https://swingjuice.com/collections/spring-performance-collection
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https://www.golfdigest.com/story/halloween-golf-gear-apparel-accessories-orange
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If you haven’t seen Kevin Rahm on TV we’d be surprised. Kevin has been a part of the casts of Madam Secretary, Mad Men, Desperate Housewives and Judging Amy just to name a few. Not only is he a super talented actor that is obsessed with golf, he is also the host of one of St. Jude’s largest charity golf tournaments. Tune in as we get behind-the-scenes insight into acting on a series and how golf plays a part in his lifestyle.
Listen to this episode of Range Sessions featuring Kevin Rahm here:
Watch on YouTube here:
]]>New Orleans Saints special teams players Wil Lutz & Zach Wood are known to make some magic happen together on the field as the place kicker and long snapper for this successful NFL team. However, in this podcast episode of the Range Sessions, we talk about their bond and adventures off the field, on the golf course and more. Plus, Wil & Zach break down some of the other New Orleans Saints players and what craziness you might find them getting into off the field too.
Listen to this episode of Range Sessions featuring Wil Lutz and Zach Wood here:
Watch on YouTube here:
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Giving back is important to our SwingJuice team. We are involved in several charity golf events that raise funds for amazing causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Begin Again Foundation, The Michael Phelps Foundation and select youth organizations chosen by Anthony Anderson.
During this unforeseen time of need, SwingJuice has also chosen to make a donation to The First Responders Children’s Foundation. In addition, we will be supporting local first responders to our team members by providing shirts from our new collection (HERE), water and meeting other needs.
As we take this time to celebrate and thank first responders, we encourage you to also reflect on how you can give back and support causes in need. Because as we face this virus and trying times with our economy, we are all Fighting Together.
PS: Check out our new Fun Golf t-shirt designs. We think you will find them quite relevant! (HERE)
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Shirt HERE
]]>Of course he accepted. We spoke with him on the first tee and then he proceeded to blast a 310 yard drive down the right side, hit it to 15 feet under the hole and drain the birdie putt.
You have no idea how many good golfers are out there grinding on tours that you have never heard of. Ryan is not in the field, does not play on the tour, and proceeded to dismantle the course that is playing under PGA Tour conditions.
During the pro-am we witnessed pulls, hooks, fades, shanks, birdies, bogies and more. The AM's pay a hefty price to play with the pro's and from the looks of it, they get their monies worth. Where else and in what other sport can you play the actual game with professionals in the sport? NO WHERE! The PGA Tour has an amazing ability to connect with their fans and the Wyndham Championship shows that off.
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]]>Get your money up and lets gamble people (*note* I don’t have any scientific basis for my picks…therefore when you lose your money because of my predictions, it’s your own damn fault)
Brooks Koepka 8-1Odds are irrelevant here because he wins everything.
Rory McIlroy 8-1Probably going to MC, finish DFL or Win. Tough playing your “hometown” course during a major. Has a ton of pressure and a ton of eyes on him.
Dustin Johnson 12-1 DJ and the Open go together like…something that doesn’t go together well.
Jon Rahm 14-1 I would take the 14-1 odds that he destroys numerous clubs over winning the Open.
Tiger Woods 16-1 These are great numbers. Take this bet and when he doesn’t win, console yourself with the fact that instead of going over to Northern Ireland to acclimate his body to the time change, Tiger woke up at 1am in Florida and made strange videos.
Justin Rose 20-1 Great odds for a great ballstriker.
Francesco Molinari 20-1 If anyone can go back to back Frankie can. Playing a bit under the radar which makes him dangerous. Truly unflappable.
Rickie Fowler 25-1 Save your money, Rickie is not going to win, which means now he will. You’re welcome Rickie.
Xander Schauffele 25-1Sounds like a British name.
Tommy Fleetwood 25-1 The UK media darling might be able to pull it off. If he doesn’t he still has the most intimidating caddie on the Euro Tour.
Jordan Spieth 30-1GO GET THAT…Friday night plane ticket back home. Not making the cut.
Justin Thomas 30-1At least he’ll look good.
Adam Scott 30-1Will not win because he’ll probably decide to wear pants with pleats….excuse me, sorry…TROUSERS.
Louis Oosthuizen 30-1Better at riding tractors.
Bryson DeCahmbeau 30-1Will be completely lost when he realizes the UK works on the metric system.
Jason Day 40-1Will probably hurt his back ordering Fish and Chips.
Gary Woodland 50-1Reigning U.S Open champ might be able to find some magic across the pond and at 50-1 is worth throwing some coin on.
Sergio Garcia 60-1Sergio is hated by the golf gods, therefore he will never win again.
Tony Finau 60-1A Tongan, from Morman Utah, winning the OPEN Championship. Story writes itself.
Patrick Reed 60-1Only man hated more by the golf gods than Sergio. Even the UK fans won’t cheer for a good shot by him.
The field-The most unpredictable Major because of the nature of the courses could see the rest of the field coming “out of nowhere” which we all know is B.S because any of these guys could win any given week.
Put my money on Brooks with a back door top 10 for Tiger. Also, Kevin Kisner will probably win. Enjoy the open.
GO GET THIS SHIRT and support Jordan and all the other Americans traveling to Northern Ireland for the Open Championship. Click on the pic to order.
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]]>Leave the Pin In-What was your first event ever as a pro?
Christina Kim-My first event played as a professional was the 2002 on the Futures Tour, now known as the Symetra Tour. It was in Florida, and that year the tour’s opening event took place the week of my 18th birthday. I turned pro on that Wednesday in the middle of the round with my dad, when I realized I was 18 and thus legally able at that time to turn professional.
The round itself is a bit hazy, but I do remember telling myself that golf is still golf, and that the only difference between where I was and where I am (at the time) is stiffer competition, tougher courses and the chance to make money doing something that i determined was going to be my life’s passion. I feel like some people try to make turning professional something extra. The reality is that golf is still golf, the course doesn’t care if you’re an aspiring amateur or professional at the highest level. The course doesn’t give you anything you don’t earn. Also, it was pretty damned cool that my opening round as a professional was a 3 under 69!
