Graeme McDowell Took Advantage of Tiger's Misfortune
by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 6, 2009 11:35 PM EST
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PrintIt's been a tough week for Tiger Woods. The whole debacle forced him to withdraw from his own Chevron World Challenge. The man that replaced him in the field in California was Graeme McDowell. The Irishman just came off of nearly winning the World Cup with Rory McIlroy.
McDowell was getting to play in an elite field with three of the major champions in it. And, for the first time, this tournament was offering world ranking points. Meaning for McDowell that he would get a chance to rack up some serious points at the end of the year if could play well in a very small field.
Harry How/Getty Images
McDowell took full advantage. It looked like he had a chance to win the tournament. Were it not for Jim Furyk, he may well have. With a birdie at the last, McDowell finished second thanks to some help from Lee Westwood in pushing his short par effort at the final hole.
When McDowell was staring down his birdie at 18, he was set to move up to 42nd in the world. As Dan Hicks pointed out on NBC, by virtue of making it, McDowell moved up four extra spots to 38th.
McDowell is essentially assured a berth in the majors - or at least the Masters - thanks to his play this weekend. The top 50 in the world at the end of the year get into the Masters. McDowell began the weekend at 55th.
Good on McDowell to take full advantage of a lousy situation.
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And the winner is?!?
Yes, there’s always something or someone that produces a second place finish… Prompts that age old question: “Did Furyk win or did McDowell lose?” Anyway, Jim gets a trophy that would look great in any child’s nursery.
Graeme McDowell picks up the phone last week and
the voice says, “Graeme, good morning, it’s Greg McLaughlin, the tournament director at the Chevron World Challenge. We have an opening. Any interest in filling in this weekend? Second place pays somewhere around $750,000. Might help you out buying Christmas presents this year”.
...from the land of pleasant living, Baltimore. Stop by and visit us anytime at www.oneeedgolfer.blogspot.com
by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Dec 7, 2009 7:16 AM EST reply actions
Congrats to
Furyk for winning and also to McDowell for taking advantage of an opportunity. Geaux Saints!
a crossword puzzle clue I had
A “punny” LSU cheer, “Geaux Tigers”….
How 'bout dem "Saints" !
What a great win in DC. Gotta love DB. Well on his way to a potential MVP. I’m hoping they win’em all.Alas,….I didn’t put any $$$ on them early, and now ya can’t get any odds. The bookies seem to feel the Super Bowl is already in the bag for N’Orleans. They may be right. The Cards might have a say in this if Wanner can stay healthy (concussion issues)
you're still away,...choke on it !
Cards looked real
tough last night. Any team that holds Peterson to 19 yards has to be good. I like Warner and hope they keep it going. The Saints got quite a few “breaks” yesterday, but that’s what helps make champions.
How 'bout dem "COLTS"!!!
Just tied a record for consecutive wins…. undefeated this season, same as N.O…. Colts seem to be “flying under the radar”…
Finaly !!!!!
Way to go Jim !!! It’s been a loooooooooong time coming. I really thought Paddy or Zack would take it but I’m happy for Jim. A much needed boost moving into 2010. I betcha “FLUFF” is quite happy with his end of year payday…jumpn/progolf
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Question
Why did this limited field event get rating points and the Nedbank in S.A. did not? I never saw a mention of points for that event.
Because the Nedbank SA was being played on the other side of the world and the Chevron was on live from California
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Huh?
It’s said in real estate: The three most important things,location, location and location. Guess it’s true in golf as well………….
I think you meant
“ranking” points. I don’t know the answer, but the points got McDowell into the Masters.
ranking yep
I think this year was the first time the Chevron was sanctioned to hand out world ranking points. Ryan or Court we need clarification ?
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Easy. Tiger requested
his event get points. http://www.golfdigest.com/golfworld/2008/10/20081002tigertourney
...from the land of pleasant living, Baltimore. Stop by and visit us anytime at www.oneeedgolfer.blogspot.com
by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Dec 7, 2009 10:31 AM EST reply actions
What happens if Ryan or
court are both on the john when these things come up?
...from the land of pleasant living, Baltimore. Stop by and visit us anytime at www.oneeedgolfer.blogspot.com
by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Dec 7, 2009 10:32 AM EST reply actions
Tiger's Misfortune?????
It looks like Tiger’s misfortunes are up to 10. Maybe they are “cheaper” by the dozen.
Guys Please
Can we not take this article about Graeme McDowell’s second place finish down the Tiger Woods road???
Soory about that....
Hey did you see that Tiger’s being called a sex addict now?
Ping......What is your deal????
Oh, I see it is 3:30 and now it’s time to bring up Tiger……Ok, everyone it’s ok to talk about Tiger. Ping has started the conversation……so we now have his permission to continue on. Thank you so much Ping…….:(…… I’m really biting my tongue right now.
Engaging in what??
I don’t know what would make you happy. I make a comment about tiger’s 10th woman and handicap responds then you come back and say “Can we not take this article about Graeme McDowell’s second place finish down the Tiger Woods road???” So we stopped.
Then 2 hours after my comment you make your own Tiger comment……..sooooooo….what’s up??
Very depressing.
I’m just wondering how he will be able to show his face again. Especially if the numbers of women keeps rising.
Yesterday
one of the pro teams had a mascot tiger being chased by a blond Elin look-a-like with a large golf club, and of course there was the SNL skit. It’s just getting started.
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