Is This A Dead Golf Era? II

Hello. What did Lee Trevino and Bob May have in common (besides bad backs)? They could look an opponent in the eye and have no fear. And their opponents knew it wasn't an act.
Today's players have fear of Tiger, especially now that his legend has grown so much. The average score of players playing with Tiger in a final round is over par, the most famous maybe being Mike Weir shooting 80 in the 1999 PGA. This is a startling stat, because usually those players have played great to get there. Indeed, Weir had shot 3 66s prior to that 80. And since he went on to win a Masters, it's not like he was a total stiff.
How do you get rid of that fear? You start hanging around Tiger as much as possible to see he is a human, not immortal. I'd ask if I could get inside his gallery ropes and walk around with his group. Experience the crowds I saw at the Saturday 2000 Canadian Open round, which looked like a tornado following him.
Find a common interest, like fundraising. Ask Tiger for details on his foundation. Getting to know how he thinks of a non-golf topic will help understand his golf processes without being perceived as a threat.
Best of all, wear dark pants during a round.

Regards,
Steve

Is This A Dead Golf Era?

Hello. Bob McCown raised an interesting point, which was shared by a golfchannel.com emailer. Does Tiger have any competition, like a Lee Trevino, right now?
Arguments have been made how some of today's challengers have had flashes of brilliance. Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson have looked like they may make permanent strides to rival Tiger long-term.
Trevino made a career of taking on the world's best (Player, Nicklaus and Watson, among others) without flinching. He probably knew sometimes he was outmatched, yet fought tooth and nail anyway.
I would go out on a limb and say only one guy has ever stood up to Tiger, mano-a-mano, and not flinched. And that was little-known Bob May in the 2000 PGA.
I agree there are no challengers to Tiger. There are many reasons for this. However, it's not because of lack of talent. Mickelson in my mind has as much golf talent, but isn't as good an athlete as Tiger.
The field simply hasn't found out what Bob May and Lee Trevino had. What was it? More tomorrow.

Regards,
Steve

Best Yet To Come?

Hello. Like many, I saw Tiger destroy the Buick field on Sunday.
A pool on thegolfchannel.com asked if Tiger will have his career year in 2008. 85% said yes!
FYI his previous best was 2000, where he won 9 tournaments, including 3 majors.
To beat that, he'd have to win 3+ majors and 10+ tournaments.
I think he can do it. In fact I think he can pass Jack Nicklaus for career wins in 2008. Tiger has 62. Jack has 73.
I also think Tiger can break Byron Nelson's 11 wins in a row record.
I also think Tiger can break Nelson's 18 wins in a season.
And win the Grand Slam.
And win every tournament he goes in this year.
And set every record that goes with it, such as most money in a year, lowest stroke average, etc.
Unrealistic? I don't think so. Even 5 years ago I would've said preposterous. But that's where Tiger is right now.
Should be fun to watch.

Regards,
Steve

World's Best Proves It Again

Hello. That title will be used tomorrow for Tiger Woods, but today it's for Glenn Howard.
I was alternating between golf and curling Sunday afternoon, as I'm sure many were. It was a pleasure to see two dominating performances.
Glenn Howard's team just seems to be the best at winning close games. Their ability to hold the opponent to only one point without the hammer, and to get 2+ points with the hammer, looks to be without parallel. They faced a tough Kevin Koe team Sunday, yet made it look like they were playing against me. Koe was never really in it. He got one point in the first with hammer, then fell behind to stay. Once Howard stole 2 in the 3rd, it was game over.
Howard doesn't peel away a game like Martin and Middaugh. It looks like he doesn't have to. The supporting cast of Savill, Laing and Hart are so solid with their shots Glenn has a good situation when he gets to throw. And in the times he doesn't, like the 7th, Glenn is still able to make the throws.
Will this team repeat as world champs again? I don't like to jinx my university buddy, so I'll refrain from commenting. However, as Mike Harris said, they'll be tough to beat.

