WGC - HSBC Champions Preview.

Peter Hanson is chasing down Rory McIlroy

Most of the focus coming into this week, has been about those who are absent. However, the WGC - HSBC Champions deserves much attention in its own right.

As it enters its 8th Edition, it’s fourth as a World Golf Championship, the HSBC has relocated to a new home. Having been previously played at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai, the tournament will be hosted at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen. (A course which has hosted three World Cups of Golf).This event provides an opportunity for players to establish their individual status, within the wider context of the game, moving into 2013. With a high number of World Ranking points available, there is a chance for players to ensure of their status inside the Top 50 in the Official World Rankings for the end of the year, which is a position that would earn an invite into the 77th Masters Tournament, at Augusta National, in April. (Something which Geoff Ogilvy, Alex Noren, Jamie Donaldson and Rafael Cabrera-Bello should be very aware of). That’s not to mention the enticing opportunity to win a World Golf Championship, of which there are only four in a season, and are widely presumed to be a stepping stone in terms of becoming a fancied contender in major championships.

Most will reflect on the absence of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods,  who played in a lucrative 18-hole match on Monday, and have decided not to take the two hour journey to Shenzhen. Rightly so, given their status and star-power, with the former preferring to spend the week in Bulgaria watching his girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki,  play tennis, and the latter will end his season at the World Challenge in California.  However, the absence of McIlroy, who has already committed to the next three events on the European Tour, and preferred not to play in, what would have been, a five week stretch of competitive golf, offers a window of opportunity to the other players. Particularly in the wider context of the Race to Dubai.

Peter Hanson, who won the BMW Masters last week, is now €812,572 behind Rory. A victory, at Missions Hills, would take the Swede ahead of McIlroy, and, at very least, Hanson has the opportunity to make this race competitive, as it reaches its closing stretch. As does Justin Rose, who is just slightly behind Hanson on the Money List. Rose, who led the 2007 Order of Merit, is looking for his second WGC title of 2012, having won the Cadillac Championship, at Doral, in March. With just two events left, in Singapore and Hong Kong, before the final showdown in Dubai, Hanson and Rose have an opportunity to make this a truly competitive race.

There are also individual opportunities for redemption this week, with Phil Mickelson, making his first appearance since the Ryder Cup, looking to exorcise the demons of Medinah, with a strong performance, at an event which he has won twice before. Lee Westwood, who will partner Mickelson for the first two rounds alongside Francesco Molinari, will be attempting to end, what has been a largely disappointing second half of the season, on a significant high. It does seem inconceivable, considering the quality and stature of Westwood’s career, that he has, not only, never won a major championship, but he has also never lifted a WGC title. A, no doubt, frustrating statistic that the Englishman will be hoping to correct in Shenzhen.

With significant ramifications in terms of the Race to Dubai, in addition to the prestige of a World Golf Championship, the HSBC will still provide much excitement, despite the absence of two certain gentlemen.

Don’t worry, there is life without Rory and Tiger.

Dilemma for Davis

"If only it was as easy for me, as it was for you, Jose."

On Tuesday, September 4th, the day after the scheduled conclusion of the Deutsche Bank Championship, U.S Ryder Cup Captain, Davis Love III, will announce his four Captain's Picks, which will complete his 12 man team for the 39th Edition of the Matches. 

However, unlike Jose Maria Olazabal, who had a considerably less complicated decision to make, the U.S qualification system, in addition to the widespread improved form of the American players in 2012, has left the 48 year old, Love, with a bit of a problem. His automatically qualified 8 are good, very good in fact, but so are another half a dozen who marginally missed out, when the deadline fell after the PGA Championship. In amongst this group of near missers are Ryder Cup stalwarts, future stars, and some of the form players of this season. Whether the fact they missed out is an indicator of a dramatic increase in U.S strength, or a failing in the qualification system, is debatable. I would argue that it's a combination of the two. But I digress. Ultimately Davis will leave have to leave a few very dissapointed, and arguably deserving, men out. You would have to imagine that he already has, in his mind, a prefered group of players that he will pick, taking into consideration their perceived compatibility with the 8 players who have automatically qualified. However, cases can be made for a number of potential picks, and should one of them win the Deutsche Bank, even someone who was outside Davis' initial thoughts, then they could force the Captain's hand.

The one positive for Davis Love, and the Americans fans, is that any of the combinations won't be weak, and all have the potential to alter the course of a match on their day. However, that doesn't make this decision any easier for him, and we may gain an insight into the direction of his Captaincy with the players he selects on Tuesday.

Lets take a closer look at the touted contenders.

Hunter Mahan

Age - 30

World Ranking - 18

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 6

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process - 9

Ryder Cup Appearances - 2

Presidents Cup Appearances - 3

PGA Tour Wins - 5

Best Finish in 2012 - Win - WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship + Houston Open

Last 5 Results - CUT, CUT, T55, T48, T19

Steve Stricker

Age - 45

World Ranking - 10

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 13

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -10

Ryder Cup Appearances - 2

Presidents Cup Appearances - 4

PGA Tour Wins - 12

Best Finish in 2012 - Win - Hyundai Tournament of Champions

Last 5 Results - T54, T7, T2, T23, T5

 

Jim Furyk

Age - 42

World Ranking - 31

2012 PGA Tour Money List  - 18

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process - 11

Ryder Cup Appearances - 7

President Cup Appearances - 7
PGA Tour Wins - 16
Best Finish in 2012 - T2 - Transitions Championship + WGC Bridgestone Invitational
Last 5 Results - CUT, T42, T2, CUT, T34

