Chris Couch Wins

Now maybe Lanny Wadkins will stop criticizing cross handed chipping since it was a cross handed chip that won Couch the tournament. It seemed that no matter how well Couch did, Wadkins just did not want to acknowledge it. Just like President Bush didn't want to acknowledge the lack of credible intelligence when we went to war. Maybe it's a Texan thing.

One Missed Putt

All it took was for Chris Couch to miss one putt and Lanny Wadkins began focusing on his "one big weakness, his chink in the armor".

Anyway, the final round of the Zurich Classic is turning out to be really good. I was happy to see Lucas Glover do so well today. They need to interview him more. He has a really good accent.

Calling All Techies

My PC monitor is doing something strange. It is displaying a bluish haze across the entire screen and there are horizontal lines about an inch apart from top to bottom. I unhooked it from the cpu like the manual said to do and the picture still looked the same. I think my monitor is going bad. What do you all think?

Listening Skills

Lanny Wadkins expounded upon the benefits of being a fast player about an hour into the coverage today. Then about an hour after that, I heard Jim Nantz ask Lanny if it was better to be a fast player in windy conditions. Either they have absolutely nothing else to talk about, or Jim Nantz didn't pay attention the first time.

The Zurich Classic

I just read this article on SI.Com about whether or not the tour players this week should donate their purses to Katrina relief. My personal opinion is this: you don't know what personal situations these golfers have going on in their lives. They might need this week's check for some reason. They might have already donated a huge amount of money to Katrina relief. They might decide that they would rather donate money to some other worthy cause. Is anyone out there really going to say Katrina relief is more deserving than breast cancer research? And let's be cold and callous for a second: hurricane season is coming up and the levees probably won't hold this year either.

An Improvement

Well, between Thursday and Sunday the announce people have improved. Thursday, I heard about 5 different ways to pronounce the name Mathias Gronberg. Today, I've only heard two. And guess what - Mathias Gronberg has his own website. Check it out.

Today at the Shell Houston Open

George Bush Sr said today that he had emailed his congratulations to Phil Mickelson for winning the masters and he hoped he would hear from Phil soon. You would think if you get an email from the President, you'd respond timely. Phil needs to work on that.

Today's Notes

The Golf Channel Personalities really need to become better acquainted with nascar and racing. Kelly whatshername didn't know what dirt track racing is tonight on the Post Game show? That's even AFTER the Golf Channel has shown video of Steve Williams racing in the past (I think recently when Williams was there promoting his book). Don't they watch their own programming? West Virginians like me know what dirt track racing is.

They mentioned on the Post Game show that the sponsors are going to really be hurting because Tiger Woods is taking time off to be with his dad. I think golf is in a sad state if one player's absence can hurt the sport the way the post game people are suggesting. Golf and the PGA tour should take a lesson from Martha Stewart and her company. She went to prison and the company didn't fold. Don't put all your eggs in the Woods basket. If you have a quality product it will withstand the absence of one person.

They also talked about Michelle Wie possibly playing the 84 Lumber Classic this year and how Wie's people are sensitive to a possible backlash for taking a sponsor's exemption that a man could be using otherwise. They talked about the uproar that happened when Annika Sorenstam played her one event on the men's tour. I think there was a backlash about Annika because she had been so successful on the LPGA tour. Men were threatened because of what they feared would happen - Annika deciding to play as much as she could on the men's tour because she had conquered the LPGA tour. I don't see anything wrong with Michelle playing the men's tour because for one thing, she isn't going to win so she isn't a threat to the men who are playing, and for another, it's just going to make her a better player on the LPGA tour. And as for the argument that she would be taking a spot that a man could fill - boohoo. Any man who'd cry about not getting an exemption because of a girl really needs to think about that before he opens his mouth. Bottom line, Michelle Wie is just as important for the PGA tour as she is for the LPGA tour. How many young girls do you think will be watching the PGA tour who didn't watch before, just because she's playing the event? And how many men will be watching her play Nike clubs and will say to themselves "If they can make a girl hit the ball that far, then I need to get some of those."

And finally, as to the Shell Houston Open - There is a Smith on the leaderboard. I've always wondered why there haven't been more players with that name on the PGA tour - it's one of the most plentiful names in America. At work, one of my co-workers with that name actually got a call from a customer who didn't know who she was supposed to talk to, but chose the name Smith from the automated phone attendant program because she figured there had to be a Smith working there and she would actually get to talk to a live person instead of getting voicemail.

A New Blog

I've added a new blog to the list in the side bar. Check out Golfer's Paradise.

Round 1 Highlight

John Daly on the 15th hole. Not so much his length off the tee, but his second shot that ended up in good position on the green. And his commentary of course.

A News Report on Darren Clarke

Humble, TX (Sports Network) - Darren Clarke finished his first round at the Shell Houston Open on Thursday, then withdrew from the tournament to return home to be with his wife, who is battling cancer.

