We’re at the final event of the 2021 season for the season long Draft Kings preview. Have you had some fun? Maybe lost some money (or nuggies)? Welcome to the world of gambling on golf. How about the season we’ve had on the course? Beyond some of the Bryson Brooks drama that always takes the headlines we’ve had first time winners (Kokrak x2, Higgo, Van Rooyen, Davis, Ancer), guys who haven’t seen the winners circle in a while (Finau, Cink x2, Glover) and guys who shocked the world in majors (Mickelson).

For the season long race for the Draft King crown there is one more opportunity with $15 million on the table for the winner at East Lake, and for the women at the Solheim Cup in Toledo, OH. Soly continues to hold onto a lead, but as he noted, there is going to be some be some serious grip it and rip it this week for the mid table trying to find some last minute nuggies.

Let’s recap this past week and see where guys are laying their final 100 nuggies.

Randy needs a miracle. Plain and simple. Can’t cut it any other way. Not sure there is enough value this week in East Lake and at Inverness in Toledo, but the big man had 0 outright winners this year and had another 0-fer week last week to take his tally to 18 for the season. It’s been a tough ride for Randy but could we see another Tourist Sauce Oregon like performance in the upcoming season?

DJ went the wrong way down the stretch this season. It was unlike some clutch performances we’ve seen from him on Tourist Sauce Carolinas, but the nuggies weren’t bouncing in his favor. It is hard to be the artist in the sportsbook when you’re chasing, but he did have 4 outright winners for the season.

Tron, currently in third, is still battling the narratives this season. Has one player ever had to overcome so much? His Heinz and parlay options being stripped from him, Trainer Act, suspension...you name it and TC dealt with it. We’re not sure there is a whole lot of committee support for his airing of grievances, but he managed to persevere and find 2 winners across the season.

Then we have Neil who really came on strong to finish the season. The beluga did in fact breach! It was a roller coaster season for Neil who battled with Randy in the pouch and now sits squarely in second with a near 1,000 nuggie lead on TC. Not only did we follow the beluga’s many travels, but we had some memorable #chezfest moments and a season best 6 outright winners.

And our Draft King himself, Soly, has the lead but there are a lot of hungry dogs on the trail. As Mark says, just cause you’re hungry doesn’t mean you’ll eat! He’ll have to deal with some real hail mary’s from the guys down the board but to this point he has had the best season with 4 outright winners.

For the Walk it In guys they wrapped up the season last week with the BMW Championship. Jeff invoked “never leave the gym on a miss” to hit Patrick Cantlay outright at 25-1 for his 4th outright win of the season, and had a top 10 on Cantlay to boot. Mark also didn’t leave the gym on a miss and had a nice week with EVR Top 20 and a Webb Simpson Top 10. He also can thank steady eddy Patty Cant for putting together a nice finish to force the playoff. The Walk it In guys will be back for Ryder Cup action in two weeks!

Making Picks: 2021 Tour Championship

Do you believe in miracles?! YES! Sure, Tony Finau won the Puerto Rico Open five years ago, but everyone has been dogging him and waiting for a “real” win and what a time for him to get one! Finau played great all weekend at The Northern Trust and is now secure on the US Ryder Cup team as a result. Let’s walk back our picks from last week before turning our attention to the BMW Championship.

There’s no easy way to say this and we may have to go back and check the tape, but last week might have been the worst week of gambling this group has ever had so that’s exciting! The NLU crew went a combined 0-15 making golf picks while Walk It In went a combined 0-13. A truly historic week at Liberty National and everyone should have to be in the pouch of misery for their efforts.

The FedEx top 70 now make the short trip to Maryland for the BMW Championship and I *think* it’s going to go better than last week! Cheers!

If you’re going to putt for dough it helps when you’ve given yourself more putts inside the leather than double breakers so where are the guys looking this week on their approach? Jeff is away and goes first at the BMW!

A new course to many of these players, but one thing travels: distance off the tee. At 7,500+ yards this feels like a place where a bomber can go get it. Yeah, they got to putt and flush the irons so I’ll take a look across the full gamut of approach and putting stats, but I want to round out my card with guys who can go out and get it.

: It makes it a little tougher to handicap without any course history, but by all accounts, Caves Valley looks like a pretty standard course without too much trouble. Greens will be fast and scores will be low so the usual suspects will be at play for me - SG: T2G, SG: Putting and SG: Approach.

Arguably the best on Tour with the driver when measured by a combination of distance and accuracy off the tee. Rahm is right there with him, but when it comes to drivable Par 4s and a full slate of Par 5s I can’t look away from a guy who has had a really good year. I think the opportunity in front of him with the Ryder Cup is added motivation. Could be a big week for Scheffler.

Cantlay is, as Mark and the radio guest mentioned, just kind of there. His results have been really impressive this season with a slew of Top 20s and two wins. Kind of feels like he isn’t getting the pub he deserves to make the Ryder Cup team. Regardless of that factor, I like that he’s always ultra consistent and performs very well on these long, bentgrass courses (e.g. Muirfield).

Keegan always makes my card when I want to close my eyes and only go off the sound of a pure ball striking. I want to see zero putts from this man, but if he can find some level of consistency this week his ball striking should travel. Keegan is another guy like Scheffler that has the weapon in the driver. He’ll need to use it this week.

JT hadn’t had a top 10 since his win at The PLAYERS, but played really well last week en route to a 4th place finish. Perhaps most importantly, his putter looked good and gives me some confidence that he may be “back”.

He didn’t have the best week at Liberty National, but three straight top 20’s before that and his excellent all-around game should do well here at the BMW. Furthermore, this is his last chance to impress Steve Stricker and the Ryder Cup team with only one or two spots still up for grabs.

Rolling with the joggers this week! EVR has been in great form recently, winning the Barracuda three weeks ago and finishing 7th last week. He’s 14th in the field in putting over his last 16 rounds and I’m hoping he can keep up his strong play.

Niemann is a guy who has had his ups and downs this year. However, it is these bentgrass courses that he shows a real propensity for showing up. He’s got a distance weapon with the driver but his accuracy is like most bombers: absent. I’ll put a half unit for the volatility that we get with Niemann.

