ZealousGolfer.com

The Buick Open was supposed to be a showcase of Tiger's power over the golf world. He would have given a clinic at Comerica Park, the first time he would have given golf instruction in a stadium setting. Pictures of Tiger Woods covered the local airport in preparation for the event. Buick, the sponsor of the Buick Open and Tiger Woods, used the World's number one player as the focus of their advertisements on the course. Now, the Buick Open isn't looking so hot.

Last year, the tournament's most exciting moment (though there was little competition) was the 12 foot putt on the 18th hole during Sunday's round sunk by Brian Bateman. With that putt, the relatively unknown PGA Tour player captured his first PGA Tour victory.

Bateman is again in the field. With little competition from the world's best players, it is not unfeasible that Bateman may capture another victory at the Buick. However, former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk (pictured left) will enter the tournament as the highest ranked player in the field (12th in the World Ranking).

Thus, while the fanfare accompanying any Tiger Woods attended tournament will be absent, this will certainly be the PGA Tour's first opportunity to prove that they can do without Tiger. Perhaps a more reasonable goal might be to demonstrate that the Tour can survive without its best players.

Posted by Golf Champ at 6:24 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

Former world number one Vijay Singh may have picked a fight with the wrong crowd. Vijay, notable for his unbelievable and unparalleled work ethic at and outside of tournaments, commented that the young English players are becoming satisfied with their success and have began to enter a "comfort zone."

Paul Casey (pictured left), who led the U.S. Open last year and has claimed 8 European Tour victories, is now fighting back. While Casey has defended his own work, stating, "I would invite Vijay along to do exactly what I do on weeks off and see how he goes, invite him to the gym with me for instance,” Casey also believes that Vijay's work ethic may do more harm than good. He explained that, for instance, Tiger Woods "plays his practice rounds very, very early, hits some balls, hits some putts and gets out of there, conserving his energy. That’s the way I do it and I think I work hard enough."

Only time will tell how the young English crowd consisting of players like Paul Casey, Justin Rose, and Ian Poulter will respond to Vijay's criticism.

Posted by Golf Champ at 5:08 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Famous Golfers, PGA Tour 2008

The beauty of the U.S. Open, they say, is that the tournament is unique in giving every golfer a chance at vying for the prestigious title. Illustrated by Roy McAvoy in the classic golf flick Tin Cup when asked about taking a high risk shot by a commentator, "Well, so am I! I mean, look at me, all right, what I'm wearing. I mean, I'm playing for Rio Grande Short-Haul Trucking, Briggs and Brown Sanitation, First State Bank of Salome, Woody's Smokehouse... You think a... you think a guy like me bothers to worry about the percentages?"

The spirit of "Tin Cup" seems to live on with the 2008 U.S. Open leaderboard. Thus, ZealousGolfer.com is pleased to provide you with some background information for the top six players after Thursday's round.

1. Justin Hicks - 67 (-3)

Hicks owns a golf instruction center in San Diego, California. Naturally, Hicks would appear to be the unknown hometown favorite for many of the galleries at Torrey Pines. Though a member of the PGA of America as a teaching professional, Hicks also has spent time on the Nationwide Tour. Through six events in the 2008 season, Hicks has made only three cuts and has made a hair over $8,000. Even amongst Nationwide Tour professionals, his statistics are middle of the road: 47th in driving, 116th in putting, and 104th in scoring (at 72.04 strokes per round). Possibly the Jason Gore (right) of the tournament: will produce a hard fought battle and will capture America's hearts, but will falter at the end.

1. Kevin Streelman - 67 (-3)

Streelman, who qualified for the U.S. Open only two weeks ago in Ohio, is a member of the PGA Tour. Though ranked 142nd currently in FedEx Cup points, his 11th place ranking in GIR out of Fairway Bunkers makes him a threat to the big names (note the sarcasm). Similar to our fellow leader, Streelman has produced mediocre results pretty much across the board. Most notably a 188th ranking in putting. Given the usual USGA approach to greens, it is hard to believe two players with flatstick struggles have dominated thus far.

