So far, the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs have gotten mixed reviews. Many people don't think they should even have the playoffs. Many people think the rules need to be changed. I agree that it's a little ridiculous that Heath Slocum was 124th entering The Barclays, and after his win he's in third. That is definitely too much of a jump.
I still think we need to give the playoffs time to evolve. Of course it's not a perfect system yet, but it's only the third year. Many of the top pros wouldn't even be playing during this stretch if not for the playoffs. Its not nearly as exciting as one of the majors, but at least it provides the players with extra incentive to accumulate points throughout the season, and then bring their "A" games to the final playoff events.
Most likely, it will be just another way for Tiger to add 10 million per year to his account for the next 8-10 years. When it comes down to it, the Fed Ex Cup Champion has to play well during the year to get to the playoffs, and then play great during crunch time to win it all. Overall, for golf fans, it provides another reason to pay attention to the tour throughout the season, and especially during the four playoff events.
I'm not sure what Jim Mora (video below) thinks of the golf playoffs.
In his past two tournaments, Tiger's putting has been slightly off. Had his putter been hot, he would have won both the PGA Championship and The Barclays by multiple strokes.
After his missed six foot birdie putt on eighteen yesterday, it was actually difficult to count how many curse words he mumbled while setting up to hit his par putt coming back. I think the words may have been similar to this video.
Michelle Wie really wanted all of the "judges" who convinced themselves that she isn't all that great a golfer to see her in all of her glory at the Solheim Cup, and with three and a half out of a possible four points to her credit. She really shut down the naysayers!
Is the "confidence boost" that Michelle Wie used to define her week in biennial match play against Team Europe at the Solheim Cup enough to change her psyche from just another player to winner? Can she finally become the female golfer that the LPGA Tour will look towards in order to boost their own ratings?
As one of the most expressive cheerleaders of Team USA, Wie proved that she has a voice and is a solid team player to boot! This may also be the defining moment in Wie's career as well; the moment that fans will remember long after her first win, placing Michelle on the road to greatness.
Then again, maybe not...
"I think I played with as much passion as I could. I think I played with as much desire and hunger as I wanted to. I think it was absolutely phenomenal, this experience that I had," mentioned a 'hyped-up Wie.
Did Wie say, as I wanted to? Does that mean that she doesn't feel the same way about playing in singles matches? Perhaps then, MW should be playing more team golf at Stanford and less on the Tour until she conquers this fear.
In addition Michelle stated, "I did not want to come to the 18th hole, but it came down to that and I did what I can do," concluding that her nerves were jangling but in spite of it she learned to conquer her fears and just go out and play.
Wie must now play on the LPGA Tour and win an event. She must win by a large margin, not because her opponent fails but because she shows confidence and strength from within.
Congratulations to Michelle Wie and to Team USA for taking possession of the Solheim Cup for a two year stint.
On this week's Golf for Beginners podcast, David Leadbetter's two golf club psych tip, bad last second swing decisions and how young is too young to learn about golf?
Congrats to Heath Slocum on winning tournament #1 of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. It would have been awesome, however, to watch a five man playoff including Tiger, Els, Stricker, Paddy, and Slocum. Oh well, on to the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston.
The Strathmore Breeze took its toll on the 42 competitors in the RNLI Medal with only three players being able to record Nett sub par scores. The final results were as follows:
CSS: 72
Placings:
1st. WD Robb - Nett 68 (BIH) 2nd. F Martin - Nett 68 3rd. N Dyce - Nett 71
Handicaps:
Reductions
The following players receive a playing handicap reduction as a result of this competition:
WD Robb - New Playing Handicap - 13 F Martin - New Playing Handicap - 17
Up-Revisions:
The following players receive a playing handicap up-revision as a result of this competition:
I Butchart - New Playing Handicap - 7 D Gillespie - New Playing Handicap - 8 DJ Alexander - New Playing Handicap - 13 D Gordon - New Playing Handicap - 13 J Wood - New Playing Handicap 15 A Ramsay - New Playing Handicap - 16 P Crockart - New Playing Handicap - 23
2's
4 players managed to record a total of 5 x 2's during this competion as follows:
6th G Martin (Jnr), N Dyce & S Thomson 13th G Haynes 17th N Dyce
Well done to all who battled it out with the wind. Next weekend sees the Gent's Invitation, bring a guest and use your "virtual voucher". Sign up sheet in the Clubhouse, be sure to take part and introduce a friend to the Strathmore Breeze!
The above Mixed Competition takes place on Sunday 30th Aug, the draw for which is as follows:
1200 C Brand & E Low / S & R Peacock
1207 D Grant & K Finlay / D Gordon & S Bailey
1215 A Easton & J Griffiths / I Taylor & M Robertson
1222 E Gray & R Fraser / M & D Tinker
1230 S & L Bushby / G & L Haynes
1237 B & J Gordon / F & S Barber
1245 D Norman & A Grewar / J Grant & J Goodfellow
1252 B & F Johnston / B Jackson & E Ralston
1300 J & S Scott / A Low & M West
This event is a Fourball Betterball Stableford competition. Gent's will play off the white tees using 3/4 handicap, Ladies will play off the red tees, add one handicap stroke, then play off 3/4 of that total. All players use the Ladies Par and SI.
