PGA Tour: Falling from Phoenix to the Ashes: Notes from the Ballwasher

First topic message reminder :

1).Falling from Phoenix? That'll be last year's come-from-behind "Waste Management Phoenix Open" winner Kyle Stanley who enjoyed immediate redemption from his San Diego fiasco by tracking down Spencer Levin's lead.
Having always liked Kyle Stanley's game, I for one thought he'd kick on and compete for more titles, Ryder Cup selection, the lot. And what happened? Exact opposite, nothing better than 16th place since, 19th in full-field events. He's hoping to pull out of his slide by moving base from Hilton Head to the Phoenix area but it will take more than Pickfords to get him moving in the right direction again.

2).And what of Spencer Levin? He could be out for the year having undergone thumb surgery in October and declaring that, if he isn't fully fit for next week's Pebble Beach stop, he could take a full year off under the Major Medical Extension exemption. But Levin will certainly be back contending eventually, too good a golfer not to.

3).A walk in the sun, and the rain and the wind for Tiger Woods in San Diego. He emerged from the fog of Torrey Pines - and Abu Dhabi - and basically lapped the field in becoming the 17th Californian to win in the past 26 years. Short game better than it has been for years.
What next for Woods? Well, three weeks off, then the WGC MatchPlay (presumably) and his run-up to The Masters. To read the US media you'd think he'll win five Majors this year but let's have a look at that with the Ballwasher's early assessment!
Augusta: 3/1. Probably wants this more than any other and doubtless feels that if he can just win one more Masters, he'll pass Nicklaus's 18 Majors at Augusta alone. But can he do it?

Merion: 6/1. If he leaves his driver at home. 20/1 otherwise.

Muirfield: 10/1. 28th in 2002, blown away in Round 3, but doesn't have much luck in Scotland other than at St.Andrews.

Oak Hill: 20/1. 39th in 2003 when he didn't break par. Don't fancy him to fare much better in August.

PS: Is his second name really "Tont"?

4).Controversy in San Diego as Monday's start time was pushed back at CBS's request. Early in the weekend, pgatour.com was reporting that:
"Anyone playing in the final two rounds of the Farmers will be given late tee-times in the Monday (Phoenix) qualifier in hopes that they can get to Phoenix in time."
Fat chance if their rounds don't finish on Monday until 3.00 p.m.
There were reports that this affected 16 Farmers contestants but, hey, CBS must show Tiger (except many CBS affililaites including ours! didn't show the golf).
Ben Curtis also reportedly unhappy because he then had to fly to Dubai! Difficult to have sympathy for such bloody stupid scheduling though.

5).Big decision for Brad Fritsch who was way down the list of alternates for Phoenix and needed a top ten at San Diego to qualify for "Waste Management". A 30-foot putt on 17 and another bird on 18 assured he made it in 9th place - good for him.
Reportedly Fritsch is the first player from Ottawa to reach the PGA Tour.
Which made one wonder how many from Washington DC have made it. Very few I'd think and I can't name one.
Other Canadian news: Mike Weir makes his first PGA Tour cut in 18 months.
Monday qualifier Adam Hadwin began the final round in 9th place only to shoot 12 over for his first 15 (Sunday) holes and then scarper, presumably to Monday qualie in Phoenix.

6).Woods missed the cut at Winged Foot in 2006 so imagine he's thrilled to see the US Open will return to suburban New York in 2020. Reportedly the decision was between Southern Hills (site of Goosen's first US Open win) and Winged Foot. Tiger's PGA win at Southern Hills in 2007 was among his most impressive Major wins in my estimation.

7).And last week saw Phil Mickelson residing in the owgr Top Fifty for the 1,000th consecutive week! Those chasing him from further back than Lord Baltimore are:
438: Luke Donald
332: Ian Poulter
307: Steve Stricker
302: Zach Johnson
298: Mahan
281: Westwood
261: Kaymer
217: McIlroy
201: Watney
. . . . 59: Tont

8).Lots of kudos going Tim Clark's way following his questioning of USGA's Mike Davis at last week's "anchoring" meeting of the Players. I'll repeat the link showing Rosaforte's take on it, which is quite interesting:
http://www.golfworldmonday.com/golfworldmonday/20130128?sub_id=m6YFz2X7vbcH&folio=19#pg19

And Vijay's flirtation with deer antler spray is raising eyebrows so here's the latest from golfchannel.com:
http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/report-singh-used-banned-substance/?mid=356&rid=641253&source=email

9).The Phoenix area has enjoyed more rain than any self-respecting desert should receive this past week - reportedly two inches at the TPC Scottsdale, but a fine week in prospect if early morning frost can be avioded.
Quite a strong field on hand and Europeans are starting to make their presence felt, in the field if not on the leaderboard.
This week we have Colsaerts, Harrington (with glasses?), Kaymer, Jacobson, Fisher (who scraped in as an alternate), and David Lynn as well as the steady diet of Blixt (could be a good week for Jonas), Davis, Laird, Owen, Pettersson, plus the only European champion since Sandy Lyle 25 years ago: Jesper Parnevik.
But no Karlsson or Lingmerth, both way down the list of "alternates".

