The PGA Tourist

Rory McIlroy, World number 1 - it's like 2015 all over again.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:22:00 +0000

Five years is a long time to be looking up at the top step. That's what Rory McIlroy has been doing whilst trying unsuccessfully to add to his tally of four major wins. It's probably all the more grating being regularly & rightly recognized as probably the most talented guy out there when no more majors have come and some other guy is the world number one.

via GIPHY

I said five years, it's a bit less than that, 4 and a half in fact, 233 weeks in total.

He's watched as six other guys have claimed the top spot. Here's the list with their total weeks spent at the top.

Dustin Johnson 95
Jason Day 51
Brooks Koepka 47
Jordan Spieth 23
Justin Rose 13
Justin Thomas 4

One thing in Rory's favour is that he's never had a true slump in that time, he's always been in touching distance of top ten in the rankings, with a low of 13th. Just looking at the current position of a few of the names above (Jason Day #38, Spieth #49) demonstrates how impressively consistent he's been.

The most recent occupier of the top spot Brooks Koepka has done so in a fashion that has probably rubbed salt in the wounds than most for McIlroy, being pretty much a Major specialist, accumulating huge points with a string of 4 wins and multiple top threes in the big tournaments in the last few years - on the regular tour, he's hitting numbers of an average Joe.

Maybe that's the more promising sign from McIlroy in regaining the top spot, he's managed to do so through some really consistent finishes to end 2019 and start 2020, recording 6 top 4 positions in 8 starts, 9 top sixes in 11 starts. For a player that's been known to be a tad "mercurial" in his form, a continuation of this kind of consistency might signal a return to the kind of dominance he threatened in 2014.

A lot has happened in Rory's life in that time, and despite the youthful gait he retains, he's now 30 and reaching a sweet point in most golfing careers. If his health keeps up, who is to say that he can't push on to greater thing at this point, as a lot of the biggest names in the sport have done.

There are of course plenty of players that pose a threat to knock Rory down a peg or two again, chiefly Koepka who we can expect to be primed for major season again, and is so very narrowly behind (0.03 points). Also needing some attention, Jon Rahm, who's finished outside the top 2 twice in his last 6 starts (both were top 10). The Top 10 is generally stacked with talent and 2020 is looking to be one of the most competitive seasons we've seen. That chap Tiger Woods is having a nice new year as well you know...

US Masters 2018 - Honourable Mentions go to...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:25:00 +0000

Ole Pat Reed may have slipped on the green jacket - not to everyone's pleasure it seems - but there were plenty of other fine performances to sit up an take notice of, particularly on Sunday.

Jordan Spieth

One word sums up Jordan Spieth at the Masters - Terrifying.
For the forseeable future, there is no reason to doubt that he will be in the mix come Sunday at the Masters. The only time he's been outside the top 3 was due to a huge brain fade with two visits to the water at the 12th. He still finished 11th overall.

Tournament	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018
Masters Tournament			T2	1	T2	T11	3
U.S. Open	T21LA	CUT	T17	1	T37	T35
The Open Championship		T44	T36	T4	T30	1
PGA Championship		CUT	CUT	2	T13	T28

Win

Top 10

Did not play

This year two lacklustre middle rounds were book-ended by the two standout rounds of the week. If the first round implied that the tournament was his to lose, the final round implied that he really shouldn't have lost it. His ability to monster this course is second to none, without being one of the monster hitters on tour. It's mainly irons and putting - the Langer method with bells on.

Sunday kind of converted me a little - I've always found him difficult to warm to (the constant referral to "we" instead of I always grates) but the way he gave evils to the twig for a that impeded his drive on 18, for a good ten seconds or more, as though he were considering climbing up there to have a word - that's proper fire in the belly. We've got about thirty more years of it to come you know... Terrifying...

Rickie Fowler

Rickie is making an awful habit of this, ever the bridesmaid it seems.(Til that lucky girl Alison Stokke puts a ring on it) But remember sportsfans, no one has more runner up spots than the great Jack Nicklaus so there's hope for him yet (except Jack had won a good few by now too).

How could there not be hope, as once he has time to digest this performance, he'll surely recognise that this was his most mature, most complete weekend challenge he's put together yet, 12 under par for his final two rounds. He played himself into the equation and kept on coming, birdie on the last demanding a par from Reed to avoid a playoff.

That's Rickie, Centre Left, with Alison, Poor Rickie....

Jon Rahm

If this years Masters taught us anything, it's that we should all be taking Jon Rahm very, very seriously round Augusta going forward. He certainly was taking it very, very seriously. On the verge of emotional breakdown or snapping a club on several ocassions when he thought shots had gone awry (on several occasions they hadn't - should've gone to specsavers Jon). A visit to the water on 15 may have taken some of the immediate gloss off his fine spirited challenge - but he will be walking onto the course next year with a lot of valuable experience under his belt, to go with his serious firepower.

Cameron Smith

Mr Smith, visiting from Australia, let his son Cameron borrow his clubs and by jove if the little scamp damn near stole the show on Sunday - six under on the back nine! Fifth place at the Masters! Oh, hold on he's 24 and a two time winner on the tour. Gotta get on the protein shakes Cam, grow a moustache or something.

Paul Casey

Unfortunately for Casey, and those of us who had a few quid on him, he only just made the cut, going around on Saturday morning with a marker for company. Had he not started with a scorecard tribute to the O'Connells "74, 75" and posted something a tad more competitive, maybe his barnstorming run on the back nine on Sunday could have been catapulting him into Jordan Spieth territory. An unfortunate bogey, bogey ending alas left him on 5 under overall and took away thoughts of course records, but it was a potent reminder of what Casey can be capable of and what Thomas Bjorn will be very glad to have on board again for this year's Ryder Cup.

Tony Finau

I think we're all glad that the Masters is now over and maybe we can get away from the replays of Tony and his ankle popping antics on the par 3 course. But not only was it impressive that he managed to tee it up at all this week, a run of Six birdies starting at the 12th took Tony to a tie for 10th overall, and a good financial reward for playing through the pain barrier. Now someone delete the tape of the ankle thing - okay?

Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy continues to do a fine impression of a cast member of Jesus Christ superstar, holidaying in Orlando (it's a look). There was no walking on water but this was a real performance of note for Fleetwood. He looks like he will soon be a member of the regular contenders, and will have learned plenty for future challenges know he knows what 5 birdies on the back nine at Augusta takes.

Tiger Woods

Okay, the announcement of his second coming was somewhat premature. I also think there's something in Paul Azinger's theory that Augusta is not the forgiving place as it was when Tiger and Phil were using it as a playground in their pomp. I'd like to think that we've not seen the last of Tiger contending at Augusta though - a cheeky bit of crystal for Eagle on 15th gave everyone something to cheer and cause for hope. The next few months will be telling.

US Masters 2018 - Hazeltine sequel does not go to script for Rory

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:47:00 +0000

"Hazeltine 2: Duel in the Dogwoods" it was not.

In fact Rory probably the only fellow who called it in his post round 3 interview when he said that it wasn't just going to be him and Patrick Reed duking it out for old times sake. In the end it was Jordan Spieth from nine shots back who looked likeliest to deny Reed, joined and then exceeded in the chase by Rickie Fowler. To be fair to Patrick Reed, which few of us have been this week, his wire to wire win was richly deserved. Spieth and Fowler had two cracking rounds, Reed had three and was the most consistent throughout the week. He also had to handle the pressure that comes from being the hunted and did so admirably.

But for me the biggest story was the one that didn't materialise - the continued elusive Grand Slam.

Roars don't make scores

Things certainly didn't go to plan for Rory McIlroy right from the off. A lot was made of the size of the cheer he received on the first tee relative to those for Patrick Reed. What counted more in the long run was the size of the groan as Rory's drive on the first went way right. No, further right than you're thinking. The fact that he scrambled for a par was inconsequential, the tone was set for his swing from then on in.

