At the risk of repeating myself – Tiger’s return cannot possibly be compared with Ben Hogan’s on two counts:
1) The injury was nowhere near as severe (Hogan was inches from death), and
2) Newspaper accounts reveal that Hogan’s crowds at Riviera were huge.
After the fact – Hogan’s return was far more successful.
Having said that, it was great for golf that the best player in history (sorry Jack and Ben) is back.
Starting birdie, eagle after two magnificent iron approaches, there had to have been a collective “wow”. Sadly, from that point on it became more mundane. Jones wasn’t in the same class and never really factored. Tim Clarke, on the other hand, played the match of his life while Tiger was less sharp especially putting on the very slow greens.
Take nothing away from Geoff Ogilvie, who always looked in total control, but Paul Casey did not disgrace himself either, scoring some big scalps on his way into the final.
The highlight for me, however, was the play of teen phenom Rory McIlroy. The next generation of golf is here – of that there is no doubt.
One fact that stood out was the strong hand of the European Tour. The Ross Fishers and Oliver Wilsons are the quiet and hidden spearhead of that tour’s budding strength.
The format need some attention. Thirty-six holes for a final does not fit today’s “instant” audience. Reduce it to the excitement that 18 holes provides.
Additionally, the top seeds need to be around longer and as a reward for their higher rankings the tournament should adopt the World Matchplay concept of byes.
My suggestion: Expand the field to 80. Players ranked 17 to 80 (64) play two rounds to reduce the (qualifying) field to 16. Then reset the new field of 32 according to the Sony rankings.
Finally, Golf Channel’s Vince Cellini’s idea of staging the semi-final and the final on Sunday is an excellent one.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The economy may be sick but golf is healthy
Of the three big stories this week, one did not take place on the golf course yet it was the biggest – that of Tiger’s return to competition.
Much discussion has centered around whether this is the right venue for his return. The Accenture Match Play championship is over five days and the final is over 36 holes which at first glance might seem an unnecessary test for Tiger’s knee but all reports and his own words suggest that the knee is better than ever.
Winning the US Open on one leg and kicking the competiton’s butts with the other is all we need to know if Tiger’s knee is in fact as good as he says. Therefore, look out PGA Tour!
Match play is perfect for Tiger. One of the great advantages of this format is that you can win shooting over par (and also lose shooting under par) but that is why Tiger can ease his way back into the fray. His first match is against the 64th ranked player in the world – much less daunting than lining up against 155 players all at once.
I do take issue with some of the hype, however, that his return is the most anticipated return in golf history. I wasn’t around in 1950 at Riviera but from all accounts, Ben Hogan’s return to competition (after an accident that almost killed him and left him with his left leg shorter than his right), attracted huge crowds and was so significant it led to a Hollywood movie. As George Harrison once said to Bono (U2's lead singer) - You think U2 is big?. We were big....
Coincidentally, Riviera was the venue for Phil’s return. As defending champion he looked like he’d walk away with it after day one. After day two he kept us in suspence but then day three his play was again astounding to take a four shot lead into Sunday.
In typical Phil fashion, he labored with the lead and lost it soon after. The town favorite Fred Couples had a shot and Steve Stricker had one hand on the trophy but last-gasp, Phil the Thrill made a wonderful birdie at 16 followed by an excellent two-putt birdie at 17. Stricker’s bogey at the last allowed Phil the luxury of a par at 18 (some luxury) and he gave us a few palpitations with his final putt.
The two putts for birdies on the previous two holes must have given him lots of confidence because the par putt never looked like missing.
Story three was also a coincidence when you consider that Phil’s first win on the PGA Tour was as an amateur and so is Danny Lee’s.
Lee has had a fabulous amateur career and plans to turn pro after taking up his invitation to play in the 09 Masters. This youngster is very exciting as we saw at Pinehurst No 2 in last year’s US Amateur. His play before and after that win against the pros should have signalled his chances in the Johnnie Walker in Perth, Australia – a feature tournament on the European Tour.
After a three-putt lip-out bogey at 12, Lee stormed home to birdie four of the final six holes and and almost eagled the 18th. It was a splendid performance. He admitted that making the cut was his goal for the week and maybe a top twenty finish.
