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Bubba Watson Claims Farmers Insurance Open

2011-01-31T09:07:00.004-05:00

Bubba Watson was all business yesterday claiming his second career PGA victory. Sunday's march to the winner's circle was exciting from start to finish.

Watson said earlier that he had practiced nothing more than putts under 10 feet in the off-season and his attention to this part of his game paid off when it counted the most. These short putts were almost a "gimme" for him all day. And, on the 18th, with the gallery and the television world transfixed on him, Bubba did not fail. His putt trundled to hole, and with a little hesitation, as if to accentuate the moment, it dropped in.

Perennial favorite Phil Mickelson flirted with the lead on several occasions.

His flair for the dramatic was in evidence on the 18th. Needing to hole out from around 100 yards to force a tie, Phil sent Bones, his caddy, to the green to hold the flag. As soon as the ball was in the air out came the flag. And, Phil's golf ball landed just short of the hole rolled by and then rolled back to the hole, but ended up only a few feet from the hole. I have never seen anything like that before. But, then there is only one Phil Mickelson! I can't wait to see him next week in Arizona in front of the crazies on the 16th.

Phil tapped in his putt for a birdie and a -15 score, one behind Bubba.

Rookie Jhonatton Vegas provided his share of the drama yesterday. Playing in the same group as Bubba, Vegas almost matched Watson shot-for-shot until the 18th when for some reason he imploded and fell back to a -13 tied for third with Dustin Johnson.

As readers of this blog know, I am a huge fan of PGA pro D.A. Points. Since I first saw him capture a Nationwide event I have been a big fan of this golfer. I met him at the first Wayne Gretzky tournament. I have always believed that D.A. had the stuff for the PGA.

This weekend Points proved me right. He has been playing well on tour for more than a year, but this weekend he played like I always knew he could. On Thursday and Friday, he played well enough to make the cut. On Saturday he surged close to the top. On Sunday, when most golfers choke under the pressure, D.A. rose to the occasion and made his way to fifth place. Points made a fantastic birdie on the very tough 16th to push him closer to the top. In fact, an unlucky break on the 18th probably kept him from placing higher.

Congratulations D.A.! There is more great golf ahead for you this year!

2010 Masters - Sunday Morning

2010-04-11T09:42:00.002-05:00

It's Sunday morning at the 2010 Masters. This morning all eyes are on the practice tee. European golf star Lee Westwood and and America's favorite golfer Phil Mickelson are preparing to do battle for the coveted green jacket.

Yesterday's action saw Ian Poulter slip back in the pack. I really thought Poulter would have to stuff to hang tough. But while everyone else was going low the flamboyant Englishman seemed to be stuck in neutral.

Phil Mickelson will probably remember the three hole stretch yesterday when he carded two eagles and a birdie to catch Westwood.

Who will win today?

I like Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson to battle to the last holr. But, don't be surprised if Ricky Barnes is in the final mix.

Poulter and Westwood Tied for Top Spot

2010-04-10T06:57:00.004-05:00

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood are tied for top spot going into this weekend at the 2010 Masters.

Poulter shot a -4 round for the second day at the Masters for an -8 total. Lee Westwood's 69 yesterday combined with his first round 67 tied him with Poulter atop the leaderboard.

Sitting two back is everyone's favorite golfer Phil Mickleson. Among the golfers tied with Phil at -6 is Ricky Barnes.

A note about Barnes, talk about a big event golfer. Ricky barely kept his card last year but is at the Masters due to his stellar performance at the 2009 US Open where he challenged right up until the last day for the title.

The most talked about golf story of this years Masters surrounded the play of 50 year old Fred Couples and 60 year old Tom Watson. After Day One they were sitting one and two, but after disappointing second rounds they are tied for ninth at -3.

I would love to pick either Watson or Couples to win this year's Green Jacket, but I do think the winner will be Ian Poulter.

For the last couple of years the flamboyant Brit has challenged in several major events, but fell short. Why do I pick him to win this year? Easy. Earlier in the season Poulter captured the grueling Match Play title. Now that he has won a "tough" event he knows what it takes to get the job done on Sunday.

