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Column
#69-May 2008--Senior PGA Championship at Oak
Hill Gets Mouth a'wishing
There are a number of well wishes I have for Western New York and a few
of my favorite
would rank in the following order...
1. Keep the Buffalo Bills forever and win Super Bowl from
time-to-time
2. Long-term prosperity
3. A golf course venue capable of a PGA event.
I'm not one to believe any of these are out of reach and I'll knock
anybody
who says the Bills are leaving with the nearest four-iron. However, I
understand that at the current time, we don't have a golf course venue
capable of such an event.
That said, there is a golf course about 60 miles to our West with as
much
golf history and championship caliber as the best of them. Oak Hill
Country
Club, home to this year's Senior PGA Championship, has hosted U.S.
Opens,
PGA Championships, Ryder Cups and U.S. Amateur Championships. The course
has
had everyone from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods walk its majestic
fairways.
Once again it will help anoint a champion when the senior's event takes
place May 19-25. Tickets are still available and great players like Ben
Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd, Bernhard Langer and Gary Player will be in our
sudo-backyard.
It's worth looking into if for no other reason than the course is
spectacular. The first pro-event I ever went to was the 2003 PGA
Championship at Oak Hill. I walked the course for a practice round and
was
able to see so many of my favorite golfers. Shaun Micheel would go on to
win
the event.
The course is a Par-70 monster with two Par 5's and a Par 3 15th that
requires about as perfect a shot as you can hit to get it near the pin.
There's also a number of holes with undulation, hazards and bunkering
that
have been around for ages.
It's the perfect mix. Great players and an even greater golf course.
More
importantly, it takes about as long as some people's morning commute to
go
check it out. And, even though Buffalo is nowhere near close to being
able
to stake claim to its own professional golf events, it's nice to know
the
PGA hasn't forgotten about the golf gems of Central and Western New
York. In
2013, the PGA will bring its own championship back to Oak Hill for
another
thrilling event.
Column
#68-April 2008--Sunday
at The Masters, or Cuts & Bruises Day
Excuse me while I dust off a few cuts, scrapes and bruises.
That was painful, wasn't it? Watching the world's greatest
golfers get beat silly by Augusta National Golf Course. As CBS Golf
Analyst
Nick Faldo said early on Sunday afternoon, "I can't tell you which
player is
going to finish with the lowest score, but I can tell you Augusta is
going
to win today."
He was right. With no disrespect to Trevor Immelman, who won
the
Masters fair, square and impressively, Sunday at Augusta was ugly. Guys
like
Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh and even Tiger Woods walked off the 18th looking
more
like Rocky Balboa after 12 rounds with Apollo Creed than Jack Nicklaus
after
18 lovely holes.
And, in being such a bear, Augusta National ripped out all
the
Sunday drama we've come to expect. Patrons at the course and fans
watching
worldwide kept waiting for someone, anyone to make a charge. Nobody did.
They all backed up and made bogeys at will. Most of us knew Immelman
would
wear the green jacket after about an hour of TV coverage on Sunday.
That's not to say it was all bad. Immelman's a great young
talent who may win more than his fair share of major championships.
Everyone
kept waiting for him to blink or choke - he never did. He made a few
errors
along the way, but always bounced back with an answer. Take the winds
away
on Sunday and he might just have become the first player to card four
rounds
in the 60's at The Masters.
And, there was Brandt Snedeker, thank god for Snedeker.
America
may not have only discovered its next great young golfer this past
weekend,
but also the most humble, fun-loving guy on the planet. I never thought
somebody could smile as much as Phil Mickelson does on the golf course.
Snedeker does. He smiles after birdies, bogeys and shark attacks. This
guy
played miserable on Sunday, lost the Masters and still couldn't seem to
get
that grin off of his face. It's like he still hasn't forgotten hat he
gets
to play golf for a living.
There was Tiger Woods. Isn't there always Tiger Woods?
Contrary
to what most of the media will tell you, Woods did not lose this golf
tournament, Trevor Immelman won it. The 96 greatest golfers in the world
came to Augusta last weekend. He finished alone in second-place. It was
anything but a disappointing performance. The guy's incredible. The
guy's
going to break every record in golf. Let's leave him be when he misses a
couple putts and only musters a second place finish in one of the most
challenging golf tournaments ever.
All that said, something was missing from the Masters this
year.
This was more like the year Mike Weir won with a playoff-bogey than when
Mickelson made a did-you-just-see-that Sunday charge. This was a Sunday
snooze, not a Sunday roar. This was the U.S. Open, not the Masters.
For years, I've said the U.S. Open is my favorite golf
tournament because it makes par a good, and quite possibly, winning
score.
Only at the U.S. Open can you see guys never make a birdie and still
score
well for the tournament. However, due to the changes at Augusta
National,
The Masters is becoming very resembling of our national championship.
And,
for some reason, it's not as enjoyable.
The Masters is supposed to be about mastery. It's supposed
to be
about breathtaking shots, back-nine charges and prestige. I'm fine with
underdogs and relative unknowns winning the Masters, but I'm not so fond
of
these Sunday beat-downs. The past two Masters have been more about
survival
than success. That doesn't take away from what Immelman and Zach Johnson
have accomplished. If anything, it emboldens it. However, it takes
something
away from the fans, who've come to look at The Masters as the return of
spring. A chance to kick back and watch great golf. We got that this
year
and we got a deserving champion - but all the guts, glory, drama and
prestige were missing on Sunday. And, it wasn't just the high winds that
took them away.
Column
# 67-April 2008--Saturday at the Masters, or AHMNPTW
Day
The third day of the Masters is called moving day for the
players. For fans and idiots like me, it's
alrighthere'smynewpicktowin day.
Coming into this tournament I picked Geoff Ogilvy, Zach
Johnson and Padraig Harrington. All three guys made the cut, but none of
them are in serious contention after two days. I also claimed that Phil
Mickelson and Sergio Garcia would not play well. I was half right;
Garcia's
opening 76 killed him. Mickelson, on the other hand, is playing nearly
flawless golf. He's currently three-off the lead heading into the third
round.
What's my point? None of us can ever truly predict
what's
going to happen in major championship golf. Everybody who was talking
Tiger
vs. the field and/or Tiger and the grand slam looks to be a bit off.
After
45 holes, Woods needs a flurry of birdies to get back into the picture.
Now,
I'm not saying he can't do it...I'm just saying, you never know.
Instead, two rounds at Augusta have given us the names
of
Trevor Immelman, Brandt Snedker, Ian Poulter, Phil Mickelson and Paul
Casey.
Poulter, you may remember, said something along the lines of, 'once I
start
playing as well as I can, it's just going to be me in the conversation
with
Tiger Woods' earlier this year. Now, he's backing it up. This is the
first
major championship he's played in since those comments and he's beating
Woods and keeping himself in contention for the tournament.
I've always been a Poulter fan. He's obviously got a lot
of
confidence and he's one of the boldest dressers on tour. Looking at the
current leader board, I'll take Poulter to win it. That's not to say the
other guys can't get it done. Immelman's tough as steel and playing
great.
Snedeker's young, talented and spends such little time over the ball
that
he's probably to busy to be nervous. Mickelson? Well, his two green
jackets
can do the talking.
So yes, we've come to day three - a chance to reevaluate
the
field and a chance to rethink who just might win this thing. Many of the
familiar names and faces are around for the weekend, and we've got some
other new names to spice it up as well.
There are really only two certainties we can accept as
we
watch the Masters.
1. It's going to a weekend to remember.
2. We have no idea what's going to happen.
Check back tomorrow for The Mouth's end of Masters wrap-up.
