Last week at Torrey Pines, players were asked to bomb, gouge, and putt on bumpy poa annua greens. Pebble Beach is a polar opposite—I’d like to say the scheduling was inspired, but that’s giving too much credit! The bumpy greens remained; everything else was double-dutch to a large percentage of the field.

The modern player travels with his launch monitor like Charlie Brown carried his blanket in the 1965 TV movie “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Brown told Lucy Van Pelt that it was a “security and happiness blanket” that children carry when they are tired or discouraged—sound familiar?

Now, to be clear, every tour player has a launch monitor close by. The technology is essential to mastering one of golf’s primary goals: having your approach shots finish either pin-high or slightly above or below depending on the green’s slopes. It’s also beneficial if they know how far they carry their bazookas in relation to sand and water—the pros call this the cover number. At best, mine pushes the mid-200’s, the lithe and muscular, with impeccable timing, stretch out into the mid-300’s. We shouldn’t despair; instead, just get better, so improve our smash-factor efficiency. Most of this is said with a hint of satire—but then you know that.

Nick Dunlap, already a two-time tour winner and 2024 PGA Tour rookie of the year, said of his launch monitor, “It’s basically my statistical security blanket, the helicopter parent every tour pro needs. I have four Foresight Sports GCQuad’s; one I travel with, a back up, one at home for practice, and one quarantined in a nuclear-free bunker—location undisclosed.” Dunlap finished T58 at five-under. Saturday, with the field scoring average at (71.56)—Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry both shot 65—Dunlap managed 72. Wind, rain, and cold play havoc with the GCQuad algorithm!

The AT&T is a widely recognised tour stop. The surroundings really are surreal, with elegant cypress trees, an ocean presence, a course that meanders along land’s edge, and real estate to dream about. And, generally, the golf matches the canvas.

There was also the added bonus of no NFL action to steal eyeballs, allowing the PGA Tour to bask in the delights of its temporary surroundings. The NFL bye-week had me questioning its purpose, and when I polled locals, their unanimous response was a dismissive "because it's always been like that."

That familiar refrain—"because it's always been like that"—echoed my recent experience at a Connecticut HOA meeting, where challenges to longstanding rules were dismissed with the same tired logic. Some things seem to persist simply because that's how they've always been done, like the NFL's bye-week tradition. I'm all-in on the Eagles. Fuck the Swifties!

So, to Rory.

When Rory McIlroy gets rolling and banks the opportunities he creates with his overwhelming length and touch around the greens, he makes golf look too easy. His daughter said it best, “Daddy, why you taking a plane to Las Vegas to have someone tell you how to play? You’re really good at it, just stay here and hang out.” The four-time major champion played ‘really good’ golf to win the AT&T at Pebble Beach when he shot a Sunday 66 to win by two for his 27th PGA title.

The final group was a European Ryder Cup trinity with Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry keeping McIlroy company. Lowry loitered for a time while Straka seemed distracted by the Irish craic, or he needs some rest to count his early-season loot.

McIlroy birdied 10 and 12, before landing a telling blow on 14, which he eagled, using: bazooka, seven-iron, and putter, reducing one of the last bastions of three-shot par-fives to pitch-and-putt status. From there in it was plain sailing.

Interestingly, after birding 18, Lowry finished solo second. Justin Rose and Lucas Glover tied for third at 18 under par—McIlroy weighs in at 35, Lowry 37, Rose 44, and Uncle Glover 45. Not a whippersnapper in sight, except for Tom Kim, who plays like he has to carry his own bag! That’s pace-of-play.

Nevertheless, 2025 shapes up as the year of Rory. It’s an early call, but one not founded in blind faith. Three of the four major sites suit his game—I’m told— and the sooner he relegates his optimism for a first Masters victory, the better the year will be. Maybe his daughter tells him to stay home in April!

I'm excited to introduce 'Green Reads,' a new section/newsletter/posts—exploring the intricate and fast-moving world of professional golf.

Yes, why golf?

