PGA Tour: "Houston, We have a problem": Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Actually two problems:
For most of the participants at this week's "Shell Houston Open", Job One is to win the tournament and thereby take the final qualifying spot for The Masters.
And for all players who DO qualify, the problem will be the NIKE poster child who looked very close to top form in demolishing last week's Bay Hill field.

2).Tiger first:
That was reminiscent of Woods of the last decade: Solid round 1, superb Round 2 with a slice (actually hook) of good fortune as an out-of-bounds-bound ball hit the perimeter fence and stayed in play. Routine par! Otherwise he kept his foot on the gas and cruised to a Friday 65. The field was stretched out and, unless Tiger suddenly lost his form, the weekend would be a formality. And so it proved. Some thoughts about that:

~It sure looked as if at least some of the old intimidation factor kicked in at the weekend. Competitors who have enjoyed his absence these past 30 months need to acquire some testicular fortitude if the same scenario repeats itself in the great tournaments this spring and summer.
~Woods is nowhere near as bulked up in his upper body as he was by 2008/2009, as if part of the new coaching regime depends on a slimmer physique.
~He's getting his "fortitude" back - gorgeous long iron into the par-5 6th hole (followed superbly by McDowell) underlined his superiority on Bay Hill's par-5's. Twelve under par on the par-5's for the week - he's 3rd in par-5 scoring for the year.
~And Tiger's 1st in "Total Driving" now for the year, 1st in "Ball Striking", 10th in Putting and 1st in the Tour's "All Round" stat.
~But does Tiger still need to swing so hard given his body's apparent fragility? His drive on #15 on Sunday which forced him to lay up in advance of a superb up-and-down par, was violent, his followthrough contorted and way off balance. Crisis averted once his par was secured, and the most beautifully smooth, relaxed swing you ever saw off the 16th tee.

3).Congrat's to Graeme McDowell who gave it his best last weekend, commiserations to Ernie Els, and it looks like the rest got out of Bay Hill what they put into it - a finish, high or low, with no sign of aggression (Bubba perhaps excepted) in going after either Tiger or the course on Sunday. Well done to Poulter and Brian Davis with high finishes but they were never really in the hunt.

4).Lots to admire about Arnold Palmer but some of his utterances over the course of last week suggested it's not just his heart that's playing up.
And how nauseating was it to see Annika Sorenstam turning up on the NBC set with babe in arms? It was as if NBC called Annika and said, "We'd like you to come and endorse Arnie's hospital," and she called all her sponsors and asked, "How much will you pay me for five minutes guaranteed on-screen exposure?"
So, there you have Annika decked all out like any other mother, right? Golf shirt emblazoned with every logo under the sun, just what any young mother wears when she takes the nipper out for a stroll.

5).Arnie lamented that Lukey and Rory were absent but Bay Hill always looks a one dimensional course to me, ranked 33rd by the pros, and complete with more than half a mile of par-3's. Designed by an alcoholic who went to University on an American Football scholarship and, boy, does it ever look like it.

6).And so to Houston and the other problem. The final invitation from Billy Payne is at stake and, just as a point of reference, these are the top-five-ranked golfers in the field not yet destined for Augusta:
#58: Els
#67: Allenby
#68: Moore
#72: Levin
#81: Overton (who would presumably rather be playing in Sicily)

7).Phil Mickelson won last year's Shell Houston Open with a win which was as emotional as it was electrifying. This Rees Jones design (yes, Phil won on a Rees Jones course) is in its 7th year hosting the tournament and, so far, it's been a bomber's paradise. Anthony Kim won in 2010 whilst hitting just 23 of 56 fairways, Phil not much better last year hitting just 30 - real never-mind-the-quality, feel-the-width stuff. Appleby, Scott, Wagner and Casey have been the other winners here. Casey beat JB Holmes in a 2009 play-off and it would be no surprise to see Holmes lighting it up again this week.

8).Lee Westwood leads the European contingent, with McDowell, Casey, Hanson and Hansen, Bjorn and Harrington all competing. Russell Knox is first alternate and heartbreak for a couple of Nationwide players, Wales's Ben Briscoe and Sweden's David Lingmerth, who lost in a play-off for one of the four Monday qualifying places.

9).Anders Forsbrand and Ian Woosnam played in last week's Champions Tour event in Mississippi, but neither finished in the top fifty and highlighted the futility Europeans will continue to endure if they want to contend Senior tournaments over here without making a year-long commitment. Barry Lane rather flubbed his lines when in a strong Q-School position last year and who knows what Monty might do if he gives the Champions Tour a whirl? Meanwhile, Langer is the only European to have made a decent showing in the past five years.

