Thursday, December 07, 2017
The Hero World Challenge
Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler
I trust you
are enjoying this incredible early December weather. I am certain
that some of you wish that you could get out on the golf course one
last time before the snow flies. Some of you might be lucky enough to
escape to the south to play. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and many
places in Florida beckon to relieve you of some of your hard-earned
cash as you meander around those links.
There are
plenty of wonderful golf courses in the islands of the Caribbean. The
Bahamas is a favourite location for golfers from all over the world.
The Hero Wold Challenge was played last week in New Providence in the
Bahamas. It is a PGA event. Sort of. It is an invitational event,
with only 18 players invited to play.
Golf Channel
carried hours of the event, and they were rewarded with some exciting
play at the event. Some of you may contest my use of the word
exciting in relationship to the game of golf. Be that as it may, many
of you love the game, and were following the exploits of Tiger Woods
at the event.
The
tournament was Tiger's first opportunity to play four rounds of golf,
in tournament play, in an awfully long time. He has been nagged by an
aching back, and has had extensive work on it, including surgery. He
is now 41 years old, not necessarily ancient by golfing standards.
But he realizes that the young Turks are barking at the door to
become the leaders in the game. He has his work cut out for him if he
wishes to compete at the highest level.
Tiger more
than proved himself last weekend. He scored well on the first two
rounds to be in contention for the lead. The third round, however,
was his undoing, as he shot 75 in blustery conditions. A good score
on the final round resulted in his tie for ninth in the tournament.
Rickie Fowler torched the course on Sunday, shooting a 61 to win the
tournament.
Charley
Hoffman finished in second place. Jordan Spieth and Tommy Fleetwood
tied for third. Hideki Matsuyama. Patrick Reed, and Justin Rose
finished together in a tie for fifth place.
Most of the
attention was focused on Tiger Woods. I assure you, if he stays
healthy, that will be the case the entire 2018 season. For several
reasons, the golfing public is fascinated by Mr. Woods. He is a
controversial figure, loved by some, shall we say not so loved by
others.
One of my
good friends in Belleville is my golf consultant. His name is Al
Stitt, and he is a student of the game. He is also a fine player,
regularly shoots his age, (75), and has won several championships. He
believes that Tiger could win a PGA event this season. He also feels
that age will play a part in Tiger's continued golf career.
Several
years ago, at the annuak PGA Golf Show in Orlando, Al spoke at length
with one of Tiger's former golf teachers, Hank Haney, about life on
the golf course. Haney's book, “The only golf lesson you will ever
need” is a good one for all golfers. Haney teaches that a “one
plane swing” is critical to your success. Essentially, your arms,
the shaft, and the club face should move in a straight line for
consistent success.
Haney became
Tiger's former coach when he tried to get Woods to change his swing.
He wanted a more fluid motion, one that would put less stress on the
body to make his career more sustainable, with perhaps less stress on
his back.
The proof
will be in the pudding. In the meantime, hit 'em straight.
James Hurst
December 4,
2017
# posted by James Hurst @ 1:45 PM 