This weeks competition is the RNLI Medal. This competition is a Charity Event, and the usual Charity Entry Fee applies. Pse ensure you place the correct amount in the envelopes. The draw is as follows:
There are a number of notable beach resorts and Panama hotels that feature the most stunning and well designed golf courses in the world. The pleasant weather with its near-perfect climate, tropical surroundings and abundant tourist attractions is what makes Panama a top golfing destination for both amateurs and pros alike.
Coronado Golf and Beach Resort
With the sights and sounds of the beach just a close distance away, this course isn’t just gorgeous to look at but satisfying to play. The golf course, spanning 7,092 yards, was designed by the famous Tom and George Fazio. Tom Fazio has designed more golf courses ranked in the top 100 golf courses in the U.S than any other architect and received the title of Best Modern Day Golf Course Architect by Golf Digest magazine three times. An Executive golf course was just recently built for golf workshops and lessons, those wanting some extra practice, and fun night tournaments. The course is 9 holes with all of them being par 3.
Summit Golf and Resort
Overlooking Camino de Cruces National Park and the Galliard Cut valley that goes through the continental divide of the Panama Canal, this now world-class course has an interesting history. It was first a very modest course that opened in the 1930’s for Americans working in the Panama Canal Zone. But now, the course is one of the very few of its kind to utilize advanced GPS technology and the greens are Tifdwarf Bermudagrass, which adapts well to heat, saline or sodic soils, low mowing and heavy traffic. The course is under very high maintenance standards and has an advanced drainage system. Multiple tee boxes, putting surfaces that are expertly contoured, and ample landing areas are featured throughout the course. Summit is very family friendly with a family center, day care and if the kids want to get in some play, s six-hole par 3 course is available for the younger ones to develop their skills. Summit also includes a full-service indoor practice facility that features computer technology for swing analysis and specialized club fitting.
Mantaraya Golf Club
Mantaraya is a course known for its natural beauty and incorporates many tropical elements into the design and landscape of the course. The course is very much blended in with the existing plants and trees, which is why many golfers enjoy the unique golf experience. For those looking for additional challenges, water comes into play for most of the holes and there are many elevation changes. Golfers appreciate the mountain views and this course is best known among nature lovers because of the surrounding lakes and trees. There are two driving ranges and a special practice putting green. Plus, for fun nighttime play, 6 holes are lit when the sun goes down. Mantaraya is located at the Royal Decameron Beach, Golf, and Casino Resort in Playa Blanca, Farallon, about one and half hours away from Panama City.
A.J. Ali does a lot of work throughout the country by putting on various golf events for charities. Check out on the tee with AJ Ali to see how you can help fight cancer.
A word within almost every sports column in the United States is that Tiger Woods 'choked' and gave up a 54-hole lead at the PGA Championship to the golfer who stood in 110th position before the Sunday start, Y.E. Yang. Did Tiger choke or only prove that he is human after all?
'Choke' is a strong word to associate with Tiger Woods and it is not supposed to happen to the one golfer that everyone believed to be made of steel, an alien from another planet to many fans. Some may say that he brought his "B" or "C" game to the final round of the fourth major and others may claim that Woods now has chinks in his armor but rimmed putts are hardly the stuff of failure.
A second place finish yesterday makes it difficult to say that Tiger allowed "a hungrier, more focused, more composed golfer kick the stuffing out of him" as written by Jay Mariotti. Let us reserve that visualization for Padraig Harrington whose quintuple bogey forced him to drop his head once again and sigh his way through another event with Tiger in the field.
Should golfers in future events be less fearful in a face-off with Woods?
Five wins this season is hardly a sign that Tiger is slipping off of his pedestal but lacking a major win this season also cautions fans that he can be beaten. Woods doing negative self-talk? That hardly ever happens either and perhaps Tiger is not even aware of it but when he rolls the playback, which he will, I'm sure that Woods will come back stronger than ever.
Fed Ex Cup golfers, BEWARE!
As far as Olympic glory in 2016, I don't think a forty-year-old Woods will compete but, on the other hand, the gold medal would look great in his trophy room. The problem is, could folks stand it if Tiger only came home with a bronze medal?
Golf for Beginners also reviews Padraig Harrington's thoughts on why Tiger should have won the PGA Championship and how any golfer can follow his progression.
We also look at the real reason why John Daly walked off the golf course at the PGA Championship.
At the Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge, a skins game played for charity, Tiger Woods was the winner over Camilo Villegas, Mike Weir, and host Notah Begay. Woods won holes 15-17, and a total of $230,000.00 to overtake Villegas (200,000.00), Begay ($70,000.00) and Weir, who was shut out.
Begay, who is the only full-blooded Native American to play on the PGA Tour, started the foundation in 2005. It uses both golf and soccer to promote physical fitness and wellness among Native American youth, who are plagued by obesity and diabetes.
