Saturday’s The Match 7 wasn’t the most competitive night of golf this year, but it was entertaining, which is always the intended outcome with these events. 3 and 2 at Pelican Golf Club before spiking the football, doing the Griddy and then following that by performing the Waddle all over two of the best to ever do it. 

As far as exhibition golf goes, it was perfect.

There have been many iterations of this type of golf with more ideas coming to fruition along the way. In fact, seemingly every generation has its variation of The Match, and this one is no different. What has changed over the last 10, 20 and 30 years, however, is the technology available to deliver the golf to a captivated audience.

The Match has appropriated this technology and delivered good player-broadcaster interviews, put cameras all over the courses involved and delivered on having a microphone and camera on players at all times (including selfie-taking times while driving golf carts). It’s better now than it was 20 years ago because we’re closer to the action than we’ve ever been.

While I’m not positive how much the technology part of The Match should — or even could — expand, there are still a few ideas floating out there that would make this property even more valuable going into the future. This is about combining the currently-used technology with some alternative options for this style of televised golf. Following J.T. and Spieth downing Tiger and Rory, I compiled a few of those ideas for future matches and what they could feasibly look like.

1. More unique formats

The one-club challenge on Saturday only worked because all four of the competitors are professional (I don’t need Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers playing a 450-yard hole exclusively with a 4-iron), but it was so incredibly compelling that you could make the entire event a one-club challenge; I would absolutely be more interested than if guys were playing with all 14 sticks.

There are myriad variations of this you could run — make the losing team of each hole take a club out, three-club challenge, driver only on one hole and so on — but the crux is the same regardless: Make pros show us how talented they are by playing holes with one club better than the rest of us could with all of them.

2. Title belt

This is not an original idea to me, and in fact it’s not even original to Shane Bacon (who tweeted about it on Monday). Rick Gehman brought this up on the First Cut Podcast last week, and I think it’s brilliant. Make The Match a title belt. The options this gives you are as limitless as they are obvious. If J.T. and Spieth are the current belt holders, a different twosome can be pitted against them to try and win the belt away from them.

Eschew those The Match bracelets the duo won on Saturday and go full 1860s Open Championship by handing out belts. You wouldn’t even need to pit two golfers against them as long as you implemented handicaps. This would provide a bit of an edge to something that, at times, perhaps lacks it.

Furthermore, as Joseph LaMagna pointed out, you could establish some rivalries that we rarely get at regular events. Obviously, they wouldn’t be played with the same intensity of a Players Championship or a Memorial, but it would still provide a fun wrinkle to this series of events.

3. Skills challenge

Speaking of LaMagna, he has (and others have) been big on this idea.

While this is not a variation of The Match, it is somewhat an extension of it. LaMagna has pointed this out, too, but something like an all-star challenge could be a better (and certainly more transparent) way to distribute the $100 million PIP fund than just … online mentions and television time throughout the season. You could field your all-star weekend through a fan vote, or a combination of superior play plus a fan vote, and basically arrive at the PIP — except you would be monetizing it, and it wouldn’t function as a top-secret endeavor.

4. More player commentary

One way to rev up the interaction on the broadcast is to have a current player who’s not a broadcaster as part of the team. This was done a few years ago with J.T. on the microphone, and he was fantastic. It’s too risky for a current broadcaster to really go at players, but if they’re getting it from peers, it could provide even better banter for the show.

5. Go to better courses

The way this exhibition is constituted lends itself to going to the Bandons and Sand Hills’ of the world. That’s a great thing, and something I hope the institution of The Match leans into. You don’t need 10,000 people there to make it exciting. Hell, you don’t need anybody at all. You don’t need massive infrastructure or anything like you would need at a normal PGA Tour event. This frees the event up to go to some golf courses we rarely (if ever) get to see on television — sort of like the U.S. Amateur or U.S. Women’s Amateur but with (presumably) four of the best players on the planet.

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Despite being an individual sport, golf creates camaraderie.

It is not uncommon for players to encourage one another on the golf course. Naturally, there is also banter where your buddies make fun of you, in the name of gamesmanship and entertainment.

This post provides 25 unique and amusing golf sayings I’ve heard over the years. Some of them are crafted for use on the links, while others help you wish your loved one luck before they head out.

