Go Low - Collin Morikawa OUTLASTS Scottie Scheffler & Rory McIlroy to win Pebble Beach Pro-AM

Quick heads up before we tee off. The golf pod now lives on its own feed and YouTube channel, and we’ll run mailbag questions through the @golopod Instagram. I’m technically on vacation at home with a newborn, but too much happened to sit this one out, so let’s talk Anthony Kim, Rory, Scottie, Tiger, and a few Riv picks.

Why did Anthony Kim’s win feel so big? Tiger addressed it this morning and nailed the moment. I watched it late at night with the baby awake, and it was electric. He was paired with Bryson and Rahm at LIV’s marquee stop, shot nine under, and beat them by double digits off a five-shot deficit. Beyond the scorecard, it was the emotion—fist pumps, putts dropping, a genuine surge from a guy who’s been open about addiction and almost losing it all. He calls himself a momentum player, and you could feel the wave hit. LIV has lacked an on-course moment that moved fans; this one did. Bryson trying to rush the scorecard right after the win showed a lack of feel. If the tours reconcile, Kim in a big PGA Tour field would be must-watch. Even if he prefers the lower profile on LIV, he’s instantly relevant again.

What makes Scottie Scheffler different? The competitive stubbornness. It’s the same trait Tiger showed when he made a 10 at Augusta and then birdied a bunch coming home. Scottie can look out of it on Thursday and still fire 64 or 63 on Sunday. He’s left a handful of wins out there by a shot or two, and he could easily have many more, but he never dwells—he just keeps coming. Rory’s a momentum guy too, and I want a true head-to-head with Scottie in a final pairing this season. Scottie’s drive isn’t about money or status, which is why I set his over-under around four to five wins. Rory looks primed for a big year as well.

Who else is popping early? Chris Gotterup looks like a major piece for Team USA after wins at Sony and Waste and that big-ball, low-cut profile that travels. Collin Morikawa found something midweek at Pebble, dropped a 10 under on Saturday, closed strong, and then announced a baby on the way. Justin Rose winning at Torrey was a reminder that the true grinders—guys who fell in love with golf before jets and equity—are still out here putting in the work.

Where does Tiger fit in now? Put him in front of a mic and he gives the Tour a steady, confident voice that sponsors and fans trust. Honestly, his presence the last few years might have kept more players from bolting and helped steady the whole enterprise. On the family side, Charlie committing to Florida State makes perfect sense for a Jupiter-based family. That program will have unmatched access, and with NIL money in college golf getting real, top juniors like Miles Russell can take their time and still do very well.

How am I playing Riviera this week? I’m fine eating short odds on Scottie to win because he’s almost always in it by Sunday. I like Rory for a top ten given form and how long and soft Riv could play, and Hideki for a top ten after that late charge in Phoenix. As a longer swing, Sam Burns at roughly thirty to one is worth a dabble. That’s the card. Enjoy the week, stay well, and let’s watch some great golf.