Archive for July, 2009
Seasoned golfers like to say that “you drive for show, but you putt for dough.” It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the short game, and no two people share the same precise technique. Some golfers study their putts meticulously, judging the slope of the green from every angle. Others spend more time estimating a putt’s speed by concentrating on the grain of the grass and other physical factors.
The most effective putting strokes are relatively uniform – they feature a short backswing and confident follow-through. On the other hand, putter designs can range from traditional mallets to bizarre new creations. The long putter, which is gripped like a broom and stands as tall as a player’s shoulders, became a popular piece of golf equipment when pros such as Vijay Singh employed it on the greens.
Golf Talk: British Open - Cink prevails over Watson in 4 hole playoff
When I heard that Tom Watson was in the lead when he finished his first found of the British Open after shooting a round of 5 under par, I thought, that can’t last. Well, I was right, because Miguel Angel Jimerez finished his first round at 6 under par. But, after a poor start to his second round, Watson finished strong to shoot a second round of even par to remain a 5 under par for the golf tournament and tied for the lead with Steve Marino.
Once again, in the third round Watson fell back early only to finish strong to post a third round score of one over par 71 which gave him a 1 stroke lead going into the final round of the years third major championship. You still felt like there was no way he was going to be able to hold on. Don’t get me wrong, I am one of Watson’s biggest fans, but I just didn’t see how he could hold on and possibly have a chance to win on Sunday. After all, he is almost 60 years old. When Tom was playing the final hole of the golf tournament, not only did he have a chance to win, he was leading by one stroke. If he could manage one more par he would get his name on the Claret Jug for the sixth time, tying Harry Vardon for the most British Open wins in history. In the fairway, he had to decide between hitting an 8-iron or a 9-iron. He chose the 8-iron, and looking back he probably wishes he had chosen the 9-iron. His 8-iron shot went over the green and he wasn’t able to get the ball up and down for a par, leaving him tied with Stewart Cink at 2 under par and headed to a 4 hole playoff.
In the playoff, it seemed like Tom kind of ran out of gas. He just wasn’t as sharp as he had been all week. Maybe it was the disappointment of missing a putt that would have given him the victory, or maybe it was the strain of competing in a major championship for 4 days. It’s hard to tell, but the one thing I am sure about is that Tom Watson gave us all something to talk about this week. How could a man who is almost 60 years old compete in any golf tournament, let alone a major, with men half his age? It all comes down to him believing he could win.
I believe that Tom honestly thought he could win the Open again, because length off the tee is not as important on links courses. It is much more important to know how to play links style golf, and with 5 British Open Championships under his belt, Tom Watson definitely knows how to do that. I heard Tom say he would like to play one move British Open and then leave it to the young guys. I know he will eventually have to step aside, but as long as he is competing, I would like to see him keep playing.
Next year the Open is being contested at St. Andrews, the home of golf. Maybe he can thrill us one more time and win his sixth Claret Jug in 2010. Wouldn’t that be something?
By midsummer, little league games across the country are in full swing. Venture anywhere near a ballpark and you’re likely to hear the crack of a bat and smell the tempting fragrances wafting through the air from the concession stand. Kids and parents alike enjoy carefree afternoons in the warm sun, relishing America’s pastime all summer long.
Most little league programs outfit kids with all the proper safety gear – batting helmets, catchers’ masks and the like. No little leaguer would ever be asked to step into the batter’s box without a helmet. The same rule should apply while practicing at home, where kids are often more lax with their personal safety and accidents can happen. By instilling your children with practical safety advice at a young age, you guarantee that they carry that knowledge with them to the ball diamond.