PGA Tour: The Travelers Championship: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).A wonderful performance from Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst, so commanding that the American Press went out of their way to damn his victory with the faintest of praise.
The doyen of Golf Writers, Hall Of Famer Dan Jenkins, could not find it within himself to offer anything more gracious than:
"This must be the most lackluster final round."
USA Today led on their Sports page with the usual rubbish from Christine Brennan:
"Thrilling it was not. It had all the biggest names in golf, except for the biggest, of course." Their actual report was tucked inside the paper.
Meanwhile, the racist republican best known for his bankruptcies and comb-overs wrote:
"I'd bet the look of Pinehurst translates in to poor television ratings. This is not what golf is all about."
As if he would know.

2).Fortunately most of the players were complimentary and Luke Donald, among others, repudiated Drumpf. While Ernie Els wrote:
"The golf course was unbelievably good. I can't praise Pinehurst highly enough. It was perfect - the crowds, the weather, and the golf course - all absolutely perfect."
I'd agree, a compelling week, and hats off to Coore and Crenshaw for having the courage to restore Donald Ross's masterpiece as it was originally intended.

3).Most left Pinehurst hoping that the USGA would return sooner rather than later with the only hint of criticism being that some of Ross's "crowned greens" had been overdone in the restoration and slopes might be moderated a shade.
They're off to Seattle's Chambers Bay next year and leave Pinehurst in the hands of Dame Laura Davies and the rest of the contestants in the US Women's Open.

4).It's unlikely that the USGA will choose three amply proportioned ladies to ridicule in the way that they picked on Smalrus, Lowry and de Jonge, but you never know. Apparently, long-time USGA Official Frank Hannigan, according to Golf Digest's Jerry Tarde "once paired (he means grouped) three major champions who had won the favors of the same woman".
Perhaps we should look at the ladies' groups a little more closely . . . . . You choose which threesome might have enjoyed the same man, not necessarily all at the same time.

5).And the last word goes to Martin Kaymer when asked to describe Keegan Bradley's preshot routine:
"Not a nice question. I can only lose here." Smart man that Martin.

6).The aforesaid Keegs will be hauling it up to Connecticut for the closest he has to a hometown tournament, The Travelers Championsip at Hartford's River Highlands. This is a tight, short Par 70 course with Pete Dye's fingerprints on (among others) which has historically favoured course specialists.
Mahan and Bubba both won their first Tour event here and are first and second respectively in career earnings; Hunner with a win and two runner-up finishes, a fourth and a closing 61 two years ago when he finished 11th.
Bubba has a win, a runner up, last year's collapse when he should have won and a couple more top tens.

7).The last four winners, Watson, Freddie Jac, Leishman and Duke were all first-timers and I wonder if Brian Davis, who also has form here, might drag himself across the line? Or maybe Russell Knox who finished well here last year?
Sergio is here, Jason Day, Kuchar, a pair of Johnsons, Top Five and an ailing Snedeker whose back was in such a bad way last Sunday that he needed his caddie to retrieve the ball from the hole. Imagine he's only playing in an effort to grab some Ryder Cup points but it seems a bit risky.

8).Rickie Fowler won't be here but he played his way in to 7th place for the 9 qualifying places on the US Team, with Mickelson exitting the top nine. And that increases speculation that Tom Watson may face having neither Woods nor Mickelson qualify, what with Tiger's return still uncertain (tho' we should know more by Friday) and Phil only likely to play three more events during the qualifying window.

9).Equally, Martin Kaymer's triumph has put the cat among some pigeons in Europe as he leaps up towards qualification via the "Europe", rather than "World", points list. Jamie Donaldson is the most vulnerable, but McGinley faces three presumed stalwarts (Poulter, McDowell and Westwood) needing a "pick" or being left at home.

10).I'll make my annual trek to Friday's Round 2 of The Travelers and see that Cilla Black's favourite, Erik Compton, will be on the tee with Jason Day and Bradley. Perhaps I'll follow them for a few holes but at least four College golfers are in the field, having followed Matt Fitzpatrick's lead in turning Pro this week.
We followed Jason Day here as a 20-year-old, and what a game he had even at that age.
Perhaps Fitzpatrick, or one of the American young ones (or Aussie Ollie Goss), can emulate Day in reaching the highest levels of the professional game?
Interestingly, two of them are in threesomes containing Patrick Cantlay and Jamie Lovemark respectively, salutary reminders both that this golf game is fickle with debilitating injury and loss of form an ever present risk.
Good luck to the new pros, both here and there.

