So for the past two season on the PGA Tour, Steve Stricker has dominated one event. The tour stop at TPC Deere Run has become a favorite of Stricker's and it shows as he pulled off back to back wins in '09 and '10. The main question coming into this weeks John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run was can Steve Stricker pull off the trifecta?
I must say that after 3 rounds of the tournament in looked like it was Stricker's to lose and with two holes to go on Sunday it looked as if Stricker had lost it. Through the first three rounds this week Stricker had a total of 1 bogey, but on Sunday he had 2 bogeys and a double bogey. As Stricker walked off the 16th green that he had just bogeyed he found himself two shots back of Kyle Stanley who had played exceptional golf all week long.
What Stricker did on 17 and 18 were the things you would come to expect of the World's 5th best player. Stricker went on to birdie the 17th to bring him within one of the Stanley who pared the 17th. As Stricker was finishing up on 17, Stanley had found himself in a slight predicament. Stanley was able to get over the trees on his approach, but fund himself in the right green side bunker on the down slope. While, Kyle Stanley was able to make an incredible shot out of the bunker he was unable to knock in the par putt. As Stanley was playing out the 18th, Stricker's hopes did not look the best as he hit his tee shot in the left fairway bunker, leaving himself an awkward stance and 182 yards to the hole over the water. The next two shots from Stricker were two of the best I have seen in a while. Stricker's 6 iron from the bunker wasn't stuck to within two feet, but the lie that he had would have made most pros crumble. Then the 25 putt from off the green would seal the third consecutive title for Stricker.
If you are wondering...Yes, Steve did get a little teary eyed during the post round interview with David Feherty, but I like to see a player that is humble and appreciative of where he is and what he has achieved; and you get that every time Steve Stricker wins. This marks the 8th consecutive start for Stricker that he has finished within Top 20 in an event. So far, I would say this has been another impressive season for Sticker with two wins already. I feel that he is due for the major championship that has avoided him during his career as he is too good and too consistent to not win a major within the next few season.
Congrats Steve! Keep up the great play!
Hit 'em Straight
Showing posts with label PGA Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PGA Tour. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tiger Woods leaves us all hanging on a thread...
As many of you may have heard by now, Tiger Woods will be making a special announcement tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM EDT. Kelly Tilghman will be representing The Golf Channel during this announcement. Since the news broke on this announcement, speculation has run rampant on what the announcement could be. Let's run down a few of the speculations and the odds that it could be true:
Hit 'em Straight
- Tiger is hanging it up for the season (3/1 odds)- Obviously, we all know Tiger has not been in full form for a while now. The Achilles and knee are still issues and quite frankly it doesn't seem to be healing as quickly as thought. This seems to be the most plausible of all speculations.
- Tiger is changing swing coaches (15/1 odds)- I don't think this is far fetched. Nothing against Sean Foley as he has plenty of great students on Tour, but Foley doesn't seem to be getting Tiger to where Tiger thought he should be. There was a lot of questions about this move once it happened and even after it took place. Now, I don't think you can completely pin all of this on Foley as a 100% healthy Tiger might have had a difference. I just can't see him calling a huge conference like this to announce something this to the public.
- Tiger is clearing the air about the Anthony Galea situation (5/1 odds)- As everyone knows Anthony Galea has plead guilty in case and with Tiger being one of Galea's top clients, one could only think that maybe there is more to the story of Galea-Woods that we aren't aware of. Tiger may be calling this presser to get some things out in the open before Galea can air the dirty laundry.
- Tiger could possibly be announcing his retirement (30/1 odds)- The only way, in my mind, that this happens is if the announcement is about Galea and the situation there is much worse than anyone could have thought. I think Tiger wouldn't retire right now based on injury unless his Achilles and knee are much worse than we could ever imagine. Either way, if he was to announce his retirement it would be tied to either the injury or more likely Galea. I think the big reason for this speculation is the fact that the announcement comes with a day notice and the fact that it must be something of major proportions to let everyone know a day ahead.
Hit 'em Straight
Monday, May 10, 2010
Hank Haney steps down as Tiger Woods coach
The rumor has been running rampant over the past few weeks about the relationship between Tiger Woods and his now ex-swing coach Hank Haney. Well, rumors can now switch over to who will replace Hank Haney. According to Hank Haney's website, Hank is resigning as Tiger's coach. Let's see what kind of light is shed on this situation over the next few days and weeks, but now let the speculation begin as to who will take Hank's place alongside Tiger.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thoughts on the Masters
Well, it has been quite a few weeks since I have had a chance to post a blog entry. Right now, I sit in my hotel in Chicago, IL where it is cold and rainy so I thought what better a time to post my thoughts on what went down at Augusta this past week.