LTPI-Would you rather win a major or captain a winning Solheim Cup team?
CK-I think at this stage of my career I would prefer to win a major championship. I am still in a position in my career that I am still able to win, and captaining a win gin Solheim Cup team would be incredible, but i would not likely be selected as a captain if I don’t have enough wins under my belt. So maybe if I do the first, the second may become closer to becoming a reality.
LTPI-What is the most you’ve ever seen gambled on a golf course before?
CK-I personally don’t gamble on the golf course, nor do I really get the opportunity to be with people that do... maybe $100 a hole?
LTPI-First item you splurged on as a pro?
CK-My first major purchase was a 2004 Honda Civic hybrid, the first vehicle I purchased for myself. Her name was Vanessa and she was powder blue and beautiful!
LTPI-Best/worst parts of the Tour?
CK-My favorite part of the tour, other than getting the chance to create my own destiny everyday of my life, is getting the chance to encounter new experiences around the globe that I normally wouldn’t be able to. New cities, new food, new golf courses, and new people.
LTPI-Favorite/least fav course you play?
CK-The best course I have been lucky enough to play on this planet is a very exclusive course at the top of the North Island of New Zealand called Tara Iti. Everything about it was perfection. Domestically here in the US would have to be Oakmont. I don’t have a least fav course because I think every course has the chance to be amazing, if you open your eyes and seek it out.
LTPI-Is there anything you collect?
CK-I don’t think there’s anything physically that I go out of my way to collect, as I tend to cherish people and experiences instead.
LTPI-Fav things to do outside of golf during off week/offseason?
CK-My fav things to do off the course is spending time with friends, going out to eat, singing terribly, dancing terribly, and trying anything new!
LTPI-Best family vacation you have ever been on?
CK-When I was seven years old I went to South Korea, where my family comes from, for the first time. I experienced travel, new foods, new cities and it was amazing!!!
LTPI-Best/worst fan interaction you’ve ever had?
CK-I’ve been pretty lucky to have had so many incredible fan interactions! Some of my favorite definitely come from Mexico, where golf is still very young and new as a sport to the public. Elba Villar, a teacher from Mexico City, would visit the tournament every year, and had some amazing Mexican crafts made for me, which I still have at my house to this day!
LTPI-Where can you find the best food on tour?
CK-There are so many incredible places we visit if you are a foodie, but Portland OR and San Francisco stand out to me. There’s so much diversity and people who truly love food out there!
LTPI-Fav players to be paired with?
CK-I usually start my rounds with gratitude that I am able to call this great sport my job, and I try to always stay positive, so I’m just happy to be on the course! That being said, my closest friends like Annie Park, Su Oh, Marina Alex are my absolute favs!
LTPI-What is harder-making a ten footer to win a tournament, or writing a book?
CK-Presently I would say the ten footer is harder. When it came to writing my book, I just had to recall memories and put it down. Making a putt is crafting something out of nothing! Writing on facts and things that have happened in my life was easy!
LTPI-What are you currently listening to?
CK-I have not been listening to a ton of music lately. I have been more interested in podcasts! Not Too Deep by Grace Helbig, Popcorn with Jack Ferry and Mitchell Davis, and Feast Your Ears by SORTED
LTPI-Top 3 Albums of all time
CK-This answer is based on the caveat that these are the three most impactful albums to me in different points in my life.
Incubus-Morning View
Shinedown-Sound of Madness
KORN-Follow the Leader
LTPI-Can golf still be fun for tour pros?
CK-Golf had better be fun for tour pros! How can one NOT love the challenges the game presents you with, and you get paid to play and further the game!!!
LTPI-Advice for junior golfers?
CK-Before anything else, enjoy the ride. Secondly, learn to hit all nine shots (high, mid, low trajectory, right, straight, left finishing shots) with every club. Putt more. And find a go-to shot.
LTPI-Biggest topic of conversation on course between players? Do you mind if people try to talk to you between shots?
CK-Topics change from day to day, and depends on the players involved in convos. I talk about everything from boys to makeup to food to travel to clothes to music to news all in a day!
And by all means, I’m happy to talk to anyone. I personally don’t like people shouting at me just so I give them attention, nor do I appreciate when people interrupt or try to insert themselves into conversations I’m having with someone else, but I feel that way regardless of the setting. I myself try to avoid barging into conversations in real life unless invited; it’s just impolite!
LTPI-Do you like to chat on the golf course?
CK-I do enjoy having conversations on the golf course. I love to learn about people and myself. That being said, if I am paired with someone who prefers to stay to themselves, I will not force my conversation on them.
LTPI-How different are tour clubs from clubs bought in a shop from the same manufacturer?
CK-The biggest difference between tour clubs and stock clubs lie in the specs and shafts. On tour we have access to nearly every shaft manufacturer, and so have clubs created to our exact specifications.
LTPI-Are you a tinkerer?
CK-I am eternally inquisitive, so I am always trying to learn more about the game, the swing, the equipment. So yeah, I would say I am a tinkerer.
LTPI-How are your mini golf skills?
CK-I’m about a 28 handicapper when it comes to mini golf! Never played much of it growing up so I’m a bit of a noob at mini golf, ping pong and pool.
LTPI-What is your exercise routine like?
CK-I’m finally getting back into exercise after several seasons of injuries. I’m working on a lot of core, glute and back work, and getting back into running which is very exciting! Hurray for being injury free!
LTPI-One meal left, what is it?
CK-Tough choice. Steak has to be somewhere in there, preferably a Delmonico or tomahawk ribeye. But I would love a caprese salad being a part of it as well... with truffle parm fries, Brussels sprouts and mushrooms.
LTPI-Favorite dessert?
CK-Creme brûlée, without a question. Come at me if you don’t agree!
LTPI-Do yo have any pets?
