PGA Tour: FedEx St.Jude Classic, Memphis: Notes from the Ballwasher

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1). Wonderful performance last week by Steve Stricker to win the Memorial. Curiously, he played the front nine in 20 under, the back nine in plus 3. For the weekend, at least, we saw the definition of playing the back nine with both hands on the steering wheel, holding on tight.

2). I like almost everything that I know about Steve Stricker; he was one of the original players on the Nationwide Tour in 1990, enjoyed increasing success from a relatively humble start on Tour, Two early Tour wins including the prestigious Western Open, a WGC title, then a deep slump for three or four years. Much hard work beating balls from a trailer onto a frozen field in the Wisconsin tundra, a sponsor's invite gratefully accepted for the Shell Houston Open, a top finish there, seven more wins, and Comeback Player twice.

But even Steve is not immune from the occasional really dumb comment: "The Europeans are playing some great golf, and they're dominating the top spots, obviously, but we know who the top guys are. They're just not on their games right now, I guess." Bad guess, Steve. The top guys are on their games and you're one of them. But so are Donald and Westwood. Woods? He's injured. Get over it.

3). In fact, the Memorial gained stature (and owgr points) by the mere presence of the likes of Donald, McIlroy, Choi and Schwartzel in the field. The boot is on the other foot now and one hopes that US PGA Tour pros don't forget it.
Steve seldom does "abroad", his last three efforts where he used his passport yielded, respectively, 52nd, 58th, 45th, though great credit to him for a fine Ryder Cup.

4). Before leaving Memorial, some curious stats:
Rickie Fowler led the tournament in under-par holes with 26 birdies and an eagle, offset of course by 19 bogeys or worse, good for 22nd position. A classic example of great golf course architecture where a course can be had, so long as you don't get yourself out of position and try to hit the perfect recovery shot. Know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em.

5). And: Fine effort by Luke Donald (7th), and he led the tournament in driving accuracy. Would think that's a first.
But, in rounds 1, 2 and 3 he didn't make a single up-and-down from sand, plum last in that category until he woke up and made 'em all on Sunday!

6). Out of interest, perhaps it's worth recording the top ten links courses in GB&I as ranked by Golf Digest: Royal County Down, St.Andrews (Old), Muirfield, Royal Dornoch, Royal Portrush, Turnberry (Ailsa), Ballybunion (Old), Royal Porthcawl, Carnoustie, Royal Birkdale. One magazine's opoinion, obviously.
Royal St.George's is rated 11th, while 606(v2?) faves include Castle Sturat (13th), North Berwick (14th), Silloth (31st), Saunton (33rd - East, and 35th - West) and Gullane (48th).

7). On to hot and sweaty Memphis, where competitors are advised not to wear light brown or khaki coloured trousers. Garrigus, Karlsson and Westwood play together in Rounds 1 and 2 and, while the heat and humidity of Memphis may be good for acclimation to Congressional conditions, it surely won't be for San Francisco in 2012 and one hopes that Lee Westwood will choose his pre-US Open warm-up a little more judiciously next year. (Rory due to play practice rounds at Comngressional this week in 100F degree temps. Should be slightly milder next week.)

8). Sublime and ridiculous describes the venues this spring for the PGA Tour: Classic Colonial followed by TPC Las Colinas. Magnificent Muirfield Village followed by TPC Southwind, and a lack-lustre Memphis field is the result. But it IS event 3 in the R&A's mini-moneylist for Open Championship qualification and the list (non-exempt players only) is currently headed by Goydos (now injured), followed by Jobe, Holmes and Dufner.

9). And this week sees last gasp qualifying for Congressional, any owgr top fifty players as at close of play Sunday not already exempt will join the field. Gary Woodland will be one of them and others hoping for a high finish this week include Steve Marino, the highest ranked player (59th) of those players competing. Vijay's run of consecutive Majors grinds to a halt at 67, but Sergio's will extend to 47. Mike Weir is next but he too has failed to qualify.

