Chris Lewis On Golf

Darren Clarke Finally Obtains Major Championship Glory

2011-07-18T11:07:00.004-04:00

~ At Long Last! - After years of disappointing runner-ups and regular top-ten finishes, Darren Clarke has finally won his first major championship - at the age of 42 ~

Undoubtedly, there may have been times in which Darren Clarke wondered whether or not he would actually claim a major championship victory.

There were certainly many close calls - a runner-up finish at the 1997 British Open, during a championship in which many still believe he should have won, as well as a tie for third at the 2001 British Open, as he finished four strokes behind David Duval.

In the meantime, Clarke has played steadily well in many other majors, all the while obtaining six other top-ten finishes.

However, he always seemed to play his very best golf at the British Open - the one major championship that he treasured more than any other. Of course, it was only fitting that he finally claimed major championship success at the tournament he loved more than all others, on a links-style course - the type of course in which he generally plays superbly well at.

Throughout his career, Clarke has been well-known as a streaky player who, when he plays his very best golf, can compete against the world's top players, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

He had many victories and accolades to back up his streaky play - a win at the 2000 Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship (he defeated Tiger Woods in the 36-hole final during the prime of Woods' career), a victory at the 2003 NEC Invitational (another World Golf Championship event), and membership on five Ryder Cup teams, all the while earning a very respectable playing record of 10-7-3.

He had also fired a pair of 60s on the European Tour, finished second on the European Tour money list on three separate occasions, and earned 22 victories around the world, including 14 on the European Tour.

But, he was still known for being an underachiever...that is, until his wife Heather passed away from cancer in 2006 after a long and courageous battle.

After her passing, he was highly respected for his performance at the Ryder Cup, leading Team Europe to a memorable, dominating victory over Team USA - just one month after losing Heather.

Since then, Clarke has taken an uphill climb to once again become the high caliber player that he was during the early 2000s. In 2008, he won twice on the European Tour. This May he acquired his first European Tour victory since 2008 by defeating Chris Wood and David Lynn at the Iberdola Open in Spain.

This victory was followed, of course, by his three-stroke win at the Open Championship - a tournament in which he seemingly had complete control of his game, emotions, and the field - from day one until his final putt dropped.

But what is the actual reason for his latest success? Three words seem to sum up the method behind his most recent victories - stability at home.

Last December, his engagement to former Miss Northern Ireland Alison Campbell was announced. With a future wife and step-mother for his two sons, Darren appeared to be happier than he had been in years. Such happiness and fulfillment, as well as a steady home and family life, led him to finally achieve his childhood dream of becoming an Open champion - the Champion Golfer of the Year.

At the age of 42, Clarke's best playing days may still lie ahead of him. With the monkey of being one of the world's greatest golfers without a major championship victory off his back, there is no telling just how much Clarke will achieve throughout the coming decade.

With his fiance and two boys by his side, Clarke is genuinely happy for the first time since he lost Heather. Such happiness will likely lead to continued success - both on and off the golf course.

Of course, one fact remains certain. Even if Clarke fails to capture another major championship, or even a tournament from here on out, his name will forever be etched in golf's oldest and most coveted trophy - the claret jug.

For Clarke, there could not have been a much better story line for the second half of his playing career than that.

Darren Clarke's Worldwide Victories

1992 Ulster Professional Championship
1993 Alfred Dunhill Open
1994 Irish PGA Championship
1996 Linde German Masters
1998 Benson & Hedges International Open
1998 Volvo Masters
1999 Compass Group English Open
2000 Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship
2000 Compass Group English Open
2001 The Crowns
2001 Smurfit European Open
2001 Dimension Data Pro-Am
2002 Compass Group English Open
2003 NEC Invitational
2003 Benmore Developments Northern Ireland Masters
2004 Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters
2005 Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters
2008 BMW Asian Open
2008 KLM Open
2010 JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am
2011 Iberdola Open
2011 The Open Championship

Steve Stricker Earns Third Consecutive John Deere Classic Title

2011-07-12T18:47:00.005-04:00

~ Three-peat! - This past Sunday, 11-time PGA TOUR winner Steve Stricker joined an elite list - he is one of only ten golfers since World War II to have won a PGA TOUR tournament three consecutive times. ~

Throughout the last five seasons, Steve Stricker has truly transformed his career. Since 2007 alone, he has won eight PGA TOUR titles, including such renowned championships as The Barclays, Memorial Tournament, and Deutsche Bank Championship.

His play has been especially inspirational when one considers just how much he struggled to maintain consistency from 2002 to 2005. In each of those seasons, he finished 88th, 188th, 151st, and 162nd on the PGA TOUR money list, respectively.

For some professional golfers, such finishes would have been highly respectable - but not for Stricker, an individual who once contended for the 1998 PGA Championship (finishing runner-up, two strokes behind Vijay Singh), dominated the 1996 Western Open (winning by eight shots), and defeated European Tour member Pierre Fulke for the 2001 Accenture Match Play Championship (a World Golf Championship event).

Without a doubt, Stricker was one of the TOUR's rising stars - and one of America's most talented golfers - throughout the mid and late 1990s, as well as the early 2000s.

Just when it seemed he was well-prepared to take his career to the next level after winning the Accenture Match Play Championship in 2001, Stricker soon lost his game - and his confidence - throughout the next few years.

But, what led Stricker to fall outside of the top 500 of the World Golf Rankings only a decade after he had contented for multiple major championships and had finished in the top 30 of the TOUR's money list on a regular basis?

Some point to the various injuries that Stricker endured, while others believe he lost confidence in his driving and putting, which led to inconsistent scoring and numerous missed cuts.

No matter the reason for his inconsistency, Stricker eventually lost his TOUR card after the 2005 season, ultimately relying on sponsor's exemptions throughout 2006.

Stricker's irregular play and results from 2002 to 2005 have surprisingly led to one of the greatest comebacks in PGA TOUR history.

In 2006, Stricker finished 34th on the TOUR's money list as he relied completely on the mercy of sponsor's exemptions. His efforts were well-noticed though as he was rewarded with the TOUR's Comeback Player of the Year award.

In 2007, Stricker defeated K.J. Choi by two shots for his first win on American soil in eleven years at The Barclays, a FedEx Cup playoff event. Upon winning the tournament, he finished fourth on the TOUR's money list and earned his second consecutive Comeback Player of the Year Award - the only golfer to have won the award more than once.

Stricker did not win a tournament the following season, but he still finished 22nd on the money list and contented in a wide array of tournaments, including the season-opener Mercedes Championship, which he lost in a playoff to Daniel Chopra.

In 2009 and 2010, Stricker acquired three and two PGA TOUR wins, respectively, all the while finishing second and fifth on the TOUR's money list. During each of those seasons, he also represented the United States as a member of the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams.

Therefore, Stricker's awe-inspiring play throughout 2011 has certainly not been surprising.

Following a one-stroke victory during May's Memorial Tournament, Stricker was clearly the favorite to win the 2011 John Deere Classic - for the third consecutive time.

He did not disappoint.

With rounds of 66, 64, 63, and 69, including a 25-foot putt for birdie and the victory during the tournament's 72nd hole, Stricker defeated TOUR rookie Kyle Stanley with a four-round total of 22-under-par.

In doing so, he joined a select class of golfers to have won at least three consecutive PGA TOUR events, including the likes of Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, Tiger Woods, and Johnny Miller.

Stricker's timing for low scoring is absolutely perfect.

As he continues to search for his first major championship victory, Stricker knows that, at age 44, Father Time is no longer on his side. Yet, he is also arguably playing some of the best golf of his career.

As a result, he is a clear favorite to win this year's Open Championship at Royal St. George's.

There are very few golfers who are more deserving of a major championship victory than Steve Stricker, especially when one considers his natural abilities, work ethic, and perseverance in order to complete one of the greatest comebacks in the history of golf.

For Stricker, and thousands of his fans, a victory during this week's Open would be the ultimate Cinderella story.

This Sunday could very well be the day that Stricker has waited his entire life for - the day in which he joins golf's most exclusive club....as a major champion.

Steve Stricker's PGA TOUR Victories

1996 Kemper Open
1996 Motorola Western Open
2001 Accenture Match Play Championship
2007 The Barclays
2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
2009 John Deere Classic
2009 Deutsche Bank Championship
2010 Northern Trust Open
2010 John Deere Classic
2011 Memorial Tournament
2011 John Deere Classic

Other Accolades and Accomplishments

Member, 1996, 2007, and 2009 Presidents Cup
Member, 2008 and 2010 Ryder Cup
2006 and 2007 PGA TOUR Comeback Player of the Year

The Top Five Most Successful Young Golfers of All Time

2011-07-01T14:43:00.006-04:00

~ Youthful Exuberance - Throughout the last two centuries, some of golf's greatest champions earned multiple major championship victories before the age of 25. But which golfers truly stand out for the success they enjoyed during their youths? ~

In honor of 22-year-old Rory McIlroy's dominating performance at this year's U.S Open championship, it is appropriate to remember some of the game's most successful younger champions.

The following five golfers are well-regarded for their career achievements, multiple tournament victories, and record-setting performances - which occurred before they celebrated their 25th birthdays.

1.) Bobby Jones

By the time Robert Tyre Jones Jr. retired from competitive golf at the age of 28, he was well-known as the most successful golfer in the history of the game.

With thirteen major championship victories, including a record-tying four U.S. Opens, three British Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, and one British Amateur, no one had ever enjoyed so much success in such a short time span.

Jones earned his first major championship at the age of 21 (at the 1923 U.S. Open) and claimed twelve more major victories throughout the next seven years.

To this day, his claim to fame remains the 1930 season in which he captured the Grand Slam - the U.S. Open, the British Open, the British Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur - during a single calendar year.

Even after 81 years, no other golfer has yet matched such a feat - and, likely, no one ever will.

2.) Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is arguably one of the greatest, if not the greatest, golfers of all time. Whether or not he will eventually break Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championship victories has yet to be determined.

But one fact is certain. Few golfers have ever dominated the game at such an early age like Woods.

From his twelve-shot triumph at the 1997 Masters (at the age of 21) to his fifteen-shot romp at the 2000 U.S. Open (at the age of 25), Woods has established, re-established, and once again broken multiple records, time after time - all before be celebrated his 30th birthday.

With more than 70 PGA TOUR wins and 14 major championship victories, no one has ever won at such a rapid - and consistent - pace in the history of the game.

No matter what Woods accomplishes in the future, he will always be remembered, along with Jones, as one of the two most successful young golfers of all time.

3.) Seve Ballesteros

The late Seve Ballesteros changed the landscape of European golf forever when he almost defeated Johnny Miller during the 1976 British Open at the tender age of 19.

Three years later, Ballesteros captured the claret jug to become one of the youngest winners in the history of the British Open championship. Upon doing so, he dominated world golf - and major championships - throughout the next five years.

In 1980, he became the youngest winner of the Masters Tournament. By 1984, at the age of 27, he had claimed two British Opens and two Masters, along with dozens upon dozens of tournaments in all four corners of the globe.

By the time he retired from the game in 2007, he had won 50 European Tour events, five major championships, and more than 90 tournaments across the world.

Amazingly, he had earned all of his professional victories before he was 40-years-old.

Few golfers have ever captured the attention - and imagination - of the sporting world like Ballesteros. He truly was one of a kind - and will always be remembered as one of the game's most likable personalities and most naturally gifted individuals.

4.) Young Tom Morris

On Christmas Day 1875, Young Tom Morris, the son of one of the game's founders, Old Tom Morris, tragically passed away at the age of 24.

Although his time on earth was far too short, his impact on the game remains as significant today as it was when he contended in multiple Open Championships throughout the 1860s and 1870s.

Morris competed in his first Open Championship when he was only 14-years-old. He finished in ninth place the following year and in fourth place in 1867, while he was still only 16-years-old.

In 1868, at the age of 17, Morris became the youngest major champion of all time after defeating his own father by three strokes at the Open Championship.

Morris would then claim three more Open Championships, including an 11-stroke victory in 1869 and a 13-stroke triumph in 1870 - all before he was 22-years-old.

He is still the only golfer to have won four consecutive Open Championships, as well as the only major champion to have claimed a title at the age of 17.

In addition, he, along with Tiger Woods, is the only golfer to have won a major championship by more than 12 strokes.

One can only wonder what else he would have accomplished had his life not ended so abruptly and tragically.

5.) Gene Sarazen

As golf commentators and fans remember some of the most talented champions of all time, they often forget to mention seven-time major champion Gene Sarazen.

But, throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Sarazen enjoyed one of the finest careers in golf history, especially when he captured multiple major championships during his early 20s.

In 1922, at the age of 20, Sarazen defeated Bobby Jones for his first U.S. Open victory. A few months later, he earned the 1922 and 1923 PGA Championships to become one of only a handful of individuals to have successfully defended the tournament.

Additionally, Sarazen won dozens of PGA TOUR events - 39 in total - all before he celebrated his 41st birthday.

Quite simply, few golfers have ever captured so many tournaments in such a time short time span - including all four of golf's major championships.

The "Squire," along with Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, changed professional and amateur golf throughout the 1920s and 1930s, allowing individuals like Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus to pave the way for today's generation.

As each of these five individuals, along with Rory McIlroy, proved on a regular basis, age is just a number.

Greatness can be achieved at all times and amidst all circumstances.

Yet, as golf's future champions prepare to leave indelible imprints on the game, two questions linger - which one of today's young golfers will dominate the game next - and what type of impact will they have on the future of golf?

Looking Back - The Top Five Most Memorable Moments at Congressional Country Club

2011-06-15T12:19:00.009-04:00

~ Memories Galore - Numerous golfing legends, including Ernie Els, have created fond memories at Congressional Country Club, one of the nation's most popular, top-tier courses. But, which memories truly stand out the most? ~

For the past fifty years, Congressional Country Club, site of the 2011 U.S. Open, has hosted a variety of professional and amateur major championships, including the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship, as well as dozens of PGA TOUR tournaments.

However, of all the championships that have been contested at Congressional, which five will likely stand the test of time and remain engraved in peoples' memories for years to come?

The following five championships - and champions - will arguably continue to be remembered well into the future, far more than any other events that have been held at Congressional in the past.

1964 U.S. Open - Ken Venturi Defeats Dehydration, Heat, and....Congressional

By the time the U.S. Open was contested in 1964, Ken Venturi had already claimed ten PGA TOUR titles. But, unfortunately, he was more well-known for his heartbreaks in major championships, including his runner-up finishes at the 1956 and 1960 Masters, than for his tournament successes.

Yet, all of that changed during one scorching afternoon in Bethesda, Maryland. While battling 100 degree temperatures and severe dehydration, Venturi still managed to play 36 holes during Sunday's finale (the last year in which 36 holes were contested on a Sunday during the U.S. Open).

With third and final round scores of 66 and 70, Venturi finished the tournament at two-under-par - enough to defeat Tommy Jacobs by a commanding four strokes.

It was truly a miracle that Venturi even finished the tournament, let alone won it, as he had been ordered by a doctor, who had been following him throughout Sunday's action, to stop playing altogether.

While avoiding doctor's orders and constantly consuming salt tablets to relieve his dehydration, Kenturi ultimately played two of the best rounds of his entire career.

Although he would never capture another major championship, Venturi's awe-inspiring play at Congressional, and endurance in spite of all sorts of obstacles, remains among the most memorable performances in major championship history.

1997 U.S. Open - Ernie Els Captures Second U.S. Open Victory in Four Years

For the third consecutive year, Tom Lehman, the 1996 British Open champion, found himself in a familiar setting - in the final pairing of the final round at the U.S. Open, with a chance to obtain a second major championship.

Similarly, Colin Montgomerie, one of the most successful golfers in European Tour history, was focused on capturing his very first major championship in order to finally silence his critics, who believed he would never win a significant tournament, once and for all.

In the meantime, Ernie Els was in position to create his own success story. By winning a second U.S. Open in just four years, Els would become the first golfer of the decade to earn two U.S. Open titles - and would further prove why he was the number one ranked golfer in the world.

Neither golfer would have guessed that their destinies would be decided on one hole though - the 72nd hole of the tournament.

By bogeying one of the most challenging finishing holes in all of golf, Montgomerie and Lehman both conceded the tournament to Els, who played steadily and intelligently throughout the final round.

With a final tournament score of four-under-par, including a final round of 69, Els proved that tenacity and endurance truly do pay dividends during the National Open.

