Paul Lawrie: heresy!

Speaking to John Huggan in advance of this week’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, home favourite Paul Lawrie again explained his decision to skip last month’s US Open Championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Desperate for Ryder Cup points and a strong finish to the season, the 1999 Open champion was unwilling to risk his form in the pursuit of USGA-approved technical purity. (continue reading…)

The shot of the day goes to Nick Watney, who carded the rare albatross. Watney hit a 5-iron from 190 yards on the par-5 17th and watched in roll in the hole. He followed it up with a celebration for the ages (or one that matched someone named “Peter Oosthuizen” at the Masters earlier this year). (continue reading…)

Guts and grit

I didn’t think it was possible to top the Dennis Miller story, but Casey Martin did. Another example of why U.S. Open qualifying is awesome: The 40-year-old golf coach for the University of Oregon made a five-footer for par to earn medalist honors, taking him back to The Olympic Club. Had he missed, he would have been in a three-for-two playoff (three players for the two available spots).  (continue reading…)