CK-I do not. I grew up with fishes, bunnies and cats as a kid, but I really don’t think its fair for the animal for me to be its owner and travel as much as I do. Some people travel with their pets, but I prefer the idea of keeping the animal in its territory and to not have to deal with the stress of travel.
LTPI-One thing people don’t know about you that you wish they did?
CK-Good question..... I would think that one thing about me people don’t really know is that I really care about people and love connecting and relating to people. Human beings are amazing! They never cease to amaze me with their ingenuity and their brilliance! Oh and that I’m just a human being, just like you. Golf is what I do, and I love it more than nearly life itself, but we are all multi-faceted when it comes to interests, passions and desires.
As always, Christina shows why she is such a beloved touring pro. I would like to personally thank her for the time it took to answer all my questions. Catch her out every week on the LPGA Tour.
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If everyone was the same we would be bored out of our mind. The outliers make noise. Noise is something that Golf, up until the Tiger era was void of. Arnie was amazing, Trevino did it his way, Furyk's swing is said to look like an Octopus falling out of a tree, Bryson is Bryson and now Matthew Wolff is DIFFERENT. Being different, is as you can see, EPIC.
From the time he was a Junior Golfer everyone that Matthew Wolff went to for lessons wanted to change his swing. It can't be repeatable they said, it can't hold up to pressure they said, he'll outgrow it they told him. It is, it did and thankfully he didn't outgrow it. He grew into it, he perfected it and with the help of George Gankas he not only owned it, he thrust it down the throat of every PGA Tour player in Minnesota yesterday.
The boy whose swing was different is now the boy who conquered the PGA Tour. Notice the double use of the word "boy", Matthew just turned 20 this week. Everything Matt has done has been different.
Originally slated to attend USC, he withdrew his commitment to attend Oklahoma State University. He made the clinching putt to win the 2018 NCAA D1 Team Championship. He destroyed the NCAA world last year and won the 2019 NCAA Individual Title. Who else has won the NCAA Title and a PGA Tour event in the same season? Only the greatest putter ever Ben Crenshaw and the GOAT Tiger Woods (decent company).
Wolff battled another young gun, Morikawa and Theta-wave analyzer Bryson down the stretch. Bryson, another "different" golfer eagled 18 to go up by one. Wolff, unfazed, dropped a 25 foot eagle putt from off the green that was tracking all the way. In his mind, there was never any doubt.
He received texts the night before from assistant coaches who told him that winning at this level is no different than in college. He believed and trusted them like he has all along. He did what they said. He won. Wolff is different than most young tour pros. He has a group of people around him that just let him be him. They don't try to change him, they all work towards his greater good, within the parameters that he has set.
The noise Matthew Wolff has created is about to get louder and louder.
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]]>Willard Jeremiah Hurley III of Virginia might be the greatest current AMERICAN golfer.
Hurley is a 2004 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. You read that right...The USNA. While other tour pros were whining about drops or spitting in cups Billy was serving our great nation. He earned a bachelor's degree in Quantitative Economics and was named Academic All-American in golf
Grinding on the range or mini tours is the typical way most pros earn their way onto the PGA Tour. Billy was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in 2004, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and serving until 2009. After his graduation from the academy, he was assigned to the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser based in Florida, where he was a combat electronic division officer. Instead of heading down south to play the mini tour circuit or find some deep pocketed backers he went on to teach economics for two years at the Naval Academy. From 2007 to 2009, he served a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf aboard the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon.
Billy started his pro career in 2011 on the Nationwide tour (current Korn Tour) where he finished 18th of the year end money list to earn his PGA Tour Card. In 2012 Billy missed his tour card by a whopping $165. This seems like an injustice to someone who served their country and took a round a bout way to get to the tour.
None of that mattered to a guy who took an oath to serve our country. Perseverance and mental strength are bi-products of serving in any of the military academies. Billy's time came in 2016 where won the Quicken Loans National Tournament. All the more fitting was the fact that the tournament is held in our nations capital during 4th of July week. It was truly a special time for the PGA Tour and could not have happened to a more deserving American Tour Pro.
Billy is currently still playing on tour and creating his own charity golf tournament, Billy Hurley III and The Brave Golf Tournament, at the Naval Academy Golf Course in Annapolis. His tournament serves a few different entities in and around the Maryland area as well as money that goes to Naval scholarships. How can you not root for a Real American Hero who plays out on tour
Next time you're at an event and you see BHIII, give him a thanks a quick salute and realize that there is a lot more to some of the tour pro's out there than the PGA Tour media would have you believe.
Celebrate our nations independence with one of our REAL AMERICAN HERO's shirt. You might not be able to serve our country or play on tour but you can support the REAL AMERICAN HERO'S that do (Billy, if you read this, hit me up so we can get you a shirt...we are enormous fans of your lifetime support of our country).
Click on the link above to purchase the shirt.
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Today I took Golf nerddome to a new level. I mentioned I live in N.C for most of the summer months. I do this not to gloat but to give you the understanding that I live in a beach town, on a beach, that is very golfer friendly. Your mind probably just went to me hitting "bunker" shots with a wedge on a beach somewhere. You could not be further off. Today I brought my putter with me to the beach. My beach shall remain nameless to protect the innocent. My beach is smooth and handpicked like the San Diego shoreline (minus the people) and probably runs about a 9-10 on the stimpmeter. The beach is never that crowded and people are always playing different types of "beach games". Today, beach putting was added. An elderly couple asked me if I played golf. I told them yes. A few kids wanted to try their hand at putting...be my guest kids. Some strange looks were given by the tourists but the locals know where it's at. There are multiple courses in my area...hell, as I type this I'm overlooking the 10th hole of one of them. The dress code is laid back. Keep your bathing suit on, but nothing more than that is needed.
Beach putting allows you to stay in touch with the game in a setting that can't be beat. You need to judge the wind, the incoming tide and sometimes the wildlife that want to take your ball. Par is irrelevant and you can make the holes as long and as short as you wish. The rules are yours to decide. Of course, like with anything there are drawbacks. The sand gets everywhere and the salt will corrode everything. I don't expect to see that custom Bettinardi or the Scotty being brought out but an old beater works just fine.
