New analysis from Arccos reveals that the biggest gap between low- and high-handicap golfers lies in avoiding severe misses off the tee rather than fairway hits.
Low-handicap players hit about 50 percent of fairways, compared to 40 percent for those with handicaps over 30. The real distinction appears in wayward drives that lead to penalties or recovery shots.
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In the first five events of the 2026 PGA Tour season, a mix of established and new drivers has helped secure victories for top players. One putter has claimed 80% of the wins, bucking the zero-torque trend prevalent on tour. Here's a breakdown of the equipment used by the champions so far.
Adam Scott incurred a two-shot rules penalty during the third round of the Cadillac Championship after hitting the wrong ball on Thursday. The Australian golfer called the mistake 'a silly thing to do' and reflected on its impact during his bogey-free 66 on Saturday. He expressed regret but remained optimistic about rebounding.
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Dr. Tom LaFountain, PGA Tour director of chiropractic services, attributes rising back problems among players to quicker swings and larger prize money. Over 27 years, lower back issues have consistently affected 85 percent of players seeking treatment. He notes that modern players prioritize short-term earnings over long careers.
Fred Couples, 66, endured a dramatic collapse on the 15th hole during the opening round of the Masters at Augusta National, turning a promising day into a nine on the par-5. The veteran golfer shot 78 overall but spoke to reporters afterward, expressing frustration mixed with affection for the event. Couples plans to return for the second round.
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Daniel Berger extended his lead to five shots at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after shooting a second-round 68 to reach 13 under par. Akshay Bhatia sits second at 8 under following a low round of 66, while Ludvig Åberg, Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala share third at 7 under. The cut fell at 2 over, with notable players like Justin Thomas and Shane Lowry missing the weekend.
Rory McIlroy shot a one-over 73 in the third round of the 2026 Masters, squandering his record six-shot lead after 36 holes and dropping into a tie for the lead with Cameron Young at 11-under par. Sam Burns sits one stroke back at 10-under, with Shane Lowry at nine-under. The pair will enter Sunday's final round with the green jacket on the line at Augusta National.
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PGA Tour players including Billy Horschel and Shane Lowry have voiced concerns over the setup at PGA National's Champion Course ahead of the 2026 Cognizant Classic. The course has been lengthened by 56 yards total, while overseeding with rye grass has made it easier, leading to record-low winning scores in recent years. Players argue for a return to its historically challenging conditions.