Pro Golf Update
I apologize for not writing in the last couple of weeks, but personal life does get in the way from time to time. So where do we stand in the world of men’s pro golf these days?
It was announced today that Tiger and Hank Haney are going their separate ways… not surprising. Tiger is in need of some major retooling. He’s now in his early 30′s and it’s clear that his violent swing has taken it’s toll on him physically. While it earned him 14 majors, he’s paid dearly with injuries that get harder to deal with as he ages.
Pro golf is harder on the body than many amateurs imagine. Just look at the number of players whose careers have been derailed or sidetracked in recent years because of physical problems - think Freddy, VJ, Luke, Casey and Trevor for starters. Tiger may never swing like Ernie Els, but he’s got to put his ‘hit it the farthest’ ego aside and play smarter from here on in. If anyone can completely remake themselves, it’s probably Tiger.
Pro golf without Tiger can be interesting. I wouldn’t have believed it a year ago, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised this year. The Masters was great theater and last week’s Players wasn’t hard to take either. I really enjoyed Sunday with Westwood, Allenby and Clark all fighting it out. It was great to see a nice guy who doesn’t hit the ball a mile win his first US tournament after coming in second 8 times! The $1.7 million paycheck made it even more special I’m sure. Tim had a stellar round right down to his last putt. No one can say he backed into this one. (If you want to learn how to properly use a long putter like Tim, check out this past Monday’s episode of The Golf Fix on The Golf Channel.)
How about the number of younger players who are starting to show signs of life on the tour? It’s unfortunate that AK had to have thumb surgery, hopefully it won’t keep him out long. There’s a lot of talent out there in the likes of McIlroy, Glover, Molinari, Crane, Romero, Kuchar, Mahan, O’Hair, Johnson, Kaymer and Imada to name a few. Tiger may be hard pressed to win another 4 majors to tie Jack with so many younger guys able to put 4 good rounds together! The next two years on the pro tour are going to be quite interesting to see who really comes on strong.
I think we’re in for some exciting golf for both the US and British Opens this year. With Pebble Beach and St.Andrews hosting, you have two of the greatest courses on the planet. In case you haven’t heard, number 17 at St. Andrews, the Road hole, has been lengthened by 40 yards. This may not seem like much, but it will add some real drama to a hole that became distance challenged in the last 15 years.
One last thought, how about the ‘pencil’ grip that Robert Allenby is using this year. It certainly has improved his putting. I tried it out yesterday and it seems to have potential, enough that I’ll play around with it some more. Anyone out there using it?
Related posts:
- Pro Golf Takes, But Does It Give Enough?
- Players Championship Update After Day 1
- Is the Pro Tour Doomed to Mediocrity?
- Will Pro Golf Become Just Like Pro Tennis?
- Tiger’s Scary Future As A Tour Pro
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Nice article John, this is the first time I have come across your site. The comment on Tiger retooling made me laugh – isn’t he a big enough tool now?? but I agree with your comments on his swing style. Perhaps he could benefit from a visit to Don Trahan’s site (for oldies with bad bodies).
I also find it amusing the Americans ignore Allenby, Clark and Westwood’s track record outside the USA, cripes they have won over 50 tournaments between them in Europe, Australia etc.
Would have loved Robert to get that put on the 17th and go head to head with Tim in a play-off.
cheers Chris