On Saturday, Mickelson put his struggles into perspective by saying how pleased he was to have his wife, Amy, who been battling breast cancer, with him this week and healthy enough to walk the hilly course two days in a row.
Regardless of starting the final round nine shots behind McIlroy, Mickelson never considered his position hopeless.
"I never feel like you're out of it here," he said. "I felt like if I could shoot something in the low 60s -- 63 or 64 -- you just never know what might happen. I really felt good; I just didn't put it together."
Phil Mickelson's official duties as defending champion at the Masters came to an end early Sunday evening when he graciously slipped a Green Jacket over the strong, lean shoulders of Charl Schwartzel. Even as late as Saturday afternoon, Mickelson was still hoping he would be the one helped into a Green Jacket.
But after he closed with a 74 to finish at 1-under-par 287, 13 shots behind the winner, Charl Schwartzel, Mickelson acknowledged that it just wasn't his round, his day or his Tournament. He had missed his chance, he said. Mickelson stated that the course was ripe for scoring; he just couldn't take advantage.
"Greens receptive, pins in spots you can get to, not much wind," the three-time Masters champion said. "But I struggled with the blade again and it was a frustrating week, really. I love these greens, I usually putt them very well, but I struggled this week."
Mickelson came into the week with high expectations -- his own and others'-- after a commanding victory the Sunday before at the Shell Houston Open. He had followed his tradition of playing a PGA Tour even the week prior to the Masters, and the strategy seemed to pay off.
Although he said he did not feel fatigued, Mickelson said he would take the next three weeks off. He plans to make his next appearance at Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow the first full weekend of May.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Finally,McIlroy's Dreams Turns to Despair
For every Masters champion and his Green Jacket and his story of triumph at Augusta National, there is often a tale like the one belonging to the 21-year-old McIlroy, who saw his chance to win his first major championship collide with trees, hide between cabins and drop into the creek.
McIlroy began the fourth round with a four-shot lead and was still clinging to a one-shot advantage when he arrived at the 10th tee, the 495-yard par-4. It was there that his trouble began. His drive sailed left, struck a tree and took a hard left turn, coming to rest between the Peek Cabin and the Berckmans Cabin.
He chopped out, across the fairway into the second cut. His next shot missed the green left and rolled beneath some trees. His fourth shot glanced off a tree. He chipped onto the green and then two-putted for a triple-bogey seven.
McIlroy's problems expanded after the 10th. He bogeyed the 11th, double-bogeyed the 12th with a three-putt and knocked his second shot into the water at the 13th and made bogey.
Then he buried his head in his arms, thus officially and unofficially signaling the end of his tournament.
As far as collapses go, McIlroy's was epic, mainly because it occurred in such a brief period of time, a seven-shot collapse in only four holes. At least Greg Norman needed an entire 18 holes to shoot 78 and see Nick Faldo come from six shots down on the last day to win the 1996 Masters.
What happened to McIlroy on Sunday didn't seem fair, but then again, golf doesn't really choose sides. And with the stakes so high and the pressure so great at the Masters, what happened to McIlroy may simply be explained away as the rub of the green.
Phil Mickelson, who has experienced the thrill of a Masters victory three times, played 42 majors as a professional before winning his first major, the 2004 Masters. He was sympathetic to McIlroy.
"It's very hard to sleep on the lead," Mickelson said. "It's hard to come out and play aggressively when guys are chasing after you and you've got the lead. We have seen guys do it over and over in history, throughout history at this tournament, guys want this thing so bad that sometimes it's hard to perform at the highest level."
Earlier Sunday, long before McIlroy began play, his agent explained one of the reasons why McIlroy is special.
McIlroy began the fourth round with a four-shot lead and was still clinging to a one-shot advantage when he arrived at the 10th tee, the 495-yard par-4. It was there that his trouble began. His drive sailed left, struck a tree and took a hard left turn, coming to rest between the Peek Cabin and the Berckmans Cabin.
He chopped out, across the fairway into the second cut. His next shot missed the green left and rolled beneath some trees. His fourth shot glanced off a tree. He chipped onto the green and then two-putted for a triple-bogey seven.
McIlroy's problems expanded after the 10th. He bogeyed the 11th, double-bogeyed the 12th with a three-putt and knocked his second shot into the water at the 13th and made bogey.
Then he buried his head in his arms, thus officially and unofficially signaling the end of his tournament.
As far as collapses go, McIlroy's was epic, mainly because it occurred in such a brief period of time, a seven-shot collapse in only four holes. At least Greg Norman needed an entire 18 holes to shoot 78 and see Nick Faldo come from six shots down on the last day to win the 1996 Masters.
What happened to McIlroy on Sunday didn't seem fair, but then again, golf doesn't really choose sides. And with the stakes so high and the pressure so great at the Masters, what happened to McIlroy may simply be explained away as the rub of the green.
Phil Mickelson, who has experienced the thrill of a Masters victory three times, played 42 majors as a professional before winning his first major, the 2004 Masters. He was sympathetic to McIlroy.
"It's very hard to sleep on the lead," Mickelson said. "It's hard to come out and play aggressively when guys are chasing after you and you've got the lead. We have seen guys do it over and over in history, throughout history at this tournament, guys want this thing so bad that sometimes it's hard to perform at the highest level."
Earlier Sunday, long before McIlroy began play, his agent explained one of the reasons why McIlroy is special.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Great Impact Emerged From Youth Movement
The story sounds like Tiger Woods in his youth.
Day shot 68 and finished tied for second. With two holes to play, he was two shots from the lead and refused to fold. Day knocked down birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, gave himself a chance, never gave up.
He's only 35, but already a transcendent moment has arrived. Surely, Woods' eagle at the eighth was the opening credit of a surreal rally that would have eclipsed Jack Nicklaus' charge in 1986?
"People with allergies are holding their sneezes," I scribbled while under a magnolia tree as Woods stalked the ninth fairway. So as not to distract Tiger, I guess. Or maybe patrons wanted another breathless moment from Woods, to believe the aura would deliver a fifth Green Jacket. Maybe just to say they were there.
But that's what I'll remember from the 75th Masters. How players Woods influenced are now the guys taking aim at him.
