Tour Report: Bradley on home game, his aunt, more (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
Watch: Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley discusses his FedExCup outlook and his friendship with Phil Mickelson.
NORTON, Mass. – Here are a few excerpts from the news conference of PGA champion Keegan Bradley, who grew up in New England and will be one of the local favorites this week at the Deutsche Bank Championship. (Click here for separate note about Bradley throwing out first pitch at Red Sox game.)
ON PLAYING AT TPC BOSTON FOR FIRST TIME SINCE HIGH SCHOOL: “Back when I came, it was semi‑new so we were all very excited to play. A funny story, I actually remember beating the guy I was playing with by 20 shots for nine holes. I remember he shot 52 and I shot 32. That’s kind of an interesting fact. But I do remember being excited to come here, and being able to come back here in the Deutsche Bank and the FedExCup Playoffs is really cool. I say this pretty much every time, but it’s a dream for me to be out here, and to be able to be involved in the FedExCup is amazing.”
ON PLAYING A HOME GAME IN NEW ENGLAND: "It’s the first time I’ve got to see a lot of my families members since I won the PGA, and it’s amazing how the people of Boston and at Fenway Park last night, how aware they are that I’m from New England and that I won the PGA. It’s a cool feeling for me to come back to Boston and kind of have established my career a little bit. … I’ve lived in almost every state in New England, all over New England, and it’s really, really cool, and I’m very, very proud of my New England heritage. It’s fun to come back here, definitely."
ON VERMONT’S PROBLEMS AFTER HURRICANE IRENE: "Growing up in Vermont is a huge part of who I am and what type of player I am. I also grew up skiing in Vermont, and so you know, I have a lot of pride in where I’m from. And to see those pictures of places that I’ve been, ski areas, towns that have been damaged pretty badly, it’s really, really tough to see, and I’m going to do as much as I can to help. I’m thinking of all the people in Vermont and I feel for them, and I’ve still got a lot of friends that live there. I hope everybody is OK, and I hope I can help out in some way."
ON HIS AUNT, LPGA HALL OF FAMER PAT BRADLEY: "I was hitting balls yesterday, and I looked behind me, and I see Pat underneath the bleachers trying to hide from me. So yeah, she’s here. My dad’s here. Last night they gave me a skybox with 14 tickets for the Patriots game (Thursday), and that wasn’t enough. I mean, I’m probably going to have a lot of Bradleys, a lot of my mom’s side, so there’s going to be a lot of people."
ON WINNING A STATE TITLE AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR IN MASSACHUSETTS: "I shot 69, and we won — I won individually and our team won by 21 shots. I had John Curran on my team, who went to Vanderbilt on a full scholarship, all American. I also had Kim Donovan on my team, who went to Duke on a full scholarship. I always say, my high school team my senior year was better than my college team my freshman year. We were really, really good. My relationship with John, my friendship with John, who is still down in Florida with me, has been a huge part of me getting out here on the PGA TOUR. That year in Hopkinton and winning that state championship with all those guys was a huge part of me getting here. Still, John Curran is still my best friend today. We play golf every day down in Florida, and it’s a blessing that it happened."
ON THE WANAMAKER TROPHY: "The Wanamaker went on a little tour of Jupiter (Fla.) for a few months, but now it’s done; it’s in its final spot. I actually keep it in my room so when I wake up every day I see it. Every time I look at it, I kind of shake my head and laugh a little bit because it is the Wanamaker Trophy sitting in my room, and it’s sort of weird. It’s an interesting feeling."
ON HIS PRESIDENTS CUP CHANCES: "If I was to be picked by (U.S. Captain) Fred Couples, it would be the tops on my list in terms of coolest things happening to me so far in my career. But again, it’s another situation where it’s another thing to put a little extra pressure on myself which I’ve got to try to downplay. But any player wants to play for their country in the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. I hope to be there, but if I’m not, I hope to be on future teams."
FedExCup Update: Deutsche Bank
Halleran/Getty ImagesThis week, 26 players are trying to knock Dustin Johnson out of the top spot in the FedExCup standings, but the real battle is around the 70-man cut line.
MORE FEDEXCUP: Scenarios | Bubble Watch | Current standings | FedExCup tracker | Playoffs Guidebook
By Chris Dunham, PGATOUR.COM
The PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup move into Round 2 this week with 99 players teeing it up at the Deutsche Bank Championship. On Labor Day, the Playoffs field will be trimmed to 70 players who will compete in the BMW Championship, which starts Sept. 15 after an off week.
With the cut coming at the low 70 and ties, making it to Sunday (Rounds 1 and 2 will be contested Friday and Saturday) is key for players hoping to make it to Cog Hill, but it does not guarantee a spot in the FedExCup top 70. A combined total of 31 players (12 in 2010, 19 in 2009) made the cut at the Deutsche Bank Championship but failed to move inside the FedExCup top 70.
Players well down the ranks put themselves in a tough position to move out of. Two years ago, Kevin Streelman tied for 32nd in Boston but was only able to move from 89th to 72nd in the FedExCup standings. Kris Blanks was the heartbreak kid a year ago. A tie for 22nd moved him to the cusp of the BMW Championship, but at No. 71, he missed out by 20 points.
Blanks started the week at No. 91 in the FedExCup standings, 141 points shy of the 70th position. Entering this week 141 points back is none other William McGirt, who was the last man into the Playoffs but battled his way into the top 100 for this week’s event.
PROJECTING THE CUT LINE MOVE: This season marks the third year under the current FedExCup scoring format. In the previous two seasons, the points required to be inside the top 70 in the FedExCup standings before and after the Deutsche Bank Championship has increased by about 120 points. If that trend continues this year, anyone below Cameron Tringale (No. 55, 122 points above No. 70) is in danger of his Playoffs coming to an end this week. Though Tringale probably can’t be sleeping too easy with his position.
FedExCup cut line moves at the Deutsche Bank ChampionshipYearNo. 70 after The BarclaysNo. 70 after the Deutsche BankChange2011691.9??????2010694.6813.4118.82009695.4815.5120.1
A year ago, Padraig Harrington traveled to TPC Boston at No. 57 in the FedExCup standings, 77.5 points above the player ranked 70th, missed the cut and left outside the 70-man cut line. In 2009, Chad Campbell started the week in 54th,120.1 points above the cut line, and fell all the way to 70th after missing the cut. He made it to the BMW Championship by just 2.275 points. John Merrick, who entered the week at No. 62, 66 points above No. 70, took the steepest drop out of the Playoffs.
