Snakebit !

File another one under the "show's you what I know" category. Two weeks ago, after watching Tiger win thanks to some missed putts by his competitors, I predicted that each of the next several weeks I would be able to report on how big putts were either missed or made in determining the outcome of the Tour events. WRONG! For two weeks in a row guys have won by seven and five strokes respectively. So much for proving my point about the importance of putting.

Except for one VERY IMPORTANT thing: Both JB Holmes and Aaron Oberholser were 1st statistically in putting during the week they won. So while it did not come down to making or missing the final putt, there was a direct correlation to the players putting statistics and the outcome of the event.

And speaking of Oberholser - I would have to say that it appears to be tougher for a guy to hold a large lead going to the final nine than it is to be tied or just slightly ahead. The poor guy was really "fighting the demons" as he struggled to bring it in. They key shot was, after missing his tee shot way right on 15, hitting a short iron from a good lie in the rough to about 8-feet and then MAKING THE PUTT for birdie. In the end, however, it must have been great walking up 18th at Pebble Beach with your ball on the green, a 5-stroke lead, and the Pacific Ocean off to your left. No doubt he will remember that for a long time.

Without looking back at all the Tour statistics, I would venture to say that the guy who finishes first in putting each week probably finished pretty well in the tournament, too. Hopefully Riviera will provide us a little more drama, and maybe, just maybe, I'll get to say "I told you so!"