‘Palm’ Trees and Paradise

The island of Hawaii is known for its breath-taking views, crystal clear waters, and just an overall tropical utopia. But for PGA Tour journeyman Ryan Palmer, Hawaii is even more…the paradise for his career. Palmer won his third career PGA Tour event, but more importantly cemented his status on the Tour for another few years with his one stroke win over Aussie Robet Allenby in the Sony Open. As the sun began to go down on the Big Island the two man duel heated up on the back nine.

Palmer and Allenby went shot for shot and birdie for birdie on Sunday’s back nine but on the 18th hole Palmer got the biggest break of the day. His eagle chip from short of the green was struck a little hard but it no doubt had the proper line. It looked like Palmer would face a ten plus footer for birdie when the chip hit his clubface, but instead it struck the pin dead-on and settled just inches from the cup. After Palmer finished out, Allenby missed his ten foot birdie putt giving Palmer the championship by one shot over Allenby and two shots over the consistent Steve Stricker.

All PGA Tour wins are significant, but for a guy who was in the final year of his exemption from 2005, this one was really big. Palmer had a very underwhelming season in 2009 finishing in the mid 100’s in money and Fedex Cup points. The native Texan and former A&M Aggie got it going early in the tournament at Waialae Country Club and really never looked back. He and Allenby both were wire-to-wire the best two players all four days and it showed with their Sunday showdown.

Congrats to Palmer who has made it into his 2nd ever Masters field. In 2005 he made the cut and finished T39 for the week, which is not too bad for a first time effort. He has also extended his exemption on the Tour, which is an enormous deal for a player like Palmer in his early 30’s. When he looks back on things I’m sure he will point to that clutch chip on the 18th green as one of the most significant moments in his career. A career that now has become more like a relaxing paradise, then a nervous struggle. See you in April at Augusta Ryan.