FEDEXCUP NOTES: Anyone inside the top 27 in the FedExCup standings could move to No. 1 with a victory this week. That group includes past champions Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker … FedExCup leader Dustin Johnson is making his third start at the Deutsche Bank Championship. He tied for fourth in 2009 and had a T57 finish last year … Defending Deutsche Bank Championship winner Charley Hoffman enters the week at No. 33 in the FedExCup standings … Regining FedExCup champion Jim Furyk is currently 60th and will probably need a top-60 finish to move on to the BMW Championship.
TPC Boston in ‘great shape’ after Irene
Watch: Update on course conditions
Tom Brodeur, course superintendent at TPC Boston, and Mark Russell, vice president of rules, competition and administration for the PGA TOUR, discuss the course conditions for the Deutsche Bank Championship this week.
Sergio gets his kicks with Revolution
NORTON, Mass. – Sergio Garcia spent Wednesday morning practicing with the local Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution. Here’s a look at Sergio in action:
Courtesy of Bert Lane
Pressure’s on for McGirt to keep card
By Mike McAllister, PGATOUR.COM
NORTON, Mass. — Just like he’s done the past two weeks, William McGirt enters this week’s tournament fighting for his Playoffs life. But he’s also fighting another battle — to keep his PGA TOUR card for next year.
It’s a battle that may also require him to play a full schedule in the Fall Series.
According to PGA TOUR officials here, McGirt is the only player in the 99-man field in the Deutsche Bank Championship who is on the outside of the current top 125 on the money list and does not yet have fully exempt status for 2012.
Halleran/Getty ImagesWilliam McGirt is looking to stay alive in the Playoffs this week.
McGirt ranks 96th in FedExCup points but 141st on the money list. Unless he climbs into the top 125 by the end of the season, he will not have fully exempt status after the fall.
"I’m probably going to have to make another $300,000, $400,000 to keep my card," McGirt said Wednesday. "But the good news is, a good week this week and we keep moving on."
McGirt is approximately $160,000 behind current No. 125 David Mathis. The top 125 on the money list at the end of the year earn their cards for 2012.
Mathis, however, did not make the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. McGirt did, using a clutch performance to claim the last spot after the Wyndham Championship. He then advanced to the Deutsche Bank with a tie for 24th last week at The Barclays, his best result in his last 20 starts on TOUR.
In terms of the money list, McGirt was 158th after Wyndham but moved up to 141st after The Barclays. So while others in his same situation must wait until the Fall Series to start earning money again, McGirt has an unique opportunity to make up significant ground now, thanks to the chase for the FedExCup.
"But I’m not looking at is as I have to get it done right now," McGirt said. "I’ve got four fall finish events. There’s plenty of opportunities left to lock up my card.
"And I think if you start putting pressure on yourself to get it done this week, that I have to make this much money, I think you’re only setting yourself up for failure.
"If you’re going out there trying to win golf tournaments, things will take care of themselves if you play well."
McGirt, who earned status this year thanks to his tie for second at last year’s q-school (and may have to try q-school again if he doesn’t climb inside the top 125), is enjoying the ride right now. His performance the last couple of weeks have made him sort of a Cinderella story, the longshot who keeps playing well enough to stay alive.
"Obviously I want to play well," McGirt said. "I want to stay out here, but I’ve tried to make it fun, enjoy what we’re doing, find things to do on the road, stuff that we would never do without being in this situation, being on TOUR and being in these tournaments. My wife and I have had a blast.
"We started the year and said, whether or not I keep my card, we’re going to have fun, but I’m going to give it everything that I have. If I keep my card, great; if I don’t, I’ll walk away at the end of this year knowing that I gave it everything that I have and that I thoroughly enjoyed this year."
Notable groups for Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. — Tee times for the first two rounds of the Deutsche Bank Championship have been released. Here’s a look at some of the notable groups. Let us know which groups you’re most interested in following.
CLICK HERE FOR TEE TIMES
Players (FedExCup rank)Tee times (starting hole)CommentMark Wilson (13) Keegan Bradley (14) Jason Day (15)Rd. 1: 7:46 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:16 p.m. ET (1st)PGA champ Bradley, having grown up in Vermont, will be a favorite among the New EnglandersSteve Stricker (7) Vijay Singh (8) K.J. Choi (9)Rd. 1: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st)Stricker won the Deutsche Bank in 2009; Singh won it in 2008 en route to winning the FedExCup title; Choi won THE PLAYERS this yearDustin Johnson (1) Matt Kuchar (2) Nick Watney (3)Rd. 1: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st)The top three players in FedExCup points – and a rematch of the duel last Saturday when Johnson battled Kuchar to win The BarclaysGary Woodland (10) Phil Mickelson (11) Jonathan Byrd (12)Rd. 1: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th)Mickelson is familiar with both playing partners. He’s played with Woodland in three previous events and Byrd in two prior events this yearWebb Simpson (4) Luke Donald (5) Brandt Snedeker (6)Rd. 1: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th)Donald leads the TOUR with 10 top-10 finishes this year; Simpson has eight; and Snedeker has six, including last week’s tie for 10th
Make your picks for Deutsche Bank
The experts at PGATOUR.COM have made their picks for the second leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Who do you like at TPC Boston? Share your picks below. Good luck.
CLICK HERE FOR EXPERT PICKS
Garcia to practice with local MLS team
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Sergio Garcia will exchange his golf clubs for a pair of soccer cleats on Wednesday as he gets a chance to practice with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
Garcia, an avid soccer fan, plans to suit up and run through an entire 90-minute training session with the club beginning at 10 a.m. The Spaniard is in the field this week at the Deutsche Bank Championship, which is being held at nearby TPC Boston.
Garcia owns a third-division Spanish team, C.F. Borriol, and enjoys playing pick-up games during his travels on TOUR.
He’ll enter the Deutsche Bank Championship ranked 53rd in FedExCup points.
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Tour Report: Tiger tidbits: Highlights from interview (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
Wednesday morning, Tiger Woods and Notah Begay III appeared on Golf Channel’s ‘Morning Drive’ to discuss this week’s NB3 Challenge and why Woods chose the Frys.com Open as his next PGA TOUR event. That, and more, below:
On choosing the Frys.com Open as his next TOUR event: “I wanted to play another event and I’d taken enough time off,” said Woods, who added that he’d told PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem in recent years that he’d play an event he normally doesn’t. The Frys.com Open is just that. It’s also being played near his alma mater Stanford.
On what Notah Begay’s foundation is doing: “What he’s trying to do with Native American youth and Type 2 diabetes, that’s something I can relate to,” Woods said. “Unfortunately my father developed Type 2 diabetes late in his life and I saw the devastating effects it has. What he’s trying to do is pretty phenomenal.”
