No. 17 Sawgrass vs. No. 16 Scottsdale TPC

photo credit: nsaplayer   The two most famous par 3’s in the world are the 17th TPC Sawgrass (“the island green”) and hole no 16 at Scottsdale’s TPC.  These little giants have earned their reputation as “game changers.” 

The 17th at Sawgrass is 130 yards but the landing area is tiny (15 to 20 yards) by tour standards.  The green sits deceptively at only 3 feet above the water.  This little par 3 has got to be the most costly hole in golf

The 16th at Scottsdale’s TPC is known as the “stadium” hole and can intimidate even the most confident golfer.  The attendance usually tips the scales at 20,000 wild and woolly fans.  Booze, boos and cheers flow as the golfers enter the amphitheatre.  The 16th is what the game is all about, pure fun.

GOLF DIGEST US Open Challenge

photo credit: mihirvaze   The GOLF DIGEST Challenge is a yearly contest which requires the contestants to tell, in 60 words or less,  how playing in the Open Challenge would change their lives.  Contestants may describe their game and what they think they would shoot on a US. Open setup at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California.

Tiger Woods made a famous statement before the first US. Open Challenge where he said “I doubt any average golfer can break 100 on a course that’s set up for the US. Open Championship.”  It’s probably safe to assume that you have to play a respectable game.  Players can enter the contest by going to www.gdopencontest.com.  

The winner will play a round with celebrities which will be broadcast on national TV.

Tour Winnings

photo credit: Playadura*   In 2005, Tiger Woods earned more official PGA Tour prize money than the career Tour earnings of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus combined.  Winnings have grown at astronomical levels from 1955 to date, here are some results:

PGA TOUR > 1955 – Julius Boros $63,121.  1965 - Jack Nicklaus $140,752.  1975 - Jack Nicklaus $298,149.  1985 - Curtis Strange $542,321.  1995 - Greg Norman $1,654,959.  2005 - Tiger Woods $10,628,024.

LPGA TOUR >1955 – Patty Berg $16,492.  1965 - Kathy Whitworth $28,658.  1975 – Sandra Palmer $76,374.  1985 - Nancy Lopez $416,472.  1995 – Annika Sorenstam $666,533.  2005 - Annika Sorenstam $2,588,240.

EUROPEAN TOUR > 1965 – Peter Thompson $7,001.  1975 – Dale Hayes $20,507.  1985 – Sandy Lyle $254,711.  1995 - Colin Montgomerie $1,038,718.  2005 - Colin Montgomery $1,885,884.

Did Harrington Choke?

photo credit: gitsul.   Last year Padraig Harrington won two majors, The Open and the PGA Championship.  Many thought that Padraig would unseat Tiger Woods and become the World’s number one player, as Singh once did.  Oh! how things can change.

In the latter part of 2009, Harrington knocked himself out of contention on two occasions in less than a month, one was the PGA Championship.  On both occasions he did it by hitting his ball from green-side rough, over the green and into a water hazard.  During the PGA, it resulted in an 8 on a par 3 hole.   

Perhaps it’s the downfall of his career, as was the case with Gregg Norman and Phil Mickelson.  Was it simply bad luck or an inability to overcome great adversity?  In Harrington’s case, it may just be bad luck !

He’s Back

photo credit: Keith Allison   After the Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Tournament, Tiger Woods is back with a vengeance.  After winning his sixth tournament at the Arnold Palmer designed, Bay Hill Golf Course in Orlando, Florida. Woods said “it was good to feel the ‘heat’ once again.” 

Woods, behind by 5 shots going into the fourth round, beat a disappointed Sean O’Hair by one stroke by sinking a 15 foot putt on the 72nd gole in near darkness.  Tiger Woods, as he has done so many times before, stunned everyone as the putt dropped in the cup.

There was speculation whether Woods would be ready for the 2009 Masters after his long lay-off following knee surgery and a leg fracture.  The win at Bay Hill was his 60th tour victory and it left no doubt that Tiger is again, “in the hunt.”

