Jul
28
Webb and Davies wonder if Wie will collapse like Mickelson in final round of Evian Masters
With eight top-five finishes in her last ten LPGA events, one would think that the 2006 Evian Masters could be the event in which Michelle Wie will shine. Our American hopeful is just a single stroke off of the lead and will pair up with Aussie Karrie Webb and British bulldog Laura Davies in the final round tomorrow.
However, Webb’s statistics are even better. Out of thirty events where Karrie entered the final round with at least a share of the lead, she has won nineteen times. She has also been victorious twice already this season whereas Wie is still struggling to win her first event on the LPGA tour.
Karrie is also well aware that Wie has the tendency to choke in her final round. Confidence builder for Webb? Possibly.
And what about Laura Davies’ momentum? The Brit is looking for her first win since 2001, playing in over one-hundred events since her Wegman’s victory. She has a tendency to fade out in round four as well.
Can lucky charms help the ladies?
Webb claims that a “sterling kind of stainless steel that has my initials on it” that she uses as a ball mark has been in her bag the longest but I believe that her great putter is the magic she carries along in her bag.
Michelle Wie’s typical teenage response to the same question revealed, “Well you know the stuff that I have on my bag, all the little dolls, I feel that those are lucky charms, things people have given me along the way and they have always been on my bag so I’ve always had them".
Let’s not count out Se Ri Pak, just two strokes off the lead, two Asian hopefuls Jang and Kim and Annika Sorenstam, who has the tendency to sneak up on the leaders (like a certain “Tiger” has the tendency to do) just as they get comfortable with their rounds.
Paula Creamer will need a miracle to retain the Evian trophy and Morgan Pressel, currently tied for 31st position with Q-School contemporary Ai Miyazato (and several others), may move up the leaderboard but can forget any chance of winning this event.
54 comments
Comment from: maui john [Visitor]
I'm one of Michelles biggest fans but I frankly don't think she will win tomorrow. Karrie web is playing just a little better and has a whole lot more experience coming down the strech. Along with all the others nipping at MW's heels, she would have to have one of her best rounds ever. I'll make a prediction, she'll have to shoot a 68 to win tomorrow.Having said that , I guess what separates Wie warriors and her critics is how do you interpret still another top 5 finish? Another colapse in the final stretch yet again, or another incredible performance by beating ALMOST all of the other best women golfer's in the world? I don't care or base my opinion on how good she is based on how much money Nike is paying her. I base it on how well she plays (consistently) against the best women golfers in the world.
In that light, I think she is doing quite well.
In that light, I think she is doing quite well.
2006-07-28 @ 18:52
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
Karrie is also well aware that Wie has the tendency to choke in her final round. Confidence builder for Webb? Possibly.
____________________________
Stupid comment.
Wie has performed very well down the stretch this season so far.
____________________________
Stupid comment.
Wie has performed very well down the stretch this season so far.
2006-07-28 @ 19:43
Comment from: Jud Spencer [Visitor]
Honestly, your blog should be called "beggining writers about golf". Please feel free to point out one (women's) event where Michelle Wie has choked this year?
I'm not going to predict that she is going to win, but it's being unfair to call her a choker. I think Michelle's first victory will be one where she wins by 4+ strokes. It will also likely be on a course that is a little more difficult than the one they are playing this week.
I'm not going to predict that she is going to win, but it's being unfair to call her a choker. I think Michelle's first victory will be one where she wins by 4+ strokes. It will also likely be on a course that is a little more difficult than the one they are playing this week.
2006-07-28 @ 20:24
All right, all you chicken-hearted Wie Warriors! I've been waiting for just one of you to flat out say that Bubbles is going to win this thing tomorrow. But what are you? A bunch of fence straddlers! Since none of you save Jim C is willing to take the plunge, I, a Wie skeptic, will do it for you. Before the Evian began, I predicted that Bubbles would shoot -10 or better and place top five or better. But that she wouldn't win. Now, I'm going to alter my prediction a trifle and say that MW will definitely win the Evian. She will tie Karrie, Se Ri, and Lorena at -13 and win it on the third playoff hole. So there it is , Wie Warriors. Alex has spoken. Bubbles big day is about to happen. So get out the noisemakers and balloons. There is quite simply no doubt about it, Bubbles will WIN in a four-person playoff!
