Golf Talk

A selection of quotes from today’s press conference at Carnoustie, site of the 2007 British Open.

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It never ceases to amaze me, the drama of golf on Championship Sunday. The old cliche, Hollywood couldn’t come up with a better script, uttered by sports broadcasters around the world doesn’t even begin to describe the edge of the seat suspense of today’s final round at Carnoustie. In the end, the Irishman, Padraig Harrington was left with trophy in hand and family in tow. Here is how it broke down.

After a birdie on the opening hole, things began to unravel for Sergio. After hitting fairway after fairway and green after green in regulation all week long, his ball striking let him down big time in the biggest round of his life. And when he needed the long putts to drop, they lipped out. It was just that kind of round for Sergio. I wouldn’t say that he chocked, but he didn’t play the way he needed to, the way a champion would. His ten-foot putt on 18 to win, that’s just a putt that champions make; not on this day for Sergio unfortunately. So the search continues, I think Sergio will win a major at some point, he’s got the talent, but for now the demons still haunt him.

Call it the luck of the irish, but in any case, Padraig Harrington went from goat to champ in a matter of a couple of hours. After a fantastic front nine and almost flawless back nine, Padraig had a Van De Velde type collapse on 18, hitting it into the water twice, and finishing with an ugly double. But after Sergio missed his putt on 18, he had new life and played just good enough to edge Sergio for the win. Despite 18, Padraig was near perfect, definitely deserved the win.

Lastly, Andres Romero almost had one of the greatest comeback wins in the history of the British Open (much like Paul Lawrie did in 99′). The guy had 10 birdies in 16 holes. But on 17, a bad decision to hit 2-iron out of the rough ultimately doomed him. He hit OB, and ended up with a double. Still, Andres has to feel good about his round, he’s got the experience now of playing major championships and should be a contender again sooner rather than later.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Andres Romero

By now, you’ve probably watched or heard that Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia in a playoff today to win the 2007 Open Championship. Sergio had a 10-footer on 18 to win it but it lipped out. Harrington crapped out on 18 with a double-bogey and Andres Romero had a similar catastrophe on 17 that took him out of contention.

Anyways, I’ll post my final comments later tonight, congrats to Padraig…

Pos / Player Name / hole / ctry / r1 / r2 / r3 / total / par
====================================
1 HARRINGTON, Padraig 18 IRL 69 73 68 67 277 -7
2 GARCIA, Sergio 18 ESP 65 71 68 73 277 -7
3 ROMERO, Andres 18 ARG 71 70 70 67 278 -6
T4 GREEN, Richard 18 AUS 72 73 70 64 279 -5
T4 ELS, Ernie 18 RSA 72 70 68 69 279 -5
T6 MAHAN, Hunter 18 USA 73 73 69 65 280 -4
T6 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 73 68 70 280 -4
T8 CURTIS, Ben 18 USA 72 74 70 65 281 -3
T8 WEIR, Mike 18 CAN 71 68 72 70 281 -3
T8 CHOI, KJ 18 KOR 69 69 72 71 281 -3
T8 STRICKER, Steve 18 USA 71 72 64 74 281 -3
T12 BRIER, Markus 18 AUT 68 75 70 69 282 -2
T12 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 74 69 70 282 -2
T12 ROSE, Justin 18 ENG 75 70 67 70 282 -2
T12 EDBERG, Pelle 18 SWE 72 73 67 70 282 -2
T12 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 18 ESP 69 70 72 71 282 -2
T12 FURYK, Jim 18 USA 70 70 71 71 282 -2
T12 BROADHURST, Paul 18 ENG 71 71 68 72 282 -2

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Andres Romero

The drama is unfolding, here is how it looks with about 1.5 hours left to play,

Pos / Player Name / hole / ctry / r1 / r2 / r3 / total / par
====================================
1 ROMERO, Andres 16 ARG 71 70 70 -7 -9
T2 HARRINGTON, Padraig 13 IRL 69 73 68 -4 -7
T2 GARCIA, Sergio 12 ESP 65 71 68 +2 -7
4 ELS, Ernie 14 RSA 72 70 68 -3 -6
T5 GREEN, Richard 18 AUS 72 73 70 64 279 -5
T5 STRICKER, Steve 12 USA 71 72 64 +1 -5
T7 MAHAN, Hunter 18 USA 73 73 69 65 280 -4
T7 CINK, Stewart 13 USA 69 73 68 -1 -4
T9 CURTIS, Ben 18 USA 72 74 70 65 281-3
T9 WEIR, Mike 16 CAN 71 68 72 -1 -3
T9 CHOI, KJ 15 KOR 69 69 72 Par -3
T9 BROADHURST, Paul 14 ENG 71 71 68 Par -3
T13 BRIER, Markus 18 AUT 68 75 70 69 282 -2
T13 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 74 69 70 282 -2
T13 ROSE, Justin 17 ENG 75 70 67 -1 -2
T13 DiMARCO, Chris 12 USA 74 70 66 +1 -2

Sergio lost the lead and has had a tough go with several birdie chances. Andres Romero is going crazy right now, 10 birdies in 16 holes. Padraig Harrington has come very strong.

