Wide Lefty

2

Rory McIlroy won the 2014 PGA Championship at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, shooting a 68 on Sunday to finish 16 under par. McIlroy finished one stroke ahead of Phil Mickelson and two strokes over Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson in a highly competitive major tournament, the last of 2014. McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, won his fourth career major tournament. McIlroy made his final two puts to seal the win in near darkness, due to a near two hour weather delay yesterday.


CLOSE BUT NO LEFTY CIGARS

Phil Mickelson narrowly missed big shot after big shot that could have potentially shaved that once stroke differential off of ol' Lefty's score, including a 25 foot putt for eagle on the 7th hole that missed by inches. Rickie Weeks narrowly missed a putt on the final hole that would have tied him with Mickelson. The fourth round of the PGA Championship was a contest of inches. Golf fastest rising superstar, had the inches on his side. I can only imagine that Mickelson spent much of yesterday evening kicking himself after being so close but so far away so many times in the final round.

It was that kind of day for Lefty. 3

IT'S RORY'S WORLD. YOU'RE JUST PLAYING THROUGH IT

Last month, I suggested that, notwithstanding McIlroy's rise to the undisputed ranks of golf's elite, neither he nor anyone would go on a tear the likes of Tiger Woods at the turn of the century (Woods missed the weekend cut after finishing six over after the first two rounds). While I stand by that hypothesis, a year in 2015 like his year in 2014 could cause me to question that assertion. Move over, Tiger, now there's something Rory-er.

This photo isn't from Sunday, but the picture says a thousand words about the juxtaposition of the careers of McIlroy, left, and Woods, right, right now. 1

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1) Image from http://www.telegraph.co.uk
2) Image from www.bleacherreport.com
3) Image from www.gazettenet.com

No Ordinary Bubba

Tiger Woods…Rory McIlroy…old “Lefty”: Phil Mickelson…these were the headline players heading into the 2012 Masters at Augusta, Georgia. By Sunday, only Lefty was in contention. Lefty: meet the fourth hole (and the triple bogey you racked up on it).

In the words of actor Bill Duke in "Menace II Society": "Now...see there, Phil...you know you done f____d up!" 3 

CBS: “UH OH!”

T.V. executives and advertisers had cause for concern, if not panic. Golf is not a team sport. Individual sports live and die on the personalities and popularity of the players involved. After Mickelson’s minor melt down. The players within striking distance included South African Louis Oothsuizen, Swede Peter Hanson, and Englishman Lee Westwood. All of whom were foreign; all but Westwood were relatively unknown. There was one American near the front of the pack: Bubba Watson.

Here's a Tiger Woods highlight: kicking his club like a ten years old after a bad tee shot. Has Tiger lost his damn MIND? 5

RETURN OF THE STARS AND STRIPES

Golf’s television ratings are predictable. I have not looked at any of the overnight ratings, but I am quite confident that there was a dip in projected viewership after it became clear, on Friday, that Woods and McIlroy’s chances of victory were just north of the Titanic’s chances of remaining afloat 100 years ago. I would be stunned if the ratings did not drop after Mickelson’s fourth hole in the final round on Sunday.

Those who did stick around were in for a treat. Lefty scratched and clawed his way back into the tournament and had a slim, but measurable shot at winning the Masters until his hopes evaporated by missing a birdie put on the 17th hole. Oosthuizen would make an extremely rare double-eagle shot, catapulting him to the front of the pack. But it was Bubba Watson, the 33 year old University of Georgia southpaw who would birdie four consecutive holes to tie Oothsuizen and force a sudden death playoff.

After a nearly disastrous tee shot in the second hole of the playoff, Watson would nail the mother of all miraculous shots, in between a gauntlet of trees in the rough, and set himself up for his eventual win. It was Watson’s first ever major tournament victory.

There have only been four double-eagles in the history of the Masters Tournament, established in 1934. 4

WHO IS THIS BUBBA?

If you are a casual fan of golf, you have probably heard Bubba Waston’s name. Unless you are a hard core golf enthusiast, you probably couldn’t pick Watson out of a lineup. You certainly wouldn’t recognize him if you passed him in the street. Watson’s major career can be described as “Close but no cigar,” as Watson has been in the hunt in the final rounds of majors in the past, but never won. On Sunday, Watson won the stocked walk in humidor of cigars by taking home the green jacket.

Watson’s story is an interesting one. First of all, the heartfelt emotion he displayed after the long awaited major victory rivaled that of former NFL coach, and renowned man-crier, Dick Vermiel. Watson is also a new father, having recently adopted a son. Most fascinating, Watson reportedly has not taken a formal golf lesson since he was 10 and does not employ a swing coach.

Vermeil wrote the manual on post victory waterworks. 2

NEW STAR?

