PGA Tour: Happy New Year!: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Happy New Year everyone, or if the PGA Tour is reading: Happy New 3/4 of a Year, given that the Tour season finishes in September from now on. That means an abbreviated schedule in which players can make their mark, save their card or resurrect their career.

2).Let's reprise the big changes to the Tournament calendar for 2013:
The schedule through September remains essentially intact, except that the Mayakoba tournament, previously played as an "opposite field" event during February's WGC MatchPlay week, will be the sixth stop of the 2013/2014 season. The six events of next (2013/2014) season are:
Fry's.com
Las Vegas
CIMB Malaysia
WGC HSBC Champions
McGladrey
Mayakoba.

The "Lost Boy" in all this is the Disney tournament which has been banished to Neverland.

3).I'll run through prospects for the Europeans in the year ahead at a later date, but of one thing we can be sure: there will be more Europeans with some current Tour status than ever before with Colsaerts, Hanson, Kaymer and Lynn taking membership and Sweden's David Lingmerth "graduating" via the web.com Top 25. Fellow Swedes Karlsson and Norlander, plus Ross Fisher are in the "show' via Q-School.
We lost Gary Christian and Russell Knox, Matthias Gronberg has disappeared, Richard S.Johnson, Casey, Chopra and Olazabal only have Past Champion status remaining, and Parnevik has the formality of a handful of Medical Exemption starts. So the Europeans are stronger than ever though it behoves those with marginal status to get cracking early, Ross Fisher, David Lynn etc are you listening?

4).Among Tour stalwarts who are at the end of their exemption tether are veteran members and past champions Appleby, Jerry Kelly and Immelman, all coming off disastrous seasons.

5).If it's comebacks you want, look no further than 2010 Players Champion Tim Clark. Hopefully he'll start his season next week at the Sony Open where he runner-upped with Steve Marino in 2011 before getting injured the following week. "Runner-upped with Steve" who? Yup, Steve Marino should be back also, perhaps with greater fitness and far fewer lbs. Good player.

6).And who will break through for a first win?
I fancy Hanson of the Europeans but will look beyond the celebrated young Americans like Cauley, Michael Thompson and English and anticipate wins for les enfants terribles Matt Every and Spencer Levin, plus Cameron Tringale. Billy Horschel played well last year (15 cuts in the 17 events - incl the last 12 - he squeaked into) then finished T4 at Q-School. Of the true rookies, I'll be pulling for Monday qualie specialist Patrick Reed. While Seung-yul Noh is certain to enter the winner's circle sometime soon.

7).It's not just McIlroy who'll be playing with new sticks this year - Kyle Stanley and Nick Watney had so much success with Titleist they've switched to Swoosh, replacing Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover among others.

8).We'll see Stanley and Watney at Kapalua this week, at the "Hyundai Tournament of Champions" where there's a field of 30 including most of the better young and not-so-young Americans: 2 x Johnsons, Dufner, Watson, Simpson, Snedeker, Bradley, Kuchar and defending Champion Steve Stricker. Fowler, Haas, Mahan and Watney join them, but no Mickelson or Woods.

9).In the absence of Donald, Garcia, McIlroy and Rose the European challenge is led by Poulter, who played well here a couple of years ago. I also like the chances of Swedes Blixt (could be a great start to a super year for him) and Pettersson who has played well here in the past. Regardless, there won't be an event played all year with more scenic views - better yet if Blixt brings his entourage.

10).And, finally, one wish for the New Year:
Would all the unseemly speculation about Europe's choice of Ryder Cup Captain please stop? I'm a big Darren Clarke fan but the tsunami of garbage spouting forth, whether on a tide of alcohol I don't know, from DC about making a "big" appointment to match up with Watson is unfortunate to say the least.
Let's hope the European Tour remains steadfast with their presumed plan to appoint Paul McGinley, if necessary with a joint appointment of Clarke for 2016. Speculation to the contrary undermines everything that has been best about Europe's Ryder Cup success, dating back for instance to Sir Tony Jacklin (what's that, he STILL didn't get a knighthood?) taking on Nicklaus at Chez Jack, Muirfield Village.

Sunday's delay at one hour, and counting...

4x....

robo could be probably the man able to confirm this, but I recall reading somewhere the other day that the very latest time Hyundai TOC tournament HAS to end is ~3.30pm local time on Monday. Reason given was logistics for TV equipment to be shipped/installed in time for the Sony tourament...

