2012 Honda Classic Discussion Thread

[k-troop]

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

Well politically it's a must play in his backyard because to not play would be putting him into a real Bear Trap.  He is in Jack's backyard, on his course, with a tournament that support's his charity. Tiger's presence increases the gate by 30% according to the Honda which will give the charity a banner year. That along with all of the other Jack connections with Tiger and his family's move, it's the least he could do.

Interesting.  I wonder if Greg Norman's comments hit home a little for Tiger.  Recall that Greg blasted Tiger (either on Feherty or in Golf Digest or both) for not reaching out to him and Jack when he moved into the neighborhood.  Petty, but could have had an impact.  Although, Tiger is known for doing what Tiger wants to do.

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by k-troop

Interesting.  I wonder if Greg Norman's comments hit home a little for Tiger.  Recall that Greg blasted Tiger (either on Feherty or in Golf Digest or both) for not reaching out to him and Jack when he moved into the neighborhood.  Petty, but could have had an impact.  Although, Tiger is known for doing what Tiger wants to do.

First off, Norman really needs to get over himself.

Aside from that, I don't recall anything regarding Jack. Given that Tiger had Jack's records pasted on his bedroom walls as a kid, chances are pretty good they have talked.

But really. Checking in with Jack & Greg before (or even after) he moves to the area? What is this - the Mafia? Is Tiger on probation or something? He can move wherever he wants & not have to 'check' with anyone. If Greg doean't like that, well, see my initial comment.

[k-troop]

I don't have the resources right in front of me, but I think Norman mentioned Jack in the same point.  Either that Norman had contacted Jack when Norman moved into Jack's backyard, or that Tiger should have reached out to them (Norman and Jack) when he moved into their backyard.

I agree, it was petty, but he spoke of it as if it were a matter of respect to the big dogs of the game.  And yes, it sounded very Godfather.

[brocks]

I don't have the resources right in front of me, but I think Norman mentioned Jack in the same point.  Either that Norman had contacted Jack when Norman moved into Jack's backyard, or that Tiger should have reached out to them (Norman and Jack) when he moved into their backyard. I agree, it was petty, but he spoke of it as if it were a matter of respect to the big dogs of the game.  And yes, it sounded very Godfather.

If you saw Norman's gun collection on one of the Feherty episodes, you would think that is more than a metaphor. He probably has more firepower than the local National Guard.

[k-troop]

Yeah, after the interview Norman and Feherty went outside and fired a Barret .50 Cal sniper rifle.  Because it's totally normal for someone to have one of those set up in the backyard.

BTW Greg Norman is a total badass, both in the things he has accomplished in life, and his approach to the game.  I am limiting my judgment to the comments about Tiger owing him a visit to announce his arrival into the 'hood, which I found a little odd.

[TourSpoon]

You guys crack me up. Tiger plays out of Greg's club the Medalist. No one is kissing any one's ring, but to snub Jack's charity by not playing in the backyard is not in his best interest. The other connections and commonalities have more to do with his family and are not appropropriate to discuss on this forum.

[mvmac]

Take a look at RyanBallengee's fantasy rankings for this Week

1. Rory McIlroy: He may have fallen short against Hunter Mahan at Dove Mountain, but McIlroy is playing the best golf on the planet right now. His record here is not good - one top-15 finish in three tries - but should improve.

2. Kyle Stanley: The Phoenix winner was in the top 25 a year ago and should do better. Caddie Brett Waldman tweeted that PGA National should suit his man. Believe it.

3. Y.E. Yang: Yang is the '09 champion here and runner-up last year. He got to the third round at Dove Mountain, which is an encouraging sign.

4. Ben Crane: Crane is among the leaders on the PGA Tour in greens in regulation (T-13) and leads in strokes gained putting. That combo will work almost anywhere. He was T-3 here in 2009.

5. Robert Allenby: Heartbreaking losses seem like no big deal on Tour this year, and Allenby had one against John Huh in Cancun. He has three top-5 finishes here in his last five Honda starts.

6. Fredrik Jacobson: Making just his third start of '12, Jacobson arrives on friendly ground. He was in the top 30 last year, but was in the top 6 in the two years prior to that.

7. Mark Wilson: A winner here in 2007, Wilson has not played well in this event since and has two missed cuts in his last three starts. A win at the Humana Challenge and third-place finish at the Match Play, however, are encouraging.

