With one of the longest names for a golf tournament, The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open kicked off yesterday, and it looks like it'll be a low scoring affair.  Jhonattan Vegas and William McGirt share the lead with 63's.  Yes, the same William McGirt I dissed not long ago for being a total unknown....He may not be for long if he keeps playing like this.  A couple of 64's from Nathan Green and Charlie Wi, followed by ELEVEN 65's!  A quick scan of the field reveals few if any of last weeks players in the Tour Championship elected to play this week.  There's still a lot of money on the table and perhaps these guys magnanimously decided to give the other guys a shot at the 125.  No doubt we'll be heaing the term "bubble boy" soon....and often.... Next week The Fall Series gets a big bump with Tiger Woods making an appearance at the Frys.com. 

At least that's what waggleroom alum Ryan Ballangee is reporting this afternoon.  But really what does it matter...He's a washed up has been.  I wonder who his caddy will be?  I don't think Byron Bell can make much of a living carrying Tiger's bag....  As for us, we'll be at the Midwest Tandem Rally in Ann Arbor, MI.  There's a 30% chance of rain on Sat. and 40% on Sunday.  I see where TPC Boston lost a bunch of trees.  

Looks like a fashionable "parity" leaderboard.  VJ and Padraig are giving it some old school flavor.  I'm a knowledgable golf fan as are most who comment here.  As I scrolled down the leaderboard I found myself in a state of confusion (that's a soft ball for all my fans here at WR).  I have no idea who William McGirt or Tom Gillis are... I know that means nothing to you, but to me it says I can no longer keep up.... Matt Kuchar last year's leading money winner is at the top.  William McGirt is in a tie for 2nd!  I'm curious about something.  How does this parity thing affect gambling and the odds makers?  Is everyone a 100 to 1?   

This tournament is doomed.  Hurricane Irene is scheduled to wreak havoc on the East coast. 

I saw in my on-line newspaper, a local boy has qualified for the 64 man matchplay field of the U.S. Amateur.  I'm a big fan of amateur golf.  It is the essence of the game.  The list of past winners is a "Who's Who" of professional golf.  It always makes me smile to see old video of the Champions Tour players when they were "flat bellies" with mops of hair.  And to think these guys have been competing against one another since they were children.  Some names are conspicuously absent, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson come to mind.  Over the years the field has been dominated by collegiate players.  Although they're still amateurs by definition, I see them as "Pre-pros"..... So, young sons, play away please!

As I predicted, the "big names" have bagged it.  But in this age of parity, there are no big names OR they're all big names.  While the long putter (OMG, will that controversy ever die!) and the upcoming Presidents Cup Competition or Exhibition, which ever floats your boat, have been the bones to be chewed, there's a PGA Tournament in progress.  Once upon a time the Greenbriar, won by the late great Sam Snead many times.  Now it's sponsored by Wyndham Hotels... What a leaderboard!  Tommy Gainey with a 3 shot lead!  Tommy is TGC's Big Break Star Alumni.  No silver spoon, country clubber he... If Johnny Miller though Craig Parry's swing was bad... His comments about Tommy's would be unprintable.... He's the king of "It's not how, it's how many".  Some other "notables" Appleby, Els, Furyk and Paul Casey.  Where's he paying taxes these days?  There was so much expectation for Lee Westwood at the start of the year, Graeme McDowell too.  Poulter had that big Matchplay win, no wins since..... maybe these guys aren't hungry anymore....

A little FYI: On a personal note, this past Tuesday I sold ALL my clubs, bags, and shoes to Play-it-again Sports.  Since  infection set in and I lost a substantial portion of those two fingers I ran through my table saw, my grip isn't what it was.  of course I realize (according to Easingwold) you must play to be able to really understand and comment on the game, I'll limit myself to recipes and tabloid issues like Rory's new girlfriend and so forth.

I realize professional golf and professional basketball are very different in many respects, but one thing they do share is they're both in the sports entertainment business.  I lifted this from the MSNBC.com Sports page:  It was that often used word "parity" that caught my eye.