The best approach shot of the day on 2 came from McIlroy, but again, it didn't really matter. The tentative putt that followed sucked away the confidence gained and was a harbinger for the missed putts to follow. Sure he'd closed the gap to one shot at this point, but that was as close as he would get to the lead for the rest of the day.

The rest of his round was a fight - the composed balanced finishes with a twirl of the club were gone, replace by wishful leaning - plaintively trying to correct the gremlins that had entered his swing on the final day through force of will. The clutch putting that had been on display was replaced by some weak efforts which slowly bled his challenge into irrelevance.

It was a stark contrast to the bullish, confident McIlroy that had got into prime position in the first three days.

A Diamond in the Rough?

A few things were noticeable while the turmoil set in. In response to some of his earlier misses, there seemed to be an over-correction from Rory. Eagle-eyed home viewer in Byker Lee Westwood (former Masters runner up) pointed out

Just an observation but how far left is Rory aiming today.?!
— Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee) April 8, 2018

This may have been done by design, but it implied that Rory was fighting against the worry of a bad shot rather than playing the freewheeling golf of yesterday.

There was also a noticeable lack of conversation about things. Some will naturally begin to question the wisdom of having your best pal on your bag. Part of the role of a caddy is to correct a golfer if he feels he's overcompensating as Rory seemed to be. Also to give a stern talking to your player when the need arises - focus the mind, snap him out of it.

Walking into the back nine, there needed to be a renewed sense of purpose - Rory had not dropped a stroke on the way home all week, and it was well within his powers to put a run of birdies together. Paul Casey, Cameron Smith, Rickie and Jordan all showed it could be done. Does Harry Diamond have the licence or the capability to deliver the rocket that might be required? I'm not sure he does. The overheard conversations between Rory and Harry often seem like what they are, two friends shooting the breeze. Rory often looks like he's making all the calls himself.

As we saw at Bay Hill this can work wonderfully when things are going well. Why question it? Because for one of the most talented players in the game, Rory is more likely than most to wilt in the spotlight. Occupying so much of the burden is an easy way to build up a mental fatigue. You really do feel he needs greater support, a hard questioning voice in his ear to keep the focus and remind him who he is at key times - one of the greatest swingers in the game. Billy Foster worked wonders for Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, Rory's former stablemates, by applying exactly those firm psychological tactics - calling on Lee at times to bully the opposition out of the way - it took Lee back to the pinnacle of the game.

All is hardly lost

Of course, we're talking about someone who has just finished in the top 10 for the fourth year running, there is no need for wailing and gnashing of teeth. I really do believe that he will put it all together one year at Augusta, but to do it over four rounds, maybe he needs to get himself one of the top caddies on his bag. Someone to help steady the ship when the need arises. It might make all the difference.

Either way the lad's just come off a win in the Arnie Palmer, top 5 at the Masters and has shown the sort of form that had the golfing world at his feet. Harry on the bag or no, I'll be backing him to add to his major tally this summer.

US Masters 2018 Final Round - McIlroy vs Reed - Hazeltine Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 16:32:00 +0000

The final day of the masters looks like being a repeat of one of the great Ryder Cup singles matches. Patrick Reed, the beefier American answer to Ian Poulter and the European golden boy Rory McIlroy went head to head in the singles at Hazeltine in 2016.

It was a killer singles, matching each other blow for blow. The clip below shows the standard that was reached, with McIlroy producing a monster putt, producing an outburst of “I can’t hear you” at the partisan crowd, trying to play the talisman role yet again for team Europe. Only to see his birdie be matched by Reed in typical bullish fashion.

There was a bit of mutual respect after that and McIlroy has commented that the two have actually had quite a good relationship since. Sometimes the crucible of battle breeds the unlikeliest of friendships.

Reed hasn't forgotten it either, as evidenced by the fact he was swanning around the course with his Hazeltine Umbrella yesterday - something probably more likely to spur Rory on if it's needed again on Sunday.

In that particular scenario Reed came out the Victor. And he has a handy little advantage going into the final round of a three shot lead. Indeed we had an example of the two matching each other again, Rory’s audacious if fortunate eagle chip in at the eighth for eagle at the eighth, matched it not bettered by a pair of the rare birds for Reed one at 13 and another chip in at 15. A three putt at 16 made things a little closer, 3 shots can be recovered in a single hole round Augusta, Reed need only look at his playing partner today to be reminded of that. How many references will we get to Rory’s 2011 collapse tonight? I’m not sure but don’t make it a drinking game – you’ve been warned…

I have to say that I fancy Rory’s chances, his putting which has been the main weakness for him in previous years has a solidity to it that has been missing for some time. Clutch putts are going in for him and his scoring has in recent years got better as the tournament wore on.

As for Reed, he has been playing out of his skin, but no one has shot four rounds in the 60s at Augusta, not Tiger, not Jack, not Palmer, Player or Spieth - it’s so hard to keep such high standards and get the kind bounces you need. Is Patrick Reed really going to be the first man in history to do this, because if he doesn’t, I feel that Rory will be chasing him down.

The others are probably not going to be able to overhaul them both, one of the two you would expect to score lowly enough. But Rickie Fowler has been playing magnificently, holing putts like a demon, so if a reed collapse materialised, Rory will still need to be looking over his other shoulder. One further back is John Rahm, who seems to have figured things out now and will be one to e watching in years to come certainly.

I said before the tournament, I thought this looked like Rory’s time – I thought it would take someone doing something special to stop him. Reed wasn’t the man I thought it would be, his Masters record prior to this week was pretty awful, but the fact that it’s him adds a little spice to what was always going to be a great last Sunday at the Masters.

US Masters Betting - Rory is the leader of the Pack for Me

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 22:21:00 +0000

These are the guys I'll be having a little flutter on this week. Mainly I'm behind Rory this week. And Freddie...

No Spieth, Justin or Dustin for me - I'm going rengade with my fellow Norn' Irishman and a list of ole faithfuls that usually run well round this track.

Top Bet - Rory McIlroy 11/1

It has to happen for Rory some year doesn’t it? In 2011 it seemed a done deal, the boy who was to take Tiger’s crown had arrived, until the wheels came off in brutal fashion at Amen Corner. He’s won four majors in the time being, and four tope tens in the last four years at Augusta. He showed a real return to form with the stylish win at the Arnold Palmer. It feels like it could and should be his year.

Tiger Woods 12/1

He is really back folks, a fused spine was all it took, but he is looking in prime physical condition and his form is right up there two, with a trio of top 5 finishes to demonstrate that. You’d be mad not to back him.

Justin Rose 12/1

Justin has played better than anyone around Augusta in recent times, with two runners up spots in the last three years. He likes this place, and it took an astonishing display from Sergio in the closing stretch to keep the green jacket off his shoulders last year.

Bonus bet – he’s been fast out the gates a few times here , I’d back him for the first round lead too.

Phil Mickelson 16/1

Tiger’s new best bud – they’ve even been taking practice rounds together – who saw that coming. Lefty has also been demonstrating the powers of old in recent weeks. He loves it out of the pine straw round Augusta, he’s a good bet for yet another top ten.

Paul Casey 22/1

A recent winner at the Valspar, Paul Casey has been stringing together three to 6 finishes the last few years, and looks in good shape to repeat something of that success. Casey and Rose have been leaderboard fixtures for a few years now. If you have a spare moment, you may want to google his beau, former Gadget Show presenter Pollyanna Woodward. You’re welcome.

Matt Kuchar 40/1

Koooooch has a nice affinity for the Dogwoods and Azaleas, four times 8^th or better in the last six campaigns, always a nice man and a nice each way hoss.

