PGA Tour / US Open: Notes from the Ballwasher

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1).First in driving distance.
First in putts per green in regulation.
Fifth in total putts.
Eighth in greens in regulation.
That's the trick Harrison Frazar pulled last week; if he can do it again he'll win the US Open. He has serious power, more than enough for Congressional, but one would expect his short game to desert him in the end.

2).These wins have hidden bennies: Apart from sponsorship bonuses and, in this case, a 2 1/2 year Tour exemption, Frazar also qualifies for Bridgestone, the PGA Championship, Kapalua and Augusta; and probably the HSBC Champions. And to think a few months ago he wrote an SI article about packing the pro game up after 13 winless years and $9M in prizemoney.

3).Roary Sabbatini's just had two weeks off, presumably at His Majesty Tim Finchem's pleasure. Now he gets to return to the scene of Bencranegate, where in 2005 he left pedestrian Ben to his own devices and desires on the 17th green while he played the 18th without him. Expect Roary to have another fortnight's holiday, win this week or lose.

4).Who's got form here? Only four players in the field have won at Congressional, all before Rees Jones redid (read lengthened) the Blue Course: Ernie Els (1997), Sergio Garcia (2005), KJ Choi (2007) and Anthony Kim (2008). Apart from Sergio, other Europeans who have decent records at Congressional include:
Freddie Jacobson, 2nd in the 2008 AT&T; Justin Rose with a couple of top thirty AT&T finishes; Luke Donald with a 13th place in 2005; and, of course, Alex Cejka with a 9th place finish in 2008.

5).Oops, last but by no means least, a certain Lee Westwood who finished T19th (with T.Woods) at the 1997 US Open here. Others from Team GB&I who made the 1997 cut were five Ryder Cuppers, Monty, DC, Sirfaldo, Coltart and Broadhurst.
AND: The son of a moustachioed itinerant goalscorer who plied his trade for, among other more distinguished teams: Bradford Park Avenue, Southport and Stockport. Now: No Googling allowed, who was the son of a strikerman who finished 24th that year????

6).Others who have at least two top tens in the five events competitors could have played include:
Furyk, with 2 x 3rds, a 5th, and a 7th.
Allenby, with a 3rd and a 6th.
Mahan, 2nd and 6th.
Snedeker, 5th and 8th.
Els and Kim, (both languishing in abysmal form).

7).Apart from the aged Fred Funk, there is no PGA Tour winner who could be described as a local. But: Mike Fluff Cowen is a member at Congressional, and a fine golfer in his own right. That may explain Furyk's terrific record here, but Jimmy's been out of sorts this year and it's difficult to believe Fluff can help him to the winners' enclosure.

8).Been having a look at Paddy Power's prices, and my five European value bets, paying each way down to 6th, are:
11/1 Westwood
60/1 Garcia
66/1 Karlsson
70/1 Rose
200/1 Noren.
My three to beat the field would be Choi, Mahan, Westwood, not necessarily in that order! Sure Donald and Stricker are among those in superb form (and Stricker also has a good record here) but this course will be unrelenting to shorter hitters unless they hit at least 75% of the fairways; it's not just the long irons into greens, it's the strength to get out of jail.

9).Before we know it, we'll be talking about Royal St.George's and the R&A mini-money-list is now led by, yup, Harrison Frazar, followed by Goydos, Jobe, CHIII and Holmes.

10).Lastly, the Nationwiders are hard at it in Kansas, Christian and Owen hopefully putting four good rounds together and Russell Knox rediscovering his form of a few weeks ago.

jason

kwin

Just didn't like Day's "gamesmanship" behaviour with Casey at the Match Play - behaved like a total prat and seemed to think that was being cool.

Not completely sure I'd trust him and Swatton if anything became perceived as being adversial. Making a mountain out of a molehill probably.

Really admire Day's game and he's great to follow. But I don't wany anything to come between Europe and a win.

!!

Gotta love Brandt Jobe's story... 45 years old, without a card for the past few years after dozens of injuries including sliced-off fingers. Gets his card back at Q-school, sneaks into the Memorial field and finishes runner-up despite it being his sixth straight week. Heads to US Open qualifying the next day, cruises through that, and now is top 10 on Saturday's back nine.

do what it takes jason

NedB-H wrote:

legendkillar wrote:Wheres Monty today?

Where's GJ?

that was quick

GJ,
You've changed your name!
Someone's got to compensate for the non-appearances of Adam and Badds . . . . . .

What a putt by Rory!!

The break was ridiculous!

On all cylinders as they say.

Shotrock talked about great theater, hope tomorrow's is as good as this.

Robert Rock getting lots of love from NBC and ESPN . . . . . .

