Scott Comes Through

Hello. Congrats to Adam Scott for winning the Byron Nelson on Sunday. It's his first win this year, and second in a row in Texas.
Unfortunately this victory isn't as huge as it used to be. Since Byron Nelson passed away, the field isn't as good as it used to be. Tiger doesn't come anymore, and he wouldn't have anyway this year as he's still healing from knee surgery. However, Scott did what I said all players should be doing - entering tournaments where your odds of winning are high.
While he's won more lately than Sergio Garcia, whose career Scott's parallels most, Scott still hasn't really shown up in the majors. That's why you have to still put Garcia at the head of the "Best to Never Have Won a Major" list for now. Scott is unfortunately on the top of the "Best to Never Have Seriously Contended at a Major" list with Paul Casey.
Why is Scott so dismal in majors? In a word, putting. He has to work on that part of his game. If he hadn't sunk a 50-footer, and if he'd lost to Ryan Moore in the playoff, missing two 10 footers for the victory would've been the lead story.
Congrats again Adam! Hope this leads to major contention.

Regards,
Steve

Is Annika Back? Looks Like It

Hello. Congrats to Annika Sorenstam for winning Sunday. Annika beat Paula Creamer in a playoff.
This was Annika's second win of the year, after going winless in 2007. She now has 71 for her career.
So, the question is, is Annika back? I'd say yes, she's now got a firm hold on the #2 spot in the world. And while no one may be able to catch #1, Lorena Ochoa, Annika may be able to now do what seemed to be a lock two years ago - beat Kathy Whitworth's career win total of 88.
How will Annika be able to do it if she's not #1? Do what I've said for years all pros should be doing - choosing their tournaments wisely. In Annika's case, it means playing when Lorena is away, like she has for these two wins.
If you think this is a "lame" strategy, you may be right. But consider boxing. The champs pick their fights. They will only fight an opponent they think they can win, or if the money is right. Otherwise they stall fighting against the #1 challenger as long as possible.
If Annika repeats this strategy, she may end up #1 for her career. Good luck!

Regards,
Steve

Clarke Win Helps Heal Wounds

Hello. Congrats to Darren Clarke for winning the Asian Open Sunday. It was his first win anywhere in 5 years, and the first since his wife Heather's passing in 2006.
While I'm sure nothing will ever replace the feelings they shared, and her loss will be with him for a long time, Darren Clarke's win had to help his wounds heal.
I'm man enough to admit I cry when certain sports moments happen. Chandra Crawford winning a cross-country gold. Cathy Overton-Clapham winning a world curling title after so many years trying. But nothing made me cry as much as the 2006 Ryder Cup when Europe won it with and for Darren Clarke. It was such an emotional ourpouring it still makes me cry thinking about it.
While Clarke played very well in the Ryder Cup, and the experience was one he'll cherish, this win had to feel very special too. It vaulted him from David Duval world rankings up to the top 125, which may not seem like much, but is significant. Clarke is now in position to be considered for the 2008 Ryder Cup, something which wouldn't have been the case last week.
Congrats again Darren!

Regards,
Steve

Howard Ends Curling Season With Win

Hello. Congrats to Team Glenn Howard for winning the Players Championship, the final Grand Slam curling event of the year. Congrats too to Amber Holland for winning the women's side.
With that win, I believe Team Glenn Howard and Team Martin for the men, and Team Jennifer Jones for the women have now clinched bids directly into the Olympic Trials in December 2009. All 3 teams have definitely earned their spots, as they've all been dominant this year and in 2007.
I've yet to find a website that spells things out crystal clear, so here's my attempt to see who's made it at least to the preTrials in November 2009. Please be warned it may be inaccurate (* means direct to Olympic Trials):

Women
Jennifer Jones *
Kelly Scott
Sherry Anderson
Cheryl Bernard
Shannon Kleibrink
Stephanie Lawton
Amber Holland
Sherry Middaugh

Men
Kevin Martin *
Glenn Howard *
Randy Ferbey
Kevin Koe
Kerry Burtnyk
Pat Simmons
Jeff Stoughton
Wayne Middaugh

Happy offseason everyone!

Regards,
Steve

Did Annika Have It Easy?

