Tiger, Rory, and JT going off at 9:23. Extremely hot/muggy in St. Louis and everyone saying the course/greens will play slow. Should be a great couple opening rounds with some of these groups.
Will be interesting. No idea who to expect to do well. JT and DJ have looked great last couple weeks. I don't trust Rory to putt. If Molinari is in, he's been torrid.
Yeah, and it's good to see. Love him or not, him in contention for a Major on a Sunday is good stuff. Hopefully he keeps charging today and has himself right there for tomorrow.
I thought he was locked in big time yesterday, and on the verge of going really low before play was suspended.
Wow. I just checked the leaderboard and found out that Tiger's Â
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
Obviously the Eagle putt was still in his head when he missed the birdie.
He's going to need to shoot at least 64 (and likely 63) to have a shot -- would need Koepka to card a 67 if he posts 63.
It's not unthinkable. If he gets off like he did today (Birdie, Birdie), the joint is gonna be jumping.
I think some of it is conditioning -- he just looked gassed on the back nine today after playing 11 holes of round 2 this morning. Still not quite in "game shape" and has played a lot of golf lately by his standards.
But man, I've enjoyed the hell out of watching him. I really haven't watched much golf with him out, but I've watched bell to bell any round of his on TV this year. Really rooting for him tomorrow,.
On a non-tiger front -- Woodland's resiliency is something else. He hit some of the worst shots I've seen a contender in a major hit. Just some weird looking swings -- like going into the drink on 2 (I think it was 2) and that triple bogey of going back and forth into greenside bunkers on two shots (was in the frontside, then flew the green into the backside bunker and then flew it again to land in the original bunker). Each time, he really answered -- could have just started a complete death spiral on a golfer.
Really looking forward to it tomorrow. Ready to knock out all my errands early and just camp out for 6 hours or so tomorrow.
RE: RE: Wow. I just checked the leaderboard and found out that Tiger's Â
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
Probably was a bit tired and he's looked it in a few tournaments where he faded on the back nine.
Just a bad 1st putt on 17, probably was a lot harder than it looked on TV. Yes it probably got in his head, but that comeback putt was not easy.
I don't think he'll be able to catch Koepka - 4 shots is doable, but Koepka with 2 US Opens will not wilt under pressure (not likely to). And the guys at 9 under are experienced pros. He'll be with Woodland in the 2nd to last group and I think that will be a good pairing and position to play from.
RE: RE: RE: Wow. I just checked the leaderboard and found out that Tiger's Â
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
Probably was a bit tired and he's looked it in a few tournaments where he faded on the back nine.
Just a bad 1st putt on 17, probably was a lot harder than it looked on TV. Yes it probably got in his head, but that comeback putt was not easy.
I don't think he'll be able to catch Koepka - 4 shots is doable, but Koepka with 2 US Opens will not wilt under pressure (not likely to). And the guys at 9 under are experienced pros. He'll be with Woodland in the 2nd to last group and I think that will be a good pairing and position to play from.
Yeah I agree. He probably was a bit tired there towards the end of the 3rd round. I think mentally he was too.
No doubt the eagle putt wasn't easy but it was makeable. He just hit it too hard and probably overcompensated after dealing with slow greens all day. You could tell he really wanted the eagle there and going at it the way he did probably cost him the birdie. I don't blame him though, he's got to go for it there.
I also agree Koepka looks like he'll be tough to beat but he still has to go out there and play. He gave a couple back late yesterday and maybe he's not as sharp today. Not likely but possible. For Tiger to have a shot he's going to have to have his best round of the tourney, probably need a 64 or 65 and hope Koepka and the others don't get to -15.
Either way it should be fun, and just having Tiger in contention on Sunday of a Major again is good stuff. Here's hoping he's got one of those great rounds in him and makes a run at it.
He's teeing off at 1:35 E in the third to last group with Woodland followed by Rahm and Rowler, with Scott and Koepka being the final pairing.
will be fine. Scott has a problem with putting and especially under pressure. Fowler should be fine and Rahm is still prone to letting a bad shot get in his head, but he can also be explosively good, also. Woodland is just a steady pro, so I do not think he'll crumble. He just does not have the pedigree of the rest of the leaders, but I would not count him out.
Tiger has not been "good" on day 4. He should have had the Open and faltered after the turn. But that probably should help keeping his head in it.
kept Tiger's birdie putt on #1 out. Just ticked it a bit left.