With a three year exemption for the European Tour and likely invitations to many of the PGA Tour events, Lee will not lack opportunities. His coolness, great calm and maturity beyond his years should ensure his future. Rory will not have things all his own way.
Much discussion has centered around whether this is the right venue for his return. The Accenture Match Play championship is over five days and the final is over 36 holes which at first glance might seem an unnecessary test for Tiger’s knee but all reports and his own words suggest that the knee is better than ever.
Winning the US Open on one leg and kicking the competiton’s butts with the other is all we need to know if Tiger’s knee is in fact as good as he says. Therefore, look out PGA Tour!
Match play is perfect for Tiger. One of the great advantages of this format is that you can win shooting over par (and also lose shooting under par) but that is why Tiger can ease his way back into the fray. His first match is against the 64th ranked player in the world – much less daunting than lining up against 155 players all at once.
I do take issue with some of the hype, however, that his return is the most anticipated return in golf history. I wasn’t around in 1950 at Riviera but from all accounts, Ben Hogan’s return to competition (after an accident that almost killed him and left him with his left leg shorter than his right), attracted huge crowds and was so significant it led to a Hollywood movie. As George Harrison once said to Bono (U2's lead singer) - You think U2 is big?. We were big....
Coincidentally, Riviera was the venue for Phil’s return. As defending champion he looked like he’d walk away with it after day one. After day two he kept us in suspence but then day three his play was again astounding to take a four shot lead into Sunday.
In typical Phil fashion, he labored with the lead and lost it soon after. The town favorite Fred Couples had a shot and Steve Stricker had one hand on the trophy but last-gasp, Phil the Thrill made a wonderful birdie at 16 followed by an excellent two-putt birdie at 17. Stricker’s bogey at the last allowed Phil the luxury of a par at 18 (some luxury) and he gave us a few palpitations with his final putt.
The two putts for birdies on the previous two holes must have given him lots of confidence because the par putt never looked like missing.
Story three was also a coincidence when you consider that Phil’s first win on the PGA Tour was as an amateur and so is Danny Lee’s.
Lee has had a fabulous amateur career and plans to turn pro after taking up his invitation to play in the 09 Masters. This youngster is very exciting as we saw at Pinehurst No 2 in last year’s US Amateur. His play before and after that win against the pros should have signalled his chances in the Johnnie Walker in Perth, Australia – a feature tournament on the European Tour.
After a three-putt lip-out bogey at 12, Lee stormed home to birdie four of the final six holes and and almost eagled the 18th. It was a splendid performance. He admitted that making the cut was his goal for the week and maybe a top twenty finish.
With a three year exemption for the European Tour and likely invitations to many of the PGA Tour events, Lee will not lack opportunities. His coolness, great calm and maturity beyond his years should ensure his future. Rory will not have things all his own way.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Even Pebble Beach failed to bring out the stars
It’s not the golf course, of course – maybe it’s the format. Being spread over three courses there should be room for a huge participation but the entry total equalled 60 players per course (180 or just 24 more than the tour maximum when played on one course).
Pebble Beach’s influence was evident on day three when just four players broke 70 so from that standpoint it is a shame that the fourth day did not eventuate. We might have had an interesting finish.
The winner went low twice and that is what he had to do. Mike Weir and Retief Goosen were close enough to be dangerous and would certainly have put some pressure on Johnson – but we will never know. His win will always be remembered as a rain-shortened one.
Mickelson did not make any impression where he would have been expected to, given the quality of the field and a large question mark hangs over him despite heading to Riviera as defending champion.
The other star was Vijay and after knee surgery he could be forgiven for a below average performance. His spirit is possibly stronger than Phil’s so a bounce back is on the cards.
It was nice to see Calc thereabouts and the most consistent player on any tour right now would have to be Kenny Perry. He’s a factor every time he tees it up.
Further down the leader board, Charlie Hoffman remains steady although his third round 74 saw him drop 11 spots after round two while the previous week’s victor, Nick Watney started very slowly but finished strongly.
Among the cut-makers but also-rans it seems that Davis Love III is serious about trying to recapture his best form and Jim Furyk was unspectacular but steady and won’t be long in contending.
The last event (at Riviera) of the West Coast segment looks to have drawn the best field so far and it's about time too!
