Y.E. Yang Wins PGA Championship

Tiger Woods has always seemed invincible. Over his career, Woods has made clutch putt after clutch putt, and has struck fear in his opponents in the process. When he has a lead on the final day of a major championship, he doesn’t blow it. Going into Sunday’s final round of the PGA Championship at Hazeltine, Woods had a two-stroke lead at -8. History seemed to say it was over, because Woods was 14-for-14 in majors when having at least a share of the lead after 54-holes. But never before had he run into Y.E. Yang.

Yang played with Woods in the final pairing of the tournament, and not many gave him a chance to pull out a win over Tiger. It was hard to make a case for Yang, the 110th-ranked golfer in the world, when Woods was No.1. Clearly, no one had any idea just how tough Yang could be.

Yang proved the world wrong and gave a riveting performance in the process. Behind incredible shot-making and a fearless attitude, Yang came out on top of Woods, going 2-under par to finish at -8. Woods, meanwhile, finished at -5.

Early, Yang stayed on track behind Woods, matching him par-for-par through the first two holes. From the beginning, it was obvious Woods was playing conservatively, something we’re not used to seeing from him. Usually when Woods has a lead on Sunday, he becomes extremely aggressive and tries to extend that lead as much as possible. On this Sunday, however, Woods had a different mentality. That mentality played a part in Woods’ mishaps through the first nine holes, as he was shooting two-over par heading into the back nine. Yang, meanwhile, was even and appeared to be in great shape, as he was tied with Woods.

Though Yang was tied, it certainly didn’t feel like it. He was playing well, but he missed numerous birdie opportunities that could have put him in the lead early. Those are the kind of blunders that Woods always finds a way to take advantage of at some point, but Sunday was different. Woods failed to take advantage of those mistakes, but there were still nine more holes remaining. At some point, it appeared Woods would break out of his conservative mode and start playing like he usually does when he has a lead and a major is at stake. For some reason, though, he never broke away from his new mentality.

Woods may have felt nervous because he hadn’t won a major all year long, and since this was his final opportunity, he would play it safe and make sure that he secured the championship. But once it was evident that Yang wasn’t going to fold, Woods should have changed his strategy and gone for the win. He didn’t, and it’s likely a good reason as to why he came in second. Yang, however, was the biggest reason.

When most people crack under the pressure that is playing with Tiger Woods, Yang flourished. Yang made a slew of big putts on the back nine, but nothing was bigger than what happened at the par-4, 14th hole. The whole was playing short at 313 yards and as a result the green was reachable. Yang’s drive fell just short of the green, as his ball found its way into the rough, right next to the bunker. He had a good lie, but in his position, a par would have been acceptable. Instead, Yang chipped the shot in, giving him an eagle. The shot gave him a one-shot lead, but the momentum gained from the chip is what arguably propelled Yang to the victory.

Yang’s performance was great, but it wasn’t flawless. On the 17th hole, a par-3, Yang had a long birdie putt that could have helped seal the deal. Maybe it was the gravity of the moment, but Yang left the shot short and went on to bogey the hole. Woods did the same, but Yang missed out on an opportunity to possibly win the championship right then and there. Yang didn’t flinch on the 18th, though. With a 3-wood hybrid, Yang’s second shot came within feet of the cup, sealing the victory.

It was a remarkable effort on Yang’s part, and it also has historic proportions. With the victory, Yang became the first ever Asian-born golfer to win a major championship. Asia has produced some great golfers in the past, but no one had ever been able to come through and win when it counted most. Yang changed that, and he did it against the greatest golfer in the world. The fact that Yang is now the face of Asian golf will make many people happy. Throughout the day Sunday, he seemed to truly enjoy the chance to be on golf’s biggest stage. Whenever the camera was on him, he would wave and have a big smile on his face, as if he was thinking, “nothing could be better.” Yang even interacted with the crowd, as he threw a ball into the gallery late in his round. He played with a care-free attitude and in the process displayed how golf should always be played.

Yang’s 8-under championship at Hazeltine this week wasn’t the greatest of all-time, but he’ll go in the history books forever, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.

Fourteen Up And Four Still Appears To Be Within Ear Shot

Fourteen Up And Four Still Appears To Be Within Ear Shot

Well the PGA Championship , from the Hazeltine course, in Chaska , Minnesota, is under way. And the world’s #1 golfer Tiger Woods is off and running like a greyhound right out of the gate. Not that it should come as a surprise but Woods of late has tended to start out slow and make his showing in the final two rounds of a Major. That being said this year has been nowhere near the norm for Woods. This will be his last chance to add to his tally of fourteen major Grand Slam wins.

