England’s Gregory Eason mastered windy conditions to shoot 69 and win the South Beach International tournament by two.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
No comments | 7:16 PM
Curtis Thompson of Coral Springs won his second Dixie Amateur title in three years in a two-hole playoff.
Don’t ask Curtis Thompson what qualifies as his favorite golf tournament. It’s pretty evident.
For the second time in three years, Thompson walked away with the Dixie Amateur championship Sunday and the crystal trophy that comes with it.
Making Thompson even more proud of winning the event is the fact he grew up only a few miles away from the Heron Bay Golf Club where the Dixie Amateur is played. That meant he had plenty of family and friends watching him pull out Sunday’s triumph in dramatic fashion, taking the title by defeating Florida State University freshman Jack Maguire on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.
Thompson, 21 and a LSU junior, shot a 65 in the final round, as did Maguire.
Both players started with unimpressive rounds of 72 on the first day of the tournament. But both players improved each day and moved into contention. Thompson went 72-70-66-65—273, and Maguire shot 72-69-67-65—273. They each finished at 15-under for the 72 holes of regulation play.
Third-round leader McCormick Clouser, who started Sunday with a four-stroke advantage, finished two strokes back at 275.
Afterward, Thompson said he wasn’t really aware what score he was shooting. “I thought I had 66,” he said. “I was more concerned with playing each shot.”
Thompson grew up in Coral Springs and is a member of one of South Florida’s most illustrious golfing families. Sister Lexi is a top LPGA player, and brother Nick plays on the PGA Tour.
A missed putt of 10 feet by Thompson on the 18th hole of regulation sent the match into the playoff.
Standing on the 18th tee of regulation, Thompson had a one-stroke lead after Maguire took bogey on No. 17 and Thompson made birdie. On 18, Thompson was on the back fringe of the green and elected to putt rather than chip. He left it 10 feet away and proceeded to miss that putt to take a bogey before going on to win in the playoff by making birdie on the second hole.
In a tournament associated with the Dixie Amateur, Corey Knight beat Ryan Carter by making a par on the first sudden-death playoff hole at Woodlands Country Club to win the inaugural Woodlands Winter Invitational. The event included the players who did not make Dixie Amateur cut.
No comments | 7:14 PM
There is not a bar stool, schoolyard or dinner table that has not been privy to such speculation.
Would Muhammad Ali have wiped the floor with Jack Dempsey? Was Schumacher a better driver than Fangio? Does Messi have the game that would have outfoxed Pele or Maradona?
Similar questions get asked in golfing clubhouses across the world on a regular basis but it was refreshing to read an actual star of the game ponder the same “what ifs” that lesser mortals engage in.
For Greg Norman there are fewer imponderables, though. The Great White Shark from Australia won two Majors and topped the world rankings before Tiger Woods turned the golfing world upside down.
Though the bulk of their respective careers never co-existed, Norman is of the firm opinion he would have “probably beat” 14-time Major champion Woods, the current No 1.
Ben Hogan and Sam Snead would not have given him any cause for fear either.
“A lot of people ask how I’d stack up against today’s players if I had use of modern equipment,” Norman tells this month’s Golf Magazine.
“Listen, it’s not about the gear. Winning is about what’s in your heart and in your head. Equipment dictates how to play the game in an era, but the physical and mental skills are the same.
“And I had them. I never feared anything or anyone on the course, and I wasn’t afraid to fail. So I think I’d do pretty well against Snead, Hogan, Tiger and Phil [Mickelson] — whoever.
“Tiger’s a tough guy, but I was a tough guy on the course, too. I probably would have beat him.”
In a revealing interview, Norman reflects on what made him a success, first on the golf course and then in the boardroom, converting 20 PGA Tour victories into a flourishing business career and a fortune worth an estimated €290m.
Norman even managed to lose half his assets in a divorce to first wife, Laura Andrassy, that cost him almost €75m in 2006 and it is not without experience that the 58-year-old said: “Failure makes you stronger.”
Now happily married for three years to third wife, interior designer Kirsten Kutner, who is 13 years his junior, Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises is a group of businesses that operates in a variety of niches from golf course design and turf research to property development, restaurants, wines and prime beef sales.
And what’s more, Norman believes he is only scraping the tip of the iceberg in terms of his multinational’s potential.
“I became a good businessman because I was a good golfer,” he said. “Golf taught me how to practice, formulate a strategy and then execute it — a due-diligence process that also fuels good business decisions.
“Some people are naturals at business. I’m not, but I had a great education through golf.”
That education began when he signed his first contract with Reebok, a quarter of a century ago next year.
“Paul Fireman, Reebok’s chief executive, had a dream for me, but eventually structured the deal so I could function as my own brand. That was huge. But since I didn’t have a lot of marketing or branding knowledge at the time, I was patient. I didn’t go for the quick buck. “I’m lucky in that I have pretty good long-term vision. Why do I have it? I don’t know. But here we are decades later and I’ve only reached 20% of what this company is capable of achieving.”
While golf success begat business sense, Norman admitted his on-course personality was in marked contrast to his commercial instincts.
