Archive for July, 2011

The Next Seven Years’ War

Are the best players in the world playing on the European Tour or does the European Tour have the best players in the world? That’s a very specific and intriguing question that requires some analyzing.

The top four ranked players in the world are all from Europe (holding tour cards overseas). In the past, if you were in that group, you’d play the lion’s share of your golf in the United States. Assuming that the PGA Tour still is the most competitive, respected and desirable  place for professionals (highest purses, most exposure) to take their talents, the current trend is bizzare.

The next three players on the world ranking list are Steve Stricker, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson–all PGA mainstays. If the globalization of the game continues to move at a breakneck pace, the PGA Tour will continue to lose its luster. The movement started with Tiger Woods nearly a decade ago, as the superstar spent his offseasons playing in exotic tournaments in Dubai, Japan and Australia. Enough continent-hopping spawned a rapid surge of talent from ever corner of the globe.

Now, another hum-drum week on the PGA Tour begins, as the field migrates its way to West Virginia for The Greenbrier Classic. While across the Atlantic, the European Tour hosts the Irish Open with a newly acquired attraction.

Phil Mickelson and 13 other major winners highlight the field at The Greenbrier, but in Ireland three of the past six major champions are dueling for a shot at victory. It may be a coincidence that three of those past six winners hail from Northen Ireland, but it may not. And that’s a scary proposition for the state of American golf, not to mention Tim Finchem.

Young players under 30 (i.e. Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer) continue to shun opportunities to appear in the States. The excitement comes with these freshly-minted stars. So does the money. That’s why the next seven years become absolutely critical. To stabilize the PGA Tour, and sustain its place as a high-water mark in a player’s career, the following needs to happen. If not, then the growth of the game will be too strong. Burgeoning markets in Asia and the Middle East are ready to attract the world’s best with absurd purses and lavish accommodations.

1) Tie-down more affluent, global corporate sponsors. When the recession hit the United States in 2008, it blew up the identity of the PGA Tour. Names of tournaments survived on a revolving-door policy, with sponsors backing in and out like a bad parallel park job. Buick, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler were a few that shifted into reverse, leaving various events in limbo. Can anyone land the “Jumeirah Open” so that Rory is obligated to come play?

2) Get Tiger back. First and foremost, Woods needs to be healthy. Without that, he’s nothing. Get to 100%, and start playing a full (probably 12-15 tournaments) schedule for 2012. Play at Jack’s, Arnie’s, Byron’s (He’s up there waiting for you to come back) and all the World Golf Championships. Return to Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach at the beginning of the year, and gear up for the playoffs in late-August. You don’t have to necessarily care about them, just show up. Chances are the system won’t get any traction, but every player in the world wants a shot at going head-to-head with you. Once you get your game together, a brash crop of newbies want the throne.

3) The “Next Big Thing” needs to show up. There are plenty of contenders out there, but nobody seems to have the moxie. Mickelson, Stricker, Jim Furyk and Matt Kucher are all great players–from the 90s. The PGA Tour needs to market guys like Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson, who have shown the potential to win. They also serve as a shot in the arm to ratings and can garner a young audience. This player-to-be-named needs to be revered globally, playing occasionally on other continents. Most of all they need to win. Soon.

The next two weeks will bring all of the top-ranked players to the United States for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. Now would be a good time to reverse the course of recent developments. In seven years, we could have The Beijing Open and Dubai Classic in their place. They are more than willing to shell out the money. In seven years, the globalization of the game could devour the PGA Tour, vacuuming out America’s talent pool. Let’s hope Mr. Finchem can rally ’round the flag.

Gen. Phillip Mickelson, fatally wounded at the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, with his 2010 Masters’ flag at his side.

The always flamboyantly-dressed Gen. Rick Fowler rallies troops at the Battle of Torrey Pines.

2011
07/26
CATEGORY
Finchem's Folly
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Canadian Open Underway, Eh

In a sweltering summer full of agonizingly forced sports storylines, the Canadian Open stands as one of this week’s most intriguing events. Placed squarely in the shadow of the British Open, the good folks at RBC don’t always have eyeballs glued to TVs. Still, it is a premier event with a surprisingly talented field this year. It’s the PGA Tour’s lone visit to the Neighbors of the North, so be nice.

Early leaderboard guests include Ernie Els, Lucas Glover, Anthony Kim and Rickie Fowler. Plenty of notable players haven’t teed off yet (Weirsy!).

Who can forget this gem from 2000 at the 1:30 mark?