Tiger Woods tees off on the first hole of the second round of the 91st PGA Championship on the Hazeltine Course in Chaska , Minnesota. At present both Woods and Irelan'd Padraig Harrington are tied for the lead -4 under par. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jamie Squire .....................

And with a -5 under par 65, to start the off the first round of the tournament. He leads Padraig Harrington , a three time major winner , by 2 strokes. With Woods, now leading the tournament it now makes for the desired viewing for the broadcast networks. And lures even more of the not too discerning fans, in to view Woods strive for a fifteenth Grand Slam major win. But it’d be remiss to think after the first round that Tiger already has this tournament won. If one remembers, his travails in the British Open, did not at all, go too well. He failed to qualify for the final two rounds. And if anything, it brought Woods to point at where he is today. He’s ran off two straight , of his five victories and now chases a sixth victory for the season. He leads the Fedex Cup standings and is an odds on favorite to win the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award.

Woods (left) and Harrington who share the lead are seen here as they walk across a bridge on their way to a hole during the event. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Scott Pemberton .......................

That being said it’s the Majors that makes a difference, to the goals of Woods and not the ancillary awards, that for all sense and purpose are somewhat meaningless to the player. It’s like a reader who recently tried to ascertain that Dale Earnhardt Jr’s 2 wins of a Busch championship added to his stature. Busch championships count for nothing , in the big picture overall ! It’s NASCAR Cup championships that adds to the driver’s stature. Even though, he’s had something of an average career within the upper echelons of NASCAR in the Sprint Cup series. His talents haven’t yet measured up to the expectations. That’s somewhat like saying because you can play checkers, it makes you almost a Grand Master when it comes to the game of chess. That’s as asinine a suggestion, as they come !

With the ensuing three rounds , one expects to see Woods dictate the pace and flow of the event. But with Harrington, seemingly back at his very best as the defending champion and a number of players within three strokes of the lead. The second and third rounds of the PGA championship ought to make for some very interesting golf. The weather has been favorable and the ball has been playing long of the tees. So, it plays into the hands for those who can hit the ball long and make the required shot making in order to avoid the numerous bunkers around this 7,500 yard par 70 course.

Phil Mickelson shoots out of a sandtrap during the second round of the PGA Championship played at the Hazeltine National Gof Club in Chaska Minn,. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Robyn Beck ......................

As for Phil Mickelson and his return to the PGA Tour. He’s had something of below par first round. If nothing else, whatever the outcome is for Phil, his thoughts may well be elsewhere . As both his wife, Amy and mother slowly try to overcome the trauma of undergoing chemotherapy from breast cancer. The fans can merely wish him and his immediate family the best and hope that he’s able to acquit himself well over the remainder of the tournament.

And for the earnest fans of the PGA out there, they can take the opportunity of enjoying the best that the sport has to offer by watching the events unfold over the next three days. It’s Tiger’s world and we spectators can only watch in amazement as he makes his own personal assault on the record books. He ranks up there, amongst the alltime greats. And without a doubt, once he surpasses Jack Nicklaus’ record of eighteen major Grand Slam wins. There won’t be any doubt as to who the best golfer has been, since the game’s inception.

Tiger’s Year Has Been Far From Great

Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world. The rankings say that, the media says it, and it’s impossible to deny. In fact, no one even comes close. Phil Mickelson is talented, but he’s not as good as Woods. Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh — none come close to being on Woods’ level.

But in 2009, Woods has come down to Earth in some respects. Three majors have been played so far, and three men that don’t have the last name ‘Woods’ have come out victorious. While it’s easy to point to the transition period in returning from reconstructive knee surgery, it certainly can’t be an excuse for someone as great as Woods. Once you step onto the course, you’re healthy enough.

Don’t be confused — he’s still the best golfer in the world — but Tiger hasn’t dominated the same way we are used to seeing. He usually has his best moments when the lights are shining brightest. No lights shine brighter than at the major tournaments. Woods has one 14 major tournaments in his career, which is just 4 away from tying Jack Nicklaus, who has won the most career majors in golf history. For his entire career, all Woods has thought about is the majors. He doesn’t play nearly the amount of PGA events that most golfers do, as he usually plays tune-up events and a select group of other events.When he gets out on the course, Woods is competitive no matter the event, but the majors bring out a different beast entirely. This year, however, the majors haven’t been so kind to Woods.

