Golf

PGA superstar Bubba Watson says golf is BOOMING in popularity right now all because of COVID -- and it's so huge, equipment companies can barely keep up with the demand!

"Golf is at an all-time high because of the virus," Watson tells TMZ Sports ... "There's more people playing the game, there's more equipment being sold."

Watson isn't trying to be insensitive -- he's just pointing out the facts ... people are looking for safe activities to do during the pandemic and golf checks a lot of those boxes since it's outdoors and you can easily social distance while playing.

Watson -- who's promoting the "Golf Clash" mobile game -- says even interest in golf VIDEO GAMES is through the roof right now.

In fact, Watson says golf equipment companies are "a little behind"  the demand -- and they're struggling to churn out enough product to keep everyone happy!

"They're trying to push through and it's hard to get components to make golf clubs. It's hard to get different golf equipment to be made because of some of the slow down."

A SIXTH green jacket is well within reach for Tiger Woods ... the golf legend got off to a blazing hot start at the Masters -- and is now currently tied for 4th after finishing his 1st round!

44-year-old Tiger shot a super stress-free 68 -- carding zero bogies and four birdies -- and he now trails the leader, Paul Casey, by just three strokes heading into Day 2.

"That's the best I've seen him play in a long time," said golf superstar Michelle Wie, who commentated on Woods' entire round for ESPN on Thursday morning.

It's a great sign for Tiger, who hasn't exactly played his best golf since winning the Masters back in April 2019.

Woods hit 10 out of 14 fairways, 15 out of 18 greens and his average driving distance off the tee was over 280 yards.

If Tiger is able to put together three more solid days just like that ... he could very well walk away with his second straight Masters green jacket -- which would be his 6th overall.

Of course, that number would tie him for most Masters victories ever with Jack Nicklaus ... and would put him just 2 behind the Golden Bear's all-time record of 18 total majors.

Now on the tee ... A BIG-ASS ALLIGATOR!!!!!

A Jurassic Park-like beast interrupted some golfers during an outing in Florida on Wednesday ... and video of the reptile crawling around the course is WILD!!!

Check out some footage that golfers in Naples shot this week ... you can see the gator -- roughly 10 FEET LONG -- was just cruising through tee boxes without a care in the world.

"Holy ...," one golfer said while seeing the animal on the course. "This guy out for a stroll -- oh, my God!"

Gators haven't been shy about making appearances on golf courses over the past year ... remember when two beasts brawled on an 18th hole in South Carolina?

Also, who could forget the gator that stole some dude's ball in Louisiana!!!

It was TACO (and Sushi) TUESDAYYYYYY at The Masters this week ... Tiger Woods finally got to host his champions dinner at Augusta -- and he picked Mexican food and rolls for the occasion!

If you're unfamiliar ... every year at golf's most prestigious tournament, the past year's winner gets to host previous champs for a feast before tee times begin.

Normally, it all goes down in April -- and it's LAVISH -- but because of COVID, Tiger had to wait 7 months to do the honors.

Don't worry, Tiger still was able to get in an April celebration ... remember his backyard Masters dinner with his kids and GF???

But, when the time finally came for Woods to do the real thing on Tuesday before the major tourney begins in Georgia ... he sure as hell delivered.

Tiger picked an exotic menu ... there was an Augusta Roll (featuring tempura shrimp and spicy tuna), and prime steak and chicken fajitas.

For dessert, Tiger offered up flan, churros and sopapillas. He even had everyone wash it down with some fancy red wine!!

Seemed like it was all a hit ... Jack Nicklaus tweeted of the evening, "Mr. Woods has gotten a lot of practice at picking a menu. 💯"

The Masters officials say the dinner was pared down this season to help prevent the spread of COVID ... explaining only 33 people were allowed to attend.

A pandemic like no other ...

Golf star Sergio Garcia has tested positive for coronavirus -- and has withdrawn from The Masters tournament in Augusta, which is set to kick off on Thursday.

Garcia is one of the top golfers in the world and famously won The Masters back in 2017.

The 40-year-old revealed the news on social media ... saying he got tested over the weekend after experiencing symptoms.

"On Saturday night after driving back from the Houston Open, I started feeling a bit of a sore throat and a cough," Garcia said.

"The symptoms stayed with me on Sunday morning so I decided to get tested for Covid-19 and so did my wife Angela. Thankfully she tested negative, but I didn’t."

"After 21 years of not missing a Major Championship, I will sadly miss The Masters this week."

"The important thing is that my family and I are feeling good. We’ll come back stronger and give the green jacket a go next April."

President Trump has his head in the sand, or more accurately, the sand trap ... because he tried to distract himself from reality by hitting the links just as Joe Biden was declared the next President of the United States.

DT left the White House early Saturday morning en route, at first, to an unknown location ... which, as it turned out, ended up being his own golf club in nearby Sterling, VA to golf with some folks. Seems like he knew what was coming -- he's isolated out there.

