Super Sunday !!

For me, it's a pretty good day when there is a good golf tournament and a good football game on as there is today. Not that the FBR (Phoenix) Open went down to the wire, I just love watching it evey year. Maybe it is that I know the course and the area from living there six years, or maybe it is because it is typically Superbowl Weekend. But I also think it is because the TPC Scottsdale has a great set of finishing holes. The 15th is a reachable par-5 with water present. The 16th, need I say more? I've gotta imagine that you find out really quick if you can handle playing under pressure when you play that crazy par-3 on the weekend at Phoenix. Provided you get through the 16th, the 17th is a driveable par-4 with water left and a very unique green. Finally, the eighteenth requires an accurate drive and a precise approach, so in the last hour of play ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

Today was not the best finish ever, but it certainly was another example of what short-game can do. Phil Mickelson didn't hit a fairway from the time the TV coverage came on until the final hole of the day, but he still won by 5 STROKES. He saved pars on holes 9, 10, 11, 14, & 15, as well as getting "up & down" on the par-5 13th. His short game was the reason he won, from his putting when he shot 60 on Friday to his chipping on the weekend. You're going to get tired of me saying it, but WORK ON YOUR SHORT GAME IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE.

One more thing, on the distance vs. accuracy debate. I would call today a draw. Long hitters like Mickelson, Mc Carron, & Herron did well, while straight-shooters like David Toms did, too. I predicted last week that the "bombers" would have a hey-day, but the rainy winter made the rough more of a factor than usual putting more of a premium on hitting the fairways.

Up next, Pebble Beach and the AT&T Pro-Am. Watch for the big guys to play well. Singh, Mickelson, & Mickelson will factor into the mix. The Patriots are leading by 7. As long as my Bills aren't in it (and they most certainly ARE NOT), I hope it comes down to the final play. Have a great week!