Winderman: The NBA needs to attract national eyeballs three nights per week, as well as Sunday afternoons, in the dead of winter. You don't build that type of programming with 30 evenly matched teams.

I don't offer this for discussion.  Like several other topics, this one has been well discussed.  I offer it for contemplation.... and wonder why sports fans in general favor dominance and dynasties....

Tough day out there today.  You know something's a foot when less than a handful of guys break par and a almost a handful shoot in the 80's... So much is made about golf courses in the British Isles.  The golf snobs always say "Sn. Andrew's"  No question about the historical value of  links golf..... Ask your buddies why it's called "Links golf".....more than likely they'll say because the course is set up like a chain....you know....with links.... The truth is they're cupcake courses and only get huge press because of the weather.  Any golf course architect that designed a course like any in the Open rota would be the laughing stock of his professional organization.  Afterall, the greatest golfer in modern times (the last 10-15 years) only wins there when the weather is nice and calm.  A couple of the stages of the Tour de France have been contested in heavy rains.... The difference: bad weather for a pro cyclist can mean severe bodily injury, even death.  Bad weather in a golf tournament means endless prattle about rain suits and whinning.  Say, did anyone pick Darren Clarke???? Poor Rory is "demoralised".... Oh wait, no problem, he's so young....it's a learning experience.  Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Lucas Glover, Anthony Kim, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love.... What to these men have in common?  They're all AMERICANS and high on the leaderboard..... I know, I know, there's another round to be played, but rumors of the demise of American golf have been greatly exaggerated.... Ta Ta, pip pip, and Cheerio 

Three articles on "Boob-a" Watson.... Nothing on the PGA Tournament.  Obviously the inmates are running the asylum.  Who said the number of "hits" are up at this site???? It's quantity, not quality.  Why don't the four of you, Easingwold, Thinker, WendyUK, and Scrums-whatever get each others e-mail address and have your personal conversations in private?  Do you think "real golf fans" want to know about your personal lives.... To quote one of you, "It's a golf blog." or something like that...  Oh yes....the tournament...how could I forget???  

I looked at the scores this morning and saw Rickie Fowler was tied for the lead after a 64 on Saturday.  I thought, "Is this the moment that he fulfills some of the hype?.... Nope.... Rickie has precipitously fallen off the leaderboard... Are we in for another "keeping knoicking on the door", "I learned a lot from today" post round interview?  If I were a PGA Tour sponsor, I'd be crapping in my pants.  Is Phil Mickelson playing anymore???? Does anyone care???  Let me say for the umpteenth time golf will survive....PROFESSIONAL golf is waning.   Anybody out there that can tell me where Nick Watney is from without Googling it?   And to you Brits, Happy Independance Day!! 

It's a travesty of golf writing that Erik's win doesn't even merit a mention here.  Instead we've got some worthless story about a Hollywood actor and a gangster.  Of course they are from Massachusetts....the epicenter of golf in the US... This site is pathetic!  REAL GOLF FANS?  Not today.  At least Boyer wrote something about the PGA Tournament.  And hey FOUR comments on Yani's monster win... I guess all the regulars here either were busy (hard to believe) or are posting over on TGC.... Or maybe all the Brits are at Wimbeldon sucking up Strawberries and Cream....

So, how'd it turn out?   As is often said, there are no pictures on the scorecard, only numbers....but what numbers!!!!!  It's anyone's guess where Rory will go from here.  To score as he did is phenomenal and on a US Open course, even if it was a little soft.... On "Way too Early" this morning, Willie Geist pondered, "Is this the end of the Tiger Woods era?"  If it is, it ended with a whimper.  While I'm sure many (a few here) will revel in that, others will note Tiger didn't lose his crown, he abdicated.  If you see that as fan support for Woods, it's not.  I would have much rather seen Woods go down in defeat to a great player (like McIlroy) than to be carried out of the ring feet first after a TKO.   

While Rory was tearing up Congressional, my stoker and I were tearing up the roads in Northern Indiana.  Thankfully, the roads were dry.  Amish buggy horse manure and rain are a nasty combination to ride through. 

