Several of golf’s current stars gathered for a showdown in the desert. But it wasn’t in Palm Springs.
The Abu Dhabi Championship is one of the few weeks during the year when the European Tour unequivocally overshadows the PGA Tour. It all started with Tiger getting an early start on his season (and a big appearance fee). This year’s field included eight major winners and four of the top six in the OWGR. Not too bad for January.
It’s going to be an interesting year. Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Gotta Get Me Some High Tops
In the first match of the year between world #1 Jordan Spieth and #3 Rory McIlroy, #6 Rickie Fowler came out on top of the Abu Dhabi Championship by a stroke over playing partner Thomas Pieters. McIlroy finished third and Spieth fifth. Fowler appears to be just a major away from making it a Big Four. [Link]
Hole #2: Dufner Out-Duels Lingmerth in the (Other) Desert
David Lingmerth had the round of the day (65) to make it into a playoff with Jason Dufner at -25 in the CareerBuilder Challenge. But on the first extra hole, Lingmerth’s approach drifted five feet too far left and caromed off rocks and into water. A par gave Jason Dufner, who had led much of the way this week, the honor of accepting the trophy from Bill Clinton. Phil Mickelson finished T3. [Link]
Hole #3: Happy Birthday, G.O.A.T!
Jack Nicklaus turned 76 last week, and the golfing world paid homage. [Link]
Hole #4: Waldorf Wins Opener
A birdie on the final hole gave Duffy Waldorf a one-stroke win over Tom Lehman in the Champions Tour season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. Of note, 66-year-old Tom Watson shot a 65 on Friday. He finished at T11. [Link]
Hole #5: Olympic Medal or Major Title
Which do the pros covet more: the first Olympic gold in golf since 1904 or a major title? [Link]
Hole #6: The “Happy” on Skates
As Jonas wreaked havoc on the East coast, some folks’ thoughts still turned to golf. Sometimes, all there is to say is “Wow.” [Link]
Hole #7: “Nearly a Plugged Lie”
Give those Euro announcers a ricochet off the buttocks to describe and hilarity ensues. [Link]
Hole #8: Steph Curry’s High School Golf Photo
Steph Curry is not only the NBA’s reigning MVP, he’s a pretty good golfer, too. [Link]
Hole #9: Yup, I Still Want a GolfBoard
This might have been one of the more high-powered and entertaining “side-games” ever. [Link]