The Ping Pong Wizard, Tricky Nicky and Midwest Steve – Before They Cross the Pond

With less then a month in between ‘Our’ Open Championship and ‘Their’ Open Championship are only three opportunities to compile big Fedex Cup points for the season long race.

‘Jac’ It Up

In Hartford, at one of the PGA’s most respected tour stops, Swede and tour vet Freddie Jacobson held off a hard Sunday charge from Americans John Rollins and Ryan Moore who both fired impressive 63’s. The big talk early in the week was the lights out 60 shot by amateur Patrick Cantlay, who competed in the event after capturing the low-amateur designation a week prior at Congressional. But he faded a bit finishing T24 for a very respectable two weeks with the Tour. As for Freddie the very likable vet, who is known by the players in the locker room as the most dominating ping pong player on Tour, took his game off the table and dominated the TPC River Highlands with consistently low rounds of 66-65-63-66 and holding on to a one-shot victory. Welcome back to Augusta Freddie!

‘Wat’ A Patriotic Week

At Tiger’s Annual 4th of July Weekend tour stop, it was another strong but Tigerless field. The young guns and established vets fought it out for the title and in the end, American Nick Watney outlasted Korean KJ Choi by two shots to win his second event of the 2011 season. The difference in the week was his week low Saturday 62, which paved the way for the title to go with his 2011 Cadillac Championship. Watney has supplanted himself as one of the strongest Americans in the golf world and should be a fixture in the American golf landscape for some time to come. He was also four shots clear of the impressive group that finished T3 including Adam Scott, Jeff Overton and Charles Howell III. No need for Augusta directions...

Quad City Quagmire

By Sunday afternoon at the John Deere Classic it was evident that it was a two horse race and there was only one question left to ask…will Steve Stricker complete the ‘3-peat’ in the Quad Cities? Stricker, the Wisconsin native, University of Illinois alumni and a fan-favorite in the area brought the crowd into utter hysteria with one stroke of the flatstick. Trailing tour rookie Kyle Stanley by two shots with two holes to play, Stricker made a birdie on the par five 17th while Stanley bogeyed the 18th out of a green side bunker, evening the battle with one hole to play from Stricker. A slightly pulled drive gave Steve an awkward lie in a fairway bunker and after much deliberation he stuck a perfect shot right over the flagstick onto the back fringe and 30 feet from the cup (a great shot). But what ensued from there struck a small quake on the Richter scale as he stroked in the putt from the back edge to win in unbelievably dramatic fashion clinching his third straight John Deere Classic.

Congressional Rors

It was a laugher. The 111th US Open held for the third time at Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course produced one of the most lop-sided victories in the history of the illustrious tournament, and crowned a champion who has now been dubbed the heir apparent to Tiger. Rory McIlroy’s record setting 16-under-par 268 was the most impressive victory in the US Open since Tiger obliterated the field by 15 strokes in 2000. McIlroy’s wire to wire victory boasted rounds of 65-66-68-69, and more impressively, only 4 over par holes the entire week! But is it fair?

No I’m not questioning if Rory versus the field is fair because obviously it is only his second career Tour victory and first career major. What I’m questioning is the media blitz that is crowning him as the next Tiger. The quotes from players like Padraig Harrington all but guaranteeing his ascent to the top and eventual breaking of Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championship record. And although he is the same age as Jack when he won his first title, please remember that McIlroy is the same kid who crumbled on the back nine on Sunday at the Masters, firing an 80 and blowing a 4-stroke 54-hole lead!

I’m not saying that McIlroy doesn’t have the potential and game to get to that Tiger-esque domination, but also take note that at this point in Tiger’s career, he had already won over 20 PGA Tour events! He looked like an unstoppable force and it was only a matter of ‘when’ not a matter of ‘if’ he was going to break Nicklaus’ major record. Between knee and Achilles injuries, pancake waitresses, pornstars and his wife taking a nine-iron to his grill (allegedly) his world is currently in shambles. But let me quickly point out that Tiger is sitting on 14 majors, only four shy of tying Jack, and a whopping 13 majors ahead of Rory!

I’m not saying Tiger will break any major records, but if healthy why doesn’t he have a chance? What I do know right now is that I would put money on Tiger passing Jack before Rory passing Jack. Nothing against this outstanding young man, in fact, I’m a huge Rory fan, but what I am essentially trying to say is we need to curtail all of this Rory-Jack-Tiger conversation for a bit. I would just like to see him win a few more majors before this conversation arises. Sure, he’s a pro’s pro with arguably the best swing in golf, amazing maturity for his age, and a personality and swagger people tend to gravitate toward. But there’s a lot of majors to win and a lot of young talent and potential looming for Mr. McIlroy.

Ask Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood, Jason Day, Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler, Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, Nick Watney, Paul Casey, Matt Kuchar, Ian Poulter, Molinari’s Squared, Adam Scott, Steve Stricker and Justin Rose about wanting a major. Have you heard of Matteao Manassaro or Ryo Ishikawa? What would Sergio Garcia do to get a major? Is Phil Mickelson done winning majors? Or Charl Schwartzel? Or Graeme McDowell? Or Martin Kaymer? How about Louis Oosthuizen, YE Yang, Zach Johnson, Geoff Ogilvy or even Angel Cabrera? What about Tiger Woods for that matter? My point is that competition is so strong right now and there is so much parity on the PGA Tour and worldwide that nobody’s game is safe.

Sure, I would be extremely surprised and disappointed if McIlroy does not cash in on another major championship. I don’t even think it’s out of the question that he’ll win another one this season, but the talk needs to stop. I want to see how Rory handles the pressure of going for number two…three...four etc. How he deals with the stress of success and winning or disappointment and losing. And more importantly how he deals with the impending return of Tiger. To me all of that is in question and we may get some answers next month at Royal St. George’s. What I do know, is that McIlroy’s total and utter domination of a US Open track warranted talk of greatness, but will that quiet confidence he seems to carry, continue to keep that spring in his step?

This is a story that will unfold over the next decade and I’m more than ready to watch what this young man is capable of achieving. We may see even more of those ‘Congressional Rors’ at future major venues. He’ll get his opportunity at Green Jacket redemption next April at Augusta.

PS – Welcome American’s Robert Garrigus and Kevin Chappell to The Masters on CBS on the strength of each of their T3 finishes!