See you at the finish…

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Andres Romero, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington

In just a few hours, Sergio Garcia will tee off as the final round leader of the 2007 Open Championship. With a full 3-shot lead over Steve Stricker, it’d take a Van De Velde like collapse for Sergio to lose it. But then again, stranger things have happened.

I have a good feeling that Sergio will take it. The way he played on Saturday was magnificent. Not only is his putting working well, but he’s hitting it long and accurate. It’s safe to say, that Sunday will be one of the biggest days in Sergio’s life, lets hope it’s a good one.

Chris DiMarco was one player I said to watch out for, and he had a great round yesterday to put him among the leaders. I also think Tiger Woods will make a mini-charge to get to around 5-under or even 6-under, he plays really well when he’s angry.

Good to see Ernie Els back among the leaders, I don’t think we’ve heard the last from him yet.

Anyways, it’s getting late so good luck to all the competitors, and to those lucky bastards that have tee times (and good weather), enjoy…

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker

Some people are making a big deal about Tiger’s apparent F-bomb after a wayward tee shot during Friday’s second round disaster. Listen for yourself, about 5 secs in, after he hits his tee shot.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a big deal. It’s not like he dropped it during a live interview or anything like that. We see coaches in football and basketball games drop F-bombs all the time, you don’t even have to mention the players.

I mean, if a guy can’t even express himself properly in his own space, what the hell kind of society do we live in??

Tiger Woods, F-bomb, British Open

Credit: Hooked on Golf

With Sergio and KJ the last pair to finish, here is how things shape up as we gear up for tomorrow,

Pos / Player Name / hole / ctry / r1 / r2 / r3 / total / par
====================================
1 GARCIA, Sergio 18 ESP 65 71 68 204 -9
2 STRICKER, Steve 18 USA 71 72 64 207 -6
T3 DiMARCO, Chris 18 USA 74 70 66 210 -3
T3 McGINLEY, Paul 18 IRL 67 75 68 210 -3
T3 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 73 68 210 -3
T3 HARRINGTON, Padraig 18 IRL 69 73 68 210 -3
T3 ELS, Ernie 18 RSA 72 70 68 210 -3
T3 BROADHURST, Paul 18 ENG 71 71 68 210 -3
T3 CHOI, KJ 18 KOR 69 69 72 210 -3
T10 SINGH, Vijay 18 FJI 72 71 68 211 -2
T10 ROMERO, Andres 18 ARG 71 70 70 211 -2
T10 FURYK, Jim 18 USA 70 70 71 211 -2
T10 WEIR, Mike 18 CAN 71 68 72 211 -2
T10 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 18 ESP 69 70 72 211 -2
T15 EDBERG, Pelle 18 SWE 72 73 67 212 -1
T15 ROSE, Justin 18 ENG 75 70 67 212 -1
T15 BEEM, Rich 18 USA 70 73 69 212 -1
T15 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 74 69 212 -1
T15 HENRY, J J 18 USA 70 71 71 212 -1

Sergio Garcia probably had one of the biggest shots of his week, perhaps his career, on 17 from the rough to save par. He hit a sweet little chip shot that got within 5 feet of the hole. He went on to nearly make a birdie on 18 and must be feeling giddy right now heading into tomorrow. I have to give it to him, with all the pressure on him, he played up and made huge shots and putts when it counted.

Steve Stricker had the round of his life and is now in second all by himself.

KJ headed a little south, but is still there. Chris DiMarco stormed back into contention. Mike Weir battled and dropped a shot.

Tiger played better, but not good enough, he needed a lights out day to get into a good position to challenge Sergio, at 1-under and 8 shots away, it’s going to take miracles for him to win.