“I was a different person on the course. I wasn’t as patient, because I didn’t have to be. I knew everything about the game and was super-confident in my abilities.
“I played by the sword and died by it. Would I have changed some things about my game knowing what success in business has taught me? It’s something I’d consider. But don’t get me wrong — I have zero regrets.”
Norman, though, was still calculating enough with his approach to golf to make sure he was as well equipped as he could be, mentally, physically and in terms of the equipment he used.
“The biggest difference between weekend players and pros? Let’s say we’re both 100 yards from the pin — a sand wedge for me and a gap wedge for you. I’ll use my pitching wedge and swing at 70%. You’ll hit your gap wedge at 100%. And you’ll lose. Weekend players go for broke while pros look for a way to play the minimum.”
At the elite level, Norman believes the right equipment is no substitute for talent and for Rory McIlroy, his problems of the past 12 months have nothing to do with his multi-million euro switch from Titleist to Nike clubs and ball.
“The best are always going to be the best, no matter what you chuck in their bag. Send five guys out on Augusta National with hickory-shafted clubs and gutta-percha balls, and the guy with the most talent will always win.
“Technology allows you to extract certain things from your equipment, but how you extract it is dependent upon your ability to swing the club. Science can only take you so far.
“When I was young I read a lot of articles by Ben Hogan. He wrote pages on the stiffness and torque he used in his shafts. I remember thinking, ‘Shit! I need to figure this out’.
“I spent a lot of time trying different shafts and, when I found a good match, making sure the spine was set in the same place on every club. I got it right, so I can’t figure out why today’s pros can’t do likewise.
“Take Rory. It’s absurd to say he has gear issues. It’s so easy to recreate the same specs and feel from one set to the next. Something else is going on [with him].”
No comments | 6:09 PM
With the U.S. LPGA counting down its top 13 news stories of the year, Park In-bee's name has already cropped up a number of times and the full list has not yet been revealed.
The 25-year-old, who won three straight LPGA major titles in the latest season, has had one of the best years of any female golfer in the sport to date.
Her achievements brought greater attention to the LPGA and will likely continue to do so as she hopes to keep the momentum going in 2014.
No comments | 6:05 PM
Only Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Seve Ballesteros have accumulated more points for Europe since he made his debut at Valderrama in 1997.
He has been a lionheart.
But, if captain Paul McGinley is honest with himself, he will be considering the unthinkable for Gleneagles in nine months’ time. Leaving Westwood out.
Westwood, who will be 41 by the time of the defence, has not won a tournament for 18 months.
He has slipped from seventh at the start of the year to No 25 in the world rankings.
The move to the USA a year ago that he hoped would reinvigorate his golf seems to have had the opposite effect.
“I don’t really grade my years but, if I was to, it would be about a ‘C’ this year,” is his honest assessment.
Since the qualification race started in August, Westwood has done little of note. As things stand, he lies a lowly 29th on the qualification points list.
If the team for Gleneagles was to be named tomorrow it would read: Ian Poulter, Thomas Bjorn, Victor Dubuisson, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Jamie Donaldson, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano plus three wildcards.
Luke Donald, who won last month in Japan, and Graeme McDowell, three times a champion on both sides of the Atlantic this year, are both ranked above him.
As things stand they are the more logical picks. That leaves Westwood fighting it out for one place with, among others, Martin Kaymer, who holed the putt to retain the Ryder Cup at Medinah, .
From that victorious team there is also Nicolas Colsaerts to consider.
The monster hitter was a hero for Europe in Chicago and again yesterday in winning the final point on the final green as Asia were defeated 8-7 in the Royal Trophy after another remarkable comeback.
McGinley also has Francesco Molinari to take into consideration and Paul Lawrie, too, if he wants to fly the Saltire at Gleneagles, as well as the ageless Miguel Angel Jimenez and the thrusting continental young guns Matteo Manassero and Joost Luiten, who can be expected to push on in 2014.
If Westwood was playing like the real Westwood there would be no contest. He would be in. But that is not the situation.
Westwood’s putting has never been up there with the Steve Strickers of this world, but now his strong suit, his driving, has started to leak shots, too.
Where once he could be relied upon to thread a needle, that reliability has waned.
Westwood is ranked 66th on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy and 71st on the European Tour list in 2013 even with his third-place finish at The Open.
“I haven’t been settled in a swing all year,” he admitted.
“I haven’t had a week where I hit it properly. I didn’t even hit it well in the Open. I just know how to get around and I putted well.
“My swing hasn’t been in sync all of this year really and I’ve sort of been fumbling my way around the golf course. It’s something I’m going to work on over the winter.”
These few weeks are crucial then as, with his coach Sean Foley, he tries to rectify a wonky angle of attack that has resulted in him coming in too steeply on the downswing
If he makes progress he should be able to work his way up the qualification ladder rapidly.
The bulk of the points are still to play for and, as long as Westwood remains inside the world’s top 50, he will be involved in all the key tournaments.
After a period of destabilising change, he has the familiar figure of Billy Foster back on the bag alongside him. But caddies do not play the shots and neither do coaches.
When he returns to action next month on the PGA Tour, Ryder Cup captain McGinley could do with some hard evidence that the ship is turning around.
