lydia Ko

Ko and Spieth Against the World – Part 2

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Nearly 2 years ago, I wrote an article predicting that Lydia Ko and Jordan Spieth would take the golfing world by storm in very short order. The real point of the article was to point out how quickly top ranked players can fall from grace. Currently, Ko and Spieth are ranked number 2 in the world in their respective tours and both seem poised to return to the top position.

Congratulations to Lydia Ko on winning her first Major. Setting the record for the youngest woman to win a Major, the sky is the limit for this young phenom. For three years she has enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of professional sports, yet still seems grounded and focused on be the best she can be!

Jordan Spieth has experienced more success since 2013. At 21, he appears to be unstoppable sometimes and a mere mortal others. His media exposure and pressure to perform is greater than Ko’s and he too is handling his world ranking extremely well. With the BMW Championship on the horizon, all eyes will be on Spieth to see if he can play his way out of his current funk.

The fall from grace happens just as quickly. During Ko and Spieth’s rise to the top, players such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson slide down the world rankings. Although Woods and Mickelson still have star power, their game does not seem sharp enough to compete regularly with the young lions.

Rory McIlroy took a few body blows in 2013 because of his poor play, but rebounded well in 2014/2015 until his unfortunate injury. The media reports were mixed and it will interesting to see if he can keep his number one ranking with Spieth and Jason Day on his heels.

Ko and Spieth have taken on the golfing world. For now, they are the players to beat! Being so young, the question is how long they can sustain their current prowess! The constant pressure to perform eventually will take its toll on these young superstars. The real question is how long will it be before the media discards these players for someone better!

I am a grateful golfer.

Biggest News in Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

He is back! Tiger Woods announced that he will play in the 2015 Masters! This revelation is not surprising and many people associated with golf are elated the hear that the biggest draw in golf is ready to play. His two month absence has stirred speculation on whether Woods would even return, but now all the musing, nay-sayers and arm-chair golfing pundits can focus on if Woods has a chance to win this year.

Woods announcement was short and to the point. From TigerWoods.com yesterday: “I’m playing in the Masters,” Tiger said Friday afternoon. It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there. I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

The short message has fueled a fair bit of speculation because it does not mention that he his ready, is game is in form, or that he expects to win. Actually, his announcement was perfect. His attempt to manage expectations by under playing his current state of readiness will allow for a positive reaction to any number of outcomes. If he wins, he smiles rides the wave of excitement in the golfing world and he lets the media take care of spreading the word that he is officially back. If he plays poorly, he will be considered a tough competitor who understands the importance of the Masters and he was playing for the love of the game. Quite brilliant actually.

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Lydia Ko’s spectacular run to break Annika Sörenstam’s record for the most consecutive rounds under par can to a sudden stop yesterday. After 29 rounds of sub-par play, Ko shot a one over 73 at the ANA Inspiration. It is amazing that anyone would shoot 29 rounds under par, but to be 17 years old, be the number one player in women’s golf, and have an excellent attitude is incredible. Watch her composure below:

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In less than 5 days, the world’s best golfers will tee it up in hopes of winning the green jacket. There have been many great articles already written about the first Major of 2015 and of course the speculation of who is going to win is at the top of the list. One of the best to date is by Brian Penn called 2015 Masters Picks. If you have not read it, I suggest you do because it has a unique twist.

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But, before I head down that path of selecting my picks for the Masters this year, let’s focus on the Shell Huston Open which is still under way. It is quite exciting to see some familiar names and unfamiliar names at the top of the leader board. Although this article will be released before the end of the third round, the biggest news from the Shell Huston Open is the play of Canadian Graham DeLaet. I picked him as a “Dark Horse” for the 2015 professional golf season and winning this weekend will only reinforce my psychic abilities. It is great to see DeLaet playing to his potential!

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There is plenty of news out there! Being bombarded by all aspects of golf is sometimes overwhelming. Personally, I try to focus on the positive aspects of golf, fun topics, great tips, and the ‘good news’ stories. If you find any you would like to share, please pass them on!

This is my 501st article since starting The Grateful Golfer blog and I want to thank everyone who has read, commented, and passed on my articles! Thank you for being part of The Grateful Golfer Community!