Column
# 66-March 2008--Ernie
Els Becomes The Man We Thought Tiger Would Become
In a lot of ways, it is the things we don't plan on that come to define
our lives.
The people, the struggles and the challenges life surprises
us
with help us discover our true mettle. If that rings true for any golfer
right now, it's got to be Ernie Els who publicly announced his son, Ben,
suffers from a strong form of autism earlier this week.
You've got to imagine Ernie Els never thought he'd have
someone
stitch the "Autism Speaks" logo on his golf bag one day. There had to be
days when Els thought the worst thing in life was a bad lie in a
cavernous
bunker.
Yet, there he was earlier this week, fielding questions
about
autism after a day of golf at the PGA Tour's PODS Championship.
According to
Els, his family has kept the diagnosis private of the past few years.
"I feel comfortable talking about it now," Els told the
Associated Press after he missed the cut Friday in the PODS
Championship.
"I've got a bit of a profile where it will grab attention. That's what
this
problem needs. And with that, hopefully, more people will get involved
and
we can start getting to what causes it and what can be done to help it."
By definition, autism is a psychiatric disorder
characterized by
marked deficits in communication and social interaction. About one in
every
150 children is diagnosed with some form of the disease. Els openly
admitted
that his five-year-old Ben suffers from a severe form of the disease.
It's noble and it's expected that Els would now join in the
fight against this disease. However, it's a bit cheap for others to talk
about the value his fame will bring to the cause. Sure, people of fame
and
influence hold the ability to draw extra support and rally others. But
fathers also have the ability to ache for their sons, and one shouldn't
overlook the difficulties the disease poses for Ben, Ernie and the rest
of
the Els family.
"Like any family will tell you, it's not easy. And it's a
change
of life, a change of priorities. You've got to be ready for it. And it's
happening more often," Els said. "I never knew about it, never thought
about
it, until it's in your lap."
That pain must have drowned out the losses Els was taking on
the
course over the past few years. He experienced over a three-year victory
drought on the PGA Tour that he broke at last week's Honda Championship.
He's finished second to Tiger Woods in more majors than he cares to
remember. Publicly, people spoke about how he might be losing his game.
Through it all, Els was privately dealing with Ben's
disease.
And, now he's ready to bring that fight into the public eye. Having
grown up
in South Africa and having a schedule which takes him around the world,
Els
is no doubt capable of becoming an international spokesperson.
"We've been taking our time and trying to assess what we
need to
do, what we want to do," Els said. "We're doing a lot for Ben. But there
are
a lot of kids like him out there, and worse than him. We're in a
fortunate
position where money is not a real problem for our family. We can get
Ben
the right help. Some people are not in the same position. We'd like to
raise
money for the poor."
Wouldn't it be something if one of the greatest golfers ever
ended
up being remembered for what he did to fight autism? Els might just be
able
to do it. While still more than capable of winning golf tournaments, his
younger years are behind him. Soon, he'll need challenges that extend
beyond
the golf course.
That said, there will no doubt come a time this season when
Els
bogeys 17 and ends up finishing second in some tournament. Writers
will
criticize his club selection. Fans will doubt his poise.
And Els? Well, he'll simply put it in perspective and
head home
to his wife and children. Els has learned the hard way that there's more
to
life than golf. He's blessed to be a father. And now, he's ready to take
on
a challenge he never saw coming. One he might just be able to knock out
like nobody before him.
Column
# 65-March 2008--Boo Weekley: Traditional Warrior
for a New World
Somewhere, golf traditionalists who harp on intangible ideas
like 'the purity of the game," and "the way the sport was meant to be
played," have to be missing Casey Martin and his golf cart. Martin, his
bum
leg and the idea of riding around the golf course is probably a heck of
a
lot easier for golf traditionalists to swallow than the myth, man and
legend
that is becoming Boo Weekley.
Consider for a moment, that in the past year alone, Weekley
tried to board a plane with bullets in his luggage, got Sergio Garcia
disqualified from a major tournament, wore camouflaged clothes on the
course
and admitted he didn't know a player could concede someone else a putt
in
match play.
If that doesn't let you in on it, let's just say, Weekley is
not
your average player. According to an inside source who worked at the
Verizon
Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links where Weekley won his first career
PGA
tournament last year, the first thing he wanted to do after the victory
was
go fishing. There are also numerous public accounts of how the man once
wrestled an orangutan at a state fair. It gets a little murky when
people
start talking about how actually won the wrestling match.
All that said, Weekley sure does know how to swing a golf
club.
The guy's gone from a relative unknown to one of the best 50 players on
the
planet in less than a year. Along with the win at the Heritage, Weekley
also
performed well at last year's British Open. More recently, he downed
Sergio
Garcia in the World Match Play Championships 3 and 1. He eventually
finished
in 9th position out of the field of 64. He's got two other top 10's on
his
sheet this year as well.
With all that on your resume, the win over Garcia resonates
unique. Perhaps there's no better foil for Weekley than Garcia. The two
are
about as different as elevators and inner tubes. Garcia grew up in
wealth, a
student of the game who has been a star since he was 19. He drives fast
cars
and dates celebrities. The only thing missing from his resume is a major
championship. Weekley grew up in rural America, where hunting and
fishing
feats garner a lot more respect than knocking it stiff from the rough.
He
admits he doesn't enjoy watching golf and doesn't really know all the
rules.
Still, all their differences, the two seem linked in some
odd
way. Last year at the 2007 PGA Championship, Weekley wrote the incorrect
score on Garcia's card. Garcia, failing to check it closely, signed the
card
and was disqualified. Amazingly, the two were paired together later in
the
year and it almost happened again but Garcia caught it. Garcia had to be
hoping to enforce his will on Weekley a few weeks ago at the World Match
Play Championship. It didn't happen. Weekley made 6 birdies over the
last 10
holes to take the match.
Things like scores and rules just don't seem to faze Weekley.
He
tees it up and whacks it and hopes things turn out alright. Come April,
he'll play in the first Masters of his career. Then, he'll head to
Harbour
Town to defend last year's title which he won by chipping in twice in
the
last few holes. While there's no guarantee he'll play well at either
event,
fans can be sure he'll leave his mark on the event. Be it with odd
clothes,
funny sayings, or non-golf traditional conduct, Weekley lives his own
way.
At another match in the World Match Plays, he admitted he didn't know
you
could let someone pick up a putt in match play.
That's what makes Weekley so fun to watch. He's almost
capable
of doing anything with a golf club. And, he's surely capable of anything
off
of it. He's the kind of guy who gives golf traditionalists
nightmares...and
he's probably never even heard of a golf cart.
Column
# 64-February 2008--Outrageous Opening To 2008 Tour
Seasons
Can we just go ahead and label this season as the
year of outlandish things?
Let's just look at a few of the best quotes from the opening
month of the 2008 PGA Tour season.
"A grand slam is easily within reason this year." - Tiger
Woods
"Don't get me wrong, I really respect every professional
golfer, but I know I haven't played to my full potential and when that
happens, it will be just me and Tiger." - Ian Poulter.
"Hey, this year, at the Masters, let's just play 15 holes
each day. How 'bout it?" - (Alright, I made this one up.)
Still, think about those first two comments. Tiger Woods
says it's 'easily within reason' he could win all four majors in 2008.
That's quite a statement for even Woods who hasn't won more than two in
a year since his magical 2000 year. And, let's not forget, that winning
a major championship is about the hardest thing to do in golf. Great
golfers play their entire career and never win one. Woods seems to think
winning four this year might be only a little bit out of reach. Are you
kidding me?