Let's start with a trite cliche':  "You can't win a tournment on the first day, but you can lose it"...... That was quite an opener for McIlroy!  The USGA probably huddled overnight to determine what went wrong.  If there is such a thing as an easy day on a US Open course it's the first one.  They wanted 14 ft on the stimp meter!  That's crazy fast.  But enough about the course.... Some nice opening rounds from the "new guard".  Masters champ, Schwartzel -3, recent "giant killer" Y.E. Yang -3.  Champion Golfer of the Year, Louis Oosthuizen -2, defending chanpion, Graeme McDowell -1.  Showing some resurgence, Padrig Harrington at even.  Considering my ill advised question about taking last weekend off.....Sergio at -2.  A severe turn around from his 78 last Friday in Memphis.... Ole!   US Open courses don't usually allow much in the way of "bounce back".  It's hard to play catch up after a mediocre round.  While +3 isn't out of it, it does get a little dicey for those players going into round 2.  Among them, newly crowned #1 on the OWGR, Luke Donald, the youngsters, Fowler and Ishikawa and the old war horse, Phil Mickelson.  Tighter yet, there's Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood at +4. 

 We'll be leaving town this morning with the tandem packed in the back of the van, so my US Open is about done.... Looks like it's going to be a show, for those of us at waggleroom anyway......

After 255 starts, Frazar is now a PGA Tour winner.  I don't know whether he qualified for this week's U.S. Open.  I remember a few years ago he was the Q-School medalist at PGA West.  In the final round he lipped out an 18 footer for a 58!  Not many pros get to two putt for 59..... Some bright spots: Progolf's BFF, Tim Herron T-3 with Camilo Villegas, Westwood with a fine last round 66 for T-11, a credible title defense, recent USGA Amateur Champ, Colt Knost, a T-15.  And then there's the guy we love to hate, John Daly, making the cut and finishing with a T-38.  My guess is Daly doesn't use that oft heard word "fun" when talking about his golf lately.  My head scratchers for the week: Padrig Harrington (+2) T-52 and Geoff Ogilvy (+6) T-66.  These two will be at Congressional. 

 FYI: I won't get to see much of the US Open this year, we'll be riding in Northern Indiana.  We do have the PGA Tour on satellite radio.  Enjoy the show, and no whinning about Tiger not being there........

The guy who many feel doesn't deserve a mention has a distinctive flair for the dramatic.  -5 after 8 holes has put him ONE off the lead.  And what of Wee Mac (I saw that over at that other blog this morning....cute huh?). Well, he's +1...  I know all you fellow American waggleroomers are pulling for an American to win.  OK, maybe not all of you. Still a long way to go.  My guess is there are some sponsors smiling at the moment.... Rory, Angel, Charl, K.J and Jason are wonderful talents and may indeed be hosting the champions dinner next year.  But this is business on a grand scale, it's not arcane golf for the waggleroom elite.  You know who will keep that audience tuned in, and that includes all those who think "Angel" is pronounced as in "Touch by an......" 

What can you say?  This tournament has more stories than the US government has budget woes... McIlroy continues to amaze.  No one would question he's moved into some uncharted waters.  Sitting a top the learderboard after TWO rounds....now the sphincters get tight.  The course is drying out and the pins will get tougher. It doesn't get any easier from here to the end.  As I've pointed out before, age is a significant factor in the perception of a player's performance.  There may be no pictures on the scorecard, but in the bottom right hand corner there should be a line for birthdate.  If either Rory or Freddie stumble today it will be unanimously agreed the reason will be either the inexperience of youth or the ravages of age.  And let's not forget the other "children" on the leaderboard, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler.   No one would have the the audacity to simply say, "They played poorly".  Ever since Tom Watson's near miss at the British Open two years ago, the over 50 crowd gained new respect.  The two primary reasons Couples is in contention:  He has retained some length off the tee and most importantly, it's been a warm Spring weekend at Augusta National.  His well documented "Achilles back" has plagued him throughout his career.  So, Fred owes a measure of his success this week to Puxatauney Phil. (Is that a segue or what!!!) At 8 back on Saturday, Mickelson is a long shot for a win...but he's capable of putting up a pair of low scores on the weekend.  The only fly in that ointment, he did it last weekend.... That makes it a tall order... Very quiety, Lee Westwood has pulled himself back.  With a big weekend he could silence his critics.... And if you thought you were going to get out of this Fan Post without a mention of Tiger Woods, think again.  Some one said over on TGC that he'd be lucky to make the cut... well, he's done that and then some... Silence his critics???  Can't you hear it?  "Yeah, he won the Masters...but can he win the US Open....not a chance LOL"....  Tiger is in an awkward position, by virtue of his record at the Masters, his recent moral lapses, and his swing changes.  There's only one thing he can do, WIN... If Rory comes in second it will be viewed as a marvelous tournament for him.  If Tiger comes in second....big deal... With all the permutations and stories unfolding this weekend, I can't imagine TV ratings being anything but off the charts.  Enjoy the show!!