Ian Poulter 50/1

If the way you got here counted for anything, he’d be two shots up on the field. He’s had a couple of top tens at Augusta and who is to say he couldn’t carry some of last weeks chest thumping display over to this week.

Cheeky punts

Thomas Pieters 55/1 – one played, one 4^thposition…

Bryson DeChambeau – silly name, silly clubs, but recent runner up to Rory. 75/1

Fred Couples – 300/1 It’s Augusta, time for one more spurt up the leaderboard from Freddie to gladden all our hearts. COME ON FREDDIE! Cash out in the final round though...

Odds are correct as of 11pm London time Wednesday 4th from PaddyPower.com

Please bet responsibly - When the fun stops, Stop. Etc...

Tiger Woods - Back in the chase, this time for real

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 20:31:00 +0000

Eldrick Tont Woods. Would a player by any other name be better? The categorical answer is Yes, because they called that same player "Tiger", and well that name is enough to strike fear into the heart of any Golfer. The name "Tiger" cannot be mentioned without evoking and image of the prowling powerful beast the moniker derives from. And how greedily he feasted on the golfing world for so long – winning a fifth of the majors he entered. He truly took the lions share and left others of enormous golfing talent and potential, sniffing around like hyenas for the scraps.

Tiger Woods Major Results timeline

Tournament	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
Masters Tournament	T41 LA	CUT	1	T8	T18
U.S. Open	WD	T82	T19	T18	T3
The Open Championship	T68	T22 LA	T24	3	T7
PGA Championship			T29	T10	1

Tournament	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Masters Tournament	5	1	1	T15	T22	1	T3	T2	2	T6
U.S. Open	1	T12	1	T20	T17	2	CUT	T2	1	T6
The Open Championship	1	T25	T28	T4	T9	1	1	T12		CUT
PGA Championship	1	T29	2	T39	T24	T4	1	1		2

Tournament	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Masters Tournament	T4	T4	T40	T4		T17
U.S. Open	T4		T21	T32		CUT
The Open Championship	T23		T3	T6	69	CUT
PGA Championship	T28	CUT	T11	T40	CUT	CUT

Win

Top 10

Did not play

But that well fed peak was some years ago - his last top ten coming in 2013. In fact his precipitous fall is one of the main reasons I stopped writing about golf - the focus had moved from the seemingly inevitability of the chase for Nicklaus' record to the crude and sickening detail of his penchant for chasing tail.

Of course it was right that this occurred – here a man had presented himself as a paragon of sporting prowess and family virtue and had traded on them to a degree that no-one before or since has managed. There were only so many times it was amusing to make a double-entendre laced commentary on Tigers latest struggle and the tendency to view everything through the prism of how Tiger was doing was wearisome. Even as Rory pulled off the spectacular, the headlines would still be dominated by Tiger’s woes or even a glimmer of his return to form. In dominating the game so long, he had almost completely taken over. Tiger woods, as EA Sports had realised before us all, was golf.

It really wasn’t until injury took away even the slightest chances of competing, when his back trouble became the only thing that really could stop him from his relentless pursuit of majors that the golfing world began to look away from the circus of a man called Tiger.

These were years for a man called Eldrick Tont. Falling ever further in the ranks. Rumours of comebacks that came with the spring – whispers of prepping for Augusta – came and as surely went each of the last four years, each one taken with a larger pinch of salt.

There were those out here – the Tiger Truthers – who maintained he had it within him to summon up the blood once more, but they did so in increasingly muted and caveated tones. They began to sound like the cries of folk who hadn’t been paying attention to what was happening whist el Tigre licked his wounds on the surgeons block.

Comeback - what are the chances?

I would never have written him off entirely, but the passage of time and the emergence of Rory, Jordan, Dustin, Justin as huge figures in the game meant the likelihood of a return to dominance seem if not an impossibility, then a definite improbability. Of course a cheeky cameo charge would always be on the cards, should the drives align and the putter get hot but consistently high levels of play?? I couldn’t see it.

The back surgeries, which have been a near annual event, well they’re not the bricks that comebacks are built on usually are they. And in some of the “comebacks” which never were, the painfully restricted movement on show implied that we might never see Tigers power truly unleashed again.

I had the pleasure of being thirty feet or so, off to the left and just ahead of him, from a full throttle drive in 2005 at St Andrews, when Tiger was probably at the peak of his powers. I had seen the drives of most of the field, certainly all the leading groups from the same vantage point but only Tiger’s drew a sharp intake of breath. Then a muffled chorus of blasphemous profanity which flowed into a collective shaking of heads and spontaneous chuckling in disbelief to those around you – “did you see that?” Your brain could not quite compute that you had. An act of balletic violence. A controlled wild slash. At the top of the swing you could see the abs grip and somehow tear a blur of arms back from their zenith and it was clear the forces generated in that swing were not being generated by anyone else that day – would anyone elses frame have even tolerated those forces? No – no one but the near superheroic Tiger.

Of course Tiger, was in years hence exposed as a mere man with human frailities – of mind and body, of morals and flesh. Not even his mighty spine could handle the trashing he was subjecting it to. Last year, he had a fourth back surgery – to go with his four knee surgeries – an Anterior lumber interbody fusion. Fusing vertebrae – is that what it’s come to?

What some of us laymen (me too) may not have appreciated was that this seemingly drastic surgery was going to bring about not another false dawn but perhaps offer him the ability to once again swing with approaching that same level of ferocity. He’s described himself since like a walking miracle.

I’d always imagined that were Tiger to make another push at the top of the game, it would come through a reliance on his superb short game, his at times sublime ability to hole the putts he needed. After all, you don’t need to be bombing it to win a major, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Fred Couples have all had superannuated runs at majors in the last decade, using their nous of the course to take advantage over the field. I never thought he’d be able to do it as he had before, by out muscling the competition.

A walking miracle

But to look at the figures coming from his recent rounds, it doesn’t seem he’s going to require a new way to win. He really might be able to become the Tiger of old once more.

In a quite awesome proclamation of his return, his drive on the par-5 14th at the Valspar Championship, registered a clubhead speed of 129.2 mph — the fastest swing recorded by any pro on the PGA Tour in 2018. If any doubt lingered over the fitness of this latest version of Tiger and the potential strength of his challenge coming majors, it was probably dispelled with this one brutal swoosh of a club. It certainly made more than a few sit up and take notice.

Nick Faldo has said it best really, all of the shots are there in his game again. The only worry is the Drive, which no amount of clubhead speed can help if it’s snapping left. Whether Woods will ever adjust – hold back on his driving, or take an iron off the tee to take that risk out of his game is yet to be seen. But I’d imagine he’ll continue to be happy to take his shots from the wrong fairway as he always has. It’s taken him to four green jackets and nine other top tens at Augusta after all.

It’s a tantalising prospect. A healthy, fit, powerful, in-form Tiger Woods, teeing it up against what is one of the hottest fields I can remember at Augusta. Every one of the big boys is running into form and for some of them, this will be their first opportunity to measure themselves against their childhood hero. Who would have dreamed that it would be a hero in seemingly peak physical condition – will he be at the peak of his powers this week? Will it be the start of the next sustained assault on Jack’s 18? I certainly won’t be betting against it. Tiger Woods is back.

Poulter takes the midnight train to Georgia, as only he can

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:53:00 +0000

Ian James Poulter has been at it again. Has ever a golfer responded to a gauntlet being thrown down in such belligerent and dogged fashion than Poults? I’m sure that there are fine examples out there but I can’t think of anyone to have done it with the regularity that he has.

Ian Pouter’s brain is simply not wired like the rest of us – when adversity arises, when there is only one way left to win, that’s when he thrives. While others would see one chance as close to no chance, it’s like he merely gets a heightened sense of what he needs to do.

The equation has been simplified.