Other possible winners include Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood. But, it sure would be nice to see Watson or Couples don the Green Jacket.

The Tiger Woods Show

2010-04-09T06:43:00.005-05:00

I turned on Sports Center this morning and was surprised to find out that I had not been watching the first round of the Masters yesterday. No, I had been watching the Tiger Woods show.

The first five minutes of Sports Center was all about Tiger Woods.

No, I had to wait five full minutes of Tiger making some good shots and of course throwing his golf clubs when he didn't before we got to see the real golfers in action.

How can the media ignore two of the really great golf stories in favor of the lust life of Tiger Woods?

For starters Fred Couples, the best golfer on the Champions Tour firing a 6 under 66 to take the lead after Thursday's play.

If the great golf of a 50 year old is not "special enough" how about the play of a 60 year old golf legend. Tom Watson shot a 5 under 67 finish one behind Couples.

Another great story from Thursday play features K.J. Choi. Choi, had to endure the Tiger Circus for 18 holes. While media dedicated its cameras and coverage to Choi's playing partner, Woods, K.J. shot a brilliant -5 under round.

Another story the media ignored in favor of Tiger was that of all-round nice guy Phil Mickelson. He too, played better golf than Woods shooting an opening round 67.

How about Match Play Champ Ian Poulter? He is in the mix with a -4 and could be a real threat on Sunday.

A note to ESPN, CBS and the Golf Channel, cover the golfers, not the soap opera. Let Tiger find his forgiveness and healing elsewhere.

2010 Masters

2010-04-08T06:39:00.003-05:00

This year's Masters is more like an edition of a soap opera than the great sports event that it is supposed to be.

No, instead of wondering who will capture the coveted Green Jacket, we are being subjected to round after round of the trials of Tiger.

The only question that has not been asked this week is "Who is Tiger sneaking away with this week?" And, really WHO CARES!!

Tiger Woods acts like he is royalty and the media and the fans let him away with it. That is the disgusting part.

Sure Tiger is a great golfer, but who cares about his personal life. I really don't want to be part of Tiger's cleansing process. If his wife leaves him "OH, well", life does go on.

Let's get back to what is important. Who is going to win the Masters, not Tiger Woods' lust life.

So, "Who is going to win the Masters?" Personally, I like three golfers, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk and Ian Poulter. Why? Els and Furyk have been "lights out great" the past month. Poulter won the Match Play and he always seems to shine in the big events. Now that he has "big time" title under his belt, he just might have the toughness get him past the field and win on Sunday.

Fred Couples is a sentimental choice. If you count his Champions tour titles this year has been the best golfer on the planet in 2010.

Let's hope Tiger misses the cut (it will give him a couple days to check out the hotties in the Augusta red light area). It will also force the media to focus on what really matters -- GOLF!

Els Captures Palmer Invitational

2010-03-29T12:40:00.002-05:00

Ernie Els captured the rain delayed Arnold Palmer invitational today. How great is that!

Although he faltered, Ernie scored when it counted and captured his second PGA tour victory of the 2010 season.

Next week he heads to Houston and the Shell Open.

I have to wonder if Ernie wishes he was not headed to Houston and instead could take a week off to rest before the Masters.

I certainly like Ernie to be the favorite at Augusta.

DA Points finished a great week with the top 20 finish. Congratulations DA!

Did you happen to see Michelle Wie's big mistake at the Kia tournament? You have to wonder if she thinks she's above the rules. This is not the first time that she has had problems of this sort. Too bad! She has a lot of potential and could be the future of the LPGA tour.

Let's hope she can move on from this.

Els Clings to the Lead at Palmer Invitational

2010-03-28T07:50:00.002-05:00

Ernie Els played steady golf throughout the entire third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando yesterday. For a while the popular Els slipped to second behind Ben Curtis. But, in the end Ernie was atop the board at -10 one stroke ahead of Curtis.