Woods and Begay were college roommates at Stanford, and Tiger was able to add another trophy to his collection by winning a piece of Pueblo Indian black pottery. Begay added a check of $750,000 for his foundation and was glad to have his friend attend the event.
“To have Tiger be a part of this is just a tremendous asset for the foundation and the event,” Begay said. “I think he enjoyed himself. He beat us, but I think we’ve kind of grown accustomed to that.”
Tiger, playing in the Barclays starting this Thursday, and who rarely plays in these type of events anymore, seemed more than happy to help his friend's foundation. “Today was incredible, to come here and bring awareness to what Notah is trying to do. It’s great to see what he’s doing, to put his heart, soul, and passion into something like this and bring this many people together to help them understand and educate the public. I’m just so proud of him as a friend. We’ve been through a lot together.”
The Gents Invitation Day 2009 will be held on Saturday 5th September with the first Tee off time at 10.30am.
A meal will be available after the event at a cost of £9.00 per person. You can use your voucher for your guest’s Green fees otherwise the normal green fee will apply.
The sign up sheet is in the competition folder in the bar.
Despite a forecast that would have made Noah happy, the torrential rain stayed away, well at least until the evening, and the August Medal field was completed in pleasant conditions. The results are as follows:
CSS: 71
Division 1
1st. M Scott - Nett 68 2nd. Matt Bell - Nett 70 3rd. J Scott - Nett 71
Division 2
1st. S Schofield - Nett 70 2nd. I Clark - Nett 72 3rd. B McGowan - Nett 72
Division 3
1st. C McDonald - Nett 69 2nd. C Carmichael - Nett 70 3rd. FJ Moran (Jnr) - Nett 71
Sweep
1st. M Scott 2nd. C McDonald 3rd. S Schofield
Handicaps.
Reductions
The following players receive a handicap reduction as a result of this competition:
M Scott - New Playing Handicap - 4 Matt Bell - New Playing Handciap - 5 C McDomnald - New Playing Handicap - 27
Up-Revisions
The following Players recieve a handicap up-revision as a result of this competition:
WD Robb - New Playing Handicap - 15 A Hughes - New Playing HAndicap - 20
2's
With a Carry-Over pot from last week, the 2's pot was hotly contested this week, with no fewer than 7 being recorded as below:
6th. L Duncan, Matt Bell, J Scott, WD Robb & C Thoms 13th. Mike Bell 17th. C Thoms
Well done to all our winners. Next weeks event is the RNLI Medal. Sign Up sheets in the Clubhouse.
Congratulations to the U.S. women for winning the Solheim Cup, 16 points to 12 over the Europeans. Michelle Wie led the team with a 3-0-1 record and the team won their 3rd consecutive cup.
Ryan Moore won the Wyndham Championship in a playoff over Kevin "Walrus, Jr" Stadler, and Jason Bohn. He picks up his first win on the PGA tour, $918,000.00, and 500 Fed Ex Cup points.
Mike Reid won his second career major on the Senior Tour with a playoff win over John Cook at the Jeld-Wen Tradition.
Tiger has announced he will be playing in the first Fed Ex Cup playoff event starting this Thursday at the Barclays, which shows he may be leaning toward playing in all four playoff events for the first time.
The caddy for a cure program allows for anyone to bid for the chance to become a caddy for a PGA touring professional. This program not only provides the opportunity to caddy for a pro during a practice round or pro-am, it more importantly helps raise money for charity.
Caddy for a cure directly supports the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund and the Wounded Warrior project, among others. Donations are also made to the PGA TOUR player’s charity of choice and to local charities picked by the PGA TOUR host sites. About 80 professional players have participated in the Caddy For A Cure program over the past six years, including Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Padraig Hamilton, Jim Furyk, Boo Weekley, Anthony Kim, Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Zach Johnson, Davis Love III, Adam Scott, Vijay Singh and Camilo Villegas.
Currently, they are promoting the I'm tired of bogeys bracelet, which costs $10, and which $5 will go directly to the Caddy for a cure charities. This bracelet is one of many different types of "I'm tired of" bracelets that support many worldwide causes.
The “I’m Tired of” campaign was launched less than a year ago by brother and sister team, Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare, to fight against the world’s issues that we are all tired of, like animal cruelty, BSL (breed-specific legislation), discrimination, world hunger, global warming, cancer, diabetes and so many more. The fashionable bracelets are made from recycled tires and metals, creating a fun play on the word, tired, and cost just $10, so anyone can afford them. Then half the sale ($5) from each one is donated to charities the company is aligned with that support each cause.
