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