Woods on his own health: “I’ve been hurt for a very long time,” he said, citing 2007 when he ruptured his ACL and kept playing on it and then tearing the Achilles in his right leg, among other injuries. “It’s a very tough road. It’s been years since I felt good. You wake up in the morning and it’s tough to get out of bed. But now it’s fine. I can spring out of be. It’s a very invigorating feeling.”
On whether or not Fred Couples has already called him to inform him he’ll be on the Preisdents Cup team: “Yes,” he said. “Want me to elaborate? Yes.”
On his search for a new caddie: “I’m going to need a caddie at the Frys. I don’t know who its going to be as of right now. [Notah Begay’s brother] Clint is looping for me today. There’s really no timetable for that. It’ll happen sometime in the future.”
Bradley lives out ‘dream’ at Fenway
Elsa/Getty ImagesKeegan Bradley is congratulated by Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia after throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park.
This entry updated at 4 p.m. ET
NORTON, Mass. — Keegan Bradley grew up in Vermont and went to high school in his senior year in Massachusetts. No surprise that the New England native is a huge Red Sox fan.
On Tuesday, he stood on the mound at Fenway Park and threw out the first pitch prior to the Red Sox-Yankees game. You can imagine the emotions he was feeling.
Watch Bradley's pitch
Keegan Bradley talks about his appearance at Fenway Park.
“One of my dreams my whole life has been to be able to throw out the first pitch at Fenway,” Bradley said Wednesday, “and I got to realize that dream last night in front of my whole family and in front of a bunch of my friends. It was a strange feeling to be on the mound at Fenway, but it lived up to the hype. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Bradley said his friends have been teasing him about a pitch that bounces in. On Sunday, Bradley practiced so hard that his arm was sore.
No worries. While his pitch didn’t exactly hit triple digits on the radar gun, Bradley – wearing a Jimmy Fund jersey to help promote the Red Sox’s charity that supports the fight against cancer — did safely get it to Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia. He then clinched his fist, shook Pedroia’s hand and walked off to warm applause from the Red Sox fans.
“I just didn’t want to bounce it,” Bradley said. “I would give myself a B‑minus. I’ve got Dustin Pedroia, who got down in a catcher’s stance. He’s kind of a small guy anyways, and it was a small target. But I was afraid. I was so nervous that I was afraid I was going to fall on my face or do something embarrassing, so I was happy with it.”
Alas, it wasn’t a complete success for Bradley on Tuesday. Boston lost to the hated Yankees, 5-2.
Here’s a three-photo sequence of Keegan Bradley on the mound at Fenway – before, during and after his pitch (photos by Elsa/Getty Images).
Wednesday morning, Tiger Woods and Notah Begay III appeared on Golf Channelâs âMorning Driveâ to discuss this weekâs NB3 Challenge and why Woods chose the Frys.com Open as his next PGA TOUR event. That, and more, below: On choosing the Frys.com Open as his next TOUR event: âI wanted to play another event and Iâd […]
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Kerr and Mahan win Begay Challenge
August 31, 2011
VERONA, N.Y. (AP)—Cristie Kerr and Hunter Mahan combined for an 11-under61 to win the Notah Begay Challenge by one shot over Annika Sorenstam and RickieFowler.
Tiger Woods and Suzann Pettersen were another shot behind in third, andNatalie Gulbis and Begay were fourth in the best-ball challenge for charityWednesday.
Woods made birdie at the opening hole and rallied with another at the 18that the Atunyote Golf Club course. After hitting his drive at the final hole some65 yards left of the fairway into the rough, he chipped on the green and sank a15-foot putt.
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Tour Report: FedExCup Update: Deutsche Bank (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
Halleran/Getty ImagesThis week, 26 players are trying to knock Dustin Johnson out of the top spot in the FedExCup standings, but the real battle is around the 70-man cut line.
MORE FEDEXCUP: Scenarios | Bubble Watch | Current standings | FedExCup tracker | Playoffs Guidebook
By Chris Dunham, PGATOUR.COM
The PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup move into Round 2 this week with 99 players teeing it up at the Deutsche Bank Championship. On Labor Day, the Playoffs field will be trimmed to 70 players who will compete in the BMW Championship, which starts Sept. 15 after an off week.
With the cut coming at the low 70 and ties, making it to Sunday (Rounds 1 and 2 will be contested Friday and Saturday) is key for players hoping to make it to Cog Hill, but it does not guarantee a spot in the FedExCup top 70. A combined total of 31 players (12 in 2010, 19 in 2009) made the cut at the Deutsche Bank Championship but failed to move inside the FedExCup top 70.
Players well down the ranks put themselves in a tough position to move out of. Two years ago, Kevin Streelman tied for 32nd in Boston but was only able to move from 89th to 72nd in the FedExCup standings. Kris Blanks was the heartbreak kid a year ago. A tie for 22nd moved him to the cusp of the BMW Championship, but at No. 71, he missed out by 20 points.
Blanks started the week at No. 91 in the FedExCup standings, 141 points shy of the 70th position. Entering this week 141 points back is none other William McGirt, who was the last man into the Playoffs but battled his way into the top 100 for this week’s event.
PROJECTING THE CUT LINE MOVE: This season marks the third year under the current FedExCup scoring format. In the previous two seasons, the points required to be inside the top 70 in the FedExCup standings before and after the Deutsche Bank Championship has increased by about 120 points. If that trend continues this year, anyone below Cameron Tringale (No. 55, 122 points above No. 70) is in danger of his Playoffs coming to an end this week. Though Tringale probably can’t be sleeping too easy with his position.
FedExCup cut line moves at the Deutsche Bank ChampionshipYearNo. 70 after The BarclaysNo. 70 after the Deutsche BankChange2011691.9??????2010694.6813.4118.82009695.4815.5120.1
A year ago, Padraig Harrington traveled to TPC Boston at No. 57 in the FedExCup standings, 77.5 points above the player ranked 70th, missed the cut and left outside the 70-man cut line. In 2009, Chad Campbell started the week in 54th,120.1 points above the cut line, and fell all the way to 70th after missing the cut. He made it to the BMW Championship by just 2.275 points. John Merrick, who entered the week at No. 62, 66 points above No. 70, took the steepest drop out of the Playoffs.
FEDEXCUP NOTES: Anyone inside the top 27 in the FedExCup standings could move to No. 1 with a victory this week. That group includes past champions Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker … FedExCup leader Dustin Johnson is making his third start at the Deutsche Bank Championship. He tied for fourth in 2009 and had a T57 finish last year … Defending Deutsche Bank Championship winner Charley Hoffman enters the week at No. 33 in the FedExCup standings … Regining FedExCup champion Jim Furyk is currently 60th and will probably need a top-60 finish to move on to the BMW Championship.
