Archive for November, 2011

Sunday Best

When the authors and pundits look back on this stage of Tiger Woods’ career, will it be marked “The Second Coming?” Is the Australian Masters a corner-turning moment, or just another masterful mirage? We’ve seen a few peaks and some improbable lows, but this week could act as some validation that Woods is indeed on the fast track to regaining his foothold on professional golf. Will he have success in an event that he has steamrolled through in the past? Here are my preferred opponents for Woods during Sunday’s singles at the Presidents Cup.

3. Ernie Els

One of golf’s classic showdowns, Big Easy and Tiger have slugged it out plenty of times in the past. Most notably during the 2000 Mercedes Championship, with Woods stapling victory by sinking a 40-footer on the first playoff hole. At the 2003 Presidents Cup, Woods and Els anchored their respective teams in a sudden death playoff pitting the two head-to-head. Of course, that result was a tie. A 2011 matchup could dissolve the unfinished business of eight years ago. Both players struggled in 2011, and this could revive a couple of savvy veteran hall of famers.

2. Y.E. Yang

Neither Yang or Woods made major splashes since their incredible battle down the stretch of the 2009 PGA Championship. However, wouldn’t it be fitting to see Woods regain his form by defeating the man who stripped off his cloak of invincibility? After Yang knocked off Woods, it was a monumental avalanche of misfortune and deceit that hurled the 14-time major winner off a cliff of public opinion. Most of Woods’ wounds were self-inflicted, but the collapse against Yang served as the preemptive blow. Woods would certainly salivate at the opportunity for redemption.

1. Adam Scott

This comes as no surprise. Everybody–except probably Adam Scott himself–truly wants to see this. The messy divorce between Woods and caddie Steve Williams took another twist last week, with the disgruntled looper calling his former employer a “black ——-“. High drama awaits indeed. Although it was Woods’ decision to part ways, he appears to still claim the moral high ground. Williams claimed his 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational win with Scott was the “best win [he’s] ever had”. There’s no way that Woods doesn’t want a shot to break Williams down, even know he’s not exactly competing against him. Scott, is just the middle man of this all. If Norman and Couples pull some strings to make this happen on Sunday, I won’t complain. Will you?

Six days ’til Sunday.

2011
11/14
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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Oldies But Goodies

There are eight “old timers” competing in the Presidents Cup next week. Four Americans over forty, four more on the International side. Not to knock the game’s viable vets–who possess 11 major championships–but 2011 is about a bubbling cauldron of young talent. Still, leadership is a magnified trait in pressured-filled team events like this one. It’ll be up to the upperclassmen to manage emotions and sink crucial putts. Here’s a scouting report on the 4-0 club.

K.J. Choi (I)

Choi would make a great poker player. The even-keel, often emotionless Korean never shows his hand on the course. Despite this, he’s still never won an elusive major championship. He’s been plagued by the “Sunday crumbles” a little too frequently for my liking. Choi is 3-6 in the Cup, but numbers are always skewed towards the Americans (who have only lost once as a team). The 41-year-old should be healthy and rested for this year’s matches. I’d even bet he has a winning record this year. There’s a good chance he could be paired with exuberant countryman Kim Kyung-tae, as well.

Retief Goosen (I)

Don’t forget about the Golden Goose. It’s been seven heart-aching years since his last major championship (a potential swan song). He’s played in this event 5x prior, so put him at the end of Sunday’s singles. At 11-13 in his career, he’s once of the most experienced participants. In recent years, he has played poorly. I foresee a revival of sorts, and Goosen will sweep his Friday and Saturday matches.

Ernie Els (I)

It can be argued that this man single-handily made the Presidents Cup what it is today. Maybe that doesn’t mean much, but it certainly means something. Critics scoffed at the idea of a U.S.-International showdown at first, but Els has delivered a victory for his squad, and the notorious tie of 2005. He’s anchored this team since 1996, and expect him to do it again. The Big Easy’s health remains a question, but he’s a gamer and up for the challenge. He would relish the opportunity for a rematch against Tiger Woods.

Robert Allenby (I)

The only thing that doesn’t make this a rogue selection for captain Greg Norman is that Allenby calls Melbourne home. The crowd will absolutely rally behind their hometown boy, making him a huge catalyst. The ripple effect will be felt whether Allenby is winning or losing. The crowd noise or silence will echo throughout the course, swinging momentum back and forth. It will be hard for him NOT to be a factor in this event.

Steve Stricker (USA)

Stricker is a golfing patriot. He’s the type of rah-rah player every team needs. While he can sometimes be reserved, playing for country brings out his best. He’s also one of the most underrated American players of all-time. Put a club in his hand for as many matches as possible, and results will follow. The maturity of Stricker also makes him compatible with almost any fellow American. He’s been here three times before, and it could potentially be his last, so look for a strong performance.

Phil Mickelson (USA)

Mickelson has logged so many miles, his game has taken a step back. Arthritis, and other elements of age are starting to win little battles on his body. However, the four-time major winner is without a doubt team’s biggest focal point. He’s shown his stars and stripes enough times to be able to gut out any victory. However, he also has the ability to go bananas–in a bad way. Things can go south in a hurry if he starts piping the driver left and right of center. His aggressive play can be good when solo, but a detriment in alternate shot or four ball.

David Toms (USA)

The comeback player of 2011? Toms is definitely in the discussion. The 2001 PGA Championship will be his lasting legacy on the PGA Tour, but he will also be an asset in this year’s Presidents Cup. Toms has been known to play well in match play events, winning the 2005 Accenture Match Play Championship. Two suggestions for playing partners: Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson. Toms could help Mahan settle any lingering jitters from last year’s Ryder Cup. Watson could help with length (and form a potentially dangerous southern tandem).

