The World Cup Rules

September 16, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

The World Cup 2014 is a long anticipated event. It is the world’s largest sporting event followed by millions of fanatic soccer (football) fans! Qualifying starts years prior to the event with hopeful nations vying for sports supremacy. On 12 June 14, Brazil will host this exciting event that will surely capture the world’s attention!

Golf does not have anything nearly exciting as the World Cup, however for golfing enthusiasts, the FedExCup would be considered that event. “The PGA TOUR season is divided into two segments – the FedExCup Season and the FedExCup Playoffs. The FedExCup Season generally includes events between the beginning of each calendar year and the middle of August, while the FedExCup Playoffs include four events from the middle of August until the middle of September.” This format matches the qualifying process for the World Cup, but this is where the similarities stop.

The FedExCup Playoffs opened on Aug. 22-25 with The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Course in New Jersey City, NJ, then shift to the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston and BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club outside of Chicago, before concluding on 23 September 2013 at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. These playoff events whittled the field from 125 players to 30. But, where is the excitement; hype; the must watch matches?

The hype around the World Cup eclipses almost every event. Despite that soccer is the worlds most played sport, it brings a level of excitement to each match that is unmatched anywhere. The format of ‘one and done’ is the only way to conduct playoffs. After all the training, commitment, and dedication, the playoffs add extra spice to the mix. If a team loses in the playoffs they go home! Past performances do not matter; world rankings do not matter; all that matters is playing for the moment. Consider the greatest upset of all time, Uruguay over Brazil, 1950, demonstrated that at any given time, anyone can win! Talk about Sport is Everything!

The FedExCup….not so much. The limiting of the field through the final four tournaments is definitely a must! It does provide a level of excitement that peaks the interest of most sports enthusiasts. However, this is where real excitement for sports fans fades. The current FedExCup format does produce a strong field, but unfortunately format only ensures the big names in golf make it to the finals. There is no real “David and Goliath” excitement; the underdog remains under; and there is no last-minute heroic sand shot remembered for 60 years! The FedExCup playoffs is like watching the same group of players week in and week out win large purses without any real excitement. 8 of the top 10 ranked players in the FedExCup are also in the top 10 in the world! It is somewhat exciting for true golfing fans, but the current format does not generate the enthusiasm of a World Cup event.

The FedExCup should take a page from the World Cup. Have all the qualifying tournaments to set up the 125-man field to start the playoffs. Then, let the chips fall where they may. Lose and go home!

Adopt the World Cup way. Once the playoffs start, everything should be performance based. If a pro plays well, they make it to the next stage. If not, better luck next year. Regardless of their world ranking, it allows that 125th ranked player the opportunity to reach out and rip the title out of the hands of the giant.

This format will make for great golf! It will elevate the FedExCup to the ranks of a must see sporting events! All sport nuts remember the huge upset, but rarely remember the team that should have won. Creating excitement on any playing field is really what fans want!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Choices Choices Choices

September 4, 2013February 10, 2017 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Recent adventures on the links makes me wonder if I really have a handle on golf or have I been kidding myself for years. Course management is definitely a key aspect to success on the links. Knowing when to press or play defensively can determine whether you score a birdie or a bogey. But is course management really important to having fun and improving your game?

Smart Shot Out of the Sand

Well of course it is! Or at least I thought so!

It is the distinguishing factor between low and high handicap golfers. Determining how to play a hole, which club to use, whether to fire at the pin or to lag putt are all aspects of course management that are developed over time. Thus, experience and the willingness to improve your course management skills are extremely important aspects of successful golf.

So, why am I going on about course management and its importance. On the weekend I was playing with my friend and his brother. As per normal, we were talking golf and how best to improve our game; which shot would be best in certain situations; and which club to use at certain times. Through our discussion, we were basically talking about course management.

As we plodded along, the conversation turned to a earlier shot where my friend chose a 3 wood instead of an iron out of the long grass. Additionally, he went on to describe how the ball was in a bit of a hole, but he really wanted to get to the green that was 220 yards away. When challenged about his selection he responded, “I knew what the smart shot was but chose to not to do it!” I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at him and said what? He coolly said, “I know, but I just wanted to put the ball on the green and the knew I would not make it with an iron….it was not the smart shot, but oh well, I am still having fun.” I chuckled out loud and walked to my ball with a smile on my face.

