- There is a very interesting interview with Sun-Ju Ahn discussing her lack of Korean sponsors and the decision behind playing golf in Japan instead of in her native Korea. Sun-Ju Ahn stated that some potential Korean sponsors demanded Ahn get plastic surgery before signing with them. The whole process frustrated her, as she refused to get plastic surgery for the purpose of getting sponsors, so she went to Japan where she has since won 16 times, climbed inside the top 30 on the Rolex Rankings, and became the first non-Japanese woman to win the money title two years in a row.
On a personal level, I can't say I'm incredibly shocked by Ahn's story. I don't want to characterize Korea as a whole, but I do know that there are large segments of the Korean culture that are obsessed with beauty, especially within corporate circles. Several Korean pop and movie stars have gotten plastic surgery, and several others, including popular rapper and K-Pop star CL, have come out publicly stating that they were pressured but turned it down. I'm glad Ahn went on to her own success on the JLPGA Tour and refused the demands of some corporate suits who think looks are more important than performance on the course. (By the way, at the time of this writing, Ahn is T5 at the Women's British Open).
- You can't have a week without Tiger Woods popping up in the news somewhere. New reports say that Tiger paid controversial doctor Anthony Galea $76K over the course of 14 visits between January and August of 2009. This would have been immediately after his knee surgery and subsequent recovery, and prior to the infidelity scandal. Woods has previous admitted to seeing Galea in the past, but this is more fuel to the fire. Galea, for those who don't know, was the doctor who gave several high profile athletes performance enhancing drugs.
- The Open Championship will be the start of the ranking process for the 2016 Olympics. Several critics have come out and slammed the process, as only four players from each country can be eligible for the Olympics if they are ranked inside the top 15. This means a couple of players from the United States may not make it, even though they are ranked inside the top 15, and yet a player like Nicholas Fung from Malyasia, who is ranked 290th in the world, would get in. Personally, I do not have a problem with it - it's the Olympics, not a major championship. Anyone who knows anything about the Olympic qualifying process knows that there are several competitors who make the field that are ranked well down in their respective rankings. In the end, the best players will be the ones competing for the gold medal, and I for one can not wait for golf to be in the Olympics...provided, of course, that Brazil is able to build a golf course in time.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Wednesday Preview - Ricoh Women's British Open
The third majors of the year for the LPGA is upon us, as the Women's British Open has been moved up this year to allow for better weather. It was only two tournaments ago that the ladies were playing the US Women's Open, so there is no rest for the weary. Who will get her shot at glory?
Course: Royal Birkdale, one of the easiest courses on the Open Championship rotation. The ladies will have par 5s on three of the last four holes, meaning there will be tons of birdies to be had out there. Jeong Jang won the championship in 2005 with a score of 16 under par.
Strength Of Field: B+. Can't give it an A based on the lack of some of the big name players from the Asian tours. For a tournament outside of the US, it seems to be the least global major on the schedule, as the field is made up primarily of players from the US and European Tours.
Extra Tidbits: Despite Stacy Lewis' fantastic season, her hold of the number one position is not secure. If she finishes fourth or worse, Lydia Ko could take over the Rolex Rankings with a victory...Michelle Wie has stated that she will hit stinger 5 woods off the tee instead of the usual driver due to the high levels of rough. Wie supposedly has one of the best stinger shots on Tour, but is rarely used in the states...Three players in the field have won a major at Royal Birkdale - Jeong Jang, Dame Laura Davies, and Yani Tseng.
Course: Royal Birkdale, one of the easiest courses on the Open Championship rotation. The ladies will have par 5s on three of the last four holes, meaning there will be tons of birdies to be had out there. Jeong Jang won the championship in 2005 with a score of 16 under par.
Strength Of Field: B+. Can't give it an A based on the lack of some of the big name players from the Asian tours. For a tournament outside of the US, it seems to be the least global major on the schedule, as the field is made up primarily of players from the US and European Tours.