The best performance of the day was turned in by Mother Nature.  Not know for her cosistent play and violent fits of anger both on and off the course, she smiled on Augusta National Thursday showing her wrath elsewhere in Georgia, killing seven earlier in the week.  At the start of the broadcast, Curtis Strange said a player needs to take advantage of the perfect condditions.  Only a relative handful took his advice,  The leaderboard is dominated by International players, but excapt for McIlroy, not the ones we expected.  Not "unknowns", all with decent resume's.  Choi, Yang, Fisher, Ogilvy, Garcia and Schwartzel are proven winners.  The American standard bearers: Matt Kuchar is far from a "dark horse"  but Ricky Barns isn't well known and one of the few non-winners in the field.  Mickelson and Woods had unremarkable scores of -2 and -1 respectively.  The Europeans we expected:  The world's #1 tweeter, Ian Poulter finished at +2 with Graeme McDowell.  My head shaker of the day, the world's #1 golfer...Martin Kaymer, almost at the bottom of the leader board.  His next  appearance will likely be on a KLM 747 leaving Hartsfield Airport later this afternoon.  If he wants to become more well known, playing two rounds is not the way to go.  I will categorically say, hassenpfeffer will not be served at next year's champions dinner.

The Shell Houston Open is under way.  Not much can be said at this point about the outcome.  But it is interesting to note that for the second consecutive week, both Kaymer and McIlroy are not playing...anywhere.  The defending champion, Anthony Kim is in the Houston field, as are Westwood, Mickelson and Oosthuizen.   In the past it's been said that the dissimilarities between Redstone and Augusta National have kept Masters participants away from this venue.  If that's the case, I'm perplexed that Mickelson in particular would play.  No question Westwood and Oosthuizen want some competitive rounds before the Masters.  Perhaps the biggest thing the Shell Houston Open has going for it is it's the last chance to earn a coveted invitation to the Masters.  With an oil company as the sponsor, I see this tournament being around for quite a while.  A quick check of the weather shows a nice day today and  a great weekend for golf.  This is definitely not the case in New England....Emily Kay:  Get out your anorak! 

I don't think anyone would question it's been a lively three days of play.  It would appear Woods has one good round in him per tournament.  And while that's good for making the cut, it's not going to get him into the last group on Sunday afternoon.  Before dispensing with Tiger, here's a comment I found on TGC: 

 “The Golf Channel's obsession with Tiger is easy to understand if one looks at him as some kind of "tragic figure" in the Greek or Shakespearen sense. The vitriol spewed on this site by some of the bloggers I chalk up to schadenfreude! I'm not one for taking pleasure at another's downfall, self-inflicted or not.”  (Discuss amongst yourselves)

Today Arnold Palmer will bestow that garish sword to a first time winner at Bay Hill...maybe a first time winner on tour.  I'm thinking it'll be either Laird or Levin.  Either one will be inconsequential to the OWGR.  Westwood, Kaymer and Donald all took the week off, and McDowell is an MC this week.  Today my Mystery Man is the current #6.....Does anyone remember Phil Mickelson???? He's at -2.... Certainly last year's masters winner deserves a modicum of mention.   Before beginning this I checked the Orlando weather, high of 93 today.  That's about 60 degrees more than what I'll experience when we walk the dogs later.  I considered mentioning Bubba Watson as a possible winner, but the predicted 17 mph SW wind could play havoc with those towering drives he's famous for.  Next week it's West to Texas  and the Shell Houston Open where the defending champion is Anthony Kim... BTW - to find that out I went to Pgatour.com....You can imagine my chagrin when I was greeted with a picture of none other than Tiger Woods! Saying he'd just teed off.  The world has gone mad!!!! 