Full analysis and thoughts later tonight…

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker Tiger Woods

(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

This is how the leaderboard looks like with the leaders through the 12th hole,

Pos / Player Name / hole / ctry / r1 / r2 / r3 / total / par
====================================
1 GARCIA, Sergio 12 ESP 65 71 -3 -9
2 STRICKER, Steve 18 USA 71 72 64 207 -6
T3 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 12 ESP 69 70 -1 -4
T3 CHOI, KJ 12 KOR 69 69 Par -4
T5 DiMARCO, Chris 18 USA 74 70 66 210 -3
T5 McGINLEY, Paul 18 IRL 67 75 68 210 -3
T5 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 73 68 210 -3
T5 HARRINGTON, Padraig 17 IRL 69 73 -3 -3
T5 ELS, Ernie 17 RSA 72 70 -3 -3
T5 BROADHURST, Paul 17 ENG 71 71 -3 -3
T5 WEIR, Mike 12 CAN 71 68 Par -3
T12 SINGH, Vijay 18 FJI 72 71 68 211 -2
T12 ROMERO, Andres 14 ARG 71 70 -1 -2
T14 EDBERG, Pelle 18 SWE 72 73 67 212 -1
T14 ROSE, Justin 18 ENG 75 70 67 212 -1
T14 BEEM, Rich 18 USA 70 73 69 212 -1
T14 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 74 69 212 -1
T14 HENRY, J J 16 USA 70 71 Par -1
T14 GOOSEN, Retief 16 RSA 70 71 Par -1
T14 WESTWOOD, Lee 14 ENG 71 70 Par -1
T14 CABRERA, Angel 14 ARG 68 73 Par -1
T14 FURYK, Jim 13 USA 70 70 +1 -1

Sergio has been on, answering the bell at 3-under so far on his round. Steve Stricker shot a Open Championship course record 64 to get to 6-under and in sole possession of second place. Chris DiMarco had a fantastic round himself, getting to 3-under. Tiger battled out there to get to 1-under. KJ is struggling and Mike Weir is still getting up and down.

That bad weather that was supppose to come, never did…

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker Tiger Woods

(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Friday was suppose to be moving day, but frankly there was very little movement among the leaders, and there were plenty of movers the wrong way. Sergio Garcia remains in the lead with a par round staying at 6-under. KJ Choi is second at 4-under overall. The low round of the day goes to Canadian Mike Weir with a 68. Jump on the link to see all the details.

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With round two in the books and players in the clubhouse, here is how the leaderboard shakes up,

Pos / Player Name / hole / Ctry / r1 / r2 / total / par
====================================
1 GARCIA, Sergio 18 ESP 65 71 136 -6
2 CHOI, KJ 18 KOR 69 69 138 -4
T3 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 18 ESP 69 70 139 -3
T3 WEIR, Mike 18 CAN 71 68 139 -3
T5 FURYK, Jim 18 USA 70 70 140 -2
T5 WEEKLEY, Boo 18 USA 68 72 140 -2
T7 ROMERO, Andres 18 ARG 71 70 141 -1
T7 CABRERA, Angel 18 ARG 68 73 141 -1
T7 WESTWOOD, Lee 18 ENG 71 70 141 -1
T7 FORSYTH, Alastair 18 SCO 70 71 141 -1
T7 GOOSEN, Retief 18 RSA 70 71 141 -1
T7 HENRY, J J 18 USA 70 71 141 -1
T13 BROADHURST, Paul 18 ENG 71 71 142 Par
T13 ELS, Ernie 18 RSA 72 70 142 Par
T13 HARRINGTON, Padraig 18 IRL 69 73 142 Par
T13 BOURDY, Gregory 18 FRA 70 72 142 Par
T13 PAMPLING, Rod 18 AUS 70 72 142 Par
T13 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 73 142 Par
T13 McGINLEY, Paul 18 IRL 67 75 142 Par

Sergio had a decent up and down day, but remains in the lead. KJ Choi was the biggest mover today. Tiger moved in the wrong direction finishing at 1-over, 7 shots from the lead.

What about Mike Weir, the Canadian, making moves himself.

Watch out for Miguel Angel Cabrera, he’s a solid euro player that could give Sergio a run for his money.

Jim Furyk and Boo Weekley are the best americans out there. Jim is doing his thing, grinding away. Phil Mickelson and John Daly both missed the cut.

As always, my full day two analysis later tonight…

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods

(AFP/Getty Images)

This is absolutely hilarious. I’m not sure if anyone was watching this as it would’ve been really early in the morning. TNT’s Ernie Johnson is awesome, definitely one of my favorite sports broadcasters. What’s the matter Ernie, cat gotcha tongue?? (hahaha)

Afternoon update soon, stay tuned…

ass jingle, funnies, British Open

Credit: AOLFanhouse

Most of the morning players are done, the afternoon players are in the middle of their rounds. Here’s how they shape up so far,

