Zurich Classic Update, Tiger Has Surgery, and more.

Good Afternoon. Welcome to Shanks. We're like the Macho Man Randy Savage of newsletters, the cream of the crop ooooh yea! 

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

• Update: Zurich Classic

• LIV Goes Down Undah Mate

• Golf Shots Heard Round The World

• The Great Gimme Debate

• Korea has a new Georgia Bulldogs Fan

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

Sometimes, when you refuse to bet on a player because they play too slow, it works out. 

In Shanks case, we faded team Cantlay / Schauffle for that very reason. A rare, brilliant, stroke from us as the defending champs ended their day 6 back from the leaders. 

BUT WAIT.

As of this writing, they are gaining ground in round two. They are quite literally playing as I type this email, but enough about team tortoise. 

Who are the leaders?

Wyndham Clark and Beau Hossler aka The Beau Show are ahead by two strokes. Again, it's 10:07am ET. 

Writing this email on Friday mornings when the Tour decides to move tee times up causes a lot of stress at Shanks HQ.

Weather & Cut Line

The PGA Tour is projecting some ugly weather, so they started the second round a little early today. The projected cut is -8 and we've got most of the marquee groups sitting around there. 

Should make for an interesting day of golf. 

Thanks for telling us zero new information...do you have a bet to make?

Below, you can see Shanks picks from Wednesday. We are content to let it ride and make some new bets after the cut is made. As of this writing, our long shot is T5, our top ten pick is currently T10 and they go off at 12:37, and the California kids are T48 and go off around 1pm. 

We're looking strong, so you know it will fall apart!

How about a 69 foot putt on 4/20 from Mr. Theegala though?? Nice!

💰Shanks Picks💰

Outright Winners: 

Morally, I can't bet on a guy who plays as slow as Cantlay, even though he and X are the heavy favorites. 

Burns and Horschel +1800 via DK

Top Ten:

Sahith Theegala and Justin Suh +150

Long Shot: I won't bet on the slowest player on tour, but I will take a flier on a guy who plays with two gloves and iron covers. Aaron Rai & David Lipsky +4000

Friday Addition: Maybe you should just live bet Cantlay and X man now at +200?

LIV Goes Down Undah Mate

You should have seen the look on my face when I got the notification on my phone from the CW app that the tournament had started on Thursday night (for me, in San Diego) instead of beginning on Friday (cause duh, they’re in Australia bozo). 

And I’m not even really going to go into the fact that leader, Talor Gooch, leading by 4 strokes, is currently -10 under after only the first round. What I want to talk about is the social media response. And it’s LARGELY positive.

There are a boatload of Aussies who came out to see some great golf, make it rowdy on the 12th hole (aka the Watering Hole), and root for none other than Cameron Smith. The only way this gets better is if Talor Gooch takes his foot off the gas and allows anyone to catch up to him and make for a 3rd round. 

If you’re curious to see more from LIV Adelaide, the live coverage will continue Friday/Saturday from 10:15 p.m.-3:15 a.m. ET on the CW App and LIV Golf Plus. Meanwhile, the final round will be available to watch on The CW Network and the app on Saturday/Sunday from 1-6 p.m. ET.

Golf Shots Heard Round The World

Tiger Surgery: Tiger had his ankle fused and there is no timetable for return.

Ryder Cup: Yes, LIV guys are eligible, but will any get picked?

LPGA Majors: LPGA Major season is underway. Here's a handy guide. 

Back On The Bag: Joe LaCava is on Steve Strickers bag this weekend in NOLA.

The Great Gimme Debate

What is your take on this? Feel free to reply to this email with your .02.

Go Dawgs?

The Zurich Classic brings opposites together.

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

Using the Varsity color scheme of white, black and red, signature Jordan branding is found throughout the bag. That includes on the main side compartment with a large Jumpman emblem and the dual strap with the number 23. Elsewhere, references to famous Jordan silhouettes are present like with the towel ring that is inspired by the AJ14, the umbrella cinch that references the AJ6, and the rising sun pattern along the main storage compartment à la the AJ12.

Functionally, the bag provides convenience for the links through its full length dividers that prevent clubs from getting tangled and its detachable strap that allows it to be used as a cart or carry bag. Also included is a matching rain hood that you can deploy when weather turns foul.

The Air Jordan Fadeaway golf bag in Varsity will be available soon through Nike and select retailers likely for $360 USD.

via Hype Golf

That's all folks! See you Monday, go low this weekend.