2006-07-28 @ 21:58
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Alex seek medical attention immediately!!!! Don't wait call 911 now my friend!!!! Hey if Ford is still hanging around get him to start CPR.
Ok Alex I will crawl out on the limb with you halfway. If Michelle shoots a round that equals todays she will lose and maybe not even finish in the top five. If she plays a round the same as she did in round two it will take a 66 by Karrie or a 64 by Laura or Se Ri to beat her and all of them have not broken 67 yet in this tournament.
Predict that Michelle will win the Evian Alex? Not with Karrie Webb in the lead bringing her resurrected championship level golf game to France. Last year Karrie or Se Ri wouldn't even be a threat, but what a difference a year makes. Laura hasn't done so well in the past during final rounds (at least in 103 events since her last win in 2001).
I think Loreana is a little too far off the pace, but Annika is a Wild One in the final round and she has shot 59 before, so we never count out the Swede.
It shapes up to be a most interesting final round.
Ok Alex I will crawl out on the limb with you halfway. If Michelle shoots a round that equals todays she will lose and maybe not even finish in the top five. If she plays a round the same as she did in round two it will take a 66 by Karrie or a 64 by Laura or Se Ri to beat her and all of them have not broken 67 yet in this tournament.
Predict that Michelle will win the Evian Alex? Not with Karrie Webb in the lead bringing her resurrected championship level golf game to France. Last year Karrie or Se Ri wouldn't even be a threat, but what a difference a year makes. Laura hasn't done so well in the past during final rounds (at least in 103 events since her last win in 2001).
I think Loreana is a little too far off the pace, but Annika is a Wild One in the final round and she has shot 59 before, so we never count out the Swede.
It shapes up to be a most interesting final round.
2006-07-28 @ 23:15
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
So, who of you will be up on saturday morning hrs (tracking the scores online?)
2006-07-28 @ 23:19
Comment from: maui john [Visitor]
That really seems to be the difference between MW's supporters and her critics. Finishing once again in the top five of an LPGA event with all of the best women can hardly be considered choking in my view. Way to go out on the fence by the way Alex. I said it earlier, if she can golf a 68 he will win.
2006-07-29 @ 00:01
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
I have predicted a win for Michelle--but at this point I would like to adress another topic. It is my understanding that a win for Laura Davies would put her in the LPGA Hall of Fame. If this is correct Laura Davies may never again have this good an opportunity to qualify.
So if Laura Davies wins, let's all let this be her week, and let the focus be on her.
It would be one thing to belittle a win by Karrie Wood saying she was only able to win because someone else choked--but let's not do that to Laura if she wins.
So if Laura Davies wins, let's all let this be her week, and let the focus be on her.
It would be one thing to belittle a win by Karrie Wood saying she was only able to win because someone else choked--but let's not do that to Laura if she wins.
2006-07-29 @ 00:08
Comment from: maui john [Visitor]
Actually I read somewhere it was 2 more for Davies to make it in, but point taken.
2006-07-29 @ 00:17
Comment from: Jenney M. [Visitor]
Why do you have this blog? You don't seem to know that much about golf and all you've done today is paraphrase the LPGA.com Third Round Notes and Interviews. You usually end up just reiterating what Wolfram says, except today he wants Wie to win. You never respond to legitimate criticisms of what you post here and you never substantiate anything you post. It seems ironic that you, of all people, think Bivens has no credibility. You don't even post your name on this thing.
You say "With eight top-five finishes in her last ten LPGA events, one would think that the 2006 Evian Masters could be the event in which Michelle Wie will shine." What exactly does that mean? "One would think", "could be the event"? You used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing.