TPC Boston in ‘great shape’ after Irene
Watch: Update on course conditions
Tom Brodeur, course superintendent at TPC Boston, and Mark Russell, vice president of rules, competition and administration for the PGA TOUR, discuss the course conditions for the Deutsche Bank Championship this week.
Sergio gets his kicks with Revolution
NORTON, Mass. – Sergio Garcia spent Wednesday morning practicing with the local Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution. Here’s a look at Sergio in action:
Courtesy of Bert Lane
Pressure’s on for McGirt to keep card
By Mike McAllister, PGATOUR.COM
NORTON, Mass. — Just like he’s done the past two weeks, William McGirt enters this week’s tournament fighting for his Playoffs life. But he’s also fighting another battle — to keep his PGA TOUR card for next year.
It’s a battle that may also require him to play a full schedule in the Fall Series.
According to PGA TOUR officials here, McGirt is the only player in the 99-man field in the Deutsche Bank Championship who is on the outside of the current top 125 on the money list and does not yet have fully exempt status for 2012.
Halleran/Getty ImagesWilliam McGirt is looking to stay alive in the Playoffs this week.
McGirt ranks 96th in FedExCup points but 141st on the money list. Unless he climbs into the top 125 by the end of the season, he will not have fully exempt status after the fall.
"I’m probably going to have to make another $300,000, $400,000 to keep my card," McGirt said Wednesday. "But the good news is, a good week this week and we keep moving on."
McGirt is approximately $160,000 behind current No. 125 David Mathis. The top 125 on the money list at the end of the year earn their cards for 2012.
Mathis, however, did not make the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. McGirt did, using a clutch performance to claim the last spot after the Wyndham Championship. He then advanced to the Deutsche Bank with a tie for 24th last week at The Barclays, his best result in his last 20 starts on TOUR.
In terms of the money list, McGirt was 158th after Wyndham but moved up to 141st after The Barclays. So while others in his same situation must wait until the Fall Series to start earning money again, McGirt has an unique opportunity to make up significant ground now, thanks to the chase for the FedExCup.
"But I’m not looking at is as I have to get it done right now," McGirt said. "I’ve got four fall finish events. There’s plenty of opportunities left to lock up my card.
"And I think if you start putting pressure on yourself to get it done this week, that I have to make this much money, I think you’re only setting yourself up for failure.
"If you’re going out there trying to win golf tournaments, things will take care of themselves if you play well."
McGirt, who earned status this year thanks to his tie for second at last year’s q-school (and may have to try q-school again if he doesn’t climb inside the top 125), is enjoying the ride right now. His performance the last couple of weeks have made him sort of a Cinderella story, the longshot who keeps playing well enough to stay alive.
"Obviously I want to play well," McGirt said. "I want to stay out here, but I’ve tried to make it fun, enjoy what we’re doing, find things to do on the road, stuff that we would never do without being in this situation, being on TOUR and being in these tournaments. My wife and I have had a blast.
"We started the year and said, whether or not I keep my card, we’re going to have fun, but I’m going to give it everything that I have. If I keep my card, great; if I don’t, I’ll walk away at the end of this year knowing that I gave it everything that I have and that I thoroughly enjoyed this year."
Notable groups for Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. — Tee times for the first two rounds of the Deutsche Bank Championship have been released. Here’s a look at some of the notable groups. Let us know which groups you’re most interested in following.
CLICK HERE FOR TEE TIMES
Players (FedExCup rank)Tee times (starting hole)CommentMark Wilson (13) Keegan Bradley (14) Jason Day (15)Rd. 1: 7:46 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:16 p.m. ET (1st)PGA champ Bradley, having grown up in Vermont, will be a favorite among the New EnglandersSteve Stricker (7) Vijay Singh (8) K.J. Choi (9)Rd. 1: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st)Stricker won the Deutsche Bank in 2009; Singh won it in 2008 en route to winning the FedExCup title; Choi won THE PLAYERS this yearDustin Johnson (1) Matt Kuchar (2) Nick Watney (3)Rd. 1: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st)The top three players in FedExCup points – and a rematch of the duel last Saturday when Johnson battled Kuchar to win The BarclaysGary Woodland (10) Phil Mickelson (11) Jonathan Byrd (12)Rd. 1: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th)Mickelson is familiar with both playing partners. He’s played with Woodland in three previous events and Byrd in two prior events this yearWebb Simpson (4) Luke Donald (5) Brandt Snedeker (6)Rd. 1: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th)Donald leads the TOUR with 10 top-10 finishes this year; Simpson has eight; and Snedeker has six, including last week’s tie for 10th
Make your picks for Deutsche Bank
The experts at PGATOUR.COM have made their picks for the second leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Who do you like at TPC Boston? Share your picks below. Good luck.
CLICK HERE FOR EXPERT PICKS
Garcia to practice with local MLS team
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Sergio Garcia will exchange his golf clubs for a pair of soccer cleats on Wednesday as he gets a chance to practice with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
Garcia, an avid soccer fan, plans to suit up and run through an entire 90-minute training session with the club beginning at 10 a.m. The Spaniard is in the field this week at the Deutsche Bank Championship, which is being held at nearby TPC Boston.
Garcia owns a third-division Spanish team, C.F. Borriol, and enjoys playing pick-up games during his travels on TOUR.
He’ll enter the Deutsche Bank Championship ranked 53rd in FedExCup points.
Making hay on TPC Boston’s par 5s
NORTON, Mass. – There are three par-5 holes at TPC Boston. Based on the statistics of the last five champions of the Deutsche Bank Championship, you better take full advantage of them.
In the last five years, the eventual champ has ranked either solo or tied for first or second in par-5 performance during the week.
Considering that in two of the last three years, the champion has shot a tournament-record 22 under (Vijay Singh in 2008, Charley Hoffman last year), it’s evident that TPC Boston can give up low scores – at least to those who conquer the par 5s.
Here is how the past five champions have performed on the par 3s, par 4s and pars 5 at TPC Boston during their run to the title.
DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONS
YearPlayerPar 3 performance (rank)Par 4 performance (rank)Par 5 performance (rank)2010Charley Hoffman2 under (T9)11 under (T1)9 under (T1)2009Steve Stricker2 under (T5)5 under (T17)10 under (T2)2008Vijay Singh2 under (T11)8 under (T1)12 under (1)2007Phil Mickelson2 under (T8)4 under (T10)10 under (1)2006Tiger Woods1 over (T33)8 under (1)9 under (2)
Weather forecast for Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. – The good news about the weather at this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship? No threat of Hurricane Irene.