It's not so much Tiger's failures. Heck, he's dared these guys to beat him for over a decade now. Go ahead, be an athlete. Wake early, work out long and hard. Cardio. Weights. Nutrition. Don't just pound range balls. Go beyond being a golfer.
Apparently they've listened. Rory McIlroy, 21, melted amid the pressure, heat, humidity and intimidation of one of the wildest final round rushes in the 75-year history of the Masters. But for 63 holes he looked the part of champion, and spoke of building more character for the next time. Rickie Fowler's game (opened with a 70-69 in his first Masters) overshadows his neon wardrobe, and that's quite a feat for this 22-year-old. Ryo Ishikawa tied for 20th and has substance over style, too. He's only 19.
You'd figure Australian Jason Day, 23, to claim Greg Norman as his idol. You'd lose a Fosters on that one. "It's Woods," he said. "He's always been my favorite golfer and still is. Greg was a little bit before my time. I was born in '87, so he was at his peak around that time."
Day heard the roars announcing Woods' presence and saw his name climb the leader board. "All you'd hear, just so many roars, every hole you'd seem to hear a roar coming from where he was," Day said. "When he eagled No. 8 ... that guy's just a freak."
Day shot 68 and finished tied for second. With two holes to play, he was two shots from the lead and refused to fold. Day knocked down birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, gave himself a chance, never gave up.
He's only 35, but already a transcendent moment has arrived. Surely, Woods' eagle at the eighth was the opening credit of a surreal rally that would have eclipsed Jack Nicklaus' charge in 1986?
"People with allergies are holding their sneezes," I scribbled while under a magnolia tree as Woods stalked the ninth fairway. So as not to distract Tiger, I guess. Or maybe patrons wanted another breathless moment from Woods, to believe the aura would deliver a fifth Green Jacket. Maybe just to say they were there.
But that's what I'll remember from the 75th Masters. How players Woods influenced are now the guys taking aim at him.
It's not so much Tiger's failures. Heck, he's dared these guys to beat him for over a decade now. Go ahead, be an athlete. Wake early, work out long and hard. Cardio. Weights. Nutrition. Don't just pound range balls. Go beyond being a golfer.
Apparently they've listened. Rory McIlroy, 21, melted amid the pressure, heat, humidity and intimidation of one of the wildest final round rushes in the 75-year history of the Masters. But for 63 holes he looked the part of champion, and spoke of building more character for the next time. Rickie Fowler's game (opened with a 70-69 in his first Masters) overshadows his neon wardrobe, and that's quite a feat for this 22-year-old. Ryo Ishikawa tied for 20th and has substance over style, too. He's only 19.
You'd figure Australian Jason Day, 23, to claim Greg Norman as his idol. You'd lose a Fosters on that one. "It's Woods," he said. "He's always been my favorite golfer and still is. Greg was a little bit before my time. I was born in '87, so he was at his peak around that time."
Day heard the roars announcing Woods' presence and saw his name climb the leader board. "All you'd hear, just so many roars, every hole you'd seem to hear a roar coming from where he was," Day said. "When he eagled No. 8 ... that guy's just a freak."
Still, The Best Result Come to Mcllro
Rory McIlroy of N. Ireland hits from the No. 2 fairway bunker during the final round of the 2011 Masters Tournament.
Without exception, the media and his peers marveled at his effortlessness. He possessed the calm, collected demeanor of a young man mature beyond his years. Cooler than the other side of the pillow.
In his third Masters appearance, Rory must have understood all the bad stuff that could happen. So many things could go wrong. And sadly, most of them did. Repeatedly.
Rory McIlory may have lost the match and tied for 15th, but he gained millions of fans with his gutty performance. If this lousy round had happened any other day, nobody would ever have noticed.
It's impossible to figure out what precipitated a collapse worthy of a Senate investigation. Did he wilt in the heat? Wither under the pressure? Was the Celtic Tiger spooked to hear the roar of his older American cousin ahead of him?
Maybe it was the growing legion of following fans. Or playing for the first time all week with someone not named Jason Day. Perhaps he was unnerved by CBS and its 8,000 cameras trained so tight the whole world could examine the texture of the hairs inside his left nostril.
But collapse he did. Bogey on the first hole. Second hole drives into a bunker. Scrapes the bunker on the way out, then quickly into another bunker. Beach to beach. A lot of us can relate. And when we can relate, that's not so good, buddy. A par save seemed like a victory. But in the pairing ahead of him, Charl Schwartzel pitched in a birdie on the first hole, then an eagle on the par-4 third. McIlroy went from a four-stroke lead to being tied after two holes.
And if you think that wouldn't unnerve you, you should really see about having your central nervous system reconnected to your brain stem. Despite the roars echoing around him, McIlroy did pull it together to lead the field by one after the first nine. But the roof fell in on 10, and the falling continued right off the leader board, culminating in an affecting, anguished pose on 13 after he pulled his drive into the Fruitlands Branch tributary of Rae's Creek.
Without exception, the media and his peers marveled at his effortlessness. He possessed the calm, collected demeanor of a young man mature beyond his years. Cooler than the other side of the pillow.
In his third Masters appearance, Rory must have understood all the bad stuff that could happen. So many things could go wrong. And sadly, most of them did. Repeatedly.
Rory McIlory may have lost the match and tied for 15th, but he gained millions of fans with his gutty performance. If this lousy round had happened any other day, nobody would ever have noticed.
It's impossible to figure out what precipitated a collapse worthy of a Senate investigation. Did he wilt in the heat? Wither under the pressure? Was the Celtic Tiger spooked to hear the roar of his older American cousin ahead of him?
Maybe it was the growing legion of following fans. Or playing for the first time all week with someone not named Jason Day. Perhaps he was unnerved by CBS and its 8,000 cameras trained so tight the whole world could examine the texture of the hairs inside his left nostril.
But collapse he did. Bogey on the first hole. Second hole drives into a bunker. Scrapes the bunker on the way out, then quickly into another bunker. Beach to beach. A lot of us can relate. And when we can relate, that's not so good, buddy. A par save seemed like a victory. But in the pairing ahead of him, Charl Schwartzel pitched in a birdie on the first hole, then an eagle on the par-4 third. McIlroy went from a four-stroke lead to being tied after two holes.