One contender who Ernie better look out for is Jim Furyk who fired a 6 under 66 to climb within striking distance.

Yesterday I suggested that Steve Striker and Mike Weir were possible contenders for the final pairing today. Boy, did I get that wrong.

Weir was 5 over par and Stricker shot a 7 over 79.

D.A. Points shot another even par round and sits at one over for the tournament. He certainly has been consistent this week firing rounds of 73, 72 and 72.

Speaking of consistency Davis Love lll has been anything but, he has carded 14 bogeys, 1 double bogey, 19 birdies and 19 pars. Love still sits only five back of Els.

Arnold Palmer Invitational - Go Low or Go Home

2010-03-27T10:22:00.003-05:00

Round two of the Arnold Palmer Invitational featured a some great scoring and at the end of the top of the leaderboard was jammed with four golfers tied for first and three more a stroke back.

Veteran Davis Love 111 continued his hot golf, staying in the lead for the second straight day. However, after the second round, DL3 was joined at the top by Ben Curtis, D.J. Trahan and veteran star Ernie Els. All four are seven under par.

One stroke back, at -6, tour stars Retief Goosen and Phil Mickelson are lurking waiting for break that will shoot them into the lead.

At -4 Mike Weir and Steve Stricker are close enough to the leaders to make a difference. For some reason, I like one of these two to be in the final group on Sunday.

D.A. Points barely made the cut, firing a an even par 72, to make the +1 cutline.

I love what Arnie has done to the Bay Hill course. The extra two par 5's give the pros more opportunity to go birdie hunting. The course in general sets up for low scores. As a fan, I love nothing more than a tournament being determined by the skill of the players, not the nasty layout of the golf course. The organizers of the US Open would be well-advised to consider Arnie's philosophy and end the nonsense of creating US Open venues that are more obstacle courses than golf courses.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Day One Wrap

2010-03-26T06:56:00.001-05:00

Round One at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando Florida saw a bunch of old names go low, but there were a couple of surprises at the top.

First of all, tour veteran and former Masters champ Mike Weir fired a five under par round to tie European Tour star Henrik Stenson for third place.

Right behind, a stroke back, Dorel Champ and long time tour star Ernie Els posted a -4 round. Once again Robert Allenby was in the thick of things matching Els with a four under round. Allenby's card included an impressive eagle which he bagged with a 100+ yard shot.

Steve Stricker carded a -3 for T9 after Thursday's play.

The surprises of the day were at the top spot. J.B. Holmes and Davis Love 111 fired six under rounds to sit number one. Love, could use a win to get into the Masters and I bet Arnie would be pleased to see this popular veteran capture his tournament.

D.A. Points fired a one over par round and will need to be considerably better if he is to make the cut. Right now, he is tied for 63rd but the way the players are eating up this course another plus one round will probably not be good enough for the cut.

Chip Shots: The LPGA is in California this week and two of my favorites are in the field. Veteran superstar Juli Inkster shot a +4 round. And, after a year away Grace Park returned to competition shooting a plus 3 round.

Els Tames TPC Blue Monster to Win

2010-03-15T06:48:00.004-05:00

Ernie Els played what must have been the best final 36 holes in a long time to bury the opposition and tame the TPC Blue Monster and claim victory at the World Golf Championship - CA Championship on Sunday.

Playing with his house guest, Charl Schwartzel, the two South Africans distanced themselves from the field on Sunday. But, in the final few holes Ernie turned up the heat on the youngster Schartzel and coasted to a four-shot victory.

Ernie Els is one of the most popular players on the tour and his victory would be applauded by most everyone. Now, the speculation is whether this tournament marks the resurgence of Els as a major force on the PGA and a bona fide contender for the Masters in a few weeks.

Let's hope so. What the PGA needs more than Tiger Woods is a bunch of top flight golfers with positive personalities that the gallery, both at the tournament and on television, can cheer for without ducking for cover from flying golf clubs and foul language.

