PGA Tour: The Florida/Puerto Rico Swing: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).Ah, the Florida Swing, previously known as the Sam Saunders Swing as Arnie's son-in-law seemed to receive a sponsor's invite to every event for the month. The five tournaments this month are:
Honda Classic
WGC Cadillac Championship / Puerto Rico Open
Tampa Bay Championship (previously known as the Transitions - what will it be known as next year?)
Arnold Palmer Invitational

The home course advantage for the Florida gigs is not as pronounced as for the California Coastal events, but each of last year's winners live in Florida even if they don't come from there.

2).But a few notes about last week's Match Play, either the last year at Dove Mountain or the penultimate year at Dove Mountain depending upon which reliable source you choose to consult. We certainly discovered that it's a terrible venue, unplayable in the snow (which is not as rare as the Chamber of Commerce would have us believe), and the high winds of Sunday which, combined with firm greens and inaccessible pin placements made the day a war of attrition.
No denying Matt Kuchar's performance as the last man standing however - he made a point of saying he was just going to be Steady Eddie and that's exactly what he was, the smiley faced assassin banking a cool $1.5M.

3).I'm kinda taking a liking to Hunter Mahan, certainly wanted him to win the Final. Behind the poor dress sense, hideous facial fluff, gnashers that look more Sandown than Sandwich and those ghastly Golf Boys videos, he actually seems a pleasant guy. Certainly hits the ball like a dream with a beautiful swing and a vastly improved short game. He seems to have a great relationship with his caddie, John Wood, and their very matter-of-fact professionalism whenever I've followed them is an eye-opener.
But like Poulter and Jason Day in the morning, Hunner just seemed to hit the wall in the afternoon at the same time as punditry was anointing him America's best match-player. Which presumably made Davis Love IIIIIII feel especially good. That's "ironic" as Alanis might squeal.

4).What of the Foreign Legion? Pretty B- overall, I'd say, but Shane Lowry made a lot of friends - he's missed out on a sponsor's exemption for this week's "Honda", but much more good play and Tournament Directors will be falling over themselves to offer him a free pass. He won and lost with grace, then came out to follow McDowell in his afternoon match. What a guy! Good luck to him.

5).McIlroy and Woods disappointed networks and sponsors alike by failing to advance in tandem for the second time in 2013 - three 75's on Rory's CV this year, and that won't cut it and I can't imagine he'll find his game overnight in time to win this week. Feel I've said that before however.

6).Interesting stat's emerging from the U.S. National Golf Foundation with data showing a 5.7% increase in rounds played in the United States in 2012 compared to 2011. That is in the context of an overall 11% decline in rounds played over the previous decade.

7).Johnny Miller was all over Webb Simpson's case on Saturday as the newly shorn Simpson took an eternity to play the shots which ultimately defeated Gonzo. Would be good if that elevated the debate about slow play but one imagines the anchoring announcement stole the headlines and slow play proponents "considered the source".
A couple of amusing tweets from Steve Elkington extracted from an article in GolfWorld are apropos however:

"NBC golf would like to bring you uninterrupted bullsh1t for 55 min per hour with limited golf shots."
and:
"Had a kid dressed as Keegan Bradley last night at Halloween . . . . backed up and down stairs 12 times before he got his candy."

Incidentally, Keegs was bemoaning in his press conference today that "I'm being called a cheater more than ever by fans, by some writers . . . . . I'm sick of it to be honest."

8).We've been saying how crucial it is for new "graduates" to the PGA Tour to maximize their earnings in order to retain or improve position within their "status" as the year progresses. The Europeans have had mixed results as the first reshuffle was confirmed following the West Coast tournaments:
Ross Fisher - dropped 13 places from 3 to 16. As a result he was the last player to qualify for the original field at Honda.
Lingmerth - up to #2.
Karlsson - dropped 10 places to #37, failed in qualifying this week.
Henrik Norlander - moved up about ten spots, also failed to qualify this week.
When is a card a card? When it's a PGA Tour card - lots of fine print to be read.

9).Haven't seen any official records but would think that Honda, the longest running sponsorship of a PGA Tour event and in its 32nd year (just signed up for another four years), has been rewarded with the best field in the history of "The Honda Classic". Several factors contribute of course:
~The venue, PGA National, which was a typical Florida grind when I played it in the 80's distinguished only by the memory on one hole of a ball whizzing over our heads as we sauntered to our 200 yard drives. We looked round to see a cart hurtling towards us, a wide body at the wheel. "Just playing through," yelled Craig Stadler as he zoomed to his ball. But Nicklaus has tarted it up and redefined the "Bear Trap", 15, 16 and 17, since then, watery graves at every turn. Apparently in wonderful condition though. Europeans beware the grainy Bermuda greens.
~The migration of golf residences from Orlando to South Florida means that this is now a home game for many. (Next week too, of course.)
~The calendar, which means that, whilst this week may be a good chance for many Americans to take a breather, it's must-play for most overseas guys double-dipping on two Tours. Donald, Garcia, Harrington and Poulter are among the few notable European PGA Tour members not playing. Thrilled to see Casey get an invite for his first appearance in 6 months. Has he still got it? I'm hoping he has!

