Should influencers be BANNED from Open Qualifying? | Rough Cut Golf Podcast 081

[@markscott3267]

Pete’s Quest for the Open is/was a good series but i did feel that other influencers jumped on a bandwagon and had very little prep. Pete’s quest was with the genuine intention of qualifying. I felt the others just saw it as an opportunity for likes and subscribers. Pete’s disappointment is borne from having played some really good stuff and having a legitimate opportunity to qualify. I don’t think the same can be said of the others. Rick even said he was trying just to break 75. That was never going to get in done.

[@ioandavies9162]

agreed!

[@maidenmatt6055]

1million%

[@jasondavies7114]

75 definitely would have been enough on Pete's qualifying round lol it's like you have never watched KZbin before. that's what they do. copy each other's ideas. Pete has done it a bunch. so let's not sit here and pretend. they also didn't shoot the worst scores in their flight so what's the issue? lol

[@Average_Dan]

@@jasondavies7114 I think what is trying to be said here is that there was a concerted effort and plan to build up to a strong attempt to qualify, to get the work done and give Pete the best chance. Unfortunately golf being what it is the end goal didn't happen. There were certainly a few other influencers jumping on the bandwagon for content purposes with no intention of putting in the same effort and it felt more disingenuous. Why enter without the end goal being to qualify.

[@TtvPhenrik1]

Rick even posted a better score than Peter. This time. +9 for Rick and +12 for Peter. (Not the same course) but equally in the sence of pressure from crowds etc. Have to Praise Pete for his enthusiasm through the year. Going through the list. Working really hard, and the comps beforehand. Some of the comps was really really good. Especially the win.... it was awesome. Loved the series and hope it will be continued

[@callumjones389]

So many courses and comps in Australia would love to have you guys. Australia is incredibly hungry for golf content

[@russelldronfield-ht2es]

Australia is always sunny during the UK winter. Welcome here anytime 😊. Many many good courses to choose from

[@stevenjones3042]

Love the idea of filming the comps. It’s something none of the others seem to do, so winner, and have to say enjoyed that content a lot this year

[@joeflynn7768]

Love the quest for the Open! If you keep having the courage to out it out there I will always be a fan!!! Cheers Pete and crew!

[@kevinpeters3559]

You played some amazing golf this year and you shouldn’t judge your game on one round. You’re still my favorite golfer on KZbin!

[@littlelumber]

2nd that!

[@richjam51]

Great to hear you'll try again Pete - can't believe this wasn't your year - all the best for next year.

[@garydavis8213]

Great point from Pete: the more tour players that don’t get the automatic bid, the harder it will be because those qualifying tournaments are going to be more and more stacked.

[@guyr7351]

It is always going to be like that, there are players with exemptions , past winners etc, world top 50? Then players from other golf tours. Amateur champions and then the rest of the field needs to qualify. I suppose ideally the winners of the regional events could get a space then the final slots from final qualifying. Ultimately the open wants to have the top players either through exemptions or from qualifying.

[@craigwallis2914]

Guys, this Quest for the Open was the best one yet. I watch the other guys, but I wasn’t invested in them as I’d seen your journey. I was gutted when I heard your score, with the others I was meh! Defo do it again pls! 👏👏👏

[@gretelroberts587]

Great comment about your buildup to Open Qualifying that you documented. I loved it and was emotionally involved. It would be great to see you try again next year.

[@BenBGolf]

Pete, there will always be negative folks no matter what people do, but I truly love and respect your efforts to get better and document your QFTO! I love it! It's part of what has inspired me to compete in my state's mid amateur annual tourney. It's so fun to just go for it! Keep it up Pete!

[@seppomantyla7368]

This years QTFO was best content ever made by you guys - and best and most mature golf Pete has ever played on camera. Next year, get a pro caddie through Podrick or Lee, play 5-6 rounds with that caddie as preparation throughout the series and let him take you through the round.

