Twelve months ago, Trevor Immelman left the Masters with an intestinal parasite that caused him to lose 20 pounds off his slender frame.
Now he's halfway to a possible green jacket.
Tiger Woods owns four Masters trophies, but no one would blame him for reaching for the antacid with the mountain left for him to scale this weekend.
Immelman's second consecutive 4-under-par 68 was good enough for a one-shot advantage Friday, grabbing the clubhouse lead even before Woods could be summoned to the first tee.
Back-to-back birdies to end his round left Immelman at 8-under 136, the lowest 36-hole Masters total in three years.
"Yeah, this year is special," said the South African, who has just one bogey through his two tours of Augusta National. "To shoot two 68s in the first two days is probably beyond my expectations, so I'm pretty thrilled right now."
Brandt Snedeker stayed one stroke off Immelman's pace after his own 68, also carding birdies on his final two holes. Two-time champion Phil Mickelson was another two shots back in a tie for third with England's Ian Poulter (69) and Steve Flesch, whose 67 was the week's best.
Woods found himself seven shots back after a 1-under 71, the 11th straight Masters round in which he's failed to break 70.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Masters - Round 2 Wrap
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Shell Houston Open - Preview
The last PGA Tour stop before the Masters will have an Augusta-like feel to it this week at the Shell Houston Open.
First off is the quality of the field: Houston boasts four of the top 10 players in the world rankings, and six of the top 12: Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Adam Scott, K.J. Choi, Geoff Ogilvy and Padraig Harrington.
World No. 1 Tiger Woods is not playing this week, as he rarely does in the few weeks before a major, and No. 3 Ernie Els pulled out due to a virus.
In addition, the folks at Redstone Golf Club are tailoring their course as best they can to look and feel like Augusta next week. The greens are prepared to run at very fast speeds and there are areas around the greens where there is little rough in an attempt to recreate Augusta-like conditions.
This week’s winner qualifies is the final qualifier for the Masters - if he hasn’t already done so.
However, since 1934, only five players have won the week before they earned a green jacket.
Mickelson, in the field this week, was the latest to do so in 2006, when he won the BellSouth Classic. He is joined by Sandy Lyle (1988 Greater Greensboro Open), Art Wall (1959 Azalea Open), Sam Snead (1949 Greater Greensboro Open) and Ralph Guldahl (1939 Greater Greensboro Open).
This is Lefty’s fourth career start at the Shell Houston Open. He missed the cut in his first appearance in 1995, tied for 30th in 1998 and tied for 28th in 2003.
Adam Scott is the defending champion here, capped by a 48-foot putt to get up-and-down on the 18 th and secure the victory. He was the 6th Australian to win the Shell Houston Open and was the youngest champion this tourney had seen since David Duval's win in 1998. He played his final 36 holes at Redstone without a single bogey.
Players from outside the U.S. have won seven out of the last nine in this event, dating to 1999.
Aussies have won this event on four occasions in the last nine years with Stuart Appleby winning twice and Scott and Robert Allenby once each. So maybe that bodes well for Geoff Ogilvy, who is playing this week for the first time since ending Tiger’s win streak at Doral.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Accenture Match Play Championship Day 2
Tiger Woods cruised, Colin Montgomerie clawed his way through and Phil Mickelson crashed out of the second round of the eight million-dollar WGC Accenture Match Play Championship on Thursday.
World No. 1 Woods, who had a narrow escape in Wednesday's first round, was never in trouble in a 3 and 2 victory over Arron Oberholser.
"I played a lot better today," Woods said. "I did some work last night on the range, then did some work in the room and came out today with a game plan of what I need to do to warm up."
Woods said he worked "in front of the mirror to make sure that what I'm feeling is actually what I'm doing.
"In this game, feel and real are usually two different things. I was making sure what I did last night on the range was exactly what I thought I was doing."
Woods will next face Australian Aaron Baddeley, who advanced without hitting a shot when scheduled opponent David Toms conceded the match because of a a back ailment.