Draw for this weekend's competition is as follows:
Morning Starters
0800 Matt Bell, L Duncan & GN Hunter 0807 B McGowan, R Milligan & D Gordon 0815 S Bolderson, A Low & M Grieve 0822 B Jackson, Mike Bell & C Davidson 0830 B Simpson, J Wood & GS Allan 0837 A Ramsay, I Clark & H McKelvie 0845 K Macleod, S Schofield & G Hunter 0852 S Tosh, A Jones & P Simpson 0900 SA Robertson, M Allen & T Bennet
Afternoon Players
1200 N Dyce & S Thomson 1207 A Easton (Jnr), M Scott & I Butchart 1215 C McKenna, J Scott & G Martin (Jnr) 1222 D Gillespie, I Scott & M Tinker 1230 R Tinker (Jnr), A Aird & DJ Alexander 1237 WD Robb, R Michie & W McGregor 1245 E Ritchie, DM Alexander & F Moran 1252 F Martin, A Hughes & C Brand 1300 D Thomson, C Carmichael & C Thoms 1307 B Johnston, FJ Moran (Jnr) & J Henvey 1315 E Gray, J Torrie & C McDonald
Check out Ace Magnetics if you are interested in magnetic bracelets, rings, necklaces, and copper accessories. These are especially popular with many senior tour players, including Arnold Palmer.
I recently met the owner of Golf Essentials for Women, Donna Craig. Her site has a variety of golf clothing and accessories for women. I won't begin to pretend that I know anything about women's clothing so you will have to check it out for yourself. You can also check out her blog here.
Following in the same vein as my recent interest in playing golf at the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, I have also decided to select several other destinations that I am going to make a strong effort to visit over the next several years. Although I can only cross my fingers and hope that this happens, I consider this a "wish list" of sorts.
Sometimes when you wish hard enough, your wish can come true!
I love the sun, beach and golf, so I always make sure to include that "trifecta" when planning a holiday. The Murcia region of Spain happens to offer the most hours of daylight of any continent and so I am considering a visit to La Manga, Europe's most famous golf resort.
The Mediterranean climate boasts sunshine more than 300 days per year! Couple that with 1,400 acres of top-notch facilities, and I cannot believe that this resort is not on the tips of more golfers' tongues.
The resort town of La Manga del Mar Menor (aka 'the Sleeve of the Minor Sea') is on a strip of land which separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Small Sea (Mar Menor). La Manga was originally formed by an accumulation of sand carried by ocean currents. Volcanic, as well as other sediments came to the surface to form Mar Menor.
It is attractive to touristas who simply want to get away from their natural habitat for pure pleasure. Windsurfing, sailing and water skiing are popular because of the location of both Mediterranean and calm inlet. I don't think I am the type of person to enjoy diving but, isn't that what vacations are for...to try new and exciting things that you would never think of trying before? Perhaps a small cliff... If you are an equestrian, there are both Andalucian and French horses (and Shetland ponies for the kids I'm told) which are great for beach and countryside trots.
I chose to "visit" La Manga Club Principe Felipe because it has top-notch facilities and visually stunning areas allowing me to choose between relaxation by day and frolicking at night. The 1,400 acres of land boasts a five-star hotel, world-class spa, three world-class golf courses and both golf and tennis academies (practice makes perfect). Las Lomas Village on the property features townhomes, apartments and a more tranquil setting but both offer the same amenities.
La Manga was named European Golf Resort of the Year, and it is easy to see why it has received such outstanding accolades. The South, North and West Courses offer championship layouts and stringent tests with tricky slopes that demand exacting course management. Bring your patience for these courses but, with the incredible vistas, it should be easy to relax, regardless of the outcome! Kids are also welcome to play golf with parent/children golf tournaments scheduled every week.
No kids? Me neither! La Manga also offers the spa experience, a piano bar that offers wine and cheese tastings and, for a night on the town, visit Gran Casino Cartagena.
Although many people select accomodations based on what is within the walls of their resort, touring the surrounding areas offer a glimpse into the life of locals as well. Visiting small villages, museums and the ancient port of Cartagena will allow me to get to know the past and present culture of the area.
A visit to Spain is definitely in my future. A week at La Manga is just what I need to restore my well-being. Sunny Costa Calida, here I come!
To celebrate the win of the PGA Championship by Y.E. Yang, and his incredible shot on #18 with a Taylormade Rescue and TP Red golf ball, THP and Taylormade Golf want to give you a setup so that you can recreate it on your own.
Here are the details. The winner of this contest will receive a brand new Taylormade Rescue TP with FCT, their premier hybrid and a dozen TP Red golf balls.
To enter you will send an email to josh@thehackersparadise and tell them in one sentence how amazing that shot was.
This contest will run until Friday 8/21/09 Only one entry per person. This contest is open to EVERYBODY that reads this and wants to participate.
Does Tiger Woods' victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational portend another major failure this week at the PGA Championship?
Although Woods put on a clinic this week, he may just as easily fail in his bid to win a single major tournament this season. Reuters mentioned that Tiger "sent out an ominous warning to his rivals" for the upcoming major event, but, as we have seen from Tiger this year, he has not been able to close the deal on one major title this season.
Perhaps Tiger should be content realizing that there are plenty of PGA Tour events left to play this season concentrating his efforts instead on tying, or beating Jack Nicklaus' record. Knowing that just the sight of Woods creeping up the leaderboard or tied for the lead causes the best golfers in the world to fall by the wayside (most recently, Padraig Harrington's disastrous flub at the 16th) should be enough glory in itself.
