17th as First Playoff Hole: Joke or Just Fine?

[erova]

My problem is that 17 leaves a player with no options. Hit and hope. With the wind blowing the way it was you have to be a little lucky.

I disagree with this statement. These guys are good, as we're so frequently told by the PGA Tour. They can shape their shots as they need, and a failure to execute the proper shot is that player's weight to bear.

Let's also remember golf is played outside, not at the Metrodome. Weather is part of the game, just like it always has been, major or not, whether the architect is Pete Dye or Old Tom himself.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

I disagree with this statement. These guys are good, as we're so frequently told by the PGA Tour. They can shape their shots as they need, and a failure to execute the proper shot is that player's weight to bear.

Well, they're not really going to shape a pitching wedge so really the only other shot is a knock down and then you run the risk of it taking a hop over the green into the water. I do understand what you are saying but it would be my preference for the whole tournament not to be decided on a shot like that. Now if Goydos just missed the green short because of the wind then fine, he'd have to work his ass off to get up and down and Garcia may not be able to cozy up his 4 footer. Or if there is water in front but room over the green he perhaps could have tried knocking down a 9 or 8 iron (or whatever) and if it does take a hard bounce over the green then fine, he's dry and again has to work his ass off for par and Garcia can't lag is short putt. I'm certainly not saying Garcia didn't deserve it just that IMO it was a bad call to start on 17.

[BallStriker]

Bigtime JOKE imo. No way that should have been the 1st playoff hole.

I would have gone to 18, then back to 16 (and in from there) if a push on 18.

[Thrash13]

Well, they're not really going to shape a pitching wedge so really the only other shot is a knock down and then you run the risk of it taking a hop over the green into the water. I do understand what you are saying but it would be my preference for the whole tournament not to be decided on a shot like that. Now if Goydos just missed the green short because of the wind then fine, he'd have to work his ass off to get up and down and Garcia may not be able to cozy up his 4 footer. Or if there is water in front but room over the green he perhaps could have tried knocking down a 9 or 8 iron (or whatever) and if it does take a hard bounce over the green then fine, he's dry and again has to work his ass off for par and Garcia can't lag is short putt. I'm certainly not saying Garcia didn't deserve it just that IMO it was a bad call to start on 17.

Fair enough. I definitely respect your opinion on the subject, and it's nice that you backed it up with some reasons. I still disagree a little, but your reasoning is solid nonetheless.

[Wisco-Kid]

I have no problems at all. In fact I was hoping if there was a playoff that it would be at the 17th. It was exciting and I felt bad for Goydos but it is what it is.

[mn723]

It was a joke to have 17 be the first playoff hole in sudden death because there is too much luck involved on that hole. The Players should go to a 3 hole playoff (16, 17, 18) to decide. That would be entertaining and still be able to showcase 17.

[bogeyhitter25]

I think it's just fine because it's probably one of, if not, the hardest hole in all of golf. It'd be great for a playoff in my opinion.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

Fair enough. I definitely respect your opinion on the subject, and it's nice that you backed it up with some reasons. I still disagree a little, but your reasoning is solid nonetheless.

Sounds good. Nothing at all wrong with disagreeing. Your point makes sense too. It's nice and refreshing to be able to debate a topic in a respectful manner. Thanks for the discussion!

[RX Phoenix]

The 17th is not a tough hole, it's a stupid gimmick hole and the pro's hate it for the very reason that Goydos' shot ended in the water. At least at the Masters par 3 at amen corner (13?) there is the threat of a gust of wind but the option of going long and then getting up and down. And it is possible to read the wind by watching the trees, at the 17th it's just blind stupid luck, no way to read the wind, that's one reason why so many pro's go in the water. It's a made for TV hole lacking only the clowns mouth. Not at all fair to someone who played well enough to by your champion by getting in a playoff. It's disrespectful to what they have accomplished over 72 holes. Start on 18 and see who has the skill to make par.

