Six controversies we'd like to see in 2022 on PGA Tour & beyond
Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka starred in golf's controversies in 2021, who will step up to the mantle now?
Golf is not meant to be something that sparks controversy.
It's a gentlemen's game that is supposed to be all about etiquette. Even Jack Nicklaus showed us that with the concession.
Yet it's hard to go a year in the golf world without at least a dozen or so controversies that get us talking.
Whether it's a dislike between two players, a golf rules issue or someone's comments about a controversial topic, we've seen it all.
Here are six things we hope to see in 2022 to get the juices flowing:
More temper tantrums
We love a good club throw (or a shoe if you are Sergio Garcia). Some are better than others. Erik van Rooyen showed us this last year.
The South African, who apparently spends more time grooming his mustache these days, showed us a brilliant tantrum last year.
At the PGA Championship, van Rooyen displayed such rage that he almost took out Matt Wallace's caddie with the flying debris.
Erik Van Rooyen finds the water then decides to obliterate a tee marker, losing a club head in the process. pic.twitter.com/xRiizg0wl1
— By The Flagstick (@ByTheFlagstick) May 21, 2021
Patton Kizzire also showed us his best impression of a spoilt toddler, then tried to vent his frustration further on his hat.
Patton Kizzire channeling his inner Bo Jackson pic.twitter.com/xc7nfmGkXz
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) August 27, 2021
Oh, and Rory McIlroy ripped his shirt in rage. Just don't ask him about it.
More of this, please.
Another rules debacle
Patrick Reed is usually involved in these issues much to his dismay.
Rory McIlroy has previously spoken about how he thinks the flack Reed gets is perhaps a smidge unfair.
But it's always good for debate to see where golf fans stand.
Let's have another big issue, maybe in a major to get us all in a twist.
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More bad blood
Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau's PIP feud legitimately spawned from dislike.
The beginning saw Koepka make comments about how frustrated he was with slow play in golf.
DeChambeau was singled out and even attempted to speed up his own play.
But then week after week there was something else happening and shots being fired.
From the 'I love my driver' comments to jibes about physiques on Twitch.
Even if it is not resolved everything about Brooksy and Bryson feels more than fake these days.
Perhaps another two players need to take up the mantle?
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Arm lock putters get banned
This would definitely cause a ripple in the golf world.
Anchoring the flat stick was banned in 2016 and now tour professionals have been finding success with this new approach.
Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Will Zalatoris and Matt Kuchar are just a few names that have found success with this technique.
Should it be banned? It would certainly be interesting to see what would happen.
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More PIPhil Mickelson rants
Lefty has promised us more controversy next year after winning (or at least claiming) to win the player impact program.
There is no denying Mickelson is one of the most charasmatic players currently on tour.
He speaks his mind and uses downright hilarious analogies at times, too.
Here's to hoping there is more to come in 2022.
More clothing anger
Just because. Hoodies in golf divided opinion and now it's a boring topic for discussion.
Let's see if we can find a new piece of clothing to introduce to the game.