Monty having a go about Sergio not smiling??

Did he not remember what a miserable git he was on the course??

NBC have been remarking about how the boyish joy has gone from Sergio's game.
Well it's the fricking US media who have beaten it out of him. Press Sergio gets here has been brutal for years, NBC the very worst at dispensing it.

kwinigolfer wrote:NBC have been remarking about how the boyish joy has gone from Sergio's game.
Well it's the fricking US media who have beaten it out of him. Press Sergio gets here has been brutal for years, NBC the very worst at dispensing it.

Bet they liked that one though... vintage Sergio...

what a birdie! that might just be what he needed

NedB-H wrote:

kwinigolfer wrote:NBC have been remarking about how the boyish joy has gone from Sergio's game.
Well it's the fricking US media who have beaten it out of him. Press Sergio gets here has been brutal for years, NBC the very worst at dispensing it.

Bet they liked that one though... vintage Sergio...

US golf media like young boys, it seems.

pedro wrote:
US golf media like young boys, it seems.

I couldn't possibly comment


Disappointing par there for Rory, but shouldn't be too disappointed at losing a shot to Y.E. - think he'd be better off in a final round with him than with Day, Jason's more likely than Yang to get off to a fast start and get Rory on edge.

I'm liking the idea of Rory playing Yang again on Sunday, seems like the perfect pairing.

Most impressed with Sergio's resergioence after his slow start. Love it!

Hmm... turns out that stupid "let's go" chant is just as annoying at the golf as it is at the tennis. Let's go where?

Well done. No drama for Rory.

venice1 wrote:Well done. No drama for Rory.

yup. highest score for him tomorrow to still win? Expect the setup will be similar to today, cos if it's too hard the USGA might end up with a guy shooting 80 on Sunday and still winning, which would look a bit silly. So I can see someone getting to -10 maybe, but anything around a 74 or better and Rory should be fine. Can't wait...

NBC was saying the "let's go . . . " is a "soccer chant". From where?????????
They've just got no idea.

Great credit to Rory, wonderful performance. Looks like Lee will be with GJ, Garrigus with Freddie Jac, Sergio with smiley. Should suit everyone quite nicely.

Very good chance there'll be a new Number One tomorrow evening.

Lukey looks knackered, running on fumes. Don't suppose he'll play until RStG, but we might have seen the best of him for a while.

Loving the European presence in all the last 4 groups, although they probably could have worked out better for the guys involved. But could of worked out worse too.

Monty was pondering Luke's decision to play Memorial earlier tonight. One of the few things he's said that I've agreed with, no doubt Jack will've approved, but a rest would've been handy.

Well, Luke will have Bubba Watson to keep company with on Sunday at 10.40 a.m..

Festivities begin at 9.30 a.m. and other pairings to note include:
11.30: Glover / Rock
12.10: Noren / Edfors
12.20: Harrington / Kaymer
1.30: Oosthuizen / Stricker
1.40: McDowell / Frazar
2.50: Garcia / Kuchar
3.00: Freddie Jac / Garrigus
3.10: Lee Westwood / Day
3.20: Rory / YEY

KJ Choi had much the same schedule as Luke except he had a tournament in Korea whilst Luke was matchplaying it in Spain.
One of the secrets to Woods's successes was his scheduling and others need to learn at least something from that.

kwinigolfer wrote:I'm liking the idea of Rory playing Yang again on Sunday, seems like the perfect pairing.

Most impressed with Sergio's resergioence after his slow start. Love it!

Agree re. the pairing. For various reasons, Westwood, Day or Kooch could have made Rory more nervous. YE seems like a cool guy, that hopefully will help keep Rory calm.

"Morning All,
A little bit of rain in the Washington area right now, likely to persist for a couple of hours but perhaps nothing very heavy.
That should clear up for the opening tee times but there will remain the chance for showers throughout the afternoon. Seasonally warm, low to mid 80's. Any lengthy stoppage in play and it will be a Monday finish.

Good luck Rory, Good luck Lee!!

Oh no.
Very sorry to wake up this morning to the news that Clarence Clemons has died.

Anyone who doesn't know who he is has never seen Springsteen live. Very sad news.

never a Springsteen fan myself but CC was certainly a large factor in his success

Oh Davie, I'm disappointed in you!

Looking like the weather man will have to report that Thunder Road through the Washington area early this morning, some Darkness on the Edge of Town even as I write.

I can't think of a better partner for Rory on the last day (apart from me that is ).

YE is so controlled and will be calm at all times. He also will not let up and keep trying right to the last putt.

Potentially a very good influence on Rory who and as far as I am aware, is not really capable of subtley undermining Rory's confidence with little asides, which must happen I suppose.

