Opinion & Analysis
Luke Donald takes on Mark Crossfield (Part 2)
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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4pillars
May 29, 2016 at 6:28 am
Actually mark looks really nervous.
He needs to work on his mental game
M smizzy
May 29, 2016 at 1:25 pm
I would be too if I was playing a former number 1 player in the world. Just saying that’s not unreadable. Agreed they talk a ton and looks like Luke was getting annoye, lol. Love mark and all his stuff though.
Don Quiote
Jun 6, 2016 at 10:52 am
I saw M Smizz…and i thougth NOOOO why do I agree with something Smizzle said… then I realized it’s someone different. I think Luke was more open to it as it went but at first was very thrown off by all the banter. I enjoy his videos. They are playing golf for what it is. They are having a good time!
Mike
May 28, 2016 at 3:31 pm
I actually really like Mark’s equipment reviews but I find these videos to be just insufferable. He and his partner never stop talking. Really annoying.
Steve
May 28, 2016 at 7:34 pm
how do you know about ghetto phones? You must live in the pj, miserable loser. I feel sorry for you, not.
Rb
May 29, 2016 at 10:31 am
No, Smizzle. You’re just a racist bigot and everybody knows it. You’ve already had so many posts deleted. You should just go away and leave the good people golf alone.
Jack
Jun 1, 2016 at 12:51 am
I happen to enjoy his banter. If you want more toned down game play videos there is always Rick Shiels. Then you can admire the awkward male female dynamics lol. Shiels does seem like a better golfer though.