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Season Preview: Los Angeles Golf Club

by

Kyle Porter

January 01, 2025
NewsLos Angeles Golf Club

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Kyle Porter continues his season preview for TGL presented by SoFi with a closer look at LAGC.

If the four golfers on Los Angeles Golf Club were playing together in twosomes at the final round of a major championship, nobody would be surprised. Also, those would be what we like to call flush-flush pairings.

What is flush-flush? Well, it’s a phrase I first saw from The Bay Golf Club’s Min Woo Lee, meaning the golf ball found the center of the center of the center of the club face.

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Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa finds the center more often than most. He has Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood alongside him, as well as former Pepperdine star – and one-man electric factory – Sahith Theegala.

Collin Morikawa

Morikawa in an environment like SoFi Center is going to be a nightmare to play against. Boston Common Golf’s Rory McIlroy once wondered how, with the move Morikawa has at the ball, he ever misses a shot. The reality of his career and his numbers? He doesn’t miss very often.

Role on the team: Morikawa brings arguably the best iron game in the entire sport and a peerless accuracy that should shine on some of the hole setups. Specifically, I’m thinking about Quick Draw that requires both tremendous accuracy off the tee and also with the second shot to take advantage of the unique layout.

One thing that excites me: Morikawa is a fun personality but often quiet and reserved during his rounds on the PGA TOUR. The team aspect of TGL presented by SoFi should provide him an opportunity to let loose a bit and be the star that he is.

One stat to remember: 7 – That’s how many top-five finishes Morikawa had in 2024, tied for the most he’s ever had in a year as a pro. He's been operating at a high level.

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Justin Rose

Rose has had one of the great careers of the last 20 years. That he is still making Ryder Cup teams (like he did in 2023) and contending for majors (like he did in 2024) is impressive at the age of 44. And while he’s not quite the long hitter he used to be, he makes up for all of that and more with his experience and guile, and he should provide those same qualities to LAGC.

Role on the team: Rose can often be good with the quips and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood has a quick wit, too. Those two should be entertaining together, and Rose is versatile enough that he could be the joker of this group. He also will be a good veteran strategic presence.

One thing that excites me: The Rose-Fleetwood Ryder Cup bond will be interesting. They have been in those rooms and on those teams together often over the last decade. And while they have never paired together in that particular event, they will certainly bring a unique dynamic into this one.

One stat to remember: 21 – That’s how many years in a row Rose has had a positive strokes gained number, according to Data Golf. It could be more, of course, but detailed strokes gained numbers do not extend beyond 2004. Twenty-one years in a row is completely insane.

Tommy Fleetwood

I cannot wait to watch Fleetwood’s low, piercing ball flight within the confines of SoFi Center and when contrasted against the massive screen. He is such a complete all-around player whose arsenal includes an underrated around-the-green game.

Role on the team: Fleetwood could be the team chameleon. What I mean by that is he could be placed in any role in the alternate shot format and find success. He has been positive strokes gained in every category in each of the last six years, according to Data Golf. That’s incredibly unusual and the main reason he’s such an asset.

One thing that excites me: Fleetwood is fun to watch no matter the format, but match play does seem to bring out the best in him. He’s also a tremendous mover of the golf ball, meaning he can flight it and cut it and bend it in numerous different directions. He’ll get a chance to show that off in SoFi Center.

One stat to remember: 8 – That’s how many points (out of 10) Fleetwood has won in his three Ryder Cups. A match play maestro.

Sahith Theegala

He’s young, handsome, crushes the ball and has outstanding upside. I can’t wait to see Theegala in this environment.

Role on the team: Theegala is a big personality and seems to become the soul of any team he’s a part of, and I suspect that will not be different with LAGC. He will likely be a terrific talker and someone constantly strategizing, coaching and pouring out his emotions.

One thing that excites me: Theegala’s short game, like Fleetwood’s, has a tendency to be a little magical. He has amazing hands, and I think we’ll see some special shots from both guys in the GreenZone at SoFi Center.

One stat to remember: 6 – That’s where Theegala ranked on the PGA TOUR last year in terms of going for the green. He’s not one to lay back or lay up, which should make for tremendous viewing. Some of the TGL holes are perfect for the 'Go Big Or Go Home' mentality.

Why you should root for them

This is one of the most jubilant teams in the league and full of personality. Guys with huge smiles, ready to flash at any moment. On the roster, they have star power and the World No. 4 in Morikawa, big upside in Theegala, and proven team golf performance in Rose and Fleetwood. There’s a chance this will be the most likable team in the league.

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