Second seed Phil Mickelson was eliminated, beaten 2 and 1 by Australian Stuart Appleby in a well-played match.
Montgomerie, Europe's Ryder Cup hero, produced a blistering back nine to hold off American Charles Howell.
Howell took the lead with four straight birdies from the 10th hole, but Montgomerie birdied three of the next four holes en route to a one-up victory.
Montgomerie, 59th seed, who only barely qualified for the World Golf Championships event, was delighted to get through to the final 16.
"That's a good effort," he said. "Charles birdied the 11th to go all square and my caddie said, 'Right, Mr. Montgomerie, it's Ryder Cup mode.' I was four-under from then on, so he should say that more often in stroke play events.
"We're in the last 16 and delighted. I look forward to playing again tomorrow."
Montgomerie said the 14th hole was key. He hit a six-iron to three feet to win the hole and square the match.
"It gave me the initiative to birdie 15 as well," he said.
Both players battled on the tougher front nine at Dove Montain, but each made five birdies coming in.
"The front nine, the pins are extremely tight, and that's why you'll find that today the scoring is perhaps better on the back nine," Montgomerie said.
Montgomerie will get a shot at another potential US Ryder Cup opponent, Stewart Cink, who beat Ireland's Padraig Harrington 2-up.
Paul Casey was the only other Briton to join Montgomerie in the third round, outlasting fellow Brit Bradley Dredge 2 and 1.
Spaniard Sergio Garcia also bowed out, falling 3 and 1 to American Boo Weekley...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Phil Mickelson new swing 2008 (Swing Vision Video)
I know there was a couple of people interested in seeing the video of Phil's new swing for 2008 and this video from the Northern Trust open captures the action. I found the commentators remarks interesting and it sounded like he wasn't overly impressed with this swing.
Enjoy the swing vision.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Mickelson Wins Northern Trust Open
American Phil Mickelson shot a final round 70 for a two-shot win over Jeff Quinney at the PGA Northern Trust Open on Sunday.
Mickelson, who grew up in southern California, finished at 12-under at the Riveria Country Club course.
It was his first victory at Riviera -- a tournament he first played as a 17-year-old high school student.
Mickelson duelled Quinney early in the round but he was the steadier of the two on the back nine.
World No. 1 Tiger Woods once against skipped the Riviera event, one of the few places he has been unable to dominate.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington and England's Luke Donald each fired 68s on Sunday to finish in a tie for third five shots behind Mickelson.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Golf News: Northern Trust Open Day 3 Wrap
Phil Mickelson held off a strong challenge from fellow American Jeff Quinney to grab a one-shot lead after Saturday's third round at the Northern Trust Open.
Four strokes ahead of the field overnight, Mickelson fired a one-under-par 70 in firm, fast conditions at Riviera Country Club to post an 11-under total of 202.
Former U.S. amateur champion Quinney joined Mickelson at the top of the leaderboard with an ace at the par-three sixth before slipping back into second place with a 67.
American John Rollins was a further four shots back at six under after shooting a six-birdie 69 on a breezy, sun-drenched day.
World number two Mickelson, in pursuit of his 33rd PGA Tour title but his first at Riviera, made a faltering start when he three-putted for bogey at the par-three fourth.
His playing partner Quinney had birdied the first and fifth, where he rolled in a 21-footer, and briefly snatched the outright lead with his spectacular ace at the sixth.
His tee shot pitched on the raised back portion of the green before his ball rolled down the slope and dropped into the cup. Quinney raised his arms skywards in celebration before sharing high fives with Mickelson and his caddie.
Mickelson, who struck his tee shot to six feet, then sank his birdie putt to regain a share of the lead...Read the complete golf news story
Golf News: Northern Trust Open Day 2 Wrap
Phil Mickelson seems determined to add Los Angeles to his collection of West Coast trophies.
A year after losing at Riviera in a playoff, Mickelson played golf as spectacular as the weather Friday in the Northern Trust Open, finishing with a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 7-under 64 and a four-shot lead.