You say that "Karrie is also well aware that Wie has the tendency to choke in her final round. Confidence builder for Webb? Possibly." How do you know Webb is well aware of this "fact"? How does Wie have a tendency to choke in her final round? Why does Webb need a confidence builder when "Webb's statistics are even better."? Why does Webb need a confidence builder when she's already won twice this year?
You say "With eight top-five finishes in her last ten LPGA events, one would think that the 2006 Evian Masters could be the event in which Michelle Wie will shine." What exactly does that mean? "One would think", "could be the event"? You used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing.
You say that "Karrie is also well aware that Wie has the tendency to choke in her final round. Confidence builder for Webb? Possibly." How do you know Webb is well aware of this "fact"? How does Wie have a tendency to choke in her final round? Why does Webb need a confidence builder when "Webb's statistics are even better."? Why does Webb need a confidence builder when she's already won twice this year?
2006-07-29 @ 02:31
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Jenney M. [Visitor]
Why do you have this blog?"
It does make one wonder Jenney, just where do they find the bloggers at TravelGolf? Could we say at the "Bottom of the Blogging Barrel.
Why do you have this blog?"
It does make one wonder Jenney, just where do they find the bloggers at TravelGolf? Could we say at the "Bottom of the Blogging Barrel.
2006-07-29 @ 06:03
One-Putt, I have a 9:00Am tee time so I'll join the fun this afternoon. If I read right, Lorena just uncorked a double eagle on nine to tie Karrie for the lead at -13. Bubbles is still hanging in at T3, -12 after eight holes. No choke yet for MW. Bubbles in a four-way playoff!
2006-07-29 @ 08:15
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Poor Alex, Lorena choked and bogeyed the next hole.
They are all capapble of choking.
But of course, that doesn't fit your view of the world. I see no "give-up" or choke or fold in Wie this morning so far.
They are all capapble of choking.
But of course, that doesn't fit your view of the world. I see no "give-up" or choke or fold in Wie this morning so far.
2006-07-29 @ 08:30
Okay guys (and gals). First off...
Jenney, my name is Stacy Solomon. If you listen to our podcasts or read other blogs of mine, you would know that.
#2. I paraphrase and ask questions of our readers to provoke comment from bloggers such as yourself.
#3. Jenney, I happen to know plenty about golf, probably alot more than you know. Do you even play golf? What is your handicap? My LEGITIMATE handicap is a 15.1. I say legitimate because most golfers lie and cheat about their golf scores, rolling over their ball, kicking it out from under a tree, not sinking their 3-footers for par, etc.
Regarding your statement, "You used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing" let it be known that I graduated with honors in English with a full scholarship from New York University...what about you?
I'm awaiting your response.
Jenney, my name is Stacy Solomon. If you listen to our podcasts or read other blogs of mine, you would know that.
#2. I paraphrase and ask questions of our readers to provoke comment from bloggers such as yourself.
#3. Jenney, I happen to know plenty about golf, probably alot more than you know. Do you even play golf? What is your handicap? My LEGITIMATE handicap is a 15.1. I say legitimate because most golfers lie and cheat about their golf scores, rolling over their ball, kicking it out from under a tree, not sinking their 3-footers for par, etc.
Regarding your statement, "You used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing" let it be known that I graduated with honors in English with a full scholarship from New York University...what about you?
I'm awaiting your response.
2006-07-29 @ 08:35
Comment from: DCgirl [Visitor]
Stacy,
I did not think you "used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing" in your blog but at the same time, giving your educational background to defend your blog makes it seem as if you have insecurity issues. I, for one, would not accept a Harvard grad's argument over an NYU grad's argument based simply on their educational background.
I did not think you "used a lot of words to say absolutely nothing" in your blog but at the same time, giving your educational background to defend your blog makes it seem as if you have insecurity issues. I, for one, would not accept a Harvard grad's argument over an NYU grad's argument based simply on their educational background.