Click on our Golf in the USA shirt above to wear your golf nerddome with pride. Golf can be played anywhere.
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]]>I recently returned from a Mid-west road trip where I played a lot of golf. I played 3 rounds at Big Cedar Lodge, a round at Raccoon Hills in OH and finally finished up with a round at a Donald Ross designed course, Asheville Municipal Golf Course. Everyday I was excited to play and I couldn't wait to get back out and play the next day. 5 rounds in 12 days is a pretty good clip for me nowadays. The last few days I was driving back down home to North Carolina. I didn't get to play golf at that same pace and something happened to me. I began jonesing for my fix. I was like an addict that had his most precious substance taken away from him. What began as a gentle want turned into a need.
I would drive past golf course signs and wish that I could pull off the road to hit one up, but then I'd look at my GPS and realize I had 3 more hours to drive. I would catch a glimpse of a green open area off the side of the road and like a mirage think instantly it was a golf course. Inevitably it would a farm or a swamp but in my mind it would be greener pastures.
I guess what all this is trying to say is that this game is more than just recreation for some us. Some us clamor for it. Some of us need it. The hardest part of my year is the Northeast Winter. Stuck inside for a minimum of four months straight with no golf in site. Putting tournaments in the living room do nothing to fight back the angst of not being able to play. The only good thing that comes from being locked up for so long inside is that first round back is nothing short of magical. It's like Spring and an atomic glitter bomb drop at the same time and magical rainbows made of golf flags descend from the heavens. It's pretty amazing.
So taking a break isn't bad. It makes the golf heart grow fonder, You gain an appreciation for all that you've done and for the dawning of a new golf day. I'll be out playing today again, because let's face it, I'm an addict. My fix will be satisfied for tonight whether I play great or not. If I play bad, well, there's always tomorrow. If I play great I won't be able to think about anything else but playing tomorrow. Welcome to the life of a golfer.
Let's be honest, whether you play every day or once in a while, we are all trying to break par. Grab our breaking par shirt and try to be a mad scientist jonesing for their fix out on the course.
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Golf has always been fun for me (save the years where my swing disappeared because of time commitments, raising children, work, etc, etc, etc). The swing is back, my kids now play Junior Golf and they don't mind traveling with me to play golf.
My oldest son and I are on a mid west road trip before he turns into a teenager (the trip will be detailed in later blogs once it's over and I can decompress). We recently spent 4 days at Big Cedar Lodge just outside of Branson, MO. You might not think of southern Missouri as a golf hotbed...please re-think that notion.
I HAVE NEVER HAD A MORE FUN ROUND OF GOLF...REPEAT...I HAVE NEVER HAD A MORE FUN ROUND OF GOLF then when my 12 year old son and I played Mountain Top Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge. Mountain Top is a 13 hole (you read that right...13 holes) par 3 course. This is not pitch and putt, this is big boy, hit a real golf shot, on top of the world par 3 golf course. Playing at just over 1100 yards (depending on pins) this course will have you hit every iron in your bag (maybe even more if some of the tees are back which can stretch holes to well over 200 yards). Your short game will be tested, your long game will be tested and yes, you're putting will be tested big time. Every hole is different, every hole is glorious. No, I did not play for free, I paid and I would gladly pay more than what they charge. $93 for my son and I to play. The course is walking only (something the Black Knight insisted on), has Zoysia grass fairways, pure greens and undulation that turns the course into a golfers playground. I could play every hole 5 times and hit different shots each time. There are so many options, sometimes too many, that you can drive yourself crazy over your tee shot. You can make birdies, you can make triples and you can make holes in ones.
My son and i had 3 legit looks at a hole in one, alas it was not meant to be. I did finish one over par. My undoing was the long 194yd 12th with a green that looks like it is perched on the edge of the world with a pin dangling in the either. Below the hole is the most spectacular view of Payne's Valley (Big Cedar Lodge and TW's new addition to the golf world...again more details on that later).
The service is other worldly but not overly aggressive. You are meant to feel like a guest but you are more importantly made to feel like you belong there. Big Cedar Lodge has found a niche with this course and it needs to have the brightest light in golf shown on it.
I got a chance to speak with everyone from the starter to the turf management crew. Everyone was more than generous with their time. The tee times are well spread apart and waiting is never a problem. We were the first ones off at 9:30 one morning and did not see anyone else until we were on 11 and we saw a group up the hill on 4.
I know I did a good job describing Mountain Top but you need to play it yourself in order to understand and appreciate how fun and majestic golf can be. If you are anywhere in the area do yourself a favor and make a tee time. I already have plans on going back next summer.
Go get our out of this world golf shirt which is the only appropriate shirt to wear after a round at Mountain Top Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge.
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]]>As beautiful as she may seem, Pebble can be a real B#%CH when it comes time to tee it up and count them all. The past winning scores at Pebble show a pretty even trend of what the USGA loves (keeping the winning score close to par).
72 open Jack +2
82 open Watson with chip in -6
92 open Tom Kite -3
2000 Tiger 15 shot victory -12(Let's be honest you cannot count this in the conversation...This might have been the greatest golf EVER played, no bogies, complete control and utter dominance from day 1 until the end. Consider this an outlier)
2010 Graeme Mcdowell E
Pebble is the USGA's St. Andrews. Every 10 years (usually, save for special events like the new millennium or a special birthday) the course shows out brilliantly and treats golf fans and non fans alike to breathtaking views, amazing golf and well deserving champions.
Click the shirt above to root for America and crying tour pros everywhere. The SwingJuice Major Tee is just what you need to get you ready for our National Championship.
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]]>The long standing turf war between the USGA and whomever plays in the U.S Open is starting to rear its ugly head again. Pebble Beach hosts this years U.S Open and if you listen to most tour pro's then you would think the USGA is ready to destroy their national open.
