PGA Tour: Hello Columbus: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).Finally! The Tour caravan leaves the West and the South, for a week anyway, for Columbus, Ohio, and Jack Nicklaus's event, the Memorial Tournament, at his Muirfield Village - a top class event at a fantastic course.
Only Jon Rahm is missing from the world's Top 8 golfers and there won't be a stronger field outside the Majors, some WGC's and The Players all year. Anywhere.

2).Justin Rose is a course specialist, but will he have enough gas in the tank after his brilliant win at Colonial?
Long after his disingenuous nonsense about having to play Colonial as his "plus one" tournament is long forgotten, we'll remember Rosey taking the lead with a -10 start on Thursday and Friday, then repeating the trick over the weekend, spreadeagling the field with only Koepka putting up a realistic challenge.

3).Rose has obviously secured his spot in the Play-Offs, almost certainly has done enough to qualify for East Lake's Tour Championship. But what of other Europeans?
Some have clinched their Top 125 positions and competed frequently enough to be on track to fulfil criteria for playing next year, but others are struggling. Let's have a look:

4).Clinched!
*Rose, Rahm, Casey, Noren, Poulter, McIlroy, Rafa C-B, Fleetwood, Knox.
And, assuming 400 x FedEx points is the qualifying threshold (altho' stats suggest it'll be more like 375), Cejka and Laird are almost there.

5).But these two have work to do, quality of play and quantity of events played, despite their "Major" exemptions:
*Stenson has the points but only 7 tournaments played. He's playing the next three weeks and will presumably play Carnoustie, Bridgestone and the PGA. And he may "defend" his Greensboro title. Add in the Ryder Cup and Northern Trust and he'll be OK, tho' imagine he'll take a couple of "mental health" weekends during a busy schedule.
*Sergio has spent more time in Kiev and Crans recently than he has on Tour and perhaps he's checked out for the season, what with only 9 events under his belt (does Valspar count as his "extra"?), only a 70th place and four missed cuts since March, and just 316 points earned. He'll presumably play Shinnecock, Carnoustie, Bridgestone and the PGA, but could need another tournament (plus the Ryder Cup) to assure he's OK for 2018/19. Hopefully he'll play Hartford where he's played well in the past.

6).And some others have played often enough but not well enough!
*Molinari was terrific at Wentworth but only has 253 pts in the US. Given that he arguably rescued his Tour career at Memorial a few years ago, this week's action in Brescia comes at a bad time for him.
*Seamus Power (230 pts) will get into most fields after this week, and some of them will be pretty weak. He just needs to rediscover his form.
*McDowell is in trouble, just 216 pts and no finish better than 10th for almost two years. Not in Carnoustie, Bridgestone or the PGA.
*Lowry: 117 pts earned, not in Shinnecock, Bridgestone or the PGA and, barring a miracle, seemingly destined for Past Champion status next season as he loses his Bridgestone exemption. Hello Europe.

7).Whilst this lot seem to have thrown in the towel:
*Pieters, Fisher and Kaymer - none of them on pace to play often enough and certainly none playing well enough to turn their Tour season around, tho' with Pieters especially you never know.

8).Which, apart from one or two sundry Europeans (Lingmerth, Jaeger, Freddie etc), and Donald & Harrington who will take exemptions next year, leaves the enigma that is Tyrrell Hatton.
Hatton has 331 points but played just 9 events. He needs a return to form and to find at least one more event to assure himself of keeping his card. It could be a close run thing, and in the heart of the European season.
He's received a pretty bad press over here, possibly with justification. Iffy schedule; does he have his heart in it?

9).Muirfield Village has its course specialists, Woods obviously, and Justin Rose. Plus Kuchar who comes in to town in his worst form for yonks.
Can't think of a course that should suit Rory any better but his results haven't really reflected that. Time for that to change? 'Course, same could be said of Dustin and Justin (Thomas) too. And the course could be a little softer than they'd like, warm and stormy forecast for Thursday & Friday, clearing out and dry for the weekend.