Aside: the last time ZealousGolfer.com covered Streelman was after his Sunday pairing with Tiger Woods at the Buick Invitational. Streelman entered four strokes behind Tiger and in second place. The result? A five over par Sunday round to drop to 29th. We will see how he copes with the pressure of a major championship.

3. Stuart Appleby - 68 (-2)

We know him. A contender for best player to have never won a major, Appleby is in good position for a run at the championship. Considering his expertise in the "Bomb and Gouge" philosophy, the unusually wide fairways of Torrey Pines seem to play to his advantage.

3. Eric Axley - 68 (-2)

He's back. In 2006, Axley (left) had an impressive hot streak near the end of the season, which included a victory at the Valero Texas Open and several top 5 finishes. However, Axley is certainly new to this position: he has never made a cut at a major championship.

3. Rocco Mediate - 68 (-2)

Also notable for past success, Rocco qualified in the tough Ohio field two weeks ago. Rocco's presence has not been very significant since his stint commentating on the Golf Channel, and more notably, his run at the 2006 Masters. Unfortunately, that run may have serious implications on Rocco's performance this week. Think Phil at Winged Foot. Mediate was at the top of the leaderboard before taking a sextuple bogey on Augusta National's 12th hole.

3. Geoff Ogilvy - 68 (-2)

The highlight of the group at the leaderboard, Ogilvy is the only one in the bunch with a major championship, let alone a top five finish. The champion of the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot following the Phil Mickelson meltdown, Ogilvy's strong play and calm demeanor just may lead him to a second major.

Posted by Golf Champ at 9:31 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, US Open

Posted by Golf Champ at 3:38 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, US Open, USGA

Tiger Woods, according to his corporate sponsor and the tournament's sponsor, will play at this season's Buick Open in Michigan.

Posted by Golf Champ at 10:42 AM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

After his first major championship, which came at the 2008 Masters, Trevor Immelman has enjoyed a new level of fame.

The Associated Press reports, "One day after becoming the Masters champion, Immelman was courtside at Madison Square Garden for the Boston Celtics’ 99-93 victory over the New York Knicks. He was invited to the Celtics’ locker room at halftime by coach Doc Rivers, who wanted his team to shake hands with a champion."

While in New York, the young South African spoke with David Letterman. TGC.com states, "The topic was 'Ways Trevor Immelman’s Life Has Changed Since Winning the Masters.' The list included:
10. I’ve been elevated from 'unknown' to 'obscure.'
6. President Bush called to congratulate me on winning Wimbledon.
5. When my caddy recommends a club I can say, 'Excuse me, how many Masters have you won?'
1. Get to put my arm around Tiger Woods and say, 'Maybe next year.'"

Posted by Golf Champ at 6:22 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, the Masters

After the first day of play at Augusta National, which began with an opening shot by legend Arnold Palmer (Right), the leaderboard has been left crowded. Despite difficult weather conditions in the morning (which led to a fog delay), two international players have found themselves tied for the lead at four under par: South African Trevor Immelman and Englishman Justin Rose (Left).

Surprsingly, many of the PGA Tour's heavy hitters are looking up at a group of less successful, but extremely talented young leaders. In addition to the four under lead of Rose and Immelman, Brian Bateman, Brandt Snedeker, and Lee Westwood trail by one with rounds of 69.

Defending champion Zach Johnson is within striking distance after the first day of play following a two under 70 to place Johnson in a tie for sixth place. Fellow American Jim Furyk is also tied at two under as he seeks his first green jacket.

Tiger Woods finished a "sluggish" round of 70, which, of course, places Tiger four behind the leaders. However, as Tiger has done in the past, an early deficit often does not continue into the weekend.

Also worth noting, the field's top amateur after the Thursday is American Michael Thomson, who is currently in a tie for 33rd place and in position to play on the weekend at one over par. Fellow amateur Drew Weaver is also on the bubble after a four over par first round, which has placed him in a tie for 65th.

Posted by Golf Champ at 9:59 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Major Championships, PGA Tour 2008, the Masters

While the Masters has long been a media focus within and outside of the realm of golf, ESPN has made an attempt to capture the magic of an untapped event: the Masters' annual Par 3 competition. On Wednesday, ESPN will provide footage of the event beginning at 3:00 PM (EST).