You will not succeed unless you do this. Best do it then.

You’re not qualifying for the Ryder cup unless you finish your round birdie-birdie-birdie – okay, there you go, best start measuring me for the opening ceremony suit.

You need five birdies in a row, just to keep Europe in the match on the Saturday? Well then that’s what you’re going to get. The “mailman” delivers miracles. At Medinah and elsewhere.

All too often he has been criticised for keeping this extraordinary talent for rising to the occasion for the team format of the Ryder Cup. So it is fantastic that he has reserved what might be the prime example of doing what was needed when it matters most for himself.

You think you need to get to the quarter final of the World Matchplay in order to qualify for your favourite tournament – you go out and you do it – you deliver – course you do – you’re the mailman FFS. Only to then be informed it was a miscalculation, a quarter final berth wasn’t enough, you actually need to reach the semi’s you’re told ten minutes before the match… Your Masters golden ticket which you thought you’d just collected, snatched from your grasp.

Only a win this weekend at the Houston Open will do now. In most folks heads it would be simple as that, you had your chance in the Matchplay – your most successful arena. You’ve never won a strokeplay tournament in the US. Might as well invest in a new set of slippers for when you’re watching the boys thrash it around the Azaleas on the box.

He might well have thought that, particularly on Friday, lying 123^rd in the tournament after a +1 first round. Now it’s not just your own personal record of not winning a strokeplay event on the PGA Tour – no one has ever won a strokeplay event from as lowly a position as 123^rd. Until this week.

With so much on the line, Poulter displayed all the hallmarks of his Ryder Cup pomp – chest beating, laser like irons, putting like Ian Poulter on the back nine at Medinah – once more using the same blade that kept a continent in the running, he kept himself in the running for a Masters berth.

He did not have it easy, a charge from the young Beau Hossler saw a three shot lead for Poulter disappear in the dying holes, it took a 20 foot nerve jangler on the last to see him into a playoff. Once there, Hossler tamely lost on the first play off hole – his chance had come in his regulation play heroics, and his energy had left him by that point. He did not begrudge Poulter, appreciating the adversity that he had come through to win.

Poulter’s reaction after the win showed that all these factors and indeed the problems with injury in recent times were playing on him all week.

"Last week was painful. To come here this week I was tired and frustrated. I had packed my bags to leave on Friday night, and had a mental switch; I was patient, I waited my time and this is amazing. I haven't won a strokeplay event in the United States before and to do it this week is amazing.

"This one is for my wife Katie. The last few years have been tough, I've been injured and there's been stuff going on and she's the reason why I'm here."

To me, it’s a brilliant thing that he has now made it to Augusta, in a year when the field may be small but it has rarely been more exciting. The old guard are all creeping back into form, Mickelson and Tiger competing , with a full to bursting cast of young pretenders who might have thought the chance to duke it out with them over the green grass of Augusta had passed. It's enough to get some folk writing about golf again.

Could Poulter do it there? He’s been as high as sixth in recent years and Sergio showed that it is a place to put questions over a major record to bed. He did say once, in years to come it will be down to just Tiger and him. That was a tad hyperbolic but I’d take that head to head come Sunday.

Cigar Guy is amazed at Tiger's picture perfect shot

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Only one man put his hands up whenTiger asked, who thinks I can get that camera man square in the face. Man in Blue was correct.

Above is the photo that everyone should be talking about because of the amazing way in which the ball is captured mid flight, maybe ten yards from tigers blade, seemingly about to strike the lens of the camera - and that's because it did. The ball then bounced off the photographer’s chest and fell to the ground. Wood’s was playing with Steve Stricker against Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter at the Ryder Cup at the time. It's being called the sports photograph of the year, and is tipped to win awards.

But it's become an internet sensation for another reason besides the quality of the photography

The cigar guy.

That dude to the right of Mr Woods wearing what has been described as a "Groucho Marx style mustache and Rastafarian looking brown-red wig". Clearly he's trying to do a Miguel Angel Jimenez tribute. He just hasn't quite got there. It's the quizzical expression, the fact he looks like he's staring in a slightly different direction to everyone else, the fact that the costume is spectacularly weak. No-one knows who this guy is but I'm guessing he'll get some telly appearances out of this. He's already getting photoshopped into the background of other famous sporting pictures all over the world. A latter day numa numa guy or lolcats.

But he should be ashamed, attempting to pull off the Jimenez look, without equipping himself with a potbelly, absolutely criminal!

The Ryder cup won by an Irishman - though maybe not by the one we all expected....

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:32:00 +0000

The Camerman bet Graeme he couldn't do a one inch punch, this was the last photo he took...

The Ryder Cup has long been kind to the sons of Ireland. Many's an unheralded journeyman "mick" (that's our word so I can use it) has drank deep of glory from it's golden rim. Eamon D'Arcy, Christy O'Connor Jr, Philip Walton, Paul McGinley - none of whom got a sniff of a major, all landed that crucial point to secure the biggest prize in Golf for Europe.

Three Irish lads lined up for Europe this week, one grabbed all the headlines for his Tigerish boasting, one grabbed headlines for being included in the team at all, while one took his place without much fanfare, despite being the US Open Champion.

Graeme McDowell, kind of came in under the radar for this Cup, but he outperformed both the precocious talent of Rory McIlroy and Padraig "Three time Major Champion (TM)"Harrington as Europe secured a close fought victory against a resurgent USA. A hard fought point against one of America's toughest competitors was sealed with some of the most gutsy putting you could imagine.

And might I throw in a few massive congratulations to the Mechanic, Miguel Angel Jimenez. He came into this week with a fairly woeful Ryder Cup record, just two points to his name which if we're honest had been largely won by his playing partners. There can be no doubt how crucial he was to this effort however. Putting of the highest order yesterday kept him in and then saw him win with Peter Hanson yesterday, against opposition that were playing some of the best golf out there, Overton and Bubba Watson. And to be lined up against the longest hitter on the US team, Watson again, on a wet course were length was already an issue, I didn't think he could match it. I though the long holes would offer too much to the American. but in his own inimitable style, puffing a cigar as went, Jimenez took him down. That's what it takes to win Ryder Cups - guys to step up. When Westwood couldn't get it done Europe needed someone in the middle order to keep things going and boy did Miguel do it. Heroic effort.

Tad disappointed to see Kaymer struggle these past few days, he doesn't seem comfortable in the atmosphere, doesn't seem to get fired up by it all. It'll take a few more years for him maybe, but he better get into it cause you'd imagine he'll be on more than a few teams to come.

But Luke Donald, what a playist. He's nearly forgotten as he doesn't offer the same wild eyed enthusiasm of Poulter or McDowell but God does he produce it when he's needed. It's a shame he missed out last time around, Faldo could have used him - and he'd have been a candidate to set some records beyond that 6-0 foursomes streak he's got going. I can't wait to get home now and watch the highlights and celebrations again, what a great Ryder Cup. I think the DVD for christmas will be welcome viewing.

Oh, and well done Monty. I don't know what was said in the locker room on Saturday, too rude to print here apparently anyhow. But by **** it worked!

Rory and Tiger - may be cosy on the cover but inside? - they just want to get it on. (Not like that, you know what I mean...)

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Tiger didn't appreciate what Rory meant when he said pull my finger - worse still, Rory had been eating cabbage and bacon the night before. You could cut the air with a putter....

It's just round the corner now and if the early exchanges are anything to go by, there might just be a bit of spice in this weeks Ryder Cup. Much is being made of how possibly the most talented (and most marketable) golfers on either side, RoryMc and Tiger have been having an exchange, which if you believe the hype could make for one of the most explosive meetings ever seen in the Ryder Cup.