Yeah maybe so. It was right on line and going in until maybe a foot from the cup. Tough break but he did bounce back to birdie 2 and 3, which is a great sign IMO. Nice to see him forget about 1, and just go get 2 and then 3.
And is -11. Thats nearly improbable in a major. In the US or Open championship... he doesn’t make the cut.
That’s a ridiculous jump, there. If this were a US Open or Open Championship course, Tiger (and everyone else for that matter) wouldn’t be so aggressive off the tees. The course dictates how players attack it. You’re statements assumes that Tiger would be playing the same strategy on those courses.
And is -11. Thats nearly improbable in a major. In the US or Open championship... he doesn’t make the cut.
That’s a ridiculous jump, there. If this were a US Open or Open Championship course, Tiger (and everyone else for that matter) wouldn’t be so aggressive off the tees. The course dictates how players attack it. You’re statements assumes that Tiger would be playing the same strategy on those courses.
That’s a fair point. But there should be some difficulty for missing the fairway.
And is -11. Thats nearly improbable in a major. In the US or Open championship... he doesn’t make the cut.
The Open Championship is not anywhere as penal as the US Open. The US Open isn't about the golfers, it is about the USGA and being idiots with pushing the limits and survivability of the course itself. I'd hate to be the Superintendent of a US Open course to try and revive it after the USGA gets done with it.
he could ever ever hoped for his first real year back. He's finished top 12 in 8/15 tournaments he played, including 2 majors (assuming he doesn't completely implode). Only missed 2 cuts. Whether or not he wins today will probably determine a lot of the narrative, but it shouldn't. He's shown he still has it, and it's more a matter of when he gets his next major not if. It's there for the taking today if he can keep playing the way he is.
he’s got that walk back, haven’t seen it in years. This is really cool to see.
Yeah this is great stuff. The guys at the top are cool enough to watch with the shots they're making but when you add Tiger into the mix it raises it several notches IMO.
The crowd is electric and hanging on his every shot.
big par putt for tiger after Koepka misses another makable one Â
he definitely is playing well enough to win, just not getting the breaks. But getting that birdie back will be big now that the two at the top have to play aggressive to keep pace with each other. Anything can happen.
sets up his drive on 17 to be the biggest shot of the tournament. As good as his irons have been he will probably get a look at birdie on 16 also, but on 17 he has to give himself a chance for eagle.
was the first time Tiger ever blew a 54-hole lead. His life fell apart only a few months later.
Would be some nice dramatic symmetry if he finally gets back to summit, winning the PGA, and making this the first time he ever won a major coming from behind on Sunday.
Man, if only he didn’t flub the last two holes yesterday. Tiger can still hang’em.
he also missed the first 8 or 9 fairways. Now that his driver is going he has every chance to win this these last few holes.
It’s really the difference between vintage Tiger and current Tiger. Vintage Tiger doesn’t make these mistakes. Whereas current Tiger is one of the really good, top golfers that can win any given Sunday in this era of golf. At least, that’s where he’s headed back to.
that's the mistake he never used to make. The putts on the lip happen to everyone, that was a tee shot he really needed.
Yeah so true.
I gotta say though, Tiger in contention til the 71st hole of a Major wasn't something I expected to see this year.
I'd love to see him birdie 18 and finish on a high note.
Tip of the cap to Koepka. He's played fantastic and didn't crumble.
yup. Honestly even if he eagled 17, Koepka would probably still be in position to win. Tiger didnt lose as much as Koepka won this tournament (barring a blow up).
I'm sure Tiger will be thinking about those putts on 1, 11, and 14 but it's not like Koepka or Scott were dropping shots and Tiger didn't play well.
He did, but Koepka just played better and didn't just hold on IMO, he went out and won this. (Barring a huge collapse of course)
Yeah I think more likely he's thinking about all the fairways he missed and especially the tee shot on 17. Not getting a putt at eagle (or birdie) on 17 was the killer. The next major he wins will be the one he finally dominates the par 5's.
I'm sure Tiger will be thinking about those putts on 1, 11, and 14 but it's not like Koepka or Scott were dropping shots and Tiger didn't play well.
He did, but Koepka just played better and didn't just hold on IMO, he went out and won this. (Barring a huge collapse of course)
Yeah I think more likely he's thinking about all the fairways he missed and especially the tee shot on 17. Not getting a putt at eagle (or birdie) on 17 was the killer. The next major he wins will be the one he finally dominates the par 5's.