The rules makers-
The USGA has always prided itself on being the most laborious test of golf. Knee high rough, dehydration, the massacre at winged foot, Phil hitting a moving ball...you get the picture. The USGA prides itself on trying to keep the score at even par (made harder and harder with today's technology) and they do everything they can to hold fast to that principle. If the USGA can find something to make a course play harder and possibly unfair, they have tried it. Don't believe me? Just ask the guys that play it.
Enter the tour pros.
The multimillionaires who play a game that us Amateurs are not familiar with. Tour pro's are catered to from the time they enter the parking lot with their rental cars to the food they eat to the premium range balls. One would think that they are content and lead a pretty good life. The whining and complaining does not come out until you bring up the USGA. Rory McIlroy said. “We should give them the chance to redeem themselves. If they can't redeem themselves at Pebble Beach, then there could be a problem.” Really? I know a ton of tour pros who would gladly take your sport RORS. Phil Mickelson said “I've played, what, 29 U.S. Opens. One hundred percent of time they have messed it up if it doesn't rain." Nothing screams sore loser like a 6 time runner up. Instead of blaming his play he blames the course set up. I'm pretty sure every single golfer plays the same course. And not for nothing Phil, but the course set up had nothing to do with you hitting driver wide left on the last hole at Winged Foot into a garbage can.
The bottom line is the USGA is a thorn in the side of the ornery, prickly tour pro. My opinion? I think the USGA doesn't mind it. I think the tour pro's who complain have already lost. I think par is relative and unimportant. I also think mulligans should be given on first holes at will so what the hell do I know?
Click the shirts above to root for America and crying tour pros everywhere. The SwingJuice Americana Tee Box is just what you need to get you ready for our National Championship.
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Leave the Pin In-Can you talk about some of the best experiences you had while at the golf clubs?
Jimmie James-Great time talking with members at Old Sandwich and The Golf Club at Black Rock. Enjoyed talking with locker room staff at several clubs including Winged Foot and Somerset Hills and Merion. Lunch at Augusta National was special.
What course had the best 19th hole?
Ben's Porch at Sand Hills, Kinloch has an actual 19th hole that is a par three over water.
What course had the best pro shop?
Pebble Beach, large and lots of variety of merchandise.
What was the most expensive item you bought from a course?
A sweater for my wife at Augusta National and at Pebble Beach. For me I only purchased a cap and a ball mark. They averaged $30 and $12 each.
How many total balls did you lose over the course of the 100 courses?
Didn’t keep track but probably around 15 to 20 mostly in water.
Did you have any equipment issues over the course of the trip?
No.
In planning a trip like yours what was the biggest logistical nightmare?
Power outage at ATL the night before my flight to SFO to play Olmpic Club and Mayacama. Had to rearrange rounds.
What were a few of the amazing meals you ate at the courses?
Pimento Cheese sandwich at Augusta National, Burger Dog at Olypmic Club, Grilled Burger on Ben's Porch at Sand HIlls, Strawberry Shake at Muirfield Village, Castle Pines, and The Quarry at LaQuinta.
Did you meet anyone unexpected during the course of this trip?
Yes too numerous to put here but read my blogs on the Golf Club , Murifield village and Spring Hills (Jimmies blog can be found here…note, it is expansive and amazing https://www.jimmiestop100golfcoursetour.com/)
Do you like to listen to music while you play and if so what is it your listening to?
I do but only got to do it at Pikewood National and Golf Club at Blackrock
Outside of golf, what are some of your favorite hobbies?
Photography, chess, and travel
I know you have house on Kiawah. Do you ever go to the Mingo point BBQ and Oyster Roast?
Yes, my family has been several times. We love watching the sunset there.
Highest score/lowest score during the trip.
105 at Pikewood National
A course that is overrated and one that is underrated? (not sure if you want to answer this one)
Overrated - Pebble Beach, course is in poor condition and takes too long to play. Under rated - Somerset HIlls
Who did you meet that was a member of the most courses?
Jimmy Dunne
Did you walk every round?
Walked 90, used caddied on all but five
Do you have any plans for future massive undertakings such as this? 2nd 100 courses? Play every day for a year? etc...
NO, will play top 100 in the world over time and second 100 over time.
You just become the head of USGA/R&A. What are 3 changes you would make?
From 50 yards or further off the green the pin is a part of the hole. If you hit the pin it counts as a hole out. Rounds must be play in under 3 hours, 1 mulligan per round.
What’s if your bag?
Callaway Epic Driver, Razor Clubs SW-AW-PW-9-8-7-6-5, 3W, Nike LW, Callaway 3h, 5h, Odysey White Hot Putter
Coolest artifact you got to see during the trip?
Plague for Ben Honor 1 iron shot at Merion, Clubs donated my Masters Winners at Augusta National
At any point in time during the year did you think you wouldn't accomplish the goal?
NO!
Worst shot you've ever hit?
Too many to name
Best shot you've ever hit?
Pitching Wedge through small opening in trees from 123 away to 3 feet next to flag. made birdie.
Do you collect anything?
Hats, Ball Markers, Yardage Books, Scorecards
What is your exercise routine like?
I like to walk my rounds
One meal left, what is it?
Not big on food. Only eat because I would die if I didn't
Favorite dessert?
Cherry Cheese pie and Key Lime pie
Do you have any pets?
Family pet is a Portuguese water dog
How many rounds on average do you play a year? Is it a walking or riding facility? What is your opinion on golf carts compared to walking?
I average 80 rounds per year, I walk almost all of them. I prefer walking for the exercise, appreciating the course and maintaining my tempo during the round. Hate jumping in and out of carts. I think everyone is allowed to make the choice on carts or walking depending on their own preference.
What is your best round?
During my quest it was a 74 at Monterey Peninsula
Do you belong to a golf club or do you prefer to play random courses?
I belong to several clubs
Do you have a set of fully pimped out customized clubs and if so what's in the bag?
Not sure what pimped out means. My clubs are custom due to my height. I'm 6'4"
What is your greatest memory related to golf?