Other tournament notes: With his performance this week, Charl Schwartzel gave notice that he will be a force to be reckoned with in upcoming events. As well, Vijay Singh had a second straight tournament of great golf and seems ready to challenge again. As well, Steve Stricker's last couple of rounds signaled that he should not be forgotten when it comes to predicting the Masters Champion.

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Allenby's Rollercoaster Round 2 at the Blue Monster

2010-03-13T12:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Robert Allenby must have thought he was on a rollercoaster at one of Florida's theme parks, rather than playing golf on one of Florida's premier golf courses.

Allenby scored several birdies and bogeyed Holes 3, 7 and 9. That sounds like a pretty normal round of golf on the PGA. But, he also scored a hole-in-one on the very tough 13th hole.

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Then it gets crazy. Three holes after his ace, Allenby scrambled through the 16th like he was a Sunday morning golfer, not a PGA tour veteran. He could not get out of the bunkers on 16. And when it was all over, he had double bogey on his card.

Despite his rollercoaster round, Allenby is still in contention for the World Golf Championship - CA at Dorel's famous Blue Monster. Starting third round play Robert Allenby sits one stroke behind leader Ernie Els.

Others to watch today and Sunday include three PGA veterans, all of whom are majors winners. Padraig Harrington sits four back tied for fifth. While tied for seventh and five strokes off Els lead are a cluster of players including Vijay Singh and Mike Weir.

Saturday should be an interesting day at the Monster.

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The Blue Monster at Dorel Blows Golfers away in Round 1

2010-03-12T14:19:00.002-05:00

Chalk yesterday's round one at the World Golf Championships at the Blue Monster at Dorel to the weather and the golf course.

The winds blew and blew some more during the first round at the Blue Monster at Dorel.

When the fierce winds blew in the face of the golfers, professionals who normally drive the golf ball over 300 yards were thankful for a drive of 250 yards. Shots that normally called for a seven iron, required a five iron. If the wind was to their back, the professionals were in even deeper trouble. There was little chance of guessing how far a golf shot might travel. Hooks and slices were so exaggerated an errant shot could cause a load of trouble.

On the greens, just keeping your balance in gale force winds, was tough enough, without trying to sink a putt.

As a consequence, the scores were all over the place. At one point Robert Allenby was running away from the pack at 8 under par. But bogeys on each of the final four holes of the day took him to four under par and out of the lead.

Today, the winds seem more calm and hopefully the players can play their game without battling the breezes.

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Villegas 3 UP For Honda Classic Final Round

2010-03-07T08:50:00.004-05:00

Camilo Villegas has a three stroke lead over Vijay Singh and Nathan Green heading into today's final round at the Honda Classic.

Vijay has been a pleasant surprise this week. After a dismal 2009 PGA season which saw the hard-working Singh balloon to 68th on the money list after winning the FEDEX Cup the previous season many people thought his days as a top contender were over. But, the Florida swing seems to have been just what the doctor ordered. Vijay has put together three solid sub-70 rounds of 67-66-69. If he can shoot another round in the 60's who knows, Singh just might overcome Villegas' lead and capture the Honda Classic.

Another great round for Matt Every who is currently tied for 4th and he might make tomorrow's headlines as the Honda Champ. This spring has been a coming-out party of sorts for Every as he has been near the top of the leaderboard on several occasions.

I really like watching Sam Saunders play. He has put together three rounds of 69 this weekend. Sam plays under the huge shadow of his VERY famous grampa Arnie Palmer. Others would have wilted under the intense spotlight that follows him, but Saunders has prevailed. I hope he can win soon. Although I don't think he will ever lose the tag of "Arnie's grandson", a win will certainly give a boost to his ability to be himself.

Final Thoughts: I love the Bear Trap. It is up there with Amen Corners as a "deal breaker" for many a contender for the title. Look for this string of holes to have an impact on the final outcome of the Honda Classic.

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Winds Make Honda Classic First Round an Adventure

2010-03-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

It's Florida, the sun was shining, and a cold wind was blowing. Yes, I said a cold wind was blowing.

The first round of the Honda Classic proved to be a daunting task for many of the golfers who teed it up yesterday at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.