Oh, Oh, Oh...My God

Obviously 'Golf Boys' brainchild Ben Crane is a funnier guy then anyone who doesn't know could ever imagine. To think up and perform a golf boy band and have the means to produce a video is genious. Totally crushing most casual fans and outsiders view of the stuffy country club game, the youngsters on the tour have found and proclaimed a reputaion of their own, and it's not your fathers game anymore. With the help of the long-hitting fan fav Bubba Watson, the boyishly flamboyant and just as popular Rickie Fowler, and the ever brazen and solid Hunter Mahan; Crane has led the 'Golf Boys' as a viral explosion and You Tube sensation. Please view the below link to see the 'Golf Boys' debut song 'Oh, Oh, Oh' as Farmers Insurance is donating funds for charity by the amount of views the link generates. So its not all just about comedy and fun, it's also for a good cause.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DEBUT OF THE 'GOLF BOYS'

Pre-US Open Swing

Of course its US Open week and I haven’t had an update since The Masters. I am still trying to get over the fact that a South African named Charl won the ‘Tradition Unlike Any Other.” But he deserved it! Anyway it has been a long stretch between then and now so here is a quick overview of the events and pairity that has transpired on the PGA Tour.

Man of Steele


In Texas the wind blowed and the scores were high in a less then stellar field at the TPC San Antonio. But Rookies Brandan Steele and Kevin Chapell fought tooth and nail to stay atop the leaderboard for a first victory. Despite charges from Brandt Snedeker and Charley Hoffman, the steady Steele brought home his first win and an invitation to the 2012 Masters.

Southern Gentleman

In the tournament formerly known as the Verizon Heritage, the pros took their games to one of the PGA’s oldest and most enjoyed tour stops…Harbourtown! The field was paced by top 3er at the time Luke Donald, accuracy and putting guru Ben Crane, Aussie Jason Day, and the awkward southerner Tommy (2-gloves) Gainey; among others. But nobody saw the Sunday charge from good ole Tennesseean Brandt Snedeker. “Sneds” fired a final round seven-under 64 to force a playoff with Donald with Gainey just one shot too many. On the second playoff hole the former Vanderbilt Commodore Snedeker sealed the deal, thwarting Donald’s chance at World #1 and capturing the Tartan Jacket for his second career win.

Bayou Bubba

In New Orleans it was a new week and the same Bubba. Of course it was another tournament sponsored by an insurance company, so it was no wonder that the reigning Travelers and Farmers champion cashes in at Zurich. Although it was not easy for the long hitting tour favorite, as it took a playoff with the talented youngster Webb Simpson who has been knocking on the door for a couple years now. But Bubba was just a bit too much on the par five playoff hole, and jumped into the winner’s cirlce for the third time in his career.

Like A Glove

In Charlotte, at the fair but difficult Quail Hollow, the field was dominated by Tigers and not of the Woods variety. Former Clemson Tiger’s Lucas Glover and Jonathan Byrd held off a Sunday charge from Rory Sabbatini to make it an all orange and purple final. One back and in the final group, Byrd made an unbelievable birdie three on the extrememly difficult 72nd hold to force the playoff. On the first playoff hole the 2009 US Open Champ Glvoer closed out his former teammate with a par four, stopping Byrd’s chance for his second win in 2011.

KJ-Ation

I spent a lot of time watching NBC’s coverage of the Tour’s claimed “5th Major”, but still didn’t get the initiative to write an entry. The tour’s deepest field took to the risk reward TPC Sawgrass for the annual Players Championship. The week was headlined by the return of Tiger Woods to competitive action, but just as soon as he teed it up, the was a WD next to his name. After showing visable signs of pain, and lack of game firing a 9-hole six-over 42, ‘The Striped One’ called it quits for the week. This led to one of the more interesting and entertaining Sunday’s since the wild one at Augusta. It seemed like a two horse race with vetrans David Toms and KJ Choi, but an unexpected visitor named Paul Goydos made another magical Sawgrass run. He came up a bit short as Toms and Choi capped their day deadlocked. On the first playoff hole, the signature island green 17th, the always steady with the flatstick Toms, inexplicedly missed a three-foot par putt basically giving Choi his biggest win to date. But don’t think he didn’t earn it!

Toms-Toms-Toms-Tooooooommmmms

On the heels of the disappointment of his 2nd place at Sawgrass David Toms prmptly came out on fire at the short but challenging Colonial. He opened the tournament with back to back eight-under 62’s and took a commanding stranglehold on the third leg of the Texas swing. A thrid round four-over 74 brought the field back into the mix and actually made it into a competitve tournament. Sunday was a two horse race between Toms and Charlie Wi, and a steady 67 from led to some vidication from his putting woe at the Players and a one shot victory at Colonial.

Rookie Fever

It was another windy and difficult scoring week in Texas as the Tour contined their stay in the Dallas Metroplex at the Byron Nelson. And once again their was another playoff! Sunday was an up for grabs free for all, but four players rose to the top: Ryan Palmer, Ryuji Imada, Joe Ogilvie, and rookie Keegan Bradley. Keegan Bradley posted an early two-under 68 to sit in the clubhouse at three-under total. He watched as the difficult conditions took their toll on the leaders. Imada held a one-stroke lead on the 71st tee, but promptly bogied in to finish one back. Palmer was one back of Bradly on the 72nd and stuck a wedge and drained the putt to force a playoff. But he could not match that magic as on the very same hole he drained his ball…into the greenside pond leading to a bogey and giving the New Enlander Bradley his first professional victory and an invite to next season’s Masters.

He's A Stricker

Finally out of Texas the Tour focused on my home, Dublin Ohio and Jack’s Memorial Tournament. I spent a few beer drinking extremely hot days walking around Muirfield Village watching the Tour’s best. Tour vet Steve Stricker’s assult on Muirfield’s front nine (a whopping 20-under for the week) paced the field growing a one time seven shot lead midway through Saturday’s third round. But a few stumbles down the stretch opened the door for the rest of the field. On Sunday “Strick” once again abused the front nine before a late afternoon weather delay once again tightened the field with Brandt Jobe and Matt Kuchar capitalizing on Stricker’s mishaps. But in the end the late finish had Stricker on the 72nd tee with a two-shot lead and although he bogied, he was still able to gain another emotional win at Jack’s place.

'Fraz' Your Glass

Long time journeyman Harrison Frazer finally won his first PGA event in 355 career starts at the Fedex St. Jude in Memphis. Frazer and Swede Robert Karlsson lapped the field and deadlocked through 72 holes and yet another 2011 playoff. After 3 playoff holes Frazer realized his long time dream and captured his first ever PGA win. Welcome to Augusta Mr. Frazer.

Sweet 16!

It’s the God’s honest truth that in my life I can never recall making anything close to a 16 on a hole. Not that it means I’m super badass or anything because 16 strokes are a lot of strokes! Well, in the first round of the Valero Texas Open, 27-year-old Tour star Kevin Na suffered that fate…the fate of a nasty 16 on the 474 yard par four 9th hole at the TPC San Antonio Oaks Course. It was jokingly described by Aussie Geoff Ogilvy as “a comedy of errors” as he watched NA hack around in the woods as he stood on teebox in the group behind. Have no fear Kevin, that six footer you made for a 16 put you just behind the record of a 17 from the 1998 Bay Hill Tournament. And who performed that masterpiece? You guessed the master of blow-up himself ‘Long’ John Daly! See the comedy below.

