Archive for August, 2011

9 Strokes

It probably wasn’t the script golf fans had in mind, but if they tuned in late Sunday evening, the PGA Championship didn’t disappoint. Two polar-opposites–an icy cool Jason Dufner and highly-animated Keegan Bradley–dueled down the stretch. The second consecutive playoff in the tournament was made possible by Dufner’s three straight bogeys (15-16-17) and Bradley’s swashbuckling birdie bomb at No. 17. Drama? Plenty. Star-power? Hardly. Here are nine thoughts about the 3 P’s. The PGA, the playoffs and President’s Cup (Brought to you by Stroke 9’s smash hit “Little Black Backpack”).

1. I’m happy an American finally won. We’ve held our collective breath since Phil Mickelson’s 2010 triumph at Augusta. There was a chance Northern Ireland would win major championships until the end of time.

2. I’m happy an American came in second. Gotta love those Yankees.

3. Where are the “Top 5” players in the world? Absent for all intents and purposes. Despite finishing in a joint T-8, Lukewarm Donald and Less Westwood were five shots back when the smoke cleared. They were never really a factor. Steve Stricker made early headway, but plummeted at the end. Defending champ Martin Kaymer missed the cut. Rory McIlroy gutted-out all four rounds despite a torn arm tendon. These guys need to play better, or move over.

4. Adam Scott is starting to make me angry. I take that back. Not necessarily Scott, but caddie Steve Williams. I just don’t want to see the guy succeed this much. It has more to do with Scott’s talent then Williams ability to carry a golf bag. Just look how he played at this year’s Masters. Scott is going to be a powerhouse in this year’s President’s Cup.

5. “The Playoffs” are next. Really? I’m not excited at all. Especially without Tiger Woods being involved. This thing really isn’t catching on. Blah.

6. Tiger Woods is still a shell of his former self. At this point, he has serious confidence issues. Has he quit on himself and his swing revival? He needs to get back to the practice range and forget about competition for a while.

7. Does Woods’ deserve to be on the President’s Cup roster? He’s currently 28th on the list of eligible Americans. I don’t think he makes any contributions if he plays. Every “World” player wants to kick around the former No. 1. However, wouldn’t a Woods-Scott showdown have to be engineered somehow? Captain Fred Couples will probably pick the embattled Woods, but I think it’s the wrong move. Both Keegan Bradley and Jason Dufner are still out of the top-10 and they are the hottest players around right now.

8. Gary McCord has become insufferable. The ego strokes, poor attempts at humor, and mustache have become too much. He’s reached the pantheon of bad broadcasting (SEE: Berman, Chris).

9. 2012 can’t come soon enough. It’s still early for a year in review, but this golf season left a lot to be desired for. What’s on deck? Hopefully a Woods-McIlroy major showdown.

2011
08/16
CATEGORY
PGA11
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Revisiting Hotlanta

[Me]: Has it really been 10 years since the PGA Tour has been to Atlanta Athletic Club?

[Wikipedia]: Yes.

It’s been a while, AAC. The golf world is a vastly different, unpredictable entity. Truths we knew then, we certainly don’t know now. Tiger Woods used to win tournaments back then. Phil Mickelson tried to. Sergio Garcia was relevant and still somewhat a sensation. The present and future of golf was solely on the still-gangly shoulders of a 25-year-old. Now, a slew of contenders lay stake at the throne. Anybody can win this week. And I mean anybody. Grant Waite could probably win as the 79th alternate.

Flash back to 2001. I have fond memories of being stationed at my shore house in Stone Harbor, N.J. Rooting vehemently against Woods–just because he won too much. Admit it, you probably did too. Hey, it worked, he finished T-29.

The tournament itself played out exactly how it should have. The right man won, the right man lost. The course layout might have been a bit forgiving, but left plenty of theatrics. If you followed as closely as I did, you’ll remember we learned to say “Shingo” and that sometimes, it’s OK not to be Tin Cup. You can have balls and not go for the “ultimate score”.

