PGA Tour: Change of Ryders: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).The week in Oh Canada started with two damp squibs for sponsors RBC and the Canadian golf fans with Mike Weir (Patron Saint of Canadian golf) withdrawing before the start, and Graham DeLaet damaging his thumb and walking out on Friday. But David Hearn did a marvellous job of carrying the Maple Leaf proudly, if ultimately unsuccessfully, on the weekend. Unfortunately for the most patriotic fans, Hearn was overwhelmed over the last few holes by Jason Day and Bubba Watson in an exciting turbo-charged finish.

2).It was good to see "Canada" embraced by Watson (whose wife is a local girl, not to mention Canadian Olympian) and Day; it's the first tournament that Jason Day has taken by the scruff of the neck and won, and perhaps the confidence gained will elevate him from Major contender to Major winner. For those trying to figure out form prior to August's PGA Championship, five years ago at Whistling Straits Bubba lost to Kaymer in a play-off, Day was 10th in only his second Major (60th a month earlier at St.Andrews).

3).It was not good to see poor efforts from McDowell (who looks increasingly as if he'll miss the FedEx Play-Offs) and Laird (who has slipped outside the Top 70 qualifying places for the PGA Championship), both of whom missed the cut, and Luke Donald who might just as well have done.
And that got me to thinking, always dangerous: What would the European Ryder Cup Team look like if it was based upon this year's results, as measured by the world rankings?

4).The Top Twelve with points so far (*denotes 2014 team member):
281: McIlroy*
166: Rose*
136: Wiesberger
126: Casey
125: Stenson*
109: Willett
105: Garcia*
98: Sullivan
83: Lingmerth
82: Noren
82: Kjeldsen
81: Molinari
. . . . . followed by Morrison, Stal, Poulter*, Warren, Harrington.
(That assumes eligibility for non-Tour members Casey & Lingmerth who are included for completeness.)

5).The other five stragglers from Gleneagles are:
64: Kaymer
62: Westwood
58: Donaldson
30: Dubuisson
29: Gallacher
23: McDool
15: Bjorn (who might just as well have taken the summer off)

6).I was surprised to see that pretenders like Knox, Fleetwood, Luiten and Lowry were not in the Top 20. Maybe they're all waiting for a trip to Russia in September which is when qualifying begins. (Gawd knows why they didn't start in Denmark a fortnight earlier . . . . . . ..)

7).The US Team from Gleneagles have played a lot better for themselves than they did as a Team and their corresponding Top 12 owgr points getters are:
Spieth*, DJohnson, ZJohnson*, Walker*, Fowler*, Holmes, Watson*, Reed*, Furyk*, Kisner, Snedeker, Kuchar*.

8).Last week concluded a strong European Swing for the European Tour. And six more good'uns to come in the autumn. The fields then could be boosted by some refugees from the PGA Tour who will be exempt for the 2015/16 season, but are currently outside the points total necessary to qualify for the FedEx Play-Offs. e.g.: Donaldson, Donald, Schwartzel, Westwood, Goosen, McDowell, Kaymer and Els. Lets hope tournament directors are reading.

9).There'll be a triple digit "Heat Index" in the Washington DC suburbs this week as an especially poor field turns out for the "Quicken Loans National" event benefitting the Tiger Woods Foundation.  Messrs Rose (defending champ from last year at Congressional), Fowler and Walker will be there but otherwise the field is, let's say, not deep.
Nine of the field (Allenby, Cabrera, Cink, Clark, Els, Goosen, Leonard, Singh and Woods) have played Presidents Cup Matches at the new venue, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Manassas, Virginia, but it will be a brand new course for most of the field. Not many local boys either though Billy Hurley might just about qualify as one.

10).Stephen Gallacher has been scuffling recently but he's playing the Quicken Loans event this week prior to trips to the Bridgestone and PGA Championship. Andy Sullivan's summer has been more successful and he's here too, hoping for a strong result and invite to Bridgestone action - he'll likely need something like a Top 8 finish to squeak inside the owgr Top 50, dependent upon the results of others, here and there.