 

Aw there’s Stevie. Too soon?

2011
07/21
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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Stevie Gets the Pink Slip

Tiger Woods has reported through his website that he is replacing longtime caddie Steve Williams. The duo first linked up in March 1999, winning four of their first 8 majors together.

The shocking announcement comes in the midst of Woods’ injury-induced hiatus from the game. Williams has been on the bag of friend Adam Scott for several months now. No word on a replacement for Woods. Scott and Williams have also not made their arrangement permanent.

2011
07/20
CATEGORY
Breaking
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2007 and 2009 Walker Cup Drafts

My Desk, Office — The United States has had a stranglehold on the Walker Cup since 2005. In the last two matches, Team USA produced a nail-biting victory on their opponents’ soil (’07), and a thorough whacking of Team Great Britain & Ireland at Merion Golf Club (’09). Some of the best amateurs in the world are pitted against each other in a two-day event. Much like postseason tournaments in other collegiate sports, it’s an early proving ground for future touring pros. Some flame out, while others can evolve into transcendental figures.

If we could go back in time–and professional golf was a team sport–here’s who I’d select with the top-5 picks in each respective “draft class”, 2007 and 2009.

2009 WC Draft

This crop of players certainly needs time to mature and refine their games, but have the promise to raise trophies across the world. Most of these guys are developmental projects, with the exception of one fresh-out-of-the-oven star.

1. Rickie Fowler (USA)

This should come as no surprise. Fowler was, and currently is, the most polished player of his class. Comparable pick to Memphis’ Derrick Rose in the 2008 NBA Draft. He was the No. 1 ranked amateur in 2009, and shortly turned pro after the Walker Cup. Fowler was the PGA Tour’s 2010 Rookie of the Year. In 2011, he has turned heads with more airtime on Sunday afternoon. He has three top tens, including a T-5 at this year’s British Open.

2. Bud Cauley (USA)

Cauley turned pro this year right before the U.S. Open. The cocksure Crimson Tide alum would go on to finish in a T-63. But wait, there’s more. In case you were too busy watching the British Open, Cauley was playing his way into a T-4 at the week’s minor-league event, the Viking Classic. It was enough to land an entry into this week’s RBC Canadian Open.

3. Peter Uihlein (USA)

Let’s just hope that Uihlein doesn’t adapt an all-orange get-up on Sundays like his fellow Oklahoma State companion Rickie Fowler. Uihlein won the 2010 U.S. Amateur and continues to improve his game. He finished in a T-48 at this year’s British Open, and will most likely turn pro if he continues to see progress.

4. Cameron Tringale (USA)

A three-time NCAA All-American at Georgia Tech, Tringale was a snug fit for an accomplished 2009 team. At the PGA Tour’s most vile test of emotion and resiliency–Q School–Tringale secured his card for the 2010 season. Then, he did it all over again for 2011. This season, a more experienced player has emerged, and Tringale has a trifecta of top three’s.

5. Tommy Fleetwood (GB&I)

Fleetwood hasn’t reached a level of confidence in his game like the others on this list, but is a gritty, determined player. He has kicked it around on various starter tours for a while now, but still couldn’t buy a beer in the States if he wanted to. The 20-year-old will have plenty of opportunities in his career.

2007 WC Draft

Hindsight is certainly 20/20. If you attended this Walker Cup, you were able to witness some of the most publicized, enviable players of 2011. The average player age was 22.55, putting many of these players around 26 today. Prime age to reach a player’s potential.

*Disclaimer: We can assume that Rickie Fowler didn’t “come out” until the 2009 draft, making him unavailable for the 2007 draft.

1. Rory McIlroy(GB&I)

We all know McIlroy’s story by now. He’s the reigning U.S. Open champion, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Immensely talented worldwide superstar. Similar pick to the 2003 NBA Draft. LeBron James was the clear game-changing athlete, but 3 of the other top 5 picks are also highly regarded (Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade).

2. Dustin Johnson (USA)

This Coastal Carolina project continues to be a frontrunner in major championships. He’s got a powerful descending blow on his golf swing, which generates a tremendous amount of power. Sunday debacles at the 2010 U.S. Open, PGA Championship and 2011 British Open have prevented Johnson from being in the same league as McIlroy. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing them go head-to-head in a final round.

3. David Horsey (GBI)

The Englishman isn’t well-known here in the States, but he has two prized European Tour wins to his credit. Most notably the 2010 BMW International Open, an event with a very strong field. If he sharpens his game in the majors, look out.