10). In a bizarre piece of scheduling, both the Nationwide and Champions Tour events this week are in North Carolina. The usual GB suspects will be playing the Nationwide, Gary Christian and Greg Owen trying to build on top ten finishes last week.
And, a couple of hundred miles west, John Huston will be playing his second Champers Tour event - not notable for much, except Huston's prowess on Bermuda greens and the speed of his play, annually the fastest player on Tour.

Good day for Team GB&I on the Nationwide, Richardson -5, Christian -4, Owen -3, Shay Power -2, Knox -1. Then the Swedes at E, +1 and +2, very neat.

Good to see Karlsson hitting some form again, a year to the week after his last good showing on American soil. Was slightly concerned he'd be spreading himself too thin this season, but a win here would set him right up.

Mathis, Blanks and Kisner? Who are these masked marauders, kwini? I wouldn't have known your young neighbor, Keegan Bradley, either if he hadn't won a few weeks ago. By the way, who are the notable sportsmen and ladies from Vermont that the rest of us would recognize?

Do they serve ale with those ribs down in Memphis? And did you get a chance to visit Graceland lately. Never been there but rumour has it that Elvis was pumping gas at a remote service station a few miles outside of Area 51. At least that's reportedly what TW tweeted in an attempt to distract reporters from asking about his ailments and other leisure time activities while on his extended sabbatical.

Sergio, Sergio, Sergio. And what about Appleby?!

Hi venice,
No! Never went to Graceland, but did you know he was scheduled to play in Utica a few days after his death. Always a day late, inevitably a dollar short.

Only winter sports athletes except Patty Sheehan and John LeClair from VT, and no sign of too many young guns coming up to change that trend, though Trevor Murphy is plying his trade on the Nationwide.

Appleby has been on an extraordinary run, terrible for two years, renaissance in 2010, then back to the floor one down from Down Under.

CC needs to do his stuff this evening; they just look old and not very good. Hoping the Canucks and Bruins can extend the SC for another week.

Ooh hoo!
Matt Richardson and Gary Christian are ruining Ned's nice sequences, Matt -6 and tied for the lead, Sister Christian's brother Gary at -5.

And Stuart Appleby has had enough of 606v2 rebukes and withdrawn from Memphis, presumably not standing the heat and leaving the kitchen.

Good day's work from Karlsson and Westwood, but not such a good day for Kip Henley, Brian Gay's caddie, who's propping up what's left of the leaderboard, struggling to break 90.

Another hot and sunny day in Memphis for Round 2, hopefully Karlsson, Harrington, Davis and Westwood will escape the worst of the oppressive heat as they are in the morning "wave". And: Is it asking too much for Sergio to fire a 64 and make the weekend?

Good stuff from Westwood yesterday, very solid, and better yet from Karlsson - both seem to have the experience, type of game and current form to excel next week.

Cut likely to be +2, perhaps even higher.

Super golf Thursday from Matthew Richardson, tied for the Nationwide lead, with Gary Christian one stroke behind.

Looks like Harringtons obsession with water will cost him the chance to play this weekend........................outside chance the cut will go to +2 ??

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/index.html#!/scoring/groupings/round1

US OPEN pairings are out and some very exciting pairings!

Harrington gonna make the cut on the mark lucky.