And if you think that wouldn't unnerve you, you should really see about having your central nervous system reconnected to your brain stem. Despite the roars echoing around him, McIlroy did pull it together to lead the field by one after the first nine. But the roof fell in on 10, and the falling continued right off the leader board, culminating in an affecting, anguished pose on 13 after he pulled his drive into the Fruitlands Branch tributary of Rae's Creek.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Darren Clarke 'competition with Chris Wood
Clarke shot a 1-under 69 to finish at 6-under 274.
The 42-year-old Clarke takes home a $235,000 paycheck with his 13th career European win and first since 2008.
"It's a bit of a monkey to get off my back after three years not winning so it's good," Clarke said. "At the same time I feel a lot for Chris Wood -- he's a young guy, a great player and I've been in his position before."
Wood held a comfortable margin over Clarke and Shane Lowry (74) going into Sunday's final round at the Pula golf course, but a terrible back nine cost the English player his first European Tour victory.
The 23-year-old Wood three-putted at the 12th and 13th before powering his drive out of bounds at No. 15, where Clarke's birdie put him in the lead for good.
Wood's 6-over 76 left him tied with runner-up David Lynn (70) of England.
"It was an extremely tough day on the course and it was a bit of a grind all the way round," Wood said. "When you start dropping shots and you hit one out of bounds your head starts going all over the place and it's difficult to keep going, really."
Alastair Forsyth (70) finished four shots back in third, one better than Paul Lawrie (70) of Scotland, Ireland's Lowry (74), Graeme Storm (70) of England and Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal (73), who helped redesign the course where he won in 2005.
The 42-year-old Clarke takes home a $235,000 paycheck with his 13th career European win and first since 2008.
"It's a bit of a monkey to get off my back after three years not winning so it's good," Clarke said. "At the same time I feel a lot for Chris Wood -- he's a young guy, a great player and I've been in his position before."
Wood held a comfortable margin over Clarke and Shane Lowry (74) going into Sunday's final round at the Pula golf course, but a terrible back nine cost the English player his first European Tour victory.
The 23-year-old Wood three-putted at the 12th and 13th before powering his drive out of bounds at No. 15, where Clarke's birdie put him in the lead for good.
Wood's 6-over 76 left him tied with runner-up David Lynn (70) of England.
"It was an extremely tough day on the course and it was a bit of a grind all the way round," Wood said. "When you start dropping shots and you hit one out of bounds your head starts going all over the place and it's difficult to keep going, really."
Alastair Forsyth (70) finished four shots back in third, one better than Paul Lawrie (70) of Scotland, Ireland's Lowry (74), Graeme Storm (70) of England and Spanish golfer Jose Maria Olazabal (73), who helped redesign the course where he won in 2005.
Tiger's future is more uncertain
It is very hard to separate fact from fiction with Tiger Woods. Explaining his withdrawal, Woods said, "The knee acted up and then the Achilles followed after that, and then the calf started cramping up. Everything started getting tight, so it's just a whole chain reaction." But when he climbed a small set of steps en route to his waiting white Mercedes sedan, he took them by two.
He was at the Players for only one reason: he needed, to use one of his words, reps. He needed more tournaments before the U.S. Open. In a pre-tournament press conference, Woods said, "The whole idea is that I peak four times a year, and I'm trying to get ready for Congressional, and I need some playing time. I missed playing at [Quail Hollow], a golf course I truly love playing, but I really want to get out there and play and compete. This is a big event, and I want to be here and play."
I don't doubt that his left knee and Achilles' tendon were hurting, or that his left calf cramped up on him. But I also think Tiger Woods is about as physically tough as anybody who has ever played golf, and that if he liked the course and cared about the event and had striped his opening tee shot with a 3-wood instead of hitting a pull-hook, he would still be playing.
Another Players title would do almost nothing for his golfing legacy, and a T48 would, of course, do even less. He's way beyond all that — playing for checks and pride — which is why he didn't finish his Sunday round at last year's Players. The reason for his withdrawal then was an inflamed neck joint.
But the thing about Tiger, the thing that made him Tiger Woods — and this has been said a million times, but it's true — is that he was the greatest grinder in the history of golf, or right up there with Ben Hogan and Bill Britton. But since returning to the Tour at the 2010 Masters, after his brief hiatus following his Thanksgiving 2009 "fire hydrant" debacle, we haven't seen his old grinding ways. Asked why he doesn't play more tournaments, Woods said, movingly, "Well, because I have a family. I'm divorced. If you've been divorced with kids, then you would understand." I'm sure he's trying to be the best parent he can be. That's in his DNA. It's also easy to imagine that golf is just not as important to him as it once was.
On Golf Channel, Brandel Chamblee's analysis of Tiger's problems was incredibly incisive. He talked about how Tiger has abused his lower body with his massive gym-built upper body. He said he once had the perfect physique for golf — "sinewy," he said — and now he does not. And he did. The perfect body and the perfect mind. But not anymore.
Practicing putting is a boring activity unless you are extremely committed to improving. Tiger's been hitting some beautiful iron shots this year. His driving has been iffy. His putting, by his old standards, has been a joke. He could have won the Masters easily if he would have made all of his five footers on Saturday and Sunday. You might say that nobody makes every five-footer. That's not true. Tiger did, for years.
He actually smiled several times when he spent two minutes talking to reporters before making his Florida getaway while his playing partners, Matt Kuchar and Martin Kaymer, soldiered on in the heat and the humidity. They're playing to win. If they don't, they're playing for the money. What's Tiger Woods going to play for? When he left TPC Sawgrass Thursday morning, where did he go? Who did he call? Not Butch. Sadly, not Earl. Not Elin. Who?
When anybody else makes a triple bogey on a Thursday morning, nobody cares. When Tiger Woods makes a triple bogey on a Thursday morning, everybody talks about it. Butch Harmon, Woods's former teacher, was walking the TPC Sawgrass course Thursday morning, following Nick Watney, checking scores in a grove of trees on his cell phone. He saw Woods's bogey on the first, his triple on the fourth, his bogey on the fifth. Before it was over, Woods shot 42. "I was surprised to see him play here," Harmon said. "I'll be surprised if he plays the U.S. Open."