That's to the tune of Ray Charles' "It's Cryin time".....  According to theweatherchannel.com, it'll be a warm Florida day with a 9 mph wind, so it doesn't sound like weather will be a serious factor.  Despite being 6 shots back, Tiger is being called "close" and "in contention" at least on TGC.  But what else would we expect from a golf news souce desparately trying to get some viewers.  A headline like "Laird leads with Choi, Levin, Howell and Mahan in hot pursuit" might leave those 86% of golf viewers wondering... And how's WR alum, Ryan Balangee treating it:  Laird assumes lead as Tiger surges at Bay Hill".... Surging to 6 shots off the pace.... Ryan knows where his bread is buttered.... So, as has been the case with EVERY tournament Woods has entered since his fall from grace, now 16 months ago, HIS performance will be THE story.  Which way will he move on moving day?  The supense is palpable!  it's right up there with "Who shot J.R.?"  (Apologies to my "international" friends...)  Nestled around Woods are some other intriguing stories.... Rickie Fowler is 5 back.... Bubba Watson is 6 back along with Sergio Garcia.  Sergio has had is "woman troubles" and has plummeted down the rankings the last couple of years.  Once upon a time he was one of the contenders to challenge Tiger Woods.  But that time is long gone.  Now EVERYONE is a contender. And speaking of contenders...Westwood, Kaymer and McIlroy are all MIA this week, both at Bay Hill and in Spain.  And speaking of MIA, where and what's happening with Anthony Kim?   So, with the play already underway, several others won't be doing interviews after their round this afternoon.  There's Tiger's playing competitiors on Thursday and Friday, Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland.  Maybe playing in front of Tiger's gallery was a bit much for Gary.  Other surprises leaving Orlando early, Matteo Manassero, Ryo Ishikawa and most perplexing Camilo Villegas.... So, as Caesar said many millennia ago, "Let the games begin!"

I've thought for a long time the major tournaments have been hyped a bit much.  I know they're important, I know about all the history but I'm tired of hearing that often spoken line: The golf season doesn't begin until the back nine on Sunday afternoon at Augusta.  About the only story left in Tampa is, "Will Justin Rose hold on to win or will be have another first time winner?"  Casey faded, Manasero...ciao. Harrington never made it to the weekend.  Furyk never got in the mix.  Those who hoped Sergio would break through will need to wait... Speaking of whom:  It's uncanny how many times a golfer will get on camera and an anouncer will say, "He hasn't missed a short put in weeks" and BAM! he knocks it three feet by.  Garcia's putting woes are well documented.  Now he's going with the "saw" grip.... No sooner had Miller (I think) said those 4 footers have given Sergio a problem.... push..... And what are we to make of the world's #1, Martin Kaymer?  Shakespeare said it best in Henry IV, "heavy is the head that wears the crown." 

Very nice leaderboard (but really aren't they all) going into the weekend.  Interesting mix: Chris Couch won his only Tour event in New Orleans with a cross handed chip in.  If I understood his post round interview he's been dealing with injury for some time.  Marc Turnesa has a pedigree as long as Secretariat's  I'll bet he could use a wedge before he could use a spoon, another one time winner along with Garett Willis.  Gary Woodland was a total unknown until he got into the playoff with Johattan Vegas at the Hope.  His name has popped up a few times since.  The "international contingent" being handsomely represented by Justin Rose and Paul Casey.  Being four or five back is not out of it.  Is it "lurking"?  Yeah, I guess so.  In that case there's a trio of powerhouse lurkers, defending champ Furyk, last week's winner, Watney and world #1 Martin "The K" Kaymer.  They do need to saddle up and ride hard today, post a number and all that....  Padraig Harrington.... MC... Florida weather has redeemed itself, it won't be a factor.

