I have now watched TV for a third time this year, during the PGA Championship. The first two times were the Masters and the Open Championship. I live a sheltered, golf blogger life I suppose.
I’ve considered the PGA Championship to be the red-headed stepchild of the major tournaments, but the finish this year was more exciting than the other three majors. All that despite a hoaky golf course in Valhalla which seemed to strictly dictate playing strategy on many holes, leaving no room for creativity by the players.
Choo Choo! Hop on the McIlory bandwagon!
Hop aboard the Rory McIlory bandwagon with me! I’m a fan! The McIlroy era has begun. Watch the golf media go all ape gaga over Rory now as Tiger fades. They’ll latch onto him like a baby monkey latches onto its mother. Soon we will be reading all the “will Rory break Jack’s major record?” drivel from the scribes. Quote me on it. Book it. So predictable.
The 2014 PGA Championship was a great major win for Rory because he found himself behind by two shots midway through the round. He found a way to come back and win by two shots. A different win than his previous front-running style wins.
Hard not to like this kid. He is still a kid, but growing up fast. There’s something authentic about Rory. He’s not a mercenary robot like Tiger Woods was. He has a human quality to him and an open, perhaps slightly naive quality to him. This makes him much more likable than Tiger ever was. Time will tell if the endless stupid media questions and taking what he says out of context will sour that likable human aspect. I hope not.
Rickie Fowler
I’ve poked fun at Rickie Fowler for quite some time now. For a few years now, this kid has been more well known for his apparel style than his golf game. That has changed as has my opinion. In EVERY major this year Fowler has been right there, even had a chance to win. I respect that. He’ll get one.
Phil Mickelson
Phil has had a very lackluster season so far. I was pleased to see Phil bring it this past weekend and he produced some great drama, even tying for the lead for a bit. Ironically it was his short game failing him on the 16th hole Sunday, which led to a bogey which put him one back of McIlory.
Henrik Stenson
Henrik Stenson had a share of the lead for a bit. When he three putted I ducked, and I’m 2,000 miles from Valhalla. Stenson is a ticking time bomb and I wonder what he destroyed after yesterday’s round. Still, he’s an amazing player. Just ask his accountant.
Lee Westwood
I like Lee Westwood. He had the lead after the first round. But I’m not sure he can get over the hump and win a major championship. Maybe he hung around too much with Colin Montgomerie?
Bubba Watson
I missed much of this. Apparently Bubba Watson had some not-so worthy f-bombs which fell in earshot of not only the TV microphones, but small children. His behavior was enough to warrant many articles and commentary, and an apology on Twitter.
Dustin Johnson
DJ took a leave of absence before the PGA to work out personal issues. Many rumors and articles cited a suspension for drug use but the PGA Tour denied DJ was suspended. Sounds like a self-imposed suspension.
You are a reflection of who you hang out with. ‘Nuff said.
Will Tiger Break Jack’s record? I might break your jaw if you ask that question one more time…
Tiger Woods
Last but not least Tiger Woods. After withdrawing from the WGC Bridgestone the previous week and almost crawling to his courtesy car, Tiger was back at the PGA and was there to “win.” He did not win. He did not make the cut after shooting consecutive rounds of 74.
Many pundits are theorizing that he came back from back surgery too soon. Tiger insisted he was 100% healthy. Sounds to me like he’s floating down the river of de-Nile.
I’m not sure what to make of Tiger these days. Part of me thinks he should retire now, or at least take the rest of 2014 off and get healthy.
Final Thoughts
The PGA Championship marks a little bit of a sad day. It is symbolic of the golf season winding down. Summer is more than half over and soon here in northern Utah the snow will be flying and the golf clubs will be shelved for months.
I’ve been thinking of quitting golf lately, but if I’m going to I’d like to do it on my own terms, when I’m pissed off at it!
Right now I’m suffering from a bad case of golfer’s elbow. That injury may bench me before the snow flies.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