10).Only one more week for our friends to reach the owgr and qualify for the WGC Accenture MatchPlay - two needing a podium(?) finish here to qualify, Kevin Na (runner-up at the age of 21 in 2005, and with 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finishes in the past five years, but no recent form to speak of); and Aaron Baddeley (winner in 2007 and showing signs of return to form).
Either could be worth half a crown each way, but I like Hunter Mahan this week; winner in 2010, running in to form and with a chip on his shoulder.
One thing is almost for sure: Golf will return to the back pages with no Woods on hand - unless he's photographed slaloming with Lindsey?

McLaren wrote:leff - are you talking about lance of VJ?

Trouble is, Leff, that it is impossible to distinguish cheating from ignorance.

Doug Barron (le precedent du every PGA Tour jour) told the Tour what he was taking, who prescribed it and why, and they put him in the metaphorical pokey for a year - effectively more than that.

But how can they ban Veej when others own up to the same offence?

That's why they pay Finchem the big bucks - to sort that out.

After all, Matt Every got banned when there's no evidence he did anything other than associate with someone smoking a joint when the fuzz burst in, loosely speaking.

At the very least all VJ's results which were achieved from the first time he sniffed deer pee should be struck from the records.

"But how can they ban Veej when others own up to the same offence?"

Pretty easy really. Each case should be viewed independently. If others have admitted using antler spray then look at the evidence and ban where appropriate. You would think it a fairly simple plan of action to suspend VJ and any others who have admitted using PED's until their case can be heard.

kwinigolfer wrote:Trouble is, Leff, that it is impossible to distinguish cheating from ignorance.

Kwini, A cheat would not disclose the information first unless there is no choice but to disclose because somebody is about to do so.

It's quite harsh to compare this with what Lance did.

We need to apply common sense to our interpretations.

It's a tricky one, partly because no-one really knows, perhaps excepting the sprayees, who else has been at the deer stand.

Given that all three I've named have been doing this completely out in the open, Calc being paid for his endorsement for instance, it might be preferable to declare an amnesty - but at what cost to the PGA Tour drug programme's credibility?

Not coming down on either side at this stage, just trying to be devil's advocate.


Leff,
That's OK, I'm not coming down anywhere near as hard on Lance as others have done - there were so many layers of complicity there. And I'm not disagreeing with you, devil's advocate, as I just said!

Kwini, How did the PGA deal with Shaun Micheel who received testosterone for what appeared to be a genuine case of hypogonadism? Was he allowed to play during the period when he was in treatment? Did they require that he take time off during the treatment period?

McLaren wrote:At the very least all VJ's results which were achieved from the first time he sniffed deer pee should be struck from the records.

Punishment has to fit the crime, even if proven. You are talking like one of those moslem cleric judges in Saudi Arabia sending a couple caught engaged in adultery to death by beheading in a public place.

leff - Not at all. It is simply following the model used in cycling where any rider who tests positive has any results gained while under the influence of PED's wiped. It seems like a fair system is one in which results gained through cheating do not stand. Hopefully for VJ he has only been taking this stuff for a few months at the back end of last season.

Secondly, what did you hope to gain from a post with such a ludicrous comparison?

It was not a comparison, McLaren. I was simply giving an example of punishment that may be considered far too severe for an action of that nature even if determined to be a crime.

Leff,
The Shaun Micheel saga occurred before the PGA Tour's drug policy was introduced; as far as I understand it, he was able to be treated with impunity.

I'm not sure whether that would still apply but it could well do if there was a definitive medical opinion that treatment was necessary for testosterone problems.

For some reason they came down like a ton of bricks on Journeyman Barron for, reported, similarly prescribed drugs. No doubt there's some distinction in there somewhere, but it's never been properly explained.

Kwini, I understand PGA drug testing began in 2008. Did they not have a policy before then that listed testosterone and other PEDs as banned substances although they did not begin testing?

Leff,
I'm not qualified to speak authoritatively on this, but the pickle the Tour might find itself in is described herein by Bob Harig, who usually seems a voice of reason:

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/columns/story?columnist=harig_bob&id=4652706


Of course, the Tour doesn't help itself by its refusal to publish details of any disciplinary action.