Even after starting with a 68, Mickelson felt he was close to putting his game together. It started with a 3-iron to 12 feet on the par-5 first for a simple birdie, and built momentum with a 60-foot birdie on the fifth and never slowed.
When he finished his best score ever at Riviera, he was at 10-under 132 and in firm command going into the weekend.
"This is a tournament that has eluded me," Mickelson said of the only city in the West Coast Swing where he hasn't won. "The West Coast means a lot to me."
Robert Allenby, who won at Riviera in 2001 in the cold and rain, did OK in warm sunshine with a 66 that put him at 136 with Jeff Quinney, who made bogey on the final hole for a 67.
Mickelson and the top dozen players atop the leaderboard got one big break with the draw by playing early Thursday and in the afternoon Friday, essentially avoiding the strongest of the wind that gusted along the eucalyptus trees lining the fairways.
For those who faced a cold wind Thursday afternoon and more swirling breezes Friday morning, the best anyone could muster was David Toms (68) and Kevin Sutherland (69), each at 3-under 139.
"It was interesting, the last 27 holes that I've played with the wind and everything," Toms said. "You certainly had to think about it on your club selection. It made a lot of the holes play very difficult. Overall, I'll take the two rounds I've put on the board..."
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Day 3 Wrap
Defending champion Phil Mickelson bemoaned a woeful putting display after missing the third-round cut by six shots at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Saturday.
Mickelson's title bid fell apart when he ran up a sextuple-bogey 11 on the par-five 14th at Pebble Beach Golf Links but he said the real damage was done by his total of 33 putts.
"That was probably the biggest score I can remember (on one hole) but that's not what really cost me the day or the tournament," the world number two told reporters after carding a six-over-par 78.
"It was missing all those putts because had I had anything go in today, I wouldn't have had to try to force something there at the end.
"I never felt good on the greens and I don't know what the deal is. They were rolling the best that I've ever seen them."
Mickelson hit 15 of 18 greens in regulation and putted for birdie 16 times. However, the only birdie putt he made was from inside two feet at the par-four fourth.
A three-times winner at Pebble Beach, he began the day six strokes off the pace and felt he had to press hard after reaching the turn in one-under 35...
Friday, February 8, 2008
Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Day 2 Wrap
Tim Herron, affectionately nicknamed "Lumpy" due to his physical stature, posted a three-under 69 on Friday to grab the second-round lead of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
He finished at seven-under 137 and is one clear of several players.
Play rotates over Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills over the first three rounds before playing at famed Pebble Beach in the final round. The cut comes after the third round.
J.B. Holmes, the playoff winner last week at the FBR Open, carded a two-under 70 on Friday and is tied for second place with Robert Floyd (70), Michael Allen (70) and Nicholas Thompson (69). That group finished at six-under-par 138.
Defending champion and three-time winner Phil Mickelson, who lost the extra session to Holmes last week, only managed an even-par 72 at Spyglass Hill on Friday. He is tied for 53rd place at minus-one.
Mickelson will have a lot of work to do if he is to catch Herron.
Herron played Poppy Hills on Friday and began on the back nine. He two-putted for a birdie from 16 feet at the par-five 10th, then parred his next six holes.
Herron bogeyed the par-three 17th after a three-putt, but reclaimed the lost stroke with a two-putt birdie at the par-five closing hole.
On the second nine, Herron started with five consecutive pars. He converted a birdie putt at the par-three sixth to get to six-under par for the championship.
Herron grabbed sole possession of first place with a birdie at the par-five ninth. That gave him at least a piece of the 36-hole lead for the 10th time on the PGA Tour and for the first since the 2006 PGA Championship.
"Today I hit it fine," said Herron. "I got actually a couple good breaks off some drives. Other than that, I drove it good. I probably had two or three bad drives."