Regards,
Steve

A Tribute To Steve Duplantis Jr

Hello. Last night at curling I heard the awful news. Steve Duplantis, PGA Tour caddie, was killed by a taxi Wednesday in San Diego. He was 35. He leaves behind a daughter who is probably around 10.
I just left a voicemail for Steve Duplantis Sr, a long-time golf buddy of mine. What could I say but express my sympathies. There's not a lot of ways you can rationalize the loss of a child, even if that child is an adult.
If you wanted an example of someone who "burned the candle at both ends" and "lived for today, because tomorrow may not come", Steve Jr was it. I met him a couple of times, and that philosophy always came out. He was an excellent caddie who helped Jim Furyk, Rich Beem, Tommy Armour III and Daniel Chopra become better players. Unfortunately his lifestyle got in the way of maintaining a lengthy relationship with those players. Who knows how different his life would've been if he could've stayed sober and kept Furyk's bag?
Steve Jr was the type of guy you had to like no matter what your opinion of his lifestyle was. He will be missed.

Regards,
Steve

NHL All-Star Game A Lost Cause

Hello. This weekend the NHL All-Star game is in Atlanta. This could be a great opportunity for the league to get tremendous exposure. There's no NFL football or major league baseball. Basketball just has a normal slate of games.
Instead, there will be a skills competition and a game played at half speed. No one will care who wins. Many players will be glad they weren't asked to participate.
Many formats have been tried over the years. Stanley Cup champs vs rest of the league. North Americans vs rest of the world. East vs West. All with the same result.
If people don't think an NHL outdoor game should be played every year, then why is there an annual all-star game? At least people came out to see the outdoor game.
Why not combine the two? Make the all-star game an outdoor battle. Obviously this would restrict where it could be played, but then again with 30 teams in the NHL it should only be a once-a-generation event if it rotates fully anyway.
If something isn't done, I'd say get rid of it. There wouldn't be one in my league.

Regards,
Steve

Leonard Collapse Shows How Tough Winning Is

Hello. Congrats to DJ Trahan for winning the Bob Hope. It is Trahan's 2nd career win.
While Trahan should be remembered for winning, many will remember Justin Leonard losing a 4-stroke lead. Leonard finished with an even par 72, which is not very good on these courses. Trahan had a 65.
How tough is winning on the PGA Tour? Well, in a field where the top 23 players aren't playing (what a disgrace), a guy shoots 65 the final day. The leaders have to count on shooting no worse than a 69, no matter how far they're ahead. Otherwise, they're going to be passed. That's pressure!
I've always thought it was easier to come from behind, maybe because it was my comfort zone. There's something to be said for sleeping on a lead. It's so unusual for most players. They are out of their comfort zones.
That's why Tiger's streak of 13-0 at majors after having the 54 hole lead is even more amazing. When you see players like Leonard and Sergio Garcia blow big leads, it obviously isn't as easy as it looks.

Regards,
Steve

The Best Day In NFL Season II

Hello. Congrats to the New England Patriots and the New York Giants for making it to the Super Bowl. Feb 3rd should be a good game.
It's no surprise New England made it. San Diego was very beat up, and gave a good effort. However, no one's kidding who by saying the better team won. Even though New England hasn't been clobbering teams like earlier in the year, they've found ways to win.
The Giants had a much tougher time, especially seeing two potentially winning field goals miss. They must've thought they'd gone to the well once too often. However, the defense killed Green Bay at the end. No first downs, no breathing room, no run, nothing. It was quite a performance.
Do the Giants have a chance? The bookmakers say New England is favoured by 13.5. I think that's high. If New York plays like they have been, I think they do have a legitimate chance. Time will tell.
While it's tough for Green Bay and San Diego now, both teams can take heart. Green Bay came from nowhere to get here, and San Diego improved over last year's upset loss in the first round. Both should feel like they can improve in 2008. Good luck!

