Dell Matchplay Recap 2023

Happy Tuesday, and welcome to Caddyshanks. We are like the John Wick of golf media, Kickin' ass and takin' names. 

Here's what we've got for ya today:

• Recap: Dell Matchplay

• Can Rickie Fowler Make The Masters?

• Golf Shots Heard Round The World

• Better Than Your Desk

• For The Group Chat

• Golf Thing We'd Buy If We Weren't Broke

A quick recap of the final iteration of WGC-Dell Matchplay.

👑  Winner: Sam Burns $3.5 Million

By the time Sunday came around, we were down to the final four. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Cam Young, and Sam Burns. Of the four, Burns was the least likely candidate to win it all. If it wasn't going to be world no. 1 Scottie Schefflers title, it would go to Rory. 

If those two guys couldn't do it, it would be Cam Young to take the crown. I mean, he played his first 81 holes at a scorching 32 under, afterall.

But, as the saying goes, "Drive for show, putt for dough" and boy was that the case this past Sunday for Sam Burns.

First, in the semifinal, he drained a 15-footer to beat Scottie.

Then, in the final round, he was matched up with Cam Young, and he drained a 20-footer on 8, a 12-footer on 10, and a 24-footer on 12. The match was over by the 13th hole.

Dominant putting.

What about everybody else?

2nd: Cameron Young, $2,200,000

3rd: Rory McIlroy, $1,420,000

4th: Scottie Scheffler, $1,145,000

Quarterfinalists: $770,000

• Mackenzie Hughes

• Jason Day

• Xander Schauffele

• Kurt Kitayama

Will Rickie Fowler Make The Masters?

Rickie Fowler is one of the most well-liked people in professional golf. He's a fan favorite, sort of an odd-ball, and he's been in a helluva rut the last couple years. 

That seems to be turning around in 2023. He's had three top-twenty finishes in his last four events. Last week in Austin, he just needed to make the quarterfinals to stamp his invitation to the masters, but he fell short. 

So, now it comes down to this: He has to win this weeks Valero Texas Open in order to earn his invite to Augusta. 

While pretty much all of the other stars take this week off ahead of The Masters, Rickie will be battling it out and adding meaning to an otherwise forgotten tournament. 

Golf Shots Heard Round The World

Mental Health: According to science, golf is good for your mental health. According to this writer, science is a liar sometimes. 

Coverage: It's well known that there will be several LIV Golfers in the field at Augusta. How will the media approach covering them? CBS said "we can't put our heads in the sand".

Expansion: At Augusta National, a debate on expansion rages on. 

Whiskey: PGA of America has announced that Elijah Craig is it's official Bourbon and Rye Whiskey, if you care about that kinda thing. 

9 Days: Until the 2023 Masters.

Better Than Your Desk

Sunrise at 15th at Cabot Saint Lucia by @sjomanart

For The Group Chat

Golf Thing We'd Buy If We Weren't Broke

Of Tiger Woods' five Masters victories, it was his 2005 win at Augusta that really stands out above the rest.

After early struggles, Woods rallied in spectacular fashion to force a playoff with Chris DiMarco. Woods would birdie the first hole to capture his fourth career green jacket. Never forget that incredible run with this limited edition Tiger Woods autographed 2005 Masters Pin Flag. It is the ultimate collector's item for any fan of the sport.

$4,999 at Fanatics.

That's all folks! See you Wednesday where we'll make some picks for the Valero Texas Open. That pick is likely to be Rickie Fowler +2000.