Now, being from the Bluegrass state I must say that my heart goes out to Kenny Perry. While I was one of the many who was hoping to see Tiger come back to Augusta and pull out the victory, I must say when you see a hometown fellow on the top of the leader board it is hard not to root for him.
I know it has to be hard for Kenny looking back on the way the whole event unfolded. He pretty much had the jacket on, but just could not close it out. I know in the post game interviews he said average players don't get it done and that he is an average player, but I don't think that one bit. Kenny has put together a couple of solid years and has had a solid career. Does he have as many wins as Tiger or Phil? No, but who does, those guys are in league all their own.
I commend Kenny on his honorable comments he made and the fact that he wasn't a sore loser. I know it had to be hard to stomach what had just happened and of course all of the reporters where right there to ask how he felt and I would say if I was in his shoes my response would not have been as pleasant.
You also have to give Angel Cabrera a lot of credit. He played some fantastic golf on one of the toughest courses out there and when the door swung open he took advantage of every opportunity and finally finished off the competition.
I can guarantee you that no one expected this tournament to finish with Angel Cabrera, Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell dueling it out in a playoff to decide the Masters.
All in all, the Masters was great. We saw a classic finish and the event that went on between Tiger and Phil on Sunday was what everyone wants to see between the two.
All I can say is lets see what the next major holds for us. I just hope Kenny gets that major he has evaded his career before he leaves the PGA Tour.
Hit 'em Straight!
Now, being from the Bluegrass state I must say that my heart goes out to Kenny Perry. While I was one of the many who was hoping to see Tiger come back to Augusta and pull out the victory, I must say when you see a hometown fellow on the top of the leader board it is hard not to root for him.
I know it has to be hard for Kenny looking back on the way the whole event unfolded. He pretty much had the jacket on, but just could not close it out. I know in the post game interviews he said average players don't get it done and that he is an average player, but I don't think that one bit. Kenny has put together a couple of solid years and has had a solid career. Does he have as many wins as Tiger or Phil? No, but who does, those guys are in league all their own.
I commend Kenny on his honorable comments he made and the fact that he wasn't a sore loser. I know it had to be hard to stomach what had just happened and of course all of the reporters where right there to ask how he felt and I would say if I was in his shoes my response would not have been as pleasant.
You also have to give Angel Cabrera a lot of credit. He played some fantastic golf on one of the toughest courses out there and when the door swung open he took advantage of every opportunity and finally finished off the competition.
I can guarantee you that no one expected this tournament to finish with Angel Cabrera, Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell dueling it out in a playoff to decide the Masters.
All in all, the Masters was great. We saw a classic finish and the event that went on between Tiger and Phil on Sunday was what everyone wants to see between the two.
All I can say is lets see what the next major holds for us. I just hope Kenny gets that major he has evaded his career before he leaves the PGA Tour.
Hit 'em Straight!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Economy and Golf
Well, as we all know the economy is at the worst point we have seen it in a while. I know our new President says we will get out of this, but in my daily job I have seen the new Housing and Recovery act and I don't think rewarding people who don't make their payments a $5,000 principal reduction on their mortgage over 5 years if they can make a payment under a modification is fair to those of us who make our payments, but that is another story.
Sad thing is we are beginning to see the true effects of the economical downturn in golf. Today, I read an article discussing the liquidation of Macgregor's product. We all knew the time was coming for Macgregor with the departure of Bobby Grace and the CEO of the company. Macgregor has struggled to keep up with the big dog OEM's over the past few years and it has now caught up with them. The real question is what OEM's could be next? Well, here's a few I think we could see out of the game sometime throughout the year:
1. Nickent Golf-While I love their clubs, they just don't have the market share to keep up with other OEM's. I own a Nickent driver and it is just as good as any other driver I have used, but when people see Taylor Made, Callaway, Nike or any of the other OEM's you pull away from Nickent and it is a company you don't see at every shop.
2. Tour Edge-A smaller company that has decent equipment, but like Nickent it isn't seen in every store. The other issue I have with Tour Edge is the Exotics line and the other line of Tour Edge equipment are so distant in comparison. I think the Exotics equipment is over priced. I am not saying it isn't good, but you can get something just as good for a cheaper price. The rest of their equipment....well, if you like hybrid wedges then this is your company. I just can't see them selling much this year.
