Does anyone else remember that Adam Scott started out last year putting well with a short putter before returning to the security blanket of the broom? Well, now he’s won with the regular-length flat stick and, barring a retreat on the rule by the USGA, there’s no going back.
Sergio, Sergio, Sergio. You were supposed to be the new rival for Tiger, more than 16 years ago. And you’re still allergic to Sunday? Bogey-bogey-birdie finishes don’t often work out.
On the women’s side of things, Lexi Thompson proved once again that when the flat stick cooperates, she is very, very hard to beat.
Next week, we get our first stop at a Trump property with the presidential candidate leading the GOP field in an election year. This should be weird.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Solid Scott Survives
It wasn’t exactly flashy–and there was that quadruple bogey on Saturday–but Adam Scott did enough to shoot even par on Sunday and win the Honda Classic by a stroke over Sergio Garcia. [Link]
Hole #2: Lexi Passes Lewis
And your new top-ranked U.S. female golfer is… Lexi Thompson, who won the other Honda tour event this week in Thailand by six strokes and past Stacy Lewis as the top-ranked American woman in golf. [Link]
Hole #3: Augusta National Seeks to Further Stifle Roars
Apparently, the members like a quiet back nine. At 510 yards, number 13 is one of the best risk-reward par fives in golf. So naturally, they want to make it longer. I blame Bubba for this one, not Tiger. [Link]
Hole #4: Players React
Hint: They don’t much like it. [Link]
Hole #5: Big Scare at Honda
Jason Bohn suffered what turned out to be a major heart attack at the conclusion of Friday’s round. After having a stent inserted to open a 99% blocked artery, he was resting comfortably in the hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery and return to the tour. [Link]
Hole #6: And Shoots 8-under His Age
75-year-old club pro goes birdie-eagle-ace (2-2-1) on consecutive holes without using his putter. Respect. [Link]
Hole #7: Woodland’s Shot in Skivvies
We can debate wearing shorts on tour, but can we just all agree that pro golfers should not play in their underwear? [Link]
Hole #8: Louis Breaks Drought
It’s been two years since he’s won a tournament, but Louis Oosthuizen’s one-under 71 on Sunday was good enough for a one-stroke win at the ISPS Handa Perth International in Australia. [Link]
Hole #9: Tiger Makes News (Again)
One nine-iron swing by Tiger Woods in a simulator got as much or more reaction and analysis than anything else this week. [Link]