Well no surprise that I’m looking at these two for win bets. What else is there to say at this point. Walk em in boys!

Scottie Scheffler Top 10 After R1 - 1 unit

Jeff is all over this guy too and for good reason. Five top 20’s and three top 10’s in his last seven starts, 24th in SG: T2G and 4th in birdie average. He’s also 4th on TOUR in round one scoring average so I’m hoping to get off to a hot start with that Thursday prop.

I think JT is going to have a really good week in Maryland and am glad he looks to have found something with his putter. He’s 4th on TOUR in SG: T2G and 3rd in SG: Approach. If the putting is there, we have ourselves a really good number on the 5th best player in the world.

Making Picks: BMW Championship

Playoffs! Yes, we’re talking playoffs this week, but before we break down the Top 125 descending upon Liberty National let’s walk those bets back from last week.

Let’s start with the newest member of Young Money, 

, who, along with Big Randy, donned a few face tattoos thanks to being in the pouch. It was tough luck for DJ Pie and for Jeff this week who both had Henley to win at 30-1 and those costly bogies down the stretch. It was a sea of red this week for DJ, and Neil continues to distance himself for third. Look out for DJ’s AIG Women’s Open pick this week *eye emoji* as he tries to reel Neil back in.

he didn’t have a good week either but he still has that nice cushion over DJ. He could’ve cashed that wire to wire winner if Henley came through so that’s now three guys here kicking Henley while he’s down. Besides that Webb and Harman came up short on the win bets and a slimmed down #ChezFest didn’t hit his Top 20 nor did Fowler. Neil just has to keep the distance from DJ because the other chaser isn’t even in view right now...

 who joined DJ in the pouch, and like he said in the preview this week, they really do a solid for the big man’s look. Five bets last week with win bets on Lebioda, Wolff, and Fowler and two Top 40s on Herman and Long to Top 40. All five guys missed the cut. And having been on that side of the draw before I can attest to few things being worse than no action over the weekend. Double pouch of misery. 

went BIG on big Bob Mac last week for 100 (!!) nuggies to Top 5, and it was not the big splash that he needed to chase down Soly. MacIntyre made the cut but was pedestrian all weekend. It’s going to take some miracles for TC to claim the top spot.

It’s a copy and paste matter week after week now as the undisputed Draft King, 

 keeps his distance. He doesn’t even really have to do much these days with the carnage already mentioned, but he did hit Brendon Todd Top 20 (+400). And despite the misses on Joel Dahmen and Seamus Power that lead doesn’t look to be going anywhere.

For the Walk It In boys, Jeff just missed his third winner of the season on Henley (close only counts in...yeah yeah you get it) but did pick up the Top 10. A slight miss on HVIII Top 20 and Sungjae Top 10 kept it from being a big week. Mark’s hit on Will Z Top 20 (+138) and took home the Sungjae matchup over Brian Harman. His week would’ve been different if Webb could have snuck into that playoff and won.

If you’re going to putt for dough it helps when you’ve given yourself more putts inside the leather than double breakers so where are the guys looking this week on their approach? Jeff is away and goes first at the Northern Trust!

Playoff golf and football is (almost) back - what a gambler’s dream! This week I’m not straying far from what worked well last week (approach + GIR%) in addition to the typical look at OTT numbers. I like a couple guys where the accuracy is less of their calling card, but their OTT numbers are hard to look past.

: My grand plan here is to target short game savants this week at Liberty National as past tournaments and the setup have treated those players very well. Therefore, SG: Around The Green and SG: Putting are at the forefront for me with scrambling and GIR% right behind. I also took a look at recent form and course history from 2019 and the Presidents Cup in 2017.

The only thing lately that has held Tringale back is his driver. It has been a solid season for a guy who has been the stat darling of the PGA season. He’s great around the greens, and with the smaller greens this week he can excel with great irons and a solid wedge and putter game should he find trouble.

So hard to keep Ancer off the card this week. Is this course a little longer than I’d like for a guy like Ancer, yes. However, with his current form and game it’s not enough to keep him off the card. Everything, and I mean everything, in the long term and short term number of rounds is standing out with Ancer. A big run in the playoff could continue to launch Ancer’s game and golfer profile.

Another young gun who is knocking on the door. I like how Scheffler’s combo of distance and accuracy off the tee stacks up this week. Two of the three Par 5s are attackable in two so I hope to see his all around game smother the scorecard with birdies this week. I also think Scheffler knows that a couple big weeks could mean a call from Captain Stricker.

It has been a weird year for DJ. The stats haven’t added up to the odds we’ve been seeing for win bets, but the results are looking better and better for DJ. He’s got three top 10s in his last five events, and hasn’t had a run like that since last fall. This is a great time for him to turn it on.

Finished T7 last week despite being only one stroke back of the leaders and had a bad triple bogey on Saturday - what could have been! He’s been hot lately and has three career top 20’s at Liberty National. Webb ranks 15th on TOUR around the green, 2nd in scrambling and 25th in putting.

Another guy THIS close to a victory last week, I’m confident Adam Scott will put that missed putt in the rear view and contend again in New Jersey. He won here in 2013 and finished T5 in 2019. More to come on Scott later…

He might be in the most inconsistent form of the golfers on my card this week, but Reed won this tournament in 2019 with his elite short game and can do it again in 2021. He ranks 12th in SG: ATG and 6th in putting this season on TOUR.

We’re starting to get down to the final hours for golfers to make their case for the Ryder Cup and Poulter has not qualified yet so you know he’s going to be locked in for the playoffs. Playing excellent golf with two top 10’s in his last three starts and one of the best short games on the planet. Finished T10 here in 2019.

What a really interesting year for Seamus. He’s been in such a great run of form, and he even got his first career win at Barbasol a few weeks ago. Granted, last week at Wyndham wasn’t great but it was his first run in competitive golf since the win a month ago. I like all his stats this week from the tee to the green, and even in a competitive field his GIR% should compliment everything well to keep him in the mix.