Westwood needs four-and-a-half points to become Europe’s highest Ryder Cup points scorer. If he is to achieve it he needs to play at Gleneagles.
And if he is to play at Gleneagles, he needs to perform a lot better in the first six months of 2014 than he did in the last six months of 2013.
No comments | 5:51 PM
Wellington (AFP) - Teen sensation Lydia Ko's long-time coach Guy Wilson said Monday that the New Zealander had split with him after 11 years, leaving him "incredibly disappointed".
Wilson, who has coached the world number four since she was just five years old, confirmed he had been sacked by Ko, who signed with management giant IMG this month after turning pro in October.
"When I first met her the golf clubs were taller than she was and she didn't know the first thing about a driver or a putter, but now she has one of the most envied swings of the women's golf world," Wilson said in a statement.
He said he wished the 16-year-old the best in "what I'm sure will be a hugely successful golfing career".
"While I'm incredibly disappointed that our 11-year partnership is over, I respect Lydia and her team's decision," Wilson said.
"Lydia's consistent and outstanding performance is the ultimate payback for any coach and it has been truly wonderful working with someone with her talent, dedication and focus."
The South Korean-born Ko won her first event as a professional in Taiwan this month after a stellar amateur career, which included becoming the youngest player to win a pro tournament, at just 14.
She will reportedly work with British coach David Leadbetter, who also has Ko's IMG stablemate Michelle Wie on his books.
Ko's success has generated a wave of hype that has seen Time magazine name her as one of the world's most influential teens, although pundits have also praised her grounded attitude, attributing it partly to the team around her.
No comments | 5:46 PM
The most celebrated sporting moment in Australian history remains a yacht race 30 years ago, when a boat skippered, built and even paid for by Australians beat the shifty Americans for the first time in 132 years, prompting Bob Hawke to declare a national holiday of sorts. ''Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum,'' said the enraptured prime minister.
Julia Gillard, the first of our treble of prime ministers in 2013, was more circumspect when Adam Scott sank a four-metre putt on the 10th hole at Augusta National, thereby winning the US Masters in April. ''By any measure, this a historic day for Australian sport,'' said Gillard, as we all trotted off to work.
Hitherto, the Masters had been a cursed event, in which Aussies contrived ways to lose from winning positions. Scott and Jason Day had been joint runners-up in 2011, when either could have worn the garish green jacket. Australian golfers had been either outright or equal second eight times at Augusta. Day, as it happens, led the 2013 Masters by two shots at the 16th on the final day and then bogeyed twice.
No comments | 5:40 PM
LA QUINTA, Calif. — Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament, birdieing his final four holes on PGA West's TPC Stadium Course for a 5-under 67.
The 25-year-old Saunders, from Fort Collins, Colo., had a 17-under 199 after 54 holes in the six-day, 108-hole event that will determine player priority rankings for the Web.com Tour season.
"I was just pretty steady all day today and gave myself a lot of opportunities," Saunders said. "I made a 30-footer for birdie on 17 and then hit it in the fairway bunker on 18 and hit it to about 25 and made that one to finish with a flurry, which was cool."
Scotland's Jimmy Gunn and Scott Pinckney of Scottsdale, Ariz., were tied for second. Gunn had a 64, and Pinckney shot 67 — both on the TPC Stadium Course.
No comments | 4:09 AM
Welcome to a special year-end edition of The Grind, where we promise to provide you with a break from Christmas music. At this point in the year, the stuff is everywhere -- kind of like professional golf (now that's a transition!). From Thailand to South Africa, from Father/Son to alternate-shot events, the halls were decked (sorry) with tournaments. We'll put a bow on it all and get you ready for the holidays.
WE'RE BUYING
Sergio Garcia: It was a relatively quiet year -- on the course -- for Garcia, but like Rory McIlroy a couple weeks ago, he'll end his season on an encouraging note. Garcia had a hole-in-one on Friday and shot a Sunday 68 to pull away from Henrik Stenson at the Thailand Golf Championship. Yep, he stopped Hank the Tank. And then there was. . .
Sergio Garcia's girlfriend: Katharina Boehm was the lovely lady carrying Garcia's bag, winning in her debut as a professional caddie. Watch out, Steve Williams! But Boehm isn't just eye candy, having spent four years on the College of Charleston's women's golf team. We're not sure how long she'll last as either Garcia's caddie or girlfriend, but we hope she sticks around. We like kissy-face Sergio better than sourpuss Sergio.
Harris English: The rising star was a late replacement for Brandt Snedeker at the Franklin Templeton Shootout, but wound up teaming up with Matt Kuchar for a dominant win. English will enter 2014 at No. 2 on the FedEx Cup points list (wraparound season!) after winning the OHL Classic last month. How long does momentum last when you're carrying it over from the same season, but into a new year?
WE'RE SELLING
Unofficial 59s: The European Tour decided not to officially count the 59s by Jorge Campillo and Colin Nel at the Nelson Mandela Championship on Friday due to the golfers playing preferred lies and on a par-71 course that had been shortened to a par 70. We can see the tour's side (though two of the PGA Tour's sub-60 rounds came using preferred lies), but that's quite a dagger for a couple of lesser-known players who could have seen their names in the record book. Even worse, neither golfer won the rain-shortened tournament, with Nel finishing way down at T-40. How is that possible?!