Extra Tidbits: Despite Stacy Lewis' fantastic season, her hold of the number one position is not secure. If she finishes fourth or worse, Lydia Ko could take over the Rolex Rankings with a victory...Michelle Wie has stated that she will hit stinger 5 woods off the tee instead of the usual driver due to the high levels of rough. Wie supposedly has one of the best stinger shots on Tour, but is rarely used in the states...Three players in the field have won a major at Royal Birkdale - Jeong Jang, Dame Laura Davies, and Yani Tseng.
Fantasy Four:
Stacy Lewis - Repeating as champion is difficult to do in golf, but I don't see any reason to think Stacy Lewis can't do it. She's the top player on Tour, she's coming in on a hot streak, and she's playing at a golf course that rewards risk taking and allows for plenty of birdies. This seems tailored for a Lewis defense.
Michelle Wie - Hasn't finished outside of second place in the first two majors of the season. Almost won two weeks ago until her long schedule caught up to her. Has figured out a strategy to compete on this golf course. This course is set up more for her style than Pinehurst was.
Lydia Ko - I still can't envision a 17 year old winning a major, but this course with Ko's style of play could put that at risk. If the fairways dry out, Ko will be able to run the ball low.
Karrie Webb - Has cooled off since her start where she won twice, but her driving distance will not put her at a disadvantage this week. Has nerves of steel, which will be required to putt on these surfaces. I never count Webb out as a possible contender.
(SLEEPER) Stephanie Meadow - Followed up her third place finish at the US Open with a top 10 last week on the LET Tour. Turned around and got into the field via sectional qualifying on Monday. I know very little about her, but I'm interested in seeing if she can keep up the pace.
Wednesday Preview - John Deere Classic
Next week is the Open Championship, so if you're not exempt for the tournament, this is your last opportunity to do so. The top finisher inside the top 5 who is yet to be exempt will be in the Open Championship next week. For those who are exempt, it's about building momentum and getting some good vibes entering the third major of the year.
Course: TPC Deere Run, a 7,300 yard birdie or bust course. This course yield a 59 to Paul Goydos in 2010, and was followed up by a 60 by Steve Stricker. Make birdies, or go home.
Strength Of Field: D. Jordan Speith is the biggest name in the field. A majority of the big names are playing in Scotland this week to prepare for the Open Championship.
Extra Tidbits: Jordan Speith became the first teenager to win on the PGA Tour since 1911 when he holed out a bunker shot in the playoff against Zach Johnson last year. This came on the heels of three straight victories by Steve Stricker from 2009 to 2011...In order to get bigger names to commit to the tournament, John Deere provides a charter flight from Wisconsin to England for those who are qualified for the Open Championship. 19 players in the field are qualified for the Open, and that number could increase to 20 at the end of the tournament.
Fantasy Four:
Jordan Speith - Highest ranked player in the field and the defending champion.
Steve Stricker - Won this tournament three times. I wonder about the state of his game, especially considering his very limited schedule. Has stated he may not play the Open Championship next week, so this will be his major.
Eric Axley - Sleeper pick. Has performed decently well in his limited starts this season. In a weak field, he's worth a flier.
Zach Johnson - Has played horribly lately, but has shot 20 consecutive rounds in the 60's here. Something has to give. If he wants any chance to turn this season around, he will have to perform well here. I have hope that he will.
Last Weeks Team:
Jimmy Walker: CUT
Brendon Todd: T4
Stuart Appleby: CUT
Brendan Steele: MDF
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
2014 Mid-Season (Kind Of) Awards
Covering both the PGA and the LPGA Tours can get your calender a big messed up. For the PGA Tour, we are close to the end of the season. The PGA Tour, however, is back loaded, with two majors, a WGC event, and four playoff tournaments still remaining in the season. The LPGA, however, still has three majors remaining, plus several events in Asia that take place long after the PGA Tour season has concluded.
Despite these schedule differences, the circumstances behind the two seasons could not be any more stark. With nine events left in the season, the PGA Tour still has several questions surrounding it. There is no clear player of the year, the world number one is not fully secure (though Adam Scott is playing well), and each week seems to produce a different champion. The LPGA, meanwhile, has a bunch of events left, but the top players have been established. There are very few "surprise winners" on the LPGA, especially this year.
