Comments on: U.S. Open at Oakmont Journal: Tuesday

By: JIM

JIM — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:15:02 +0000

A couple of photos from Tuesday's practice round.

By: MH

MH — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 02:01:33 +0000

D. Pelz said on Golf Channel that #10 is the hardest par 4 in the world, the next day he backed that down to "hardest in the country" On Sunday it was the 5th hardest par 4 on the course and overall the second hardest 4 on the course (for the week). I think he's half crazy....He wanted Phil to hit tons of practice shots so he could gather data, crunch the numbers and determine the best club and swing to use to get out of the rough.(and he practiced him right out of the Open)...His problem is, he's too numbers oriented, no feel or swing path thoughts. Someone that can look past numbers and see the game for what it is, knows that rough is damned long and tough and don't hit out of it too much or you'll get hurt. Fairly simple, to me.

By: Donald MacKenzie

Donald MacKenzie — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:44:44 +0000

Clarification on the wrist support Phil's wearing, as someone who had wrist surgery and needed to wear something similar for a while: You can wear a soft support within the rules of golf. That would include things like the compression wrap Phil has on, an Ace bandage or tape. You can't wear something that is hard, like a splint, that would reduce movement in a certain specific way. There are some training aids that are based on this principle, and they are not OK for handicap or tourney play.

What Phil is wearing will basically help control any swelling through compression, and help keep the area warm. But the only way it's going to get better is by letting it rest. Which stinks if you play golf. It only took me about four years to fully recover.

Erik: Great jab at Sergio. Laughed out loud at that one.

By: Erik J. Barzeski

Erik J. Barzeski — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:45:05 +0000

Jack Waddell said on June 14, 2007:

If that's all, why was it in the subhead? I would love to hear what Fred objected to about the Pelzmeter.

Because I meant to write more about it, then decided against it. That's all.

By: Jack Waddell

Jack Waddell — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:39:16 +0000

If that's all, why was it in the subhead? I would love to hear what Fred objected to about the Pelzmeter. Did you hear what he said or was your subhead based on your impression of what he said? If you heard the conversation, I'd love to hear the gist of it.

By: Erik J. Barzeski

Erik J. Barzeski — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:24:27 +0000

Jack Waddell said on June 13, 2007:

Can you elaborate for us on what you meant by "and Fred Funk ain't buyin' it?"

Fred was playing with Phil and on the fifth green got into an animated discussion with Dave Pelz over the validity of his findings with the "Pelzmeter." That's all.

By: Jack Waddell

Jack Waddell — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:22:28 +0000

Phil definitely needs a ruling. This from the USGA website:

As noted in the Miscellaneous Section of the Modification to the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities, there are many golfers who have physical limitations that may result in some degree of disability and that may have a significant impact on their ability to play. The USGA reviews, on a case-by-case basis, unique devices that are designed for use by individuals with such limitations and that do not conform to the Rules of Golf. After reviewing a device, as well as information regarding the individualâ€™s medical condition, the USGA determines whether the device could be permitted as an exception to Rule 14-3 and refers the ultimate decision to the local Committee (e.g., tournament committee or golf club). If the local Committee determines that the individual does not gain any undue advantage over other players by using the device, the Committee may permit the player to use the device during a stipulated round.

The link to the complete page is here.

By: JP Bouffard

JP Bouffard — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:37:45 +0000

Phil is right handed in everything except golf. Remember the great story about his father teaching him using a mirroring technique...so Phil learned as a lefty. As to the brace...hmmm...there's a decision on the rules pointed out somewhere wherein it states that an "elastic bandage" worn because of wrist injury is legal. Sounds to me like a brace is ok as long as he has a bona fide injury to justify wearing it. On the other hand, a brace is probably "clothing," which is "equipment," which is not supposed to be "adjustable." I think Phil needs a ruling.

By: Alan Olson

Alan Olson — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:14:04 +0000

Erik,

Great updates! Looking forward to seeing your pictures as well. As for taking Garcia in our fantasy league - not a chance!

By: Jack Waddell

Jack Waddell — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:37:14 +0000

Erik,

Can you elaborate for us on what you meant by "and Fred Funk ain't buyin' it?"

Thanks... your observations are very entertaining. Can't wait to see the pictures.