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.............