PGA Tour: Play-Off Round 2 - DeutscheBank Championship: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Play-Off Round 1 is history and Hunter Mahan, who alone has played every (29 and counting) Play-Off tournament, has the chance to extend his run to 32 as he wins The Barclays and will certainly qualify for the FedEx finale.
Well done Hunner, that Sean Foley is one helluva coach!

2).Tom Watson will doubtless have noticed, especially seeing as other Ryder Cup wild-card candidates let Capt. Tom down badly:
Sneeedeker missed the cut, Moore did too, and so did Horschel, Simpson, English and Every. Todd played well for 36 holes but blew up at the weekend, and Bradley fizzled after a good start.
But Mahan has played on five Ryder/President's Teams, and needed a "pick" for FOUR of them.
Silly as it might sound, one factor in Mahan's favour could be caddie John Wood, very highly respected and reported to be a great influence in the "team room". Who knows?

3).Of course, Europe's Barclays "effort" was pretty bankrupt, only Gonzo (having a nice run of form under the radar) finishing in the Top 20. Donald left early, perhaps in a NetJet with Poulter, and Westwood's week was not much better.
Westwood has told anyone who would listen that his playing schedule was "Off until the Ryder Cup."
What does he know that we don't?
Let's just say I can't see McGinley choosing three Englishmen.

4).The consensus about whither Tiger Woods and any new swing coach seems to be, "Spend less time in the gym, get healthy and go play golf. Explosive and stronger are for the 20-somethings; smoother and faster are the recipe for any future success. You don't really need a coach."
Time will tell, but all those pundits cheering Woods to 19 Majors and beyond must be getting nervous.

5).CBS TV passes the broadcasting baton to NBC TV for the rest of the Play-Offs. So, hopefully no more endless Rickie Fowler promotions or plugs for their four favourite sports:
NFL.
College Football.
Fantasy Football.
CBS coverage of all three.
Time for Jim Nantz and the production team to move on, sick and tired of their sycophantic and self-serving drivel.

6).The web.com Tour "regular season" concluded last Sunday and Alex Cjeka was the only European in "The 25" to earn his PGA Tour card for next season.
Denmark's Sebastian Cappelen and Mansfield's Greg Owen both won this season but contrived to finish 26th and 27th respectively, very difficult to do, especially for Owen who fluked a win early and then stopped playing the tournaments. He may be an awfully nice bloke but he comes across as a total numbnuts.

7).Anyway, the web.com Tour Finals (WTF's) start this week; a dozen or so European Tour pros were eligible to compete but only Saffers Grace and Sterne and Aussie Scott Hend have committed. A big break for O'Grady and it likely means that his European Tour roster is pretty much intact for 2015, plus Colsaerts, Hanson, Lynn, Olesen etc.
These WTF's were good tournaments last year - 25 more golfers will earn Tour cards when the "Finals" are concluded, a mix of rookies and old lags if last year is anything to go by.

8).It is paradoxical that the deeper we go in to the Play-Offs, the weaker the fields get and the lower the world ranking points on offer become! Kind of perverse.
This week, we're missing six golfers who are eligible to play but are otherwise engaged: Casey, McDowell (both on paternity leave), Dufner, Garcia, Rose and Dustin. I wonder if one or two others might have been tempted to take a week off, especially Furyk (who must be fried) and Rory?

9).There will be birdies and eagles galore at TPC Boston this week; Stenson's winning score last year was 262 - 22 under par, the third time that's been the winning score. Not much pattern to those who have excelled here, so it's difficult to choose course specialists, except to say that Aussies have a fine record.
There's plenty on the line, for the Americans especially with their last chance to catch Capt.Tom's eye as well as all the filthy lucre.
Only nine Europeans tee it up on Friday - yes, FRIDAY - and almost all need a good result to reach the Top 70 in points and advance to Denver for the BMW Championship. Rory, Kaymer, Jacobson and Knox are sure to move on, but Donald, Poulter, Stenson, Gonzo and Pettersson need strong finishes.

10).Yes, the DeutscheBank runs from Friday to Monday ("Labor Day" in the U.S.), then the Pros have to leg it to Denver, 2,000 miles to the West and a Mile High, for the Beemer which starts that Thursday. Those who play 72 holes will be knackered, not surprising that Sergio and Justin Rose sat this one out.
And, on the Tuesday, Watson will be announcing his "Captain's Picks"; who ever will he choose?