"Upon receiving results from ongoing medical tests of his wife Heather, Darren Clarke has withdrawn from the Shell Houston Open to return home outside London to discuss further treatment with Heather and her doctors," read a statement issued by the PGA.

Clarke finished a round of four-under-par 68 and was two shots off the lead when he withdrew.

Heather Clarke was originally diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago.

In 2005, Clarke took much of the season off to be with his wife as she underwent chemotherapy. He played in just 12 events, but was granted a special release from completing his 15 required tournaments.

Clarke is an 11-time winner on the European Tour. Two of those titles -- the 2000 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and the 2003 WGC-NEC Invitational -- count towards the PGA Tour.

A News Report on Tiger Woods

(I think it's good that he's taking time for his dad. Golf will be there for his next 30 to 40 years. His dad won't be.)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- Tiger Woods will take time off from the PGA Tour while his father battles cancer, the world's No. 1 player said Thursday.

Woods said it was possible he would not make an appearance in a golf tournament before the U.S. Open in June.

He did not give specific details of his planned break, except to say he would not start playing "for a while," and the failing health of his father, Earl, would have a major influence on his future schedule.

"It's kind of up in the air with the situation back home, so I don't know what's going to happen," said Woods, who is in New Zealand to attend the wedding of his caddie Steve Williams. He is also due to drive in a charity motor race Monday on New Zealand's North Island.

"I'm taking time off. I'm here for this event and for Steve, and to enjoy time off and be with my father, so I won't play for a while," Woods said.

"My father is hanging in there, the guy is an absolute fighter and walking miracle."

Woods said he would definitely seek his 11th major title in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, N.Y., from June 15-18.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Heritage Winner

Despite Lanny Wadkins trashing Baddeley's pre-shot routine on every shot (give it a rest already), Baddeley succeeded and won today. I thought that was good. It's nice to see a first time winner. I did want to see the wife run out there on the green and jump into his arms though. That would have been really sweet considering yesterday was their anniversary. But it was a good win.

Do you think Jim Nantz need some prozac or something after listening to Mr Negative (aka Lanny Wadkins) for three hours? That would get on my nerves.

Where's Dale Jr and the Pace Car??

What's with CBS using the phrase 'drafting' every few seconds? I noticed it yesterday, but I'm hearing it more today. If I wanted to watch NASCAR I would. I doubt seriously they can steal the nascar fanbase just by using some of the same terminology.

Discussion with the Boss

I broke my vow AGAIN and talked golf with Tony the other day. He said that Tiger will win more majors than anyone else and that's why he's the best. So, he's saying Tiger's the best based on something that hasn't happened yet. I told him that following that logic, I could say Sergio will win more majors than anyone so he's the best. It hurts my head to try to understand Tony. He is such a guy.

You Don't See a Story Like This Every Day

Lynn on the boil in China despite embarrassing problem

ENGLAND'S David Lynn holds a one-shot lead after the second round of the Volvo China Open, despite feeling the effects of a painful boil on his groin.
The Stoke player put himself in title contention with a superb five-under-par 67 at the Honghua International Golf Club. At nine under, Lynn is a stroke clear of Portugal's Jose Filipe Lima, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and Zimbabwe's Marc Cayeux.
Lynn, 32, who won the KLM Open in 2004, fired nine birdies but also carded two bogeys and a double bogey on the 18th. "I'd rather be leading than chasing. I will try to keep it going tomorrow," said Lynn, who developed a boil from a suspected mosquito bite.
"I saw the doctor on Monday and it got quite bad on Wednesday and Thursday. I couldn't really line up my putts." Lynn has now had the boil removed. "It takes your mind off golf."
Lima added a 69 to his opening 67, Marksaeng matched Lynn's 67 while Cayeux fired a brilliant 65. Champion Paul Casey returned a 68 to move to four off the lead.

First Round Observations

I always liked the Heritage tournament. I remember Hale Irwin, Payne Stewart, and Davis Love always doing well there. Today, Brad Faxon and Paul Azinger did pretty well. Vaughn Taylor did really well with a 63. Nick Faldo didn't do well at all. Camillo Villegas is back this week and Jose Maria Olazabal is still here. This will be a good tournament to watch. I hope I get to see a lot of it. Phoebe keeps me pretty busy with the housebreaking. Don't ask how it's going.

As for the LPGA event, I'm watching a bit of it now. Some really good players are playing this week. Two things I'd like to say about the ladies: 1. It annoys me when they have their caddies line them up on the tee. You don't see Steve Williams lining Tiger up. 2. Why would a woman want to play on the men's tour when it gets hot? She would probably have to wear pants and that is just too uncomfortable in 90 degree heat.

The Drive for Five

I wonder what Tiger Woods thinks of the media creation of this "Drive For Five" Masters wins thing. The Golf Channel keeps saying "his" drive for five, like he created the whole idea or it was his mission. He'll have to wait until next year. I want to know if Tiger had any input on that. Something tells me that Tiger isn't really thinking, "I have to win the fifth one." I think he's thinking, "here's another major and I want as many wins as I can get."

