PGA Tour: Colonial Times: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).Just 30 or so miles West of Trinity Forest, site of last week's "Byron Nelson" is Colonial CC, home of the Colonial tournament which has been on life support until a few weeks ago when Charles Schwab investment company signed a four-year contract to support "Colonial" until 2022.
Good! One down, one (Houston) to go, then hopefully the full hand of Texas tournaments will be restored.

2).Colonial CC, the course, couldn't be any more different from Trinity Forest, except that both expect a wind to defend it, and are at their best playing hard and fast.
I enjoyed the spectacle of Trinity Forest and clearly some of the field did also.
The media seemed to ignore Kuchar's criticism and painted a rosy picture of the place, vive la difference and all that. Even rolled Crenshaw in to say how proud he was of his design. Hopefully the Tour's pros will give it a fair shot and return in greater depth next year, but they'd also be wise to listen to what Kooch has to say, a loyal returnee (played 10 of the past 11 at Las Colinas) to the "Nelson" when many of his peers took advantage of Lord Byron's death to abandon ship.
Kuchar also plays an exceptionally heavy schedule at this time of year, only one week off since late March, only three since the end of January. And that's usually four rounds with his Tour-leading cut streak ended at 30. He'll be back to start another streak Thursday and always plays Memorial where he has a fantastic record.

3).We saw the latest exemptions into the US Open via the owgr Top 60, with Adam Scott missing out by a fraction. As Adam has the second-longest run of consecutive Majors played, he'll be anxious for a good week at Colonial to secure a Shinnecock spot via the final Top 60 safety net following Memphis.

4).Congratulations to Aaron Wise who looked the real thing as he striped laser irons at receptive Trinity Forest greens. Can't think of a more impressive maiden victory for a long time.
And he'll be teeing it up with Justin Rose (and Zach Johnson) this week, fairly similar swings I would think and both born in South Africa.

5).First-timers at Colonial haven't won since Sergio in 2001, so course experience is a big plus this week. And winning at the Home of Hogan is a very big deal for pros who are Hogan devotees, or have connections with him (Kirk, 1st in 2015, & last year's champ Kisner for instance).
Imagine that, Majors apart, the biggest regret of Furyk's career is that he never won Colonial, and plenty of others would feel the same. Zach Johnson has two wins and Spieth has gone 2nd, 1st, 2nd the past three years. You'll get better odds about Dufner who's finished second here a couple of times, while area residents Piller, Danny Lee, Sabbatini & Ryan Palmer have all played well here.

6).Sergio is the only European winner, but Rahm and Rose will lead their challenge this year. Don't fancy either of them, but Russell Knox played well in Dallas and perhaps he's returning to form.

7).Another Champions Tour Major starts Thursday, the Senior PGA in Michigan. No Langer this week but perhaps The Mechanic can do the double after winning last week's Tradition. Stock up on Rioja.

8).Meanwhile, this resident alien would love to be in Europe for a fantastic weekend of sport: Wentworth, Lords Test, Champions League, Monaco, Roland Garros, the Derby coming up - and that's just the start. Years ago I'd be playing cricket all three days, but now Goodwood would beckon. Among other attractions of course.
Envious as I fight unusually ferocious mosquitoes and the strawberries still taste like vegetables.

Another warm week for the PGA Tour in Texas, temps expected in the 90's each day, close to 100F for the weekend, with little threat of storms to clear the air.
Think how much warmer it would be if global warming was a reality, instead of trumped up fiction.

Even Scotland is set for hot weather this weekend, on a bank holiday as well, with potential temps reaching a sweltering 78

Read a post on facebook blaming Trump for the Volcano eruptions in Hawaii.

Of course it was Trump! He has sharks with fricken laser beams!

GPB wrote:Read a post on facebook blaming Trump for the Volcano eruptions in Hawaii.

Certainly no more implausible than the idiot Congressman (R, natch) from Alabama who declared in a hearing last week that global sea levels were rising because cliff erosion was filling up the sea with boulders, and other debris. Including crumbling white cliffs of Dover.

https://weather.com/science/environment/news/2018-05-18-republican-lawmaker-sea-level-rise-erosion



Where do they find these people?



Jimmy Walker continuing his spring of fine form at the Fort Worth Invitiational, Charlie Hoffman up there too - now there's someone who's not really got out of hibernation this year; but you know he will.

IIRC Archimedes was European! Eureka!

Well, not only is the congressman nuts, but the scientists cited in the article are (partly) wrong as well. Rising sea levels has nothing (or very little) to do with ice melting at the poles. And this is exactly due to Archimedes principle.

The main reason for sea level rise is the water expansion due to higher ocean temperatures. To a lesser extend it is due to glaciers melting. But very little to do with ice melting at the north pole in particular.