ARRRGH...must have been brain dead when I typed my post about the MDF.

The MDF should be in effect for Playoff events!!  I will edit.

Robo: I don't care if they get money, just FE Points.

To illustrate my "ahem" point, about the FE points, lets go to the Tour Championship.  The points are reset so the leader has 2500 points.  Well since he is guaranteed ~200 points by playing and finishing 25th, he has ~2800 points.

Theoretically that is enough to win the FE Cup and IMO, that is a loophole that should not be possible.

And the concept applies to the other events.

Lots of golfers flunking their auditions last week and this, but Gallacher might well make McGinley's job a lot easier if he keeps this up - McDowell is a certain "pick" and one of Donald, Westwood and Poulter has to miss out, along with Molinari, of course.
Sorry Lee.

A lot of similarities between Gallacher 2014 and DoDo Molinari of 2010. 

Great Gut-Check by Gallacher, hope he finishes it off.

Think Westy might be given a 11th hour vice Captain-ship?

GPB wrote:Robo: I don't care if they get money, just FE Points.

To illustrate my "ahem" point, about the FE points, lets go to the Tour Championship.  The points are reset so the leader has 2500 points.  Well since he is guaranteed ~200 points by playing and finishing 25th, he has ~2800 points.

Theoretically that is enough to win the FE Cup and IMO, that is a loophole that should not be possible.

And the concept applies to the other events.

I guess I still don't get how it's a "loophole".. ...

Take the Tour Championship... I think you're reading WAAAY to much into it... and finding problems where there aren't any. Plain and simple... the reset starting points for the TC are designed to allow for the volatility of "just the right scenario" happening so any of the 30 could possibly win the FE Cup.. So what if the guy who finishes last (30th) earns 205 points... because the guy who starts out 30th has 210 already in his bank to start with. So #30 can still beat #1 with a win if #1 finishes last (2710 to 2705).... If it'll make you happy... just reduce everybody's reset down by 210 points and there ya go... problem solved.... even though functionally, it really doesn't change a thing.

IMO the ONLY thing they need to do, (if they're not already)... is adjust reset points for the Tour Championship based on how many players are in the field. So lets say John Smith is actually 30th in points... but only 28 players are in the TC (DJ and somebody else doesn't play).... then John's reset needs to be reset at #28's 230 points and not at #30's 210 points. Otherwise the WORST #1 can finish is 28th.. and that makes it impossible for #30 to catch him.

Seems Gallacher is just missing out on an automatic spot. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets a pick tho, simply due to lack of better alternatives.

Donald is clearly not in better form than Gallacher, nor is Westy or Frannie. I also fear that the likes of Donald and Westy are not hungry enough, not wanting it enough.

Gallacher could be a down to earth welcome addition to an otherwise (I fear) over-comfortable European side.

I don't really give a fig about the Ryder Cup and may well end up supporting the USA team depending on who gets picked for Europe but I really hope Gallagher gets a pick over Poulter, Westwood or Donald. Were it my choice I'd pick Gallagher, Molinari and Luiten as they have at least played regularly on the European Tour during the selection period. Well that and the fact I can't stand the preening peacock Poulter!!

I fear McGinley will pick the star names mind you as he doesn't strike me as having the stones not to. Hope he proves me wrong.

You give a fig then?

What I do agree tho, is that we need a greater continental representation on the team, to balance out all the British\Irishness.

I give a fig for the players involved because I'm sure they care whether they get picked or not. I'm not sure I give a fig who wins. Does that make sense?

Don't give a fig if it doesn't! x

I give lots of figs!! Love the Ryder Cup.

But: So many reasons why certain players should be chosen, or dumped, I'd just take the Top 12 on the list. Good for Gallacher.
Only reason to change would be if Gonzo brought home the DeutscheBank bacon tomorrow.

It's a shame no more Continental players are strong candidates but all had equal chances.

4 Continental Euros (You do consider Scandinavia part of the Continent, correct?) qualified on merit and that is a pretty good representation.

Stenson, Sergio, Bjorn, Doobie.

But I do think Frankie deserves to be picked over the three Englishmen.

WHY!!!

Gallagher deserves a spot. To do aswell as he has today under pressure is pretty impressive. Poulter gets in on past ryder cup performance. Though im no fan. For me final spot could be anyone. I dont think westwood deserves it though. Donald maybe only just. Frannie has looked in decent form and gonzo seems to be most in form and consistent. but doubt he has a chance.

kwinigolfer wrote:WHY!!!