Final Thoughts

Phil won. That's a bit boring. Fred missed putts all day. That's not out of the ordinary either. I remember one other tournament he was in contention for not long ago where he missed a lot of putts. Tiger didn't do a whole lot of anything. Tim and Rocco had rough days but at least Tim finished solo second. One thing I found interesting is that thanks to the rule that the top 16 finishers get invited back next year, Billy Mayfair will be playing next year. I know he had to use exemptions there for a while.

Final Round So Far

Through the 14th hole, Sergio is no longer dead last. Yay for him!

Who of the contenders would I like to see win today? Here's the list. I don't think I could rank them, but Fred would really be my favorite to win:

Fred Couples,
Jose Maria Olazabal
Arron Oberholser
Darren Clarke
Tim Clark
Stephen Ames
Rocco Mediate.

This doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy if someone who isn't on my list wins. But I would be disappointed if Phil, Tiger or Vijay wins. There's too much hype surrounding them. I'm tired of hearing about them.

Early Morning Observations

CBS is trying to give the Jacket to Tim Clark with more than a round to go. It's a little premature to be doing that. Remember what everyone on the Golf Channel has been saying "the tournament begins on the back 9 on Sunday."

12th hole - Tiger Woods on the tee - Bobby Clampett says "a standing ovation for Tiger Woods." I wasn't aware there were bleachers at the 12th hole. Do those people actually have a choice of sitting or standing? Being short, it's been my experience that to see anything when I'm in a crowd, I have to stand up.

A New Blogger

Check out To Golf Like Rocco.

Where's Rocco?

What does CBS have against Rocco Mediate? They've shown him maybe once or twice since he started the third round. They finally showed Rocco's tee shot on the par 3 4th. I think I see their strategy - wait until it gets too dark to see him, then put him on tv. C'mon CBS, he's a handsome man. He won't scare anyone if he's seen in broad daylight.

One of Saturday's Pairings

Vijay and Fred. Could we maybe see a repeat of the Presidents Cup? That could be an interesting pairing to watch.

Second Round

I missed a lot of the round and coverage today. While I did have half a day off from work, I spent it with Mom and Dad and they don't get the golf channel. I did, however, catch a proposal of marriage by Lucas to Carrie on Days of Our Lives and some little kid has a high fever on Passions. Mom and Dad wanted to see Phoebe.

Arron Oberholser is doing pretty well so far. Fred Couples is also doing well. Did Lanny Wadkins say anything nice about anybody? I miss Ken Venturi. Speaking of Ken Venturi, I was watching something about his US Open win on the Golf Channel this week and I wondered why there was never a major movie made about him. His career and his US Open victory is perfect for a feature film. I can even cast it: Matthew McConaughey as Ken Venturi. I'm not a big Matthew fan, but I think he would do well.

Surprising

Brandel Chamblee quoted Shakespeare earlier. I think I'm in love :)

And I like Rocco Mediate. He's pretty good on the Playing Tips from the Pros show and he was pretty good in his post round interview today.

Golf Channel Bias

Kelly Whatshername just said they don't know what to make of Tiger's round after 15 holes. That they would have to be patient and watch it unfold. Why should they treat Tiger so different than Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Davis Love, Chris DiMarco??? The Golf Channel folks all said "oh woe is them for their sucky rounds, even though they've only played 4 holes so far." Ok, so that was a paraphrase. But you get the idea. The people working the Masters show today have no problem condemning other golfers' rounds after only 4 holes played but won't characterize Tiger's round when it's 3/4 of the way done. I think the Golf Channel needs to practice patience in greater detail.

Masters Week

I actually get to enjoy some of the Masters Week coverage on the Golf Channel. Thanks to Phoebe, my new puppy, I took most of this week off to start housebreaking her so I can watch the golf channel while I'm home. I find it interesting how the golf channel is reporting on the earliest of first round play. On one hand it's good that players are getting noticed who aren't Tiger Woods, but on the other hand, it's strange to put so much emphasis on the tournament so early. I like it though. I'm glad my computer got fixed before the tournament began so I can surf the net for info.

No, I Haven't Forgotten to Watch Golf

I just haven't been able to post. My modem got fried this weekend and I couldn't get a new one until today. The guy who put the new one in also installed more ram so now my pc is faster too, which is nice. I watched the third round of the PGA event last weekend, saw that Phil Mickelson had a huge lead and then watched the final round of the LPGA event on Sunday. It was a more exciting tournament. I was hoping Michelle Wie would win but she did well.

I've been having a time here at the house with my new puppy. I think I'm too impatient to see the housebreaking work. I've decided to follow the more regimented 7 days schedule to see how well that works. I hope she catches on and gets housebroken. I'd be happy enough with her being trained on puppy pads. The new puppy is a chihuahua and her name is Phoebe. She's a cute thing unless she's chewing the skin off my hands. She has a slight problem with biting. She's crying now to be let out of her crate. I'd better let her out to play for a bit before bed time.