The potential bad news? The threat of rain is in the forecast, especially in the last two rounds.
The practice rounds and Friday’s first round are expected to be played under mostly sunny skies, and there is only a 20 percent chance of precipitation for Saturday’s second round.
But a cold front is expected to move through the area on Sunday, and that will increase the threat for showers and thunderstorms.
A 40 percent chance of precipitation is forecast for both Sunday’s third round and Monday’s Labor Day finish.
Temperatures should be ideal all week.
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Tour Report: Pressure’s on for McGirt to keep card (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
By Mike McAllister, PGATOUR.COM
NORTON, Mass. — Just like he’s done the past two weeks, William McGirt enters this week’s tournament fighting for his Playoffs life. But he’s also fighting another battle — to keep his PGA TOUR card for next year.
It’s a battle that may also require him to play a full schedule in the Fall Series.
According to PGA TOUR officials here, McGirt is the only player in the 99-man field in the Deutsche Bank Championship who is on the outside of the current top 125 on the money list and does not yet have fully exempt status for 2012.
Halleran/Getty ImagesWilliam McGirt is looking to stay alive in the Playoffs this week.
McGirt ranks 96th in FedExCup points but 141st on the money list. Unless he climbs into the top 125 by the end of the season, he will not have fully exempt status after the fall.
"I’m probably going to have to make another $300,000, $400,000 to keep my card," McGirt said Wednesday. "But the good news is, a good week this week and we keep moving on."
McGirt is approximately $160,000 behind current No. 125 David Mathis. The top 125 on the money list at the end of the year earn their cards for 2012.
Mathis, however, did not make the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. McGirt did, using a clutch performance to claim the last spot after the Wyndham Championship. He then advanced to the Deutsche Bank with a tie for 24th last week at The Barclays, his best result in his last 20 starts on TOUR.
In terms of the money list, McGirt was 158th after Wyndham but moved up to 141st after The Barclays. So while others in his same situation must wait until the Fall Series to start earning money again, McGirt has an unique opportunity to make up significant ground now, thanks to the chase for the FedExCup.
"But I’m not looking at is as I have to get it done right now," McGirt said. "I’ve got four fall finish events. There’s plenty of opportunities left to lock up my card.
"And I think if you start putting pressure on yourself to get it done this week, that I have to make this much money, I think you’re only setting yourself up for failure.
"If you’re going out there trying to win golf tournaments, things will take care of themselves if you play well."
McGirt, who earned status this year thanks to his tie for second at last year’s q-school (and may have to try q-school again if he doesn’t climb inside the top 125), is enjoying the ride right now. His performance the last couple of weeks have made him sort of a Cinderella story, the longshot who keeps playing well enough to stay alive.
"Obviously I want to play well," McGirt said. "I want to stay out here, but I’ve tried to make it fun, enjoy what we’re doing, find things to do on the road, stuff that we would never do without being in this situation, being on TOUR and being in these tournaments. My wife and I have had a blast.
"We started the year and said, whether or not I keep my card, we’re going to have fun, but I’m going to give it everything that I have. If I keep my card, great; if I don’t, I’ll walk away at the end of this year knowing that I gave it everything that I have and that I thoroughly enjoyed this year."
Notable groups for Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. — Tee times for the first two rounds of the Deutsche Bank Championship have been released. Here’s a look at some of the notable groups. Let us know which groups you’re most interested in following.
CLICK HERE FOR TEE TIMES
Players (FedExCup rank)Tee times (starting hole)CommentMark Wilson (13) Keegan Bradley (14) Jason Day (15)Rd. 1: 7:46 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:16 p.m. ET (1st)PGA champ Bradley, having grown up in Vermont, will be a favorite among the New EnglandersSteve Stricker (7) Vijay Singh (8) K.J. Choi (9)Rd. 1: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st)Stricker won the Deutsche Bank in 2009; Singh won it in 2008 en route to winning the FedExCup title; Choi won THE PLAYERS this yearDustin Johnson (1) Matt Kuchar (2) Nick Watney (3)Rd. 1: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th) Rd. 2: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st)The top three players in FedExCup points – and a rematch of the duel last Saturday when Johnson battled Kuchar to win The BarclaysGary Woodland (10) Phil Mickelson (11) Jonathan Byrd (12)Rd. 1: 12:28 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 7:58 a.m. ET (10th)Mickelson is familiar with both playing partners. He’s played with Woodland in three previous events and Byrd in two prior events this yearWebb Simpson (4) Luke Donald (5) Brandt Snedeker (6)Rd. 1: 12:40 p.m. ET (1st) Rd. 2: 8:10 a.m. ET (10th)Donald leads the TOUR with 10 top-10 finishes this year; Simpson has eight; and Snedeker has six, including last week’s tie for 10th
Make your picks for Deutsche Bank
The experts at PGATOUR.COM have made their picks for the second leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. Who do you like at TPC Boston? Share your picks below. Good luck.
CLICK HERE FOR EXPERT PICKS
Garcia to practice with local MLS team
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Sergio Garcia will exchange his golf clubs for a pair of soccer cleats on Wednesday as he gets a chance to practice with the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
Garcia, an avid soccer fan, plans to suit up and run through an entire 90-minute training session with the club beginning at 10 a.m. The Spaniard is in the field this week at the Deutsche Bank Championship, which is being held at nearby TPC Boston.
Garcia owns a third-division Spanish team, C.F. Borriol, and enjoys playing pick-up games during his travels on TOUR.
He’ll enter the Deutsche Bank Championship ranked 53rd in FedExCup points.
Making hay on TPC Boston’s par 5s
NORTON, Mass. – There are three par-5 holes at TPC Boston. Based on the statistics of the last five champions of the Deutsche Bank Championship, you better take full advantage of them.
In the last five years, the eventual champ has ranked either solo or tied for first or second in par-5 performance during the week.
Considering that in two of the last three years, the champion has shot a tournament-record 22 under (Vijay Singh in 2008, Charley Hoffman last year), it’s evident that TPC Boston can give up low scores – at least to those who conquer the par 5s.
Here is how the past five champions have performed on the par 3s, par 4s and pars 5 at TPC Boston during their run to the title.
DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONS
YearPlayerPar 3 performance (rank)Par 4 performance (rank)Par 5 performance (rank)2010Charley Hoffman2 under (T9)11 under (T1)9 under (T1)2009Steve Stricker2 under (T5)5 under (T17)10 under (T2)2008Vijay Singh2 under (T11)8 under (T1)12 under (1)2007Phil Mickelson2 under (T8)4 under (T10)10 under (1)2006Tiger Woods1 over (T33)8 under (1)9 under (2)
Weather forecast for Deutsche Bank
NORTON, Mass. – The good news about the weather at this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship? No threat of Hurricane Irene.