Playing the Old Course at St. Andrews with three locals and going to their club afterwards
Please take the time to read Jimmies Blog over at https://www.jimmiestop100golfcoursetour.com/ Bookmark this page and save it to read over time, you'll thank me for it.
Catch our podcast, Leave the Pin In on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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As I sit inside the pro shop of a typical non eventful Friday night I'd like to share some observations that occur routinely at Driving Ranges and Golf Courses all across the country.
"The I need to hit 3 buckets of balls before my tournament tomorrow guy"
This guy is fantastic because he hasn't played or touched his clubs in the last 500 days but he was invited to play in a scramble and A-Thinks he is going to be a help to his team and B-Thinks that somewhere in those 3 buckets of balls he will find the secret to golf.
"The I don't play golf much but can you look at my swing guy"
I'm not a fan of the chutzpah of this type of guy. He's got no shame in his game. I have been flat out asked to basically give a free lesson because I wasn't with a client. Usually this is a guy who needs an entire year of lessons but even if he did want to pay he wouldn't listen to what you had to say anyway.
"The do you buy used balls guy"
I cannot tell you the number of guys who come in and ask if we will give them money for their dirty, old, no dimpled garbage can of golf balls. The answer is usually no unless someone has a very large amount and they are in decent condition. My question to these guys is why have you been collecting them for so long to begin with and what did you plan on doing with them.
"The can I bring my own balls and hit them at your range guy"
This is actually asked pretty frequently. I always say yes, as long as they don't try to retrieve them from the field. Free balls for us.
Finally, my favorite.
"The try to blast the range picker guy"
This guy has no business trying to hit a low stinger that is going to pelt the range picker but that won't stop him from trying. I have seen guys hit entire buckets, machine gun like, towards our range picker. Then they have to come back in and buy more balls...it's a win, win. It is very rarely that someone actually accomplishes the task but the satisfaction when they do even makes me happy.
Maybe you're not a tin cup but go to the range and at least pretend you are with our local qualifier shirt. The U.S Open is coming up so why not support the greatest local qualifier of all time.
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The Avengers replace Snoopy and the Peanuts gang that the USGA has used over the past 30 years as vessels of information aimed at youth golfers. I for one am happy that the USGA has moved on to a media brand that is enjoying its moment in the limelight. Avengers Endgame experienced the largest domestic movie opening of all time last month when it was released. The Marvel movie and comic universe show no signs of slowing down so it makes sense to strike while the iron is hot. The comic will be out in June and available online before the U.S Open and at Pebble Beach there will be a special kids poster available during the youth clinics.
Scott and I discussed on our podcast, Leave the Pin In (available on iTunes and wherever you listen to podcasts) what current PGA Tour players would match up best with current comic book heroes.
Here is our list-
Captain America-Patrick Reed
Hulk-Brooks Koepka
Iron Man-Phil Mickelson
Wasp-Jane Park
Hawkeye-Tiger Woods
Black Panther-HV3
Thor-Pat Perez
If you have any suggestions let us know by leaving a comment below.
You might not be able to be a superhero but you can always consider yourself a local legend. Wear our Local Legend shirt to let people know how you really feel. Click the shirt to order.
Catch our podcast, Leave the Pin In on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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]]>The Nassau.
The Nassau originated at the Nassau Country Club of Glen Cove, Long Island. Nassau Country Club was a magnate for the super-rich during the prosperous times of the 19thcentury when men like Vanderbilt and Packard were making their fortunes. Private clubs would hold inter club matches in which the winners and losers as well as their scores were printed in the local papers. No golfer likes to see his or her name next to a losing score especially if they are roundly defeated by a large margin. The Nassau Captain, J B Coles Tappan, created a format to make it seem that a large defeat would not be presented as such. The Nassau was a gambling game where the front 9, back 9 and overall score were played as points. You get one point for winning the back, front and overall. So even if you were destroyed by 40 strokes the outcome would look like “Lost 3-0-0” in the mornings paper, therefore allowing rich titans of industry to save face.
Many private clubs exclusively play the Nassau as their gambling game. Growing up in Nassau county I was unaware that my hometown area was so influential in such a widely played game. To this day the Leave the Pin In podcast crew plays its own version of the Nassau called the “Three Dollar Throw Down”. Since we are not titans of industry we play for a dollar on the back, front and overall.
The classic Nassau is really three separate bets on three separate contests, which are played over the front nine, the back nine and the full 18 holes. The $2 or $5 Nassau is a standard, classic bet. With a $2 Nassau the most you would be able to lose would be $6 (not enough to make a big dent in most people’s wallet).
When playing a Nassau you can use match or stroke play, you can include handicaps or not. The way you play is completely up to you.
Pressing is when the Nassau becomes tricky and exciting. Pressing occurs when you know you have lost the first part of a bet and “Press” in order to recoup some money for a few holes. It works like this:
You’re down 15 strokes with 3 holes left on a $2 Nassau. You know you can’t win so you decide to press. You’ve accepted that you’ve lost the $2 but want to start a new bet on the last 3 holes. If you win those you’ll be back to even money but if you lose now you’ll lose another $2 and now owe $4. It is generally accepted that when you press you will do so for the same amount of the original bet, otherwise you may be labeled a hustler or a sandbagger.
Next time you’re playing, throw down the challenge for a Nassau with your friends. It doesn’t have to be for a lot of cash. Michael Jordan is famous for saying he’ll play you for any amount that makes you uncomfortable.
Rock this press shirt to let your opponent know that you may be down but you're never out of the game.
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Imagine holding the lead of a tournament from the time you made the turn to the back 9…on Thursday. Imagine sleeping with the stress of holding a lead for three straight nights. Imagine the thoughts that would drift into your mind about wayward tee shots and four foot missed putts. The spotlight interviews would be bright enough to blind any competitor without the proper tunnel vision.
