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…)
Power of the 'stache!
Johnson Wagner showed up for the 2012 season at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions with a new look — a mustache (also been called a “pornstache, “molestache,” etc.) that rivaled Magnum P.I. (which, by the way, Johnson considers a compliment) — along with a new sense of confidence, resulting from his hard work in the off-season.
Well, it looks like both are here to stay after firing a three-under 67, 13-under total to win the Sony Open by two over Carl Pettersson, Sean O’Hair, Harrison Frazar and Charles Howell III. (continue reading…)
Is that a brick or VHS player? Every says "rectangle"...
So how about that Saints vs. 49ers game?? Now that kept us awake entertained in the media center! Oh, wait, you want to hear about the Sony Open? Fine. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the whole Matt Every interview debacle for making the rest of the sporting world aware there’s a golf tournament happening.
I wandered out on the back nine to check out the action — mostly because I wanted to see in person the brick-like putter Every is wielding. For those wondering, it’s called the “Black Hawk” (and yes, it’s legal — Every has the USGA papers). (continue reading…)
Cauley clicking on Tour
Bud Cauley had the advantage of teeing off in the morning on a breezy day at Waialae Country Club, but somewhere late on the first nine, the wind picked up. He was frustrated with some of his wedge shots, but he posted a two-under 68 in the second round to follow his opening four-under 66.
It wasn’t one of his best rounds, but it kept him in contention. The rookie is six-under at the halfway point of the Sony Open, putting him in solid position at T7 and four shots behind leader Matt Every, who lit up Waialae on Friday. (continue reading…)
DeLaet: Back from surgery
Near the end of his rookie season in 2010, 29-year-old Canadian Graham DeLaet was suffering from an agonizing back injury — originally endured while playing hockey as a teenager — that was so painful he couldn’t even sit upright for more than ten seconds.
After exhausting other forms of treatment, DeLaet had surgery on January 3, 2011, which involved shaving off a piece of a herniated disk to alleviate a pinched nerve. Almost immediately, the procedure relieved much of his discomfort, but left him wondering if he’d make a full recovery and play golf again. (continue reading…)
Kokrak: the next Dustin Johnson and/or Gary Woodland, et al.
To go from covering a 27-player limited field event in Kapalua to a 144-player full field event in Honolulu is similar to going from tending the bar at Fisher’s Island Golf Club to a club in Times Square on NYE — it’s a rather stark contrast. When I walked over to the practice area at Waialae Country Club on Wednesday, I felt like I’d just walked into a busy street in Manhattan after my quiet vacation in the country. Which isn’t a bad thing (though perhaps a little overwhelming at first). It was nice to be greeted by familiar faces and catch up with those I hadn’t seen since the playoffs and Fall Series. (continue reading…)
I made it!
What a difference a year makes — A year ago, Keegan Bradley, who was best known as LPGA great “Pat Bradley’s nephew,” was getting ready to tee off at the Sony Open, his first-ever PGA Tour event. He was a wide-eyed rookie, living largely in the shadow of good friend Jamie Lovemark (the 2010 Nationwide Tour money title winner and the one who was supposed to be the big star), but staying at a house with three other rookies (including Jamie) helped ease his transition from the NWT to the bigs. (continue reading…)
Marino reacts to missing eagle putt, while Wilson and Kuchar watch the ball
Another Sunday, another PGA Tour Confidential. We even had a cameo last night from Brad Faxon — basically, because he disagreed with something I said.
In this week’s edition, the SI Golf Group discusses Mark Wilson’s win at Waialae (is it refreshing to see shorter tracks like Waialae and contenders who actually hit fairways?), leaderboard watching, the best in the world competing at Abu Dhabi this week (and overshadowing the Bob Hope Classic), golf’s lack of an off-season and the LPGA denying Alexis Thompson’s petition.
Guess what? We didn’t bring up Tiger’s name once the entire night! /high-five! Here’s an excerpt from last night’s banter:
Mark Wilson celebrates on the 18th green at Waialae
Sometimes the short guys win. By short, I mean short-hitting — not that all PGA Tour pros don’t hit it a long ways, but relative to the bombers. Waialae Country Club favors target golf and accuracy over power and distance. Mark Wilson endured the 36-hole Sunday, firing scores of 65-67 to win the Sony Open by two shots over Tim Clark.
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