I'll grant Woods this. He's the greatest golfer to live. If
anyone can win the calendar year grand slam, it's him. But, I'm having
trouble seeing him do it. It's just too hard. He's playing a game that
can be controlled by weather, outside competition and luck. The
difference between winning and losing at that level of golf is so slim.
It comes down to one putt, one subtle break, one miss-club. I've got
nothing but love for Tiger Woods, but not even he's immune to that.
He is probably immune from having his legacy shattered by
Ian Poulter. Poulter respectfully told reporters this week that as soon
as he starts playing well, he'll be as good as Tiger. Hey, I'm with him,
as soon as I start writing better I'll be Shakespeare. But, let's be
honest, that's not going to happen anytime soon.
Poulter's a great talent, a young player and a dashing
dresser. He is not, however, Tiger Woods. Poulter has no PGA wins in
America and has never won a major. He's accomplished and capable of
taking Woods down on any given day, but he'll never be considered the
same caliber of player as Eldrick.
I give Poulter props for steeping up and throwing it out
there. Let's be honest, nobody's challenging Woods on the course
so somebody might as well start doing it in the papers. However, if
Poulter wants Woods' and the rest of the golfing world's respect, he'll
start getting it done on the course. Beat Woods heads up in the final
group at Augusta this April and we
can start talking Ian.
It's doubtful that will happen anytime soon. After three
rounds of golf at this week's Dubai Classic, Poulter trailed Woods by
two shots and the leader Ernie Els by six. That's not bad for Poulter,
but it's far from being just him and Tiger. In fact, between Woods and
Poulter alone, there are five other golfers tied at seven under with
Woods, six golfers at
six-under and five golfers tied at five-under with Poulter.
Amazingly, knowing where Poulter and Woods' games are at
I've come to this crazy conclusion. While I doubt either one of them
will follow through on their statements, Woods has a better shot of
coming through. That's right, it's more likely that Woods will win
all four majors in 2008 than Poulter will ever elevate his game to
consistently match Woods.
Do I think either of these things will actually happen?
Let's just say me and my joke of a golf swing have a better chance of
breaking 65 this summer. But, it appears 2008 may be the season of
outlandish things, and I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Column
# 63-January 2008--A Young Guy's Take On The
BuffaloGolfer.Com Annual Summit
Alright, I'll be the first to admit it.
There is truth in Mo Golf's recent column. We did all get together last
weekend to eat, drink, talk golf and be merry. If you're wondering what
lead myself, Duff and Scrambler to be seen in public with Mo and his
overflowing passion for golf just know we haven't all figured it out yet
either.
Perhaps it had something to do with the
setting. This was my third trip to the Frog Hair and I just fall in love
with the place more and more each time. The food is delicious. The
menu's a book. The simulators are jam-packed and yes, there were more
than a fair share of beautiful women milling about.
Then again, maybe it's the company. Knowing
we've all heard his golf jokes and stories three times over, Mo brought
along brilliant golf course designer Scott Witter to share in the
conversation with us. Listening to him was like learning about the game
all over. Looking at the game of golf through Witter's eyes changes your
understanding of the sport. It's refreshing. If Witter follows through
and begins writing a golf-architecture column for the site, I'll be one
of his most avid readers.
And, then again, there's always the great
topic of golf. We throw around tales of past rounds, future rounds and
ideas about the sport. Heck, I'll even admit I enjoy Mo's company more
than I let on. Our writers' summits are beginning to become a Can't-Miss
night in Buffalo.
Then again, there's one thing that's always
missing. See, we talk about golf and we always talk about the same
courses, memories and stories. We've listened to each other's theories
on the sport every time we get together. And, while we more than enjoy
eating and hitting the links together – it's time to acknowledge that
we're missing something. While we don't have the budget to buy all of
our readers dinner, we need to start listening to what they're saying
about the site. Believe it or not, we'd probably value your opinions
We've made attempts to engage our readers.
I recommended the message board go up last year – it struggled and
eventually failed. We were a major presence at last year's Buffalo Golf
Show – that went well. Still, I don't think we've opened a true dialogue
with all of our readers and that bothers me.
If you're reading this site then you've
obviously got an interest in golf. Think about this for a second – if
you could design the best Buffalo/Golf site on the web, what would you
want? What do you want to read? What do you want to see? Do you like
pictures or do you like videos? Would you like more Duff? Are you tired
of my roaring?
See, we've got ideas. We're pumped about
the architecture column. We'd like to add a female perspective to the
site. We want to go play Bethpage Black next summer and take more
pictures and videos than you can imagine. But, maybe that's not what you
want to see.
That's my BuffaloGolfer.com resolution for
2008 – to listen to our readers. I've tried to get people to respond to
me before and it hasn't worked. If this fails, I still won't give up. I
want to know what you all want from us in 2008 and beyond.
www.buffalogolfer.com
or Christopher.whitcombATgmail.com
Our ears are open and not just because
we're tired of Mo's jokes.
Column
# 62-December 2007--Peek'N Peak Classic Takes a
One-Year Hiatus
I hate to be Scroogeish this holiday season but I'm going to have to be
the bearer of bad news in this column. According to a recent
announcement, scheduling conflicts will lead to the cancellation of the
Nationwide Tour's
2008 Peek 'n Peak Classic at Peek 'n Peak Resort and Spa.
That's a real bummer for area golf fans who've come accustomed to seeing
the next generation of golfing elite visit Western New York each July.
Guys like last year's Master Champion Zach Johnson and past tour stars
like David Duval
made their names on the Nationwide Tour before rolling up wins on the
PGA Tour. Sadly, no future greats will visit Findley Lake, N.Y. in 2008.
The press release that came out last week indicates that the tournament
has traditionally been held the week prior to the 4th of July holiday.
Nationwide Tour scheduling required the resort to hold the event on the
4th of July weekend this year and thus Peek 'n Peak decided they
couldn't lose the revenue from that holiday weekend. A joint decision to
cancel this
year's tournament was then made.
Rather than lament that the championship won't be constested in 2008,
I'd like to begin making the case for it returning in 2009. The Peek 'n
Peak Classic has become a staple in my summer plans. The great golf,
intimate experience with
the golfers and beautiful course make it a must-see for any local golf
fan. And, any year when the PGA isn't visiting Oak Hill in
Rochester, NY, it's the best golf this area gets to see.
It's about more than just me and my summer plans though. The Western New
York area is a strong and proud golf community. It deserves its big-time
tournament. It deserves a chance to let the world's greatest golfers
come by
for a visit. It deserves the Peek 'n Peak Classic.
That's not to discard the resort's worries about losing revenue over the
holiday weekend. In a region where winter takes away so many great golf
days, you've got to make money when you can. The 4th of July weekend is
probably the resort's best revenue weekend of the year. It isn't fair to
expect them to give it up.
So, there's no need to point fingers and doll out blame. It's sad that
the tournament won't be here in 2008 but it isn't tragic. What would be
tragic would be to let this tournament disappear from the Western New
York scene for good. Let's bust out the 2009 calendars right now and
find us a weekend that works for everyone. The Peek 'n Peak Classic has
been a great event
for this area. And, we've seen such N-Tour champions as Roland Thatcher,
Esteban Toledo and Kevin Stadler take home the tournament title. Here's
hoping we get to add more great names to that list of champions staring
in 2009.
Editor's Note:
Column
# 61-December 2007-This column is about
the 2008 PGA Season...
What led me to write this column you ask?
1. I've finally recovered from a few days of turkey-induced
laziness.
