Golf Times

What Do Phil Mickelson And Colin Montgomerie Have In Common. It's Not What You Think

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 20:36:39 PDT

If your thinking what they have in common is that they both blew the last hole to lose the US Open well your right. They did both blow it but that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about the fact they both have man boobs. These too guys need what Kramer on the TV show Sienfeld called a Mansiere, as in a brassiere for a man.

Have you seen them walking down the fairway, it's embarrasing, with their boobs bouncing unrestrained under their shirts like two muskrats wrestling. Have they no shame.

They should at least tape them or something. The sad thing is Phil's boobs are bigger than his wife's - ouch.

Don't get me wrong, I like a nice set as much as the next guy, I just like to see them on the LPGA not the PGA.

Golf Times

By God, He Almost Did It!

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:15:16 PDT

I was truly surprised. There Monty was on Sunday, in the middle of the 72nd fairway, after a perfect drive, with a real chance to win. All he had to do was hit the green on his approach, par the hole, and if Phil parred the last hole after bogeying the 71st he would be in a playoff. Or maybe win it if Phil did anything stupid (but the chances of the new Phil doing anything stupid would be small, right?) .

That's when Monty resorted to his old self when it comes to majors. He self destructed. His approach went into the cabbage to the right then he hit out too strong and 3 putted for a double eventually allowing Ogilvy to win when Phil did do something stupid.

All he had to do for God's sake was hit the middle of the green. He's a seasoned professional with many a pressured packed shot in the past he could draw on for inspiration but noooo, not Monty, it looked like he purposely tried to lose it on the last hole. Like it dawned on him that he might actually win the thing and got too affraid.

A psychiatrist would have a field day trying to figure why he does himself in like this in the majors. He's Superman during the Ryder Cup and wimpy Clark Kent otherwise.

Even though he has that smug British way about him that smacks of elitism, I, for some strange reason, found myself pulling for him to win. I don't know if it was because I feel sorry for him since he got divorced and he seemed to take it rather hard or if I just like pulling for the guy who wants something so badly and might never get a better chance to obtain it.

In any case, he blew it. Good news for him is that he only has a few weeks until the British Open to try one more time to conquer his demons.

Pip pip, cheerio, stiff upper lip and all that good rot.

Golf Times

Can Monty Keep His Game Together And Win His First Major?

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:06:45 PDT

NO!

Laws Of Golf - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 08:43:32 PDT

Listed here are the indisputable Laws Of Golf, some are obvious but all are absolutely true:

Hazards attract; fairways repel
Aim for the bunker, you'll never hit it
If it ain't broke, try changing your grip
Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie
It rains only when you forget your umbrella
Two putts on a slick green are only the begining
Golf should be given up at least twice per month
If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint
It's surprisingly easy to hole a 50' putt when you lie 9
There is more to life than to break par, but not much more
Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot

Golf Times

What Do The Amish And The Memorial Have In Common?

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 07:03:18 PDT

The rakes! Jack Nicklaus wanted to put some teeth into his course that has had double digit below par winners for the past several years so he decided to make the sand traps harder.

Ohio has a large Amish community and it turns out they make these wooden rakes with widely spaced tynes that were perfect for making furrows in the sand. Jack bought 150 for his course but when he tested them he found that you could still spin the ball out of the traps so he had every other tyne removed. That did the trick.

So far most players have been doing a fair amount of whining about them (except the ones who played well) which tells me Jack made the right move.

This is not something new, back in the 30's, Oakmont used to have deep furrows in their sand traps until the USGA outlawed them.

I hope this idea cathes on. The pros have gotten so good out of the perfectly uniform and coifed sand that they hope their errand shots go into the traps instead of the thick rough. The traps are bearly penal anymore.

Here's to Jack and his attempt to make the pros think a little before they fire away.

Next he should replace the golf carts on his course with the horse and buggy.

Golf Times

Lumpy Ends His Slump-y At The Colonial

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Sun, 21 May 2006 17:28:44 PDT

The wait was long and sometimes lumpy, I mean bumpy but Tim Herron finally got his first win on the PGA Tour since 1994.

He almost choked on the lump in his throat on the 72nd hole when he blocked his drive well right into the deep and tangly rough then hacked out short of the green. He chipped up and was left with a 9 footer to tie with Richard Johnson.

He made the putt then won it with a birdie on the second hole of sudden death.

He got plaid jacket (extra large) and a fat check for 1.08 million.

That will put a lump in his wallet.

Golf Times

Jim Furyk Is Having Himself A Merry Little Golf Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Fri, 19 May 2006 10:34:56 PDT

He's gotta be quite pleased with himself this year. Let's recount his accomplishments for this year.

