your opening bet on after creating a new account with the BetMGM bonus code.

You will gain access to one of the best online sportsbooks once you sign up for the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE. One feature that stands out is live in-game betting, as BetMGM posts updated odds very quickly and makes it easy to make your in-game bets in a snap. Bet on the great action today, NFL Week 6 odds, MLB playoffs and more. Just tap BET NOW to get started or read on to learn more.

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE – Get $1500 Bet Promo Offer for NCAA Top-25, NFL & More

BetMGM Bonus Code	SBWIRE
BetMGM Promo Offer	First-Bet Offer – Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets (five equal bonus bets for losses of $50 or more; single bonus bet for losses of less than $50)
Terms and conditions	New customers 21 and older in AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MA, MD, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV. 18+ in WY; 7-day expiration and 1x playthrough on bonus bets.
Last verified	Oct. 12

If you have two minutes and a solid internet connection, you’ve got everything you need to create a BetMGM account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to claim a first-bet offer up to $1,500. Follow these simple steps:

1. Hit any BET NOW button on your screen. They all take you to BetMGM’s sign-up page.
2. Click the “REGISTER” button and get to the basic questions that secure your account.
3. When you’re asked for a bonus code, be sure to type SBWIRE because there’s no other way to claim your protected first bet up to $1,500.
4. Place at least $10 into your new account. Now you’re ready to get started.

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE | Earn Up to Five Bonus Bets with $1500 Promo

BetMGM is in elite company among the nation’s easiest-to-use sports betting apps, but then it takes things to another level by offering the biggest betting limits that are protected. When you register for an account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE, you’re rewarded with a first-bet offer up to $1,500.

Here’s how the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE works: You can feel great while placing a first bet for anywhere from $5 to $1,500 because you’ll know BetMGM has your back. If your first bet doesn’t win, then BetMGM returns the full amount of your first bet to you as bonus bets.

You’ll get five bonus bets — each worth 20% of your first bet — if your original wager was for $50 or more. You’ll get one bonus bet — matching your first bet — if your original wager was less than $50. BetMGM gives you seven days to play your bonus bets from the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE.

While bonus bets are non-withdrawable, BetMGM offers the closest thing with its 1x playthrough policy. Any bonus bet needs to win just once for you to collect the profit in cash.

BetMGM Bonus Code SBWIRE — Wager on Key Top 25 College Football Matchups

It’s hard to imagine a crazier week of college football than last week, but the sport does have a way of outdoing itself. Let’s look at some of the big games that could be worthy of your first-bet offer up to $1,500 that becomes yours when you set up a BetMGM account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE.

There is a huge list of great games to choose from this week, including South Carolina at No. 7 Alabama (-21.5), No. 1 Texas (-14.5) vs Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, No. 4 Penn State (-5.5) at USC, Florida at No. 8 Tennessee (-15.5) or and No. 9 Ole Miss (-3.5) at No. 13 LSU. All you have to do is select one after signing up for the BetMGM bonus code and that initial bet will get the first-bet protection.

With each game, you can bet on the basics — point spread, moneyline, over/under — and you can also create your own Same Game Parlay.

Make sure to take advantage of one of the most lucrative offers out there: Sign up for a BetMGM account with the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to grab your protected bet up to $1,500.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/9k3dZuH

Matt McCarty's chance at history and more from Saturday at the 2024 Black Desert Championship

Matt McCarty's chance at history and more from Saturday at the 2024 Black Desert Championship

If you don’t know the name Matt McCarty, it’s time to get familiar.

In August, McCarty became the 13th player since 1997 to earn the Korn Ferry Tour’s Three-Victory Promotion, immediately making him eligible for the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall. He won the Price Cutter Charity Championship in July and both the Pinnacle Bank Championship and Albertsons Boise Open in August. Following his T-63 finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship, McCarty is 19 under and the 54-hole leader at the 2024 Black Desert Championship in Utah.

The 26-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, bogeyed his first hole of the day but caught fire before the turn, birdieing Nos. 4-6 and 8 while adding an eagle at the par-5 seventh. The 5-under 31 put him a shot clear of Stephan Jaeger — winner of the Texas Children’s Houston Open earlier this season — at the time.

