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With the PGA Championship starting on Thursday, the golf world is in a bit of turmoil. Dustin Johnson is on “a leave of absence.” Tiger Woods hobbled off the grounds at Firestone after just 62 holes. Rory McIlroy is looking unbeatable.<\/p>\nWith the PGA Championship starting on Thursday, the golf world is in a bit of turmoil. Dustin Johnson is on “a leave of absence.” Tiger Woods hobbled off the grounds at Firestone after just 62 holes. Rory McIlroy is looking unbeatable.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Ryder Team, which for much of the year has looked like the stronger of the two, suddenly seems seriously shaky. Consider everything in the first paragraph, coupled with Sergio’s very solid play of late, as well as the fact that the only Americans playing consistently good golf of late are Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley. There’s still time for the Americans to come around, but right now it looks like the smart money would be on the Euros come September.<\/p>\n
But first, it’s off to Valhalla for the PGA Championship. Let’s hit the links, Twitter style. Rory McIlroy back on top of the world as he beats Sergio Garcia for #BridgestoneInvitational<\/a> win http:\/\/t.co\/XQwI5Pt9A8<\/a><\/p>\n — Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) August 3, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #2: The Lonely Caddie<\/strong> Tiger Woods' caddie Joe LaCava is currently at Valhalla Golf Club, which hosts this week's #PGAChamp<\/a>. pic.twitter.com\/y4GhILsBtk<\/a><\/p>\n — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 4, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #3: Sergio and the Diamond in the Rough<\/strong> Sergio Garcia's errant drive broke a woman's diamond ring – http:\/\/t.co\/MLWLFV8hXV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SWCUWFIDet<\/a><\/p>\n — For The Win (@ForTheWin) August 3, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #4: Rory at Valhalla<\/strong> Since 1980, only these guys have won three starts in a row: http:\/\/t.co\/4KJpCSHEZB<\/a>
Rory has a chance to do it this week. #PGATOUR<\/a><\/p>\n — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 5, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #5: Ogilvy Re-breaks Through<\/strong> This is absolutely brilliant. Well done Geoff. Golf in a nutshell http:\/\/t.co\/f6vqnLkkIn<\/a><\/p>\n — Arron Oberholser (@ArronOberholser) August 4, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #6: Dustin Johnson Takes Leave of Absence…<\/strong> The PGA denies suspending Dustin Johnson amid reports the #golf<\/a> star has failed a drugs test. http:\/\/t.co\/4mf4JS9aAk<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YNr3nCU0QR<\/a><\/p>\n — Sport360\u00b0 (@Sport_360) August 2, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #7: Love Those Fake Tweeters!<\/strong><\/p>\n I see one of young Rory's balls is for sale on the internet. Who is auctioning it m'lads? Is it Caroline? Majestic.<\/p>\n — Tweeter Alliss (@TweeterAlliss) July 29, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n No, that’s not Peter Alliss, but Rory’s ball from the Open Championship is up for sale. [Link<\/a>]<\/p>\n Hole #8: Mini-Me<\/strong><\/p>\n Where's Bubba's mini-me? Rickie Fowler found his! More golf Instagrams: http:\/\/t.co\/5gw7RIkmTI<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TBShchjoGO<\/a><\/p>\n — Golf Digest (@GolfDigestMag) August 4, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Hole #9: U.S. Team Takes at Least One Big Hit<\/strong> Tom Watson on my show: Phil's 62 "I'd certainly like to have him on my Ryder Cup team" Tiger's WD "…doesn't bode well"<\/p>\n — PGA Golf Radio Matty (@MattAdamsFoL) August 4, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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\nHole #1: McIlroy Drives Himself to #1<\/strong>
\nThree-fifty, all carry into the fairway. Sure it’s one shot, but what a shot! Time after time.<\/p>\n\n
\nWill Joe be working this week, or not? <\/p>\n\n
\nSergio Garcia has been runner-up in his last three starts. This week besides losing a four stroke lead, he knocked the diamond out of a woman’s ring. To his credit, he asked a marshal to get her contact info so he could presumably replace the rock in case it was not found (it was).<\/p>\n\n
\nSo does this mean you shouldn’t take him in your office pool? That might not be wise.<\/p>\n\n
\nGeoff Ogilvy won the Barracuda Championship, the PGA Tour’s opposite field event in Reno. It was the first win for the former U.S. Open Champion since the 2010 Tournament of Champions.<\/p>\n\n
\nand maybe some white powder and (ahem) liberties<\/em>. Not a great story for golf. <\/p>\n\n
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\nThe U.S. Ryder Cup Team lost Dustin Johnson, for sure, and possibly Tiger Woods, as well. That is if his back keeps him from playing (and also assuming that he’d have made the team). Meanwhile, Mickelson is (finally) making a case for a spot on the team. [Link<\/a>] [Bonus Link<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n