- A deal was struck between the LPGA and the PGA of America this week to change the LPGA Championship to the Women's PGA Championship. The deal not only brings in the PGA's organizing team, but also, with the help of sponsor KPMG, increases the purse of the tournament to $3.5 million, a $1.25 million increase. The changes will take place in 2015, making this year the final year of the Wegman's LPGA Championship. The PGA has announced intentions to move the tournament to different areas, which means the annual stop on Rochester is now no longer a tradition for the tournament, which seems to upset a lot of people. There is a tradition there that many people wished to uphold. You know what else was a tradition on the LPGA Tour? Low prize money and few opportunities to play for the best players in the world. Times are changing, and the money is coming back to the Tour, and while there may be some sentimental people out there who hate some of these changes, understand that the most important people in this equation are the players, and they are getting paid far more now than they were just ten years ago. Any time I hear a tournament getting a prize boost, even if it's to the detriment of a long standing tradition, I consider it a victory. There are also a few people who seem upset by the fact that there will no longer be a tournament called the "LPGA Championship", but that doesn't bother me in the least. Almost every tournament on the LPGA Tour has the name "LPGA" somewhere in the official title. That doesn't happen on the PGA Tour. It's not called the "PGA Sony Open." Everyone is going to be hesitant about this change until 2015, and when they realize the PGA of America actually knows what they are doing (most of the time), they will be completely on board.
- To their credit, the LPGA did release a very nice statement towards the people of Rochester. There is a reason they have a PR department and I sit behind a computer and never speak to anyone.
- Tiger Woods withdrew from the US Open this week in a move that should shock absolutely no one.
- The PGA Tour announced today that they still have no idea what they are doing when it comes to this Web.com Finals thing, as they made some pretty drastic changes halfway through their season that puts more weight on the regular season performances. Instead of handing out 25 cards from the regular season and 25 cards based on the finals, the changes will put both together, as players get to carry their money over to the finals and the combined money makes up the priority ranking for the following season. This means the reverse of what happened last year - instead of those who played regularly on the Web.com Tour being at a disadvantage, it is now those who fell outside the top 125 on the FedEx Cup list that are at a disadvantage.
- This is what passes as good journalism over at the Golf Channel these days.
- Congratulations to the Alabama Crimson Tide as they won their second straight men's NCAA golf championship this week. Last week, the Duke Blue Devils won their sixth national championship in D1 women's golf.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Wednesday Preview - ShopRite LPGA Classic
The LPGA heads to New Jersey for the 26th time for one of the longest running LPGA tournaments - the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer.
Course: Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club. This is the only case I have ever heard of a hotel and golf course being linked together in the name of the course. 6,100 yards, it is a birdie or bust course where putting will be at a premium, if the weather cooperates. Under perfect conditions, driving won't be a big deal, as the course is generally wide open.
Strength Of Field: A. Everyone is here. This should be an absolute shoot out with the best players in the world.
Extra Tidbits: This is a three round golf tournament, teeing off on Friday and ending on Sunday. It was once the norm on the LPGA Tour, but has now become a rarity in exchange for traditional 72 hole tournaments...18 of the top 20 in the world are playing this tournament, with every member of the top 10 in the field...Only three women have ever won multiple installments of the tournaments, and they are all hall of famers - Betsy King, Juli Inkster, and Annika Sorenstam.
Fantasy Four:
Michelle Wie - You would be a fool if you didn't have Wie on your team, who notched another top 10 last week. Wie is one top 10 shy of her career high for a season, and is second in the CME Globe.
Lexi Thompson - Still has yet to finish outside the top 10 since her major breakthrough. It will be either feast or famine this week for Lexi, as easy condition and a three round tournament means she will have to fire at pins. Is second in rounds in the 60's on Tour.
Lydia Ko - Well rested after her win at the Swinging Skirts and a T5 at Kingsmill. Isn't the best at anything, but doesn't have any real flaws in her game, either. Not sure if the three round structure will help or hurt her.
So Yeon Ryu - Is a top 10 machine, but isn't able to grab her third victory. No one seems more due for a victory than Ryu. Is on a swinging points - may go on a run of great play, or may start to fall.
(SLEEPER) Eun Hee Ji - Coming off a T7 last week. Has 7 top 25s this season, and is 23rd in the CME Globe standings. Has recovered from a couple bad seasons to now be making cuts regularly and finding herself in contention more often.
Wednesday Preview - The Memorial Tournament
One of the great traditions on the PGA Tour is the staging of the Memorial Tournament the week after Memorial Day. A great tournament on a great golf course hosted by the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus.