Two win bets this week for two guys that I’m really excited about. McIlroy has been showing some much better form of late off the tee and with his irons. If he has the putter this week (which has been very high and low for him) he can certainly compete. 22-1 is a really nice payday for a guy of his caliber. Just a little lower down the board is Berger. He’s been playing so well this season, and from past player quotes, this course has some similarities to Pebble Beach. Which is where Berger won earlier this year. Best thing about Berger is his irons have been a thing of beauty lately and his overall game is right there with it.

He let me down the last time we played him, but I’ll go back to Hank on value here. 4th in scrambling this season, 26th in putting, 23rd in GIR% should be stats working in his favor this week and 5/1 is pretty solid value for a top 20.

I gave most of my handicap on these guys earlier, but a couple other nuggets of note: Adam Scott is having a really sneaky good year putting, despite his miss in the playoff last week. He ranks 20th on TOUR in putting right now. Patrick Reed shows up more times than not when the stakes are high and fields are strong. In addition, he’s on the Ryder Cup bubble and could use one or two more strong starts.

Simpson over Schauffele / Spieth over DeChambeau / Berger over Thomas (+555) - 1 unit

Three guys that are still trying to qualify for the US Ryder Cup team over three guys already on it! I think Webb, Spieth and Berger are really strong picks this week at Liberty National and I’m not saying the other guys won’t do well, but I feel really good about this one.

Making Picks: The Northern Trust

A Return to The Hidden Places of Scottish Golf

The so called "Bridge Over The Atlantic” to the Isle of Seil is barely wide enough for one car. The camber is such on the beautiful 19th century structure that you are driving completely blind as you proceed almost vertically up the arched roadway. As I approached the ancient bridge a few days ago - on the way out to play Isle of Seil GC - I realized that you must have faith to drive over the bridge, trusting that the way is clear. There is no traffic signal. You can see nothing as you start up the incline. As I write this on a beautiful morning in Lochgilphead, Scotland, I realize that this trip has been a similar leap of faith and hope.

As some of you that have read my writing or follow me on social media may know, my youngest son Jordan died suddenly on May 17, 2021. For most of his life he was a happy, sweet boy who loved golf and happened to be uniquely gifted at playing the game. We had talked a lot over the years about Scotland and Scottish golf, something that I have loved almost my entire life. A few days before he passed away, we discussed the possibility of him joining me on my next trip. He watched YouTube videos of old Open Championships during his last week of life. The last 3 months have been extremely difficult. I have come back to my favorite country to try to recover - or find a way to keep going - as much as someone can after such a senseless, unfathomable tragedy. Being back in this stunningly beautiful place for a few days - and the sincere welcome I have received from so many people - has somehow been helpful. I have felt the presence of my son with me out on these ancient links and moorland courses.

This series on No Laying Up originally started as a chronicle of a trip I took in May 2019 with my middle son Jake. It grew out of a lengthy conversation I had with Tron Carter later that year. I will continue to write about that journey, but also try to figure out a way to integrate some things from this visit. As I write this, I am roughly halfway through my itinerary – which has evolved as I have met people or just had a feeling about visiting a certain place. My (now good) friend from the 2019 trip, Robbie Wilson, graciously invited me to stay at his house in Lochgilphead for the first 10 days. Otherwise, I’m not sure that I could have managed a trip so extensive in scope.

My goal is to visit places I’ve always wanted to see, but just never managed to get to. I am also planning to write a book about this trip and try to tell Jordan’s story as part of the narrative. My current working itinerary is as follows:

August 16 - Isle of Skye GC / Lochcarron GC

August 28 - Machrihanish GC (Open Competition)

I am playing many more 9 holes courses (and 12 holers) than 18. This may seem strange to some people, but I love the smaller “wee” courses of Scotland. It also allows me to keep the walking somewhat manageable. I’ve always believed that you get the truest sense of Scottish golf at the smaller courses – they are often the center of social life and activities in their town. My basic criteria for a great golf course – architectural character, enjoyment and how visitors are welcomed - is different than many architectural critics. This type of trip is obviously not for everybody, but it is what I love.

The revelations thus far have been numerous: Isle of Seil GC with its’ perfect golf hut, the remote and wild machair of Isle of Colonsay GC - where you could just as easily be playing golf in the 1800’s, stunningly beautiful Traigh GC and the utterly brilliant Gairloch GC are a few that are at the forefront. I will likely play Dunaverty GC more than any other. I am a member there and it’s a perfect golf course. The trip will end at the first course I ever played in Scotland in 1994 – the ancient links of Prestwick. I appreciate those of you following along on Twitter and Instagram and I cannot thank the great people of Scotland enough for the welcome I have received so far.

Jordan had an original Scotty Cameron Newport Oil Can putter from the mid-90’s that he used from the time he was 12 years old. He loved that putter. He won a state championship with it in 2015. I brought it here with me and have been using it the entire trip. Not long after he died, a good friend told me I would eventually want to play golf again and the course is where I would find my son. I think he was right. Scotland has a way of opening your soul to the spiritual side of things – if you let it.

Hidden Scotland: A Return to the Hidden Places

We wanted to take a quick moment in time and introduce you all to the No Laying Up Course Map.  The Course Map, located 

, is a one stop shop for all NLU content published in an easy to find location. We made the map available in both desktop and mobile view.  Check it out, #getinvolved in some new course, and enjoy! Cheers

Introducing the No Laying Up Course Map

The bets last week were spread among the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational and the women’s Olympic competition with mixed results. Let’s walk those back before looking at our last regular season event of the TOUR season.

 insists he’s still competing hard despite his sizable deficit on the rest of the field. Last week, he put all of his nuggies on five women to medal at the Olympics and he hit on one of them, Nelly Korda at +240. If the boys even let him in the playoffs, he’s gonna need a big showing to advance. 

went all in on the “other” DJ in Memphis, where he lost a win bet and bogey free Thursday bet. He also lost his Kevin Na top 20 and two Olympic medal wagers to finish 0-5 for the week.

 declared he is FIRMLY in third place so kudos to him, I guess. He correctly nailed Nelly Korda winning gold at +650, while missing on Danielle Kang and three PGA bets on Berger, DJ and Harman.

is trying to challenge for the top spot, but 0-5 weeks this late in the season are not going to help. He lost two win bets at the WGC on DJ and Will Zalatoris and then lost some more on Boutier and Castren to medal and Sagstrom to finish top 10.

 had a very good week! He had Nelly Korda to medal at the Olympics and Daniel Berger and Cam Smith both to top 10 in Memphis. He narrowly missed his Scheffler top 10 or it would have been even better.