2 The Buffalo Bills chances at making the playoffs officially
ended
today after Coach Dick Jauron elected not to play Trent Edwards. (I'll
show discipline and refuse from going on about this point - let's get
to golf.)
I know it's early for a preview column. Most golf writers are still
working on there end of season awards columns. Stewart Cink just won
the Skins game and a boat load of money. Even here in Western New
York, there are places you can still get out on the course.
All that said, I know that I'm not going to see Tiger Woods, Sergio
Garcia or Phil Mickelson play again this year and I'm not going to be
too interested in any golf played in December. So, albeit a little
early, I'm unleashing some fearless predictions for the first half of
2008. (I've got to leave myself something to write come next May or
June...so we'll leave the second half of the season until then).
Fearless Prediction No. 1 - Tiger Woods will not win either the
Masters or the U.S. Open next year - That's a bold statement to make
about the greatest golfer alive but I don't think 08 is going to be a
banner year for the guy. He had a dominant 07 and will definitely
eclipse Nicklaus' record of 18 majors. But, I doubt he wins one until
next year's British Open or PGA Championship.
Fearless Prediction No. 2 - Chris Dimarco matters again. - Be honest,
the last time you can remember Dimarco actually competing in a
tournament that mattered is the 06 British when his steely play pushed
Woods to play his best. Dimarco, playing days after his mother had
passed away and a couple groups ahead of Tiger, absolutely willed the
ball in the hole. He's one of the toughest competitors on tour and
while his game wasn't there in 07 - he's not scared to go toe to toe
with Eldrick. Dimarco has no major championships to his credit but
he's going to be a major player in the 2008 season.
Fearless Predication No. 3 - Hunter Mahan comes to play. - This guy
impressed me more than any other young gun or up and comer on tour
last year. He won once and played well during the second half of the
season. I wouldn't be surprised if the guy became an absolute star
this season. And remember, if he does, you heard it hear first.
Fearless Predication No. 4 - The United States wins the Ryder Cup -
Call it home field advantage but I expect the United States to put
together a spirited run at the Ryder Cup title next year at Valhalla
Golf Club. This time around, there won't be a magical putt from Justin
Leonard but there are more than enough talented American golfers to
win this event. A year ago, the Americans got there butt kicked by
Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia and co. Something tells me next year's
squad will be eager to respond.
Fearless Predication No. 5 - The Fed-Ex Cup will stink...again. Tiger
Woods hated this event. Phil Mickelson hated it. Other guys hated it.
They all found ways to get out of playing one of the events. Next
year, the Ryder Cup is thrown in there. There's no way this thing
works long term. Personally, I think golf should go away from the
playoff system and let the NFL enjoy it's dominance in the fall. If
the PGA feels a need to have a playoff season...they've got major bugs
to work out.
Fearless Predication No. 6 - David Duval will play well. Yup, I'm the
guy who once proclaimed that Duval would win another major before he
retired. There's no way I'm backing g down from that statement now.
Duval began to reemerge at the end of the 06 season. Then, last year,
he sat out almost the entire year as he stayed home to take care of
his children and wife (she had major implications during pregnancy).
Thankfully, the Duvals welcomed their new daughter Sienna to the world
in early September with no major problems. Duval's already shown signs
of playing well as he carded scores of 70-71-73-71 at the Callaway
Invitational at Pebble Beach earlier this month. Now, a new Family
Crisis exemption should help Double D pick up with his progress in 06.
Column
# 60-November 2007-There
is a season, turn , turn, turn...
Daylight Savings Time might as well be put the golf clubs away
for another season day for me. I've always had an internal clock which
tells
me once it starts getting dark before I'm home for work...I've got to
stop
golfing.
It's not just the dark. There are other reasons my mind
starts
drifting away from golf during the fall months. First, the Buffalo Bills
are
engrossed in a stirring and inspirational turnaround this season. Second
off, my own flag football team is nearing its own playoff hunt.
Personally, I think life and sports are meant to be treated
that
way...in seasons. As much as we love (whatever your favorite sport is)
it's
good to take a break and pick up another game, another hobby and another
perspective.
Think of guys like Michael Jordan and Jerome Bettis who used
their off seasons to become superb golfers. Even as dedicated as they
were
to being excellent in their sport, they made time for the golf course.
This
got me thinking about what some of the greatest golfers in the world
might
want to consider taking up as another sport/profession in their off
season.
Phil Mickelson - This guy's got dominant bowler written all over
his face.
He's not really in shape to pursue a physically demanding sport but he's
got
great touch and imagination with his shots. Plus, he's already got the
support of the common man. Let's be honest, it's easy to picture hordes
of
fans screaming for Lefty as he picks up turkey after turkey.
Chad Campbell - If you've never seen Chad Campbell in person then
you
probably don't know he's built like a Mack Truck. Somewhat small in
stature,
he's strong and solid from head to toe. If he'd spent as much of his
childhood on the football field as he did on the golf course, there's no
reason he couldn't be catching balls from JP Losman in Miami next
weekend.
John Daly - Remember John Kruk? How about Frank Thomas? Big guys
with big
power can go along way in the major leagues. John Daly is custom-built
to be
a long-ball hitting designated hitter in the American League. He'd
probably
demand big money and a Hooters be built in Fenway Park so he could play
with
the Boston Red Sox. Then again, he might just be content to kick around
in
the beer league softball games.
Fred Funk - This guy works crowds as well as anyone in any
profession. Fred
Funk is a politician waiting to happen. Watch him stroll from green to
tee
during a practice round and he'll shake more hands and take more
pictures
with babies than our current presidential candidates would ever consider
doing. He's good-natured, intelligent and knows how to get people behind
him. Might not be a bad idea to add him to the 08' ticket.
Jose Maria Olazabal - For my money, there's never been a more
creative
shot-maker than Jose Maria. He's got the hands of a god and the touch of
a
legend. He didn't win those two green jackets by overpowering Augusta
National - he did it with his short game. Something tells me those
skills
might also be the perfect recipe for a great billiards player. I'd never
want to take this guy on in a pool hall.
Ernie Els - They call him the big easy. I'd much rather call him
the newest
member of the Indiana Pacers. This guy is tall and has great hands. He'd
be
a force in the post if you taught him some duck-under and drop-step
moves.
I'd put big money on this guy being the best one-on-one player on tour.
Mike Weir - At first I thought Weir would probably make a great
hockey
player because he grew up around the game and seems like he'd be a fast
skater. But, he's a bit small and not the most aggressive of guys. This
guy
might be better served as a curler in the next Olympics.
Tiger Woods - Speed skater? World-class badminton player? Croquet
legend?
Nope. Sorry, I thought about this one over and over and came to one
conclusion...he was born to be a golfer. You don't' rack up wins and
records
like Woods does if your meant to be elsewhere. Probably the only thing
he
does comparable to golf is business. He's got his own course design
company,
his own flavor of Gatorade, Buicks, FlyJet's and Nike Swooshes out the
wazoo.
Column
# 59-October 2007-The 19th Hole: Peek'N Peak's Upper
Course Grill
If you ever have the unfortunate opportunity of being stuck in a
car with the four writers/hacks that make up BuffaloGolfer.com, you're
bound
to hear a story or two come up about how The Scrambler can eat.
Every car trip starts the same with memories of our past
trips
to U.S. Opens, PGA Championships and Nationwide events in the area. At
some
point or another, Mo Golf will talk about the time he saw The Scrambler
eat
and eat and eat more than he'd ever seen anyone eat before.
This past weekend the four of us headed to Peek and Peak for
an
end-of-summer golf summit of sorts. While we all played at different
levels,
we all sat down for lunch as equals after our round. For the Mouth, this
was
my first opportunity to see the Legendary Scrambler and his taste buds
at
work.
