PGA Tour: Season's GB&I / Europeans Report Card: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Let's take time to reflect on who did well during the 2013/2014 season, and who had 12-months they'd just as soon forget. By order of finish on the Official Money List, and rated A thru F (fail):

2).1 - 30:
McIlroy: A+++: It's all been said elsewhere. The sky's the limit.
Garcia: B+:      No "A"'s for galactico non-winners. Time for some big wins.
Kaymer: A++:   Two big ups more than compensate for the smattering of downs.
Rose: A:          Struggled with niggling injuries early, including to his putter. Purple patch in mid-summer. In the prime of his career so much more is expected - perhaps the Ryder Cup success is the springboard he needed?

3).31 - 60:
McDowell: B:     Only played three times in a 3-month period as he took a pre-paternity break. Got the season off to a fast (HSBC) start and kind of free-wheeled after that. Expect a strong 2014/15.
Jacobson: B-:    Freddie looks like he's content to be Freddie. Ho-hum, narrowly missed out at the Wyndham, $2M in the bank, short-game genius but short and crooked off the tee. The only thing he's best at on Tour is table-tennis.
Stenson: C:       Henrik spent all year complaining how knackered he was, and mostly played like it. Hope he takes a nice break and proves to be a 2013-like force in next year's Majors.

4).61 - 75:
Poulter: E:        Won more than half his money at the HSBC Champions last November. Dismal year, terrible stats (which for once don't lie) and will flirt with losing his card if he repeats his 2014.
Knox: A:           Come on, who expected such a fine year from the callow Scot??!! Top 35's in all but two of his first 11 events set his year up. All ball-striking stats good so a stroke-a-tournament gained around the greens will catapult him to leaderboards week in, week out. Should have got closer to the Las Vegas title two weeks ago, terrible body language during his mid-round (4) wobble.
Donald: C-:      A tale of two seasons. Good start (B), domestic upheaval (I imagine) followed by lousy second half (E). Don't care who you are, for a family man to be working 3,000 miles away when your child is born prematurely has got to take its toll on the family. Take a break, get that swing-change sorted and fine-tune your short game and 2015 should be a success. I hope.


5).76 - 90:
Pettersson: C:    Much improved after an awful 2013. No wins though, and a dodgy short game. Last chance to make hay before you bin that putter Carl.
Blixt: C-:           Only Top 15 was his Masters runner-up. World class short game can't disguise abysmal ball-striking (171st on Tour). Career on the line this season.
Westwood: D:    Woke up in time for decent finishes at Augusta, The Players and PGA. Rubbish otherwise. Sh1t or bust for Lee this year, I'd think, but off to a good start at the Frys and returning this week to a happy hunting ground. Expect a very good year. Otherwise sell up and return to Worksop.

6).91 - 125:
Gonzo: C-:         Waited until July for his first Top 20 finish, 4th in Canada which saved his season. Terrible stats right across the board, awful start to the new season and the moving-to-Miami experiment could be over by August.
Casey: B:           Resurrected his Tour career from the uncertainty of conditional status, a significant achievement. But he's 37 and, if he's going to return to World Class, you'd think it needs to be now. A good few weeks coming up and he'll be back in the owgr Top 50 - a big help, to his schedule and his confidence.
Davis: E:            No Top 10's all year, missed the $1M earnings mark for the first time in 8 years, and a poor start this season. More of the same and his journeyman-plus career will be in jeopardy.

7).126 - 150:
Lingmerth: C:      Always looks to be over-achieving but retrieved his card at the end of the season and could have a Davis-like career ahead of him.
Laird: D:            Seemingly distracted by parenthood, his season only got into gear in late summer with 5 x Top 30's in a row. Already well on his way back to the Top 125. Expecting a much better year.

8)151st and worse!:
F's across the board for Hanson, Olesen, Lynn, Harrington, Clarke (wisely relinquished his card) and Colsaerts.
C's for Cejka and Owen as they return to the Tour; forty-somethings now and it ain't gonna get any easier for these two.

