Golf

[javy knows my name]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

[shnsajax]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

[javy knows my name]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

Well I knew St Andrews was that, but I didn't know the whole slew of British Open courses were similarly prestigious. If I were to guess, I would have said the Masters was the big kahuna of the majors.

[manbearcub]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

Well I knew St Andrews was that, but I didn't know the whole slew of British Open courses were similarly prestigious. If I were to guess, I would have said the Masters was the big kahuna of the majors.

The Masters is the biggest to the casual American fan. The golf snobs prefer the british open due to the history and tradition. Its similar to how you and me prefer bud light but the beer snobs need belgish fancy [expletive].

[Mark Priors Calves]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

Well I knew St Andrews was that, but I didn't know the whole slew of British Open courses were similarly prestigious. If I were to guess, I would have said the Masters was the big kahuna of the majors.

 

The Masters thinks very highly of its and so they definitely portrait themselves as the most important (understandably). The Masters is also unique because it is played on the same course every year whereas the other majors all rotate courses.

[Tracer Bullet]

I disagree. Watson blew it. His 2nd shot was terrible, knowing he had to land it short. And it's not like that putt was close. He just got tense and choked. Tom Watson's a big story right now b/c there's nothing else to talk about in golf, but it's not like Cink is ruining a comeback by Nicklaus or Palmer. Next month, most people won't remember who won this tournament.

 

So wrong on so many levels. I'm guessing you don't follow golf very closely.

 

First of all, the approach on 18 was not terrible. It landed maybe 2-3 yards long, that's it. It was right at the flag and smoked. Even with the distance he hit it, it was unfortunate that it skipped all the way through.

 

It's not like he ruined a comeback by Nicklaus or Palmer? Clearly you're not aware that Watson has won more majors than Palmer. Or that he has the 5th most majors of all-time. Or that he was #1 in the world for about 7 or 8 years immediately following Jack's reign.

 

The enormity of an all-time great being on the doorstep at age 59 (50 freaking 9) is beyond incredible. No one has won a major in their 50's and he's 60 in a month and a half. If he wins it's immediately a top 5 story from a major in history. More impressive than Jack in '86 at Augusta which has that distinction right now.

 

People who follow golf will certainly remember who won and they will remember Watson's run. It's not like Cink is some nobody. He's a guy that people have thought should have won more than he has, but he's been a successful player and a mainstay on the Ryder Cup teams.

 

I do follow golf (how close is closely? I don't watch every weekend, no), but Watson doesn't have the name recognition of Palmer. Doesn't matter how many majors he's won or if he was #1 in the world whenever. Palmer is the more famous golfer. That was my only point.

 

This will be remembered by the people who can tell you who won whatever random major, and the people that can tell you the years and the majors that Norman choked away, or some other mid-level golf stories. But most people, even those that follow golf casually, aren't going to remember this much.

 

I don't disagree that a Watson win would have been a huge story. I disagree that a Watson loss is similarly huge.

 

But that still doesn't make any sense. You diminished it because "it's not like Palmer or Nicklaus" but in fact he's just as accomplished as Arnold and is probably the most recognizable player of his generation.

 

That's like saying some future story involving Kobe or LeBron isn't a big deal because "it's not like he was Jordan or Magic or Bird."

 

And what the hell do casual fans have to do with anything? Why do they matter? You don't go to casual baseball, football, basketball fans when asking about historical perspective or importance. Casual fans think Derek Jeter is a top 5 player in baseball and Shaq going to the Cavs is a huge deal.

 

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

 

you're comparing golf to the 3 biggest sports in America. They aren't the same at all.

 

why do casual fans matter? b/c it's golf. if casual fans don't care, then the story isn't covered much by sports media and it dies quickly.

[WreckingMachine]

lol

 

http://deadspin.com/5318020/well-that-was-anticlimactic

[Banedon]

I like the US Open better than the Masters. Yep.

[javy knows my name]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

Well I knew St Andrews was that, but I didn't know the whole slew of British Open courses were similarly prestigious. If I were to guess, I would have said the Masters was the big kahuna of the majors.

The Masters is the biggest to the casual American fan. The golf snobs prefer the british open due to the history and tradition. Its similar to how you and me prefer bud light but the beer snobs need belgish fancy [expletive].

Woah, speak for yourself there, redneck. I'm in the other camp and proud of it.

