LaFlare Mail (Vol 1.4)
Yo, what up. It's your boy Drip Bayless back to give you what you've been craving - some updates on the wide world of golf.
The theme of this month's correspondence is "backerds". Backerds, as defined by LaFlariam-Webster, means, simply, "ain't right". There's been plenty of things within and outside the world of golf that are just plain backerds, but we'll just stick to sports.
First of all, in the Open Championship of the greatest country in the world, somethin' backerds happened: an Englishman won. Matt Fitzpatrick -- known for his backerds style of cross-handed chipping -- became the first non-USAer to win the US Open since, well, last year when Jon Rahm won. But before that, it was Justin Rose in 2013. Coincidentally, that's also the same year he won the US Am at the same course this year's Open was held! Also Riley Cooper and Tim Tebow were college roommates! And Jordan Shipley and Colt McCoy! And Jarnell Stokes wears a size 18 shoe! And Josh Dobbs was an Aerospace Engineering major! All things you may have heard over and over again while trying to just watch some sports.
Speaking of other things you may be tired of hearing about, the second ever LIV event is taking place stateside at Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon featuring the likes of Bryson Dechambeau, Brooks Koepka, Matt Wolff, Abe Ancer, Patrick Reed, Pat Perez, Phachara Khongwatmai. I really like the 4 Aces GC chances this week with a stacked roster of DJ, Pat Reed, Taylor Gooch, and Pat Perez. No other team has even close to that quality of roster construction. Maybe the organizers are trying to get DJ his first team win; I just think it's cool they got Wade Ormsby's name correct this time.
Even more backerds was the results of this season's LaFlare Invitiational. When you think of LaFlare Golf, you certainly don't think of quality play on the course (no offense), however this year, 25 of the 56 participants shot under 85. Only 7 shot over 100. The boys (and girl) came to play. Josh Gambrell paced the field with a 3-under par 69 (nice) with Rickey McElhaney and Brennan Wallman in his wake firing a pair of 71's. No pressure in keeping this up now that the whole world is watching and expecting greatness.
After the dust settled at the LaFlare, the standings were updated, and without further ado: the Top 5.
In fifth place, after firing a solid 84 at this month's event is none other than the 2020 Tour Champ, Elliott Normand with 86 tour points.
In fourth place, is still our king, Hayden Freels, who fired a respectable 87.
Entering the upper echelon, in third place is the 2022 LaFlare Invitational champion, Josh Gambrell with 92 tour points. I really can't be saying it every month, but consistent participation and golf skill really do give you an opportunity to be near the leaderboard month after month.
Same thing can be applied to Reid Elwood, who has 93 tour points. "But Drip," you may say, "you always give Reid a hard time about getting his point through everything but golf". To that I say, that was before dude was breaking 80. Unless all these referalls became mulligans, the tour is officially on watch.
And yeah, the same thing can be applied to this month's leader, the Google Result, Rickey McElhaney and his 97 tour points. Carding a 1-under 71, Rick solidified his position atop the standings with another solid individual performance. The rest of the field has been chasing Rickey for most of the season, but there is still a long, long way to go.
Until next time, Drip out. ✌️
BILBO’S MONTHLY FEATURES
Member Spotlight
There’s much more to read about our Member of the Month on the website, including his time chasing a bobcat around Quintero Golf Club and his passion for sauerkraut at the turn. So make sure to check out the Member Spotlight each month and let us know who you think is deserving of being featured next month.
Blooper of the Month
This month’s Blooper of the Month is an oldie but a goodie. At Splevapalooza 2021, Ben Williford confidently lined up for a putt on Hole 6 at Egwani Farms. Let’s just say the putt didn’t go as planned, but Benny handled it cool as a cucumber by just muttering “interesting line” as his ball rolled off camera. Good enough to win Worst Shot of the Year at the 2021 Players’ Ball.
Upcoming LaFlare EventS
We’ve got great events coming up in both Knoxville and Chattanooga, so make sure to checkout the Events Page to register for those events.
Knoxville- TC Summer Classic @ Centennial (7/9)
Chattanooga- Mongo Madness @ Brainered (7/16)
Knoxville- Little Larry’s Lil’ Course Shootout @ Williams Creek (7/30)
Words to live by
Imagine Rev Run sitting in the bath tub typing out a motivational e-mail on his Blackberry to his entire contact list at the end of an episode of Run’s House. That’s kind of what our Words To Live By is, except it’s Bilbo Swaggins on the couch with a MacBook.
Rev Run said it, not us. Stop by the par. Grab a glizzy and some Silver Bullets. Problem solved.
Yours Truly,
DRIP BAYLESS & BILBO SWAGGINS