1. Relax, Take It Easy

This is one of my all-time favorites. I was a bit of a hothead when I was a teenager, and one bad shot could ruin my round. So, whenever they saw the frustration building up, they would blurt out the hit song by Mika.

Although I was the butt of the joke, they meant well. After a couple of times, I caught the humor and cracked up laughing. It calmed me down and helped me forget about my previous error shot.

2. Play-Well And Enjoy Your Round

A simple, but polite way of wishing a golfer for the round ahead. It is probably the most common phrase I have heard golfers use on the first tee box. You can also use it to wish your loved ones before they leave home for the links.

3. Forget About Your Last Round, Today Is The One That Counts

Use this phrase to encourage a buddy who is struggling with form. Golf is a harsh game, and when you are unconfident, it is difficult to gain any momentum. Take your friend’s mind off any past results and get them to focus on the task at hand for a more enjoyable round.

4. Hunt Those Birdies Today

Send your loved one off to the golf course with maximum confidence. Help your golfer think about making birdies to shave strokes off their game.

5. Score Low

If you are a person of few words, this is all a golfer needs to hear. Before they tee off, tell them to score low and send, and your job is done.

6. Keep It Long And Straight

Get your mind out of the gutter. You can tell your family member how you want them to play their round. It also works for playing partners to encourage distance and accuracy on par 5 holes.

7. Don’t Putt From The Rough

I am not referring to Matt Damon’s interpretation of the meaning in Good Will Hunting. Instead, I point to the Yakuza rules prohibiting the use of a putter off the green. This phrase encourages golfers to improve their greens in regulation for more birdie putts.

Most casual golfers struggle to get up and down when their approach shot finishes off the green. That leads to inflated scores and epic frustration.

8. We Want Bullseyes And Birdies Today

A friendly phrase to encourage your playing partners. The Bullseyes refer to accurate shots which go a long way to producing birdies.

9. Keep Bryson On His Toes And Bomb That Driver Today

You can use this phrase to encourage golfers to maximize their distance off the tee. It references the long-hitting skills of PGA Tour star Bryson DeChambeau.

10. Be Like The Big Easy, And Swing Freely

Invigorate your playing partners to induce a fluid swing to accelerate clubhead speed, and improve the consistency of the strike. The phrase cites the smooth swing of South African Ernie Els.

11. Don’t Be The Bogey That Lets The Team Down

This phrase is made for your mate who is always late, causing you to forfeit your tee time. Let them know that the team depends on them to show up on time.

12. Focus On The Positives

Another phrase that helps those friends struggling for form. When nothing goes your way, it is hard to be positive. However, it is the only way to enjoy your round. If you see a buddy beating themselves up over a bad shot, tell them to focus on good points.

13. Don’t Come Home If You Record A 3-Putt

Maybe your loved one responds well to tough love. Force them to perform with the flat stick by telling them not to return if they record a 3-putt.

14. Bring Back The Trophy

An old and simple yet effective saying. When a family member is playing in a tournament, you can cheer them on by telling them to bring back the trophy.

15. Break 80 Today

Encourage your playing partners to shoot their lowest score. If they are yet to shoot in the 70s, tell them to break 80. In addition, you can use this for players seeking to break 90, 100, or 110.

16. Stay Out Of The Woods Today, Tiger

We all have those buddies who consistently slice or hook their ball into the woods. That means the rest of us have to help them find it, wasting precious time on every hole. Give your playing partner some tough love on the first tee and push them to stay out of the Woods.

17. The Rest Of The Field Does Not Stand A Chance Against Your Swing

Increase your playing partners’ confidence by complementing their swing. Let them know that nobody can compete with it.

18. Every Round Brings You Closer To An Ace

Amateurs live for the day they will card their first ace. Unfortunately, not everyone achieves it. Give your family member something to work towards by pushing for that elusive hole-in-one.

19. Don’t Lose Too Many Balls, Remember You Need Two

This is for the naughty girlfriend or wife. If your partner loses loads of golf balls every round, give him a piece of your mind, and make him work harder to not lose any.

20. Happy Shooting

A simple phrase designed to wish a golfer an enjoyable day out on the links. This is typically used by playing partners before teeing off on the 1st.

