Golf

[Banedon]

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.

 

Good description, although my thoughts are quite a bit shorter...lol. I still personally like the US Open best. I just love how hard it is. And the Masters doesn't measure up in my mind because it's the same course every year. I love seeing different courses.

[jersey cubs fan]

Good description, although my thoughts are quite a bit shorter...lol. I still personally like the US Open best. I just love how hard it is. And the Masters doesn't measure up in my mind because it's the same course every year. I love seeing different courses.

 

I understand that sentiment, but that's what makes golf majors pretty cool. 3 of the 4 majors rotate between courses, while one stays traditional and at the same spot. It's a good mix in my mind.

[hawkeyecub]

Good description, although my thoughts are quite a bit shorter...lol. I still personally like the US Open best. I just love how hard it is. And the Masters doesn't measure up in my mind because it's the same course every year. I love seeing different courses.

 

There is something to be said for seeing the same course every year and remembering specific shots (at times specific pins) and knowing many of the holes so well.

[DivineBovine]

If Tiger doesn't win this week, it will be a shocker. And I definitely did NOT feel this way about any of the other majors. Long course, wide fairways, 4 par 5's. Oh, and the fact that he's the best player of all time going for win # 3 in a row. Tiger does not want to go a year without a major.

 

I have honestly never felt as positively about Tiger winning a major as I have this week. I'm actually the one guy who often thinks that Tiger might not win a particular tournament.

[kujay]

If Tiger doesn't win this week, it will be a shocker. And I definitely did NOT feel this way about any of the other majors. Long course, wide fairways, 4 par 5's. Oh, and the fact that he's the best player of all time going for win # 3 in a row. Tiger does not want to go a year without a major.

 

I have honestly never felt as positively about Tiger winning a major as I have this week. I'm actually the one guy who often thinks that Tiger might not win a particular tournament.

 

Agreed. He's got to be even money at this point.

[hawkeyecub]

He's putting out of his mind even for his standards, and his irons were just dialed in this weekend.

 

Truly the only thing missing between him and a completely dominating victory is his driver. That's probably what will keep it close this weekend but yeah I really think he'll win.

[javy knows my name]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

[hawkeyecub]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

 

182 yard 8-iron within 6 inches. It's just ridiculous.

 

I've also been impressed with the way Tiger stuck up for Paddy after they were put on the clock Sunday and called out the officials for affecting the outcome. They were the only two in contention, it was extremely entertaining and they finished 3 minutes after 6:00.

It was completely unnecessary in that situation and the officials should have known better.

[Banedon]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

 

182 yard 8-iron within 6 inches. It's just ridiculous.

 

I've also been impressed with the way Tiger stuck up for Paddy after they were put on the clock Sunday and called out the officials for affecting the outcome. They were the only two in contention, it was extremely entertaining and they finished 3 minutes after 6:00.

It was completely unnecessary in that situation and the officials should have known better.

 

He's gonna get fined for that too. But I wouldn't be surprised if it leads to a rule change.

[hawkeyecub]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

 

182 yard 8-iron within 6 inches. It's just ridiculous.

 

I've also been impressed with the way Tiger stuck up for Paddy after they were put on the clock Sunday and called out the officials for affecting the outcome. They were the only two in contention, it was extremely entertaining and they finished 3 minutes after 6:00.

It was completely unnecessary in that situation and the officials should have known better.

 

He's gonna get fined for that too. But I wouldn't be surprised if it leads to a rule change.

 

I think the rules are fine, they just need to use some discretion. Slow play is an issue at times but this was the last group on Sunday and the only two guys in contention.

[DivineBovine]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

 

182 yard 8-iron within 6 inches. It's just ridiculous.

 

I've also been impressed with the way Tiger stuck up for Paddy after they were put on the clock Sunday and called out the officials for affecting the outcome. They were the only two in contention, it was extremely entertaining and they finished 3 minutes after 6:00.

It was completely unnecessary in that situation and the officials should have known better.

 

 

They were showing video of the shot he hit out of the bunker in the morning at Hazeltine in 2002. That was the most ridiculous golf shot ever hit. I remember watching it absolutely dumbfounded. Even the man himself said it was the best shot of his career. Searched youtube, unfortunately couldn't find it.

