Jordan Spieth

Rory McIlroy – World’s Best Golfer

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If anyone is wondering why Rory McIlroy is considered the world’s best golfer, I suggest you take a look at these shots!

The real question on all the golfing pundits mind is whether Rory McIlroy will have the staying power to remain atop of the golfing world!

There appears to be many flash in the pan players who on any day can win a golf tournament. Plus the competition from all the young guns like Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson is amazing. For now, he is the best, or is he? What do you think?

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

Jordan Spieth Wins the 2015 Masters

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mastersCongratulations to Jordan Spieth for winning his first green jacket. His steady play on Sunday was more than enough to put his first Major in his pocket.

Spieth’s seesaw round was a bit of a surprise to some, but not unexpected by most. His ability rebound for a bogey is what makes champions. The pundits suggested that before the round, Spieth should play more cautiously than the previous three rounds; but with 6 birdies and 3 bogies, he was playing flat-out. The question on most experts mind this morning about how the double bogey on the 17th hole on moving day would affect his game was quickly answered. It didn’t! Jordan Spieth earned his first Major Championship by winning the 2015 Masters….perhaps, the first of many.

Other notables today were all the players between 4th and 9th position. In reality after everything was all said and done, they were playing for second place. Their low scores were just a little to late. In most tournaments, one exceptional round would put a player in contention to win, but a Major, not so much. It takes at least two and usually three great rounds to win any Major. But, hats off that group for making a great showing down the stretch.

Jordan Spieth was not my first choice to win the 2015 Masters. I thought that Rory McIlroy would complete his career grand slam, but not this year. This feat is very rare, but McIlroy has plenty of time to yet. Overall, I was 50/50 selecting players to win. Here is how I made out:

  • Phil Mickelson – T2
  • Jimmy Walker – T39
  • Jason Day – T28
  • Jordan Spieth – 1st
  • Rory McIlroy – 4th
  • Dark Horse – Matt Kuchar – T46

Overall, not too to bad. I did, however, think that Jimmy Walker would have played better at Augusta this year. He only stepped on to the Major’s scene last year, so he does not have the seasoning that other players have. Although he is considered one of the hottest players in golf right now, playing in a Major is extremely difficult and he may need a bit more seasoning before he is ready to compete at that level.

It was exciting to watch Jordan Spieth rise to the élite ranks by winning his first Major. At 21 years old, he has many years ahead where he can continue to excite the golfing world. He reminds me of a young Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods; hopefully he will be able to handle the new notoriety and stay in form for many years to come.

Again, Congratulations to Jordan Spieth on winning the 2015 Masters.

Bring on The Open!

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

The Masters – Day 3 – Catch Me If You Can

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Jordan Spieth

Catch Me If You Can!

At the start of moving day at the Masters, the theme was ‘catch me if you can’! Jordan Spieth’s 6 shot lead going into Saturday’s round had many pundits gazing into their crystal ball predicting a record-low winning score. Expectations of another 5 or 6 under par round from the second round leader grew exponentially as his tee time approached! However, as the day unfolded, the real story came from past Major champions who live and die on moving day.

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods were the players to watch during the third round.  Having giant-slayers and tenacious competitors zeroing in on your position is unnerving for most players. Added to that, having Mickelson race up the leaderboard early, must have had Jordan Spieth looking over his shoulder. Bogeying the last hole dampened Woods charge, but his play was reminiscent of the Tiger of old.

Lest not forget Rory McIlroy; his play for the first 15 holes was spectacular. But, dropping two stokes in the last three holes basically eliminated him from winning unless he shoots a course record on Sunday. But that is unlikely given he is 10 strokes back.

With all the hoopla and focus on the big three, Spieth seems to have learned his lesson from last year, kept his composure until the last two holes, but still finished comfortably atop of the leaderboard at 16 under par.

A just for fun fact, Jordan Spieth made 22 birdies in the first 54 holes! How good is this guy?