4. Webb Simpson (USA)

Drops to fourth only because he hasn’t earned a professional win yet. This year, he lost in a playoff to Bubba Watson in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The 25-year-old is poised for a breakout season, and has 5 top tens in 2011. He has two top-20 finishes in majors this year.

5. Kyle Stanley (USA)

The 23-year-old Clemson product may one day be a household name. However, he is still among the relatively unknown regulars on tour. Stanley finished runner-up at the John Deere and in a T-12 at Bay Hill. His steadiness around the greens, and recent success, vault him to the No. 5 pick.

Other notables: Jamie Lovemark (2010 Nationwide Tour money leader), Trip Kuehne, Chris Kirk (2011 Viking Classic champ), Rhys Davies (European Tour winner)

The 2011 Walker Cup will be held at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland on September 10-11. In two years, I’ll probably have another retro-draft.

2011
07/19
CATEGORY
Walker Cup
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Northern Ireland Continues It’s Destruction of American Golf

So that little speck of land across the pond has somehow managed to get it’s hands on 3 of the last 6 major championships. While the state of American golf looked bleak momentarily, it’s safe to say the boys showed up for this year’s British Open. Well, for three rounds at least. Five of the top seven finishers were from the United States (Mickelson, Johnson, Fowler, Campbell, Kim).

  • Mickelson has actually proven to people that he can compete in the British Open.
  • Johnson continues to prove to people that maybe he’s not the best closer.
  • Tricky Ricky, despite looking like a creamsicle, is getting closer each time.
  • Tiger may still be on the mend for some time, but in case he reads this I’ll add him to the list.
  • Hunter is once again MIA, despite being listed as one of the top-ranked players in the world. Here he is riding some kind of invisible mechanical bull shortly before losing the Ryder Cup.

Mickelson is the last to win one for Old Glory–the 2010 Masters. The world is finally catching up to the United States, but there’s still some hope out there.

2011
07/18
CATEGORY
Gone Pollin'
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One For the Everyman

After returning from a weekend vacation early Sunday morning, I was able to catch pretty much all of Darren Clarke’s final round triumph. I was impressed with the composure and complete control he elicited. It never seemed like there was an impending hiccup, and every 5 to 10-footer was confidently stroked into the heart of the cup. While it was a tremendous performance, Clarke earned his stripes on Saturday. He outperformed everyone with his course management despite challenging conditions. Sunday was simply an exclamation point, and despite an early surge from the field, Clarke was virtually uncontested along Royal St. George’s back nine.

Mickelson faded. Johnson collapsed at the par-5 14th. Nobody else managed the threaten making a charge up the leaderboard. Still, it was a testament to Clarke and his conviction.

Here’s a guy who is the prime example of a golf-lifer. He’s been a part of every golf circle, and now the congratulations are deservedly pouring in. Clarke mentioned that he received “good luck” texts from Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy before Sunday’s round. Playing partner Dustin Johnson sincerely commended Clarke on the 18th green. During the trophy presentation, tears nearly welled in Phil Mickelson’s eyes as they exchanged pleasantries. Davis Love III even made a special appearance to deliver a warm hug and pat on the back. Even from the booth, Paul Azinger hinted at wanting to stop and spend a moment with Clarke.

If you’ve watched the British Open in the past 15 years, you know that Darren Clarke has been a main fixture in the field. He’s had top ten’s in 1997, 2000 and 2001. However, in recent years, Clarke has a handful of D-N-P’s and C-U-T’s. The immeasurable personal loss of his wife in 2006 certainly played a role. Clarke was inches away from giving up the game that brought so much joy to himself and those around him. While he is not a member of the talent-laden youth movement on tour, he’s a guy who deserves to have a major championship on his resume by the time he retires for good. For similar Europeans with long track records of success but no major breakthrough–this is for them. It is most likely lights out for players like Thomas Bjorn, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Colin Montgomerie. Storied careers that have seen too many opportunities melt under the spotlight.

Here’s to Darren Clarke for putting an indelible stamp on the Open Championship. It will be his defining achievement, and a symbol of the lost generation of noteworthy golfers who may never reach golf’s ultimate summit.

Well Played Darren. See you at Royal Lytham and St. Annes 2012.

2011
07/18
CATEGORY
BO11
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Cut Line Creepers

We’re about halfway through the second round, and some notable players can be assured of packing their bags. The cut line is currently at +3.