Some interesting pairings there, away from the obvious (i.e. Lee, Luke, Kaymer)

6 10 7:22 Thomas Levet Brian Gay Gregory Havret The "teach a Yank some French" group

10 10 7:44 Padraig Harrington Angel Cabrera Stewart Cink The "you've won a major, get over it" group

13 1 8:06 Henrik Stenson Johan Edfors Fredrik Jacobson The "if this doesn't get Henrik playing well, nothing will" group

35 1 1:24 Miguel Angel Jimenez Sergio Garcia Alvaro Quiros The "Spaniards are fun, this'll draw in the crowds" group

37 1 1:35 Francesco Molinari Matteo Manassero Edoardo Molinari The "does it work with Italians too?" group

40 10 1:46 Charl Schwartzel Trevor Immelman Zach Johnson The "sorry, wrong major" group

And the obligatory "how the hell did we let these guys in our tournament" groups:

23 1 9:01 Christo Greyling Adam Hadwin Joey Lamielle
24 10 9:01 Bud Cauley Adam Long Michael Barbosa (A)
25 1 9:12 Michael Tobiason Jr. Jesse Hutchins Michael Smith
26 10 9:12 Michael Whitehead Will Wilcox John Ellis
29 1 12:51 Geoffrey Sisk Cheng-Tsung Pan (A) Matt Richardson
47 1 2:30 Jon Mills Andreas Harto Scott Pinckney (A)
49 1 2:41 Steven Irwin (A) Ryan Nelson Elliot Gealy
50 10 2:41 Brett Patterson (A) Bennett Blakeman Brian Locke
51 1 2:52 Christopher Deforest Chris Williams (A) Wes Heffernan
52 10 2:52 Chris Wilson David May Beau Hossler (A)

Pr*ck 3 ball?

Marc Leishman Alex Cejka Kevin Streelman

Would have thought Roary would have been a shoe in for that, but

Ryan Moore Robert Allenby Rory Sabbatini

Didn't think Allenby had a bad rep, know nothing of Moore. Maybe these days they don't have that particular grouping any more.

What's with the poor coverage tonight? Just the two hours starting at 9, a full three and a half hours after the final group tees off, and no red button stuff any earlier that I can tell. Expect much better than that.

NedB-H wrote:What's with the poor coverage tonight? Just the two hours starting at 9, a full three and a half hours after the final group tees off, and no red button stuff any earlier that I can tell. Expect much better than that.

They have teed off quite early, perhaps Kwini can explain why. Usually this is a sign of impending inclement weather. When this happens it results in pretty rubbish coverage like todays.

I think there must be some major game on in the states....

Hi Chaps, Chappettes,
No idea why the funky start time today, or the reasoning behind threesomes of both tees. BUT: There was an unusually high number of players making the cut, and they may have felt this was the best way to get everyone in the house by 5.00 p.m. Local Time.

There's been a further cut, top 70 and ties, after Round 3 and tee times, and perhaps GB TV coverage, will be back to normal.

Very disappointing 5-5-5 finish for Karlsson when he would have hoped for 4-4-4 and a missed tiddler by Westwood on 18 should send him straight to the putting green.

Lots of interesting notes from Round 3 with three Swedes in the top 10 and blasts from the past by Ames and Goosen. Would think Westwood will play quite aggressively for Round 4, nothing to lose, but a high finish and confidence to gain by, say, signing for a 65.

Two notes from the US Open;
1).Tim Clark's elbow continues to bother him and he has withdrawn, to be replaced by JJ Henry.

2).Adam Scott is using Steve Williams as his Congressional caddie. He had to ask Tiger's permission.

What if Adam and Stevie hit it off and perhaps grab a flag or two while TW's recuperating? Might muddy the waters? Bad Saturday. Only caught half hour of Italian Open and no PGA. The Swedes seem to be quite at home in Memphis just going by the leaderboard. I should be shot for this, kwini, but how about, "Blue Swede Shoes"? (wince)

Goosen is warming up nicely for next week, he sure knows how to get it done at the US.

Hi venice,
You should have helped Mark Knopfler write Calling Elvis . . . . .

Another heater today in Memphis but light winds and nothing extreme in the forecast so scoring should be good.
Pleased to see Harrison Frazer in contention, always one of the longest on Tour until the Bubba/Dustin/Garrigus generation; almost matchplay now against Karlsson unless they both collapse, and one would hope that Karlsson has too much experience of this type of situation to let things slip.

