The Wyndham Championship

This week on the PGA Tour currently sitting atop the leader board with a 3 stroke advantage at -12 is Tommy Two-Gloves Gainey. Tommy got that name from a habit he picked up playing baseball and wearing 2 gloves. Well, it stuck and he still wears 2 gloves but he swings a different stick. Sitting in a tie for 2nd are 5 players; Petterson, W. Simpson, S. Appleby, D. Summerhays and Ernie Els at -9.

Are the days gone, of just one or two players being in the top spots every weekend? I think that it's great to see some of the new talent of these "young guns" if you will. I like the fact that the talent is so widespread throughout the PGA Tour and European Tour, that week to week it's anyone's trophy to take!

Don't get me wrong, there are still the talent of some of the veterans such as Els, Furyk, Goosen, Toms, etc. that continue to show they still have what it takes to contend and possibly win tournaments just the same. I think the excitement that this widespread talent brings to the PGA, is just one more facet that makes it exciting for the fans to watch!

Currently, Tommy "two-gloves" Gainey is the leader. Tommy has posted rounds of 63 and 65 respectively. He has not yet tee'd off for his 3rd round today. Thursday Tommy captured 5 birdies and 1 eagle, while friday netted him 6 birdies and 1 bogey. He will be teeing off at 2:05 PM today in Greensboro, NC at the Sedgefield Country Club alongside Webb Simpson. Now I personally think Webb has a great chance to grab his 1st win. Webb turned pro in 2008. He's had two 2nd place finishes this year and 6 top tens. He came in 2nd at the Transistions Championship and was in a playoff at the Zurich Classic. I think it is only a matter of time before he puts a win under his belt!

It will be a great Championship to watch. After all, there's no S.Williams caddying to take all the media interviews. Tournaments are about the "players" and it's their talent that will get them their result. I'm not knocking caddies, as they have an important task as well however, without a talented player, the team will not have that optimal finish.

Just like on several of the golf tours, the age and talent of the up and coming talented golfers are getting younger and younger. With the high tech equipment and the dedication to the fitness level required, it is truly a chance for anyone to win from week to week. It is however, a sport that one can play for decades if they choose. I find it awesome to see a veteran of the sport, grab a win when everyone has somewhat set them aside. Like many things in life; age does not have to be a factor. Like Dara Torres says; "age is just a number"!

Best of Luck to Webb as well as the rest of the golfers. Will we have another play-off finish? It is certainly a possibility. I love to see a tournament go to a playoff. This puts the talent against the pressure and the result can leave you wondering "how did that happen"?

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........

Will Na Yeon Choi capture her 1st LPGA win of the season?

NYC doesn't just stand for New York City; it is the initials of a very talented young lady from South Korea, Na Yeon Choi. She started playing golf at the age of 11. She gives credit to her father, for being her biggest influence. As an amateur, she was a member of the Korean National Team and won the 2004 ADT CAPS Invitational on the KPLGA. Following that victory, Na tourned Pro. Na also likes to shoot pool and watch the sport of Volleyball.

 At Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon this week for the Safeway Classic, Na had a great opening round with 8 birdies and 1 double bogey for a 65! Her stats were 9/13 fairways hit, 12/18 greens in regulation, 25 putts and a driving distance averaging 245. She sits atop the leader board at -6, just two strokes ahead of Grace Park.

Na's 2011 season thus far, has netted her just over $500,000. She has had 21 of 41 rounds under par, which puts her in a tie at 13th. She's ranked 12th in her birdies, at 148. Her overall driving average is just over 255 and her sand saves rank her at 13th, with 25.000. Na has had 4 wins in her career, 2 of which came in 2009 and 2 in 2010. She's also had 4 international victories. She's had 5 top ten finishes thus far this year after 16 in 2010, 11 in 2009 and 10 in 2008. Na's career low round is a 63 and she's had 1 hole in one on the LPGA Tour. Career earnings have topped slightly over $4,800.000; with having her 2008 rookie year earning her over $1 million. She's like a race horse out of the gates. She has come out strong in her career and I believe will have many many more wins on the LPGA Tour!

She's been starring at a victory this season, with a T3rd at the Avnet LPGA Classic and a T5 at the Kia Classic, a 6th place finish at the HSBC Women's Championship, T7 at the RICOH Women's British Open to name a few. She is ready to capture her 1st win of the 2011 LPGA Season this weekend. She will be teeing off at 2:21 PM. Today could be a different story with performance on the greens, with her afternoon start time. Yesterday, the greens became somewhat burnt and were very firm for those finishing their back nine in the afternoon hours.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..............

Adam Scott and "his" talent

If you're like most out there, you're sick and tired of hearing about Steve Williams and him taking over the press last week instead of the talented player Adam Scott, who WON!