Where in the World Are...

...Rory's sticks???

Apparently on the way out of Augusta Rory McIlroy charted a plane to Kuala Lumpur for this week's Euro Tour stop. You can trust those private charters, right? Well apparently not as upon landing in Kuala Lumpur McIlroy learned that his golf clubs have come up missing. I know what your thinking...they came up missing on Sunday at Augusta too right? Shame on you. Anyway, I am taking theories on where the sticks may be.

Oh and one more extra punch in the face...A Green Jacket clad Charl Schwartzel was a fellow passenger on the plane. Coincidence???

May the Schwartz-el Be With You

Growing up as a boy in Johannesburg, South Africa Charl Scwartzel emulated his great countryman Ernie Els. After joining the youth programs as a teenager he got to not only meet his idol, but almost become a protege to Els. But on Sunday at Augusta National he did something his mentor was never able to do in his great career – slip into the Green Jacket as a Masters champion. His fabulous final round 66 included a 30 yard chip in birdie on the difficult 1st, a 100+ yard eagle hole out on the 3rd, and four straight birdies to close the round. He leaped the field in tremendous fashion on his way to a two-shot victory that wasn’t entirely decided until the final few holes.

Ninth ranked player in the world 21 year old Rory McIlroy slept on a 4-shot 54-hole lead entering Sunday and was vying to win the Green Jacket in wire-to-wire fashion. After a mediocre 37 on the front nine that nearly evaporated his lead, the 10th hole buried the youngster. After hitting tree off the tee his ball bounded nearly 50 yards left of the fairway near the cabins, where he was forced to chip out leaving him over 250 yards to the green. Another wild hook, a bad chip that struck a tree, and a merciful two-putt lead to an ugly triple-bogey seven and essentially killed his hopes mentally. A double-bogey on “Golden Bell” and a couple more bogies led to a final round eight-over 80 and a tie for 15th. It was difficult to watch, but the young man took it in stride and I’m sure will learn from the experience.

The all too familiar roars were out on Sunday…the Tiger Roars! After sticking a three wood to 12 feet on the par five 8th, Woods found a way to roll in the eagle putt sending echoes through the lob-lolly pines and almost shaking the 4th green where the leaders were putting. This eagle got Tiger to five under on the day and ten under for the tournament, and more importantly just one shot back entering the final nine. But a three put bogey on “Golden Bell”, a failed opportunity on “Azalea” and a missed eagle chance on “Firethorn” lead to an even par second nine, giving him the clubhouse lead with a lot of players in contention yet to finish.

2008 US Open champ Geoff Ogilvy matched Woods –10 clubhouse lead with an epic display of five straight birdies on the back nine and a 31! Luke Donald was next, despite a crippling water-logged double-bogey on “Golden Bell” he was able to get to the house matching Woods and Ogilvy at –10. It wasn’t until the dueling Aussie group of Adam Scott and Jason Day dashed the hopes of a 5th Green Jacket for Tiger coming to the house at –12. Scott led for much of the late back nine sweeping in birdie putts and par saves with his long putter. While Day just hung around and rallied by closing with birdies on both 17 and 18. But they had no idea on the display Scwartzel was putting on behind them.

After an easy birdie at the par five “Firethorn” Scwartzel rolled in a 20 footer on the Verne Lundquist announced “Redbud.” He then averted the Eisenhower Pine enroute to another birdie at “Nandina” putting him in position of only needing a par on the closing “Holly.” He did one better by rolling in another 20+ footer for birdie to the pleasure and exclamation of my brotha Jim! He posted a 14-under-par 274 and received the Green Jacket from Phillip in the friendly confines of Butler Cabin amongst my brotha, close personal friend Chairman Billy Payne, Low-Am Hideki Matsuyama and his translator.

Sunday was an unbelievably competitive day at Augusta National where and unheard of seven players had an outright or share of the lead at some point in time during the day. In the end it was the 26 year old South African who cashed in on the biggest win of his career…a Green Jacket. As usual the top 16 and ties are invited back for the 2012 edition: T2 Adam Scott and Jason Day, T4 Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, and Geoff Ogilvy, 7 Angel Cabrera, T8 Bo Van Pelt and KJ Choi, 10 Ryan Palmer, T11 Justin Rose, Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood and Edoardo Molinari, T15 Fred Couples, Trevor Immelman, Brandt Snedeker, Ross Fisher and Rory McIlroy.

Plunging into the Winner’s Circle…In a Major Way

After the World’s #1 Yani Tseng passed 36-hole leader Stacy Lewis to lead by 2 strokes entering the final round of the Kraft Nabisco, the LPGA’s first major of 2011, it seemed all but academic for a Sunday stroll for the Tapaian Tseng. But as the winds picked up in Rancho Mirage, CA and the scores skyrocketed it was the former Arkansas Razorback Lewis, who stood up to the challenge.

Lewis’ impressive final round 69 in the face of the #1 player in the world, showed that there is more promise in the 26 year old then she has shown in her first two full seasons on the LPGA. Although she was able to score a few top 10 finishes in her first two seasons, she had not cashed in a title like she was predictably supposed to after her outstanding play in her first professional appearance at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen. She lead after the opening round in that event only to fall short in a tie for 3rd, a distant five shots behind winner Inbee Park. That event seemed to pave the way for immediate success for the former razorback…but it just never came.

In 2009 she finished a mediocre 47th on the money list, mustering just under $300,000, with a T4 as her best finish. That season also included a T9 at the LPGA championship. She improved a bit in 2010 finishing 21st on the money list grossing over $550,000, while finishing second to Ai Miyazato in the Tres Marias Championship in Mexico. But she still only compiled four top ten finishes (none in majors) throughout all of the 2010 season. All of this makes this breakout performance in the first major of 2011 unexpected, but not surprising.

Lewis struggled at a young age with scoliosis, which caused her to wear a back brace through much of her young life. But after clearing up the issue, it gave her the determination to move forward and become one of the better players growing up in her age group. She complied a very impressive amateur record winning such accolades as SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, National Champion (Individual), along with many tournament victories. She was also a member of the winning 2008 US Curtis Cup team where she became the first ever to go 5-0 in that event! Those finishes along with that strong finish in the 2008 U.S. Woman’s Open, were all reasons why many thought she was poised to be a threat on the LPGA.

This big first career win may open the floodgates for Lewis, who has already collected over $370,000 in earnings in 2011, putting her third in overall standings. Also, her seemingly head to head victory over the top rated player in a major, shows she can win anytime, anywhere, and under any set of circumstances. Lewis no doubt earned the victory plunge she and her family made into Poppy’s Pond off the 18th green at Mission Hills Country Club. Although not without collateral damage...as her mother fractured her leg after making the leap! I guess the least Stacy can do is pay the medical bills, right?

