kevin

Agree with robert on this one. Tiger is and will continue to be the big media draw. I don't fault the networks for promoting him like this. However, it is a golden opportunity to showcase the new talent out there now. I suppose the 80/20 rule could be applied here. 80% of those new fans watching a promo on someone new or breaking through are just going to yawn through it or get up and get something from the fridge and wait for Tiger to come back on. On the other hand the 20% that would actually listen and take an active interest in a compelling story about Bubba Watson, Aaron Baddeley or someone like that are the building blocks the PGA needs to expand the fan base. What happens if Tiger suffers a major injury and can't play anymore? Without a strong fan base the number of viewers will definitely take a hit.

Here's a link to an interview of Mike Davis who discusses today's conditions and how it will affect the tournament going forward. Angela Stanford and Kris Tamulis also contribute here. http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=11600∣=1

I'd have to agree about the amount of exposure that Tiger gets. He mostly deserves it though; when you get a popular golfer that is in the top 5 or so you're going to see a lot of him. However, there's been tournaments that he's not played as well and still gets lots of exposure. On the other hand, if Aaron Baddeley is in a regular tournament and he's not playing well you may get one shot shown on tape as filler if there's nothing else to talk about.

Having seen Jack in his prime I recall his mental toughness much like Tiger's. It's a tough pick. I think that history will have to play out more until its can be decided but there's always that possibility that this topic will be debated for a long time after Tiger's career is over. Fun fact: Nicklaus finished 6th at the Masters in 1998 at age 58.

John Daly has had issues for a long time. Excessive gambling, poor choices in relationships/friendships, taking care of himself; these have taken their toll on a golfer that obviously has talent. Mere mortals would have faded away a long time ago. He can still play years of great and entertaining golf but he has to change who he is now. I'm pulling for him...here's to seeing him on the leaderboard soon.

A person can accumulate so much muscle until they lose flexibility, which flexibility is critical in golf. Tiger's probably pushing the envelope, but I have to believe he knows what he's doing. I'm sure he has a nutritionist and a strength and conditioning coach that help him monitor these kind of things.

A tip of the hat goes to Angel Cabrera for winning the 2007 U.S. Open. What a brutal tournament! Shooting a 69 on the final day with all the pressure on was quite a accomplishment for Cabrera. Cabrera might not have been the winner anyone expected, especially at Oakmont, but he definitely earned his victory against the best. After shooting 76 Saturday coming back with a 69 was simply amazing. Having quality golfers such as Woods and Furyk nipping at his heels all day kept the pressure on for sure and really it came down to the last holes before all was said and done. A great win for Cabrera and a superb U.S. Open.

A tip of the hat to Paul Casey..what an incredible round! Cabrera and Watson are playing very good... Too bad about my pick Ernie Els...at least he made the cut. Others I thought who would be in the thick of it like Furyk really faded back in the pack today. It will be hard to get back in contention Saturday and Sunday.

Tiger got off to a good start today. Even though I still think he won't win he'll be in the thick of it for sure. Jim Furyk at +1 is definitely in good shape. Garcia got off to a tough start; it may be difficult for him to even make the cut. Mickelson played very well in spite of his sore wrist. Even though he'll probably make the cut he probably won't contend. I'm still pulling for Els. He was +3 today but he still could be in the hunt.

I know there's already been discussion about Ernie Els. As noted he was the last one to win the Open at Oakmont (1994). Still, this tournament is always full of surprises and you never know when the right player gets hot. Els is 28th on the money list (as of 5/6/07) this year and he did finish 3rd last year at the British Open, so I think he's got a chance at this. That's why the Open is probably my favorite tournament - the best compete, there's a level of intensity that seems unmatched by any other tournament and sometimes the unexpected happens.

And this rounds out the field after the 6/4/07 qualifying rounds..... http://www.golfsurround.com/usopen/2...res060407.html

Here's a current list of US Open qualifiers. Interesting to see how each of them got there. http://www.usga.org/news/2007/may/2007_44.html

If I know I'm going to be out midday I always wear a hat and 30 to 45 SPF sunscreen. I generally try to not golf anyway during midday to avoid all that. I prefer going out late afternoon or early evening to get away from the intense sunlight.

As stated in many of the posts in this thread confidence is the key. So many strokes can be saved by sinking the 3 foot and inside putts consistantly. Practice practice practice AND BE CONFIDENT! Knowing you will make those putts will drive down that score.

I'm definitely in that camp. The mechanics have to be fluid so that no extra thought goes into the swing. Consistancy is key in any swing. I personally have a swing trainer that I feel helps out a lot with muscle memory. I definitely hit the ball better after practicing with it.