Pebble Beach’s influence was evident on day three when just four players broke 70 so from that standpoint it is a shame that the fourth day did not eventuate. We might have had an interesting finish.
The winner went low twice and that is what he had to do. Mike Weir and Retief Goosen were close enough to be dangerous and would certainly have put some pressure on Johnson – but we will never know. His win will always be remembered as a rain-shortened one.
Mickelson did not make any impression where he would have been expected to, given the quality of the field and a large question mark hangs over him despite heading to Riviera as defending champion.
The other star was Vijay and after knee surgery he could be forgiven for a below average performance. His spirit is possibly stronger than Phil’s so a bounce back is on the cards.
It was nice to see Calc thereabouts and the most consistent player on any tour right now would have to be Kenny Perry. He’s a factor every time he tees it up.
Further down the leader board, Charlie Hoffman remains steady although his third round 74 saw him drop 11 spots after round two while the previous week’s victor, Nick Watney started very slowly but finished strongly.
Among the cut-makers but also-rans it seems that Davis Love III is serious about trying to recapture his best form and Jim Furyk was unspectacular but steady and won’t be long in contending.
The last event (at Riviera) of the West Coast segment looks to have drawn the best field so far and it's about time too!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
And the winner is.......not who you thought it would be
Before the tournament even started it was Phil. After round one it was Villegas, then after round three it was Rollins.
So much for predictions.
During round four Lucas Glover made a run. Was he the winner?
Luke Donald with front-nine back-to-back birdies was only two back. Was he the winner.
Villegas was still there too. Was he the winner?
Rollins was still in the lead. Was he the winner?
The answer to all the above is “no”.
No, the quiet, relatively unknown Nick Watney came from 5 back with a very tidy 68 to prevail. He never held the lead until the very last hole, the last green and the last putt.
In true Yogi Berra fashion – it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
Among the “names”, Mickelson did not look trim and fit. He’s not there yet and neither is his putting. It will be a surprise if he’s ready by Pebble Beach-time. Harrington probably needs another start or two to show his best. On a positive note, the cut did not include any stars.
Close up behind the leaders, Luke Donald is threatening. He was close prior to Torrey Pines and had a peek at winning so his chances must be improving. By the time the Honda comes around he should be cherry ripe.
Baddeley and Hoffman (following on from his play-off loss) were very steady while Villegas bounced back from an ugly FBR miss-cut.
Rollins is looking fit and ready. Only a miracle winding putt by Watney at 16 caused Rollins’ defeat, not bad play.
So much for predictions.
During round four Lucas Glover made a run. Was he the winner?
Luke Donald with front-nine back-to-back birdies was only two back. Was he the winner.
Villegas was still there too. Was he the winner?
Rollins was still in the lead. Was he the winner?
The answer to all the above is “no”.
No, the quiet, relatively unknown Nick Watney came from 5 back with a very tidy 68 to prevail. He never held the lead until the very last hole, the last green and the last putt.
In true Yogi Berra fashion – it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
Among the “names”, Mickelson did not look trim and fit. He’s not there yet and neither is his putting. It will be a surprise if he’s ready by Pebble Beach-time. Harrington probably needs another start or two to show his best. On a positive note, the cut did not include any stars.
Close up behind the leaders, Luke Donald is threatening. He was close prior to Torrey Pines and had a peek at winning so his chances must be improving. By the time the Honda comes around he should be cherry ripe.
Baddeley and Hoffman (following on from his play-off loss) were very steady while Villegas bounced back from an ugly FBR miss-cut.
Rollins is looking fit and ready. Only a miracle winding putt by Watney at 16 caused Rollins’ defeat, not bad play.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Super Stars Bowled Over
In contrast to the Dubai Desert Classic, the top twenty at the FBR Open in the ‘other’ desert, looked drab and unexciting. Only the winner Kenny Perry, David Toms, Zach Johnson and Geoff Ogilvy had star power.
As big a story as the winning effort by Perry was that Mickelson, Kim, Villegas, Leonard, Holmes , Weir and Cink – were all missing from the weekend. The big guns shot blanks. For Mickelson, being his first outing since the HSBC Champions in November, could be forgiven and is likely to be somewhere in the mix at Torrey Pines.
