Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Faldo: 'Very Dangerous Time' for Rory

So, the news is out that Rory McIlroy will not be using Titleist club next season.  It leaves me wondering, how much of an affect do you think this type of equipment change will have on McIlroy's game?  Here's Nick Faldo's thoughts on the subject...

With the news Tuesday that Rory McIlroywill not play Titleist clubs in 2013, the narrative shifts from his potential equipment supplier to a bigger, more significant query regarding his future: Should the Northern Irishman have stuck with the clubs that helped fuel his rise?

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo, appearing on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive,” on Tuesday, has already sounded the alarms for the upcoming equipment switch.

“I call it dangerous,” he said. “I’ve changed clubs and changed equipment, and every manufacturer will say, ‘We can copy your clubs; we can tweak the golf ball so it fits you.’ But there’s feel and sound as well, and there’s confidence. You can’t put a real value on that. It’s priceless.

“You have to be very, very careful. You easily could go off and do this and it messes you up because it just doesn’t quite feel the same. When you’re striping it, it’s fine. But as soon as doubt comes in…

“I’d be very cautious. I’d love someone like him, in his position, to sell the bag. That bag is worth a fortune; it’d be on TV all the time. Stick with the clubs that you know best, that you believe the best.

“It’s really important. It’s the feel and confidence of knowing that your equipment will perform how you want it to perform on Sunday afternoon. You can’t mess with that at such a young age.”

That’s one of the most thoughtful takes we’ve seen on the topic, from a player who’s been in a similar position: at the top of the world ranking, faced with the decision of whether to cash in and change equipment, or stick with the clubs he used to win major championships.

For McIlroy, his new equipment is just the latest in a series of changes over the past 16 months. Since winning the 2011 U.S. Open, the 23-year-old has switched agents, taken up PGA Tour membership and, now, is close to signing with another equipment company.

The latter figures to be his most significant decision of all.

Monday, October 29, 2012

What to Watch

Looking to sit back, relax and enjoy some golf on TV this week?  The Golf Channel has some great shows airing Tuesday evenings, including Big Break Greenbrier, Chasing the Dream and Our Longest Drive.  Here's a glimpse at this weeks episodes:

Big Break Greenbrier
Tuesdays 9:00PM ET
This season, twelve men aspiring to play on tour lay everything on the line and put their golf skills through the ultimate test. It’s an eleven week battle at The Greenbrier resort and The Greenbrier Sporting Club to come back for a coveted exemption into the 2013 Greenbrier Classic. See who has what it takes to keep their dream alive. Watch an all-new Big Break Greenbrier Tuesdays at 9PM ET only on Golf Channel.


Chasing the Dream
Tuesdays 10:00PM ET
Chris Anderson is a successful businessman with a wife and three kids. Robbie Biershenk owns a driving range and struggles to make ends meet. But both share the same dream — playing on the PGA TOUR. Experience their highs and lows as they risk everything on their quest to prove that it’s all worth Chasing the Dream. Watch an all-new Chasing The Dream Tuesdays at 10PM ET.


Our Longest Drive
Tuesdays 10:30PM ET
Three buddies, along with the ashes of their friend, set out on the adventure of a lifetime driving over 5,500 miles to play golf in the Arctic Circle. It is more than just a road trip with the guys. It is about friendship, loss, discovery and adventure. Tuesdays at 10:30PM ET, beginning October 16, only on Golf Channel.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Bonita Golf Course


Number of Holes: 18
Yardage:  6,200 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 71
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $26-$38
Call for tee times: 619.267.1103
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

The original Bonita Golf Course was founded in "Old Bonita" in 1956. In 1981, due to development of Plaza Bonita, the course relocated just east into the peaceful valley in the South Bay where it resides today; No one complained.

The views of Mt. Miguel and open fields make BGC a truly special piece of property; we hope you think so too. The old mantra, "home of the happy golfer" made a natural transition from "Old Bonita" to "New Bonita" and the rest is history.