It was quite a while ago when Rory made his comments, and the way he was playing at the time, it was true, any of the boys would have fancied taking on Tiger. Just off the back of the Bridgestone Invitational, after Woods' hacked it about like a pale shadow of his former self McIlroy said: "I'd love to face him" and to be fair to him he's stuck to his guns after a few more respectable appearances from Woods.

But there is no doubting that Woods has not taken kindly to it. Rumours abound of a locker room meeting where Tiger told the young Irish upstart to "be careful what he wished for". And there are certainly precedents of Woods upping his game should anyone have the cheek to talk up their chances against him before hand.

The clearest example was in the 2006 World Match Play when Stephen Ames told the press before his first round match against Tiger that he fancied his chances, "especially where he's hitting the ball".

The next day Woods won the first nine holes, seven of them with birdies, and had the job done on the 10th, a crushing victory. Asked for a response afterward Woods made no angry comments, simply saying coolly, "9&8", a score which really said it all.

A more cynical man may say it's a marketing ploy to sell more copies of Tiger Woods 11, with it's new Ryder cup feature, allowing you to pit Rory vs Tiger in Ryder style battle. Or an even more cynical old git might point to the fact that Tiger, for the first time since the franchise started, had to share coverspace with McIlroy. He's only just arrived and he's on his bloody cover, no wonder he wants to sort him out.

Really, when it comes to it, I can't see the pair falling out. Rory's just too affable a chap and does Tiger really need to go picking a fight with a young kid in the tournament which is supposed to be step one towards his rehabilitation? But aside from the words exchanged, wouldn't it be a hell of ding dong battle to see those two fighting it out on Sunday.

Tiger Woods to play Masters - theory that he may now trim his schedule down to the four majors to make time for extracurricular activities unconfirmed

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:51:00 +0000

Tiger will return at this years Masters. Probably a shrewd move as the galleries around Augusta are lees likely to get filled with drunken haters than at any venue in the world (no ones gonna risk getting thrown out of there for a heckle).

Let's hope the ocassion doesn't get to him (it won't, the mans a machine - or so I've heard) and that he can keep on producing Golden Masters moments like this...

Lee loses out to the Mechanic - eternal conundrum settled - Pot belly really does beat barrel gut.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:07:00 +0000

Miguel had asked for an ashtray, though it proved so cubersome he had begun to regret it...

Okay, I'm playing catch up this week. It was a thrilling finish to the Dubai Desert Classic last weekend. Miguel Angel Jimenez, a player who is probably in everyones top five favourite pro's got back to winning ways after an eventful play off with Europes big hitter Lee Westwood. It took several holes to seperate them, some superb clutch long putts from Jimenez keeping him in it, some nervy pushed makeable ones from Westwood keeping his hands off the prize. In the end it was a stroke of luck for Jimenez that helped him over the line, his ball just managing to stay on dry land, perilously close to the water. A fine chip and a putt and the Classic and it's rather demure and understated trophy, ahem, was his.

Yet another playoff loss for Westwood who's struggled in mano a mano deciders of late. Still, it's another top five finish for him as he continues to prove one of the most consistent performers in World Golf. He was playing at a very high level towards the back end of last season and he's kept that up - don't be surprised to see him take the big step he's so often threatened to this year. My tips - US Open for Lee, Open for Rory. Two of our boys in one year? Wishful thinking perhaps.

Sweet Jesus - low score shattered in Dubai - they've gone so low it's a limbo show!!! Muted response from BBC suggests they know nothing about golf...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Print this out, put it on your wall, make a t-shirt with it, treasure this momentous day in sporting history

In all my years I have never seen a more exciting start to a tournament than the one which the BBC have just reported on at the Dubai Desert Classic. Not only have we got a six way tie for the lead including rising supertar Rory McIlroy, in-form Saffa Charl Scwartzel and um Stephen Dodd amongst others, but they've each gone an broken one of the last great barriers on the European Tour. No one has previously bettered 60 shots in a round before - Darren Clarke one of the holders of that record having hit it twice. But just look at that leaderboard - No fewer than SIX players getting around in 15 UNDER PAR! 57 shots - the lowest round on the PGA is 59!

Which is why I'm posting that screenshot for posterity. I'm sure one or two of the guys must have thought when they got to 15 under par they'd be streets ahead, but nay, such is the competitiveness on tour that there's six of them duelling it out. The standard is incredible.

Unfortunately they have yet to get round to updating their full leaderboard which is still showing them at only four under - repeating the mistake in the main article also - a frankly shocking oversight which has undermines completely the stunning acheivement of these brave lads and is a sad indictment on the level of attention the BBC is paying to it's golf coverage these days. Makes me sick to my craw, it really does.

Paul Casey currently lies joint seventh on three under, in such record breaking conditions, a pitiful score, completely put to shame by McIlroy et al. How will he get to sleep tonight.

Hey Phil, quit swinging your Ping Eye 2 around, it might be legal but it ain't right in front of children.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:20:00 +0000

At a time when Tiger Woods has completely ruined his reputation and Golf is seeking another star to step into the breach as its new leading light, you would think that the big boys would want to do everything possible to make sure there is not a negative word said about them in the press. Which makes the decision of Phil Mickelson to jump so willingly through the bizarre loophole in the new law regarding U-groove clubs so amazing to me.

The ban on U-grooves was meant to have an impact on players scores by punishing wayward tee and approach shots which find the rough. The sharp edges provided by U-grooved clubs cut through grass caught between clubface and ball at impact, allowing players to have much greater control over shots from the rough and even impart spin on the ball too. To put the penalty back into finding the long grass, the decision was made to not allow pros to use these clubs anymore and revert back to V grooves, whose edges have shallower angles and thus do not cut through to the ball as effectively. This reduces the control the player has on the shot and leads to unpredictable flyers over the green and other such hilaritys. But as it was to be the same for all, it was going to bring an emphasis back on accurate iron play.

But a side effect of a 20 year old court ruling has kind of scuppered this brave new dawn. The Ping eye 2 wedge, which has square grooves, is not affected in this new era of V-shaped grooves because of a lawsuit Ping filed against the USGA that was settled 20 years ago, in which the USGA showing an amazing lack of foresight allowed the Ping eye 2 golf club to be sanctioned "approved for play" forever. Having started the ball rolling on the V-groove issue, someone must have realised that this was going to come and bite them on the bum.

And now it has and has sparked a debate among the golfing elite which is becoming quite venomous. And the main target of the venom is Big Phil.

One of the most effective weapons in Mickelson's armoury down the years has been his incredible deployment of the flop shot. High, towering shots, hit with almost a full swing from just off the green which may travel only ten yards forward and land almost dead on the spot. It's of no surprise then that it's the Ping Eye 2 60 degree lob wedge which Phil has begun packing. It's a crucial part of his game and clearly he wants to retain that advantage. But at what cost to his reputation?

He has stoutly defended his decision but I can't agree with his reasoning.

"The only thing that matters is are they approved for play. So I don't feel that there's any problem if I were to play those clubs or if anybody else were. All that matters is that it is OK under the rules of golf."

The thing is, if it wasn't for some daft legal case twenty years ago, presumably undertaken just for a marketing advantage, the clubs would not be legal. That they are allowed for play is down to a legal technicality, not because they have some sort of midway design that is borderline and they just scraped through. The design is illegal under the new laws of the game. If Callaway made a completely identical club to it it would be illegal. If you put any other U-groove club from 1990 in the bag it would be illegal. If you put any other club with a U groove design by Ping from any year, in any condition, it would be deemed illegal. Which means that really, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to agree not to use it.

Do I think that he's gaining an almighty advantage by using it, not really. But if he's not, then why use it. Why put yourself in that position.

Cause you're gonna get your Robert Allenbys who will be less than impressed -
"I just believe that even if they are legal, you still shouldn't be using them. Just because someone has a couple sitting in their garage somewhere or they've got them off eBay or whatever, I just don't think that's the integrity of the game. I think 'cheating' is not the right word to use, but it's definitely an advantage."