Some things about Adam you may not know....
Adam Scott turned pro in 2000. Born in Adelaide, Austrailia on July 16,1980. Adam attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He's won 4 tournaments in the past 5 years, and placed 2nd in 3. This year, Adam has 4 Top ten finishes and 7 Top 25. In 2007, he finished with 6 Top Ten finishes and earned $3,413,185. This year, he's just shy of $3 million in earnings. Currently, he's ranked 15th in the Fed-Ex Standings with 1,232 pts.

In the Golf Bag....
Adam plays Titleist MB forged irons, KB tour stiff. He plays the Titleist 910 woods and a 910H hybrid. He also uses Vokey Design wedges. His putter is a Scotty Camerom Kombi Long Putter. As I mentioned on twitter today, he started using the long putter after his Coach had him try it. And last but not least, the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

His Foundation....
Adam established the "Adam Scott Foundation" whose mission statement is to provide support to disadvantaged and underprivileged youth by providing the help to overcome difficulties or to offer opportunities that they otherwise would not have. I think like most people, it is best when we see those in the position to, give to those charities that are less fortunate. And for that to be to our youth of today, is doubly great!

At this week's 93rd PGA Championship, Adam currently sits in a tie for 7th. He's moved up the ladder 4 positions today and he has 5 holes to play! He's captured 2 birdies and 1 bogey thus far today. Friday's round consisted of 4 birdies, 1 bogey and 1 double bogey. His first round on thursday, he had 5 birdies and 4 bogeys. He has consistently started to trim those bogeys off of his card. If he keeps his focus and keeps the bogeys away, Adam Scott will be in the Top 5 to finish this tournament, if not have a back to back WIN.

I think that Adam has proven that he has the talent, just as he's had long before Steve Williams. And Adam will himself admit that Steve does bring out the good in him. Whether Steve's a good guy to have on his bag is aside from how Steve looked after his interviews last week. I won't  inject too much of my personal opinion, as I don't wish to slam Williams. I just think everything was handled poorly, that's all. I believe Adam Scott deserved much more attention that an "ex-caddie" of Tiger Woods. I think that players today have the discipline and talent as well as the best of equipment, to improve their games. I think technology will continue to improve as well. After all, everything that doesn't change, gets left behind.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........

Akron Ohio and the Gary Player Cup

Hunter Mahan is the defending Champion of last year's Bridgestone Invitational. While he may not defend that title, he's not giving up!
Hunter posted rounds of 71, 69 and 72. He had a bit of a struggle today and carded a double-bogey, 2 bogey's and 2 birdies. He is currently in a T42.Hunter, who was married last year has a lot of game left and he will attempt to surge on Sun.

There's a New Kid in Town........ That's right, Adam Scott! Currently leading by 1 stroke over Ryo Ishikawa through 17 holes. He sits atop the leader board at -12. While having 8 birdies in round 1, he's had 6 today so far with one hole left to play. The only thing different today, is that he allowed 2 birdies on his card. Most will know Adam Scott's name from the media in the past couple of weeks. Not for winning a tourney recently, but for having the great Steve Williams on his bag now!

Yes, the same Steve Williams that Caddied for Tiger Woods for 12 yrs before being "let go" during a meeting at the AT&T National recently.

You ask who Tiger has on his bag for now; a childhood friend Byron Bell. Yes, Bryron is the man in charge of Tiger's course design company. While Tiger started out this week okay, he's just not hanging on through each consecutive round. His first round had 3 birdies and 1 bogey. His 2nd round consisted of 3 bogeys, 1 double-bogey and 3 birdies. Today, he's had 4 bogeys and carded only 2 birdies. Do you think he's been distracted by the fact that his previous caddie is on the leader's bag? I would have to say this is abit of a humbling experience. Afterall, Steve hasn't heard from Tiger since that mtg at the AT&T National when he was blindsided. Now, Steve is on Adam Scott's bag and Adam has held the lead in this week's Bridgestone Invitational.

Last week's winner Scott Stallings is likely still feeling the aftershock of last week's playoff win. He won the Greenbrier when he sank a 7 foot putt to take the trophy and leave Bob Estes and Bill Haas feeling the sting. Today's round was likely his toughest carded this week at the Bridgestone; and consisted of 3 birdies, 3 bogeys and 1 double-bogey. He is currently in a T30. This is his rookie year on the PGA Tour. Watching him putt and then flip the handle of the putter away from himself whilst watching his putt go in, was exciting! I for one, let out a huge scream (or should I say cheer)! This is the 10th time this year on the PGA Tour, that a first time winner has walked away with the trophy! A phenomenal feat I'd say, when you can capture a WIN on your Rookie Year! All this came after finishing 3rd at Transitions.

He hails from Tennesee and a graduate of Tennesee Tech in 2007. He played on the Hooters Tour before reaching the PGA Tour.
A man of Christian Faith, his favorite scripture is: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13.  I'd say he is proving that to be true!