Instead of spending gazillions on reducing emissions in the industralised world we’d probably be better off by spending the money on further investments into clean energy research as well as on higher dikes in select places. Because when we look 30-50 years ahead the real culprit when it comes to CO2 emissions will be the increased energy demand in the 3rd world due to the poulation explosion. But all this is of course not PC or in accordance with the official solution catalog of the climate clergy and their disciples, who unfortunately have had success politicising the entire agenda.

pedro wrote:Well, not only is the congressman nuts, but the scientists cited in the article are (partly) wrong as well. Rising sea levels has nothing (or very little) to do with ice melting at the poles. And this is exactly due to Archimedes principle.

The main reason for sea level rise is the water expansion due to higher ocean temperatures. To a lesser extend it is due to glaciers melting. But very little to do with ice melting at the north pole in particular.

Instead of spending gazillions on reducing emissions in the industralised world we’d probably be better off by spending the money on further investments into clean energy research as well as on higher dikes in select places. Because when we look 30-50 years ahead the real culprit when it comes to CO2 emissions will be the increased energy demand in the 3rd world due to the poulation explosion. But all this is of course not PC or in accordance with the official solution catalog of the climate clergy and their disciples, who unfortunately have had success politicising the entire agenda.  

Ah. Glad that's cleared up. Let's keep p!ssing rubbish into the atmosphere. Not our (read: the 'developed World') fault. Lord help us...

Navy, it’s not what I’m saying. But you have to look at where the money is best spent. Why should we reduce our standard of living significantly when it won’t matter much in 30-50 years due to population explosion?  We have to look at the fundamentals, and that is the rising demand for energy. Hence, money should be invested heavily in clean energy R&D, not in taxing the industry.
Too much ideology and white man syndrom in this discussion IMO.

Regardless, Justin Rose is enjoying the warm temps, four under par and playing quite well.
Low scoring Thursday, with Kevin Na polishing off his Round 1 with an extraordinary birdie on his final hole from the trees, chipping in his third after caddie Kenny Harms had tried to intervene on the second shot, Na "I'm going to hit it anyway" when Harms dismissed both Na options, and Na coming out smelling like a rose.

Level par from Adam Scott, which doesn't help his quest for the owgr Top 60 and Shinnecock qualification.

Temps close to 100F today, but scoring should continue to be low.

GPB,
Have you had a look at the early commitments for Memphis? Could compete w/Trinity Forest for weakest field of the year unless some Internationals can bail them out.

Kevin Na back underway in Ft Worth - how will he follow up his 62?

Yep, not very good.

https://stjudeclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/FESJC-Player-Field-5.23.18-v1.pdf

Dustin has been regular guest in Memphis for the last few years. Guess he is not going this year. The WGC in August is going to be a big failure IMO.

I got plans to be in Memphis later this weekend.

Two weeks early.
Hartford in 4 weeks and the few commitments already announced suggest a stronger field than Memphis by the looks of it.

Considering its spot on the schedule, mid June and week before US Open, I am surprised any elite pro plays Memphis. Its swamp-a$$ weather here and TPC Southwind is unlike any current US Open venue.

Rose has made an error in playing Fort Worth........

Typically the European Sectional for the US Open is Monday after the BMW PGA.  

But this year it is being held at Walton Heath on June 4th, just like all the US Sectionals.

Anyone know the reason for the change.  Afterall the EuroTour is in Italy next week for a Rolex Series event.  The guys got to fly back to London to play the sectional.

Edit: Walton Heath, not Woburn

Senior PGA update:
Stephen Dodd shoots 29 (-7) for his front nine to nudge the lead.
Currently +7 for his first six holes on the back to slip out of the top 30.

Barry Lane (complete with American flag) currently only GB&I golfer in the Top 20.

If the qualifiers were played on different days, could you “double dip” as they say and try several times? Don’t know, just theorising.

I'm never wrong wrote:If the qualifiers were played on different days, could you “double dip” as they say and try several times? Don’t know, just theorising.

Nope. Only one bite of the apple. The Japan Sectional was earlier this week.

For as long as I have been keeping track, the Walton Heath qualifier has been on the Monday following Wentworth, one week prior to all the USA Sectionals.

It really makes no sense for the Walton Heath qualifier to be on June 4th, and I have looked all over to see if that is mistake. Can't find any evidence.

I wonder if the EuroTour has chartered a plane after the Italy tournament to get the players to London.

I just can't imagine the European Tour (they run the sectional) being this ignorant and stupid.

The biggest USA sectionals are in Columbus OH, close to the Memorial, and Memphis, which is the next tournament site.

Early starters making the turn at Colonial.
Another hot, HOT!, day with temps likely reaching 100F and Round 3 begins with Justin Rose in first place, by one shot from Grillo.

Rosey builds up to little streaks of form, good and not so good, but he'll be hoping momentum from Rounds 1 & 2 continues north to Muirfield Village next week and Shinnecock in three weeks time. Let's hope so.

And Cejka wakes up in the top ten and a good weekend should wrap up his playing "privileges" for 2018/2019. Not bad for 47.

Most of the usual suspects at Memorial

Notables that are missing are Rahmbo, Sergio, Fleetwood.