For the Walk It In boys, Jeff had a winless week, missing big on Brooks Koepka and Jason Kokrak and a few win bets. Mark’s only win was a Scottie Scheffler top 20 and he missed big on Matt Fitzpatrick. A brutal Sunday by Louis Oosthuizen cost both men some nuggies.

If you’re going to putt for dough it helps when you’ve given yourself more putts inside the leather than double breakers so where are the guys looking this week on their approach? Jeff is away and goes first at Sedgefield!

We’re into the final weeks of the season, and one more chance for guys to sneak into the FedEx Cup starting next week with the Northern Trust. There’s plenty on the line for guys in the back third of that Top 125 that will make the playoffs. I’m intrigued by that storyline for a few of the guys on my card this week, and I’m also eyeing a few additional guys with high GIR%, good approach numbers, and strong T2G trends from their last 48 round average to their last 16 round average.

: This course seems awfully similar to TPC Southwind last week as well as the 3M Open a few weeks before that. Driving accuracy is going to be extremely important because GIR percentages go way down when hitting out of the rough at Sedgefield. In addition to driving accuracy, I’m looking at putting and rough proximity.

Here’s a guy who can throw darts on any given weekend. He’s checking in 3rd amongst this field in SG: Approach in his last 16 rounds, and has the pedigree to bring strong iron play every week. He’s always been accurate off the tee and even in the event of “clubbing down” I think he’ll play the majority of his shots from the short stuff this week.

Another guy who is known for good iron play, but hasn’t had a lot of it lately. He’s been in an odd spot this season with some unusual highs and lows with his irons, but does have some good history here (nothing like Webb Simpon’s though). He’s got a great GIR% and with the playoffs coming up I’d like to see him get right this week.

Rickie may be the biggest name outside the top 125 this week that is fighting to get into the playoffs. We’ve seen him make steady strides week after week, and even though it hasn’t resulted in podium finishes, it is an encouraging trend. He has this final shot to get into the top 125, and I think he finally puts 4/4 rounds together.

I was pretty vocal on this week’s podcast about how I’d make Jason Kokrak one of my captain’s picks for the US Ryder Cup team. He’s got two wins this season, is fifth on TOUR in putting and his personality/demeanor would do really well in that locker room. In addition to his putting, he’s 28th in GIR% and has great history at Sedgefield.

He needs a win to make the FedEx Cup playoffs, but I’ll settle for a top 20 here. He has a shaky putter, but looks healthy again after a T8 last week on a similar course, in a WGC field of competitors. He’s 22nd on TOUR in GIR% and 7th in SG: Approach.

Sungjae Im (-103) over Brian Harman - 1 unit

Brian Harman is a hell of player having a really good year, but there’s some value with Sungjae as a slight underdog in this matchup. He finished T9 here last year and T6 in 2019, is 14th on TOUR in driving accuracy and 34th in GIR%.

Unfortunate WD a few weeks ago at the 3M, but for personal reasons and not an injury. I’m going back to Hank as he had made seven straight cuts and had three straight top 10’s before the 3M. He is 19th in GIR% and 26th in putting. Over his last 16 rounds, he ranks 1st in this field in putting.

He’s a NC native and has played well at Sedgefield in the past. His accuracy and GIR% numbers are above average on Tour, and his approach numbers are getting better in his recent outings. He’s struggled with a fickle putter in the last 16 rounds compared to what we typically see from HVIII so I think he can put together a nice week.

Armour is another who is in the mix for the Top 125. He’s currently 121 in the standings and in the hunt to make it to the Northern Trust. He’s done that with a T5 at Barbasol and T6 at 3M so he’s on a nice little run. He’s also played well here in the past so I think he’s got a shot to hold his spot for the playoffs.

We’ve mentioned NeSmith before on this podcast, and he’s let me down. He’s interesting to me because while his putting is abysmal, his irons are really solid compared to the rest of this field. I think there’s a chance he can stay in the hunt this week as he fights to hang on to the playoff spot.

Robert MacIntyre to win (+4000) - .5 unit

I profiled Henley already, but the big Scott is another interesting play for me this week. His GIR% on the European Tour would rank #1 in the PGA Tour. He’s just not had enough rounds on the PGA Tour to qualify. His putting has been out of form lately, but everything else is trending in the right direction with ball striking. It could be a great week for Big Bob.

I went back and forth on Webb exposure because of the short number, but his history at Sedgefield is undeniable; T3-2-T2-3 the last four years to go with three more top 10’s and a win since 2011. He’s in pretty good form and has to be licking his chops this week at a place he loves so much. Kokrak has some pretty good history here himself, finishing T15 last year, T6 in 2019 and T16 in 2017. Lebioda is severely undervalued by the books in my opinion and is worth a play at this price.

Making Picks: Wyndham Championship

The final major of 2021 is in the books and Collin Morikawa put on a clinic to grab his second career major at just 24 years old. There were quite a few of us interested in a Jordan Spieth victory, but it was not meant to be. Let’s walk back our picks before looking at the 3M Open.

 is putting everyone else to shame and he doesn’t care who knows it! Another winning week for him after hitting Koepka and Oosthuizen top 10’s. He narrowly missed a Jordan Spieth win and had two other losses, but the king lives on.

, who went 0-5 yet again. He had four win bets on Webb Simpson, Viktor Hovland, Phil Mickelson and Ian Poulter as well as a top 30 on Richard Bland. Maybe he’ll find some form before the playoffs start?

was another sad Spieth backer (as well as Dustin Johnson), but he did hit a hefty Robert MacIntyre top 10 at +650!

 had a winless week after picking Hatton, Hovland and Spieth to win, Leishman to top 5 and Marcus Armitage to top 40. TC is still up on the season, but barely.

says he’s breaching and his Spieth top 10 and Oosthuizen top 5 would seem to agree. Win bets on Hatton, Hovland and Schauffele were not to be, but it was a respectable week for the ol’ beluga!