He's crashed the Big Five party by bumping Ernie Els down to sixth, has a win and a pasal of top 10 finishes, has slipped in behind Phil Mickelson at second on the money list, only $300K shy and is now only 2 shots out of the lead (after Thur's round) at the Colonial.

Seems like he has recovered fully from the injured wrist that hampered much of his play last year.

I like Jim, wierd swing and all. I'm pulling for him to overtake Phil on the money list and maybe even in the world rankings.

Golf Times

Where Oh Where Is Phil

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Thu, 11 May 2006 12:29:37 PDT

Phil Mickelson is begging off the Byron Nelson this week. He says it's for "personal rerasons".

Let the speculation begin.

Here's my theory:

His daughter is having a birthday party this weekend and the clown couldn't make it.

Phil volunteered, no make up required.

Golf Times

Michelle Wie Finally Gets It Done In Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:37:16 PDT

Wie did it. Not since the Babe accomplished the feat in 1945 has a women made the cut in a men's professional golf tournament.

Wie shot a 3-under 69 in the second round Friday to make the cut by five strokes and improve on her opening 70. She started the final round at 3 under, six strokes off the pace. The Sat round was washed out making it a 54 hole event. She shot a two over 74 on Sun to end at 3 under, good enough for a T-35.

"I was really, really happy I've passed the first stage," Wie said. "Now I want to make the next step."

That next step of course will be to make the cut on the PGA Tour here in the states. I think it's just a matter of time.

Golf Times

Trevor Immelman Loses The Tournament But Wins In The Game Of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:39:15 PDT

Immelman three jacked the 72nd hole to fall into a tie with Jim Furyk then lost it on the first extra hole with a bogey. As tough as that must have been, to lose a tournament that he was so close to winnig, he can take solace in the fact that he gets to go home to one beautiful girl.

I don't know if it was his wife or girlfriend but man is she nice. CBS kept showing her standing there anxiously waiting next to the 18th green. She had her hair pulled back, with no make-up and she still looked stunning, a real natural beauty.

So, I can't be feeling to bad for Trevor, the victories will come eventually and he has a great way to console himself while he waits.

Golf Times

Tiger's Mentor, Role Model, Best Friend And Dad Dies At 74

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Thu, 04 May 2006 08:17:56 PDT

I'm sure to some degree Tiger was prepared for this day, as much as you can be, due to his father's failing health for much of the last 20 years. That still doesn't ease the pain of losing someone as close to you as his dad was to him.

The Golf Channel had this to say:

Woods, 74, had his first heart attack in 1986 and since then has had several more heart attacks, multiple bypass surgeries, prostate cancer and diabetes.

Tiger made the announcement on his website, saying, "I’m very saddened to share the news of my father’s passing at home early this morning.

"My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply. I’m overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and I’m honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring.

"Thank you to all who are sending condolences to my family and our Foundation. We are truly blessed to have so many who care during this difficult time."

You can read the rest of the article here.

It will be interesting to see how Tiger reactes to this life changing event in his life. The first chance we'll get to see will be at the US Open.

Golf Times

Golf Joke Of The Week

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 11:46:48 PDT

Fred and Harry emerged from the clubhouse to tee off at the first, but Roger looked distracted.

"Anything the matter, mate ?'" Harry asked.

"Oh, it's just that I can't stand the club pro," Fred replied. "A few minutes ago, he was trying to correct my stance."

"He's only trying to help your game," Harry soothed.

"Yeah, but I was using the urinal at the time."

Ba dum dumm!

Golf Times

If This Story Doesn't Put A Tear In Your Eye...

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 19:23:05 PDT

Dakoda Dowd is a 13 year who is very much in the mold of Michelle Wie. She is considered one of if not the top golfer in her age group in the nation. But that is not what this story is about.

Her mom, Kelly Jo Dowd, is fighting cancer and is only expected to live a few more months. One of her dreams was to see her daughter play on the LPGA. The LPGA was kind enough to grant her an exemption and let her play this week.

Here is an excerpt of the story from Fox Sports:

"Fantabulous," Kelly Jo Dowd said. "I have to make up my own vocabulary to describe it."

With one swing of the driver at 9:32 a.m. Thursday, and the 73 shots that followed over the next five hours, Dakoda made Kelly Jo's dream came true. The teen made her LPGA debut at the Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open, which extended the terminally ill mother a chance to see her daughter compete against the game's best.

Dakoda finished the day with a 2-over 74, nine shots behind Cristie Kerr. Yet for the first time in Dakoda's golf life, winning wasn't the goal, nor the plan.