Adam Scott is playing Memorial. Wonder if he will be going through 36 hole sectional qualifying. He doesn't need much to crack the Top 60 and backdoor the US Open, but DFL in the Colonial (after cut) is not going to do it

https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/the-memorial-tournament-presented-by-nationwide/field.html

Thought the Walton Heath tournament may have moved due to a clash with the UK Bank Holiday, the last Monday in May... the last two years the Bank Holiday has been the Monday before Wentworth rather than immediately after. But that theory went out the window cos they held it on the Bank Holiday before 2015. So who knows. I’m not complaining though, working the BH but have the Monday after off instead, so I might make a visit. Been to an Open local qualifier before but never the US Open one.

GPB wrote:

I'm never wrong wrote:If the qualifiers were played on different days, could you “double dip” as they say and try several times? Don’t know, just theorising.

Nope.  Only one bite of the apple.  The Japan Sectional was earlier this week.

For as long as I have been keeping track, the Walton Heath qualifier has been on the Monday following Wentworth, one week prior to all the USA Sectionals.

It really makes no sense for the Walton Heath qualifier to be on June 4th, and I have looked all over to see if that is mistake.  Can't find any evidence.

I wonder if the EuroTour has chartered a plane after the Italy tournament to get the players to London.

I just can't imagine the European Tour (they run the sectional) being this ignorant and stupid.

The biggest USA sectionals are in Columbus OH, close to the Memorial, and Memphis, which is the next tournament site.

When it comes to woeful organisation and absent common sense in golf administration GPB, nothing surprises me.

Quintissential US PGA Tournament this week and only one American in the final three pairings, which is surprising to say the least. Including Justin Rose which is also kinda surprising.

Course seems greener than usual, greens softer because they have to water them to keep them alive in 100F heat apparently.

Adam Scott needed a phenomenal round today to threaten US Open qualification in a fortnight, but he's just playing very, very well instead, some shortish birdie putts getting away just when he needed them most.

Colonial ought to consider switching their green over to one of the new Bermuda Hybrids. Mini Verde or Champions or similar

East Lake in Atlanta did it a few years. ditto TPC Southwind in Memphis.

The green speeds are comparable, and the bermuda takes less water, less chemicals, less aeration. Its really a win-win for the golf course.

Rose on a mission it would seem. Colonial record of -21 must be in danger.

Wonderful golf from Justin Rose, and a prestigious English double with Paul Broadhurst shooting -8 (63) to win the Senior PGA by four strokes.
Justin up to 3rd in the owgr's?

Awesome golf from the Rose and Koepka. How often do we see 64 - 63 in the final pairing?

Amazing thing about Koepka's tournament was that, thirteen holes into Round 1, he was +3.

And Koepka is one of the very few top players not in the Memorial field this week, at Muirfield Village, Columbus, Ohio.

Even without Brooksy, there'll be the strongest "regular season" field of the year, including Rosey, Rory and Stenson, all of whom, plus several other Europeans, would have been more than extremely welcome in Italy.

They could be dodging thunderstorms on Thursday & Friday and the Muirfield Village course could play softer than "Jack" would like, so we are likely to be in for another week of low scoring.

Kwini: Memphis field got significantly better. Stenson and Casey are playing Memphis. Probably fulfilling new event obligation.

https://twitter.com/fesjcmemphis/status/1001536761322004480

TPC Southwind is not ideal Shinnec0ck prep.

I was at the St Jude facility yesterday. Friend's daughter is a patient, and I got a short tour of the facility. I made my yearly donation. It is a sad yet inspiring place.

GPB wrote:Kwini:  Memphis field got significantly better.  Stenson and Casey are playing Memphis.  Probably fulfilling new event obligation.

https://twitter.com/fesjcmemphis/status/1001536761322004480

TPC Southwind is not ideal Shinnec0ck prep.

I was at the St Jude facility yesterday.  Friend's daughter is a patient, and I got a short tour of the facility.  I made my yearly donation.  It is a sad yet inspiring place.

I was going to reference H's small number of tournaments played and wondering where the Plus One was going to appear. He's going to be a busy boy these next ten or so weeks and I'd imagine one or two sponsors are going to have to do without his services; or put up with some early w/d's. Possibly including Bridgestone if he significantly improves his FedEx outlook.

Geoff Shackleford on the PGATour policy bandwagon that "forced" Justin Rose to play Colonial instead of the BMW-PGA.

Why aren't any of these journalists doing some fact-checking?

https://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2018/5/27/forced-by-pga-tour-rule-to-turn-up-at-colonial-instead-of-wentworth-justin-rose-wins

GPB wrote:Kwini:  Memphis field got significantly better.  Stenson and Casey are playing Memphis.  Probably fulfilling new event obligation.

https://twitter.com/fesjcmemphis/status/1001536761322004480

TPC Southwind is not ideal Shinnec0ck prep.

I was at the St Jude facility yesterday.  Friend's daughter is a patient, and I got a short tour of the facility.  I made my yearly donation.  It is a sad yet inspiring place.

Memphis:
No Casey, but Stenson is committed and Dustin + Koepka join him. Might climb close to 40 pts to the winner.