Woods tends to judge himself on how many majors he wins every year. Not in 2009, though. Speaking to reporters in preparation for the final major of the year in 2009, Woods struck up a new tone: “For me to come back and play, and play as well as I’ve done and actually win golf events … to be honest with you, I don’t think any of us would have thought I could have won this many events this year,” he said.

“It’s been a great year either way,” Woods said Tuesday.

But has it really been a “great year either way?” Woods has won 5 events this year. Most golfers would kill to have that many wins in one season, but Tiger is not most golfers. He’s better than everyone else and is therefore held to a higher standard. His first win of the year, which came at the Arnold Palmer Invitation, was impressive. It was just his second event since returning from the surgery, but he had to make a comeback to win the event, showing that he wasn’t fully back to playing great golf. His won his 2nd event at the Memorial Tournament, his 3rd event at the AT & T National (his own tournament), his 4th at the Buick Open and his 5th at the Bridgestone Invitational.

With the exception of his win at the Buick, he struggled to play up to his usual level. His driver has been all over the place, and the only reason he has been able to win is because of his short game. Driver has always been a problem with Woods, and it has really shown this year. Woods may have struggled, but he was able to pull through and win, which is important. Those are the wins. His performances at majors, though, have been awful to say the least.

At the Masters, he had a great chance to make a comeback on Sunday and win the championship. The leaderboard didn’t feature great players, and as a result he had a great opportunity to come away with a victory. Instead, Woods seemed to choke on the final day and did not capitalize on the chance to start his year off great, as he finished tied for 6th behind Angel Cabrera.

The U.S. Open was a similar story, only the leaderboard featured a number of unknown players. The course was playing incredibly easy through most of the weekend, but Tiger did not do anything to take advantage of it. The final round was played on Monday due to rain delays, and Tiger should have charged and scared off the rest of the field. But like the Masters, he finished tied for 6th in another disappointing finish, as Lucas Glover of all people won the event.

Nothing compared to his showing at the Open Championship, though. Going into the Championship, Woods was an all-time heavy favorite. Phil Mickelson was not playing as he had to be with his wife, Amy, who is battling breast cancer. With no viable competition, Woods was the 2-to-1 favorite, with Sergio Garcia the 2nd favorite at 12-to-1. At no point did Woods look comfortable at Turnberry, and it showed in his play. His first round 71 wasn’t terrible, but it was clear that the tournament wasn’t going to turn out the way many expected it. He finished 5-over par and missed the cut as Stewart Cink went on to claim the Claret Jug.

Think about the competition Woods had to face this year. Of the three major champions this year, only Cabrera had previously won a major. Glover was completely unknown and off of everyone’s radar screen going into the event. No one would have expected him to win it. And Cink certainly came out of nowhere, stealing the Open away from 59-year-old Tom Watson, who was one put away from winning. Woods should not have lost to any of these players.

This has not even been a good year for Woods. We define Woods by major championships, not secondary PGA events that he barely even cares about. He doesn’t care about Sam Snead’s 82 PGA victories, the most all-time. He only cares about catching Nicklaus’ 18 major championships.

In the end, it’s hard to imagine Woods actually believes what he said. And if he does not win the PGA Championship this week at Hazeltine, I’ll have a hard time convincing myself that he had a great year.

Weekend Sports Update ……

Well here I am in the beautiful city of Miami, on business for the next couple of days, at the expense of the firm that I work for. In conjunction with the associates of the Miami and Orlando offices. We’re working on a proposal for a Latin American client of the firm. If all goes well it’ll mean several million dollars in terms of fees and commissions that’ll be forthcoming to the firm . On the other hand if things don’t work out we’ll still be paid but it won’t on the scale that many of the firm’s senior partners had envisaged. But that’s another story , for another day.

Woods raises the Buick Open trophy signaling his victory of the the event held at Warwick Hills G&CC in Grand Blanc , Michigan. This was Woods' 69th official PGA Tour victory placing him third alltime on the PGA victory tour list. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris Graythern ...................