21. If You Prove Yourself In Foreplay On The First 18, There Will Be A Surprise Waiting On The 19th

Another phrase for the mischievous golfer’s wife or girlfriend. Incentivize their performance by offering a prize when they return home. However, if they do not perform, let them know that there is no consolation prize.

The 19th hole typically refers to the bar, but in this context, your partner will want to skip the bar and head home to you.

22.There Are Only 18-Holes To Go Before The 19th

You can throw this phrase out to your booze-hound friends who need some encouragement to get through a round sober.

23. Avoid The Scenic Route And Keep It Straight

This phrase is ideal for encouraging your buddies with an erratic long game. Urge them to stay out of the woods and the thick rough by sending it straight down the fairway. Disclaimer, it is not guaranteed to work and may cause some players to feel increased pressure.

24. Plug Those Holes With Your Balls

A final naughty good luck saying for wives and girlfriends. Encourage your partner to get his golf ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. Ensure he knows that you are referring to golf because it may take his focus away from the game.

25. Play Below Your Handicap

There is nothing clever or deceitful about this saying. It encourages a golfer to shoot lower than their handicap. In layman’s terms, they have a successful day at the office.

Related: Read about our best golf pick up lines if you are searching for a partner who loves the game.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Every golf cart owner needs a good name for their new toy.

If you haven’t given your golf cart a name yet, here are 75 possible names for you to choose from.

1. Taz 

We had to put this one on this list. It’s the nickname for the ever-so-lovable cartoon character, The Tasmanian Devil. All golfers are prone to frustration outbursts just like Taz.

2. Boozer Cruiser

For your buddy that seems to always have one too many beers while on the golf course, this would be the perfect nickname for their golf cart.

3. Tank

This nickname is funny but it also commands respect.

4. Thunder

A good choice for your golf cart if you are known as a golfer that is long off the tee.

5. Lightning

A catchy name that is great for any type of automobile, even a golf cart.

6. Rocket

Another snazzy golf cart nickname that could refer to the speed of the cart itself or to those low line-drive type of shots that cut perfectly through the wind.

7. Seve

A cool nickname that is also a nod to one of the most charismatic golfers of all time, Seve Ballesteros. Born in Spain, Ballesteros racked up 90 professional wins as well as 5 major championships.

8. Bam Bam

A great golf cart nickname for golfers who smack the ball a long way or who are big fans of the Flintstones cartoon.

9. Sunday Driver

This one is perfect for that person who always seems to drive the golf cart too slowly.

10. Miss Daisy

A cute nickname and a great movie as well, “Driving Miss Daisy”.

11. Merlot

Are you a wine lover? If so, why not name your golf cart after your favorite wine?

12. Bunkermobile

Let’s face it! All golfers spend more time in the bunker than they’d care to admit.

13. Slicer

Since most amateur golfers fight a big banana slice off the tee, this nickname is both funny and applicable for many.

14. Cobra

This is a popular golf manufacturer but also a slick nickname for a golf cart.

15. Hot Rod

Here’s an oldie but a goodie. You can’t go wrong with Hot Rod.

16. Homer

This name is a great option for hardcore fans of the iconic cartoon The Simpsons.

17. Birdie

Not much thought went into this one. However, since there’s no such thing as a bad birdie, we figured it can work as a golf cart nickname as well.

18. Midnight Rider

Want a name for your golf cart that is both interesting and mysterious? This would be a good one!

19. Ace

This is one of our favorites! A hole-in-one is often referred to as an ace in golf.

20. Hurricane

Are you exciting but dangerous behind the wheel? Hurricane might be the perfect name for your cart.

21. Dolly

A pretty little nickname whether you’re a spunky lady or a man who is a fan of the great Dolly Parton.

22. Batmobile

If you always dreamed of driving the Batmobile as a kid, this name is a natural choice.

23. Superman

We can’t mention Batman without mentioning the other popular superhero!

24. Sandy

Another good name choice if you find yourself spending way too much time in the bunkers!

25. Flash

Is your golf cart faster than most? Flash is a great name choice.

26. Samurai

A sleek, yet a powerful name for your golf cart.

27. Angry Birdie

A funny name for your golf cart that plays off the hit game Angry Birds.

28. Bronco

Does your driver hit the ball a long way but get kind of wild from time to time? Bronco just might be the perfect name for your golf cart!