10).No idea of likely contenders this week - frankly a minefield of who's going to be up for it, who's just here to get in their required events. Wouldn't put it past Mr.Woods to make a statement as he came so close last year.
But one thing's for sure: Sam Saunders is playing the web.commer in Columbia so it won't be him.

Thanks Kwini... good read as usual...

I wonder though... Will Shegeki Maruyama surface to remind the media that he, and not Kuchar, is the ORIGINAL "Smiling Assassin"? Kudo's to Kuch's toothy grin and all... but there's no better smile in golf than Shegeki...

As for Mahan's facial fluff... If Candy with a K and an I likes it, then Hunner likes it... or he'd be dang stupid if he didn't. And by the way, really quiet guy at first, but once he gets a little used to ya... he opens up and has a wicked funny needle.

Cheers robo,
Loved Shigeki!
Tried to find a video of Mahan and Wood doing their thing on (I think) Jake's Takes last year, about getting a caddie in shape, Wood with the bag on a treadmill, Hunner with fan and hosepipe - great stuff. Seems like he was a little taken aback by Love's decision to leave him home last autumn. Those "teams" are a tight club, aren't they - same for Europe with Casey and Rose missing out at Celtic Manor. One bounced back, the other went mountain biking. I think Mahan will bounce back big!

McIlroy also talking about the anchoring ban;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/21595154

He basically says the rules - set by the USGA and R&A - should be followed by everyone.


Is it a surprise to hear Keegs whining like a mummies boy? He really is a total creep.

McLaren wrote:McIlroy also talking about the anchoring ban;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/21595154

He basically says the rules - set by the USGA and R&A - should be followed by everyone.


Is it a surprise to hear Keegs whining like a mummies boy? He really is a total creep.

His views count for no more than anyone elses.

Agree about Keegan though, another American with a preposterous name. Putting is a piece of pi$$ so if he spent less time during a round of golf he could spend those extra 3 hours a day he has practicing his putting (providing the putting green had ample drainage for his disgusting spitting habit) #redneck

Mcilroy also says he thinks it was a bit of a knee jerk decision in the first place. so you can read into whatever Mcilroy says however you want.

I didn't say his opinion was worth more, but it might be interesting to know how many of the players support the ban.

Mac, McIlroy also said he wouldn't have an issue if long putters continued. Seems like his nationality he's also undecided.

Super - I think Keegs stopped his spitting. (I was surprised he even had that much fluid in his body!)

I love his cocked-head stare, and no denying his game. However, I wonder how he will fare when this new putting rule (I hope) goes into action.

super_realist wrote:Mac, McIlroy also said he wouldn't have an issue if long putters continued. Seems like his nationality he's also undecided.

McIlroy talks a lot of crap at times, but in fairness he sounds spot on with this. To be honest it's not gonna be the end of the world if they ban the putters, and nor will it be if they don't ban them. But the worst case scenario is having a ban in place, that then doesn't get followed by half the Pro Tours, and there's all sorts of confusion over what is allowed and when. Just decide one way or the other, and stick with it.


Interesting that Johnny Miller was criticising an American in a match against a little-known (for him) Euro Kwini... must be a first surely?

I can see it from both sides of view but I think banning the anchoring of a putter would be unfair on the likes of Bradley, Simpson, Pettersson etc who have only known one way to putt....hopefully they come to some sort of agreement. This is the problem when they don't have one organisation fully in charge of the rules.

Great to see Noren qualifying for the Honda Classic. Superb golfer and he is only going to get better.

Lots of hot air from the windbags on both sides of the anchoring issue and there'll be plenty in Florida this week as a strong breeze is one of the primary defences PGA National has as the pros get ready to assault it Thursday.

We should have mostly dry weather once "The Honda Classic" gets underway, highs in the mid-70's for Rounds 1 & 2, mid-60's for the weekend and an ever-present 10-15 mph breeze. But there's been a fair amount of rain recently and that'll prevent the fiery fairways and greens that satisfies the sadistic streak of those setting up the course.

PGA National, with its forced carries, watery graves and acres of sand is just the sort of course that the pros can attack but the average 10-handicap has trouble breaking 90 (100?). Just long and relentless with penalty shots waiting on every hole.

The final places for the WGC Cadillac are up for grabs with anyone reaching the Top 50 owgr's and Top 10 FedEx points not yet exempt entitled to an entry ticket.