Scott is a southern gentleman of a player and married to beautiful wife Jen. I had the pleasure of meeting Scott & Jen when I worked the TPC @ Deere Run a few weeks ago and got him set up with his wheels for the week. He is a polite young man and will have a great career ahead! You can learn more about Scott via his website; StallingsGolf.com and by following him via Twitter @StallingsGolf

One thing is for sure, these Rookies have made it more and more difficult for the regulars to win. There is a huge field of talented young men just starting out on Tour and they are playing with a hunger to win! I mean, 10 first timer wins already this season is amazing! So, Good Luck to all the Young Guns out there!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.............

8 days until Pumpkin Ridge for the LPGA

For most, the ladies are having a bit of a break between the last LPGA event The Ricoh Women's British Open and the upcoming Safeway Classic presented by Coca Cola. The Safeway Classic will be played August 19th-21st in North Plains Oregon. Located just a mere 20 miles from downtown Portland, and boasting two great courses. The Safeway Classic is a 54 hole format and will be played on the Ghost Creek Course. Ghost Creek is known as one of the nation's premier semi-private courses. It is a Robert Cupp design (as is Witch Hollow) with rolling terrain. Let's not forget about the creek that will appear throughout the course! This course also hosted The Nike Tour Championships in '93 & '94. Sister course at Pumpkin Ridge is the Witch Hollow, which remains as a "members only" course.

Played at the infamous Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, the course is as picturesque as a postcard. Every hole offers a spectacular view. One of my favorites, is hole #5. While it is only a par 3, the green is so wide that it is not unheard of to have a 100 + yd putt!

I encourage you to take a tour of each hole via the tourney website or click on here; The Course, hole by hole.
The Safeway Classic has a host of charities that will again benefit from the tourney, as has been their main focus in the past. I urge you to visit the website and learn about the charities and causes that benefit from this great tournament.

Ai Miyazato is the defending Champion. Ai beat out Na Yeon Choi and Crisite Kerr by 2 strokes to finish at 11 under in 2010. Choi & Kerr finished in a tie for 2nd at 9 under, and Pettersen and Song Hee Kim in a tie for 4th at -8.

A big change to Hole #9; which has been changed back to a par 4. Unless you're a long hitter, this could prove to be a challenge. Most will not make their 2nd shot to the green for fear of putting it in the water. There is a pond on the left and the creek on the right. Previously part of a 3 hole stretch of par 5's, it went back to the par 4 which is what it is for public play. And the fact that it was originally designed to be a par 4. As many of you might realize, this can create a lag in play and a lot of wait time. Such as the case with Juli Inkster's disqualification last year. Inkster had a 30 min wait before she could tee off on hole #10. She put a weight on her club and took some swings to stay warmed up. Well, such to the dismay that was a shadow over several tourneys in 2010; a tv viewer saw this via the Golf Channel and called in to report the rule violation. Juli was dumbfounded as were many. She would have went into the final round in a tie for 2nd place without that disqualification.

Now whether it is right or wrong, I don't believe in the couch referees. I believe that the game of Golf is played with a professionalism and whether you're a guy or a gal, must rely on your knowledge of the games rules. It wasn't like Juli did so knowing it was a violation. She merely put a weight on the 'ol 9 iron to stay loose, to which I don't blame her at all. After all, a 30 minute wait....come on! There's something seriously wrong when there is that long of a wait between holes; unless, it's a John Daly flub and he cards 13 strokes for one hole. [no offense to Big John, I've always been a fan].

Another course change is the #8 hole that plays downhill. This has changed from a 507 yd hole to a 566 yd one. This will in turn make it a 3 stroke play for most to get onto the green. Another benefit to those long hitters such as Brittany Lincicome and Yani Tseng, that could make it in 2. The perfect shot would be to have your ball lie near the bunker for a clear shot to the green and then pitch close enough for a 1 putt. The course is said to be playing 6,512 yards this year with the changes instituted.

Talk about achievement, Ashlee Pickerall is receiving a sponsor exemption into this years event. Ashlee, who is a senior at West Salem High won the Amateur Open at Langdon Farms with an even par of 71. She has placed in the top 10 of the 6A High School Tournament every year, with a 2nd place in 2011. Additionally, some amateurs gaining entry into Monday's qualifier were Erynne Lee and Tiffany Schoning. Two will qualify after an 18 hole stroke play event on Monday. I will be anxious to see if these two talented young ladies are the ones.

Coverage for the Safeway Classic presented by Coca Cola will be via the Golf Channel. Times listed are ET; Aug 19th 6:30-8:30 PM, Aug 20th 6:30-9:30 PM and Aug 21st 7:00-9:30 PM. To me, why make the final round the shortest of coverage? I am a firm believer in that there needs to be more televised exposure for the LPGA and the LET. They are role models for many of our female youth of today and I simply feel that the ladies in the LPGA today deserve more AIR TIME!

I will recommend to you, a good read by fellow Twitter friend @Ray_Matthew . The read is from his posting on Friday, August 5th and you can read it by clicking on this link; Golf Jim but not as we know it .

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.............