Nathan Green and Michael Collins fired opening round 65's yesterday to take the early lead. But, many more trudged to over-par rounds.

Despite the fact that the projected cut after today's play will be plus 2, several of our favorites may already be out of the mix.

D.A. Points is going to have go WAY low today to survive and play tomorrow. D.A. shot plus 7 yesterday and is going to need a mid-60's round to make the cut.

Ryan Palmer and David Duval are in similar positions to D.A. as they both suffered in the wind with plus 5 rounds.

Youngster Rory McIlroy played a little better with a plus one, but he will need to shoot better today to survive.

The veterans I mentioned yesterday had better results than my favorites. Mike Weir is one under and Ernie Els is plus 3, but still in the hunt to make the cut.

The surprise for me yesterday was Vijay Singh. He has had a miserable start to the PGA season. But, yesterday he shot a 67 and at day's end he was just two strokes back.

What will happen today? Well, if winds continue to blow, just about anything could happen. The cut could balloon to plus 3 or 4. Who knows. If the winds fade away and the sun shines. Look out, the golfers might feast on the soft greens and lush conditions at this beautiful golf course.

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PGA in Florida for the Honda Classic

2010-03-04T09:11:00.004-05:00

The PGA Tour has arrived in Palm Beach Gardens for the start of the Florida swing of the tour.

The PGA National Resort is the host golf course for the Honda Classic.

The PGA Florida swing is a favorite time of the year for me. This is probably due to the fact that I love playing golf in the Sunshine State myself. There is something to be said for warm breezes, sunny skies and (my wife's favorite) palm trees.

The Honda Classic also signals that some really big and interesting tournaments like Dorel and Arnie's tournament are just around the corner. One lament I do have is that the Players tournament has been moved to May. I know the weather was always suspect. But, I loved that tournament just the way it was.

Now, on to the Honda Classic. Who do I like?

Well there are some of the old guard, Mike Weir, Ernie Els and Vijay, in this week's tournament but I like three relatively young guys and one dark horse.

First, I like Ryan Palmer. I don't why, other than if my memory serves me correctly, Ryan always seems to be in the mix at this time of year in Florida.

Second, Rory McIlroy is about ready to blossom even more and I think that golf course is set up for him.

I also like D.A. Points. Now, I know you are going to say I am prejudiced because he is a favorite of mine. But, although he missed the cut at his last tournament D.A. lives in Florida and therefore he understands Florida golf courses better than many others and there is comfort in what you know. Besides which, D.A. turned a big corner last year and I think he is on his way further up the PGA standings.

Lastly, I like David Duval for a run at the Honda Classic title. If David gets past Friday with a couple of decent rounds, he has a great shot at a top ten or better finish on Sunday. After all, he was once one of the most feared golfers in the world of golf. He has had some setbacks. But, I think it is only a matter of time before he claims another PGA title.

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Snedeker Grabs the Lead at the Waste Management Phoenix Open

2010-02-28T09:10:00.002-05:00

Brandt Snedeker moved into the lead after the third round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He did not do it with a low score, instead Snedeker has been a model of consistency this week in the desert. With rounds of 66, 67 and 66 Snedeker is well-positioned to capture the title.

However, his final round partner, Scott Piercy, has also been a model of consistent play firing rounds of 68, 67 and 65. And, Piercy just might be the one to watch as he has shot lower each day as the tournament has progressed. If he continues this trend, the rest of the field better look out!

The second last grouping features a couple of golfers that I have been watching all week. Matt Every and Rickie Fowler.

Every shot an opening round 63, but followed that great golf up with a mediocre 70 on the second day. His third round scoring improved, but only slightly shooting a 68. He will have to go considerably lower if he is to challenge for the ttile.

Rickie Fowler, on the other hand, has carded scores of 63 on Thursday, 67 on Friday and 69 on Saturday. This downward trend in scoring does bode well for a title.

Camilo Villegas, the leader after the first two rounds ballooned to a 71 yesterday. However, for some reason, I like him to win. He is only three strokes off the pace and if he can forget yesterday and bring back some the magic he had on Thursday look out!