No doubt he needs to clean that up but even with those missed fairways he scrambles and put himself in position to make those putts but just had some tough luck on them.
If being the key word there but they were all so damn close to going in.
I agree though, the tee shot on 17 was the killer, and he couldn't overcome that one.
That stat re Koepka having 40 (now 41 I think) birdie attempts < 18ft Â
he’s the best player in the game now if he wasn’t already. Congrats to Tiger too, Golf is simply too damn exciting when he’s in the mix - it’s good to see him healthy and competing. He solidified his Ryder Cup spot most likely, and that event should be awesome this year.
Simply cannot root for Adam Scott or anyone else that still uses the extended putter. It’s awful.
A couple of putts made or a couple of Koepka shots missed and he wins a major. Next year he’ll be playing on 3 courses where he has won majors in the past
where he lost focus cost Adam Scott over $400,000. Sure, Tiger had a lot to do with it, he was amazing, he missed most of the fairways and still somehow shoots a 64. And in the post-round interview you'd think he shot a 74 from listening to him.
I wonder if these guys think of it that way.
As they're finishing their round, even if they're not going to win, the difference between say 5th place and 6th place is 70k. That's an expensive missed putt for Justin Thomas (for example).
A couple of putts made or a couple of Koepka shots missed and he wins a major. Next year he’ll be playing on 3 courses where he has won majors in the past
Augusta
Pebble (US Open)
Bethpage (PGA)
True, but by the time he tees up at Augusta next year he will be older than all but 10 of the 400+ major champions in history. The last champion older than Tiger was Hale Irwin - when Tiger was 14 years old.
I wouldn’t put it past him, but this was likely his best shot.
Since Phil's 42nd bday (2012) he's won 1 major with 4 2nd places Â
Tiger is 42 right now, assuming he stays healthy I find it hard to believe he won't continue to be competitive over the next few years. 2 top 6 finishes in majors this year was as good or better than the majority of the top 10 ranked players. Health is the only question in terms of him competing for more majors.
where he lost focus cost Adam Scott over $400,000. Sure, Tiger had a lot to do with it, he was amazing, he missed most of the fairways and still somehow shoots a 64. And in the post-round interview you'd think he shot a 74 from listening to him.
That really says so much about him as a competitor. It's crazy that he posted that score even with 3 or 4 breaks going against him. The PGA champ scoring record is 63 and he was a couple inches a 1 tee shot away from beating it by multiple strokes.
A couple of putts made or a couple of Koepka shots missed and he wins a major. Next year he’ll be playing on 3 courses where he has won majors in the past
Augusta
Pebble (US Open)
Bethpage (PGA)
True, but by the time he tees up at Augusta next year he will be older than all but 10 of the 400+ major champions in history. The last champion older than Tiger was Hale Irwin - when Tiger was 14 years old.
I wouldn’t put it past him, but this was likely his best shot.
Hardly. He’ll be the odds on favorite to win the Masters next year if he continues playing this well through the playoffs and the early part of next season.
RE: Since Phil's 42nd bday (2012) he's won 1 major with 4 2nd places Â
Tiger is 42 right now, assuming he stays healthy I find it hard to believe he won't continue to be competitive over the next few years. 2 top 6 finishes in majors this year was as good or better than the majority of the top 10 ranked players. Health is the only question in terms of him competing for more majors.
Being competitive isn’t the same as winning. Michelson won just after his 43rd birthday. Since then competitive yes, but hasn’t won. Palmer had a dozen top 5 finishes after his last major win, but couldn’t bring it home. Snead was competitive for many years after his last win. It’s not just health, it’s also erosion.
A great player still has talent as he ages. And the nature of the game is such that you don’t have to be great or even good every week. Just pull it all together at the right time. Tiger obviously has the talent, and maybe it will come together one week.
But as you age the drives are a little shorter, the approaches have a little less spin, the putts are a little less solid. That talent and experience sometimes come together for a magic round. But it has rarely stayed together for 4 rounds for players much after they turn 43.
and he won a masters at age 46. Tiger was a couple millimeters worth of putts falling from setting a single round major scoring record, on day 4 trying to win from behind no less. If those putts would have dropped and he would have pulled it off it would have been one of the greatest closing rounds in a major ever. Just seems like an odd time to question his current talent level.
Also separately, Phil's driving average and ranking have been pretty steady over the past 5-6 years. This year he actually hit it further and had a better ranking than he had in 2013 - and he's not exactly the epitome of fitness.