Well on the sport’s front, Tiger Woods won his 69th professional PGA tournament. And basically it was merely another stroll in the park for the world’s number one golfer. The main challenge for Woods wasn’t how much he’d win by but whether or not his game was really where he wants it to be. With only the PGA Championship left on the calendar as the sole remaining Grand Slam event. Woods must view this as an event that needs his utmost attention . If he’s to resurrect what by his own lofty standards can be viewed as something of a disappointment by his own lofty standards.

For Woods at this stage of his career it’s not merely about winning events on the PGA Tour. It’s more to do with rewriting the history books and surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ total of eighteen Grand Slam major victories. Whilst Woods may well now be viewed as the best to have ever played the game. In many purists’ eyes the veracity of that argument can’t be made until he chases down to the reverential total and surpasses that milestone. If things had gone right for Woods in the two opening Grand Slam events, The Masters and the US Open . Then, we may well have been talking about Woods being on the threshold of winning his seventeenth major Grand Slam tournament. As it is, questions lingered as to his missing the cut at The Open. But one as they might say could account for that as merely ……”Tiger being Tiger “?

Woods’ win of the Buick Open , was one of ease, for the golfer by his own irreprissible standards. His three stroke victory never really saw him placed under any great challenges that weren’t as such of his own making. It was merely Tiger against himself after the first round of the tournament , held at Warwick Hills GC, in Grand Blanc , Michigan. And with his 69th official tour victory that now places him third alltime on the list of victors on the PGA Tour. The alltime victor’s list is head by the 82 victories of Sam Snead . When it’s all said and done, Woods may even surpass Snead’s total . As it is , it’s felt that he’s now in the prime of his career , even after just over a decade on the PGA Tour.

Filly , Rachel Alexander on her way to victory in The Preakness held at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore , Maryland. The equine won the race going away from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Ricardo Cortez .........................

Well this year’s Triple Crown was once again much ado about nothing. There was heightened excitement when it was felt that Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird was thought of as a logical favorite to triumph in all of three of the premiere equine events ran as part of the Triple Crown. Well it wasn’t to be for the victor the victor in the Kentucky Derby . This race, alongside that of The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes make up the triumvirate of most prestigious races held on the North American thoroughbred racing circuit. Inasmuch, as I like the content of thoroughbred racing here in the United States , I believe that the quality of racing isn’t on par with that of its European counterparts. Especially within the United Kingdom and France , of all places. Whilst the purses here are larger , the overall quality and prowess of the jockeys are somewhat less than satisfactory.

Rachel Alexander (6) ridden by Calvin Borel , sits behind Munnings (4) and Papa Clem (3) at the start of the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport , New Jersey. The filly went on to win the race with ease by a margin of 6 lengths over her closest rival. picture appears ap/photo/ Bill Kostroun ...........

But it’d be foolish, to think that the racing here isn’t of a top notch level. And while much has been made of the heroics of Mine That Bird this equine season. If anything it has been the exploits of Preaknesss winner, the filly , Rachel Alexander , that has had the press and the fans of thoroughbred racing aghast, with her abilties. And for jockey , Calvin Borel , it too, has been a monumental season. As he’s had the privilege of having ridden both horses to victory in two of the three legs of the Triple Crown.

Racehel Alexander ridden by Calvin Borel strolls to victory in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport , New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of equi photos/ap/ Ryan Bishop ........................

The filly , herself, is unbeaten in all of her six races and has amassed well over $1,500,000 in prize money for her owners. But the intriguing thing has been to witness her take on the boys and beat them at their own game. Having been the first female to do so in a Triple Crown event with her emphatic victory in The Preakness by some 6 1/2 lengths over Kentucky Derby winner , Mine That Bird.

This weekend Rachel Alexander went out and once again prevailed in a Grade One event ,winning the $1.25million Haskell Invitiational at Monmouth Park, Oceanport, New Jersey. And to once again to emphasize how good this 3 year old filly really is. To say the ease with which she triumphed once again at Oceanside wouldn’t do her enough justice. Suffice to say that her victory over these colts was just another example that in the world of thoroughbred racing it certainly isn’t necessarily a man’s world. She completely annihilated her competition with her turn of speed, striding away from some top class equine talent.

Next up for the filly , may well be another race against the boys in Travers Stakes. And there’s no telling how emphatic she might be on her next outing. The one thing that you can be sure of is that she’ll have her full show of support from all of her fans out there. Especially if she shows the kind of form that has now become the norm for her.