Much to my dismay, the Scrambler went light with cheese
sticks
and a salad. While the salad was big, I half expected him to order the
whole
right side of the menu. And, who could have blamed him after looking at
the
many choices the restaurant at Peek and Peak Upper Course gave its tired
duffs. Each of us ordered something that sounded good and learned that
it
also tasted good. Travelin' Duff gobbled down a BLT Wrap and needed no
doggie
bag for the road. Mo Golf hit up another wrap and was one of the
few of us who actually ate slow enough to chew. Myself, I went with a
Caesar
Chicken Wrap and would have easily had another if I wasn't so full from
the
first.
Scrambler enjoyed every last morsel of his salad and I
almost
expected him to call for seconds. As legend would have it, often the
salad
is just a warm-up for Scrambler. However, on this wonderful day,
Scrambler
kept it simple and learned that sometimes great, tasty, delicious things
come in one-course servings.
· While none of our taste buds can comment on the other items on
the
menu, it's worth noting that the Peek and Peak Restaurant has four pages
of
great food choices from full-fledged dinners to salads and even pub fare
(burgers and fries). Beer, wine, coffee and soda are served by the glass
and
the service is anything but below par. It's a friendly retreat for
golfers
after facing the daunting 18 holes that make up the Upper Course.
The Mouth that Roars gives it 4.5 Stars out of 5. The only thing holding
it
back from a perfect score was the Scrambler and his unwillingness to
build
upon his legend.
Installment # 58-October 2007-The Burden of Being Mike Weir
About half way through his singles match with Tiger Woods in this past
weekend's Presidents Cup, Mike Weir was faced with a challenge on par
with
climbing Mount Everest barefoot.
After 16 holes, Weir was one down to the greatest golfer
ever to
worry about sand saves and had seen Tiger put together some great golf
all
day. This isn't to suggest Weir isn't a phenomenal golf talent (he is)
or
that a one-hole deficit with two holes to go is insurmountable (it's
tough,
but achievable). It's more to suggest that Woods is the kind of guy who
gives up leads about as often as newborns water-ski. Every time he's won
a
major championship, he's held the lead after three days as well as four.
However, Weir was more than up for shucking his shoes and
climbing his version of golf's Everest. He birdied 17 and then 18 to
take
Woods down in front of his home-team Canadian crowd. The roar that
followed
Weir's victory almost drowned out the fact the United States downed the
Internationals 19.5 to 14.5.
"When I look back on my career," Weir said after the win,
"this
may be something, maybe even more special than the Masters, the support
I've gotten here."
No doubt, playing in front of his home country and taking
down
Tiger Woods is a memory worth cherishing. However, Weir's the kind of
guy
who's winning and making memories every day that are far more valuable
than
anything he'll ever do with a golf club.
A few years back, Weir established the Mike Weir Foundation
to
raise money for children's education programs and other organizations
geared
toward helping seriously ill children. Just recently, Weir's foundation
set
out on the Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, which will raise money to ensure
all
children receive the best medical care, families receive caring support
during a medical crisis and that cutting-edge research will help
children in
the future.
Essentially, the Golf Drive for Kids will bring together
individuals, sponsors and golf courses in united nation-wide fundraising
events throughout Canada. The money raised will benefit the 14 hospitals
that make up the Children's Miracle Network in Canada.
"As parents, contributing to the health and well-being of
children was a natural priority for my wife Bricia and I when we started
the
Mike Weir Foundation," said Weir. "We wanted to take our time to find
the
right fundraising program, as well as the right charitable partner, that
allowed the Foundation to have the biggest impact. We are very excited
about
the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids initiative."
There are a lot of sick and injured children throughout
Canada who are also excited about the Golf
Drive for Kids. An estimated 2.5 million children visit the hospitals
Weir
is helping raise money for each year. That's 2.5 million children who
may
receive better help, care and guidance thanks to Weir's efforts.
That's 2.5million Weir fans who no doubt helped cheer on their
favorite golfer as he beat Woods last weekend.
While Weir's charitable efforts are commendable, it's almost
easy to expect such work from the golfer. Weir's hands-down one of the
most
down-to-earth and humble guys on tour. He's a major champion who isn't
caught up in what he has or hasn't accomplished. He's grounded, and well
aware that helping children live fuller lives is more important than any
green jacket.
That being said, Weir is also a fierce competitor and tried
and
true winner. When he was one-down to Woods with two to play Weir knew
exactly what it would take to get a win. And, two birdies later, he'd
downed
the greatest golfer ever in front of a raucous home crowd. It's
estimated
that a few thousand people stood by the green and cheered as Weir picked
up
his conceded birdie on 18. However, it's fair to assume there were
another
2.5 million more cheering even louder around the country.
Installment # 57-September 2007-Ambivalence Toward The
FedEx Cup
Golf movie buffs will remember the scene in The
Legend of Bagger Vance
where the young boy asks Will Smith's character if the great golfer
Rannulph
Junuh is still Rannulph Junuh.
Smith's response..."Well, he is and he ain't."
If someone were to ask me if the first ever Fedex Cup worked
for
the PGA, I'd probably muster a similar response.
"Well, it did and it didn't."
The fact that Tiger Woods won shows the system is effective
in
crowning a rightful champion. Woods put on an absolute clinic over the
last
two weeks of the new PGA Playoff system. Even with not playing in the
first
of the four events, Woods was a walk-away winner. Such a result shows
the
FedEx point system does a great job of rewarding those who play the
best.
However, there are other ways to measure the success of the
system. On a positive note, it did get such talents as Woods, Phil
Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh and Geoff Ogilvy to play at least
three-out-of-four weeks in the fall. That's a huge accomplishment and
gave
fans the most fall excitement they'd ever seen outside of a great Ryder
Cup.
At the same time, Woods and Mickelson opted to sit out one
of
the events despite being near the top of the points chase. Mickelson
seemed
to openly criticize the format and felt it didn't really help the game
all
that much. Other players skipped events and expressed concern about the
format. Unfortunately for the PGA, such negative comments and no-shows
became a major story line over the past few weeks.
Want to look at the whole thing another way?
TV ratings were much, much lower than one would have
expected
for such a high-profile big money event. Credit that in part to the fact
fans were confused with the heavily scrutinized point system and also
somewhat to the player discontent. Even with such money at stake and the
likes of Woods and Mickelson playing together, the FedEx Cup just
couldn't
create the excitement that major championships do. Sorry, Mickelson's
win
over Tiger in week 2 doesn't qualify as him dispatching Tiger in a
major.
The US Open, British Open, PGA Championship and The Masters will always
be
top dog in golf because they are the events the players care about more.
It's almost as if fans knew players didn't care all that much about the
FedEx Cup and just followed suit.
Another way to look at the FedEx Cup is what it did for
certain
players. Dear Steve Stricker, your career is not only resurrected, it's
more
alive than ever before. Dear Tiger Woods, we know you didn't need it,
but
here's an annuity that will be worth about $25 million when you can get
to
it...give it to your daughter. K.J. Choi -you are now among the best
players
in the world, officially.
When you look at it that way, the FedEx Cup did bring out
some
great golf from certain players. It helped to drive a few players to new
levels in their career and new expectations. That's always a positive.
However, when I think about the future of the FedEx Cup, I
just
don't get excited. I'm sorry, but the four majors are the definitive
events
in golf. The FedEx Cup can matter, but don't expect it to supplant these
events. No matter how big the purse gets, a player will always be
defined by
how many times they brought home a major title.