Wat, My ROY, The Scot, and Lefty: The pre-Masters Southern Swing

With the Championship Week and the NCAA Basketball Tournament on CBS (shameless plug) I have been extremely immersed in collegiate hoops. But now that it’s winding down and my brotha Jim is calling the national championship game tonight, it has officially kicked off ‘A Tradition Unlike Any Other’ Week. But first let me describe the results from the last few weeks in the Florida Swing.
At the WGC Cadillac Championship 20-something American Nick Watney out played an extremely deep field at ‘The Blue Monster’ to capture his most prestigious crown to date. He was able to hold off fellow American Dustin Johnson, Dane Anders Hansen and Italian Francesco Molinari for a one shot victory and punch his already punched ticket to Augusta.
In the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook in the Tampa area rookie Gary Woodland continued his outstanding onslaught of the PGA Tour with his first career victory in come from behind fashion. He edged 54-hole leader Webb Simpson by one stroke on a highly contested Sunday, earning a spot in the top ten of the Fedex Cup standings, and an all-important trip in the field at Augusta. I’ll brag about this all year if his hot hand continues, as he was my pick for Tour Rookie of the Year.

Another stellar field was put together at Arnie’s place, as fast starts gave way to struggles on Sunday for many of the top players. As the week went on average scores plummeted and Scotsman Martin Laird held a two shot 54-hole lead and increased it even further on the front nine on Sunday. He lost a couple of wheels coming in, but had enough of a lead to par the closing hole for a one shot victory (his 2nd career PGA Tour win) over Steve Marino, who continues to be a PGA Tour bridesmaid.
Many of the stars came out to Houston for the Augusta warn-up known as the Shell Houston Open, but to many it was their last chance to earn a spot in the Masters. But Houston was not to be for the guys on the outside looking in as Phil Mickelson lapped the filed over the weekend firing an impressive –16 (63-65) for his first win since the 2010 Masters. He is looking to repeat his ‘Win for the Family’ this week for his 4th Green Jacket. Runners up Chris Kirk and Scott Verplank came up 3-shots short for the automatic bid.

Special shout outs to Michael Bradley who won the official / unofficial Puerto Rico Open and to the guys from Lake Nona who dominated to defeat Isleworth, Albany and Queenswood to retain the Tavistock Cup.

It’s Masters week…time to strap in and get it on!

Ror-y-ing His Way to Augusta

Only a few years ago Rory Sabbatini was known as a brash arrogant youngster whom many of the golf writers loved for headlines and fans hated. Like an ’05 incident in DC where, because of slow play, he started to play the 18th hole before his playing partner Ben Crane finished the 17th. Or in ’07 where after blowing a five stroke final round lead to Tiger Woods, he filled the golf gossip columns with his calling of Woods “more beatable now then ever.” These events along sparked venom amongst the golf pubic.

But this talented South African has seemed to grow into his own over the past few years to become a consistent competitor on the PGA Tour. Heading into this past week’s Honda Classic, Sabbatini had quietly amassed five career wins with his last being at the ’09 Nelson. And heading into the weekend at a blowing and cool Palm Beach Gardens Florida, his game seemed head and shoulders better then the rest of the field. And with the pending WGC Cadillac Championship looming this strong field contained the likes of Lee Westwood, Greame McDowell, Luke Donald, and Ian Poulter among other top rated players from around the world.

After an amazing 64 on Friday and an impressive follow up 66 on Saturday, it seemed like Sabbatini was in for a Sunday stroll at the famous “Bear Trap.” He approached the final round with a five shot lead on veteran fan-favorite Jerry Kelly and ’09 PGA and Honda Classic Champion Y.E. Yang. The improved weather on Sunday lowered scoring significantly, but the South African was able to hold his five shot lead through the turn. And then came some speed bumps.

Yang slowly but surely converted some birdies while Sabbatini continued to be a par machine. After a huge mistake bogey on the par four 14th the final group moved to the beginning of the “Bear Trap” with Sabbatini only leading by two stroke. Yang was first to strike and staked a shot to within 18 inches and a kick-in birdie on the difficult par three 15t h, consequently the closest shot of the week. And even though his once five shot lead was cut to one with three holes to play, this is where the talented South African failed to be outdone. He rolled in a much needed birdie putt on the 16th to all but clinch the title, and was able to negotiate the rest of the “Bear Trap” to finish the week at nine under-par and a one shot winner over Yang, who’s birdie at the 18th was not enough. Kelly finished two shots back and solo 3rd for the Wisconsin native.

As for Sabbaini, it was another memorable week for the now Stetson clad Texas transplant. He cashed in his sixth career title and cemented himself in the field at the ’11 Masters. His career finishes at the majors are anything but impressive as all but once has he finished any better then T20. In 2007 he did though have a magical week at Augusta finishing in a tie for second behind the champion Zach Johnson. In 2010 he failed to make a cut in the three majors he teed it up in, and did not participate in The Open Championship. But with this solid start in 2011 he looks to resupplant himself as the dominant Rory in the world of golf. But I’m sure Mr. McIlroy will have something to say about that!

Cool Hand Luke

Just like the movie Luke Donald was unfazed and unbreakable at the 2011 Accenture World Match Play crushing the will of top 64er after top 64er. Coming into the week at the Ritz Carlton Course at Dove Mountain in Tucson, AZ, the Englishman was ranked 9th in the World Golf Rankings – what he didn’t know is that he would leave the weekend ranked 6th!

In a week where Tiger Woods made headlines again with a shocking first round defeat to the ‘Great Dane’ Thomas Bjorn; it was all about the worldwide youth movement. Rickie Fowler backed up a solid first round win with a runaway crushing of world #4 Phil Mickelson. The now former World #1 wasn’t safe either as he was dispatched in round two by the youthful and improving Nick Watney. With Martin Kaymer being the only #1 seed to advance to the ‘Sweet 16,” this event was once again (as always) up for grabs.

The final eight in contention in the desert were: Ryan Moore (12) v. Luke Donald (3); Matt Kuchar v. Y.E. Yang (11); Martin Kaymer (1) v. Miguel Angel Jimenez (6); and Bubba Watson (5) v. J.B. Holmes (6 – alternate seed for taking Tim Clark’s slot). On Saturday morning it was clear that some players were ready and other were just flat out not! Donald jumped all over ex-US Amateur Champion Ryan Moore and rode it to a dominating 6 & 5 victory. Kuchar did much of the same to Yang, although the Korean made some ground up on the back, he was just too far back. Kaymer as grabbed a huge lead on his fellow Euro Ryder Cupper, but a flurry on the back nine got “The Mechanic” to the 18th, before dropping the game 1 down. But the battle of the long-ballers Watson and Holmes, may have been the match of the week!