[@Roginator3000]

Pete you are the one who gave it a real go. The outcome doesn't matter. Loved the series i can't wait till next year

[@trevorpeck3572]

Well, Carter nearly qualified didn’t he, he got closer than Finch, Shiels or Fryer

[@bradyplustwos]

Ecstatic to hear another round of Quest for the Open should be on for next year. Pete did an amazing job this year and certainly not disappointed in Pete for his performance in the end but gutted that was the day that golf decided to bear its teeth and hard. All in on following Quest 2025, all the best Pete!

[@CalmLabrador-tr6ol]

Hear not here.

[@bradyplustwos]

Correct, my apologies 👍🏼

[@kirriegolf18]

You are entitled to try and qualify as long as you have the desire to Pete, and if I can just say it makes great viewing throughout your journey. Anyone who is quite serious about their golf will know the emotions you went through during your round. Onwards and upwards !

[@morecowbell12341]

28:00 Sounds a little like the difference between hitting balls on the range and playing golf. Most of us don't understand that bashing a bucket isn't actually practicing golf, so it shouldn't be a surprise when we have poor outcomes on the course. I like your ideas about practicing under similar conditions (experienced caddy, etc.) you'll face in the actual competition. More efficient and very smart. Keep it up!

[@jackleogolf5723]

Great to see an amateur golfer qualified from each final qualifying event. Matthew Dodberry absolutely smashed it at West Lancs.

[@alansmith3885]

Well done Pete, glad you're going for Open Qualifying next year. Good luck:-)

[@professorofextremelysmalls1732]

Pete, you gave it your best shot, it’s tough to get everything right on a particular day. Don’t be too hard on yourself & remember what Padraig said golf is not a game of perfect. Don’t forget you were good enough to try qualifying. Much Love & good wishes👍👍👍

[@ExbotHero]

Practice makes perfect, Pete. You are on the right track. You really need to put yourself in that type of blender more often to benefit from the mental preparation. More real, truly challenging tournaments will push your nerves and prepare you better. Not to put Malaysian mid-level pro tours down too much-great fantasy-it's a lovely country, you know-but I really think you can get into bigger tournaments if you put your idea out there. Also, the idea of a caddie who keeps you level is really great. Good luck, mate

[@inb4230]

lol 🤣 "apologise "! In Pete's defense he was a toe nail from qualifying just like at myrtle beach, he just needs a psychologist ,AND TO GET 7,8 SHOTS BETTER PER ROUND!(just shot a couple over say shiels tough)😬

[@RogueWraith909]

I've been following the quest since the start, and it's been really interesting and entertaining to watch. You did the best you could on the day, but your head got the better of you, we still support you and hope you try again next time with better luck. Some of the people in the comments moaning about the people filming and the people turning up to support you need to use their brains... those that qualify will have cameras everywhere and a lot more than a couple of hundred people watching them. If they can't handle that smaller number, then they've got no chance with over 20,000 people and multiple TV crews out there.

[@martinkuusk9254]

Kieran is on point, leveling up your comp quest going forward should include a good vibes pro caddie. Thanks for the great content, laughing every week. Ps. If you ever think about getting rid of the baby blue stich carry bag keep me in mind.😂

[@pittimps3459]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So you asked and I obliged. How am I always one of the first couple thousand to watch this when I’m in the States. You ppl across the pond need to step up your game.

[@Hybridsteel]

A caddie would be a great idea for an extra bit of content, someone who has to knows petes game, someone who can keep him motivated and working with him for a better golf experience.

[@randygibsongolf4618]

I believe Pete and his team should do this every year....The knowledge alone from the preparation helps me with my own game here at home and the series itself is entertaining. Who knows one day I may even throw my hat in the US Open Qualifier.

[@jakhaughton1800]

Pete you talk about a ‘short back swing’. Have you seen Rahm’s swing lately? That’s one hell of a player with a half swing!

[@rodgerwardle8037]

If you are off to Norway, Stavanger golf course worth a visit. I grew up playing that course and it’s super narrow and some fabulous holes

[@mistercal]

Change is a process, not an event. You've done so many great things with your game already this year, don't let 1 round define it.

[@Briochepepites]

I know it would pee me off with all those bloody cameras around but, the wonderful thing is that it remains an "Open" if you fit the qualifying criteria you can apply. I wish you would ask your fellow group players for their opinions as I'm interested to know if some of the more full time players are affected indirectly, the ones who earn their living by playing.