That considered, the FedEx Cup probably wasn't as big of a
hit
as the PGA hoped it would become. It had positive effects on the game of
golf. But, at the end of the day, if you asked the casual golf fan if
they
cared about the FedEx Cup...you'd probably get this response.
"Well, I do and I don't."
Installment # 56-September 2007-59 Ain't So
Difficult...On Ttelevision
Got a call from one of my buddies the other day, he shot a 59 at
Pebble Beach and then a 62 at the Ocean Course at Kiawah
Island...apparently
the wind kicked up at Kiawah and really limited his ability to get it
close
to the hole.
Here's the crazy part. My buddy has never once picked up a
golf
club. If he took a swing he'd probably tie his body into a knot. He'd
fall
over on a five iron. He'd spend all day in the drink. You get the idea.
Nope, instead of going out there and learning the game and
actually trying to shoot those numbers, he's simply doing it in his
living
room while playing EA Sports new Tiger Woods 2008.
It's a phenomenal game. If you haven't had a chance to play
it,
you should. The graphics and course designs are so life-like it's scary.
The
only unrealistic features of the game are the insanely-low numbers it
allows
you to shoot. I've seen guys drive par-4s, collect two hole-in-ones in a
round and not even blink. Tiger Woods is good but his video game is even
better.
All that said, I've got no problem with a golf video game. I
love playing them. I think it's great for guys who love golf to get a
glimpse of some of the most famous courses in the world. I think it's
neat
to virtually take Tiger on in a skins game. I even think it's neat that
they
let you drive par 4's.
However, it sure does make arguing with my non-golf friends
a
heck of a lot harder. They don't think golf is hard at all. They're
quicker
to suggest golf isn't a sport. They figure if they can shoot a 59 at
Pebble
Beach, it can't be that hard, right?
They're right of course. Pretty much everyone who can
breathe
can shoot a 59 at Pebble Beach. The bigger question is how many more
holes
you will have ahead of you after that stroke. Sure, if I picked up after
12
or 13, I might be able to say I took 59 swings at Pebble.
Even with as great as the graphics are on Tiger Woods new
video
game, the great thing for golfers is understanding that no video game
will
ever truly capture the magic of teeing it up for real. There's very few
true
golfers in this world who's trade shooting a 94 at Pebble Beach in
person
for a 59 in their living room. Video games are great, getting out there
and
hitting the links in person is greater.
All that established, I'd still recommend any golf fan runs
out
and picks up the video game. Winters can be long in Western New York and
a
virtual trip around St. Andrews can ease the cold pains. Shoveling is a
distant second to teeing it up on X-Box.
Plus, such video games are the only way you'll ever get to
utter
the following phrase...
"Yeah, Tiger did make a nice run with six birdies on the
back
nine, fortunately I coupled my five birdies with two eagles and well, he
just didn't have enough on that long par five."
Installment # 55-August 2007-PGA equals Parents
Generate Affection
Saturday morning, I planned on heading to my company picnic, going for a
run
and watching the third round of the PGA Championship.
By the time Saturday evening rolled around, I'd spent only a
short time at my picnic. Instead of the other two plans for the day, I
was
perched on a chair in Buffalo General Hospital talking to my father
about a
heart attack he suffered early in the day.
To say the least, the day didn't quite go as planned.
Now, before anyone sends me well wishes or get well cards,
let
me tell you my father's fine. He underwent a few procedures, saw a few
nights go by from a hospital bed and returned home today. The doctors
and my
family are confident he can go on living a long, healthy life for years.
He
was -check that- is a healthy man who eats well and works out hard. When
he
first began having trouble Saturday it was in the midst of a 5k. Despite
being short on breath and in slight pain, he finished the race.
While the days that follow a heart attack are never 'good'
days,
it's funny the things they bring out in people. My father is one of six
children who came from a father who died at age 43 from a heart attack.
Needless to say, genetics aren't exactly stacked in their hearts' favor.
Following my dad's event, all of them are planning on getting extensive
tests in the upcoming days.
It's also kind of wonderful to find the things you think
about
when you're forced to contemplate your father's mortality. I have so
many
wonderful memories of my time with my father, and so many of them over
the
past few years have been around a golf course.
My dad and I play as often as we can (which isn't often
enough)
and we love nothing more than to spend a Sunday together watching major
championships. My dad is a devout Tiger Woods fan who's only concerned
with
what Woods' shot and how far back he is from the leader. My dad believes
Tiger can, and always will, win. Me, I root for a little more variety,
but
also love T Woods.
Probably my favorite golf-related memory with my father came
at
the 2005 PGA Championship at Baltusrol. After working for two months on
the
Operations Crew for the tournament, I was able to invite my father down
to
see the final 2 days of the tournament. He'd seen Tiger Woods at a
practice
round once, but for the first time, my dad followed him for 36 holes and
got
to see just how unbelievably talented the man can be with a golf club.
For
me, it was the first time I felt as if I'd given my dad something truly
special. Sure, I'd given him presents and cards and memories, but this
was
the first thing that he couldn't have just gone out and bought himself.
I
remember thinking about that over those two days. It truly meant
something
to me. It was a sign that I was finally becoming the man he'd always
taught
me to be.
That's why it's fitting my dad had his heart attack on the
weekend of this year's PGA Championship. For maybe a few moments on
Saturday, he had to wonder if he was ever going to be able to find out
who
won the thing on Sunday.
However, once Sunday rolled around, we watched it together.
It
wasn't Tiger's prettiest round, but it worked and it gave us both
something
wonderful to watch. In so many ways, the PGA Championship is becoming a
symbol for my father and me. As important as that 2005 event was, this
year's meant more. Thankfully, we can now still make plans to watch a
few
dozen more together.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Those of us fortunate enough to
work with Chris, aka The Mouth That Roars, realize that the apple and
the acorn truly do not fall far from the tree. No matter where his
father might be, we know that he is truly proud of the son that he has
brought up. Well, proud perhaps in spite of the gyrations that
Chris calls a golf swing.
Installment # 54-August 2007-PGA Championship
Withdrawal From The Inside Out
It hit me like a wayward Tiger Woods tee shot.
Last Tuesday, sitting in my office and glancing at my
calendar,
I suddenly realized it was advance week for the PGA Championship.
Exactly a
year ago, I'd been covered in paint, mulch and windscreen trying to turn
Medinah Country Club into a championship village worthy of the greatest
golfers on the planet.
As I documented on this website, I spent the past two
summers
working on the Operations Crew for the PGA Championships at Baltusrol
and
Medinah Country Club. This summer, I'm clad in a shirt and tie and
working
in downtown Buffalo. I love my current job...but there are many days
when I
wish I could relive those weeks I spent with the PGA.
Don't take that to mean I have regrets. I love my life as it
is
right now. I had the chance to continue working for the PGA but I opted
out,
it was my decision. As much as I love golf, I could never get used to a
living life in spurts. Fans don't always realize the amount of travel
that
goes into anyone's life if they choose to be around the game of golf and
the
professional tour. You spend one week in Detroit and the next week in
Florida. One summer in New Jersey, the next in Chicago. I just couldn't
get
excited about a lifetime on the road. I've spent essentially all of my
22
years in Western New York...I like to have roots.
Still, that doesn't mean you can't miss being at a place in
life
which allows you to have such experiences. When people ask me about my
time
with the PGA I'm quick to tell them it was probably the best four months
of
my life. The friendships, experiences and laughs I shared were worth
more
than any picture with Tiger Woods. At the end of each tournament, I
received
a thank you note from the President of the PGA. I appreciate the
sentiment,
but I should have been the one thanking him.