In other news: I would never call a European Tournament an "opposite field event".  All those guys are quality golfers.  Alas, my favorite, Roope Kakko missed the cut at the Sicilian Open.

It's a credit to the human spirit that we have the capacity to move on from even the most tragic circumstances.  A week ago we were appalled  by the catastrope in Japan.  The "mini-hurricane" at Doral was rendered insignificant.   Emily provided the standard "perspective" article.  Little has changed, if anything the situation has become worse and the full impact won't be felt for months.  In the meantime, life will go on unchanged and uneffected for the rest of the world.  This is not to say we don't care, but we are unable to maintain the level of shock we felt initially.  With the death toll yet to be tallied, and the nuclear radiation issue far from settled, the media also will move on.  Despite the severe struggle of thousands of people, Japan will become a side bar on the nightly news.  Other tragedies, either created by man or nature will occupy the headlines.  So it's in that frame of reference I respectfully talk about the golf tournament this week.

It's too early to use the expression "nothing earth shaking" to describe round one.  Paul Casey jumped out to an early lead.  Right on his heels, Nick Watney, riding a wave (ooops) of great play from last week.  The world's #1 is well placed four back and Furyk, the defending champion in case you've forgotten, is 3 back.  Last week's winner at the oppositie field event in Puerto Rico, Michael Bradley,  was a sharp contrast to Watney at Doral.  His +4 leaves him 11 back and unlikely to make the cut.  Then there's James Driscoll.  Seven days ago he "flirted with 59"... This week he's dating 76 also a probable MC.  My head shaker this week is Padraig Harrington, he's +2.... Since he rose to notoriety with victories at the PGA and Open Championships, his game has fallen off.  I believe it's the standard "swing changes to get better". 

If you're religious, perhaps the most valuable thing you can do is remember the people of Japan in your prayers, and not only today.  While you're at it, include all those who suffer both physically and emotionally as well.  Their plight is no less distressing.   

Don't forget, the Tavistock Cup is on today and tomorrow on TGC!  Tiger is teeing it up, isn't that great!!!!  I'm thnking there are some other players involved, but I can't remember who.   But you know, the players will all be dressed alike, same as the Ryder Cup.  Since Tiger is moving to Jupiter, will be still play for Isleworth?  Maybe they'll be some LPGA players, but they play from te forward tees, so they don't count.....

Many have noted golf is going through a time of transition.  The "Tiger Era" golfers are fading.  For those who denigrate Tiger either openly or subtly, these are the days they've been waiting for.  Perhaps the most startling statistic I heard on Sunday dealt with the number of tournaments won by golfers under 30.  Dustin Johnson led the list with 4.  Before the age of thirty Tiger Woods had won 46.  I'll spare the exclamation points so I don't totally alienate those that even hate to hear his name mentioned.  I've made no secret that I'm a "glass half empty" kind of person.  Nick Watney played a wonderful final round, but Dustin Johnson, once again came up short.  As was pointed out, with his length, parring the par 5's was his downfall..  Watney said all the usual things in his post round interview, and of course he had to field the classic question about his expectations in the first major of the season, a mere 3 weeks away.  Has HE become the best young player without a major victory?   

If I'm guilty a sin here on waggle.room, it's seeing golf from the perspective of the casual fan, and believing the casual fan is important to the growth of televised professional golf.  This WGC is chock full of stories, but not for that guy.  Not for the guy buying (and losing) all those Top-Flites, not for the guy with one of those hideous $29.95 Callaway Two-Ball knock-offs with no head cover.  No, the appeal of today's finale will be lost on that guy.  Today, it's a finish for a committed golf fan.  The type that instantly recognizes Matt Kuchar has a new putting stance and me who almost fell off my chair when I saw Adam Scott with that broom!  Going with the odds, the winner is most likely to come from no more than the last few twosomes. I'm guessing no more than 3 back.  That makes Padrig Harrington, the most familiar name on the leaderboard at 4 back a long shot.  Of course the big question will be, can Dustin Johnson hold on?  He's had some jarring 4th rounds, most notably at the last two majors... Doing his level best to represent the European Tour, there's Rory McIlroy.  I realize Luke Donald is British by birth, but I see him as a U.S. Tour player.  To win two WGC events, in a row.... would go a long way to silencing those that have branded him an under achiever.   If my head shakers for the opening round were Villegas and Kim, Martin Kaymer's 3rd round was mysterious... All the pros (and us) know about the importance of the third round.  In perfect conditions, Kaymer shoots himself out of the tournament and is 7 back... I don't know if a win from Donald (curently #3) would vault him into the top spot.  I'm not mentioning "the popular players" because they are not a factor, and with each tournament both casual and committed fans wonder if they'll ever be a factor again.  Conservatively I'd say golf writers will mull that over for several years yet.  So, pull up a chair and enjoy the show!