29. Tornado

Do you drive your cart so aggressively that you leave a whirlwind behind you? Go with Tornado as your name choice!

30. Dark Knight

Another cool nickname that is also a nod to Batman.

31. Crash

This is a cool name for your cart, just try not to crash on the course!

32. Offroader

If you think the “Cart Path Only” signs are just a suggestion, this name is a great idea.

33. Tsunami

This name is similar to a hurricane but with its own twist.

34. T-Rex

For golfers that scare folks off the tee and with their driving.

35. Hulkster

Perfect for Hulk Hogan and Lou Ferrigno fans.

36. Iron Horse

A name that’s classy but still powerful.

37. Speedy Gonzalez

For folks who drive so fast that they scare the beverage cart workers.

38. Rev

For those that wish they could rev their golf cart engine.

39. Bullet

For folks that drive fast and possibly deadly.

40. Bomber

A great choice for folks who are long off the tee.

41. Basher

Do you bash five-foot putts by the hole? This might be the ideal name for your cart.

42. Mighty Mouse

Perfect for the golfer that is both slight in stature but also strong.

43. Old Bessie

A good name for your cart if it’s getting on up there in years.

44. Stealth

Is your golf cart fast but quiet? The name Stealth may be a good fit.

45. Eagle

We all want more eagles on the golf course! Naming your golf cart Eagle just sounds like a good idea.

46. Albatross

Here’s a catchy name for your cart. Albatross is another name for double eagle on the course.

47. The Love Bug

Do you like to play golf with your significant other? This could be an appropriate name for your golf cart.

48. Cowboy

Are you wild off the tee and while driving your golf cart? Do you also try to get home in two shots, even on the longest of par 5 holes? Cowboy may be a good name for both your golf cart and maybe even yourself.

49. Cheetah

For the golfer who is quiet but always ready to pounce.

50. Roadie

Nothing fancy about this cart name but it’s still a good one.

51. Tigger

This name is great for folks that have Tigger from Winnie the Pooh’s personality. If you’re super energetic and constantly bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm, we recommend calling your golf cart Tigger!

52. Pooh Bear

Perfect for those odd golfers who always remain calm and sweet, no matter how poorly they may be playing.

53. Angel

There are no angels on the golf course, but that doesn’t mean you can’t call your cart one.

54. Black Betty

This was a fantastic song back in the day. It’s also a great name for your golf cart if it happens to be black.

55. Boom Boom

A catchy name that also happens to be Fred Couples’ nickname.

56. Cherry Bomb

Here’s a fun little name if your golf cart just happens to be red.

57. Delorean

Here’s the ideal golf cart name for all avid Back to the Future fans. Just watch out for Biff Tannin on the course

58. Foxy

A cute cart name that has a sexy connotation.

59. Greenie

This one is a logical choice for folks who drive green golf carts.

60. Ice

Are you calm under pressure on the course? Ice may be an applicable nickname for your golf cart.

61. Lucille

A pretty cart name that would work nicely for fans of Lucille Ball.

62. Mercy

We all need mercy on the golf course, especially after missing a two-foot putt and yelling a few curse words.

63. Popeye

Does your golf cart have a cool-sounding horn? Why not name your cart Popeye? After all, the song says “I’m Popeye the Sailorman, toot toot!”

64. Pearl

Does your cart shine like a pearl? Might as well call it that.

65. Phantom

Perfect cart name for a golfer that is deep and mysterious.

66. Speed Racer

For the golfer that always seems to be in a hurry.

67. Sassie

Probably a good name for a golf cart with lots of attitude.

68. Smoke

Do you drive your cart so fast that your constantly screeching tires? Smoke may be the perfect fit if you’re fast and mysterious.

69. Tinkerbell

For golf carts that are cute and tiny-looking.

70. Uber

For the golfers who are always giving other players a ride.

71. Wainwright

Oddly enough, the meaning of the word is for a person that can fix carts.

72. Wheelie

For golfers crazy enough to try to pop a “wheelie” in their golf cart.

73. Zoom-Zoom

For the annoying golfer in your group that is always zooming past everyone else.

74. Princess

A pretty cart name, especially if it’s pink or purple.