J.B. was absolutely dominating in all aspects through the first ten holes as he held a five-up lead over the reigning champion at the Travelers and Farmers. But when you hit the ball like Bubba (and like J.B. for that matter) no lead or deficit is safe. Bubba chipped away into the lead and through 16 holes was down dormie-two with two holes to play. He hit a miraculous approach at the difficult par four 17th for an almost kick-in birdie to force the 18th. After Bubba drove it into the right trap Holmes drove it into the left rough and instead of playing it safe, tried to play a near impossible shot deeming himself unplayable in the desert and extra holes. In another marathon hole where Holmes hit the ball all over God’s creation, Bubba was able to par the hole and eliminate the stunned Holmes who lost the biggest lead in WGC match-play history.

But that wasn’t the only round Bubba had to play that day. The world’s number two-ranked player Martin Kaymer awaited him after his marathon against Holmes. Donald and Kuchar, who didn’t have to wait, got out on the course significantly earlier and played a very lop-sided match. This one seemed over midway through the opening nine as the Englishman blew out the normally consistent American 7 & 6 to earn a spot in the final. Kaymer and Bubba finally got out on the course and played a highly competitive see-saw battle that went down the 18th again, as Kaymer was able to hold off Bubba not only securing the slot in the final match, but securing the number one spot in the World Golf Rankings.

The four remaining players woke up to an incredibly cold and snowy morning in the Sonoran Mountains, where Dove Mountain collected over an inch of snow! The snow dissipated before the final matches began, but old man winter made his presence felt with the wrath of cold and blustery conditions. In the third place match, Bubba seemed to be worn down from an incredibly long week and fell down quickly to Mr. Consistency Matt Kuchar. The former US-Am Champ and Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket fended off a back nine surge from the long hitting Watson to the tune of a 2 & 1 victory. It was a solid match between two U.S. Ryder Cuppers.

The same flow could been seen the championship match between the two Euro Ryder Cuppers, as Luke Donald did what he did all week and took off out of the gates to a 3-up lead through five holes against newly anointed World #1 Martin Kaymer. The stubborn German did not back down and actually squared the match by the end of the outward nine. But some loose play from Kaymer coupled by some solid shots from the Englishman gave Donald the Accenture Match Play Championship and moved him to #6 in the new World Golf Rankings. The most incredible thing about Donald’s week was that he never once trailed in a match…not once! This win made him the second straight Englishman to bring home this title, following Ian Poulter’s 2010 victory.

***Special shout out to the man with two last names, Johnson Wagner, who was a winner for the 2nd time in his career in Mexico at the Myacoba Classic. Although this win does not get him the automatic bid into the Masters, it does get him 250 all important Fedex Cup points.

2011 WGC Accenture Match Play --- My Bracket

WGC_AM
Any past research shows that I did not have the best outcome at picking the 2010 WGC Accenture Match Play. Although I did have the eventual champion Ian Poulter in my Elite 8, I wouldn’t say that would be enough to save my 37.25% accuracy in the opening round. So what better for me to do than redeem myself in 2011? Once again this new modern ‘British Invasion’ has dominated my bracket with three British Islanders in my Elite 8 (Graeme McDowell, Paul Casey and Martin Laird). I think the US will do a better job of bouncing back as I have four players waving the stars and stripes in this group of 8 (Nick Watney, Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan and Ryan Palmer). Rounding this group out is Aussie and one of the most consistent players in this format, two-time WGC Accenture Match Play Champion Geoff Ogilvy.

I am interested in how Tiger will fair in this format after taking some time off since his semi-struggle at Torrey. I think the potential 2nd round matchup against the previously mentioned Ogilvy may be too much for Tiger. When it all comes down to it I like a second straight year of an all Englishman final with reigning US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and fellow World Top Tener Paul Casey. I’ll take the US Open champion on the strength of his mano-a-mano playoff victory against Tiger at the 2010 Chevron. This will leave Casey with his third career bridesmaid finish at this WGC event.

One thing that has been made perfectly clear…is that when it comes to picking this event, most of the time my opinion isn’t worth the popularity of this blog. But with that being said I can always go back to my 2007 bracket where I correctly picked Henrik Stensen to bring home the title. I know I mention this win every year this event rolls around…it’s really all I got!

Color Him Badds

On a week where Tour favorite and newly crowned Champions Tour dominator Fred Couples tried his best to steal the show, it ended up being all about the reemergence of an Aussie who was crowned on potential nearly a decade ago. In the early 2000’s Aaron Baddeley was at the forefront of the international golf world. As an amateur he took Australia by storm and racked up several victories. He hit the big boy tour by 2003 and had little to no success. After a few close breaks here and there, it wasn’t until Hilton Head 2006 did he realize his dream. On Easter Sunday (his anniversary with his wife Richelle) he was able to cash in his first career victory at the narrowed fairway and small greened Harbour Town.

After capturing the famed Tartan Jacket for the Harbour Town Champion, “Badds” as he is known in the Tour-circle, continued mediocre consistency. But less then a year after his first title he did it again in front of a raucous crowd at the FBR Open in his now hometown Scottsdale, AZ. This victory supplanted Baddeley as an established threat on the PGA Tour for some time to come. Flash to four months later in Oakmont, PA at the US Open, where Badds was the 54-hole leader at +2 heading into Sunday. Being in contention got to the youngster and he quickly faded away on the opening nine and ended up firing a 10-over par 80, giving him a T13 finish, his best major finish to date.

This struggle, all the while trying to start and cultivate his family, basically set his game into a tailspin. Although two wins had established him as a full PGA Tour card carrier, 2008 – 2010 he was only just a small blip on the competition’s radar. With only seven major championship appearances and only three cuts made in that three-year period, Baddeley looked to be losing his place on Tour quickly. But he never lost the faith.

Always being a man of strong conviction and spirituality, Badds pressed on knowing that good things will come to those who had faith. He had been working hard on his game over the passed year and commented this week to CBS’s Peter Kostis that he had not felt this good about his game in a long time. Well he proved that this week! The diminutive Badds surprised the field this week with is added length off the tee and his scrambling out of trouble in the tricky kikuya grass of Riviera. But what did not surprise anyone was the supreme putting prowess of the 29 year-old Aussie.

The roars at Riviera on Sunday were only often early. Like unforeseen lightning strikes the 51-year-old Freddie Couples posted three straight birdies to grab the lead away from Badds. But unpannicked the youngster took on mini-charges from resident old guys Couples and Vijay Singh, only to aggressively roll in a birdie or par putt to keep chugging ahead. Before you know it, Couples and Singh both threw a couple shots back to Badds, and he just kept moving forward. Although a double-bogey midway through the back nine looked like it would derail him, Baddeley was able to get to the 18th with a two shot lead and an easy walk up the famed 18th at Riviera Country Club.