Because I think Frankie is playing better.

Not well enough to make a compelling case though, think Gallacher has done enough and don't see how Donald (fantastic RC record) & Poulter (RC inspirational figure until he isn't) can be left out.

End of Romero's season, probably De Jonge's also. Donald hanging on by his fingernails - missing tiddlers on the easy 18th don't help.

kwinigolfer wrote:End of Romero's season, probably De Jonge's also. Donald hanging on by his fingernails - missing tiddlers on the easy 18th don't help.

Stenson is currently outside the number to advance too...

robopz wrote:

kwinigolfer wrote:End of Romero's season, probably De Jonge's also. Donald hanging on by his fingernails - missing tiddlers on the easy 18th don't help.

Stenson is currently outside the number to advance too...  

And he needs a good round tomorrow to get his 15th event.

Does the Ryder Cup not count?
A little contrived if the PC counts as an event and the RC doesn't.
Though I seriously doubt if Henrik gives a monkey's.

Not sure if Ryder Cup counts or doesn't count.  

And if it does count, whether it counts as part of the 2013-14 season or the 2014-15 season.

IMO, it should not count, especially after the HSBC WGC event became an official event on the PGATour.  There are 8 co-sanction events that count on the PGATour.  Playing seven or 8 more events should not be that onerous for a player.

IMO, Stenson thought he could just "Mail-it-In" to a spot in the BMW and his 15th event.

Membership has its privileges ($$$) and its obligations (15 events).  If you don't fulfill your obligations, you should lose your privileges.

And: Talking of obligations:
Which do we rate the higher achievement/
McIlroy's 64, or Wozza over Shazza??

My eardrums are very happy that Woz beat Shriekapova this afternoon.

Sweet Caroline
Good times never felt so good...So Good So Good So Good

Great composure today from two of the Tour's more combustible members:
Every in with an 86
Top Five in with 6 x 6's in his 82. May be Top Five but not Top 70 this week.

Another world beating display by the big time player Jason Day.

Nomination for the Irony award: 

Colt Knost in contention to win the WTF event, HOTEL FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

Happily the Colt didn't win, but came second and earned his Tour card for '14/'15.
Along with winner Bud Cauley and Greg Owen. Amazing for Owen.

Rickie Fowler still 1.5 pts ahead in the PGA Tour Player of the Month voting. McIlroy also in the voting but, after all, he only one twice.

kwinigolfer wrote:Rickie Fowler still 1.5 pts ahead in the PGA Tour Player of the Month voting. McIlroy also in the voting but, after all, he only one twice.

 Hard to believe golf fans could be that stupid... but what's even more worrysome... we use an even less informed/qualified brain pool to elect our national leaders...  not just here in the U.S.A..... but everywhere.... sheesh.

GPB wrote:Nomination for the Irony award: 

Colt Knost in contention to win the WTF event, HOTEL FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP.

Thought of the same thing. Imagine if he'd won:
"I thank the sponsor for all they've done for us. I look forward to being their spokesperson for the coming year."

Final auditions coming up for Ryder Cup Captains' Choices; not to mention last chances for the likes of Luke Donald and Ian Poulter to make something, anything, out of their 2013/2014 PGA Tour season by finishing high enough today to move on to Cherry Hills and the "Beemer".
Not holding my breath on Lukey & Poults, but Tom Watson must be as confounded as the rest of us by the inconsistencies of his wildcard candidates.
Looks like Keegan Bradley and two others: Bud Cauley & Fred Couples both won yesterday - why not them?

Dreary morning at TPC Boston - a little overnight rain should mean softer greens and a Monday shoot-out. Very warm, probably humid and not much wind - get ready for birdies and eagles. Good chance for Rory but too many others in the frame to choose a favourite.

Holy crap. The tiger leaked picks are pretty fine.

McLaren wrote:Holy crap.  The tiger leaked picks are pretty fine.  

Picks or pics?
If the latter, are you touching yourself?

Luke Donald is even par after 11 holes and that means, even if he birdies in, he's got a two or three weeks off before Gleneagles.
Wonder if he'll play in Europe if chosen?

Ryan Moore another who's playing poorly - if he was ever in Watson's plans, you'd have to think he won't be any more.

Plenty of low scores today - who'll make a run at the leaders?

Stenson received GPB's memo: five under par for his first 8 holes. Woodland going even better than that: -6 after 8.