8. Charles Howell III: His name is on the rankings a lot, but for good reason. CH3 was T-10 here a year ago and 26th the year prior. He has missed just one cut all year.

9. Charl Schwartzel: The Masters champion got to the final 16 of last week's Match Play and boasts two good finishes already on the European Tour. He was T-14 here last year.

10. Jeff Overton: Mediocre so far this year, this is a flier. Overton has a penchant for PGA National, however. He was T-6 last year and T-9 in '09.

[TourSpoon]

Here is Jack's press conference at the Honda regarding Tiger overtaking him on major wins. I think this is a way for Jack to thank him for playing and supporting his charity.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/golf/jack-nicklaus-believes-tiger-woods-still-has-a-2205830.html

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

Here is Jack's press conference at the Honda regarding Tiger overtaking him on major wins. I think this is a way for Jack to thank him for playing and supporting his charity.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/golf/jack-nicklaus-believes-tiger-woods-still-has-a-2205830.html

Check out the comments that follow the article... :facepalm:

[zipazoid]

Originally Posted by TourSpoon

Here is Jack's press conference at the Honda regarding Tiger overtaking him on major wins. I think this is a way for Jack to thank him for playing and supporting his charity.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/golf/jack-nicklaus-believes-tiger-woods-still-has-a-2205830.html

If I am understanding you correctly, are you saying that Jack is just being 'polite' by saying Tiger can still overtake him simply because Tiger is playing in a tournament that benefits Jack's charity?

Jack don't roll like that.

What he is essentially saying is, Tiger's 36. He still has time. And he is certain he will win again, that he is too good not to. I don't think that has a thing to do with the fact he committed to playing the Honda.

[TourSpoon]

If I am understanding you correctly, are you saying that Jack is just being 'polite' by saying Tiger can still overtake him simply because Tiger is playing in a tournament that benefits Jack's charity?

Jack don't roll like that.

What he is essentially saying is, Tiger's 36. He still has time. And he is certain he will win again, that he is too good not to. I don't think that has a thing to do with the fact he committed to playing the Honda.

I hear you, Jack didn't make it up just to say it at all, but if Tiger wasn't playing I seriously doubt he would have had that press conference. It's the timing of everything, the dramatic announcement (IMO predictable), the marketing of the tournament, the way the spinners are whipping the local market into a frenzy, I am just suggesting that the Honda has good marketing and that capitalizing on Tiger-mania helps The Honda, PGA National, the charity etc. Jack meant what he said, as he has said it before on and off the record. My comment had more to do with marketing, timing, and even giving a subtle nod. The coming of Tiger to the Honda has been well managed and marketed.

[TourSpoon]

I need to add that the one exception was Tiger's agent commenting on the Haney book which then opened the door for the reporters to ask Tiger about his opinion on the book. I really think that the agent should have dismissed the book without any fanfare because he made it an issue for the press to latch on to. The press conference yesterday was the outcome with an awkward moment for Tiger. A minor distraction, but one that could have been minimized.

Now, I am really looking forward to some great golf. The weather is perfect and hopefully the wind will pick up.

[TourSpoon]

King Louis pars first, birdies 2 and 3! The second hole is no slouch.  He is seasonal and knows this course as he rents across the street.

[TourSpoon]

How about Love with the ace at #5 now at -4 with Pernice, Rory M., and Rose following.  Sabatini had it going early birdieing 4/7 and then going bogey bogey for a -2.

[jamo]

Kinda sucks that we won't see any coverage until 3. Because Morning Drive, Feherty, On The Range, and Top 10 are sooooo much more exciting.

[mvmac]

Originally Posted by jamo

Kinda sucks that we won't see any coverage until 3. Because Morning Drive, Feherty, On The Range, and Top 10 are sooooo much more exciting.

Yea that's why I don't worry about seeing the new shows when they air because they replay them a billion times

[walk18]

Tiger's slipping. He must be thinking about Haney's book.

[k-troop]

Originally Posted by walk18

Tiger's slipping. He must be thinking about Haney's book.

10 fairways, 15 greens:  not bad.

34 putts:  not good.

Why in the heck would the greatest putter in the game change his putting?

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7624365/tiger-putting-woes