Ned,
Maybe NBC are turning a page; even Rolfing was saying last Thursday how good Westwood looked as he led his match vs R C-B, before Lee's untimely surrender. Looks like lw1 needs a PGA Tour win under his belt before he can attack the "biggies" with any confidence?

Jason Sobel is twittering that Shane Lowry has ponied up a $400.00 entry fee for a mini-Tour event to compensate for missing out on Honda; can't figure out which one, any ideas?
Regardless: Good Luck Shane, even super_realist will warm to you at this rate, if not yr stomach of course.

Apparently it's a two-day event, which would rule out some of the bigger mini-tours... the Hooters Tour has an event in FL this weekend, but their tournaments are usually over 4 days. There are quite a few smaller Florida-only tours kicking around though.

Cheers kwini

Honda has the strongest field this year since the OWGR was introduced.

Good luck to Shane, glad to see that people are warming up to him over there. Hopefully he'll get some more success in Puerto Rico, a win there should be enough to get him into the top 50, hard to say though if it will be enough to keep him there until the end of March, we'll see...

Didin't have time to look at all today at the field, were there any other notable WDs?

Meanwhile David Lynn posted his take on the Bear trap on twitter yesterday. Didn't realise he's a bit of a prankster, apparently...

https://twitter.com/DaveLynndawg/status/306040775672741889/photo/1

Don't see any changes since Jason called it a Day.

They'll be up and at 'em first thing Thursday morning, 6.45 a.m. EST for the early birds. Showers in the area right now but that'll clear up apparently and Thursday should be fine.

Hoping robopz will supply eye-witness reports and convey our best to Doug F.

PS: Looks like Lynn is a bit of a wag, who'd've guessed.

Increasing buzz here that The Masters will invite winners of the 2013 portion of the 2013/2014 to their 2014 garden party, pimento cheese sarnies for the lucky few.
To offset this handful of new players, it seems likely that the "top 30 money list" criteria will be dropped, plus they won't be dishing out invites to the "Amateur Public Links" winner as that tournament is being dropped by the USGA.
Expect another refinement or two, but potentially good moves by Billy Payne, which makes a pleasant change.

kwinigolfer wrote:Increasing buzz here that The Masters will invite winners of the 2013 portion of the 2013/2014 to their 2014 garden party, pimento cheese sarnies for the lucky few.
To offset this handful of new players, it seems likely that the "top 30 money list" criteria will be dropped, plus they won't be dishing out invites to the "Amateur Public Links" winner as that tournament is being dropped by the USGA.
Expect another refinement or two, but potentially good moves by Billy Payne, which makes a pleasant change.

Presumably only if you are Asian or can open up through your exposure some rich TV market, not that I'm a cynic or anything.

Asians might very well benefit, s_r, but certainly no more than anyone else - just a commonsense change by the looks of it. And the way the Japanese golfers are playing these days The Masters will have to be contortionists to justify inviting more than one, at the very most.

They're well underway in Florida, no withdrawals as far as I can see, pgatour.com's leaderboard looking like it's working a bit better after the shambles of last week. Rain yesterday but Rounds 1 and 2, at least, should be played in fair, dry breezy weather, temps in the 70's; cooler and chance of showers at the weekend.

Nothing better than to start your day with a swim, said Mike Weir...

Bogey start for Eldrick... Elin in your mind, Tiger?

http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/23/tiger-woods-elin-nordegren-photos/

Kings Louis and Charl (aka Oosty and Schwartzy) with a strong start...

Eldrick with another bogey... Lindsay in your mind, Tiger?

http://www.examiner.com/article/lindsey-vonn-remains-tiger-woods-girlfriend-despite-elin-nordegren-photos

Ha ha, his nine chins are stopping him getting through the ball.

I think CHIII has Tiger on his mind. The dusting of Tiger at the matchplay that is.

Hi Kwini, thanks for the notes.

Saffers going well as usual, including Justin. Looking out to see how Charl's putting goes on presumably a different grass? Laird disappointing so far but looking for GMac and Dufner to go well. Fancy one of those I do. Dufner under the radar a bit this week. Has a history of good finishes here some years back, before his recent rise.

Another early bath for spud face McIlroy?

Prediction super? Wouldnt be surprised if it was another early bath. Scoring looks to be tough and he is struggling with the pressure of playing well with them swooshes.

I was on a flight the other week and one of the air hostesses was the spitting image of McIlroy only caked in make up and with bangers.
Quite surreal.

Anyone else having trouble with the online leaderboard again? Not seen it update once in the half an hour since I opened it.

Ned,
It's looking very inconsistent to me, some golfers' scores being updated, others not.
I have Chuckie, Justin and DeLaet at the top right now.
A sign of Bear Trap carnage to come with Aussie Presnell building a snowman on the par-3 15th hole.