Herron is a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, but his last victory came at the 2006 Colonial. He is a veteran of the circuit and knows that with 20 players within three of his lead, nothing is guaranteed...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Preview
The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, an event originally known as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur, or just the Crosby Clambake, is a PGA Tour golf tournament that is held every year at Pebble Beach, California, in the United States. The tournament is typically held during the month of February on three different courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Poppy Hills Golf Course and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
How it works
The starting field consists of 180 professionals and 180 amateurs. One professional is paired with one amateur. Each day, 60 2-man teams will play on one of the three courses. Then on the final day, those professionals and pro-amateur teams making the 54-hole cut will play on the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Only professionals may compete in the individual competition part of the tournament. Amateurs are restricted to playing only in the pro-amateur team competition. The local Pebble Beach tournament officials handle pairing of professionals with amateurs, while the PGA Tour's weekly tournament officials handle the assignment of tee times.
Last year
Phil Mickelson won by five strokes, closing with a 6-under 66 to match the tournament record of 20-under 268 set by Mark O'Meara in 1997. Mickelson also won the 1998 and 2005 tournaments.This years newsTiger Woods, the 2000 tournament and U.S. Open winner at Pebble Beach, is skipping the event for the sixth straight year. Davis Love III, winner in 2001 and 2003, is returning from a left ankle injury that required surgery to repair torn tendons. Greg Norman is making his first PGA Tour start since the 2006 International.
Interesting Fact
Since its inception only 3 non-US golfers have won this event:
1965 Bruce Crampton
1993 Brett Ogle
Sunday, February 3, 2008
FBR Open - Holmes wins in a playoff
American JB Holmes had back-to-back birdies on the same hole just 30 minutes apart to edge Phil Mickelson in a playoff and capture his second FBR Open title in three years.
Holmes birdied the 18th hole to force a playoff then defeated Mickelson with by draining a seven-foot putt on the first hole of the playoff.
Holmes also won this event in 2006. Asked to compare the two wins he said this one really tested his determination.
"It is a little different," said Holmes, who shot a 71 Sunday to finish at 14-under 270. "I won the first time here and then everybody questioned why I couldn't win again.
"This one is more redemption to prove everyone was wrong."
Holmes watched his seven-foot putt sail straight in then stepped forward and punched his right fist in the air.
He sank a 10-foot birdie putt on 18 in regulation to pull even with Mickelson who started the day four shots adrift of Holmes.
My Thoughts
A really great win that many people wont even have seen because of an overlap with the superbowl. This guy is one of the longest hitters I have ever seen and held his nerve beautifully to drain two lovely putts!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Golf News: Buick invitational Round 1 Wrap
American Troy Matteson fired a seven-under 65 to grab a one-shot lead after Thursday's opening round of the 5.2 million dollar PGA Buick Invitational.
Tiger Woods, who is making his season-opening appearance, was one of four golfers at five-under 67 and is two shots back.
Matteson was one shot ahead of fellow American Brad Adamonis, who shot a 66 on the north course.
Matteson played Thursday on Torrey Pines' south course which will be showcased later in June when it plays host to the 2008 US Open. He posted eight birdies and one bogey.
"I played the south course earlier this week and didn't break par either day I played it," said Matteson, who hit 11 of 14 fairways. "For the Open it's going to be tough. I know I missed a few fairways."
The only other score in the top 12 from the demanding south course was by Woods, the three-time defending champion.
Woods was tied with South African Rory Sabbatini, Australian Stuart Appleby and American Kevin Streelman at 67.
A half dozen golfers, including Charles Howell, were three shots behind Matteson.
This was the first tournament of 2008 for Woods, who at one point was tied for the lead before a bogey on 16 dropped him back a stroke.
This is also the season opener for Phil Mickelson. The lefthanded American shot a two-under 70 on the north course to lie five shots adrift of Matteson...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Golf Swing Video: Phil Mickelson - new swing compared
Phile Mickelson is one golfer I love watching - I must have a soft spot for left handers or something because Aussie left hander Nick O'hern has the same effect on me.