Will be interesting. No idea who to expect to do well. JT and DJ have looked great last couple weeks. I don't trust Rory to putt. If Molinari is in, he's been torrid.
Forgot the stream. Thanks.
Yeah, and it's good to see. Love him or not, him in contention for a Major on a Sunday is good stuff. Hopefully he keeps charging today and has himself right there for tomorrow.
I thought he was locked in big time yesterday, and on the verge of going really low before play was suspended.
Yeah it should.
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
He's going to need to shoot at least 64 (and likely 63) to have a shot -- would need Koepka to card a 67 if he posts 63.
It's not unthinkable. If he gets off like he did today (Birdie, Birdie), the joint is gonna be jumping.
I think some of it is conditioning -- he just looked gassed on the back nine today after playing 11 holes of round 2 this morning. Still not quite in "game shape" and has played a lot of golf lately by his standards.
But man, I've enjoyed the hell out of watching him. I really haven't watched much golf with him out, but I've watched bell to bell any round of his on TV this year. Really rooting for him tomorrow,.
On a non-tiger front -- Woodland's resiliency is something else. He hit some of the worst shots I've seen a contender in a major hit. Just some weird looking swings -- like going into the drink on 2 (I think it was 2) and that triple bogey of going back and forth into greenside bunkers on two shots (was in the frontside, then flew the green into the backside bunker and then flew it again to land in the original bunker). Each time, he really answered -- could have just started a complete death spiral on a golfer.
Really looking forward to it tomorrow. Ready to knock out all my errands early and just camp out for 6 hours or so tomorrow.
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only 3 out. Tomorrow could be an exciting day.
Yeah it should.
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
Probably was a bit tired and he's looked it in a few tournaments where he faded on the back nine.
Just a bad 1st putt on 17, probably was a lot harder than it looked on TV. Yes it probably got in his head, but that comeback putt was not easy.
I don't think he'll be able to catch Koepka - 4 shots is doable, but Koepka with 2 US Opens will not wilt under pressure (not likely to). And the guys at 9 under are experienced pros. He'll be with Woodland in the 2nd to last group and I think that will be a good pairing and position to play from.
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In comment 14036658 Ira said:
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only 3 out. Tomorrow could be an exciting day.
Yeah it should.
He's got to be kicking himself a bit though. He had a makeable eagle put on 17 and three putted for par, and had a makeable birdie put on 18, and settled for par again.
17 had to be the real kick in the ass though. If he at least makes the birdie putt coming back, I think he might just make the one on 18 too.
Still, a heck of a day for him playing 28 or 29 holes and being where he is heading into tomorrow. I'm hoping he's locked in and gives it a great go tomorrow.
Probably was a bit tired and he's looked it in a few tournaments where he faded on the back nine.
Just a bad 1st putt on 17, probably was a lot harder than it looked on TV. Yes it probably got in his head, but that comeback putt was not easy.
I don't think he'll be able to catch Koepka - 4 shots is doable, but Koepka with 2 US Opens will not wilt under pressure (not likely to). And the guys at 9 under are experienced pros. He'll be with Woodland in the 2nd to last group and I think that will be a good pairing and position to play from.
Yeah I agree. He probably was a bit tired there towards the end of the 3rd round. I think mentally he was too.
No doubt the eagle putt wasn't easy but it was makeable. He just hit it too hard and probably overcompensated after dealing with slow greens all day. You could tell he really wanted the eagle there and going at it the way he did probably cost him the birdie. I don't blame him though, he's got to go for it there.
I also agree Koepka looks like he'll be tough to beat but he still has to go out there and play. He gave a couple back late yesterday and maybe he's not as sharp today. Not likely but possible. For Tiger to have a shot he's going to have to have his best round of the tourney, probably need a 64 or 65 and hope Koepka and the others don't get to -15.
Either way it should be fun, and just having Tiger in contention on Sunday of a Major again is good stuff. Here's hoping he's got one of those great rounds in him and makes a run at it.
He's teeing off at 1:35 E in the third to last group with Woodland followed by Rahm and Rowler, with Scott and Koepka being the final pairing.
Tiger has not been "good" on day 4. He should have had the Open and faltered after the turn. But that probably should help keeping his head in it.
Yeah maybe so. It was right on line and going in until maybe a foot from the cup. Tough break but he did bounce back to birdie 2 and 3, which is a great sign IMO. Nice to see him forget about 1, and just go get 2 and then 3.