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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Cobra Puma Golf Star Jonas Blixt 'Blixts' the Field at Frys.com Open

Jonas Blixt Secures his First PGA Tour Victory 

Jonas Blixt, COBRA PUMA GOLF Ambassador, won the Frys.com Open last Sunday to secure his first PGA Tour victory as a rookie on Tour. Jonas shot a 16 under par to secure the win using COBRA Golf equipment and wearing Tomato (red) PUMA Golf gear in honor of his alma mater, Florida State University. Jonas’ win comes after four top ten finishes, the most recent a third place finish at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, in his rookie year on the PGA Tour.

Jonas started the final round in second place and competed his way to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies. With eight holes left to play, Jonas was in a four way tie for the lead with an epic birdie on 17th to take the outright lead.

“Jonas’ rookie year on the PGA Tour has been excellent and he has been a perfect fit with COBRA PUMA GOLF,” commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Jonas has been with COBRA Golf for two years while he graduated from the Web.com Tour and secured his first PGA Tour win this week.”

Jonas wore the Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo and Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes in Tomato and paired them with the 5 PKT Tech Pant in white and a COBRA Tour Cap. The Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo has a lightweight construction and innovative seaming system that reduces friction during swings, its wicking fibers absorb and release moisture to keep comfortable for the round. His Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes feature PUMA’s newest S2Quill technology, giving Jonas ultimate traction and comfort.

Jonas used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Jonas’ bag consists of:
§ ZL EncoreTM Driver in Black, 8.5 Neutral with UST Attas T2 6X shaft
§ Baffler® T-Rail 2H with Graphite Design DI 105X
§ S3 Pro Irons MB 3-P with DYG X100

His ZL Encore Driver features Multi Material Construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole , 6-4 Titanium body and 6-4 Titanium Face that features E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and maximizes forgiveness, combined they maximize distance and accuracy. Jonas plays the ZL Encore in Black with White and Red options also available to consumers. The Baffler T-Rail Hybrid features a tungsten rail sole for improved turf interaction and moves CG low and deep for a high, penetrating ball flight and longer carrying distance.

To celebrate Jonas’ win, fans have the chance to win a set of clubs as Jonas plays (ZL Encore Driver, Baffler T-Rail Hybrid and choice of iron set) at www.cobragolf.com and win his winning look from Sunday at www.puma.com/golf

Monday, October 15, 2012

Phil Mickelson misses shot at $1 million dollar target


All that stood between $1 million and Phil Mickelson was 100 yards.
Unfortunately, he went long.
Teaming with his corporate sponsor KPMG, Mickelson took dead aim from one end zone during the halftime intermission of the San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos Monday Night Football game. At stake was as much as $1 million for First Book, a non-profit organization which provides new books for children in need. Mickelson was set up in one end zone, aiming for a target in the other end zone. Mickelson knocked his shot long but will still earn $50,000 to buy 20,000 books.
Mickelson, using a 56-degree wedge, needed to land his shot within 5 feet of the hole to win $1 million. According to the PGA Tour, Mickelson has hit 13.5% of his approach shots from 95-105 yards to inside 5 feet since 2003.
The hometown Mickelson is a season ticketholder to the Chargers who recently bought a stake in the San Diego Chargers.
"My wife, Amy, and I, feel strongly that literacy and education are critical to the future success of today's youth," Mickelson said.
KPMG's Family for Literacy began five years ago in cooperation with First Book and is led by the spouses of KPMG partners and professionals from across the firm's offices. To date, KPMG has delivered more than two million books to children in local communities throughout the country.
Before the game, Mickelson, dressed in the powder-blue of his Chargers, joined the MNF set and was asked about the Ryder Cup. Two weeks ago, the Americans couldn't make a 10-6 lead after two days hold up and lost 141/2-13½ Europe.
"I'm still licking wounds," said Mickelson, who counts four major championships among his 40 career PGA Tour wins. "It still stings. It was one of the toughest losses I've even been involved with. I can't believe we didn't pull it through."
But Mickelson had little doubt who would win the game. Mickelson, pointing out that the Chargers have beaten Manning-led teams five of the last six games, and that the Chargers have beaten the Broncos nine of the last 12 games, took the Chargers.

via: www.usatoday.com

2012 Sports Financial Advisors Association Golf Fundraiser



Event Date: Oct 25, 2012


Cost: $100

Admiral Baker North Golf Course

2400 Admiral Baker Road #3604, San Diego, California 92120
Phone: 619-491-0225

About the Event / Charity

Benefiting the BBBS Sports Bigs program in San Diego, helping to provide children opportunities to participate in sports within the community.