Pos / Player Name / hole / Ctry / r1 / r2 / total / par
====================================
1 GARCIA, Sergio 18 ESP 65 71 136 -6
2 CHOI, KJ 14 KOR 69 -2 -4
T3 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 18 ESP 69 70 139 -3
T3 GOOSEN, Retief 12 RSA 70 -2 -3
T3 CINK, Stewart 6 USA 69 -1 -3
T3 BRIER, Markus 4 AUT 68 Par -3
T7 FURYK, Jim 18 USA 70 70 140 -2
T7 WEEKLEY, Boo 18 USA 68 72 140 -2
T7 PAMPLING, Rod 14 AUS 70 -1 -2
T7 STRICKER, Steve 14 USA 71 -2 -2
T7 McGINLEY, Paul 4 IRL 67 +2 -2
T7 BEEM, Rich 4 USA 70 -1 -2
T13 ROMERO, Andres 18 ARG 71 70 141 -1
T13 CABRERA, Angel 18 ARG 68 73 141 -1
T13 WESTWOOD, Lee 18 ENG 71 70 141 -1
T13 FORSYTH, Alastair 18 SCO 70 71 141 -1

Well, no low scores today so far. Sergio stayed at 6-under and is done so he has a 2-shot lead at the moment. Surprising that Tiger dropped 3 quick shots in his front nine, ouch…

Phil dropped 6 shots today to finish with a 77, and will probably miss the cut.

The wind is changing things today, most players are having trouble off the tee and hitting greens. KJ Choi and Stewart Cink are making the biggest noise today.

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods

(AFP/Getty Images)

It was cold, a little wet, and mostly overcast, typical weather for Open Championship golf at the links of Carnoustie. There weren’t too many surprises on day one, the leader through round one is Sergio Garcia who shot a 6-under 65 to lead by two. Paul McGinley led for quite a while before Sergio surged. Tiger Woods was one of the early starters finishing at 2-under. Jump on the link to read the rest…

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Round one is complete and the leaders are,

Pos / Player Name / hole / Ctry / r1 / total / par
====================================
1 GARCIA, Sergio 18 ESP 65 65 -6
2 McGINLEY, Paul 18 IRL 67 67 -4
T3 CAMPBELL, Michael 18 NZL 68 68 -3
T3 BRIER, Markus 18 AUT 68 68 -3
T3 CABRERA, Angel 18 ARG 68 68 -3
T3 McILROY, Rory (A) 18 NIR 68 68 -3
T3 WEEKLEY, Boo 18 USA 68 68 -3
T8 CHOI, KJ 18 KOR 69 69 -2
T8 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 69 -2
T8 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 69 -2
T8 HARRINGTON, Padraig 18 IRL 69 69 -2
T8 JIMÉNEZ, Miguel Angel 18 ESP 69 69 -2

What did I tell you all, what did I tell you all, this is Sergio’s time baby… He sure had one heck of a first round, now it’s only the first round but he’s stroking it good. He’s using a new belly putter (should’ve switch earlier) and he’s just mashing those putts into the bottom of the cup, good to see Sergio on top.

Tiger Woods is lurking, and I also called Angel Cabrera not having a major letdown.

And what about Rory McIlroy, an 18-year-old amateur, just stunning. The kid will have one hell of a story for the lads.

Anyways, my full day one analysis later tonight…

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods

(AP Photo/Jon Super)

It’s still early with about half the field still waiting to tee off. The early leaders are,

Pos / Player Name / hole / Ctry / r1 / total / par
====================================
T1 McGINLEY, Paul 18 IRL 67 67 -4
T1 SATO, Achi 6 JPN -4 -4
T3 CAMPBELL, Michael 18 NZL 68 68 -3
T3 BRIER, Markus 18 AUT 68 68 -3
T3 HANSON, Peter 16 SWE -3 -3
T3 DONALD, Luke 14 ENG -3 -3
T7 CHOI, KJ 18 KOR 69 69 -2
T7 WOODS, Tiger 18 USA 69 69 -2
T7 CINK, Stewart 18 USA 69 69 -2
T7 McILROY, Rory (A) 11 NIR -2 -2
T7 STENSON, Henrik 11 SWE -2 -2
T7 TANIGUCHI, Toru 9 JPN -2 -2
T7 GARCIA, Sergio 7 ESP -2 -2

Almost everyone has tee’d off. Tiger Woods is two back in the clubhouse. Phil Mickelson is fighting to stay in the red. Sergio Garcia has a whole nine in front of him in good shape as is Angel Cabrera.

Round 1 is usually about the unknown players getting their 15 minutes leading round one. Paul McGinley (though not really an unknown) and Achi Sato (who really is an unknown) share that spotlight right now atop the leaderboard. Rory McIlroy, an 18-year-old amateur is making a move up right now, kid looks like he’s 12, and he’s almost leading the Open, unbelieveable…

Anyways, the course is playing well, scores are about where they should be. If you find the rough or bunkers, you will pay, but that’s the way championship golf is supposed to be.

The weather has been fair, haven’t seen any rain yet in about 1 hour of watching.

Catch the Official Open Championship leaderboard here.

PGA Tour, British Open, Carnoustie, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

(AP Photo/Jon Super)