This win was the third career victory for the Aussie and may serve as resurgence for the once potentially great player. He will make his sixth appearance at Augusta National in April, where he has never finished better than T17 (only has made 2 cuts). But this win should propel him forward and get him the confidence to compete at the highest level. And with the way he putts, Badds is a threat at any course he tees it up at on any week. Although he will sit out the Accenture Match Play this week, as he is not currently within the World’s Top 64, it will give this family man time to spend with his wife and two daughters before the start of the grueling Florida Swing.

Cinderella Story

How cliché is it for me to quote one of Bill Murray’s most famous characters in an annual golf event made most famous by Murray himself. The stars of the screen, sports, music and business come out every year to visit one of the most breath-taking institutions in golf – Pebble Beach. Located on the shores of the Pacific Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Golf Club’s are not only three of the most challenging tracks in the US, but as they were carved into the coastline, are seen a little slices of heaven. So it is no wonder that the stars of the Tour make it a point to get together every year with the influential to make spectacular synergy.

Although when it came down to Sunday, there weren’t exactly Tour stars at the top of the leader board, just a group of hungry run of the mill every week starters. Long hitting Virginian Steve Marino finished the third round –12 one shot clear of fellow no-namers (to Tiger viewers) Jimmy “Dynamite” Walker and Bryce Molder. Sitting two shots back was journeyman D.A. Points, who consequently enough had Bill Murray as his Amateur partner. To not be a total waste of the big-name only fans, Ryder Cuppers Phil Mickelson and Hunter Mahan were paired together a few groups ahead of the leaders both five shots back of Marino.

Marino kept a very level head and game with an even par front nine, doing his best to not pay attention to the fireworks happening to the two big stars who were dropping in birdies and cutting into the lead. By the early back nine it was curtains for both Molder and Walker who were struggling to keep up the pace that Marino, Mahan, Mickelson and Points were setting. Mahan’s five-under outward nine got him a share of the lead until bogeying #10, which was the site of an impressive birdie by Marino just minutes later. But just like most events at famed Pebble Beach, the pivotal par five 14th played a major role.

The difficult boomerang-like 573 yard gem of a hole with a sloping green that looks the size of a Twister mat from the fairway is anything but a party. Mickelson was the first of the leaders to be affected by this demon, by posting a bogey six that started his demise from the top. His playing partner Mahan hit a nearly perfect wedge to a couple of feet and was positively affected by the 14th with a birdie. It is no surprise that the venue for the shot of the tournament was this very same hole. D.A. Points hit a lay-up to within a gap wedge swing, which he applied and the ball sailed through the salty sea air before hitting in the rough just over the bunker and short of the green. The ball took a big hop forward and rolled perfectly as if it was guided by a mini-golf ramp right into the hole. Before you could blink, the new leader Points and his partner Murray sprinted toward each other and performed one of the most uncoordinated chest bumps of all time in the midst of the crowds roar.

Points rode that eagle momentum to a birdie on the 15th and although Mahan birdied the par three 17th his inability to convert a two-putt birdie after getting home on the historic 18th left him high, dry and 2 shots back of Points who bumbled, mumbled and joked with Murray to three pars to close his round at 67 and –16. Marino too, was unable to convert any birdie opportunities and stood on the 18th tee two shots back of Points. A pull hook on his 2nd shot literally sunk him into the Pacific and led to a triple-bogey snowman, dropping him out of a T2 to a T4.

As for Points, this victory marks his first on the PGA Tour, and qualifies him for his first ever competitive trip to Augusta for the 2011 Masters in April. In fact this trip to the Masters will be only his 4th appearance in a major championship, although he will have played in each major once come April. But as for his performance as Pebble, he attributed his cool and calm demeanor to Bill Murray who through comedy and conversation kept his mind away from the moment. He seemingly was as relevant to the novice golf fan as Carl Spackler Assistant Greenskeeper at Bushwood Country Club, would be at the Masters. But to those who know of D.A.’s game, could easily see this win on his horizon.

It was a magical week for this Cinderella story from Illinois, who stood in the 14th fairway in second plac, and left the green in the lead because he struck a perfect shot…”and it's in the hole!” So he “has that going for him, which is nice.” He was also able to carry fan-favorite Bill Murray to his first ever Pro-AM team championship at the famed tournament. Game, set, match…Points!

Marathon Mark – Part Deux

Like Austin Powers “Goldmember” and Home Alone’s “Lost in New York” one may state the Marathon Mark sequel as “Frost in the Desert.” The Waste Management Phoenix Open was pushed to a Monday finish at the TPC at Scottsdale due to a five hour frost delay on Thursday coupled with an hour and a half delay on Friday. But the unseasonably cold weather was not enough to keep away the usual raucous crowd that makes up the most attended tour stop of the season.

The crazies that line the 16th hole were out again in full force cheering, jeering, chanting, booing and basically making it the second most difficult short iron par three in the world (see 17th at TPC Sawgrass). The house was brought down numerous times throughout the week. Rickie Fowler’s near hole in one, Jarrod Lyle’s actual hole in one and Phil Mickelson’s 35ft birdie bomb made the place explode. But the story of the week on the 16th was Billy Mayfair slipping into a Pat Tillman #42 jersey and hitting the flagstick before draining the 15 footer to an arousing explosion from the Sun Devil faithful.

As for the tournament, the awkward everyman Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey stole the show for the first three rounds with his herky-jerky swing and his duel rain gloves. This Ex-Big Breaker had played on nearly every tour across America over the past decade, and has finally arrived to the show and plans to stay. But entering the final round he had run-ins with some of the hottest players on Tour at the moment with previous winner Mark Wilson and previous multiple high finisher Bill Haas. When push came to shove, the winner rose to the occasion, even with unexpected heat.

Wilson held a one shot lead over Gainey on the 17th tee, but was now looking out his side window at Jason Dufner, whose 66 had him in the house tied with Wilson. Haas was out of the picture after a struggle in his final round. Speaking of struggle, when the final group walked off the 17th green, “Two Gloves” had shot himself out of the picture suffering an inexplicable triple-bogey seven on the reachable risk/reward par 4. After a par on the 72nd hole, we strapped in for our third playoff in the first five tour stops. After all was said and done in a difficult week, it was Wilson again who outlasted the field for his second marathon victory of the season, vaulting him well atop the FedEx Cup standings.

Because we know where Wilson stands (see Marathon Mark) I will round this out with the top 10 finishers: 2 Dufner, T3 Vijay and Laird, T5 Watney and My Boy (and ROY) Gary Woodland, and T8 Snedeker, Simpson, Yang, Couch, and “Two Gloves.” Despite the delays the Thunderbirds put together yet another successful event in one of the Tour’s oldest tour stops.