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Villegas Clings to Lead at Waste Management Phoenix Open after Round 2

2010-02-27T09:35:00.003-05:00

After firing an opening round 62, yesterday Camilo Villegas slumped to a 69 but managed to maintain a first place tie with Mark Wilson.

Wilson has played some steady golf opening Thursday with a 65 and then shooting a 66 on day two.

Not everyone was able to finish their second round yesterday due to darkness. Matt Every is only player from the top of the leaderboard who has to come out early Saturday to complete the last hole of his second round. Every is five under par and is still within striking distance of the leaders.

Rickey Fowler continues to enjoy the atmosphere and sits one stroke back of the leaders going into round three.

Perennial Arizona State favorite Phil Mickelson is lurking five shots back after two consecutive -3 rounds of 68.

Accenture Match Play Champ Ian Poulter sits at -7 and could be a major threat on Sunday.

I still like Fowler and Villegas for the final grouping on Sunday.

D.A. Points failed to make the cut with a two-round total of one over par. Better luck next week D.A.!

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Villegas leads after Round One at Waste Management Phoenix Open

2010-02-26T09:26:00.003-05:00

Camilo Villegas fired a personal best 62 to take the lead after Round One of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

This is a golf tournament that is also part College Football game, or a really good tailgate party.

Led by loud, and some would say, obnoxious fans, who encircle the Par 3 16th Hole, this golf tournament will never be construed as having similarities to the sedate Augusta National fans.

Because of the fans at the rowdy 16th I think some of the younger more flamboyant golfers like Villegas have to be given consideration to win the title on Sunday.

To prove this point, yesterday two other young golfers carded great opening rounds. Matt Every was one shot back of the leader with a 63 and new kid on the block Ricky Fowler fired a 65.

The atmosphere of the 16 impacts on this tournament. Play this par 3 well and the fans will adore you. But, mess up, and alcoholic bravery of the bleacher bums will rain catcalls on your head. No, the best thing to do is play safe, get your par, and move on. Unless of course, you have a flair for the dramatic and can feed off the energy emitted by the crowd.

Speaking of flair, one veteran who may be there on Sunday is Arizona State alumni Phil Mickelson. He loves this crowd and they love him. If Phil can score well, the 16th and its fans might catapult him to the title.

As some of my regular readers know, I am a fan of D.A. Points and I have followed his career on the PGA, and before on the Nationwide. So, when D.A. is in a tournament I always update his scoring. Yesterday he shot a 71 and needs to go low today to be in the mix this weekend.

Predictions for the Sunday final group: Villegas and Fowler.

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Ian Poulter Accenture Champion

2010-02-22T08:44:00.004-05:00

Ian Poulter finally accomplished a daunting task. He captured a PGA title on this side of the Atlantic.

Always a force on the European Tour, Poulter has been making serious challenges for a PGA title for several years. Yesterday, the flamboyant Englishman, wearing an all-pink ensemble crushed fellow Englishman Paul Casey in gruelling two-round golf match yesterday in Arizona.

I have been following Poulter all week at the Accenture and his attention to detail and competitiveness were incredible. Even yesterday, with a virtual lock on the title Poulter could be seen studying his notebook on the final green. Leaving nothing to chance, after going over the last minute details, Poulter calmly sunk his putt and the celebration was on.

Congratulations Ian Poulter! I expect to see you hoisting a few more trophies this season.

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Casey Back in the Accenture Finals

2010-02-21T09:30:00.003-05:00

It took Paul Casey two days and 24 holes to put away Camilo Villegas. In a match that featured tense play and a wide range of weather from freezing temperatures, driving rain to sunshine Casey outlasted Villegas. A tense putt of about 6 feet was what it took to finally cap the match.

Meanwhile, waiting in the wings was Ian Poulter who had earlier yesterday dispatched Sergio Garcia to the sidelines.