Hello. Something crossed my mind while writing yesterday's column. Did Annika Sorenstam have it easy when she was winning her titles earlier this decade? Was she facing an inferior field? Or was she just that much better than a great field?
I believe people have concluded Annika was a superior golfer. I wouldn't argue that for a minute. And she's taken golf fitness to the same levels Tiger has. I'm sure that gave her a huge advantage.
But how was her competition from 2000 to 2005? Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb, both worthy Hall of Famers, were stellar entering the decade, but tapered off during that period. Many of the top American ladies (Pat Hurst, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon, Rosie Jones, Dottie Pepper, Beth Daniel) were all hitting 40 at that time. Laura Davies and Liselotte Neumann were past their prime.
So who was there to challenge Annika? Not a lot.
Does this mean Annika's achievements were any less worthy? If you listen to the "Grumpy Old Men" (Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, etc) downplaying Tiger's lack of competition, then maybe.

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa Rolls Again IV

Hello. Congrats to Lorena Ochoa again for winning Sunday. It's her 5th win in 6 starts in 2008. Tiger numbers indeed!
Lorena is doing all this when LPGA competition is supposedly at its highest level in years. Hall of Famers Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam are still in her 30s. Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel, Suzann Pettersen, etc are supposed to be the new challengers for titles. There's the Asian Invasion, all the wonderful Japanese and South Korean golfers.
The question now becomes, how many wins will Lorena end up with? The LPGA record is 13 in a season by Mickey Wright. Annika had 11 one year. The sky could be the limit the way she's going.
If she wins the LPGA, she'll be half way to a Grand Slam, and have 3 parts of a Lorena Slam, having won the Women's British Open last year. What an achievement that would be!
Ochoa and Woods should be mentioned together. And since one of them can win the Grand Slam this year, we'll have to be nice to let Tiger be mentioned in the same breath as Lorena.
Congrats again Lorena!

Regards,
Steve

Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser Succeeds Again

Hello. Congrats to all the people who helped us with the 9th Annual Georgetown CF Dinner Dance on Saturday. The evening was a huge success again, raising about $33,000 unofficially. This brings our 9 year total to over $190,000. While it's not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things, it does make all of us who participated feel better knowing we did something.
We're very fortunate to always be sold out. Many people come year after year. We do have some turnover, which I like, because we then get some fresh opinions on how we're doing. The results this year from these new folks was very positive.
Brian Michaels, world class illusionist, was our speaker. Brian also had a double lung transplant 2 years ago. It gave him a new lease on life. He got a well-deserved standing ovation.
I'm always blown away by the people who attend and donate to our event. Thanks to you all. It's one thing for our family to be involved, because we have a direct connection. For those who don't have that connection to put in the effort they do is even more impressive. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa Rolls Again III

Hello. Congrats to Lorena Ochoa for winning again on Sunday in her native Mexico. She blew away the competition and has already earned enough points to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Now all she has to do is wait until 2012 to meet her 10 year eligibility requirement.
By the way, I think the LPGA Hall of Fame is ahead of every other one in eligibility criteria. You never hear an argument when someone is elected to the LPGA Hall of Fame. It's extremely difficult to get into. It's based on objective criteria. In short, ideal. Well done LPGA!
Believe it or not, there are now two people who can win professional golf Grand Slams. Lorena Ochoa is one of them. The other is Trevor Immelman! Many in the press say there will be no male Grand Slam winner now that Tiger lost. Let's let Trevor eliminate himself before saying it, okay!
Can Lorena do it? Maybe. She's never won the LPGA or US Women's Open before. She could've won the Open the year Birdie Kim did, except for a wet drive on the 72nd hole. While that was disappointing at the time, I think it made Lorena the golfer she is today.
All the best Lorena!

Regards,
Steve

Tiger "Kneeds" Another Skill

Hello. All the best to Tiger Woods who is undergoing knee surgery. If you're like me, you won't be as interested in golf while he's away. Hopefully he's fully prepared for the US Open.
What Tiger "kneeds" to do is add another skill to his advanced skill set. Tiger has to learn how to come back on Sunday in a major when the leader isn't coming back to him.
For all the good things Earl Woods taught Tiger (and if you don't think he chose the right path, look at the Wies), the "go low comeback" was not one of them. Tiger was always in a situation where he would dominate. And it resulted in him being the best closer of all time. When Tiger has a lead, it's pretty well over.
However, because he was in the lead so much in his career growing up, he didn't learn how to do what Jack Nicklaus did in the 1986 Masters. He didn't have to.
I mentioned this point to our top club curler. I told him he doesn't know what to do when he's behind, because it's so infrequent. I, on the other hand, am in my comfort zone when I'm down 3 or more after 2 ends. That's where I always am!
All the best on your recovery Tiger!