Perhaps it's the familiar rhythm—how both sports demand that delicate balance of aggression and restraint. Just as a Test Match unfolds over five days (not anymore), a golf tournament presents its four-day narrative, complete with momentum shifts, psychological battles, and moments of individual brilliance.

Through Green Reads, I'll endeavour to tip-toe inside the ropes of professional golf's most compelling stories—well, that's the plan, at least. We'll track the stories across the PGA Tour, venture into the European DP World Tour, and, yes, occasionally peek into the innovative (and controversial) world of LIV Golf.

What makes this section unique is the common perspective. As a cricket writer, I often stumble across interesting parallels between the two sports—the stories within stories—how the pressure of a Sunday back nine at Augusta echoes the tension of a World Cup final's closing overs.

While cricket commentary will remain the cornerstone of SpeakingNick, Green Reads will offer an engaging chance to widen our sporting lens. From cricketers with scratch handicaps to golfers who grew up dreaming of Test cricket (there are a few), there's a rich fabric of stories to share.

So whether you're a golf enthusiast, a curious cricket fan, or someone who appreciates the beauty of sport in all its forms, I invite you to join me on this new adventure. Welcome to Green Reads.

And some housekeeping: If you're IN on 'Green Reads,' you don't have to do anything. The posts will arrive as usual, directly in your inbox. If, after a few reads, you would rather not receive 'Green Reads,' then please follow the instructions below to organise your preferences.

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4. Select your preferred sections from ALL available options Note: You'll see sections that may not appear in the navigation bar

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I was not there, unfortunately; I wish I were, though—this from the feet-on-the-chair venue.

In an absorbing finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Australian Cam Davis finished on top, so clinching his second PGA Tour title. The 28-year-old Sydney-sider (that's not true; he's from Sydney but lives in Seattle) made two clutch up-and-ins at 17 and 18 to hold off rising PGA star Akshay Bhatia, who uncharacteristically three-jabbed the final hole (I wish Bhatia’s broomstick-putter was a little further from his concave chest). Davis’s win comes almost two years after his maiden 2021 PGA Tour win at the same event. You could say it's a pleasing medley!

Growing up in the 70s and 80s Manchester (UK), Motown was never far away—in homes, dance halls, barbershops, and pubs; we even had our strain, Northern Soul. So, there's an undeniable resonance when I hear the word 'Detroit'. It's ironic, as it's hard to associate Smokey Robinson with golf!

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From Manchester to the Michigan faithful: to me, the crowd looked compromised for much of Sunday. They had Bhatia to root for, but it seemed a little hesitant; Cameron Young (N.Y.) seemed like a more logical association, but he continually sprayed his 2024 driver into the gallery—he had no preference, left and right, fans on both sides were in clear-and-present danger. There was the eventual winner, Cam Davis, and a wannabe chef, Min Woo Lee, but then they're both Australian. Oh, and an amateur Luke Clanton, who looked every bit like an eight-year tour veteran with his big bag and multiple sponsor badges—in effect, he's a rising junior at Florida State (FSU)—there are no true amateurs anymore. Last but not least, there was Aaron Rai, an obscure Englishman who hung around the lead like a bad smell of you-know-what (shhh, gas).

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Rai is an interesting case study. His top-line stats are solid: 85 PGA tour events, 60 cuts made, eight top 10's, four top 5's, a third-place, and yesterday's runner-up finish—that has him approaching 15 million in PGA prize money. Yet he plays like a Google engineer on the local Mountain View muni. Two gloves, a beat-up stand-bag, iron head covers, a 2018 driver, and the look of someone boxing in the wrong weight division—I believe he'd be pretty handy on his feet.

Patshull Park Golf Club is a long way from Detroit. Rai started playing there at age five.

The son of immigrant parents—his mother Dalvir Shukla, of Kenyan-Indian descent, and his Indian father Amrik Singh—Rai's journey to professional golf is a testament to a family's sacrifices and unwavering support. From his mother juggling multiple jobs to his father diligently studying golf techniques to assist his son, the Rai family's working-class roots and determination has laid the foundation for his success.