Rickie Fowler

Age - 23

World Ranking - 23

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 17

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process - 12

Ryder Cup Appearances  - 1

President Cup Appearances - 0

PGA Tour Wins  - 1

Best Finish in 2012 - Win - Wells Fargo Championship

Last 5 Results - T24, CUT, T60, T31, T41

Brandt Snedeker

Age - 31

World Ranking - 20

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 11

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -13

Ryder Cup Appearances -0

Presidents Cup Appearances -0

PGA Tour Wins -3

Best Finish in 2012 - Win - Farmers Insurance Open

Last 5 Results - 2nd, T28, CUT, T50, T34

Bo Van Pelt

Age - 37

World Ranking - 28

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 20

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -14

Ryder Cup Appearances -0

Presidents Cup Appearances -0

PGA Tour Wins -1

Best Finish in 2012 - 2nd - AT&T National

Last 5 Results -T24, T18, T8, T7, CUT

Dustin Johnson 

Age - 28

World Ranking - 16

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 21

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -15

Ryder Cup Appearances -1

Presidents Cup Appearances -1

PGA Tour Wins - 6

Best Finish in 2012 -Win - FedEx St. Jude Classic

Last 5 Results - T3, T48, T19, T9, T33

Bill Haas

Age - 30

World Ranking - 33

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 27

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -17

Ryder Cup Appearances -0

Presidents Cup Appearances -1

PGA Tour Wins - 4

Best Finish in 2012 -Win - Northern Trust Open

Last 5 Results -CUT, T7, T32, T19, T19

Nick Watney

Age - 31

World Ranking - 19

2012 PGA Tour Money List - 19

Ryder Cup Rank at Close of Qualification Process -30

Ryder Cup Appearances -0

Presidents Cup Appearances -1

PGA Tour Wins - 5

Best Finish in 2012 -Win - The Barclays

Last 5 Results -1st, T31, CUT, T19, T23

The 94th PGA Championship - Preview

The eyes of the golfing world will fall upon South Carolina this week, specifically the Kiawah Island Resort, as the 94th PGA Championship, the final major of the golfing season, moves into town.

Kiawah Island's Ocean Course, has a controversial place within the history of the game. Opened in 1991, the Pete Dye design, was custom built to hold the 29th Ryder Cup Matches, which were memorable, both due to the difficulty of the course, and the gamesmanship on display from both sides. It become known as the "War on the Shore" and, along with Brookline in 1999, it became a set of Matches perhaps remembered for the wrong reasons. The United States team won the competition by 14½ to 13½ points, winning back the Cup when Bernhard Langer missed a six foot putt on the 18th hole of the final match against Hale Irwin, a putt that, if made, would have retained the Ryder Cup for Bernard Gallacher's Europe. For this tumultuous Ryder Cup, the Ocean Course will forever be remembered in the eyes of the public, long before this PGA Championship.

The Ocean Course has also hosted the World Cup of Golf on two occasions, in 1997 and in 2003. In the first of these two events, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley won the team title, while Colin Montgomerie won the individual title. (Yes, Monty really did win in the States). When the World Cup returned six years later, Trevor Immleman and Rory Sabbatini won for South Africa.

Most recently The Ocean Course was host to the Senior PGA Championship in 2007, an event that illustrated the difficulty of this course in a wind, which is rated as the most difficult course in the United States. Denis Watson of Zimbabwae won the Championship that year.

Typical of a Pete Dye design, The Ocean Course is extremely quirky looking, with complex greens and deadly runoffs. With the number of sand areas on this seaside course, the PGA, in an effort to avoid the controversy surrounding Dustin Johnson's penalty on the 72nd hole in 2010 Whistling Straights, have determined that all bunkers will be regarded as "waste areas". In other words, you can ground your club and move loose impediments. While this may sound unusual, it was in place here both in 1991 and in 2007. 

On a calm day, low scores are more than possible on The Ocean Course, however, should the wind blow strongly then it could become very messy indeed.

As Championship golf returns to Kiawah Island, another chapter in the near 100 year history of the PGA Championship is about to be written.

HISTORY

The PGA Championship was first played in 1916, months after the formation of the Professional Golfers Association of America (USPGA) who set up their own Championship, specifically for the purpose of providing a high profile tournament for professional golfers during a period when they were neither successful or held in high esteem in Golf, a sport that at the time was largely run by wealthy amateurs. Originally a Matchplay tournament, the PGA was won in its early days by some of the greatest professionals of all time. Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen (who went on to win the Championship 5 times) and Tommy Armour. 20 years later, the likes of Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan claimed the title, before 1958 when the Championship was changed to a strokeplay format, which it has remained ever since, due to pressure from the new US Television Corporations. Since then the Championship has been renowned for its excellent field and high quality of Champion. Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus largely dominated the Championship during the 1960s. The Golden Bear went on to win an incredible 5 PGA titles during his career. It was the Major that eluded Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, but some of the all time greats have lifted the historic Wanamaker Trophy since. Ray Floyd, Lee Trevino, Payne Stewart, Paul Azinger, Nick Price, John Daly, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington and Martin Kaymer can all claim to be a PGA Champion.

