The Ryder Cup is here…..finally! I love watching the Ryder Cup. There is no prize money drawing the players to France; just good ole bragging rights. You know that the Ryder Cup is a big thing in the golfing world because the four captain’s picks generate almost as much hype as a Major! The first match is on Friday and I can hardly wait to see the pairings and which player will step up to lead their team to victory! Continue reading
Tom Watson
The Open: Final Thoughts
From Jack Nicklaus’ Facebook page
Wow! What a final round! Many of the pundits have listed the final round of The Open between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson as one of the greatest final rounds in any Major. It is always hard to make such a statement, but if you are suggesting such bold thoughts, I am confident that Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods’ final rounds would be contenders for comparison.
Unfortunately, I only saw glimpses of the round, but social media was afire with comments and thoughts. Phil Mickelson shot a -6 and lost by 3 strokes to the winner, Henrik Stenson, who shot a -8. Both were amazing performances and Mickelson can walk with his head held high because he was defeated by a better player in the final round. Reviewing the final round, I look for expert opinions, who I respect, to sum up their thoughts and I found one I can wholeheartedly support!
The Masters – Day 2
In a galaxy far, far away, there was a small group of talented and dedicated men trying to fight for their survival battling a golf course that was unrelenting at best. Day 2 at The Masters, Augusta National Golf Course proved to be that course! I am not sure what happened yesterday, but Augusta bared its teeth and took a huge bite out many of the worlds best golfers.
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The Masters Update
The Masters is two days away! Tomorrow is the par 3 tournament, then let the games begin. The Masters is my favorite Major and over the past few weeks, we have discussed how players qualify, who we picked to be champion, and other aspects of fantastic golf tournament.
Main stream media has most of the news covered at nauseum, so I plan to stay away from most of those topics. As The Masters approaches, there are some news articles that caught my attention. These noteworthy stories are worth repeating because through all the crazy media hype, I do not want any of these great stories to slip by. Continue reading
Thank You Mr. Watson – Day 2 at The Open Championship!
Thank you Mr. Watson! Tom Watson has played The Open Championship for the last time. The 8-time Major Champion, 5 of those at The Open, missed the cut and crossed the Swilcan Bridge, as professional golfer, for the last time. Tom Watson thrilled golfing fans for 44 years by challenging the greats like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer always believed that had the game to win!
With 71 professional wins, Watson is a proven champion. Tied for 11th overall with 39 PGA Tour wins, Watson has won with class every step of the way. Through all his success, he demonstrated that winning on the links can be transferred to winning in life. The four charities he supports, one for over 25 years, has benefitted from his tremendous leadership and I am confident he will continue after he leaves professional golf.
Normally, former champions are exempt to play in The Open Championship until they are 60, however, the R&A created a new exemption after Watson was runner-up at Turnberry in 2009 when he was 59 and lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink. Past champions who finish in the top 10 are exempt for five years. Tom Watson demonstrated it is possible to play golf well into the latter stages of our lives! How inspiring is that!
Today was an emotional day for Mr. Watson. He knew after the front-nine that his time was short, but he walked tall for the closing holes and demonstrated how true champions conduct themselves through all situations. When it was all said and done, all he did was tip his hat and say thank you!
The Open Championship will a little less grandiose next year because Mr. Watson will not grace the links at Royal Troon. However, I am sure that Tom Watson will be the first to tell you that professional golf is bigger than one man, but it is the special players that make golf great!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