Golf course shootings: A Reno man received five years probation for firing a shotgun at a golfer who had broken a window in his house with a stray golf shot. We've witnessed a lot of bad golf shots carom off houses over the years. You cringe and listen, hoping not to hear any broken glass, but who knew this was a possible consequence for causing damage? Scary stuff.
No comments | 4:01 AM
Jose Maria Olazabal masterminded a superb comeback as team Europe snatched the Royal Trophy from Asia in a stunning victory.
The Europeans, who were trailing 5-3 at the start of play, looked to be down and out after the Thai duo of Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee maintained their 100 per cent winning records to put the overnight leaders 7-3 up, needing just one more point for the win. However, Olazabal mastered another miraculous comeback, one reminiscent of the Ryder Cup showing, with team Europe collecting 5œ of the final six points on offer, with Marc Warren, David Howell, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bernd Wiesberger and Nicolas Colsaerts all winning their matches, and Alvaro Quiros halving with Kim Kyung-Tae. The result caps a gripping day's play at the Dragon Lake Golf Club and the winning captain admitted the performance of the team was amazing. "Our players did something extraordinary today. We knew it was going to be difficult. I thank all eight of these fantastic guys. I'm proud of the way all of the team played." Having been within touching distance of the Trophy, Asia captain Y.E. Yang congratulated the Europeans but admitted he was stunned at the outcome. "I congratulate Europe for an outstanding comeback. It was a great tournament but unfortunately a shocking loss for us," he said. "I never expected this because we were so far in front. The loss is a huge blow and a big surprise. Hopefully we'll learn from the mistakes we made and return stronger next year."
No comments | 3:58 AM
It was a memorable year in 2013 on the Web.com Tour. We saw two 59s, the debuts of the Web.com Tour Finals and Web.com Tour Q-School and more. Our Adam Schupak (@GolfweekSchupak) and Brentley Romine (@GolfweekBromine) take a look back on the season that was:
1. Last season marked the debut of the Web.com Tour Finals. What did you think of the new system?
Brentley: It's not the FedEx Cup Playoffs, but it's still pretty exciting. It gave PGA Tour guys like Bud Cauley one last chance to keep their cards, and it also allowed players who finished outside of the top 25 of the Web.com money list, like John Peterson, another chance to make it onto the PGA Tour. You won't see the unknowns graduate to the PGA Tour straight from Q-School anymore, but I think this group of 50 graduates, including the 25 from the Finals, are as competitive of a group as any we've seen.
2. Twenty-five players earned their PGA Tour card for next season via the 2013 Web.com Tour money list while another 25 earned their cards via the Finals. Which card earners were pleasant surprises? Who are you surprised didn't earn their card?
Brentley: It was nice to see Bud Cauley hold onto his PGA Tour card. Cauley struggled with the putter in 2013, but I think he'll return to his 2012 form, if not better, in 2014. Also, it will be exciting to see guys like Ryo Ishikawa, Jamie Lovemark, John Peterson and Patrick Cantlay on the big tour in 2014. As for those who didn't earn their cards, Shawn Stefani stands out. He played well on the PGA Tour early in 2013 and definitely has the talent to compete on the big level. Also, it was tough seeing Steven Alker miss out on a PGA Tour card. He finished just more than $1,000 out of the 25th spot on the money list before failing to earn his card via the Finals, as well.
3. What was the most dominating winning performance this past season?
Brentley: I almost went with Seung-Yul Noh's five-shot victory at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, but how about Mark Anderson's wire-to-wire victory at the BMW Charity Pro-Am. Sure, scores were low, but Anderson birdied the first two holes of the tournament, shot rounds of 63-67-64-65 and finished five shots clear of the field at 27 under.
4. There were two 59s shot in 2013, one by Will Wilcox at the Utah Championship and the other by Russell Knox at the Boise Open. Which one was more impressive?
Brentley: While Wilcox's 59 came in the same tournament that Chad Collins shot 60, I will still go with that one. Wilcox made 10 birdies and an eagle to achieve his number. Plus, he did it in the final round.
5. This year also marked the debut of Web.com Tour Q-School? What was your impression of it?
Brentley: I don't think it had quite the same appeal to it as the old Q-School, but it wasn't horrible. Zack Fischer had a great tournament en route to medalist honors, and it was nice to see Max Homa inside the top 10. The biggest thing for me is that everyone earned some kind of status. It wasn't finish inside a certain position or go home, so that appeal was missing. But all in all, not a bad first go-around for the new Q-School.
No comments | 3:55 AM
Adam Scott? He and I probably would have to go extra holes to determine a winner. That’s how good my year was. High on the list had to be attending the Masters with my dad for the first time. What an unforgettable walk to Amen Corner. By the end of the week, I couldn’t help but think about the time two years earlier when he and I were at Mission Hills Hainan in China and got to play with Phil Scott, father of Adam, just days after Adam had finished second at the Masters to Charl Schwartzel.
