Going into today’s final round of the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods was an unthinkable 14 for 14 when leading a major tournament after the first three rounds. Well, it’s time to make that 14 for 15 courtesy of Dallas-area resident Y.E. Yang.
Yang, who is a native of South Korea who now makes his in home in Southlake, used some brilliant late round shot making skills to take down the ever-imposing beast that is Tiger Woods. These shots included an amazing chip in for eagle on 14 and a lazer beam of a hybrid 3-iron shot on 18 that cleared trees, a bunker and rolled within almost 10 feet of the cup.
In an odd twist of fates, it was Woods who experienced numerous mental meltdowns on the final few holes as Yang seemed to be gaining confidence. The final result was a historic 3-shot victory for Yang and a reason for the residents of Dallas and, more importantly, South Korea to be extremely proud of a native son.
Jerrod – don’t EVER compare Tiger Woods to the Dallas Cowboys ever again. I like you, and I don’t want to take in your family after I bludgeon you to death with one of Steve’s replica Dallas Cowboys Lombardi trophies. Seriously.
Tiger Woods announced last week that he is ready to begin on the road to the Masters with his first tournament coming this week in the Match Play. Let’s review: he’s had a complete knee reconstruction since winning in dramatic fashion at the US Open and had another baby with his supermodel wife. So even though he hasn’t played competetively in quite some time, Tiger has been plenty busy.
And let’s face it, the PGA Tour needs Tiger back. The golf purist may sit there in front of his TV cheering for Fred Couples or Kenny Perry. The junior golfer may watch to see what Ian Poulter or Sergio Garcia are wearing. And the novice fan may tune in to see how Hefty Lefty Phil Mickelson will blow another 5 stroke lead. But it’s Tiger that draws the crowd. And the ratings. And the sponsors. Love him or hate him, most everyone has an opinion. Tiger, the Dallas Cowboys, and the NY Yankees have a lot in common that way. He is paid the most. He wins the most. It’s like we are watching history on his every swing. When he’s missing from the field, we’re looking for the “next” Tiger. Or mowing the yard.
In case the readers didn’t know, Jerrod is the general manager of an awesome golf course up Frisco way. And, it just so happens that his course is featured in this month’s issue of Avid Golfer magazine. Read Jerrod’s quotes. Marvel at his eloquence. Hate him for having a way cooler job than you.
When the question comes up, “hey, who would you pick in your celebrity foursome (of golf Josh…sicko)?”, John Daly and Kid Rock are not two I would have chosen. I can imagine the gallery of Detroit hood-rat groupies, the Marlboro Man, and Miller Light truck drivers nipping at the heels of this dynamic duo…not to mention Hank Williams Jr. blaring from the suped up golf cart ridin’ on 24′s….wait….think they’d accept my invitation?
Well, everyone has chimed in by now or had a thought towards Tiger’s latest Major victory and subsequent knee surgery…now it’s my turn. Tiger is simply the best golfer IN HISTORY to date. He still trails Nicklaus in Major victories, but even as it stands, Tiger would beat the Greats of Old head to head. He’s also transcendeding the sport in itself. Just look at the ratings and revenues at tournaments he’s NOT playing. Forbes just released their Most Powerful Entertainers, Celebrities, and Athletes. He’s #2…behind Oprah. Damn. Love him. Hate him. Love to hate him. Tiger is golf.
No, he didn’t buy Jerrod’s car from him. John Daly did a little interview (with some Chris-Chris hack who can’t talk very well) while on a recent trip to one of the courses he is helping to design. And he did it… well… shirtless. And shoeless. With a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. This is one of those videos that you HAVE to watch if you are a golf fan or know who John Daly is.
Sidenote – if anyone knows how to embed this video into a page, please let me know. I tried to figure it out but have neither the time or energy this morning.
I have waited a long time to have a day like the Dallas sports teams has yesterday. Steve has probably waited even longer than I have. But, we finally got it. Not only did the Mavericks beat a really good team with a clutch Dirk shot at the end of the game to solidify their berth in the NBA playoffs, and not only did the Stars whip up on the defending Stanley Cup champs 4-0 in their playoff series opener – in Anaheim – but the Rangers also swept a double header against a team that kicked their butts on opening day to climb to above .500 for the first time in years.
Did I mention that it was also the opening round of the Masters yesterday? My sports pants are going so crazy they just hit me over the head with my keyboard, pulled the fire alarm at my office, sexually assaulted our 67 year old male security guard - twice – and then jumped on a flight to Bangladesh to grab some Indian food.