If that's the case and if they can't get the ball rolling today, you'll have to wonder if this event will take place at all...?!

pedro wrote:Tournament of Hope.....

Tournament of NO Hope.

I have read reports that Slugger White has said that Tuesday is still an option.

Its not like that they are going to England, or the mainland next week to play. I don't think anyone is playing in South Africa next week.

Honolulu, on Oahu, is just an hour flight away or so.

kwinigolfer wrote:robo,
Are you working there today?

Good point on the green speed Ned, but the Tour would probably say the greens and some breeze are the course's defence. Not much good of course if they can't play as a result.

Yes... well... maybe. We got up there about 6:05 and already knew they weren't starting on time... stayed less than an hour and then right back to the room in Lahaina. I don't know how they are going to start today if stays anything like this. Less squalls, but the wind is still tremendous (even a couple of those big pine tree things were down in Kaanapali as we went by). Unless there is a BIG change, I just don't see it happening. We're figuring on a Tuesday finish.

I didn't see the question about green speeds before I left the room this AM, but will ask when I get back up there. But from past trips, (last time was year before last) these greens are never really that quick. I was told (or of the understanding) they had them in the 9-9.5 range, but I question that as being even a little high. But don't let that fool you to think they are slow by average tour speeds... they're NOT. The deal here is NOT stimp, it's downhill and grain. Downhill down grain putts roll like 15-20's... uphill like 5's. And even on just a "breezy" day, sidehill putts can catch a gust and miss 6 feet low or roll completely off a tier or something. If they ever had that place rolling Augusta speeds, it would be near, if not totally impossible even on the calmest day.

robo,
Must have sounded like a great gig!
Doug Ferguson is reporting the greens are 8.5 on the Stimp.

A Congressional-like derecho would have helped Kaanapali when I played there - didn't like it at all, hope it's improved a bit.

Apparently all the TV equipment needs to be hauled to Honolulu by barge! A 16-hour trip according to DF, so if they play Tuesday, no proper TV coverage expected until Friday, at the earliest.

PS: Pl tell Doug Ferguson he's greatly admired on v2 - wonder what he's driving now!

kwinigolfer wrote:
PS: Pl tell Doug Ferguson he's greatly admired on v2 - wonder what he's driving now!

Is there any problem if the winning score is +30 and they have to play in some severe wind? Try getting your green fee back if you walk in after 4 holes at any of the UK links courses when the wind feels unplayable.

Fair enough if it is dangerous for spectators, get them in. But keep the players out. Anyway, was there not someone under par when play was stopped?


Anyone disagree with the following assessment? http://www.binettegolfarchitecture.blogspot.ca/2013/01/stuck-in-storm-fate-of-tournament-golf.html

Depends how bad the weather was, was it British bad, or American bad?

Also, how many of the field benefitted from a sustained period of decent weather due to being out early, bit unfair on later starters if it became a holocaust out there. Was the ball staying on a tee or on the green, if not, it's a farce to carry on, plus people ran the risk of being knocked out by wind blown burgers and twinkies.
Had they all been say a shot gun start, might have been ok, but if Bible Thumper Simpson had a moses type influence in the weather of his tee time then it's a bit harsh on someone who played later in apocalyptic winds.

Mixed feelings, Mac. Did Binette have similar views when play at St.Andrews was suspended in 2010?
They certainly adjust pin positions on courses that have received a lot of rain, to the higher ground in that case. But the experts are there and they seem to be more concerned with the integrity of the tournament rather than more commercial interests.

s_r: I think it was the same for everyone - on Friday there were 9 double bogeys and 11 birdies (of which Webbo had three).

On the other hand, there's a little John Huggan tale in Feb's Golf Digest about Lee Trevino aiming for a flag 100 yards away and getting within tap-in distance both with a skied wedge and a thinned wedge almost all along the ground; all with the conclusion that golfers don't have that variety of shots any more.

Pleased to see Poults taking charge after Kuchar's ball blew off the tee!

kwinigolfer wrote:Apparently all the TV equipment needs to be hauled to Honolulu by barge! A 16-hour trip according to DF, so if they play Tuesday, no proper TV coverage expected until Friday, at the earliest.

PS: Pl tell Doug Ferguson he's greatly admired on v2 - wonder what he's driving now!

I think even Dougie is getting confused by the whole thing... he said that yesterday, but about an hour ago he said that they could still play 18 on Tuesday...

