Deutsche Bank Championship / PGA TOUR / September 4-7, 2009
The field is off and running in this second of the FedExCup Playoff series.
The TPC Boston is another tough track that is not exactly Brian Gay's cup of tee -- pun intended! -- but he'll be grinding all the way (as usual). A win or very high finish here is about his only hope of making the President's Cup team. Captain Freddie Couples has all but said he is going with Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan. Lucas was a pretty easy call: He is next in line in the FedExCup rankings and is, after all, the reigning U.S. Open Champion.
Hunter is a bit more problematic, at least from my perspective. He ranks behind BG in pre-playoff eligibility (13th vs. 12th); behind him in FedExCup Playoff points (15th vs. 8th); behind him in Official Money (by $320,484 / #14 vs. #10); behind him in victories for the year (as in zero versus two of the most dominating); and regarding current level of play, behind him last week at The Barclays (T-20 vs. T-12). But, who's counting, right? It "is what it is".
After an 8:28 a.m. start on #10, BG is even through five.
After teaching a few celebs and many high rolling amateurs on the Practice Range all afternoon for Thursday's Pro-Am at the Deutshe Bank Championship, I had the pleasure of catching up to walk inside the ropes with Brian and Kip for a few holes. Brian birdied 17 and stuck it close on 18 and was very helpful an encouraging to his amateur partners. Alignments looked really good. But, I expected nothing less. Now the amateur's alignments in the field, however, were another story entirely .
BG's in with 67 (-4) and 137 (-5). At T-28, he moved up twenty spots today and made the -1 cut by four. Hunter shot 66 (including an eagle 3 on the par five 7th) and is now at 139 (-3 / T-43), two shots behind Brian.
BG's in with 67 (-4) and 137 (-5). At T-28, he moved up twenty spots today and made the -1 cut by four. Hunter shot 66 (including an eagle 3 on the par five 7th) and is now at 139 (-3 / T-43), two shots behind Brian.
I know Phil friends with Couples but its hard to me to believe he would play the Presdent's Cup...he looks listless out there right now with millions on the line, let along what would be an exhibition for a team comp which is like his 20th. If he does not play wouldnt that make Glover on the team and then another pick?
Well, BG didn't finish well this weekend, shooting 73-72 to finish at 282, T-54. Both Lucas and Hunter shot 279 (T-36) and beat him. In the 'black box' that is the FedExCup Points System . . .
BG dropped from 8th to 13th.
Lucas dropped from 9th to 14th; and . . .
Hunter dropped from 15th to 23rd.
So, BG leads the two Presidents Cup Captain's Picks in FedExCup Points.
He ranks 12th in Presidents Cup Eligibility (trailing Lucas (11th) but leading Hunter (13th).
It was a close contest.
That's why there are ten qualifiers and two Captain's Picks. Freddie has made his choices. Play well, everybody!
Congrats to Steve Stricker on his Deutsche Bank win. Also to Tiger on his terrific closing 63.
Here's a photo (#1) I took of the two at this year's PGA Championship at Hazletine. The Finish (Station Three) similarities are obvious and should be emulated by all who aspire to an improved level of play.
Also, check out Steve's Address (Station One) alignments (#2), particularly the On Plane Right Forearm. Kind of reminds you of Brian Gay, doesn't it (#3-#5)? Remember him? This is the same guy who inspired these words from the CBS Tower during his dominating Memphis win:
"Nobody in the game sets up with his right arm like him."
Can you or one your machinist give us a TGM break down on Steve Srickers swing pattern? Johnny Miller was commenting on how little wrist action he uses and how it might be a good swing pattern for amateurs emulate.
With the lack of accumalator lag how does he get 290 out of his driver? Drive load? hitter or swinger? Angle hinging?
-- but he'll be grinding all the way (as usual). A win or very high finish here is about his only hope of making the President's Cup team. Captain Freddie Couples has all but said he is going with Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan. Lucas was a pretty easy call: He is next in line in the FedExCup rankings and is, after all, the reigning U.S. Open Champion.
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