2006-07-29 @ 08:46
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
It would appear that as of this moment, MW has the outright lead. Choke? Not yet, sorry.
2006-07-29 @ 08:53
Comment from: George [Visitor]
**
putt4par [Visitor]
It would appear that as of this moment, MW has the outright lead. Choke? Not yet, sorry.
**
Karrie Webb won. Michelle didn't choke, but she remains winless.
-George
putt4par [Visitor]
It would appear that as of this moment, MW has the outright lead. Choke? Not yet, sorry.
**
Karrie Webb won. Michelle didn't choke, but she remains winless.
-George
2006-07-29 @ 10:55
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
Yup. But not a bad round of golf for everyone in the last group.
2006-07-29 @ 11:04
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
George
A very nice 65 for Paula Creamer and the same for Cristie Kerr.
Ir is probably good for Michelle that she plays again next week.
I wonder if Michelle will stay in Europe to play some LET events after next week's Weetabix.
A very nice 65 for Paula Creamer and the same for Cristie Kerr.
Ir is probably good for Michelle that she plays again next week.
I wonder if Michelle will stay in Europe to play some LET events after next week's Weetabix.
2006-07-29 @ 11:09
Comment from: George [Visitor]
Looks like Wie had the fewest birdies and the last bogey in the group on the back nine. Perhaps part of the ongoing pattern of Wie being unable to find a way to win on the final day of a tournament.
Status quo for Michelle.
The Wie Warriors will have to wait at least 1 more week for win #1.
If matters don't upgrade quickly, it may soon become a refrain of "Wait 'til next year.
-George
Status quo for Michelle.
The Wie Warriors will have to wait at least 1 more week for win #1.
If matters don't upgrade quickly, it may soon become a refrain of "Wait 'til next year.
-George
2006-07-29 @ 11:10
Wie did not choke but, again, could not close the deal.
2006-07-29 @ 13:36
Comment from: Karrie Webb fan [Visitor]
Stacy said:
Wie did not choke but, again, could not close the deal.
_____________________
Actually, Karrie Webb, the multiple major, multiple lpga event winner won the tournament.
It isn't all about Michelle.
Wie played very well. She was -3 for the last 10 holes. She hit a 68 for the round, which was her 2nd best round.
She hit a 35 on the back nine, which was her 2nd best back 9.
Wie played very well in the 4th round. People like Stacy who try to belittle her and very ignorant.
Wie just met Karrie Webb, who is an experienced performer and just played that bit better.
As a Karrie fan, I'll even admit that Karrie got a bit lucky, but of course, you people don't even get coverage over there until later. Perhaps, you should have actually watched the tournament before commenting.
A beautiful putt dropped for Karrie on the 17th hole, which pretty much gave her the tournament. It was a putt shaped like an L and just got in. Karrie did get the rub of the green on a couple of occasions, but most winners do.
Wie will have her tournament. That won't take any special formula of learning to win. It will simple happen, because she is already doing enough. She just needs that bit of luck, that the winner tends to get in close tournaments. Either that or have a big margin win.
Wie did not choke but, again, could not close the deal.
_____________________
Actually, Karrie Webb, the multiple major, multiple lpga event winner won the tournament.
It isn't all about Michelle.
Wie played very well. She was -3 for the last 10 holes. She hit a 68 for the round, which was her 2nd best round.
She hit a 35 on the back nine, which was her 2nd best back 9.
Wie played very well in the 4th round. People like Stacy who try to belittle her and very ignorant.
Wie just met Karrie Webb, who is an experienced performer and just played that bit better.
As a Karrie fan, I'll even admit that Karrie got a bit lucky, but of course, you people don't even get coverage over there until later. Perhaps, you should have actually watched the tournament before commenting.
A beautiful putt dropped for Karrie on the 17th hole, which pretty much gave her the tournament. It was a putt shaped like an L and just got in. Karrie did get the rub of the green on a couple of occasions, but most winners do.