Even if Tiger fails to win a single major tournament this season, fans should consider his five wins in 2009 a sign that Woods is the man to beat on the PGA Tour.
"Just being able to come back and play and be successful again has been a tremendous step in the right direction," Woods confirmed.
But is this the Tiger Woods that fans want to see: father, husband and humble winner or "Super Tiger" as the Examiner calls him, "the Tiger that the media, sponsors and fans have created...invincible to everything from Kryptonite to Sabbatinium."
Although fans are a fickle bunch they know to expect a certain degree of fireworks whenever Tiger Woods is in the field. That being said, Harrington and the rest of the defending field better have golf balls filled with Kryptonite to have a chance at defeating Woods this week.
Golf for Beginners offers a Tiger Woods tip on hitting the dreaded mud ball. We also discuss the validity of Dean Knuth's assumption that golfers can play a round in one hour. The reasons why Team USA is wild about Michelle Wie is also a topic as well as if golf is a good half-time fit at WNBA games.
That is certainly a headline no one would have expected at the beginning of the week as YE Yang was able to hold off Tiger Woods and win the 91st PGA Championship. I'm certainly shocked as is the rest of the golfing world because this is the first time Tiger has lost a major championship after holding the 54 hole lead.
In my opinion, Tiger lost because he got too conservative after the second round in which he had built a four stroke lead. He began aiming every iron at the middle of the green, even with wedges, and was content in making pars and moving along. The rest of the field was playing aggressively and there were many low scores in round three. It is easy to second guess Tiger after the fact, and I think he knows what he is doing, however, had he tried for a few more birdies on Saturday, he could have put the tournament completely away. This is the first time his conservative play has caught up with him and we shall see if he changes his strategy in future majors.
Either way, we have to give YE Yang his due, as he played steady down the stretch, and didn't fold to the "Tiger pressure" like most players. He had the great chip in for eagle at fourteen, and the ridiculous shot at eighteen to put the tournament away. This is a huge win for him and Korean golf.
Whistling Straits (ranked #53 in the world) is located in Kohler, Wisconsin, about 90 minutes north of Milwaukee. Built by Pete Dye in 1998, it is a beautiful course. If you want to know what it is like to play golf in Ireland but don't want to fly across the Atlantic, Whistling Straits is as close as you'll ever get. The land the course was built on was formerly a U.S. Army base. Owner Herb Kohler instructed Dye that he wanted the course to resemble Ballybunion.
The eight holes that play along Lake Michigan are the most dramatic. Similar to his work at Casa de Campo, Dye does a brilliant job of situating green sites along and above the water. The course is also over-run with bunkering. Many holes have scores of bunkers. Golf Digest estimates there are more than 950 bunkers on the course. That means on average there are 50 bunkers per hole. For basis of comparison, Winged Foot West and Merion East have less than 150 bunkers each on the entire course.
Many of the bunkers don't actually come into play, but they give the course a dramatic and rough and tumble look. The dog-leg right eighth hole is especially noteworthy in this regard. It has a lot of small natural looking bunkers cascading down the hill between the fairway and Lake Michigan.
Like at the Bandon Resort, at Whistling Straits you can only walk, there are no golf carts. This is to maintain the aesthetic in keeping with that of a links course. Cart parts would have ruined the look of the course. The course is full of wonderful little walking paths and natural looking matted down areas that you use to walk from hole to hole, just like in the British Isles.
The par four fourth hole, "Glory"
The par threes along the water are all noteworthy, including the twelfth and seventeenth on the back.
The twelfth hole plays only 138 yards and has a big green, but there is a little piece of it close to the water that is isolated from the rest of the green and it's the Sunday pin placement for tournaments. The effective landing area when the flag is set on this side of the green is tiny.
The dramatic par three 17th at Whistling Straits
The area the course is built in is isolated and pastoral. It is subject to foggy and changeable weather conditions since it is on the lake. The clubhouse is done in an understated and elegant manner. Sitting in the clubhouse on a misty, rainy day with a Guinness in hand is enough to trick the mind into believing you are in the Emerald Isle.
I stayed at The American Club nearby, also owned by Herb Kohler, the owner of the resort. It is a very nice place and has a great pub. The dining room serves local fare including some great Wisconsin cheese.
A reminder to all that the club hosts Blairgowrie on the 18th Aug, first tee-time 5pm, in the annual Inter Club match. All members interested in playing should sign up on the Notice Board in the Changing Room, or contact Eric Gray directly.
Apologies to all for the late production of this weeks draw due to work and other commitments. Please remember that this is a Charity Event, with all entry fees being donated the the Charity of the Captain's choice. As such the normal £2 Charity entry is applicable. Please ensure that the correct money is deposited. If the incorrect sum is found in any of the envelopes, the entry fee will be deducted first, with any residue going to the 2's pot.