And back in they come. Can't say I've seen anything totally unplayable while half-watching the TV coverage, certainly nothing to justify Poulter's ridiculous whinging. Yes it's windy, alter your shots for it, and take it into account when you line your putts. It's not blowing your balls off the green, get on with it...

here we go again...

It ain't happening, gusts over 40mph for the rest of the day...Looks like only gusting to mid 30s tomorrow...realistically the whole tournament could just be abandoned. Shame really, but I tend to agree with Dennis Pugh, it's great to watch them shotmaking tee to green but when the ball cant stay stationary on the green then it becomes a farce and totally unfair.

You can always putt it to the green and never really have to deal with the wind.

kwinigolfer wrote:
PS: Pl tell Doug Ferguson he's greatly admired on v2 - wonder what he's driving now!

Not sure if I will see him this week, haven't yet. We're working out of an office at a sales center this week, not near the media center. And we're staying down in Lahaina, most everybody else is staying up a Kapalua. But I should see him next week (I assume he'll be at the Sony as he usually is) and will say something if I get a chance.

And as for his car... I've never seen the "bug"... but we talked about it a couple years ago as I used to drive a '59, then a '64. I assume he still has it as he was sure proud of that sucker...

OH... and this afternoon winds are pretty much the same in Lahaina as they were this morning. Maybe a touch less, but still VERY strong. But the forecast has actually been pretty accurate, so if they say it's going to be 10-15mph less tomorrow... I'd go with it.


EDIT: 5:30 pm... wind has laid down a LOT in the last hour... maybe only 15-20 now...

Robo, Doug F's Bug burned up about on the way from Honda to Doral last year.

robo


I see that, if the event is reduced to 36 holes, the win is not just unofficial, the winner is not invited back to the TOC next year - according to pgatour.com. (Doesn't say anything about the Masters.)
That would surely be tone-deaf to the players, at best. This event has a tough enough time attracting players without turning its Champion away!

Seems that poults is unaware of the rule change introduced after the wind problems at the 2010 St. Andrews Open event. I would imagine the Exception to Rule18 -2b would have more than covered any concerns he had about grounding his putter.

Poulter took a lot of time over his 20-foot birdie putt, just above the hole, wind whipping his pants as he looked it over. The Europeans' Ryder Cup hero continued to step in and out of his stance, refusing to ground his putter until finally hitting the ball.

http://golfweek.com/news/2013/jan/06/poulter-takes-exception-millers-critical-air-comme/

and ...

Englishman Ian Poulter, Kuchar's playing partner, tweeted: "Well we tried to get it done even if it took a while over shots today as the balls were moving. No one likes penalty shots for no reason."

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/07/golf-pga-delay-idUKL4N0AB0C820130107

Unless you are an American player, then JOhnny Miller can always be guaranteed to be a complete t1t towards you.

Miller has had his dust-ups with Poulter (and Paul Casey) before.

Not sure why Reuters calls Poulter "Kuchar's playing partner" as Poults was paired with Jonas Blixt and Kuchar was at church with Webb Simpson . . . . .

Let's hope they play today.

That was American bad weather, Super. Almost Sandy like gales, not the minor breezes you guys get.

Seriously, I hope they get this thing in.

GPB wrote:Robo, Doug F's Bug burned up about on the way from Honda to Doral last year.

Wow... guess I gotta pay better attention.... I had no clue. MUCH calmer this AM (just before 5) compared to yesterday... but rain, some of it more than a drizzle...

Deja vu all over again!
They're off, and Webb Simpson takes an early lead . . . . . . . . !!

Third time lucky hopefully, Good work as always Kwini, looking forward to the season ahead.

Hi benson, Thanks. Happy New Year!

Let's hope this spluttering start is a seasonal anomaly and we're in for weekly golfing treats from around the world.

Pivotal year for Mr.Harrington's career I would think - high time for him to win again and return to the game's elite.

This is looking like the real thing now - full TV coverage starting here at 4.00 p.m.

Interesting to see Rickie Fowler and Dufner bustling around two holes quicker than Webb Simpson and Kuchar who opened the batting on the back nine. Someone needs to speak to Webbo, and not just about his anchorage.

Hi Kwini, Happy New Year to you!

Great to finally watch some golf last night. Had a hunch Watney would go well but he's stalled after holing that long eagle putt in round 1. Big year for the guy IMO, top 10 owgr material? Will be tough to crack the top 10 with the likes of Dustin, Bubba, Bradley, Simpson and Sneds continuing their form from last year. Seems like the next generation of US players are truly making their mark now. Speaking of next generation I had a brief look at Stanley's stats... one thing holding him back and one thing only - the putter. Wonder if he's switched putters in his club deal? I read that one of Stanley and Watney did not switch to a Nike putter but cant remember which one.