This is the start of a torrid time for most top Pros. Those playing this week, let's say Rickie Fowler, will also play Bridgestone, PGA, week off, Barclays, DeutscheBank, week off, BMW, Tour Championship. Seven weeks out of nine is a lot of top-level golf; in the case of Fowler, Rose and Walker it will have been nine weeks out of 12. And next year there'll be The Olympics thrown in for a lucky(?) few.
NB: Anyone interested in what the PGA Tour schedule will look like is recommended to visit last week's thread for robo's unofficial/official calendar for which I'm grateful.

After defections from the Quicken Loans National from the likes of Todd, Henley, Cejka, Matt Jones, LoveIII and Every, now it's South Africa's turn to walk away, Tim Clark and Richard Sterne the latest no-shows. Owgr points to the winner stood at 34, and that could be increasingly dodgy if exits continue.

Nice write up

I guess Sterne has decided to throw in the towel.  1 cut made in 18 tournament on the PGATour this season.  He so far down the FE list that he is not eligible for the WTF in September.

PD says Sullivan can get to the Top 50 with a Solo 21.  He is usually spot on those projections.

GPB,
Chez Reavie has now done a runner.
One good thing is that Tom Hoge is now in the field; he might be worth watching this week after his excellent finish in Canada - lots to gain and nothing to lose; and coming from SC and college in Fort Worth he should be at home in the heat and humidity.
Wilcox still in the field.

PS: If I had to make one change to the way fields are completed it would be for sponsors to declare all their invites by 5.00 p.m. on the Friday prior to tournament play, just as for regular commitments. I don't think it's right that alternates who are there on merit should have their place hijacked by the likes of Patrick Rodgers, or any other favourite son. Surprised the Players allow that.

Language is kind of salty but this is pretty good parody of what might have happened in Nike HQ after the Open.

http://captiongenerator.com/50841/Nike-Golf-HQ-react-to-The-Open

!!!

Where did I see that clip on a completely different subject?

Strange news coming out of the Quicken Loans fiasco; if it's not enough having the players walking out, now comes the bizarre tale of Billy Hurley's Dad getting into his car eight days ago and disappearing. According to RotoWorld, Billy reported:
"Last Sunday, nine days ago, my Dad took some clothes, took some cash, he got in his truck and drove away and no-one has heard from him since."  

EDIT: Here's a news report which confirms I'm not telling porkies:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2015/07/28/pro-golfer-billy-hurley-says-father-missing/30791489/

Comes to something when the few remaining FOT's parents do a runner.

kwinigolfer wrote:!!!

Where did I see that clip on a completely different subject?

You can plug in your own dialogue.  There is one that Hitler is mad that Zach Effing Johnson won the Open.

http://captiongenerator.com/52340/No-Laying-Up-finds-out-about-the-Open-Championship


==============

EDIT:  Maybe a sign from the HEAVENS that Tiger will make the Cut on Friday

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Rare-Blue-Moon-to-Appear-in-the-Night-Sky-July-31-318901241.html

GPB wrote:Language is kind of salty but this is pretty good parody of what might have happened in Nike HQ after the Open.

http://captiongenerator.com/50841/Nike-Golf-HQ-react-to-The-Open

Thanks for the link. That was pretty funny. I particularly enjoyed the dig about Jordan Henderson.

Cheers Kwini.  The "current" European RC team looks pretty strong, and if the past few have shown anything, it's that wining is not all just about the qualities of the individuals.

Funny link GPB.. "It's ok - he won't find out"

Bob,
For Europe to win, it almost has to be Team spirit vs Individual goals; it's never clear that US fans/players get that. Would think Wiesberger will be a terrific addition if he maintains his form of the last twelve months.


News this morning confirming McIlroy and Chris Kirk will both be missing from Bridgestone. PGA? TBA!