It says a lot that a 48 year-old can out-play, out-putt and often out-drive the young guns on the PGA Tour. We know that Vijay out-works his opponents but Perry is no fitness guru who wears out driving ranges. Bernhard Langer has two years to make another fortune out on the Champions Tour because as soon as Perry joins the ‘round bellies’ Langer will be playing for second.
The up-and-comers provided quite a lot of interest. Piercy’s lack of experience showed while Nitties cracked under the pressure. Both will benefit from their brush with victory. Ryan Moore had a look and sooner or later he must break through.
Hoffman is a previous tour winner and won’t have to improve much to win again. Kevin Na’s performance suggests that he too is likely to succeed when the big guns are vacationing or simply not performing.
In closing: CBS called Kenny Perry’s second to the par 5 fifteenth the Shot of the Day. It was a good shot but not as close as David Toms who knocked it stiff with his second and made eagle whereas Perry two-putted for birdie.
As big a story as the winning effort by Perry was that Mickelson, Kim, Villegas, Leonard, Holmes , Weir and Cink – were all missing from the weekend. The big guns shot blanks. For Mickelson, being his first outing since the HSBC Champions in November, could be forgiven and is likely to be somewhere in the mix at Torrey Pines.
It says a lot that a 48 year-old can out-play, out-putt and often out-drive the young guns on the PGA Tour. We know that Vijay out-works his opponents but Perry is no fitness guru who wears out driving ranges. Bernhard Langer has two years to make another fortune out on the Champions Tour because as soon as Perry joins the ‘round bellies’ Langer will be playing for second.
The up-and-comers provided quite a lot of interest. Piercy’s lack of experience showed while Nitties cracked under the pressure. Both will benefit from their brush with victory. Ryan Moore had a look and sooner or later he must break through.
Hoffman is a previous tour winner and won’t have to improve much to win again. Kevin Na’s performance suggests that he too is likely to succeed when the big guns are vacationing or simply not performing.
In closing: CBS called Kenny Perry’s second to the par 5 fifteenth the Shot of the Day. It was a good shot but not as close as David Toms who knocked it stiff with his second and made eagle whereas Perry two-putted for birdie.
European Tour Strenghtens Grip
Despite having lost the Ryder Cup last year, the strength in World Golf is currently firmly planted among those playing the European Tour.
Even though the world is going through tough economic times, the best players appear to be more interested in playing against each other rather than simply for money. Soon, they may have no choice!
For the second consecutive week the European Tour event provided greater drama than that on offer in the ‘other’ desert. The whopping lead built up by eventual winner Rory McIlroy was not immune to final nine pressure as applied by Justin Rose, whose never-give-up attitude did not go unnoticed.
Are big leads desirous? As Sam Snead would have said: “You dance with who brung ya” and McIlroy’s game did change when seemingly totally in charge. The combination of his bogeys and Rose’s birdies meant that the final hole was a nail-biter.
The winner’s brilliant yet delicate bunker shot was not to be denied so he didn’t exactly fall in to win – he pulled off a winner’s shot.
McIlroy’s talent is undoubted. He could easily have won twice before Dubai but now that he has broken through, look out, he might barn storm his way to a major this year. If he has a weakness it’s with the flat stick but he’s not alone.
Rose will only have to play half as good to win somewhere in the US this year.
Among the also-rans was terrific line up including Stenson, Casey (winner two weeks back), Karlsson, Kaymer, Jiminez and Oosthuizen (overdue). Sergio was on their heels while last week’s winner Alvaro Quiros closed with a 64 signifying he’s no fluke.
One pattern continued - Ernie is struggling. The torch is passing........
Even though the world is going through tough economic times, the best players appear to be more interested in playing against each other rather than simply for money. Soon, they may have no choice!
For the second consecutive week the European Tour event provided greater drama than that on offer in the ‘other’ desert. The whopping lead built up by eventual winner Rory McIlroy was not immune to final nine pressure as applied by Justin Rose, whose never-give-up attitude did not go unnoticed.
Are big leads desirous? As Sam Snead would have said: “You dance with who brung ya” and McIlroy’s game did change when seemingly totally in charge. The combination of his bogeys and Rose’s birdies meant that the final hole was a nail-biter.
