As the Players Championship approaches, there seems to be some electricity hovering around the PGA Tour. With Mickelson, Woods, and the young champion, Rory McIlroy all competing for the top, it will be interesting to see what unfolds. Located in Ponte Verde Beach, FL, the TPC Sawgrass will offer many challenges to this week's golfers. As spectators and players alike greatly anticipating the course's obstacles, one hole always comes to mind...the 17th island green. A source of happiness or grief in every round, the 17th hole presents players with a narrow green surrounded by water and unpredictable winds. On the last day of the tournament, that island green can truly determine who will win or lose.
The TPC sawgrass is a widely recognized golf course throughout the golfing community. At the beginning of last school year, my golf team was invited to play in the Queens University tournament held at TPC Sawgrass. I was greatly looking forward to having the opportunity to play at such an incredible course. During the weeks leading up to the tournament, I just couldn't get that island green out of my head. However, my golf coach decided to take a head coaching job at another university, so we were left without instruction. A new coach was not decided in time for the start of our season, so we were unable to compete in the tourament. I was devastated and ever since that moment, I have still not been able to get the course out of my head.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Celebration Hasn't Ended for Rory McIlroy
Following his victorious finish at this week's Quail Hollow Championship, Rory McIlroy has plenty to celebrate. Yet on this day, he may be commemorating another occasion; his 21st birthday. Ironically enough, even though Rory beat the entire pkaying field, he could not yet share legal drink with them. Merely twenty years-old when he won, McIlroy shares the stage with Tiger as the youngest player to win a PGA championship.
Many people may not recognize the name, Rory McIlroy, but he has already made a huge impression on the golf industry. This is not the first time McIlroy has taken complete control at an important tournament. After winning his first golf tournament at the age of 9, Rory has been on a roll which doesn't have an end in sight. As an amateur, he won 29 tournaments around Europe. In 2007 at the age of 18, Rory turned professional. In 2009, he had his first professional win at the Dubai Desert Classic and was invited to the U.S. Masters. Just 18 months after turning pro, McIlroy found himself ranked 16th in the world standings. Today as he celebrates his birthday, he can also look to the Official World Golf Rankings for additional elation. Currently, Rory is one of the top 10 professional golfers on earth, standing honorably at the number 9 position.
Rory McIlroy has plenty of reasons to celebrate today. Not only has he proved himself to be one of the greatest golfers in the world, he can also enjoy a drink legally at any American bar. Sláinte!
Many people may not recognize the name, Rory McIlroy, but he has already made a huge impression on the golf industry. This is not the first time McIlroy has taken complete control at an important tournament. After winning his first golf tournament at the age of 9, Rory has been on a roll which doesn't have an end in sight. As an amateur, he won 29 tournaments around Europe. In 2007 at the age of 18, Rory turned professional. In 2009, he had his first professional win at the Dubai Desert Classic and was invited to the U.S. Masters. Just 18 months after turning pro, McIlroy found himself ranked 16th in the world standings. Today as he celebrates his birthday, he can also look to the Official World Golf Rankings for additional elation. Currently, Rory is one of the top 10 professional golfers on earth, standing honorably at the number 9 position.
Rory McIlroy has plenty of reasons to celebrate today. Not only has he proved himself to be one of the greatest golfers in the world, he can also enjoy a drink legally at any American bar. Sláinte!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Age is Nothing But a Number...
...a score card, however, is another story...
This weekend at the Quail Hollow Championship Rory McIlroy, a twenty-year-old from Northern Ireland, showed the world what he was made of. As the youngest player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Championship, his presence on the golf course was nothing short of spectacular. Setting a course record 62 on Sunday, McIlroy definitely captured the trophy with style. His finish was unparalleled, closing out the tournament with five birdies in a row. As Phil Mickelson and Angel Cabrera made an attempt to set out in front, McIlroy just kept on pressing, leaving them in his dust.
McIlroy was on fire, but it was not a fairytale weekend for everyone. Tiger Woods was excused from the tournament friday after not only missing the 6th cut of his career, but also with a few new records of his own. Carding his highest 18 and 9-hole scores of a non-major, 79 and 43 on friday, Tiger completed the worst 36-hole round of his career, 153. At last year's Quail Hollow Championship, however, Tiger finished just two shots behind the victor, Sean O' Hair. After winning an amazing 7 tournaments last golf season, it appears that Tiger has lost his place atop the world of golf. What a difference a year makes...
This weekend at the Quail Hollow Championship Rory McIlroy, a twenty-year-old from Northern Ireland, showed the world what he was made of. As the youngest player since Tiger Woods to win a PGA Championship, his presence on the golf course was nothing short of spectacular. Setting a course record 62 on Sunday, McIlroy definitely captured the trophy with style. His finish was unparalleled, closing out the tournament with five birdies in a row. As Phil Mickelson and Angel Cabrera made an attempt to set out in front, McIlroy just kept on pressing, leaving them in his dust.
McIlroy was on fire, but it was not a fairytale weekend for everyone. Tiger Woods was excused from the tournament friday after not only missing the 6th cut of his career, but also with a few new records of his own. Carding his highest 18 and 9-hole scores of a non-major, 79 and 43 on friday, Tiger completed the worst 36-hole round of his career, 153. At last year's Quail Hollow Championship, however, Tiger finished just two shots behind the victor, Sean O' Hair. After winning an amazing 7 tournaments last golf season, it appears that Tiger has lost his place atop the world of golf. What a difference a year makes...
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Phil and Tiger
The first photograph below seems to depict the events of the 2010 Masters tournament rather well. Phil and Tiger again sharing the limelight, yet only one of the players is crowned the winner. Although this was taken after Phil's 2006 win at Augusta, the scenario can be perceived in a similar light. Tiger didn't win the Master's last year, but he an incredibly succcessful 2009 career on tour. However, that was rather short-lived as his life screeched to a disastrous halt in November.