For the Walk It In guys, Mark finished dead even after losing his first round bet on Rahm, a top 30 on Richard Bland and a win bet on Spieth, among others. He managed to hit on Spieth top 20, Poulter top 4 Englishman and Fitzpatrick over DeChambeau. Jeff was down slightly after losing some placement bets on Harris English, Patrick Cantlay and some others. He scored a nice hit on Robert MacIntyre to be the top lefty, however.

Now that the majors are done, we preview this week’s 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities before the Olympics start and then the playoffs shortly after that!

If you’re going to putt for dough it helps when you’ve given yourself more putts inside the leather than double breakers so where are the guys looking this week on their approach? Jeff is away and goes first at TPC Twin Cities!

It’s crazy to think that we’re already done with the majors for 2021. What a ride it was. I really like handicapping tournaments like this though. I think there are a few more angles than when you have all the big boys in the field. This week for me I’m going with birdie or better % (birdie fest the last two years) and a combo of distance and accuracy (water is in play a lot here). Obviously approach is in there as well to find some hot hands.

: This week is all about accuracy tee-to-green as this is yet another easy, scorable setup for professional golfers. There’s a bunch of water at TPC Twin Cities, but if that is avoided, numbers will be low. A quick look at the last two years of this tournament proves putting doesn’t really matter here as Matthew Wolff and Michael Thompson both put up gaudy numbers en route to victory while being very poor putters. In addition to accuracy, I’m looking at driving distance and par 5 scoring.

Herbert has been cruising lately. Even with a missed cut last week he wasn’t awful compared to his peers, and he had a run of three straight top 20s from there. Let’s hope it stays in the black. His putter is in great form and his approach and driving numbers are also really strong compared to this field. In fact, he’s 9th in this field in SG: T2G in the last 12 rounds.

A surprising guy near the top of SG: T2G in the last 12 and 36 rounds was Stanley. Unfortunately for him the putter hasn’t been there. You know who has similar problems like that sometimes? Collin. Let’s see if Kyle can channel even an ounce of Collin’s iron and overall game. It’s not too tall a task.

Missed the cut by a stroke last week in The Open. I think that this is an opportunity for him in this field to make some noise. He’s one of the best with the driver. He’s similar to Kyle where his putter has been less than stellar but he can find a few good days to contend.

Lanto Griffin (EVEN) over Cam Davis - 1 unit

Cam Davis has a win at the Rocket Mortgage but his stats aren’t backing up this run of form. Yes, he’s played good golf lately, but I really like the steadiness of Griffin of late. He had a rough stretch in April and May, but he’s righted the ship nicely. He’s not really at placement play, but I think his form will outshine Davis.

Bubba Watson (-106) over Sergio Garcia - 1 unit

Two plays on Bubba this week, who I think should do well at this course with his distance. He is 7th on TOUR in SG: Off The Tee and 31st in SG: T2G. He’ll be able to attack the par 5’s and shorter par 4’s and will also benefit from not traveling to and from The Open.

Had a little rough patch with three straight missed cuts, but came back with a vengeance last week at The Open with a T12. He’s 12th on TOUR in SG: Approach and 1st in the field in that category over his last 16 rounds. A true ball striker at a ball striker’s paradise!

This Gary Woodland lookalike has finished T4 and T5 in consecutive weeks, ranks 6th on TOUR in driving distance, 36th in GIR% and 13th in par 5 scoring. On a fan and human level, I’ve really enjoyed rooting for him the last few weeks after learning about his newborn’s health issues and how his family has handled it all.

A three pack of win bets this week. I’m really high on all three guys for their recent form. We saw Seamus Power finally get his after a great run. I think this is another opportunity to capitalize on guys who are firing on all cylinders. I already touched on Herbert, but Lebioda is a carbon copy of Power. He’s poking around all over the map, and this might be his week. Bubba is another one who didn’t go to The Open, he should be well rested, and he’s been in contention now for a couple of weeks. All three are in the top 16 SG: T2G in this field in the last 12 rounds. I just need Bubba to find the hot putter that Lebioda and Herbert have had.

I’m going back to Hank one more time, and why not? He’s got three straight top 10’s now and like Jeff said, I’m picking up Seamus Power vibes as someone playing really well and then breaking through for a win. He’s played in this tournament both years with a T26 and T34, but is much better than he was at those times. Ranks 18th in GIR% and 24th in putting on TOUR.

Jeff has this same play Inside the Leather, but I have a little better number so here we are in Double Breaker. Keegan is an absolute weapon off the tee and with his irons, ranking 6th on TOUR in SG: T2G, 4th in approach, 23rd in GIR% and 21st in par 5 scoring. He stinks at putting, but it wasn’t a problem for Wolff and Thompson and I don’t anticipate it holding Bradley back this week.

Making Picks: 2021 3M Open

Cameron Riley is the newest No Laying Up Young Hitter!

No Laying Up is happy to announce Cameron Riley, a former Florida A&M Rattler and Strapped Tallahassee star, is the newest Young Hitter! Cameron hails from the Bahamas, and moved to Orlando in high school before settling into Tallahassee as a mechanical engineering major at FAMU.  


As a collegiate golfer, Riley helped FAMU to some of its best results – capturing the first 

 and surging into the NCAA Regionals in 2021.  Riley won the 

, one of four Rattlers in the top five, earning entry into Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) events this summer, and travel costs to those events and to the Korn Ferry Qualifying Tournament this fall.

Riley showed well at the 6th Major, the APGA Deere Run, in July, finishing T8 with a +1 73.

 at Sawgrass July 29-31, where he’ll compete in a limited field (sweepstakes) event against 17 other minority golfers.


No Laying Up could not be more excited to support Cam in all of his endeavors.  If you want to #getinvolved and check out more of the story, follow these links:

To catch Cameron in Strapped: Tallahassee, Episode Two, check 

Keep up with Coach Mike Rice and the FAMU Rattlers 

Welcome to the NLU Fam, Cameron, and bring that heat to the APGA and beyond!