75. Bogey Buggy

Although a bogey is not a desired result on the golf course, we still think this is a hilarious name for your golf cart.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The aftermath of the 2022 Presidents Cup will not produce tear-jerking essays or over-the-top hyperbole about the future that resulted from last year’s Ryder Cup, but an event that ended in a ninth consecutive United States victory was still a massive success. If one looked exclusively at the Wikipedia of the Presidents Cup’s history, it would be easy to deem the event a bit of a failure; however, that would completely ignore the unique setup of team events and why they are notably entertaining.

At some point over the last 10 years of covering Ryder Cups, Solheim Cups and Presidents Cups, it became apparent that even most (not all, but most) blowouts at these team competitions feel close until the end. They also seemingly always feature bizarre moments that will inevitably take place before their conclusion.

On Saturday afternoon of this year’s Presidents Cup, just after Tom Kim poured in the putt of the week to cap the day of his career, the chances of the International team winning the Presidents Cup improved from 3% to 3.6%, according to Data Golf. And yet, because of what happened at the 2012 Ryder Cup, and because it felt like Kim couldn’t lose, and because we like believing in sports miracles, it felt a lot closer than that.

Fast forward to Sunday. Despite Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay picking up singles points in routes, Justin Thomas was on the ropes against Si Woo Kim, and there was a swath of black and gold on the board as the afternoon wore on. It felt like it was truly getting close and that the Internationals had a real chance of winning 8.5 points in singles their first event of the century. 

The Americans’ odds of winning never dropped below 89% and mostly stayed well in the 90s, according to Data Golf. Even the International team winning 8.5 points in 12 matches against 12 players who are all in the top 25 in the world, as it turns out, was an extremely difficult ask.

This is the part where you holler about how events aren’t played on paper. While that’s true, probability models also provide a reality check on our emotions. Unlike us, they don’t project based on momentum or feeling or acknowledging how many times Si Woo has fist pumped J.T.’s soul but rather on skill and math. While the intangibles of sports seemingly affect myriad games and events we’ve watched over the years, we underrate the tangibles — what matters most — mostly because we want to believe.

This is where the beauty of how team golf is scheduled comes into play. You can talk yourself into a particular match flipping or certain evens transpiring other ways. If you ignored reality — and I almost always want to ignore reality during events like this one — then the event was quite exciting. That’s because team events are set up to become increasingly volatile in terms of point distribution. Nearly half the points available at a team event are in play over a tiny five-hour stretch on Sunday afternoon, and the rest of the week seems to crescendo into that window.

As long as you don’t get a true rout, which does sometimes happen, hope almost always stays flickering for longer than it should. Even in five-point victories (considered blowouts in team competitions like this one), you can talk yourself into it. That can be both beautiful and tragic.

“This week, you know, we were in a tough spot on Friday,” said International captain Trevor Immelman. “We showed a lot of guts to fight back. At some point, I don’t know about you guys, but at some point this afternoon I thought there was still a chance. And when you consider that we were 8-2 down on Friday evening, this team is no joke, and I’m sick and tired of it being spoken of as a joke.

“We love this event, and we love our team, and we cannot wait to run this back and have another shot.”

There was much chatter this week about how the Presidents Cup format and setup needs to change. Infinite possibilities were dangled and mentioned as possible “solutions” to an event the United States has dominated. Though I could be talked into a mixed team event, the Presidents Cup is fun and good because the setup is absolutely perfect. As long as the International team maintains the baseline of competitiveness it has displayed over the last four Cups, the structure of events like this one does most of the heavy lifting.

And if you are in fact a statistician or data nerd and can’t shake the fact that this Presidents Cup (like many other blowouts) was never truly in doubt even if it felt that way, there’s good news for you as well. It seems the tide has turned on continuity and galvanization in the International team room. Now they, like the U.S. a times in its past, just need to plug in some future stars.

“It still hurts not to win,” said Adam Scott. “I think the big difference I felt the last couple years is what’s going on in our team room, what’s going on between the captains and the players, the caddies, everybody involved on our team. I think good things are really starting to happen in that environment.

“Once some of these players who sit here for the first time or the second time start playing a few more and teams, that bond forms over years, I think we’re not going to leave here disappointed. A Cup is coming our way soon.”

When they do find those additional stars, this event is going to be more interesting (and perhaps competitive) than it has ever been. And even if it’s not, it’s likely going to continue to feel that way, which for us as sports fans, is all that really matters.

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