2011 U.S. Open Final Round Chat
Join us as we chat about what may very well be the snoozefest of the year: a run-away win in a first major for Rory McIlroy.
Staff Predictions: 2011 U.S. Open
How will this year’s national championship be affected by a lack of Tiger Woods? Just who will hoist the trophy at Congressional?
Recent history in majors has been all about the meltdowns and it really got its start a year ago this week when Dustin Johnson handed away what seemed like a massive three-shot lead on the first tee that vanished quickly on his way to a brutal 82. It remains to be seen if this year’s U.S. Open venue, Congressional, will offer the risk-reward and downright difficult-yet-memorable holes seen at last year’s Pebble Beach.
Length is the defining characteristic of Congressional, made longer by reportedly soft fairways this week. Will that swing the advantage to the big hitters? Or does it play into the hands of a guy who hits it down the middle? With greens heading beyond 14 on the Stimpmeter (if you choose to believe the USGA), will an all-time great putter emerge?
There’s no Tiger Woods, no dominant number one player in the world, and certainly no clear-cut favorite this year. In fact, Las Vegas oddsmakers have installed “The Field” as an 8-1 “favorite,” with a batch of golfers (Luke Donald, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood) hovering around 12-1.
Our staff offer their predictions:
Volume Two Hundred Eighty Two
Stevie’s on loan?
Hello golf fans, welcome again to Hittin’ the Links. Some interesting goings on around the world of golf this week. Some caddy borrowing, some rumors of careers being over, and a long awaited winner to name a few.
In this edition of HtL we begin with a look at Presidential Golf, check out an unlikely U.S. Open qualifier, and find out why Charl Schwartzel is still rather unknown. Also, we investigate who Stevie is caddying for, take a peek at some questions posed to G-Mac, and do a wrap-up of the weeks events. Read on!
TRUE Linkswear Adds Next Generation Stealth to Lineup
Building on the success of their initial golf shoes, TRUE linkswear releases their newest shoe, called Stealth.
Earlier this year, the guys at TRUE linkswear unveiled their latest creation at the PGA Tour Merchandise show back in January, though up until now they haven’t been available for purchase. Last year, TRUE Tours were featured both here at Bag Drop, as well as a full-blown review.
TRUE’s unique approach to footwear follows a barefoot trend in running, in that the shoe should utilize the anatomical qualities of the foot as opposed to arch supports and heavily cushioned heels. This minimalist approach says that the work done by nature is better than anything man can do, and a minimalist shoe combined with an ergonomic traction system allows the body to conform and grip the course naturally.
So what’s new in the stealth? You’ll have to read on to find out.
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Volume Two Hundred Eighty One
Hey everybody, Jack could dunk!
Hello again golf fans and welcome to everyone’s favorite informative golf column, Hittin’ the Links. It was another great weekend for golf. We had all the major Tours going plus the NCAA Golf Championships. That means we have lots to report so without further ado…
In this edition of HtL we begin with a look at Trump making friends, then turn our attention to a couple hole-in-ones on the European Tour, and investigate Jack Nicklaus’s basketball skills. Also on tap, we take a peek at some political golf, look at a record breaking performance on the Nationwide Tour, and do a wrap-up of the rest of the week’s events. Read on!
Discovering a Shared Passion In Far-Off Land
My pre-disaster visit to Japan found a golf-crazed nation. With recovery well on and Tokyo now safe for visitors, I’m itching for a return trip.
Several months before the catastrophic earthquake and subsequent tsunamis rocked Japan, I had to opportunity to spend a week in the country. On so many levels, I was impressed and really enjoyed experience of a culture so different than what I’m used to in America’s Northeast Corridor.
The island nation struck me as impeccably clean and orderly, especially given the massive population density of Tokyo, where I spent most of the trip. It was noticeably how polite and respectful the Japanese people were to each other and to visitors, making it very easy to explore, even while only knowing a couple phrases of the language.
I’ve held off on writing this column, knowing that sports and leisure have been on the backburner as Japan has recovered from the horrible disaster, but in recent weeks, the U.S. has lifted its travel warnings, and Tokyo is spreading the message that it’s open for business.
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Volume Two Hundred Eighty
We have yet another new world #1
Hello golf fans and welcome to the Memorial Day edition of Hittin’ the Links. Playoffs were the name of the game this weekend with the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, and the European Tour events all going into extra innings. Nothing wrong with that, though – I always like a good sudden-death playoff.
In this edition of HtL we begin with a look into Tiger’s uncertain future, then investigate Rory Sabbatini’s possible suspension, and see whats going on at IMG. Also on tap, we check out some girl power, take a peek at the upcoming NCAA Golf Championships, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!
Golf’s Gut-Wrenching Moments
What are your cringe-worthy moments?
Thanks to John Feinstein, everyone knows Mark Twain’s famous quote. You know, the one where he famously called golf a “good walk spoiled.” Sometimes golf is beautiful game between you, nature, and your sandbagging buddies who constantly assure you that inside the leather is inside the leather, even if their belly-putter has a grip that puts Adam Scott’s broomstick to shame.
But sometimes golf really sucks. Everybody has those kind of days once in a while. You go to the range beforehand and you’re hitting frozen ropes straight out to center field, but the minute you step onto the tee it’s like the driver is a foreign object, and the fairway become a mythical place that should never be disturbed. More than maybe any other game, golf can bring any even the more experience players to their knees, at any time.
In this edition of Trap Five, we take a look into those moments on the course when it feels like the golf gods smack you right in the face.
Ten Questions for 2011 #6: Who Will be the Next Breakout Golfer?
Which golfers will have a breakout year in 2011?
The PGA Tour is built around guys like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, but they were young up-and-comers at one time as well. Golf fans are constantly looking for the next breakout star, and luckily for most, the last year or two has provided us with quite a few. Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler are just a few of the young guns who have stepped up in recent years and made an impact on the big stage. McIlroy and Johnson are both ranked in the top 15 in the world, while Fowler has already climbed into the top 30.
Between the Nationwide Tour and Q-School graduates, there are plenty of fresh faces joining the PGA Tour in 2011. I’ve followed a lot of the guys through the college ranks, while some will be returning to the bright lights after a year or two away. Who will follow in the footsteps of Fowler and be the next breakout golfer on the PGA Tour? I’ve picked out two guys who have what it takes to make a serious impact in 2011 and beyond. Enjoy!
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