Kwini

On R-mac. I said on the other thread that if he misses the PGA he won't be back until 2016. My reasoning is that once this event is missed there is no rush to come back unless he wants to win the fedex cup.

He has 1510 fedex points, how far into the play offs would that get him without playing the early events?

Rory would definitely qualify for the first three Play-Off tournaments.
I think you're right, no sense in coming back too early, but would also imagine he'll feel motivated to play as soon as he's properly fit. If not the FedEx action, why wouldn't he play the final few European tournaments if he is able?

It looks as if the Quicken Loans event will earn 34 pts for the winner. Imagine another significant withdrawal would reduce that to 32 pts.

Imagine another significant withdrawal would reduce that to 32 pts.

If only one WD, it would have to be a WD from Rose, Fowler, Walker, Haas or Woodland to knock it down to a OWGR 32.

Some qualification criteria worth watching out for this week:
Bridgestone:
~The winner will qualify.
~And so will the Top 50 in the owgr following completion of the week's tournaments.

PGA Championship:
~There is a special PGA Championship qualifying "points list" extending from last year's Bridgestone and Barracuda to this week. The top 70 will become exempt and this is the list from which "alternates" will be determined.

~It is extremely likely that the Top 100 in owgr after this week will receive "special exemptions".

We'll try to keep track of these during the weekend.

kwinigolfer wrote:imagine he'll feel motivated to play as soon as he's properly fit. If not the FedEx action, why wouldn't he play the final few European tournaments if he is able?

It looks as if the Quicken Loans event will earn 34 pts for the winner. Imagine another significant withdrawal would reduce that to 32 pts.

Actually that sounds more likely. It would be a risk to not play any competitive golf for nearly 6 months. Just ask Tiger what prolonged absences can do for your game.

Mac,
I didn't say anything about changing coaches.

Would think this week is Woods's last best chance to get anything out of his year. He has course experience, a weak field; just like Kris Kristofferson might say: "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." Unlike trying to play like Tiger Woods which has arguably been burdening him all season.

Well... at least Tiger got exempted into his own World Challenge in December... so he's got THAT going for him. Doesn't sound like the field will expand or the event status changed this year.

Kwini,

not sure if I had posted the most updated... but this looks to be about 99% locked down... only question on this list now is which will be the off week in the FedExCup playoffs next year...

1 - Oct 15-18 - Frys.com Open
2 - Oct 22-25 - Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
3 - Oct 29-Nov 1 - CIMB Classic
4a - Nov 5-8 - WGC-HSBC CHAMPIONS
4b - Nov 5-8 - Sanderson Farms Championship
5 - Nov 12-15 - OHL Classic at Mayakoba
6 - Nov 19-22 - McGladrey Classic
7 - Jan 7-10 - Hyundai Tournament of Champions
8 - Jan 14-17 - Sony Open in Hawaii
9 - Jan 21-24 - CareerBuilder Challenge (Bob Hope)
10 - Jan 28-31 - Farmers Insurance Open
11 - Feb 4-7 - Waste Management Phoenix Open
12 - Feb 11-14 - AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
13 - Feb 18-21 - Northern Trust Open
14 - Feb 25-28 - The Honda Classic
15a - Mar 2-6 - WGC-CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP
15b - Mar 2-6 - Alternate event to be announced
16 - Mar 10-13 - Valspar Championship
17 - Mar 17-20 - Arnold Palmer Invitational
18a - Mar 23-27 - WGC DELL MATCH PLAY
18b - Mar 23-27 - Puerto Rico Open
19 - Mar 31-Apr 3 - Shell Houston Open
20 - Apr 7-10 - MASTERS TOURNAENT
21 - Apr 14-17 - RBC Heritage
22 - Apr 21-24 - Valero Texas Open
23 - Apr 28-May1 - Zurich Classic of New Orleans
24 - May 5-8 - Wells Fargo Championship
25 - May 12-15 - The Players Championship
26 - May 19-22 - AT&T Byron Nelson
27 - May 26-29 - Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
28 - Jun 2-5 - The Memorial Tournament
29 - Jun 9-12 - FedEx St. Jude Classic
30 - Jun 16-19 - U.S. OPEN
31 - Jun 23-25 - Quicken Loans National
32a - Jun 30-Jul 3 - WGC BRIDGESTONE
32b - Jun 30-Jul 3 - Barracuda Championship
33 - Jul 7-10 - Greenbrier Classic
34a - Jul 14-17 - THE OPEN (British Open)
34b - Jul 14-17 - Barbasol Championship
35 - Jul 21-24 - RBC Canadian Open
36 - Jul 28-31 - PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
37 - Aug 4-7 - Travelers Championship
38a - Aug 11-14 - MEN'S OLYMPICS
38b - Aug 11-14 - John Deere Classic
39 - Aug 18-21 - Wyndham Championship
40 - Aug 25-28 - The Barclays
41 - Sept 2-5 - Deutsche Bank Championship
42a - Sept 8-11 - BMW Championship or Open Week
42b - Sept 15-18 - BMW Championship or Open Week
43 - Sept 22-25 - Tour Championship
44 - Sep 30-Oct 2 - Ryder Cup

