Thursday, August 9, 2012

PGA Championship Photos from Kiawah Island








TNT Coverage Notes from the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island

TNT commentators: Ernie Johnson, Ian Baker-Finch, Bill Kratzert and Vince Cellini

Baker-Finch on how the course conditions could favor Gary Woodland (-5) and Rory McIlroy (-5): “It’s a bomber’s paradise and no one fits that description better than Gary Woodland or Rory McIlroy.”

Baker-Finch on The Ocean Course: “It’s unusual. It’s a [links] course that appears to play low so you want to bump it around but you have to get [the ball] up in the air and spin it.”

Baker-Finch on how Rory McIlroy (-5) is leading a youth movement in golf: “As more young players like Rory McIlroy win, more young players right behind them feel they can win as well.”

TNT’s Vince Cellini interviewed Rory McIlroy (-5) following his first round:

McIlroy on taking advantage of the good weather during his first round: “I had to take advantage of the [weather] conditions because I don’t think it’s going to stay like that for the next four days. It’s nice to shoot a good round in those conditions and it gets me off to a good start in the tournament.”

TNT’s Vince Cellini interviewed Tiger Woods (-3) following his first round:

Woods on his first round: “I’m pleased. Anything in the 60s is going to be a good score.”

Woods on his mindset during his first round: “I was patient today…but it’s one of those things where you can’t force the issue. You have to continue to plod along and I did that today.”

TNT’s Vince Cellini interviewed John Daly (-4) following his first round:

Daly on his good play in recent weeks: “All year, I’ve been really close to playing good golf. I think when you make a bunch of cuts, you give yourself a chance to do that. The last few weeks have been really good.”

Baker-Finch on The Ocean Course: “It’s a ‘bucket list’ course. If you get a chance to play here…put it on your list.”

Baker-Finch on course strategy at The Ocean Course: “It’s so hard from these tight lies to elevate those pitch shots with spin. It’s going to be a key part of this [PGA] Championship to be able to do that.”

Kratzert on Ernie Els’ first round (E): “This is as well as I’ve seen Ernie strike the ball. He’s been very impressive today.”

Baker-Finch on Davis Love III (E): “Davis still hits the ball a long way with his silky-smooth swing.”

Baker-Finch on Adam Scott (-4) “facing the music” after his British Open collapse earlier this year: “It’s good to be able to talk the talk but [Scott] did it the very next day. That’s what I really enjoyed hearing from Adam - ‘I know I lost. I’m disappointed but I learned so much from it and I feel my game is good enough to win more.’”

TNT’s Vince Cellini interviewed Adam Scott (-4) following his first round:

Scott on the importance of a good start: “It’s very important. It’s great to get out on the right foot during a Major and not be chasing really hard because it’s hard to chase tough golf shots on these golf courses. For me, starting today, that’s a mission accomplished.”

Scott on rebounding from his performance at the British Open a few weeks ago: “You have to take advantage when you’re playing well. Obviously, I was playing so well at The Open and moving forward, I couldn’t let those last few holes spoil my good play. Last week, I was a little out of rhythm but it came back quickly this week and today felt good.”

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Design of Kiawah Island Ocean Course


Apparently the Kiawah Island Ocean course could be absolutely brutal for the PGA Championship this week, especially if the wind blows. The course has more seaside holes than any other in the Northern Hemisphere with 10 along the Atlantic Ocean and is capable of playing up to 7900 yards.

Here is an excellent description of the course designed by Pete Dye and what players can expect.

In his design, Dye made a point to be fair. Everything is out in front of the player. There are very few blind shots. Players can see the hazards and targets. Landing areas are expansive with few surprises. But it is also a course where strategically attacking each hole is imperative. From the back tees, players have to work (and think) their way around the golf course. A player must pick the best approach angles. With the shifting winds, decisions have to be made on whether to play the ball up into the wind or hit a knockdown shot, loft a wedge or hit a bump-and-run. The ability to shape shots is also very important. Additionally, players need to know where they can miss the ball around the greens and know where they can't. And, they'll need to be able to scramble if they expect to post a good score.