Another instrumental figure in Rai's progression to professional golf was Shabir Randeree, a successful entrepreneur who remains his sponsor and less-so-benefactor.

Randeree, who owned Parshull Park, provided crucial financial support for Rai's early training and funded a private school education. This long-term alliance allowed Rai to pursue his passion without undue financial pressure, with Rai himself acknowledging that Randeree's belief and spiritual support were equally important to his development.

As Rai keeps knocking on the door of a maiden PGA tour win, galleries across the U.S. might appreciate his climb with a little more compassion and understanding.

Having seen a son progress through the college sports system, I was always interested in the rosters of the opposing colleges. His sport was lacrosse; every player is listed with a number, position, high school, and hometown. It was the hometowns that caught my eye. As they say, "Everyone comes from somewhere."

Cameron Young (N.Y.), who shot 59 last week in Hartford, broke his driver shaft on the 14th hole. The fractured club had been a source of frustration throughout Sunday's round, with Young's dispersion off the tee rivalling Diana Ross' vocal range. I literally thought he might have caused the separation intentionally—Young was one off the lead at that time. The PGA rules official played the 'anger card' preventing the New Yorker from seeking a replacement.

I like Cam Young's golf; his backswing pauses at the top, similar to Joe Biden in mid-sentence, giving everyone time to catch up before whirling down in a violently controlled sweep that sends his Titleists into the ether. After watching a YouTube video, I was hooked on Young, so much so that I unloaded a few hard-earned dollars on him this week!

And his muttering—this elevated to a new level this week. It's hard to detect genuine cussing due to an impeccable stiff upper lip. You know it's there, but it just seems OK from him. Perhaps I'm playing favourites—again!

Despite an impressive bank-manager-pleasing 18 top 10 finishes since his PGA Tour debut in 2021-22—Young remains winless. This latest rebuff of closing-out will only accentuate the media narrative when he finds himself there again—which will be sooner than later. His talent is undeniable. (I am tipping him to be in contention at The Open).

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Ironically, Luke Clanton was granted a sponsor's invitation to the Rocket Classic. His play was meritorious; however, an oversized bag, a seemingly airtight association with OEM TaylorMade, and multiple sponsor logos pointed to a less-than-amateur status.

Nevertheless—as a confirmed sporting mercenary, I should move on from this.

Clanton turned heads at the Rocket Mortgage Classic with a T11 finish that belied his inexperience at this level. The world's No. 2 ranked amateur showed he could sing from the same song sheet as the pros, carding a 14-under par total that included a 65 in the third round.

If Cam Young had driven the ball like Clanton, Cam Davis would still be looking for his second tour win. Clanton finished second in strokes gained off the tee for the tournament. Professionally and commercially, the future looks bright for the Clanton family.

With all that said, let us sing "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi" —a firm favourite down under! I don't know how it would be in Tamla Motown!

CBS analyst Ian Baker-Finch, himself an ex-pat Aussie, said of Cam Davis' victory, "He deserved the victory; he burnt the hole all day, two of five-pars were not kind to him, his swing is a thing of beauty (like mine), and most importantly, he retains a healthy dose of Aussie innocency (yes, like me)."

Davis said, "I wouldn't wish what happened to Akshay on anyone." And, "I honestly haven't been in a very good place mentally for the last six months or so. I felt like opportunities have been slipping out of my hands as the year progresses without me playing very good golf. I had a great week at the Masters, and it feels like it all had just left me since then."

Worth noting for all golfers: Davis had engaged the services of a hypnotherapist to help with his 2024 slump, where he has had no top 10's. Just saying, in case you need it. I have my session booked for Wednesday morning.

I believe it is the John Deere Classic next week. We haven’t decided whether to send the editorial team, holiday travel in these parts is costly and tough. If anyone is tractoring from CT to Illinois, please send us a message. Thank you in advance.