Posted by Golf Champ at 9:50 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Major Championships, PGA Tour 2008, the Masters, Tiger Woods

The Blue Monster, the home of the 2008 CA Championship, played to a dramatic finish despite a delay leading to a Monday finish. Of course, the major news of the week was whether Tiger Woods would manage to keep his win streak (extending from September of 2007 for PGA Tour starts) alive.

Posted by Golf Champ at 6:39 PM | 1 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

While the sports of golf and football seem to have little in common outside of wide fan bases and their athletes' deep pockets, there could be some similarity. Last night, the New England Patriots, of course, fell to the New York Giants on arguably sport's grandest stage: the Super Bowl.

Posted by Golf Champ at 9:23 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Major Championships, PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

Following his massive 8 stroke victory at the Buick Invitational (his fourth consecutive victory at Torrey Pines), Tiger shared his views to the press about tying Arnold Palmer's record for PGA Tour wins.

Posted by Golf Champ at 10:32 AM | 1 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer are old friends by this time, from Tiger choosing to play in an exhibition with the "King" without an appearance fee to choosing to playing out of order a few years back in order to play next to Arnie. However, while few would probably argue that Arnie was a "better" player than Tiger relative to his competition, Tiger did equal one of Palmer's great achievements (so, may silence such critics): 62 PGA Tour victories.

Of course, tying Arnie's victory mark came with little fanfare, and certainly would have been a goal (if truly one) that has taken a backseat to larger ones (i.e. beating Jack Nicklaus's record in Major Championships).

For now, it looks like Tiger has another champion down, which means he has few heroes and goals left to chase.

Posted by Golf Champ at 12:17 AM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

The Buick Invitational was set at Torrey Pines South Course. Tiger Woods took the lead on the first day and never let go of it. Despite a chilly 60 degree day with brisk winds and four bogeys on the final round, Woods clinched another victory.

It was Woods' fourth consecutive win at the Buick Open. This was only the fourth time in history a player won an event four times in a row. Tiger Woods is now tied with Arnold Palmer with 62 PGA Tour wins. He pocketed $936,000 for the win.

Phil Mickelson, battling a respiratory illness, said that he is looking forward to playing next week in Phoenix. He had no eagles at Torrey Pines, but 16 birdies over four rounds.

Posted by Golf Champ at 5:10 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods

Posted by Golf Champ at 11:09 AM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, Tiger Woods

Hawaii's Sony Open, which, in recently, has relied on gimmicks for popularity, allowed K.J. Choi to show his mettle against a talented field this year. Choi, who had a four stroke lead on Sunday, struggled through his final 18, posting a score over par.

Posted by Golf Champ at 7:08 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Hawaii, PGA Tour 2008

Everyone knows that the Mercedes-Benz Champ-ionship in Kapalua, Hawaii is hard to get to. It is a winners only tournament. But for competitor, Boo Weekley, getting to the destination, itself, was difficult.

The Associated Press is reporting that Weekley was held up in Florida, appropriately, by airport security because two bullets from his rifle were found in his carry-on bag. He had used the bag during a hunting trip to Illinois.


He finally arrived in Atlanta, but missed his connection. Weekley, his wife, son and in-laws got a flight the next day to Los Angeles. They were at LAX for nine hours due to airport delays. He arrived in Hawaii about 48 hours after he left home in Florida.


The good news, it will only be a 31-man field. Tiger Woods is skipping the event for the third consecutive time. Mickelson won't play either. Last time he played was 2001. Padraig Harrington is on break in Ireland. Finally, Adam Scott has bailed out citing exhaustion.

Posted by Golf Champ at 10:25 AM | 0 comments    

Labels: Famous Golfers, PGA Tour 2008, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods

Posted by Golf Champ at 5:39 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: Famous Golfers, PGA Tour 2008, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods

Sure, some aspects of the Masters, golf's first major tournament of the PGA Tour season, will always elude the general public. The azaleas may be died, logic behind calling gallery members "patrons"may be confusing, but one more secret kept from the public will surface.

Posted by Golf Champ at 10:25 PM | 0 comments    

Labels: PGA Tour 2008, the Masters