0

Chip Shots…PGA Championship Style

by Jeff Skinner

1.  The PGA was by far the most dramatic major of the season. Valhalla gave us plenty of excitement. We like birdies and look at the cast of characters in this drama, world class all of them. It doesn’t get much better that Saturday and Sunday at the PGA.

2.  There were some world class pars the last two days. Jason Day’s from the jungle on number two. Rory McIlroy’s from the water right after that. And how about Rickie Fowler’s slinging hook from the 15th fairway onto the 16th green? Just amazing.  rory pga fists

3.  I felt for Rickie’s caddie as he ran back and forth trying to get his man a good number. He must be a track man.

4.  Rory McIlroy is all you can ask for in a champion. He skilled and willing to try any shot and in front of the microphone he’s humble but confident and as honest as anyone in the game.

5.  That being said, I think Rory may have irked Phil Mickelson a bit when he wanted to hit up and play as a foursome on eighteen. Of course Phil was diplomatic and said it wasn’t a big deal. But it looked like he and Bones wanted no part of it as they headed up eighteen.

6.  Watching the lead changes and the quality of the players vying for the Wanamaker Trophy this may just have been one of the best majors of all time.

7.  Rickie’s major season: T5 Masters, T2 U.S Open, T2 Open Championship, T3 PGA Championship. Bittersweet I guess but what a great turnaround for Rickie.

8.  If Rickie’s season isn’t proof that Butch Harmon is the best instructor in the game look at the leaderboard. Phil, Fowler and Jimmy Walker all finished in the top seven and all are Butch’s Boys.

9.  Jim Furyk just keeps hanging around every time he tees it up. He bounced back with a 66 on Sunday after a 72 on Saturday.

10.  Cheers to the two Champions Tour players that made the weekend. Kenny Perry made the most of a special exemption granted to him by the PGA and finished T27 in front of his hometown fans. Colin Montgomerie made the weekend and tied for 70th. Not bad for some old guys.

11.  There is plenty of speculation and griping about Rory’s decision to tee off on eighteen while Phil and Rickie were still in the fairway. There could have been some strategy or additional pressure if play had proceeded as normal. As it was, Rory got to see his competitor’s position and maybe that allowed him to play the hole differently.

12.  The PGA of America has certainly enhanced its standing and reputation this year. They have broadened their reach and started many new programs and initiatives to promote golf. And they put on one heck of a championship.

rory pga wideview

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.