Young Hitters:  Welcoming Cameron Riley

Let’s start with our mayor of the pouch, 

, who found himself again looking for a way to avoid misery. His chalkboard lesson did him some favors as he got Danielle Kang Top 10, and a Bobby Mac Top 20 this week. Even though he didn’t hit pay dirt with a Mickelson/Brady win (Rodgers!), a McNealy win, or a Spain Euro win it was still a step in the right direction for the bottom of the board.

? I, for one, absolutely love what he was up to this week. Limit the exposure to one guy, and see if you can strike gold. It was a huge opportunity for Chez Reavie (and for Neil) to strike during #chezfest. Neil had a win, top 10, top 20, top 30, and make the cut bet on Chez. He hit 3 of those 5 and came up short due to a lackluster Sunday on Top 10 and win. Not a bad showing for Randy and Neil this week.

As we move up the board let’s start with 

. Unfortunately he found the pouch after Neil and Randy hit a couple winners. His pouch pick will have him playing intern, and he has to pick up the Draft Prince’s coffee of choice. Rather tepid punishment there for DJ. On the pick front, Mickelson/Brady for plus money looked great (just ask Mark) but it started a week that would end with zero winners for DJ. Across the board from his Harman Top 10, Mcnealy Top 10, Guilia Molinaro Top 10 and Leona Maguire win he couldn’t find a winner. Not the form you want to carry into the British Open.

It’s really a two man race at this point so let’s check in with 

With the LPGA shortening their tournament to 54 holes who is to say that Austin Ernst wouldn’t have charged up against Hataoka’s 8 stroke lead going into Sunday. I bet Tron believes it would have happened! His win bet on Ernst won’t pay out either way. Neither will his Bobby Mac win, Fleetwood win, Zach Johnson Top 10, or Mav Mcnealy top 10. Not a good week to let Soly pad that lead.

Given Tron’s week it is getting late early for the season’s Draft Prince. 

 struck with a pair of Top 20s on Lebioda and Hagy. Those two wins were enough to keep him around the even mark because he missed on Leona Maguire Top 10, Bobby Mac Top 10, and a Streelman win.

As for the Walk It In boys, it was a week just below even for both guys. Mark was all over Hank Lebioda and he nearly hit a huge pay day on the win and Top 3 American, but the late tee times charged and knocked him just shy of the Top 3 American placing. He still hit the Top 20, but it was close to a huge week. Jeff found some winnings with Doug Ghim who made just enough putts to sneak into the Top 20. He missed on Streelman’s awful missed cut and a set of win bets from McNealy, Im, and Wise.

Major week always means you have to watch Mark closely - he’s the Brooks Koepka of the podcast, always showing up for the big ones!

If you’re going to putt for dough it helps when you’ve given yourself more putts inside the leather than double breakers so where are the guys looking this week on their approach? Jeff is away and goes first at The Open!

Coffee and golf is a wonderful thing. I can’t wait to cut my sleep schedule short this week to enjoy everything that The Open Championship offers. Keep an eye on the weather as Thursday approaches, but I think there are some stats that have Open staying power. Of those I want to target guys who are playing well (Top 50 SG: T2G amongst this field of 155), scramble well (short game has to be creative and on point), and are striking it well (SG: Approach and accuracy off the tee). That’s a lot to take into consideration, but Royal St. George’s is going to be asking questions.

: Generally speaking, The Open courses are all set up in a very similar manner, with extremely penal rough/fescue, difficult bunkers and fast greens. For this reason, I’m targeting players this week with excellent short games and putting. Some stats that indicate this is SG: Around the Green, SG: Putting and scrambling. The majority of my card also consists of players who have a strong Open history and/or played well at the Scottish Open last week because I think familiarity with the setup and style of play can be important.

Harris has rediscovered the form from his late 2020 run that carried him to a victory at Sentry in Hawaii. We’re far from the tropical beaches of Hawaii, but Harris has stepped his game up of late. He won three weeks ago at TPC River Highlands, and is an excellent short game player. He has the scrambling pedigree, is accurate off the tee, and his irons and driver have continued to improve. Amongst the field he’s 12th in SG: T2G in his last 12 rounds.

He’s been steady eddy since his little dip in March/April. When he’s making cuts he’s finding the top of the leaderboards, and is on a little bit of a streak lately. I really like Cantlay’s game and his demeanor should things get demanding out there due to the weather. He’s second on tour this year in scrambling and his entire T2G is 4th amongst this field in his last 36 rounds. He’s poised for a great showing.

Robert MacIntrye Top Lefty (+200) - 2 units

Bobby Mac has competition this week from Mickelson, Harman, and Higgo. Higgo is the only one that gives me pause but he hasn’t been tearing the cover off of it. Mac was at the Scottish Open last week, knows this kind of golf well, and debuted very well in ‘19 at his first Open. This line feels like a lot of value.

Ian Poulter Top 4 Englishman (+150) - 2 units

Big Ian Poulter guy this week! He finished T4 last week at the Scottish Open and feels comfortable playing at The Open with 3 top 10’s and 6 top 25’s over the years. He also has a few missed cuts in recent years, but I’m putting more emphasis on the good news considering how well he’s playing and how good of a short game he has.

Jon Rahm Top 20 After Round 1 (+110) - 2 units

I made this exact bet at the US Open at +150 and Rahm was T5 on Thursday so let’s try and duplicate that. I don’t want to bet his 8/1 tournament line, but plus money here seems like stealing.

The Open winner in 2017, T9 in 2018 and T20 in 2019 so it’s clear he likes playing this major. Add to that that he’s back and you have a good starting point for success this year! Spieth ranks 19th in SG: T2G, 8th in SG: ATG and 34th in SG: Putting this year.

Matthew Fitzpatrick (-103) over Bryson DeChambeau - 1 unit

This is just a play on two players trending in opposite directions at the moment. Bryson has a new caddie, but has had a busy and tumultuous few weeks with the change, missing a cut and then playing in The Match. Fitzpatrick just played great at the Scottish Open before losing in a playoff. Fitzpatrick is also 24th on TOUR in putting.