Regards,
Steve

The Best Day In NFL Season

Hello. Two compelling games this Sunday.
If San Diego beats New England on their field, it would be an upset of gigantic proportions. I think the NFL league office would want to commit suicide. New England in the Super Bowl going for a perfect season would make the Super Bowl the highest viewed sports program ever.
San Diego would be an underdog even if they were healthy. With Phillip Rivers, their starting QB, and LT, the all-world running back, at best questionable, they will be very hard-pressed. It is possible San Diego can win, as they showed by beating Indy. Very unlikely however.
Green Bay-Giants should be a much closer game. Again, the NFL office and the media would love to see Brett Favre and the Packers get into the Super Bowl. They'd also like the Giants and the huge New York market, so they're much more relaxed over this one.
I think the Giants have a real chance in this one. They have a veteran team, and Eli Manning is coming into form. If he stays in this form, they're right there. Green Bay may have to worry about being too much in the "win one for Brett" mode. If the moment doesn't overwhelm them, it may come down to fatigue and weather. Green Bay then wins.
I predict New England-Green Bay.

Regards,
Steve

Clarke A Dinosaur? Or Just A Homer?

Hello. While it happened a while ago, the cheap shot Steve Downie took on Jason Blake is still being discussed. The Flyer's famous VP Bobby Clarke's remarks are also receiving air time.
Clarke commented he loved Downie punching Blake, saying Blake deserved it because he said Downie should've been ejected for a very long time for his hit on Dean McAmmond.
So is Clarke an "eye for an eye" dinosaur the NHL is sometimes portraded as not only existing, but encouraging? Or is Bobby just a homer?
Well those of us who are old enough can remember the same Bobby Clarke slashing the ankle of Valerie Kharlamov in Game 6 of the '72 Canada-Soviet Summit Series. And while some Canadians were appalled with the behaviour, the rest were glad to get Kharlamov out of the series, and to eventually win it.
Were we homers? You bet! Would Leaf fans be cheering Blake if he had cheap shotted Downie? Would they say Downie deserved it? Of course!
Many times we have to take comments from the person's perspective. And this time, I think Clarke was just being a homer. However, if you think he's a dinosaur I won't argue it.

Regards,
Steve

Choi Tames Sony

Hello. Congrats to KJ Choi for winning the Sony Open. Choi is now 5 for 5 when holding a 54 hole lead.
Has Choi taken that next step into the "best player to never win a major" category? I think he could be there now for sure. Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie have been there for a long time, and in Montgomerie's case, time's running out. Choi and Adam Scott now seem to be frontrunners for a title that should be complimentary, but everyone wants to avoid.
Another guy creeping into that category is last week's runner-up, Rory Sabbitini. He's made a wise move by keeping quiet. There's no way anyone wins in a verbal battle with Tiger Woods.
If Tiger weren't around, these guys may all end their majorless streaks this year. However, I would be shocked if Tiger doesn't win at least two majors this year. And if I were a betting man, I'd look at the Masters and US Opens as locks.
Will these guys challenge? They could. But I'm sure they're hoping Tiger stumbles out of the gate, so they don't have to worry about him.
Congrats again KJ!

Regards,
Steve

NFL Playoffs Heating Up II

Hello. Well, I'm glad I don't predict for money. I got New England right, and even they were pushed quite a bit until the end. I thought San Diego could push Indy, but didn't give them the nod. I thought the Giants had a chance but would be too banged up. They proved me wrong. And Seattle disappeared after being up 14-0 on Green Bay. The only blowout on the game I picked as most likely to be an upset.
What a great football weekend. 3 of the 4 games were very entertaining. And what story lines:

1. Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin were both going to be run out of town at the end of last season. Tiki Barber retires. Jeremy Shockey's season ends in injury. And yet here they are, one win away from the Super Bowl.
2. Green Bay. Brett Favre. I didn't believe in them until now.
3. San Diego. Injuries to Philip Rivers and all-world LT. Sink the defending champs. Unreal!
4. Brady 26 of 28. David Garrard of Jacksonville almost as good. Maybe as good a technically played game as I've ever seen.

Predictions Thursday.

