It’s been said that Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods differ in schedule in one critical way: Tiger plays (and excels) at events with stronger fields while Phil Mickelson excels at weaker-field events.
I’ve compiled a list of statistics from last season which speak to this statistic. Bear in mind that one season is far from representative (particularly given Tiger’s eight wins, two majors, and father’s death which forced an extended break). To illuminate true patterns, an entire career (or at least, say, the most recent five years) would have to be examined. The manner in which I’ve compiled these numbers is assuredly a less than scientific way of determining which player is playing in the toughest events.
Continue reading “Strength of Field: Tiger vs. Phil, Part One”
The Golf Channel settles in and an oldie (but goodie?) wins the Sony Open in the form of Paul Goydos, knocking off the forever-bridesmaid Charles Howell III and young gun Luke Donald. Tadd Fujikawa makes a compelling start, makes the cut, and makes a lot of friends, while Michelle Wie’s play on the men’s tours of the world continue to stir up opposition. Her 78-76 next-to-last-place finish didn’t help much, either. All that and more in this episode of Golf Talk.
Lucky to play so many wonderful courses over the years, I’ve devised my own simple Goldilocks rating scheme. Some are too hard. Some are too soft. Some are just right.
Forgive me if I sound a little hasty this week. It’s no secret by now that Charles Howell III is far and away my favorite golfer in the world. Howell III had The Sony Open trophy well within his grasp this past Sunday before crumbling like an Oreo cookie. I had my victory celebration planned out, but I should have known better. Just when CH3 looked to be getting over the hump, he let himself and his number one fan down yet again.
Whether you’re a fan of 
The last of the fruitcake is ready to be re-gifted for next Christmas and I have already broken all of the resolutions I made for the new year. Big deal you say. Give us some links we can check out at work.
My golf season having been officially “over” for two months and the next one still three months out, I will no doubt find the next few months quite maddening. So what can I do? Do I sit around and read the golf magazines looking for the latest tips and drills? Do I drool over the 
The 2007 Masters is just a twinkle in the collective eye of golf fans. The highs and lows of 2006 are fading into the past, the leftover turkey is gone, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” plays in the background, and the decorations are up. Not exactly Masters weather.