The winner’s brilliant yet delicate bunker shot was not to be denied so he didn’t exactly fall in to win – he pulled off a winner’s shot.
McIlroy’s talent is undoubted. He could easily have won twice before Dubai but now that he has broken through, look out, he might barn storm his way to a major this year. If he has a weakness it’s with the flat stick but he’s not alone.
Rose will only have to play half as good to win somewhere in the US this year.
Among the also-rans was terrific line up including Stenson, Casey (winner two weeks back), Karlsson, Kaymer, Jiminez and Oosthuizen (overdue). Sergio was on their heels while last week’s winner Alvaro Quiros closed with a 64 signifying he’s no fluke.
One pattern continued - Ernie is struggling. The torch is passing........
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Soft is only good in marshmellows
The storyline for the Hope was Steve Sticker’s meltdown. It is significant that one bad swing (or in this case, three bad swings) can rapidly change the outcome of a tournament.
It can happen to anyone and at anytime but one cannot help but wonder if the same thing would have happened if all four rounds had been played in the tough conditions and more challenging pin placements prevailing during round five.
My problem with the Hope is (1) five rounds and (2) the course set-up over the first four rounds. The scores underline how soft the courses were and perhaps the tough conditions just hit ‘em between the eyes on day five and they weren’t prepared?
Five rounds is simply too long. This day and age calls for 72 holes. Retain the Pro Am format but three days of amateur play is plenty before the finale.
Since the amateurs are playing best ball anyway why is there any need to make the pins accessible? Give the pros a test. It’ll never be a US Open but real golfers like to see the best sweating a little.
Perez earned and deserved (not the same thing) his victory. The eagle at 18 said it all. Behind him, it was good to see perennial top liners such as Mike Weir, Stephen Ames (highly under-rated), Chad Campbell and David Toms all play well.
Among the newer names it will be interesting to see if John Merrick and Webb Simpson can repeat the effort on tougher tracks.
The format is perhaps geared more towards entertainment (and we have more of the same to look forward to at the A, T&T) and less towards skill so the form shown has an asterisk. I wish it were different but it is what it is and tradition is hard to break. It's just as well there was some 72 holes of serious golf going on in the Middle East.
It can happen to anyone and at anytime but one cannot help but wonder if the same thing would have happened if all four rounds had been played in the tough conditions and more challenging pin placements prevailing during round five.
My problem with the Hope is (1) five rounds and (2) the course set-up over the first four rounds. The scores underline how soft the courses were and perhaps the tough conditions just hit ‘em between the eyes on day five and they weren’t prepared?
Five rounds is simply too long. This day and age calls for 72 holes. Retain the Pro Am format but three days of amateur play is plenty before the finale.
Since the amateurs are playing best ball anyway why is there any need to make the pins accessible? Give the pros a test. It’ll never be a US Open but real golfers like to see the best sweating a little.
Perez earned and deserved (not the same thing) his victory. The eagle at 18 said it all. Behind him, it was good to see perennial top liners such as Mike Weir, Stephen Ames (highly under-rated), Chad Campbell and David Toms all play well.
Among the newer names it will be interesting to see if John Merrick and Webb Simpson can repeat the effort on tougher tracks.
The format is perhaps geared more towards entertainment (and we have more of the same to look forward to at the A, T&T) and less towards skill so the form shown has an asterisk. I wish it were different but it is what it is and tradition is hard to break. It's just as well there was some 72 holes of serious golf going on in the Middle East.
Arnold, Seve, Sergio and Alvaro?
Swashbucklers have a firm place in golf.
Arnold had it. Seve had it. Sergio might have it. Alvaro has it.
Is this the next Spanish superstar?
This guy has the power, the heart, the guts and the talent. Is he Seve II?
His brilliant bogey-free 64 in round three put him in a strong position leading into round four but things looked shaky after an ordinary front nine. Then, in true swashbuckling fashion, he comes home in 32 including a bogey.
Meanwhile, Oosthuizen could not get any traction and was playing for second down the stretch. The only real challenge came from Stenson but his ugly three-putt at the par 5 last merely allowed Quiros to cruise across the line.