Course: Muirfield Village Golf Club, 7,300 yards of pure beauty in central Ohio. This is a ball strikers paradise - past champions have been tacticians around a golf course.
Strength Of Field: B+. The best field you're going to get outside of a major or a WGC event. Adam Scott, fresh off his victory at Colonial, heads to Ohio to play in the Memorial, and Jason Day returns from his thumb injury in order to tee it up. Several international stars are using this tournament as a warm up for the US Open, including Thailand's Kiradech Aphibanrat, Korea's Hyung-Sung Kim, and South Africa's Thomas Aiken.
Extra Tidbits: Mexico's Carlos Ortiz, who leads the Web.com Money List, gets an exemption into the event. He will be playing his first PGA Tour event...17 of the 24 players from last years Presidents Cup are competing in the Memorial this week. Notable absences include Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, and Graham DeLaet...Ernie Els will play in his 21st consecutive Memorial...This year's Memorial honoree, which is given out every year by Jack Nicklaus, will be LPGA great Annika Sorenstam...The Memorial was the site of Jack Nicklaus final non-major PGA Tour event in 2005. The year prior, in 2004, Nicklaus made the cut at the age of 64.
Fantasy Four:
Matt Kuchar - Missed the cut last week, but it doesn't take away from his exception play lately. Defending champion. Muirfield Village is the perfect example of a course that fits Kuchar's game.
Adam Scott - I am always hesitant to take someone fresh off a victory, but Scott was never the kind of person that would rest on his laurels. Seems relaxed now that he is finally the world number one. Muirfield and Colonial have many similarities, and should be able to translate his confidence over from Texas to Ohio.
Steve Stricker - Sleeper Pick. Has only played 5 times this season, but most recent was a T13 at the Players. Champion in 2011. If his putter his working, he should easily content.
Justin Rose - Is playing well, with three straight top 10's on the PGA Tour, coupled with a 25th at the BMW PGA Championship. Another great ball striker whose game should suit Muirfield Village.
Last Weeks Team:
Jim Furyk: T51
Zach Johnson: 73
Paul Casey: CUT
Matt Kuchar: CUT
Monday, May 26, 2014
Some Sanity Restored To The Tour
Happy Memorial Day everybody!
- Finally, the string of top ranked golfers not being able to close ends as Adam Scott caps off his first day as world number one with a victory at the Colonial. A lot of people are still going to question whether or not Scott truly deserves to be number one with Tiger Woods on the shelf, but a few more wins like these should silence any doubters he may have.
- While one number one was winning, a former number one was returning to glory as Rory McIlroy came from seven shots back to win the premier event on the European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship. A lot of people are going to talk about this win in the context of Rory's week, which came off the announcement that he ended his engagement to his girlfriend, but it should be spoken in the context of golf - Rory won a big event with a tough field in a Ryder Cup year right before the second major of the year. That is far more significant than any personal life stuff Rory may be going through.
- It was good to see Jason Dufner back in contention, but he needs to improve his putting if he wants to be considered a world class player. He missed several really short putts in the weekend that ended any chance he had to win the tournament. In terms of ball striking, Dufner is as good as anyone on Tour. Those putts inside of 10 feet, however, is a real problem for him, and one someone his age should not be experiencing.
- I have to apologize, because I seem to always forget about Jessica Korda. I get so excited about several of these other young stars going great things on the LPGA Tour that Korda seems to get lost in the shuffle, but don't be mistaken - Korda's game matches up with anyone's. Korda, however, is not as consistent as the likes of Lydia Ko or Lexi Thompson - her second win this season was only her third top 10 in 2014.
- It's amazing how similar Korda is to the woman who came in second place - Anna Nordqvist. Her runner up finish was only her third top 10 of the season, as well, and she had two victories prior to this tournament. Neither Korda nor Nordqvist have to apologize - two trophies ties them for first place for most victories this season - but they could be in an elite class if they were able to challenge more frequently.
- Michelle Wie may very well be the Player Of The Year this season, and were it not for a first round 71, she would have the victories to prove it. Even with only one win, however, she seems to never finish outside the top 10 anymore. Wie's issues have been starting tournaments - she has a round in the 70's either on Thursday or Friday every tournament this season. If she played as well during the week as she does on weekends, she'd have to buy a new house to hold all those trophies.
- Incredibly soon we will be seeing Charley Hull join the ranks of Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson as teenage winners on the LPGA Tour. She has the game and the temperament to stand on their level - the only thing missing is a victory. I expect that to occur this year.
- Colin Montgomerie finally won his major! ...I mean, it's a senior major, but we shouldn't shed light on these kinds of things.