These "awards" are based on nothing more than my own observations, and are no predictor of the future.
Player Of The Year
PGA: Martin Kaymer - He won two of the biggest events on Tour. Honestly, you can make a big case for Bubba Watson and I don't think I would argue too much. Fact is, there isn't someone who has taken the Tour by storm this year. All of the big name players have had disappointing seasons - including world number 1 Adam Scott, who has a victory this season. I know it's hard to win on Tour, but if someone with two wins ends up winning the Player Of The Year award at the end of the season, it will show just how much the Tour misses Tiger.
Other Considerations: Bubba Watson, Jimmy Walker
LPGA: Michelle Wie - Yes, I know. Statistically, Stacy Lewis has had the better season. It's hard to not give the award to someone who only finished outside the top 10 once this season...but it's also hard to not give the award to someone who won twice, including a major, finished runner up in the other major, and whose worse finish is T23. The question is, which is more impressive - three wins, or two wins including a major? Give me the major, especially the biggest golf tournament in the women's game.
Other Considerations: Stacy Lewis
Rookie Of The Year
PGA: Brooks Koepka - The only rookie to really "move the needle", if you will. The PGA Tour isn't going to take into account his performance on the European Tour, but I can't completely ignore it. He qualified for both major Opens, and would be 89th in the FedEx Cup standings if he were eligible while playing two tours. Chesson Hadley has a win, but it was in an alternate field event.
Other Considerations: Chesson Hadley, Brice Garnett
LPGA: Line Vedel - Lydia Ko is going to win this award without any troubles, but I refuse to accept the fact that someone who won twice on Tour can be considered a "rookie". With Ko out of the consideration, Vedel has been the most consistent rookie this year. Mirim Lee is ahead of Vedel in the standings, but won a majority of her points months ago and has been quiet since. Vedel has made four of five cuts, with three of those being top 25 finishes. Vedel has only missed two cuts this season.
Other Considerations: Mirim Lee, Amy Anderson
Comeback Player Of The Year:
PGA: J.B. Holmes - A lot of players to consider for this one, but I decided to go with the one who played the best this season. Holmes came back from elbow injuries and brain surgery to win the Wells Fargo Championship, finish T17 in the US Open, and currently sits at 30th on the FedEx Cup standings. Holmes is in the midst of his best season as a pro, and at only 32 years old, we could be seeing a lot of Holmes in the future.
Other Considerations: Retief Goosen, Angel Cabrera, Erik Compton, Martin Kaymer
LPGA: Michelle Wie - This one is a no-brainer. Wie wasn't just an afterthought - she was a joke. She was the warning sign of what happens when you try to turn a prodigy into a professional too quickly. She had commentators in golf and in other sports circles ridiculing her, and now she's one of the top players on Tour. Her year would be remarkable if it was anyone, but the fact that it's Wie makes it stunning. What a huge difference a year makes.
Other Considerations: Se Ri Pak
Biggest Disappointment:
PGA: Phil Mickelson - Tiger Woods has had a horrible year because of injury. Phil Mickelson's horrible year is far less easy to explain. Coming into this season, all the talk was on Lefty completing the career grand slam, and how he was going to perform leading up to that moment. Phil hasn't has a single top 10 this season. He hasn't been a factor in any of the big events on the schedule. This isn't a drop off or a decline for Lefty. It's a complete disappearing act.
Other Considerations: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Zach Johnson
LPGA: Japan - Yes, the entire country of Japan. If you asked me two years ago, I would have told you Japan is the second best country on the LPGA in terms of talent, behind South Korea. This year, I don't know if they even top China, who only really has one player. Ai Miyazato is no longer a top 10 player. Mika Miyazato, who I thought was poised for a breakout, has completely disappeared. I don't even know if Chie Arimura is still on Tour. The player who has performed the best on Tour this season has been Sakura Yokomine, and she isn't even an LPGA player. Incredibly disappointing for such a collection of talent.