9).Don't much care for this week's CIMB tournament and it seems the players largely feel that way too - some good players have turned up but so many more are thumbing their noses at a share of $7M. Worth harbouring the hope though that Westwood might repeat his winning -18 finish from earlier this year; course specialist!

10).How about finishing with a round of applause for Germany's original favourite golfing son, Bernhard Langer. Say what you like about mid-fifties golfers with long putters, skin tight skin and long-time yipaholics, but Langer will likely top the $3M mark in Champions Tour earnings for 2014 this week (not to mention the $230K+ he banked from Augusta) and has Champions Tour career earnings of more than $15M.

In much the same way that the PGA Tour dishes out $10M to the FedEx winner, Bernhard has already secured the $1M annuity for winning this year's Charles Schwab Cup - hopefully he'll finish his year in style with the 6th win of his season at the year-ending Tour Championship.

super_, Mac,
Parenting is a privilege. Biggest highlight of my life, the gift that keeps on giving.
You're both smart guys, both terrific parenting potential no doubt!

PS: Sr, It's the undercurrent of almost every post you make these days.

I hope you DO care - proof positive with all the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ spent on the mid-terms that most are voting for themselves and not their neighbour. Kudos to PA though for dumping Corbett.

I'd be a rotten parent Kwini, I don't like kids, don't want them and I'm far too selfish, but thanks for the vote of confidence.

kwinigolfer wrote:My mistake for ever complimenting Finchem in the first place!

I also think that one underlying facet of this is the penchant of most Americans to stay at home.
And for most people, in whatever walk of life, from other countries to explore "abroad".

That is a trump (poor choice of word) card American sport will always have, all other things being equal.

It's second nature for "internationals" to ply their sport overseas, not so much Americans, Serena Williams being an outstanding exception.

But: O"Grady did a terrible job!! I disagree it's about taxation, although that may be part of it.
Taxation gives universal health care, excellent public education, up-to-date infrastructure, sensible defence, all things which most Americans couldn't care less about.

Wait... no... I think Finchem deserves any compliments he gets.... and as I started this conversation... YOU would probably know more about the ET executive situation than I... and I didn't mean to be putting myself in a position of defending O'Grady... because I really don't know. But still... just from my read and observations over the last decade... seems to me as though there's been a LOT more holes in the "economic dike" in Europe than there's been here. And you get behind the 8-ball just a little bit and there's no catching up.

And as for taxation... I'm NOT debating the need for or uses of such tax revenue... only pointing out that one country or region having a tax scheme that's considerably out of balance (on the high side) with competing countries are at a tremendous disadvantage in attracting and/or keeping investment/wealth. As long as there are other advantages that outweigh that disadvantage, then no big problem. And like it or not... justified or not... for many the scales no longer seem to balance.

super_realist wrote:

Dear oh dear. Here we go again. Yanks win war all by themselves.

The contribution of Russia was FAR more important than the late appearance of America. Truth is all the allies played important parts in the war, along with hitler's mumbling strategies, let's not overplay the importance of America in the war.
Contributory, yes, vital, no.

(emphasis mine)
Lets read something that I didn't type. Yes, the Russians probably did more towards defeating the Nazis than the US Team. But remember, USA had another foe in the Pacific that the Euro Allies were not dealing with.

I find it very ironic that the Boards Brits are complaining about the US late entry into WWII but now complain when we do take Military intervention. (like in the Gulf).

kwinigolfer wrote:Churchill was right:
"The Americans can always be trusted to do the right thing, when all other possibilities have been exhausted."

A bit late to the show but thank gawd you woke up when you did.

It's not about them and us guys, it's about whether the "West" is using its power wisely.
"Strength" should never be synonymous with "Force", and sometimes over here that is forgotten; force is used unwisely, at the expense of developing strength, whether economic, environmental, educational, you name it, but force should be the last resort. Time to explain that to America's conservatives.