[@samsmith3705]

That Ogio bag is very nice i keep getting side tracked looking at the bag and the slap shot putter lol

[@Golfing-AddiCt]

Harpenden Common Golf Club in Hertfordshire have back to back par 3's and they are incredible.

[@andycartergolf]

Oi Mick… I only missed the 1st hole, the 8th tee shot and the 13th hole (due to hitting a hazard) so i wouldnt say it was that ‘weird’

[@RoughCutGolfPodcast]

Love you brother! M

[@ioandavies9162]

Should influencers be BANNED from Open Qualifying? good question, No in short but I honestly think if influencers (KZbinrs) try to qualify for the Open they need to take it more seriously (not saying that all influencers take it serious) but teaming up with a professional caddie who understands you the golfer, the courses, weather conditions, helping you on mental and game managements, because you need someone like that. Also on a potential video/quest to the open/next year, having a working partnership with a caddie I think would benefit the viewers and yourself. Yes you are right about filming more competitions throughout the year, You finished in 6th place for the KZbin qualifier for Myrtle Beach Classic which was pretty awesome and did better than some top players. Keep fighting Finch, always put out awesome content 👍

[@morecowbell12341]

Pete, I've been watching since the very beginning. I think when you put concerted effort into a thing, it's natural to feel an equal amount of disappointment for an unwelcome outcome. I might suggest watching the film "Nyad". There are many, many people who have tried and tried and tried and tried again before finally succeeding. Remember Paddy's advice, and keep up the great work!

[@HockeyReviews]

Can't wait to see you play Lofoten! I had perfect weather playing it and looking forward to you not loosing a tonne of balls like I did!

[@johndavies6427]

Pete you keep going. The way we've seen you play this year (e.g Pinehurst) on your day you could have done it at hesketh. Great to watch (for us) and kudos for having a go - plus I think your game is as good as it's been. Forget the idiots

[@ScuffyMcMuffin]

A bit of a long shot, but do you think you'd ever try qualifyung for the US Open just to try/for the experience? I know there's a final qualifier in the UK, but I don't know how it works if someone were to travel to the US for local and hopefully final qualifiers.

[@jabo6479]

I respect anyone who puts the game out there for qualifying.. nobody wants to expose their game in individual tourneys

[@michaelcurtis4302]

Regardless of who you are, influencer or not, if your good enough to try and get through, you should be allowed. I guess haters will hate. They're probably just jealous. Keep it up Pete and hope to see you try again next year.

[@stevehubbard2485]

100% think there should be a team caddy brought in. That would be so different and interesting.

[@NextFairwayNorm]

Continue to give it a crack Pete. Turn up and have a day. Carter was claiming to be the best from your crew. Love to see another rematch at an Open venue. A little trip to Australia after Christmas for a few comps down under.

[@LPETTET0863]

I really felt for you. I was winning a club open by 2 with 3 to play and blew up. I didn't play for 2 months.

[@garyhovey9305]

I would absolutely watch a "mental game" themed series! Look at Foreplay Golf's series called "Fixing Frankie" as an example. Foreplay has 462k followers vs your 469k followers, and the 4 video series had 91k views, 161k views, 224k views and 166k views. Frankie isn't even a very compelling character to watch (I'm old so I know I'm in the minority) but I believe your followers would enjoy a "Fixing Finchie" series!

[@johndorenski4127]

The Open is there for absolutely anyone who thinks can get into it so why shouldn't you give it a go.... the experience can only be good for your game so I say carry on Pete if your head can cope with it...........🌟🎊🤩🥳

[@mikelinehan5589]

The Open is just that - open to anyone - those on YT are no different to anyone so are entitled to enter - only difference is they have a camera and a few more following them round. I really enjoyed the whole aeries - was great content - and reflects golf is hard

[@Pappa953]

you have to have a handicap good eonough to be able to enter these qualifiers. So, as long as the criteria is met then of course they should be allowed.

