This just in… Rory McIlroy is good.
In fact, when Rory McIlroy is on (as he was during a course-record setting third round at Quail Hollow), he does a pretty good Tiger Woods circa 2000 imitation. He is playing a different game than the rest of the field. Luckily for the other players, unlike how Woods used to do McIlroy does not win with his B-game (at least not yet).
It would be great to have a real rivalry, like Palmer-Nicklaus-Player, but for that to happen the rivals need to be at relatively the same level. Jordan Speith’s Masters win and Rickie Fowler taking the Players were both impressive wins. And those guys are among the elite on TOUR. But if McIlroy played every week like he played this one, everybody else would be playing for second, a distant one.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Rickie and Jordan Who?
Rory McIlroy put on a Saturday clinic and the coasted to an easy 7-stroke victory on Sunday in the Wells Fargo Championship, becoming the event’s first two-time winner. [Link]
Hole #2: Maggert Major
Look at that little Maggert… win. Jeff Maggert won the Regions Tradition (a Champions Tour major) in a playoff Sunday. [Link]
Hole #3: No Closure at Kingsmill
At least not on Sunday. Weather necessitated a Monday finish for the LPGA. Michelle Wie didn’t make it to the weekend. She withdrew on Thursday with a hip injury. [Link]
Hole #4: A Little Something for the Loop
Caddies are taking the PGA TOUR to court with a $50 million lawsuit seeking health care coverage, pensions, and a share of bib advertising. Which would be nice. [Link]
Hole #5: Golf Is Hard
Even if your name is Derek Jeter. [Link]
Hole #6: 30 for 30 for JD
John Daly will be the subject of a 30 for 30 documentary on ESPN. [Link]
Hole #7: Another Ace for Angel
Knock ball in hole, nod to Chi Chi, Moonwalk, and win 288 beers, that probably go the Mechanic through the weekend. (James Morrison won the Open de Espana.) [Link]
Hole #8: Warriors Come Out to Play
Golf helped the Golden State Warriors beat the Memphis Grizzlies. Really. [Link]
Hole #9: Good Deeds
Sophie Gustafson (and Tiger) help a bullied boy. The kinder and gentler Woods phenomena continues. [Link]