10).Let's close with congratulations for Paul Broadhurst. 100% Ryder Cup record (in a losing Team effort) but his only Major distinction was the 63 he shot at St.Andrews in 1990.
Until he joined the Senior Tour, that is, and now he's added last week's Senior PGA Championship to the Senior Open he won at Carnoustie in 2016.
With Miguel Angel Jimenez winning the previous week's Tradition, and earlier "W"'s for Broadhurst & Langer, that's a good start for Europeans on the Champions Tour this year - already almost $2.4M of Champions Tour earnings in Broadhurst's bank account plus European Seniors' earnings. Oh to be 50 - if you've already passed that milestone by and can remember Ali MacGraw in Goodbye Columbus, anyway!

Lowry won't have past champion status unless he plays 15 events. He better hustle.

Can't believe Kaymer has put himself in another pickle with # events played after his debacle in 2015. I expect better planning than that from a German.

I thought I read something last year about Fisher was going to be all-in for the PGATour this year. 9 events thus far suggests otherwise.

You got to be VERY VERY good to play the PGATour part-time to make the playoffs consistently?

Just how many "2nd tier" Euro Tour players have tried and failed in this decade?

Oleson, Colsaerts, Willett, Lowry, Kjeldson, Hanson off the top of my head.

Agree GPB. Johnston another. Sure there’s more too, think Anders Hansen had a go out of q school although that may be more than a decade ago? In fairness I think Colsaerts and Kjeldsen kept their cards for the first year, but the problem comes if you have a poor year in the majors.

Kaymer was interviewing a few weeks ago about how busy a schedule he has for the summer to meet his tour requirements. Will see how well that stands up.

Interesting that 2017 US Amateur Champ Doc Redman turned pro this week at Memorial, forfeiting his exemption into the US Open (two weeks away) and Open Championship.

US Amateur Champs (and Runner up) and British Amateur generally keep their Amateur status for months to play the Masters.

Of course there are other factors like Redman's commitment to his college career and wanting to start earning Faux FEX points to possibly get STM (or at least a spot in the WTF tournament.

Sick Note WDs from Memorial Pro-Am

Rotoworld wrote:Columbus resident and World No. 8 Jason Day is in Dublin, Ohio, for the Memorial Tournament and checks in at 3rd in the FedExCup standings but withdrew from Wednesday's pro-am with a fever.

NedB-H wrote:Agree GPB. Johnston another. Sure there’s more too, think Anders Hansen had a go out of q school although that may be more than a decade ago? In fairness I think Colsaerts and Kjeldsen kept their cards for the first year, but the problem comes if you have a poor year in the majors.

Kaymer was interviewing a few weeks ago about how busy a schedule he has for the summer to meet his tour requirements. Will see how well that stands up.

Hansen played hurt for a while, Colsaerts & Hansen (and possibly Willett) also. As did Casey & Poulter (saved by the Grace of Gay's good arithmetic). Others just didn't fancy it, M-A J for one, Sam Torrance on the Senior Tour for another, and Pieters possibly another.

The USA may have the BIG Tour but it's just not everyone's bag; nothing wrong with that. Gonzo would be the rare example, in my mind, of someone who committed to move over, hook, line and sinker, and just didn't make a success of it.

Interesting about Sick Note Day, not the first time we've been down this path, but thanks for the update.

Confirmation that the next few events will be:
Memphis
US Open @ Shinnecock
Travelers at Hartford
Quicken Loans in Washington DC - but that switches to Detroit next year.

I usually have a small bet at the Majors, trying to find an outsider that will be a good each way bet. I have thought of someone (not telling you - yet ) but he is not yet qualified for the US Open. So my interest this week is to see if he can qualify by having a good finish - but he and I will have to wait (possibly) until the June 11th cut off.