The final stretch is built to encourage dramatic finishes. The par-3 15th, played host to David Toms’ ace during the third round in 2001. It’s difficulty literally helped Toms pick up 2-3 shots on the field. The 5-wood he hit might have careened over the green if it didn’t hit the stick. Having another par-3 two holes later on No. 17 is extremely unique. You need to be a crafty iron player to navigate this one. Finally, No. 18 is undulated to perfection. The right side slopes the fairway left, and water is definitely waiting for you on the left. Players today will have to cede distance for accuracy. The approach shot taunts you, laughs at you, and implores at you. At 507 yards, it’s a challenge to get the shot close. Toms, famously laid up, and stuck a chip and putt to win by one shot. The steadfast veteran (at age 34), deserved the win. Toms is like dozens of solid tour players who rarely ice up the “big one”. They’ll win the Zurich Classic’s and wind up with a couple big pay days, but that’s about it. A tremendous short game, and Lefty’s passion for runner-ups at the time helped seal the deal. Mickelson played the “Everybody’s Favorite Loser” card well into 2004, when he finally broke through at Augusta. But, without these agonizing near-misses and 11th hour collapses he wouldn’t have evolved into the player he is today. He’s morphed into “Everybody’s Favorite Winner”/”All-American Family Man”/”The Damn Math and Science Guy Who is In All Those Freaking Commercials During Major Championships”. All the heartache made for a pretty good storybook ending.

AAC, let’s do it all over again in 2011.

[AAC]: Just make sure you bring that Dustin guy.

2011
08/10
CATEGORY
PGA11
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Opinion: Shut Up Stevie

As a race car driver, it’s probably a good thing to keep a couple of hands in the “10 and 2” position. As a professional caddie, it’s best to remain in the backseat. That’s where disgruntled shoulder-loader Steve Williams belongs. He’s strangling headlines like a trigger-happy cameraman. Enough with the bitterness. It’s more than out of character for a caddie to speak to the media–let alone do a satellite interview with CNN. Sure, you got dumped by one of the greatest golfers of all time, and yes, I’m sure it stung. But deal with it on your own time. I don’t need to hear your voice-crackling hallelujahs and innuendo-laced jabs at Tiger Woods. It was a pretty sweet accomplishment to win the WGC Bridgestone Invitational with your new partner in crime, Adam Scott. However, that’s the story: Adam Scott. Good for him. It would have been good for you too, if you would have kept your mouth shut. The statement was made loud and clear on the course–with Woods in the field to absorb the shock value.

All of that whining made it look more like you deserved your fate (which you probably didn’t). Woods even admitted that he was happy for you. Caddies don’t get contracts. They also don’t get much loyalty. That’s the way it’s always been. Woods’ inaugural caddie, Fluff, got canned after they won the 1997 Masters together. Rejection should be in your DNA. Williams got 13 years, countless 0’s on his paychecks and a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

So, hopefully we don’t have any more “breaking” news about your opinions. Stop begging for publicity, and grab the straps. The story is the player, and that’s the way it is. Wish your old “mate” best of luck, and carry on with your own career.

2011
08/10
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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Stylistically Speaking, Woods Brings His ‘A’ Game

In Tiger Woods’ first competitive round of golf since his disastrous showing at Sawgrass, he posted a 2-under 68. That puts him six shots behind ironic leader, Adam Scott, who has been playing with Woods’ now ex-caddie, Steve Williams. Not only did Woods look pretty comfortable on the course, but he looked pretty comfortable on the course. Let me explain.

Ever since he descended upon the golf world, he’s always had a sense of style. He introduced Nike Dri-FITs and sleeker wear built for athletes. There have been a few hiccups along the way, ahem, but with every step he’s been a trendsetter.

In the opening round yesterday, Woods looked cool as ever. He rocked the perfect trifecta of a white hat-belt-shoes, and tossed on a wine-colored top to blend it together. His grey breath-through pants capped off the outfit. Thousands of weekend warriors and top-notch amateurs are flocking to the shelves as we speak to poach Woods’ latest line of threads.

The most impressive accessory was on his feet. A prototype Nike model, these lightweight kicks are closer to being on a basketball court than a golf course. The malleable rubber conforms to the body, and promotes a wide range of movement.

Once again, Woods is lapping the field in panache. I can’t wait to see what he wears this weekend.

For more on the shoes, click here.

2011
08/05
CATEGORY
Style
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Tiger Woods Makes Another Comeback

The next two weeks will undoubtedly determine if Tiger Woods’ 2011 campaign was a bust. Signs point to yes. However, appearances at the WGC and PGA Championship could erase memories of this season’s ineptitude. Injuries delivered several blows to Woods’ attempts to play his style of golf, but now he appears to have a clean bill of health.

After purging himself of former coaches and allies, he made another subtraction by canning caddie Steve Williams. It will be awkward at best to watch the chemistry between Woods and new bagman, Bryon Bell.

President’s Cup Captain Fred Couples will keep an active eye on Woods, mentioning that he will likely chose the 14-time major winner with one of his picks. The microscope will once again be on Woods, who hasn’t won a golf tournament since 2009. Will this upcoming fortnight untie the burden of his winless streak? Ask again later.

2011
08/01
CATEGORY
Gone Pollin'
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