Other Considerations: The Jutanugarn Sisters, Na Yeon Choi, Beatriz Recari, Carlota Ciganda, Suzann Pettersen, Brittany Lang, Inbee Park
Monday, July 7, 2014
El Pato Stands Mighty On Sunday
- I could have sworn that Angel Cabrera's career highlights were over. I would have bet that, in the end, we would be talking about how Cabrera performed in the big events, but could never be a consistently great player outside of the majors. Cabrera put that all to rest Sunday, as two great weekend rounds gave him his first non-major victory and first victory since the 2009 Masters. I don't know if Angel turned a page and is ready to have a career revival, or if this was just a one great week by the Duck, but what I do know is that Angel is one of the most interesting men in golf, and it's great to see him hold a trophy.
- Right now, George McNeill is thinking about far more than golf. Our thoughts go to him and his family as he mourns the loss of his sister, who was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. He will play in the Open Championship in two weeks after qualifying at the Greenbrier, but I'm sure that is far from McNeill's mind right now.
- Somehow, Billy Hurley III held on to qualify for the Open Championship despite his terrible, no good, very bad Sunday. Hurley looked like he was heading for his first victory on Tour, but a final round 73 on a course where others were raining in birdies sent him plummeting down the leaderboard. He was able to hold on for a top 10, which gave him a spot in the Open Championship. Others qualifying were McNeill, Bud Cauley, and Cameron Tringale.
- Tom Watson is timeless. After shooting one over par in the first round, the 64 year old shot three rounds in the 60's to finish T35. Watson says he could possibly contend at the Open Championship in two weeks, and after this performance, I have learned to never doubt him.
- Ryo Ishikawa shot a final round 67 to win on the Japan Tour, his first win in two years. A lot of people have given up on Ryo, especially with countryman Hideki Matsuyama playing well. I think we're just now starting to see Ishikawa's potential, and he will be a champion on Tour sooner rather than later.
- I wasn't able to watch the French Open, so I have no idea how conditions truly were on Sunday, but seeing the scores, Graeme McDowell's final round 67 looks like one of the rounds of the year. Sure, Kevin Stadler helped him win the title, but the real focus is on McDowell's brilliant final round, which may have secured his position on the European Ryder Cup team.
- Three more players punched tickets to the Open Championship via the French Open. Two of them (Robert Karlsson and Michael Hoey) have strong, championship resumes under their belts. Karlsson was actually one of the best players in the world until injuries and a loss of form hampered him. The third is a complete unknown with no major championship experience. If you were Victor Riu on Thursday, do you even consider the chance that you might be going to the Open Championship? He had a rough day on Sunday, but he still did enough to sneak into the Open Championship field. Not a bad day for the 416th player in the world.
- Right now, George McNeill is thinking about far more than golf. Our thoughts go to him and his family as he mourns the loss of his sister, who was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. He will play in the Open Championship in two weeks after qualifying at the Greenbrier, but I'm sure that is far from McNeill's mind right now.
- Somehow, Billy Hurley III held on to qualify for the Open Championship despite his terrible, no good, very bad Sunday. Hurley looked like he was heading for his first victory on Tour, but a final round 73 on a course where others were raining in birdies sent him plummeting down the leaderboard. He was able to hold on for a top 10, which gave him a spot in the Open Championship. Others qualifying were McNeill, Bud Cauley, and Cameron Tringale.
- Tom Watson is timeless. After shooting one over par in the first round, the 64 year old shot three rounds in the 60's to finish T35. Watson says he could possibly contend at the Open Championship in two weeks, and after this performance, I have learned to never doubt him.
- Ryo Ishikawa shot a final round 67 to win on the Japan Tour, his first win in two years. A lot of people have given up on Ryo, especially with countryman Hideki Matsuyama playing well. I think we're just now starting to see Ishikawa's potential, and he will be a champion on Tour sooner rather than later.