Oh dear, Golf Channel reminds that the Hartford group of Crane, Mahan and Watson is 3/4 of the awful Golf Boys.

Good write up as usual Kwini.

Why oh why do the Americans go like that when it's not one of their own that wins their biggie?? It clearly hurts that Europeans have taken 4 of the last 5 and probably feels alarming to them that as the season progresses toward Gleneagles, it's Europeans who are beginning to show more form.

As for Trump's "not what golf's about" comments on Pinehurst....what an uncouth oaf!! It looked like the lovechild of Royal Dornoch fathered by the best of the Berkshire/Surrey sand belt courses.

Cheers Kwini - your write ups mean I don't have to listen to any of the god awful intro pieces Sky do.

Yep - Trump wrong about Pinehurst. It was interesting though that before the US Open started the analysts were all saying it was 50-50 on getting a lie in the native areas - of the coverage I saw, it was more like 70-30 or maybe even better odds of getting a lie that still allowed for an attempt at the green.

Is Crane not horrendously slow - can't see that sitting well with Bubba?

Thanks guys.

Despite the calendar confirming it's only June still, the PGA Tour season is down to its final 9 events, 7 for those not playing the two Majors.

It was thought when the season began 30 events ago, last October, that 400 x FedEx points would guarantee a 2014/2015 Tour card. Now one might imagine that the mark will be somewhere between 400 and 450 points.
Europeans without an alternative exemption, and significant others, at risk include:
417 points: Brian Davis (playing The Travelers)
410: Westwood
398: Casey
312: Lingmerth (Travelers)
287: Gonzo (Travelers)
241: Hanson
123: Olesen (Travelers)
102: Lynn
88: Colsaerts
50: Owen (Travelers)

Among those others who haven't yet reached 400 FedEx Points are:
Baddeley, Van Pelt, Molder, Allenby, Barnes, Immelman, Castro, O'Hair, Vegas, Romero, Yang, Gainey, Cabrera, Cauley, Kyle Stanley, Byrd etc.

Not much time left chaps.

Kwin - Nice write up and have fun in Hartford this week. I do a lot of work with "The Hole In The Wall Gang", and I know they are a big part of this event (or have been).

I really liked the look and the play of Pinehurst #2. Far better (IMO) than the "strengthening" of Merion, where it seemed all fairways and strategy was choked out of the place to "protect" par.

JAS - Don't fully agree with the Kwin "faint praise" broad brush strokes from the American Press. Virtually all I've seemed to read/view has given him glowing reviews. And well deserved. Some performance.

Sr,
I think the "HITWG" is the primary charitable beneficiary at Hartford.

Don't you think there's a double whammy as far as Kaymer is concerned?
1).He's not the golf media's meal ticket, Tiger, and they can clearly see the end of the Tiger era, even if he should return sporadically.
2).They'd written Kaymer off as an undeserving Number One and are having a hard time reconciling themselves to the fact that he's back.

And then, for Pinehurst at least, there was the dismay that Phil couldn't at least contend.

But Tiger made the front page news again yesterday with the Rosaforte (and does anyone exemplify 1). and 2). above more than the self-infatuated Tiger Tim?) report that he's hitting full shots again, so all will be well - for a few days anyway.

These are crucial weeks for your mate S O'H, still no sign on Tour that his game is returning to the quality of a few years ago.

Cheers kwini.

cf 1) so how were the ratings then? I guess they reflected it was bit of a borefest? To be honest it reminded me of the year Oosthuizen won the Open at TOC. I think we have to admit we are a bit biased since all of us seem to like Kaymer.

Watching 3 of 4 rounds on TV I didn't find Pinehurst (or the tournament) particularly exciting. I did enjoy watching Kaymer but I do understand those people not being entertained.

CBS web-site says 46% down on Rose's win last year, 35% down on McIlroy's win at Congressional.
So: Not very good. But it's doubtful that Pinehurst was to blame.

Beautiful weather expected in Hartford for The Travelers, mild temps, mostly sunny, could be breezy but nothing serious. Imagine the course might play even shorter than usual, but it's great for spectators and every European Tour tournament director would learn a lot from the way the event is organized and the sponsors truly make everyone welcome. PGA Tour has done well to renew Travelers thru 2024.

Basically as a contest it was over at the end of Friday. The weekend was part exhibition/part waiting for a train crash to happen (which simply didn't) So not surprising that the viewing figures were down. I would have definitely said the viewing figures reflected the lack of a contest at the weekend more than Trumps assertion that "It's not what golf is about" criticism of the venue.

