Tiger Defends Open Championship
Wow. I was wrong. Boy was I wrong. I didn’t think Tiger could close the deal today, simply because I thought the emotional strain from losing his father would affect his game. Well, it affected his game indeed. To the tune of his third Open Championship, and 2nd in a row. Woods shot a 5-under 67 and slammed the door on Sergio, Ernie, and Chris DiMarco and anyone else that dared challenged him today. It was very touching and emotional when he broke down on the 18th green after holing his par putt to win the Championship, as he and caddie and friend Stevie Williams embraced in a very moving moment. Tiger said he didn’t think about his Father all day until getting ready to hit his second shot into the 18th green, when Steve Williams said “win this one for Pops!”.
Tiger felt he had something to prove after missing the cut at the U.S. Open and then hearing whispers from players and press alike that he only wins at bombers-type of courses where there is no penalty for missing the rough. Well, he only hit his driver once in 72 holes and led the field in driving accuracy this week, where hitting the fairway was paramount. After his long-iron display this week, hybrid club sales may fall off temporarily as hacks and pros try to tame their long-irons.
And what about the duel between Woods and Garcia? Well, as his been his pattern every time, Sergio chokes really bad when he plays with Tiger in the final group on Sunday. Let me vent for just a moment about Sergio’s post-round comments. When asked about this round and putting, he said he putted very well and was disappointed that he just didn’t make more putts. My problem with that statement (and I’m hearing from lots of pros nowadays) is that these guys (and gals) are in complete denial. Sergio, you putted like a 20-handicapper after pressing on the last hole! Michelle Wie made similar comments after one of her rounds earlier this year, but I guess it’s part of their generation’s let’s-give-everyone-a-trophy-no-matter-who-wins-or-how-they-play mentality. If you’ve had a bad day at the office (as we all do), then at least say so. I think Sergio had 33 putts, which is atrocious for professional-level golfers, but yet he putted well?
I tip my hat to Chris DiMarco as he too played with a heavy heart as his Mother passed away on July 4th. DiMarco has always been a scrappy player (and Tom Lehman would be smart man to make him a captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup team). Ernie Els couldn’t get it done either, which is surprising considering he played very well heading into the 4th round. However, his short-iron game absolutely deserted him all week and you can’t afford that on Open courses.