On his way back to the clubhouse, McCarty bogeyed the 10th but birdied three of his final five holes to solidify his position atop the leaderboard.

What did his tremendous season on the Korn Ferry Tour teach him?

“Simply just learn how to win,” he said. “The experience of being in contention out there, I think it’s very similar to kind of what I felt today, and honestly helped me just kind of feel a little bit calmer about it. But, yeah, it definitely all kind of builds upon itself. You know, the last three months have been great in order to kind of get to that spot. Really excited for tomorrow.”

The only player to earn the Three-Victory Promotion and win on Tour in the same season was Jason Gore in 2005 at the 84 Lumber Classic.

McCarty will start Sunday with a two-shot advantage.

Here are a few more notes from a busy day in the Beehive State.

Black Desert: Leaderboard

Big moves from The Bucket

Joe Highsmith of the United States plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the Black Desert Championship 2024 at Black Desert Resort on October 12, 2024 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Joe Highsmith had a tough year. Before the FedEx Cup Fall, the bucket-hat-wearing 24-year-old missed 13 cuts across 20 starts and finished inside the top 25 just three times. However, he’s found his game a bit since the fall session kicked off last month.

The Pepperdine product tied for 13th at the Procore Championship and for 55th at the Sanderson Farm Championship. And through 54 holes of the Black Desert, Highsmith is firmly in the mix.

After rounds of 66-68, Highsmith turned it to another gear on Saturday, firing a third-round 9-under 62 to jump into a tie for second at 17 under.

Third birdie of the week on No. 17 for @JoeHighsmith33!

He's just one back @BDChampionship. pic.twitter.com/EeCZJBzDZP

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 12, 2024

“It was certainly probably one of the best rounds I’ve ever played in my entire life golfing,” he told the media after signing his card. “It got pretty hard on the back nine with some crosswinds. So, yeah, I mean, feeling great about it … I’m not really trying to analyze it too much. Just kind of stay there and hopefully keep it going tomorrow.”

Streelman looks for first win in 10 years

Kevin Streelman of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the third round of the Black Desert Championship 2024 at Black Desert Resort on October 12, 2024 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Kevin Streelman left TPC River Highlands in 2014 as a two-time Tour winner. When he arrived at Black Desert Resort, he was still a two-time Tour winner.

He’ll have a chance to end his 10-year drought on Sunday after a stellar 8-under 63 that included nine birdies, seven of which came on the back nine. Streelman’s 28 coming home vaulted him up the leaderboard into a tie for second and he will tee off Sunday two shots off the lead.

“I had a great warmup,” he said. “The putter felt great all week. Didn’t get off to the start I wanted to today. I was a little disappointed on what I did on 2 flipping it into the rocks and was fortunate to get out of there with a bogey. Man, starting on 7 I kind of made a decision. That’s a tee shot where you got to keep it very straight. You are rewarded if you can hit a nice drive or a 3-wood, and I just smashed a 3-wood down there and hit a great 5-wood just short, pitched it to six feet, and felt like I was off and running.”

Streelman ranked sixth in Strokes Gained: Putting on Saturday, gaining over 2.5 shots on the field. If that continues during the final round, the Duke product will be tough to beat.

Fun fact of the day

At -19, Matt McCarty currently holds a two-shot clubhouse lead over Kevin Streelman and fellow left-hander Joe Highsmith at the Black Desert Championship. The last event with a left-handed winner and runner-up: 2018 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Ted Potter, Jr., Phil Mickelson).

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) October 12, 2024

Top 10 and odds to win

Position	Player	Score	Odds to win
1st	Matt McCarthy	19 under	(+160)
T-2	Joe Highsmith	17 under	(+650)
T-2	Kevin Streelman	17 under	(+750)
T-2	Harris English	17 under	(+450)
T-2	Stephan Jaeger	17 under	(+400)
6th	Harry Hall	15 under	(+1800)
T-7	Kurt Kitayama	14 under	(+3000)
T-7	Chad Ramey	14 under	(+5500)
T-7	Beau Hossler	14 under	(+3000)

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/9k3dZuH