Agree JAS. It might have been a borefest the two last days, but with the Lowry-de Jonge-Stadler group we at least had a boarfest on Thu and Fri....

Glad I said the weather would be perfect for Hartford; not so much as there's rain in the area. Not sure if the start of play has been delayed due to lightning or whether pgatour.com is still hibernating.

kwinigolfer wrote:
4).Apparently, long-time USGA Official Frank Hannigan, according to Golf Digest's Jerry Tarde "once paired (he means grouped) three major champions who had won the favors of the same woman".
Perhaps we should look at the ladies' groups a little more closely . . . . . You choose which threesome might have enjoyed the same man, not necessarily all at the same time.

That might be tricky. My understanding is that it is hard enough to find a threesome of lady golfers who might have enjoyed any man, let alone the same one.

Now now!

Play started promptly; albatross for Immelman at #13.

And Brendan playing with balls of Steele.

Sergio not abdicating yet. I guess he'll wait till Sunday afternoon as usual.

Watching a bit of the US Women's Open. Course looks a bit short for some of the more athletic swingers... 220 yard par 4 with players looking to drive the green with a hybrid! Still a cracking layout.

Incredible to see an 11 year old in the field. I know she's there on merit but not sure it's right to thrust a child into the spotlight. I like the fact she is wearing normal girls clothes and isn't plastered in logos. Surprised she's not been hauled up by the committee for dress code violations!

Tiger to return at Congressional. "Just started hitting balls" as he says. "Don't expect too much from me."
Roy Hodgson are you listening?

Fun day at The Travelers yesterday, perfect weather for walking 36 holes!
 
Followed Sergio, playing with Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson in the morning - don't think any of them made anything longer than 10 feet, Zach Johnson looked terrible while Top Five was all over the place.
Spent the afternoon watching some of the undercard playing very well, lots of Badds (always a pleasure), Ishikawa (great short game but had no clue where his tee-shots were going) and Morgan Hoffmann, Chris Stroud, Bud Cauley and lots of Jamie Lovemark who hit all 18 greens and out-and-out bombs it.
Great days golf and, once again, an object lesson as to how to run a successful tournament.

Lots of good stories awaiting us on Sunday in Hartford:
~Can Ryan Moore finally win after a couple of runners up finishes here? According to CBS he only holed about 30 feet's worth of putts in Round 3. Incredible considering he shot 66.

~What about the International contingent of Badds, KJ and Sergio?
Loved watching Badds in Round 2 - can't imagine too many Tour Pros who would be more fun to play (no, not pray) with. And what's not to like about KJ? Only really care about Sergio winning Majors, but what a confidence boost a win would be heading in to Hoylake?

~And then there's the first-time winner prospects, though with the course firming up it will take something very special. Chris Stroud lost in a play-off last year, seems a guy with his feet on the ground and a smile on his face, so would have no complaints if he shot a 63 and squeaked his maiden victory.

~Several top Americans look overgolfed and under motivated: Arris Henglish, Sneds, Kooch, Dustin.

~And Americans we thought would have good years, like Streelman and Watney, are on the fringe of contention after being awol for months. Both seem good blokes but can't see them winning this week.

A gorgeous Sunday in Hartford for Round 4 of The Travelers.
Imagine the course will get firmer and faster as the day goes on, just the day someone can get on a roll. Whether forwards or, perhaps backwards.

Would think there are 62's and 63's out there, but probably some 72's and 73's which will have the golfers leaking oil at an alarming pace.

Carballo shot the first 63 but he was way too far off the pace.
Would think that, if one of the "eight unders" could really start hauling, they might have a decent chance.

Otherwise, whadya think?
Moore could get in to the automatic Ryder Cup placings with a win.

Badds could become yet another Aussie winner this season.

KJ could play himself on to the Presidents Cup Team for which he's Vice Captain.

Sergio would further cement his Ryder Cup qualification and become only the second different European winner of the year.

Or there'll be yet another occasional American winner - including the Red-Neck Swedish American of course.

PS: Denmark's Sebastian Cappelen is leading the web.com event in Wichita after three rounds . . . . .

Will seven, SEVEN!, birdies in a row, 12-18, be enough to win this for Streelman??
Incredible finish.

What happened to Kevin Streelman???!!!!!

Wow ... Perhaps something in the water at Whisper Rock? First Whisper Rocker Martin Kaymer puts a beat down on the field at the US Open and then Kevin Streelman birdies the last 7 holes? Amazing stuff.

Amazing stuff from Streelman! +2 after 8, -6 after 18 and a W.

Also a W for Dane Cappelen on web.com. Who is this guy?