Jim Furyk (USA)

After winning three times in 2010, Furyk went AWOL in 2011. The 2003 U.S. Open champ hasn’t won since his big Tour Championship payday last year. However, he’s second to Mickelson in appearances at the Presidents Cup and brings a laundry list of clutch moments. His leadership should not be overlooked for this captain-in-waiting. A quirky putter could derail Furyk’s game this year, but what else is new? Either way it’s a near-lock that the West Chester, Pa. native secures at least a point for Team USA.

A couple of South African bosses.

Things are looking up for the 40-somethings, all thanks to Cialis.


2011
11/07
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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Changing Course

So, I didn’t hold up to my promise of one matchup per day for 13 business days. I apologize for this lapse. After the first two, I realized how challenging of an undertaking it was. I’ll still be posting stories leading up to “tee off”, however, at a slower pace. If only I had a large, ambitious staff working for me. Stay tuned for more goodies.

Was this a Hunter Mahan proportioned gaffe on my part? Eh, maybe not so bad. Still–my bad.

2011
11/07
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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Matt Kuchar vs. Jason Day

In my opinion, the game’s most gifted athletes today are as follows: (1) Rory McIlroy (2) Dustin Johnson and (3) Jason Day. However, as noted, matchups are not arranged on my preconceived notions. They are strictly a reflection of where each player finished on their respective team’s pecking order.

Matt Kuchar and Jason Day have tasted a lot of success this season, and if they do face each other in the President’s Cup, here’s what they bring to the table.

Matt Kuchar, Age: 33, Best major championship finish: T-6 (2010 U.S. Open), President’s Cup ROOKIE

State of the game: He’s a U.S. Amateur champion, who’s early professional plight is well-documented. However, he’s resuscitated his game in recent years, even winning the PGA Tour’s money title in 2010. He followed up a sensational 2010 campaign with a string of top 10’s in 2011. Steady, reliable play has been Kuchar’s trademark–he curtails his highs and lows. He ended 2011 with a career-high nine top 10’s.

Under the gun points: As the 1997 U.S. Amateur winner, you need to give Kuchar a bit of “street cred”. But, pressure induced situations–like major championships–have never been a strength. For whatever reason, he’s amassed only two top-10 finishes in majors. This year, his best finish was a T-14 at the U.S. Open.

Previous cup experience: Limited. In 2010, he looked dashing in the soft purple cardigan (above). Kuchar played surprisingly well in the four ball and alternate shot formats, but severely disappointed in singles. He went 1-0-2 on Friday and Saturday, but faltered 5&4 to Ian Poulter on Sunday. I’d like to think of this mishap as an anomaly, as Kuchar has proven to be a formidable match play opponent. Not only in the U.S. Amateur, but in WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship as well.

Possible alternate shot/four ball partners: Kuchar is a level-headed, thinking man’s player and I think he would fair well with a similar breed. Look  for experienced cuppers Jim Furyk or Steve Stricker to play with him. Speculating even further, I could see other vibrant rookies get the nod. Possibly getting together former Nationwide Tour players Webb Simpson or Nick Watney who maintain cool under fire.

Sunday pole position: This is something that may be determined by the event’s first two days. However, my guess is that Fred Couples sends Kuchar out in the middle of the pack. Strategically, this is a position reserved for momentum swingers. Early matchups set the tone, but the middle of the pack can reverse any damage done. The hammers show up at the end of the day to close it out.

Jason Day, Age: 25, Best major championship finish: 2nd (2011 U.S. Open), President’s Cup ROOKIE

State of the game: After a “second level” season, where Day elevated his marketability and stature, he will  be a force in this year’s matches. Although he didn’t win in 2011, two second place major championship finishes highlighted his season. Day’s easy going demeanor is much of a facade, and the burning competitive spirit lies behind his colorful wardrobe. Playing in the thick of his Aussie compatriots, will undoubtedly help his game.

Under the gun points: Until this season, you couldn’t really analyze the mental aspect of Day’s game. He did win once on the PGA Tour, but was never really pressed in difficult situations. Then again, he still hasn’t. His two second place major finishes were secured well after the tournament champion was virtually announced. Day could stuggle if he’s not placed with the right teammate early on.

Previous cup experience: None.

Possible alternate shot/four ball partners: Although Day seems mild-mannered, I think a dynamic playing partner would complement him aptly. Much like in the explosive Sergio Garcia-Jesper Parnevik pairings of the 1999 Ryder Cup, flare pays off. Day will burst out of his shell if aligned with the right personality. The problem is, however, who to choose? The team is filled with “Big Easy’s”. I think a Japanese-Australian connection is built for success with Ryo Ishikawa.

Sunday pole position: There’s no doubt in my mind that Day should be in the back of the bus. While stalwarts like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and hometown hero Robert Allenby will probably be glowing with the brightest spotlight, Day will be close by. He has all the tools to supply a big-time performance.

Advantage

Despite the lack of cup experience, Day has the upper hand. He can shift tectonic plates will his potential, and he’s waited all season for a true clutch, fist-pumping moment of arrival. We know he’s got the goods, it’s time to bring ’em out and never look back. I believe this will catapult Day into a enormous 2012.

If you’re counting at home, that’s International 2, USA 0. More to come.

She’s not so bad, either.


2011
11/01
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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