Here's the kicker ... the photo above was taken the moment Biden was declared the next President. Trump was teeing off on a chip shot ... all by his lonesome, standing next to a golf cart. SAD!

It's unclear if he's officially heard the news or not -- or if he's turning a blind eye until he absolutely has to. Regardless, he's in for a rude awakening when he gets back into D.C. ... as we've shown you, the streets are lined with people celebrating Biden's victory.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is officially endorsing Donald Trump -- saying he's "learned to look past" the President's flaws ... including bad tweets.

"I have had the privilege over the last 3-and-a-half years to get to know our current President a little more as his term progressed," the 80-year-old said in a statement Wednesday.

"I have been very disappointed at what he's had to put up with from many directions, but with that, I have seen a resolve and a determination to do the right thing for our country."

Nicklaus says Trump has "delivered on his promises. He's worked for the average person."

Then, Nicklaus addressed some of the controversial and offensive things Trump has said/tweeted over the years -- chalking it up as no big deal.

"You might not like the way our President says or tweets some things – and trust me, I have told him that! But, I have learned to look past that and focus on what he's tried to accomplish."

Jack says he's convinced Trump "has been more diverse than any President I have seen and has tried to help people from all walks of life -- equally."

"This is not a personality contest; it's about patriotism, policies and the people they impact," Nicklaus continued.

"His love for America and its citizens, and putting his country first, has come through loud and clear. How he has said it has not been important to me. What has been important are his actions. Now you have the opportunity to take action."

He concluded, "I strongly recommend you consider Donald J. Trump for another 4 years. I certainly have and have already cast my vote for him."

For his part, Trump liked the endorsement -- saying, "Jack, this is a great honor. Thank you!"

Brooks Koepka and Mr. Miyagi have something in common -- they both believe in a little "Wax on, wax off."

The PGA superstar did a little Q&A on IG with his girlfriend Jena Sims on Monday night ... where the golfer was asked about a rumor that he waxes his ass.

Not only did Brooks answer the question, he totally owned up to some cheeky body hair removal ... and even provided an explanation.

"It is very true," the 30-year-old said ... "I lost a bet to Jena!"

That's when Jena chimed in -- adding, "And, we may or may not have had some friends in attendance!"

Hot wax on the ass party?!!

Jena couldn't believe Brooks talked about it on social media -- saying, "That's a deepest, darkest [secret]."

To be fair, the secret was kinda out ... remember the his and hers thong photo from their 2019 trip to the Maldives?!

We shoulda known!!!

Brooks is currently the #12 ranked golfer in the world -- after winning the PGA Championship in both 2018 and 2019.

Kid Rock and John Daly thought they'd be able to take in the Presidential Debate mask-free and within throwing distance from the stage ... until a staffer caught them.

The singer and PGA Pro -- who attended Thursday night's event in Nashville to support President Trump -- first took their seats sans mask. It didn't take long until both men were approached by an employee working the event who had fresh masks for them both.

Both John and Kid Rock finally obliged, we gotta imagine they would've been asked to leave if they refused.

Daly's lack of caution in protecting himself from the disease is a total 180 from his stance back in August when he withdrew from a PGA event in San Francisco because of COVID.

At the time, Daly said, "People keep asking why I WD from PGA??? California now #1 in cases/deaths, I had knee surgery, I’m a diabetic & I don’t feel comfortable flying. Being too close proximity to even small crowds & risk exposure with my health not worth it! God Bess & y’all be safe!"

As if 2020 couldn't get any worse for some people ... here's beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty crushing a golf ball better than you ever will!!!

The video is nothing short of incredible -- the big orange thing took its talents to the driving range to rip some shots recently ... and Gritty unleashed some moon shots.

Seriously, even the golf bros in our office had to admit the mascot hit the ball better than they ever could!!

But, here's where it gets tricky -- some would say, "there's gotta be a PGA pro in that costume, right?!" and brush off the whole thing as a publicity stunt.

That would be easy to believe, except when you watch Gritty celebrate with its signature dance moves, which look very Gritty-esque. 🧐

We're used to seeing Gritty show off clever jabs at enemies like P.K. Subban and the Houston Astros ... but who woulda thought it could grip it and rip it like John Daly?!

Great drive, Gritty ... but how's your short game?!

Charles Barkley has agreed to put his atrocious golf skills on display to the world ... all for a charity match with Peyton Manning, Steph Curry and Phil Mickelson.

Yep, Sir Chuck is replacing Tom Brady for "The Match 3" -- which is expected to raise millions for COVID-19 relief, according to Sportico.

Remember, The Match 2 back in May was a huge success -- with Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning taking on Phil and Tom Brady.

Since TB12 is a little busy these days with the NFL season, Barkley has offered to step in and take his spot.

The only issue ... Barkley is a TURRRRRRIBLE golfer!! Like, super bad!

But, this event will be more about the trash talk than a showcase of Chuck's skills on the links.

Tiger is also out for the event -- he'll be replaced by Steph Curry, who's actually REALLY good.