I'm never wrong wrote:I usually have a small bet at the Majors, trying to find an outsider that will be a good each way bet. I have thought of someone (not telling you - yet ) but he is not yet qualified for the US Open. So my interest this week is to see if he can qualify by having a good finish - but he and I will have to wait (possibly) until the June 11th cut off.

I'm sure princedrac will help you out with the owgr projections soon enough!


Not sure how much rain the Muirfield Village course got in the past 24 hours, but it's been a wet month with more showers expected until Friday night when things should clear out. Fine weekend, so they should catch up easily if there's any stoppage in play.

Does Sergio's Masters win not give him full exemption next season or does he still have to play the minimum this year?

Sergio's Masters win gave him a 5 year exemption, but since he has maintained a EuroTour membership, he has to play the requisite 15 events on the PGATour.

If Sergio was only a PGATour member, he could only play 12 events and still keep his card.

Not playing 15 events is what got Kaymer kicked off the PGATour after the 2015 season. Kaymer had planned on playing three events in the playoffs, and come August, he was about 170th in FEX list and not eligible for one playoff event, let alone three playoff events.

In 2014, Kaymer won two tournaments that gave him a 5 year exemption, (US Open and Players) and the only requirement was to be able count to 15. He failed.

Westwood got kicked off the tour after 2006 when he failed to play 15 events.

Thanks GPB

A trio of golfers opening up a two-stroke margin at the head of affairs: Hossler, Ancer, Niemann. Not the three I'd've picked. Or did.

Woods digging himself a hole, but assume he'll get out of it on his second nine.

GPB, how has Kaymer got his membership back now? Don’t think he’s won again since?

Kaymer's 5 year exemption was not completely forfeited. He just had to forfeit membership for one year (FWIW he sat out two years)

As much as James Corrigan and Iain Carter might disagree, PGATour policy is not draconian. The Tour is just protecting their sponsors, their players and their interests.

Lucas Glover is having a good round today. I am sure his face appreciates it.

GPB wrote:Lucas Glover is having a good round today.  I am sure his face appreciates it.

It appears his wifes pep-talk helped.
And over in Europe somebody finally beat up Willett..

Lazy round from Rory today, three balls in the water and -2.6 strokes lost on the greens.
Is he unmotivated, does he need a professional caddie, or what? Not good enough from a man in the world's top ten.

A poor day for Europeans, but three "Internationals" leading the way.
Hopefully the course will play a little firmer day-by-day into the weekend.

Well my prospective US Open pick has got to shoot a course record score just make the cut, let alone be in a position to get an exemption. Looks like he might have to go to qualifying, or do well at the St Jude - or I will have to change my pick!

GPB wrote:Lucas Glover is having a good round today.  I am sure his face appreciates it.

Why has/does Glover not just give his ghastly wife the Spanish Archer and get rid? Not like he's dependent on her money or a place to live.

super_realist wrote:

GPB wrote:Lucas Glover is having a good round today.  I am sure his face appreciates it.

Why has/does Glover not just give his ghastly wife the Spanish Archer and get rid? Not like he's dependent on her money or a place to live.

In the last three weeks, we don't know that he hasn't.

GPB,
Did you see that John Smoltz qualified for the US Senior Open, beating Brian Tennyson in a play-off? Those off-day matches with Glavine & Maddux must have been quite something; remember: "Chicks dig the long ball!"


Amazing comeback at MV yesterday afternoon from Hideki; after an almost 90 degree shank on #11, he went on a run of four birdies followed by a hole-out eagle on #17. Still tied for the lead - possibly raining in Columbus but worst of morning weather could be going south of the course. Oops, just bogeyed #11 again.

No, I didn't see that. Good for him. (somewhat) validates his Web-com exemptions.

John Elway is also trying to qualify for the US Senior Open. not sure when.

Great to see the first groups out at MV skate round in 4 1/4 hours - well done Roary, Danny Lee & Harkins.