"I didn't have any expectations for this tournament, except to go out there and have a great time and look over and see my mom," said Dakoda, a winner of more than 100 tournaments and ranked among the nation's best 13-year-old players. "It did feel good shooting 74. I'm just really happy to be here."

So is her mom, on a number of different levels.

Kelly Jo Dowd is fighting cancer for the second time in four years. She was given a clean bill of health after doctors believed she beat breast cancer, but she learned last year that she has terminal bone and liver cancer — and, conceivably, only months to live.

She wept and smiled when the starter announced Dakoda on the tee box as "a remarkable young lady." And the tears stopped when Dakoda hit a perfect drive down the left-center of the fairway to open her round - setting up her only birdie of the day, one that followed an approach to 2 feet on the 528-yard par-5.

"She's playing with a heart full of love for her mom," said Mike Dowd, Dakoda's father. "The kid's got this in her, but I think this is more about God doing something for our lives right now. We walk out of our house this morning and see a rainbow. Then a birdie on the first hole. Come on. There's something else going on here."

When Ginn officials learned of Kelly Jo's wish to see her daughter play on the LPGA Tour, they offered a sponsor's exemption into the field. Dakoda was paired with Kate Golden and Tracy Hanson — both at least 21 years older than the phenom — and held her own, even outdriving both pros on a couple occasions.

Golden told Kelly Jo before the round not to worry, that "we'll take good care of your girl." And Hanson was particularly touched by Dakoda's story, since cancer claimed her mother nearly eight years ago.

"God knocked me on the head and said, 'Now, wait a minute. You have a purpose and a reason for being in that group,"' said Hanson, who shot 69. "I lost my mom to cancer, so it's very near and dear to my heart, their story. And it was a little emotional there on the first tee."

Dakoda arrived at the driving range 90 minutes before her starting time, looking relaxed. She chewed on her right thumbnail for a few minutes before teeing off, then hugged her mother and exhaled in relief when that first ball hit the fairway.

You can read the rest of the story here.

Oh, and pass the tissues.

Golf Times

Here's How To Get A Better Body And Better Game - Simple

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:26:33 PDT

This tip is from Mike Pedersen , the golf fitness guru. Go here to check out his great fitness system, Perform Better Golf . Anyway, back to a better body and better game.

Here are the 2 simple and effective tips.

1. Drink a full 10 ounce glass of water before every
meal. This will give you a feeling of being fuller
and you won't eat as much during that meal.

2. Do a 10 minute casual walk after every meal...or
at least after dinner. If you can't imagine walking
after a meal...you ate too much.

That's it! No magic. No big book to read. No new
meal plan to go on.

I told you it was simple.

Golf Times

Some Pros Should Get A Primer On How Capitalism Works

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:57:05 PDT

According to The Golf Channel, Michelle Wie has received a sponsor's exemption to play in the 84 Lumber Classic, giving the 16-year-old from Hawaii three starts on the PGA Tour this year.

This apparently has rubbed some pros the wrong way. Olin Brown had this to say, "I guess if it attracts attention to the tournament, it's good for the tournament" Still, Browne said her sixth exemption to a PGA Tour event created some resentment, especially from the first alternate, who might need that tournament to help keep his card.

"This is the big leagues, man. I think tournaments should invite players who qualified to play," said Browne, who needed sponsor's exemptions last year until breaking through with a victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship. "I don't see any high school kids playing major league baseball."

Looks like Olin needs a reality check: We live in a capitalist society, that basically means, for good or bad, that money rules. The players benefit handsomely from this system because TV stations pay big money to the PGA to air their product so they can then turn around and sell advertising space, ie - commercials, to companies wanting to get their message out to the public about their product.

Not all tournaments are created equal. For instance, The John Deer Classic struggles to get TV ratings because they don't draw a strong field. They still are contractually commited to give out the purse to the players regardless of the ratings (granted the purse is smaller than other tournaments and that contributes to the weaker field but there are other factors as well like where the tournament falls in the schedule that also contributes to the weaker field).

So, in an effort to attract some buzz and get people to watch they give their exemptions to players who can create that buzz, like Michelle Wie.

That's how the world works Olin, the rules are set up by the PGA to help maintain some order but there has to be room for the sponsors to make some money which in turn helps the players by allowing them to play for bigger and bigger purses.

If those players on the bubble like the first alternate doesn't like it he can always get out of the business and become a teaching pro or head pro at his local course.

Stop whining!