Watson’s story has some compelling appeal. He seems to be a likable guy. In some ways, the common man can empathize with him: reaching for a goal, a dream, for years, coming close multiple times, and finally reaching that goal, the apex of his professional career thus far.

Time will tell if the golfing world has an emerging star or if Watson simply had his 15 minutes at golf’s mountaintop. Tiger Woods’ personal challenges and declining play over the last several years have left a void of star power in the golf world. Let me be clear: the only way that void will ever come close to being filled is if Tiger starts winning majors again. Golf has never seen anything like Tiger Woods in his prime and I doubt the coming decades will produce anything quite like the transcendent dominance we witnessed in the late 1990s and the 2000s.

Still, that does not mean that the sport can not produce interesting and compelling stars. Phil Mickelson, in spite of being in his mid-40s, still appears to be at the top of his game and, in spite of his advanced age (by athletic standards) offers a glimmer of hope that Tiger can climb back tot the top of the world golf rankings and inject some energy back into the sport. Rory McIlroy is a young, budding star who will garner attention when he is playing well.

Bubba Watson? Time will tell. If he turned a corner in his career, golf may have another developing player asset. If Watson simply broke through a barrier and has peeked, he still gave the PGA a good story and etched himself in Masters history.

Bubba embraces Mom. 1

1) Image from www.golfweek.com
2) Image from www.bleacherreport.com
3) Image from www.sports-enews.com
4) Image from http://sports.espn.go.com
5) Image from www.usatoday.com

Back to Life?

Dear PGA Tour Field:
UH OH!
Regards,
Tiger Woods’ alarm clock


IS HE BACK?

Never awaken a sleeping, man-eating Tiger. Many people in sports media have spent the last two years dancing on Tiger Woods’ grave. Many sports fans began to write Tiger off. Jack Nicklaus began sleeping comfortably, assured his record of 18 major tournament victories was once again safe.

Many people formerly in Woods circle began to burn their bridges and cash in on their relationships with Woods by writing tell-all books and throwing Woods under the bus for their own self-promotion, assuming there was limited upside remaining from being on Woods’ good side. Many golfers let go of the sense of fear and intimidation that Woods’ put into his opponents for more than 10 years. Many up and comers, such as Rory McIlroy, perhaps saw a window of opportunity to ascend to the throne of golfing superstars while veterans, such as Phil Mickelson, may have seen an opportunity to sit in the throne momentarily.

Not so fast my friend! 1

UH OH!

Tiger Woods’ prospects at future golf dominance may have been left for dead. Then, in January, Woods placed third at Abu Dubai (a non-PGA event) in January. (UH OH!)

Woods then placed 15th at Pebble Beach, followed by a 17th place showing in the Accenture Match Play Championship, both in February. (Whew….)

In March, Woods finished second in the Honda Classic. (UH OH!) Only to have to withdraw from the WGC Cadillac Championship due to injury a week later. (Whew….)

Yesterday, Tiger Woods won the Arnold Palmer Invitational, his first PGA Tour event win in over two years. UH OHHHHHH!

UH OH! 2

TUNE UP FOR AUGUSTA

Tiger Woods appears to be getting his mojo back at the right time, before the PGA’s first major tournament of the year. Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and any dark horse who aspires to win the prized green jacket will now have to contend with the renewed confidence of Tiger Woods. Woods has a long way to go before returning to the dominant status he enjoyed throughout the 2000s. He has an even longer way to go before reaching Nicklaus’ record.

But the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. The road back to the top for Tiger started with a PGA win. Other golfers on the PGA Tour? Come on…you can say it in unison, guys! “UH OH!!!”

McIlroy: You're back?
Woods: Yep
McIlroy: Uh oh.... 3

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1) Image from http://www.eversus.com/ with text added.
2) Image from http://www.cbs8.com/
3) Image from www.sfgate.com

Must See Sports – Second Weekend of April 2011

Major League Baseball is in full swing and the NBA season concludes in the following week. Also, Tiger Woods has the grandest stage imaginable for an opportunity ot regian his golfing glory. Here is this week's "Must See"!

Thursday, April 7

NBA

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls

The NBA is headed into its final weekend of play and the Chicago Bulls are on the doorstep of clinching home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. In late February, the Hat Trick projected the (then third place) Bulls as the top seed in the East if they remained healthy. A win by the Bulls in tonight’s matchup will all but slam the door on the Celtics clinching the top spot in the East and all but seal the Eastern Conference for the Bulls.

The Bulls are hot. Shaq is probably out. Chicago is at home.

Advantage: Bulls

It doesn't look like Shaq will be clogging up the lane tonight. Hey Bulls fans: CAN YOU DIG IT??? 1

Friday, April 8

MLB

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves

Cliff Lee of the Phillies takes the mound against Tim Hudson of the Braves in the National League East rivalry. Since the Phillies have already been crowned champions of the NL East and just need to go through the drill of winning it on the field, the Braves have nothing more to play for than the National League Wild Card, and they are already behind in that race.