Decent finish to Donald's FedEx campaign. His 67 won't earn him a tee-time at Cherry Hills but it will at least be a reminder to McGinley that he still has one of the best short games in golf.

Vibe I got from the Golf Channel pre game show is that IJP and Westy are two of the picks and the third pick is between Luke and Gallacher.

I like USA's chances if the three Englishmen are picked!

Think that would be a travesty, given Luke Donald's RC record.
First off, and unlike Poulter (1 loss) and Westwood (2 losses) he's never been on a losing team. Second off, compare these records:

Donald:
10-4-1 including 3 wins, one loss in singles.

Poulter:
12-3-0 including 4 wins in singles

Westwood:
18-13-6 including 3 wins, five losses in singles.

Westwood is yesterday's man; sad but true.

Good round from Poulter but he's made a habit of missing out on the FedEx opportunity and he's done it again.

Still can't believe McGinley would pick Westwood over Donald. Say it ain't so . . . . .

I wonder if some of the Jason Day fans on here are finally going to accept he is nothing special when it comes to winning tournaments?

So, is Chris Kirk the one following Hunner and Bradley to Gleneagles?

Had Horschel won, I wonder if Watson had picked him assuming it was Horschel texting Watson, begging to be picked? "Hey Tom, I'll make you pick me. I have a new driver." ?

pedro, I think that Webb Simpson owned up to being the new driver guy . . . . . . .

Not much personality on display there from Chris Kirk, but perhaps that's just what the US Team need instead of the ra-ra crowd?

After that dry run Kwin pointed out, the Americans go two in a row. Well done. (Although I was really pulling for Ogilvy.)

Mac - Agree with that sentiment. Day is a strapping lad, seemingly chock full of talent, but it's about the W's, which come very few and far between for this "world class" player. Kind of like young Fowler in the majors this year.

I can certainly understand Poulter for the RC, given his heroics and passion, but don't understand why anyone would pick Donald. Langer's played better than Lukey  this year IMO.

I think it's in lack of better options shotrock. He's experienced and has a good record. Plus he's just outside the automatic spots.

McGinley might go for a rookie as well, presumably Gallacher, but not two rookies.

With Poulter being a shoe-in the last pick can only be between Westwood and Donald. Think Molinari's record is too bad for him to be considered, also considering he didn't deliver on his home course this week.

Luke's record in RC play pretty darned good - rumour here is that, if McGinners doesn't choose him, Watson will.
Played the best, most crucial shot at Medinah, plus led the team out and stuffed Bubba. Can't beat that sort of leadership by accomplishment rather than noisy bullsh1t.

I don't trumpet Jason Day on here except as a budding young talent but, one day soon, he'll crack this winning thing and become a prolific winner. Fowler? I'm not so sure but watching NBC and CBS you'd think he'd won a Major a year for five seasons.

McLaren wrote:I wonder if some of the Jason Day fans on here are finally going to accept he is nothing special when it comes to winning tournaments?

Very few people are. How many consistent winners can you name? There aren't many really when you look at it are there? I suspect if he wins one or two bigger events, he may well kick on and win a hat full. Time will tell.

Rumor here is that Lukey will have loads of free time that weekend. McGinley made the logical choice; he's shown no form of any sort this year and past heroics are but a memory.

European team looks tough top to bottom. Americans will do well to be competitive. Hope they can muster that.

Who are you talking about "no form of any sort this year"? Poulter??
Donald has more owgr points this year than Westwood and more than twice as many as Poulter.

The only difference between Donald and straightforward automatic qualification was a fluke sand shot from Kuchar at Harbour Town.

Imagine the pressure that Chubby put on McGinley was intense. Europe's loss, America's gain.

Massive mistake in overlooking Donald imo. These picks wreak of politics ie Gallacher being a home player and also a loyal member of the European Tour.

Poulter clearly brings much more energy to that event than Lukey.

Kuchar kept Lukey out of the RC?? I doubt even he would use that excuse. He had plenty of other tournaments to earn his way on, just could not get it done.

Just responding to your ludicrous post Sr, no doubt Poulter brings energy and I'd definitely have picked him.

Westwood was a blight on the landscape when playing poorly at Valhalla, looked as if he wasn't trying just to p1ss Faldo off - his record this season and his past three RC's has been poor.

Very sorry to see such a deserving player ignored, that's all. Achievement always more important, even than energy, in my book.