Heartbreak. Humility. Courage. Such words would best describe the theatrics of the 97th playing of the United States Open. For such reasons alone, the 1997 U.S. Open will be remembered as one of the most significant tournaments hosted at Congressional - for decades and decades to come.

1976 PGA Championship - Dave Stockton Earns Second PGA Championship Victory

To this day, Dave Stockton is well-renowned within the golfing community as one of the most talented putters in the history of the game, comparable with the likes of Ben Crenshaw and Jack Nicklaus.

Few individuals actually realize that Stockton was one of the most competitive and successful golfers of the 1970s though, a decade in which he acquired two major championships - the 1970 and 1976 PGA Championships.

The 1976 PGA Championship was held at Congressional; it was actually the first championship to be contested at the course since Venturi's dramatic U.S. Open victory.

Yet again, the weather was a factor throughout the week as golfers were forced to encounter ever-increasing temperatures and humidity and still manage to play to the best of their abilities.

In spite of the weather, Stockton managed to finish the tournament at one-over-par, with scores of 70, 72, 69, and 70, to defeat four-time major champion Raymond Floyd and 1967 PGA Champion Don January by one stroke.

Although the victory did not propel Stockton to further major champion success, he still finished his career with ten PGA TOUR wins - and captained the 1991 Ryder Cup team to a dramatic victory during the most regarded and compelling Ryder Cups in the history of golf.

1995 U.S. Senior Open - Tom Weiskopf Finally Overtakes Jack Nicklaus for Major Championship Glory

Throughout Tom Weiskopf's PGA TOUR career, golf fans were far more interested in his close calls and runner-up finishes than in his 16 PGA TOUR victories, which included the 1973 British Open.

Far too often Weiskopf played brilliantly in all four major championships, only to watch fellow competitors like Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Johnny Miller walk away with trophies.

He finished runner-up in the Masters Tournament on four separate occasions. During dozens of other tournaments and major championships, he achieved top-ten and top-five finishes while Watson and Nicklaus continued to acquire more and more victories.

However, during one week, Weiskopf finally stared down his nemesis - Jack Nicklaus - and won. For four rounds at Congressional, throughout the 1995 U.S. Senior Open, Weiskopf played to his full potential and earned his long-awaited national title.

With rounds of 69, 69, 69, and 68, Weiskopf was simply no match for anyone, even two-time U.S. Senior Open champion Nicklaus.

While defeating Nicklaus by four strokes for his second major championship victory, Weiskopf proved to himself - and to his critics - that he still had the game to play head-to-head against the greatest golfer of all time...and win.

To this day, the 1995 U.S. Senior Open still remains one of Weiskopf's finest career achievements.

2009 AT&T National - Tiger Woods Wins as Tournament Host

Throughout the past century, certain PGA TOUR tournaments have been associated with some of the game's greatest champions. From Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill tournament to Jack Nicklaus's Memorial Tournament, a select few golfing champions have been privileged with opportunities to host their own tournaments.

In 2007 Tiger Woods joined the likes of Palmer and Nicklaus as the host of one of the TOUR's newest tournaments - the AT&T National, contended at Congressional.

Although he did not win the first two versions of the tournament, he played consistently well throughout the 2009 AT&T National, with scores of 64, 66, 70, and 67. With a tournament record finish of 13-under-par, he defeated fellow Ryder Cup member and three-time PGA TOUR winner Hunter Mahan by one stroke.

The victory remains one of Woods's last PGA TOUR titles.

Undoubtedly, Congressional Country Club has been host to some of golf's most significant and memorable championships, as well as prestigious champions.

As dozens of the game's greatest players prepare to tee it up this week during the playing of the 111th U.S. Open championship, one question lingers - who will make history this week as one of Congressional Country Club's past champions?

Will a more popular player like Phil Mickelson or Sergio Garcia capture their first U.S. Open? Or, will a lesser known name shock the golf world again?

Simply sit back, relax, and stay tuned. If history repeats itself, this U.S. Open ought to be just as memorable as all other championships previously held at Congressional.

Anticipate drama. Expect greatness. And enjoy yet another Congressional U.S. Open championship.

Tom Watson Captures 14th Professional Major Golf Championship

2011-05-30T14:12:00.007-04:00

~ Age is Simply a Number - More than eight months after his 61st birthday, Tom Watson is still playing golf at the highest level - and reaping the rewards of his latest successes on the golf course. ~

Believe it or not, there actually was a time in which most golfing professionals were considered well past their primes once they blew out the candles on their birthday cakes during their 40th birthdays.

When 46-year-old Jack Nicklaus earned his eighteenth major championship victory during the 1986 Masters, the entire golf world was utterly stunned.

As golfers like Julius Boros, Raymond Floyd, and Gary Player remained competitive well into their 40s - and captured numerous golf tournaments and major championships around the world - many professionals and golf fans alike began to reconsider prior theories that golfers should consider retirement after the "primes" of their careers have passed.

In recent years, more professionals, such as Vijay Singh and Kenny Perry, have proven that golfers can indeed climb near to or all the way to the top of the world golf rankings no matter how "old" they may be perceived in comparision to other professional athletes.

Yet, in spite of the awe-inspiring performances of "late bloomers" like Perry or major champions like Singh, no other golfer has proven that golfers can remain competitive well into their 40s, 50s, and 60s than....Tom Watson.

Back in 2009, at the ripe age of 59, the five-time British Open champion almost won his record-tying sixth Open Championship - and came close to rewriting the history books altogether - before losing a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink, who happens to be 23 years younger than Watson.

Incredibly, Watson has yet to slow down in the years since, even after his heartbreaking loss to Cink during a tournament in which most fans, critics, and television announcers believe he actually should have won.

To prove that he can still compete at a high level, this past Sunday, Watson rekindled some of his old magic on the golf course at the Senior PGA Championship as he defeated four-time Champions Tour winner David Eger during a sudden death playoff.

While displaying the silky smooth swing and steady putting stroke that helped him win 39 PGA TOUR tournaments, including eight major championships, Watson appeared to be much like the same player who regularly competed against - and defeated - Jack Nicklaus during his prime throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Just how impressive has Watson's play been since he joined the Champions Tour at the age of 50 back in 1999?

In addition to his attainment of the 2011 Senior PGA Championship, Watson has earned five other senior major championships, including the 2011 Senior PGA Championship, the 2003 Senior British Open, the 2003 JELD-WEN Tradition, the 2005 Senior British Open, and the 2007 Senior British Open.

At the same time, Watson has also won eight other Champions Tour events, as well as ten Senior "Silly Season" tournaments. Throughout the last ten years, he has had two top-ten finishes in major championships (the 2000 PGA Championship and the 2009 British Open)and 28 top-ten finishes in Champions Tour major championships.

He is currently the oldest player to hold the lead after 54 holes during a major championship and is also the oldest runner-up finisher in major championship history.

After winning yet another major championship, Watson himself could not believe how well he was still playing after spending more than 40 years of his life as a competitor on the PGA TOUR and the Champions Tour.

"Wow. Winning again at 61," Watson said during a post-tournament interview. "I don't think it's an age thing but, God, I've been out here a long time."

As he continued to reflect on his longevity, Watson seemed to have realized just how special the victory was, especially when one considers the limited amount of golfers who have maintained such a high level of performance and continued success for more than four consecutive decades.

"If this is the last tournament I ever win, it's not a bad one," Watson said. "I'm kind of on borrowed time out here at 61."

Even if Watson is on "borrowed time," as he suggested, the golfing world would not be surprised if he continued to obtain further tournament victories throughout the summer - and well after.

So what will Watson do for an encore? Should the golfing public expect to see him competing in this year's Open Championship at Royal St. George's Golf Club? Will he somehow find a way to defy the odds yet again - and actually capture his record-tying sixth Open Championship victory?

Considering all that he has accomplished during the past 40 years, nothing that Watson achieves in the future will likely surprise anyone.

The old adage that age is just a number has certainly been mentioned by thousands of individuals throughout the globe in recent years.

However, few people actually live out this phrase on a regular basis - time after time again - much like Watson does.

It will be interesting to see how Watson will continue to compete - and win - well into his 60s...and after.

For Tom Watson, age is truly just a number - and always will be.

Tom Watson's Major Championship Victories

~ 1975 British Open
~ 1977 Masters
~ 1977 British Open
~ 1980 British Open
~ 1981 Masters
~ 1982 U.S. Open
~ 1982 British Open
~ 1983 British Open
~ 2001 Senior PGA Championship
~ 2003 Senior British Open Championship
~ 2003 JELD-WEN Tradition
~ 2005 Senior British Open Championship
~ 2007 Senior British Open Championship
~ 2011 Senior PGA Championship

The Top Five Most Memorable Moments in The History of The Heritage Tournament

2011-04-20T10:10:00.012-04:00

~ Wire-to-wire! - In 2009, Brian Gay won the Verizon Heritage by a commanding 10 strokes for the second PGA TOUR victory of his career. Gay led the entire tournament wire-to-wire for one of the most dominating performances in the championship's history. ~

Undoubtedly, The Heritage, a long-standing PGA TOUR tournament hosted on the Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbour Town Golf Links, is generally overlooked by the Masters Tournament, which typically precedes it each year.

However, in spite of its lack of attention from the general public, the tournament has definitely provided its fair share of memorable moments for both golf fans and PGA TOUR professionals alike throughout the past forty years.

With such former champions as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, the tournament has annually attracted some of the game's most talented and beloved players since its founding in 1969.

Here are five of the most memorable tournaments in the entire history of The Heritage -

Davis Love III Collects His Record Fifth Victory (2003)

Throughout the 2003 season, Love was arguably playing the best golf of his entire career. With victories in both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship prior to the 2003 MCI Heritage, Love was competing like a man on a mission - week in and week out.

As he approached the 72nd hole of the tournament that year, he knew he needed a birdie in order to tie Woody Austin for the lead and to challenge him during a sudden-death playoff. After hitting a mediocore approach shot to the par-four 18th, he chipped in from 67 feet for a birdie to force a playoff with Austin. The shot is known as one of the greatest in Love III's PGA TOUR career and will always be remembered as one of the finest clutch shots in the history of The Heritage.

Love would go on to defeat Austin during the fourth hole of the sudden-death playoff after hitting a six-iron approach shot to three feet on the famed 18th hole and then converting the birdie putt.

Brian Gay Makes History (2009)

Prior to earning his second PGA TOUR victory at the 2009 Verizon Heritage, Gay was known as a journeyman pro who had enjoyed prior successes on the TOUR, but had never reached his full potential.

That all changed after Gay shot rounds of 67, 66, 67, and 64 to set a tournament record of 20-under-par for a 10-stroke victory over Briny Baird and Luke Donald.

Throughout the entire tournament, Gay hit laser-like iron shots and made seemingly every putt that he looked at. Gay's performance will likely remain the most dominating and awe-inspiring in tournament history for years and years to come.

Although he has been unable to play at such a high level in the tournaments in which he has competed in since, he did win the 2009 St. Jude Classic by five shots for yet another wire-to-wire victory. Only time will tell if Gay will be able to collect more TOUR victories in such a record fashion as he did on Hilton Head Island in April 2009.

Payne Stewart Successfully Defends His Title (1990)

Following his victory in the 1989 PGA Championship, Payne Stewart had become one of most popular and successful golfers in the entire world - and he continued to acquire victories in some of the TOUR's most regarded tournaments throughout the 1990 season.

In 1989, Stewart had defeated Kenny Perry by five strokes for the first MCI Heritage Golf Classic victory of his career, as well as his fourth PGA TOUR tournament win in just his seventh season on the TOUR.

Yet, his victory in 1990 was not obtained quite as easily. Following a sudden-death playoff with eight-time PGA TOUR winner Steve Jones and 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize, Stewart became the first individual in tournament history to successfully defend his title.

To this day, Stewart remains one of only three players to win consecutive Heritage tournaments.

Arnold Palmer Wins First Annual Heritage Golf Classic (1969)

In 1969 Arnold Palmer was no longer the most dominating golfer in the world; at that time champions like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Billy Casper had begun to replace him as the most consistent members of the PGA TOUR.

However, Palmer was still no stranger to winning. With his three stroke victory over Dick Crawford and seven-time TOUR winner Bert Yancey, Palmer collected a PGA TOUR win for the fifteenth consecutive season - one of the best streaks in the history of golf.

Palmer remains one of the most popular - if not the most popular - champions in Heritage history more than 40 years after his first and only Heritage victory.

Bernhard Langer Follows His Masters Victory with a Win at The Heritage (1985)

As hard as it may be to believe, 42-time European TOUR winner Bernhard Langer has only earned three PGA TOUR victories throughout his highly successful career - and two of them were obtained in two consecutive weeks.

Following his two-stroke victory over Seve Ballesteros, Raymond Floyd, and Curtis Strange at the 1985 Masters, Langer continued his hot streak at the Sea Pines Heritage - just one week after wearing his first green jacket.

Langer finished 11-under-par for the week after shooting rounds of 68, 66, 69, and 70. The finish was strong enough to tie Bobby Wadkins, the brother of 1977 PGA Champion Lanny Wadkins. Upon defeating Wadkins in a sudden death playoff, Langer had earned the second of his four worldwide victories that year for one of the most successful campaigns of the entire 1985 season.

Fantasy Picks - Top Five LPGA Tour Professionals to Watch Out For in 2011

2011-03-29T18:50:00.008-04:00

~ The Pink Panther Strikes Again - With her four-stroke victory in last year's U.S. Women's Open, Paula Creamer finally achieved her lifelong goal of winning a major championship. This year she hopes to obtain further major championship success. ~

As the LPGA Tour's brightest stars prepare for this season's upcoming major championships, strive to obtain consistency week in and week out, and focus on improving their resumes and increasing their trophy collections, five female golfers will likely rise above the rest of the competition throughout the coming months.

The following five golfers - Yani Tseng, Karrie Webb, Ai Miyazato, Christie Kerr, and Paula Creamer - are among the most accomplished female athletes throughout the world. During their careers, they have enjoyed numerous tournament successes, maintained consistent track records, and have rewritten sports history books.

Therefore, as you prepare for your LPGA Tour fantasy league this spring and summer, you ought to keep the following ladies in mind. You will likely not be dissapointed by their consistently high levels of play.

1.) Yani Tseng

Ms. Tseng is currently the number one ranked women's golfer in the world...and for good reasons. By earning three major championship victories before her 22nd birthday, she became the youngest golfer in LPGA Tour history to accomplish such a feat.

In addition, she has acquired three other LPGA wins in her short career, including this season's Honda LPGA Thailand. She defeated Michelle Wie by five strokes on her way to obtaining the sixth LPGA Tour victory of her career back in February.

She has claimed eight other tournament victories in all four corners of the globe - many by ridiculous margins, ranging from 14 to 17 strokes.

What will Tseng accomplish throughout the remaining 2011 season? Will she successfully defend her Kraft Nabisco Championship and Women's British Open titles? Simply sit back, relax, and watch Ms. Tseng as she continues to change the history of women's golf.

2.) Karrie Webb

Ms. Webb is arguably the most accomplished active golfer on the LPGA Tour. With 38 LPGA Tour victories, including seven major championships, the 36-year-old Webb is already a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. In addition, she has obtained 52 professional victories around the world.

So what motivates her to continue to compete while many of her former counterparts, including Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam, have already retired? Quite simply, she desires to earn more tournament victories and to acquire further major championships.

Ms. Webb believes that she still has the skills required to compete on a weekly basis on the LPGA Tour and she has surely proven this very fact already in 2011. With victories at the HSBC Women's Champions and the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, she certainly appears to be prepared for future tournament success.

Undoubtedly, the word "retirement" does not exist in Ms. Webb's dictionary and will likely be nonexistent for many years to come.

3.) Ai Miyazato

As hard as it may be to believe, Japan's Ai Miyazato is only 25-years-old. Yet, throughout her short life and career, she has already accomplished more than most of her colleagues have.

With six LPGA Tour victories, 25 Japan LPGA Tour wins, and prior attainment of the status as the world's number one female golfer, Ms. Miyazato is, without a doubt, one of golf's most promising talents.

Although she has yet to win in 2011, she has become of the Tour's most popular - and feared - golfers. As she continues to gain experience and confidence, she will likely be one of the Tour's most successful and well-known members during the next two to three decades.