[@finallyonethatworks]

My Math on the back to back hole in 1 question. Assuming the odds of getting a hole in 1 is i in 12,500 on a par three and there is no reduction in probability for the next hole the odds would be 1/12,500x1/12,500 giving a 1 in 156,250,000 odds assuming there are two back to back par 3s, if there were two back to back par 3s it would be twice as likely at 1 in 78,125,000 so for an 18 hole par three course it would be around 1 in 9,191,176.47. On a regular course these odds change to 1 in 6,250,000 for pros who have a 1 in 2500 odds for a hole in 1 and a 1 in 36,000,000,000,000 for back to back hole in ones on par 4s, so if you played 18 holes of all par 4s, you would have a 1 in 2,100,000,000,000 chance of back to backs

[@Ballroot84]

Yes a lot of YT golfers do the same kind of content. But you can definitely see in the content who is actually putting in the effort. Not just with their golf game. If the videos are in order of when filmed, you could definitely see your game improve even more after Padraig's chat

[@TtvPhenrik1]

Is @PeterFinch coming to Drammen? Which courses are you going to play here in Norway @Pete?

[@RoughCutGolfPodcast]

Lofoten Links!

[@TtvPhenrik1]

@@RoughCutGolfPodcast That is a bit too far for me to travel It takes 21hours and 22 minutes for me to Drive from Drammen to Lofoten :P Is it more to come in Peters Norway Adventure?

[@markcoventry7580]

Hi Pete and crew, what happened to the "beat the Pro" series loved those matches and they were good cometition too!.

[@RoughCutGolfPodcast]

👀

[@NeisNo1Fan]

Not sure Carter dererved the chuckles considering he scored well enough to make the reserve list. Well done AC!

[@sdrjr56]

Caddie. Could help getting loose, making sure you’re comfortable hitting the shots you want, and it’s someone to talk to during the round.

[@Pud56]

You can’t ban influencers or creators from entering, but what they can do at the event might be curtailed. Pete’s comment re amateurs and others not getting through final qualifying is a real issue, as the mystique of the Open is the Justin Rose factor, when he chipped in age 17

[@ZaPpaul]

The point of an open is that it is an open. Nobody is banned or should be.

[@guyr7351]

Well no one is banned unless their handicap is not at the level required. Is it scratch or 1 max? It’s hard for a reason, trying to get the better golfers at the top. Having just played at Goswick with a mild breeze to say it is hard is an understatement. Narrow fairways, tough rough anyone shooting sub par there is going some

[@rol1in0n20s]

Content creator. KZbinr. Internet media personality. All better and more accurate terms than influencer.

[@kevan4852]

Sounds like Mick's the one in need of an intervention! A fashion intervention! 🤣

[@RoughCutGolfPodcast]

Hey! Black is slimming! M

[@robertmasson9074]

the odds of back to back hole in ones are determined by the course . Making the assumption that hole in one is on a par 3 then only courses with back to back par 3s can have odds . As the majority of courses with back to back par 3s will have this only once then the odds will be the same as they are for having a back to back hole in 1 as discussed. if a course has 2 back to back par 3s then the chances will be reduced as you will have 2 chances at it. Great podcast as always

[@neilrobinson9883]

I agree from what I could see the UK weather didn’t help your preparation! Get yourself to Australia, we have plenty of links courses we can get you playing!

[@andyfrizzell4352]

I agree, your content was good because there was the build up. Shame it didn't happen on the big day.

[@Samuelclark11]

Best podcast on KZbin. Worst intro song on earth 😂❤

[@surindersingh724]

Are you crazy?? That intro song is the perfect pisstake of 80's American sitcoms. It's brilliant.

[@RoughCutGolfPodcast]

And I wrote it! M

[@markrussellfilaroski5035]

"Influencers" is a strong term. PGA tour players influence me. PGA teaching Pros influence my golf game. Most KZbinrs provide recreational viewing. and if you want to play in "opens qualifiers" - then play!

[@golfbn]

Its called "open" qualifying for a reason, and I also think the term "influencer" is a bit over the top, I guess when you do reviews you could call that influencer, but I agree with most others I consider it entertainment.