The potential bad news? The threat of rain is in the forecast, especially in the last two rounds.
The practice rounds and Friday’s first round are expected to be played under mostly sunny skies, and there is only a 20 percent chance of precipitation for Saturday’s second round.
But a cold front is expected to move through the area on Sunday, and that will increase the threat for showers and thunderstorms.
A 40 percent chance of precipitation is forecast for both Sunday’s third round and Monday’s Labor Day finish.
Temperatures should be ideal all week.
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Featured Group: Watney, Kuchar, Johnson (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
At each PGA TOUR event this season, a featured pairing will be highlighted prior to the first round. Here is the featured group for Thursday and Friday at the Deutsche Bank Championship.
The 2011 season had been a solid one for Dustin Johnson. But after he won twice last year and had a legitimate chance to win two majors, many expected more.
Johnson took a big step in living up to those expectations on Saturday when he won the rain-shortened Barclays—and took the lead in the FedExCup in the process.
The 27-year-old South Carolinian will play with the man he beat at Plainfield Country Club, Matt Kuchar, and the previous FedExCup No. 1, Nick Watney, during the first two rounds of the Deutsche Bank Championship. Their tee times are 8:10 a.m. off No. 10 on Thursday and 12:40 p.m. off No. 1 on Friday.
With his win in the first event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, Johnson jumped 18 spots to No. 1 and now leads Matt Kuchar by 784 points and Watney by 1,435. Kuchar started the week ranked No. 12 and is the highest-ranked player in the FedExCup without a win.
And Johnson is no stranger to Playoffs success, either, after winning last year’s BMW Championship at Cog Hill and finishing fifth in the FedExCup overall.
Johnson got the 2011 Playoffs off to a rousing start, too, as he and Kuchar embarked on a spirited duel last Saturday while Hurricane Irene bore down on New Jersey. Kuchar started the final round with a one-stroke lead, which Johnson quickly erased with birdies on his first two holes.
Johnson went on to shoot a sizzling 29 on the front nine to Kuchar’s more than respectable 31 and the game was on. Kuchar evened the match briefly with a birdie at the 11th hole before handing the upper hand back to Johnson with bogeys on the next two holes.
Johnson parred in under decidedly overcast skies to seal the victory and turn his season around.
“I was never concerned,” Johnson said of his dearth of victories in 2011. “More frustrated than anything because I felt like I played some really good golf this year. Just have not been able to quite get it done. And it wasn’t that my golf game was bad.
“Just the putts I needed to make, I just had not been able to make them and this week I felt like I didn’t do anything crazy with the putter. I just made the ones I was supposed to.”
Some of that “really good golf” came at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship where he took a two-stroke lead over Watney, Kuchar and Luke Donald into the final round at TPC Blue Monster.
Johnson and Watney were tied for the lead through 15 holes. But Johnson pulled his drive into the left fairway bunker at No. 16 and ended up making bogey as Watney picked up the victory.
For Watney, the win was his first of two in 2011. Kuchar went on to finish fifth at Doral, one of nine top-10 finishes to date in another extremely consistent season for the Georgia Tech product.
EXPERT PREDICTIONS: We asked some of our PGATOUR.COM experts to predict which player will fare best this week at TPC Boston:
Stan Awtrey: Kuchar. What a great group. Kuchar’s consistency, his ability to remain focused, and his craving for a victory could be the difference this week.
Craig Dolch: Johnson. Nick Watney has improved since missing his first five cuts at TPC Boston but Dustin Johnson is loaded with confidence after last week’s victory at The Barclays. His length gives him a two-shot daily advantage over most of the rest of the field.
Melanie Hauser: Watney. Dustin is still coming down off last week’s win. Kuchar is still spinning from Dustin’s buzzsaw. Watney doesn’t have a great record here, but a T10 last week has him trending upward. Time is now.
FANTASY INSIDER: PGATOUR.COM fantasy columnist Rob Bolton is bullish on all three members of this week’s Featured Group, ranking each of them inside the top four in his Power Rankings for the Deutsche Bank Championship. Watney tops the list with Johnson landing at No. 3 and Kuchar in fourth.
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Golf-Shaping shots the allure for big-hitting Bubba (Reuters)
August 31, 2011
By Mark Lamport-Stokes
LOS ANGELES, Aug 31 (Reuters) – One of golf’s mostintriguing characters, Bubba Watson is best known for his powerhitting with a distinctive pink-shafted driver but among hispeers he is renowned for his extraordinary shot-making.
The self-taught American learned to play the game as ayoungster by hitting wiffle balls around his house, swiftlydeveloping the ability to cut and hook the ball at will.
Since his rookie season on the 2006 PGA Tour, left-handerWatson has steadily established himself as one of the topplayers on the circuit and yet it is his ability to conjureshots which gives him the greatest satisfaction.
“I definitely can’t hit it dead straight. I like to move itevery shot just because I feel more comfortable doing that,”the 32-year-old from Bagdad, Florida told Reuters.
“Hitting big hooks and big cuts with irons, that’ssomething I can do naturally. And I hit it in the trees a lot,so I know how to get out of trees pretty good,” he added with aflashing smile.
Ever since he first appeared on the professional tours, theslim but loose-limbed Watson who regularly drives the ball over310 yards has stunned fellow players with remarkable shots.
Tiger Woods vividly remembers watching him cut a one-ironover trees and on to the green from a distance of around 320yards at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan.
“We see him two groups ahead of us and we have a big logjamand he pulled out iron,” 14-times major winner Woods, himself aprodigious hitter, recalled. “We heard he’s long, but come on.
“All of a sudden you hear this huge roar. He pumped it onthe green. I don’t have that shot. If I hit a good three-wood,I’ll probably fly it in the front bunker or bounce it in thefront bunker. Yeah, he’s long.”
At the PGA Tour’s season-opening Tournament of Champions inJanuary, Watson set tongues wagging with another breathtakingblow—this time a driver off the fairway from 305 yards.
Playing his second shot into the par-five 18th at theKapalua Resort’s Plantation Course in Hawaii, he moved the ball50 yards from right-to-left in the air before it bounced,rolled and ended up 10 feet from the cup. He coolly sank theputt for a remarkable eagle three.
WIFE’S AMAZEMENT
“He never ceases to amaze me,” Watson’s wife Angie, aformer professional basketball player who competes in amateurgolf at a high level, told Reuters.
“He is always pulling off something, and even more so whenwe are just playing for fun because he is more keen to trysomething that he maybe wouldn’t try in a tournament round.”