For a very brief moment, the thought crossed my mind I might be able to beat Scott’s dad. That is until he poured in seven birdies using – you guessed it – a long putter, shot 67 and beat me by 15 strokes or so (I lost count). We shared an enjoyable four hours together and I mostly listened to two proud Papas of sons named Adam trade stories of raising their boys around the game of golf. So when Adam Scott won the Masters with a sudden-death birdie on the 10th hole, I waited my turn during the champion’s press conference and couldn’t help but ask him this: “The moment you had with your father by the 10th green, is there anything special that the two of you said to each other? And speak a little about his influence in your golf career.
Here’s the transcript of his full answer: “Yeah, I think that's really fair that you say that, because although Greg (Norman) was an inspiration to me and a hero as a player, my dad was the one who was always there with me right from the get-go. He's a professional golfer himself, and my mom is a good golfer, too. But Dad coached me until I was 19 years old,” Scott said. “And when we were there down by the 10th green, you know, it was great to see him. And he said, ‘It doesn't get any better than this,’ which is true. It's a moment that I'll never forget, being able to hug him just down the back of the 10th green there.
“You know, he was the biggest influence on me. He was a great role model for me as a kid, as I think back on it, and the way he balanced everything for me so that I just kind of made my own way a golfer. Really he did an incredible job of just letting me be who I am and letting my game develop and not standing in my way at times and pushing me when I needed to be pushed. You know, he's an amazing man that is certainly -- obviously he's always there for me, the good times and the bad. He was at The Open last year and he was as positive as anyone. I'm sure he was gutted inside, but nice that I was able to kind of reward him with this one today while he was here, because he only comes to those two events (laughter).”
What a beautiful response. Fathers, sons and golf – a storyline that never grows old.
I shouldn’t single out my dad because my mom spent the week at Merion for the U.S. Open (and a weekend at the Tampa Championship). My three fondest memories from Merion: donning white gloves to handle Ben Hogan’s famous 1-iron and the dinner party where my mom was engrossed in conversation with instructor Sean Foley getting him to reveal the type of anecdotes writers drool over. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s Foley’s favorite Schupak, and I’m okay with that.
I said three and the third will also be tattooed on my brain. During Friday’s second round I picked up Billy Horschel on his second nine. He was playing beautifully, hitting fairways and greens, which prompted me to ask the scorer on the 16th hole when was the last time he had missed a green. It turned out he was perfect on the day, and no one had hit every green in regulation during a U.S. Open since they began recording the stat in 1989. At USGA headquarters, the staff stayed late to dig through the archives and couldn’t find anyone else who’d done so since David Graham at the 1981 U.S. Open (and even he supposedly hit a fringe or two). It was history in the making and I had a front row seat to see it.
Speaking of history, I’ve been chasing witnessing a 59 on Tour like Captain Ahab chased a white whale named Moby. I covered the 2010 John Deere Classic when Paul Goydos shot 59 on Thursday. I, however, arrived Friday. I was at the Greenbrier later that summer when Stuart Appleby shot that magical number on Sunday. I left on Friday. I witnessed Tommy Gainey leave his bid for 59 short – SHORT! – at the final hole of the 2012 McGladrey Classic and I was there when Phil Mickelson’s putt to break the 60-barrier horseshoed out in February at the Waste Management Open. In addition, I had detailed how ‘Mr. 59’ Al Geiberger finally got to see footage of his record-round in Memphis 36 years after he became the first player to break 60 in a Tour-sanctioned event. You can read all about it here: Tape delayed: Visual memories surface for 'Mr. 59'.
So with that setup, there I was sniffing for a potential column on a Friday at the BMW Championship. I was out watching Graham DeLaet play when I noticed on the PGA Tour live scoring app that Jim Furyk was lighting it up through his first 12 holes. The ‘59 watch’ was on. When I arrived on the front-side at the fourth hole, only a single photographer trailed alongside him. We soon had company. But until Furyk stuffed his approach on the final hole, I didn’t think he was going to do it. What a shot. What a round. He did it at Conway Farms on the north side of Chicago, the same city where he was a Ryder Cup goat a year before. It’s also where he glared pitchforks at me when I asked him a tough (but fair) question about his defeat. This time during our post-round encounter he again looked me dead in the eyes. Only this time he smiled and proudly called it “the best round of his life.” That it was.
The round of my year – in case you were wondering – took place at Shinnecock Hills. Not a bad place to have your ‘A game’ decide to show up. That kicked off playing some of the gems of Eastern Long Island -- Atlantic Golf Club, Friars Head, Maidstone, National Golf Links, and Sebonack – in a four-day span. I also teed it up with PGA president Ted Bishop in the Saturday morning game at his Indiana club, The Legends, played a few holes with Legends Tour founder Jane Blalock at French Lick Resort, and toured The Concession with its co-designer, Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin, who started calling me Bobby, for the educated draw/borderline hook I share with the great Bobby Locke. When Jacklin knocked his approach tight at the ninth hole, he said to me, “If you never see me hit another ball, you won’t forget that one.” It was close enough for a concession.