The young Italian has been on a nice little tear since his US Open coming out party. This should be another chance for him to continue this run. He was T35 at the Scottish Open last week after back to back top 15s state side. He also had back to back runner ups in May on the European Tour. He’s 18th SG: T2G in this field and his 36/12 round splits are improving.

Matthew Fitzpatrick to Win (+4000) -.25 unit

I’ve profiled English already, and I’m taking four more win bets this week.Fitzpatrick has been playing well this season and he’s another crafty player with his short game. Webb Simpson is just a gut feel. He’s an excellent short game player, his irons have been good, and he’s accurate off the tee. My only concern is his neck and his latest interview suggests it’s better. The time off and rust is a potential factor, but I like his stat profile this week. Finally I’m digging deep with Jason Day. He’s T27 or better in 4 of the last 5 at The Open and is coming here with back to back T14 or better (granted, weak fields).

I read his comments about figuring something out on the range on Sunday. We’ve all been there, yes, and it rarely transfers when your buddy “figures it out” before the 8am tee time. But we’re all not Rory. So when you combine that with his history at this major I just can’t not. Damn it, let’s go, Rors!!

Who is this guy you ask? Well, he won the British Masters in May, finished 15th last week in the Scottish Open and has two other top 5 finishes among his last 5 starts. He’s played in one Open and finished T22 in 2017. His European Tour bio also says he likes Formula One and so do I after watching Drive to Survive on Netflix!

Robert MacIntyre to Win (+9000) - .25 unit

You all heard why I love Spieth and Poulter this week, with their short games and history at The Open, and another guy who fits that exact criteria is Patrick Reed. Reed is 27th this season in SG: T2G, 14th around the green and 9th in putting. He also has three top 20’s (and a T28) in his last five Open starts. I don’t particularly think Robert MacIntyre will be this week’s champion, but he finished T18 at the Scottish Open last week, T8 at the British Masters and has some good results in the US majors as well so he won’t be intimidated by the competition. He ranks 12th on the European Tour in SG: ATG and 2nd in scrambling.

Making Picks: The Open Championship (UKBOPBHMTQ)

Editor's note: When it came time to roll out our (long overdue) new website we wanted to do something celebrating the people we've met through golf and the places that are still out there for us to explore. We've only scratched the surface on who we need to meet and where we need to go. Jim Hartsell embodies that spirit to the fullest. I met Jim through Sweetens Cove a few years ago and we became fast friends. He's spent the last two-and-a-half decades exploring Scotland and digging deeper than nearly any American I know, non-Tom Coyne division. As an Registered Building Architect, he brings a unique perspective to golf travel, both on and off the course. We're thrilled to roll this series out over the next few months and hope you enjoy. - Tron

Authors note: Please purchase a copy of The Links Diary Issue #1 (

) for my previous story on Cullen Links, also featuring George Clark, TC & Big Randy

It was on a stunning afternoon on the Moray coast. The lunch rush was winding down in the Cullen clubhouse (green fees are paid at the bar) as we entered the tidy and comfortable dining area/bar. George Clark was holding court with his wife Anne and several friends, as two hungry Americans entered.  We introduced ourselves and George invited us to join the table, “Have you had your lunch?” he asked. When we responded that we had not, George immediately sprang to work, going straight to the bar manager, who came over to take our order. “We are almost out of soup, but I think we can manage,” she said kindly. In less than10 minutes, we had our soup and ham and cheese toastie - along with a pint of Tennent’s. Is there anything better than lunch in a Scottish clubhouse?

Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

In Ian Nalder’s excellent 2000 book, “Scotland’s Golf In The Day’s Of Steam,” he details how the convoluted Scottish railway system impacted the development and popularity of golf, especially along the east and west coasts. Courses such as Cruden Bay, Turnberry, Machrihanish and Brora owe much of their early success and development to the Great Northern Railway, the Great North of Scotland Railway, the Highland Railway and others. Cullen was founded with 9 holes in 1870 (or 1879 depending on varying accounts) a few years before the railway line reached the area. In 1892, the club invited the great Old Tom Morris to revise the links, which he did in characteristically brilliant fashion. Realizing that the economy of the town could be greatly enhanced by tourism, the club expanded to 18 holes (around 1904) and started to promote itself as easily accessible by train from Glasgow and London.

There is a massive and elaborate 1884 railway viaduct that signals the entrance to the magical links of Cullen and this lovely seaside fishing village. A local Earl who lived at the nearby Cullen House, insisted that his family and guests travel only by The Highland Railway, in which he had a financial interest. He refused to use the local Cullen station, which apparently led to the construction of this viaduct.  Whatever the reasons for its’ existence, the viaduct offers a stunning entry gate to one of the great places in Scotland.

In my story on Cullen which appears in The Links Diary #1, a journal started in 2020 by the brilliant young Scots Jamie Darling, Kenny Pallas, Stuart Currie and Graeme McCubbin, I describe many of the holes designed by Old Tom on this ancient golfing ground. There is a legend that the local vicar severely chastised three young men for playing golf on the links on the Sabbath in 1641. I can understand why these boys risked the wrath of God. There is a feeling a Cullen that is hard to describe. There is a sense of 

 and history – that this is true, unadorned Scottish golf, perhaps even the way it was played 120 or 360 years ago.

We had been introduced to George by Big Randy of No Laying Up a few weeks prior to our trip.  He graciously agreed to drive up from his home in Aberdeen to meet us at his beloved club, where he and his wife Anne are former club champions – Anne an astonishing 19 times. George grew up in Cullen and is the course’s greatest ambassador. He is currently the president of the Northeast District of Scottish Golf. They assist the Scottish Golf Union, the sport’s governing body, with competitions in the area and the implementation of the new World Handicap System. In all my golf travels over the years, I have never met a nicer gentleman and greater advocate for Scottish golf.