One question remains in regards to Ms. Miyazato - when will she collect her first major championship victory? With eight top-ten finishes in major championships since 2006, one cannot help but wonder if 2011 will be her breakthrough season in the LPGA Tour's four most exclusive events.

4.) Christie Kerr

Much like her fellow colleague Karrie Webb, Ms. Kerr has enjoyed a very successful career on the LPGA Tour. With 14 LPGA Tour victories, including the 2007 U.S. Women's Open and the 2010 LPGA Championship, she has obtained at least one LPGA Tour win every season since 2002 except for the 2003 season.

With such consistency, she has become one of the Tour's most respected members. Although she is still relatively young, at 33-years-old, she has already accomplished most of her career goals.

How does she stay motivated? Is she mainly focused on winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship and the Women's British Open - two titles that have alluded her thus far? Is she hoping to eventually become a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame?

Whatever the reason, Ms. Kerr remains one of the Tour's greatest competitors and hardest workers. With such incessant work ethic, LPGA Tour golfers and fans alike should not be surprised if Ms. Kerr will need to expand her trophy case upon the conclusion of the 2011 season. But, which trophies will she collect this season? And, in what type of quantity? Fantasy league members should defnitely remember her as the Tour competes for major championships this spring and summer, especially as Ms. Kerr focuses on winning the Tour's career grand slam.

5.) Paula Creamer

Paula Creamer, who is often referred to as "The Pink Panther" is well-known for her good looks and personality. However, she is also regarded for her natural golfing talents, fierce competitiveness, and successful track record, which includes nine LPGA Tour victories and three Solheim Cup appearances.

With her victory in last year's U.S. Women's Open, Creamer proved that she is not just another overrated member of the Tour with a "pretty face." She can compete against the world's best - and often.

As she prepares to defend her title this year, and also collect more tournament trophies, anticipate Ms. Creamer to compete each and every week she tees it up. She is young, at 24 years of age, determined, and skillful in all aspects of the game, from driving to putting. Ms. Creamer's name will likely appear on the top of LPGA leaderboards throughout the entire duration of the 2011 season...and for many years to come.

With their successful past track records, consistency, and determination to be the best female golfer in the world, each one of these five LPGA Tour members ought to obtain numerous tournament victories during the next eight months of the Tour's 2011 schedule.

Back on Top! - Nick Watney and Nick Price Regain Their Forms

2011-03-16T16:52:00.004-04:00

~ The Third Time's a Charm - Last Sunday, Nick Watney rediscovered his winner's touch, while also obtaining the first World Golf Championship of his career ~

Although two years may not seem like that long of a time period between the obtainment of two seperate PGA TOUR victories, for fans and family members of Nick Watney, the past two years have, at times, progressed rather slowly.

Back in February 2009, Watney had earned the second PGA TOUR victory of his career at the Buick Invitational, which was contested at the ever-challenging Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. Following his one-stroke victory over three-time PGA TOUR winner John Rollins, Watney was perceived as one of America's most talented young professionals - an indvidual who would not only claim further tournament victories during the coming years, but would also contend for major championships...and soon.

Fast forward to March 2011. Prior to his most recent victory at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, Watney had become more familiar with close calls and top-ten finishes than with tournament victories. Last season, he played consistently well while obtaining two top-tens in major championships, at both The Masters and The Open Championship. However, golf analysts and fans alike were certainly surprised that such a promising talent like Watney had not acquired more tournament success during his career.

With his two-stroke over Dustin Johnson in last week's WGC-Cadillac Championship, Watney will likely regain the level of confidence that he will need throughout the coming months as he prepares to capture more PGA TOUR tournaments and to become a regular contender in each of one of golf's four major championships, both this season and well into the future.

In the meantime, Nick Price will always be remembered for the extraordinary career he had as a member of the PGA TOUR. With 18 PGA TOUR victories, including three major championships (1992 PGA Championship, 1994 The Open Championship, and 1994 PGA Championship), as well as the attainment of the number-one world golf ranking in the mid 1990s, Price was undoubtedly one of the most talented and successful golfers of the 1990s.

Even though Price rarely plays in PGA TOUR and European Tour events now, he is a full-time member of the Champions Tour. Since joining the tour in 2007, Price has enjoyed his fair share of tournament success, with victories in three regular events prior to his win at Sunday's Toshiba Classic.

But, considering Price's natural golfing capabilities and past record on the PGA TOUR, he has been unable to become one of the Tour's leading golfers, much like he was expected to become prior to attaining full-time membership on the Tour.

While winless in his first two seasons on the Champions Tour, Price was frustrated by his lack of tournament success, as well as his inability to capture one of the Tour's major championships.

So, will Price's frustation finally end this season? Will his one-stroke victory over Mark Wiebe at the 2011 Toshiba Classic initiate the self-confidence and consistency that he has been searching for throughout the past four seasons? Will 2011 be the season that Price proves once again that he is one of golf's brightest stars?

It will be interesting to watch both Nick Watney and Nick Price continue to strive towards their goals of becoming one of the most elite members of each of their tours. As each golfer possesses natural golfing talents, past tournament success stories, and unwavering confidence, Watney and Price should both be expected to further expand their trophy collections during the next eight months of the 2011 PGA TOUR and Champions Tour seasons.

Undoubtedly, Nick Watney and Nick Price appear to be "back on top" and ready to prove that their talents can be utilized fully on the golf course, through the continuous attainment of tournament victories.

Nick Watney PGA TOUR Victories

~ 2007 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
~ 2009 Buick Invitational
~ 2011 WGC-Cadillac Championship

Nick Price Champions Tour Victories

~ 2009 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am
~ 2010 Liberty Mutual Champions of Golf (with Mark O'Meara)
~ 2010 Principal Charity Classic
~ 2011 Toshiba Classic

Nick Price's Career Accolades

~ Three-time Major Champion (1992 & 1994 PGA Championship, 1994 The Open Championship)
~ World Golf Hall of Fame Member
~ Eighteen-time PGA TOUR Winner
~ Five-time European Tour Winner
~ 1993 and 1994 PGA TOUR Player of the Year
~ 1993 and 1997 Vardon Trophy Winner

Aaron Baddeley Earns Third Career PGA TOUR Victory

2011-02-21T13:18:00.004-05:00

~ Badds! - Aaron Baddeley captures first PGA TOUR victory since 2007 and celebrates with his family ~

Throughout the 2011 Northern Trust Open, worldwide golf fans were focused on the resurgence of Fred Couples, the 51-year-old, former world number one golfer who hadn't won on the PGA TOUR since 2003, but had played exceedingly well throughout the tournament's first three rounds in spite of an aching back.

Yet, golf commentators and fans alike had failed to recognize the resurgence of another golfer who, in spite of his youth, had not obtained a PGA TOUR victory in almost four years.

When he first became a golfing professional, Aaron Baddeley was distinguished as one of the world's most promising golfers - and he soon responded with victories throughout Australia and Europe.

A second-place finish at the 2003 Sony Open in Hawaii, in which he lost in a playoff to Ernie Els, at the tender age of 21, showed that he certainly had the talent to win on the PGA TOUR - and soon.

But, Baddeley was unable to taste PGA TOUR victory for another three seasons, when he defeated Jim Furyk by one stroke at the 2006 Verizon Heritage - a tournament which is annually held at Harbour Town Golf Links, a course which has challenged some of the world's greatest golfers for more than 40 years.

Upon winning the Verizon Heritage, Baddeley began to play consistently well as he regularly contended in Europe, Australia, and the United States. Suddenly, he was playing to his true potential and, as a result, he had become recognized as one of the TOUR's top Australian golfers - and a sure bet to obtain further PGA TOUR victories.

In early 2007, he defeated John Rollins by one stroke at the FBR Open for his second PGA TOUR victory. However, after a successful, consistent 2007 PGA TOUR campaign, Baddeley struggled to maintain his form and rarely contended for tournaments throughout the next three seasons, in spite of his youth and natural golfing capabilities.

Just as some golfing commentators and fans were beginning to dismiss his abilities to become one of the TOUR's top young talents, Baddeley shocked the golfing world again with his victory at the 2011 Northern Trust Open - a tournament that has been contested at the highly reputable Riveria Country Club since the early 1970s.

Throught the week, Baddeley played consistently well and successfully ignored the media hype that had followed Couples since Thursday afternoon. With rounds of 67, 69, 67, and 69, Baddeley overcame the challenges of some of the world's most successful golfers, including former world number ones Vijay Singh and David Duval; seven-time PGA TOUR winner K.J. Choi; and fellow Australian Robert Allenby.

With a renewed sense of confidence, and yet another professional tournament victory, how will Baddeley respond throughout the coming months of the 2011 season though? Is a major championship victory obtainable?

Although he is only 29-years-old, Baddeley is already a seasoned veteran who has overcome numerous close calls and disappointments on the golf course; enjoyed various successes throughout the world; and has continued to maintain a positive mentality and spirit through it all.

With such an attitude, Baddeley will likely display his golfing skills in major championships throughout the coming years...and contend for some of the world's most coveted tournaments well into the future.

The golfing world knows that Baddeley surely has the game to be a regular contender on the PGA TOUR. But, how will he react? If his performance at Riveria is any sign of future success, the best is yet to come for Baddeley....as he turns 30 in March and prepares for another decade of tournament victories.

Aaron Baddeley's Professional Tournament Victories

1999 Holden Australian Open
2000 Holden Australian Open
2001 Greg Norman Holden International
2006 Verizon Heritage
2007 FBR Open
2007 Mastercard Masters
2011 Northern Trust Open

Mark Wilson Claims Second PGA TOUR Victory of 2011 Season

2011-02-07T16:05:00.005-05:00

~ Continued Success - For the second time in three starts, Mark Wilson has earned yet another PGA TOUR victory - the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open. ~

To say that Mark Wilson has recently surprised golf journalists and fans would certainly be an understatement.

Prior to the 2011 Sony Open in Hawaii, Wilson was known as a likeable journeyman who had been successful on various golfing circuits throughout the past decade.

With victories at the 2007 Honda Classic and 2009 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera-Maya Cancun, along with three wins on the NGA Hooters Tour, Wilson was viewed as a steady late bloomer who had not tasted PGA TOUR success until he was 32-years-old.

Yet, Wilson's life, career, and reputation as a competitor has suddenly changed - all within a three-week-long time span.

Last month, Wilson arrived at the Sony Open in Hawaii hoping to play solid golf and to begin the season with a consisent performance. He did that - and more - as he ultimately defeated Tim Clark and Steve Marino by two strokes for his third PGA TOUR victory. In doing so, he also acquired his first berth into the Masters Tournament, which will be conducted during the first week of April.

If golf fans viewed Wilson's Sony Open victory as nothing more than a fluke, they may now be second-guessing their original opinions of the Wisconsin-born golfer.

With a final round score of two-under-par 69, Wilson finished the 2011 Waste Management Phoenix Open tied for the lead with Jason Dufner, another journeyman golfer who has enjoyed success on the PGA TOUR in recent years.

Upon birdieing the second hole of the tournament's sudden death playoff, Wilson's standing within the golf world dramatically improved. As a result of his second PGA TOUR victory in a month, Wilson now leads the 2011 FedEx Cup standings - by a whopping 336 points over Jhonattan Vegas, who also shocked the golf industry by winning the 2011 Bob Hope Classic two weeks ago.

In addition, Wilson currently leads the TOUR's money list with $2,098,700. Such a hot start would typically be expected from an experienced champion like Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson...but from Wilson? Who could have possibly anticipated such success from a golfer who finished 131st in last year's FedEx Cup regular season standings?

Even Wilson himself has been pleasantly surprised by his results thus far in 2011.

"It's crazy. This is the best golf I've played in my life and I'm just riding the wave," he stated after defeating Dufner. "I'm just enjoying the ride here and that's just kind of the way I'm going to look at the year here, just ride this train as long as I can."

If Wilson continues to "ride (the) train" this well throughout the remainder of the season, his competitors, as well as his fans, should not be surprised if he adds more hardware to his trophy collection before the end of the 2011 season.

With a steady game and an optimistic attitude, Wilson appears to be prepared for the future - and for continuous tournament success as the TOUR's West Coast Swing concludes within the next couple weeks.

For now, Wilson will likely reflect on the past month and look forward to the TOUR's next tournament - the 2011 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.

2011 FedEx Cup Standings (as of February 7th, 2011)

1.) Mark Wilson, 1,008 points
2.) Jhonattan Vegas, 672 points
3.) Bubba Watson, 584 points
4.) Jonathan Byrd, 566 points
5.) Bill Haas, 441 points

2011 PGA TOUR Money Leaders (as of February 7th, 2011)

1.) Mark Wilson, $2,098,700
2.) Jhonattan Vegas, $1,248,280
3.) Jonathan Byrd, $1,174,666
4.) Bubba Watson, $1,143,134
5.) Bill Haas, $809,934

Reflection on 2011 PGA TOUR Hawaii Swing

2011-01-17T13:09:00.004-05:00

~ Aloha! - Mark Wilson Celebrates After Claiming His Third PGA TOUR Title at the 2011 Sony Open ~

Yet again, a new year has dawned for all members of the PGA TOUR, providing hundreds of golfing professionals with an opportunity to either seek redemption after a dissapointing 2010 season, to continue to build off of past successes, or to claim their status as a worthy contender and promising talent.

Many TOUR members have already created long-lasting memories on the course through the attainment of tournament titles, FedEx Cup points, and prize money, while others are still preparing for the upcoming season and setting their sights on the West Coast Swing, which will begin at the Bob Hope Classic on January 19th.

In reflection of the first two events of the 2011 PGA TOUR schedule - the Hawaii Swing - it is important to recognize the individuals, Jonathan Byrd and Mark Wilson, who have already claimed tournament victories. Their performances have stimulated the interests of the golfing public, most of whom are currently unable to play the game due to the winter season, and have led many people to once again become interested in the PGA TOUR and in the great game of golf itself.

2011 Hyundai Tournament of Champions

Each year, the Plantation Course at Kapalua provides awe-inspiring views of the natural landscape of Hawaii and the picturesque, clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Yet, the course's splendor should not distract golfing competitors from the ever-present challenges that await them on each and every hole.

The course is quite long, measuring 7,411 yards, and, at times, is very narrow - even for some of the most accurate drivers in the world. Undoubtedly, the course is among the most undulating of all courses featured on the PGA TOUR schedule. The undulations constantly lead competitors to maximize their shot making skill sets in order to execute to the best of their abilities. In addition, the course's sloping, firm greens continuously challenge even the most talented putters.

This past month, Jonathan Byrd was seemingly undaunted by the Plantation Course's omnipresent challenges. While recording four consecutive under-par rounds (69, 63, 69, and 67), Byrd finished the tournament tied with Robert Garrigus at 24-under-par.

With a par on the second hole of the sudden death playoff, Byrd defeated Garrigus and claimed his second-consecutive title, as he had won the 2010 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open after making a hole-in-one during another sudden-death playoff.

The 2011 Hyundai Tournament of Champions was Byrd's fifth TOUR title and, arguably, the most impressive achievement of his career thus far, considering the fact that the tournament's field is restricted to golfers who won on the PGA TOUR in 2010.

By defeating such a highly talented field on a long, formidable course, Byrd has shown his fellow peers that he is well-prepared for future TOUR success and will likely be a contender in some of the world's most prestigious golfing tournaments, well into the future.

2011 Sony Open in Hawaii

Waialae Country Club, located in Honolulu, is the regular host of the TOUR's Sony Open, which is annually the second tournament contested on the PGA TOUR's schedule. Much like the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Waialae has become popular throughout the world for its majestic views of the ocean and superb wildlife, as orchids and palm trees surround the pristine course.

Measuring 7,068 yards, Waialae is not nearly as long as the Plantation Course, but it sill offers golfers a fair share of challenges. Due to the course's probable high winds and recent PGA TOUR-designated enhancements, PGA TOUR members do not typically score as well at Waialae as they do at the Plantation Course.

On Sunday, January 16th, journeyman Mark Wilson endured a 36-hole marathon to defeat Tim Clark and Steve Marino by two strokes. The victory was the third of his PGA TOUR career and the first since the 2009 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun.

Due to a washout that occurred during the first round of the championship, all golfers, who had made the 36-hole cut, were forced to play 36 more holes in a single day. But, that did not prevent many golfers, especially Wilson, from playing extraordinarily well.