Seems no-one can get better than the -7 ceiling - plenty of good rounds out there but not by the overnight leaders! Not yet anyway.
Much better from Rory - four under today with five holes to play - keep going!

Brittany Lincicome of the LPGA is going to play the opposite field Barbasol next month.

edited to add link

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/pga-tour-event-to-offer-sponsors-exemption-to-lpga-tour-pro-brittany-lincicome

edited again to add

Dame Laura is playing the Staysure tour this week. Shot 78, tying a former two time Masters Champ,

BTW: Staysure sure sounds like adult diaper brand.

A good walk spoiled by Rory today; bogeys on two (both par-5's that he'd've hoped to birdie) of his final five holes ruined a promising start.

Better than Spieth though. Missed cut and he'll start sliding down the rankings unless he can find the cord. Unfamiliar territory.

Cejka leading European.

kwinigolfer wrote:Great to see the first groups out at MV skate round in 4 1/4 hours - well done Roary, Danny Lee & Harkins.

120 player field

Adam Scott is playing Memphis. Looks like he really wants to play the US Open and continue is streak of Consecutive majors played.

DJ & Brooks also, but no Casey - see my response on last wk's thread.

About 9 x 66's, nothing better, and Rory just scrapes in for Saturday play.
MDF most likely comes into play: Top 70 and ties after 54 holes play Sunday.

Good buddies Rosey & "H" the best Europeans, Martin Laird just behind.

81 of 120 starters at Memorial field the 36-hole cut, at Rory's even par, so there'll be a 54-hole cut to 70th & ties this evening.

The early / late starters (incl Rose, Woods etc) had a more than 3-stroke advantage over the late / early (Rory, Spieth) crew according to pgatour.com. Quite the disparity.

Weather good today for Columbus, but 100% chance for T-Storms tomorrow.   Not sure of the Domino effect for US Open qualifiers on Monday which looks to be perfect in Columbus

Has the Euro Tour chartered a plane to get the US Open sectional qualifiers from Italy to Walton Heath.  According to my online TV guide, there is no plan to finish early in Italy  (about 17:30 Italy Time)

I figure Adam Scott needs a Top 10 to safely get inside the Top 60 for the June 11 OWGR deadline. But if he finishes 9th or 10th, he should not play Memphis and add a tournament to his divisor.

Putter working nicely for Rory with 2 birds in his opening 4 holes. He's one-over-par on the Par-5's so far this week so, with 4 x Par-5's in his next 11 holes, let's see if his brain is equally in tune. Hope so as you'd think this course playing soft is about as favourable as possible for our Rors.
EDIT! Holed bunker shot for eagle on #5. That'll do; now Rory has the chance to get right into this tournament.

kwinigolfer wrote:Putter working nicely for Rory with 2 birds in his opening 4 holes. He's one-over-par on the Par-5's so far this week so, with 4 x Par-5's in his next 11 holes, let's see if his brain is equally in tune. Hope so as you'd think this course playing soft is about as favourable as possible for our Rors.

On the 5th hole, Rory Gets a ....

Spoiler:

Watching PGATour live with Rory/Kisner this morning

Just saw something that I don't think is Kosher.

PGATour Live just simulated Rory's birdie's putt on hole #6 with computer aided graphics, showing a break of about 8".

Then the camera panned to Rory, and in the background, you could see the PGATour Live video on a screen, with about a 10-15 second delay.

If Rory was looking at the screen (he wasn't), he could have seen the video with computer graphics and the break of 8 inches.

GPB wrote:Watching PGATour live with Rory/Kisner this morning

Just saw something that I don't think is Kosher.

PGATour Live just simulated Rory's birdie's putt on hole #6 with computer aided graphics, showing a break of about 8".

Then the camera panned to Rory, and in the background, you could see the PGATour Live video on a screen, with about a 10-15 second delay.

If Rory was looking at the screen (he wasn't), he could have seen the video with computer graphics and the break of 8 inches.