So my friend chose not to make the right shot! Never a good idea to throw stones when you live in a glass house, I think we have all been in that situation. Taking the low percentage shot over the smart play….it still makes me laugh.

The “so what” to this story is that choosing to actively participate in course management is the first and most important step to course management. Although I never really thought that it was an option, apparently it is. Sometimes playing golf is about making the impossible shot and having fun doing it! I guess that day was not wasted because I learned something new!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Where is Rory?

September 2, 2013September 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments

Rory McIlroy is a fantastic player! He has all the tools to be one of the worlds best for years, however this year he is not living up to expectations. With only one second place finish, it is a far cry from the 4 wins, 2 second place and 1 third place finishes in 2012. Is it a sophomore jinx? Is the competition that much better this year? O has the high-flying Northern Ireland native burned out like a super nova?

Recently, much has been made about McIlroy changing over to Nike. The Bleacher Report suggests that his move has added additional pressure to his game and that he was not quite ready for the stress of the overwhelming expectations. Adding fuel to the fire, McIlroy created controversy by walking off the course just nine holes into his second round of the Honda Classic; this was just one month after signing a reported $20 million a year contract with Nike. So is it the equipment? Short answer – no. The number one player in the world uses Nike and has for years. Is there an adjustment period – probably. However, to blame the equipment entirely for this years woes would be too simplistic.

Many are pointing the finger at McIlroy’s relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Some suggest that he is not spending the time focusing on his game. This may be a contributing factor to McIlroy’s challenges on the links, but is it really the factor? The 24-year old golf superstar is allowed to have outside interests and trying to build a relationship with someone does take effort and time. To suggest that he not put in the same effort in his personal life that he puts into his professional life is crazy! He should be having fun and enjoying life like in the video below! Life is about balance and harmony.

Has the stress of being uber-successful finally oozed into every aspect of his life? Being hounded, photographed, scrutinized, and analyzed every waking hour has to take its toll. The parasitic relationship that has evolved between player and fans will definitely sap your mental strength and Rory McIlroy is no different. Many would say that they would love to have his challenges of fame and fortune, but be careful of what you wish for; being under a microscope every waking hour may not be a glorious as you think. Golf is such a mental game and the current challenges faced by McIlroy on and off the course are so encompassing that it is no surprise that something had to give.

Is it McIlroy’s play this year? The Golf Channel recently reported, “The numbers don’t suggest any struggles. He ranks 11th on the PGA Tour with a 301.4 driving distance average; he’s 59th with a 69.52 greens in regulation percentage; he’s 23rd with a birdie average of 3.77. If there’s one interesting note about his ball-striking, it’s this: He hits 56.25 percent of greens in regulation from 125-150 yards; 65.45 percent from 150-175 yards; and 68.35 percent from 175-200 yards. He’s the rare player who seemingly hits his mid-irons closer than his wedges.” It is possible to play well and not score well! Being number four in the world is not all that bad; is it?

So, where is Rory? The Grateful Golfer suggests that he is right where he needs to be! The real challenges with is play and subsequent results stems from unrealistic expectations! The media and fans expect that a player of McIlroy’s calibre be able to play in the top two percent of his profession all the time. Well, not to disappoint everyone, but that is impossible. Rory McIlroy is a fantastic golfer. He is gifted with golfing talents rarely seen in all but a few players. He will regain his form of 2012 and surpass it very soon. There are still opportunities in 2013 for McIlroy to win a tournament or two; it is only September! In 2014, he will have a year under is belt, he will be a year older and wiser, he will have found his groove and returned to the ranks of the golfing elite!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Surviving The Open at Muirfield

July 20, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Surviving the Open at Muirfield

Lee Westwood could be the first Englishmen to win The Open since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992. Westwood has played extremely well through the first three rounds and has demonstrated that persistence and patience does pay off. Westwood’s greatest attribute to date has been his putting. His skill on the green resulted in being the only player to shoot sub-par rounds in the last two days!

As we watch 90 yard roll outs on the fairways, players hitting medium irons 270+ yards, bunkers that guard the course like soldiers on sentry, and greens that are faster than your kitchen floor, Muirfield Golf Course is a relentlenss beast that challenges the world’s best golfers!

Players said that the dry conditions and constant 15 mph wind almost makes the course unplayable. It is on the cusp of being unfair, but as the players continue to challenge the beast they are finding new and creative ways to keep their score low. Whether they are putting while standing 4 feet in a bunker or shooting eagles from the fairway, it is not difficult to understand why only so few players are breaking par each day.