McCutchen of the Pirates rounds third base after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals. McCutchen would have a career day hitting three home runs and driving in six runs against the NL East team. In picture also is Nationals' third baseman Ryan Zimmerman . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo Gene J Puskar ..............................

Say what you will, one either clamors for the game of baseball, or they don’t . Given what transparency that there’s now said to be within the game. I , for one can’t say that as of late I’ve been overly excited with the direction that the game is now said to be going in. And at the same time I don’t even feel that the hierarchy can be entrusted to safeguard the best interests of the game . Much less , deal with the steroid issue in the appropriate manner. In watching the actions of the players, the owners and that of MLB , it’s like watching children at play deficating on themselves and then looking for someone else to come along and clean up their mess. And that’s given the fact that they’ve been potty trained.

McCutchen and teammate Lastings Milledge celebrate after McCutchen's celebrated feat against the Nationals. McCutchen joined a select few players whom as a rookie (aged 21 or younger) have hit three home runs in a game and driven six runs. Amongst those of that rarified air are Willie Stargell , Roberto Clemente (twice) and Aramis Ramirez . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Gene J Puskar ........................

That asides, watching the heroics of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen hit three home runs as a rookie , was an impressive performance. Albeit that the Pirates’ season must be filled with about as much optimism as that of both Kim Kardahsian’s and her hopes of reuniting with Reggie Bush .

McCutchen’s display for the Pirates whilst impressive. It simply doesn’t hide the very fact that this ballclub is heading nowhere. We’re forever being told that as such young teams such as the Phillies and Royals are building towards the future and that they’ll become competitive. But other than the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins at present. There isn’t a team in baseball that’s even viewed in that criteria in terms of having a young core roster and being consistently competitive.

The Pirates are a microcosm of what’s said to be wrong when it comes to baseball and the imbalance that there’s said to be between the small to mid-tier to large market teams . Luxury tax sharing revenues or not , the teams that have been recipients of this. Not all of them have used those funds to bolster their rosters. Instead a large part of that money seems to have found its way into the pockets of their owners. And what’s even more intolerable these are the same owners who come cap in hand to the various municipal , county and state governments looking for tax breaks in and taxpayers’ monies to facilitate the building of ballplarks up and down the country. Think the Yankees’ and Mets’ new ballparks were funded through private monies ? Think again ?

Andrew McCutchen hits the third of his three home runs in the Pirates 11-6 rout of the Washington Nationals. picture appears courtesy of the post gazette/ Matt Freed ............................

So as it now stands, while McCutchen’s accomplishment can be looked upon as something of a great achievement for the player and the team. It doesn’t belie the fact , that for the Pirates’ immediate fortunes . It really doesn’t amount to much , other than a brief satisfying moment for the team’s fans. It certainly won’t change the fact that this team doesn’t appear to have a chance of competing at the highest levels of the game. It’s merely just another ballclub that exists within the realms of MLB for the vultures to come and swoop on down upon to replenish their rosters as and when they see fit. It’s not as if the hierarchy seems to think that there’s anything wrong in that to begin with. As far as they’re concerned ‘……it’s a dog eats dog world. And the weaker teams are just there to be gobbled up without there being any recourse at all ‘ !

The Best Is Yet To Come ……

Well it can’t have escaped everyone’s notice as to the exploits of Tom Watson in The Open (British), on the Ailsa Course , Turnberry Isle, in Scotland. The 59 year old American, a five time winner of the event , seeks to make Open history by becoming the oldest winner of a golf Grand Slam major event.

Tom Watson circa 1978 and 2009. Could the American be on the cusp of making history at The Open at Turnberry Isle ? picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthew Hall ..................

Over the course of the first three rounds the American has stunned everyone with his exmplorary and stunning play. And it brings back some have stated the play of another Open winner in Greg Norman . The Aussie , teetered with making history of his own in last year’s event. Going into the final round of play , Watson (-4) holds a one shot lead over Matthew Goggin and Ross Fisher , with Lee Westwood and Retief Goosen a further shot behind.

Watson plays out of a bunker on the 15th green during the third round of the 138th British Open at the Ailsa Course at Turnberry Isle , Scotland. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Peter Muhly .........................