So yeah, it's weird to not be out in Oklahoma right now. I
miss
getting up at 4 a.m. and working until 11 at night more than you'd ever
believe. I miss having a chance to bump into Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia
and
Vijay Singh at the office. I miss spending every day out in the sun.
All that aside, I'm excited for the fourth major
championship of
the year and the first-ever FecEx Cup Playoffs. It's hard not to pick
Tiger
to win after he absolutely destroyed the field at the Bridgestone
Invitational last week. I'd love to see Sergio contend again...but one
has to
expect a British Open hang over. If I've got to make a pick to win this
week, I'm taking Geoff Ogilvy.
Regardless of who wins, I'm sure it'll hit me again this
Sunday
when I sit down to watch the final round. I mean, I could have been
there.
Last year, I got the chance to have my photo taken with the tournament
champion. Last year, I actually could have been hit by a wayward Tiger
Woods
tee shot. I doubt he'll knock one so far right this year it's even in
the
same area code as my apartment
But, again, don't take that as the voice of regret. As much
I'd
love to be in Oklahoma this weekend, I've got four months of memories
and
hundreds of pictures to keep me company. In all honesty, two
tournaments
was enough. I got to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime
experience...twice!
And, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Installment # 53-July 2007-Carnoustie Forever!! British Open
Review
With all due respect to St. Andrews and Hoylake, every British
Open should be played at Carnoustie Golf Links.
That's not to say Carnoustie is a better golf course. It's
got
much more to do with the fact Carnoustie delivers exciting finishes and
heart-wrenching collapses about as often as McDonald's hands out a Big
Mac.
Eight years ago, the 18 th hole became famous when Jean Van de Velde hit
the
ball North, East, South and West before finally making a triple bogey
and
turning a three-shot lead into a three-man playoff. Eventually, Van de
Velde
would lose to Paul Lawrie.
This year, even the eventual champion Padraig Harrington
knocked
it in the burn twice on the fabled last hole before being saved by a
Sergio
Garcia lip out. The four-hole playoff that followed was exciting for
three
holes and then absolutely riveting on the 18th hole. Harrington laid up
and
then knocked his third shot way left. Garcia went for it and had 25 feet
for
birdie and another playoff go-round. Unfortunately, the belly putter
Garcia
had used all week failed him twice on the 18th and Harrington eventually
hoisted the Claret Jug.
It's hard to not be happy for Harrington. One of the kindest
gentlemen on tour, Harrington has waited along time for this
championship.
Anyone who was surprised by the tears in the Irishmen's eyes after his
win
hasn't followed him over his career. A man who has come close so many
times,
Harrington finally cashed in after a wild Sunday round.
For Garcia, the whispers about his ability to close out
majors
will get incredibly louder from here on out. He took a 3-stroke lead
into
Sunday and lead by four early on. Even after a few bogeys and a brief
forfeit of the lead, Garcia came to 18 with a stroke advantage. After a
missed putt in regulation and a missed putt on 18 in the playoff, Garcia
could do nothing but watch Harrington win the major that he's always
dreamed
about.
No doubt, Garcia's not the most likeable guy on tour. Still,
it's hard not to feel for the guy. His putt to win in regulation hung on
the
left lip of the cup before spinning out. A guy can't come closer to
winning
than Sergio did this past Sunday. While it would be great to see him
bounce
back and win the PGA Championship this year, it's hard to imagine he
won't
suffer a bit of a hangover from this loss.
Outside of Harrington, the real winners this week were the
many
fans at Carnoustie and those watching around the world. This thing had
all
the plotlines of an Oscar-worthy movie. There was the dark horse, Andres
Romero who made 10 birdies and two double-bogeys in the final round. He
had
a two shot lead on 17 before a wayward second shot ricocheted out of
bounds.
There was the lovable journeyman, Steve Stricker who found his way into
the
last group of a major only to have the flat stick betray him. Then there
was
Harrington, playing as well as he's ever played on a Sunday until that
utter
collapse at 18. When he learned he would have another shot in the
four-hole
playoff, Harrington must have felt born again.
And then, of course, there was Garcia. While he didn't win
the
Claret Jug, he will be the most memorable figure from this tournament.
As he
walked up 18 on Sunday you could see the Claret Jug just beginning to
get
ready to have his name stenciled in it. At 27, Garcia has waited a long
time
for such an opportunity, and now that he's let it slip away, he will no
doubt have a bigger cross to bear. One can only hope he someday musters
the
talent and confidence to earn his own special place in major
championship
history.
Installment # 52-July 2007-British Open Preview
Picking Tiger Woods is getting to be like picking
the tide to come in.
Yes, I think he's going to win this week at the British Open.
No, I don't always pick Tiger. But, the guy wins at an amazing clip and
is
always a safe bet at a major championship.
Problem is, people ask me who I think is going to win the
British this week and after I tell them Tiger they chide me for taking
the
easy pick. Okay, I'll take Fred Funk if that will keep everyone happy,
but I
don't think he's going to win. More times than not, I feel Woods is
geared
to earn a victory and I'd have to put my money on him this week.
First, there's the fact that he currently owns the British
Open.
The last two titles have gone his way in walk-away victories. Last year
he
dispatched Sergio "I really do look like a banana" Garcia and held off a
charging Chris Dimarco for the victory. A year earlier, Sunday at the
British was a coronation for Woods rather than a challenge.
Also, he's due. He's come up oh-so-short at the last two
majors
and they've begun to raise questions about Woods dominance. Now, with
his
child alive and safe, and critics beginning to reemerge, this week's
open at
Carnoustie is the perfect chance for Eldrick to reassert himself.
But, as so many of my friends have already conveyed, you
don't
want to hear why I'm picking Woods to win the British. Fine, no biggie.
I'll
use this space to tell you why four guys won't win the British Open.
Phil Mickelson - If he can't close the Scottish Open with
a lead on Sunday,
I don't think he's going to win at Carnoustie. There are just too many
things going against Lefty this week to expect a victory. He's still
getting
over the wrist injury, he's still dealing with the Scottish Open
collapse
and there's the fact he's never played well at the British Open. Maybe
Phil
will add this major to his portfolio before he retires, but this won't
be
the year.
Justin Rose - This guy's not a bad pick to win this week.
He's been playing
great. The British Open courses play to his game's strengths. He even
seems
to have the confidence to win one of the majors. Still, it's not quite
his
time. Carnoustie will allow only the best of the best to emerge late on
Sunday. Rose isn't quite there yet. He will get there if he continues on
his
current path and he might contend this week...but I'd bet you a double
eagle
he's not the winner this year.
Sergio Garcia - I recently read something which talked
about Garcia as a
great home-court golfer. He plays well in the British and the
European-style
events, but not so well on American courses. Recent evidence would
support
this as his best finishes in majors seem to always come at the British
Open.
If he can putt worth half-a-lick he'll probably be in the top 10, but
sadly,
he's not mature enough to win at this stage yet. Garcia is still a young
talent, but one has to wonder if he'll ever win a major with the way his
career is going.
Jean Van de Velde - Yes, we've returned to the site of the
Van de Velde
meltdown. Everyone who knows golf remembers Van de Velde's epic collapse
at
18 at Carnoustie the last time the British Open was held at the course.
Sadly, Jean won't join the field this year due to injuries. While I'm
nowhere near a Van de Velde fan, I'd have enjoyed seeing him revisit the
infamous hole. I've been fair yet critical of Van de Velde at times but
I'd
never wish the collapse he experienced that year on any golfer. The fact
that he still tees it up and can laugh off the event is a testament to
his
character. It will be odd not having him in the field this year, but
it's
safe to say he wouldn't have won even if he was healthy.