The last round of the Open should prove to be as exciting as the first three. Regardless of what the odds makers have said, the winner is too difficult to call. However, watching the first three rounds, anyone at +3 or less has a chance to raise the Claret Jug!. Here is why:

Players at +3 are going out earlier than the leaders. All three days, Muirfield has player easier early in the morning than later in the day. If players like Sergio Garcia or Brandt Snedeker can post a 68 or 67 early, the leaders may have some difficulty keeping their scores low enough to win.

The wind picks up through the day. Each day the wind blew less during the morning rounds than the afternoon rounds. The few extra mph of wind, added to the dry conditions may just be enough to cause a major shift in the leaderboard.

Lastly, the famous unknown of the Open. Muirfield has demonstrated that the bounces off the uncountable knolls and bumps are unpredictable! None of the players really know how far the ball will release or how the undulating fairways will affect their ball. How many times have the pros raised their hands in a “you’ve got to be kidding me!” stance because the ball did something completely unpredictable!

The final round of the Open is going to as exciting as the first three! Given the current leaderboard, the Grateful Golfer predicts the following:

Lee Westwood
Ryan Moore
Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods
Hunter Mahan

Prudence would suggest not betting on my prediction. However, we can all agree that it is high time an Englishman won The Open and brought the glory home!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Is G-Mac Ready for the Claret Jug?

July 15, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Is Graeme McDowell ready for the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland? Born in the quiet town of Portrush, Northern Ireland, on 30 July 1979, he currently splits residence between his home town and Orlando, Florida. His self-professed career highlights are winning the 2010 US Open and being a three-time winner with Europe in the Ryder Cup. When not playing golf he loves hanging out with friends and family. He is top-tear player currently ranked sixth in the world. However, since turning pro in 2002, G-Mac has ridden the roller coaster of ups and downs like most professional golfers. This year is no different.

Winning three times this year between the European Tour and the PGA Tour, G-Mac appears to be ready for another Major. After winning the 2010 US Open Championship, G-Mac’s performance has been spotty. In 2011, he missed the cut in three of the four Majors. In 2012, he was in contention in all the Majors. His game was strong and his low hitting style seemed perfect for the pressures of playing in golf’s big four tournaments. However, in 2013, G-Mac has missed the cut at all the Majors. His hot and cold play has many analysts wondering if he is ready for the spot light again.

As his recent streaky play continues, results outside the Majors have not demonstrated that G-Mac has regained his former champions form. Winning the 45th RBC Heritage tournament at the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island in April; G-Mac demonstrated he was ready to “Get His Plaid On!”

Winning the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Bulgaria in May, G-Mac fought through the final round to clinch this prestigious European Tour event. His strong ball striking and rock-solid putting propelled him to his second win of the year.

Recently winning the ALSTOM OPEN DE FRANCE in early July by four strokes might indicate that G-Mac is in fine form and read for the Open next weekend. However, he was not in championship form prior to his recent win because he missed the cut in five of his last six stroke-play events.

“It’s been a funny year because my game hasn’t felt far away most weeks,” added McDowell. “But I’ve missed a lot of cuts and missing cuts hurts. That has certainly motivated me a lot these last few weeks.” (BBC Sport Golf)

Is G-Mac ready to raise the Claret Jug for the first time? At Golf.com, many leading experts have mixed feelings about G-Mac’s chances of winning the Open. Their trepidation centers on his lack of consistency this year and his poor performance at the Majors. However, some of the experts think a European is going to win this year and Graeme McDowell’s changes are as good as any. The real question is who is going to show up….professional G-Mac or amateur G-Mac!

Picking the Open Champion is difficult. Although never betting on a sporting event, nor supporting the idea, the number of factors that must be considered to select a winner are infinite. However, at betting-directory.com, 6 of 7 groups place Graeme McDowell odds of winning the Open at 25 to 1. Compared to other names on the list like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Paul Casey, and Phil Mickelson, Graeme McDowell would appear to be a dark horse selection.

Graeme McDowell is a player who is well prepared, has the experience, and covets the Claret Jug. His up and down play lately is a cause for concern, however if he shows up on a hot streak, he will be hard to beat. G-Mac is a former champion and has the skills to win the Open. The only questions need answering: Is G-Mac Ready for the Claret Jug?

I am grateful golfer! See you on the links!