Would normally agree about Goosen, Redrage, but this is his first decent form since the New Year. He really needs a good couple of weeks - certainly long enough to contend at Congressional though.

Nationwide Update:
The next "reshuffle" of partially exempt players will take place after next week's tournament and, of Team GB&I golfers, Matthew Richardson and Seamus Power could do themselves, yup, a power of good by finishing well this week. A top twenty will gurantee them each a place in next week's field while a top finish and a big payday will strengthen their reshuffle status.

Good rounbds needed today then as Richardson tees off in 19th place and Power lies 33rd after his first hole.
Big opportunities for climbing "the 25" too for Owen (T8th), Christian (T8th) and Knox (51st).

Westwood now -3 for the day, up to 11th place. Hopefully he'll improve that but you'd think that makes it a decent warm-up in lw's mind.
Driving it really well today and making some putts, the recipe for Congressional success.

Not a great day for GB&I in the Nationwide. Russell Knox advancing his position but Christian, Owen, Power and Richardson all drop back a few places. Still, all will feel it's been a decent week and all should advance towards the all-important "25".

too little, too late from Camilo in terms of my bet. Can't see him squeezing a top 5 finish and he had chances each day to be much further up the leaderboard. By this seasons standard though, I am sure he'll be quite happy to snaffle up a top 10.

Westwood and Allenby playing together, both now -4 for the day, up to 8th place, like a pair of NASCAR drivers drafting through the field.
They may come up short, but a very good chance now for a top ten finish.

Bit of a wobble for Karlsson but the guys behind the two leaders aren't applying any pressure.

Villegas just birdied 16, very good chance for an ew pay-out. Ray of light for Camilo at last.

I reckon -9 will have the top 5 so it will be a near miss, or a rather large dead heat at -8 if he can get there and someone falls back.

Nice shot from Bobby Karlsson there.

Is it only me who's getting increasingly annoyed by "Frazar" being pronounced "Frasier"?

Never say never, Redrage!!!!!!
I think you'll get paid.

Hope you're not getting our coverage.
Only one shot of Westwood, seem to be very pro Frazer.
Misidentified Allenby as Villegas.
Whatever next?
CBS's A Team taking the week off and it's easy to tell.

kwinigolfer wrote:Never say never, Redrage!!!!!!
I think you'll get paid.

Hope you're not getting our coverage.
Only one shot of Westwood, seem to be very pro Frazer.
Misidentified Allenby as Villegas.
Whatever next?
CBS's A Team taking the week off and it's easy to tell.

Yep we are, and it's annoying the Sky studio people, David Livingstone getting very irritated by lack of Westwood, and Tony Johnstone suggesting they're holding back on praise for the leader due to the flag by his name. I'm not minding it if I'm honest apart from "Frazier", a bit one-eyed but the relaxed vibe is a nice change from some of the more hyperactive commentators.

And they don't have a premium on misidentification either, one of the interchangeable Sky guys, possibly Steve Beddow, was calling Rhys Davies "Chris Wood" yesterday.

Good to see Camillo doing well again been a long time coming...

About what score do you think will win next week will it be under par?

I am not counting my chickens Kwini, I have been burned in this position before! Quite a few guys joining me for a dead heat which means a smaller pay out and a few of them still have 16 to play and could surpass Camilo and push him out of a top 5. Fingers crossed though.

Wonder whether LW will be pleased with a 66 more than he's annoyed at finishing with a bogey? -4 for the 8 par 5s is an improvement, I suppose.

Fair play to lw, he was probably just going for the gold (relatively speaking), just seems to have pulled his iron a tad. Too bad but a good round nevertheless.

Is it just me or as the commentary team trying to find reasons for RK to lose?

I think it is the "flag" Ned.

kwinigolfer wrote:Fair play to lw, he was probably just going for the gold (relatively speaking), just seems to have pulled his iron a tad. Too bad but a good round nevertheless.

