PGA Tour: Valero Texas Open: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Next year's "Shell Houston Open" will revert to its traditional date the week before The Masters, but it won't be much more exciting than the tournament we enjoyed last weekend. Lots of appetising ingredients with Phil, Rory, Louis and Lee but in the end we could only admire an out-of-the-blue return to Victory Lane by Darren Andrew Points who scored his first Top 60 result of the season, his first Top 15 result since losing, along with Rory McIlroy, in the Quail Hollow play-off last May to Rickie Fowler.

2).Joint runner up was Billy Horschel, extending his string of consecutive cuts made to a Tour-leading 20, one ahead of Poulter.
Horschel's a cocky sod and temperamental as well, when things start going haywire, they don't stop. But this result wraps up his card for the year and I'd expect him to free-wheel to some more good results. In fact, I'd have him in any short-list of non-winners most likely to break through, along with 7th place Kevin Chappell and Cameron Tringale, who slipped away to 16th. There are plenty of hot-shots coming through but these three will win.

3).Also joint runner-up was the always enigmatic Henrik Stenson who booked his ticket to Augusta with four birdies in his final five holes. And: Catch a load of his seasonal stat's:
Driving Accuracy: 1st
Total Driving: 1st
Greens in Regulation: 1st
Ball Striking: 1st
Scrambling: 1st.
And we know he can hit it as far as he wants to, so his 57th place in Driving Distance (290.5 yds) presumably hides a few 3-woods or less off the tee.
An in-form Stenson can beat anyone, yes, anyone, and he's surely earned a spot on short-lists for The Masters.

4).Highest finisher from Team GB&I? Brian Davis of course! He'd disappeared since a T4 in Hartford last year, so that adds up to 20 tournaments played with one Top 25 (15th in Canada) and 14 missed cuts. But Davis is a creature of habit and here are two ways of showing it:
Seasonal:
Money winnings Jan/Feb: 9%
March - June: 62%
July - December: 29%

And geographically:
There are only four events in Texas every year, yet 27% of his career earnings have been split between Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio. 14% in Florida is his next best haul by State. 'Course, he also likes Pete Dye courses but that's for another Note.

5).The golf world was following princedracula this weekend, anxious for him to reveal all the permutations involved in determining owgr Top 50 positions and a ticket to Augusta. In the event Freddie Jacobson, Richard Sterne and Henrik Stenson secured their invitations via the Top 50 while Points joins them as a Tour winner. Lots of disappointment for near misses especially Marcel Siem who was bumped out by Henley, already in the field. All European Golf fans would be thrilled to see Marcel win in San Antonio this week to take his place after all.
Europeans playing The Masters for the first time are:
Alan Dunbar (Amateur Champion)
Colsaerts, Donaldson, Lynn and Olesen.

6).Is the criteria for Masters qualification fair? And, is it worthy of being a Major??
One thing you can say for certain is that all the golfers in the world knew the various qualifying routes from the word go and that Billy Payne would devalue all those criteria by inviting Ryo Ishikawa even after he has relentlessly manifested the fact he is unworthy of a free pass.
Personally, I'd say that inviting back most Past Champions and last year's Top 16, and offering entry to certain Amateur Champions is just fine.

7).For those who suggest the PGA Tour is unfairly favouritised I'd counter by saying that many golfers from other nations compiled owgr points in "subsidised" events.
But one criteria is just bloody daft: Leaders in all the Majors:
Masters: Top 16 (I think Kevin Na is the only one to qualify solely under this rule, and he might not be fit to play).
US Open: Top 8
Open Championship: Top 4
PGA Championship: Top 4
What makes The Open Championship (or the PGA Championship for that matter) inferior to the US Open which, by comparison, has such a weak field?

8).So: If we agree the Top 8 exemption should be applied at least as much to The Open and PGA we can offer commiserations to:
The Open: Thomas Aiken (T7)
PGA Championship: Blake Adams (who is injured, out at least until the autumn).

See, Billy, that wouldn't have hurt, would it now? Couldn't you bring yourself to be seen to be a bit more fair?

9).The American media is having great fun at the American winning streak on Tour, as if it's somehow symptomatic of US dominance. Probably more symptomatic of the decline of just a few International Golfers who have not yet been replaced and the fact that, typically, the Europeans seldom win on the "West Coast" or "Florida" swings.
In approx 185 such tournaments since Jan 2000, the breakdown has been:
USA winners: 127: (Incl 11 WGC's, 5 won by Woods).
International: 43 (4 WGC's): 7 for Els, 6 for Ogilvy, 5 for Singh, 3 each for Appleby and Weir.
Europe: 15 (5 WGC's): 3 for Donald, 2 for Parnevik, no-one else more than 1 each.
Just saying.