Charity - Fundraiser - Nonprofit

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego
Format of Tournament:
4 man scramble
Event Check In Time:
8:00am
Starting Time:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Dress Code:
Golf attire
Cost for an individual:
$100
Cost for the foursome:
Contests:
Long Drive, Closest to the Pin, Straight Drive Challenge
Food & Beverage:
Lunch Provided with additional beverages available for purchase
Deadline Sign Up Date:
Oct 19, 2012
For Sign Up Information or Sponsorship Opportunities Please Contact:

Contact Person : Sports Financial Advisors Association
Email: david@wheelerfrost.com
Phone : 619-491-0225
Website: http://www.regonline.com/sfaagolf

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club


Number of Holes: 18
Yardage:  6602 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 18
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $72-$101
Call for tee times: 949.305.5100
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

The Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is a public-access daily fee facility featuring an 18-hole championship-length golf course designed by PGA Tour professional Tom Lehman and well-respected local golf course architect, Casey O’Callaghan. Set amidst Trabuco Creek and The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, the 240-acre Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club provides an unforgettable golf experience on par with South Orange County's finest high-end clubs. Conveniently located off Avery Parkway, Arroyo Trabuco offers unparalleled value in a pristine, park-like setting.
Arroyo Trabuco has five sets of tee boxes, playing from 5,045 to 7,000 yards for the challenge and enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels. Trabuco Creek plays as a lateral hazard on seven holes and on-course lakes come into play on three holes.


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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

San Diego Junior Golf Association's 60th Anniversary Glow Ball Tournament

San Diego County Junior Golf Association's
60th Anniversary Glow Ball Tournament
Saturday October 27, 2012




Registration Begins: September 5, 2012 at 12:01 AM PDT
Entry Deadline: October 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM PDT
Entry Fee:$20.00


Presidio Hills Golf Course 

Start Time: Afternoon activities begin at 2pm Glow Ball starts at 7pm 

Join us in celebrating our 60th Anniversary with a day-long schedule of events at Presidio Hills Golf Course. We will kick-off the afternoon with short game exhibitions and challenges, followed by dinner, and then a glow ball tournament at night.

For more info: http://sdjga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/sdjga12/event/sdjga1224/index.htm

Michael Phelps sinks 50 yard putt

After breaking the record for the most gold medals in Olympic history this year in London, swimmer Michael Phelps has taken on the challenge of learning the world's greatest sport.... golf.

Check out this video of Phelps dropping a 150 foot putt!!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Sail Ho Golf Club


Quick Stats and Information

Number of Holes: 9
Yardage:  1023 yards (from black tees)
Par: 27
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $13-$15 (for 9 holes)
Call for tee times: 619.222.4656
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

An important part of San Diego's golf history, Sail Ho was originally the San Diego Country Club. It was actually named the Loma Club, and was built by A.G. Spalding of Spalding Sports. You can book a tee time here today!

Sail Ho is one of the oldest courses in the county, having been around since the 1920's. The Navy used Sail Ho for its physical fitness program and well being included in recruit training. Sam Snead used to be the Head Golf Professional while he was in the Navy, and both Craig Stadler and Phil Mickelson played lots of junior golf tournaments at Sail Ho Golf Club.

Located at the north end of Liberty Station, the new and improved Sail Ho Golf Club features redesigned fairways, greens and practice facilities by renowned San Diego architect Cary Bickler. Sail Ho also offers a new clubhouse, featuring a pro-shop with all the amenities, breakfast and lunch menus at The Sail Ho Bar & Grill that is a full service bar, and new administrative offices.


