The FedEx Cup. I can’t decide if I like it or hate it but I do know that the format has to change. I like the fact that it creates a yearlong fight for points but I don’t like how easily it excludes some golfers. I think the point system needs to be examined. I do love seeing Tiger pounce and put his name on yet another trophy but he should have to play more not less. The greats like Arnold and Palmer and Norman played all the time. Now the cream of crop is sitting quietly home waiting for big pay days and point events. It’s not fair to the golf fans. But then again maybe it opens the door for some new talent to breathe.
I was glued to the set on Sunday how about you? I loved every second of the 2007 British Open and I think it’s one of the most exciting tournaments I have ever seen. Some say when Tiger isn’t in the hunt the tournament isn’t worth watching. Well granted the notion of a stalking Tiger from eight strokes back defiantly wet my appetite it was Sergio, Padraig, and the young Andres Romero that kept me fixated. The golf these guys played was amazing, and it was the course too. Carnoustie is a beast, in the best sense. Besides the fact that the men in contention played great golf, they not only battled each other, and themselves but the course itself. In what other sport does the athlete compete against the terrain or the field they are on, none that I can think of? And I mean come on a play off? That was heaven although I was routing for Sergio I wanted more and they gave it to us. Sergio goes down two on the first playoff hole and by the last hole has birdie to force sudden death. I was more anxious and excited then I am watching Curb Your Enthusiasm. My hat off to Padraig and to Sergio they played great. It just goes to show as they say, drive for show, putt for dough.
I'd love to see Phil win this week, but I think his wrist is going to hold him back at The Open. I think at straight driving is going to be key - stay out of those nasty pot bunkers. My american dark horse is Scott Verplank. My Euro pick is Justin Rose...he's come a long way baby since his second place finish some 10 years ago or so. Also, he's played very well without a win on the american tour this year.
Jim "Whitey" White
Port Jefferson, LI, NY