Regards,
Steve

Martin Finally Best In The World

Hello. Congrats to Kevin Martin and Team Canada for winning the Men's World Curling Championship. Canada beat Scotland 5-4 in the final Sunday. While the score was close, Canada really had command of this game after stealing in the 7th to go up 4-1.
Like Cathy Overton-Clapham, Kevin Martin had been knocking on the international door for a long time, about 20 years. So it's great he can now take his place along Russ and Glenn Howard and Randy Ferbey as the best curlers over the past 25 years without anyone saying he couldn't do it on the world stage.
Martin is now in the Olympic Trials set for December 2009 in his hometown of Edmonton. Do you think the promoters are excited? With the Ferbey and Kevin Koe rinks already in the preTrials in Prince Albert, and having a chance to get to Edmonton, it's a promoter's dream.
What will this win do to the Martin rink? I think it may take away some of the hunger, although Martin is the only one who has been to the Olympics.
It will be interesting to see how they do at the Players Championship this week in Newfoundland.
Congrats Martin for a long overdue world title!

Regards,
Steve

Classy Immelman Survives Augusta (and More)

Hello. Congrats to Trevor Immelman for surviving Augusta and winning the Masters. He finished 3 shots ahead of Tiger Woods, but it wasn't really that close. Immelman had a 6-shot lead standing on the 16th tee. Even a water shot couldn't drown his chances.
What a story Trevor has to tell. A lifetime acquaintance with Gary Player. Parents who did whatever it took to get him to golf tournaments. Marrying his school sweetheart. Having a wonderful son. Suffering a virus which resulted in 22 lost pounds and a lengthy hospital stay. Having an operation in December for a (thankfully) benign tumour. And now a Masters champion. Well done!
So is Trevor Immelman now the "next great player" to challenge for future major titles? He could be. But then again, I thought Geoff Ogilvy could too after his 2006 US Open win. Same for Angel Cabrera and his 2007 US Open win. Zach Johnson showed up fairly well this past week, but did not come close to defending his 2007 Masters title. Padraig Harrington, 2007 British Open champ, was never a first-page leaderboard player. And what ever happened to the "Big 5" (Singh, Mickelson, Els, Goosen and Woods)? Time will tell.
Congrats again Trevor!

Regards,
Steve

The Masters Needs More TV Time

Hello. Here's an email I sent to Rich Lerner of The Golf Channel:

Hello Rich. Thanks for mentioning TV in your article. I think it's a disgrace the Masters is not on TV for more hours. Remember 2005, when the completion of the 3rd round wasn't shown Sunday morning? Or not too long ago when the leader's entire round wasn't shown?
While I've never been to Augusta, people who have tell me TV doesn't do it justice, because it's much hillier and prettier in person. Do the "Green Jackets" not get this?
Please put a poll on thegolfchannel.com asking if people want to see more. The result would be more guaranteed than a Tiger win.

Will this help? Let me know.

Regards,
Steve

Martin Suffers First Hiccup

Hello. Congrats to Kevin Martin for being 7-1 after 12 draws of the Men's World Curling Championships. He has a 2 game lead over the rest of the field.
Martin suffered his first hiccup today versus China. Is this cause for concern? If my conversation with Glen Howard at the Ontario championships was any indication, then it may be a good thing.
Glenn told me their 2007 loss to the US was a blessing. To that point they were all playing extremely well. All were shooting over 90% for the event. The US loss brought them back to earth, and made them realize they still had to work for a win.
I'm sure the same will happen to Martin and company. They're probably analyzing right now what went wrong against the Chinese.
Do I expect them to go through the rest of the event undefeated? In a word, yes.
Will I watch it? Nope. That's tomorrow's topic.
All the best to Team Martin!

Regards,
Steve

One Down, One or Two To Go

Hello. Last night we won our first round curling game. We beat a team which included Stephanie Leachman, a top curler who will be playing in Newfoundland next week for an Olympic pre-Trials position.
We started off slowly. Our skip (me) stunk. After missing my first 4 shots, we were down 3-0 after 2 ends. Then in the 3rd, we all hit our stride. We scored 3 to tie it up.
They got one in the 4th, then we got one in the 5th. We then proceeded to steal one in the 6th and 7th, and ran them out of rocks in the 8th.
Was it tense? You bet! If they had made their last shots in the ends we stole, it could've easily been a different game. They were very tough, and I wasn't surprised they missed them.
Now we go against a squad we've had mixed results against over the years. If we can get them to play a hitting game, I think we can win. And we have to win, because otherwise we'll be out and our season will be over.
Is this fun? You bet! No matter what our team has a great time together.

