• Golf Digest’s Dave Shedloski with with some notable remarks from CBS Sports president Sean McManus…”McManus predicted higher ratings with the prime-time slot, though golf in general has enjoyed strong ratings since it returned in mid-June. CBS has broadcast each of the first eight weeks leading into the PGA, part of a marathon 11-week run for the network.”

• “I think more people are obviously watching television in the evening than they are during the day,” he said. “And I think it’s going to be a really good showcase for the PGA Championship. Prime-time golf is very rare as you know.”

• “I think this will be terrific from ratings standpoint and a branding standpoint and a positioning standpoint for the PGA of America,” he added.”

• …”Regardless, ad sales for the network have been strong, and McManus was proud to point out that only a few units remain unsold, and, more importantly for viewers, 50 percent of the national inventory is of the “two-box” variety, also known as the “Eye On The Course” feature that keeps half the screen on the action.”

• “Host Jim Nantz estimated that the result is an extra 35-40 shots aired per hour.”

• “I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that,” said PGA chief championships officer Kerry Haigh.”

• “The PGA has followed the PGA Tour’s COVID-19 testing plan and strategy, following the same guidelines and protocols the Tour has used since restarting eight weeks ago.”

• “Because we’ve had the foundation, you’re seeing the end result of it happened quick,” said Roskopf, who is a biomechanics specialist. “But the two years of preparation to get him to the point where he could make those changes is really why he’s been able to make those changes as fast as he’s been able to make it.

• “But under normal circumstances, you’d say the only way somebody could make those changes is by taking steroids. And I can guarantee you, that’s not been part of his process and not even a thought in his head. It’s just been part of the evolution of him being involved in this program and being able to tolerate the forces that his body’s been able to tolerate. And those changes in strength have been amazing, but it’s all natural from this end of it.”

• At 7,251 yards this is the shortest PGA Championship since 2013 when Oak Hill measured out at 7,163 yards. There are a mix of shorter and longer par 4s this week as they play it to a par 70 leaving players with the decision of just bombing away as far as they can and hoping any miss into the long stuff is nullified by being able to use a short iron or wedge, or to dial back a little and ensure accuracy.

• The prevailing talk around the course during the practice rounds is there will be a big element of luck when it comes to lies in the rough. It is patchy, meaning within a foot or less you could get lucky and have the ball sit up or you could find your ball buried. Ian Poulter gave a nice tutorial on his Twitter feed. Tony Finau explained after his first look.

• “It’s about a 50/50 chance as far as the lie. I’ve had two lies yesterday on Hole 12 that were three feet apart. One I could easily get a 7-iron on and the other one I was just trying to hack out 40, 50 yards,” Finau said. “It’s almost luck of the draw when you hit it in the rough. I think you’re going to see some guys get fortunate and hit it on to the green and I think you’ll see some guys hack it out and not hit it anywhere.”

Full piece.

• “All points earned by U.S. players since qualifications began in 2019 will continue to be recognized.”

• “The U.S. selection criteria will now extend through the second 2021 FedExCup Playoff event (BMW Championship).”

• “The points system for the American team will include the top six players on the points list securing spots on the U.S. team. Previously, the top eight players had been expected to secure spots”

• “A bit of the history portion of the piece…“The ball plant and surrounding area where it is located is rich in manufacturing history dating back to the American revolutionary war, and the facade of the historical red brick building in Chicopee has remained mostly unchanged since it was the original Spalding manufacturing plant dating all the way back to the late 1800s. It was during this time in history when the plant produced baseballs, gloves, footballs, basketballs, tennis rackets, persimmon woods, irons-and of course golf balls, starting in 1896.”

• “A lot of innovations relating to various sports have occurred inside of these walls and the funny thing is, Callaway’s marketing slogan for Chrome Soft- “The ball that changed the ball” could apply to a multitude of sports including”

• “Baseball – since Spalding developed the first Major League ball to become the official baseball of the National League in 1876….Football – with Spalding creating the first American football with a material and workmanship guarantee in 1887….Basketball – since Dr. James Naismith (Canadian-just wanted to get that in there-Go Raptors!) had the Spalding company develop the official basketball in 1894.”