10).Back to that "Problem" that next week's Masters field will encounter:
Tiger ticks all the media boxes over here (and there?), his gnashers grinning from every US media outlet these past couple of days, attention for a golfer that we haven't seen since he completed his sex addiction therapy.
Viewership of "Bay Hill" was up almost 40% and Billy Payne and CBS TV must be rubbing their hands in glee as they anticipate another Tiger-driven ratings bonanza. All watching Luke, Rory and Lee battling it out in the final round?

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/elfk45ki/jamie-lovemark/#gallerycontent

So which one is the hottest and who would you most like to share your niblick with?

It looks like Patrick Sheehan is now the first alternate. Number 41 on the QS/NW priority list so nine players didn't get into Houston.

GMac and Keegan off to a rough start.

Cauley winning Houston (and a trip to Augusta) would be a dream week.

If you were a rookie on the PGAT, what perk of winning Houston is the most important.

1. The money
2. The two year PGA Tour Card
3. The Masters Invite.

1).!

I see Chris Kirk is no longer in today's field, though he was runner-up to Phil here last year. His wife just gave birth so that's as good a reason as any for a no-show.

Yesterday, the odds of Yani Tseng winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship was 3/2 at Ladbrokes.

Has anyone ever seen odds that short for a major championship on one player before the tournament started?

Charley Hull is off to a solid start at the KNC. -1 after nine holes. I am glad the WGU reinstated her to the GBI Curtis Cup team.

It was really short-sighted decision by the WGU and I glad Charley stuck to her guns.

On the other side of fortune's ledger, USAToday is reporting that Jesper Parnevik has incurred some mostly unspecified injuries which occurred on his boat.
Among them, they DID say he would require surgery on a broken finger so looks like his Medical Exemption will need to be extended.


Agree with GPB's cooment about Charley Hull; early scoring much better than we're accustomed to at the Nabisco Dinah Shore.

GPB wrote:
If you were a rookie on the PGAT, what perk of winning Houston is the most important.

1. The money
2. The two year PGA Tour Card
3. The Masters Invite.

Its a little tough to separate them as they come a package but I guess if you said he could have a couple of high places and get more money or the win, or go to Augusta I would say 2 as then the money would come just by playing two full years. A couple of high places and nothing else may not guarantee you the tour next year but leave you with the same money.

Augusta would be great but I doubt a rookie would be so bothered by that as having a card/earning.

kwinigolfer wrote:1).!

I see Chris Kirk is no longer in today's field, though he was runner-up to Phil here last year. His wife just gave birth so that's as good a reason as any for a no-show.

Well that's made a mess of my fantasy picks...

Fast sharp for the rednecked Swede, his form seems to be very temperamental...

Former Masters and US Open Champion is saying "I am not Dead yet".

El Pato might not be "ducking" the radar if he remains on the leaderboard in Houston.

Angel Cabrera -6 after 14 holes. Maybe he is all that he is "Quacked" up to be.

He has an incredible record in major championships.

Seems Houston has another problem, the 40% chance of thundershowers now 100% and play suspended.

Decent start by Westwood, but only even par on the par fives - he has to improve on that for next week. Not bad for McDowell, but up and down for Casey - presumed bogey on the last will have him back at square one.

Wozza gets spanked (just) by Shazza and she's not happy about it. Rory needs to handle things the next couple of hours a little delicately!

Hope she enjoys herself more at Augusta. And Rory enjoys himself much more!

What a shambles at Houston, 40% chance of rain and they get an inch and a quarter - good job it wasn't an 80% chance. Weather forecasters, the same the world over.

Anyway, that's a wrap for today and they'll resume at 7.30 a.m. Friday. Touch and go now as to whether they'll get three rounds in by close of play Saturday.

Long and wet weekend could make for a tough start for some at Augusta next week. Hope they don't play into Monday.

Bud Cauley looking promising.

So, will Augusta finally get a female "privilege holder"?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/will-the-augusta-national-golf-club-change-its-all-male-policy-for-ibms-first-female-ceo/article2385392/?from=sec434

They're resuming Round 1 in Houston about now, Paul Casey according to ShotLink up at crack o'sparrows and completing a 10-inch putt on his 18th hole.
Now presumably back to the hotel for a decent kip before he starts Round 2, weather permitting, late this afternoon.

Nothing reported as far as I can see about playing the ball "lift, clean and place", so assume there'll be plenty of "mudballs" following Thursday's unforecasted deluge.

Thought we might see a withdrawal or three but only Spencer Levin, who walked in after a rotten first ten holes on Thursday, has done a runner.