This year Phil wowed us with a new and improved version of his golf swing. This great video will show you the differences between the two swings in a split screen (2004 swing Verses 2007 swing). It really is worth watching and you might even pick up a few tips yourself!
Enjoy
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Golf: Mikelson wins the HSCB Champions - extrodinary turn of events indeed!
The HSBC Champions tournament had one of the strangest endings I have ever seen. I will try and relay the madness though this blog post for those that were asleep at the time.
Lee Westwood made a late charge with a fantastic run of birdies (6) on the back nine finishing at 10 under and went to the clubhouse 2 behind the leaders at 12 under.
Mickelson self destructed on the back 9 with 5 bogies to throw away a five shot lead. Mickelson twice found the water including his second shot into the last to almost surely throw away the tournament with Fisher at 12 under. After watching Phil hit his shot into the water Fisher hit a good second himself to be greenside for two shots at the par 5. Inexplicably though his chip ran through the green and into the water eventually making a double bogey. Amazingly Mickelson had a putt to win the tournament, but missed sending the tournament to a playoff with Fisher and Westwood.
Mickelson regrouped to play a trademark flop shot at the second playoff hole and leave himself a 3 foot putt for victory. Mickelson will take home a little under $900 000 US, which is the richest prize in Asian golf.
One has to feel for Fisher who will have only himself to blame for the craziness of the last hole. Hopefully he will learn from the experience and forget about the tournament with his impending nuptials (and second place prize money.)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Great Golf Swings of the PGA tour (Video)
There are some amazing golf swings going around on the tour. This little video showcases the swinging talents of:
Sergio Garcia
Phil Mickelson
Padraig Harrington
Ernie Els
Tiger Woods
It is well worth watching as it contains swing analysis and some amazing slow motion shots. After following some great advice I always have tired to model my swing on players with similar body types than me so I am off to find a slow motion camera to see how my swing compares to some of the greats of the game.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Golf: HSBC Champions Tournament Preivew
Tiger is missing, but the field that has assembled for this tournament suggests that Asian golf is on the up and up. The world ranking points and the 5 million dollar prize money probably helped too.
Some of the top players that have turned out include:
Phil Mickelson
Ernie Els
Vijay Singh
Angel Cabrera
Padraig Harrington
K.J. Choi
For some reason Ernie Els pops up in my mind as my tip for the event. However Angel Cabrera has been is some kind of form this season and could take out his second event in as many weeks. Luckily for me China falls within my timezone so I will be watching closely.
Phil Mickelson Wants Olympic Gold
On his way to Shanghai for the HSBC Champions Tournament, Phil Mickelson has said that he expects golf be part of the Olympic games in the near future. He argues that having golf in the Olympics would help the game, both with funding and exposure.
Now my thoughts on all this are a little mixed. Firstly golf is a very old game with a rich history, and has even been played at the Olympics before. However golf at the Olympics would probably only be open to amateurs. Would this mean that many amateurs will wait until after the Olympic cycle to turn pro? And will that mean we miss out on having some great players on the tour until another Olympics comes around?
This is only a quick little ramble, but I would love to hear what everyone else thinks about this topic - feel free to leave a comment.
EDIT: I should have made it clear that Phil himself has suggested it be open to amateurs, it wasn't my idea (quote below)
"Hopefully I'll still be playing and maybe have a chance but I think it would be better if it was for amateur golfers.
"As professionals, we have a chance to compete in Ryder Cups, President Cups and World Cups and represent our country in so many different ways.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Singapore Open Preview
In recent years this event has undergone an overhaul. The major change being the barclays sponsorship which has seen an increase in prize money ($4 Million US), which has led to some major players making the trip in recent years. Adam Scott will be out to make it a hat trick, but he will have to beat a field that includes Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Angel Cabrera and K.J. Choi.
For a while it looked like big Phil wouldn't make it with his house being in the line of the Californian bush fires, but the house made it through.
Many people will be keen to watch the redeveloped swings of Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh.