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Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Wounded Marine Celebrity Golf Classic

Event Date: Oct 13, 2012Cost: $295

La Costa Resort and Spa

2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Calsbad, California 92009
Phone : 858-232-0030

About the Event / Charity

This will be one of the most fun and exciting tournaments you have ever played in. Besides being played at La Costa and having loads of Celebrites, Hunter Steak House will be serving lunch, Payne Mason rolling cigars, U.V. Vodka pouring the drinks, Tilted Kilt Girls spice up the round, Mommie Helen's Bakery serving up some amazing cobbler Chandra Rum pouring the flavored rum, Stone and Claim Jumper with the premium beer kegs and loads more.
What are you waiting for? 
Sign up! Now! 
www.thefairwaypartners.com

Charity - Fundraiser - Nonprofit

The Wouned Marine Fund
Format of Tournament:
4 man scramble
Event Check In Time:
9am
Starting Time:
12pm to 7pm
Dress Code:
Golf attire
Cost for an individual:
$295
Cost for the foursome:
$1,100
Contests:
Putting, Long Drive, Hole in One, Closest to the Pin
Food & Beverage:
Too much to list
Deadline Sign Up Date:
Oct 13, 2012
For Sign Up Information or Sponsorship Opportunities Please Contact:
Contact Person : The Wounded Marines
Email : http://www.thewoundedmarinefund.com/
Phone : 858-232-0030
Website : http://www.thefairwaypartners.com/The-Wounded-Marine.html
Facebook event : https://www.facebook.com/events/469592319741351/?ref=nf

Thursday, October 4, 2012

First Tee Nerves And How To Avoid Suffering Them

What will people think?
I have a friend who doesn't play golf but she tried. When she was in college, she was limited to non-strenuous classes due to an old knee injury (basketball in high school). This was a challenge for a sports lover. She would have loved to been on the basketball team, softball team, and the competitive swimming team. But, alas, she was doomed to these fascinating PE classes: Synchronized Swimming (2 semesters), Archery & Badminton, and Golf & Bowling. She was a good bowler, having learned as a child and participated in bowling leagues all through high school. She loved to swim and enjoyed the Synchronized Swimming and she and her siblings were raised with a badminton set in the back yard. She had never held an archery bow, much less shot arrows at a target and, even though her parents were avid golfers, she had never even swung a golf club, much less at a ball.

When the golfing semester came around, she was not looking forward to it. She said she knew instinctively that she was going to be a terrible golfer and all she could think of for weeks was, "What will people think?" She said, "Here I was a healthy young woman with golfer parents and I was a great bowler and won the badminton tournament. What would my classmates think when I got up there and duffed the first shot?" Here's her story of how that first day went - see if any of this rings true for any of you golfers out there:

What if I missed the ball completely?
All I could think about for two weeks before the class started was walking up to the tee with a golf club in my hand and trying to hit that little ball. I knew I was going to miss it but if I did hit it, it wouldn't go far. I had watched my parents playing golf , practicing drives and putts in our huge yard and I knew I couldn't do this. The day was bright and sunny - it was April in Virginia and perfect golfing weather - for somebody. I had prayed for rain but alas - the moment arrived and I had to report for class.

I arrived with some classmates and we were told to pick out a set of clubs that were the right length. I looked at the row of carts, all holding a small golf bag with 6-8 clubs sticking out of the top. How in the world was I supposed to know which ones would be the right size. I watched some of my classmates who seemed to know more of what they were doing than I did. One of them took a long driver, held it in front of himself, pronounced it too short, and picked out another. I watched as he tried several more, finally settling on the right set for him. I asked him, "How did you know?" He said simply, "It just felt right."

The instructor arrived at that moment and blessedly helped me choose the right clubs and off we went for our first lesson. I was so happy to find that we would only listen and learn on that first day. We were shown how to hold the club - it took me most of that first class to get my fingers and hands in the right positions. Then we watched as the instructor illustrated the correct stance - feet just about as wide apart as the shoulders. We all stood as we were shown and then waited for the verdict. I didn't do too bad but then I have always stood around well.