Is it just me or as the commentary team trying to find reasons for RK to lose?

I think it is the "flag" Ned.

It is only natural I suppose, it was the same for the last two WGC Matchplay finals when there were no yanks involved. The commentators didn't sound interested half the time.

Seems Robert's been listening to them... making a mess of this. Not sure Frazar will hold his nerve though.

Bad stroke there...

They're treating Karlsson as if he just fell off the turnip wagon, no mention of his Dubai win seven months ago, just the "eleven wins on the European Tour" as if it was the bloody Hooters Tour.

And Redrage will be paid, tho not so much as he'd hoped!

NedB-H wrote:Seems Robert's been listening to them... making a mess of this. Not sure Frazar will hold his nerve though.

Thought not... seemed to be setting that up far too aggressively.

Cluch Putt from Karlsson right there on 18 to give us aplayoof 2 years in a row and both have included him lets hope he can close out this time

Déjà vu? Where's your money now...?

RK

heart says Karlsson, head says Frazar

What a great year the PGA tour is having, so mny first time winners on tour this year, i'd love to know the stats on sa last 5-10 years compared to this year of at the same stage how many first time winners we had then compared to now. Plus the amount of playoffs this year too compared to other years.

So Frazar away with the 3wood with a fore shout, lets hope RK splits the fairway and gets win

Hell of a second shot from Frazar!

Watched Frazer about five years ago. Playing a course with a long par five, dog leg left with Water on the inside of the dog leg, a bunker tucked into the elbow, about a 310 yard carry.
Frazer was playing with a local pro with 12 PGA Tour victories who played conventionally out to the right, away from trouble.
Frazer stood up and whacked the ball straight over the bunker. Local pro turned round, eyes spinning like saucers, saying I've never seen anyone even think of that!!! Lots of power.

The stats put up there by Sky say this is the 11th playoff of the season... that does seem a lot! And yet only the Bob Hope has been more than a two-man one, strangely.

Seems like injury has somewhat hampered his career in recent years if the guys on sky are to be believed. Talking of lots of power that was a seriously long gap wedge he just hit

Mav,
He's competing on a medical exemption. Hip surgery I think.

NedB-H wrote:Is it only me who's getting increasingly annoyed by "Frazar" being pronounced "Frasier"?

Almost as annoying as them (and perhaps the player himself) insisting on saying Spencer Levein (Leveen) when it is clearly Levin (Leevin or Levin) it cannot be Leveen it isn't French or accentuated, or am I being a bit fussy?

kwinigolfer wrote:

And Redrage will be paid, tho not so much as he'd hoped!

3/5s of my stake, didin't anticipate seeing any of it after yesterday so quite happy with that this evening. Pity Horsey couldn't have done a little better on the par 5s, or I might have got a place double up (just being greedy now perhaps).

Bit of a damp squib of a finish there. Well done to Frazar though. Bring on next week.

NedB-H wrote:Bit of a damp squib of a finish there. Well done to Frazar though. Bring on next week.

Karlsson took the risk of the longer appraoch and going first, only to hand the advantage to Dr. Crane when he missed the green. Still, at least the network was happy with the result.

Network very happy, but Karlsson can't be pleased with his final nine holes, plus the play-off. Brutal chip finally did him in.

Good for Frazar who's been around for eons, but very disappointing to see a European come up short in an event one feels he should have won.

I feel Karlsson is a player who, for one reason or another, will never get the respect he deserves. One of the top three golfers in the world at the end of 2008, eye trouble, illness, and he's still pretty damn good. This is one that got away, but five shots ahead of 3rd place tells its own story.

This morning's owgr list represents the last chance for a golfer to qualify for Congressional via top fifty (under the Rickie Fowler / Justin Rose rule).
Unless I've missed something, Gary Woodland is the only player to qualify this morning via that route.
Imagine therefore there must be some "alternates" receiving telephone calls from the USGA round about now. Wonder who the lucky fellows are?