Regards,

Steve

NFL Playoffs Heating Up

Hello. This upcoming weekend has been described as the best NFL weekend of the year. 4 games with arguably the top 8 teams left. For New England, Indy, Green Bay and Dallas, the wait to see they were playing Jacksonville, San Diego, Seattle and the NY Giants respectively.
Surprisingly, the game people in an si.com poll thought there would most likely be an upset in was Giants/Dallas. While I do think it's a possibility, I'd wager on Seattle/Green Bay.
Also surprisingly, people said the least chance of an upset was Indy/San Diego. What more does New England have to do to be an overwhelming favourite? While Jacksonville could give New England all they can handle and beat them, I think there's more chance of San Diego beating Indy.
The reason this is seen as a great slate of games is Green Bay and Dallas have boosted the NFC's credibility. I agree with Peter King that a New England/Dallas or New England/Green Bay Super Bowl would be the top rated TV show of all-time, surpassing the MASH final episode, because of Tony Romo, Brett Favre and Tom Brady's popularity transending from sports into mainstream celebrities.
We'll see what happens! I predict New England, Indy, Seattle and Dallas.

Regards,
Steve

Curling Woes Continue

Hello. This week my men's team played in the Halton-Peel curling bonspiel. It's the 40th anniversary of the event.
What I like about it is you play against different teams, and at different curling clubs. It's nice to compare notes to see how our team and our club stack up.
Unfortunately this year, our team lost all three games. They all went to the last end, but they weren't as close as it may seem. We were on the defensive in all 3. We also always seemed to let the other team off the hook when we had a good end going.
As mentioned in previous posts, this team is the most talented group of individuals I've ever been with. It's also the worst chemistry team I've ever been on. I've learned a lot of lessons from it, so there have been positives. Since I've been the lead, I've had a lot of chance to work on my draws. This has really helped my skipping in our Thursday league.
One thing I'm not in a hurry to do is play any extra bonspiels. I've played the last one this year with this team. Hopefully we can turn it around in the new year, but right now I'd say that resolution is already broken.

Regards,
Steve

Chopra Comes Through In Kapalua

Hello. Congrats to Daniel Chopra for winning the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Kapalua, Maui (an absolutely beautiful place where my wife and I honeymooned almost 11 years ago) on Sunday. It's Chopra's second career victory, and he got full marks for holding off Steve Stricker in a playoff.
Chopra has a great chance of playing in the Ryder Cup. All he has to do is play 11 times on the European Tour (the World Championships and majors count as 7 times) and earn enough cash to rank in the top 5 on the Order of Merit. Of course that may mean giving up some Fedex Cup points (is this still the biggest joke on the PGA Tour or what?), but who cares?
Is Chopra on his way to the top echelon? Maybe, and wining last week sure helped. However, he's got a ways to go in my book. If he were 25, I'd be much more excited.
And how about Stephen Ames and Mike Weir finishing 3rd and 4th respectively? Needless to say things are looking much better for both now that 6 months ago, when I was roasting both of them. They have both proven me wrong. Could they be consistently challenging for titles? Time will tell. Both have proven themselves in the past.

Regards,
Steve

So Many Sports in the New Year!

Hello, and Happy New Year! I used to think April and October were the best sports months, but January is giving them a run for the money. Golf, curling, NFL playoffs, college bowl games.... the list seems endless.
I'll start the new year with a tournament that is very exciting, the World Junior Hockey Championships. I managed to watch a few games. I can honestly say the two Sweden games were the best two games I've seen in a long time. Congrats to Canada for winning the gold in overtime, and to Sweden for giving Canada a real tough time, including a win in the round robin.
This is Canada's 4th gold in a row. Needless to say, with this record and a 7-0-1 record in the Summit Series with Russia, Canada's junior program is in top shape.
What I couldn't believe is how Sweden hadn't won a medal in 12 years! Amazing. Hopefully this silver will bring new life to their program.
What I also don't understand is how the NHL doesn't seem to make use of this talent. Given what I saw, the NHL shouldn't be worried about getting quality players. Yet there are teams who can't contend. Strange.
Congrats again Canada!

Regards,
Steve