Preview

The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s been 15 months since the last Danza Cup was decided in the cold, rainy conditions of Deep Creek, Maryland in April-May 2021. The group now eagerly looks forward to the 2022 competition, in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Much has changed in the group in the last 15 months. Three participants got married: West in October 2021, Felton in May 2022, and Storm in June 2022. Trey welcomed his second daughter, Genni Lou in July 2021.

All members of the group have had plenty of time to think over last year’s Danza and prepare for this year’s cup. Everyone has been taking the game more seriously and putting in the time to improve our games this year. From lessons and swing changes, to new equipment and off-season golf trips, everyone has been hard at work improving their craft. It hasn’t been unusual to see a Danza competitor squeezing in a cheeky 9 holes after work, utilizing vacation days to play a round or two, or at the range or putting green. With the adaptation of the 18 Birdies app, the group is now much more in touch with our stats, with most members now taking note of handicap, greens in regulation, putts, and more.

The decision to play the 2022 Danza Cup at Myrtle Beach was made in January 2022, after much deliberation. But with the quality and variety of golf courses available there, it was a logical choice. We booked 4 different courses to be played over 2 days, an ambitious and challenging test. Additionally, these courses are sure to be much more demanding than in previous years.

The star-studded lineup of courses in headlined by TPC Myrtle Beach, which held the Senior PGA Championship, several other important tournaments, and is known for being the home course of Dustin Johnson. Wrapping up with TPC, having already played 54 holes under the hot sun, and playing individual match play on this stage will absolutely be memorable. The addition of Tidewater Golf Club at the last minute was a welcome surprise. This course is one of the most highly rated courses in the area and will provide many risk-reward opportunities in the scramble outing. The round at World Tour will provide an interesting experience, as the group plays best ball on replica golf holes from famous courses such as Augusta National, Oakmont Country Club, and St Andrews Golf Club. And rounding out the lineup will be the always-intriguing modified-alt-shot at Prestwick Country Club.

Starting with the captains, Blatt vs Storm is always an exciting matchup. Both of these competitors have been hard at work on their games, taking lessons, practicing in the free time, and playing 9 after work. Storm will be coming off his honeymoon, where he was only able to negotiate a meager 9-hole practice round, even with the Danza less than 2 weeks away. Will it be rust or rest for Storm? Will Blatt’s renewed commitment to improvement pay off?

Moving to the C players, both players have seen improved scores since the last Danza. John has been putting in the hours at improving his game, and Jeremy has been playing some of his best golf ever. This matchup, perhaps more than any others, will come down to who can pull together their A-game on the course.

To the B players, the only 2 players to ever win the MVP, arguably the most impactful players of the tournament in the first 2 years. This matchup can be volatile, to say the least. With the winner of the B-matchup winning the Danza both years, some are saying “B” stands for “bellwether.” West has improved his game significantly in the off-season, practicing and playing 9-holes at his home course, and his scores are showing it. But Felton tends to thrive from taking time off, or sabbaticals in his words, so this match is difficult to forecast, to say the least.

Finally, the A players: Trey and James. This match can always go either way, with both players being so close in ability and consistency. Trey appears to have the edge lately, consistently posting scores in the 70’s at difficult courses, but at times struggling to find his game. James went through a slump in 2022, posting scores in the 90’s and 70’s within weeks of each other, but made some swing changes, and may be showing signs of getting back to form. It is safe to say both players have had their share of golf ups and downs in 2022. Improvement in golf becomes harder as skill increases, and these 2 are a great example of this.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Danza will be highly anticipated and hard-fought. Although many things are different this year, the consensus is that this Danza will be a battle, with two teams who both want it badly, and will come down to whoever can execute under pressure. A good time will be had by all.