Whilst many of are no doubt shocked by what Watson has achieved thus far. It cannot be any more surpring than the fact of Tiger Woods missing the cut for only the second time in a major, over the course of his professional career on the PGA Tour . Woods’ capitulation on the Ailsa Course can only be described as stunning in its magnitude. The prohibitive favorite for the event, he just never got his game going , when it mattered most. And it was clear that with him mistiming his swing and missing the fairways with his tee-shots. But most of all was the apparent waywardness of his putting. With nothing left to play for , the world’s number one player makes his way home Friday night , on his Gulfstream G-5.

A somber Tiger Woods for whom the 138th British Open proved to be a monumental disappointment and nightmare. Woods missed the cut and ended up tied for 74th place with an aggregate score of 145 (+ 5 over par) for the two rounds he completed. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jarvinder Singh .....................

The rest of the world now looks on and no doubt will be engrossed with the ensuing events that are about to unfold with Watson and the other players atop of the leaderboard. And though we might lament the fact that Woods won’t be present to have a say as to the final destination of this particular major championship. We can however bask in the achievements of Watson at this juncture. As his performance here has given a fresh lease on life. Well at least in performing in a regular event on the PGA Tour.

Tom Watson speaks to members of the convened press after his third (70 , -1 under par) round at the British Open , being held on the Ailsa Course , Turnberry Isle in Scotland. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Ralph Porter ..........

And for Watson who’s now a regular on The Champions Tour , for players of the PGA Tour aged 50 years and older. This has been something of a revelation to see a player whose name has become synonymous with The Open. Having won the event 5 times and in a career that includes 8 Grand Slam major wins. Watson now seeks to win an unprecedented sixth British Open. In doing so he would tie the late Harry Vardon , for the number of wins in the event. While the player’s career has been littered with a great many highs. One remembers also the legendary ‘Duel in the Sun’, at the 1977 British Open . Wherein he and Jack Nicklaus matched each other , stroke for stroke, down the final stretch of holes on the Ailsa Course at Turnberry. It has been often described as the greatest final round of golf ever played by a duo, in a Grand Slam major. And those who witnessed the event itself can lay claim that they were not disappointed at all. On that day Watson would prevail in defeating Nicklaus.

Watson acknowledges the applause of the grandstand crowd as he finishes his third round at The Open. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Alastair Grant .....................

Now comes the hard part for Watson as he seeks to maintain the momentum over the final eighteen holes of play. If he plays all too conservatively, he risks the chance that another player will supplant him atop of the leaderboard. Whereas if he’s cavalier somewhat, in his play , he can either increase his lead and merely wait to see what his fellow competitors are able to do.
If nothing else this Sunday afternoon , we’ll either see history in the making. Or we may well see another first time winner of Grand Slam major event this year.

Watson and Nicklaus at Turnberry Isle at The Open in 1977. Watson would prevail over The Golden Bear at the event. picture appears courtesy of dailytelegraph.uk.co/sports/ Michael Wilson .....copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ....................

The chances are , it will all come down to experience. Other than Watson , amongst the leaders . Only Retief Goosen , Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh are winners of a major, who’ve the experience needed to eke out a victory under such a given set of circumstances. All three individuals are within three shots of the lead . And are quite capable of taking advantage of a mistake that might be made by Watson , Goggin, Westwood or Fisher , who seek to chase down the leader.

Claret Jug awarded to the winner of The Open. It is golf's most prestigious award and most respected by the players of the PGA and European Tour. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Brian Mitchell ......................

The excitement that appears to be building up to a crescendo , were Watson to win and raise the Claret Jug. It would spell the fact that indeed the best was yet to come. Albeit , that without Woods being part of the spectacle we would normally see as the culmination of a major that he’s so often become a part of. It has to be said that the sport of golf has its thrills , suspense and intrigue.

And for us that drama will unfold over the final eighteen holes and thus far the event has been an invigorating sporting spectacle. I’ll applaud Watson should he prevail and raise the Claret Jug .
As it’s the true mark of a champion to be able to compete at this late a stage, in an already remarkable and successful career.

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Lucas Who … ?

The 109th US Open from Bethpage Black ,the public link’s course at Farmingdale , New York ,finally reached its culmination. And surprise , surprise the winner was none other than Lucas Glover. Lucas who you might say ? And that’s the question I’m now beginning to ask myself.

Lucas Glover winner of the US Open held at the public links' course at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale , upper state New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Clive Robertson ..........