3. Wilson Staff-I don't know if they will go under, but their offerings are nothing near the competition. The prices are very reasonable, but the irons are the only thing that have gotten good reviews. The drivers and fairways are not top of the line. The lack of multiple tour players using the equipment will hurt as well. I think we could see this company dwindle throughout the year.
The other problem at hand with the economy is the withdraw of sponsors from PGA Tour events. A perfect example is FBR. You may remember that just a mere few weeks ago the FBR Open was on TV and the crowds were as raucous as usual, but news today says that FBR has pulled out as sponsor for the event.
I can only imagine with the banks and other financial institutions that sponsor PGA Tour events that this will become a common thing in sports news. I wouldn't be surprised to see more and more sponsors pull their sponsorship of events. How will this effect the game? Who knows. We currently haven't been able to project what would happen with the market so I won't even speculate how this will effect the tour.
It is definitely not a great time in our world, but remember it could always be worse. Only time will help our current situation and I think it will take more time than most people expect. I just feel that our country is pining on rewarding people for irresponsible. Until we do the exact opposite we are in for a rough time.
On a more positive note, Tiger will return to action tomorrow when he tees off at 2:02 PM EST. Good luck Tiger. I expect some big things from him this year. I know it is good for the game!
Hit 'em straight!
Sad thing is we are beginning to see the true effects of the economical downturn in golf. Today, I read an article discussing the liquidation of Macgregor's product. We all knew the time was coming for Macgregor with the departure of Bobby Grace and the CEO of the company. Macgregor has struggled to keep up with the big dog OEM's over the past few years and it has now caught up with them. The real question is what OEM's could be next? Well, here's a few I think we could see out of the game sometime throughout the year:
1. Nickent Golf-While I love their clubs, they just don't have the market share to keep up with other OEM's. I own a Nickent driver and it is just as good as any other driver I have used, but when people see Taylor Made, Callaway, Nike or any of the other OEM's you pull away from Nickent and it is a company you don't see at every shop.
2. Tour Edge-A smaller company that has decent equipment, but like Nickent it isn't seen in every store. The other issue I have with Tour Edge is the Exotics line and the other line of Tour Edge equipment are so distant in comparison. I think the Exotics equipment is over priced. I am not saying it isn't good, but you can get something just as good for a cheaper price. The rest of their equipment....well, if you like hybrid wedges then this is your company. I just can't see them selling much this year.
3. Wilson Staff-I don't know if they will go under, but their offerings are nothing near the competition. The prices are very reasonable, but the irons are the only thing that have gotten good reviews. The drivers and fairways are not top of the line. The lack of multiple tour players using the equipment will hurt as well. I think we could see this company dwindle throughout the year.
The other problem at hand with the economy is the withdraw of sponsors from PGA Tour events. A perfect example is FBR. You may remember that just a mere few weeks ago the FBR Open was on TV and the crowds were as raucous as usual, but news today says that FBR has pulled out as sponsor for the event.
I can only imagine with the banks and other financial institutions that sponsor PGA Tour events that this will become a common thing in sports news. I wouldn't be surprised to see more and more sponsors pull their sponsorship of events. How will this effect the game? Who knows. We currently haven't been able to project what would happen with the market so I won't even speculate how this will effect the tour.
It is definitely not a great time in our world, but remember it could always be worse. Only time will help our current situation and I think it will take more time than most people expect. I just feel that our country is pining on rewarding people for irresponsible. Until we do the exact opposite we are in for a rough time.
On a more positive note, Tiger will return to action tomorrow when he tees off at 2:02 PM EST. Good luck Tiger. I expect some big things from him this year. I know it is good for the game!
Hit 'em straight!
Friday, February 20, 2009
He's back......
Well, as everyone surely knows by now, Tiger has announced his return for the Accenture Match Play next week. I can't say I am surprised he would be back this soon. We all know how hard Tiger works at keeping his body in great shape so you can only imagine how hard he worked during therapy to recover.
I must say that I am excited to see him back on the course, but a part of me wonders how well the knee will hold up. Needless to say, I will be glued to the TV on Wednesday of next week to see what happens. Good luck Tiger!
Here is a link to article on pgatour.com if you are interested: http://www.pgatour.com/r/tiger_archive/index.html
I must say that I am excited to see him back on the course, but a part of me wonders how well the knee will hold up. Needless to say, I will be glued to the TV on Wednesday of next week to see what happens. Good luck Tiger!