The draw is as follows:
Up We Get
0800 I Butchart & K Macleod 0807 M Scott, L Duncan & G Martin (Jnr) 0815 A Easton (Jnr), C Davidson & S Murray (FH) 0822 K Taylor, GN Hunter & P Simpson 0830 E Gray, S Schofield & GS Allan 0837 M O'Toole, M Melville & A Jones 0845 J Wood, B Jackson & C Petrie 0852 B McGowan, Matt Bell & D Fotheringham 0900 A Ramsay, T Bennet & D Findlay 0907 B Simpson, C Fairweather & P Crockart 0915 J Ireland, D McDonald & S Bolderson
Tail End Charlies
1300 C Carmichael & DJ Alexander 1307 I Scott, M Tinker & F Martin 1315 R Michie, D Thomson & M Truswell 1322 S Thomson, L Bushby & C McKenna 1330 A Hughes, DJ Alexander & C McDonald 1337 A Aird, R Tinker (Jnr) & C Thoms 1345 I McGowan, D Gordon & E Ritchie
This week I had the chance to submit a few questions about the PGA tournament to Billy Kratzert, TNT golf analyst, and John Brywa, managing editor for PGA.com.
Here is the transcript:
Q: What were the top stories from Media Day?
John:Tiger Woods’press conference is always a popular event here.That was basically the highlight of today’s conferences.
Q: How do you think this tournament is looking compared to some of the other majors this year in terms of hype, buzz, and attitude going in?
John: The one thing I’ve noticed is that it is absolutely incredible the number of people who are here – the fans who have been to the first few practice rounds.Actually, I was just out there a few seconds ago.We’re lucky, the driving range is right behind the media center so you can walk out of the media center and see the backs of the players on the driving range.It’s incredible – the number of people here.I know the fan interest here in Minnesota has always been great, but I think this is surpassing even what the tournament organizers expected.They are expecting huge crowds each day of the tournament.
As far as the players, this is the last major of the year and the tagline is “Glory’s last shot.” This is their last shot for 2009 to play well and hopefully capture a major.The excitement is here and you can really feel it. It’s going to be really interesting to see this thing unfold over the next couple of days.
Billy: The event is certainly going to be well-attended.It’s already been well-received by the people here in Minnesota.The last time they had a major championship was seven years ago and they’ve had a couple of U.S. Open championships.When you don’t go back to the same spot every year, you get the energy from the people coming out to the course.When you go to Augusta or the Open Championship or this tournament, everyone knows it and expects it. It gets people talking and that’s what we need right now.
Q: How is Hazeltine looking this week and can you give us a general description of the course and conditions?
Billy: Well it’s unusually hot right now and the golf course is not as bouncy and as fiery as you would think it would be. It is a long golf course, the longest in PGA Championship history, over 7,600 yards. They have the longest par-3 in PGA Championship history. With all that said, it is a big golf course. But a lot of the yardage, is in the par-5’s. They essentially become par-3’s because everyone’s laying up then they become a 50-80 yard par-3. In setting up the course, there’s a few different options especially on the par-5 7th, the tee box can be moved up a little bit. Give the guys a chance to go for that par-5 in two. And then the 14th hole, the par-4, it can be moved up and be a drivable par-4. There are a lot of doglegs here, for the longer hitter, one would think so but don’t be surprised if a guy like Jim Furyk or Steve Stricker shine this week.
Q: Can you talk about the course in general – the greens, roughs, and which holes will be critical?
Billy: The greens are running as quick as they can, given the undulations in the greens.A lot of the greens have mounding and many of them are turtle back greens, where it filters off each way.As far as the rough is concerned, it was topped off Sunday afternoon after a huge amount of rain.I don’t think they’re going to touch it again.In my opinion, the rough isn’t all that penal right now.It’s very playable.I think there is ample room off the tee. I don’t think that driving the ball extremely straight is going to be a huge factor.Which plays into a Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson or a Geoff Ogilvy.
The course is in great shape.You look at the holes that will make a huge impact or the exciting holes. The 16th hole is always exciting.That’s where Payne Stewart made the putt on Scott Simpson, and the last time we where here in 2002 the rains were so heavy they had to move the tee way down on the 16th hole just so it was playable.The 18th hole becomes very challenging as it’s been increased by almost 20 yards.The 15th hole is now a par 5 and 650 yards.The 13th is a par 3 and it plays just under 250 and the 3rd hole is a par 5 and it’s 633.There are three par 5 holes over 600 yards.
John: The 16th is a great hole.I was fortunate enough to play the course on media day back in June and then back here in July to ride along on the course with Rich Beem for a feature we were doing.The 16th hole is an amazingly beautiful hole and could be considered the signature hole here at Hazeltine.If you do not hit a perfect drive, you’re going to make a big number there. It’s a really tough hole, but if you hit a good drive you have a chance.The second shot with the water all around it and the marsh makes it a very challenging hole.