The Match 3 is set to go down on Friday, Nov. 27 -- and will hope to break the $20 MILLION raised for charity by the Match 2.

Of course, Tom Brady famously struggled most of the way during The Match 2 (even splitting his pants on live TV) ... only to redeem himself with an UNREAL SHOT on the 7th hole!

PGA superstar Dustin Johnson has tested positive for COVID-19 ... forcing the golfer to withdraw from this weekend's PGA tournament in Vegas.

36-year-old Johnson says he experienced symptoms -- and immediately alerted PGA Tour officials so he could be tested.

Obviously, the results came back positive for coronavirus which means he won't participate in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek golf course this week.

Johnson had been the betting favorite this week over guys like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm.

"Obviously, I am very disappointed," Johnson said ... "I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible."

"I have already had a few calls with the TOUR’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me."

Johnson is the 2nd PGA Tour pro to come down with COVID in the past week -- following Tony Finau, who tested positive during PGA Tour on-site testing protocols while gearing up for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.

Tony Finau -- one of the top golfers in the world -- has pulled out of a PGA Tour tourney this week after testing positive for COVID.

"Earlier today, I received a positive result for Covid-19 under PGA TOUR on-site testing protocols and have begun a period of self-quarantine to protect others around me," the 31-year-old said Tuesday.

"I am feeling well, and am otherwise in good spirits.":

Finau -- ranked #16 in the world -- was supposed to play in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas this week ... but obviously, COVID has derailed those plans.

"I look forward to returning to action as soon as I am able, and I wish everyone at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open a great week ahead," Finau said.

The diagnosis could also prevent Finau from playing in the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas next week, if he had intended on participating.

Finau -- who's 6'4", 200 lbs -- joined the PGA Tour in 2015 and won the Puerto Rico Open in 2016.

A Colorado golfer nearly died on the 17th hole of a course Saturday ... after an elk rammed the man's cart and gored him straight through his back with its horn.

The story is insane ... Megan Bornhoft says her husband, Zak, was finishing up a round at Evergreen G.C. in Evergreen, Colo. with his buds -- when disaster struck at around 6:30 p.m.

Megan says an elk charged Zak's golf cart ... and speared the man in "the right side of his lower back" with its horn.

Megan says Zak was rushed to the hospital ... and after doctors checked him out -- they found some horrific injuries.

"His kidney was cut into two pieces," Megan said.

To make matters worse ... because of the dirt and bacteria on the elk's horns -- Megan says docs were deeply concerned about possible infection.

Fortunately, Megan claims her hubby -- despite being in a helluva lot of pain -- is expected to make a full recovery.

"The urologist thinks the kidney will be able to repair itself!" Megan said, before adding, "He continues to be in a tremendous amount of pain, but is handling it in true Zak fashion...dry humor!!"

For his part, Zak said of his injuries, "I’m in a little bit of a rough spot, but I’m gonna get through it."

As for the golf course, it issued a statement Monday warning golfers to avoid elk on the course at all costs.

JOHN DALY'S STILL GOT IT!!!

The 54-year-old golf legend stepped up to a tee box in Virginia on Monday ... and sank a crazy hole-in-one -- and he did it all barefoot!!!

The surreal scene was captured on video ... showing JD acing a par 3 at a charity tournament at The Federal Club in Glen Allen, VA. as if he were chillin' on a range in Hawaii.

Check out the footage ... Daly -- sans kicks -- took a little wedge on the 163-yard hole, and fired the ball straight into the cup!!

Everyone lost their minds over the shot ... slapping hands with the former The Open champ -- and Daly nearly dropped an f-bomb appearing to brag about his career hole-in-1 total afterward!

"That makes 11 of them mother --," he said with a laugh before realizing the camera was rollin'.

EPIC!!!

By the way, it's great to see Daly looking good ... he just revealed last month he had surgery to treat bladder cancer -- and it's clear he ain't letting that stop him from being a golf G.O.A.T.

PGA Tour golfer Danny Lee says his 6-putt temper tantrum at the U.S. Open was completely "unprofessional and foolish" ... and now, the guy is apologizing for it all.

If you missed it ... Lee went BERSERK on the 18th hole at Winged Foot on Saturday -- throwing a Happy Gilmore-esque fit on the green.

After Lee missed a short par putt, he missed the ensuing bogey putt as well ... and then became visibly pissed off.

So much so, Lee halfheartedly tried to make his next THREE putts from close range ... before finally slamming home the fourth one.

In total, it took Lee NINE shots to complete the hole ... and when he walked off the green -- he threw his putter angrily against his bag. Lee then withdrew from the tournament, citing a wrist injury.

On Tuesday, the 30-year-old said he was sorry for the whole scene ... explaining, "My frustration took over me and combined with injury I had to fight with it for all week."

"Still just an excuse," Lee said. "I shouldn't left like that... and also like to apologize to USGA they did a tremendous job last week at wing foot. On the course and off the course."

Lee continued, "Now I gonna take some time off and think about what I did and starting next time I'll show up as a better person and have better sportsmanship."