Posts Tagged ‘ pga tour ’

Story of the Year

The biggest story of 2011? Rory McIlroy’s runaway victory at the U.S. Open. Here’s my take on golf’s darling prince back in June.

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Long before Rory McIlroy had his breakfast on Sunday of the 2011 U.S. Open, the coronation parade had begun. A pedestrian—by his standards—third round 68 had given the fresh-faced 22-year-old an eight shot lead on one of golf’s biggest stages.

Pundits, peers and spectators all came to the realization that McIlroy—who owned just two other professional victories—was to be crowned by the time Father’s Day turned into “Father’s Night”.

They were right.

The legendary performance untapped a limitless potential that has people curious about what else McIlroy is capable of.

After shattering eleven U.S. Open records, including lowest four-day total at the tournament with a 268 (-16), natural comparisons have been made to Tiger Woods. Woods previously shot a 272 (-12) at Pebble Beach during the 2000 U.S. Open to unleash a remorseless 15 stroke victory margin.

It was in 1997 when a 21-year-old Woods eviscerated the golf world with a 12-shot romp at Augusta National.  The similarities are certainly prevalent, but here’s where they differ.

It took Woods 10 attempts to secure another major championship trophy on his mantle (The 1999 PGA Championship). For McIlroy, it could be a month away. In taking three weeks off from competition, he’ll be able to put into perspective the magnitude of his accomplishment. The gifted Northern Ireland native will be able to celebrate with family and friends, and then hopefully return for a tune-up tournament before the British Open on July 14-17.

In the last two majors of 2010 and at Augusta National this year, McIlroy flirted with what would ultimately be his destiny, winning a major championship. Last year, at St. Andrews, McIlroy torched the course for a first round 63, to lead the field. A second round 80 nullified his progress, and despite rebounding to finish in a T-3, he was never really in contention down the stretch.

At the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights, McIlroy crept into the hunt on Friday evening. He entered the final round just three shots back, but a missed 15-footer on the 72nd hole to keep him out of a playoff with Bubba Watson and eventual champ Martin Kaymer.

This year’s Masters further solidified McIlroy’s place as a recurring figure in major championships. However, a well-documented collapse that included a triple bogey on the 10th hole and a final round 80 dashed any hopes of victory.

Flash forward to the 2011 British Open, and there’s no doubt that McIlroy is the favorite. With a newly minted resolve and the exorcism of past major blunders, he’s primed to wipe the field clean. If there’s one trophy McIlroy wants more than any other, it’s the Claret Jug. He grew up idolizing the mystique and rich history of the championship, and knows the how prestigious it is to hear his name called by Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A. An ever-improving field can challenge McIlroy, but if he gets the momentum of an orange, white and green crowd behind him, it might as well be a foregone conclusion.

McIlroy has proven that his game is suited for a variety of layouts and conditions. The doses of success at each distinct major championship, coupled with his U.S. Open breakthrough mean that he could one day be knocking down Ol’ Grand Slam’s door. But, can he compete under the microscope? Graduating from Boy Wonder to Superman in the blink of an eye can reveal unforeseen obstacles and added pressure. Being No. 1 comes with a bull’s eye, and if McIlroy is ready to take on a deep and talented mosh pit of opponents, then he’ll be the target for a long time.

Mentally, McIlroy will also have to deflect detractors and stay composed through the brewing media cauldron that he’s cooked up. Fortunately, he has already experienced both ends of the spectrum—agonizing defeat and the numbing joy of success.

McIlroy has a devastatingly powerful swing, and a fearless vision behind his putter. While he’ll be great for a long time, it will be fun to dissect his achievements with that of Woods. He’s still got a long way to go before he truly reaches the discussion. For now, it’s about enjoying the moment. Next, it’s about legitimizing his first major win with another. Which, may be sooner than we all could have thought.

-Anthony Stipa

2011
12/01
CATEGORY
Story of the Year
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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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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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