It's a vast understatement to say it's been a volitile couple of days.  The mini-hurricane on Thursday, a catastrophic earthquake and tidal wave on Friday have cast a pall over the proceedings.  But, we have little choice but to move on.  As you would expect, Tiger Woods was front and center on Thursday in a threesome with Mickelson and McDowell.  But as is often the case, the "marquee pairing" failed to deliver,  Phil and Tiger at even par, Graeme at -1.  After his brief stay at #1, Lee Westwood (E) also will not be part of the story.... Rickie Fowler (E) won't be either.  Now Martin Kaymer?  He IS behaving like the #1 golfer, one off the lead of a very talented Hunter Mahan.  My two head scratchers for the week: Geoff Ogilvy and Anthony Kim.... But, a lot can happen in 36 holes.  Doral has a few holes that can make a pro look flawed. 

After 64-66 on Friday and Saturday, Rory fell back a bit, but managed a 70 on Sunday, to finish at -9.  Not too many PGA Tour events finish with the winner having a single digit score.  The weather added some much needed excitement.  I was surprised the European contingent didn't perform better.  McDowell was the class of the group at -2 and a tie for sixth, Westwood 13 back at a tie for 29th, Poulter +5 T-36, and inexplicably McIlroy +16 and a tie for 70th.  The Europeans are often spoken of as much better wind players than the Americans because they play in more inclement weather... Of course it's a well know meteorological fact that the wind is different here in the US, and our water is much wetter.  On to Doral! 

Assuming you have some control over this web site and its content please consider the following:  On the third day of a PGA Tour event, the roster of articles waggleroom is offering its readers is as follows:   Dick's Sporting Goods....., Frank Chirkinian, Some guy in North Dakota, Canada's Golf Town, PGA Wives, The Bear Trap, Will Tiger break Jack's record? and Cobra Demo Day.  I reailze of course that the half dozen regular posters here don't need any article or subject to respond to.  They are very content to simply use waggleroom as their own personal chat room.  And if that's what SB*Nation seeks to develop then they've donw a fine job.  Beyond that, it's been expressed that there is an opportunity to essentially create the site.  I view that as essentially abdicating any journalistic effort.   I've read too many comments here denigrating The Golf Channel despite the fact that their employees are golf writers and at least stay somewhat current with what's going on.  It's always the same, too much Tiger..... If you seek broaden the appeal of this site I suggest you provide people who visit the site with something more current and  more relevant to the golf scene.   

