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Sports Then and Now



PGA Championship History is Full of One Hit Wonders 0

Posted on August 03, 2020 by Dean Hybl

Like the musical group that had one big hit then faded off into the world of elevator music and reunion tours, the PGA Championship has more than its share of champions whose greatest moment under the professional golf sun came at what was for many years the final major of the season.

Jason Dufner is one of 33 golfers whose lone major title came at the PGA Championship.

Names like Jim Turnesa, Chandler Harper, John Mahaffey, Wayne Grady, Jeff Sluman, Shaun Micheel, Jason Dufner and Rich Beem grace the victory roster at the PGA Championships while golf greats including Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Hale Irwin and Seve Ballesteros never claimed the crown.

Of the four major championships, the PGA Championship has by far been the kindest to players looking for their first (and in many cases only) major championship.

Since World War II, 44 golfers have claimed their first major title at the PGA Championship. This compares to 38 for the U.S. Open, 31 for the British Open and 31 for the Masters.

The PGA Championship is also home to the greatest number of golf’s “one hit wonders” as 33 of the first-time winners of the tournament failed to claim another major title. In comparison, 24 winners of the U.S. Open, 22 of the British Open and 19 of the Masters failed to win another major.

It is hard to pin-point one specific reason for why so many golfers have won their only major at the PGA Championship, but there is no question that it has been the toughest tournament for great players to win multiple times.

Known for many years as “Glory’s last shot” because it was always the final major of the year, the PGA Championship moved to second in the order of majors in 2019. However, because of COVID-19, this year it will be the first major of the season.

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British Open 2019 — Preview, Odds, and Predictions 0

Posted on July 17, 2019 by John Harris

The Open Championship is an annual golf tournament, the oldest of the four major golf tournaments in professional golf, and the only major one that takes place outside the US. This year’s edition of the British Open is set to begin on July 18. 

It’s been 68 years since the British Open was held at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, and the challenging track should put 156 top-ranked players to test. World #1 Brooks Koepka has won four major championships since the start of the 2017 season, including a win at the PGA Championship. Accordingly, he is the top favorite to win the tournament at 8.00 (888Sport), while the course record-holder Rory Mcllroy is trailing at 9.00. Last year’s winner Francesco Molinari is listed at 21.00, and the three-time British Open champion Tiger Woods is capped at 13.00.

Brooks Koepka has finished in the top 2 in five of the last six Majors. The only exception was the 2018 British Open when he finished tied for 39th.

The Open Championship is the final PGA major of the year and will feature an extremely talented field that includes former champions like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Hendrik Stenson, Zach Johnson, and Darren Clarke.

There will be plenty of action during the tournament, as well as a lot of opportunities for you to bet and make some serious cash. If you’re having trouble finding a reputable golf betting site and golf betting odds, visiting ttps://www.onlinesportbetting.ca/golf-predictions-betting-odds/ might give you the answers you were looking for. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at our expert tips and predictions for the 2019 British Open Championship.

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  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Dale Murphy: A Hallmark of Excellence
      July 2, 2024 | 1:53 pm
      Dale Murphy

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month was a standout player of the 1980s, remembered not only for his exceptional skills on the field but also for his exemplary character and sportsmanship.

      Born on March 12, 1956, in Portland, Oregon, Dale Murphy’s journey to becoming one of the most respected players in baseball history is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for the game.

      Early Career and Rise to Prominence

      Murphy was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 1974 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut on September 13, 1976, at the age of 20. Initially a catcher, Murphy transitioned to the outfield early in his career, where he would solidify his place as one of the premier outfielders of his era.

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