We will find out tomorrow when he goes head to head against Justin Rose. Wait, where did he come from? With a birdie on the 18th hole, the 2013 US Open Champion carded a solid 67 and outright second place. Tomorrow, Rose will definitely test Spieth at every opportunity and hopefully close the 4 shot gap.

There is one player who very few golfing experts picked to be in the mix on Sunday at Augusta. Charley Hoffman is surprising the masses by his consistent play and no-fear approach to playing against the world’s best. A classic journeyman player, Hoffman has a few moments in the spotlight since earning his card in 2006, but for the most part, he has worked hard and played to the middle of the pack. (Wikipedia)

YEAR EVENTS ROUNDS FEDEX
PLAYED 1ST 2ND 3RD TOP 10 TOP 25 MADE CUT CUT WD STANDING
2015 13 1 1 — 2 5 9 4 — 7
2014 25 — — 1 5 10 21 4 — 53
2013 23 — — 1 5 8 19 4 — 61
2012 27 — 1 — 2 6 18 9 1 69
2011 27 — 1 — 2 6 20 7 — 41
2010 24 1 — — 5 8 18 6 — 4
2009 27 — 1 — 4 11 22 5 — 37
2008 29 — — — 3 6 19 10 — 70
2007 30 1 — — 2 7 18 12 — 50
2006 29 — — — 5 10 21 8 — —

Hoffman’s record at the Majors would be considered poor by most standards. However, if he was to go on and win the 2015 Masters, his life would change for ever. This year, Hoffman is demonstrating that he can play under Masters’ pressure, it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

Tournament 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Masters Tournament DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP T27 DNP DNP DNP
U.S. Open T48 DNP DNP DNP DNP T45 DNP T45 DNP
The Open Championship DNP T35 DNP CUT DNP CUT DNP DNP T67
PGA Championship DNP CUT DNP CUT DNP CUT CUT T40 CUT

Charley Hoffman is a perfect example of how any journeyman can compete or even win on any given day! The top 100 players in the world are separated by so little, that the number of first time winners this year on the PGA Tour should not be a big surprise to anyone. Solidly in 4th place, Hoffman will play with Phil Mickelson on Sunday. Good luck tomorrow Charley!

The theme of today was ‘catch me if you can’! Several players moved up the leaderboard, but Jordan Spieth repelled all challengers. Sunday at the Masters is the toughest test of all. To win at Augusta National, playing well on Sunday is a must; it is what defines the champions who wear the green jacket!

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

The Masters – Day 2 – Moving Day?

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Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth Masters Leader after Day 2.

Today felt like “moving day” at the Masters! The number of players jockeying for position reminded me of the Kentucky Derby! Well, halfway through the race anyway. Jordan Spieth carded another stellar round and by all accounts, he just might be wearing his first green jacket. But hold your horses everyone, we are only just getting started.

Great rounds by Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Ryan Moore and Kevin Na have caught everyone’s attention. Their low rounds have vaulted these players into the top 10 and the golfing world is abuzz with the possibilities of what will happen tomorrow! Let us not forget Charley Hoffman; his round of 68 keeps him within striking distance of, the now perennial favorite, Jordan Spieth. Any other year, Hoffman would be leading the Masters and would be the focus of all the attention.

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Mark O’Meara show why veterans cannot be counted out at any time. In true Masters fashion, their slow and steady approach kept them in the hunt for another day. Mickelson’s 4 under currently has him sitting in 6th place, 8 strokes back. A big shout out to Mark O’Meara who shot 68 today and is sitting tied for 12th. At 58 years-old, O’Meara was never in the picture, but he is competing against the world’s best and succeeding. Surprised?

Ernie Els shot even par today. His score did not hurt him, but did not help him either. With the leaders shooting sub-par rounds, Els will have to shoot a 68 tomorrow to keep pace and have any kind of chance at winning this year’s Masters.

