Billy Ho celebrating

Everyone on Tour knew it was only a matter of time before Billy Horschel secured his first PGA Tour victory. Horschel was playing too well. He was swinging too pure. He had made a Tour-leading 23 consecutive cuts. He had finished in the top-10 in his previous three starts — runner-up at the Shell Houston Open, T3 at the Texas Valero Open, and T9 at the RBC Heritage. He was simply due.

Despite two rain delays on Sunday at TPC Louisiana, including one that lasted almost an hour after the 26-year-old from Florida had hit his drive, Horschel kept his nerve and holed a birdie putt from 26 feet to clinch the victory at the Zurich Classic. (continue reading…)

Henley closed with five birdies to claim his maiden PGA Tour title.

As the first full-field event of the season, the Sony Open in Hawaii inaugurated the PGA Tour careers of most — but not all — the 2013 rookies. Generally, the tournament is won by a Tour veteran, but not this year: two rookies, Russell Henley and Scott Langley, stole the show.

How did they do it? For the mathematically inclined (and inept), here’s your statistical breakdown of the week in Waialae. (continue reading…)

These kids are good

I’m still reeling from flu-like symptoms and the tragic loss of the Seattle Seahawks to the Atlanta Falcons, but I’m trying to put aside my qualms for the back-nine battle at the Sony Open.

Rookies Russell Henley and Scott Langley posted 17-under 193 to break the 54-hole scoring record at Waialae Country Club. The 23-year-olds entered the final round three shots clear of the closest contender, Tim Clark. (continue reading…)

Zach Johnson: Beware the sick golfer

The first full-season event of the year reminds me of the first week of school. Walk out to the practice areas, which are compact and conveniently located at Waialae Country Club, and it’s packed with players, caddies, reps and the rest of the Tour circus, exchanging hugs and bro handshakes.

The vibe is chill but enthusiastic. Most the rookies aren’t hard to spot because they’re the ones with their eyes wide open and taking in the scene. Everyone is chatting happily and smiling.  After all, it’s the start of a fresh year and just look around — you’re in paradise.

The rookies and the veterans are all raring to get their seasons started. Twenty of the thirty who managed to play–and walk–54 holes on Monday and Tuesday to complete the wind-plagued Hyundai Tournament of Champions are also in the field at the Sony Open. They didn’t get much rest, either, since they were required to play in the pro-am on Wednesday. (continue reading…)