And then you'll get your Scott McCarrons who will be a tad more outspoken.

"It's cheating, and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play...all those guys should be ashamed of themselves for doing that. As one of our premier players, (Mickelson) should be one of the guys who steps up and says this is wrong."

Now Phil's response is, surprise surprise, to get all legal on it and accuse McCarron of slander, when all Scott wanted was for Phil to lead the way in saying "Hey guys, this club, it might be legal but lets not use it, right, lets be all that we can be". I think that's a little sad. Because at the end of the day, if Scott McCarron turns up with a 60 degree Taylor Made Lob Wedge from 1990 next week, he'd be breaking the laws of the game, while Phil flops away merrily. Just cause you can get away with it, doesn't mean you should do it. It ain't right Phil, think of the kids.

Rob can see clearly now the fluids gone - It's a bright sun shiny day in Qatar for Karlsson

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:17:00 +0000

Robert was very pleases to find that the trophy had been based on the Little Mermaid, a movie he watches "twelve times a year - at least - I love that crab and Ariel's smokin' hot"

It's always surprising to me to find out just how old Robert Karlsson is - he's forty - he doesn't look it. I know Golf has it's fair share of oldie's but still goodies, but they mostly look old. No one would look at Kenny Perry and think hes early thirties now would they. But apart from defeating Old father cronos and defying the aging process, Rob's had a few other issues to contend with this past year. Off the back of becoming the first Swede to claim the Order of Merit in 2008 he was expecting big things in 2009. But a problem with blurred vision caused by fluid behind the retina of his left eye kept him out of the game for four months. Only toward the end of the season did he show signs of the form which had made him European No.1.

But he was back to winning ways at the weekend. His flawless round of 65 saw him safely home, three shots clear on 15 under at the Qatar Masters in Doha. The big man easily fended off the chase from Alvaro Quiros, who finished with a 67. Lee Westwood would likely have been the biggest challenge for Karlsson but a cracked driver head during the third round deprived him of probably his biggest asset forcing him to change the club for the final round.

"It's hard to imagine anything else going wrong this week so 11 under is an unbelievable score," said Westwood. "Long, straight driving is one of my strengths and if you take someone's strengths away from them it is going to very difficult to compete." Still, Lee has now notched up 12 top 10 finishes in his last fifteen outings. Incredible consistency.

This is Karlssons first win since the Order of Merit clinching Dunhill Links he won in 2008 and he was understandably elated to get back in the winners circle after his lay-off.

"It was a tough time coming back. I had a couple of good finishes at the end of last year with Henrik (Stenson) at the World Cup and with a second in Japan, but it is fantastic to be back now.
I am really happy to be back playing well, it is the first time I have played really well for a long time and the way I finished off today was very satisfying."

Kaymer gets the title, Poulter gets the headlines, they're both probably quite happy with that arrangement.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:14:00 +0000

It was a tight finish to the Abu Dhabi Championship at the weekend with about as stellar a final group as one could wish for. Early leader Ian Poulter, future world No 1 (TM), Rory Mc and the rising power of Germany Martin Kaymer making one of the best final three balls the European tour has had in a long time. It turned into a bit of a two man show as Poulter and Kaymer kept one foot in front of Rory. Kaymer had started the day one shot clear of the English man and it stayed pretty much that way for most of the day, Poulter never quite able to make the most of his opportunities to push Kaymer further.

The field was as good as you get on the European Tour, and it marks a step up in the calibre of tournament that Kaymer has won so far. Only 25, this Kaymers fifth win on tour yet he rarely gets a mention amongst Europeans leading lights - this weeks rankings should change that. Though not completely. For despite the fact that the lanky German has now catapulted himself to number 6 in the world, the headlines on Monday hailed the fact that Ian Poulter had edged his way into the top ten for the first time in his career - just scraping past McIlory into 10th. A tad unfair on Kaymer.

One thing that has come of Poulters great leap forward (or toe dip to be more accurate) is that for the first time in literally oodles of years, make that the first time ever since the rankings were formally introduced, there are three Englishman in the top ten in the world. Ten years ago, Lee Westwood was the only one in the top 100. Europeans now outnumber Americans in the upper echelons too. Maybe, just maybe this is the year that the strength in European Golf translates into Major wins. Rory Mc at St Andrews, that's my tip - even if that randy man is back for it...

A word for another young Irishman, Shane Lowry, a cracking final round from him has gotten him into the top 100 and a fair few quid in his pocket too, two things he didn't get from his Irish Open win last year. Why enter as an amateur, it only hurts if you win...

Poulter and Bland - not two words you hear together very often - top the strong field at Abu Dhabi

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Ian subtly takes the opportunity to sniff his pits - they were as fresh as any in Abu Dhabi but that wasn't saying much...

An awful lot has been made of the fact that an awful lot of the top golfers in the world have decided to rock up at this weeks Abu Dhabi Golf Tournament. 8 of the top 14 have elected to tee up there this week, making it one of the strongest fields you're likely to find on the European tour outside of the Majors and World Golf Championships. An indication of a shift in the pulling power of the PGA tour? An indication of the impact of Tigers absence? Not really, more of a display of just how many of the top Golfers in the world now hail from outside the US, with the top Europeans turning out in force for this event, as well as top Aussie Geoff Ogilvy. The comparison with the PGA Tours Bob Hope Classic is what makes for the headlines - topping the ranks there is Mike Weir at a lowly 39. Ouch. But considering Tiger and Phil are on hiatus for differing reasons it's not quite the horror story that some might be painting it - the European Tour will not be holding on to the big boys throughout the season, not when the pickings across the pond become so much richer.

Then it'll become all the more stark the difference in the respective fields once Rory Mc makes his planned shift to the US tour comes into play. The roles will be very much reversed...

But hey, there's a first round to be talked about and it's been a PGA Tour regular who's made the early running. Ian Poulter and his funky trousers got off to a flier as he got around in an unblemished 65 blows - the final one being a monstrous 70 foot putt for birdie on the last. Richard Horne picked up where he left off in last weeks Joburg Open, an eagle on the second helping him to a share of the lead along with Poulter and the unfortunately named Richard Bland...

One behind and lurking ominously is the illustrious duo Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard hasn't hit a ball in competition since November so he has hit the ground running with his 66.

Not a bad start but not a fantastic one either for Chubby Chandlers chubbier charges - Lee Westwood is on 3 under and Darren Clarke is 2 under after a pretty up and down first trip round the Abu Dhabi Golf club.

Rather more off the pace are two of the higher ranked players, Ogilvy and Casey. Geoff never got started as he plodded his way to an even par 72. Casey did at least pick things up after a 7 on the par five 8th hole to get back to level par.

One of my favourite pieces of commentary from the recent tournament for all last years winners on the PGA Tour came when looking at a list of the recent US Open winners and remarking how well the course was suiting the likes of Cabrera and Glover - they got to Michael Campbell before exclaiming "Where the hell is he now?" - the answer? 459 in the world and rock bottom of the leader board in Abu Dhabi on 83 for the day...

Two down, the question now is - Can Schwartzel do what Tiger couldn't and go undefeated for the season?

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:47:00 +0000

So, the second tournament on the European Tour this season concludes much as the first did. With the redoubtable Charles Schwartzel lifting the trophy. The Tour makes a pretty favourable start for the season for Schwartzel, a lot of European players have found their home tournaments taken off the schedule - even Englishmen will only have the one chance to play on home soil this season (though it's only a wee run up the road to Scotland for them I guess) whereas young Charlie has had the cheering crowds for both the South African and now the Joburg Open. It'd be unfair to make out he wasn't a richly deserving winner of both however. This title is his fifth on Tour now and he looks to be the latest star ready to emerge from the homeland of Player, Els, Goosen and er, what's his face - looks like he wears mascara... Trevor Immelman (he's a major winner too remember!).

