Review of ’08 Pro Season

Posted by John

September 11, 2008

I know, the season isn’t over yet. We still have the rest of ‘silly season’, the Ryder Cup and of course the finals of the FedEx Cup. Excuse me as I take a moment to yawn. The majors are over and the top pros have had since January to show us their game for the year. Not much changes from here in, except dividing up the last handouts. There’s drama for the guys who are trying to avoid going back to Q School, but that’s another story.

I actually like the Ryder Cup, but where’s the pre game hype. I think they’re playing next week, but to be honest it’s kind of hard to tell. There was more about the Ryder Cup six weeks ago than there is now. Is it because Tiger won’t be there?

Here’s what I think we learned from this year: Tiger is and will continue to be way out in front of everyone else as long as he’s healthy. VJ still has game left in him. He’s proved to every player what hard work can do and he knows how to close the deal when he smells $10 million and knows Tiger isn’t around.

The Australians, particularly the young guns, have their moments, but they are not the force to be reckoned with that we feared (or maybe hoped depending on your point of view). Excepting Sergio, the established young Europeans didn’t cut the mustard either. Some were sick or hurt and many just didn’t get their game to the next level. Sergio has been a pleasant surprise. In my estimation he’s turned the corner from child star to man and we could really see him challenge Tiger next year. Besides South African transplant Trevor Immelman, the Africans didn’t show much. While Immelman looked great at Augusta he disappeared after that. Too much celebrity perhaps.

Then there’s Phil. Still number 2, I believe, but how much longer will that last. He’s got the game to even challenge Tiger, but his mind holds him back – too much over thinking and over strategizing. If you’re as good as you think you are Phil, then just go out and play better than everyone else. You don’t need 10 wedges, 8 drivers and Mr. Pelz’s magic gizmos. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for Dave Pelz, he just shouldn’t go to tournaments with him. Phil, find 14 clubs you like and go get it done.

There are some interesting new, young faces from the US. Brendt Snedeker is very likable and can play – sometimes. Anthony Kim shows the most promise. I don’t know his game well enough to say that he’s getting better every week, but if he is then look out world. However, as so many before have shown, going from good to great is not easy. Out of the big blasters, JB Holmes has played the best. He can crush the ball, but also seems to be developing a short game. We should learn more about him if Zinger let’s him play a lot in the Ryder Cup. With his prodigious drives will he be a great ‘foursomes’ player? JB, please learn to play a little faster. Don’t let a little thing like that take away from your game. When you’re hunting you know you’ve got to get the shot off quickly. Just think about golf the same way.

Who’d I miss? Romero could be good, but how could we really tell this year. Cabrera just plain disappeared, as did KJ Choi. Where they hurt? The other Singh – Jeev – who hit the tour this year is very interesting. I’m thinking this guy could be for real next year. I also like the German twenty-something, Martin Kaymer, but we’ll have to wait until next year to see what he’s about as Faldo didn’t choose him for his Ryder Cup team even though he was number 10 on the points list. I like Justin Rose, but was disappointed with his performance this year. He started out well, but just never put it all together. I do believe he gets better every year, will he continue that with more hard work?

I’m not leaving out Padraig Harrington. He’s proven he can play at the highest level consistently with three majors under his belt. Can he beat Tiger? We’ll see. Padraig is definitely my number 2 man. He’s getting stronger and playing with more confidence after every win – something every superstar must master. There are plenty of other guys to talk about, but I’ve covered the players I think are key. I would be remiss in not saying something about Kenny Perry and Rocco Mediate – two fine gentlemen as well as great golfers. Will they contend for a major next year? Probably not. But they are wonderful examples of perseverance, focus, and respect/love for the game. I can’t wait to see Kenny in the Ryder Cup. My only regret is that Rocco isn’t there as well.