The next class we still had things to learn so I figured I had another week before I had to try and hit the ball. Wrong!! We were fast learners, according to our teacher, and so before I knew what was happening, I was pushing a tee into the ground and trying to balance a golf ball on it. Four tries it took before that little sucker would stay on the tee. First lesson - put the tee in straight! Finally, it stayed and then I put the club down next to it and, you guessed it, the ball fell off. Three more times - I was a wreck by then and so I now have personal and extensive experience of the phenomenon known as "1st Tee Nerves."

What if I never got to swing the club? What if I did?
There was a moment in time when I seriously considered that I was going to fail PE because I could not get the stupid ball to stay on the tee. Every time I would get it to stay, it would fall off while I was "addressing" it or I would knock it off trying to get the club into place. The teacher finally had us practice getting the club in place and getting ready for the swing without the ball in place. Seems as if I wasn't the only one having trouble.

Anyway, I knew I would never be so lucky as to not have to play this game, and I certainly didn't want to have to repeat this course. I decided to go ahead and get it over with so I concentrated as hard as I could on that little white sphere, willing it to stay on the tee while I got ready to hit it - or try and hit it. The focusing must have worked as well as the teacher said it would because I finally got ready to hit the ball. It sat right there, big as life and let me swing my club at it. I couldn't believe it! I had actually swung the club and it didn't fly out of my hand and hit the teacher in the head. Of course, it didn't hit the ball either, but you can't have everything!!

What if I never get the ball to the hole, much less in it?
It was a long time coming, but finally I swung the club and actually hit that little ball. I was a wreck but it did travel a little ways down the fairway - not far - but at least I didn't end up in the woods like the others in my threesome. I must admit, I despaired of ever getting it to the end of the longest par-3 hole in the world of golf, but I did. It took six strokes and that was to get on the green. The teacher blessedly informed us that putting was for another day!

Does any of that sound familiar?
I told that story, with my friend's permission, because every single golfer, no matter how old or young, newbie or experienced, every one who picks up a golf club has to have a first time on a tee. Everyone has to start somewhere and no matter how good you were on that first day or how awful you were, you had to walk through that moment when you had to approach the tee for the first time.

Of course, if you're reading this, you have probably already had this experience so I'm not going to try and tell you how to get through that moment, at least not specifically. What I want to do is help my readers recognize the feelings that we all share every time we get ready to hit a golf ball. "1st Tee Nerves" can be the most agonizing but wait until your spouse or your teacher or, as I experienced, your oldest child plays a round with you for the first time. That's just as bad as having to hit the ball for the first time and any of you who are golfers will have to face something like this so here are some tips for you to be able to face the dragon.

- Don't ask, "What if?" Expect success not failure. Say, "Watch me."

- Be confident, especially if you've had a good teacher. Take your club and your ball and tell them both, "I'm in charge here."
- If it is your first time on a tee, pretend it's just your first time on this tee. Act like an old hand it this game and you soon will be one.
- Remember, you are not alone. Everyone around you, everyone with a golf bag full of clubs has been where you are and they've all felt just like you're feeling.

- Last, but not least, golf is a game - enjoy it!

---------

This article was written by Keith Matthews from TopGolfTipsHQ.com 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Golf Fashion Etiquette

The clothing in golf is a part of the decorum of the game, perhaps more so than any other sport. Not only is there an unspoken etiquette, but most golf courses have a dress code that requires particular attire in order to play. These dress codes are not as restrictive as the rules for PGA Tour or LPGA Tour players, but they are designed to ensure that amateur players adhere to a certain protocol to help maintain the game's traditions. It is always a good idea to check with course management about the club's dress code.

Shirts
In nearly all cases, golf courses require that men wear collared shirts. This usually means traditional cotton, microfiber or polyester golf shirts. Some course managers also allow modern-style golf shirts that have a turtleneck-style collar. Women's golf tops vary greatly, with or without collars, but all adhere to a traditional sense of modesty. This means no bathing suit tops or tube tops. T-shirts or tank tops usually are not permitted for men or women.