Lass Season he put in some strong performances in these early stages too, always featuring in the weaker fields, but tended to get lost in the shadow of the leading lights when they showed up to play. He stands the chance to become the first player since Seve in '86 to win three on the trot - though the field at Abu Dhabi next time out will be a little stronger. Westwood, Casey, Ogilvy, Stenson, McIlroy, Poulter, Garcia and Kaymer will all be rocking up to spoils Schwartzels party so he will have his work cut out.

This fortnight's play however should be enough to get him where he needs to be to make his Masters debut. Much quoted this week was how low the scorign has been these past two weeks, Schwartzel is 52 under par for his last 11 rounds. Remarkable scoring. Some of the putting I saw him produce over the weekend was nothing short of brilliant. Could this be his year to make his mark in the golfing world? Early days to call that yet...

The fields he has vanquished this last fortnight have been shorn of the big guns, mainly journeymen and some young South African comptriots, with the notable exception of Darren Clarke. The big man had announced his intention to get an early win under his belt and put up a decent fist in his attempt this week. Four behind Schwartzel at the start of the day, Clarkes early part of the round failed to make up the ground required. In the end it was a cracking eagle on the last which allowed him to record a 68 and claim joint second along side the low shooter of the day, homeboy Keith Horne, after his 64.

It is the sort of performance Clarke needed though. He needs to get some strong results in early if he hopes to get himself back into the Majors. Ranked 110th coming into the Joburg Open but still blessed with the talent to be much higher he'll need a few more like this to get where he wants to be. Its a positve start to the year though, hopefully he can keep the momentum going.

And worth a mention, young Englishman Danny Willett finished in a creditable tie for fourth with another South African James Kamte. Fantastic to see a young black player from South Africa doing well - lets hope it inspires more.

Tiger voted Athlete of the Noughties - He has been a very active boy...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Rumours that Don Cheadle is putting himself forward for the role in a Tiger Woods biopic have gathered pace with the uncovering of this photo. Uncanny isn't it - Need a clue? Don is the one in the Puma shirt...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/8417501.stm

So there it is, Tiger Woods, was voted Athlete of the decade by US sports editors in an Associated Press poll, getting 56 of the 142 votes to beat out cancer defeater and seven time Tour winner Lance Armstrong and clean cut 15 time grand slam winner Roger Federer.

It's unclear at this point as to whether his extracurricular activities played a role in the win but lets face it who else has dominated their sport to such a degree whilst partaking in what must have been a strenuous nightly regime of personal excercise.

Richly deserved.

It'll likely be of cold comfort to Woods, as it looks as though his sabbatical to save his marriage will not be a successful one, the divorce lawyers have already been called into play. I just hope that he can get things back on track now, before the story turns from a scandal into a tragedy.

In other news - TW:the movie starring Don Cheadle, surely it's on his way.

Tiger Woods, Sex Panther. A big cat marriage made in hot love heaven....

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:09:00 +0000

So there hasn't been an advert screened featuring Tiger Woods since two days after "the crash". That's loyalty for you, I mean talk about fairweather sponsors!

I guess at least in the interim Tiger is going to struggle to attract new sponsors, until he gets back on the course and starts ripping it up again. Watch them come back in their droves then as the redemptive powers of another Green Jacket cover over his trangressions or another Claret Jug washes away his personal sins in the eyes of Joe Public. They'll be clamouring over him again like flies round shite...

But for the meantime Tiger may want to take advantage of his hitherto unknown prowess with the ladies. How about stepping into the brogues of Anchorman hero Brian Fantana and working as spokes model for Sex Panther.

I can see it now - "Sex Panther - it brings out the Tiger in you..."

I'm sure there's all sorts of clever approaches you could take on the whole Tiger/Panther angle. Let's hope that the rumours that money was exchanged for transgressions turns out to be unfounded - Brian Fantana sure as hell never had to pay for it. That goes against everything Sex panther stands for. That's why you use Sex Panther - so you don't have to! Let's hope another potential sponsor doesn't go adrift, he'll have to fill the Tiger kitty somehow.

Sex Panther is available for purchase at more than just your local illegal chinese product emporiums - it's gone mainstream - an event which may explain a recent spike in birthrates

World Challenge win for Furyk and a handy lift for wee Graeme.

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:38:00 +0000

He might not have won the tournament but the Graeme McDowell certainly acheived what he set out to do at the start of the week. Hovering on the wrong side of the top 50 in the world rankings, McDowell was dangerously close to missing out on next years Masters but after claiming a runners up spot, our wee Graeme should now be guaranteed to be teeing it up at Augusta come April. That must have been his main concern when he was handed this opportunity when it was clear Tiger was unable to attend due to his, ahem, injuries, so bully for him.

He was of course in with an excellent chance of winning yesterday, coming into the final round sharing the lead with YE Yang after a sensational 66 on saturday. He was overhauled in the end though by Jim Furyk, who finished strong to record his second 67 in a row for a total of 13 under. Despite making birdie on the last McDowell still finished one off Furyk. Westwood and Harrington finished joint third, making it a pretty good week for the European big dogs.

Big Jim will be a popular winner. Amazingly it's his first win for over two years. I guess it seems surprising as he has remained a consistent presence on leaderboards throughout that time, finishing runner up as recently as the BMW Championship. It raises him up the rankings to sixth in the world.

His winless streak is something that has bothered him...

"It's bothered me. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. That's your goal every year
to go out and win, and I haven't been able to do it. Hopefully, this will be a
stepping stone."

Fingers crossed it is, we need guys who do it their way up there at the front, and no one swings a club quite like Jim Furyk, with good reason....

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiger did not make any appearance, he's still in head down mode as the revelations continue, but did post a message on his website.

"As the final round of the Chevron World Challenge begins, I would like to
extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone affiliated with the event, especially
our amazing title sponsor, Chevron. They've been title sponsor for the last two
years and have a vision and passion for creating real opportunities for my
Foundation. I thank them for their ongoing commitment.
I'd also like to thank all of our supporting sponsors and my tireless, dedicated staff, board and volunteers who collectively produce this first-class golf tournament. I am so grateful to them for their efforts, and I am sincerely sorry I was unable to
fulfill my duties as host and player in this important event.
There are also 18 outstanding pros in the field, and I thank them for providing us all with some excellent competition this week.
Lastly, I'd like to thank our fans for continuing to support us. Like them, I am extremely dedicated to this tournament, to my Foundation and the millions of young lives we serve. Thank you all for your support."

I'm sure that the sponsors will find this apology more than makes up for the masses of lost revenue this week. We'll see him next year I guess, if not on Oprah first....

Tigergate - how they could have handled it...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:12:00 +0000

I've been thinking - careful I hear you cry, thats dangerous - but I have been thinking - How, if it were ever possible could Tiger have effectively deflected the attention his very public car crash received. The holes in his story were so wide even he could have driven an Escalade through them. So what could he have done. He should have gone straight for leftfield, came up with an angle we'd have bought if not because it was beleivable then because it was so batshit crazy that it had to be true. To apply more spin than Tiger gets off a 60 degree lob wedge. Here's just a few ideas that just may have saved Tigers bacon...

Option 1 - Blame Steve Williams
Release a statement saying that Tiger was on the wrong end of probably the worst yardage reading Steve Williams had ever given but the Kiwi didn't stick around to take the blame. Having turned up trollied at Tigers thanksgiving do, Williams slurredly told Woods he had Seventy yards Tiger And after failing to spot the danger of the water hazard to the rear too.