I have a friend who gave up a job making over a hundred grand a year to try to make it as a pro. He didn't make it and now is struggling to get back to where he was before and I don't hear him complaining. He just sucked it up and went on with his life.

Who do these pros think they are, crying that they should be given a spot just because they decided to try to get in on all the millions be doled out on the PGA Tour.

Those exemptions are there for a very good reason, the PGA understands the importance of them. It's a shame they don't pass that understanding on to their well compensated contractors, that would be the PGA playing members.

Hope that helps you Olin.

In the meantime, you go girl!

Golf Times

Betting Type? Try Bingle-Bangle-Bungle

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 11:57:41 PDT

This is a fun betting game that can cost you some money if your not careful.

Here's how it's played:

Three points are awarded for each hole: one for hitting the green first (not awarded on a par-3 hole), one for being closest to the hole after everyone is on the green and one for holing out first.

At the end of the round, the highest score wins. Usually, a cash value is assigned for each point.

One obvious tip, make sure you're playing with people of equal ability, or if you're smart, inferior ability. But here's another tip, if a player shooting before you reaches the green first you might want to think about coming up short so you have a chance of chipping close and getting the closet to the pin point.

That is if you have a decent short game, if not then just play, have fun and let the chips fall where they may.

Golf Times

Tiger To Take Time Out

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 19:23:39 PDT

Tiger Woods, in New Zealand for the wedding of his caddie Steve Williams has said that he will take time off from the PGA to be with his ailing father.

"It's kind of up in the air with the situation back home, so I don't know what's going to happen, I'm taking time off. I'm here for this event (a charity race) and for Steve, and to enjoy time off and be with my father, so I won't play for a while," Woods said.

He the added "My father is hanging in there, the guy is an absolute fighter and walking miracle."

He did say he will definetely be back for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, New York, from June 15 to 18.

Let's hope his father is there and healthy to cheer him on.

Golf Times

Sometimes It's Good To Be Badds

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 08:47:13 PDT

Aaron Baddeley hung on to win the Verizon Heritage by one shot over Jim Furyk.

The difference was his decision to go for the green at the par 5, 15th. A bold move for a guy still trying to win his first PGA tournament. With the tournament hanging in the balance, he was faced with a dilema. In the fairway on the 15th, he was 220 yds from the green but his direct line of flight was blocked by a stand of trees. He had three options: hook the ball around the trees, go over them, or lay up.

He made the kind of decision you have to make if you want to break through and win, he took a 6 iron (from 220 mind you) and went over the trees. LAnded the ball on the back of the green and two putted for birdie.

With that confidence booster I think we'll be seeing a lot more of the Badd Man.

Golf Times

84 Lumber Classic Gets 86ed

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 21:40:00 PDT

All the talk Joe Hardy did about making his tournament one of the best on the PGA is now kaput. Apparently his 84 Lumber stores are not doing as well and he has pulled his sponsorship.

I have to give him credit, he had a goal of building a great golf course and having the PGA play one of it's premiere events there and he was right on the verge of achieving it when he had to let it go.

He started out getting his event played in Sept for a few years until he was rewarded with a prime June spot the week after the US Open starting in the 2007 season.

A week after the anouncement that they were closing a slew of stores they dropped the hammer on the golf tournament.

This must be a real blow to Joe Hady's ego. Lucky for him he still has his millions to console himself with.

Golf Times

What Dictates Your Golfing Ability?

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 12:00:48 PDT

Let Mike Pedersen tell you himself. He's the golf fitness guru who has the Perform Better Golf website. He'll also tell you how to hit longer drives to boot. Here's how:

Every golfer is looking for the magic bullet for longer drives.

I can't tell you enough, how important it is to get your
body moving better in your golf swing. The ONLY way to do this
is to work on your body "off the course".

Hitting more balls won't do it! Buying every training aid
gimmick won't either. It's very simple. "Your body dictates
your golfing ability!"

To keep this email short, I've got a simple exercise you can
do right in your living room that will add a ton of yards to
your drive.

I call it the Lunge With A Twist:

Instructions:
* Stand holding medicind ball or single dumbbell in front of you.
* Take an elongated step forward.
* As you lower onto that front leg rotate to the same side as the
forward leg.
* Slowly return to starting position and repeat.
* Do ALL 10 repetitions on that leg, then switch legs.
* Do 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions each leg.
Benefit to Golf Swing:
* Improve overall strength of entire body.
* Working in combination the legs and upper body rotation similar to
the golf swing.
*Greatly improve both stability and power through the core for
straighter, longer shots.

This is just one simple golf exercise of many you can do to
literally transform your golf swing and game.

He's got a great program that really can make a difference in your game and your general fitness.