Pants
Men should wear long pants made of cotton or a polyester blend, or dress shorts with a pleated or flat front. Some courses will permit men to wear jeans, but others do not. Women also should wear long trousers, capris or dress shorts, or what are called golf skirts. These garments are made with a cut pleat or V-notch on the front or side to allow for motion in the golf swing and include an undershort. Cut-off jeans and workout, running or basketball shorts usually are not permitted for men or women.

Shoes
Footwear is considered part of the game's equipment. Golf shoes will help stabilize a player's swing, allow for traction when walking and provide comfort during a round that can last several hours. These shoes include spikes on the soles. Many courses now require "soft" spikes made of hard rubber or plastic, not traditional metal. Furthermore, other types of shoes that may appear to offer the same comfort and stability are not necessarily permitted. Sneakers or running shoes are sometimes allowed on golf courses, but not always. Sandals, street shoes and boots are not permitted on most courses.

Socks
Socks are as necessary with golf shoes as they are with any sports footwear. Over the years, socks have become an important part of golf attire, mainly because advances in fibers help to keep a golfer comfortable and his feet dry. Golf socks come in a variety of styles. Many golfers who wear shorts choose ankle-length socks that are barely visible above the shoes. But more traditional tube socks also are permitted. Although a course dress code is not likely to specify what kind of socks a player is permitted to wear, there is unspoken etiquette that requires a player to wear socks that complement the clothing.

Hats
Golf hats usually are not specified in a dress code, but certain headgear is more appropriate. Baseball-style hats or visors, for men and women, are the most popular on a golf course. Their primary function is to help provide protection from the sun. Straw hats of many varieties and what are known as Ben Hogan caps also are permitted. But headgear such as cowboy hats, dress fedora-style hats, beanie caps and gag hats are generally not appropriate for a golf course.

via www.golfsmith.com

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Emerald Isle Golf Course


Quick Stats and Information

Number of Holes: 18
Yardage:  2452 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 56
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: $15-$20
Call for tee times: 760.721.4700
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Snack Bar
 

Emerald Isle: "North County's Most Challenging Executive Course", is a 2452 yard, par 56, 18 hole Public golf course. Located in picturesque City of Oceanside California and serving: Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos as well as the North San Diego County area. The course was designed in 1986 around two natural lakes and accentuates the beauty of the serene beach community of Oceanside.

Facilities and Services
Emerald Isle Golf is the perfect year round choice when you are using the full grass practice range or playing a full 18 holes of golf.  Rentals are available for clubs, golf carts and pull-carts. The pro-shop
opens at 6:30 each morning. Four holes play over water hazards throughout the course. There is a snack bar on the premises that also serves Soda, Beer and Wine. Available for your convenience ia a
putting green.  The course welcomes outside tournaments.

Location
Emerald Isle Golf course is located between San Diego and Los Angeles to offer you the best of Southern California. Just 10  minutes away, miles of smooth white beach beckon from beneath the
West Coast's longest wooden pier and Oceanside Harbour; also practically next door is the Mission San Luis Rey, founded in 1798. Quality accommodations are available mere blocks away.