Me? I'm off to see the President, a Presidential visit to VT for the first time in 17 years - perhaps Pres Obama will offer up his selections for The Masters fantasy game.

Kwin - Hope you get the same visit from the same President this time next year!

Sr,
Yes! Me too!! I'm very nervous about that.
Apparently we (VT'ers) raise more money per capita for Barack than any other State, double what all but four raise, within a fraction of passing Oregon in gross donations! But we still also lead the Nation in deaths per capita in these senseless Bush/Cheney wars.

Shotrock

I almost hope they don’t allow a female member, as that way they would fully expose just how pathetic and weird they really are. Not sure people understand the damage this sort of story does for golf in terms of its image with potential female players. Just look at most clubs in the UK, they probably have ten female juniors at most.

Kwini

Someone should ask Obama if he likes a cornish pastie?

I think he'd be a bit smarter about such a question than his counterpart - but no knowing how Romney would answer.

Looks like DC just holed a 150-yarder, good start for Ireland, North and South. Mansfield also.

SHO is playing in the Houston suburb of Humble.

Is "Humble Texas" an oxymoron?

A typical double water 7 for DC at 18. Looks like he will be making the trip to Augusta tomorrow..................

Why does DC not just retire? It is pretty clear he has lost all focus

Lefty flexing some muscles ... if he gets it going could certainly be someone to contend with next week.

GPB wrote:Charley Hull is off to a solid start at the KNC. -1 after nine holes. I am glad the WGU reinstated her to the GBI Curtis Cup team.

It was really short-sighted decision by the WGU and I glad Charley stuck to her guns.

Nice call GPB, i think the LGU were made to eat humble pie. Interesting to read that when they decided to enforce the ban, Hull (#5 amateur in the world) was to be replaced by a girl who was ranked 683rd!

Kraft Nabisco or trials for the Curtis Cup? I think the LGU should be very glad to have Charley Hull.

wow two 'random' english top of the leaderboard.

greg owen and brian davies- in fairness both been threatening a good tourny for some time.

good to see we have such strength in depth!

I wouldnt be surprised if we had 20 players top 100 soon.

Be nice to get a frigging major though. You feel if one englishman gets one, they'll get about 7.

Good for Davis and Owen though.

Although, I'm going to go for Charley Hull as the next English major winner, haha.

Is it just me, or does anyone else not expect the ball to go in the right direction when she swings?

well i backed 4 british major winners this year- lol thats a leap of faith!

the the next english major winner could be the 15th highest ranked one for all we know. but untill that day happens its getting more and more annoying for me!!

Westy,luke and rose are in great shape for next week, so fingers crossed

13 of the current top 16 are not yet qualified for Augusta; great opportunity for Davis and Owen if they can keep this pace going.
Only Knox and Casey below the cut line so far; another good tournament in prospect for GB&I.

yeazh lowery is starting to look like the real deal, so is davies

McLaren wrote:Why does DC not just retire? It is pretty clear he has lost all focus

Mc,

DC was always like this and i am a big fan of his. That's what made Sandwich so remarkable, the way he coped with everything so well, which was untypical of his career in general..............

well look at couples in this event- obviously not even close to being able to play the way he once could(playing within himself) and obvioulsy in pain- yet its his job and he still may even enjoy it, and winning some good money ..

not everyone can get a spot in the commentary box.

dont wanna sound sexist here- but couldnt they leave the pga on sky rather than showing the women!!

my pick for rookie of the year doing well as well- harris english- guy looks unfalable- annoyingly really, not a character. Said it before and will again- the new jim furyk

It looks like Jesper has had a freak accident with his boat almost jeopardizing what is left of his career.

http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/parneviks-career-in-jeopardy-after-boating-accident/

you gotta love the ecentric jesper !! he is a top lad- good luck with them hands

GPB,
You heard it here first! Yesterday!!

mysti,
Couples might still play well next week - his putting is better than it was ten years ago. A good bet for fantasy formats where making the cut is crucial . . . . . . .

Tragic last few holes for DC.

couples swing is still the sexiest thing going.

kwini, Correct, I missed your post!

Sending best wishes to Jesper.

Funny Headline alert:

http://tinyurl.com/7lqlup8

"...Colin Montgomerie has some Masters advice for Rory McIlroy..."

Would be nice to see Cabrera win this.

mystiroakey wrote:my pick for rookie of the year doing well as well- harris english- guy looks unfalable- annoyingly really, not a character. Said it before and will again- the new jim furyk

Bit harsh on Furyk, what's a charachter after all , is Luke one ? People used to say it was good to have charachter and Id say Furyk and Donald are excellent examples of what that means.
Furyk may be lacking personality on course but from what Ive read is a stand up, sports obsessed bloke off it.
He's had a stellar career really Jim but one that's been overshadows by playing at his peak in an era with other even better more showy players.
He does look a bit dull though I'll give you that, though his swing is one that has given amateurs everywhere hope.