[NeifiIsMyHomeBoy]

I like the US Open better than the Masters. Yep.

 

So do I. I love seeing players struggle. My personal preference is

 

1. US Open

2. British

3. Masters

4. PGA

[hawkeyecub]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

Notice I said biggest major in the world.

 

I'm not saying that based on any ranking or personal preference, just from a worldwide perspective. Outside of the U.S. it holds much more meaning than the other 3. In the U.S. it's not #1 but still prestigious enough that I think it gets that title worldwide.

[hawkeyecub]

I disagree. Watson blew it. His 2nd shot was terrible, knowing he had to land it short. And it's not like that putt was close. He just got tense and choked. Tom Watson's a big story right now b/c there's nothing else to talk about in golf, but it's not like Cink is ruining a comeback by Nicklaus or Palmer. Next month, most people won't remember who won this tournament.

 

So wrong on so many levels. I'm guessing you don't follow golf very closely.

 

First of all, the approach on 18 was not terrible. It landed maybe 2-3 yards long, that's it. It was right at the flag and smoked. Even with the distance he hit it, it was unfortunate that it skipped all the way through.

 

It's not like he ruined a comeback by Nicklaus or Palmer? Clearly you're not aware that Watson has won more majors than Palmer. Or that he has the 5th most majors of all-time. Or that he was #1 in the world for about 7 or 8 years immediately following Jack's reign.

 

The enormity of an all-time great being on the doorstep at age 59 (50 freaking 9) is beyond incredible. No one has won a major in their 50's and he's 60 in a month and a half. If he wins it's immediately a top 5 story from a major in history. More impressive than Jack in '86 at Augusta which has that distinction right now.

 

People who follow golf will certainly remember who won and they will remember Watson's run. It's not like Cink is some nobody. He's a guy that people have thought should have won more than he has, but he's been a successful player and a mainstay on the Ryder Cup teams.

 

I do follow golf (how close is closely? I don't watch every weekend, no), but Watson doesn't have the name recognition of Palmer. Doesn't matter how many majors he's won or if he was #1 in the world whenever. Palmer is the more famous golfer. That was my only point.

 

This will be remembered by the people who can tell you who won whatever random major, and the people that can tell you the years and the majors that Norman choked away, or some other mid-level golf stories. But most people, even those that follow golf casually, aren't going to remember this much.

 

I don't disagree that a Watson win would have been a huge story. I disagree that a Watson loss is similarly huge.

 

But that still doesn't make any sense. You diminished it because "it's not like Palmer or Nicklaus" but in fact he's just as accomplished as Arnold and is probably the most recognizable player of his generation.

 

That's like saying some future story involving Kobe or LeBron isn't a big deal because "it's not like he was Jordan or Magic or Bird."

 

And what the hell do casual fans have to do with anything? Why do they matter? You don't go to casual baseball, football, basketball fans when asking about historical perspective or importance. Casual fans think Derek Jeter is a top 5 player in baseball and Shaq going to the Cavs is a huge deal.

 

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

 

you're comparing golf to the 3 biggest sports in America. They aren't the same at all.

 

why do casual fans matter? b/c it's golf. if casual fans don't care, then the story isn't covered much by sports media and it dies quickly.

 

Ugh.

 

Yes they are similar within the sport. I didn't see anyone saying "this is the biggest moment in sports history" or trying to rank it in that sense.

People were talking about how amazing it was and where it ranks within the world of golf. In fact there wasn't really any of that talk in this thread.

 

Then you came in diminishing it, proving you didn't really know what you were talking about and bringing up casual fans for some unknown reason. Golf is more of a niche sport and doesn't bring huge ratings without Tiger. Very seldom will any golf event non-Tiger related, be a huge story that "most people" remember.

 

I'm not a soccer fan. I don't know very much about soccer. Therefore I don't try to rank events of importance within the world of soccer.

[Tracer Bullet]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

The degree to which you're worked up over this makes be think you're related to Watson in some way.

[jersey cubs fan]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

You don't think this will be remembered? I think this story will definitely be among the top golf stories for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Man that was painful to watch.

[Banedon]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

You don't think this will be remembered? I think this story will definitely be among the top golf stories for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Man that was painful to watch.

 

Yeah, even Cink said he recognizes that the tourney will be remembered more for Watson than for himself.

[Guest]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

You don't think this will be remembered? I think this story will definitely be among the top golf stories for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Man that was painful to watch.