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Monday, October 1, 2012

US suffers huge loss at 2012 Ryder Cup


MEDINAH, Ill. – The Americans never stood a chance.
Even with a commanding 10-6 lead going into the Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles, they were doomed.
There were just too many mystical forces working against them in a 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 loss at Medinah Country Club.
There were the Europeans playing in Seve Ballesteros’ Sunday blue, the garb once fancied by the man who became a legend escaping from more tough spots than Houdini. The Euros had his emblem on their shirt sleeves. They had his silhouette on their golf bags. Mostly, they showed they had his indomitable spirit in their marrow.
“I think if Seve could have written this script, he would have written it exactly like this one,” Europe’s Graeme McDowell said.
Ballesteros would have liked the way Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia dug themselves out of holes Sunday to win vital matches. Rose was 1 down to Phil Mickelson with two holes to play but poured in birdie putts at the 17th and 18th holes to win. Garcia was also 1 down at the 17th but likewise won the final two holes to defeat Jim Furyk.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Seve was with me today,” Garcia said. “Because there’s no chance I would have won my match if he wasn’t there.”
There was another force working against the Americans.
There was September in Chicago.
The Americans confirmed no lead is safe in this city in September. Cub fans know this better than anyone, and now the folks who live here have another epic collapse to remember, one as stunning as the Cubs’ blown pennant in ’69.
The way the Americans struggled Sunday, you had to wonder if they were playing on the same type of turf used at Wrigley Field.
You had to wonder if a guard at the front gate of Medinah turned away a restaurant owner wanting to bring his billy goat inside with him to watch Sunday’s finish.
And now you have to wonder if that Chicago cop who helped a desperate Rory McIlroymake his tee time with a police escort will be looking to rent a room from Steve Bartman.
Apparently, beating the Americans has become as easy as rolling out of bed.
Saying he confused the U.S. Central Time Zone with its Eastern Time Zone, McIlroy arrived just 10 minutes before his tee time with the police escort. He didn’t hit a single shot on the practice range but was 2 up on Keegan Bradley after six holes and went on to beat him, 2 and 1.
“We’re all kind of stunned,” American captain Davis Love III said. “We know what it feels like now from that ’99 Ryder Cup. It’s a little bit shocking.”
Love was on that ’99 team that won at Brookline in the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. The Europeans on Sunday equaled that historic comeback in winning for the fifth time in the last six Ryder Cups, the seventh in the last nine.
With the Europeans charging early Sunday, you had to wonder if ’99 U.S. captain Ben Crenshaw was watching somewhere with a bad feeling about this.
Olazabal was on that European team that lost so epically. He was in the middle of the chaos when Justin Leonard holed an improbable bomb at the 17th at Brookline to set up the United States’ victory. Leonard rolled that putt in against Olazabal.
Asked on Saturday night, if, like Crenshaw, he had a “good feeling” about what was going to happen on the final day, Olazabal said he believed.
“I think the boys understood that believing was the most important thing, and they did,” Olazabal said.
Sunday was a sad day for the Americans, but it was a great day for golf, a spectacular Sunday of dizzying dramatic turns.
The Ryder Cup proved yet again it is the best event in golf, a spectacle even more magical than the Masters, if that’s possible. The golf is so much larger in the Ryder Cup, it feels like it ought to be played on Mount Olympus. The thrills are so much grander, the heartache so much more severe.
Unfortunately for the Americans, they’re becoming more familiar with the heartache.
Steve Stricker felt the sting of another Ryder Cup as deeply as anyone.
With the first five players Europe sent out Sunday winning, the match boiled down to Stricker on the final hole in the second-to-last match. After lipping out a 6-footer for par at the 17th to fall 1 down to Martin Kaymer, Stricker knew the match’s outcome was on him. He had to win the 18th or Europe would retain the cup.
Stricker watched Martin Kaymer halve the hole by sinking a 6-foot putt at the last to deal the Americans yet another Ryder Cup disappointment.
“I just didn’t get it done,” Stricker said. “I’m a little stunned. I can’t really believe what happened to us.”
The Americans have been dealt some bitter blows in the Ryder Cup. There were the back-to-back record routs in 2004 and ’06, but this might have been the worst loss of all. The collapse coming with the Americans feeling as if they had one hand on the cup makes the loss that much harder to swallow.
Tiger Woods endured his fifth consecutive Ryder Cup loss.
No other American Ryder Cupper has ever played on five consecutive losing teams.
Mickelson has now played on seven losing Ryder Cup teams. No American has been on more losing teams.
Mickelson’s Ryder Cup record is now 14-18-6. Woods is 13-17-3. No Americans have lost more matches than Mickelson and Woods.
American veteran Jim Furyk felt the sting, too. He bogeyed the final two holes to lose to Garcia. In a year in which Furyk endured losing the U.S. Open and the WGC-Bridgestone with late stumbles, Furyk drove home just how important the Ryder Cup has become.
“This is the lowest part of my year,” Furyk said.
It was a wild, wondrous Sunday that ended with it feeling like the Americans never stood a chance.