However, the PGA has often in the past been criticised for both the poor quality of golf course that it was hosted on and the extremely hot August conditions that it has been played in. But thankfully, in recent decades the PGA has been played at some of the greatest Championship courses in America. Yes, the weather is often uncomfortable for golfers to compete in, but this Championship has developed its own unique folklore in the history of the Major Championships. Who will ever forget Tiger Woods at his peak battling the unheralded Bob May in a truly classic Championship at Valhalla in 2000? Just the year before, many will recall Sergio's emergance as a contender. As a 19 year old, the young Garcia pushed Tiger all the way at Medinah (home of the 2012 Ryder Cup) including his famous shot round the trees at 17 followed by his sprint up the fairway. Woods eventually prevailed for his 2nd Major title, but the predicted battles between the two sadly never came to fruition. Davis Love III, labelled for years as the best player to have never won a Major, romped the field at Winged Foot in 1997 by 5 shots after making a birdie on the 18th below the iconic rainbow. 2 years previously, sweet swinging Aussie, Steve Elkington, defeated Colin Montgomerie in a playoff at Riveria, one of Monty's many missed opportunities in a Major. In more recent years there hasn't been a shortage of great moments. The duel between Padraig Harrington and Garcia at Oakland Hills in 2008 went down to the 72nd and the Irishman went on to put further salt in the wounds of Sergio following their similar battle at Carnoustie 13 months before. YE Yang overtaking Tiger Woods' 54 hole lead and earning himself an historic victory defeating Tiger down the stretch in 2009. Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson survived the Sunday shootout at Whistling Straights, after Dustin Johnson's debacle in the bunker that wasn't on the 72nd resulted in a two shot penalty which cost the talented American a chance of his first Major. The German eventually lifted the title. And of course, last years PGA Championship was in its own way a classic as Keegan Bradley overcame Jason Dufner in a playoff following a dramatic back nine duel. Bradley, who won the WGC Brdgestone Invitational yesterday, became just the 3rd player in history to win in his Major Championship debut, along with Ben Curtis (2003 Open) and Francis Ouimet (1913 US Open). 

The Major Players Coming Into Kiawah

Tiger Woods - After a dissapointing start in Akron last week, Tiger eventually finished in a tie for 8th, despite struggling on the greens. He hit the ball very well, from the tee and onto the green, however, the stats can be misleading, as close approaches were rare for him. Nonetheless, Tiger's game is extremely solid and he is looking more like a contender at each Major he comes to again. Can he win a 5th PGA and tie Jack Nicklaus and Walte Hagen's total? Time will certainly tell, and it will be interesting to see how he handles any potential wind, as he doesn't yet look the most confident with his swing at times. Playing alongside Keegan Bradley and Martin Kaymer on Thursday, Tiger will attract the attention, but can he deliver the goods and end his four year major drought?

Lee Westwood - The worksop man is coming into 'Glory's Last Shot' realising that term is becoming ever more relevant to him. He has had his chances in Majors, as we all know, perhaps most notably at Turnberry in 2009 and Augusta in 2010, but at 39 Lee's time needs to come soon or his time may well pass by. It is getting into the "Monty Stage" where we continually note him down as a potential winner, but it just doesn't happen. For one of the first occasions in years, Westwood is coming into a major in poor form, shooting his highest round worldwide on Saturday since the 2003 Portuguese Open, and Kiawah is not the kind of venue to come to when you're searching for your game. No one is tipping Lee as a result, but, coming in under the radar for once, you just never know.

Luke Donald - The World Number One posted another top ten finish at the Bridgestone last week, and with his tie for 5th at Royal Lytham three weeks ago, Luke is in fine form coming into the PGA. For many, particularly in America, Donald will never earn the respect that he deserves, until he wins a Major Championship. With chipping areas around the green awkward to play from at Kiawah, Luke's brilliant short game will be a valuable asset and should ensure that he at least remains in the right half of the field.But can he win? Well, that is the question. Top tens may be profitable in terms of money and World Ranking points, but it is the win that he truly wants, and if he gets into contention, with that putting stroke, I wouldn't bet against him becoming the first English player to win the PGA since Jim Barnes in 1919!

Rory McIlroy - Crisis? What crisis? Having received criticism all Summer, Rory showed something closer to his best at the WGC, eventually finishing in a tie for 5th. He has good vibes in this Championship, having finished 3rd both in 2009 and in 2010. We've long heard, from Rory himself, that he isnt the greatest wind player, so maybe Kiawah isn't for him. But, keep an eye on the forecast, as should the winds be reasonably light, McIlroy could quite easily put himself into contention, or he could struggle to make the cut. At times he is a very mercurial player, but when people have put him down, he might just surprise and win a second Major.

Jason Dufner - The runner-up last year is many observor's outside favourite coming into Kiawah. He has won twice on the PGA Tour this season, finished 2nd once, and has four other top tens, including a tie for 4th at the US Open. He has the consistency to be a contender on a Major venue, although his putting from short distances is at times suspect, and that may prevent him from winning. However, he is as good a bet as anyone in the field.

Look for the likes of Hunter Mahan to again contend in this Championship. The US Ryder Cup Standings are finalised this week, the top 8 qualify, and despite two wins this season, Hunter is outside it, so he has a lot to play for. Adam Scott will be looking to bounce back from his disaster finish to the Open Championship. While it may be too soon for him after such a dissapointment, it's certainly a story that people will be behind. The likes of Steve Stricker and Dustin Johnson will have the home suppoort behind them as they search for a maiden major, while Graeme McDowell has been a contender all Summer, and may find Kiawah to his liking.

The top 108 players in the World Rankings are here this week, in search of the Wanamaker Trophy. It'll be an intriguing Championship, on a unique venue, and while it may not be the most "iconic" Major, but the PGA has provided numerous exciting finishes in its history. We may see another this week in 'Glory's Last Shot'.