At first glance, it appears that Poulter should have the upper hand because he has been waiting and resting while Casey was out battling for his playoff life. But, remember Casey did not play eighteen holes in any of his first three Accenture Match Play rounds. So, he should be equally rested.

Who wins the Accenture Match Play?

I like Poulter because he has played great golf ever since his appointment to the last Ryder Cup team. But, Casey is a Match Play genius. So, sit back relax and enjoy two of the brightest young golfing stars on the international scene battle it out for the title.

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Accenture Match Play - Can Poulter Continue his Magic?

2010-02-20T08:19:00.002-05:00

Accenture Match Play continues today with only 8 golfers left.

Although many of the top seeds are gone, there are some great stories left.

Ian Poulter has been staking a claim to this title since his Day One victory over Justin Leonard. Yesterday he defeated Jeev M. Singh and today he faces another European Tour veteran Thongchai Jaidee.

Jaidee is one of those golfers who gets very little attention, but always seems to be in the mix when Sunday arrives. However, I think this Sunday he will be on the sidelines.

Poulter has been consistently excellent since his Ryder Cup appearance. But watch out, if Ian Poulter captures the Accenture, his confidence level will increase and I think he will go on a tear becoming a PGA multiple winner.

Another story worth watching today, features Sergio Garcia against another European star Oliver Wilson. Wilson upset Luke Donald yesterday with a 39 foot birdie putt on the 20th hole.

However, the real story is Garcia's attempt to rebound from a terrible 2009 season. Like Poulter if Garcia wins this tournament watch out for a string of victories, or at the very least a lot of Top Five finishes in the next few weeks.

Stewart Cink faces Paul Casey in another match and Cink could do the rest of the field a big favor by knocking off Casey. After all, Casey seems to thrive on match play and if he gets past the Open Champ look for Casey to be a tough "out" for the remaining golfers.

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Accenture #1 Seeds All Gone

2010-02-19T09:06:00.004-05:00

Today is Round 3 of the Accenture Match Play and all of the #1 seeds are gone. This is what makes match play so interesting. One bad day or a few bad holes and you are gone.

The three matches I have been watching have turned out to be very interesting.

Yesterday, Ian Poulter returned to his old habits and donned some very LOUD plaid pants for his match against Ian Scott. It must have worked because Poulter stopped Scott's comeback efforts with a tidy victory. Today he faces Jeev M. Singh. Look for Poulter to continue his winning ways.

Sergio Garcia's efforts to regain his form after an off-year in 2009, continued yesterday as he knocked off Anders Hansen. Today, Sergio faces Tim Clark. This will be a tight match, but I like Clark to win.

Sean O'Hair's trip to the finals was derailed by Stewart Cink yesterday. Today Cink faces the unheralded Charl Schwartzel. Cink will prove to be too much for Schwartzel.

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Accenture Match Play Round 2

2010-02-18T09:45:00.003-05:00

Round two of the Accenture Match Play was full of surprises!

Who would have guessed that Steve Stricker, the tournament's number one seed would lose to Ross McGowan? Now McGowan is a good player in his own right, but I bet even he would have had doubts about his ability to get past Stricker.

How about Mike Weir? He went on a birdie binge that had everyone wondering what was going on.

Yesterday, I talked about three matches that I thought were interesting to watch. And, I was right, even though I missed picking the winner in two of the three matches.

1/ I picked Justin Leonard to edge out Ian Poulter. Well, I was right about it being a tight match, but Poulter won in extra holes. (Did you notice that Poulter did not wear is usual "loud" clothing, instead, he opted for rather ordinary blue pants!)

Today Ian Poulter faces Adam Scott, who is on a mission to comeback from a rather ordinary 2009 season and play more to his potential. Scott is on the right track after beating Masters Champ Angel Cabrera. Certainly, Poulter will be a challenge to Scott's comeback.

2/ I thought the David Toms - Sergio Garcia match would be interesting and again I was right except I chose the wrong winner. Garcia ousted Toms and will face Anders Hansen who like Adam Scott defeated a major winner from last year Lucas Glover. Look for Hansen to continue his winning ways.