princedrac's latest tweet about qualification for PGA Championship requires some definition:
Several players, such as Hoffmann, Ogilvy, Bohn, Steele, Hearn, Thomas, DeJonge, Watney, Finau, Weekley, perhaps one or two others, are arithmetic certainties to qualify via the PGA Championship points list.
Others, Pat Perez, Fingersnapper Hadley, are very close.

Hope you're reading VC!

If robo's prognostication of next season's schedule was 99% certain, I guess this makes it 100%:

http://www.pgatour.com/news/2015/07/30/schedule-release.html

Elsewhere, the early starters at the Quicken Loans National are returning to the air-conditioning; interesting that two of the three currently tied for the course lead have previous RTJ experience in Presidents Cup action: Goosen and Justin Leonard, along with Rio Ishikawa who we've all forgotten about - except sirbenson.
Stephen Gallacher is struggling badly and Brian Davis is squandering a decent round by playing his 3 x Par-3's in three over par. WTF for him.

Play at Quicken Loans suspended due to lightening in the area. Back out at 2.25 p.m.

Golf Channel reporting Woods swing coach Chris Como is not by his Tiger's side; "numerous sources" suggesting the two have split. Sure we'll find out for certain soon, but meanwhile Eldrick will be among the first groups to go out when play is resumed.

I'm starting to think the reason Tiger can't take his practice ground form to the course is because he's as sick as the rest of us of the camera that captures his every fart!

SmithersJones wrote:I'm starting to think the reason Tiger can't take his practice ground form to the course is because he's as sick as the rest of us of the camera that captures his every fart!

Hasn't it always been like that?

SmithersJones wrote:I'm starting to think the reason Tiger can't take his practice ground form to the course is because he's as sick as the rest of us of the camera that captures his every fart!

I am starting to think he doesn't even have a range swing worth bringing to the course.


Anyone got any thoughts on the rumour that Como is out?

Mac,
Woods won't be able to duck questions about it will he?
Anything other than a flat-out endorsement of Como means he's off to the Lake.

I wonder how much blame Como can take for the state of Tigers game. I would be more inclined to blame Tiger for being stupid enough to go down the Como route in the first place. Why would Como not take the Tiger gig.

pedro wrote:

SmithersJones wrote:I'm starting to think the reason Tiger can't take his practice ground form to the course is because he's as sick as the rest of us of the camera that captures his every fart!

Hasn't it always been like that?

Yes but it's a very different story when they're capturing everyone of your 77 shots instead of every one of 67.

Andy Sullivan off to a strong start: -5 after 7 holes. Hope they show him.