PGA Championship Past Winners

The Wannamaker Trophy
2011: Keegan Bradley (Atlanta Athletic Club)
2010: Martin Kaymer (Whistling Straits)
2009: Y.E. Yang (Hazeltine)
2008: Padraig Harrington (Oakland Hills)
2007: Tiger Woods (Southern Hills)
2006: Tiger Woods (Medinah)
2005: Phil Mickelson (Baltusrol)
2004: Vijay Singh (Whistling Straits)
2003: Shaun Micheel (Oak Hill)
2002: Rich Beem (Hazeltine)
2001: David Toms (Atlanta Athletic Club)
2000: Tiger Woods (Valhalla)
1999: Tiger Woods (Medinah)
1998: Vijay Singh (Sahalee)

Full List of Past Champions

PGA Championship 2012 Betting Odds

Tiger Woods is the betting favorite to win his 5th PGA Championship.
PGA Championship betting odds:

Tiger Woods: 6-1
Lee Westwood: 14-1
Luke Donald: 16-1
Rory McILroy: 16-1
Phil Mickelson: 20-1
Adam Scott: 25-1
Webb Simpson: 33-1
Graeme McDowell: 33-1
Ernie Els: 40-1
Steve Stricker: 40-1
Jim Furyk: 50-1
Louis Oosthuizen: 50-1
Keegan Bradley: 66-1
David Toms: 125-1
Vijay Singh: 175-1
John Daly: 250-1

PGA Championship 2012: Pairings and Tee Times

Notable pairings for the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah:

Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els (2012 major winners)
John Daly, David Toms, Shaun Micheel (PGA champions)
Lucas Glover, Ben Curtis, Trevor Immelman (One time major winners)
Hunter Mahan, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott (Best without majors?)
Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III (PGA champions)
Scott Piercy, Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar
Dustin Johnson, Rory McILroy, Jim Furyk
Keegan Bradley, Martin Kaymer, Tiger Woods (PGA champions)
Y.E. Yang, Rich Beem, Vijay Singh (PGA champions)

All Pairings and Tee Times



Tuesday, July 31, 2012

WGC Bridgestone Invitational Pairings




Notable pairings:
Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner
Tiger Woods, Brenden Grace
Phil Mickelson, Luke Donald
Rory McILroy, Ryo Ishikawa
Ernie Els, Bubba Watson
Rickie Fowler, Lee Westwood
Steve Stricker, Martin Kaymer
Dustin Johnson, Alvaro Quiros
Hunter Mahan, Louis Oosthuizen

All Pairings and tee times

WGC Bridgestone Invitational Betting Odds


Notable player betting odds for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone:

Tiger Woods: 5-1
Luke Donald: 14-1
Adam Scott: 16-1
Lee Westwood: 18-1
Rory McILroy: 18-1
Hunter Mahan: 25-1
Graeme McDowell: 33-1
Phil Mickelson: 33-1
Ernie Els: 50-1
Keegan Bradley: 66-1

Adam Scott is the defending champ but coming off a brutal loss two weeks ago at the British. Tiger Woods is the heavy favorite having won this event seven previous times. (1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009)

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Canadian Open Betting Odds


Notable player betting odds for the Canadian Open:

Matt Kuchar: 11-1
Hunter Mahan: 14-1
Jim Furyk: 16-1
Ernie Els: 22-1
Charl Schwartzel: 25-1
Sean O'Hair: 33-1
Bud Cauley: 40-1
Vijay Singh: 50-1
Ryo Ishikawa: 100-1
John Daly: 150-1

The Van de Velde British Open Collapse



Adam Scott's loss at the British Open was absolutely devastating. However, it can't be compared to the collapse of Jean Van de Velde in 1999 at Carnoustie.

Friday, July 20, 2012

British Open 2012 Photographs


All photos by Getty Images

Monday, July 16, 2012

The Open Championship 2012: Pairings and Tee Times

Tiger Woods of the United States waits on a green during the first practice round prior to the start of the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes. 
The Open Championship: Notable pairings
Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose
Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Zach Johnson
Ryo Ishikawa, Tom Watson, Martin Kaymer
Rory McILroy, Keegan Bradley, Louis Oosthuizen
Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson, Geoff Ogilvy

All pairings and tee times (Eastern)

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Royal Lytham & St. Annes Photos

The 410 yards par 4, 18th hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes
The 164 yards par 3, 9th hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes
The 385 yards par 4, 10th hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes   
The 206 yards par 3, 1st hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes 
The 601 yards par 5, 11th hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes
The 357 yards par 4, 13th hole at Royal Lytham and St Annes

Friday, July 13, 2012

Betting Odds: British Open 2012

Luke Donald hits an approach shot at the Scottish Open.
Notable player betting odds for the 2012 Open Championship:

Tiger Woods: 13/2
Lee Westwood: 12/1
Luke Donald: 12/1
Padraig Harrigton: 16/1
Rory McILroy: 16/1
Justin Rose: 25/1
Sergio Garcia: 28/1
Martin Kaymer: 33/1
Phil Mickelson: 33/1
Rickie Fowler: 35/1
Hunter Mahan: 40/1
Louis Oosthuizen: 40/1
Bubba Watson: 50/1
Charl Schwartzel: 50/1
Darren Clarke: 125/1
Tom Watson: 250/1

British Open Past Champions

The 2012 Open Championship begins Thursday at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.
Past Champions:
2011: Darren Clarke (St. Georges)
2010: Louis Oosthuizen (St. Andrews)
2009: Stewart Cink (Turnberry)
2008: Padraig Harrington (Birkdale)
2007: Padraig Harrington (Carnoustie)
2006: Tiger Woods (Liverpool)
2005: Tiger Woods (St. Andrews)
2004: Todd Hamilton (Troon)
2003: Ben Curtis (St. Georges)
2002: Ernie Els (Muirfield)
2001: David Duval (Lytham)
2000: Tiger Woods (St. Andrews)

All Champions since 1860

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Greenbrier Classic Pairings and Tee Times


Notable pairings and tee times for the Greenbrier Classic:

Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson

Phil Mickelson, Stuart Appleby, Scott Stallings

Tom Watson, Keegan Bradley, Jim Furyk

Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Johnson Wagner

Camillo Villegas, Jhonattan Vegas, Brian Gay

Not many great pairings to start the week. Most likely win #75 for Woods.



Sunday, July 1, 2012

Tiger Woods: By the numbers at Congressional


 Tiger Woods won for the 74th time on the PGA Tour Sunday, taking the AT & T National at Congressional Country Club. Woods surpassed Jack Nicklaus on the all-time wins list and now trails only Sam Snead. With the win, he vaulted into 1st place on the PGA Tour money list and 1st place on the Fed Ex Cup points list. So much for all the geniuses who said he would never win again, as he now leads the Tour with three wins in 2012.



A look at his numbers for the week:

Round 1: 72
Round 2: 68
Round 3: 67
Round 4: 69
Total: -8

Eagles: 1 (T2)
Birdies: 11 (T45)
Pars: 55 (1)
Scrambling: 1st
Driving accuracy: 53.6% (T46)
Driving distance: 298.6 (34)
Putts per round: 28 (9)
Greens in reg: 66.7% (T17)
Sand saves: 33.3% (T41)

Next stop will be West Virginia starting this Thursday at the Greenbrier Classic.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

U.S. Open 2012: Pairings and tee times


Notable Groups:

Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Tiger Woods
Rory McILroy, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood
Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson
Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia
Ernie Els, Geoff Ogilvy, Angel Cabrera
Martin Kaymer, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose
Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar, Ian Poulter
Rickie Fowler, Ryo Ishikawa, Dustin Johnson
Jason Day, Louis Oosthuizen, Jason Dufner

Full pairings and tee times

Tiger Woods sick flop shot at Memorial

U.S. Open 2012: Golf Betting Odds


Tiger Woods: 5-1
Rory McILroy: 6-1
Lee Westwood: 12-1
Luke Donald: 12-1
Phil Mickelson: 14-1
Bubba Watson: 28-1
Jason Dufner: 28-1
Matt Kuchar: 28-1
Hunter Mahan: 33-1
Louis Oosthuizen: 40-1
Martin Kaymer: 40-1
Rickie Fowler: 40-1
Steve Stricker: 40-1
Ernie Els: 66-1

All player betting odds

U.S. Open Past Champions


2011: Rory McILroy
2010: Graeme McDowell
2009: Lucas Glover
2008: Tiger Woods
2007: Angel Cabrera
2006: Geoff Ogilvy
2005: Michael Campbell
2004: Retief Goosen
2003: Jim Furyk
2002: Tiger Woods
2001: Retief Goosen
2000: Tiger Woods

All past U.S. Open Champions

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Bubba Watson hits insane hook shot to win Masters in playoff



Louis Oosthuizen hits double eagle


Louis Oosthuizen hit an incredible double eagle at the 2nd hole to take a two stroke lead. Ridiculous.

Masters Final Round Photos