Phil had an incredibly difficult 2009 as well, but for MUCH different reasons. With both his wife and mother enduring breast cancer, Phil and his familiy underwent a rather traumatic year. Visibly emotional after his dramatic victory at August on sunday, Phil walked right into the arms of his loving wife. With tears rolling down their faces, they enjoyed a moment together of happiness and success, ignoring all the hardships they've endured together. The comparison of Tiger and Phil could not be a more extreme comparison of professional golfers' personal struggles.
Phil Mickelson receiving his green jacket from Tiger Woods in 2006:
Sporting the tan lines of a champion, Phil Mickelson accepts his third green jacket from 2009 Masters winner, Angel Cabrera:
Phil had an incredibly difficult 2009 as well, but for MUCH different reasons. With both his wife and mother enduring breast cancer, Phil and his familiy underwent a rather traumatic year. Visibly emotional after his dramatic victory at August on sunday, Phil walked right into the arms of his loving wife. With tears rolling down their faces, they enjoyed a moment together of happiness and success, ignoring all the hardships they've endured together. The comparison of Tiger and Phil could not be a more extreme comparison of professional golfers' personal struggles.
Phil Mickelson receiving his green jacket from Tiger Woods in 2006:
Sporting the tan lines of a champion, Phil Mickelson accepts his third green jacket from 2009 Masters winner, Angel Cabrera:
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Masterful Finish
When it finally came time the Masters tournament at Augusta National, the whole golf community was anxious to see how things would unfold. For many, the Masters represent the official start of the golfing season, so its a very joyous time. I know I look forward to watching the event, where the unthinkable can happen, and often does. It seemed though the tournament was being thought of as Tiger vs. the rest of the field. However, it was obvious that Woods would have to step his game up because the competition was fierce right from the start.
Woods began the tournament playing lights out, showing the world his reign was far from over. Regardless of his solid play, however, he failed to claim the position atop the leader board. With respectable first rounds of 68, 70, 70, Woods certainly did give the rest of the field a run for their money. When the last day of the tournament arrived, Tiger kept up with the tradition of sporting his "Sunday Red". Yet, not even his famous red Nike shirt could help him seize the lead.
Phil Mickelson was inching close to the leader as the days of play progessed, and he seemed to have a plan of his own. Looking trim and eager to chase a third green jacket, Phil was hitting crisp shots and steering clear of trouble. After three impressive rounds including 67, 71, and another 67, Phil was on FIRE. On the third day of the tournament, Phil had back-to-back eagles and he showed no signs of slowing down. When it came to the final day of the tournament Phil was unstoppable, going bogey free as he focused on closing the deal. However, the previous leader, Lee Westwood was not going to give it away, and remained right at Phil's heels. Yet, Phil was not making any mistakes and keep a strong hold on his positions.
On the other hand, with numerous errors and one DISASTROUS 3-putt, Tiger's hopes of winning the Masters came close to impossible. He started to gain some serious ground, but these mistakes removed him farther and farther from the untouchable Michelson. Finishing out the final day with five birdies and the thirteen pars, Phil Mickelson held onto his lead and won the tournament. Carding a birdie on the last hole, Mickelson finished three strokes ahead of second place, Lee Westwood, and proved he's still a spectacular golfer.
Woods began the tournament playing lights out, showing the world his reign was far from over. Regardless of his solid play, however, he failed to claim the position atop the leader board. With respectable first rounds of 68, 70, 70, Woods certainly did give the rest of the field a run for their money. When the last day of the tournament arrived, Tiger kept up with the tradition of sporting his "Sunday Red". Yet, not even his famous red Nike shirt could help him seize the lead.
Phil Mickelson was inching close to the leader as the days of play progessed, and he seemed to have a plan of his own. Looking trim and eager to chase a third green jacket, Phil was hitting crisp shots and steering clear of trouble. After three impressive rounds including 67, 71, and another 67, Phil was on FIRE. On the third day of the tournament, Phil had back-to-back eagles and he showed no signs of slowing down. When it came to the final day of the tournament Phil was unstoppable, going bogey free as he focused on closing the deal. However, the previous leader, Lee Westwood was not going to give it away, and remained right at Phil's heels. Yet, Phil was not making any mistakes and keep a strong hold on his positions.
On the other hand, with numerous errors and one DISASTROUS 3-putt, Tiger's hopes of winning the Masters came close to impossible. He started to gain some serious ground, but these mistakes removed him farther and farther from the untouchable Michelson. Finishing out the final day with five birdies and the thirteen pars, Phil Mickelson held onto his lead and won the tournament. Carding a birdie on the last hole, Mickelson finished three strokes ahead of second place, Lee Westwood, and proved he's still a spectacular golfer.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Golf Clothing...taken to a whole new level
If you turn your television to any sort of professional golf tournament, a few golfers may definitely catch your eye. Some players on the tour are notorious for wearing LOUD prints or in-your-face color combinations. Its interesting and almost comedic to see what these over the top athletes will come out wearing next. These were a few that caught my eye...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Major Questions...
So as we all may know, the Masters Tournament is one of the biggest competitions of the golfing season. It will take place April 8-11, and will mark the first major this year. Held at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, many great professionals look forward to this tournament, to see if they have what it takes to hang with the best. Last year Tiger tied for 6th place and was only 4 strokes behind winner, Angel Cabrera. I think the question we are all wondering is...Will Tiger come back to the tour in time for the Masters?? Many people will speculate, but it all comes down to whether or not Tiger is ready to come out of his cave. Since he is ultimately the only one who can make this decision...I guess time will tell.
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