- How about Tom Watson coming in second place at the Senior PGA Championship? Every time it looks like Mr. Watson is about to call it a career, he does something else to remind us how great he truly is. His career will be measured two different ways - his victories and his duels with Jack Nicklaus, and his longevity long after his 50th birthday.
- Finally, the string of top ranked golfers not being able to close ends as Adam Scott caps off his first day as world number one with a victory at the Colonial. A lot of people are still going to question whether or not Scott truly deserves to be number one with Tiger Woods on the shelf, but a few more wins like these should silence any doubters he may have.
- While one number one was winning, a former number one was returning to glory as Rory McIlroy came from seven shots back to win the premier event on the European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship. A lot of people are going to talk about this win in the context of Rory's week, which came off the announcement that he ended his engagement to his girlfriend, but it should be spoken in the context of golf - Rory won a big event with a tough field in a Ryder Cup year right before the second major of the year. That is far more significant than any personal life stuff Rory may be going through.
- It was good to see Jason Dufner back in contention, but he needs to improve his putting if he wants to be considered a world class player. He missed several really short putts in the weekend that ended any chance he had to win the tournament. In terms of ball striking, Dufner is as good as anyone on Tour. Those putts inside of 10 feet, however, is a real problem for him, and one someone his age should not be experiencing.
- I have to apologize, because I seem to always forget about Jessica Korda. I get so excited about several of these other young stars going great things on the LPGA Tour that Korda seems to get lost in the shuffle, but don't be mistaken - Korda's game matches up with anyone's. Korda, however, is not as consistent as the likes of Lydia Ko or Lexi Thompson - her second win this season was only her third top 10 in 2014.
- It's amazing how similar Korda is to the woman who came in second place - Anna Nordqvist. Her runner up finish was only her third top 10 of the season, as well, and she had two victories prior to this tournament. Neither Korda nor Nordqvist have to apologize - two trophies ties them for first place for most victories this season - but they could be in an elite class if they were able to challenge more frequently.
- Michelle Wie may very well be the Player Of The Year this season, and were it not for a first round 71, she would have the victories to prove it. Even with only one win, however, she seems to never finish outside the top 10 anymore. Wie's issues have been starting tournaments - she has a round in the 70's either on Thursday or Friday every tournament this season. If she played as well during the week as she does on weekends, she'd have to buy a new house to hold all those trophies.
- Incredibly soon we will be seeing Charley Hull join the ranks of Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson as teenage winners on the LPGA Tour. She has the game and the temperament to stand on their level - the only thing missing is a victory. I expect that to occur this year.
- Colin Montgomerie finally won his major! ...I mean, it's a senior major, but we shouldn't shed light on these kinds of things.
- How about Tom Watson coming in second place at the Senior PGA Championship? Every time it looks like Mr. Watson is about to call it a career, he does something else to remind us how great he truly is. His career will be measured two different ways - his victories and his duels with Jack Nicklaus, and his longevity long after his 50th birthday.
Friday, May 23, 2014
News Grab-Bag: 5/23/2014
- There still is no timeline to the return of Tiger Woods, who said he was doing some chipping and putting, but has yet to make a full swing with a golf club. If he hasn't started that process yet, I would think the target of The Open Championship may be in serious jeopardy. It may be for the best, however - I would rather see Tiger return at 100% than see him rush to action, be sloppy, and risk further injury.
- Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki called off their engagement this week. I wish both the best going forward.
- A couple of women are throwing away our misconceptions about age in professional sports. Earlier this week, Lucy Li, 11, became the youngest person to ever qualify for the US Women's Open, beating out Lexi Thompson's old record, who was 12 when she first qualified for the Open. A few days later, Laura Davies, at age 50, qualified for this year's Open, as well. One of these stories would have been impressive enough, but both of them occurring within days of each other shows just how inclusive the game of golf is, and how the game is advancing in a way where age is no longer a barrier in competition. While most people are just now hearing about Lucy Li, it is important to note that she didn't come out of nowhere. She won her age group's Drive, Pitch & Putt competition at Augusta National this year, and was the youngest player in history to make it to match play at the Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
-This is great to hear - the purse for the US Women's Open will be increasing this year from $3.25 million to $4 million, according to GolfDigest.com. The USGA has not officially confirmed the purse for the two Opens, but most are treating this story as true, which is a great sign for the women's game. A few years ago, money was hard to come by in the women's game, with fewer and fewer tournaments to play in, sponsors leaving the Tour, and the purses being minuscule. I have talked over and over again about the job Mike Whan has done on the LPGA Tour, but credit also goes to the ladies on Tour, who have remained strong through some tough times and have played such good golf that it has brought interest back into the game.