Woods playing a lot better - you know they'll show him. Every shot, whether 67 or 77 of them.

Robert Allenby in with a 67, best round for 3 months; perhaps he dumped his caddie just in the nick of time.

Cut tomorrow will be at least -2, possibly -3 unless conditions get less favourable.

Great round from Ishikawa!


And Tiger played as good as he has done all year from being 3 over!

Good to see Gonzo starting off well! Has put a few good rounds together lately without really continuing it, maybe this is the week he strings four good rounds together?

Tiger to make a cut? Not there yet, but off to fine start.

Not so sure there Shotrock.
Como was absent yesterday giving rise to rampant speculation that he could take his swing and shove it, but he's back from the Lake today. How will Woods react??!!

Big day for Andy Sullivan, among others. Cut will be at least -2, possibly -3, so all those under par need to keep their foot down. No fireworks yet.

Tiger's caddie must be wondering (perhaps dreaming?) what it's like to work weekends!

Off to Old Forge Kwin. Plan to play Newport, Sadaquada, Thendara ... stop at Hapanowicz on way up for cookout fare ... lots of doing nothing on top of that ...can't wait.

Sounds blissful Sr,
Email on the way!

Woods making a solid start.

If the cut is as Kwini predicts -3, then Tiger won't be playing this weekend. Even if he has avoided his obligatory duck hook on the 1st.

Why Mac?

Having said which, scoring not so hot so far this morning, not sure why, so perhaps -2 will be the number.

Just seems a bit unlikely that he will avoid going over par for two rounds in a row. When was the last time that happened?

Four weeks ago.

Speaking of tumbleweed moments and a pointless waste of words...

GMac in the ad for the new Srixon ball "..we pick up a shot against the par of mediocrity..."

WTF? Ha sack the ad writer!

McDool needs to spend less time doing ads and more time on his game. Annus Terribilis.

Lots about Woods on here but another lad who started +3 over his first few holes yesterday and could use a good result is Martin laird - now -4. He's almost assured of a spot in the PGA Championship, but a top finish this week would confirm it.

kwinigolfer wrote:Four weeks ago.

Thanks. Seems I haven't been watching tiger closely enough of late.


Currently he is limping along at E for the day.

kwinigolfer wrote:Martin laird - now -4. He's almost assured of a spot in the PGA Championship, but a top finish this week would confirm it.

Under what qualification criteria?

PGA Championship Points. Top 70 qualify; Laird's currently 74th, $65K adrift. But the alternates are also filled from that points list so he has two bites at the cherry.
Needs a Top Ten to be pretty sure though.

Where can this PGA champ points list be found?

pgatour.com in the Stats section.

Mac - just put PGA Championship points list into Google and see what you get. It's not hard - even I found it.

Yup, I could just google everything and not bother having any conversation on the forum. But if we all did that it would make this site pretty pointless.


If wiki is to be believed there is not actually a OWGR top 50 qualification criteria for the PGA champ.  

The categories are;

1. All former PGA Champions

2. Last five U.S. Open Champions

3. Last five Masters Champions

4. Last five Open Champions

5. Current Senior PGA Champion

6. 15 low scorers and ties in the 2014 PGA Championship

7. 20 low scorers in the 2015 PGA Professional National Championship

8. Top 70 leaders in official money standings from the 2014 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational to the 2015 Quicken Loans National
August 2, 2015

9. Members of the United States and European 2014 Ryder Cup teams (provided they are ranked in the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking on August 2, 2015)

10. Winners of tournaments co-sponsored or approved by the PGA Tour since the 2014 PGA Championship

11. Vacancies are filled by the first available player from the list of alternates (those below 70th place in official money standings).

12. The PGA of America reserves the right to invite additional players not included in the categories listed above[5]



If they wan't the worlds top 100 players why not just have "1. All players in the top 100 of the OWGR on date X" and "2. All players in the top 100 of the OWGR on date Y". Then add some of the other funky categories to get the field up to full size.