And along with the win comes golfing immortality as this’ll be championship that can never be taken away from the player. His four under (-4) par win by two strokes over second placed finisher Phil Mickelson, might well have been what the doctor ordered in terms of the dreariness of the weather provided over the almost five days of competition. Also tied for second were first through third round leader Ricky Barnes. Whose meltdown over the final round was seemingly how one’d envisage a nightmare of disastrous proportions. Literally going from a four stroke lead and having your first Grand Slam major seemingly almost within your grasp. Overnight, Barnes let his chance slip .

Tied for second David Duval hold his young son Brayden during the trophy presentations for the US Open golf tournament. Duval wasn't able to overcome a two shot deficit in order to force a playoff. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Chris McGrath ...........

And rounding out the second place finishers is a name long forgotten but who suddenly appeared atop of the leaderboard. For David Duval this was a triumphant return to the major golf scene. Wherein for almost the last decade he’s had his ups and down professionally within the sport. And where his private life also had its own share of turmoil.

Glover celebrates his victory alongside NBC's Bob Costas after his 2 stroke victory of the US Open at the Bethpace Black golf course. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Ross Kinnaird ....................

And whilst Mickelson may well have been the emotional favorite to win the tournament down the stretch. Alas, this was not to be . With Tiger Woods also pressing his claim for a share of the championship , seemingly trying to ignite himself and the sparse crowd in attendance with that sense of urgency and a last minute charge. The winner of the tournament would be a first time claimant of a major Grand Slam golf title. And along with that win comes the prize money of $ 1,350,000-00 for the winner. Not bad for roughly four and a half days’ work.

Phil Mickelson reacts after his putt inches towards the hole on the 16th green during the final round of the US Open . Mickelson would finish in a tie for second place at (-2) two under par for the tournament. He was as such the sentimental favorite to win the tournament given the emotional turmoil he'd been under. picture appears courtesyb of getty images/ Andrew Reddington ................

And for Woods this was another case of what might’ve been. Had he performed better in the earlier rounds. Albeit that he finished in a tie for sixth place alongside Swede , Soren Hansen. This was in effect something of a dramatic way to end a tournament that seemingly was just waiting to anoint an almost reluctant Ricy Barnes. Instead in his place it’s Lucas Glover who lives to tell the tale of the infamy of Bethpage Black. A public links’ golf course that can seemingly sap the strength mentally and presence of even the most skilled of professional golfers on the PGA Tour.

A somewhat forlorn Tiger Woods looks on from the fourteenth tee during the final round of the US Open from the public link's course at Bethpage Black State Park , Farmingdale , New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Ross Kinnaird .................

And now with the first two majors of the season over. It’s now on The Open from the Turnberry Links Golf Course in Turnberry,Ayrshire , Scotland. The ancestral home of the game of golf and where the game itself was invented. This is the one major considered to be the most difficult to win of all. And it is considered still the most prestigious professional golf tournament in the world . An argument can be made that to win The Open , is to win the world championship of golf. Were there such an accolade befitting the sport to begin with. Then one might attest to the fact that the event itself is the pre-eminent tournament of its kind in the world. It has the history and the feats of excellence that has gone with it over the years. But more so the fans in attendance may well just be about the most knowledgeable there is that the game has to offer.

Glover poses for the photographers having won the 109th edition of the US Open golf tournament. The next major on the calendar is The Open in the United Kingdom. picture appears courtesy of getty images /Ross Kinnaird ......................

For Glover this win opens a lot of doors in terms of opportunities. And with it comes an exemption to play in all of the four major golf tournaments for the next decade. And also has to bear in mind the endorsement opportunities that’ll no doubt come his way. He’ll no longer be viewed as something of a journeyman on the PGA Tour. As fans and his peers alike will be saying ‘…. there goes Lucas Glover he’s a Grand Slam major winner’. So few players are afforded the opportunity each year of saying that they’re the winner of a Grand Slam major. And with there being only four opportunities that come by each year in terms of The Masters , the U S Open, The Open and the PGA Championship. It has to be said that it does take a special breed of player to win one the Grand Slam events.

Glover now joins the ranks of those and if he should never have the chance again to win another major. At least he knows that his name has now been etched on a trophy for prosperity and that it’ll never be taken away from him at all.

As to what surprises may or may not lie ahead for the next two majors. No one can really say. But it’s a fair bet that those who’ve entered will be of the opinion that they’ve got the same sort of shot as Glover to have their own name etched on a Grand Slam trophy.