That seems unforgivable by the Tour . . . . . .

Another bird for Rory, but he needs to keep going. Zach Johnson also going nicely.

Looks like this site has a live scoring link to all the US Open Sectional qualifying sites except Walton Heath

https://www.mondayq.com/us-open-qualifying

Horses for Courses: Lingmerth going nuts early in his 3rd round: 6 under par thru 7.

Rory 6 under thru 11.

No Ryder Cup points available for any of Euros this week in Columbus. Rose didn't earn any points last week at Colonial

Euro RC Qualification wrote:Secondly, following the introduction of the Rolex Series, no Ryder Cup qualification points will be available from tournaments staged anywhere in the world played in the same week as these events in both 2017 and 2018.

http://www.rydercup.com/news-media/europe/how-european-and-american-teams-are-picked-ryder-cup

Lots of eagles out the today, Rory, Rickie, Justin Thomas.

EDIT: Oh, and Tiger; not to be left out.

Someone just tweeted that Rory has missed a 5 foot putt...an 8ft putt and hasn't putted anything from 8ft or longer today...yet is -8.....if true that's insane!

If the bloke had just half the green ability of likes of Day etc he truly would be unstoppable.

Course is very gettable, so as good as that round is I still expect him to be around 6 shots back by end of play.

Looking forward to getting back and seeing Tiger and Rose. Really hoping Woods can put some pressure on the front runners

owen10ozzy wrote:Someone just tweeted that Rory has missed a 5 foot putt...an 8ft putt and hasn't putted anything from 8ft or longer today...yet is -8.....if true that's insane!

If the bloke had just half the green ability of likes of Day etc he truly would be unstoppable.

Course is very gettable, so as good as that round is I still expect him to be around 6 shots back by end of play.

Looking forward to getting back and seeing Tiger and Rose. Really hoping Woods can put some pressure on the front runners

Not true. Rory made a 27' putt on #13 to get to -8 (and holed a 35' bunker shot for eagle on #5)

I did take it with a pinch of salt....his putting is always the focus but I also find many of his errors come from the wedge play and being too aggressive at times. How was his approach play today?

Last week's winners: Molinari & Rose.
Chances of a repeat?

owen:
As far as I can figure it out, Rory missed 4 greens and got it up and down each time; for the 14 greens he hit, his average approach was 14 ft, nine inside 9 feet. Had his putting been as good, he'd've had a 62 at worst.

kwinigolfer wrote:Last week's winners: Molinari & Rose.
Chances of a repeat?

owen:
As far as I can figure it out, Rory missed 4 greens and got it up and down each time; for the 14 greens he hit, his average approach was 14 ft, nine inside 9 feet. Had his putting been as good, he'd've had a 62 at worst.

Are you counting the hole out eagle?

0 feet.
Going by gir.

kwinigolfer wrote:Lots of eagles out the today, Rory, Rickie, Justin Thomas.

EDIT: Oh, and Tiger; not to be left out.

Double eagles for Cantlay.

Dame Laura Davies shot a 1 under 71 on the Staysure Tour today.

she is T43....and beating a two time Masters Champ and Ryder Cup Captain by one shot.

Bud Cauley was involved in a bad auto accident Friday night after he missed the cut at Memorial

https://www.golfchannel.com/article/golf-central-blog/cauley-injured-car-accident-after-mc-memorial/?cid=twitter-gc-a-cauley-injured-car-accident-after-mc-memorial-060218&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

Cauley, who missed the cut at the Memorial following rounds of 77-76, was a passenger in the car and is being treated for five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a fractured lower left leg.

Too bad, I like BC. Hope it wasn't a Ferrari . . . . . .

Not sure how you all get your golf in GB&I but Golf Channel has started to broadcast the early goings of the Memorial, with tee-times brought forward in anticipation of disruptive t'storms later (which are slowly ebbing from the forecast).