 

Yeah, even Cink said he recognizes that the tourney will be remembered more for Watson than for himself.

 

The tournament will be remembered more for Tiger actually missing a cut at a major than Cink.

 

I don't think this will be something that people are going to remember for years and years as they would have if Watson won. It's not Jean Van de Velde in 1999.

[Banedon]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

You don't think this will be remembered? I think this story will definitely be among the top golf stories for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Man that was painful to watch.

 

Yeah, even Cink said he recognizes that the tourney will be remembered more for Watson than for himself.

 

The tournament will be remembered more for Tiger actually missing a cut at a major than Cink.

 

I don't think this will be something that people are going to remember for years and years as they would have if Watson won. It's not Jean Van de Velde in 1999.

 

Completely disagree. Tiger missing the cut would've been the story if Watson hadn't almost happened, but I think the Tiger story is all but gone already. When I think about this tourney, I'm going to remember Watson's 18th hole on Sunday, and the second playoff hole tee shot into the crap.

[Guest]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

You don't think this will be remembered? I think this story will definitely be among the top golf stories for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Man that was painful to watch.

 

Yeah, even Cink said he recognizes that the tourney will be remembered more for Watson than for himself.

 

The tournament will be remembered more for Tiger actually missing a cut at a major than Cink.

 

I don't think this will be something that people are going to remember for years and years as they would have if Watson won. It's not Jean Van de Velde in 1999.

 

Completely disagree. Tiger missing the cut would've been the story if Watson hadn't almost happened, but I think the Tiger story is all but gone already. When I think about this tourney, I'm going to remember Watson's 18th hole on Sunday, and the second playoff hole tee shot into the crap.

 

I was just saying that in order of what people remember it will go Watson's 18th, Tiger missing the cut then Cink winning. Both of the first two stories will be remembered first.

 

I should have been more clear that I wasn't implying Tiger missing the cut was biggest story from the tournament.

[hawkeyecub]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

No you don't know what you're talking about because you've clearly demonstrated that. You've been off base on nearly everything you've said in this thread. Seriously.

 

Within golf and amongst golf fans this will still be remembered for a long time. Had he won, it would have immediately been one of the 5 biggest stories in the modern era of golf. As it is it's still an enormous story.

 

How casual fans see it has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

[Tracer Bullet]

So b/c I don't think this meltdown on the 18th will be remembered as some major event, I don't know what I'm talking about?

 

No you don't know what you're talking about because you've clearly demonstrated that. You've been off base on nearly everything you've said in this thread. Seriously.

 

Within golf and amongst golf fans this will still be remembered for a long time. Had he won, it would have immediately been one of the 5 biggest stories in the modern era of golf. As it is it's still an enormous story.

 

How casual fans see it has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

 

Your attitude in this has been incredible. You've read things into my posts that just aren't there. A poster says that Cink will go down as the guy that ruined Watson's comeback (or something close to that). I disagreed b/c "most people won't remember who won this tournament." I never said anything about hardcore golf fans, I just made a general statement about most people. The point being Cink will not always be remember as the guy who stole this from Watson. He was basically the only guy who didn't crap away the lead on the last day.

 

I'm not sure if you got bent out of shape primarily b/c of the Palmer comment or what. But Palmer is the more famous golfer. I'm sorry that bothers you. That's where casual fans are relevant. The fame of an athlete isn't determined by how well he is known only by hardcore fans. I never said Palmer was better, won more majors, whatever. Just that he is more famous and if his comeback had been upset by a run-of-the-mill player, it would have been a bigger story.

 

Watson came close to winning a major in his 50s. That's a great accomplishment. Had he won, it would have been a big deal, but he didn't. Others have contended in majors (though none quite this close, that I can remember) and not won. It's just not that big of a deal. The fact that we disagree doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about. You're attitude doesn't change that.

[SpongeWorthy]

I find the "which major is the most prestigious" argument pretty interesting. I follow the (American) PGA Tour and I would venture to guess that most American players would want to win The Masters or the US Open over the British. Do you guys think all European players want the British the most?

 

If I were an American PGA Tour player I'd probably want to win the US Open at either Pebble or Oakmont over anything...then The Masters...then the British at St. Andrews. I'd probably pick a PGA Championship at a really famous course (Baltusrol, Merion, Riviera, etc.) over some of the lesser known British Open courses.