The only problem with all this good living is I practically needed to visit a tailor after a few of these trips. There was the return of the fried chicken sandwich at Augusta, the chicken salad at the Honda Classic, Sebonack’s lobster roll, asado in Argentina, jumbo shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo’s in Indianapolis, oysters on the half shell in New Orleans, ribs on the range in Memphis and I could go on and on.
In a year where I had to write about deer antler spray and octopus pants, I’ll remember being there when Hunter Mahan, the 36-hole leader of the RBC Canadian Open, withdrew less than an hour before his third round tee time when his wife, Kandi, went into labor. I’ll cherish time spent with Eddie Merrins, “The Little Pro,” and Bob Toski, two of the best at teaching the game.
Who can forget Fred Couples wiping tears from his eyes at the conclusion of his induction speech, and saying, “Thanks for taking a kid from Seattle and putting him in the Hall of Fame. This is the coolest night of my life.”
Let me tell you about cool: I walked with Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player at The Legends of Golf, had breakfast with David Graham and Trevino before they teamed up at the Greats of Golf at the 3M Championship, and spent 90 terrific minutes listening to Curtis Strange tell tales at the PNC Father-Son Challenge. I’ll never forget sitting with Bob Goalby in the Augusta clubhouse and in Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill office when The King held the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover aloft and told his friend Dow Finsterwald, the 1958 PGA champion, “Look who’s going to be here.”
Palmer’s face lit up as he explained that model Kate Upton would be attending his March tournament, visiting the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and discussing their plans to do a commercial together in support of Arnold Palmer “Tee,” his refreshing drink.
That’s when Finsterwald interjected and said, "No offense, Arnold, but I think she's going to sell a lot more tea than you."
All three of us shared a hearty laugh.
If you’ve read this far, I have one last treat for you. I heard some great stories this year and I’m going to share a final one that didn’t make it into print. It’s about Jim Langley, who served his membership with grace for 34 years as the head professional at Cypress Point until his death on July 20 at age 75. He wasn’t the only good guy in golf we lost this year. Bill Campbell, Ken Venturi, and Miller Barber were three who left their mark on the game and shouldn't be forgotten either.
CBS Sports’s Jim Nantz, a friend of Langley’s since 1986, delivered a moving eulogy recounting the story of how Langley routinely visited the 15th hole at Cypress, where just a few feet in front of the teeing area, right on the precipice of the chasm, he would pause, say a prayer, and place a ball on a small metal outcropping for his late assistant caddie master Frank Shea. That was the spot where Shea used to look for stray golf balls.
On June 20th, Langley took one last 90-minute cart ride around Cypress Point. Nantz was among a small group accompanying Langley, who asked to be taken over to the front of the 15th tee. This time they had to hold onto him as he stepped down the slope and into the iceplant. “He took one of the balls that he had used to strike one last putt on the 8th green, and just as he had done for so many years in the past, he left a ball for Shea,” Nantz recalled. “The next day, I was playing the 15th hole and after our tee shots were struck I veered off on my own to see if the ball was still there. It was gone. I guess Frank found out and took it back to heaven.”
And on that note, dear reader, I’m going to declare a half point for each Adam and here’s wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.
No comments | 2:59 AM
The best images from Golf Digest and Golf World photographers from 2013
Adam Scott sinks a birdie putt on the final hole of regulation at the Masters. Scott would win with another birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.
Tiger Woods takes his infamous drop after his third shot on No. 15 in the second round of the Masters hit off the flagstick and rolled into the pond guarding the green.
Phil Mickelson takes a moment to study his surroundings during the first round of the British Open at Muirfield. Three days later he claimed his first claret jug.
Luke Donald tees off on No. 13 during the third round of the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club.
Thorbjorn Olesen experiences Merion's thick rough during the first round of the U.S. Open.
Jason Day tees off on No. 17 during the third round of the Masters.
Phil Mickelson hits his second shot from an usual spot on Oak Hill's No. 13 during the first round of the PGA Championship.
Jason Dufner tees off on No. 14 during the final round of the PGA Championship. Dufner would hold off playing partner Jim Furyk to claim his first major championship.
Inbee Park hits an approach shot in the final round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Sebonack Golf Club on her way to winning a third straight major.
Tiger Woods hits a tee shot during the second round of the PGA Championship.
Angel Cabrera tosses his club in frustration on Augusta's 13th hole during the final round of the Masters.
Tiger Woods follows his shot off the 18th tee during the final round of the Players. A closing par gave him his biggest win during a season in which he claimed an 11th PGA Tour Player of the Year Award.
Arnold Palmer hits his ceremonial opening tee shot straight down the fairway to start off the Masters.
Justin Rose takes his second shot on No. 18 during the final round of the U.S. Open. His closing par wrapped up his first major championship.
Adam Scott birdies August National's No. 10, the second hole of a sudden-death playoff against Angel Cabrera, to win the Masters.
No comments | 2:06 AM
Why it qualifies:
-- Because Shaq's golf outfit is incredible.
-- Because Shaq is a beast. It's not like Bubba Watson is a small person, but he looks like a little kid in Mr. O'Neal's arms.
-- Because it makes us really want to watch Shaq swing a golf club.
-- Because we like seeing Bubba smiling on the golf course.