Stanley needs to swap something judging by the way he's propping up the leaderboard.

If you click on his scorecard and then player stats everything is hunkydory... bar the putting, which is utterly dismal!

Hi Lairdy

Not sure what we can really take from this week's adventures. By all accounts Dustin Johnson was as well prepared for this week as anyone - remarkable that he has a three stroke lead even after 3-putting three times in five holes during Round 1.

I missed Round 2, looking forward to the entertainment tonight though. Never really sure about Watney, sometimes he looks like a world-beater, other times just another very good pro. It'll be interesting to see how all the guys with new stick deals make out.

Long term I like Dustin and Snedeker most of the ones you mention, but all need to start winning more consistently to get to the next level. Are any of them better than Rose, Oosthuizen and/or Schwartzel? Not proven I would say!

Wonder when Laird will emerge from hibernation?

kwinigolfer wrote:Hi Lairdy

Not sure what we can really take from this week's adventures. By all accounts Dustin Johnson was as well prepared for this week as anyone - remarkable that he has a three stroke lead even after 3-putting three times in five holes during Round 1.

I missed Round 2, looking forward to the entertainment tonight though. Never really sure about Watney, sometimes he looks like a world-beater, other times just another very good pro. It'll be interesting to see how all the guys with new stick deals make out.

Long term I like Dustin and Snedeker most of the ones you mention, but all need to start winning more consistently to get to the next level. Are any of them better than Rose, Oosthuizen and/or Schwartzel? Not proven I would say!

Wonder when Laird will emerge from hibernation?

6 practice rounds?! Ideal way to come racing out the blocks though isn't it? Saw snippets of last years coverage during the delays and Laird really benefited from this benefit last year. Would think it wise for Laird to play end of Jan at La Quinta but might not see him 'til Torrey Pines. Havent read anything, just a guess.

I like Dustin, Watney and Dufner. Agree these guys need to go a bit to get past those you mention. Oosthuizen is one I can see mixing it up regularly with Rory ala their play off duel. He is sheer class and fast becoming a favourite of mine.

Golf Channel are carrying the third and final round live starting at 6.00 GMT.

Poulter first out of the stalls - would love to see him "post a number" . . . .

Is Poulter the Englishman most likely to win a major in 2013?

Him or his pal Rose. As much as I would like Westwood and Donald to get one I think there is something mentally stopping them. Some might say brash but Poults and Rose are a bit more ballsy IMO.

Rose for me, then Donald and, if he can get his head screwed back on, I wouldn't rule out Casey, but the clock is ticking on all of them!

This is with whom DJ will celebrate his win tonight...

Spoiler:

This is DJ's to lose. And, remember, he can get it going on "shorter" courses. Remember what he did at Plainfield.

pd,
Is that Miss Gretzky? Daughter of the Great One??

Wasn't it a couple of years ago that he had Miss Gulbis following him around? Mr.Gulbis disappeared from 606 shortly thereafter.

That's the one, kwini...

Did I see that DJ had won the previous two Tour events shortened to 54 holes? Pretty impressive hat-trick if that's the case.

I think this event was only intended to be ever be 54 wasn't it?

Ned,
That's correct!

I think he'd also won a couple of majors had they been shortened to 54 holes...

Superb player, he should win multiple majors in his career without a shadow of a doubt....The only thing stopping DJ for me is that maybe he has a slight weakness with his putting.

Agree benson. You could also call it nervy under pressure. I guess his 4th round collapses and 54 holes wins somewhat prove that.

Yeah, that is true but I think he only collapsed in the US Open to be fair and that is perhaps the toughest major to close out due to the severity of the test, the Open was one he did throw away...The PGA was just terrible luck.

Even if he hadn't had the unlucky (but fair) penalty at the PGA, he still bogeyed the 18th to drop into a playoff...

Dustin has missed out on a longish string of Majors in places that might favour him, in the S.E. of the U.S.

He always has Augusta, which he should be able to absolutely moller if he's in the mood, and Pinehurst coming up next year, but he missed out on Congressional, Kiawah, Atlanta etc, all venues one might have expected him to break through at.

Love the stat that he's the first player since Woods to win during each of his first six seasons on Tour. Imagine he'll win again this year . . . . .