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa Rolls Again II

Hello. Congrats to Lorena Ochoa for her 5-shot win at the Kraft Nabisco. It's Lorena's second major in a row, following last year's Women's British Open. And it's her 3rd win in 4 starts.
Lorena wasn't a lock in this one until the final round, when she shot 67. That tied the low round of the day. Still, it would've been tough to find anyone who would've bet against her going into Sunday.
A couple of familiar names finished in second - Annika Sorenstam and Suzann Pettersen. Needless to say, these will be the two who will give Ochoa her toughest competition. But can they do it? While I didn't see any shots, apparently Annika felt very ill Saturday, and had 4 bogies. Who knows if things would've been different?
As for Pettersen, she was too far back after Friday. A 65 on Saturday got her into the same area code, but she was never as big a threat as she will be in future tournaments.
These 3 hit the ball a mile, and are separating themselves from the Christie Kerrs and Paula Creamers of the LPGA. It's almost like it was 17 years ago, when a young John Daly came to the PGA Tour, and showed what an advantage length was.
Way to go Lorena!

Regards,
Steve

Can Martin Be Stopped?

Hello. This weekend Kevin Martin is on a mission. For all the decorations Martin has received in the curling world, he has never won internationally. Not even at the junior level, where Canada is usually expected to be even more dominant than the "open" ranks.
Don't get me wrong about Kevin Martin. I'd love to have his medal collection. He's been to the Olympics. Twice. In November 2009 you'll start to see how big a deal that is.
But when having a discussion of who is the best curler in the last 25 years, Martin's international record keeps him behind Randy Ferbey, Russ and Glenn Howard, and any other world champion.
That's why I think this world championship is as important to Martin as the Women's Worlds was to Cathy Overton-Clapham (I still cry when I think about her reaction). For that reason I think Team Martin will be as dominant in this worlds as Team Glenn Howard was last year. I'm not going to try to find the "Bold" TV channel, because I expect him to romp. And if he doesn't I don't want to watch.
Both Kevin Martin and I expect to see him in the final.

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa Rolls Again

Hello. Congrats to Lorena Ochoa for winning last week's LPGA event. Lorena is now 2 for 3 on the season after another dominant performance. She is now the LPGA's Tiger Woods, relegating Annika Sorenstam to Phil Mickelson status.
Think about that last statement. Did anyone think it was possible even 3 years ago? In fairness to Annika, she has battled through divorce and injury. Still, the odds were low on one player dominating again so soon. Especially a 20-something like Lorena.
Now Lorena has to deal with the same media pressures Tiger has, albeit on a smaller scale. The LPGA's first major, the Kraft Nabisco, starts Thursday. Ochoa will be the heavy favourite. However, there is valid criticism of Lorena's major record, where she's only won once.
Will Lorena look upon this pressure as incentive, or a burden? Only time will tell. Obviously she has the game required to win at Mission Hills.
And what of her competitors? Has anyone seen Suzann Pettersen lately? Will Morgan Pressel repeat? Are Sorenstam and Creamer up to the challenge?
Time will tell.

Regards,
Steve

World Curling Playoff Format Suggestions

Hello. Anyone reading my recent posts knows I was attempting to be positive. I realize the field depth was low. However, when you look at where other nations are, the entire field was deserving of a champion label.
The playoff will not escape criticism, however, as it's something that can be fixed.
When you can have Switzerland and Canada get beaten in the playoffs by Japan and China, respectively, and end up with Canada getting gold, China silver, Switzerland bronze, and Japan nothing, there seems to be something wrong.
And when Switzerland ties Canada and China with equal round robin records and doesn't get a chance to play in the final, that also seems to be wrong.
What I would suggest is the following:

1. After the round-robin, the top 3 teams advance to the playoffs. If 2+ teams are tied for 3rd, tiebreakers occur.
2. The 3 playoff teams play a mini round-robin (1st vs 2nd, 1st vs 3rd, 2nd vs 3rd).
3. The 2 best records play the final. 3rd place gets bronze.

Regards,

Steve