Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama conspired to create marital discord in my house. See, I was under strict orders to record Lady Gaga singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. While I remembered to set the DVR to record the Super Bowl, I was caught up in the sudden death action in the desert and wasn’t watching what was happening in San Franscisco.
Suffice it to say, Ms. Gaga began right about 6:29, and the DVR started to record at 6:30. Oops! “I got part of it for you, Honey.” Oh well, that’s what YouTube is for.
So, did you miss Denver’s fast start in the Super Bowl, or did you miss the Rickie vs. Hideki showdown? It was a tough choice.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Super Finish
Hideki Matsuyama rarely does anything flashy on the golf course, but he just executes shot after shot and lulls you to sleep with that gorgeous swing tempo. And what’s with Rickie Fowler and the water on #17 at TPC Scottsdale? Nine times he’s been wet there over the years, and twice today. On the 71st hole of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Fowler pulled driver and hit it over 350 yards into the water behind the green. On the fourth playoff hole, he took fairway wood and hooked it into the water short and left of the green. In the end, Hideki’s four on 17 was good enough to win when Rickie missed his par putt. [Link]
Hole #2: Another Super Finish
Danny Willet claimed the Dubai Desert Classic by draining a 15-foot birdie putt on #18 to beat playing partner Rafa Cabrera-Bello who had just made birdie himself to tie clubhouse leader Andy Sullivan. [Link]
Hole #3: Jang Gets First LPGA Win
In Ocala, Ha Na Jang played 36 holes Sunday with the World #1 and got far more encouragement than challenge from her. Lydia Ko faded from contention and turned into a cheerleader for Jang. Jang weathered soggy conditions and a charge by Brooke Henderson for a two-stroke victory at the Coates Golf Championship. [Link]
Hole 4: Golfing Girls
Are women key to growing golf? Well, duh. [Link]
Hole 5: Hey Kid!
Esteban Jaramillo, 14, won a qualifier and the right to play last week’s Club Colombia Championship on the Web.com Tour. He is the second-youngest ever to play an event on that tour. The amateur missed the cut in the event, which was won by Sebastian Munoz. [Link]
Hole 6: College Golf
The NCAA’s spring college golf season is right around the corner. Here’s the complete rundown by conference to get you prepped. [Link]
Hole #7: This Is the Droid You’re Looking For
Aren’t robots supposed to do what you program them to do? Well, give this robot’s programmer a cigar. (And he’s buying drinks, I think.) [Link]
Hole #8: 201,000
That was the attendance on Saturday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. That’s a lot of people watching golf and drinking beer. [Link]
Hole #9: No More Birdie Dances
If you are familiar with 18 Holes with Jimmy Hanlin, Ohio may owe you an apology. The show began a few years ago promoting courses in N.E. Ohio and the surrounding region, even including some golf resorts in the South and West. This year it’s going national on FOX Sports regional networks, and Natalie Gulbis is joining the show, replacing the terminally cute Carling Nolan (known for her birdie dances). We suspect Hanlin will continue to be routinely beat on his own show while wearing hideous pants. Naturally, the new show will be named 18 Holes with Natalie Gulbis and Jimmy Hanlin. [Link]