That's where this WD is going. Will Tiger play in the U.S. Open at Congressional in June? Will Tiger Woods ever win a 15th major? Or an 18th, which would tie him with Jack Nicklaus for the most professional majors?
He was at the Players for only one reason: he needed, to use one of his words, reps. He needed more tournaments before the U.S. Open. In a pre-tournament press conference, Woods said, "The whole idea is that I peak four times a year, and I'm trying to get ready for Congressional, and I need some playing time. I missed playing at [Quail Hollow], a golf course I truly love playing, but I really want to get out there and play and compete. This is a big event, and I want to be here and play."
I don't doubt that his left knee and Achilles' tendon were hurting, or that his left calf cramped up on him. But I also think Tiger Woods is about as physically tough as anybody who has ever played golf, and that if he liked the course and cared about the event and had striped his opening tee shot with a 3-wood instead of hitting a pull-hook, he would still be playing.
Another Players title would do almost nothing for his golfing legacy, and a T48 would, of course, do even less. He's way beyond all that — playing for checks and pride — which is why he didn't finish his Sunday round at last year's Players. The reason for his withdrawal then was an inflamed neck joint.
But the thing about Tiger, the thing that made him Tiger Woods — and this has been said a million times, but it's true — is that he was the greatest grinder in the history of golf, or right up there with Ben Hogan and Bill Britton. But since returning to the Tour at the 2010 Masters, after his brief hiatus following his Thanksgiving 2009 "fire hydrant" debacle, we haven't seen his old grinding ways. Asked why he doesn't play more tournaments, Woods said, movingly, "Well, because I have a family. I'm divorced. If you've been divorced with kids, then you would understand." I'm sure he's trying to be the best parent he can be. That's in his DNA. It's also easy to imagine that golf is just not as important to him as it once was.
On Golf Channel, Brandel Chamblee's analysis of Tiger's problems was incredibly incisive. He talked about how Tiger has abused his lower body with his massive gym-built upper body. He said he once had the perfect physique for golf — "sinewy," he said — and now he does not. And he did. The perfect body and the perfect mind. But not anymore.
Practicing putting is a boring activity unless you are extremely committed to improving. Tiger's been hitting some beautiful iron shots this year. His driving has been iffy. His putting, by his old standards, has been a joke. He could have won the Masters easily if he would have made all of his five footers on Saturday and Sunday. You might say that nobody makes every five-footer. That's not true. Tiger did, for years.
He actually smiled several times when he spent two minutes talking to reporters before making his Florida getaway while his playing partners, Matt Kuchar and Martin Kaymer, soldiered on in the heat and the humidity. They're playing to win. If they don't, they're playing for the money. What's Tiger Woods going to play for? When he left TPC Sawgrass Thursday morning, where did he go? Who did he call? Not Butch. Sadly, not Earl. Not Elin. Who?
When anybody else makes a triple bogey on a Thursday morning, nobody cares. When Tiger Woods makes a triple bogey on a Thursday morning, everybody talks about it. Butch Harmon, Woods's former teacher, was walking the TPC Sawgrass course Thursday morning, following Nick Watney, checking scores in a grove of trees on his cell phone. He saw Woods's bogey on the first, his triple on the fourth, his bogey on the fifth. Before it was over, Woods shot 42. "I was surprised to see him play here," Harmon said. "I'll be surprised if he plays the U.S. Open."
That's where this WD is going. Will Tiger play in the U.S. Open at Congressional in June? Will Tiger Woods ever win a 15th major? Or an 18th, which would tie him with Jack Nicklaus for the most professional majors?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tiger：I still aiming to be at US Open
Tiger Woods announced on his website Monday that he still plans on playing in the U.S. Open in June at Congressional.
He says he did not do any more damage to his left knee and Achilles last week and expects to play in the U.S. Open.
Woods withdrew from The Players Championship after only nine holes because of pain in his left leg. He was 6-over par at the time, the shortest tournament of his career.
On his website Monday, Woods says he irritated his knee and Achilles, and that there is no time fame for when it will heal. He said on Twitter that he expects to be at the U.S. Open on June 16-19 and "will do all I can to get there."
He is unlikely to play at the Memorial, which is two weeks before the U.S. Open.
He says he did not do any more damage to his left knee and Achilles last week and expects to play in the U.S. Open.
Woods withdrew from The Players Championship after only nine holes because of pain in his left leg. He was 6-over par at the time, the shortest tournament of his career.
On his website Monday, Woods says he irritated his knee and Achilles, and that there is no time fame for when it will heal. He said on Twitter that he expects to be at the U.S. Open on June 16-19 and "will do all I can to get there."
He is unlikely to play at the Memorial, which is two weeks before the U.S. Open.
Try every effort to help your putting
If this is you then this drill will certainly help. Pace control with you’re putting leads to fewer putts and better scoring. All you will need is your putter, 3 balls and five tees.
Position yourself on a flat surface on the putting green and place a tee where you will address the ball.
Step three paces forward then place another tee continuing to place the remaining tees at putter length intervals so they are in a straight line (you should have four tees set-up in a straight line).
Your goal is to putt 3 balls to each space made by the tees and see how many finish in each section. Test yourself further by putting one ball into each section in a row.
By following this drill it is a good way to develop feel and rhythm with your stroke so the next time you are faced with that important putt you will know exactly how hard to hit it.
A few bonus points to remember with putting are:
As you make your practice strokes make them match the speed for the length of the putt,
Align the club face first then the body second.
Keep your head steady throughout impact and watch the ball with your eyes as you make the stroke to avoid peaking to early.
How often have we struck that wonderful shot into the heart of the green in regulation then walked off with a soft bogey, double or even triple? You think to yourself how on earth did that happen? You had the game mastered as you walked onto that green whilst tucking your glove into your back pocket, you thought to yourself all I need to do now is to tap this in and I can walk off with a birdie then I will be a few of shots under my handicap!
