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!