Wilson's 16-under-par total was highlighted by the fact that he did not make a single bogey throughout his last 40 holes of play. Such consistency did not only help him claim his third TOUR title, but it has also led many golfing fans and broadcasters to view Wilson in an entirely different light - at 36-years-old, he may very well be prepared to play the best golf of his career during the next few seasons.

Few have doubted Wilson's talent, but have always wondered whether or not he would prove his abilities on a regular basis. Now, with yet another victory under his belt, Mark Wilson will be ready to show his peers that his play at the Sony Open was simply not a fluke, but the beginning of a successful run on the TOUR, which may last for years to come.

Jim Furyk Earns 2010 PGA TOUR Player of the Year Honors

2010-12-06T10:33:00.005-05:00

~ Last Man Standing - Jim Furyk poses with the FedEx Cup trophy after ending his remarkable 2010 campaign with a victory at THE TOUR Championship. ~

For the past 17 years, Jim Furyk's reputation as a relentless grinder, a consistent performer, and a highly reputable individual has only steadily increased.

With 26 professional victories around the globe, including 16 on the PGA TOUR, Furyk has attained some of the highest honors in the game of golf.

In 2003, he tied the record for the lowest 72-hole score in the history of the U.S. Open championship as he proceeded to defeat Australian Stephen Leaney by three strokes. Meanwhile, during the 2006 PGA TOUR season, Furyk reached a career high of second in the Official World Golf Rankings and obtained the Vardon Trophy, which is awarded annually to the TOUR's leader in scoring average.

As a result, Furyk's peers were not surprised to learn that he had finally been chosen as the PGA TOUR Player of the Year for the 2010 season; if anything else, they may be wondering why he had not received the honor earlier in his career.

Nevertheless, the 2010 season was definitely a memorable one for Furyk. Not only did he cap off his season with a $10 million pay day by winning the FedEx Cup trophy, he also captured three PGA TOUR tournament victories - the most he has ever attained in a single season.

Prior to his stellar 2010 campaign, he had not won a tournament since the 2007 Canadian Open. The winless streak was quite unusual for Furyk as he previously had endured only two winless seasons on the TOUR since 1994.

Undoubtedly, he was eager to end his winless streak as soon as possible in order to once again be known as one of the most elite golfers in the world.

Although Furyk did not demand immediate attention from fans and analysts throughout the first two and a half months of the season, he finally had an opportunity to earn his first victory of 2010 at the Transitions Championship, hosted at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.

By posting scores of 67, 68, and 67 during his first three rounds, he appeared to be poised to earn his 14th PGA TOUR victory. On Sunday, however, K.J. Choi was determined to stall Furyk's steady start.

Yet, in spite of K.J.'s inspiring play during the final round, Furyk shot a solid 69 and claimed a one-stroke victory over Choi. At long last, his winless streak had finally been relinquished.

The victory provided Furyk with a much-needed confidence boost that did not deteriorate throughout the remaining events of the season.

Shortly after Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters, Furyk was once again in position to win another PGA TOUR event at the Verizon Heritage - a tournament hosted at the nerve-racking Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

With scores of 67, 68, 67, and 69, Furyk posted a 13-under-par total, which was only matched by the Englishman Brian Davis. As both golfers proceeded to play a sudden death playoff hole, the tournament ended abruptly, and in rather odd fashion, after Davis called a two-stroke penalty on himself for accidently moving a loose impediment during his takeaway - a direct violation of rule 13.4.

Due to Davis's unfortunate error, Furyk won his second PGA TOUR tournament of the year - all within the span of four weeks.

However, although Furyk enjoyed the hottest start to a season in his entire golfing career, he could not have anticipated the way in which his season would end.

With four more top-ten finishes prior to the TOUR Championship, Furyk continued to perform at a high level after he had won the Verizon Heritage. Consequently, he was still in a position to attain his first-ever FedEx Cup championship - if he were to win the final event of the Playoffs, THE TOUR Championship.

After a scorching hot start, with first and second rounds of 67 and 65, respectively, Furyk was one of the favorites to contend during the weekend at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.

Even though he only managed to shoot a third round score of even-par 70, Furyk held a one-stroke advantage over Luke Donald on the 72nd hole of the tournament. Unfortunately, he hit his approach shot into a deep bunker near the green.

Just when it seemed that the tournament may ultimately be decided by a playoff between Donald and Furyk, Jim hit one of the greatest clutch shots of his career.

As Furyk's ball cleanly escaped the bunker and landed only two-and-a-half feet from the hole, he had not only earned the 16th PGA victory of his career, but he had finally obtained his very first three-victory season.

Fittingly, in addition to the various accolades that Furyk attained in 2010, he finally received an honor that he arguably deserved years ago - the PGA TOUR Player of the Year award.

After playing some of the best golf of his career at the age of 40, what should golf fans expect from Furyk during the last 10 seasons of his PGA TOUR career? What could he possibly do for an encore?

Will he build upon his momentous 2010 season with a major championship victory in 2011? Perhaps, he may even successfully defend his reign as the FedEx Cup champion.

With a sense of newfound confidence, Furyk will likely be well-prepared to perform at the highest level once again in 2011...and well into the future.

Jim Furyk's Career Achievements

16 PGA TOUR Victories

~ 1995 Las Vegas Invitational
~ 1996 United Airlines Hawaiian Open
~ 1998 Las Vegas Invitational
~ 1999 Las Vegas Invitational
~ 2000 Doral-Ryder Open
~ 2001 Mercedes Championships
~ 2002 Memorial Tournament
~ 2003 U.S. Open
~ 2003 Buick Open
~ 2005 Cialis Western Open
~ 2006 Wachovia Championship
~ 2006 Canadian Open
~ 2007 Canadian Open
~ 2010 Transitions Championship
~ 2010 Verizon Heritage
~ 2010 The TOUR Championship

Seven-time Ryder Cup member (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010)

Six-time Presidents Cup member (1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009)

2006 Vardon Trophy winner

2010 FedEx Cup Champion and PGA TOUR Player of the Year

Heath Slocum Captures The McGladrey Classic...Yet, Winning Isn't Everything

2010-10-10T22:10:00.011-04:00

~ For the second consecutive season, Heath Slocum has attained yet another PGA TOUR victory. Yet, his closest friends and family members know that the illness he has overcome in recent years provides him with a far greater challenge than any PGA TOUR event ever could. ~

Back in 1997, Heath Slocum was completely focused on ultimately earning his place amongst golf's elite - as a member of the PGA TOUR. While competing on the Nike Tour (Nationwide Tour), the Baton Rouge native and former three-time All-American member of the University of South Alabama appeared to be destined for an ultimately successful career on the PGA TOUR.

He was a consistent golfer with a solid short game that was matched only by his incredible poise on the golf course - a level of calmness, confidence, and patience that was regularly noticed by his fellow peers and opponents.

Yet, on the morning of Thanksgiving Day 1997, Slocum's unyielding focus on the game of golf, as well as his passion for competing on the professional circuit, was suddenly replaced by his incessant attention towards a physical ailment that would challenge him well into the future.
During that morning he awoke with severe stomach cramps - far worse than he had ever experienced in his lifetime. While he was certainly alarmed by the pain, he had no reason not to believe that it was caused by anything except for a normal case of the flu.

Nevertheless, Slocum's stomach pain continued for months on end. Over time, he began to experience other symptoms on a consistent basis - frequent diarrhea, nausea, and, perhaps, the most frightening sign of sickness - rapid weight loss. Over a period of four months, Slocum lost almost 30 pounds as he soon weighed only 122 pounds. Standing at 5'8", Slocum was severely underweight...and desperate for answers.

After months of uncertainty, he finally received a diagnosis - ulcerative colitis.

Upon learning about the cause of his illness, Slocum was definitely unsure about the disease, its causes, and its future impact on his health and life - to say the least.

"When a specialist told me I had ulcerative colitis, I had no clue what it was," Slocum said. "You don't feel like eating because everything goes straight through you."

Slocum continued, "My stomach cramped, and some days arthritis ran through my joints and I literally could not get out of bed. I felt like a 60-year-old man, and I was (only) 24."

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions of people around the world on a daily basis. Yet, for the most part, the disease is still relatively unknown throughout all four corners of the world.

As the disease causes regular inflammation within the large intestine, patients generally experience a wide array of symptoms, including, but not limited to, severe weight loss, malnutrition, and arthritis.

The disease is not currently curable, yet it can be treated through a vast supply of medications, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and biological therapy.

Eventually, through proper treatment, Slocum slowly regained the weight he had lost over the period of a few months. After a year-and-a-half recovery, he was able to join the Buy.Com Tour (Nationwide Tour) once again as a full-time member in 2001.

The season would eventually be remembered as his greatest to date, as he attained three victories on the tour and earned an automatic, battlefield promotion to the PGA TOUR, which is granted only to Nationwide members who successfully claim three Tour victories in a single season.

Since 2001, Slocum has continuously found success on the golf course. With four PGA TOUR victories thus far, including last year's The Barclays (a FedEx Cup Playoffs tournament in which he defeated Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, and Padraig Harrington by one stroke) and this past week's McGladrey Classic, Slocum has certainly risen above his illness. During the last nine years, he has utilized his golfing talent to not only attain multiple trophies, but to also raise awareness of multiple digestive disorders that are impacting the lives of millions of sufferers throughout the globe.

As a national spokesperson for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Slocum has obviously not forgotten about the illness that nearly killed him more than ten years ago. While Slocum continues to use his golfing achievements in a positive manner on the golf course, more and more individuals will begin to understand the assortment of diseases that have greatly influenced so many people in recent years.

For Heath Slocum, the attainment of yet another PGA TOUR victory is far more significant than the prize money and recognition he receives - it is a sign of what he has already overcome off of the golf course in past years...and what he will continue to face during the coming years.

For more information on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, please visit www.ccfa.org (the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America).

Heath Slocum's PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour Titles

2010 McGladrey Classic

2009 The Barclays

2005 Southern Farm Bureau Classic

2004 Chrysler Classic of Tucson

2001 BUY.COM Greater Cleveland Open, BUY.COM Knoxville Open, BUY.COM Omaha Classic (Nationwide Tour)

2010 Ryder Cup - Dramatic Finish, Familiar Result...But, Why?

2010-10-05T09:15:00.008-04:00

~ After a legendary, stellar Ryder Cup career, Colin Montgomerie has continued to build upon his success as the captain of this year's winning European squad ~

As Hunter Mahan flubbed his second shot on the par-three 17th hole during the final match of the 2010 Ryder Cup, the results of this year's biennial event had finally been realized - as Team Europe claimed yet another Ryder Cup.

With nine victories in the last thirteen Ryder Cups, Team Europe has undoubtedly dominated the most well-known competition in the golfing world throughout the last decade.

But, how did the Europeans survive Team USA's Monday singles comeback? What led them to have a commanding lead over the Americans prior to the singles matches? How were they able to overcome such harsh weather conditions and continuous weather delays with patience, class, perseverance, and awe-inspiring golf?

In order to determine the methodology behind Team Europe's recent victory, it is important to review, analyze, and grade the performances of each individual member from the team that brought the Cup back to Europe once again.

Team Europe

Luke Donald (3-1-0) A -

Donald continues to prove that he is one of the most consistent and reliable members of Team Europe in recent history. His 6-0-0 lifetime foursomes record is among the best of all time. With his immaculate short game, Donald defeated Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton, as well as Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods in both of his foursomes matches. He also won his singles match against Jim Furyk. His only loss? A fourballs match against Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton during the opnening session of the matches.

Ross Fisher (2-2-0) B -

As a Ryder Cup rookie, Fisher defeated the likes of Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, and Dustin Johnson. His main blemish in an otherwise successful week? A 3&2 loss to Jeff Overton during Monday's singles matches. A typically steady golfer, Fisher struggled to attain birdies and to minimize bogies throughout his loss to Overton.

Peter Hanson (1-2-0) C

As another Ryder Cup rookie, Hanson struggled to find his form throughout the week's matches with a loss against Phil Mickelson in singles and a loss against Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods in a foursomes match. Aside from being a member of the winning Ryder Cup squad, Hanson's most noticeable gain during the week was his fourballs victory against Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton on Sunday.

Padraig Harrington (2-2-0) C+

Two years ago, Harrington was arguably the hottest golfer on the planet with two consecutive major championship victories at the British Open and PGA Championship. Since then, Harrington has struggled to find the form that helped him attain three major championship titles in two years. During the 2010 Ryder Cup, Harrington's inconsistent form was, at times, noticeable as he lost his singles match against Zach Johnson on Monday, as well as a fourballs match against Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton.

Miguel Angel Jimenez (2-1-0) B

The Mechanic once again displayed a solid performance in the Ryder Cup with victories against Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton. The reserved, well-experienced Spaniard showed once again that he is a quiet leader who is able to motivate others through his actions, rather than his words. Like Montgomerie, he certainly has the experience, resolve, and respect from his peers that is necessary in order to captain a European squad in the future.

Martin Kaymer (2-1-1) B +

Prior to his victory at the 2010 PGA Championship, few golf fans knew who Martin Kaymer was. Now, as a major champion, Kaymer's confidence on the golf course is certainly undeniable. As a Ryder Cup rookie, Kaymer played like a veteran throughout the course of this year's matches. With victories against Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, and Dustin Johnson in fourballs matches, Kaymer showed why he is currently one of the highest ranked golfers in the world. His only dissapointment during the week was his 6&5 singles loss against Dustin Johnson on Monday.

Graeme McDowell (2-1-1) A -

When McDowell finally reflects on his golfing career one day, he may indeed remember his 2010 season as the finest of his career. With an emotional Father's Day victory in the U.S. Open, contested at Pebble Beach, and the opportunity to clinch the Ryder Cup with his singles win against Hunter Mahan, McDowell had a career year in 2010 - the type of season that most golfers are only able to dream about. With consistent and courageous play throughout the week, McDowell showed the golfing world that he is not a one-hit wonder. Golf fans should expect more magical moments from McDowell during the coming years.

Rory McIlroy (1-1-2) B

At times, it is hard to believe that one of the highest ranked golfers in the world, McIlroy, is only 21-years-old. With a victory at this year's Quail Hollow Championship on the PGA TOUR and last year's Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour, McIlroy has shown that he is destined for golfing greatness, even at such a young age. Despite the 2010 Ryder Cup being his first appearance in the matches, McIlroy was able to attain a crucial half-point against Stewart Cink during Monday's singles matches. While his overall record in the 2010 Ryder Cup was not astonishing, it seems that McIlroy will be one of Team Europe's brightest stars well into the future.

Edoardo Molinari (0-1-2) C -

Throughout the last three months, Molinari claimed the first two European victories of his career - the Barclays Scottish Open and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. Prior to arriving at Celtic Manor Resort for the first Ryder Cup matches of his career, he was certainly feeling confident about his game and about the victories he had attained in July and August. For whatever reason, that confidence did not translate to success on the golf course this past week. However, he was still able to halve two of his matches - a sign that he will likely be prepared for future success in any upcoming Ryder Cup matches that he participates in.

Francesco Molinari (0-2-1) D+

In the meantime, Edoardo's younger brother Francesco was unable to find his form during this week's matches as well. While partnering with his brother during Sunday's fourballs matches, Francesco obtained a half point for Team Europe - the only bright moment that he had on the golf course, aside from being a member of the winning team, of course. As a winner of one European Tour event, Molinari will likely continue to improve his standings in the World Golf Rankings in the future, as he strives to attain more victories across the Atlantic.

Ian Poulter (3-1-0) A -

With a victory at this year's WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, Poulter finally claimed his first PGA TOUR tournament back in February. Despite his lack of PGA TOUR titles, Poulter always plays his best during the Ryder Cup, much like this year's European captain, Colin Montgomerie. No matter how golf fans feel about Poulter's style and mannerisms on the golf course, no one can deny his phenomenal record in the Ryder Cup - 9-1-0. As Poulter's career continues, there is hardly any doubt that he will earn a larger collection of PGA TOUR titles, contend for major championship trophies, and become a reliable leader for Team Europe well into the unforeseeable future.