112th United States Open Championship - Preview

The 2012 season reaches another milestone as the 112th US Open is upon us, as the classic Lake Course at Olympic Club in San Francisco hosts the second major championship of the year.

Since 1895, the U.S. Open, the second oldest of the major's, has become characterised as being the toughest test in golf. The host courses are set up in a manner that places a premium upon accuracy, both from the tee and with approaches onto the greens, which are typically extremely fast and often very undulating. As a result of these penal course setups, the winning score at a U.S. Open is often around level par. The challenge of contending at this event require not just the skills needed to navigate around the courses, but to have the mental strength and composure to keep level headed when faced with adversity during the championship, as invariably you will at some stage. In the U.S. Open it's often not about the mistakes you make, but how a player recovers from them that determines the eventual champion on Sunday afternoon. This grinding and exhausting challenge is not looked upon favourably by all observors, but there can be little doubt that the man who lifts that trophy has fought and earned to have the right to be declaredUS Open champion.

Olympic Club's US Open Connection

Jack Fleck defeated Ben Hogan in 1955

Four men have previously been crowned US Open at Olympic Club. In 1955, it was an upset as Jack Fleck defeated the legendary Ben Hogan in the Monday 18 hole layoff by three shots. 11 years later Billy Casper won his second title after defeating Arnold Palmer, again, as in 1955, on a Monday finish. This was Palmer's third playoff defeat in a US Open. It was over two decades until the championship returned to Olympic Club, but when it did we witnessed a dramatic battle between Tom Watson and Scott Simpson, when the much lesser known 32 year old from California, Simpson, came out on top against the eight time major champion. Olympic's last US Open appearance was arguably its most dramatic as Lee Janzen made a Sunday charge, starting the day five shots behind the lead, to overhaul Payne Stewart by one shot. It had been the second occasion that Stewart had lost a US Open to Janzen, but he set the record straight the following year in 1999 when he held off the challenge of Phil Mickelson during an emotional final round at Pinehurst. Tragically Payne Stewart was not able to defend his title the following year at Pebble Beach after he was killed in a plane crash for months after his triumph.

Olympic Club has had it's fair collection of US Open moments, and another will be etched into the 112 year history of the Championship this week.

The Olympic Club has previously hosted 5 US Open's

112th U.S. Open Contenders and Stories.

It was vintage Tiger at Memorial

Since the fall of Tiger Woods, the battle for the top has been largely contested between Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy. However, the spectre of Tiger has returned recently with his victory at the Memorial Tournament, where he tied Jack Nicklaus' PGA Tour wins total of 73 at Jack's own event. Tiger has been exceptionally unpredictable, but he looked to have full control of his long game at Muirfield Village, and if he can maintain that this week, then there is a real opportunity for Woods to win his fourth US Open and 15th Major Championship, the first since 2008 when he dramatically defeated Rocco Mediate in sudden death at Torrey Pines.

For Luke Donald, being number one in the rankings hasn't brought with it the traction that you would expect, as he has come into this week somewhat under the radar despite his win at the BMW PGA Championship last month. Luke does not have the greatest record in this event, with his best finish being a tie for 12th in 2005 at Pinehurst. However, with his calm demeanour and sound putting touch, it's hard to overlook Donald as having the potential to become the first English US Open champion since Tony Jacklin in 1970.

Perhaps for those reasons, Lee Westwood will come in as the most fancied player from England as he looks to finally win a major and become the oldest wnner of this championship since Payne Stewart in 1998. He is coming into the event in fine form having won his 22 European Tour event on Saturday at the Nordea Masters in Sweden. However, no one has ever won the US Open coming off a win the previous week, but all hoodo's are there to be broken, and Westwood without question has the game to tackle any challenge presented to him. He has an impressive recent record in the event with his last four finishes being T3, T16, T23, T3. He also has history at this venue having finished in a tie for 7th back in 1998. At 39, as each major passes by, his chances of winning one decrease, but his ability and career sorely deserves one, and this might just be the week.

Europe's "Big Three" will compete together

It's been a strange year for defending champion Rory McIlroy. After breaking numerous US Open records last year at Congressional, including his own as the week progressed, he followed it up with wins in Hong Kong, and then at the Honda Classic in March when he became the world's top ranked player. But since then Rory has been dissapointing, following up a poor Masters with three consecutive missed cuts at Sawgrass, Wentworth and Muirfield Village. Many theories have been presented as to explain the reasons behind this form, most notably his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, and he has admitted himself that he has "lost focus" recently. However, he did add the Fed Ex St Jude Classic to his schedule this week, finishing in a tie for 7th, after being in contention for most of the event. While he didn't look 100% comfortable with his game, it was a very positive performance for Rory and it'll give him a little bit of optimism as he looks to become the first player to successfully defend the US Open since Curtis Strange in 1989. But, it remains an awfully difficult task for the 23 year old coming into an event of this stature not quite at the top of your game.

Other names that will attract attention will be record 5 time runner up Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan and Jason Dufner. The latter two have won twice this season, while Dustin won in Memphis after returning from a six week injury layoff. Length will not be a noteworthy advantage at a course that will play just over 7150 yards and the winner will likely be a player who plots his rounds well and keeps himself in play, while also retaining composure when things don't go quite to plan.

In the end the US Open is probably the hardest major to predict, and this year is no exception, with a few dozen players being touted as being realistic winners. But it'll be intriguing, exciting and enthralling to see exactly who does lift that trophy at the end of this, the 112th United States Open.