Yeah but I think he keeps attacking on the front nine but We'll see if he's lost confidedence in the driver of not in the next hole or two.
Very impressive, I don’t play much golf but man do I love to watch it. And Tiger is a big reason, mostly because Stan hates him.
FOX is worse........Think it is a parabolic directional mic..
Agreed. Now if he can just find some fairways he could really make a charge.
Ball lands on a path, he gets relief to a great lie and hits in within 10 feet. Poor course.
Ball lands on a path, he gets relief to a great lie and hits in within 10 feet. Poor course.
Same course for everyone, no?
Ball lands on a path, he gets relief to a great lie and hits in within 10 feet. Poor course.
??? This isn't the stupid US Open where two inches off the fairway means 4 inches of deep rough. St. Andrews is probably an easier course than one..
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There’s no punishment for missing the fairway. Tigers gonna be 3 under a round without hitting a fairway.
Ball lands on a path, he gets relief to a great lie and hits in within 10 feet. Poor course.
Same course for everyone, no?
Yes and my opinion doesn’t change. Thomas hits a guy in the head off the team and hits it within 5 feet for birdie.
That’s a ridiculous jump, there. If this were a US Open or Open Championship course, Tiger (and everyone else for that matter) wouldn’t be so aggressive off the tees. The course dictates how players attack it. You’re statements assumes that Tiger would be playing the same strategy on those courses.
Course would not be this "easy" if not for all the rain keeping it soft making the greens receptive.
But everyone has their preference. Most of us disagree.
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And is -11. Thats nearly improbable in a major. In the US or Open championship... he doesn’t make the cut.
That’s a ridiculous jump, there. If this were a US Open or Open Championship course, Tiger (and everyone else for that matter) wouldn’t be so aggressive off the tees. The course dictates how players attack it. You’re statements assumes that Tiger would be playing the same strategy on those courses.
That’s a fair point. But there should be some difficulty for missing the fairway.
The Open Championship is not anywhere as penal as the US Open. The US Open isn't about the golfers, it is about the USGA and being idiots with pushing the limits and survivability of the course itself. I'd hate to be the Superintendent of a US Open course to try and revive it after the USGA gets done with it.
Koepka is not likely to blow it. He is playing well too. Scott putting over his ability also.
That and the last two holes of day three.
Yep and the one at #1.
I thought the same thing and couldn't believe it just stopped like it did.
Tiger in the rough. Looked a little tight and one of the few times I've seen him miss with his 2 iron.
Yeah this is great stuff. The guys at the top are cool enough to watch with the shots they're making but when you add Tiger into the mix it raises it several notches IMO.
The crowd is electric and hanging on his every shot.
He’s totally winning another major before he’s done.
Has to keep his cool and not overreact to that miss.
He’s totally winning another major before he’s done.
Seriously tough luck on the putts at 1, 11, and now 14, yet he's kept it together and is still in it.
Great tee shot on 15 so he's definitely batting and not caving.
Would be some nice dramatic symmetry if he finally gets back to summit, winning the PGA, and making this the first time he ever won a major coming from behind on Sunday.
he also missed the first 8 or 9 fairways. Now that his driver is going he has every chance to win this these last few holes.
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Man, if only he didn’t flub the last two holes yesterday. Tiger can still hang’em.
he also missed the first 8 or 9 fairways. Now that his driver is going he has every chance to win this these last few holes.
It’s really the difference between vintage Tiger and current Tiger. Vintage Tiger doesn’t make these mistakes. Whereas current Tiger is one of the really good, top golfers that can win any given Sunday in this era of golf. At least, that’s where he’s headed back to.
Yea, smart play. this tee shot will show whether he's truly back or not.
Did it splash?
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on 16. Stress free tap in..smart play.
Yea, smart play. this tee shot will show whether he's truly back or not.
Bad...the bunkers were the mistake of choice.
Brooks make a birdie. Time running out.
Looks like Tiger got a break in that it's playable.
Lucky that didn’t dunk.
Koepka is cool customer. You don't win two US Opens playing scared.
Yeah, he needed a birdie to get into the Club house at 14 under.
Yeah so true.
I gotta say though, Tiger in contention til the 71st hole of a Major wasn't something I expected to see this year.
I'd love to see him birdie 18 and finish on a high note.
Tip of the cap to Koepka. He's played fantastic and didn't crumble.
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that's the mistake he never used to make. The putts on the lip happen to everyone, that was a tee shot he really needed.