10)."The Valero Texas Open" has one of the most generous sponsors and generates among the largest charitable donations of the PGA Tour. But it's been on Finchem's back burner especially after leaving Tillinghast's revered Oak Hills Country Club (home of the fore-runner to the Tour Championship which was won by T.Watson).
Since leaving Oak Hills (now a Champions Tour stop), the quality of the fields has gone down with the quality of the Golf Courses, the last stop before TPC San Antonio being a dump that was overlooked by a roller-coaster.
Apparently Greg Norman's lay-out has had some rough edges smoothed out, some greens made less severe, and some chipping areas moderated so there's some hope that this represents window-shopping for Tour pros who wouldn't otherwise bother to play here.
Whatever happens it will have a later date next year, probably the last week in April.
Who will win? No idea, but the aforesaid trio of Chappell, Horschel and Tringale must have a shout. Freddie Jac has played well here, it's a home date for Jimmy Walker and Brendan Steele followed up his 2011 win with a T4 last year.
And fingers crossed for Marcel Siem.

Horschels for courses? Impressive couple of weeks for him.
And Rory: I'm quite sure he'll be in the mix next week. He seems to have an extra gear.

kwinigolfer wrote:Off in threesomes for Round 4, and off 1st and 10th tees, kicking off at 9.35 local.

Yes I was shocked at split tees and three somes. They could have squeezed times to a 12:25 cdt final tee time, if they really wanted to do it. Small chance of rain in the forecast.

This is big course and I think they want to make sure they have time for a playoff to be shown on NBC since GC has the Kraft Nabisco at 5 pm (S.A. Time).

Just hope Siem's & Lowry's exersions (which will inevitably end in vain)to get into the Masters don't lead to a slump in form,which in Lowry's case i believe will happen.

Don't think Lowry is near ready for this criss crossing but hard to blame him taking up the invites....................

Blustrous conditions in store for the final round of the Valero Texas Open. But will "warm and windy" favour the leader of the pack or the posse.

As said before, Horschel blows hot and cold and would think he could be in trouble if someone makes a run at him or he sticks a couple of tee shots in to the desert. But he's a top, top player and as wins in him, just a question of when.

Still five GB&I in the top 18, and all can do themselves a big favour with high finishes today.

John,
Agree with what you say about Lowry and Siem - neither yet in the US Open so that can be a short-term goal regardless of what transpires today.

Also see Colsaerts and Kaymer are in the provisional field for Hilton Head in two weeks' time - can't imagine a course much less suited to Colsaerts.

Agree that Lowry probably isn't ready to be a tour double-dipper yet. Siem probably does have the game, if he can keep his temperament in check.

Anyone know if a top ten here would get either of them into Hilton Head?

Ned,
Hilton Head is usually an "invitational" with a limited field and wouldn't be applicable for a top tenner. That might be different this (shortened) season, not sure but, if not, would defo be applicable for New Orleans.

Bryce Molder flying, bot no-one else making early progress.

Roryssimoooo!!!!

Six months of bad-mouthing Martin Laird and he's in with a fighting chance here - could be his season right here.
Scotland and Northern Ireland to battle this out, unless Horschel keeps making 15 foot putts.

Good luck to Horschel, can't imagine he'll want to be looking over his shoulder too much when the chasing group's being led by McIlroy, Laird and Furyk, Choi in the mix too... would imagine there's enough experience there for someone to capitalise on any slip-up from Billy.

Siem and Lowry off to nice starts - both in with outside chances of joining Gonzo as temporary members with a high finish here... a rough guess would be solo 3rd for Marcel, two-way for 3rd for Shane. But if the top-10 exemption carries over to the next tournament that'll have them, it might be wiser to make sure of that, and focus on another made cut in 3 weeks to limp over the threshold.

I think Lowry already has an invite for New Orleans...

Not often a player turns up that I haven't heard of but "Korean" qualifier Todd Baek is a new one on me and has crept into the top 20.

PS: Martin Laird!!!!!!!!!!!

It's true, Lowry is bound for New Orleans... lucky guy! But he deserves it based on what I've seen the last few days...

Ace for Chalmers!

Let's see if this no-name American can hang on. Don't count on it ...

Rory/Paddy represent Ireland in World Cup of Golf?

Will that be Lowry's 4th SE this year? Better hope he gets that special temporary membership, cos he won't have many starts left after it! Going well today though.

LAIRD!!

Martin Laird!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ned,
He'd definitely be able to play in The Players, if he qualifies (top 50), so that's one. Wouldnt've thought it was his course, but still a chance to make some money.

kwinigolfer wrote:Ned,
He'd definitely be able to play in The Players, if he qualifies (top 50), so that's one. Wouldnt've thought it was his course, but still a chance to make some money.

Kwini,

Have I got it right in thinking that his current status is:
1. Eligible to play in any Majors/WGCs he qualifies for, plus The Players if he's top-50.
2. Eligible to Monday qualify for any event (provided it has a monday qualifier)
3. Eligible for x number of SEs over the season (6?)