Consider this, the PGA tour sanctions 46 full field events each year, 4 of them being Major Championships. Over the last 10 years that amounts to 460 events, each with approximately 130 players. 59,800 opportunities to lead and win wire to wire. 21 total PGA tour players have won wire to wire over the last decade. 4 of those 21 total wire to wire winners have done so in a Major:
McIlroy ’11 U.S Open
Kaymer ’14 U.S Open
McIlroy ’14 Open Championship
Spieth ’15 Masters
All those numbers changed when Brooks Koepka went wire to wire to win the 2019 PGA Champhionship at Bethpage Black.
We now have 5 men on the greatest golf tour in the world who have led a Major tournament for four straight days. You might have better odds winning the lotto. There is a .0083% chance of this occurring. Ror’s has done it twice so maybe it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise when Brooks held on yesterday to win. In this day and age of social media and 24/7 news cycle coverage it is impossible to not know your position in a tournament, and to not know what media analysts (ahem Brandel Chamblee) would be saying about you. Brooks, in the cauldron of the Black Course, rampant with hollering New Yawkers, withstood the fire and the pressure of his Bash Brother D.J and came through unscathed, tunnel vision in tact.
A lot of people over the weekend told me they wouldn’t be watching the weekend because it would be a runaway. I told them to sit down and not worry about any drama that may or may not unfold. I told them to sit and watch the coronation of a king. For those that did tune in, Sunday, for a few holes (12-17 at least) provided more drama then the rest of the tournament. The fatigue of the week and the wire to wire lead seemed to catch up to Brooks until Bethpage showed its teeth and chewed up DJ, his nearest contender. A 3 putt bogey on 17 did little to quell the rising of emotion that would ensue with Brooks’ par and clinching putt on 18.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, except when it’s on the shoulders of a man set to carry the golf world on his back.
Is there any shirt more ready made for the King of the PGA Tour?
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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]]>The end of the major season was tight, confined and had a feeling that if someone was playing well they could run away with all three end of the year majors in a row. Depending on who won the Masters (looking at you P. Reed) it could seem like it was played in a different calendar year.
This year is different. Golfs Four Families (the Masters, the PGA of America, the USGA and the R&A) have decided to get the most eyeballs on their tourneys and make the most money they can. So instead of fighting it out with football season, the Open Championship will be the last major on the Rota….a sort of Glory’s last shot I guess (sorry PGA).
The 2019 and beyond schedule looks like this (2019 courses in parenthesis)
The Masters-April (Augusta National Golf Club)
The PGA Championship-May (Bethpage Black, Bethpage NY)
The U.S Open-June (Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey CA)
The Open Championship-July (Royal Portrush, Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland)
I for one am fully on board. I understand the time frame from the Masters to the PGA is tight but I adore the fact that the Open Championship (full disclosure…my FAVORITE!) is the final major of the year and will sit on a pedestal of as the last “important” tournament of the year.
Tiger’s recent win at the Masters was the perfect scenario for this new alignment. Imagine after Tiger’s win, having to wait almost two full months until he was to compete at the U.S Open. Now you get him at the PGA a month later. The four families were wise as well to have the PGA go to Bethpage Black for the first time ever, a course so loved that even if Rory Sabbatini were to win, people would be happy.
Say what you will about the new era in golf majors. In a few years this will all seem commonplace and we will look back and say “why wasn’t this done a long time ago”. As for now, sit back, relax and digest a major a month at some of the greatest venues the world has to offer
Show your support of the Majors by clicking on our Major shirt above. You might not be able to play in one but at least you can look good.
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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]]>“WARNING,” “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
If you have been to the Black Course on New York’s Long Island you have probably taken a picture with the Black Sign. The Black Sign falls into the same category as Augusta’s Founders Circle, The Swilcan Bridge and the Par 3 7thhole at Pebble Beach. You need to take a picture with it to prove you were there.
The greatest photographer at Bethpage might be the starter on the black course as almost every group that passes through will undoubtedly ask for him or her to take a pic of them with the sign. If you grew up on LI you knew of the sign long before the world found out in 2002. My buddy Scott recounts a tale of when he was 10 years old. He asked his Grandfather what was out there past the sign and why the sign needed to be so scary and why in fact the course needed a sign. His Grandfather told him “Because it does”. That is all he needed to say and that is all Scott needed to hear. The course and the sign live in a strange realm of truth mixed with folklore.
The sign proved truthful when the best players in the world, save for the G.O.A.T himself were unable to break par in the 2002 U.S Open. A star was born and that star was a 2’x3’ sign. Talk to the pro’s who play hundreds of courses and to a man they will tell you that they have never seen a warning sign for a golf course. It’s quirky, it’s cute and it’s honest. The sign has also turned into quite a marketing genius. Go the pro shop this week at Bethpage and find replica signs, shirts/hats/belts with the sign on it. Hell, even footjoy created a pair of murdered out black golf shoes with the sign on the back (unfortunately for a sneaker head like me, I missed out).
The sign has seemingly sprung up from nowhere or somewhere. Nobody knows the origin and no one can pinpoint the exact time it appeared. Historians contradict one another as to its origin. Was it from Tillinghast? Was it from the parks director? The superintendant? The greens keepers? The mystery remains. The current director of the park acknowledges she doesn’t even know its origin.
The mystery that shrouds just what’s beyond the sign has been cleared up a bit in recent times due to the never ending news cycle of the internet and social media. Regardless of its toughness and if you truly need to be warned, the Sign is a great addition to the golfing world. So the next time you’re near it, ask the starter for a picture. Just don’t be surprised if he rolls his eyes for the 100thtime that day.
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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]]>There are many ways to describe the Black Course, found in Bethpage on New York’s Long Island. Bethpage State Park and the world-renowned Black Course have hosted the United States Open in 2002 and 2009 and the Barclays in 2012 and 2016. This week, the Black Beast takes center stage again as the 2019 PGA Championship converges on the holiest of Public Golf Courses.
Frist a little course history before I get into my personal history. The Bethpage State Park was developed from an estate owned by the Yoakum family. The Yoakum family leased the property out to the Lennox Hills corporation who created Lennox Hills Golf Course.