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

Ko and Spieth Against the World

/ The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments
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Lydia Ko, pictured here after winning the Canadian Women’s Open in Edmonton on Aug. 25, will join the LPGA Tour next year. (Jason Franson/Canadian Press)

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Jordan Spieth holds the trophy after winning the John Deere Classic on Sunday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press)

The female and male darlings of golf are Lydia Ko and Jordan Speith. Both have fantastic starts to their career and seem to be well on their way to making a name for themselves as professional golfers. Ko just turned pro and has already won an event on the LPGA. Speith is also a one time winner with 2013 rookie of the year honors to boot. Both appear to have focused goals and positive personalities that the golf industry want to leverage.

There is no question the media are going crazy, the golfing world is talking about their successes and the sponsors are circling. But, is this really what golf is about? Don’t get me wrong, golf is a business and there is money to be made; however, at what cost. There are several players who were treated with the same awe and reverence in the past 10 years, but have disappeared completely or failed to meet the huge expectations of being a world ranked golfer. They were discarded like yesterday’s newspaper. Is to be the fate of Lydia Ko and Jordan Speith?

Expectations of professional or amateur golfers can be a positive influence or a destructive power. We do not have to look far to see the fickle nature of the sports media, golfing fans or professional pundits. Examples like Rory McIlroy playing so poorly in 2013 – how many times was he kicked; Tiger Woods stalled at 14 Majors…..stalled at 14 Majors – are you kidding; Phil Mickelson not winning the US Open is tarnishing his greatness … come on; and finally Henrik Stenson touted as one of the greatest golfers never to win a Major…wow! Is there a possibility that the expectations of some of the golfing greats is a little out of whack?

It is important to understand that expectations are relative. At every level, each golfer has expectations (realistic or unrealistic) about their capabilities. Those are easy to accept. What is difficult to swallow are the golfing analysts who pass judgement on players while sitting in their armchair in a climate controlled room. Is it possible, that golf has lost its way and some major re-tuning is required?

Golf is a great sport! We all have expectations, but let us not forget that golf is meant to be enjoyed.  Competition is healthy, fun and exciting. However, a ‘win or else’ competition seen at the professional level is not good for the game. What do you think?

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

Lydia Ko Turns Pro

/ The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Image from http://www.lydiako.co.nz/media/gallery/2013-isps-handa-australian-openA sixteen year old LPGA phenom turned pro on 23 October.  After four wins at the professional level, Lydia Ko decided it was time to make her mark.  At 16, see will face tremendous pressure to succeed as she chases her dream as a professional golfer.  As the top ranked amateur golfer in the world for 130 weeks, there is not much more she can accomplish at that level.  So why not turn pro?

After finishing runner-up to Suzann Pettersen in The Evian Championship in France, Ko announced that she would turn pro in 2014.  However on 23 October 2013, Ko stated in a YouTube video featuring New Zealand rugby player Israel Dagg, that she was turning professional immediately and would play her first professional tournament in Florida in mid-November (all details taken from Wikipedia).  The video is definitely worth watching!

On October 2013, the LPGA Tour granted Ko’s request to join the LPGA, waiving the Tour’s requirement of members being at least 18 years old.  It is not surprising that the LPGA granted her request because she is quickly becoming a world-wide sensation; why not capitalize on this rising star.  It is not clear what sparked here decision, however if she made the request to turn pro at the beginning of the current golfing season, she would have  earned more than $1 million….tough decision.

This young Kiwi will have some challenges along the way, but with proper coaching and mentoring from the senior players will definitely help to handle the pressures of a professional athlete.  Phil Mickelson mentioned last week that Ko needs to pay attention to where she lives and the income tax implications.  Great advice to someone whose potential Although is almost limitless.

Many pundits will compare Ko’s decision to that of Michelle Wie who turned pro at 16. Although the endorsement deals for Wie have been beneficial; she has not yet reached the same success on the golf course.  Wie’s potential was also through the roof, but the pressure to win was tremendous.  Hopefully, Ko will not experience the same challenges! Current after two rounds, Wie and Ko are tied for 23rd at the CME Group Titleholder’s Event in Naples Flordia.

Golf is an interesting sport.  At 16, Lydia Ko has accomplished more than most players could only dream.  Her future is bright and hopefully she will achieve all her goals and more!  Besides the journey while pursuing your dreams is really the best part.

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