[TruffleShuffle]

Completely disagree. Tiger missing the cut would've been the story if Watson hadn't almost happened, but I think the Tiger story is all but gone already. When I think about this tourney, I'm going to remember Watson's 18th hole on Sunday, and the second playoff hole tee shot into the crap.

 

he kinda fell apart at the end, but really, i'll think about how a guy who's almost 60 years old outplayed a field of the best golfers in the world for four rounds. someone that age even making it to a playoff is pretty incredible.

[jersey cubs fan]

I find the "which major is the most prestigious" argument pretty interesting. I follow the (American) PGA Tour and I would venture to guess that most American players would want to win The Masters or the US Open over the British. Do you guys think all European players want the British the most?

 

If I were an American PGA Tour player I'd probably want to win the US Open at either Pebble or Oakmont over anything...then The Masters...then the British at St. Andrews. I'd probably pick a PGA Championship at a really famous course (Baltusrol, Merion, Riviera, etc.) over some of the lesser known British Open courses.

 

I'm pretty sure the vast majority of all golfers would take any British over any PGA Championship if given the choice.

[hawkeyecub]

I find the "which major is the most prestigious" argument pretty interesting. I follow the (American) PGA Tour and I would venture to guess that most American players would want to win The Masters or the US Open over the British. Do you guys think all European players want the British the most?

 

If I were an American PGA Tour player I'd probably want to win the US Open at either Pebble or Oakmont over anything...then The Masters...then the British at St. Andrews. I'd probably pick a PGA Championship at a really famous course (Baltusrol, Merion, Riviera, etc.) over some of the lesser known British Open courses.

 

Yes I think all (or very nearly all) European players want the British the most of all major's.

 

The course could have some significance in individual situations like you said, but for the most part I'm with jersey. I think nearly everyone would rather have the British than the PGA.

[DivineBovine]

You said it's only a big story right now because there's nothing to talk about in golf. Well that's because it's 1 of 4 majors and the biggest major in the world. When the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl to block history did you say "They're only a story right now because it's the only thing going on in football right now."

Ok, why is this the biggest major? I'm speaking from shameless ignorance here.

It seems to me like the "biggest major of the year" is always the one that finished most recently.

 

The birth place of golf, links style golf, very old courses. Kind of like why Wimbledon is the biggest major in tennis. Just a since of history every year this time, kind of like going to Wrigley or Fenway.

Well I knew St Andrews was that, but I didn't know the whole slew of British Open courses were similarly prestigious. If I were to guess, I would have said the Masters was the big kahuna of the majors.

The Masters is the biggest to the casual American fan. The golf snobs prefer the british open due to the history and tradition. Its similar to how you and me prefer bud light but the beer snobs need belgish fancy [expletive].

 

 

This is always debated. Almost everyone agrees that the PGA is probably not the biggest major. But the Masters, the US Open, the British (or as the snobs refer to it- the Open Championship) all have advocates. There is no tournament universally regarded as the "biggest".

 

Here is how I see it:

 

The Masters: Tradition, amazing course, same course every year, first major of the year. Produces great champions- Tiger, Phil, Nicklaus, Watson have all been multiple winners. This seems to indicate that it is a great test. My pick for best major. My tennis comparison: Wimbledon

 

The British: My second favorite. Totally different game than we are used to here. Rewards creativity, wind play. It favors a particular type of player. Watson, for instance, would never have had a chance in any other major at age 59. This is criticism I have- some recent Champions, Paul Lawrie, Todd Hamilton, Ben Curtis, Ian Baker Finch, were 1 hit wonders who haven't done much else in their careers. Jean Van De Velde should be a British Open Champion. Conversely, I highly doubt Phil Mickelson will ever win this one. It doesn't always produce the best champion. And for the Europeans who get all annoyed at Americans referring to the Open Championship as the British- screw them. They call the Masters the "US Masters" all the time.

 

The US Open: Traditionally punishing. The USGA has recently changed this up somewhat and made the courses more playable. Played on some of the greatest courses in the country. And even with the punishing rough, the best player of the week always seems to prevail, and it isn't always the guy that hits it straight and keeps it out of the rough. Big bombers compete with finesse players on the same course. This is up there with the British in my mind.

 

The PGA: A strong field, picks newer less conservative and less traditional courses. I like that. Tends to have lower scores than the US and British, which I also like. Still, the end of the year timing and less prestige hurt this tournament.