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Excuse Me, But I’m Bored. No Tiger, And The US Open Now Becomes Mute

Well the public links course of Bethpage Black in Farmingdale , New York , for all sense and purpose looks as if the clouds are about to open up on it again . And it’d basically suggest to me that the US Open golf tournament is now about to become rather mute and of not much importance to the public at large. In particular the large audience of viewers that may well have been drawn to the drama at hand.

Ricky Barnes the tournament leader in the US Open watches his tee shot on the third hole of third round of the tournament. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Greenwood ...............

We had Phil Mickelson returning to the Tour looking to make some inroads into the tournament after taking a leave of absence to spend with his ailing wife , Amy. Mickelson’s wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer in its early stages. And the immediate course of treatment was first to see an oncologist to best see how best to combat the disease.

For Mickelson a return to the golf course and competitive play would be his solace away from the trauma that he and his wife were undergoing. And perhaps returning to the course he could allay his fears and try to tap into a rich vein of form and win one of the majors that has so far eluded him. It is afterall the country’s national championship. And the outpouring shown to the player from his peers and fans alike has been very positive to say the least.

Phil Mickelson watches his shot in the second hole of the continuation of the third round of the US Open from the public links course of Bethpage Black in Farmingdale , New York. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Greenwood ...............

Whilst this has been all playing out on the links. We’ve also seen the somewhat erratic play of the world #1 Tiger Woods. He’s now looking to add to his stature as the best player of his era and seeking to get ever much closer to what was once believed to the the unattainable record of Jack Nicklaus‘ eighteen major Grand Slam wins. Woods presently sits at fourteen win and his now folklore like triumph in last year’s US Open. Where he came back to defeat Rocco Mediate in a playoff still rings true with us all. And less we forget he did so winning on a gimpy leg.

And with the tournament now held hostage to the weather and with having only two rounds completed as of today. The likelihood of the tournament now playing out and ending on Monday now becomes even more of a certainty. And for the USGA this as such doesn’t at all bode well. The havoc wreaked by the inclement weather has all but put a damper on the ardor of the fans. And even though today they’re still prepared to turn up in their multitudes to watch the tournament unfold. The fact that the fourth and final round may well be played on Monday in many respects curtails the attendance figures. Though there may well be one or two of the more ardent of fans that are prepared to turn out to see the tournament reach its climax.

Currently tied for 7th five shots of the lead. Lee Westwood watches his tee shot on the third hole during today's play at the US Open. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Greenwood .......................

The leaderboard itself isn’t really filled with any great surprises. But both Woods and Mickelson are clearly within shot to make up ground should Ricky Barnes (-9), the first and second round leader falter. His 8 under par for the first two rounds of the US Open was a championship record. And he presently holds a one stroke lead over Lucas Glover. Also sitting close to the top of the leaderboard are the likes of Mike Weir , David Duval , Retief Goosen and Mickelson , himself. All have been major winners in the past. But perhaps the most surprising name mentioned here may well be that of Duval. He’s not had a top ten finish in a PGA sanctioned event in almost ten years. And his sole Grand Slam major win was that of the 2001 British Open at the Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club,Lancashire , England. Since then the player has toiled in almost near obscurity as his game floundered . And at the same time he had some personal issues of the golf course that had to be dealt with.

Woods reacts to a missed putt on the twelfth green of the third round of the US Open. Chances such as this shouldn't be flouted by the player. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Sam Greenwood .....................

One should also remember that prior to Woods’ arrival on the PGA Tour in 1996, Duval was the number one ranked player in the world. Since then he’s seen Woods ascend into the stratosphere rewriting history and the record books along the way. But a win or top five finish would be of great comfort to Duval at this moment in time. It’d finally suggest that his game is finally back where he wants it to be.

But fate has a very ugly way of revealing itself to those who’ve lacked confidence in recent times. And for Duval this may well also have been one of the real problems as to why his game suddenly vanished after those multiple wins on the PGA Tour.

As to the tournament itself , how it now plays out will be held in the hands of nature. The inclement weather and forecast of rain makes this event something of a real obstacle for the competitors. Every strategy they came into this tournament with must now be thrown out of the window. Because now it’s not so much about being structuring your game to the course. But more so about structuring your game to the elements and being somewhat conservative in your play. An errant shot and theb chances are that you’ll have played yourself completely out of contention.

So make of it what you will as the drama continues to play out across your tv screens. I for one fell by the wayside the moment that the storm clouds arose to make this tournament somewhat meaningless in its context.