Not to be denied and full of adrenaline you blast your first attempt so far past the hole that the next putt is almost the same length coming back. With the pressure on and your playing partners overseeing your pain you then miss the next putt coming back to the hole. You walk up disgruntled and tap the ball with the back of the putter in the cup for a disappointing 1 pointer.
Position yourself on a flat surface on the putting green and place a tee where you will address the ball.
Step three paces forward then place another tee continuing to place the remaining tees at putter length intervals so they are in a straight line (you should have four tees set-up in a straight line).
Your goal is to putt 3 balls to each space made by the tees and see how many finish in each section. Test yourself further by putting one ball into each section in a row.
By following this drill it is a good way to develop feel and rhythm with your stroke so the next time you are faced with that important putt you will know exactly how hard to hit it.
A few bonus points to remember with putting are:
As you make your practice strokes make them match the speed for the length of the putt,
Align the club face first then the body second.
Keep your head steady throughout impact and watch the ball with your eyes as you make the stroke to avoid peaking to early.
How often have we struck that wonderful shot into the heart of the green in regulation then walked off with a soft bogey, double or even triple? You think to yourself how on earth did that happen? You had the game mastered as you walked onto that green whilst tucking your glove into your back pocket, you thought to yourself all I need to do now is to tap this in and I can walk off with a birdie then I will be a few of shots under my handicap!
Not to be denied and full of adrenaline you blast your first attempt so far past the hole that the next putt is almost the same length coming back. With the pressure on and your playing partners overseeing your pain you then miss the next putt coming back to the hole. You walk up disgruntled and tap the ball with the back of the putter in the cup for a disappointing 1 pointer.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Henson wins first in Philippines
Unho Park (72) was the next best of the Aussies four shots further back, while Adam Groom (six over) and Darren Beck (eight over) were also well off the pace.
But it was Henson's day, the American holding off local hope Jay Bayron to win his first Asian Tour title.
Henson made a pivotal up-and-down for par on the last hole to close with one-over-par 73 to clinch his second international title in the space of two weeks at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
South Africa's Jbe Kruger was third while India's Digvijay Singh was a stroke back in fourth as he secured his first top-five placing since 2003.
"I feel like I went 72 rounds with Manny Pacquiao this week and didn't get Knocked out. I played on a very difficult golf course and the weather was brutal. It was a hard win," Henson said.
"We were all struggling to make birdies and stay aggressive on the back nine. I made a couple of mistakes coming in but everything worked out for me on the last hole."
The home crowd did their best to get Bayron over the line but his title aspirations were dashed when he made two straight bogeys from the 14th hole.
"Honestly, I was playing for second after the 15th hole. I tried to keep the thought of winning out of my mind for the entire round," he said.
"Finishing second is a good result for me and I hope to build on this confidence."
Meanwhile, at the PGA Championship Nissin on the Japan Tour, local player Hiroo Kawai shot a final round 68 to claim victory by two strokes.
Starting the last round equal with Sang-Moon Bae, the 40-year-old went three under for the day to ensure he would loft the trophy.
But it was Henson's day, the American holding off local hope Jay Bayron to win his first Asian Tour title.
Henson made a pivotal up-and-down for par on the last hole to close with one-over-par 73 to clinch his second international title in the space of two weeks at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
South Africa's Jbe Kruger was third while India's Digvijay Singh was a stroke back in fourth as he secured his first top-five placing since 2003.
"I feel like I went 72 rounds with Manny Pacquiao this week and didn't get Knocked out. I played on a very difficult golf course and the weather was brutal. It was a hard win," Henson said.
"We were all struggling to make birdies and stay aggressive on the back nine. I made a couple of mistakes coming in but everything worked out for me on the last hole."
The home crowd did their best to get Bayron over the line but his title aspirations were dashed when he made two straight bogeys from the 14th hole.
"Honestly, I was playing for second after the 15th hole. I tried to keep the thought of winning out of my mind for the entire round," he said.
"Finishing second is a good result for me and I hope to build on this confidence."
Meanwhile, at the PGA Championship Nissin on the Japan Tour, local player Hiroo Kawai shot a final round 68 to claim victory by two strokes.
Starting the last round equal with Sang-Moon Bae, the 40-year-old went three under for the day to ensure he would loft the trophy.
Choi break rivals toughly
Choi said: "The back nine is really difficult and puts a lot of pressure on you, but for some reason today I felt very comfortable out there.
"I've worked with my swing coach Steve Bann for over six years now and we've gone through a lot of work together.
"The swing that I have right now doesn't really break down under pressure situations."
Toms added: "I was very happy with the way I held up the last 31 holes I played today.
"With the lead or being around the lead the whole time, it's tough when you haven't been there in a while and when you haven't played this golf course well.
"Obviously, three-putting in the play-off wasn't what I'd like to do, but I thought I made the first one.
"I was probably thinking ahead and thinking about the next hole, and I just got up there and missed it."
Choi claimed his eighth victory in the States - more than any other Asian player and one worth over ￡1million - after a thrilling finish which culminated in a play-off.
Rival David Toms, without a win for more than six years, was one in front with three to go, but bogeyed the long 16th after hitting his second into the lake.
Choi then made a 10-footer for a two at the 130-yard 17th, only for Toms to hole from 17 feet for birdie on the last.
They tied on 13 under and returned to the 17th, where 44-year-old Toms three-putted from 18 feet and allowed 40-year-old Choi to become the fourth successive non-American to triumph after Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Tim Clark.
"I've worked with my swing coach Steve Bann for over six years now and we've gone through a lot of work together.
"The swing that I have right now doesn't really break down under pressure situations."
Toms added: "I was very happy with the way I held up the last 31 holes I played today.
"With the lead or being around the lead the whole time, it's tough when you haven't been there in a while and when you haven't played this golf course well.
"Obviously, three-putting in the play-off wasn't what I'd like to do, but I thought I made the first one.
"I was probably thinking ahead and thinking about the next hole, and I just got up there and missed it."
Choi claimed his eighth victory in the States - more than any other Asian player and one worth over ￡1million - after a thrilling finish which culminated in a play-off.
Rival David Toms, without a win for more than six years, was one in front with three to go, but bogeyed the long 16th after hitting his second into the lake.