The Black-Eyed "D"'s

The fact that I had to sit through one of the most excruciating moments of my life right after the ecstasy of the first half beat-down the Pack put on the ‘St-ill-ers” is absolutely ridiculous. The bad part of attending a Super Bowl party is that there are always enough females in attendance that watching the over-hyped halftime extravaganza is not really an option, but a guarantee. And the display that pop-act The Black Eyed-Peas put forth was more than just an extravaganza; it was a musical, choreographed, vocally abusive train-wreck that nobody in their right mind could say they enjoyed.

Don’t get me wrong, I know where we stand with the music industry these days, and God knows I respect any act that can gain a fan-base and make money in that difficult profession. But the product that was put in front of the nation last night was a joke. But this is America, where masking lack of talent with unique costumes, flowing dance movements, and bright colors is essential to appealing to the masses. Like toddlers watching a Baby Einstein DVD, Americans stared mesmerized at the bright colors and rhythmic motions, all the while oblivious to the supreme lack of talent and musicianship in the middle of the stage.

It’s not that I hate the Black Eyes-Peas, because I don’t --- In fact as I said above I respect any act that can turn a profit (let alone a massive one) in the difficult music business. They definitely rate high in cool factor in this world where the currency of “cool” is a must. Will.i.am is an extremely talented DJ, mixer and engineer, which equates very well in a studio setting. Fergie is the appealing beauty with attitude, with her sensual curves making up for her less then stellar singing voice. The “other two Peas” (Taboo and apl.de.ap) are more statues of cool than essential musical necessity.

I knew from the start what we were getting into when the Peas swashbuckled their way down to the stage to the beats of their ultra-popular “I’ve Got a Feeling.” The cheesy entrance gave way to out of tune vocal abuse by both the lead vocalists. Fergie’s tone-deaf heavy movement laced grumbles made me yearn for X-Tina’s Star Spangled mishap in the pregame. Will talked his way through his “singing” portions while the non-existence of both Taboo and apl shined through. Not even cameos from Slash on a “Sweet Child O Mine” cover and Usher with his hit “OMG” could save the musical disaster unfolding in front of millions.

The colors, costumes (see Will’s hair, Fergie’s shoulder pads, apl.de.ap’s sunglasses and most importantly Taboo’s “Light Bright”eque blinking leather suit) and choreography from the crowd surrounding the stage kept my interest enough to stomach the whole debacle, but Super Bowl XLV’s halftime show set true music back to the stone age. What many thought would work and many more knew wouldn’t, the Black Eyed-Peas and their attempt at entertainment came up woefully short.

Grade: I would give them a solid “D.” God love us, it was still better then The Who from last year

‘Bubba’licious

For the second week in a row on Sunday on the PGA Tour there was a Vegas and a Gary battling in contention for the title. Jhonattan Vegas, last week’s winner at the Hope, played spectacularly once again putting himself in the second to last group in he final round of the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open at famed Torrey Pines in LaJolla, CA. After defeating Gary Woodland in a playoff and capturing his first ever PGA title, Vegas was once again staring a Gerry in the face…Gerry Watson, aka ‘Bubba.’ Oh, and there was this other guy in contention making his first start of the season, some local guy by the name Phil Mickelson.

And while those three gentlemen stole the show on Sunday, the biggest story to start the week was the return of Tiger to competitive action. He performed well early in the tournament posting a bogey free three under par 69 on the North Course in his opening round and matching that 69 on his return to the South Course where he clinched the ’08 US Open. But the weekend took its toll on the ‘Striped One’ as he faded with back to back over par rounds (74 / 75) to finish T44 at one under par.

As round four began Mickelson and last weeks co-runner-up Bill Haas were tied for the lead, one shot up on Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson with Jhonny Vegas and Anthony Kim in close proximity. Haas, Mahan and Kim all struggled out of the gate and failed to get anything going early and shot themselves out of the tournament as the back nine progressed. It became a virtual three horse race and provided great entertainment for the entire afternoon. It was a birdie festival and as the final two groups made there way to the 18th tee, Watson held a one shot lead on both Vegas and Mickelson (as Mickelson poured in a birdie on the 17th green to a cadagoric eruption).

After smashed drives from the long hitting Vegas and longer hitting Watson on the par 5 18th both players were poised to hit the green in two. After not so solid contact with a five iron Vegas screamed at his ball to ‘go’ as it flew through the air, only to come up well short into the Bruce Devlin pond saturating any chance he had at the tournament. Watson was also errant with his iron shot short siding himself left on the down-slope of the greenside bunker. He hit a very good blast, but still had 15 feet of so to secure the birdie and two shot lead. All the while, in the final grouping, Mickelson was deep in the left rough and had to lay-up to 72 yards short of the pond. As he walked up the fairway he watched on as Watson hit the putt of the tournament by curling in the slippery birdie putt to get this lefty two shots clear of the ‘Lefty.’

From there Phil knew he had to knock it in from the fairway just to force a playoff. He walked all the way to the green to survey the situation, and after a few minutes of deliberation, he made an unconventional move by sending Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay to the green to tend the pin to prevent the ball from hitting the stick and bouncing out of the cup. With supreme concentration he made a perfect swing and posed as the ball propelled through the SoCal air hit some eight feet passed the pin and spun to just inside five feet before coming to a halt and securing Watson’s victory. The birdie placed Mickelson in second alone, not bad for his first start of the 2011 season.

As for Watson, this victory was his second career win and consequently both were insurance company sponsored tournaments (see 2010 Travelers). The win does not fill the void of losing out to Martin Kaymer in a playoff in last years PGA Championship, but it definitely is a start. It was an emotional win for Bubba as he became misty-eyed describing how losing his Dad last year has been a big inspiration in his career. The win gets him into the 2011 Masters field for the third time in his career, and is a great start to the Fedex Cup season as he also eyes a very attainable spot on the Presidents Cup team. Another great win for this long hitting fan-friendly pro…just not the fan’s #1…he finished #2.

What Happens at ‘The Hope’…Stays with Vegas!

Newly carded PGA Tour rookie Jhonattan ‘Jhonny’ (don’t call me Peralta) Vegas has the week of his life at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic from PGA West in La Quinta, CA. The 26 year old Venezuelan began his assault on the five round four course event right from the start with a scorching 64 at Arnold Palmer’s PGA West Course. Vegas followed that up with two 67’s and a 66 one the remainder of the courses to set him on top of the leaderboard with fellow rookie and my pick for ROY former Kansas Jayhawk Gary Woodland.

As these two leaders started to separate themselves from the rest of the field it looked to be a two-horse race. But it was proven to both rookies that things don’t come so easy in ‘the show’ as defending champion Bill Haas put on an epic Sunday charge with a thrilling 62! As Vegas and Woodland pared and blundered their way on the inward nine, they approached the par five 18th with Vegas one shot up on Haas and two up on Woodland following his crippling bogey on the 17th. And with the pressure squarely on Vegas to make a par and wrap up the championship, he did the unthinkable – he three putt bogeyed! And after a miraculous birdie from Woodland, we were staring a three-man playoff directly in the face.