All of the par 3 holes are going to be deep.They are so long and difficult, so you’ve got to be able to hit it long, and not only long, but high.The par 3 holes are going to be very critical to this Championship.I don’t see the par 5 holes being as critical, because for 99% of the field they are going to be 3 shot holes.It’s a matter of hitting your drive in the fairway, getting a good second shot that sets up your third shot that allows you to go right in the pit.The 18th is a wonderful closing hole and it’s uphill.For shorter hitters, that might be a 3 shot hole.They might even play it that way because it is so long.It’ll be really interesting to see how this course is played out this week!
Q: How have the players been assessing the golf course so far?
John: Right now, the number one thing that everyone is talking about is the length. At 7,764 yards, it is the longest course in Major Championship history.The rough isn’t too bad, not as bad as it was at Oakland Hills last year, but still it is very penal and if you don’t drive the ball in the fairway on some of these holes, particularly the par 5 and long par 4 holes, you’re going to struggle to make par.Both the length and position of the course are fantastic.The players have been raving about that. But, the length of some of the holes has caught everyone’s attention. You’ve got a couple of par 5s over 600 yards, you’ve got three par 3 holes over 200 yards – one 248 and another 231 – so those are going to be especially challenging for these guys.
Q: What is your prediction for the winning score this week?
Billy: I think you’re looking at a score of 9 to 12.It all depends on the wind, which there isn’t much of right now.It’s very hot and humid, so the ball is going quite a long ways.The golf course has a lot of bunkers on it.I think there are 109 bunkers on this course.All of the rain on Saturday night actually washed out all the bunkers here so Jim Mickel, the greens superintendent here, did a great job getting the bunkers in place and the course ready to play for this championship.
John: The conditions are going to be perfect – the weather is going to be perfect for at least the first three days. There is a chance for some rain on Sunday and late afternoon showers on Friday and Saturday.Still, I think if you get a player who is playing great and hitting fairways, they can make some scores up here.I’m going to say 9 under par wins it.
Q: Other than Tiger, who are the top names on your radar for winning this week?
John: Obviously, number one, especially given his performances over the last two weeks, is Tiger Woods. It’s kind of like it’s Tiger Woods and everybody else.Some more big names that others are talking about – Vijay [Singh], Padraig Harrington, as we saw in his performance last week at Bridgestone, seems to have gotten his form back at the right time.He played really, really well except for the 16th hole last week and he has the experience with the three majors that he’s won.He’s always a possibility.And, the usual suspects like Jim Furyk.Those are my three guys, right there.
Billy:Jim Furykor Steve Stricker or I would also look at Lee Westwood.His name keeps coming to mind.He’s never won a major championship, but he has the game.Look at the way he played the Open Championship. He’s out of the playoff by a shot and he bogeyed on the last 4 holes.Yes, had a birdie in there on the71st hole, a par 5, but he should have a major championship on his resume already.He’s one guy we should take a good, hard look at.Or, maybe it’s a young guy - a [Camilo] Villegas, Sean O’Hair, or Anthony Kim.
Q: Do you think there will be a potential "dark horse" at the Championship this year?If so, who do you think it will be?
John:I can see it happening.Who that might be, well, that’s why they are called dark horses because no one knows who it’s going to be, but I’ve got a feeling about a couple. I think Brian Gay has played great this year with a couple of wins.It’ll be interesting to see how he does.A couple other names that are in my head, for no real particular reason, are Charles Howell III if he can drive it up the fairway I think has a good chance. I also like Paul Casey and I like Matt Kuchar for some reason.I don’t know why, but his name is sticking in my head.
Q: At 7,674 yards, Hazeltine is brutally long. In your opinion, do the short drivers with otherwise excellent games have a chance, or are they just too handicapped by the distance this week?
Billy: A lot of people think the longer player has the advantage.But given the fact that of the par 5 holes where a player like [Tiger] Woods or [Phil] Mickelson should capitalize, only one that is reachable – the 7th hole.The other three are not reachable so the long hitters are not going to have any more advantage on those.When you’re looking at a guy hitting with a 7-iron or a 5-iron, a Tim Clark or Brian Gay or Jim Furyk might be as affective with a 5-iron as the longer hitters are with a 7-iron.I’m not discounting the length of the course, but I’m not placing the shorter hitters off to the side.
Billy: Where he fits into the equation is this is where he won his first and only championship, I think that plays a big part.I think he gets an energy and confidence boost once he steps on the property.What are his chances?I’d say they are very slim [laughs] especially given the fact that Tiger Woods and other highly-ranked guys are playing well at the same time.To win here again, it will take a bigger strike of lightening than what happened the first time.
Q: Billy, do you have any advice for handling first-tee nerves (and nerves in general)?
Billy: Everyone handles it differently.A lot of these sports psychologists today say athletes handle nerves with a routine. They tend to block out the fact that there’s extra people on the tee watching them tee off, and focus on their routines.The more that you can go to your routine, and just hit the shot you normally hit, the better off you will be.I think people get in trouble when they think, “Well, I just hope I can put it out there.”Think of your plan – if you want to hit a hook or a draw, and try to get the shot.If you hit it, fine, and if you don’t, it’s not a big deal.Never try to do anything from a negative to get a positive.
Q: Billy, if you were still playing, what would your game plan be this week?