But if, during those starts, he earns more than about $465k, he gets the special temp. membership, which entitles him to as many extra SEs as tournaments are willing to give him. And if he earns more than about $650k, he can take full membership and slot in below number 125 on last year's money list on the exemption categories.

Meanwhile, 7 Americans in the leading 11, collectively E for the day. 4 internationals making up the group (Laird, Rory, Choi, Siem), collectively -9 for the day. Could be the end of the streak right here...?

Ned,
Sorry, can't help on that, and can't find a precise definition.

1).Is clearly correct.
But I'm a bit iffy on 2). and 3).

Clutch putts for the top 3.

Peter Hanson -5 after 11. Round of the day so far.

Richard S T6 in Brasil.

Amazing Marcel!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Marcel . . . . . Oh Rory

princedracula wrote:Amazing Marcel!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope Rory wins as I backed him but I also hope Laird wins so that he gets into the Masters

Lairdy, Lairdy...

Call the cops, call the cops . . . . . ESCAPE!!!!!!!!
Well done Martin
and Marcel

I am pretty sure Non members are allowed up to 7 Sponsors Invites in addition to Majors and WGCs

An entry after a Top 10 (possible this week) does not count against S.E. A top 10 this week gets an 'free' entry into New Orleans. Hilton Head does not count since it is an Invitational. But Shane needs to birdie 18 to get a top 10.

Been on the road this evening. Each sports update on 5 live they keep talking about this being Rory's last round before The Masters as if it isn't for anyone else!

Finally going to play myself tomorrow, Fantastic!

5 live never covers Martin Laird, Sheldo, they don't seem to know he exists.

Not a good 18th hole for Shane Lowry but bags of experience under his belt, if there's any room for it.

And a 6 under 66 for Peter Hanson, which makes a mess of my fantasy team.

It siemed so good for Marcel. Can't stop think of what it might have been...

Kwini, you'll love this:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2013/04/07/condolleezza-rice-phil-mickelson-august-national-masters/2061299/

Actually Phil comes out as bit of a clown.

pedro wrote:Kwini, you'll love this:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2013/04/07/condolleezza-rice-phil-mickelson-august-national-masters/2061299/

Actually Phil comes out as bit of a clown.

A "clown"? Huh?

Thanks pedro, Had missed that. Clearly Phil didn't have to go to Iraq . . . . .

Round of a lifetime from Martin Laird, but would also think Rory will consider this week "job done" regardless of final outcome.

Good showing from most of the Europeans, Lynn, Freddie, Lowry, Davis, Hanson all in the top 30 as well as Siem, Harrington etc.

GPB wrote:

pedro wrote:Kwini, you'll love this:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2013/04/07/condolleezza-rice-phil-mickelson-august-national-masters/2061299/

Actually Phil comes out as bit of a clown.

A "clown"? Huh?

"She kept asking me about the course, I kept asking her about countries."
"She's one of my favorite people."
Maybe it's the jounalist but he doesn't come out as a genious.

Very impressive from Laird. 22 putts is just incredible.

Wow at Laird's finish, 3 straight birdies to fly through the pack with 63 & win, impressive!

That was some round of golf! Well done Mr. Laird!

Pedro ... Phil disingenuous? Ya think?

Ugh.

Well done Laird.

SR, infantile rather.

Streak over - hopefully a new one starts with Europe winning The Masters, Hilton Head, New Orleans etc!

Very enjoyable day's golf.

As I can see Laird moves from #117 to #52-54-ish on the owgr.

Kwin - I hope for a new streak too ... but not exactly like yours! And so much for the theory that Euro's don't go on birdie streaks.

Pedro - Agree.

I reckon "clown" counts as a compliment in regards to that bilge from phil.

Martin Laird (3) has now won the same number of regular pga tour events as Paul Casey(1), Ian Poulter(0) and Lee westwood(2) combined.

Great news about Martin Laird but I reckon this describes the best news in golf this weekend:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jarrod-lyle-plays-18-holes-230603712--golf.html

I hope Lyle doesn't try to come back too soon and prejudice his chances of being strong enough to retain his card. But fantastic news that he's fit just to play 18 holes.

Certainly the funniest guy on Tour, makes the golf boys look like a bunch of (to use a word that is the same written upside down as right way up) chumps.

Unbelivable play by Laird!!

9 under par final day.. unbelivable!

As good as Rors was as well and is. Its all about laird . This course wasnt even easy

Gael will be wetting her girdle at that final round.

super_realist wrote:Gael will be wetting her girdle at that final round.

Super

Be honest, you are wetting your girdle at the thought of gael wetting her girdle.

Lairdy,
Hope you were watching, a fantastic round from Martin Laird - if it wasn't for him all the press would be about Rory, but both played superbly. (As it is, my morning paper has nothing about the Valero Texas Open, or its winner, but a full page on Tont and his aspirations for this week!)
Great putting from Laird, but equally good bunker play after he put himself in some dodgy positions.
20th in his first trip to Augusta, slumped to 57th last year, but this form would be just the ticket for The Masters!