The blonde 6-foot-4 (1.93m) Canadian recalls a particularlyimpressive shot which her husband produced during one of their“fun” rounds together in Alabama.
“He had like this much of a gap to go through and I wasreally worried about him getting hurt,” Angie said whileplacing her hands roughly a foot apart.
“But instead of swinging towards the trees, he turnedsideways and he hooked the ball about 60 yards through the air.It was a two-iron from 270 yards and he hit it to like 10 feetfor eagle. It was amazing.”
If there was one thing just over a year ago which preventedWatson from fulfilling his abundant golfing talents, it was hismental approach to the game.
An effusively emotional character, he repeatedly beratedhimself for poor play and had a tendency to allow his mind towander while he was out on the course.
“My mind is now in the right spot,” said Watson who has wontwice on the 2011 PGA Tour and climbed to 15th in the worldrankings. “I have a lot of confidence in my game and everythingis working in the right direction.”
“The mental part of it has been the biggest thing for methis year, that’s what is keeping me together and letting meplay well. But it’s definitely a work in progress. You have baddays, you have good days.”
Angie believes her husband has benefited immensely fromputting golf into its proper prospective.
“He’s not living and dying by every shot as much as he usedto and he realises there are many things in life that are a lotmore important than golf,” she said.
“That was spurred on by what we went through last year inlosing his dad. Along with our Christian faith, that hasallowed him to mature and grow as a person and as a player.”
Watson clinched his first PGA Tour title at last year’sTravelers Championship, dedicating the win to his wife and alsoto his father, Gerry, who was battling lung cancer and diedfour months later.
This week he will be bidding to claim his fourth victory onthe U.S. circuit at the Deutsche Bank Championship near Boston,the second of the tour’s four lucrative playoff events. (Editing by Frank Pingue; To query or comment on this storyemail sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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Tour Report: Bradley lives out ‘dream’ at Fenway (PGATOUR.com)
August 31, 2011
Elsa/Getty ImagesKeegan Bradley is congratulated by Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia after throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park.
NORTON, Mass. — Keegan Bradley grew up in Vermont and went to high school in his senior year in Massachusetts. No surprise that the New England native is a huge Red Sox fan.
On Tuesday, he stood on the mound at Fenway Park and threw out the first pitch prior to the Red Sox-Yankees game. You can imagine the emotions he was feeling.
"It’s unbelievable to be here at Fenway," the PGA champion told reporters before taking the mound. "To be able to throw out the first pitch is a dream come true. … I’m going to be very nervous. As soon as I pulled into the ballpark my hands started to sweat, butterflies in my stomach."
Bradley said his friends have been teasing him about a pitch that bounces in or goes over the head of the catch. On Sunday, Bradley practiced so hard that his arm was sore.
No worries. While his pitch didn’t exactly hit triple digits on the radar gun, Bradley – wearing a Jimmy Fund jersey to help promote the Red Sox’s charity that supports the fight against cancer — did safely get it to Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia. He then clinched his fist, shook Pedroia’s hand and walked off to warm applause from the Red Sox fans. (Click here for YouTube video of Bradley’s pitch.)
Alas, it wasn’t a complete success for Bradley on Tuesday. Boston lost to the hated Yankees, 5-2.
Here’s a three-photo sequence of Keegan Bradley on the mound at Fenway – before, during and after his pitch (photos by Elsa/Getty Images).
McIlroy battling sore elbow
By Brian Wacker, PGATOUR.COM
Rory McIlroy on Monday said that while his right wrist is “fine” that he’s been experiencing “a little bit of soreness” on the outside of his elbow.
“I practiced three times last week and after maybe an hour it started to get a bit sore, but I can definitely play,” McIlroy said on his website. He’s scheduled to play this week at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland . “I think when I injured the wrist in the U.S. PGA I started to compensate with my elbow and shoulder so that’s where it has come from.”
McIlroy of course hurt his wrist on the third hole at Atlanta Athletic Club when his club hit a tree root while trying to hit out of the rough in the opening round. He played through the pain, was treated and was later diagnosed with a strained tendon in his forearm.
“Looking back on it now it was a stupid shot to play,” McIlroy said. “At the time I thought I could get away with it, but obviously I didn’t and it put paid to my chances of a second major this year.”
McIlroy shot an even-par 70 in that opening round at the PGA, but he failed to do so the rest of the week on his way to finishing at 11 over and in a tie for 64th.
“It was a disappointing way to finish the major season, but I was proud of myself to have made the cut and to complete four rounds,” McIlroy continued. “I think it was a sense of pride and I really didn’t want to pull out of the event. Even though it was hurting a lot I just wanted to finish the tournament just for a bit of self-satisfaction — so at least I accomplished one goal that week.”
After Switzerland, McIlroy is scheduled to play in seven more events around the world this year, including the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in early November, before re-joining the PGA TOUR next year.
Woods to play Frys.com Open
Cannon/Getty ImagesTiger Woods will tee it up with defending champion Rocco Mediate at CordeValle in October.
Tiger Woods said on his website Monday that he had committed to the Frys.com Open, the second tournament of the 2011 PGA TOUR Fall Series. The event will be held Oct. 6-9.
“I always enjoy competing in my home state, and this tournament fits my schedule perfectly,” Woods said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends. John Fry and his company have supported the TOUR, and I’ve heard good things about the event and the golf course.”
“One of my goals this year was to participate in a tournament I hadn’t played before, and now, I will.”
The defending champion of the event is Rocco Mediate, who lost an epic playoff to Woods at the 2008 U.S. Open.
“Any time Rocco is in the field, it’s always fun,” Woods said.
News of Woods’ entry into the Frys.com Open comes on the heels his inclusion on the 2011 Presidents Cup team. Couples put any speculation to rest by revealing that Woods would be a Captain’s Pick for the matches, which begin Nov. 14 at Royal Melbourne.
Woods is seeking his first win on TOUR since the 2009 BMW Championship. He has just two top-10s in eight starts in 2011 after missing three months with a leg injury.
The best Irene-related Tweets
Credit/@TheBarclaysGolf@TheBarclaysGolf: “This is why we had to end early…”
@MarkWilsonGolf: So when Hurricane Irene knocks power out mid cycle, how do you get front load washer door unlocked? Car cigarette lighter adapter and extension cord. MacGyver would have been proud.
@TrevorImmelman: Hair raising takeoff out of NJ but happy to say I’m back in Orlando safely…..
@TheSirNickFaldo: How can they estimate hurricane damage just one day after?…and it takes 3 weeks to get an estimate on ur bathroom tiling!!!
