Brian's Blog

Golf Tournament Predictions

2011-07-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

I think it's funny when golf writers try to predict who will win PGA Tour events. This week GOLFWEEK is assuring that Rickie Fowler will breakthrough and win in Vancouver. Yes, he finished in the Top 5 at the British Open last week, but how in the world can you be so sure he'll WIN this week??? Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Fowler and I hope he wins, but WHY do writers feel compelled to predict who'll win? This goes not just for golf, but for every sport.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that not one "expert" predicted that Darren Clarke would continue Northern Ireland's dominance at major championships. What qualifies someone as a golf expert anways...

Go Rickie!

U.S. Open Eve

2011-06-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

In my humble opinion, the United States Open is the premier golf tournament in the world. While it does not draw the most elite field, it is the stearnest test of golf. Not only does it test your physical skills (driving, iron play, short game and putting), but it also requires a very strong mental approach. These golfers will be playing under very warm conditions in D.C. and rounds will last right around five hours. There will not be an "easy" hole on the golf course. From hole 1-18 they will have to play smart and pick their spots to be aggressive. Any hiccup will be brutally punished.

I expect some veteran names to be near the top come Sunday. Although Mickelson hasn't threatened the winner's circle recently, I fully expect him to be in contention this week. Another guy to watch out for is Steve Stricker. His game sets up well for Congressional and he is coming off a victory at the Bear's tournament in Ohio. He drives it very accurately and his putting is second to none. Also, he possesses a patient game. With that said, it'd be fun to see some younger guys contend, as well. I'm looking at YOU Ricky Fowler!

Sergio squeezes into Congressional

2011-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I wondered if Sergio would ever get back to his form of 2008. If you recall, it was in '08 that he almost finally won a major at Carnoustie. After recently dropping out of the Open Championship qualifer due to injury, on Monday he began to look like the Garcia of old by surviving a 7-man playoff to qualify for next week's United States Open. The Spaniard fired rounds of 68-67 at Tunica National GC outside of this week's FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

After taking several months off, Sergio's game appears to be progressing nicely. At the end of last Fall, Sergio admitted to being burned out and needing a break from the game. Halfway through 2011 this seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Since returning from the hiatus he appears to be having more fun playing the game and looking more like the 19 year old kid who took Tiger to the brink at Medinah in 1999. It would be great for the Tour if he contended next week at Congressional. The game could use a "shot in the arm", especially with Tiger announcing this week that he will not compete in D.C. Here's to hoping he is in the mix on Father's Day.

Favorite MN Course?

2011-06-03T12:37:00.001-07:00

MN golfers, what is your favorite course to play in the Metro Area? For me, it's Minikahda GC. Traditional, tree-line golf course. Fast challenging greens...hard to beat!

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2011-06-03T12:30:00.001-07:00

Watson Turns Back the Clock

2011-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tom Watson, who outlasted David Eger in a playoff to capture the Senior PGA Championship on Sunday, continues to add to his growing legacy. Watson, 61, has been playing more like he's 31 in recent years. If you recall, it was merely a couple years ago that he nearly shocked the golf world at the British Open. And he might not be done quite yet.

If I was a betting man, I'd say he can win at least 3-5 more times on the Champions Tour. If he entered a PGA Tour event I think he'd win one of those too.

Even at his "old" age of 61, I'd take him to beat most of the young guns on Tour. His iron accuracy and touch around the greens rival the best in the world, even still today.

Sergio withdraws from British Open qualifier

2011-05-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sergio Garcia, at one time perched in the upper echelon of professional golf, has fallen fast to No. 73 in the world rankings. He was scheduled to participate in the Open qualifier in Texas yesterday, however he withdrew due to an infected fingernail that made it difficult to grip the club. Thus, the trials of this former golf prodigy continue.

It was just a few years ago that the golf world thought he was "back" after a runner up finish at Carnoustie in 2007. However, it appears that the rollercoaster ride isn't slowing down anytime soon. While there is still time for Sergio to reinvent his career, the clock is definitely ticking, perhaps faster than he'd like to believe.

Sergio isn't as easy to cheer for as he once was. At the beginning of his promising career, he was charismatic and joyful on the course. Now he is stern and stoic. Like many of his peers, his game has become too mechanical. He needs to go back to "playing" the game and thinking less about swing mechanics and putting gimmicks. The late Seve Ballesteros played with unwavering confidence, despite a less than perfect golf swing.

It's not too late for him, but last time I checked the clock is still ticking.

Toms Triumphs in Texas

2011-05-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

David Toms vaulted to 28th in the world on Sunday after his 1 shot victory at the famed Colonial CC in Fort Worth, TX. This comes a week after losing in a playoff at The PLAYERS Championship. The turning point on Sunday was Toms' great 3rd shot on the Par 5 11th hole. From about 100 yards out, Toms holed out for eagle and was able to hold off Charlie Wi down the stretch.

I am very impressed by Toms' mental fortitude and persistence after such a crushing defeat just one week ago. "When you get kicked off the horse, get right back on." We've all heard this saying before, but it isn't always easy to do. It takes a great deal of self-confidence and courage to get "back in the ring."

We all don't have the talent and ability that David Toms does, but we can all learn to be more resilient and tough-minded on the golf course. If you hit a poor shot or have a bad hole put it behind you and re-focus on the game in front of you. You never know when you will find success.