-- Because we dare anyone to criticize Shaq to his face for wearing pants with pleats.
-- Beacause, again, Shaq's outfit. Where do we get a hat like that?!
No comments | 2:01 AM
Former Ryder Cup-winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal masterminded another miraculous European fightback as his team celebrated a remarkable Royal Trophy triumph in China.
Seemingly down and out, Europe stunned their Asian rivals with a startling late surge, reminiscent of the continent's Ryder Cup success against America at Medinah last year and at the 2011 Royal Trophy.
In a gripping climax at Guangzhou's Dragon Lake Golf Club, the honour of securing the winning point went to Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, who held off home favourite Liang Wenchong on the final green in the final match to clinch an 8½-7½ victory -- the fifth time in seven editions of the Royal Trophy that Europe has won.
Spaniard Olazabal, twice previously a losing Royal Trophy captain, said: "Our players did something extraordinary today. We knew it was going to be difficult. I thank all eight of these fantastic guys. I'm proud of the way all of the team played."
For his part, Asia captain Y.E. Yang was clearly stunned by the defeat.
"I congratulate Europe for an outstanding comeback. It was a great tournament but unfortunately a shocking loss for us," he said.
"I never expected this because we were so far in front. The loss is a huge blow and a big surprise. Hopefully we'll learn from the mistakes we made and return stronger next year."
Trailing 5-3 overnight, Europe appeared doomed to lose when the Thai duo of Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee maintained their 100 per cent winning records, claiming the first two of eight singles contests to extend the home team's advantage to 7-3.
But with their backs firmly against the wall, the Europeans then rose to the challenge while the Asians wilted.
Europe collected 5½ of the final six points on offer with Marc Warren, David Howell, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bernd Wiesberger and Nicolas Colsaerts all winning their matches and Alvaro Quiros halving with Kim Kyung-Tae.
Scotsman Warren began the comeback, holding his nerve to two-putt the final hole for par and secure a one-up victory against Ryo Ishikawa, who held his head in his hands after duffing his chip from the back of the green.
Howell then took centre stage. From three-down with four to play, the Englishman won 15 and 16 with birdies and 17 and 18 with pars as Kim Hyung-Sung collapsed under the strain.
With Olesen and Wiesberger recording comfortable 3&2 successes over Wu Ashun and Hiroyuki Fujita respectively, the contest was squared at 7-7.
Kim Kyung-Tae made a brave par at 18 to finish all square with Quiros, leaving the destiny of the Royal Trophy in the hands of Liang and Colsaerts, beaten in a play-off that determined the outcome in Brunei last year.
Level through 14, Colsaerts edged ahead with a birdie at 15. The next two holes were halved before the Belgian sealed the deal with a par on 18.
No comments | 1:46 AM
Global Golf Post named reigning USGA Senior Women's Amateur champion and 2014 USA Curtis Cup captain Ellen Port, and fellow St. Louis native and victorious 2013 USA Walker Cup captain Jim Holtgrieve as its Amateurs of the Year in America. (USGA/Steve Gibbons)
WINTER PARK, Fla. – Global Golf Post, the world’s first digital-only golf news publication, has named Global All-Amateur Teams, recognizing on-course amateur excellence around the world. A total of 178 men and women from around the world were recognized at the amateur, mid-amateur, and senior amateur levels.
“This type of global recognition for amateur excellence at all levels has never been done before,” said Jim Nugent, Global Golf Post founder and publisher.
As a part of the multi-page feature in the Dec. 2 issue, the Post named winning USA Walker Cup Captain Jim Holtgrieve and USGA Senior Women’s Amateur champion Ellen Port as its inaugural Amateurs of the Year in America.
“Jim and Ellen are tremendous choices for our first annual awards,” said Nugent. “They exemplify all that is important in the global amateur game today, on and off the course.”
Holtgrieve led the 2013 USA Walker Cup Team to a decisive 17-9 victory over Great Britain and Ireland at the National Golf Links of America in September. In his four-year run as captain, Holtgrieve was a passionate advocate for the amateur game and the importance of playing for one’s country.
Port successfully defended her 2012 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur title with her victory in September at CordeValle in San Martin, Calif. She is one of the most decorated women in amateur golf, and her six USGA championships are tied for fourth-most ever. Fittingly, she will captain the 2014 USA Curtis Cup Team that will challenge Great Britain & Ireland in June at St. Louis (Mo.) Country Club, in her hometown.
No comments | 1:40 AM
Golf's first-ever Global All-Amateur Teams have been named, honoring amateur golf excellence around the world. A total of 178 players were recognized at the amateur, mid-amateur, and senior amateur levels by Global Golf Post.
Winter Park, Florida (PRWEB) December 02, 2013
Global Golf Post, the world’s first digital-only golf news publication, has named Global All-Amateur Teams, recognizing on-course amateur golf excellence around the world. A total of 178 players from around the world were recognized at the amateur, mid-amateur, and senior amateur levels.
“This type of global recognition for amateur excellence at all levels has never been done before,” said Global Golf Post Founder and Publisher Jim Nugent.