How do you think Billy Payne will react to the VJ drugs scandal? Bearing in mind that if VJ gets a ban, its surely going to be in place through the masters.

I wouldnt have thought the ultra conservative Augusta National would like to have a drugs cheat in their membership?!

I dont know why this needs to be so complicated- there is a list of banned substances. If you take these substances then you get punished. In Micheel's case he can choose to play golf with the amount of testosterone his body produces naturally or not at all. In Vijay's case he took a banned substance therefore he must be punished.

A self-destructing triple bogey SEVEN returns Martin Laird to even par as he concluded Round 1. It's becoming a habit, Martin.

The boys started Round 2 on time and, if they can avoid last Monday's dawdle, they could even finish Round 2 tonight.

Much higher scores this morning, but nothing sinister in the weather reports - perhaps they just don't want to give up any more 60's, or better?

Doug Ferguson just tweeted:

"...The Tournament of Hope in South Africa, hastily announced at Masters w/ $8.5 million purse, on hold for "foreseeable future." not surprised..."

https://twitter.com/dougferguson405/status/297376157064626177

I googled for more info, but could not find any. Anyone got more info?

GPB,
Nice scoop!
Also wouldn't be surprised, am always more than extremely sceptical of such blowhard enterprises.


Round 2 going strong in Phoenix and it looks like Keegan Bradley is trying hard to emulate his mate Phil.

Scores picking up but still not at Thursday morning's outrageous pace. Looks like the cut will be -3, and Team GB needs to get it's skates on if any of them are to be playing the weekend.
Currently, with Round 2 holes played so far):
Owen: -1 (holes played zero)
Laird: Even par - (7 holes played)
Lynn: +1 (12 holes played)
Fisher: +3 (holes played zero)

Very happy to see Cabrera on the leaderboard - hope he stays there.

Keegan with a shot across the bow!

Would love to see him win this thing - but it's a wide open event.

Is shot tracker and/or play by play still running horribly for everyone? Or is just my computer?

the Play by Play option for PMick has been stuck on a 5 inch putt for 20 minutes on hole #2.

pgatour.com is horrible just now, I miss the stats on the player's "scorecard" page, plus the info regarding the field, withdrawals and additions, the course, etc, etc.
Quantum leap backwards for a site which, for all it's trumpeting the Finchem tune, was invaluable, almost indispensible.


And now scoring has picked up considerably - David Lynn did what he had to do if the cut remained at -3, except it's just about to go to -4.
Weekend off for Laird and Lynn; Greg Owen needs a super round, Fish needs a miracle.

I think Ogilvy and hopefully O'Hair get in a couple rounds down the road at Whisper Rock.

Nice to see the big crowds.

Think I had too much antler spray: I just had a vision Angel Cabrera was leading a golf tournament.

Incon: I agree. If it's a banned substance you must get punished. No mulligans or free drops.

With regards to VJ at the Masters: tbh I don't think they care. After all Augusta is the home of hipocracy.

GPB wrote:Doug Ferguson just tweeted:

"...The Tournament of Hope in South Africa, hastily announced at Masters w/ $8.5 million purse, on hold for "foreseeable future." not surprised..."

https://twitter.com/dougferguson405/status/297376157064626177

I googled for more info, but could not find any. Anyone got more info?

There's a piece on the ET website, citing the "economic climate" as the reason. Not much "hope" there then.

Phil, Bill Haas and Keegan Bradley at the top; Riviera 2012 play-off all over again??!!

Greg Owen moving in the right direction as he prepares for his Pebble Beach annuity next week.

Shotrock wrote:-44 wins this tournament -- Guaranteed!

Are you sure?
Phil's pretty impressive. Must admit I kinda had him written off a few months ago.

Ol' Phil hits a 354 yard tee ball, stiffs his approach to 3 feet, drops the eagle putt to go to -18. And we're not done round two yet.

121,000 attendance on a Friday.

Tim Finchem smiling ear-to-ear, make no mistake about that!

Pedro - OK, maybe -44 gets a sudden death playoff.

Enjoy it now boys ... when lead dog Rory shows up you'll all have the same view.

Looks very much done and dusted this one. Incredible two days for Lefty...
Keeps shooting his tax rate (or thereabouts)...

...oops, just messed that last tee shot...

So did Phil.
And the iron.
And the chip.
And the putt.
Oh Phil!

Further to GPB's comments:
pgatour.com sleeping on next week's fields.
CDW: Is this you c0cking this up?

Leff wrote: You are talking like ....

And yet

Leff wrote:It was not a comparison...

