This weeks event on the US Tour is the Canadian Open. I will post a full preview on tomorrows site but for now enjoy some of the fantastic highlights over the years from this special tournament. Who will ever forget Tigers six iron to the 18th or the heartache in seeing Mike Weir come so close to winning his national championship only to see his dream shattered by a visit to the water on the 18th. Lets hope this week has more drama in store for us.
Bobby Locke - 1950
Jack Nicklaus - 1970
Seve Ballesteros - 1984
Costantino Rocca - 1995
Arnold Palmer - 1995
Tiger Woods - 2005
Who could possibly forget Jack Nicklaus’ final farewell at St.Andrews back in 2005. A legend of the game and always a gracious sportsman on the golf course, Jack finally called time on his British Open career. He did so, as one would expect, with a birdie up the 18th!
What an incredible performance overall from Fred Couple’s American team but in particular, that man Tiger Woods. 5pts from 5pts in what was near flawless golf, along of course with Steve Stricker. Phil Mickelson was also inspiring which has me a little worried ahead of next years Ryder Cup. However, on home soil, I am still confident our European lads will be more than capable.
Greg Normans controversial, and in my view plain stupid, decision to select Adam Scott backfired badly as the Australian failed to produce any form or much points. Normans decision in my view was a patriotic one that he should not have made. I was expecting Rory Sabbatini to get the nod ahead of the rest, especially Adam Scott, whose form has been appalling.
I did feel sorry for Scott though. Although I am sure he was desperate to play, he should not have been put in that situation. It will be interesting to see if Norman now remains at the helm after making such a critical error in judgment. I hope Colin Montgomerie is taking note!!
It is difficult to look beyond Tiger Woods as the overall Fed Ex Cup winner, such is the form he is in. However, two men very much still in contention for the top prize, Sean O’Hair and Padraig Harrington, sent Tiger an early statement of intent that they will not be giving in just yet. We all know the words “giving in” and “Padraig Harrington” are never associated with each other anyway, like chalk and cheese if you will, and it is his personal duel with Woods that the crowd want to see coming down the stretch on Sunday.
Sean O’Hair though is the deserving leader after his fine opening 66. Lurking a shot back is the trio of Woods, Harrington and Cink. It promises to be a great few days of golf and I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed for an Irish win. After all, what better week for an Irishman to rise to the top, than the same week we celebrated the 250 year anniversary of Arthur GUINNESS.
I raised a few GUINNESS already in celebration but I would have no hesitation in doing the same Sunday evening if Harrington does the business….just no more 8’s on the card please Harry….my eyes, heart and stomach just can’t take it anymore!!
I know how you all like to party on a Sunday evening so in case you missed it, here is the PGA Tours wrap of the Wyndham Championship 2009. It was a first win for Ryan Moore but more disappointment for Sergio Garcia as he let his 54 hole lead disappear. Question marks will undoubtedly arise once more following Garcia’s inability to close out an event. I still think Garcia is good enough to challenge the very best in the game but he has to, simply has to, find some way to improve his putting.
It’s 7pm Sunday evening in Ireland and at long last, Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington are going head-to-head for the first time since Harrington’s back-to-back major success. Finally, Padraig has found some bit of form and looks like he might just pull this off, considering he does have a 3 shot advantage!
45mins later and a Woods eagle has seen Harrington’s lead whittled down to only one and I am already twitching in my seat. I’m receiving text messages from friends acknowledging this could be one of the great duels and I am agreeing. I am worried about Harrington’s drives however and the length of time it has been since he has been in contention…could he possibly stay in touch with the great one?
Fast forward a few hours and they have played nine holes. Woods has gone out in 5 under with a superb ball striking exhibition. He leads by two now from Harrington who has holed some clutch par putts but he is driving the ball well. It’s what we expected to see really, Woods with the blistering start but Harrington refusing to go away.
A Harrington birdie on the 11th and then deficit is cut to one. But wait a second, Woods bogeys 13 and 14 and an incredible par from Harrington on the 14th means he now leads. Harrington is now splitting the fairways and even outdrives Woods by 40 yards on one of the holes. Yes, 40 yards!! After they exchange pars on the 15th, Harrington still leads by one playing the 16th. A pushed drive on the 16th though and this is where everything changes.
Up to now, it had been a fantastic battle. Two of golf’s modern stars, head to head, and all to play for. The tension is audible and the crowds are 10 deep. This could be special they all agree! So Paddy stands over his ball in the right rough on 16 and then, unusually, appears to hit his layup with very little consideration and puts in the rough again. I’m amazed and think, he is after completely loosing concentration. This is so unlike Harrington I thought. 5 minutes later and Harrington has taken 8 to Woods 4 and the competition is over. The battle has ended and Harrington is wounded. Woods goes on to finish him off with the calm of a true great and with it earns his 70th Title. World class…he certainly is. Harrington shakes his hand and reassures him “We will do battle many times again”
However, in his speech, Woods praises Harrington for the battle they had but criticises referee John Paramor for putting them on the clock on the 16th……Hold up a second, they were put on the clock? That explains Harrington’s rushed behavior and Woods pointed out that it visibly affected Harrington.
Now, we will never know what would have happened and I know that slow play is not welcome but for John Paramor to stick his nose in what was a great battle is absolutely ridiculous in my view. Who the heck are they holding up? Hell, the spectators wouldn’t mind if they spent an extra 5hrs on the course such was the intensity and desire amongst these two to win. Maybe, if there were others in contention, the referee might have had a point but there was no one else. The winner was going to be Harrington or Woods…period!
Such is golf however and personally, the most satisfactory thing for me was watching Harrington compete again. He is now a serious consideration again for the upcoming USPGA Championship and being paired with Woods in the opening two rounds, the rivalry continues sooner that most might have expected.
Watching the final round of the Bridgestone. Praying Harrington can bring it home. Here is a recap of rounds 2 and 3.
A quick round up of Rd 1 from Firestone where of course, Padraig Harrington currently leads.
A cracking field in this weeks Bridegestone Invitational at Firestone with all eyes and expectations resting with Tiger Woods. However, there are other contenders which the PGA Tour Video above outlines. This week also marks the return of Phil Mickelson. How great would it be to see him walk away with the top prize!
On a separate note, Irishman Shane Lowry, who won this years Irish Open, is competing. It is a huge step up when you consider Shane was taking part in a local competition this time last year and making €500 for his efforts. This week, with no cut in operation, he is guaranteed a minimum purse of €24,500. More than that however, the experience he gains from this week will be invaluable. I’m keeping toes, fingers, you name it, crossed for Shane and hope he has a respectable week. If any of you are attending the event, please check him out and give him a big round of applause. His rise to stardom is truly unforgettable and hopefully he can continue to progress in the game.
Finally, what a cracking name for a golf course…..FIRESTONE. The name alone is intimidating. In fairness, there are some great golf course names worldwide. Please leave a comment if you know of any worth a mention?