Poor start from Hanson, typical as I have him on my yahoo fantasy team which is the QPR (or Pompey if you prefer) of the yahoo league.


Birdie for Lairdy Laird . . . . .

The Bear Trap is a piece of p!$$. If you ask Justin Rose. -2 thro there.

I have tremendous difficulty in sussing out which events Justin Rose is up for.

But the US media has made a great fuss about 10 American winners on the trot since Jonas Blixt at last year's Fry's.com so hopefully Justin is up for the Honda - good track record there but certainly didn't play well last Thursday and Friday. Whaddya got Justin?

(Any Aronomink members dropping by will be pleased to see Sean O'Hair motoring along nicely . . . . . )

Dufner is first in GIR and Fairways hit, yet he has had an average start to the season...Putting still the weak part of his game.

Baldy Nine Chins miles off.

Kwin - Nice run by Mr. O'Hair. Now consistency Sean, consistency. (Not something he's shown much of recently.)

And given the total domination of the US players on the US tour thus far a very fair question by the US media. (But will surely come to an end soon.)

Nice run by Colsaerts last week, so he "sorta" made a cut ... he's finding out first hand what a grind it can be.

Would like to see Mr. Rose or Mr. O'Hair win this. Both have Aronimink ties!

Strokes squandered by Mr.Rose as he finished his round, hope he's disappointed with himself about that. He'd done so much of the hard work.

Even par for Tont, and that's not bad, just four shots off the lead as things stand right now, sure he won't be too upset.

Sr,
Not so much a "question", more of a statement! Some factors need to be considered but increasingly the best Internationals are all playing the same events so not an altogether surprising streak.

Missed it at the time but Veej turned 50 last Friday.


And some trivia:

Which PGA Tour player has won SEVEN times, including some biggies!, but never won a full-strength, full-field PGA Tour event? Not Vijay obviously!

Anyone seen the picture of Graham delaet on the pga website ? He makes peter crouch look like an adonis

Wow! Camillo....

Seems like yesterday when we were talking about that young lad, Ben Kohles, after winning on the Web.com tour two weeks in a row...

Better scores this afternoon tho' looking at the fate befalling Casey and Davis you wouldn't think so. Fisher struggling on Bermuda greens again.
Camilo brightens up my fantasy team! Horse for this course - let's hope it lasts.

Looks a very clean round from Westwood.
What? We've heard that before??
Ah yes.
Come on Lee!

Good to see Camilo playing well again. Hope he keeps it up. I still remember being oh so impressed with his ball flight control on his way to winning the Honda few years ago. Would love to see some of that again.

Is your seven time winner Geoff Ogilvy? Purely based on the fact he has a couple(?) of matchplay wins and a US Open, which you might not be classing as a PGA tour event... and he seemed to show up yesterday. For a change. Complete enigma that man.

Lairdy wrote:The Bear Trap is a piece of p!$$. If you ask Justin Rose. -2 thro there.

Branden Grace -3 thro the Bear trap. Pah!

kwinigolfer wrote:Looks a very clean round from Westwood.
What? We've heard that before??
Ah yes.
Come on Lee!

Yes, he often bookends his dismal Friday and Saturday performances with good rounds!

Geoff Ogilvy is correct Lairdy

Only full field tournament he's won on Tour was an opposite-field event in Tucson. The US Open of course being run by the USGA.

The boys will be hitting the practice range, looking forward to temps in the 60's, perhaps reaching 70 today, cooler and windier Saturday (Bear Trap beware) and possibly showery on Sunday.

Good triv.

I suspected the answer was one of the Europeans who has recently taken up a PGA Tour card, but couldn't think of who would have the right number of wins (somewhere between R Fisher and P Hanson).

Oh Camilo, What have you done?

Very congested leaderboard 39 within 3 shots of the lead.

Dreadful start for Camilo...

I've had a little e/w flutter on Rose, Mcilroy and Westy. Was thinking Mcilroy has history on soft courses (Congressional, Kiawah)? Bit of a sluggish start but still confident(ish) he'll make the cut.

Bit more of a sluggish start for Rory, double from the middle of the fairway - it's becoming a habit with his Nike's.

And looks like Rickie is going to follow his example...

Not sure if it's 'cool' to admit that I have Stadler as one of my picks in the FT, but I don't mind the way he looks if he keeps playing well... King Charl on the other hand is betraying my trust for the 2nd week in a row...

Kevin Stadler always seems to do better when Par is a good score . . . .

Brian Davis withdraws: cut, cut, cut, 27th, withdrawn. Quite an advertisement for his new clubs.

Scoring generally looks tricky this morning; at this rate the cut will have the +1's playing the weekend.

Another bogey from Mcilroy.