Lee Westwood (2-1-1) B+

As a mainstay for Team Europe since 1997, Lee Westwood always plays some of his best golf during the Ryder Cup, much like Sergio Garcia, Montgomerie, and Poulter. This week was surely no exception as Westwood claimed two-and-a-half points for Team Europe in spite of his loss to Steve Stricker during Monday's singles match. Recently, he has become one of golf's most elite players and a regular contender for major championships. If his recent second-place finishes in the 2010 Masters and Open Championship are of any indication, Westwood will be one of next year's favorites to claim his first (and well-deserved) major championship title.

Led by Colin Montogmerie, one of the most successful Ryder Cup performers in the entire history of the competition, Team Europe did not fail to show the entire sporting world why the team should now be the pre-tournament favorite prior to every Ryder Cup. Surely, nine victories in the last thirteen matches are no fluke. Rather, each victory has been attained through the proper combination of team work, team unity, patriotism, and sportsmanship. Once again, Team Europe found a way to attain the hardware, despite the fact that they typically appear to be underdogs prior to the start of the matches.

Recent Ryder Cup Results

2010 - Team Europe defeats Team USA 14 1/2 to 13 1/2

2008 - Team USA defeats Team Europe 16 1/2 to 11 1/2

2006 - Team Europe defeats Team USA 18 1/2 to 9 1/2

2004 - Team Europe defeats Team USA 18 1/2 to 9 1/2

2002 - Team Europe defeats Team USA 15 1/2 to 12 1/2

Redemption! - Dustin Johnson Claims the BMW Championship After a Summer of Disappointment

2010-09-12T21:39:00.006-04:00

~ Moving Forward: Dustin Johnson Collects His Fourth PGA TOUR Victory at the BMW Championship ~

Throughout the past few months, Dustin Johnson has become more well-known for the graciousness and class he has recently displayed, in spite of continuous defeats in some of golf's most significant championships, than for his PGA TOUR victories and overwhelming potential for golfing greatness.

For Johnson, the summer of 2010 was about to be remembered only for the heartbreaks, close calls, and bad luck that he endured at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.

However, that all changed after he fired a closing round of 69 for a one-stroke victory over Paul Casey at the BMW Championship, the third leg of the season-ending $35 million FedEx Cup playoff format, which was hosted at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Illinois.

With the victory, Johnson now has a chance to win the fourth annual FedEx Cup, as well as $10 million, depending on his play at next week's TOUR Championship. He is currently ranked second in the FedEx Cup standings, trailing only Matt Kuchar.

Back in June, Johnson held a three stroke lead prior to the final round of the U.S. Open, which was contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Johnson had already attained two of his PGA TOUR victories at the course in the past.

Nevertheless, with a final round of 82, Johnson did not only miss out on an opportunity to win his first major championship, but to also obtain status as one of golf's brightest talents and to claim his place in the history books.

Two months later, Johnson appeared to be ready for redemption at the PGA Championship, which was contested at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Yet, he received a two-stroke penalty on the final hole of the tournament when he did not realize that he was in a bunker and grounded his club. Johnson finished one stroke behind Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson, who eventually competed for the championship during a three-hole playoff.

Although Johnson handled each of his major championship dissapointments with an utmost level of class and dignity, each of the losses were likely still on his mind as he defeated Casey for the BMW Championship.

“To finally get it done, especially after all the things I’ve gone through this summer … it can’t feel any better,” said Johnson, upon winning the BMW Championship.

At long last, Johnson finally received the tournament victory that he had been longing for throughout the last couple months.

Now, as Johnson prepares for an exciting finish to the FedEx Cup playoffs, as well as the upcoming Ryder Cup matches, his fans and opponents alike will not be surprised if his story of redemption continues not only during regular season PGA TOUR events, but future major championships as well.

Johnson's perseverance, calm demeanor, and outerworldly talent will likely pay dividends during the coming years, especially as he strives to have his name etched on each of golf's four greatest sets of hardware.

Dustin Johnson's PGA TOUR Victories

2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship
2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
2010 BMW Championship

2010 FedEx Cup Standings (As of September 12th)

1.) Matt Kuchar
2.) Dustin Johnson
3.) Charley Hoffman
4.) Steve Stricker
5.) Paul Casey

2010 U.S. Open - Pebble Beach : A Grand Tradition

2010-06-15T22:10:00.008-04:00

~ Pebble Beach Golf Links: Majestic Views, Challenging Layout ~

For the past eight decades, Pebble Beach Golf Links has consistently challenged some of the greatest golfers in the world, while providing them with a stunningly gorgeous natural setting that is among the best in the world of golf.

Ever since it was designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant and opened for the public in 1919, Pebble Beach has hosted a wide array of professional golf tournaments, which have been captured by some of the most well-known golfers of the last 50 years, including Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Phil Mickelson, and Johnny Miller.

By 1972, Pebble Beach had become one of the world's most beloved and respected golf courses. That year, the course hosted its very first major championship - the U.S. Open, which was captured by Jack Nicklaus, who was arguably in the prime of his golfing career at the time.

Since then, the course has hosted four more dramatic and historical major championships, all of which led to the crowning achievements of some of the most popular and respected U.S. Open and PGA Championship winners of all time. Here is a look at all five of the major championships that have been hosted at Pebble Beach throughout the last 38 years.

1972 U.S. Open
Jack Nicklaus

In April of 1972, Jack Nicklaus captured his fourth Masters title and second consecutive major championship victory. When he arrived at Pebble Beach in pursuit of his third U.S. Open triumph, the general public had begun to believe that he would not only win his thirteenth career major championship, but that he would also become the first golfer to obtain the modern day Grand Slam - all four major championships in one, single calendar year.

Nicklaus did not disappoint. With a three stroke victory over Australian Bruce Crampton, and one of the greatest shots in U.S. Open history - a perfectly struck 1-iron shot that landed within inches of the pin on the 71st hole (the treacherous and famed 17th), Nicklaus created lasting U.S. Open memories that will be discussed well into the future.

1977 PGA Championship
Lanny Wadkins

By the time Lanny Wadkins won the 59th PGA Championship, he had already captured the attention of golf fans around the world. With multiple PGA TOUR titles and a victory at the U.S. Amateur to his credit, Wadkins was still in pursuit of his main career goal - to capture a major championship.

After defeating 1961 U.S. Open champion Gene Littler in a sudden death playoff, Wadkins did not only overcome the challenging course conditions of Pebble Beach, but also defeated the most talented field of the entire golf season. Although he never won another major championship, Wadkins is still one of the most successful American golfers of the modern era, with 21 PGA TOUR victories and eight Ryder Cup appearances.

1982 U.S. Open
Tom Watson

The 1982 U.S. Open will always be remembered for one shot - a shot that broke the heart of Jack Nicklaus, but created the current, legendary status of Tom Watson. Standing on the 71st hole of the championship, Watson was tied with his friend and fellow rival Jack Nicklaus, who was in pursuit of his record fifth U.S. Open victory and had already obtained the clubhouse lead at four-under-par.

When he pulled his tee shot into deep rough near the edge of the green, Nicklaus appeared to be the outright winner. Then.... history occurred. Before Watson chipped, he predicted his own destiny by telling his caddy Bruce Edwards that he was actually going to hole the chip. Upon making the shot (and the birdie for a one stroke lead) and celebrating in triumphant fashion, Watson calmly birdied the ever-challenging 72nd hole for a two-stroke victory over Nicklaus.

Although Watson only captured one U.S. Open victory throughout his long, storied career, his win at Pebble Beach is still known as one of the greatest, most memorable victories in U.S. Open history.

1992 U.S. Open
Tom Kite

Much like Lanny Wadkins in 1977, Tom Kite entered Pebble Beach in 1992 as one of the greatest golfers to have never won a major championship. With a slew of PGA TOUR victories and millions of dollars in earnings, Kite was only motivated by one goal he had yet to accomplish - to capture one of golf's four major championships.

With a steady final round of even-par 72 in some of the worst weather conditions in U.S. Open history, Kite defeated 1988 PGA Champion Jeff Sluman by two strokes for his coveted first and, so far, only major championship victory. With the win, Kite's status as a Hall of Fame candidate was complete - 19 PGA TOUR victories and seven Ryder cup appearances, along with his U.S. Open triumph.

2000 U.S. Open
Tiger Woods

The 2000 U.S. Open was significant for a variety of reasons. First, it was the 100th playing of the championship - an important milestone that showed just why the U.S. Open is regarded as the most important golf tournament in the world. Second, 1991 and 1999 U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart, who had passed away in a plane crash just months before, was honored prior to the start of the first round. Finally, four-time U.S. Open champion Jack Nicklaus was competing in the final U.S. Open championship of his career.

However, no one knew that Tiger Woods would completely steal the show with arguably the greatest display of golf ever witnessed in the history of the game. While shooting 12-under-par in four rounds, Woods either tied or broke a wide array of U.S. Open and major championship records. He tied Jack Nicklaus and Lee Janzen for the best total aggregate score in U.S. Open history (272) and also attained the largest margin of victory in major championship history with his 15 stroke advantage over runners-up Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Quite simply, Woods was flawless throughout the entire week and played, perhaps, the best four rounds of golf that will ever be played throughout the history of the game.

Without a doubt, the challenge of Pebble Beach Golf Links has led to some of the most well-known and beloved moments in the history of the game. As some of the greatest golfers in the world prepare for their own share of golf history, they will need to face the majesty and challenge of Pebble Beach - the most naturally beautiful and awe-inspring golf course in the world.

Overcoming Adversity, One Step at a Time

2010-04-25T21:13:00.004-04:00

~ The Comeback King: Ken Green Returns to Professional Golf ~

Last June, Ken Green's life changed forever when his brother, girlfriend, and dog were killed in a motor home accident. In addition to losing his closest relatives and friends, Ken also lost his lower right leg, due to injuries he sustained after the accident.

Yet, while he recovered from the accident on a physical and mental basis, he never lost hope in his abilities to eventually return to professional golf, in order to continue to fulfill his childhood dreams of succeeding at the highest level.

This past weekend, Green's dreams became reality once more, as he played against some of the world's greatest golfers at the Champions Tour's Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, a two-man, best-ball event hosted at The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa in Savannah, Georgia.

Partnered with two-time PGA TOUR winner Mike Reid, Green played consistently well throughout the 54-hole event, as he displayed the form that helped him become a five-time PGA TOUR winner in the 1980s. With a variety of pure iron shots, as well as a delicate short game, Green and Reid shot a final round of 71 for a 12-under-par finish, which was good enough for a T-26 showing.

Quite simply, Green was happy to have an opportunity to play golf at the professional level once again. His steady play helped him realize that he is not only capable of playing well on a consistent basis, but that he is well on his way towards accomplishing his future goals - playing professional-level golf on a weekly basis, in order to eventually attain the success he once had on the links nearly two decades ago.

By now, less courageous men would have simply quit the game of golf, if they would have had to face the challenges that Green has withstood throughout 2009 and 2010. In the last ten months, Green has overcome more tragedies than most people encounter throughout their lives. In addition to losing his brother, girlfriend, dog, and leg, Green's son Hunter passed away back in January of an accidental drug overdose, just as Green's golfing comeback was starting to take form.

Yet, through it all, Ken Green has managed to strive towards his goals, as he has lived with a clear mission in mind - to play golf, not only for himself and his own personal objectives, but also for all the loved ones he has lost in the last year. With persistence, faith, and endurance, Green has been able to continue to play the game that he has loved ever since he was a young boy.

As Green continuously overcomes his past adversities, one step, round, and day at a time, he will play with the belief that he is still alive for a greater purpose - in order to inspire other people to strive for their dreams, at all times, in spite of all circumstances they may face during their lifetimes.

Without a doubt, the greater golfing community will continue to support and root for the man who simply does not know the meaning of the word quit, as he strives to live out his passion for the game of golf, throughout the upcoming Champions Tour season.

2010 Champions Tour Schedule - A Look Ahead

- Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, April 30th - May 2nd
- Regions Charity Classic, May 14th - 16th
- Senior PGA Championship, May 27th - 30th
- Principal Charity Classic, June 4th - 6th

Jim Furyk Strives to Obtain First PGA TOUR Victory Since 2007

2010-03-21T11:30:00.007-04:00

~ Jim Furyk captured his 13th PGA TOUR victory at the 2007 RBC Canadian Open. Since then, he has been searching for more hardware to add to his trophy case. ~

Since joining the PGA TOUR in 1994, Jim Furyk has enjoyed a consistently successful golfing career. With victories in prestigious tournaments like the Memorial Tournament and the Doral-Ryder Open, Furyk has become well-respected by both his peers and fans alike for his consistent play, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

During the last decade, Furyk captured the 2003 U.S. Open (while tying the championship's aggregate score), attained a career high of second in the Official World Golf Rankings, and displayed his passion for golfing success and patriotism as a member of six Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams.

However, despite collecting 20 top-ten finishes in the past two seasons, Furyk has been searching for his 14th PGA TOUR victory ever since he won his second consecutive Canadian Open championship in 2007.

He has certainly had a variety of opportunities to win in the last few months, though. With second-place finishes in the 2008 World Golf Championships - CA Championship, the 2009 Memorial Tournament, and the 2009 BMW Championship, Furyk was prepared to collect more tournament trophies, only to watch one of his fellow peers win instead.

Yet, it seems Furyk's perseverance may finally pay off today. With a three stroke lead in the 2010 Transitions Championship, Furyk has shown the golf world that he is determined to be a PGA TOUR winner once again.

Whether or not Furyk captures his 14th PGA TOUR victory today, he certainly appears to be on the path towards redemption. As always, "The Grinder" will continue to persevere both on and off the golf course, as he strives to attain further golfing success.

Jim Furyk's PGA TOUR Victories

1995 Las Vegas Invitational
1996 United Airlines Hawaiian Open
1998 Las Vegas Invitational
1999 Las Vegas Invitational
2000 Doral-Ryder Open
2001 Mercedes Championship
2002 Memorial Tournament
2003 U.S. Open
2003 Buick Open
2005 Cialis Western Open
2006 Wachovia Championship
2006 Canadian Open
2007 Canadian Open

David Duval's Comeback Continues

2010-02-15T21:50:00.005-05:00

Despite his inconsistent play since 2002, David Duval continues to strive forward

From 1997 to 2001, David Duval did not only win 13 PGA TOUR titles and shoot 59 during the final round of the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, but he also attained the number one world golf ranking and celebrated his status as a British Open champion.

However, since then, Duval has certainly struggled with his golf game. As a result of one of the most unpredictable and shocking downfalls in golf history, Duval no longer has full-time status on the PGA TOUR, only nine years after he was declared the "Champion Golfer of the Year" as he lifted the claret jug, the oldest and most respected trophy in the golf world.

For the past seven seasons, Duval has become more well-known for missed cuts and injuries than for victories and low scores. However, despite his difficulties, Duval has continued to press onward, hoping to eventually attain success on the PGA TOUR once again.

Last summer, during the 2009 U.S. Open, arguably the most challenging golf tournament in the world, Duval finally ended his streak of missed cuts and poor play. Not only did he contend in the tournament throughout all four rounds, he also finished the tournament in joint second place with Phil Mickelson.

Just when it seemed that Duval was ready to once again become a consistent contender on the TOUR, he struggled once again to find his game during the remainder of the season, finishing 130th on the TOUR's 2009 money list.

Without full-time status on the PGA TOUR, Duval is now at a crossroads - he must perform well this season and finish 125th (or better) on the 2010 PGA TOUR money list or else his career may truly be over once and for all.

However, with his joint-second place finish at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Duval appears to be ready to display his true golfing talent once again. Duval's showing at Pebble Beach may be his most consistent tournament since 2001, as he shot all four rounds in the 60s.

Meanwhile, despite having to rely only on sponsors' exemptions and tournament invites to events he won in the past, Duval appears to be more confident in his game today than he has in years.

Upon earning his runner-up finish at Pebble Beach, Duval stated, "I feel like I'm getting back on top of everything how I want to. This is what I expect of myself. I expect to play well. With that said, that doesn't mean you're going to have a chance to win every week, but you expect to be in control most of the time with what you're trying to do."

In addition to gaining confidence with his game, Duval is also hopeful that he will be able to prove that he deserves the sponsors' exemptions he receives this season.

"I feel like I have given the folks who have given me starts this year good fire power for why they did it," Duval said. "That makes me feel good, too."

This upcoming week, Duval will be playing in Mexico and striving to earn his 14th PGA TOUR victory - the 2010 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riveria Maya-Cancun. In order to continue his good play, Duval will simply focus on the basics.