Call it harsh all you want Diggers. Personally Harris English reminds me of him completely- Btw that is a compliment!

Both seem abit dull but then so does 90% of yanky golfers. I think your taking offence when you dont need to in fairness.

I wasnt talking about the two in question having no character!

I was saying they arnt characters!

the two are very differnet statements. When i watch golf i am drawn towards players that are different and interesting, as well as being very good at golf.

However i have been following Harris since the walker cup , therefore i do follow the boring ones as well!!! but if you compare him to our european youngsters then its a no brainer as to which ones I would rather play a round with!!

kwinigolfer wrote:

Tragic last few holes for DC.

34 holes in one day was always going to be too much for Darren...................

Lol i bet he downed a couple of guninesses after theet round to get his heart going again!!

Round 2 in Houston is scheduled to resume 7.30 local time, 1.30 BST. Current cut-line sees the -2's survive but expect that to go to -3.

Imagine Round 3 might begin about 11.30 a.m. and, with a good forecast and 13 hours of daylight, they should complete Round 3 today.

Reports that Darren Clarke has suffered a groin injury but he won't be around for the weekend regardless so hopefully some rest will have him good to go at Augusta.

12 of the leading 17 players are not yet eligible for The Masters, including Davis and Owen, so there are some good storylines developing . . . .

Actually think Darren seems to be finding a bit of form. Don't expect him to challenge at Augusta but he might have one or 2 big tournaments in him before the year is out(Portrush?)......................

Harri will be hanging around but less than a 50% chance i would think...........

mystiroakey wrote:Call it harsh all you want Diggers. Personally Harris English reminds me of him completely- Btw that is a compliment!

Both seem abit dull but then so does 90% of yanky golfers. I think your taking offence when you dont need to in fairness.

I wasnt talking about the two in question having no character!

I was saying they arnt characters!

the two are very differnet statements. When i watch golf i am drawn towards players that are different and interesting, as well as being very good at golf.

However i have been following Harris since the walker cup , therefore i do follow the boring ones as well!!! but if you compare him to our european youngsters then its a no brainer as to which ones I would rather play a round with!!

Not offended, just interested what you think makes a charachter , I wouldn't say any of the Engkish guys for instance where characters, possibly Poulter though to me he is a fairly dull man trying too hard to be a charachter or interesting.
I think Furyk has a game face on course but isnt at all a dull man. Assuming we weren't playing a round with him in tournament golf I'd guess he is one of the better blokes to have a round with on tour as nobody ever seems to have a bad word to say about him.

yeah to be honest i dont think its hard to work out my point diggs- people warm to certain players for certain reasons. I warm to english players because i am patriotic , i also warm to players that play aggresively, i also warm to characters.

casey and poulter are to lads that have a right old crack, its obvious they have fun out there. I warm to them in a big way.

I warm to Pmick because he seems different from the stock yank golfer and he plays aggressively(no disrespect to any of them as i am one person that respects all golfers even if there are so clled 'boring god fearing yanks'!!)

I warm to players like seve,norman,daley because of they way they played the game

I warmed to faldo because he was english and was a winner.

I warmed to payne stewart because of the way he spoke to me when i got his autograph.,

I warm to poulter because of his style and out there comments and clasisc tweets.

i warm to casey becauise he seems to have a laugh out there.

I warm to donald,rose and westy because they are english but are not complete droids, like perhaps owen and davies seem to be(no disresept to em - just dont know enough about em!!)

I warm to golfers like olazaball and couples because of there swings!!

i could go on forever.

however there is nothing out of the ordinary that would make me warm to the stock yanks!

Fair enough , I see what you mean though personally I don't really think the reasons you give make the players charachters to be honest. They just have attributes you like.
Like I said Furyk is as far as I know a top funny bloke off the course with a quirky swing which almost makes it amazing he can be a pro let alone a top drawer one so to me he isn't a stock yank at all but each to their own.
I can't abide Casey as a plastic yank with his perma smile do its all a matter of opinion.

Look diggers H. english reminds me of furyk.

neither are characters in my opinion, however i like em both as golfers but if i was going to follow a group it wouldnt be them two.

I would go for English golfers or what i deem to be characters of the game

I get that, good for you. I'm simply posting some positives on Furyk as I..... not you, I get that ....don't see him as a stock yank at all and think he would be a good bloke to have a round with. You are the first person to defend a player you like on here so you shouldn't get too offended when somebody else does the same.