As a part of the multi-page feature in the December 2 issue, The Post named winning Walker Cup Captain Jim Holtgrieve and U.S. Senior Amateur Champion Ellen Port as its inaugural Amateurs of the Year in America.
“Jim and Ellen are tremendous choices for our first annual awards,” commented Jim Nugent, Founder and Publisher of Global Golf Post. “They exemplify all that is important in the global amateur game today, on and off the course.”
Holtgrieve led the 2013 U.S. Walker Cup team to a decisive 17-9 victory over the Great Britain and Ireland Team at the National Golf Links of America in September. In his four-year run as Captain of the American squad, Holtgrieve was a passionate advocate for the amateur game and the importance of playing for one’s country.
Port successfully defended her 2012 U.S. Senior Amateur time, winning for the second time at CordeValle. She is one of the most decorated women in amateur golf, winning six USGA titles. Fittingly, she will captain the 2014 U.S. Curtis Cup team that will challenge Great Britain & Ireland in her hometown of St. Louis in June, 2014.
About Global Golf Post
Global Golf Post is the first digital-only weekly golf news publication in the world, offering the worldwide golf enthusiast an extraordinary online experience that can be accessed across all major devices. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., The Post publishes three distinct editions serving the U.S., Canada and Europe. All are delivered overnight Sunday 50 weeks a year to a passionate audience.
No comments | 1:25 AM
Europe won five of the last six singles matches for a stunning 8.5-7.5 comeback win over Asia to reclaim the Royal Trophy in China on Sunday and give captain Jose Maria Olazabal his first success in the team matchplay event.
Trailing 5-3 ahead of Sunday's eight singles matches, Europe looked set for a record defeat when Kiradech Aphibarnrat beat Paul Lawrie 3&2 and Thai compatriot Thongchai Jaidee overcame another Scot, Stephen Gallacher, 4&2 to make it 7-3.
With victory in sight, the pressure appeared to hit the holders at the Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou as they painfully surrendered their strong position built up over the opening fourball and foursomes matches.
Japan's Ryo Ishikawa, who had been two up after seven holes of his singles match, shanked a chip across the green en route to bogeying the 18th which allowed Scotland's Marc Warren to win one up with a par on the last.
That made the score 7-4, with three more European wins coming in a matter of minutes as Thorbjorn Olesen beat Wu Ashun 3&2, David Howell edged Kim Hyung-sung one up and Bernd Wiesberger overcame Hiroyuki Fujita 3&2.
Kim's loss was particularly painful with the South Korean three up on the 15th tee only to three-putt the last to allow the Englishman to snatch the match one up when he got up and down from the greenside bunker on 18.
Spain's Alvaro Quiros could also only three putt the tricky undulating green at the par four last to toss away a one up advantage and halve his match with South Korea's Kim Kyung-tae.
That left the scores tied at 7.5-7.5 with only Nicolas Colsaerts and Liang Wenchong on the course with the Belgian protecting a one up advantage after 16 holes.
Both holed tricky putts on 17 for par with Colsaerts then calmly getting up and down from the right of the 18th green to seal the match and trophy after Liang also three-putted.
It was a fifth win for Europe in seven edition with Olazabal, who led Europe to a sterling Sunday fightback win in the Ryder Cup against United States last year, having presided over their two defeats last year and in 2009.
"I want to thank these fantastic eight guys who did something extraordinary today," the Spaniard said before being presented with the trophy on the 18th green.
"It is something, to be honest, I had a few doubts (about), especially through the round. Thank-you very much for your contribution."
Asian captain Yang Yong-eun lamented his side's costly errors on a sloppy Sunday for his charges.
"Unfortunately we had a shocking loss and hopefully next year we will learn from the mistakes we made and come back stronger," the Korean said through a translator.
No comments | 12:58 AM
Jose Maria Olazabal mastermined another epic comeback as Europe beat Asia 8.5-7.5 to win the Royal Trophy.
Asia, the holders, needed to claim just three-and-a-half points from Sunday's eight singles matches to win the trophy again and extended their lead from 5-3 to 7-3 by winning the top two matches.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat beat Paul Lawrie 3&2 in the top match before fellow Thai Thongchai Jaidee defeated Stephen Gallacher 4-2.
But requiring just another point and a half from the final six matches, Asia were blown away as Europe produced a Medinah-like charge.
Marc Warren, David Howell, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bernd Wiesberger and Nicolas Colsaerts all scored victories as Europe closed out a stunning 8.5-7.5 victory.
Full story to follow....
Singles results:
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Asia) bt Paul Lawrie (Europe) 3 and 2
Thongchai Jaidee (Asia) bt Stephen Gallacher (Europe) 4 and 2
Ryo Ishikawa (Asia) lost to Marc Warren (Europe) 1-down
Kim Hyung-Sung (Asia) lost to David Howell (Europe) 1-down
Kim Kyung-Tae (Asia) halved with Alvaro Quiros (Europe)
Wu Ashun (Asia) lost to Thorbjorn Olesen (Europe) 3 and 2
Hiroyuki Fujita (Asia) lost to Bernd Wiesberger (Europe) 3 and 2
Liang Wenchong (Asia) lost to Nicolas Colsaerts (Europe) 2-down
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