Things get a lot easier at Colonial
by Jonathan Wall on May 30, 2010 3:36 PM EDT
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PrintWant to give a PGA Tour player an early birthday present? Give him a tournament round where conditions are absolutely perfect. Colonial Country Club has been giving out early birthday presents like they were going out of style this week with three perfect scoring condition days.
With Sunday's final round at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial underway, Kenny Perry's tournament record 19 under 261 appears to be in jeopardy. Through six holes today, Brian Davis is already 18 under. While most people associated with the tournament wouldn't want to admit it, the course is completely toothless this year.
That's not to say Colonial isn't a difficult track. It just so happens this year's tournament has produced optimal scoring conditions over the first three days. Instead of pulling out all the stops on Sunday and turning the greens into glass, Tour officials decided to go against the grain and do something they normally never do: they made the course easier.
"When I was 7 under through 11, I was thinking 59, course record – all those things go through your head," Jerry Kelly said after Saturday's third round. "I've got to commend the Tour staff on how they set up this course. It was really fun out there. And then, No. 2, drivable? I've never seen that before, and I think that was a really cool thing."
Fun? For a Tour that prides itself on being masochists most weeks, Colonial has provided the players in the field with a chance to enjoy a rare opportunity to go as low as possible in the final round.
Tournament leaders won't have the luxury of holding a lead with as many pars as possible. The player draping the tartan jacket over his shoulders later today will most likely be the one who takes as many risks as possible.
I may be looking ahead too much but maybe this is exactly what the PGA Tour needs. We as fans want to see the miraculous happen when we turn on the television. While I understand that not all tournament weeks can mimic the conditions at Colonial, there's no reason why the Tour couldn't making things easier when the conditions allow it.
You'd have the opportunity to get as many players as possible in the mix. Leads could swing from hole to hole; eagles could be there for the taking; and you'd most likely get a tournament that would leave people watching until the final putt dropped. Now tell me that doesn't sound like fun?
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I haven’t even read the blog yet, but wanted to beat CG/Stub in posting ANYTHING to welcome you.
I'm just SO glad you're on Heather's case
You know there are sometimes quite difficult decisions to be be made between appearing to be quick off the mark or erudite. At least I was decisive.
In fact, your comment definitely falls under the category of
ANYTHING. (J/K)
Heather's a college grad, knows I'm just kidding her (as I am you now).
Jonathan’s post was well written, interesting and logical. And I doubt Court’s comment, if he does so, will begin with a “Psssssst!” That’s when you know you’re in trouble up to your eyebrows.
Welcome Jonathan. A lot of us were worried that RB had locked you away someplace last weekend.
Early birthday present ? I’m thinking that 45 guys who went home on Friday would argue with you…or at least not be happy with the box of rocks they unwrapped. KJ Choi has to be wondering, too, with that snowman at 18.
Since when does the Tour “pride itself on masochism” ? Hyperbole is fine when making a point – but when it is ridiculously misplaced and incorrect – it just doesn’t work. Quick education – the Tour could set up every course they play so these guys could play pitch and putt, and shoot 30 under – but they know that making courses easy week in and week out will bore people just as much as shooting even or just a few under each week. The Tour sets up with a variety of challenges and difficulty levels. Saying that this sort of tournament, which is not unique across the season, will “save the Tour” is a silly statement at best.
Just what did you see this week that was “miraculous” ? Plenty of great shots – no doubt – but you give these guys good weather, and it doesn’t really matter how you set up the course, someone is going to go low. The Masters was won at -16. The Players was won at -16. Quail Hollow ? -15. Pebble Beach ? -16 again. Winning Colonial at -20 in these conditions isn’t miraculous.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
My bad, Wendy. Court's comment could've indeed
begun with a “Pssssst.”
Possibly two.
But, as always, or nearly always, ya gotta give the guy his props.
Three way tie at -7 at the Senior PGA - that must mean...
…that this tournament is a real snoozer. Nope – this is some exciting stuff. (even with Gary Koch’s constant babbling)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The Senior PGA is junior varsity compared with the Colonial,
which is back on. Weather’s okay now.
This is going to be an interesting finish...
…at The Colonial. Two guys who have never won are fighting the nerves, and the guy with a handful of wins including a green jacket is a shot up and a hole ahead applying pressure.
Ok – one less – Molder’s bogey at 16 pretty much takes him out of it.
Winning ain’t easy
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
What the hell is this?
This guy writes one article in 2 weeks and your all forgiving? I still say hang him at the yard arm….I agree with Court….(Gawd I hate to do that) If the course and weather are in an ideal setup, these guys will shoot lights out, no matter what….As the cut line showed, if ya didn’t golf yur ball and roll yur rock….head out padner….The thing that I noticed all week, was the putting….I can’t remember when the putting was that good….And Yup, that’s what won for Johnson…As for Molder….what a smooth, effortless swing…..and I liked the way he drilled for the pins….showed some guts….Well it’s off to Jacks, and I guess we’ll see the cry baby come out again….Ya know, I wonder if Wendy could knit him a crying towel….maybe while she is sitting at the gravel circle….Wendy….you must have stayed up very late to be the first poster…..now, it’s lay around all day huh?….By the way, 4 great blooms on my upside down tomato plant….lookin good in the neighborhood…..STUB
Did you hear the conversation about mixing in flat greens and how straight putts can screw with your mind ? It was hilarious.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
it showed Faldo's funny side...
a perfectly flat green, mountains on one side and water on the opposite….I loved it….Colonial showed again, it’s the flat stick that is most often going to make or break your round and get you the win…..STUB
Think the time differential may have played a part
in timing of post – no idea – but what an honour to be the first poster to Jonathan (I can do ingratiating – no probs.) Mind you – I did tweet him and drop a hint re certain people on WR.
Thoroughly enjoyed Colonial – couldn’t t stay up for finish though.
Talkin of Court, Jumpin and TX?
don’t blame you in the least…..STUB
Wow, are you unaware STUB.
Who’s been knocking the new guy up to and even after his first post? And by himself, I might add. Musn’t be a single mirror in your house.
And who has the history of apologizing for shooting his mouth off in the past?
You’re as transparent as your backhanded compliments. Give it a rest, and buy a mirror.
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