- I wasn't able to watch the French Open, so I have no idea how conditions truly were on Sunday, but seeing the scores, Graeme McDowell's final round 67 looks like one of the rounds of the year. Sure, Kevin Stadler helped him win the title, but the real focus is on McDowell's brilliant final round, which may have secured his position on the European Ryder Cup team.
- Three more players punched tickets to the Open Championship via the French Open. Two of them (Robert Karlsson and Michael Hoey) have strong, championship resumes under their belts. Karlsson was actually one of the best players in the world until injuries and a loss of form hampered him. The third is a complete unknown with no major championship experience. If you were Victor Riu on Thursday, do you even consider the chance that you might be going to the Open Championship? He had a rough day on Sunday, but he still did enough to sneak into the Open Championship field. Not a bad day for the 416th player in the world.
Friday, July 4, 2014
News Grab-Bag: 7/4/2014
Happy Independence Day to all my American readers, and for those outside the US...hey, have a splendid weekend anyway.
- Steve Stricker is leaning towards skipping the Open Championship. Stricker has cut down his schedule considerably the last couple of years, and doesn't seem to be bothered by which events his misses and which he plays in. He is playing this week in West Virginia and will be playing next week at the John Deere Classic in his home state of Wisconsin. Stricker said he will make a "last minute decision" on whether or not he is going.
- The Match Play has been saved! The PGA Tour has announced that the WGC Match Play will be played at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco next year, with a few changes. It will become a round robin style event, much like the World Match Play event in Europe, where each player gets to play at least three matches. Harding Park was also awarded the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2025 Presidents Cup, because we have to look that far ahead for an event that is struggling for relevance.
- Charles Howell III has turned down an invitation to play in the Open Championship. No official word has been given for his decision, but a source via GolfChannel.com claims that is is family related. Howell got in this year based on his solid 2014 campaign. He is being replaced by Thorbjorn Olesen.
- The caddies on the PGA Tour, who have now formed a pseudo-union to represent themselves in certain matters, have been in a strong disagreement with the PGA Tour over several issues. GolfChannel.com has the full write up here. It's an incredibly fascinating situation, and one that could cause some severe problems if the PGA doesn't at least listen to the demands of the caddies.
- Is 2015 going to be the end of an era? The R&A has announced that they have given Tom Watson an exemption into the Open Championship at St. Andrews, which will be the final year of his eligibility. This means next year could be the last year we see the incredible Tom Watson play at the Open Championship. Then again, Captain Watson recently came out and said he feels he can contend at the Open this year, so who knows? I have learned to never doubt Mr. Watson.
- R.I.P Errie Ball, who was the last surviving participant in the first ever Masters Tournament in 1933. Ball was 103. Can you imagine the stories Ball could tell from the people he met over the years? Even more incredible is that Ball has been a member of PGA of America for 82 years. His life has seen 18 US Presidents and two World Wars. As PGA of America president Tim Bishop put it, his career has spanned "from Harry Vardon to Tiger Woods."
- Steve Stricker is leaning towards skipping the Open Championship. Stricker has cut down his schedule considerably the last couple of years, and doesn't seem to be bothered by which events his misses and which he plays in. He is playing this week in West Virginia and will be playing next week at the John Deere Classic in his home state of Wisconsin. Stricker said he will make a "last minute decision" on whether or not he is going.
- The Match Play has been saved! The PGA Tour has announced that the WGC Match Play will be played at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco next year, with a few changes. It will become a round robin style event, much like the World Match Play event in Europe, where each player gets to play at least three matches. Harding Park was also awarded the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2025 Presidents Cup, because we have to look that far ahead for an event that is struggling for relevance.
- Charles Howell III has turned down an invitation to play in the Open Championship. No official word has been given for his decision, but a source via GolfChannel.com claims that is is family related. Howell got in this year based on his solid 2014 campaign. He is being replaced by Thorbjorn Olesen.
- The caddies on the PGA Tour, who have now formed a pseudo-union to represent themselves in certain matters, have been in a strong disagreement with the PGA Tour over several issues. GolfChannel.com has the full write up here. It's an incredibly fascinating situation, and one that could cause some severe problems if the PGA doesn't at least listen to the demands of the caddies.