76th Masters Tournament Sweepstake.

In the most eagerly anticipated event of the year, you, the golf fans of Twitter, have selected a random number. This number has given you a random player who will carry your hopes during the 76th Masters Tournament. It'll be emotional, tiring, difficult and stressful. But one of us will win. One of us will be the Twitter Masters Champion of 2012!

Below are the list of players that have been assigned .

1. Bubba Watson - Neal Gladwin
2. Martin Kaymer - Alex Urban
3. Simon Dyson - Chuck Hiliard
4. John Senden - Anne Golfer 

5. Aaron Baddeley - Ross Webster
6. Patrick Cantlay - Mark Wildsworth
7. Kelly Kraft - Dave Mensworth
8. Tiger Woods - Margaret Culbster
9. Alvaro Quiros - Gavin Johnson
10. Stewart Cink - Ben Morrison
11. Fred Couples - Lance Vickers
12. Rory Sabbatini -Kent
13. Thomas Bjorn - Alan Shepherd
14. Rickie Fowler - Michael De Jonge
15. Peter Hanson - Peter Hanson
16. Robert Karlsson - Scott Crighton
17. Rory McIlroy - Kimmy Stokes
18. Steve Stricker - Mas IGO
19. Nick Watney - Michael Williams
20. Justin Rose - Henry Kaufmann
21. Scott Stallings - Scott Stallings
22. Craig Stadler - Nik Procter
23. Kyle Stanley - Tammy Blackey
24. Paul Lawrie - Sean Tracey 
25. Webb Simpson - Tom Brookes
26. Zach Johnson - Clarke Hill
27. Y.E. Yang - Mike May
28. Kevin Na - Jackie Smith
29. Ross Fisher - Ray Matthew
33. Ian Woosnam - Paulie Gecko

34. Randal Lewis - Harold McMillin
36. Scott Verplank - Craig Bardsley
40. Edoardo Molinari - Lisa Pfeiffer 
41. Angel Cabrera - Teresa Browne
42. Paul Casey - Dave (Pugwash)
43. Darren Clarke - Ron Lewis
44. Ryo Ishikawa - Jim
51. Henrik Stenson - Courtney Capps 
53. Kyung-Tae Kim - Donna Brookes
54. Miguel Angel Jimenez - Callum Gibson
59. Brandt Snedeker - Shelley Hardman

60. Anders Hansen - Simon Burns
61. Ben Crenshaw - Kevin Smith
62. Brendan Steele - Putty

63. Harrison Frazar - Derek Schmidt
64. Jonathan Byrd - Jeremy
65. David Toms - Robin McHugh
66. Vijay Singh - Ross Murdoch
67. Mark O'Meara - Chris Masterton
69. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano - Barry Johnston 
71. Robert Garrigus - AugustaGolfGirl
72. Sergio Garcia - Matt Holbrook
73. Keegan Bradley - Sarah B.
74. Francesco Molinari - Steve (iBleedGolf1)
75. Sang-Moon Bae - Karl Brophy
76. Jim Furyk - DaveCC
77. Sean O'Hair - John Drummond 
79. Lee Westwood - Mrs Putty.
80. Louis Oosthuizen - Fi Edwards.
82. Bernhard Langer - Mark Collins
86. Hunter Mahan - Dawn Mannix 
88. Geoff Ogilvy - Kai
89. KJ Choi - ChiTown Mo 
93. Tim Clark - Sue Shepherd.
94. Matt Kuchar - Kieran Clark
96. Bill Haas - Roland Paterson

No player ever got more satisfaction and personal enrichment from one week at Augusta National than I did in 1999.

An Interview with Brandel Chamblee.

Brandel Chamblee, born in St Louis Missouri on July 2nd 1962, first experienced televised golf broadcast from the same stage as many of us have, at the Masters. Brandel would later become an All-American at the University of Texas, before turning professional in 1985. He would go on to play consistently well in a PGA Tour career that spanned 15 years and 370 events, before a spot in front of the cameras as a Golf Channel analyst came calling in 2003. Brandel played in all four major championships during his career, making his debut at the 1987 Open Championship, but the event he cherished more than any other, the Masters, didn't come his way until 1999 by virtue of winning the Greater Vancouver Open by three shots from Payne Stewart in 1998. 

A Masters debut is a magical experience for any player, but particularly if they play well, and that's what Brandel Chamblee did in 1999 at the 63rd Masters Tournament. Going into the delayed first round, Brandel produced a fine debut performance which was propelled by an eagle on the 13th. When the first round was finally completed on Friday morning, Brandel sat atop of the Masters leaderboard alongside Nick Price, Davis Love III and Scott McCarron. The second round wasn't quite as successful, but Brandel went into the Saturday of his first Masters Tournament with the knowledge that ending the week with a Green Jacket was still a very real possibility. Unfortunately Brandel finished in a tie for 18th, one shot out from earning an invite for the following year, but I quickly discovered that it was still one of the most cherished moments of his career, as Brandel very kindly took some time out yesterday to tell me about it.

1. Firstly Brandel, everyone has their own personal favourite Masters moments that they remember with fondness. When growing up and in your early years as a professional leading up to 1999, what did the Masters mean to you and what were your own favourite moments?