- Speaking of LPGA sponsors, Rolex, which has been a part of the LPGA since 1980, signed a contract extension through 2023. This keeps Rolex on as the official sponsor of the women's world golf rankings, as well as the Rolex First Time Winners, something unique to the LPGA where first time winner's are honored at the end of the season and given a brand new Rolex watch.
- Sergio Garcia withdrew from the BMW PGA Championship, the premier event on the European Tour this week with a knee injury. Sergio claims he will be alright come the US Open, but it is something to keep an eye out for. Sergio joins a long list of big name players hampered in some way with injuries this season.
- Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki called off their engagement this week. I wish both the best going forward.
- A couple of women are throwing away our misconceptions about age in professional sports. Earlier this week, Lucy Li, 11, became the youngest person to ever qualify for the US Women's Open, beating out Lexi Thompson's old record, who was 12 when she first qualified for the Open. A few days later, Laura Davies, at age 50, qualified for this year's Open, as well. One of these stories would have been impressive enough, but both of them occurring within days of each other shows just how inclusive the game of golf is, and how the game is advancing in a way where age is no longer a barrier in competition. While most people are just now hearing about Lucy Li, it is important to note that she didn't come out of nowhere. She won her age group's Drive, Pitch & Putt competition at Augusta National this year, and was the youngest player in history to make it to match play at the Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
-This is great to hear - the purse for the US Women's Open will be increasing this year from $3.25 million to $4 million, according to GolfDigest.com. The USGA has not officially confirmed the purse for the two Opens, but most are treating this story as true, which is a great sign for the women's game. A few years ago, money was hard to come by in the women's game, with fewer and fewer tournaments to play in, sponsors leaving the Tour, and the purses being minuscule. I have talked over and over again about the job Mike Whan has done on the LPGA Tour, but credit also goes to the ladies on Tour, who have remained strong through some tough times and have played such good golf that it has brought interest back into the game.
- Speaking of LPGA sponsors, Rolex, which has been a part of the LPGA since 1980, signed a contract extension through 2023. This keeps Rolex on as the official sponsor of the women's world golf rankings, as well as the Rolex First Time Winners, something unique to the LPGA where first time winner's are honored at the end of the season and given a brand new Rolex watch.
- Sergio Garcia withdrew from the BMW PGA Championship, the premier event on the European Tour this week with a knee injury. Sergio claims he will be alright come the US Open, but it is something to keep an eye out for. Sergio joins a long list of big name players hampered in some way with injuries this season.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Wednesday Preview - Airbus LPGA Classic
The LPGA heads to Mobile, Alabama for the coolest sounding golf tournament in the United States - Airbus LPGA Classic. I just like the idea of Airbus - it's a bus in the air. Simple. Replace one letter in the sponsor name and it becomes the Airbud LPGA Classic, which would have been an interesting concept for a movie.
Course: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Mongolia Grove, which is an incredibly odd name for a golf course, but whatever. 6,500 yards, but it is relatively wide open, so it's going to be full speed ahead for some of the bombers on Tour.
Strength Of Field: B+. The field is missing Lydia Ko, which prevents this from being an A field, but like always a lot of the stars are here.
Extra Tidbits: This tournament last year was the start of some controversy. Jennifer Johnson won the tournament, but fell short of qualifying for the Solheim Cup team, and captain Meg Mallon chose Michelle Wie over Johnson. Many people, including Johnson, criticized Mallon for leaving an LPGA champion off the team...Ariya Jutanugarn continues her qualifying ways, shooting a 65 on Monday to qualify for the tournament. Charley Hull was given a sponsors exemption...Stacy Lewis has another opportunity to take over the number one spot in the world with a victory this week. Inbee Park returns to action to defend the spot.
Course: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Mongolia Grove, which is an incredibly odd name for a golf course, but whatever. 6,500 yards, but it is relatively wide open, so it's going to be full speed ahead for some of the bombers on Tour.
Strength Of Field: B+. The field is missing Lydia Ko, which prevents this from being an A field, but like always a lot of the stars are here.
Extra Tidbits: This tournament last year was the start of some controversy. Jennifer Johnson won the tournament, but fell short of qualifying for the Solheim Cup team, and captain Meg Mallon chose Michelle Wie over Johnson. Many people, including Johnson, criticized Mallon for leaving an LPGA champion off the team...Ariya Jutanugarn continues her qualifying ways, shooting a 65 on Monday to qualify for the tournament. Charley Hull was given a sponsors exemption...Stacy Lewis has another opportunity to take over the number one spot in the world with a victory this week. Inbee Park returns to action to defend the spot.
Fantasy Four:
Michelle Wie - Hasn't finished worse than 16th this season, and with this course being accepting to bombers, Wie should excel here. Finished 3rd in her last start.