Choi then made a 10-footer for a two at the 130-yard 17th, only for Toms to hole from 17 feet for birdie on the last.
They tied on 13 under and returned to the 17th, where 44-year-old Toms three-putted from 18 feet and allowed 40-year-old Choi to become the fourth successive non-American to triumph after Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Tim Clark.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The proper golf clubs for the beginners
Do you plan to play golf ? when you decided to play golf,the first thing you should do is to choose the proper golf clubs, but do you know which golf clubs are proper for you. here are two golf clubs are fit for the beginners.
The first one is Callaway X-24 HOT Irons, X-24 HOT Irons are the longest and most accurate X series irons, they can give golfers a satisfied distance with Callaway's VFT face technology, there is more weight in the perimeter of the irons' clubhead, so it can promote accuracy and control and enables an optimal CG position that provides strong trajectories. so the X-24 HOT Irons are very proper for the beginner who has problem in power and distance.
The other is the Ping K15 driver, K15 driver has a larger head design and a light weight, so it make the golfer to hit the ball easily with fast speed, with the Ping's famous Straight Flight Technology, the K15 can give you a straighter and longer ball, what's more. its enhanced face design make the beginner hit the faster ball even they are on off center hit. so the K15 driver is also an ideal golf club for the golf beginners.
The first one is Callaway X-24 HOT Irons, X-24 HOT Irons are the longest and most accurate X series irons, they can give golfers a satisfied distance with Callaway's VFT face technology, there is more weight in the perimeter of the irons' clubhead, so it can promote accuracy and control and enables an optimal CG position that provides strong trajectories. so the X-24 HOT Irons are very proper for the beginner who has problem in power and distance.
The other is the Ping K15 driver, K15 driver has a larger head design and a light weight, so it make the golfer to hit the ball easily with fast speed, with the Ping's famous Straight Flight Technology, the K15 can give you a straighter and longer ball, what's more. its enhanced face design make the beginner hit the faster ball even they are on off center hit. so the K15 driver is also an ideal golf club for the golf beginners.
who is the most successful golfers in U.S Open
The 2011 U.S Open is ended, when you try to recall the previous championships, can you find who the most successful golfer is in the U.S Open history. here I list two player who I think is the most successful, you can also have your most successful player.
No.1 Tiger woods, I think Tiger is the most successful professional golfer in the U.S Open, he has won 71 offical PGA Tour events inluding three U.S Open, Tiger is one of five players to win the all four professional major Championships, the other four is Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player,Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen, he is also is the highest paid professional player in the world, so I think Tiger Woods is really a great golfer, even though he attend few tours this year, but he is still successful.
No.2 Bobby Jones , I think Jones is the most successful amateur golfer in the U.S Open, in 1923, Jones won his first U.S Open, and in 1926 he became the first player to win both the U.S Open and the Open Championship, in his lifetime , he toatlly won four U.S Open, as a amateur, I think Jones was really successful in the golf, even more successful than some professional players.
No.1 Tiger woods, I think Tiger is the most successful professional golfer in the U.S Open, he has won 71 offical PGA Tour events inluding three U.S Open, Tiger is one of five players to win the all four professional major Championships, the other four is Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player,Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen, he is also is the highest paid professional player in the world, so I think Tiger Woods is really a great golfer, even though he attend few tours this year, but he is still successful.
No.2 Bobby Jones , I think Jones is the most successful amateur golfer in the U.S Open, in 1923, Jones won his first U.S Open, and in 1926 he became the first player to win both the U.S Open and the Open Championship, in his lifetime , he toatlly won four U.S Open, as a amateur, I think Jones was really successful in the golf, even more successful than some professional players.
Callaway's cheapest Diablo Octane Tour Driver
Diablo Octane Tour Driver which made by newest forged composite is a lighter, stronger and faster golf club from Callaway, what's more, it is very cheap, so with the perfect quality and cheap price, the Callaway Diablo Octane Tour Driver is so hot among the golfers now.
The manager of Callaway said the Diablo Octane Tour Drive is designed for the people who want distance,distance and more distance, so if you also hope that there is some improvement in your distance, you can choose the Diablo Octane Tour Driver, the crown of Diablo Octane Tour Driver is made with the forged composite materials, so compared with all-titanium driver, the Diablo Octane Tour Driver has a lighter clubhead and retains an extremely high MOI. this driver also has a project X graphite shaft, so the driver is very easy to use and can give golfers a fast speed and long distance. so choose the good driver to perfect your golf.
The manager of Callaway said the Diablo Octane Tour Drive is designed for the people who want distance,distance and more distance, so if you also hope that there is some improvement in your distance, you can choose the Diablo Octane Tour Driver, the crown of Diablo Octane Tour Driver is made with the forged composite materials, so compared with all-titanium driver, the Diablo Octane Tour Driver has a lighter clubhead and retains an extremely high MOI. this driver also has a project X graphite shaft, so the driver is very easy to use and can give golfers a fast speed and long distance. so choose the good driver to perfect your golf.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Kirkham swoops for Croft win
Kirkham, 26, was in the ascendancy, and picked off Mason before stunning Samsung Suzuki team-mate Hopkins by charging into the lead with seven laps remaining and going on to win by almost three seconds.
He said: “I honestly can’t believe it. That was the scariest race of my life in terms of deciding on tyres and the changing conditions but what a race.
But Kirkham’s hopes of completing a victory double ended on the first lap of the second race as he went down in a tangle with Michael Laverty.
“I wish it could have been a double win here today for HM Plant Honda as I have been desperate to do a good job here this weekend,” Byrne said.
“It was disappointing we had our first mechanical problem of the year in the opening race but we bounced back for the second one and I am pleased we still have the championship lead.”
Byrne took charge, leading throughout to take the victory and establish a 95-92 championship lead over Hopkins, who finished third, just adrift of Stuart Easton.
Londoner Byrne bemoaned his luck in the first race but was happy to come back strongly in the second.
World Touring Car Championship leader Robert Huff completed a double race victory at Monza by beating his Chevrolet team-mate Yvan Muller into second place in both races.
The first race saw a three-way battle between the Chevrolet drivers as Huff, Muller and Alain Menu battled right from the start in an attempt to take maximum points from the first race.