My favourite Masters moment is my first memory of watching golf on TV, in 1975, having started playing only a few monthes before, watching what some would argue is the greatest Masters ever. Jack Nicklaus in a battle with Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf and with Henry Longhurst on the 16th hole saying after Jack made that incredible putt from the lower tier to the upper right tier, as the camera pans back to Tom Weiskopf on the tee, "and now he must take it just like he dished it out". Both Tom and Johnny had putts to tie on 18 that just missed. It had everything, the top names and great commentary, I was hooked on golf and The Masters forever.

Brandel at the Augusta National Clubhouse in 1999

2. Take us back to your Masters experience in 1999. You were 36 going into your first Masters, having won the Greater Vancouver Open in 1998. Obviously you were focussed on playing the Tournament itself, but to what degree were you able to enjoy and take in the history and tradition that surrounds you at Augusta National, and had you set yourself any ambitions or targets for the week?

In 1999 I was at an age where I was fully aware of how long it took me to get there, and also that I might not ever get back, so not a moment, not a shot, not a view went unappreciated. I got there on the Sunday before, and made sure that those most responsible for me being there were able to take rides down Magnolia Drive with me. That one by one they got to see the clubhouse, the course, the entire aesthetic experience of just how special that place is to golf and to me. As for goals, I was determined to not let my intoxication with the club and its history keep me from doing what I came there to do, which was to compete as best I could.

3. You shot 69 and ended Thursday on top of the Masters leaderboard alongside Nick Price, Davis Love III and Scott McCarron. Some of the notable moments of that day were an eagle on 13 and a birdie on 18. How exciting were those moments in your first Masters round and going into that evening and then sleeping on an early lead, what were your emotions at the time being in such a position?

I was so caught up in the competitive desire to play my best that I didn't fully appreciate how good I played the first round. To be honest, the round felt average to me, but I had the advantage of having had Jack Nicklaus' yardage book and his shot by shot description of how to play each hole, to each hole location, via a friend of mine, Glen Day, who is a very good friend of Jack's. Still, that night admidst many friends and family, I felt a deeper satisfaction than I had ever felt in the game and that I was involved in something very special , not just for me, but for them as well.

4. The course was playing extremely tricky, but going into Friday coming off such a great start, did your focus or gameplan change at all during the 2nd Round?

My gameplan didn't change, it was to play each shot for the value in it, I perhaps felt the world looking on where I was anonymous the day before, for a few reasons, my previous day's round and that I was playing Jose Maria Olazabal, who was in the process of shooting a 66 and taking the 36 hole lead. His round was one of the best I had ever seen and a very special memory for me that week.

Brandel was in contention going into Saturday

5. After Friday, you did fall back a little, but were still very much in contention. Going into the weekend of your first Masters six shots back must have been quite an incredible feeling. What  was your approach to the weekend?

I was very much aware that I could win the Masters and looked forward to getting back on track to the previous day. On Saturday, I warmed up perfectly and through 7 holes I was only 2 back and as I walked to the 8th tee the thought came to me that I could win the Masters and I was overtaken by those glorious and pernicous thoughts. My 2nd shot on the 8th found the left trees, a miss I still rue to this day, it was stymied and I made double bogey. To this day, I have only one picture in my house of a golf hole, the 8th at Augusta National, to remind me both of its beauty and the fact that on that hole I felt the highest I've ever been in this game and a moment later, the most foolish. 

6. You ended the tournament in a tie for 18th. An excellent finish from a debut player, and your best finish in a major championship, but did you have any regrets at all about the week?

My only regret for the week was on the last hole, I drove around the corner and only had a SW left as it was playing downwind and the pin was on the front. My shot finished on the top tier and my 3 putt left me one shot out of an automatic invite. I see that putt, far too often. More than anyother shot I've ever hit in a lifetime of golf.

Playing his second to the 13th on Thursday

7. Unfortunately you didn’t manage to qualify for another Masters, but if you were given one sentence to describe the week looking back 13 years on, what would you say?

No player ever got more satisfaction and personal enrichment from one week at Augusta National than I did in 1999.

8. Looking ahead to this years Tournament. The attention will be on Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and to a certain extent Luke Donald. But who stands out to you as having the greatest chance to upstage those three?

Lee Westwood. Jason Day. Phil Mickelson.

9. Looking at Tiger Woods specifically for a moment. He has played consistently all season, finally ending his title drought at Bay Hill. But despite how well he played, and given the fact that all of the World’s Top 5  ranked players weren’t playing, are there still questions that Tiger needs to answer on the course going forward?

To draw an analogy to horse racing, Tiger Woods is Secretariat and Rory Mcilroy and Phil Mickelson are equal to Sham. The rest of the competative landscape can not compete with these three.

10. 1999 was the last time a European won the Green Jacket (Jose Maria Olazabal). Given the strength in depth within European golf in the last decade, is it a surprise to you that a player from the continent hasn’t won the Masters? And does Rory McIlroy, who took on the harsh lessons from last years Masters, and has seemingly turned himself into the complete player, have the best chance to end that run?

Rory McIlroy has the potential to be the greatest European player of all time. He has the genius of Seve, the perfection of Nick Faldo, the persistance of Padraig Harrington and golf intelligence of Henry Cotton. He could prove to be every bit the rival to Tiger Woods that Tom Watson was to Jack Nicklaus.

All the others world class players, like Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter etc.... have weaknesses either technically or mentally that have held them back at the highest levels.

 

11. Given the dominance of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, particularly in the Masters and in the world rankings, did that keep the increasing rise of depth in European talent from the public’s eyes? If so, was that dominance of just two players a positive or negative thing for US golf?