Here is a link to article on pgatour.com if you are interested: http://www.pgatour.com/r/tiger_archive/index.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Next Big Thing....
Well, with the upcoming PGA Merchandise Show that will be held January 29-31 in Orlando, we will begin to see the new technology that all of the golf companies have created over the past few months.
Now, we have seen some of the clubs that will be released and I am currently wowed by one. Taylor Made changed driver technology a few years back with the r7 and I fell into that trap. It was a good trap though. I bought an r7 425 that I used for years and was the most reliable club I have ever owned. The ability to adjust weights on your club was a breakthrough to most people. These days changing the weighting around is old news. Now we have interchangeable shafts to tinker with. This was the next big thing until......
That is until Taylor Made created the r9. There has been speculation for years over the r9. Now with the March 20, 2009 release date set up we know what this club will offer. This club will not only offer changeable weights to move around, but it will allow you to change the angle of the face with FCT (Flight Control Technology). Now you can have the club open or closed depending on your swing that day.
As I said before I was swayed by the r7 and I see myself being swayed by the r9. Heck, I haven't even hit the thing yet and I still am contemplating pre-ordering one right now. The fact that it won it's first event in driver count and 1st place in the event is pretty big news as well.
I can't wait until the PGA Merchandise Show to see the new thing that we will see on the market, but I can't wait to see the r9 in person and see if it is what it is cracked up to be.
If you haven't heard or seen the r9 here is a link for you to check out:
http://www.mygolfspy.com/taylormade-r9-review/
Also, if you are interested you can pre-order the r9 at gppgolf.com (check below for link).
http://www.gppgolf.com/gppg/content/search.php?search=r9
Hit 'em straight!
Now, we have seen some of the clubs that will be released and I am currently wowed by one. Taylor Made changed driver technology a few years back with the r7 and I fell into that trap. It was a good trap though. I bought an r7 425 that I used for years and was the most reliable club I have ever owned. The ability to adjust weights on your club was a breakthrough to most people. These days changing the weighting around is old news. Now we have interchangeable shafts to tinker with. This was the next big thing until......
That is until Taylor Made created the r9. There has been speculation for years over the r9. Now with the March 20, 2009 release date set up we know what this club will offer. This club will not only offer changeable weights to move around, but it will allow you to change the angle of the face with FCT (Flight Control Technology). Now you can have the club open or closed depending on your swing that day.
As I said before I was swayed by the r7 and I see myself being swayed by the r9. Heck, I haven't even hit the thing yet and I still am contemplating pre-ordering one right now. The fact that it won it's first event in driver count and 1st place in the event is pretty big news as well.
I can't wait until the PGA Merchandise Show to see the new thing that we will see on the market, but I can't wait to see the r9 in person and see if it is what it is cracked up to be.
If you haven't heard or seen the r9 here is a link for you to check out:
http://www.mygolfspy.com/taylormade-r9-review/
Also, if you are interested you can pre-order the r9 at gppgolf.com (check below for link).
http://www.gppgolf.com/gppg/content/search.php?search=r9
Hit 'em straight!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Golf is back!
Well, as of yesterday Golf is actually back on TV. I was so thankful last night to be able to flip the TV over to the Golf Channel and see a live tournament (in HD nonetheless). I am really excited to see how this season unfolds. Here are some things questions for this season:
1. When will Tiger return? Will he be his dominant self? How will the knee hold up?
2. Will the young guns (Anthony Kim, Camillo Villegas, etc.) continue to climb the rankings?
3. Will the big names return to dominance (Ernie, Phil)?
4. Who will win the majors this year?
These are a few of the things that intrigue me for the coming season. We still have a little while before everything will come into full swing. I am definitely excited to see some fresh new tournaments on TV though.
Side note- Tomorrow is the annual golf show in Louisville. I will be there and I hope it is better than last year. I will provide a review of the golf show for anyone interested.
Have a great day!
1. When will Tiger return? Will he be his dominant self? How will the knee hold up?
2. Will the young guns (Anthony Kim, Camillo Villegas, etc.) continue to climb the rankings?
3. Will the big names return to dominance (Ernie, Phil)?
4. Who will win the majors this year?
These are a few of the things that intrigue me for the coming season. We still have a little while before everything will come into full swing. I am definitely excited to see some fresh new tournaments on TV though.
Side note- Tomorrow is the annual golf show in Louisville. I will be there and I hope it is better than last year. I will provide a review of the golf show for anyone interested.
Have a great day!
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