The first playoff hole was the par five 18th and what this hole boasted, was that we were not going to have a repeat champion as Haas’ par five was not good enough to match both Vegas and Woodlands birdies. As darkness crept into the equation they moved to the tough par four 10th where like a magnet to a refrigerator Vegas’ tee ball caught the left rough and bounded into the water hazard. Woodland then played it safe and hit a stinger 2-iron right down the pipe. Woodland then cracked the door for Vegas as he blocked an iron dead right onto the down-slope of the greenside bunker. Vegas not only stuck his foot through the door, but body-blocked the whole thing down staking a 9-iron to inside 15 feet.

Woodland’s bunker shot was less then impressive, and his par putt ran past the hole leaving Vegas from damn near in his pocket, to a 15 footer to win his first ever PGA event in only his fifth career start. He struck the putt and as it smoothly rolled down the hill Vegas took two small baby steps forward and then pumped his fist in celebration as the ball disappeared into the center of the cup. It happened, his dream came true.

Not only is this a win on the biggest stage of the golf world, but with it comes a two-year exemption card along with an invitation to the 2011 Masters Tournament. This is quite a leap for a guy who grew up in Venezuela dreaming of playing big time golf, and laying it all on the line by moving to the US to play as an ammeter and earning the opportunity to play big time college golf at the University of Texas. After turning pro he bounced on some mini-tours and found good success on the Nationwide Tour before earning his PGA card this past off-season. It didn’t take Johnny Vegas too long to solidify himself as a full-fledged PGA Tour member, and will be for the foreseeable future. And now in April he will make his first ever appearance in a major at the ‘Tradition Unlike Any Others.’

***A quick and small pat on the back to me who predicted a good season for Gary Woodland. He’s off to a great start!***

Marathon Mark

***I apologize I have been sick all week and have not been able to update until now***

It was a long Sunday for the players that made Saturday’s cut in the 2011 Sony Open from Waialea Country Club in Maui. After heavy rains battered the islands on Thursday soaking any chance for the field to play its opening round, the skies cleared and made it beautiful Friday through Sunday. The first two rounds were played on Friday and Saturday, where the cut was made, and most of the field was relegated to wait until Sunday for a 36 hole final day.

Japanese throwback Shigeki Maruyama fired back to back 65’s and was tied for the lead with fan-fav Aussie Stuart Applby who shot 64 – 66. But close on their heels were Englishman Justin Rose, lesser known Americans Jimmy Walker, Roland Thatcher, and Matt Bettencourt; along with heavy-hitting Steve Marino and the consistent Matt Kutchar.

When push came to shove the final 36 holes belonged to Mark Wilson who matched his 65 –67 opening two rounds, with the same on Sunday. He was able to hold off the hard charging reigning Player’s Champion Tim Clark by two strokes, who fired a blistering 66 – 64 on Sunday to tie for 2nd with Marino. Wilson was able to close out his 3rd career tour victory (’07 Honda Classic and ’09 Mayacoba Classic) and wrap up his first ever trip to Augusta National in April.

With this victory Wilson will only tee it up for the fourth time in a major championship. He has only made three prior appearances in the ’98 US Open, the ’07 PGA Championship and the ’09 PGA Championship. In those prior three events he failed to make the cut! But he will get a shot at redemption and glory at the most famous course in the world and a tradition unlike any other.

Byrd-ie Ball!

Sunday was a day that Robert Garrigus will never forget. Although late in the 2010 season he was able to exercise his winless demons with a victory, Sunday brought those demons from TPC Southwind right back to the forefront. Just less than six months ago at the 2010 St. Jude Classic from Memphis, Garrigus held a 3 shot lead on the 18th tee looking for his first win when disaster struck. After a couple of waterlogged shots and a heck of a scramble he managed a triple-bogey 7 to force a playoff, which he lost. Although it would seem that his Memphis demons were all but erased by his late season win in Disney, he was haunted again in the 2011 Hyundai Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course in Kapalua Hawaii.

After rolling in a miracle 50+ footer for eagle on the 18th on Saturday afternoon, Garrigus grabbed a share of the lead with Jonathan Byrd and Steve Stricker. On Sunday it was evident that Sticker (who shared the final pairing with Byrd) was not going to be able to keep in contention as the scores were going extremely low. But Byrd and Garrigus remained neck and neck in the lead starring at the leaderboard and watching one of the hottest players in the world charging closer from a few groups ahead. Graeme McDowell got it to –23 (and 11 under for the day) when he got to the 18th green, but was not able to capitalize on the par five and got to the house with a final round 62 and a tie for the lead.

But as the birdies continued to fall for the field, both Byrd and Garrigus were able to drop birdies on the finishing holes relegating the reigning US Open Champion McDowell to third alone and setting up a playoff between the two. After a pair of par five’s on the first playoff hole, they moved to Kapalua’s 1st hole for a second playoff hole. Garrigus who was a top five in driving distance a year ago, blew it by Byrd by nearly 80 yards on the par four. Byrd hit his second shot to within 35ft and Garrigus followed that up with nearly the same shot just putting it 5ft closer. Byrd nearly drained his putt and tapped in for par while Garrigus paced it some 3ft passed the cup. Garrigus then unbelievable missed the comebacker to seal the deal for Byrd.

It was obviously tough for Byrd to celebrate with the way that he won, but it was good to see the 32-year-old tour vet cash in his 5th Tour victory and his biggest pay day to date. The former standout at Clemson as been a consistent staple on the Tour and has earned over $1 million every year but one since 2002. In his first start of the season he has already achieved that number. He has also grabbed early control of the Fedex Cup race and earned only his 4th ever appearance in the Masters. All of that for a guy who earned his way into the Hyundai TOC by hitting a hole in one on the fourth playoff hole at the 2010 Justin Timberlake Tournament in Las Vegas. And that’s the way he plays…an eagle there a par here, but always a Byrd-ie.

Hyundai T.O.C. Preview - Let’s Get It On!

Today is a banner day in the life of Jimothy. The 2011 PGA Tour kicks off in Kapalua Hawaii at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. This is a great opportunity for the small field of 34 players to piggyback off of their 2010 wins and capitalize with a 2011 win. Although the majority of these players are already in the 2011 Masters, a few of the pre-Masters winners from last year are not exempt into the Tradition Unlike any other.

The Golf Channel will have wall to wall night coverage of this tournament from the islands starting today through Sunday’s final round. Join Kelly Tilghman my brother’s partner Nick Faldo and rest of the GC bunch and take in some much-anticipated PGA Tour golf.

Prediction: After an injury riddled 2010 the bounce back of fan favorite and leader of the US youth movement Anthony Kim will find his game and cash in at Kapalua