Good morning! This is The Birdie Brief, the daily newsletter that tells you everything you need to know about what’s going on in the World of Golf - all before your coffee gets cold.☕

Here’s what we got for you today:

• 😤The Grind for PGA Tour Status this Week in Bermuda

• 🌚Your Quick Twilight 9-Hole Rounds can now count towards your Handicap

• 🦈A Handful of Big Changes coming to LIV

Today’s edition is sponsored by Journal 18. There’s just something more intentional when keeping a journal for your round. Log your stats, journal your thoughts, and gain the insights you need to improve.

Ditch the digital noise, and in just a few seconds after each hole, you’ll have a comprehensive record of your game, ready to help you make intentional improvements. Get 15% off when with code: TBB @ checkout.

Bermuda Heatwave: Intensity Builds as Players Battle for PGA Tour Status - Here’s Who We Are Eyeing 👀

First thing’s first; this is the 16th hole at the Bermuda Champ. 235 yard, par 3, with oceanside hurricane cross winds.

In the high-stakes world of professional golf, every swing counts. As the FedExCup Fall season nears its end, all eyes are on the remaining players battling it out to secure their spots for the 2024 season. Let's take a closer look at three unique contenders and what's at stake for them:

Adam Scott - A seasoned pro, Scott finds himself currently ranked 85th in the FedExCup Fall standings. Despite his impressive track record, he's not eligible for the 2024 Signature Events with his current position.

Sponsor exemptions might be an option, but Scott is aiming for a more secure route. His recent performance has been a mixed bag, leaving him in need of a standout victory to crack the top 60.

Oliver Betschart - Last month, Oliver turned heads by closing out the Butterfield's 54-hole local qualifier with a brilliant 68, earning him a golden ticket to his very first Tour start.

Oh yeah, my man is also making hole-in-ones at Port Royal at the age of 7. What we’re you doing at 7 years old?

Now, you might think, "Doesn't that seem like a relatively easy path to the PGA Tour? Just shoot a 68 and win one qualifier?" Well, in a way, yes. But it's essential to recognize that this event offers a distinct and rather unconventional route for locals.

It's all thanks to the Bermuda Tourism Authority, who founded the tournament in 2019 with the goal of providing local players a chance to shine on the big stage.

Similar local qualifiers are a rarity on the Tour, with only the Puerto Rico Open offering a comparable opportunity.

While these qualifiers may lack the intensity of traditional Monday qualifiers, they serve as a beacon, illuminating the talents of the host country's finest players on a stage that would otherwise be out of reach.

The Bryan Bros - So, you've heard about the Bryan Bros, right?

Wesley and George Bryan IV started off as trick-shot artists, gaining attention through their creative golf shots on socials and amassing over 225,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Both brothers are gearing up for Q-School's second stage, with hopes of securing their TOUR cards for 2024. Wesley's got past champion's status, ensuring him a few starts, while George IV is looking to break into the big leagues with full force. I’m rooting for these guys as a long-time fan of their YouTube content!🏆

They even bought a golf course recently. They're planning to turn it into a cool hangout spot called the Solina Golf Club. These guys are making moves both on and off the course … and apparently at Tilted Towers?!🎮

New World Handicap System (WHS) Is Now Catering For 9 Hole Rounds

Have you ever taken that last zoom call of the day on your way to the course in hopes of squeezing in a quick 9? You're not alone.

With the surge in golf's popularity, 9-hole rounds have become increasingly common for their convenience and fast-paced fun, especially among beginners and time-pressed addicts. However, there was always a drawback - these rounds couldn't be counted towards your handicap index.

That’s all about to change.

The USGA and the R&A just announced an exciting update to the World Handicap System (WHS) starting January 1, 2024. The latest amendments will significantly reduce the length requirements for Course Rating, making courses as short as 750 yards for 9 holes and 1,500 yards for 18 holes eligible for handicap scoring.

This means that the scores from your 9-hole rounds can finally be factored into your handicap without having to wait for another 9-hole session.

So, the next time you're eyeing a quick round, know that it doesn’t have to be a casual, goof-off session; but it can count towards your handicap!

Don't have a handicap yet? No worries! You can easily register for your Handicap Index here.

Golf's First-Ever Free Agency Arrives at LIV

At LIV London, CEO Greg Norman hyped up the crowd, promising free agency in golf. But for 18 months, it was all under wraps, lacking the drama he'd promised. Finally, a recent announcement brought the goods: LIV Golf declared the sport's first transfer window, introducing free agency, albeit a couple of years late.

Here's the lowdown on the changes:

1. A play-in tournament in Abu Dhabi offering three exemptions into the upcoming LIV season.

2. A structured re-sign period for players on expiring contracts, divided into the "lock zone," the "open zone," and the "drop zone."

3. Unrestricted free agency for unsigned "lock zone" and "open zone" players.

4. The introduction of in-season trades, allowing teams to shuffle players.

5. The initiation of a draft, picking from the play-in tournament's top finishers and the Asian Tour's International Series Order of Merit winner.

While these changes seem promising, execution remains the key. With players like Pat Perez, Graeme McDowell, and David Puig potentially at risk, the player movement phases have put some players on edge.

AROUND THE CLUBHOUSE

🎭Hands Down the Best Golf Impersonation of 2023

🍿’Tin Cup’ 27 year Anniversary

⚾Can Rory Throw a Pitch?

🏌️Is it legal to move a tee block if it’s affecting your swing?

🐦BIRDIE BANTER🤣

🏆WIN PRIZES BY SHARING THE BB🔗

Hey. Don’t keep us a secret.
Just get 5 of your buddies to subscribe and we'll send you Birdie Brief golf swag as a thank you.

📫HIT THE INBOX OF 6,000+ DEDICATED GOLFERS🏌️

Advertise with The Birdie Brief to get your brand in front of the Who’s Who in the Golfing World. The Birdie Flock are golf professionals, instructors, industry experts, and dedicated addicts looking for the next product or tool to elevate their game. Get in touch today.