Quiros looks the goods after now having won three times but this field was very strong – way stronger than the Hope – and it only remains to be seen if he can continue this form against the best.
The short downhiller he left himself for par at the last looked simple but moments before Stenson had messed it up badly. That green is tricky yet nowhere near as fast as those Quiros will find at Augusta. However, his nerves were excellent despite the fact that the championship was over. Those nerves will be tested again but he’s up to it.
Sergio is getting closer. Four Spaniards in the top seven. Simon Dyson improved every round and is coming into form nicely. Aaron Baddeley had a good championship but finished weakly. Adam started too slowly and Ernie is not there and doesn’t look like he’ll be there any time soon. The competition is getting stronger Ernie.
Arnold had it. Seve had it. Sergio might have it. Alvaro has it.
Is this the next Spanish superstar?
This guy has the power, the heart, the guts and the talent. Is he Seve II?
His brilliant bogey-free 64 in round three put him in a strong position leading into round four but things looked shaky after an ordinary front nine. Then, in true swashbuckling fashion, he comes home in 32 including a bogey.
Meanwhile, Oosthuizen could not get any traction and was playing for second down the stretch. The only real challenge came from Stenson but his ugly three-putt at the par 5 last merely allowed Quiros to cruise across the line.
Quiros looks the goods after now having won three times but this field was very strong – way stronger than the Hope – and it only remains to be seen if he can continue this form against the best.
The short downhiller he left himself for par at the last looked simple but moments before Stenson had messed it up badly. That green is tricky yet nowhere near as fast as those Quiros will find at Augusta. However, his nerves were excellent despite the fact that the championship was over. Those nerves will be tested again but he’s up to it.
Sergio is getting closer. Four Spaniards in the top seven. Simon Dyson improved every round and is coming into form nicely. Aaron Baddeley had a good championship but finished weakly. Adam started too slowly and Ernie is not there and doesn’t look like he’ll be there any time soon. The competition is getting stronger Ernie.
Monday, January 19, 2009
It's 72 holes - not 63
Four strokes and a stunning front nine had the appearance of a runaway win for Paul Casey in Abu Dhabi. Ahead by four starting the final round, he extended that lead by recording five birdies in ten holes. The beauty of tournament golf however is that championships are 72 holes, not 63. The old adage that tournaments begin on the back nine of the final round was certainly the case for Casey.
A remarkable weekend run of 14 birdies in 28 holes suggested that he was in total control but suddenly with just eight to play he stumbled with three bogeys in four holes. The wobbles were shaken off but the chasers were in with a look.
Oosthuizen’s 64 meant that Casey still had to hit the fairway at the par 5 18th (he missed it left in the rough) and had to lay up within a menacingly narrow spot for his pitch into the green. Kaymer’s fabulous eagle putt also meant that Casey needed to two-putt from about 18 feet to avoid a three man play off. He didn’t get it to the hole but it was close enough that he didn’t have to sweat.
While too far back with the final round still to be played, the class of Harrington and Garcia was evident, the latter’s putting stroke causing him much frustration in rounds one and two. It will be no surprise to see either player pick up a European Tour win before they head to the PGA Tour’s Florida swing.
A remarkable weekend run of 14 birdies in 28 holes suggested that he was in total control but suddenly with just eight to play he stumbled with three bogeys in four holes. The wobbles were shaken off but the chasers were in with a look.
Oosthuizen’s 64 meant that Casey still had to hit the fairway at the par 5 18th (he missed it left in the rough) and had to lay up within a menacingly narrow spot for his pitch into the green. Kaymer’s fabulous eagle putt also meant that Casey needed to two-putt from about 18 feet to avoid a three man play off. He didn’t get it to the hole but it was close enough that he didn’t have to sweat.
While too far back with the final round still to be played, the class of Harrington and Garcia was evident, the latter’s putting stroke causing him much frustration in rounds one and two. It will be no surprise to see either player pick up a European Tour win before they head to the PGA Tour’s Florida swing.
Form Horse vs Rust
The first full-field event of the 09 PGA Tour was far more exciting than the opening affair in Hawaii. The proven format of a 36 hole cut provides much more drama than the “no-cut, benefits” such as the Mercedes.