Lexi Thompson - Another bomber that could let it fly this week. Both starts since her major triumph have been top 10's, including a T2 last week. In the top 10 in almost every major category, except for driving accuracy, which shouldn't effect her this week.
Stacy Lewis - Finished in a disappointing 12th last week, but hasn't had back to back tournaments outside the top 10 since June of last year. Leads in almost all categories on Tour. Currently leads the CME Globe and Player Of The Year lists.
Inbee Park - Has only played 8 tournaments this season, and finished outside the top 10 in two of them. Needs big weeks in order to keep her number one ranking with so many players getting closer to her.
(SLEEPER) Christina Kim - Followed up a T6 in Texas with a T29 last week, where she was in contention until a final round 73. Results are trending up. Only missed one cut this season. Is 12th in greens in regulation.
Wednesday Preview - Crowne Plaza Colonial
One of my favorite golf tournaments is this week, as the PGA Tour stays in Texas for the Crowne Plaza Colonial. The Colonial has taken place every year since 1946, making it the longest annual non-major PGA Tour stop.
Course: Colonial County Club, which measures as 7,200 yards. It is a ball strikers course, with tight fairways and sharp doglegs which punish wayward shots. Winners have all been tacticians and masters around the green. Bombers don't fair well, perhaps with the exception of Boo Weekley last year, who has one of his best ball striking weeks last year.
Strength Of Field: B. The Colonial has gone back and forth with the field strength. Some years it attracts the top players, and some years they avoid it. This year, it has attracted the number one player in the world, as well as several other top players that will provide with some great drama.
Extra Tidbits: I can't believe it's been 11 years since Annika Sorenstam played Colonial. I remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember it being incredibly controversial, with many people saying she was "taking a spot in the field" away from someone who could actually contend. By the way, 11 years later, Rod Curl is going to be teeing it up at 71 years old, and I haven't heard a single person yell about him taking a spot in the field...Prior to being placed at TPC Sawgrass in 1982, The Players Championship rotated through several courses around the country. One of which was Colonial in 1975...Rod Curl will tee it up this week after his son, Jeff, was given an invitation into the field. Another over 50 past champion, Keith Clearwater, returns to the PGA Tour to make his 27th appearance at Colonial. Clearwater won the Colonial in 1987, and Curl won in 1974.
Course: Colonial County Club, which measures as 7,200 yards. It is a ball strikers course, with tight fairways and sharp doglegs which punish wayward shots. Winners have all been tacticians and masters around the green. Bombers don't fair well, perhaps with the exception of Boo Weekley last year, who has one of his best ball striking weeks last year.
Strength Of Field: B. The Colonial has gone back and forth with the field strength. Some years it attracts the top players, and some years they avoid it. This year, it has attracted the number one player in the world, as well as several other top players that will provide with some great drama.
Extra Tidbits: I can't believe it's been 11 years since Annika Sorenstam played Colonial. I remember it like it was yesterday. I also remember it being incredibly controversial, with many people saying she was "taking a spot in the field" away from someone who could actually contend. By the way, 11 years later, Rod Curl is going to be teeing it up at 71 years old, and I haven't heard a single person yell about him taking a spot in the field...Prior to being placed at TPC Sawgrass in 1982, The Players Championship rotated through several courses around the country. One of which was Colonial in 1975...Rod Curl will tee it up this week after his son, Jeff, was given an invitation into the field. Another over 50 past champion, Keith Clearwater, returns to the PGA Tour to make his 27th appearance at Colonial. Clearwater won the Colonial in 1987, and Curl won in 1974.
Fantasy Four:
Jim Furyk - I hate going with the favorites to win, especially this season, but there are too many trends I can not ignore. Furyk has finished runner up in two consecutive tournaments. Playing the best golf of anyone, only does not have a win to show for it.
Zach Johnson - Two time winner, and the all time money winner, who hasn't finished worse than 19th in his career at Colonial. Has not played particularly well the last couple months, but has enough confidence and familiarity at Colonial that it should jump start his game.
Paul Casey - As close to a sleeper pick as you're going to get from me this week. Top 25's in the past three tournaments while playing under the Past Champions category. Currently sits inside the top 125 on the FedEx Cup points.
Matt Kuchar - I have starts to burn with Kuchar, who has finished inside the top 10 in 5 of the last 6 tournaments, and only one missed cut this season coming all the way back in February. Number one in adjusted scoring this season.
Last Weeks Team:
Jordan Speith: T37
Ryo Ishikawa: MDF
Ryuji Imada: CUT
Gary Woodland: T7
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