[Pinseeker81]

I voted fair.
They all knew that hole was there before they even entered the tournament, yet they chose to play anyway. If they hate it that much, take a rest week and move on to something they like better.

And Goydos didn't play well enough to be the winner. He hit the first shot of the playoff fat, and left it a couple feet short of the green. Whether it was an island or a creek running in the front, he still lost. I feel for him, but he was the first one to make a mistake.

[Dub]

I think playing the 17th was a joke. This thing wants to be a major and yet they push a gimmicky hole out there as the first playoff hole? Joke.

I agree.

While the hole certainly sets the stage for tons of television drama....I just don't like it. Hitting and holding that green comes down too much to blind luck, in my opionion, if the wind is gusting.

[geezer]

While I agree that this hole was just fine for a playoff hole. Goyods didn't hit it fat, it just balooned on him and caught a gust. Whhich is why it came up short.

[AmenCorner]

A joke.

I think you are off the mark here. First off, luck is a factor in golf as it is in any sport. You cannot eliminate luck. Secondly, I think the tournament did it's job of identifying the best player. Keep in mind that these guys played 72 holes before the playoff. You make it sound like to two guys drew names out of a hat to even get there. I don't think it's ever been that windy at the Players, so playing that hole under those conditions probably didn't occur to the directors before they decided that 17 would be the hole. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been such a big deal without the wind.

There is a lot of water at the Players, and on that Sunday, there were a lot of wind gusts too. It could have happened to either player on a number of holes, but it happened to Goydos on the 17th. Doo doo happens and you have to live with it. By the way, nobody seems to mention the fact that Sergio hit an incredible shot that just might have won it for him anyways should his putt have actually meant something.

[hurley9192]

No playoff should ever hinge on blind luck. I know they say you have to get lucky a few times to win a tournament, but it's certainly a bigger factor at 17 than elsewhere.

I agree completely...if they want this to be considered a 5th major, then spice it up and have a 3 hole playoff. They are trying to so hard to make this tourney more than it is, then do something different. the telecast had a deal on trying to name the 3 holes something..."running the gauntlet". Then have them play the guantlet for the playoff. Too bad they spend so much time trying to pimp out this tourney that they miss easy ways to actually let tradition dictate what they are trying to do.

[hurley9192]

I think it's just fine because it's probably one of, if not, the hardest hole in all of golf. It'd be great for a playoff in my opinion.

um...Road Hole? 16th at Cypress? 12th at Augusta?

There are many harder holes that could be named. it's actually a somewhat easy hole on a normal basis.

[allin]

I was fine with it. The 17th is the signature hole, one of the most recognizable golf holes in the world, why wouldn't the organizers want to make it a pivotal or deciding factor in the playoff? Say both guys par it and the playoff is won on another hole -- it's a non issue. Goydos couldn't negotiate it, Garcia did, match over. You still got to hit golf shots, what difference does it make which hole it is?

I really wasn't sure where I came down on this one until reading some of the posts. Professional golf is sports entertainment, not the Olympics. Since when has golf ever been fair? Given these are the best players and had played the hole in practice, every day, once earlier that day they should have had a good read on the conditions and if really the best player that day pick a shot that was safe or go for birdie. I'll bet Goyodos tried to hit a birdie shot, not a shot guaranteeing par. Considering all these factors a hole requiring a great shot, high risk, under lots of pressure, lots of drama, the best golfer did win. Maybe we need more gimmicks if this was a gimmick it is a positive one because it has everyone talking. Besides pick another hole where Goyodos would not be at a disadvantage, straight hitter short hole, he was the better putter, it was probably his best chance to win, maybe he knew that and cut it to fine?

[bruce]

I think its a great playoff hole,they play for four days and then this hole may decide all,it may eliminate dragging out the game further,all it counts for is a good shot which should'nt be to hard for a pro which will be his fifth time playing the hole.Cuts through the bullshit.

[PasturePoet]

Joke.

They should call the playoff "Sudden Sudden Death."d