What The Golfinggods Say….

 

It was built as the best two days of golf for the year and it nearly was except the two main competitors decided to produce their best on different days and in different groups. The Buick Open was set up for a mammoth confrontation between Tiger and Vijah going into the third round. Unfortunately Vijah found his A+ game and Tiger struggled to find anything. With a five-stroke lead over the field and an eight shot lead over Tiger it was seen as a done deal for the Fijian.

 

But we should know better than to write off Tiger. Just as he had done on Friday the world number one found some inspired golf to close with a back nine of thirty strokes and at one point close the gap to two strokes. Vijah however played patient golf and professionally closed the deal with two birdies in the last five holes. What the Buick Open showed is the level of golf possible by the best two golfers on the planet. The golfing public can only sit and image the day when both play that well together. It will be a day to remember.

 

A special mention must go to Allen Doyle for his victory in the US Seniors Open and Jeong Jang for her wire-to-wire victory at the British Ladies Open. Allen Doyle was eight strokes back after three rounds but an inspired eight under sixty four sealed his victory over a fast faulting D.A Weibring and Loren Roberts. Jeong Jang or JJ as she likes to be called produced a week of solid links golf to win. Her victory is all the more impressive, as she had to play with Annika Sorenstam in the final round. The prodigious Michelle Wie once again showed her special talent by finishing tied for third.

 

And so to this week….  

 

The US tour heads to Colorado for The International tournament, played at the Castle Pines golf course.

 

This tournament is unique on tour as it is a Stableford competition with points being awarded for birdies etc, and also the tournament has a two cut system in operation after the second and third rounds. Although the course measures 7,619 yards it does not play as long as it located 6,000 feet above sea level. The bentgrass greens are large and quick. A player’s fitness will also be a factor this week with significant climbs and walks between shots and tees.

 

Selections:

 

Chris DiMarco: should have won this tournament last year when holding a commanding lead, only to disappoint over the weekend. That said he is playing good golf again and can contend again.

 

Phil Mickelson: the Stableford scoring relies on players making a lot of birdies and no player makes more birdies than Mikelson. If he can keep the bogeys of his card I see him contending this week.

 

Charles Howell III: he has a game that can create a number of birdies and eagles and will enjoy the aggressive nature of Stableford. He is an inconsistent putter at times but if the flat stick is working this week then he can win.

 

Others to mention: John Rollins, Tim Clark and Stuart Appleby.

 

The European tour moves to Scotland again this week for the Diageo Championship at the wonderful Gleneagles resort. With the weather expected to be fine this week the strong local field will find the Monarch golf course to their liking. Especially the better ball strikers as both length and accuracy are required. Most greens have subtle slopes and breaks and are extremely quick.

 

Selections:

 

Stephen Dodd: a winner already this year in Ireland the underrated Welshman has the game and the temperament to contend again this week. His current form is solid and his putting has improved enough for him to win again.

 

Richard Green: good results throughout this year both in Europe and the USA has lifted Green into the top fifty players in the world. A consistent if not dazzling player he will be suited by the ball striking test presented by Gleneagles. If his putting is good this week then look for him to go very close.

 

Graeme Storm: the past winner of the British Amateur has taken some time to find his rhythm in the professional ranks. However he has now started to produce the results he is capable of and another good performance is expected here. He can contend this week at very good odds.

 

Others to mention: Jamie Donaldson, David Lynn and Joakim Haeggman.

 

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!

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