[@KevFlamingo]

Pete needs to get on The Chipping Forecast and educate Eddie Pepperell on KZbin Golf. He feels (without bothering to watch any videos) you all edit out the bad stuff! Anyone watching Rick fatting pitch and chip shots on a regular basis knows different. You've played with Andrew Cotter and he respects your game and your personality so maybe have a route in. Even better, drag Eddie out for a vlog, he's definitely a case of a mega talented tour pro who has lost his love for the game and a bit of KZbin may give him a Bryson type epiphany

[@SigmaJAD]

No. But the extra pressure you put yourself through is admirable

[@AlabamaGolfer]

Did they turn people away that wanted to qualify? If not, I’m not sure why this is an issue.

[@matthewsimpson1518]

Played Lofoten 6 times in 3 days last year! An experience like no other. Take plenty of balls!

[@Robbo7375]

It's pronounced "Low"-"fot"-"en"..... and the weather in the North of Norway in the summer is usually great

[@cardanoste6541]

Calling yourself an ‘influencer’ should be banned full stop 🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@GreenNgold7]

100% they’re entertainers lol

[@Pud56]

It’s a generic term, not a egotistic opinion

[@cardanoste6541]

@@Pud56 content creators is also a generic term, but they still chose to go with ‘influencer’

[@Clyde__Frog]

Trump impression was spot on. "I've seen your swing."

[@CaseyChaos1984]

You can't ban 'influencers' from the Open as the clue is in the name. Obviously on a case by case basis you could ban someone for inappropriate behaviour etc. The one thing you could do to scare away people that do it just for likes is banning filming crews. You'd only have the serious golfers there after that. It can't be good turning up as a serious golfer and having 4 people following your group around the course with cameras, imagine getting stuck in a group with 2 'influencers'. You've got to make it a level playing field and some people having to deal with a circus and others not, isn't fair.

[@stevenwilliams436]

Pete loved the build up, love the idea of having a real caddie for open qualifying ( Maybe even try and grab Rickie and have you guys split up the 9's for putting videos out). To help with the pressure maybe not have the guys live blogging it to take some of the pressure off your self and help relax a bit more. Also why not the week or two b4 qualifying play some easier courses to help the confidence leading in and not playing in windy a$$ Ireland. Ps. lets not go dragging the Steven WIlliams's threw the dirt 🤣😂

[@aussie5941]

Maybe try the Scottish Open instead.

[@kevindalton3955]

Should see how to get into Australian open. Need more big names here. Sure your appearance pay would be slightly less than tigers

[@michzar1978]

Why should influencers be banned? Aren't all famous golfers "influencers" in one way or another? If a KZbinr or influencer is good enough, I do not see why he/she should not try to qualify.

[@markyjl]

Surely that's the point of Qualifying, yeah, any decent player can throw their hat in, but ultimately there are 1000's of golfers across the various tours and minor tours that don't qualify automatically and have to go through qualifying. Ultimately, the ones that do make it to the Open, have earnt it.

[@ralphschiefer7576]

As long as the influencers take no spot of anybody else? Put them in, brings attention to the game. And as Pete says, the final Q is the Problem not first round.

[@jamesrichardson498]

The spots in an Open qualifer are determined by the status of being a pro or being at least a scratch handicap amateur, so no spots are being taken away as look as anyone meets the criteria for qualifying, so influencer, KZbin, pro or builder, it does not make any difference

[@MichaelLowes]

Wish they had final Qualifying filmed live, Garcia had 2000 people following him, the more influencers involved the higher the ratings, why have a KZbin open, just have a dedicated event for the Open that’s filmed, and edited so not live and have a whole Netflix full swing vibe on everyone’s journey to the open.

[@sRd-1]

Kieran - Fins up!

[@danielosborne3090]

No, especially not if they’re decent golfers. It’s called the open for a reason! I’d rather watch Pete than pretty much any pro all day long anyway. Bryson or Jd (and jnr) aside.

[@jimecherry]

if your an influencer and you meet the min requirements for open qualifying you have to consider trying, its content for what you do. if your an influencer and you dont meet min requirements and you still try to qualify then your taking advantage of being an influencer to just grandstand.

[@glennwisse6271]

By banning Anyone would not make it an OPEN by definition. So no, you don’t ban anyone.