3/ Sean O'Hair was a winner yesterday and today he faces Open winner Stewart Cink. I think it all ends today for O/Hair.

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World Golf Accenture Match Play

2010-02-15T09:58:00.004-05:00

First of all, Congratulations to Dustin Johnson for his repeat at Pebble Beach.

Now, on to the World Golf Accenture Match Play Championships which start this week. The field is awesome. To pick a winner at this point would probably be futile. (You know, finding a needle in a haystack would probably be easier!)

I thought today, I would point our a few first round matches that look very interesting to me.

1/ Two of my favorites tee off against each other in the Jones Bracket. The ever eccentric Ian Poulter faces Justin Leonard. Talk about two very different guys. Poulter never met an off-beat color or design of clothes that he didn't like while Leonard quietly makes his way around the golf course, scoring well, and although he is not a big winner on the tour he is always ranked high enough to be a veteran of many Ryder Cups and President Cup competitions.

Who wins this match of polar opposites? I kind of like Leonard.

2/ Another match that appeals to me is in the Hogan Bracket featuring the often under-achieving Sergio Garcia and David Toms.

Garcia came on the PGA tour with "can't miss" and "phenom" attached to every press clipping about him. At times he has shown the stuff that could make him a World #1 or #2 player. But just as quickly he starts playing erratically. Toms on the other hand is a Justin Leonard style player (steady and quiet around the course). A few years ago he made a run at the Accenture and showed his talent.

I like Toms to defeat Garcia and perhaps have a bit of run this week.

3/ In the Snead Bracket two youngsters who have made some noise from time to time face each other. Simon Dyson from England has shown flashes in the past, but never for any length of time. The same could be said for Sean O'Hair. O'Hair often looks like he is poised for greatness and then he makes a couple errors and he falls back into the pack.

Maybe, the first round competition between these two will spur one of them to make a run for the title.

I like O'Hair to make that run.

Want to improve your golf game? Check this out!

Golf Swings and Golf Slices

2010-02-13T09:29:00.002-05:00

Golf swings. We all have one. Some of wish we had a better one. While others have golf swings that are best described as “unique”.

The golf swing is pivotal to scoring well on the golf course.

The best golf swing I ever saw was that of Ben Crenshaw.

The most unique golf swing probably belongs to Jim Furyk. However, when I was a young golfer, tour professional Doug Sanders had a pretty unique golf swing too. Sanders won the Canadian Open in 1956 while still an amateur. His short flat backswing certainly did not hurt his golf game as he won more than 20 tournaments as a professional. I remember trying to emulate his flat back swing and being barely able to hit the golf ball half the distance of my usual golf swing.

But when you look at the graceful golf swing of Ben Crenshaw and then watch Jim Furyk go through his “herky jerky” golf swing motion, you realize that both are great golfers and both have achieved tremendous results on the PGA tour. It is then that you realize that there are a great many different types of golf swings. And, a swing can be adjusted to accommodate just about every golfer.

A few years ago, I played to about a ten handicap. And then it happened. Out of the blue I developed a golf slice and started slicing everything off the tee. I did not lose any distance. I just lost control over where the golf ball was going. And, my golf score soared upwards.

Not long ago, I was playing a golf course when I came upon a hole on the back nine that was a 297 yard dogleg to the right.

Yep, I love that hole. I stood up on the tee and swung away. When I found my golf ball, I was four feet from the hole, pin high. I scored an eagle. Gosh, why can’t every golf hole be a dogleg to the right?

Well, golf courses are not made that way. So, I have to learn how to “fix” my darn golf slice. That is one of the reasons why I am writing this blog. Because I know that I am not alone. Our golf swing, no matter how personal, how perfect, or how imperfect, is the major factor in scoring well on the golf course.

I have paid lots of money to a number of golf professionals and still my golf slice persists. So, this blog is an attempt to research and find my own solution. Whether I get back to a lower handicap is not as important as getting back the feeling that I can control my shot off the tee again. I am getting tired of searching for lost golf balls in tall wet grass early in the morning!

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