Can life get any better if you are a Dallas sports fan? Only time will tell…
And by that, I mean the par 3 contest that takes place every year the day before the Masters gets underway. It has long been considered one of the best PGA events to be a spectator at because of the proximity to the players and because it lets you see the Tour pros let their hair down a bit.
It’s not uncommon to see Phil’s two daughters in the trademark white caddy outfits walking alongside their dad as he carries 3 or 4 irons, a wedge and a putter around the short 9 hole track. It’s an event that humanizes the players and allows them to have a little fun in the process. And this year, for the first time ever, you can be a part of it without having to fork over the several hundred bucks to get there. This year, for the first time ever, it’s being televised.
Check out this video to see just how the players feel about this event and its history. I, for one, have my TiVo set and will be enjoying a few cold ones tonight while taking in the greatness that is Augusta National, and it’s best kept secret.
I think I’m starting to see a bit of a pattern here that I really don’t like. It’s obvious that Tony has tons of talent – in football and golf. But, when it comes to those pressure-packed situations, he keeps coming up short.
You have to play great golf to shoot an opening round 73 - two over par. But, then he gets to thinking about it and realizing the pressure and he shot 80 the next day. A complete collapse (and believe me, I know golf tournament collapses). Then he doesn’t have a care in the world and shoots 69 – two under par in the third round. But, the pressure again starts to creep in and he fires a crowd pleasing 81 to end the tournament tied for 34th place.
I hate to say it, but maybe Tony just isn’t meant for the pressure-packed situation. I love the guy and pray that he continues to lead the Cowboys to several Super Bowl rings, but I would be lying to you if I said I wasn’t concerned about this troubling pattern that beginning to surface.
Now, before Jerrod starts name-calling and saying something about double ocho, I am apparently not the best at golf under pressure, either. So, you know, Tony and I continue to have a lot in common. Call me.
Apparently Romo’s golf game hasn’t gotten any better since Jessica came along either. Tony tied for 34th place at the Azalea Invitional in Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday. His final score was a 19-over-par 303. I’m sure he caught the first plane back to L.A. to drown his sorrows with the rest of his newly found douchebag friends.
Same song different verse. Tiger wins the FedEx Crap and the Tour Championship. Hefty Lefty really showed what he was made of and put the fear into Tiger with a 5 under for the tournament while Mr. Woods shot an overall -23. Does anyone else picture Phil as the “David” character in Tin Cup who hates dogs, kids and old people? The silver lining if you choose to see it for Phil and the rest of the field is that Tiger is taking 2 months off after the President’s Cup to spend time with his family. I think the reason is he’s actually tired of winning. Tiger, thanks for giving Phil a chance now, by not playing until March…you sir, are a gentleman!
The second round of the BMW Championship, the third of the four events making up the FedEx Cup, is being bathed in a torrential downpour. Tournament officials suspended play a little earlier this morning, but they presume that play will again be under way in about an hour.
Jonathan Byrd is your tournament leader (great guy) after shooting a unbelievable round of 65 (-7) yesterday and Eldrick Woods is 3 off the pace and tied for the 10th spot. Here’s to hoping that Woods’ quest of hoisting the FedEx cup above his head after next week’s tournament is as soggy as the weather in Cog Hill.
I hate to say I told ya so, Jerrod. Wait, no I don’t – I love saying that! Phil Mickelson shot a masterful 5 under-par round of 66 yesterday – while playing alongside of Tiger – to win the Deutsche Bank Championship. This win vaulted Phil into the lead in the FedEx Cup point standings and positions him as the new favorite to take home the trophy.
Eldrick didn’t play terrible, he’s just not as good as Phil right now. He missed a ton of putts and his cursing and temper tantrums were at an all time high. Me thinks he doesn’t like getting his butt kicked in front of a national television audience by a guy who he thinks he’s a lot better than.
Just keep thinking that, Eldrick. And I hope they have a camera trained on your face at the trophy ceremony when Phil gets to be the first player ever to hoist the FedEx cup above his head.
Oh, and Eldrick, contrary to your apparent belief, God’s last name IS NOT damn. Thanks for playing, try again…
Josh, there’s no way in the world that Hefty Lefty finishes in front of Mr. Elin Woods. Phil’s only 2 strokes ahead of him now. Tiger has closed 4 shots since the 4th hole. I’d even be willing to bet they are even by the end of the day! Ass!
Hmmm… seems like you need to get used to Phil beating the crap out of Tiger! I’m calling it now. Phil WILL finish ahead of Eldrick in the FedEx Cup. And from here on out, he’s no longer Tiger. He’s Eldrick to me.
Phil Mickelson is 3 under through 4 holes. His playing partner Tiger Woods is 3 over. No one else matters do they? I’m so glad Josh is in his car and away from his computer or else I’d already be hearing about this one!