Billy: I would really concentrate on distance control and, by that, I am referring to the par 5 holes that you can’t reach.Also, the par 3s that are over 200 yards.The 8th hole and 17th hole, they are in the 175, 180 range.Because the rough isn’t that penalizing from what I’ve seen, a lot of it would be distance control.The more times you can put it flag high or just underneath the hole, you’ll benefit from it.
Q: What about Ernie Els? He played well last weekend, was 8th at the Open, but hasn't done much else this year.Do you think he will win another major?
John: I think he can because at 40-years-old he’s hitting that point where it’s now or never.He’s getting up there, I still think he has the game.I think he’s got to overcome his putter, which is what has let him down.Particularly at the Open, he missed a couple of short putts that could have turned the tide for him.Whether he does it here or not remains to be seen. Personally, I would love to see him do it because I like Ernie a lot.
Billy: If Ernie Els was in contention early, I’m not sure if he could sustain it.He really hasn’t done anything as of late, and he’s gone through the swing change.I just don’t think that all of sudden Ernie is going to be able to turn it around.There’s a lot going on with Ernie and I don’t think his golf game is there right now.I’d give him a slim chance this week.
John: I think it’s only a matter of time before Villegas wins a major championship.He’s got loads and loads of talent, great charisma, and the fans love him.Where he can do it and on what type of course? I’m going to say Augusta National.I can really see him doing something at Augusta National.It’s a little more forgiving for swashbuckling players like he is.So that’s my pick – Augusta National.
As for Rory, I can see that happening very soon.Rory is an unbelievable talent for his age.He won a European event when he was 19-years-old.He seems un-phased coming out on this stage, which is totally different than anything young players have ever been exposed to before.Where could I see him winning? I think the best place, where he would have the most experience and where his game would be made for, would be the Open Championship.I like him at Augusta, too.I don’t know why.Here at Hazeltine – it’s possible.We’ll see.He definitely has the length.He’s one of the longest players on the tour, so it’s a matter of how all the breaks fall into place, which is true for ever player.You have to get the break to win any major championship.
Billy: Both are good players. Villegas has played well on several occasions this year.He’s young.I saw him at the championship this year, along with [Ryo] Ishikawa, I thought they both showed their rookie sides of it.They saw their mistakes and didn’t take advantage.I felt that they were playing by the seat of the pants.But, McIlroy is the real deal.He’s going to be a good player for some time.Fundamentally, mechanically, when it comes to the golf swing – he’s as good as it gets.He drives it relatively straight and long.He’s a nice young man.I think he’s a great putter, even at a young age.He’s so young that I would say early in his career, he’s off to a start we anticipated when we first saw him a couple of weeks.He has the length this week.To win a PGA championship, people need the breaks. That’s the unknown right now – who’s going to get the breaks.
Q:Phil Mickelson has had an interesting year both on and off the course.Last week, his play was up and down - is he ready for this last major?
John: A lot of folks here are actually picking him to win.He played so great at the U.S. Open.It was such an emotional return for him there, and of course he is going to have the same emotion here.I saw him warming up on the range, and the crowds were unbelievable – the support for him and how appreciative fans are to see him here.I think it’s all going to come down to what kind of start he gets off to this weekend.If he gets off to a strong start, he could be there.If not, I think with of all the emotion of what he’s going through could make it tough for him to come back.I think a good start is critical for his chances this week.
Q: John, what are your top goals for PGA.com during the tournament this week?
John: Obviously, our goal, as it is for every tournament and major we do, is to provide the best coverage of the tournament that we can.We have a stable of world-class writers that will be providing daily stories and updates on PGA.com.
We are also really excited about some of the new features added this year.We have updated our design, and users will find when they log on to the site, our main story section now includes up to five stories in one slot.We now have the ability to play video right there on the homepage, which is very exciting for us.It’s going to be exciting for readers to stay on the homepage and play video right there.Our player operates exclusive videos that no one else will have, which is very important to us.
On top of video coverage, we have our PGA Championship Live, which is exclusive, streaming coverage of the tournament.We will have the simulcast streaming of TNT’s broadcast available right on our site.We also have our Marquee Group Following where we’ll be following one group in the morning and one in the afternoon.We will be following Tiger’s group with Rich Beem and Padraig Harrington both Thursday and Friday.One new feature we’ve added is a poll where we are asking users to tell us which other group they want us to cover with our Marquee Coverage, so we’ve got a choice between a few other threesomes so users can go onto our site and cast their vote.The group the fans vote for is the one we will be covering.
Then we’ve got coverage of the par 3 holes.We also have four different windows of coverage that will be on-demand, instructional and have other features from our video coverage.We’re really excited about everything we’re offering this week.I think our users are going to find a new experience and it’s going to be one unlike that they’ve found for coverage of any other major championship.
extreme power sports 2012 trends
-
AccountView CartShop Home Shop New Units Used Units Services Rentals
Contact Us About Us Welcome to Mesquite Extreme Powersports! Call Us: (702)
346-5429...