Thirty-one-year-old Huff was also run close by Frenchman Muller in the second race, eventually beating his team-mate over the line by just over two-tenths of a second.
His success came in a weather-affected opening race of the third round of the season, while Shane Byrne won race two to go to the top of the overall standings.
He said: “I honestly can’t believe it. That was the scariest race of my life in terms of deciding on tyres and the changing conditions but what a race.
But Kirkham’s hopes of completing a victory double ended on the first lap of the second race as he went down in a tangle with Michael Laverty.
“I wish it could have been a double win here today for HM Plant Honda as I have been desperate to do a good job here this weekend,” Byrne said.
“It was disappointing we had our first mechanical problem of the year in the opening race but we bounced back for the second one and I am pleased we still have the championship lead.”
Byrne took charge, leading throughout to take the victory and establish a 95-92 championship lead over Hopkins, who finished third, just adrift of Stuart Easton.
Londoner Byrne bemoaned his luck in the first race but was happy to come back strongly in the second.
World Touring Car Championship leader Robert Huff completed a double race victory at Monza by beating his Chevrolet team-mate Yvan Muller into second place in both races.
The first race saw a three-way battle between the Chevrolet drivers as Huff, Muller and Alain Menu battled right from the start in an attempt to take maximum points from the first race.
Thirty-one-year-old Huff was also run close by Frenchman Muller in the second race, eventually beating his team-mate over the line by just over two-tenths of a second.
His success came in a weather-affected opening race of the third round of the season, while Shane Byrne won race two to go to the top of the overall standings.
Mickelson Fails to Meet His Expectation
On Saturday, Mickelson put his struggles into perspective by saying how pleased he was to have his wife, Amy, who been battling breast cancer, with him this week and healthy enough to walk the hilly course two days in a row.
Regardless of starting the final round nine shots behind McIlroy, Mickelson never considered his position hopeless.
"I never feel like you're out of it here," he said. "I felt like if I could shoot something in the low 60s -- 63 or 64 -- you just never know what might happen. I really felt good; I just didn't put it together."
Phil Mickelson's official duties as defending champion at the Masters came to an end early Sunday evening when he graciously slipped a Green Jacket over the strong, lean shoulders of Charl Schwartzel. Even as late as Saturday afternoon, Mickelson was still hoping he would be the one helped into a Green Jacket.
But after he closed with a 74 to finish at 1-under-par 287, 13 shots behind the winner, Charl Schwartzel, Mickelson acknowledged that it just wasn't his round, his day or his Tournament. He had missed his chance, he said. Mickelson stated that the course was ripe for scoring; he just couldn't take advantage.
"Greens receptive, pins in spots you can get to, not much wind," the three-time Masters champion said. "But I struggled with the blade again and it was a frustrating week, really. I love these greens, I usually putt them very well, but I struggled this week."
Mickelson came into the week with high expectations -- his own and others'-- after a commanding victory the Sunday before at the Shell Houston Open. He had followed his tradition of playing a PGA Tour even the week prior to the Masters, and the strategy seemed to pay off.
Although he said he did not feel fatigued, Mickelson said he would take the next three weeks off. He plans to make his next appearance at Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow the first full weekend of May.
Regardless of starting the final round nine shots behind McIlroy, Mickelson never considered his position hopeless.
"I never feel like you're out of it here," he said. "I felt like if I could shoot something in the low 60s -- 63 or 64 -- you just never know what might happen. I really felt good; I just didn't put it together."
Phil Mickelson's official duties as defending champion at the Masters came to an end early Sunday evening when he graciously slipped a Green Jacket over the strong, lean shoulders of Charl Schwartzel. Even as late as Saturday afternoon, Mickelson was still hoping he would be the one helped into a Green Jacket.
But after he closed with a 74 to finish at 1-under-par 287, 13 shots behind the winner, Charl Schwartzel, Mickelson acknowledged that it just wasn't his round, his day or his Tournament. He had missed his chance, he said. Mickelson stated that the course was ripe for scoring; he just couldn't take advantage.
"Greens receptive, pins in spots you can get to, not much wind," the three-time Masters champion said. "But I struggled with the blade again and it was a frustrating week, really. I love these greens, I usually putt them very well, but I struggled this week."
Mickelson came into the week with high expectations -- his own and others'-- after a commanding victory the Sunday before at the Shell Houston Open. He had followed his tradition of playing a PGA Tour even the week prior to the Masters, and the strategy seemed to pay off.
Although he said he did not feel fatigued, Mickelson said he would take the next three weeks off. He plans to make his next appearance at Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow the first full weekend of May.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Finally,McIlroy's Dreams Turns to Despair
For every Masters champion and his Green Jacket and his story of triumph at Augusta National, there is often a tale like the one belonging to the 21-year-old McIlroy, who saw his chance to win his first major championship collide with trees, hide between cabins and drop into the creek.
McIlroy began the fourth round with a four-shot lead and was still clinging to a one-shot advantage when he arrived at the 10th tee, the 495-yard par-4. It was there that his trouble began. His drive sailed left, struck a tree and took a hard left turn, coming to rest between the Peek Cabin and the Berckmans Cabin.
He chopped out, across the fairway into the second cut. His next shot missed the green left and rolled beneath some trees. His fourth shot glanced off a tree. He chipped onto the green and then two-putted for a triple-bogey seven.
McIlroy's problems expanded after the 10th. He bogeyed the 11th, double-bogeyed the 12th with a three-putt and knocked his second shot into the water at the 13th and made bogey.
Then he buried his head in his arms, thus officially and unofficially signaling the end of his tournament.
As far as collapses go, McIlroy's was epic, mainly because it occurred in such a brief period of time, a seven-shot collapse in only four holes. At least Greg Norman needed an entire 18 holes to shoot 78 and see Nick Faldo come from six shots down on the last day to win the 1996 Masters.
What happened to McIlroy on Sunday didn't seem fair, but then again, golf doesn't really choose sides. And with the stakes so high and the pressure so great at the Masters, what happened to McIlroy may simply be explained away as the rub of the green.