Golf Times

Els Claims Mickelson, Not Woods, Has More Masters Wins In Him

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:24:09 PDT

Ernis Els is giving the edge, for the time being, to Phil as the man to beat at Augusta. Wow, who would have thought a few years ago that anybody outside Phil's family would ever say that let alone one of the world's best.

Here's the article from The Golf Channel on what Ernie had to say aboutit:

Ernie Els sees a shift at the Masters.

He suspects that Phil Mickelson -- with two Masters titles in three years -- may have eclipsed Tiger Woods as the golfer to beat at Augusta National.

"I think Phil has got the game there now," Els said Wednesday.

Els was the only one of golf's "Big Five" -- Mickelson, Woods, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen -- competing at the Verizon Heritage, which starts Thursday.

Els has witnessed Mickelson's Masters rise. Mickelson's breakthrough major came two years ago at Augusta National when his 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole sealed a one-stroke victory over Els.

Then last week, Els was paired with Mickelson for the first 36 holes as he steadily played himself into contention. Els was impressed with Mickelson's control off the tee, the trajectory of his irons and his continued wizardry around the greens.

Plus, Mickelson is no longer burdened with the question of when he'll win Augusta.

"He just goes out and goes about his business," Els said. "So I think Phil, almost more than Tiger, has got more Masters in him, maybe."

Mickelson will have to double his Masters' output to catch up with Woods' four green jackets. And both have work to do to tie Jack Nicklaus' record six Masters titles.

Chris DiMarco doesn't see a shift at the top at Augusta. He lost in a playoff to Woods there last year and says the course features are ready made for Tiger.

"Phil is a great player. I have a lot of respect for his game, it's awesome," DiMarco said. "But that course sets up great for Tiger. If (Woods) putted at all like he normally putts ... it would've been closer."

The article continues on about Ernie but the interesting part is about the respect he shows Mickelson and also how DiMarco weighs in on Tiger's side. Nobody else seems to be in the running.

Put on your best asbestos outfit, this long awiated and anticipated rivalry is starting to heat up.

Golf Times

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Rule The Golf Landscape

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:54:52 PDT

When it comes to golf course meccas, the golf courses in and around Myrtle Beach have to be the best in the country. It boasts just about every kind of golf under the sun save mountainess terrain.

If you like a lot of sand, try Arnold Palmer's King's North. How about a links style course, there's plenty to choose from but why don't you try Heathland or Moorland of the Legends Group. Do you like a more wooded track then stay where you are and play the Parkland course. Want to play Bermuda greens then play Jack Nicklaus' Long Bay.

The choices seem endless. If you decide you want to try all that Myrtle Beach has to offer there's a site Called Mrytle Beach Golf that gives a great overview including golf packages and driving directions etc. Check them out.

Once you go to this mecca you'll get religion.

Golf Times

I Always Thought "Shit!" Was A Golf Term, Turns Out I'm Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 08:18:18 PDT

Here is the origin of one of the most often used words in the english language. Maybe only exceeded by the word "F$%K!".

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I.

Golf Times

Top Ten Reasons Why Golf Is Better Than Sex

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 12:37:18 PDT

Now that the Masters champion has been crowned, green jacket slipped on and all the hoopla is over, it's time to get back to some good old fashioned, golf related non-sense.

Following is Davis Letterman's Top 10 List explaining why golf is better than sex:

#10 - A below par performance is considered damn good.

#9 - You can stop in the middle and have a cheeseburger and a couple of beers.

#8 - It's much easier to find the sweet spot.

#7 - Foursomes are encouraged.

#6 - You can still make money doing it as a senior.

#5 - Three times a day is possible

#4 - Your partner doesn't hire a lawyer if you do it with someone else.

#3 - If you live in Florida, you can do it almost every day.

#2 - You don't have to cuddle with your partner when you're finished.

And the #1 reason why Golf is better than Sex...If your equipment gets old, you can replace it.

And all this time I thought I liked golf simply because it was fun, now I have all these other good reasons.

Golf Times

2 Drivers, 2 Masters Wins, Mickelson 2 Good For Rest Of Field

noreply@blogger.com (Mattb) — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:21:54 PDT

Also, lets add to that two majors in a row dating back to his win at the PGA Championship the end of last August.

Phil was steady as he methodically worked his way around the course and won the 2006 Masters Tournament by 2 strokes. This is a new Phil we're looking at here. He's more confident, he's making smarter decisions on the course and he's following through down the streatch.

Finally it looks like we have a legitimate rival to Tiger Woods. Let the good times roll.

Golf Times