My tip would have to be Adam Scott who after a disappointing PGA season, by his standards, will be keen to turn things around. In an interview on the Australian cable golf show he is pleased with how he was striking the ball in the later part of the season, but was disappointed with his short game.
Feel free to leave a comment with your tip for the event.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Phil Mickelson backflip video
I found this while looking through my youtube favourites this morning. Unfortunately the title is a bit misleading - Big Phil probably doesn't perform too many back flips. However, this is one amazing way to get your ball over the bunker from the side of a hill. I would try this but I am too afraid that I would hit the ball straight up and it would come down and kill me :-)
It is well worth the watching the 44 second video even if it is just to see a young slim Phil Mickelson. Enjoy.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Golf: FedEx Cup - Who can still win it (and how)
Well as promised this post will be all about the possible scenarios that can occur this weekend at the Tour Championship for each player still in the hunt to win the FedEx Cup. The top 5, unless Tiger is injured/pulls out, are the only ones who have a chance of taking out the Cup, so lets have a look at what can still happen.
(If you are looking for how the FedEx Cup works then you can read my earlier article FedEx Cup Explained - it includes info on prize money, point allocations and more )
How Tiger can win the FedExCup
| If Tiger finishes | Opponent Scenarios |
| 1st | He wins the FedEx Cup |
| 2nd | Stricker can win (with a 1st place finish) |
| 3rd | Mickelson and Striker can win (with a 1st place finish) |
| 4th-5th | Stricker can win (with 1st or 2nd place) Mickelson with a 1st place |
| 6th-13th | Stricker or Mickelson can win (with a 2nd place or better) |
| 14th-19th | Sabbatini can win (with 1st place) Mickelson or Stricker win (with 2nd place or better) |
| 20th-21st | Sabbatini can win (with 1st place) Mickelson win (with 2nd place or better) Stricker win (with 3rd or better) |
| 22nd-30th | Sabbatini or Choi can win (with a 1st place) Mickelson win (with 2nd or better) Stricker win (with 3rd or better) |
How Stricker can win the FedEx Cup
| If Stricker finishes | Opponent Scenarios |
| 1st | He takes home the cup |
| 2nd | Mickelson can win (with a 1st place), and Woods can win (with a 3rd place or better). |
| 3rd | Sabbatini can win (with 1st place), Mickelson with a second and Woods with a 19th or better |
| 4th or worse | He can not catch Woods |
How Mickelson can win the FedEx Cup
| If Mickelson finishes | Opponent Scenarios |
| 1st | Woods would wins with a solo 2nd |
| 2nd | Stricker can win with a tie for 2nd, and Woods can pass him with a 5th |
| 3rd | He can not catch Woods |
How Sabbatini can win the FedEx Cup
| If Sabbatini finishes | Opponent Scenarios |
| 1st | Mickelson would win with a solo 2nd |
| 1st | Stricker would with a two-way tie for 2nd |
| 1st | Woods would win with a two-way tie for 13th |
How Choi can win the FedEx Cup
| If Choi finishes | Opponent Scenarios |
| 1st | Mickelson would win with a 2nd place |
| 1st | Stricker would win with a 3rd place |
| 1st | Woods would win with a 21st or better |
Assuming Tiger is the man to catch (and he is) this little table gives a run down of where Tiger needs to finish for them to win the Cup (assuming they win this tournament).
| Player | FedExCup Points | Can win the FedExCup if he wins and Woods finishes |
| Steve Stricker | 109,600 | Solo second or worse |
| Phil Mickelson | 108,613 | Tie for second or worse |
| Rory Sabbatini | 103,588 | Tie for 13th or worse |
| K.J. Choi | 103,100 | 22nd or worse |
Final Thoughts
Firstly I hope that made some sense and helps you understand what must happen for each player to win. Golf is a strange game and can throw up some strange events at times, but I think that Tiger will take the inaugural FedEx Cup home and win 10 million for his retirement fund.
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