"I'm just going to go try to hit a lot of fairways and greens," he said. "It's really a simple recipe. Successful golf is a very simple recipe. I will try to do that again (this) week."

As Duval strives forward in 2010, he has already accomplished so much this season, yet he knows he can still accomplish even more during the coming months. If Duval is truly focused on attaining golfing success once again, there is no reason why Duval's fellow competitors will be surprised if he obtains a PGA TOUR victory in 2010 and...well into the future.

Geoff Ogilvy Successfully Defends Season Opener at Kapalua

2010-01-10T22:24:00.003-05:00

It appears that one tournament victory at Kapalua Resort's Plantation Course is simply not enough for Geoff Ogilvy.

Last year, Ogilvy dominated the Mercedes-Benz Championship, while cruising to a six-stroke victory over Davis Love III and Anthony Kim.

While Ogilvy did not necessarily dominate this year's edition of the season-opening tournament, now known as the SBS Championship, he still joined fellow Australian golfer Stuart Appleby as the only person to successfully defend the tournament in the last twenty-seven years, since Lanny Wadkins obtained his second consecutive victory in 1983.

With a final-round score of 67 (six-under-par), Ogilvy captured his seventh PGA TOUR tournament victory, his first since the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship last March.

Even though he had not won a PGA TOUR tournament in about ten months, his fellow competitors surely could not notice his "slump" during the last four days. While finishing the tournament at 22-under-par (two strokes higher than his dominating performance of 24-under-par in 2009), Ogilvy not only defeated third-round leader Lucas Glover by eight shots, but he also showed the golf world that he is well-prepared for a strong 2010 campaign.

As the 2006 U.S. Open champion, Ogilvy has played well in major championships ever since, with three top-10's in the last three seasons. However, Ogilvy has proven that he has the skill sets and mentality to win even more high-pressure, well-respected tournaments during the coming years.

With one victory under his belt already, there seems to be no reason why Geoff Ogilvy should not be highly favored in all four of golf's major championships this year.

During the coming months, Ogilvy will strive to not only obtain more PGA TOUR victories, but another major championship as well, in order to enter the history books as a two-time major champion.

Surely, no one in the "golf world" will be surprised if Ogilvy obtains one of this year's major championships, if not more.

First Thanksgiving Weekend Without Skins Game Since 1982

2009-11-27T17:51:00.003-05:00

~Fred Couples, Five-time Skins Game champion~

Back in 1983, the Skins Game was one of the most popular events on the PGA TOUR. The inaugural competition included the likes of Gary Player, Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. During the next two decades, stars like John Daly and Payne Stewart attracted legions of fans, as the event became "must-see television" for golf fans around the country.

Let us now fast forward to today. Twenty-six years later, there will no longer be a Skins Game competition on Thanksgiving weekend. Fans will not have an opportunity to see Phil Mickelson play against Sergio Garcia, or watch the comical antics of Fred Funk and John Daly. And, strangely, it seems that most golf fans will not miss the event that much.

Not only were last year's ratings quite low, the event also lost its corporate sponsor. Unfortunately, due to the current state of the national economy, no organization was willing to sponsor the event.

Barry Frank, executive vice president of IMG, has produced the Skins Game since its inception.

"On the one hand, it will be the first Thanksgiving I've had at home in a long time, which is good," said Frank. "As part of the bigger picture, I miss the event. Not having it this year is kind of upsetting. I'm hopeful for next year."

As the economy begins to improve, golf fans from around the country will hope that the event will not only occur next year, but will be as entertaining as it used to be.

In order to attract large television audiences like before, the event will need to have high-caliber, well-known golfers in the field competing against each other once again. By inviting star players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, along with personalities like John Daly, the event could still become "must-see television" once again.

Hopefully, the Thanksgiving tradition will not only occur next year, but will also be more entertaining than ever before.

Past Five Winners of the Skins Game

~ 2008 - K.J. Choi
~ 2007 - Stephen Ames
~ 2006 - Stephen Ames
~ 2005 - Fred Funk
~ 2004 - Fred Couples

New LPGA Tour Commissioner Announced

2009-10-28T21:53:00.003-04:00

Today, the LPGA Tour announced that Michael Whan, former president and chief executive officer of Mission-Itech Hockey, will begin serving as commissioner in January 2010.

This past July, former commissioner Carolyn Bivens stepped down from her position, after the LPGA Tour continuously lost numerous sponsors in recent times.

Marty Evans, a member of the LPGA board of directors, has been serving as acting commissioner ever since.

Whan, a former marketing executive in golf, working for both TaylorMade and Wilson in the past, will be primarily focused on rebuilding the LPGA Tour's relationships with sponsors during the beginning of 2010.

Evans is looking forward to Whan's future with the tour.

"The LPGA Tour is a resurging, resilient association, and Mike will be a leader around which the wonderful LPGA staff and all of our stakeholders will rally," said Evans. "I'm looking forward to working closely with him during the (upcoming) transition period as we celebrate the close of a tremendous season and look forward to the LPGA's 60th year in 2010."

Finally, Whan believes that he will be able to instill some of his greatest life passions through his new role with the LPGA Tour.

"It is rare to work for an organization that combines all the passions in your life, but with the LPGA, I feel I've been presented with the unique opportunity to do just that," said Whan. "First, this is an association surrounded by passionate, value-driven people. Secondly, I'm energized by brand building and the work involved in marketing and growing a sport. Thirdly, I simply love the game of golf - both the life lessons it teaches and the friendships it helps creates."

During the coming months, Whan will certainly have opportunities to live out his passions while helping the LPGA Tour continue to succeed well into the future.

Daly Decides to Return to Tournament Action Earlier Than Expected

2009-10-16T18:12:00.000-04:00

(John Daly, Loudmouth Pants and all, expects to play in the

PGA TOUR's Viking Classic, starting October 29th)

Ever since withdrawing from this year's PGA Championship, John Daly has not played competitive golf. However, that is all about to change in a little less than two weeks.

During the last couple months, Daly has been recovering from a rib injury he first sustained at the 2007 Honda Classic. Daly's quick recovery is mainly due to stem cell surgery, allowing him to play three professional tournaments around the world before the beginning of 2010.

Along with the PGA TOUR's Viking Classic at Annandale Golf Course in Madison, Mississippi, Daly is also expected to play in both the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship in December.

Two-time PGA TOUR winner Will MacKenzie hopes to successfully defend the Viking Classic, which begins on October 29th. Daly has played in the Viking Classic six times during his career, including the last three years. Last year, Daly finished T-40th in the event.

In the meantime, Daly's play in last year's Australian Open was rather controversial after he threw a spectator's camera against a tree during tournament play. The spectator was supposedly taking pictures of Daly continuously even after Daly asked him to stop. During the three tournaments he played in Australia, Daly missed the cut three times. He will hope to improve his record in Australia this year.

Daly will play in the Australian Open from December 3rd - 6th at the New South Wales Golf Club at La Perouse in Sydney and in the Australian PGA Championship the following week at the Hyatt Regency Coolum Course in Queensland.

According to Viking Classic tournament director Randy Watkins, Daly was added to the Viking Classic field for various reasons despite not having full-time status on the PGA TOUR for the past three seasons.

"John has been a loyal participant here," said Watkins. "People want to see John Daly play...I want people to come watch golf and, right now, John Daly is a bigger draw than anybody."

John Daly's Conclusion to 2009 Season

~ Viking Classic - October 29th - November 1st

~ Australian Open - December 3rd - 6th

~ Australian PGA Championship - December 10th - 13th

Phil Mickelson Ends Season on a High Note, Prepares for 2010

2009-10-02T20:16:00.000-04:00

(2009 TOUR Championship Winner Phil Mickelson with Tiger Woods)

Years from now, Phil Mickelson will remember 2009 not for the three PGA TOUR victories he obtained, but for the challenges his mother and wife endured while fighting and defeating breast cancer.

The year was one of off-course struggles and on-course triumphs for Mickelson and, fittingly, he ended the season a high note - with a three stroke victory over long-time rival and world number one Tiger Woods.

While Woods obtained the $10 million FedEx Cup prize, Mickelson captured what Woods was truly seeking - another PGA TOUR victory.

The win was Mickelson's third of the season (Northern Trust Open and World Golf Championship - CA Championship) and first in THE TOUR Championship since 2000. With the 37th PGA TOUR victory of his career, Mickelson seems poised for success in 2010.

While finishing in second-place in the 2009 FedEx Cup race and obtaining second-place in the World Golf Rankings once again, Mickelson owes some of his recent success to Dave Stockton, the two-time PGA Champion who helped Mickelson with his putting stroke during the past week.

Two weeks ago, Mickelson was searching for a method to improve his putting, an aspect of his game which has been rather inconsistent this season, leading to some of Mickelson's dissapointing finishes in 2009. After speaking with his long-time caddy Jim "Bones" McKay, Mickelson decided to talk to Dave Stockton, one of the most talented short game experts in the game.

With Stockton's help, Mickelson shot 66 and 65 during the last two rounds of THE TOUR Championship to defeat Woods by three shots and Sean O'Hair by four.

With his wife and mother's improving health, Mickelson will once again be able to focus entirely on his golf game during the off-season and in 2010. As Mickelson returns to prominence, his fellow PGA TOUR competitors and fans will not be surprised if he captures his first major championship since the 2006 Masters, quite likely at Augusta National.

There would be no sweeter major championship victory for Mickelson than to have his healthy wife and mother with him next April as he tries on his third green jacket.

Kenny Perry Named 2009 Payne Stewart Award Winner

2009-09-23T19:57:00.000-04:00

Ten years after former professional golfer Payne Stewart's tragic plane crash during the week of the 1999 TOUR Championship, 14-time PGA TOUR winner Kenny Perry has been named this year's recipient of the Payne Stewart Award.

The Payne Stewart Award has been awarded to some of the greatest golfers of all time since 2000, including Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer. The award is given to players who signify the ideals of Payne Stewart during their daily lives on and off the golf course. Stewart was well-regarded for his respect of the traditions of the game, as well as his charitable donations, professionalism, dress, and conduct.

During his 22-year-long career on the PGA TOUR, Perry has been well-respected for his charitable donations and professional mannerisms much like Stewart. Since 1987, Perry has continuously donated a portion of his yearly earnings to Lipscomb University, a liberal arts university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Perry has also built a public golf course near his hometown of Elizabethtown, Kentucky in order to give back to others who have supported Perry during his career.

Since 2003, Perry has enjoyed continuous success on the PGA TOUR, capturing 10 tournament victories during that span of time. Despite his dissapointing playoff loss to Angel Cabrera in this year's Masters Tournament, Perry has still won two PGA TOUR titles this year - the FBR Open and the Travelers Championship.

Earlier this year Perry stated that he wants to win 20 PGA TOUR titles during his career. Even though he is already 49-years-old, many of Perry's competitors will certainly not be surprised if Perry accomplishes his goal within the next few years.

Whether Perry wins 10 more PGA TOUR titles or none at all, he will certainly continue to remain a well-respected professional no matter what.

Kenny Perry - 2009 PGA TOUR Season Results

Wins - 2

Runner-ups - 1

Top-10s - 7

Cuts Made - 23/23

Current FedEx Cup Points Standings - 9th

Ken Green Strives Forward

2009-09-16T21:11:00.000-04:00

Happier Times - Ken Green, 1988 Canadian Open Champion

Twenty-four years ago, Ken Green finally reached his true potential when he captured the 1985 Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The victory was his first on the PGA TOUR, a win which had been widely anticipated by both Green and his family, along with his fellow PGA TOUR competitors. A member of the PGA TOUR since 1980, Green's Buick Open victory propelled him to further worldwide successes as he eventually captured four more PGA TOUR victories during the next four seasons, along with three other tournament wins overseas.

Fast forward to 2009. Life has certainly not been as easy for Green in recent years as it typically was back in the 1980s. This past June, Green was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident in Mississippi. The accident took the lives of Green's brother, William, his girlfriend, Jeanne Hodgin, and his dog, Nip, whom he famously saved from an alligator back in 2003.

While the accident has, of course, stirred various emotions within Green, it also led to the amputation of his lower right leg. Despite losing his leg, Green recently told Golf Digest in an interview, "Somebody might say losing the leg's a 'bad break.' Well, I've had bad breaks; this ain't one of 'em. And I can't complain about bad breaks anymore. I can't believe I'm alive."

Green has lived through other various hardships in the past, including losing his golf game and full-time PGA TOUR membership status multiple times, struggling through two divorces, battling depression, and overcoming debt. As Green has survived so many different hardships throughout the past two decades, he has shown the virtue of perseverance to the fullest extent. There seems to be no doubt that Green is prepared to continue to persevere, even after the most serious, tragic event of his life.

To show that even a serious injury will not keep him away from the game of golf and his goal of further professional golfing successes, Green is already preparing for a return to professional golf. After a long-lasting slump, Green had been playing some of his best golf in years on the Champions Tour. Now, with the amputation of his leg, he is even more prepared to work towards reaching the level of play he once had back in the 1980s, when he was consistently viewed as one of the top golfers in the world.

In his interview with Golf Digest, Green stated his passion for the game and his desire for one of the greatest golfing comebacks of all time. "There's no way I'm gonna to quit. I love the golf. I love it. If I couldn't play golf, I wouldn't want to be on the planet. My intensity is there, and there's no way I'm gonna quit. I am going to play professional golf again."

There is no doubt that Green's fellow competitors, family, friends, and fans are pulling for Green to make a Hogan-esque comeback for the ages. As Green works towards rebuilding his life and golf game, may we all remember the virtues of perseverance and patience, as we continue to 'play the game of life' and strive to perform to the best of our abilities, no matter the circumstances.

Ken Green Victories

PGA TOUR (5)

1985 Buick Open

1986 The International

1988 Canadian Open

1988 Greater Milwaukee Open

1989 KMart Greater Greensboro Open

International (3)

1985 King Hassan Open

1988 Dunlop Phoenix

1990 Hong Kong Open

Steve Stricker's Best Season - 1996 or 2009?

2009-09-09T21:35:00.000-04:00

Steve Stricker celebrates 2009 Deutsche Bank Championship victory

Shortly after Steve Stricker captured his seventh PGA TOUR victory this past Sunday, sports journalists around the country quickly stated that Stricker's 2009 PGA TOUR campaign was the greatest in his 16-year career. With three PGA TOUR victories, along with two second-place showings, Stricker has obviously played consistently well this season. However, how does the 2009 season compare to one of Stricker's other past magical seasons?

Even though Stricker has never ranked as high as second in the World Golf Rankings at any other point in his career until he achieved the feat last week, Stricker's 1996 season may arguably remain his most consistent to date, unless he is able to obtain yet another victory this season.

Back in 1996, Steve Stricker was among the hottest golfers on the planet, if not the hottest. In 22 events, Stricker only missed three cuts and obtained seven top-10 finishes, including four third-place finishes, one runner-up, and two victories.

At the Kemper Open, Stricker obtained his first PGA TOUR victory by three shots, defeating the likes of Mark O'Meara, Scott Hoch, and Brad Faxon. A little over a month later, Stricker lapped the field by eight shots in the Motorola Western Open. By the time the 1996 season was completed, Stricker finished fourth on the PGA TOUR money list in only his third full season on the tour.

This season Stricker has not only earned his ranking of number two in the World Golf Rankings, but he has also obtained his current showing of first place in the FedEx Cup playoffs with only two events remaining. Along with his three victories, Stricker has ten top-10s with only three missed cuts in 20 starts, much like he did back in 1996. Various golf fans will continue to argue during the next few weeks over whether Stricker's 1996 season was better than his 2009 campaign or vice versa.

All golf fans and sports journalists alike will agree with the fact that, even thirteen years after his consistent play in 1996, Steve Stricker still has the talent and the drive to continue to perform well under tournament pressure and appears ready to win tournaments for years to come. No one in the golf industry would be surprised if Stricker were to add a major championship victory to his resume next season. The only question is - which one will it be?

Steve Stricker - 1996

Wins - 2, Top-Tens - 7, Money List - fourth

Steve Stricker - 2009

Wins - 3, Top-Tens - 10, FedEx Cup Current Standing - first

Vijay Singh Prepares To Win Second Consecutive Deutsche Bank Championship

2009-09-02T17:45:00.000-04:00

Last year, Vijay Singh entered the Deutsche Bank Championship with extra positivity - a win a week earlier at The Barclays, the first event of the FedExCup playoffs, signaled a possible FedExCup victory for Singh. In addition, Singh had also won the World Golf Championships- Bridgestone Inviational earlier in the season.