Tiger and Phil, hid the parity that exists in golf today. The reasons for the parity are many and complicated, but equipment has as much to do with it as the incessant desire to hire and depend to heavily on coaches.

Brandel can now be seen on the Golf Channel

12. You’re in your 9th season now with the Golf Channel, and given the excitement we have seen so far this year, and with all of the possible stories, would you say this season has the potential to be the most exciting and classic in all of your time so far as an analyst?

The game of golf continues to give us great stories, but what Tiger did from 2000 to 2002 will, many years from now, prove to be, perhaps the greatest golf ever played. Until Tiger gets close to Jack's record of 18 majors the excitement will never reach that pitch again.

13. Finally Brandel, my research has uncovered some interesting things. But how do you feel about your hair having its own Twitter account? I know I'd be flattered!

As for my hair having its own account on Twitter, I can only say that I get to work with some funny people, producers, directors and what not, who love teasing me at every turn, and many of them have a hand in my hair so to speak, so I suppose I'm happy to take the ribbing to entertain them!

Many thanks to Brandel for the interview, and you can see him most weeks of the year on the Golf Channel analysing the latest events on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy's rise from childhood prodigious talent to world dominating superstar comes full circile in Florida.

Rory McIlroy is top of the world.

Rory McIlroy's coronation as World Number One was almost as poetic as it was an exhibition of guts, scrambling and patience. The state of Florida, the home of the Honda Classic, was the location of Rory's first international victory - as a 9 year old in the youth World Championship at Doral in 1998. Back then Rory was an enthusiastic young boy with big dreams and an even bigger smile. Just like most boys of that age, who dream to become greater at something than most people will ever achieve. Looking on with admiration at the iconic youthful figure of Tiger Woods as an inspiration, young Rory progressed through his youth conquering every obstacle put in front of him on the course. On Sunday, 4th March 2012, in Florida, just less than 14 years since his first taste of success, the rise of Rory McIlroy came full circle as he held off the resurgent aura of his childhood hero to reach the summit of this great game that has enthralled and challeneged him since the tender age of two.


However, it hasn't been a smooth race to the top. There have been slumps, back nine collapses, controversy in the media and dramatic change to his personal life But 11 months after the darkest and most lonely afternoon of anyone's professional career, Rory has overcome the challenges of being a young fledgling talent thrust into the limelight to become the man to beat. The battles so far have toughened him up, and as a result he is now potentially a much stronger number one than many will initially realise and come to accept. 


It seemed like destiny was on his side going into Masters Sunday last year. But the subtleties of Augusta National prayed on Rory's final round nerves and clouded decisions and led to a possibly career defining collapse. However, unlike many in the past who have struggled to overcome such a crushing defeat, Rory, quite ingeniously looked upon the the devastation, dissapointment and subsequent negative media spotlight as being a lesson that had to learned to the highest degree and for the mistakes to never be repeated again. The defeat at Augusta, when at one point standing on the 13th tee, Rory McIlroy became the lonliest and most pitied figure in the world, was a character building process on a grand and harsh scale. It toughened him up, he learned from his mistakes and he went out to rectify them. The future success of Rory McIlroy that began with his historic and record breaking US Open triumph at Congressional was born out of defeat. That is what makes Rory potentially a far stronger leading figure than many of those who have recently come before him. He is battle hardened and has a strength of character that equals his incredible talent, which in turn has allowed him to become a complete golfer. 


McIlroy's long game has always been something that has been admired, particularly by his contempories on Tour. His swing is elegant, rhythmical, powerful and is as close to perfection as you'll realistically see. Most of us were first introduced to this wonderful poise of McIlroy at the 2007 Open Championship, where Rory shot a fine round of 68 at Carnoustie on the first day before falling behind but in the end claiming the amateur's Silver Medal. But a fine swing and a prolific long game doesn't guarantee success. Since Augusta when his weaknesses were discovered, he has improved his short game and putting considerably. Before he didn't look confident over a putt, but now he is assured and natural with the flat stick in his hands. McIlroy's scrambling percentage was 30% higher than the field average on Sunday at the Honda, and under the utmost pressure of trying to become world number one he didn't look like missing a putt all day from almost any distance. His decision making has also developed since Augusta. He didn't take on shots he didn't have to, especially when the margin of error was slight. Rory McIlroy has one of the finest long games in the world that is now combined with an assured putting touch and a mature strategic and composed mind. He has become a complete player in every sense of the word.


Golf is in fine shape with Rory leading the way. He is popular and likeable, interesting to the media, sponsors and fans. But there is little time to enjoy his achievements. He'll be thrust straight into a fight to retain his top ranking in the next month as the season hots up as the countdown to the 76th Masters Tournament continues. With a resurgent and increasingly confident Tiger Woods lurking ahead of this crucial period, we are going to be blessed with spectacular and exciting viewing. One noteworthy journalist wrote earlier that he hasn't looked forward to a Masters so much since 2001 when Tiger was chasing a 4th major consecutive title. With Rory at the top, Tiger, Phil, Lee, Luke and the pack chasing close behind, this Masters could exceed even that historic event of 11 years ago. As for Rory McIlroy, the young man from Holyrood Northern Ireland, the rise has come full circle, and we are in safe hands with him at the top. As Jack Nicklaus said himself on Sunday; "Rory is a fine young man, who handles himself well, and will be a fine represtative for golf". 

Durng his 51 years involved in the professional game, Jack Nicklaus may have never spoken a more accurate statement than that.