Keep Calm Rory!

Having Sky + the rest of last nights action, nice to see Garcia putting in a strong run. His putting certainly looks more assured. Enjoyed Rory's par save on the 17th. Good seeing Kuchar put a strong finish down the stretch.

Hoping Westwood can start strong today and get himself up that leaderboard. Great peformances by Cantlay and Henley on the amateur side of things, be good if they could finish level or below par.

Lee Westwood has not covered himself in glory with some of his comments and i quote...."Rory's had a big lead in a major and didn't deal with it well before. There's pressure on him with regards to that so we'll see"..........."they don't give away trophies on Fridays and Saturdays"...................that's a pity Lee coz if they did you would have a couple of Majors by now!!

Agree John,
Some things are better left unsaid, at least to the press. Probably his way of conveying that this is not a done deal, that there's plenty to play for, but sure it made for a few raised eyebrows at the Chubster's Saturday supper soiree.

Big early question, apart from the still threatening weather, will be how the USGA will set up the course today. Tees up yesterday at least 200 yards which led to comments like McDowell's "the way the course is set up this week it's allowed you to (hit it at every pin) . . . (with Rory playing) the last few rounds like it's the Bob Hope Classic." Not really set up like a US Open course in his mind.

Fact is though that this would be a shoot-out if not for Rory. As it is, the twenty other golfers under par will think they're playing for second, except Lee of course. Personally I hope Lee and Sergio both shoot 64's and finish second and third.

What a treat to watch -- not since Tiger decimated the field at Pebble Beach have I seen such a performance at a National Open. No chance he'll stumble tomorrow, IMO. And Sergio actually looking like he's having some fun out there.

Some might find the lack of competition boring, but I really like watching someone dominate other world class athletes like Rory is doing now. He may well be a multi major winner before this year is over.

'Morning Shotrock,
I'm thinking Congressional is dodging some meteorological bullets down there this morning?

Quite agree about the excitement of watching a genius at work regardless of the winning margin - much prefer to watch Portsmouth win by 4 than just by 3, both of course being rarities. And, just to be really trite, second place is very important also, especially for Sergio - nice to see his composure and behaviour throughout his ordeal on #11 yesterday, it seemed to energise him for the rest of his round.

Another dumb move by Webb Simpson . . . . .

What about Aronomink? I'm thinking you're destined for a disappointing field given the commitments in Germany, France and Hartford. Seems they're also looking for a new date for the AT&T after all the trumpeting about Fourth Of July symbolism. Swap with "Canada"?

Enjoy today, you've predicted it! Twice!!

just as well bad jason never said what lee did .........

anyway

good luck jason i believe

What a great performance by Rory. Hope he holds on to make history.

Hi GJ,
You're right, of course!!

Your other two boys let you down this week; hoping to watch Badds in Hartford, should be a good course for him. Not sure about Adam, one (very) bad hole did him in on Friday, no idea where he'll show up next - his website is not much help. My guess is Wimbledon!

Looks like Ishikawa might have withdrawn - rumoured that he just didn't want to play with Brian Gay. Regardless, another poor result for Ryo outside Asia. He's starting to lose his top fifty-based exemptions for WGC's and Majors . . . .

kwin

adam needs to shape up or ship out his schedule is pathetic hardly ever plays and as a fan im sick of it

badds was going well but a few bad holes did for him in round 2

at least he can build some form ahead of british open

jason another top 2 would be good as ory looks out of sight TBH

would jason be near top 10 in rankings with a 2nd place today ?

Michael Stewart lost the British Amateur by 3/2 to Macpherson.
MacPherson is the first Aussie to win the title for 57 years
Stewart was hoping to win Scottish and British in the same year

John Cregan wrote:Lee Westwood has not covered himself in glory with some of his comments and i quote...."Rory's had a big lead in a major and didn't deal with it well before. There's pressure on him with regards to that so we'll see"..........."they don't give away trophies on Fridays and Saturdays"...................that's a pity Lee coz if they did you would have a couple of Majors by now!!

Are you somehow suggesting that McIlroy hasn't had a 'mare recently when it was his to lose? If LW or YEY etc had a fast start and picked up a couple in the first 2-3 holes while Rory drops a couple it's down to 4 or 5 with most of R4 to go and McIlroy now even more nervous. Think a little bit before having a mindless dig eh?

nbs,
I agree with John, a bit tactless from Lee I think, much as I admire him. Perhaps Lee is trying hard to convince himself not to be defeatist, perhaps he's trying to wind Rory up.
From distant shores Lee's biggest strength has always been the way he lets his clubs do the talking, for better or for worse - always thought there was a bit of mentor / protege about his friendship with Rory, but Rors doesn't deserve to hear this from a veteran like lw.