Ever heard of confirmation bias? You want to see a pattern so all you remember is the stuff that meets that pattern and ignore everything else.

GPB wrote:

super_realist wrote:

Dear oh dear. Here we go again. Yanks win war all by themselves.

The contribution of Russia was FAR more important than the late appearance of America. Truth is all the allies played important parts in the war, along with hitler's mumbling strategies, let's not overplay the importance of America in the war.
Contributory, yes, vital, no.

(emphasis mine)
Lets read something that I didn't type.  Yes, the Russians probably did more towards defeating the Nazis than the US Team.  But remember, USA had another foe in the Pacific that the Euro Allies were not dealing with.

I find it very ironic that the Boards Brits are  complaining about the US late entry into WWII but now complain when we do take Military intervention.  (like in the Gulf).  

Oh right, we'll just ignore the British presence in the Pacific.

GPB,
I'll accept your apology on behalf of my Dad who spent two years of his life in the Far East in the earlymid 40's. Albeit working in an American plane.

Gulf War 1 was a legitimate action.
Invasion of Iraq purely for political purposes (Blair as well as Bush) - various other comments from pedro etc apply!

Not saying there were no Brits in the Pacific but there was a much bigger Yank Presence in Europe than there was Brit presence in the Pacific.

My father was in the Pacific, and he was on the US Yorktown when it sank.

His five brothers were in Europe, two of them at D-Day, and another in the Battle of the Bulge. All 6 of the boys returned home, almost 100% intact.

One of my Aunts lost her husband in the Battle of the Bulge.

But the fact is I am hearing criticism (quotes from Churchill) that America shows up late...and now the criticism is that US is proactive in the protective freedoms.

Make up your mind.

Point is, GPB, everyone contributed when the cause was worthy, unlike the sabre-rattling that emanates interminably from the US Congress and Senate these days.

And, arguably, if everyone had acted in concert in 1939 - 1941, much of what followed might well have been pre-empted, tho' of course there'll be no way of knowing for sure.

In the current context, America will vote for universal health care one day . . . . . do the right thing . . . . . . eventually.

PS: Agree with yr comments elsewhere that's it's a shame there'll be no fanto action on the Sandersons.

No, Kwini, the Point is that many on this board want to deride America for some of the most superficial aspects of America.

US overtly supports thei military troops.
Americans have non traditional first names
Americans have Christian lifestyles, and not afraid to express it.

Etc. etc.

Hey... here's an idea... how about we all take our arrogant (and thus by extension ignorant) "keeper of all true knowledge on religion and politics" noses out of the air...  and talk some golf...

robo

Here's the thing, I don't have anything against american people (or any other group of people grouped by nationality) but the actions of your country around the world are appauling and what happens to your own citizens is nearly as bad. The main thought I have towards the people of America is sympathy given what your government does to you. So some people might seem angry with America, and that is because they have good reason to be angry towards america, but this does not translate into any hatred towards its people.

With America's government, media and religion it is surprising how many very sensible people it produces.

McLaren wrote:robo

Here's the thing, I don't have anything against american people (or any other group of people grouped by nationality) but the actions of your country around the world are appauling and what happens to your own citizens is nearly as bad.  The main thought I have towards the people of America is sympathy given what your government does to you.  So some people might seem angry with America, and that is because they have good reason to be angry towards america, but this does not translate into any hatred towards its people.  

With America's government, media and religion it is surprising how many very sensible people it produces.

And this has exactly WHAT to do with how Westwood or Sergio or Reed or Bubba are going to play this week?  

Bottom line... I DON'T want to discuss religion or politics on a golf board other than to express my opinion that based on my observations of this thread... there's plenty of ignorance from those on both sides of the Atlantic and on both topics to go around. But clearly, NONE of it has anything to do with golf, and none of it is going to be settled here...

And by the way... that's the EXACT SAME policy my wife and I practice when we go over to the UK to visit our relatives... absolutely NOTHING positive to be gained in discussions of politics between people too set in their own, and too dismissive of others opinions...