Installment # 51-July 2007-Ryan
Swanson at the Porter Cup
Here's hoping that the next 50 will be as enjoyable as the first fifty,
both to write and to read!
Love, The Mouth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a lot of players worth rooting for at this year's Porter Cup
Championship at Niagara Falls Country Clip.
There's Chris Kirk, the third best amateur in the world who's
golf resume is super-human.
There's also Colt Knost who's a great player with an even
greater name. Seriously, Colt Knost sounds more like a famous whiskey
than a world-class golfer. Then again, Knost's accomplishments prove
otherwise.
Or, feel free to root for Kevin Tway (Bob Tway's son) or Tim
Mickelson (Phil Mickelson's brother).
However, if you want to share the day walking the golf course
with me you'll be following Ryan Swanson around the 18 beautiful holes
at
Niagara Falls CC. Swanson, set to begin his senior year at St.
Bonaventure
this fall, is an up-and-coming local star who has proven himself with
the
Bonnies for three years.
If you're wondering why I'll be pulling for Swanson it's only
because you've never seen my resume. An 07' grad of St. Bonaventure
University, I've got nothing but love for the great golfers who
represent
the Brown and White. Working at the campus newspaper over the past three
years I had the privilege to cover the team. My weekly coverage helped
tell
the story of Swanson's freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.
That's not to say the story began there for Swanson. He's
been
able to work wizardry with a golf ball since long before he joined a
college
team. He placed eighth at the 2004 New York State High School
Championship
and won the 2004 Section VI title. That same year, Swanson added a
fourth
place finish in the Buffalo District Golf Association Junior Stroke Play
Championship.
Ever since then he's been under the tutelage of St.
Bonaventure
golf coach Steve Campbell. Swanson with teammates Josh Anderson, Andy
Whalen
and a number of others have helped re-energize the Bonaventure golf
program.
In 06-07 the team won four tournaments and finished third at the
Atlantic 10
Championships. A year earlier they picked up three event wins and
finished
sixth at the A-10 Tourney.
Listen to Swanson talk and you can hear how appreciative he
is
of the fact he's been able to play for a successful team over his
college
career. Still, this summer it's been all about him. He qualified for the
Nationwide Tour Event at the Upper Course at Peek N' Peak earlier this
year.
A round of 71 and a playoff win enabled him to get into the Porter Cup.
Come
two weeks from now, he'll do battle with all of the great players
mentioned
above and so many, many more.
In part, such events are a learning experience for Swanson
and
will enable him to contribute stronger rounds in his senior season. At
the
same time, these are accomplishments that deserve to be recognized and
appreciated in their own right. Playing in both a Nationwide event and
the
Porter Cup marks a remarkable summer for Swanson.
Therefore, it doesn't matter if Swanson's not currently
ranked
on the amateur list or if neither of his brothers are great touring
professionals - he's the real deal. For three years, Swanson's done
everything but disappoint his coach, school and supporters.
And, one has to think he'll do little to disappoint any fans
who
take time out to watch him in two weeks at the Porter Cup. Ready for a
golf
course with little rough, lotsa wind and slippery greens, Swanson will
perform.
And, if the fact that Swanson is a local kid with googles of
talent isn't enough to get you out to the Porter Cup to watch him,
consider
this...you just might meet the Mouth.
Installment # 50-July 2007-Hawaiian Three-Ring Circus
All of a sudden Michelle Wie is a traveling three-ring circus.
The one time pre-teen golf phenomenon played just 27 holes in
this year's United States Women Open before pulling out due to soreness
in
her wrist. She played the first round in a score of 82 and was six-over
par
today before leaving the course.
Sadly, this is the second time this month Wie has pulled out
in
the middle of an event. She pulled out of the Ginn Tribute with two
holes to
go in the second round. That withdrawal caused quite a controversy since
Wie
was dangerously close to shooting an 88 which would have resulted in her
being banned from LPGA events for the rest of the year.
It's a depressing trend for Wie and her crew. A young star
who
had all the talent in the world, Wie is miles away from her goal of
competing on the men's tour. Recent results would suggest she's only
somewhat capable of playing with the greatest women in the world. Anyone
who
looks at these recent poor performances might be forced to question
whether
Wie will ever fulfill the hype and talent which circles around her.
And, while times are bleak there are many reasons for Wie to
stay positive. Just 17, Wie is still incredibly young. Also, one could
blame
all the bad swings and pull-outs on the broken wrist she suffered last
fall.
Still, there's no doubt Wie stands at a major crossroads in her life and
career.
Probably the best course of action for Wie would be to get
away
from the game for awhile. Her head, heart and swing are not anywhere
near
where they need to be. A few years in college golf might be all it takes
for
Wie to mature and grow into a sports superstar. Then again, a few years
in
college seems about the last thing Wie has on mind.
She still talks about playing in men's events; she still
talks
as if nothing's gone wrong. She still carries the Nike swoosh on
anything
she wears...unfortunately, the game and the scores aren't backing her
up.
Instead, her family, agents and entourage stand behind her and push her
to
fulfill their greed and desires.
It's all so sad. It's the story of a girl who's been pushed
to
fast and into circles she simply wasn't ready to take on. At age 13 I
could
barely muster the confidence to join the high school golf team...forget
taking
on the greatest players in the world. The pressure and expectations
brought
upon this girl thanks to her family's poor decision making are
immeasurable
and unfair.
And now it's come to this --- Wie can barely break 80,
struggles
to make cuts and could be seriously questioned for her odd withdrawals
this
month. No, there aren't elephants and dancing tigers, but this has all
the
punch of a great circus show.
Fortunately, it's not over. Wie is seventeen and she and her
golf swing can write the rest of this story into a wonderful ending.
There's
enough talent in Wie's body to win on the LPGA and kick around the idea
of
competing in PGA events. There's enough time to make all of that happen.
But, there needs to be a change in the decision making that surrounds
Wie.
Time away from the game might not equate to dollar signs but it might
turn
in to a more confident, healthy player and a brighter future.
When Wie was 13 all anyone had to say about her was that she
was
a supreme talent; a star with unlimited potential. At 17, one can still
argue those things are true about Wie. Hopefully, her family members,
supporters and business partners can get out of the way in time for her
to
find that future.
Hopefully, the story of Wie's career doesn't end with 27
holes
of bad golf, a withdrawal and all the makings of a high-flying circus
act.
Installment # 49-June 2007-The
Chink In Tiger's Armor
Make no mistake - there is now a chink in the armor.
For all Tiger Woods has done over his career - twelve major victories,
57
overall victories and more memorable shots than most guys would hit in
10
lifetimes - there is now an undeniable something he seems incapable of
achieving.
Give this guy a share of the lead heading into Sunday and
he's
the surest bet in the history of sports; Tiger's 12-for-12 in majors
when he
has or shares the lead after the third round. However, put him a stroke
or
two back and you might as well bet on someone else. After failing to
take
control of this weekend's U.S. Open and earn his 13th title, Woods came
up
as in second place at his second straight major. That means the guy's
now
0-28 in majors when he has to come from behind on Sunday.
Usually, it's because he's really not in it on Sunday. However, at this
year's Masters and U.S. Open the guy actually grabbed hold of the lead
at
one point or another and still came up short. Each time, the eventual
winners, Zach Johnson and now Angel Cabrera, actually were further back
from
the third-round leader than Tiger.
Does this mean Tiger's less formidable than in years past? That Rory
Sabbatini's correct in his assessment of Woods' vulnerability? Maybe,
but
not necessarily.
The past two finishes do offer e |