  • Retief Goosen took a WD at the beginning of the day, citing back issues.
  • Ben Curtis, of 2003 Open glory, is 9-over and still leaking fuel.
  • Former American champions Mark O’Meara, David Duval and Todd Hamilton are all in double-digit over par territory.

Stay tuned for these players:

  • Ernie Els (+7, thru 6)
  • John Daly (+6, thru 4)
  • Padraig Harrington (+4, F) is likely gone, barring a miracle (the weather becomes a story).
  • Lee Westwood (+4, F) is also in dire straits. Very disappointing week for the perennial major contender.

Wishful thinking:

  • Ian Poulter is +2 thru 8 and I wouldn’t mind seeing him implode.

I leave you with my favorite (or do I have to say favourite?) British Open-related commercial of all time:

2011
07/15
CATEGORY
BO11
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Adding Up the Aces

Aces are becoming a regular occurrence at Royal St. George’s. This morning, 61-year-old Tom Watson continued to infatuate the gallery with a hole-in-one at the 6th:

You may also recall American Dustin Johnson slinging this shot in for an uno at No. 16 on Thursday:

2011
07/15
CATEGORY
BO11
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Early Movers and Shakers

Royal St. George’s drew back its cloak and dagger on Day 1, and invited guests in with a bit of English charm. A pair of unlikely leaders stole the show, as Thomas Bjorn and amateur Tom Lewis finished at -5 (65).

It was a record-setting performance for Lewis, who broke an amateur record for low round, previously held at 66 by three others, including Tiger Woods.

Bjorn meanwhile, revisited a form that has eluded him in recent years. Redemption may be in order for the 40-year-old from Denmark, who watched his best opportunity to snag the Claret Jug slip away at Royal St. George’s in 2003. The greenside bunker at the par-3 16th served as a burial ground, as Bjorn surrendered a double-bogey 5, and his two stroke lead.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6768837

There were plenty of available birdies to go around to the 35 players who finished under par. A slew of others trudged in at even par, including Phil Mickelson who posted a surprisingly steady round of 70.

The world’s new darling, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy shot a +1 71 in his first competitive round since winning the U.S. Open in June. Defending champion Louis Oosthuizen stammered around for a 72, while the course’s defending champion from 2003, Ben Curtis, derailed his chances with a 7-over 77.

A pair of Americans came in at -4, with Lucas Glover and Webb Simpson appearing out of relative anonymity. The golfer formerly known as Miguel Angel Jimenez (Now Miguel Jimenez it seems), also rounded out the top-5 with a 66. A bundle of competitors congregated at -2, including two of 2010’s major winners, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell.

The anticipation of a stormy weekend looms, as players will bear down and try to continue the low scoring trend on Friday. Powerful gusts of up to 30 mph are expected, further complicating the leaderboard.

2011
07/14
CATEGORY
BO11
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Slampieces: Who’s Got The Goods To Win All Four

Whether or not Tiger Woods can regain his diabolical form is still up for debate. Whether or not Tiger Woods is one of–if not the–greatest players of all time is no question.

At the age of 25, he could eat breakfast out of every major championship trophy while wearing the green jacket. The feat is one we may never see again. But, with the passage of time another golfing great will rise up and match Woods and win the Grand Slam. The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. Here’s a list of contenders and their chances on a scale of 1-10.

40-Somethings Last Gasp: It’s the end of the line for this bunch. Still, with a few healthy years, they pose the greatest threat to “catching them all”.

Phil Mickelson, 41, has seen his window of opportunity shrink in recent years. Once labeled with the moniker “Best Player Never To Have Won A Major”, Lefty has solidified his legacy as one of this generation’s will a Hall of Fame caliber resume. Four majors (3 Masters, 1 PGA). Still, his mantle is lacking and Mickelson knows he has let numerous majors slip through his hands. The telling statistics: 5 runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open, 1 in the PGA Championship (Losing to David Toms on the 72nd green). Time is the cruelest of elements and Mickelson has been battered by injuries, family turmoil and general fatigue. It is unlikely that he’ll ever conquer Scotland’s wind-swept links, either.

Score: 5

Ernie Els, 41, always had a superior demeanor. No highs, no lows. The Big Easy may have already cracked this hurdle if it wasn’t for Woods’ brilliance during his era. Still, he’s got all the tools to finish off a slam. Check off the U.S. Open (’94, ’97) and ’02’s Open Championship, and that leaves two more majors to claim. Injuries have also stalled Els, but he appears to have finally regained his footing. I believe Els will win one more major before the nail slides into his professional golfing coffin, but odds are his best Masters challenges are finished. Despite two second place finishes, I see the next couple of visitors to Butler Cabin coming from golf’s next crop of talented 20-year-old’s.