Sometime in the 1930’s, the Bethpage Park Authority purchased the Lenox Hills Country Club and created what Long Islanders now know as Bethpage State Park. A.W. Tillinghast created the Black, Blue and Red courses at the park. For those who live out there or have played the Red course, they know how vastly underrated the Red is. Tillinghast modified the Lenox Hills Course which he turned into the Green Course. Due to the increased demand for golf and population boom of the island following WW2 the Yellow Course designed by Alfred Tull was opened in 1958. Approximately 300,000 rounds are played annually on the five courses at Bethpage.
Nassau County residents know Bethpage State Park simply as Bethpage. I grew up there. I went to picnics there, I would sleigh ride the hills of the Black Course as child and play its fairways as a teenager. Growing up in the area you take things for granted. When people find out I grew up on Long Island they inevitably ask if I know Bethpage. I always tell them the same thing “Of course, my Aunt and Uncle live there”. Nothing ever seemed special about the place until 1996 when the USGA decided to award the 2002 U.S open to the Black Course. Suddenly things changed. The Black went from being an amazing secret to the Peoples Country Club. The bakery ticket lines (Line of cars that people slept in overnight to get a “bakery” ticket ((now a wristband)) in order to reserve a tee time) got longer. The clubhouse was refurbished to its rightful glory. The media descended, the course was revamped and instantly everyone in the golf community knew of our secret.
This week the gallery will cheer for Phil and Tiger, heckle anyone that takes too long to play or is named Patrick Reed and probably imbibe in too much drinking. The course will play long and wet in May. The gallery roping for the fans is not the greatest and you will walk your butt off trying to follow a group through all 18 holes. New Yawkers will scream about the shot they hit better than the pros on number 3. The pros and the fans will walk side by side as they pass under Round Swamp Road to get to the other side of the course. The heckling will be nauseating at times and hilarious at others. For one week, the world will see what we have known for years.
Getting to see the Black on T.V and get its shine is bittersweet. She was our diamond in the rough. She was the girl you know had the beauty but didn’t need to show it. Then that girl got a television contract and was glammed up and put on national T.V during primetime and everyone else fell in love with her too. Underneath it all you knew she still loved you but she was too busy being a media darling to let you back into her life. Time passed and you held the memories fondly but it was never the same again. That’s the great thing about your memories…they’re yours.
I played the black course as one of the last few people before the course changes took place. I haven’t been back to play since the changes have grown in. I was at the ‘02 and ‘09 U.S opens as a spectator and I found the old girl different than I remembered. She was dolled up like she was going to Oscars. I remembered her as the cute girl next door. I remember the Black fondly in my head of how it was in years past, before the media stardom, the hype and the hyperbole. I remember where the “Warning” sign was before they had to move it due to the amount of people wanting to take pictures of it. I remember being asked by the starter the first time I played if I knew what course I was playing. I remember lying to him through my teeth about my handicap and I remember somehow striping one down the middle of the fairway despite my nerves and gathering gallery watching a small teenage boy tee off on the manliest of courses east of the Mississippi. I remember sleigh riding down the first fairway and getting hot chocolate in the pro shop later in the day. To me, regardless of the U.S Opens, the PGA’s, hell, even the future 2020 Ryder Cup, the Black will always be my playground.
When the PGA Tour leaves and the masses depart, NY residents are left with their beast. 6700 yards of punishment from the middle tees. I hope everyone that gets to play this beauty knows of the history behind it and the personal connection it creates between its residents and its fairways. If you’re going to be there this week for PGA do me a favor. Find a quiet spot somewhere off to the side and see if you can hear the laughter of kids playing and the nervous chatter of guys on the first tee before they embark on her fairways. See if you can picture the roughness she used to possess before the fame. Take a minute and look around and see if you can see my Bethpage.
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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]]>It is no surprise that tour pros routinely get good breaks when they hit balls into the gallery. How many shots have the enormous galleries that follow Tiger around saved him over the course of his career? Tour players are playing their shots in bowling alley thin slivers of fairways but they have the crowds to save them. A quick signed glove or ball for the spectator they hit, a shot saved, a couple grand more in the bank and pro's are on their way.
Tyler's wife was ok, She had actually been hit before by a stray ball that came from a driving range at a tour event. With odds like that she better start playing the lotto.
I have been hit with a ball once and lived to tell the tale. When I was coaching high school golf I was out playing with my number one golfer. I was about 30 yards ahead of him up a hill to the left. An enormous oak tree was in front of me and the green loomed about 150 yards in the distance. He lined up, pulled his approach shot into the tree, the ball flew off and struck me right in the ankle. I thought it was broken. My ankle would swell up to look like Manny Pacquiao's eye after a fight. Golf balls hurt. There's no joke to being hit by a ball unless you tattoo your buddy with one after he routinely takes a minute to hit his ball after countless Sergio-esque waggles.
Another time, while playing a 2 man scramble, my buddy and I were sitting in our cart in a fairway adjacent to the long drive hole. After no warning, no call of fore, a ball smashed through our windshield and literally landed in between the two of us in the cart. My buddy said "That guy lost out on a ton of roll".
Always keep your head on a swivel when you're out on the course, especially if you're related to Tyler Duncan.
Stay safe out there SwingJuicers.
Be a pro and hit some fans with golf balls!
Check out my podcast Leave the Pin In on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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]]>And like with Life & Golf & Tacos it's always better with friends, So Please Share...
Get the Golf & Taco's gear:
(Animation by @Matthew.Ink Music by scottholmesmusic.com)
]]>Iced Tea portion:
3-4 black tea bags,
4 c. water, divided
Lemonade portion:
3/4 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. sugar
3 1/4 c. cold water
Directions:You can't be the king and you certainly can't lead your own army, BUT...You can drink the drink and wear the Awesome Golf t-shirt. Raise up your glass and let's toast to The GOAT
Drop a comment below on your favorite post round drink or 19th hole. Hit us up on twitter or Instagram at @swingjuice
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