GJ,
I think Jason reaches the top ten with a second place, even a tied second place so long as no more than three of 'em. And he'd be close with a solo third, depending upon other finishes.

Whoops- just realised I got my KJ Chois and my YE Yangs mixed up. Mind you, I still think he's a good playing partner for Rory over the last 18!

I don't think Lee's comments were a 'dig' at Rory, you can't expect Lee to turn around and say 'Rory has it in the bag' Rory has had a collapse only just recently, if he does go on to win the tournament it show amazing mental strength and courage to be able to bounce back from such a disaster that was the Masters.

Kwin - Good morning. Playing in a father/son tournament at Aronimink this afternoon. Best Father's day gift I can have. Can't wait. If TW plays in two weeks it will certainly help the gate, but regardless I look forward to watching these guys play and I hope the weather cooperates. Not unhappy this is final year hosting it however!

How can Tiger not be motivated to compete when he sees what Rory's doing? Johnny Miller can be tedious, but he made the comment to the effect that Rory's domination of this tournament is a great thing for golf. I agree. Really sends a message to he peloton.

Black fly season over yet?

Hi Shotrock,
Fab Father's Day for you, must be almost tournament-ready conditions? My lad will be working at the golfcourse today, second best to me playing with him!!

Actually think the American media are very ready to embrace Rory, hope they'll content themselves with enjoying his (hoped for) success rather than begging for more.

Rory's fantastic personality helps him a lot, the boyish unfettered thrill from what he's doing. Plus the fact that he's from Ireland of course.

Regardless, it's becoming clear that, while media business suits might be more than anxious for Tiger's return, many of the media (even NBC) seem to be relishing the opportunity to discover "new" personalities who might actually smile, have a sense of humour and answer their questions. Respectfully. McDowell's graciousness as defending Champion helps a lot in that regard, methinks.

Black flies and mosquitoes brutal, but the lake is back down to flood-stage levels and the widge season should be over within three weeks!

Luke and Bubba should be just finishing up the first hole this very moment. Matteo and Siem should be on the fairway for their European friendly.

kwini,
What is your assessment so far for the ET players including those who failed to make the cut. I think Francesco, The Mechanic, Ernie and Laird have to be bitterly disappointed. Casey not making the cut.is not that surprising except for the meteoric speed at which he's been crashing since last year. Maybe living in Scottsdale and maybe his marriage is not all that it's cracked up to be. Something's amiss.

GJ,
Agree with you. Badds and Scott better do some deep soul searching. Inexcusable is the word for their performances.

Hi venice,
Person I'm most surprised about is Justin Rose. Disappointed about Martin Laird but he lost his form since a good effort at Colonial. Missed cuts here and Memorial, both courses one would expect him to do well on. He and Poulter are "committed" for Hartford this week, then I imagine they'll head to Europe.
Franny Molinari has been playing way too much, and his results are reflecting that - cracking start at Congressional then couldn't do anything right.
As for Ernie, he's beside himself - a very reflective comment about him being as low as he's ever been about his form, "and that's a fact" he says.

Bad day on E Street today, venice, Jungle Land a little bit subdued.

Trust you'll be able to enjoy Rory's coming out party and turn over to a glorious double as the Yanks beat the Cubbies.

Interesting interview just now on The Golf Channel with Jim Hyler, president of the USGA. Refreshing in a sense that the majority of the discussion was about the course and the setup for each day. Seems that the weather had the greatest impact on the 'soft' conditions. Think it's been an excellent tournament so far. Eliminate Rory, and there is roughly a 20 or more man battle to grab the flag.

kwini,
I guess Rose would be the most surprising missed cut. Peter Hanson is the quiet but steady man for those near the top. The Swedes are well represented especially when Stenson is approaching form.

Good ol' Clarence Clemens. At least the sax player lived a completely fulfilling life as a musician. Most cannot claim that no matter how many hours and songs they've played. He definitely had "it."

Now taking off to work on my jump shot instead of hitting the links due to crowded father/son conditions at the golf course. Anyway, never know when my lousy Lakers will need an over-the-hill shooting guard.

Looks like my earlier report of Ishikawa's withdrawal (but not his failure to make a breakthrough outside Asia) was premature.

Back nine playing almost two full strokes (approx 1.75) more difficult than the front nine compared to par so far this week.

Early starters just a shade over par this morning as the first groups make the turn; so perhaps the USGA have not lengthened the course (or at least the front nine); but if no-one takes advantage and makes a real early charge, that'll favour Rory you'd think?

For some reason this tournament is a lot more exciting than the last British open... Much more fun to watch Rory than Oostie. (sorry Louis)