 

The 8 iron was great, but people on TGC are saying top 5? I don't think so. I can think of at least 5 better Tiger shots off the top of my head.

[hawkeyecub]

Tiger's 3rd shot on 16 last Sunday might be one of my favorite shots of the year. Especially given what Paddy did when given two chances at the same shot.

 

180-yard 8-iron, give me a break

 

182 yard 8-iron within 6 inches. It's just ridiculous.

 

I've also been impressed with the way Tiger stuck up for Paddy after they were put on the clock Sunday and called out the officials for affecting the outcome. They were the only two in contention, it was extremely entertaining and they finished 3 minutes after 6:00.

It was completely unnecessary in that situation and the officials should have known better.

 

 

They were showing video of the shot he hit out of the bunker in the morning at Hazeltine in 2002. That was the most ridiculous golf shot ever hit. I remember watching it absolutely dumbfounded. Even the man himself said it was the best shot of his career. Searched youtube, unfortunately couldn't find it.

 

The 8 iron was great, but people on TGC are saying top 5? I don't think so. I can think of at least 5 better Tiger shots off the top of my head.

 

Would love to see the video if you can find it.

 

The thing that made the 8 iron extra impressive was that no one was able to hold that green. Guys were hitting wedges and bouncing them off the back. Then he steps up from 182 away with water in front so he had to carry it a touch over 175 AND get it to stick on a green that wasn't holding anything.

[Rusch33]

Link to the shot.

 

[bukie]

Early first round PGA championship action going on now, Tiger Woods currently tied for the lead at -4 with 4 holes to finish up yet on the day.

 

Today's amazing Tiger stat: Since the beginning of 2006, Tiger Woods has a higher winning percentage than 10 different MLB teams.

[hawkeyecub]

Early first round PGA championship action going on now, Tiger Woods currently tied for the lead at -4 with 4 holes to finish up yet on the day.

 

Not able to watch it but from what I've been following it appears his irons are almost perfect but his putting isn't quite where he was last week. He's hit 12/14 fairways.

[kujay]

From what the ESPN blogger said, Woods missed potential eagle/birdie putts on the last three holes. Incredible.

 

The pro at our local teaching facility threw up an 81, good for 154th. But it's got to be an awesome experience. And I'd probably shoot 150 there, so I'm not criticizing.

[mjohnson71]

The Tigerbot 2000 is amazing.

[hawkeyecub]

The last 4 times Tiger has led a major after the first day, he's gone on to win.

[DivineBovine]

Tiger is good enough hitting his drives crooked. When he hits his drives straight, he's absolutely unbeatable.

 

His driving is his achilles heel. He's just a "very good" driver.

His iron play is as good as anyone.

His short game is near the best.

His putting might be the best ever.

His emotional fortitude (anyone who doesn't believe in "clutch" when it comes to golf should watch what this guy has done in his career, from his US Amateur performances onwards) is the greatest of all time, with all due respect to Nicklaus.

 

His driving today made up for his less than Tiger-like putting.

 

I think Tiger was 3/2 odds against to win the tourney. This might be one of the few times where he wasn't a sucker bet.

 

I really hope someone makes a run and the rest of the field doesn't fold.

[kujay]

I really hope someone makes a run and the rest of the field doesn't fold.

 

It doesn't really matter to me how he wins. If it's not even close, well then he was dominant. If it is close, then there is a little drama.

[kujay]

The live stream on pga.com following Woods-Paddy-Beem is pretty sweet.

 

Woods through 7 with a 2 shot lead now. He's really grinding it out with some medium-length putts for par.

[hawkeyecub]

Tiger and Paddy could end up playing 5 straight rounds together if they keep this up.

 

I love it.

[shnsajax]

Tiger and Paddy could end up playing 5 straight rounds together if they keep this up.

 

I love it.

 

Harrington decided he is tired of contending today. I didn't expect him to be putting up such a horrible round on Sunday, was hoping he would contend all the way until the end with Woods.

[rocket]

tiger might blow a sunday lead finally.

 

go yang go

[Butterscup1679666578]

thats the tournament right there