Interesting. I can't believe I'm siding with Mac, but that's going to take some explaining.

kwini, I'm guessing your Euro/PGAT review may sound quite a bit gloomier after this week...
There are still places available at the Joburg Open boys...

Hate to say it, but nothing's changed.
Not optimistic for the guys that played this week - it's a different game, not better, not worse, just different.

Distressing to see that Colsaerts, Fish and Lynn are all taking next week off. That's daft - just the sort of event they'd do well in, where par is still respectable.
The field will be much softer, probably about 40 or perhaps 42 at very first glance, and some of the "proper" golfcourses they'll need to thrive on to be successful - none of these guys putt well enough, not yet anyway, to be successful at places like Humana and Phoenix.

I think all three will run in to scheduling problems before they know it - especially Fish who will be subject to the reshuffle; Riviera will be crucial to his year, I'd think.

More misery for Immelman and Ishikawa, Ogilvy and O'Hair, all down the river this week, and down the owgr's also.

Really fancy Harrington to play well at Pebble; Karlsson there also, Westwood too. And Goosen's back! And Christian and Russell Knox get in.

Old lags among the alternates include Beem and Hamilton from the European Tour!, and Cejka and Chopra.

Colsaerts -- the big hitter, throwing up a big number on the big tour. Paying his dues.

Phil "looked" unbeatable until that last hole.

The relief of knowing he will not have to hand over a tiny bit more of his massive wealth must have lifted a great stress from Phil's shoulders. I cant imagine the pressure he was playing under when the thought of paying California taxes was plaguing him.

Maybe he will move to Phoenix?

Mac,
That's what the gallery/mob surrounding the 16th hole was telling Phil to do:
"Move here, move to Phoenix"!

Apparently a one year suspension is the standard set by the PGAT for a first doping offence.

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2013/1/31/protocol-says-vijay-should-get-a-one-year-suspension.html

Unless of course Finchem decides to let it slide. So does anyone reckon Timmy will give VJ a reprieve?

PS: According to Stephanie Wei so many people attended the waste management on Friday it made TPC scottsdale the 10th most populous city in Arizona.

https://twitter.com/StephanieWei/status/297516870045687812/photo/1

"7).And last week saw Phil Mickelson residing in the owgr Top Fifty for the 1,000th consecutive week! Those chasing him from further back than Lord Baltimore are:
438: Luke Donald
332: Ian Poulter
307: Steve Stricker
302: Zach Johnson
298: Mahan
281: Westwood
261: Kaymer
217: McIlroy
201: Watney"

not suprised at phil or donald.. And shouldnt be suprised at poulter..! But i am a little bit..

The list is very good though- all very consitant golfers...

Bit surprised at Poulter, he's certainly spent a fair bit of time in the 40's and 30's but always managed to hang in the 50.
I'd imagine LW has a lot of weeks in the 50 but not all consecutive obviously with his 2 year or so crash, same with Stricker.

I was more surprised at Kaymer. Five years and counting - how time flies!

yeah tbh he must have only just hung in a couple of times

Another fine, low-scoring day in prospect in Phoenix, perhaps cloudy and some breeze on Sunday - no sign of frost.

The boys get going today as Pompey and Colchester take their half-time nip at the Scotch bottle, Harrington off with Mahan again, and Molder as Pompey score their sixth, approx 4.20 p.m. GMT.
Harrington looks to be hitting it further than ever, looking quite sharp.

Last year's Riviera three-man play-off being reprised in the lead group. Haas beat Phil and Keegs a year ago - who do we fancy today?
Phil for moi!

McLaren wrote:The relief of knowing he will not have to hand over a tiny bit more of his massive wealth must have lifted a great stress from Phil's shoulders. I cant imagine the pressure he was playing under when the thought of paying California taxes was plaguing him.

The more bogies he'll make, the less taxes he'll pay. Just shank it Phil.

kwinigolfer wrote:Another fine, low-scoring day in prospect in Phoenix, perhaps cloudy and some breeze on Sunday - no sign of frost.

Only two birdies after about ~45mins of play. Maybe not so easy today...?

C'mon Padddddy!!!

(Bad from Badds)

So long as what birdies are made are holed by St.Padraig, I'll be happy to be wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bang, Bang, Bang!!!

Cialis and AndroGel are heavily advertised on television during golf tournaments. I do not see as many advts for these products during TV coverage of other sports.

Are golfers and golf fans more likely than others to suffer from hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction?

Ironically, PGA players are not allowed to use AndroGel.

princedracula wrote:Bang, Bang, Bang!!!

And a fourth... was very nearly 5 in 5!

Harrington shooting lights out, and the same at Craven Cottage.
Fulham and pgatour.com both need to feed the meter.