This year, as Singh returns to Norton, Massachusetts for his defense of the Deutsche Bank Championship, he will arrive with less positive vibes. Currently, Singh is winless during the 2009 season and hoping to end that streak this week as he has won at least one tournament every season since 2002. While he still has opportunities to capture at least one victory this season, Singh knows that the end of the 2009 PGA TOUR season is quickly approaching.

Singh certainly does have various memories from his past performances in the Deutsche Bank that will help him confidently approach his first round tomorrow. Back in 2004, during the second event of the tournament's history, Singh played head-to-head against Tiger Woods and defeated him by three strokes in order to obtain the number-one world ranking in golf - a feat that very few people ever imagined a golfer accomplishing in this era, unless that golfer was Woods himself.

With two wins during the Deutsche Bank Championship's six-year history, Singh should certainly be one of the pre-tournament favorites this week. While he has struggled as of late, Singh has shown in the past that he can always create a magical performance on TPC Boston. As long as his putter cooperates, there is no reason why Singh will not leave on Sunday without another trophy.

Vijay Singh's 2009 Season

Best Finish: T-6, Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial

Top 10's - 3

Current FedExCup Standings - 78th (647 points)

Ryan Moore Finally Captures First PGA TOUR Victory

2009-08-24T11:41:00.000-04:00

(Ryan Moore after capturing the 2009 Wyndham Championship)

Back in 2004, Ryan Moore had one of the most consistent and dominating seasons in the history of amateur golf. Yesterday, five years later, Ryan Moore finally played to his true potential on the PGA TOUR while capturing the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina in a playoff over Kevin Stadler and Jason Bohn.

Prior to his maiden victory, Moore had played rather inconsistently since joining the TOUR in 2006. However, with four runner-up finishes on the TOUR in the past four seasons, Moore surely appeared destined to obtain a PGA TOUR victory, sooner rather than later.

Only five years ago, Moore was viewed as a rising star in golf with enough natual talent to eventually become one of Tiger Woods' rivals, after he dominated amateur golf by winning some of the most prestigous tournaments in the amateur ranks. However, since then, Moore has often been criticized for his lack of PGA TOUR wins, as critics have believed that "close calls" are simply not acceptable for such a naturally talented golfer like Moore, especially after Moore's 2004 season - arguably one of the greatest amateur seasons in the history of golf.

Moore won the following tournaments during the summer before his senior year at UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) -

U.S. Amateur

Western Amateur

U.S. Amateur Public Links

NCAA Division I Championship

Sahalee Players Championship

Finally, Moore can now add a PGA TOUR victory to his already stunning resume. However, there is no telling just how much Moore can accomplish now that he has finally broken his winless streak and has tasted victory on the PGA TOUR. As Moore has shown in the past with his victories in the U.S. Amateur and the NCAA Division I Championship, as well as his top-ten finish in this year's U.S. Open, he can perform well under pressure in the greatest tournaments in the world.

Moore should be viewed as a contender in golf's major championships in the years to come, as he hopes to add a U.S. Open victory to his win in the U.S. Amateur. As one of the most talented golfers on TOUR, Moore has the potential to win multiple major championships if he is able to maintain his current desire for success. There is no reason for anyone to expect him to lose his desire for dominance now, especially after lifting his first PGA TOUR trophy.

PGA Championship Week - A Look Back at Hazeltine National Golf Club's Major Moments

2009-08-10T21:06:00.000-04:00

Since 1970, Hazeltine National Golf Club, a private club located in Chaska, Minnesota, has hosted seven major championships - two U.S. Opens, two U.S. Womens Opens, one U.S. Senior Open, one U.S. Amateur Championship, and one PGA Championship.

This week, Hazeltine will once again be the host of one of golf's major championships - the 91st PGA Championship. Let's look back at the most memorable moments of the seven previous major championships that have been held at Hazeltine.

1966 U.S. Women's Open - In 1966, Sandra Spuzich not only captured her first major championship at the U.S. Women's Open, but her first LPGA Tour title as well. By defeating legendary LPGA Tour members Carol Mann (by one stroke) and Mickey Wright (by two strokes), Spuzich became an overnight sensation in the world of women's golf. While she did not win another major championship after her U.S. Women's Open crown, she did capture six more LPGA Tour titles to prove that her initial victory was not a fluke.

1970 U.S. Open - In 1970 Tony Jacklin was one of the best golfers in the world after capturing the Open Championship a year earlier. During a championship remembered for harsh course and weather conditions, Jacklin lapped the field at Hazeltine - defeating runner-up Dave Hill by seven shots. Jacklin still remains the only European golfer to have won the U.S. Open in the post-World War II era. To this day, Jacklin's performance at Hazeltine is remembered as one of the finest performances in U.S. Open history.

1977 U.S. Women's Open - 1977 was Hollis Stacy's breakthrough season as she won three LPGA Tour tournaments, including the U.S. Women's Open, hosted at Hazeltine. Stacy would go on to have one of the most distinguished careers in LPGA Tour history - 18 LPGA Tour wins, including four major championships. Three of Stacy's four major championship victories were in the U.S. Women's Open, as she would win a consecutive U.S. Women's Open in 1978, followed by another victory in 1984.

1983 U.S. Senior Open - By 1983 Billy Casper had little to prove to the golfing world. As a winner of 51 PGA TOUR titles, including three major championships, Casper's status as one of the game's best was sure to remain for years to come. However, with his victory in the U.S. Senior Open at Hazeltine in 1983, Casper once again captured major championship glory - his first "major championship" since the 1970 Masters. With multiple tournament victories around the world, Casper's 1983 U.S. Senior Open may not be his most memorable win, but his performance at Hazeltine has yet to be forgotten by all who witnessed it that week.

1991 U.S. Open - In 1991 Payne Stewart and Scott Simpson had one commonality - they had both won one major championship. During the 18-hole playoff for the 1991 U.S. Open, both Payne and Scott were prepared to become multiple-major champions. Prior to the U.S. Open, Stewart had missed most of the 1991 PGA TOUR season due to injury. In the meantime, Simpson, the 1987 U.S. Open champion, was hoping to continue his consistency in the national championship. In the end, Payne won the playoff and captured the championship. Even though he died eight years later in a tragic airplane accident, months after winning his second U.S. Open and third major championship, Payne is still one of the most well-known golfers in the world. He will surely be in the minds and hearts of fans and PGA Tour professionals alike this week.

2002 PGA Championship - In 2002 Rich Beem had two of the greatest weeks of his golfing career, back-to-back, with victories in The International and the PGA Championship at Hazeltine. With his first and, so far, only major championship victory, Beem became a household name, especially after defeating Tiger Woods by one shot. Beem received due respect from his fellow PGA TOUR professionals for defeating Tiger during the final stretch of a major championship, however, his much remembered "victory dance" also led to joking in PGA TOUR locker rooms. While Beem has yet to capture another TOUR victory, he will surely always remember the week in which he defeated Tiger at Hazeltine.

2006 U.S. Amateur Championship - With his U.S. Amateur Championship title, Richie Ramsay became the first British golfer to win the championship since 1911. Ramsay is currently playing on the European Tour, searching for the same level of play that helped me win the most coveted trophy in amateur golf at Hazeltine Golf Club.

This week, Hazeltine Golf Club will once again crown another major champion. With golfers like Stewart Cink and Tiger Woods playing brilliantly as of late, it seems that this year's PGA Championship will surely provide another dramatic week of championship golf for fans around the world.

PGA Championship Timeline (GolfChannel.com)

2009-08-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to the latest article I have written for GolfChannel.com : http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.aspx?page=19301&select=26803&hj=xfs

Enjoy!

2009 Buick Open: Remembering Warwick Hills

2009-07-29T14:38:00.001-04:00

With the recent news that General Motors will no longer sponsor the PGA TOUR's Buick Open in Grand Blanc, Michigan and that the tournament will no longer be played at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, it seems appropriate to remember some of the best Buick Opens that have been played at Warwick over the years.

Here is a list of my top five favorite Buick Opens:

1.) 2004 Buick Open

In 2004, Vijay Singh played the finest golf of his career, winning nine tournaments, including the PGA Championship. By the end of the season, Vijay had also surpassed Tiger Woods to become the number one ranked golfer in the world - a feat that many golf analysts did not imagine Vijay ever accomplishing. In the meantime, the 2004 season was John Daly's comeback year as he won the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines and played some of the most consistent golf of his career. It was not surprising, then, that Vijay and John were in the last pairing during Sunday's final round. Daly started off strong with three birdies and an eagle during his first four holes. Both players went head-to-head throughout the round, but Singh eventually defeated Daly by one stroke as he finished the tournament 23-under-par. The 2004 Buick Open will be remembered for perhaps having the best final round showdown in the history of the tournament.

2.) 2001 Buick Open

Kenny Perry's golf game was firing on all cylinders during the 2001 Buick Open. By finishing the tournament at 263 (25-under-par), Perry established the tournament's all-time scoring record, which has yet to be surpassed. Chris DiMarco and Jim Furyk finished two strokes behind Perry at 23-under-par, a score which would have been low enough to win any other previous Buick Open. The 2001 Buick Open was the fourth PGA TOUR victory of Perry's career. Since then, Perry has won ten more PGA TOUR titles.

3.) 1989 Buick Open

There was not a dry eye to be found at Warwick Hills when veteran Leonard Thompson captured his first PGA TOUR victory in almost twelve years. By shooting a final round 68, Thompson finished the tournament with a 273 (15-under-par) to defeat Payne Stewart, Billy Andrade, and Doug Tewell by one shot. Thompson's victory drought still remains one of the longest in PGA TOUR history.

4.) 1986 Buick Open

Throughout the early 1980s, Ben Crenshaw was one of the best golfers in the world and a regular contender in all of golf's major championships. However, after winning the 1984 Masters, Crenshaw's health began to deteriorate as he suffered from Grave's disease, a thryroid disease. By shooting 270 (18-under-par) for the week, Crenshaw defeated J.C. Snead and Doug Tewell by one stroke for his first victory since the Masters two years earlier. With the win, Crenshaw proved that he was still one of the best players in the world, despite his health condition.

5.) 2002 Buick Open

Tiger Woods' first Buick Open victory was well-fought against an unlikely candidate - little-known Esteban Toledo. During the entire weekend, the journeyman challenged Woods shot by shot. Ultimately, Tiger defeated Esteban and three other golfers, including his good friend Mark O'Meara, by four shots. However, Toledo's play against Woods will be remembered for years to come.

Tom Watson : A Legendary Open Career

2009-07-21T20:52:00.000-04:00

Even though Tom Watson's incredible story at the 138th Open Championship did not end with the most sensational win in the championship's history, Watson once again proved why he is the greatest links golfer of all time.

In order to truly appreciate Watson's Open Championship career, I will look back at Watson's best showings at the championship, aside from his runner-up finish last week.

1975 - Carnoustie

In his first appearance at the Open Championship, Watson left Carnoustie Golf Links with the claret jug and his first major championship victory, after defeating Australian Jack Newton in an 18-hole playoff. Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Cole all finished one shot out of the Watson-Newton playoff. Watson's Open Championship career could not have begun in a more fashionable manner. However, as fans and competitors would soon realize, Watson was not satisfied with having his name on the claret jug only one time.

1977 - Turnberry

Two years later, Tom Watson defeated Jack Nicklaus by one shot for his second Open Championship in what is now known as "The Duel in the Sun" and, perhaps, one of the best major championships in the history of the game. During the first three rounds of play, Nicklaus and Watson matched each other's scores. During the final round, Watson and Nicklaus were once again tied for the lead until Watson birdied the 17th hole for a one-shot lead. On the final hole, Nicklaus made a 50-foot putt for birdie, forcing Watson to hole his three-foot putt for his own birdie. When he did, he had defeated his rival by one shot. While Watson and Nicklaus went head-to-head against each other during the entire week, the rest of the competition did not fare as well. Third-place finisher Hubert Green finished a full 10 strokes short of Nicklaus.

1980 - Muirfield

In 1980 Tom Watson again showed why he should be the Open's pre-tournament favorite every year. With a final score of 271 (13-under-par), Watson defeated 1971 and 1972 Open Champion Lee Trevino by four shots. Rival Jack Nicklaus finished a full nine shots behind. With the win, Watson began the decade with what he treasured most - another claret jug.

1982 - Royal Troon

With a one shot victory over Nick Price and Peter Oosterhuis, Watson won his fourth Open Championship and second consecutive major to become the most dominating golfer in the world at the time. In addition to his Open Championship victory, Watson also won the 1982 U.S. Open in a close match against Jack Nicklaus at Pebble Beach, defeating him by two shots after hitting one of the most iconic shots in U.S. Open history - a chip shot hole-out from the rough for birdie on Pebble's infamous par-three 17th. The 1982 season would be one of the best, if not the best, of Watson's storied career.

1983 - Royal Birkdale

With yet another one shot victory, Watson obtained his fifth claret jug, as well as his eighth and final major championship. Andy Bean and Hale Irwin finished runner-up. With the win, Watson tied Peter Thomson for second-place on the all-time list of Open Championship victories. While the Open would be Watson's only victory of 1983, it would be a historic win nonetheless, as Watson joined only a handful of golfers to successfully defend the Open Championship.

1984 - St. Andrews, T-2nd

In 1984 Tom Watson fell two strokes short of accomplishing three of his goals for the week - join Peter Thomson as the only golfer to win three consecutive Open Championships, tie Harry Vardon for the all-time record of Open Championship victories with six, and win an Open at St. Andrews, the Home of Golf. Instead, three-time Open winner Seve Ballesteros walked away with the claret jug for the first time in five years. Though he fell short of his goal of winning, and while he never won the Open again, Watson will be regarded as one of the best golfers in Open Championship future for all of time.

Watson's Record at The Open:

Appearances - 32
Wins - 5
Seconds - 2
Top-10s - 10
Top-25s - 13

The Open Championship: 1994 - 2008

2009-07-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

In honor of the oldest championship in all of golf, the Open Championship, I will take a look back at 15 of the last Opens contested. During the past 15 Opens, some of the greatest golfers of all time, including Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, have lifted the claret jug. In the meantime, some of the most unknown champions, like Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton, have also found glory at golf's oldest stage. Here is a list of the Champion Golfers of the Year from 1994 through 2008:

1994 - Nick Price

As the 1992 PGA Champion and one of the best golfers in the world for the past three seasons, Nick Price was one of the pre-tournament favorites at Turnberry. He did not dissapoint as he won his second major championship by one stroke over Jesper Parnevik. Thinking he needed a birdie on the 72nd hole to win the tournament when he actually did not, Parnevik bogeyed the final hole to lose. The tournament is also remembered for Price's play on the 16th and 17th holes on Sunday as he birdied the 16th and then made a 50-foot putt on the 17th for an unprecedented eagle. Price also won his second PGA Championship a month later to become the best golfer in the world without the shadow of a doubt.

1995 - John Daly

With 150-1 odds of winning the 1995 Open Championship, John Daly once again shocked the golfing world by winning his second major championship at the Home of Golf, St. Andrews. Four years earlier, Daly won the 1991 PGA Championship as the ninth and final alternate without the benefit of a practice round. While Daly's performance at St. Andrews was not as shocking as his PGA win at Crooked Stick since he was one of the most popular golfers in the world by 1995, Daly had been struggling with his game all season until he defeated Italian Constantino Rocca in a three-hole playoff at St. Andrews. The championship will be remembered for Daly's long drives and dominance in the playoff, as well as Constantino's play on the 72nd hole of the tournament. Faced with a chip shot to the short par-four 18th hole, Rocca chili-dipped his wedge shot and then preceded to hole a 70-foot putt for birdie and the playoff. Daly's win at the Open would be his only top-ten of the season. Neither Rocca nor Daly have won a major since the 1995 Open Championship.

1996 - Tom Lehman

After near misses at the 1994 Masters and 1996 U.S. Open, Tom Lehman was ready to taste major championship glory when he set foot at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club for the 1996 Open Championship. Playing head-to-head against two of the giants of the game, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo, Lehman left the course with his name etched on the claret jug after defeating Mark McCumber and Ernie Els by two strokes. Faldo finished in third place in the championship, three strokes behind Lehman. To this day, the 1996 season remains Lehman's best as he not only captured his only major championship victory, but also gained number one status in the World Golf Rankings and was voted as the PGA TOUR Player of the Year.