Tickets to the Masters

photo credit: fernand0   The cost of a Masters tournament badge, one of the toughest tickets to obtain of all sports, will cost slighlty more in 2009.  The price of the Masters badge will be raised from $175 to $200.  The $200 covers admission to all four days of play.  The last increase occured in 2004, when the price went from $125 to $175. 

The Masters, compared to golf’s other major tournaments, is still considered a real bargain.  The British Open (The Open) is $266, The U.S. Open costs $400 and the PGA Championship charges $300.  These prices include all practice and tournament rounds.

A waiting list for the Masters series badges was established in 1972 and closed in 1978 when demand far exceeded supply.

Phil Mickelson, No. 2 Man

photo credit: danperry.com    Phil Mickelson’s win at the WGCA Championship elevated him to the No. 2 position in world standings.  With a 19 under par, Mickelson beat Nick Watney by one shot in a thrilling finish.  Watney missed a 20 ft. putt to force a play-off.

Tiger Woods finished with a respectable 11 under par on Doral’s “Blue Monster” in Miami, FL.  After a nine month rehab from knee surgery, Woods had trouble on the putting green.

Mickelson, in his late 30s, now has a total of 36 tour victories.  With four more wins, Mickelson will break Tom Watsons career total of 39 PGA victories.

If Tiger regains his form, this year’s Masters Tournament could turn out to be a classic battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 players in the world.  Stay tuned !

Pebble Beach AT&T National Pro Am

photo credit: mandj98   Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills, on California’s Monterey Peninsula, is the home of the Pebble Beach AT&T National Pro-Am.  The tournament, formerly the Bing Crosby Pro-Am (named after it’s founder), draws some of the most famous Hollywood stars.

Pebble Beach Golf Links:  Hosted 63 tour events and ranks 21 (out of 54) in difficulty on the PGA Tour.  Low score: Tom Kite and David Duval, 62.  Most difficult hole:  The par-4 418 yd. 8th.

Poppy Hills:  Hosted 19 tour events and is ranked 19 in difficulty.  Low score:  Matt Gogel, 62.  Most difficult hole: The par-4 426 yd. 5th.

Spyglass Hill G.C.:  Hosted 41 PGA Events and ranks 12 in difficulty on the PGA Tour.  Low score: Phil Mickelson and Luke Donald, 62.  Most difficult hole: The par-3 197 yd. 5th.

A New Star is Born

photo credit: diskychick   Rory Mcllroy, a 19 year old teenager from Northern Ireland, just may be golf’s next PGA Superstar.  Mcllroy won a two shot victory in the Dubai Desert Classic beating Justin Rose and finishing at 19 under par.  The win, his first European Tour Victory, moved him to 14th in World rankings.

The 19 year old will play four PGA Tour events in America prior to The Masters.  “This win has definitely moved me up a step and I just want to keep getting better and better” said Mcllroy.  “Your success only makes you more motivated to do better” he said.

Will this teenager challenge golf’s living icon, Tiger Woods?  After watching him play, I predict he surely will.  It’s time to wait and see but just say you heard it here first !

FBR Open

photo credit: IndyAgent   The 2009 Phoenix FBR Open marks its 74th year which makes it one of the oldest PGA Tour events.  Commonly referred to as “the greatest show on grass,” the FBR has raised a total of $53 million for Arizona charities. 

Tournament play begins on January 26, 2008 at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.  The four day Tour stop generates the largest attendance of any PGA Tour events.

On the par 3, 16th bleachers line the fairway and golfers are treated to Roman Coliseum type chants from the over-enthusiastic fans.  The party-like atmosphere has created much controversy which is attributed to the fact that Tiger Woods has abstained from playing at this Tour stop.

The FBR Open remains one of the most exciting sporting events in the nation.  Don’t miss it!  For further information go to www.PhoenixOpen.com.

Next Page »