The downside of social media rears its ugly head in Matt Kuchar's direction, new golf shoes that you might need to mow catch the internet's attention, and Zac Efron gives Tiger Woods a run for his money.
All that and more in this week's edition of The Social.
A Twitter controversy, in which former Tour pro Tom Gillis accused Matt Kuchar of paying his fill-in, local caddie only $3,000 after winning the Mayakoba Golf Classic in November, nearly overshadowed Kuchar's latest triumph.
If Kuchar wins this weekend let's hope he pays his man more than 3k like the last win. 45 mil in earnings. Could've changed the mans life. đ
— Tom Gillis (@tcgillis) January 12, 2019
With Kuchar picking up a $1.296 million check for the Mexico victory â and regular caddies normally collecting 10 percent of a win â you could understand why this might not be a great look for a guy considered one of the nicest on Tour.
So obviously Twitter warriors did the responsible thing and waited to ask Kuchar about it before rushing to judgement absolutely torched the guy.
Both people in the sport and those who watch from their couch, cursed him up and down their computer screens before Kuchar had the chance to get out an âaw shucks!â
Goodness gracious !! If so then someone is going to have to hire a Damage Control Team because this will get ugly. I still donât think itâs true but if it is it needs to get real ugly. https://t.co/wPtpv92EIE
— Kip Henley PGA loopr (@KipHenley) January 12, 2019
A lot of tour caddies were keen to see what Kuch paid his local loop, El Tucan, in Mexico after he won. I guess those suspicions about him being stingy AF were confirmed. *Extra* shitty move. Period. https://t.co/CXt80k3csL
— Tron Carter (@TronCarterNLU) January 12, 2019
lost all respect for #matt kuchar after hearing that he only paid his caddie $3k for win in Mexico...gross.
— scott (@woody11733) January 14, 2019
Kuchar wins and gives his caddie a Chiliâs gift card @NoLayingUp
— Blake McPherson (@BlakeIsLegend) January 14, 2019
When given the chance to share his version, Kuchar said, âThatâs not a story. Itâs wasnât 10 percent. It wasnât $3,000. Itâs not a story."
But whether you believe Gillis or Kuchar or something in the middle, it is really inconsequential.
The real lesson to learn in this hot-take-factory-of-a-world that social media has created is this: Don't ever get on the wrong side of an angry Twitter mob. Don't even think about it.
Just live your life perfectly for the rest of your time here on Earth and you should be just fine.
If social media can turn Matt Freakin' Kuchar into the bad guy, we're all doomed.
Nike has released some wild shoes throughout the years, but even by their standards, their rumored new golf shoe design is, um, different.
But if youâve ever been on the course and thought youâd like your kicks to blend in better with the ground youâre standing on ⌠well, then these are right up your alley.
According to several popular sneakerhead websites and social media accounts, Nike is set to roll out a new version of its Air Max 1 Golf shoes called âGrass,â because, well, isn't it obvious:
Nike Air Max 1 Golf âGrassâ official images đł pic.twitter.com/txRXkApZl8
— J23 iPhone App (@J23app) January 12, 2019
The shoes, which will reportedly be available in February for a retail price of $140, certainly got people talking, including our resident fashion expert, Happy Gilmore.
Take it away, Happy:
One of the funniest moments of the week came in the AFC divisional playoff game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs, when a "Key & Peele" sketch came to life before our eyes thanks to Colts defensive tackle Denico Autry.
After sacking Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Autry drew a penalty after celebrating with a rather suggestive dance in front of the official:
When your team is losing by 1,000 you resort to taunting the refs pic.twitter.com/RqlymqtrOb
— 12upSports (@12upSports) January 12, 2019
Apparently, Autry didn't learn his lesson from the legendary Hingle McCringleberry â the rookie out of Penn State.
They say honesty is the best policy. âTheyâ must not be married.
Henrik Stenson put that theory to the test during his pre-tournament news conference at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship this week. When asked to choose between his wife and his 3-wood, Stenson jokingly (we hope) answered: âThatâs a very easy question, it would be the 3-wood.â
The 42-year-old followed it up with a smirk, saying he was âsafe for nowâ because his wife was back in the U.S., presumably asleep with the time difference:
Don't worry Henrik, we won't tell you wife.... pic.twitter.com/5rzCWHBVqD
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 14, 2019
We're guessing Mrs. Stenson is used to her husband's unique sense of humor after being married to the man for more than a decade; but in case this one gets under her skin, just remember, it could be worse:
With all due respect to Tiger Woods' dominant 2000 season, the hottest thing in golf history happened on Zac Efron's Instagram page over the weekend.
The 31-year-old actor shared a glimpse of his vacation in Mexico with his followers, and apparently, he likes to golf, and workouts. And not necessarily in that order.
The former "High School Musical" star got in some shirtless golf with some friends on Saturday, which would be unusual for anyone who doesn't look like that. Much like Greg Norman, there's a strong possibility that Efron doesn't even own a shirt.
If, after watching that, you feel the need for more Efron in your life, he will play (a super-jacked version) of the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy in the upcoming film "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile."
A nice comment on the internet? Didn't know those were allowed. Thanks, Lisa!