So how about those who take issue with America's policies take their opinions to WhyAmericasucks.com or those with issues with the UK's to WhyUKsucks.com and let's get it back to golf on here...

jes sayin....

To be strictly fair, robo, I think all this started on another thread following Joe Kernan's interview in Ireland the other day . . . . just migrated over here!

kwinigolfer wrote:To be strictly fair, robo, I think all this started on another thread following Joe Kernan's interview in Ireland the other day . . . . just migrated over here!

It's not necessarily where these types of conversations start... it's what they devolve into that's the problem. From my observations... there's plenty of ignorant comments by idiots in media, society and politics on both sides of the Atlantic to fill 1000's upon of 1000's of discussion boards with fodder for years. OK... so one day our idiot is bigger than your idiot... so freeking what?   How about we give them the attention they deserve, which is nothing more than a good laugh and move on?   Afterall.. this is SUPPOSED to be a golf board isn't it?  

How about this for some "middle ground"... why not someone who thinks Americans are such tards start up an "America Sucks" thread below, and whomever wants can just knock themselves out talking about what ignorant dicks we are.  And if someone wants to start one the other way... then fine.    I'll promise to give it (or them) the attention it (or they) deserve.... which is ZERO.   And then in the next Ballwasher's thread about the upcoming golf events... we talk about topics related to the tournaments or at least golf in some shape, form or fashion?  That's why I come here anyway...

I agree that military, politics and religion have nothing to do with golf.

SO WOULD YOU PLEASE KEEP THOSE SOLDIERS OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND SHUT THE MOUTH OF WEBB SIMPSON AND BUBBA WATSON!!!

McLaren wrote:super

I only wanted to understand your position.  I think I am correct in saying you believe that all parents face the same probabilities of reaching parenting expectations regardless of family circumstances.  If that is a fair description of your beliefs then the conversation was worthwhile.

Mac, but by pointing out "single black mothers" you do stigmatise an entire group of people up front. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy to continue labeling certain groups as "weak".

robo,

I think our Notes this week broke a record. No references on the thread to anything on my Notes, or to the CIMB tournament. That's also why I come on here so not much fun for moi either!

Only 5 Notes this week . . . . . .

Off topic it can, does and will get but the notes are the weekly highlight of the board. UKplc does often suck as does Americainc, however, in the main I enjoy the points of view of all contributors - even when I find myself in disagreement with some perspectives.

Every day is a school day, even on discussion threads! New notes, here I come...

Oh and Kwin - just have to ruin your record by referring to the actual thread <shock>. Rory isn't an A triple plus. He lost 2 majors.

Late to the party but.. for what it's worth I was going to comment that your score for GMAC was harsh given he won the French Open in super tough conditions, but then I realised you were taking a purely PGA centric view, and in that case it's very fair.

Roller_Coaster wrote:Rory isn't an A triple plus. He lost 2 majors

 

I think this could be THE year for McDowell, Bob, and what a start in China. He's getting involved in lots of things in Florida which I can see becoming a distraction one day, plus family responsibilities etc. But loved his work at Gleneagles and perhaps there's a one-year window for him to build on his one Major?

(Un tad fortunate en France . . . . ., but super tough conditions is right!)

Purely tongue in cheek I assure you.

He won more majors than I watched last year!

kwinigolfer wrote:I think this could be THE year for McDowell, Bob, and what a start in China. He's getting involved in lots of things in Florida which I can see becoming a distraction one day, plus family responsibilities etc. But loved his work at Gleneagles and perhaps there's a one-year window for him to build on his one Major?

(Un tad fortunate en France . . . . ., but super tough conditions is right!)

I see his career as being pretty steady in the future, but wouldn't be surprised to see him pop up and win another major if his form and circumstance collide. At his best, he can beat a lot of the other players, but there are a fair number who's best is better than his. Great start indeed.