The Phillies’ pitching staff has been solid quality, yet still seems to just be warming up. Their position players are slapping the ball all over the field. The Braves pitching has been excellent and the bats have been present. Both Lee and Hudson had impressive, winning debut starts last week. On paper, I think the Phillies have a slight edge, but the Braves are at home in this three game, weekend series.

Advantages: Game – Push, Series - Phillies

The Phillies in the NL East race: "Let's hurry up and bang this out before lunch!"

Saturday, April 9

MLB

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Why not introduce this series with a movie quote?

Older brother, working at Yankee Stadium: “You looking for tickets, little bro? Dead tonight. Sorry about that.”

Younger brother’s friend: “Come on. We know you got tickets.”

Older brother: “I got four words for you: Boss Tunn Red Sox.”

- Finding Forrester (2000)

Rapper Busta Rhymes in Finding Forrester with four words of advice: "BOSS TUNN RED SOX!"

Baseball’s fiercest rivalry resumes this weekend. Ivan Nova gets the ball for the Yankees against Clay Bucholtz for the second game of a three game series at Fenway. The Red Sox’s inexplicable 0-5 start has all eyes on Bean Town, and not in a good way. Since the Red Sox, like the Phillies, were also handed the American League East title before the season started and simply needed to complete the chore of carving out enough wins on the field, the wins need to start coming soon. Fortunately for Sox fans, the Yankees Achilles’ heel is the back end of their pitching rotation and Ivan Nova heads up the rear.

Advantages: Game – Red Sox, Series – Red Sox


PGA

The Masters – Third Round

It’s a tradition unlike any other. Phil Mickelson defends his Masters title from 2010. Tiger Woods, who finished fourth in 2010, is seeking to regain his footing and ranking as the world’s best golfer. Another green jacket for Tiger would go a long way toward that goal. Woods, through the first seven holes of the first round, is tied for 12th place, one stroke under par.

Famous men and serial fornication: a tradition unlike any other. The clap is also a tradition unlike any other. Avoid! 3

Sunday, April 10

NBA

Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic

The Eastern Conference should be decided, once and for all, by the end of the day on Sunday. Orlando is locked into the fourth seed in the East and has every reason to rest anyone that could use a rest. The Bulls may still need a win for playoff seeding. I would not bet a nickel on this game, which may be meaningful or meaningless by Sunday, depending on what happens prior, but whatever edge I can see today would go to Chicago.

Advantage: Bulls


Boston Celtics at Miami Heat

This game absolutely will be meaningful as the Celtics will be fighting to either get a share of first place in the East, or the hang on to (or regain) second place. Boston is a half game ahead of Miami as of this morning, with the Celtics controlling their destiny for second place. Granted, the Heat, without Dwayne Wade (thigh injury), lost a head scratcher to the sub-.500 and playoff-eliminated Milwaukee Bucks. However, the Heat have, otherwise, been very hot of late.

Wade is currently listed as day-to-day. My gut feeling is that if the Heat stand to gain by winning, and I think they will, then Wade will play. Otherwise, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra would be feeding himself to the media wolves to play Wade. Without Wade, I think the Celtics have a chance to take one in Miami, otherwise, I think the Heat burn on.

Advantage: Heat


PGA

The Masters – Final Round

The Masters has never ceased to provide some level of drama in its final rounds in years past. Whether there is a sudden death playoff, an old veteran, approaching the age of 60, making one last stand, or maybe the world’s greatest player breaks out of a year and a half funk, brought on by a combination of personal turmoil, sensational reporting, and injury, I am quite confident the Masters coverage on Sunday will be worth watching.

Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy after Mickelson won the Masters in 2010. Tiger and his wife had a similar warm moment several years back. So did Al and Tipper. I wish the Mickelsons better fortunes! 4 

MLB

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Two ace pitchers, C.C. Sabathia of the Yankees and Josh Beckett of the Red Sox, go head-to-head in the rubber match at Fenway. This series will go a long way in giving baseball fans a profile of what they can expect in pressure situations, early in the season, from this likely 1-2 race in the American League East this season. C.C. has no decisions in the 2011 campaign in spite of excellent pitching in his first two starts. I cannot say the same for Beckett, who struggled in his first start, a loss to Cleveland yesterday. I think the Yankees have a very slim edge in this game, in spite of being at Fenway, because Sabathia is on the mound.

Advantage: Yankees


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To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.


1) Image from letsgoteam.com
2) Image from thefancarpet.com
3) Image from celebritynewsbuzz.com
4) Image from espn.com
5) Image from whenwegetthere.com