Phil Mickelson, who has experienced the thrill of a Masters victory three times, played 42 majors as a professional before winning his first major, the 2004 Masters. He was sympathetic to McIlroy.
"It's very hard to sleep on the lead," Mickelson said. "It's hard to come out and play aggressively when guys are chasing after you and you've got the lead. We have seen guys do it over and over in history, throughout history at this tournament, guys want this thing so bad that sometimes it's hard to perform at the highest level."
Earlier Sunday, long before McIlroy began play, his agent explained one of the reasons why McIlroy is special.
McIlroy began the fourth round with a four-shot lead and was still clinging to a one-shot advantage when he arrived at the 10th tee, the 495-yard par-4. It was there that his trouble began. His drive sailed left, struck a tree and took a hard left turn, coming to rest between the Peek Cabin and the Berckmans Cabin.
He chopped out, across the fairway into the second cut. His next shot missed the green left and rolled beneath some trees. His fourth shot glanced off a tree. He chipped onto the green and then two-putted for a triple-bogey seven.
McIlroy's problems expanded after the 10th. He bogeyed the 11th, double-bogeyed the 12th with a three-putt and knocked his second shot into the water at the 13th and made bogey.
Then he buried his head in his arms, thus officially and unofficially signaling the end of his tournament.
As far as collapses go, McIlroy's was epic, mainly because it occurred in such a brief period of time, a seven-shot collapse in only four holes. At least Greg Norman needed an entire 18 holes to shoot 78 and see Nick Faldo come from six shots down on the last day to win the 1996 Masters.
What happened to McIlroy on Sunday didn't seem fair, but then again, golf doesn't really choose sides. And with the stakes so high and the pressure so great at the Masters, what happened to McIlroy may simply be explained away as the rub of the green.
Phil Mickelson, who has experienced the thrill of a Masters victory three times, played 42 majors as a professional before winning his first major, the 2004 Masters. He was sympathetic to McIlroy.
"It's very hard to sleep on the lead," Mickelson said. "It's hard to come out and play aggressively when guys are chasing after you and you've got the lead. We have seen guys do it over and over in history, throughout history at this tournament, guys want this thing so bad that sometimes it's hard to perform at the highest level."
Earlier Sunday, long before McIlroy began play, his agent explained one of the reasons why McIlroy is special.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Great Impact Emerged From Youth Movement
The story sounds like Tiger Woods in his youth.
Day shot 68 and finished tied for second. With two holes to play, he was two shots from the lead and refused to fold. Day knocked down birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, gave himself a chance, never gave up.
He's only 35, but already a transcendent moment has arrived. Surely, Woods' eagle at the eighth was the opening credit of a surreal rally that would have eclipsed Jack Nicklaus' charge in 1986?
"People with allergies are holding their sneezes," I scribbled while under a magnolia tree as Woods stalked the ninth fairway. So as not to distract Tiger, I guess. Or maybe patrons wanted another breathless moment from Woods, to believe the aura would deliver a fifth Green Jacket. Maybe just to say they were there.
But that's what I'll remember from the 75th Masters. How players Woods influenced are now the guys taking aim at him.
It's not so much Tiger's failures. Heck, he's dared these guys to beat him for over a decade now. Go ahead, be an athlete. Wake early, work out long and hard. Cardio. Weights. Nutrition. Don't just pound range balls. Go beyond being a golfer.
Apparently they've listened. Rory McIlroy, 21, melted amid the pressure, heat, humidity and intimidation of one of the wildest final round rushes in the 75-year history of the Masters. But for 63 holes he looked the part of champion, and spoke of building more character for the next time. Rickie Fowler's game (opened with a 70-69 in his first Masters) overshadows his neon wardrobe, and that's quite a feat for this 22-year-old. Ryo Ishikawa tied for 20th and has substance over style, too. He's only 19.
You'd figure Australian Jason Day, 23, to claim Greg Norman as his idol. You'd lose a Fosters on that one. "It's Woods," he said. "He's always been my favorite golfer and still is. Greg was a little bit before my time. I was born in '87, so he was at his peak around that time."
Day heard the roars announcing Woods' presence and saw his name climb the leader board. "All you'd hear, just so many roars, every hole you'd seem to hear a roar coming from where he was," Day said. "When he eagled No. 8 ... that guy's just a freak."
Day shot 68 and finished tied for second. With two holes to play, he was two shots from the lead and refused to fold. Day knocked down birdies at Nos. 17 and 18, gave himself a chance, never gave up.
He's only 35, but already a transcendent moment has arrived. Surely, Woods' eagle at the eighth was the opening credit of a surreal rally that would have eclipsed Jack Nicklaus' charge in 1986?
"People with allergies are holding their sneezes," I scribbled while under a magnolia tree as Woods stalked the ninth fairway. So as not to distract Tiger, I guess. Or maybe patrons wanted another breathless moment from Woods, to believe the aura would deliver a fifth Green Jacket. Maybe just to say they were there.
But that's what I'll remember from the 75th Masters. How players Woods influenced are now the guys taking aim at him.
It's not so much Tiger's failures. Heck, he's dared these guys to beat him for over a decade now. Go ahead, be an athlete. Wake early, work out long and hard. Cardio. Weights. Nutrition. Don't just pound range balls. Go beyond being a golfer.
Apparently they've listened. Rory McIlroy, 21, melted amid the pressure, heat, humidity and intimidation of one of the wildest final round rushes in the 75-year history of the Masters. But for 63 holes he looked the part of champion, and spoke of building more character for the next time. Rickie Fowler's game (opened with a 70-69 in his first Masters) overshadows his neon wardrobe, and that's quite a feat for this 22-year-old. Ryo Ishikawa tied for 20th and has substance over style, too. He's only 19.
You'd figure Australian Jason Day, 23, to claim Greg Norman as his idol. You'd lose a Fosters on that one. "It's Woods," he said. "He's always been my favorite golfer and still is. Greg was a little bit before my time. I was born in '87, so he was at his peak around that time."
Day heard the roars announcing Woods' presence and saw his name climb the leader board. "All you'd hear, just so many roars, every hole you'd seem to hear a roar coming from where he was," Day said. "When he eagled No. 8 ... that guy's just a freak."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)