Absolutely phenomenal finish from streelman. Obviously wanted Sergio to win but when he does that hats off. Sometimes it's just meant to be, I have no idea how his last 3 putts went in!!!

Not much not to like about Kevin Streelman; even keeps his god under his cap as much as he can.

Cappelen is a Great Dane from Odense who has been at Uni of Arkansas and Monday qualified for this event - could have been his first web.commer for all I know; now he has full web.com exemption and half a leg on next year's PGA Tour.

kwinigolfer wrote:Not much not to like about Kevin Streelman; even keeps his god under his cap as much as he can.

Cappelen is a Great Dane from Odense who has been at Uni of Arkansas and Monday qualified for this event - could have been his first web.commer for all I know; now he has full web.com exemption and half a leg on next year's PGA Tour.

First pro event no less I believe Kwini. Sounds like he's very much a modern player, grip it, rip it and put on the green from wherever you find it. But good luck to him, seems nerveless if nothing else. As for Streelman...

Congrats to Michelle Wie!!

Wonderful finish for Streelman. Nice "W" for nice guy.

Now let's see how the former World #1 shakes some of that rust off his game.

Naivete in the end for Team USA, but let's face it, England showed it for two whole games. Consistency.

sirbenson wrote:Congrats to Michelle Wie!!

Indeed - well deserved.

Honourable mention too for Stephanie Meadow - 3rd in a major in your first pro outing? Fantastic.

Amazing run by Streelman to win the Travellers,

Golf back in the headlines this week as the field for the "Quicken Loans National" includes Tiger Woods. Ready or not, here he comes, making sure that an event which benefits his "Foundation" gets maximum publicity.

There's a good, not great, field including Justin Rose, Jason Day, Bradley, Dufner, Spieth, Haas, Reed, Simpson, Snedeker.
Peter Hanson is the only other European double-dipper, but Freddie Jac and the in-form Pettersson will play, plus Davis, Knox and Laird.

Shotrock wrote:Wow ... Perhaps something in the water at Whisper Rock? First Whisper Rocker Martin Kaymer puts a beat down on the field at the US Open and then Kevin Streelman birdies the last 7 holes? Amazing stuff.

Maybe Streelman sat back and watched last week and thought, "Damn... I've been beating that guy like a drum in games around here for years... so WHY NOT ME?"

kwinigolfer wrote:Golf back in the headlines this week as the field for the "Quicken Loans National" includes Tiger Woods. Ready or not, here he comes, making sure that an event which benefits his "Foundation" gets maximum publicity.

There's a good, not great, field including Justin Rose, Jason Day, Bradley, Dufner, Spieth, Haas, Reed, Simpson, Snedeker.
Peter Hanson is the only other European double-dipper, but Freddie Jac and the in-form Pettersson will play, plus Davis, Knox and Laird.

Quick glance at field for Quicken Loans seems similar to Travelers...  haven't run the numbers but guessing its probably gonna be a 46-48

Robo - True dat!

I get to play Whisper Rock every year and -- in addition to all the head-turning professional golfers and others one sees -- it's an incredibly laid-back atmosphere and a first class facility. Caddie and then invitee Streelman may be the most recent winner, but the club boasts 11 major champions as members. That's one tough club championship to win.


http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/golf/2014/06/20/martin-kaymer-champions-members-select-club-scottsdale/11199099/

Shotrock wrote:I get to play Whisper Rock every year and -- in addition to all the head-turning professional golfers and others one sees  -- it's an incredibly laid-back atmosphere and a first class facility. Caddie and then invitee Streelman may be the most recent winner, but the club boasts 11 major champions as members. That's one tough club championship to win.

I never got to play Whisper Rock... but was over there about 10 years ago doing a shoot at a nearby course. The agency guy I was working for on that project was a member and took me over to the grill and check the place out. Didn't even get out on the course so all I saw was what we could see from the facility and driving in/out. But facilities were awesome. No "big-names" in sight that day... but no doubt they were proud of their membership, and I got some "stories" {{{wink-wink}}}... Heck... Streelman might have still been caddying there at that time... don't know.

Still probably not on a par with the Whispering Rock membership, but we have four weeks now where the European Tour is competitive with, or has superior fields, to the PGA Tour. About time!

The winner of this week's Beemer event in Germany will earn 42 owgr points, the Quicken Loans champ will get 48.

Hopefully the next three weeks will see the balance tilt eastwards.

It will be interesting to see how Woods performs over the next few weeks/months after his back surgery.

Shiversomely bad hopefully.