Club Champions at Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

In the best Scottish tradition, George Clark does not tarry during a round of golf. He flies around Cullen, dispatching shots quickly and efficiently. However, I do not want it to seem that we were rushed – quite the opposite.  There were several points in the round where we stopped to discuss the history of the game or for George to point out some important landmark in the distance. The Scots allow sufficient time for enjoyment and conversation during a round - yet strive to finish with a haste that is unmatched anywhere in the world. It is a joyous way to play the game and one that is rarely found in the USA. A slow round of golf drains your body’s energy. You almost always feel refreshed after the constant movement of a game of golf in Scotland – unless caught in a sudden hurricane on the 11th hole somewhere.

George is a knowledgeable student of golf history. As our threesome progressed quickly around Cullen, we discussed the relative merits and weaknesses of the various Open Championship venues – and certain players we both admired. We paused on the 9th tee, my favorite hole at Cullen, and had a discussion that I made note of in my journal later that night. Out of the blue, George asked me who I thought was the greatest player of all time.

George discussing the history of the game. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

Without hesitation, I responded, “Nicklaus.” “Why do you reckon Jack and not Tiger?” he replied. “Well, he had 16 top 5 finishes in your Open Championship alone. He could have won it 12 times,” I said. “Aye. He was always there or thereabouts. By the way, I agree with you. I just wanted to see what you’d say,” he said with a smile.

Much of the greatest excitement at Cullen occurs around the 3 giant red stone obelisks, known as “sea stacks,” in play on several holes. I must make a special mention of the 13th hole in particular, a one-off in my experience. It is a 127-yard par 3 that plays completely blind over the tallest of the red monoliths, to a small perfectly sited green cut into the base of the cliff. If Old Tom is responsible for this one hole alone, that is enough for me. It is a hole that will make you laugh out loud and appreciate the sheer brilliance of Scottish golf.

11th Green at Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

12th Green at Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

16th Green at Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

George talked a lot about how much he had enjoyed playing with the No Laying Up boys. He mentioned (with a laugh) that he sometimes gets recognized in Aberdeen from his appearance on the NLU Tourist Sauce episode on Cullen.  We paused to have our picture taken by an NLU sponsorship sign on the 15th tee, while he praised Tron and Phil (he never once said Big Randy) for all the exposure they had brought to the course. Visitor play was up 15% over the previous year, he told us proudly.

15th Tee Marker at Cullen Links. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

I did not measure the time of our round, but I believe we played in 2 hours and 40 minutes. As we said our good-byes to our new friend in the small car park, we mentioned that we planned to play the relatively unknown Covesea Links – 40 minutes up the road - before dark.  Knowing that we had already played 18 holes at Fraserburgh that morning, George eyed me a bit skeptically. “Are you sure that’s wise?” he said with concern, mixed with humor.

My response was on slightly defensive. “Well, we are in Scotland and have enough daylight to drive there and play 9 more holes.”

Waiting on the fairway to clear. Photo provided by Mr. Jim Hartsell

“Aye, I understand,” replied Mr. George Clark.

Cullen Skink is a thick fish soup that is served throughout Scotland, but especially in the Moray area. It originated in Cullen and was once seen as simply a good way to use leftover smoked haddock. A food that was once seen as a simple and modest form of traditional cooking is now a revered national dish. I love it. Jake and I had it several times as a starter on our trip.

That night, after we did manage to play 9 holes at Covesea, we had a particularly good bowl of Cullen Skink in Lossiemouth. I asked our friendly waitress if she could tell me the recipe. “Ah, it’s not much at all really. A bit of onion, potatoes, milk and haddock.” I vowed to attempt to make it myself and have come up with an American version that is passable. Smoked haddock is not widely available in my area of the US, so I have improvised.

4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, diced, cooked and mashed

Melt the butter in a medium to large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook on medium heat until clear. Add the milk, liquid smoke and some of the parsley or chives and bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes. Add the cod filets and simmer until cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place on a plate to the side.

Add the mashed potatoes, salt, pepper and simmer for 1

Flake the fish into small pieces and stir into the soup. Check to see if you need any more salt or pepper. Top with extra chives or parsley.

This should be served with sourdough bread. At least that is how I do it. I will probably be banned from Scotland for using cod instead of smoked haddock. Cheers!

Hidden Scotland: Cullen Links

Detroit Golf Club is one of the easier courses on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t mean our bets did any better! Congratulations to Cam Davis on winning the Rocket Mortgage Classic in a playoff over Troy Merritt and Joaquin Niemann. Let’s walk back our picks before looking at the John Deere Classic!

kept it simple and made just two plays last week, on Bryson DeChambeau to win and his boy Chez to finish in the top 20. Bryson, of course, had his caddie Tim Tucker leave the night before the tournament and that bet was a loser before it even started! Wait til you all see what Neil has in store with Chez this week!

together this week because they both went 1-4 and both had the same winning bet, on Lauren Coughlin to finish in the top 20 for a whopping +450! DJ also bet on Bryson to win last week and some other losing position bets, while Randy was on Will Zalatoris in Detroit and Lee6 on the LPGA Tour, among others.

had a win bet on him as well that lost, but he did hit a juicy 4/1 top 20 on Hank Lebioda. TC finished 1-4 with his other losses on Mark Hubbard, Robert Streb and Anne Van Dam.

went 0-5 last week, but maintains a BIG lead on the rest of the field as we run out of weeks left in the season. He, too, was on Bryson to win as well as Max Homa and was also on Kokrak, Zalatoris and Higgs to finish in the top 10.

Articles

Making Picks: 2021 Tour Championship

Making Picks: BMW Championship

Making Picks: The Northern Trust

Hidden Scotland: A Return to the Hidden Places

Introducing the No Laying Up Course Map

Making Picks: Wyndham Championship

Making Picks: 2021 3M Open

Young Hitters: Welcoming Cameron Riley

Making Picks: The Open Championship (UKBOPBHMTQ)

Hidden Scotland: Cullen Links

Making Picks: John Deere Classic

Making Picks: Rocket Mortgage

Making Pics: Travelers Championship

Making Picks: U.S. Open

Making Picks: Palmetto Championship

Hidden Scotland: Fraserburgh Golf Club

Making Picks: The Memorial Tournament

Making Picks: Charles Schwab Challenge