@McIlroyRory: In NY, no rain and a light breeze….. Is that all you had for us Irene?! Air travel still suspended, hopefully be in Switzerland Tuesday am
@ogilviej: Dear Irene, If you have a twin, please send her to Texas. #drought
@JustinRose99: Tapped in…. Legged it to the airport and flying home to Florida. Get a few days there and miss out on a date with Irene.
TWITTER: Follow PGA TOUR regulars on Twitter
Elsa/Getty Images Keegan Bradley is congratulated by Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia after throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park. NORTON, Mass. — Keegan Bradley grew up in Vermont and went to high school in his senior year in Massachusetts. No surprise that the New England native is a huge Red Sox fan. On […]
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Playoff pressure: Getting event ready after storm
August 31, 2011
NORTON, Mass. (AP)—Kevin Chappell felt a deep sense of appreciation whenhe arrived at the TPC Boston for the second FedEx Cup playoff event.
He is among 10 rookies on the PGA Tour who are still hopeful of getting tothe Tour Championship for a shot at the $10 million prize. A tie for third atthe U.S. Open assured him of his first trip to the Masters next year, and areturn to the U.S. Open at The Olympic Club, a short drive from his hometown ofFresno, Calif.
Only his feelings had nothing to do with his playoff performance, oranything else about his game.
Hurricane Irene altered his travel plans, and he showed up at the DeutscheBank Championship earlier than expected. It gave Chappell a chance to see what atournament looks like before the show starts—especially a tournament that hadto prepare for a hurricane.
About a week before the tournament was to get under way, workers stripped 95percent of the signage around the TPC Boston. The green mesh around bleachersand TV towers was removed, leaving a rudimentary appearance of steel poles andwood. Some of the corporate boxes and video boards were either taken down orwere delayed going up. And on Monday, there was no power on the golf course.
He registered in the clubhouse—in the dark.
“It was like a ghost town around here,” Chappell said. “It was a littlebit humbling to see what goes into tournaments. We get worked up over missing acut, and it’s not the end of the world. You have people out here working theirbutts off to make sure we have a well-run golf tournament.
“It’s pretty special what we get to do.”
As he hit balls on the practice range, the sound of power drills could beheard in the distance as the blue-and-white Deutsche Bank signs were beingreplaced, scoreboards were being erected again. Carts zipped around the courseto remove debris from limbs that had fallen in the 50 mph wind and rain onSunday.
Eric Baldwin, the tournament director, spent Sunday at home with his family— the pro-am featuring former Boston athletes two days away and players due toarrive. He said it takes about six weeks to get everything ready, with the finalweek for putting on the finishing touches.
“We still had 25 to 30 tents that we never put up until the storm passed,”Baldwin said. “We took down some of the wind screens. We removed 95 percent ofthe signage. And then we had no power. Our office went offline for two days sowe had to set up a temporary office.”
The tournament doesn’t start until Friday, which helped.
Most of the 99 players in the field began showing up Wednesday for practicerounds. The TPC Boston looked like it always does—immaculate landscape,grandstands and scoreboards in place, the refrigerators in the locker roomhumming with electricity, stocked with every kind of drink.
“They will have little to any sense that anything happened,” Baldwin said.“That’s a testament to all of the guys who do the hard work and never getcredit.”
The pro-am is Thursday, followed by the opening round on Friday, whenplayers will at least try to get into the top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings andadvance to the third playoff event in two weeks outside Chicago, one step closerto being in the top 30 at the Tour Championship.
Chappell is at No. 74, putting him on the wrong side of the bubble.
He achieved the first goal of his rookie season by securing his card nextyear, helped by a runner-up finish at the Texas Open. Then came the U.S. Open,and while never had a chance to win—no one did at Congressional except RoryMcIlroy, who won by eight shots—Chappell closed with a 66 to tie for third.
He started these FedEx Cup playoffs at No. 88 and went to The Barclaysknowing he only had to make the cut to advance to the second round. It was anodd kind of pressure, for Chappell can’t recall going into any tournament thisyear with such a modest goal.
“There were probably a few tournaments—with where my game was—that Ishould have thought about making the cut,” he said with a laugh. “But no. Itwould be hard if you’re only goal was to make the cut. I’m on the bubble now,and I’ve got to jump from that No. 74 spot.”
Dustin Johnson won the playoff opener at The Barclays with a 65 in the finalround of a 54-hole tournament that was cut short by the hurricane. With thepoints counting five times as much in the playoffs, he moved to No. 1 on thelist, followed by Barclays runner-up Matt Kuchar.
They left behind a course at Plainfield in which several fairways on theback nine had turned into miniature lakes after Irene came through New Jersey.Players and others don’t see the work that goes into getting ready for a big PGATour event. No one is around to see the cleanup, either.
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Golf-Olazabal looking at the big picture (Reuters)
August 31, 2011
By Norman Dabell
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, Aug 31 (Reuters) – Ryder Cupcaptain Jose Maria Olazabal said he had no problem with some ofEurope’s leading players starting their bids to make the team inthe United States.
Olazabal’s lineup next year will comprise five players froma world points table and five from a European one along with twocaptain’s wildcards.
World number two Lee Westwood and major winners RoryMcIlroy, Darren Clarke and Martin Kaymer begin their year-longcampaigns up the mountain at this week’s European Masters.
But world number one Luke Donald and a string of topEuropeans start their Ryder Cup trail across the Atlantic in theFedex Cup.
“It think it’s good for them over there, because if you playwell over the next three weeks (in America) you might have donepart of the job of getting into the Ryder Cup team,” Olazabaltold Reuters on Wednesday on the eve of the European Masters.
“I’m sure the Ryder Cup will be at the back of their mindsand they’ll be trying their socks off for points for that aswell.”
Olazabal will be overjoyed if Westwood, Clarke, McIlroy andKaymer all make his team.
“I think you need to have both things in the team,experience and young blood. Lee and Darren know what it’s allabout so they can pass on their experience to the younger guys.Then the youngsters have no fear in playing aggressively andmaking a bunch of birdies.
“Rory and Martin have beaten the Americans in majors intheir own back yard and they’ve been there already in the RyderCup. That is a fantastic combination.”
McIlroy said on Wednesday that he has not yet made his mindup whether he will play for Race to Dubai (European money-list)points or Fedex Cup points, or both next season.
“I don’t have any doubts Rory will make the team on bothtables and the way he played at the U.S. Open and the (U.S.)Masters—except for the last nine holes—show that he hasthe game to beat anyone,” Olazabal said.
“His game is suited for any golf course. He hits it long, hehits it straight; he has the whole package. He has won underpressure against the U.S. players in majors. That will be agreat asset to the team.”
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
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