The red carpet has been laid out, the stars are here, and the glorious grandeur of Abu Dhabi will be the stage for the opening act of 2012's greatest blockbuster.

The opening weeks of the 2012 season have presented an intriguing combination of fresh but also established winners. Branden Grace, the 23 year old South African, has lit the European Tour alight following two consecutive wins in his home country, the latter at the expense of his two more illustrious compatriots in Retief Goosen and Ernie Els. While in the United States, Steve Stricker continued his impressive renaissance by winning the season opening Champions event at Kapalua. However, with all that said and done, and without implying any disrespect to the winners of these opening events, the eyes of the golf world will fall almost univerisally onto the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.

To use a movie metaphor, think of the previous events as being the pre-movie commercials and advertisements, entertaining enough, but nonetheless forgetful. While this Abu Dhbai Championship represents the explosive opening scene of this movie which you have so longed to see; It's the opening act of what promises to be a quite startling 2012.

The protagonists are all here, ready to begin an adventurous quest on what they hope will be a year that brings great success and glory. Some are looking for continued glory. For world number one Luke Donald, this is the year during which he'll attempt to further establish himself as the best ranked player on the planet. Not an enviable task, especially during such a competitive period in the game, when you consider that in the 26 year history of the rankings only Greg Norman and Tiger Woods can truly claim to have been established world number ones. For Lee Westwood, who will enter his 40th year during 2012, this is the season that has to deliver. He can certainly take inspiration from Darren Clarke's achievements in July, but for Lee, with an increasing pool of fearlessly talented youngsters, major championship success has to come sooner rather than later, or it'll pass him by completely in a similar fashion to Colin Montgomerie. Westwood began to show some of his best form again towards the end of 2011, and the subsequent bounce from that will surely fire him into 2012 during which he'll attempt to catch Luke Donald in the rankings, win a major championship, and lead Europe, as the inspirational on course talisman, to yet another Ryder Cup victory. That is a tremendous task which can only be suited for a man with broad shoulders. Few in the game have broader shoulders than Lee, but it remains to be seen whether he can carry the load of personal expectation into this season.

But attempting to overhaul both Englishmen in 2012 will be Rory McIlroy.  The US Open champion returened close to the form, that saw him lift his first major title in record breaking fashion at Congressional, towards the end of last year and he goes into this season in fine shape following an initial difficulty in dealing with the increased media scrutiny that a 22 year old major champion is faced with. Rory's relationship with women's tennis sensation Caroline Wozniacki has been well documented, as was his surprising split from mentor Chubby Chandler, not to mention his unwise reactionary comments regarding the Open Championship. But with his personal life settled down, and making the decision to play predominately on the PGA Tour in 2012, Rory has found himself a near perfect equilibrium from which to achieve even greater success this year.

Much media attention will focus on the season debut of Tiger Woods, and will inevitably scrutinise every swing, every shot and every round that Tiger completes this week in undiminished rigor. 2012 is quite possibly the biggest season that Woods will ever face in his incredible career. There are no excuses now for failure on the course. He has had a full off season to prepare and has been fully fit since August, a luxury that has not been afforded to him in many years. That in turn brings increased pressure, not least from himself, as there is no hiding place for Woods now. His vulnerabilities on the golf course, both physically and mentally, looked to have subsided in the fall of 2011 with strong performances at the Australian Masters, the Presidents Cup and of course the Chevron Challenge which delivered his first positive title since 2009. A win for Tiger this week will take him on the verge of returning inside the worlds top 10. A fact that would have sounded a near impossibility for the 14 time major champion who was sitting at a lowly 58th a mere two months ago. Whether he can actually do it is another question altogether, but there is pressure on Woods to perform well here, as there is every tournament he plays such is his reputation. But for him strong performances are required in order to re-establish the intimidating aura, which utterly decimated Duval, Els, Love and Mickleson a decade ago, before the seasons opening major at Augusta National, a mere three months away. That would represent a comeback that even Frank Sinatra would have been proud of.

Such is the standard of this incredible field, many names will go into the week somewhat under the radar. Defending champion Martin Kaymer, for one, will be looking to challenge Luke Donald for the top spot this year. Not an impossibility for the talented German who has already got that achievement in his résumé . You have another major champion from 2010 in the shape of Graeme McDowell looking for a repeat of that breakthrough season, as well as other members of Monty's victorious Celtic Manor side who will be looking for some much needed Ryder Cup points if they are to find themselves in that illustrious group of 12 yet again. Not least Sergio Garcia, once the poster boy of European golf, before then becoming the forgotten man. But Sergio is back. The flamboyance returned in 2011, the passion, the desire, the will to win and along with it the unrivaled confidence which many once thought would bring great success before now. But there is still time for Garcia. His time begins now in what is the second chapter of a career which promised so much, and has still got so much to give. Do not be surprised to see Garcia contend this week, and do not be surprised to see him come close to the superb form of 2008 during which he earned over $7Million in prize money worldwide. Sergio Garcia may only be part of the large supporting cast for this year, given the talented leads, but it has potential to become at last his breakthrough role, and the early sequences of that potentially award winning performance may very well be shot here, this week, in the desert of Abu Dhabi.

So, sit back, relax, pick up some popcorn (or whatever confectionary you are inclined towards) and prepare yourself to be astounded, surprised, amazed and enthralled because the motion picture that you have been looking forward to for what feels like an eternity has finally arrived. The plot is unclear, the outcome unknown, the inevitable Academy Award winners so far unnamed, but it will all be revealed before your very eyes during this pulsating blockbuster of a season.