Option 2 - Blame Steve Williams Jealous nature
Upon hearing rumours through the grapevine that Tiger had been seen around town with a new caddy, a jealous Steve Williams set out to destroy his potential rival. After long faithful years giving 100% to get his 10% Williams was not going to go quietly into the night. Hiring a team of specialist hitmen via a secure phomeline, he gave the oblique instructions to "Nobble Tigers new caddy". Taking the opportunity whilst secure in the knowledge Woods would be at his Thanksgiving dinner, the hired guns sneaked in and sabotaged his Escalade, mucking up the steering as well as rigging the windows to smash on impact just to piss Woods off. Upon hearing of the crash Williams and realising how terribly wrong he had been, Williams then took advantage of the false rumours about Rachel Uchitel and hired a series of ladies to make false rumours. A benovelent and over protective Woods, realising that Williams would face charges should the truth emerge decided to take the hit to ensure he has his main man on his bag come Augusta.

Option 3 -Blame EA Sports change of direction

The events of the past four days have in fact been an elaborate attempt to expand the incredibly successful Tiger Woods gaming franchise into the Grand theft auto Market. Play as Tiger Woods as he rides in his Escalade - he can't negotiate the driveway from hell, can you? Plans to offer gameplay as a golf club wielding Elin have been shelved due to the negative public reaction - hence Tigers denials of any physical violence taking place. Expect Tiger Woods 11 - "Playa" to be in stores next July.

I'm available for PR advice on a pro rata basis...

He's not the messiah - He's a very naughty boy!

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

And then a booming voice said "Let there be no false idols before me - as a precaution I've set up a website called TMZ to catch out the naughty false messiahs in particularly embarrassing and public circumstances...

I think we all feel a bit let down by Tiger, but some have invested more time and devotion to him than others and are feeling the pinch a bit more as a result. One such person is the pastor of Tiger's church.

The First Church of Tiger Woods - celebrating the emergence of the "true" messiah - has been running since 2000. Nine years. Nine years of celebrating one of the most amazing golfing talents the world has ever seen. It's a really funny website and is worth a retrospective look - it drives home just how highly we all thought of Tiger.

But in light of the recent revelations the founder and chief celebrant of the church John Ziegler has turned his back on Woods, his fallen idol. It's a pretty good barometer of the feelings of some of his most ardent fans. The ones who invested so much in following his career are no feeling the most disenchantment at his fall from grace.

The church is to be disbanded - the name of the website changed to "The Damnation of Tiger Woods" and the man who used to preach his Gospel has resolved not to write of Woods again except to cover the breaking tales of his "transgressions" as and when they come out. It's a full blown conversion from the evangelist to chronicler of his demise.

“After several days of evaluation, I have decided to disband the First Church of Tiger Woods (as indicated by the graphics at the top of this website) and I will not renew the TigerWoodsIsGod domain name when it expires in a couple of months. Any future commentary on this site (which may not happen at all) will be regarding Tiger’s failings in relation to his affair/accident debacle which continues to unfold almost by the hour."

“Because the First Church of Tiger Woods has been in existence since late 1996 and this website has been around since early 2000, you might think that such a decision might be difficult. In this case, it was not. Unfortunately, Tiger Woods has made it all too easy to realize that he is no longer worthy of any special admiration. “The events of the past few days have revealed Tiger to be a serial adulterer, a blatant liar and a selfish coward. While I am sure I will always respect his ability as a golfer, that was only a very small part of why this much-misunderstood website was created and why it became such a big part of my life. "

“As I have documented in my columns below, Tiger is clearly no longer deserving of being seen as a role model or a hero and he has needlessly squandered his unique potential to be a positive force in our country and the world. While I am relatively sure that Tiger will make a comeback from this sad episode and that there will be great moments for him in the future, I personally am done with Tiger Woods and I doubt that I will even care very much about whatever else he might achieve on the golf course (for someone who once vowed to make sure he lived until he saw Tiger get to 19 major championships, I have a hard time believing I can write those words with such ease).”

In doing so Ziegler seems to have broken in spectacular fashion the tenth of his commandments, a commandment which seems to have an almost freakish prescience to this weeks goings on.

X. Thou shall pay no attention to Tiger’s apparent flaws. (we at the First Church are sure that there are good reasons for Tiger’s over-commercialization, temper, choice of girlfriend, lack of college degree, conflict of interest with CBS sportsline, and acceptance of appearance fees through his deal with Buick. One can not question the will of God.)

There's been a lot of people who seem to still be resolutely keeping this commandment but I'm beginning to sense that the attitude of the many shall begin to follow that of his once greatest prophet in turning their back on Woods.

It think it's telling that the actual breaking point seems to have come from Woods no show at the Chevron World Challenge -

"Now, there is no doubt about it. Tiger Woods is a lying coward. Even after all the missteps of the past couple of days, if Tiger had shown up, done his press conference, finally told the whole truth, played his guts out and donated his winnings to to his foundation, it would have been possible to forgive him and perhaps eventually restore him to his place atop the lofty pedestal that he alone had seemingly been to born to occupy. We learned today that is not going to happen. "

I think he has a point. I think Tiger could have done himself a lot of favours by doing something like this rather than concentration on the poor attempts he's made at damage limitation. Amen brother John, Amen. Hopefully though when Tiger does get off the naughty step and back onto the course he can still appreciate him for the amazing Golfer he is.

In an alternate Universe, Woods might have got away with it...

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:50:00 +0000

The Tiger Woods Crash saga has not been a complete disaster for all involved. Just nearly all involved. Apart from those making money off the back off selling their stories there has been one entirely blameless beneficiary.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/dec/04/tiger-woods-get-a-grip-on-physics-john-gribbin

Yes, curious disciples of Tiger, maybe thinking that there is some small nugget of physics knowledge contained in the paperback which is the key to his success have rushed to get their hands on it. The author, John Gribbin, said he was "delighted that anyboy's reading my books. I just wish it was one that's still in print."

Here'es the blurb on what Gribbins back catalogue is about...

Best known for In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, an exploration of the mysteries of quantum physics still selling well 25 years after it was first published, Gribbin has amassed a back catalogue which ranges widely over modern science. His latest book is In Search of the Multiverse, which charts ideas about alternative realities from Hugh Everett's many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics to recent developments in M-theory pointing to a landscape of alternative universes in string theory.

Then at the bottom of the article possibly the best put down to come out of this yet -

"Perhaps Woods will see if he can find a universe in which none of this ever happened," suggested Gribbin.

Ouch...

Ian Poulter Rises to the World Challenge... but rounds out with a damp fart finish

noreply@blogger.com (The PGA Tourist) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0000

Ian realised on looking at the ball that it wasn't his, but he'd just recorded a birdie so he kept walking...

In and amongst all the hullabaloo, some proper Golf Tournaments are actually taking place this week. That includes the Chevron World Challenge. Of course the concentration of covereage is on who is not there this week, the golfing world still reeling from the news that Vijay Singh is one of two high profile withdrawls. But with or without the massive interest generated by Vijay's presence as defending champ, there's still enough big names left to make this a cracker of a shoot out.

18 players are invited there this week and leading the way early doors are Zach Johnson and Ian Poulter, sharing the lead on four under The charasmatic Englishman should really have been out in front and was making the running but as he tweeted himself, it was the par 5's which stopped him really running away with it and a poor double bogey to finish too.

"hello folks, not quite the finish i was looking for. played the 5s so poorly 2 3 putt pars and a bogey, should have shot a really low round"

As it is he's got quite a few just on his tail, Johnson obviously, Harrington one back and then Furyk, Cink and Y.E. Yang too. Newly crowned European number One Lee Westwood is one under alongside TW replacement Graeme McDowell.

I'd like to see Poulter do well this week, Golf could do with a touch of the feelgood factor he brings right now. I do worry that he may suffer from no making hay when the sun shines though...