With the recent demise of Tiger Woods, there's been a huge amount of discussion about this continuum.  Some contend a new winner every week is refreashing.  Other's take a dimmer approach saying golf will lose popularity without a dominant figure.  To get a perspective about this, consider what's happened in boixing.  There was a time when boxers (particularly heavyweights) were well know personalities.  Joe Louis, Max Baer, Igmar Johansen, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson...and of course the other "King" Mohammed Ali.  You know, that trite expression, "household names".... What's the state of boxing now?  My guess is only Progolf can name the current heavyweight champion, the rest of us would need to Google it.  I'm not discounting the excitement of the occasional upset...Buster Douglas or Leon Spinks... How would promoters fare if all the boxers were on the undercard? Back to golf..... Which match would have the broadest appeal: Jens Dantorp vs. Pijit Petkasen or Lee Westwood vs. Martin Kaymer?  I full well realize I've gone to extremes.  But is Jhonattan Vegas that much different that Jens Dantrop?  Make no mistake here, in no way am I castings aspersions on lesser known (or virtually unknown) players.  I have little doubt any one with their name on their bag, playing golf for a living is fully capable of being the club champion at any counrty club on the planet.  The point was made that Tim Finchem embraced "the new world order"..... Now really, what would you expect him to say? Something ilke, "Without Tiger Woods, we're screwed"?  Are the people at Waggleroom the best judge of the state of golf's appeal?  I think not.  We are the core fans.  Yes, golf will survive, but will it continue to prosper as it has over the past 10 years or so?  Will it be a topic of conversation at the water cooler on Monday morning?  I 've always suspected, those casting a vote FOR parity, are really voting AGAINST Tiger Woods... Personally, I don't care if Woods ever returns to the form of the the past.  I get tired of the press focusing on him.  I'd like to see a couple of players separate themselves  from the field with some regularity, not :"good play or "top tens" or "cash cows",  I want "W's" maybe 4 or 5 a year with some major wins.  Someone on TGC blog said a player like Tiger Woods comes along once in a generation.  Lee Trevino said he felt fortunate (or words to that effect) to have lived to see Woods.... I don't think Lee would be very popular here with that attitude......

We've entered a new era.  There are no more "superstars", a word that first became a popular part of the lexicon after "Jesus Christ Superstar", the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, debuted on broadway in 1971.  Before then we only had all stars, like the top players in baseball.  In golf, we had stars like Nicklaus, Player and Palmer.  Like the term "hero", star has been devalued. Now, stardom is passe.  Now, the bar is set at superstardom.  The new superlative does a disservice to many golfers, like Luke Donald.  For a very long time being the #1 golfer on the OWGR was synonymous with superstar.  It's not that way any more.  Luke Donald sliced and diced his competitors on the vay to victory.  After those lopsided wins I was sure he would succumb to some average golf on Sunday.  Kaymer was posed to assume the crown befitting the newly annointed #1 golfer... But, say it with me...again..."Anything can happen in match play".  It's not a shock Donald prevailed, but it is a bit of surprise.  I look for the press to use that shop-worn, "Is he the best player who hasn't won a major?" angle before the snow has melted in Marana... Talk about, anything can happen!  It's on to the Florida swing with the spectre of an Augusta confrontation "lurking".  Luke  Donald will be part of that "conversation", That's fa suah" as Ian Baker-Finch would say.

Nothing new.  Every man in the field was capable of winning. Seeding is little more than a statistical construct to organize the tournament. The odds of predicting a match winner, let alone the eventual tournament winner, are slightly better than flipping a coin.  A big win is seldom followed with another.  I offer Mickelson, Fowler, McIlroy and Crane as examples of that.  Jimenez won his match 7 and 6 on Friday.  A Kaymer win on Saturday wouldn't be a big surprise.   Arizona can deliver some fickle weather, clear blue skies and sunshine on Friday....chance of snow on Sunday.  I know it's like waving a red flag in front of a bull, but the tournament is now in the hands of the journeymen (with apologies to Martin Kaymer).  Golf journalists are left scrambling for a "capture the imagination" type story.  The youth angle started to die when Ryo Ishikawa didn't get out of the gate.  Then McIlroy inexplicably imploded on Thursday.   Yesterday, the much heralded Rickie Fowler could not maintain the torrid pace that embarassed Phil Mickelson.  The extraordinarily mature and composed Mateo Massasero also was done.  My hope is the story of Bubba Watson's father's recent death from cancer isn't resurrected. Family illness stories have almost become passe.  I'll pass on the crying thing....  As I said earlier, picking a winner is nigh unto impossible.  I will say I was disappointed that Woods, Poulter and Oosthuizen played only one match, Westwood and Mickelson just two.  I thought Graeme McDowell would play a more prominent role.  But, everyone say it with me, "Anything can happen in match play".... One irrelevant personal observation:  Unless Nick Faldo is taking indorsement money from either "Just for Men" or "Grecian Formula", stop dying your hair!