Zack Johnson showed that recent winning form was the difference between him and field and especially against David Toms. His putting was superb but so was his ball striking. The final fantastic drive drove the last nail into the coffin. His precision was evident throughout the final round.
David Toms is back. Only rust prevented him from winning. If, as he stated, he has re-dedicated himself to tournament golf, he will be a factor anytime he tees it up.
The media story was the local star Fujikawa. Sixty-two is a great score on any golf course, especially one set up for a tour event but one has to wonder if he can take that form to the mainland, should he be invited. To compete against the likes of major champions and proven tour winners, Fujikawa’s sights might be a little beyond his years.
What is it about Hawaii that instills teenage phenoms with the belief that they can win on tour?
The Nationwide Tour is the perfect arena for him to launch his career.
It is significant that two of the five major winners that made the cut fought out the finish while fifth-major winner Adam Scott tied Toms.
The big question mark hangs over Ernie. It’s just not happening for him – yet.
Players to watch: Bill Haas had a very good tournament as did Charles Howell III, despite a disappointing finish. Lower in the order, Luke Donald appears to be heading in the right direction with some steady play.
Zack Johnson showed that recent winning form was the difference between him and field and especially against David Toms. His putting was superb but so was his ball striking. The final fantastic drive drove the last nail into the coffin. His precision was evident throughout the final round.
David Toms is back. Only rust prevented him from winning. If, as he stated, he has re-dedicated himself to tournament golf, he will be a factor anytime he tees it up.
The media story was the local star Fujikawa. Sixty-two is a great score on any golf course, especially one set up for a tour event but one has to wonder if he can take that form to the mainland, should he be invited. To compete against the likes of major champions and proven tour winners, Fujikawa’s sights might be a little beyond his years.
What is it about Hawaii that instills teenage phenoms with the belief that they can win on tour?
The Nationwide Tour is the perfect arena for him to launch his career.
It is significant that two of the five major winners that made the cut fought out the finish while fifth-major winner Adam Scott tied Toms.
The big question mark hangs over Ernie. It’s just not happening for him – yet.
Players to watch: Bill Haas had a very good tournament as did Charles Howell III, despite a disappointing finish. Lower in the order, Luke Donald appears to be heading in the right direction with some steady play.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Boring, boring, boring
The only excitement during the four days of the PGA Tour's opening event lasted about 15 minutes. That was when the leader, Geoff Ogilvy, had just a one stroke lead after four bogeys on the front nine.
Within 15 minutes he had eagled the par 5 ninth and then went on a rampage over the closing nine to pull away by a wide margin.
Take nothing away from the victory. As Ben Hogan said to Nick Faldo, who had asked the maestro how to win the US Open: "Shoot the lowest score".
Ogilvy thoroughly deserved the win.
This blogger's question is: How can this tournament be improved? The format has become, quite honestly, rather boring. Perhaps altering the entry list to include representatives from each of the previous year's events would at least broaden the field. If each individual winner cannot be bothered (injuries excepted) to show up, invite those players who finished second - including ties.
The purse payout could be arranged differently. Being a small field should provide the opportunity to increase the winner's share to 40% from the usual 18%. Even the elite players might be impressed with $2m to the winner.
This won't happen in my lifetime but if the event was a "Winner Take All" affair with the also rans getting appearance money of $10,000, might that really get the elite's competitive juices flowing.
One can only dream.......
Within 15 minutes he had eagled the par 5 ninth and then went on a rampage over the closing nine to pull away by a wide margin.
Take nothing away from the victory. As Ben Hogan said to Nick Faldo, who had asked the maestro how to win the US Open: "Shoot the lowest score".
Ogilvy thoroughly deserved the win.
This blogger's question is: How can this tournament be improved? The format has become, quite honestly, rather boring. Perhaps altering the entry list to include representatives from each of the previous year's events would at least broaden the field. If each individual winner cannot be bothered (injuries excepted) to show up, invite those players who finished second - including ties.
The purse payout could be arranged differently. Being a small field should provide the opportunity to increase the winner's share to 40% from the usual 18%. Even the elite players might be impressed with $2m to the winner.
This won't happen in my lifetime but if the event was a "Winner Take All" affair with the also rans getting appearance money of $10,000, might that really get the elite's competitive juices flowing.
One can only dream.......
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