There were plenty of surprises today. The biggest was three rounds of 66. Normally, 6 under par will happen once or twice over the Masters’ weekend, but three in one day! Additionally, I was impressed by the composure of Jordan Spieth. At 21 years old, he is demonstrating the wiles of a seasoned veteran. As I mentioned before, we are only at the half way point and whether he or any other contender can keep focused will remain to be seen.

Tomorrow is the real “Moving Day!” The weather forecast calls for 80 degrees and 10 mph winds for Saturday and Sunday. For the Masters to become a closer tournament this year, two things must happen: Jordan Spieth must take off his superman cape, then give it to one of the players chasing him. Anything can happen on ‘Moving Day”, so stay glued to your TV and watch all the action!

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

My 2015 Masters Picks

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mastersMaster week is finally here! We have been waiting for this for moment and without any further adieu, it is time to reveal my picks for this year’s Masters. The field is very strong and the young guns are peaking at the right time, however so are the wily veterans!

Selecting a top 5 and a dark horse is no easy feat. Everyone has their own selection criteria and expects that they have the answer. I am no different. I do look at their current stats, performances at last year’s Majors, and their focus leading up to the Masters. All of these, plus a few other secrets, helps with my predictions. The following picks are from an article I wrote for PunditArena.com. Here we go:

Top 5 Players

Top 5 Players

Phil Mickelson. Lefty is an aging veteran who has struggled of late. However, his early performance at the Shell Huston Open could not have come at a better time. His short game has returned and his putting was solid. Additionally, Mickelson worked hard on fitness, he is mentally prepared, he knows how to handle Masters’ like pressure, and if “Phil the Thrill” shows up, anything can happen.

Jimmy Walker. His play over the past two years has eclipsed everyone. He knows how to win and handle the pressure of a Sunday afternoon. His short game is solid and his consistency is top-notch. Walker’s recent wins at The Sony Open and The Valero Texas Open must be taken into account. Although he has not won a Major, yet, he is number one in the FEDEXCUP ranks and is the most consistent golfer on tour. He is definitely a viable candidate to win the green jacket.

Jason Day. Fighting an injury for most of 2014, Jason Day is a forgotten player. His win at the Farmers Insurance Open in February shows he is back to form. Finishing 2nd and 3rd in previous Masters, Day knows how to play Augusta National. He did not play in the Shell Huston Open and I think taking 2 weeks off will give him time to rest and prepare for the crazy week ahead. Although he may be considered a long-shot by many, he has the game to win. A strong start is very important; gaining confidence early will make him tough to beat.

Jordan Spieth. This young superstar has done everything but win a Major. Although he has only 2 wins in 66 professional events, Spieth is always in the mix. He has the game to win, except he is light on experience. His heart-breaking loss to Bubba Watson last year at The Masters was a lesson he will not soon forget. Spieth is the whole package, he is playing exceptionally well of late, and his chances of claiming his first Major are very good.

Rory McIlroy. Given McIlroy’s not played to everyone’s expectations this year and he is not as obvious a choice as some would suggest. He is the number one golfer in the world, hits the ball a country mile, has the green side touch of a surgeon, and is hunger to complete his career grand slam. He has taken three weeks off competitive golf to work on his game. He stated that he wanted to be mentally and physically ready for the gruelling Masters week. Although is play to date is spotty at best, he will be ready at the first tee on Thursday!

Dark Horse

Matt Kuchar. Kuchar is always around because of his great all-round game. Some consider him mister consistency; however I disagree with that statement. I would assess Kuchar as a streaky player. It is now time for him to step up to claim his first Major! Kuchar performance in the past 3 Masters is exceptional. If he gets hot this weekend, I am not sure anyone will be able to stop him. He is a fan favourite and is due for something spectacular to happen.

So there you have it, my top 5 pics and my dark horse. All of these, plus many more, make great candidates to win the green jacket this year. However, there is only one who will rise to the top.

This year, I pick Rory McIlroy. I selected him back in October as the man to beat and I stick to that prediction.

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