Playing in the inclement, nearly unplayable conditions at Torrey Pines, Brandt Snedeker had one of the best rounds of the year — even though we’re barely into 2016. Snedeker, who had the good fortune of finishing the fourth round at the weather-delayed Farmers Insurance Open, posted a brilliant three-under 69 Sunday, making him the only player to break par.
Just when the Travelers Championship appeared to be a three-man race between Sergio Garcia, K.J. Choi, and Aaron Baddeley, Kevin Streelman birdied the final seven holes to win his second PGA Tour tournament. The seven birdie streak broke Mike Souchak’s streak of six birdies to win the 1956 St. Paul Open.
At this week’s Champions Tour event in Missouri, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem introduced the captains for the 2015 Presidents Cup, which will take place in New Songdo City, South Korea. Jay Haas was named captain of Team USA and Nick Price was named captain of the International Team. Former captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player joined the press conference as did International vice-captain K.J. Choi.
Here’s something you don’t see every day! – two holes-in-one in two consecutive groups. K.J. Choi, who was playing in the group right ahead of Greg Chalmers, aced the par-3 14th (arguably one of the best holes at Liberty National).
No big deal, though, says Chalmers, who then, a few minutes later, steps up and matches Choi’s effort.
Tiger holes out from the bunker for an eagle on no. 6
On a calm and mostly cloudy day with delectable conditions, nineteen players shot five-under or better, with K.J. Choi and defending champion Brandt Snedeker firing a pair of seven-under 65s to take a share of the first round lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Not a knock to Brandt at all, but K.J.’s was probably more impressive since he played the South Course, the harder of the two tracks.
Notah and his little bro
Well, no ones cares about the atmosphere on Wednesday at the Deutsche Bank Championship and other interesting tidbits, aka gossip on the range. like the handful of Americans who have one last week to make a case and impress Team USA captain Davis Love III before he announces his four wildcard picks on Tuesday morning… right?
Okay, that’s what I thought, but in case you do, the short version: pretty chill and most relaxed and friendly I’ve seen it in months, with the exception of the half-dozen guys who are freaking out about making the Ryder Cup.
Wednesday evening sky
After the thunderstorms finally passed on Wednesday afternoon at Kiawah Island, players scrambled to practice — it’s been difficult because of the multiple weather delays Monday-Wednesday.
I walked the back nine with K.J. Choi, Charlie Wi and Aaron Baddeley (appreciate it, guys!)the best way to get to know a course. I took pictures of all the holes from the tees. I’ve done my best to upload as many as I can in the gallery below, but I’ll put the rest on Flickr and/or Facebook.
I also took a few videos, too. Here’s one of Aaron Baddeley showing Charlie Wi how to hit a wedge out of the deep rough…watch and learn, folks.
Choi shot 65 in the final round at Kapalua to surge up the leaderboard in the top-5
After finishing his practice session last week at Kapalua, K.J. Choi was kind (and patient) enough to take some time and chat with me for a solid half-hour (which to be fair, is more like 15 minutes because my questions and his answers are repeated via his interpreter/manager). Something people don’t know about K.J. (because he looks serious on the golf course) — he has a fantastic sense of humor, often cracking jokes (and yes, in English!). When the interview ended, he joked that we talked for so long he saw the moon rise and move across the tree line. I blamed his interpreter/manager, naturally.
Thanks for believing in me! I love you, man!
As 2011 has ended and the 2012 season officially starts tomorrow, we’re (still) taking an obligatory look at the winners and losers of 2011. First, we reviewed the best shots. Then, we cringed through the greatest meltdowns. We also checked out some players who were considered overachievers. Next, we took a gander at those who had the most disappointing seasons, along with the most notable Tiger moments.
To cap off a look back at an incredible 2011, we’ll go through some of the best feel-good stories — which is my personal favorite because believe it or not, I’m a huge sucker for sap (I just don’t like to admit to it usually). Here we go in no particular order…
Tiger's in driver's seat, no hydrants in sight
Tiger Woods fired a five-under 67 on Friday to take a three-shot lead over K.J. Choi and Matt Kuchar at the halfway mark at the Chevron World Challenge, the limited field, money-grab event that benefits his foundation. It’s the second stroke play tournament in a row where Tiger has been atop the leaderboard through 36 holes.
Last month at the Australian Open, he had a one-shot advantage going into the weekend, but shot a third-round 75 and bounced back the last day to place third.
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