Yeah so true.
I gotta say though, Tiger in contention til the 71st hole of a Major wasn't something I expected to see this year.
I'd love to see him birdie 18 and finish on a high note.
Tip of the cap to Koepka. He's played fantastic and didn't crumble.
yup. Honestly even if he eagled 17, Koepka would probably still be in position to win. Tiger didnt lose as much as Koepka won this tournament (barring a blow up).
He did, but Koepka just played better and didn't just hold on IMO, he went out and won this. (Barring a huge collapse of course)
Lol, and now all the Tiger haters can come out of their hiding place. You know they have been sweating it all day!
I’m sure Tiger and his $740 million will be too
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El Tigre isn't winning this. I'll cry myself to sleep.
Lol, and now all the Tiger haters can come out of their hiding place. You know they have been sweating it all day!
Hahaha. Touche. I was worried no doubt. I just can't stand him. Never have liked him & always root against him.
He did, but Koepka just played better and didn't just hold on IMO, he went out and won this. (Barring a huge collapse of course)
Yeah I think more likely he's thinking about all the fairways he missed and especially the tee shot on 17. Not getting a putt at eagle (or birdie) on 17 was the killer. The next major he wins will be the one he finally dominates the par 5's.
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I'm sure Tiger will be thinking about those putts on 1, 11, and 14 but it's not like Koepka or Scott were dropping shots and Tiger didn't play well.
He did, but Koepka just played better and didn't just hold on IMO, he went out and won this. (Barring a huge collapse of course)
Yeah I think more likely he's thinking about all the fairways he missed and especially the tee shot on 17. Not getting a putt at eagle (or birdie) on 17 was the killer. The next major he wins will be the one he finally dominates the par 5's.
No doubt he needs to clean that up but even with those missed fairways he scrambles and put himself in position to make those putts but just had some tough luck on them.
If being the key word there but they were all so damn close to going in.
I agree though, the tee shot on 17 was the killer, and he couldn't overcome that one.
Simply cannot root for Adam Scott or anyone else that still uses the extended putter. It’s awful.
Augusta
Pebble (US Open)
Bethpage (PGA)
Well Done.
Tiger finish 2nd as Adam Scott missed his par putt.
Augusta remains first, our Open remains in June at Pebble and the British will be played in Northern Ireland at Portrush in July
I wonder if these guys think of it that way.
As they're finishing their round, even if they're not going to win, the difference between say 5th place and 6th place is 70k. That's an expensive missed putt for Justin Thomas (for example).
Augusta
Pebble (US Open)
Bethpage (PGA)
True, but by the time he tees up at Augusta next year he will be older than all but 10 of the 400+ major champions in history. The last champion older than Tiger was Hale Irwin - when Tiger was 14 years old.
I wouldn’t put it past him, but this was likely his best shot.
That really says so much about him as a competitor. It's crazy that he posted that score even with 3 or 4 breaks going against him. The PGA champ scoring record is 63 and he was a couple inches a 1 tee shot away from beating it by multiple strokes.
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A couple of putts made or a couple of Koepka shots missed and he wins a major. Next year he’ll be playing on 3 courses where he has won majors in the past
Augusta
Pebble (US Open)
Bethpage (PGA)
True, but by the time he tees up at Augusta next year he will be older than all but 10 of the 400+ major champions in history. The last champion older than Tiger was Hale Irwin - when Tiger was 14 years old.
I wouldn’t put it past him, but this was likely his best shot.
Hardly. He’ll be the odds on favorite to win the Masters next year if he continues playing this well through the playoffs and the early part of next season.
Being competitive isn’t the same as winning. Michelson won just after his 43rd birthday. Since then competitive yes, but hasn’t won. Palmer had a dozen top 5 finishes after his last major win, but couldn’t bring it home. Snead was competitive for many years after his last win. It’s not just health, it’s also erosion.
A great player still has talent as he ages. And the nature of the game is such that you don’t have to be great or even good every week. Just pull it all together at the right time. Tiger obviously has the talent, and maybe it will come together one week.
But as you age the drives are a little shorter, the approaches have a little less spin, the putts are a little less solid. That talent and experience sometimes come together for a magic round. But it has rarely stayed together for 4 rounds for players much after they turn 43.
Also separately, Phil's driving average and ranking have been pretty steady over the past 5-6 years. This year he actually hit it further and had a better ranking than he had in 2013 - and he's not exactly the epitome of fitness.