1997 - Justin Leonard

With a final round of 65, Justin Leonard won his first major championship at the age of 25 at Royal Troon Golf Club. Jesper Parnevik and Darren Clarke finished three strokes behind Leonard. The championship was yet another heartbreak for Parnevik, who came so close to achieving his goal of winning the Open Championship for the second time in four years. In the meantime, Leonard quickly became one of the biggest stars on TOUR after winning the Open. In 1998 he won the PLAYERS Championship and then made a 40-foot putt to win the Ryder Cup for Team USA in 1999. While Leonard has not won a major championship since 1997, he still remains one of the most consistent players on TOUR.

1998 - Mark O'Meara

Before the 1998 Masters, O'Meara was one of the best golfers to have never won a major championship. After the 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, O'Meara was a two-time major champion. After O'Meara defeated relative unknown Brian Watts in a three-hole playoff, he became one of only a handful of golfers to have won two major championships in one season. In April, O'Meara defeated Fred Couples and David Duval by one shot for his first major championship. At Royal Birkdale, O'Meara became one of the best golfers of the 1990s, as he obtained 1998 PGA TOUR Player of the Year status.

1999 - Paul Lawrie

The 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie will always be remembered for who lost, rather than who won. Jean Van de Velde appeared to be destined to become the first Frenchman to win the Open since 1907 when he arrived at the 72nd hole needing only a double-bogey 6 for the vicotry. Instead he had to make a six foot putt for a triple-bogey and a playoff. Van de Velde's collapse remains one of the most painful and remembered collapses in the history of golf. Due to Van de Velde's collapse, the actual champion, Paul Lawrie of Scotland, never receives the credit he deserves for his performance. After shooting a final round of 67, Lawrie easily defeated Van de Velde and Justin Leonard in a three-hole playoff. While Lawrie has yet to achieve major championship victory status since his Open win, he will always have his name on the claret jug - a feat that few golfers have ever accomplished.

2000 - Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods' 2000 season is arguably the greatest in the history of golf for three reasons. First, he set a major championship record when he dominated the 2000 U.S. Open, winning by 15 shots. Second, he won the Open Championship by 8 shots for yet another dominating victory. Third, he won the PGA Championship in a thrilling playoff against Bob May for his third major championship victory of 2000. At the Home of Golf, St. Andrews, Woods dominated from the first round and eventually defeated Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn by eight shots. At the age of 24, Woods became the youngest golfer to win the career grand slam, joining only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus. Even though Woods has won eleven majors since the 2000 Open Championship, his performance at St. Andrews remains one of his best.

2001 - David Duval

In 2001 David Duval was one of the best golfers in the world and a favorite at every major championship he played in. Eight years later, he is working towards a comeback in the game as he has not won a PGA TOUR tournament since the 2001 Open. Playing consistent golf throughout the week, Duval defeated Niclas Fasth by three shots at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club for his first major championship victory. As a 13-time TOUR winner, Duval still remains one of the best golfers of his generation despite his recent slump.

2002 - Ernie Els

Ernie Els arrived at Muirfield Golf Links searching for his first major championship victory since the 1997 U.S. Open. After defeating Thomas Levet, Stuart Appleby, and Steve Elkington in a three-hole playoff, Els was once again on top of the golfing world. During a career known more for heartaches and near misses than victories, Els' 2002 Open win remains one of the best performances of his career. Since 2002, neither Els, nor runner-ups Levet, Appleby, and Elkington have won a major championship.

2003 - Ben Curtis

Before his Open Championship victory, Ben Curtis was ranked 396th in the World Golf Rankings and was 300-1 long shot. To call his victory at Royal St. George's unprecedented is truly an understatement. Curtis became the first golfer to win a major championship in his first appearance since Francis Ouimet won the U.S. Open back in 1913. While defeating some of the best golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods and Davis Love III, as well as runners-up Vijay Singh and Thomas Bjorn, Curtis achieved overnight status as one of the most well-known golfers in the world at the time. While he has not yet won a major championship since his shocking breakthrough six years ago, Curtis has added two more PGA TOUR victories to his resume.

2004 - Todd Hamilton

For the second consecutive year a relative unknown won the most well-known championship in golf. While Todd Hamilton had won the Honda Classic a few months earlier, no one expected him to contend at Royal Troon Golf Club, let alone win. However, after a three-hole playoff with Ernie Els, Hamilton achieved status as the Champion Golfer of the Year. During the week, Hamilton routinely used his hybrid club to get and up and down for pars from all over the course. Subsequently, after Hamilton's victory, hybrid clubs became very popular around the world, especially in the United States. While Hamilton is still searching for his first tounament victory since the Open, his status as an Open Champion will continue for the rest of his life.

2005 - Tiger Woods

It appears that St. Andrews is not only the Home of Golf, but the Home of Tiger Woods. Once again, Tiger dominated the Open Championship at St. Andrews defeating hard-luck Colin Montgomerie by five shots for his second major championship victroy of 2005. With the win, Tiger joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player as the only golfer to win all four major championships twice in his career. With a stellar performace from tee to green, Woods proved once again why St. Andrews is one of his favorite golf courses.

2006 - Tiger Woods

With his victory at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Woods became the first golfer to successfully defend the Open since Tom Watson in 1983. However, aside from its historic precedence, Woods will remember the 2006 Open as his first major championship victory since the death of his father, Earl Woods. Woods' emotional outpouring on the 72nd hole after obtaining a two-shot victory over Chris DiMarco will be remembered for years to come.

2007 - Padraig Harrington

After defeating Sergio Garcia in a three-hole playoff at Carnoustie, Padraig lost his title as "one of the best golfers to have never won a major." With the victory, Harrington became the first Irishman to win the Open in 60 years. The win would propel Harrington to achieve more major championship success in the near future, as he would become a three-time major champion by the end of the 2008 season.

2008 - Padraig Harrington

Last year, Harrington successfully defended the Open Championship with a four-stroke victory over Ian Poulter at Royal Birkdale. Even though he almost withdrew from the championship before it began due to a wrist injury, Harrington once again displayed the resolve that helped him win the Open in 2007. While the championship will be remembered for the resurgence of 53-year-old Greg Norman, who finished in a tie for third place, Harrington is prepared to become the first golfer to win three consecutive Opens since Peter Thomson in 1956.

Top Five Picks For AT&T National

2009-07-01T20:33:00.000-04:00

The third annual AT&T National is set to begin tomorrow morning at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. As host of the tournament, Tiger Woods is once again the pre-tournament favorite. However, various players on the PGA TOUR have proven that they can compete with the world's best golfer during the past few years and are eager to collect another PGA TOUR victory. Here are my Top Five Favorites To Win The AT&T National This Week (Aside From Tiger Woods):

1.) Sean O'Hair

Coming off a win at the Quail Hollow Championship, O'Hair will be looking to build off of his consistent season with another strong performance this week. Currently ranked seventh on the PGA TOUR money list and eighth in the FedEx Cup point standings, O'Hair has shown that past meltdowns in tournaments do not keep him from achieving his dreams of winning PGA TOUR events. As one of the most talented players on TOUR today under the age of 30, O'Hair would love to win the tournament hosted by Woods, who achieved more success in his 20s than other golfer in the history of the game.

2.) Paul Casey

Currently the number-three ranked golfer in the world, Casey is looking for his second PGA TOUR victory this season. Along with his win at the Shell Houston Open, Casey also has two victories on the European Tour in 2009. Though he missed the cut at the U.S. Open (his first missed cut of the PGA TOUR season), Casey will be ready to continue his successful 2009 campaign this week. To date, Casey has three top-fives on the PGA TOUR this year and currently ranks 12th in the FedEx Cup points standings.

3.) Nick Watney

The two-time TOUR winner won the Buick Invitational back in January and has played rather consistently since - nine top-25s including a second-place showing at the World Golf Championships - CA Championship. Known for being a rather streaky player, Watney will look to begin another hot streak this week at Bethesda.

4.) Jim Furyk

The 13-time TOUR winner has not won since 2007, but there are few TOUR members hungrier for another TOUR win than Furyk. Not too long ago, Furyk was ranked the number-two golfer in the world and in 2003 he won the U.S. Open. There is no doubt that Furyk is hoping to once again be known as one of the PGA TOUR's elite members. As one of the game's most consistent players, as well as its greatest grinder, Furyk is certainly anticipating another TOUR win soon. This could be the week that he ends his winless streak.

5.) Chris DiMarco

A sentimental favorite, DiMarco has battled injuries during the past couple seasons, but appears to have his health fully restored once again. Of the 18 tournaments he has played this year, he has only missed four cuts, further showing that he is working towards a comeback in order to once again battle Tiger Woods in major championships. Finishing second to Woods in the 2005 Masters and 2006 British Open, DiMarco has shown that he certainly loves the challenge of playing head-to-head against the world number one. There is no doubt that he would certainly be prepared for the challenge of winning his first PGA TOUR event since 2002 at Tiger's tournament.

John Daly Returns to Europe

2009-06-24T22:45:00.002-04:00

Just days after his bus accident in Alabama, John Daly will play in the first round of the BMW International Open in Germany. In 2001, Daly won the tournament by one shot over Padraig Harrington for his first tournament victory since the 1995 British Open while shooting 27-under-par during the week. The 2001 BMW International Open still remains one of Daly's greatest performances and will continue to be a sentimental favorite for "The Lion."

In order to anticipate Daly's next appearance on the European Tour, let's take a look at his finishes so far this season, including his play at the 2009 St. Jude Classic on the PGA TOUR.

Open de Espana

April 30-May 3

T-31st, -3

While playing in his first tournament since December, Daly not only made the cut, but also made a fashion statement in the meantime as he sported "Loudmouth" pants. Along with showing off his outrageous pants, Daly also told the public that he had lap-band surgery and had lost over 40 pounds. With a new hairstyle, an endorsement deal with Loudmouth, and considerable weight loss, it seemed that Daly was ready to once again impact the world of golf.

BMW Italian Open

May 7-10

T-2nd, -11

It seems that John must either love BMWs or at least tournaments sponsored by the company. In just his second tournament in 2009, Daly obtained his first second-place showing since the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship.

The 3 Irish Open

May 14-17

Unfortunately, John's second-place finish in Italy did not lead to continued stong playing as he missed his first cut of the season while playing in brutal weather conditions. However, unlike the Daly of old, "The Wild Thing" maintained his composure despite the missed cut and continued to look forward to the rest of his season.

BMW PGA Championship

May 21-24

T-72, +8

While playing in one of the European Tour's finest events, Daly made his third cut in four starts. While his weekend play was not what he had hoped for, it seemed that Daly was finally prepared for his first consistent season since 2005.

The European Open

May 28-31

Even though Daly missed his second cut of the season, he had many positives from his first five Tour starts to reflect upon - his first second-place showing in four years, as well as significant weight loss that has led to a better life outlook than he has had in years.

St. Jude Classic

June 11-14

T-59, +1

During his first PGA TOUR start in '09, Daly played consistent golf in front of his hometown fans. While he did not contend in the tournament, he did make his first cut of the 2009 PGA TOUR season. Expect even stronger PGA TOUR finishes from Daly as the season continues. In 1994 Daly had a suspension much like the one he had this season. During the second month of his season, he won the Bellsouth Classic in Atlanta for his third TOUR victory.

While Daly's fans are eagerly anticipating his showing during this week's BMW International Open, let's look at John's upcoming schedule for the month of July.

Open de France ALSTOM

July 2-5

Daly will be searching for another European Tour victory as our nation celebrates the Fourth of July holiday.

The Barclays Scottish Open

July 9-12

A regular competitor in the Scottish Open, Daly will be hoping to obtain his first victory in Scotland since his victory in the 1995 British Open at St. Andrews.

The 138th Open Championship

Turnberry, Scotland

July 16-19

As past Open champion, Daly will look to join a small number of golfers who have had their names etched into the historic claret jug on multiple occasions.

RBC Canadian Open

July 23-26

In his second PGA TOUR appearance in '09, Daly will be searching for his first victory in Canada since the 2007 TELUS Skins Game.

Buick Open

July 30-August 2

Once again John has received a sponsor's exemption into one of his favorite tournaments, the Buick Open held in Grand Blanc, Michigan. John will look to improve upon his best finish in the tournament (2nd, 2004) as he plays in front of some of the most enthusiatic fans in golf.

The month of July appears to be a promising one for Daly as he works towards his first professional tournament victory since the 2004 Buick Invitational.

2009 United States Open - David Duval Resurgence

2009-06-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

While it is certainly interesting to see rising stardom from players such as Lucas Glover and Ricky Barnes, who currently hold a share of the lead heading into tomorrow's final round, the most compelling story of this year's National Open is, without a doubt, David Duval.

As the 882nd ranked golfer in the world, Duval was one of the last players that anyone would expect to be near the top of the leaderboard, let alone making the cut. However, Duval has once again defied the odds. Just when it appeared that Duval's career may be over, he has found his way to the leaderboard of one of the most prestigous events in golf. While Duval's plummet from being the number one ranked golfer in the world and the 2001 British Open champion to his current world ranking over the past eight years has been mysterious, a win this week would be even more astoninishing.

Not only has Duval not seriously contended for a tournament in almost a decade, he also had to survive sectional qualifying in Ohio a few days prior to the start of the U.S. Open. The last time a U.S. Open champion was a sectional qualifier? 1996 at Oakland Hills. Steve Jones defeated Tom Lehman and Davis Love III for his first and only major championship.

Where would a David Duval victory stand amongst the most surprising U.S. Open victories of all time? Here is my list of the Top Five Most Shocking U.S. Open Champions During the Past Century:

1.) Francis Ouimet (1913) - Perhaps one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history, 20-year-old amateur Ouimet defeated two of the greatest golfers in the world at the time, two-time major champion Ted Ray and seven-time major champion Harry Vardon, in an 18-hole playoff at The Country Club in Brookline, MA. A former caddy at Brookline, Ouimet became the first amateur to win the U.S. Open.

2.) Jack Fleck (1955) - As a former assistant golf professional, Jack Fleck admired four-time U.S. Open champion Ben Hogan more than any other golfer. He also defeated him in an 18-hole playoff for his first PGA TOUR win. Fleck's victory remains one of the most talked about upsets in golf history.

3.) Orville Moody (1969) - As a former Army sergeant, "Sarge" had never won a PGA TOUR tournament when he first set foot at Champions Golf Club in Houston, TX in 1969. However, he saved his first TOUR win for the biggest tournament in professional golf and then never won again on the TOUR afterwards.

4.) Steve Jones (1996) - As stated earlier, Jones is the last sectional qualifier to have won the U.S. Open. While Jones had captured four TOUR wins prior to his U.S. Open victory, he had not won since 1989 and missed a couple of seasons due to an injury to his left ring finger. To make his victory even more impressive, he not only defeated two of the top-ranked golfers in the world at the time in Lehman and Love, but he also persevered on the brutal layout of Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

5.) Andy North (1978) - North is known as, perhaps, the least likely two-time U.S. Open champion of all time. When he defeated J.C. Snead and Dave Stockton for his first U.S. Open win in 1978, he only had one prior PGA TOUR victory to his name. North would then only capture one more PGA TOUR victory, the 1985 U.S. Open. Hence, North had three PGA TOUR victories in his career, including two U.S. Opens.

Of course, a victory for Duval tomorrow would be one of the most shocking in U.S. Open history, considering his play during the past eight seasons, as he has not won a professional tournament since the 2001 Dunlop Phoenix in Japan. Without a doubt, a U.S. Open victory for Duval would be one of the greatest stories of perseverance in all of sports history.

To conclude, here is a listing of Duval's finishes in the U.S. Open since his appearance as an amateur in 1990:

1990 - T56
1991 - DNP
1992 - CUT
1993 - DNP
1994 - DNP
1995 - T28
1996 - T67
1997 - T48
1998 - T7
1999 - T7
2000 - T8
2001 - T16
2002 - CUT
2003 - CUT
2004 - CUT
2005 - CUT
2006 - T16
2007 - DNP
2008 - DNP

Happy Father's Day to all! Hope you all enjoy tomorrow's telecast via internet/television of what may become one of the most historic U.S. Opens of all time.