[@MichaelLowes]

Poor Carter, he was late to the KZbin party, I feel you need to help him out a bit more and get him up to 100k so he can pay for an editing and video crew.

[@Adrian-yv8sy]

That grandstand thing drives me mad and think they should be punished more - can't remember comp but speith intentionally hit it in the clubhouses roof and got a free drop crazy

[@andrewkeogh124]

Anything that brings more attention to golf can't be bad. As long as anyone attempting to qualify doesn't turn the game into a circus it's not a bad thing

[@-Thunder]

It’s OPEN. Absolutely keep trying. Americans attempt and document US Open qualifying. US Open has some rules that prevent people that don’t score well from attempting to qualify every year. So you really only try if your game is in shape.

[@blue24563]

The problem is their game is nowhere near good enough to qualify.

[@adamfahey108]

Quest is brilliant content, however does playing amazing courses leading up to the day help? Completely understand that content gives views, but 3-4 weeks leading up to nexts year’s qualifying playing on courses like the chosen venue. Just a silly thought.

[@mjb154]

Nothing wrong with entering regionals or what you and others did. If people started getting a free pass to final qualifying based on social media presence then that would be another thing entirely.

[@grahamparsons4590]

KZbin influencers are pros so have as much right as anyone. If you stop them then you have to lower the handicap for amateur as 0.4 handicap golfers are never qualifying and if you do that then the open qualifying doesn’t happen as we are the ones who bump the prize fund/profit up as we go for experience of it all

[@johnstaunton7291]

Reflecting on the question, should you tubers be allowed enter Open qualification, I think there should be a standard set by the R&A. To enter you must demonstrate in the past 12 months you have shot a round under par in 6 competitive events, either professional or amateur. Events must be under the auspices of the R&A, national amateur unions, PGA or regional PGA bodies. If you can't demonstrate you are capable of shooting under par in the heat of battle then you have no place in Open qualification. This should be no problem for you Pete and being forced to perform to that standard would improve your chances.

[@MichaelLowes]

What you all missed the opportunity for great content for the open qualifying is no caddy, get an ex pro on the bag imagine padhraig on Pete’s bag at open qualifying! Epic

[@jonnyb2774]

If they are there cos they are influencers only, ie, don’t qualify, then they shouldn’t be allowed. If you happen to be a pro or scratch man, who also does the influencer thing, then you should be allowed a shot at it the same way as I would be if by some miracle I get to scratch.

[@LB1973]

What the RNA should do is say one of the courses is open for filming and put you all together at a late tee time that seems sensible maybe?

[@smoozerish]

So it's now finally official....when the chips are down, Andy Carter is the best of the british youtube influencers. Pete has the best swing, but he is the most affected by pressure. And Rick Shiels is just shit all round 😅😅

[@stephenmccann3407]

I think everyone that has watched them knew andy was the best golfer anyway.

[@RobSquare]

If you try to prioritize being an influencer and a golfer 100%, you’ll end up being 50% at both. True commitment & focus requires zero distractions or competition. Look at the best in the world, once they have kids, their game drops… I’m genuinely worried for Scotty Scheffler, he just had his 1st kid. This isn’t a new concept, it happens in all industries.

[@adamtaylor5846]

Influencers tend to be scratch and pro golfers so of course they can play. It’s just that you tube has given good 😌 rod who don’t make the top level an xtra revenue stream

[@Tom_Swift]

No they shouldn't be banned, because they ban themselves from ever qualifying 🤣 Love you Pete ♥

[@acbower4468]

It’s weird that someone would be banned from a tournament called “The Open”…

[@robertarbuckle8493]

Pete - give Mick a slap...

[@lifebymickw]

He'll get one back!

[@robertarbuckle8493]

@@lifebymickw 😆

[@Familyguy10371]

Should be allowed to play as they are pros . However filming should be from a distance via mobiles not big camera in respect for the other golfers. The question is , would they enter for the golf if they didn’t get content. I very much doubt it.

[@BarrieFitzgerald-ch2rw]

Pete leading up to the actual day showed no signs of him not putting up a good fight and he did all his prep correctly so it’s really about the day and the pressure and fact that there plus 5/6 players on the course