Score: 5

Padraig Harrington, 39, the crafty Irishman stole the big stage for much of 2007 and 2008. Winning the 2007 British Open was a dream come true. Stealing it again in 2008 and topping it off with the year’s PGA was just added icing. His swing, and confidence, was dialed in. Don’t look for any more major championships from Paddy. Some players define a generation. Others find a swing that works, get hot for a period of time and then drop off. Golf is a fickle game, and the gods only preordain a select few.

Score: 3

Vijay Singh, 48, It’s just simply too late for the Fijian to fill his shelf up with the middle majors. His bookends (’00 Masters, ’98, ’04 PGA) are impressive, but not enough.

Score: 2

Baby-faced Assassins: This pair already shocked the golf world with major championship wins. Their killer instincts won’t surprise anyone the second time around.

Rory McIlroy, 22, Of course our list starts with the precocious 22-year-old superstar. What’s not to love about the kid’s game? Much like Tiger did in the late ’90s, Rory is reinventing the golf swing. A generation of players will no doubt try to emulate his body of work. McIlroy’s game is devilishly appropriate for all of the majors. A combination of length, shot-making ability, putting and guts ascend him to the top of the list. If a steady group of rivals can live up to their own expectations, McIlroy will need 20 years to secure all four pieces of hardware. He will also need to avoid some of the pitfalls of Woods’, who is struggling to adapt to a changing scenery. Still, it may be inevitable.

Score: 8.5

Martin Kaymer, 26, It’s always nice to have a major in your mid-20’s. Germany’s Kaymer has done just that, winning last year’s PGA Championship. The perils of success have caught up with him, however, and a period of adjustment seems to be in order. Once he is comfortable with the added pressures of his inflated world ranking, sponsorship expectations, and attention, he’ll be back in the winner’s circle. With a consistent, repeatable swing, Kaymer is the next-best young blood in the field.

Score: 7

No, Really, You Think?: This list may make you scratch your head a little bit, but be wary of how you judge them. They may just surprise you.

Lee Westwood, 38, I know what you’re thinking. He’s over the hill. Well, not technically. In golf terms, Westwood is right in the middle of his formidable years. He’ll need to go on a Paddy Harrington-type run sooner than later, but it’s certainly possible. Westwood has five Top-3 finishes in his last 9 major championships. If he gets one, the floodgates will burst at the seams. Westwood is mentally disciplined enough to take more than one major in his 40’s.

Score: 6

Paul Casey, 33, The crafty Scot is finally seeing dividends in major championships. If it weren’t for the pesky Louis Oosthuizen in last year’s British Open, he may already have the title “Major Champion”. Casey is learning to play with pressure, and has an all-around game to outshine his colleagues down the stretch. Mickelson won his first major at 33, and now has four.

Score: 4

Jason Day, 23, It’s been a whirlwind year for the Aussie. Two stellar runner-up finishes in majors. If he can nab his first in the next couple of years–watch out. Day has a versatile enough game for any venue, and could very well win one in 2011. Look for him to be in contention often, and when that’s the case, good things happen.

Score: 6

Dustin Johnson, 27, Here is America’s hope for wrapping up the future of major championships. With the game’s international reach, breaking through is more difficult than ever. However, Johnson, had a tremendous 2010 campaign. If he can overcome the sting of two major-meltdowns in the U.S. Open and PGA, he’ll lock up a cabinet full of metal.

Score: 7

In The Pipeline: The game is filled with brash, young stallions. File these two under “Let’s Talk In 5 Years”. It’s impossible to accurately grade them this early in their careers.

Ryo Ishikawa, 19, Not much is known just yet about Japan’s exported golfing prodigy. He hasn’t been tested, or seen much, in the majors. Still, the gritty kid keeps getting invitations in the mail somehow. That means he’s pretty damn good. Or he has some connections. Either way, Ishikawa has some room to grow in the next couple of years.

Matteo Manassero, 18, is another stud on the golfing front. He’s wiggled his way into the top-30 of the often unreliable World Golf Rankings. He’s already pocketed a win in 2011, and finished in a T-13 at the 2009 British Open at age 16. Manassero could very well be the next Ty Tryon or the next Gary Player. Time will answer all of mystery that surrounds the young Italian.

2011
07/13
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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