- Is 2015 going to be the end of an era? The R&A has announced that they have given Tom Watson an exemption into the Open Championship at St. Andrews, which will be the final year of his eligibility. This means next year could be the last year we see the incredible Tom Watson play at the Open Championship. Then again, Captain Watson recently came out and said he feels he can contend at the Open this year, so who knows? I have learned to never doubt Mr. Watson.
- R.I.P Errie Ball, who was the last surviving participant in the first ever Masters Tournament in 1933. Ball was 103. Can you imagine the stories Ball could tell from the people he met over the years? Even more incredible is that Ball has been a member of PGA of America for 82 years. His life has seen 18 US Presidents and two World Wars. As PGA of America president Tim Bishop put it, his career has spanned "from Harry Vardon to Tiger Woods."
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Wednesday Preview - The Greenbrier Classic
Did last week upset you? Did the sight of professional golfers struggling to make pars make you cry a little on the inside. Well, never fear, because this week we head to the Greenbrier Classic!
Course: The Old White TPC, a 7,300 yard course that yields more birdies than bogeys. Stuart Appleby famously won the first installment of the Greenbrier Classic by shooting a 59 on Sunday in 2010.
Strength Of Field: D. Unless you're a big Bubba Watson fan, there really isn't anyone in this field that's going to really excite you. But hey, it's events like these that usually create the stars you root for!
Extra Tidbits: 64 year old Tom Watson will play this event for the fourth time. Last year, Watson made the cut and finished T38 on the strength of a three under par 67 on Sunday...Sir Nick Faldo will make his second start of the year, and first at Greenbrier this week. Faldo will also be playing the Scottish Open next week as well as the Open Championship. Perhaps we will also see Sir Nick tee it up once again at Augusta next year?...There is no Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson this year, which is a different sight from a year ago. Michelson played despite admitting that the course wasn't set up for his game. Many speculate that the owner of Greenbrier, Jim Justice, gave may top players special accommodations to lure them into playing the event. It's interesting to note that many big name players are skipping the event this year.
Course: The Old White TPC, a 7,300 yard course that yields more birdies than bogeys. Stuart Appleby famously won the first installment of the Greenbrier Classic by shooting a 59 on Sunday in 2010.
Strength Of Field: D. Unless you're a big Bubba Watson fan, there really isn't anyone in this field that's going to really excite you. But hey, it's events like these that usually create the stars you root for!
Extra Tidbits: 64 year old Tom Watson will play this event for the fourth time. Last year, Watson made the cut and finished T38 on the strength of a three under par 67 on Sunday...Sir Nick Faldo will make his second start of the year, and first at Greenbrier this week. Faldo will also be playing the Scottish Open next week as well as the Open Championship. Perhaps we will also see Sir Nick tee it up once again at Augusta next year?...There is no Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson this year, which is a different sight from a year ago. Michelson played despite admitting that the course wasn't set up for his game. Many speculate that the owner of Greenbrier, Jim Justice, gave may top players special accommodations to lure them into playing the event. It's interesting to note that many big name players are skipping the event this year.
Fantasy Four:
Jimmy Walker - FedEx Cup leader has a stellar career record here, with the only badge missing being a victory. Has rested since the US Open, where he tied for ninth. One of only two players to finish in the top 10 in both majors this season.
Brendan Todd - Has played amazing golf since his victory at the Byron Nelson. Finished outside the top 10 only once, and that was a 17th place finish at the US Open. Until he cools off, he is someone you should have on your team.
Stuart Appleby - Most people are sleeping on Appleby this week, who shot a 59 here in 2010. He has played decent golf this season, and has a good history on this course.
Brendan Steele - Two straight top five finishes is enough for me to believe in Steele. Will be competing in his first ever Open Championship in a few weeks, and will be looking for all the positive vibes he can get.
Last Weeks Team:
Jordan Speith: T11
Jason Day: CUT
Peter Hanson: T46
K.J. Choi: T64
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