Not much in the golf world this week to discuss, so it’s a good time to review some of the happenings of 2005.
The feel good stories of 2005
Tiger Woods
Tiger’s year is #1 in my book (though these are not in any particular order). Here’s a list of some Tiger nuggets of interest:
Two majors (Masters, British).
6 wins.
Player of the year.
Money title for PGA and world.
1st in scoring.
1st in all-around ranking.
1st in birdie average.
2nd in driving distance (316.1).
5th in putting (1.731).
Longest drive: 408 yards (2nd).
1st in back 9 scoring.
2nd in top 10 finishes.
1st in final round scoring.
1st in par 4 and par 5 birdies.
188th in driving accuracy*.
83rd in total driving*.
Missed 2 cuts.
Michelle Wie
15-16 years old and competing against men on the PGA Tour.
Turned pro and cashed in on a $10,000,000 Nike contract.
Jack Nicklaus
Said goodbye during a tearful Masters round, then waved goodbye for good at the British Open. So long Jack.
Biggest story for a player who didn’t win a tournament in 2005:
Chris DiMarco
Played a gutsy Masters and lost to Tiger in a playoff.
Anchored the President’s cup with 4-0-1 record.
Finished 7th on tour in money.
2nd at the Match Play Championship to David Toms.
2nd at the NEC.
A quick look at DiMarco’s stats and nearly none of them are mind blowingly impressive. The one stat not shown is the “guts” stat though. He’s number one in that category.
John Daly
Nice comeback during 2005.
Qualified for the 2006 Masters.
200th in driving accuracy*
5th in driving distance (310.1)!?
Phil Mickelson
Won 2nd major.
3rd on the money list.
Shot the lowest round on tour this year (60).
5th in scoring at 69.39.
26th in driving distance at 300!?
161st in driving accuracy*
Annika Sorenstam
With all the publicity surrounding Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis, Annika DOMINATED the LPGA Tour.
Michael Cambell
2005 European Tour player of the year.
2005 US Open Champ.
Jason Gore
Gore won over fans with his smile at the the US Open.
Earned “battle field promotion” to the PGA Tour.
Won first PGA Tour event at the 84 Lumber.
2nd on the Nationwide Tour money list.
Gore led the Nationwide Tour in the following categories: Eagles, scoring, par breakers, final round scoring, ball striking, total driving.
Colin Montgomerie
Wins the European Tour Order Of Merit.
Personal/blog story of the year
I met Jack.
My daughter and Bill Murray.
That’s my list. Anything I forgot that should be here? Just comment it in!
* I guess we know how important hitting the fairway is on the PGA Tour.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
