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Golf in 2024, eh? It’s fair to say it was another truly unforgettable year – for good and bad – in the professional game.
From major champions spending time in jail to the President-elect making peace proposals, the last 12 months didn’t disappoint.
So, before a new season gets underway, we’ve rounded up some of the best moments and brought you the best golf quotes of 2024.
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What a waste
Zach Johnson had a torrid time at an ugly Waste Management Phoenix Open, and he told local reporter Theo Mackie that he might not return.
“Because I just played 54 holes in two days, and I’m beat. And extremely — I’m done. I’m done with it. I’m done with everything.”
Family affair
Robert MacIntyre and dad Dougie teamed up to win the RBC Canadian Open and kickstart a special season for the Scot.
“I don’t think I’m looking for a caddie. I think Glencruitten’s looking for a greenkeeper.”
Wake-up call
Scottie Scheffler was so good in 2024 that he prepared for a major championship from a prison cell.
“I can’t really explain what happened this morning. I did spend some time stretching in a jail cell. That was a first for me.”
Pain-hurst
The 2024 US Open defeat was a particularly sore one for Rory McIlroy and, after disappearing from Pinehurst, he explained how difficult the final round was.
“Yesterday (Sunday) was a tough day. Probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.”
The distance debate
For all the talk of the golf ball being rolled back, Shane Lowry wanted some help at The Open in tough conditions.
“It was hard. Playing par threes hitting drivers is not much craic. Roll the ball back?”
‘Incalculatable’
Bryson DeChambeau even created his own words in 2024, seemingly trying to correct a reporter at The Open.
“There are a lot of things that maybe are incalculable,” the reporter said. “Incalculatable,” Bryson replied. “I’m going to go figure it out, it’s something equipment related.”
Caddy-sack
Tyrrell Hatton didn’t need a caddie for the 11th hole on day two of The Open. He hit such a bad tee shot that he carried his own bag.
“After that tee shot on 11, this is what I deserve,” he told on-course reporter Curt Byrum.
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Choke of the Year
Brandel Chamblee gave Jon Rahm the award nobody wants, for failing to win gold at the Olympics.
“I’m gonna put that down as one of the biggest chokes of the year. Probably right up there with Rory McIlroy coming down the stretch at the US Open.”
Smoke show
Charley Hull, who went viral in 2024, was concerned that a smoking ban could scupper her chances at the Olympic Games.
“It’s a habit but I won’t do it this week. I don’t think you’re allowed. Yeah, I think it will because it relaxes me a little bit. But it is what it is.”
Form is temporary
Those were the words of Leona Maguire who didn’t like being benched three times by Suzanne Pettersen at the Solheim Cup.
“The feeling I got was that I was a little bit too short and didn’t make enough birdies, but I think I proved today there’s more than one way to skin a cat.”
Bush league
Remember the whole Presidents Cup feud? Yeah, Kevin Kisner didn’t like Tom Kim’s part.
“I thought it was pretty bush league, and I told Camilo that if that’s the way they want to do it, then game on. If you can p**s off my No. 1 player in the world, then I’m all for it.”
Party animal
Kisner, again. This time he was celebrating the US Presidents Cup win in unique style.
“I can’t wait to get back to that team room and run around naked for the rest of the night,” Kisner told NBC. “Go, Team USA.”
Trump’s peace proposal
Immediately after being elected President of the United States, Donald Trump said he could strike a peace deal in golf.
“Yeah, I could certainly help, but I could probably get it done. I would say it would take me the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done.”
The Kim-back
Anthony Kim made a shock comeback to pro golf in 2024 and despite a tough year, is very confident he can ‘contend’ in 2025.
“I know a lot of people have probably seen my last year and don’t think that’s possible, but I think it’s going to happen,” he told Gulf News. “It’s just a matter of time.”
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