Wie will have her tournament. That won't take any special formula of learning to win. It will simple happen, because she is already doing enough. She just needs that bit of luck, that the winner tends to get in close tournaments. Either that or have a big margin win.
2006-07-29 @ 15:02
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
It is simple, Karrie stepped up and played her best back nine of the tournament. That is what Hall of Famers do. Michelle brought out the best in Karries game and Michelle earned her respect during the last two rounds.
2006-07-29 @ 15:29
Karrie Webb is one of my favorite golfers but rarely gets the attention she deserves.
Perhaps now that she has won THREE tournaments this season, people will look more closely at her solid abilities! I wrote about her early in the season, after winning the Kraft Nabisco, and thought to myself that this wil be her breakout year. Her struggles are now over!
Perhaps now that she has won THREE tournaments this season, people will look more closely at her solid abilities! I wrote about her early in the season, after winning the Kraft Nabisco, and thought to myself that this wil be her breakout year. Her struggles are now over!
2006-07-29 @ 16:09
I got back from my round to find out that Bubbles came close but still no "W". I shot 87, one more than my handicap. Funny thing, the temperature on the back nine at the club was 94F with 45% humidity. (at O'Hare) The youngest guy in our foursome was 56 years old. None of us could be mistaken for Charles Atlas. But guess what? Nobody got heat stroke and needed a ride to a hospital! Our secret? Plenty of fluids. Fluids like Beck's, Heineken's and Sam Adams on 6, 9, 14, and 19. I should have stuck with my original prediction: Bubbles -10 or better and top five or better.
2006-07-29 @ 16:23
Comment from: Military_Golfer [Visitor]
Hey Karrie Web Fan:
I am embarassed, here we are arguing over a tournament we did not even watch! We just watched the scores as they were posted and played the round in our heads. Damn!
I will say no more! .... ok ok one more question. If Wie chokes on the back nine and nobody watches it, did she really choke?
I am embarassed, here we are arguing over a tournament we did not even watch! We just watched the scores as they were posted and played the round in our heads. Damn!
I will say no more! .... ok ok one more question. If Wie chokes on the back nine and nobody watches it, did she really choke?
2006-07-29 @ 17:09
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
Since you bring up the heat alot, and since you didn't watch the tournament, would you like an update?
On the first 2 days it was hotter than the John Deere Classic. Yes that is right, hotter. So how can this be, you will probably explain. Then why was she okay one tournament and not the other.
Well Alex, believe it or not, the human body does not respond to heat in the same way on every occasion. There are other determining factors.
On the first 2 days it was hotter than the John Deere Classic. Yes that is right, hotter. So how can this be, you will probably explain. Then why was she okay one tournament and not the other.
Well Alex, believe it or not, the human body does not respond to heat in the same way on every occasion. There are other determining factors.
2006-07-29 @ 19:09
Comment from: Karrie Webb fan [Visitor]
Military Golfer,
From someone who watched, you can take it that Michelle played the back 9 very well, but just got beat by someone who played it better.
From someone who watched, you can take it that Michelle played the back 9 very well, but just got beat by someone who played it better.
2006-07-29 @ 19:15
Johnny N, I sure do know what those determining factors were. 1)The length of the course 2)The class and quality of the competition. Bubbles couldn't deal with either of these factors, and she likely never will.
2006-07-29 @ 19:31
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
So Alex what do you think of my predictions for what it would take for Michelle to win? She missed her target score by two strokes. I'm sure she had the same number in mind that I did. It would take a 66 to beat Karrie.
2006-07-29 @ 20:58
One-Putt, Look old pal, I'm the one who damaged his credibility by forecasting a win today for Bubbles. But that is history. The Weetabix is next. Jim C is 0 for 2 in the trifecta he predicted for Bubbles. My prediction is that Jimbo will still be batting .000 after the Battle of Britain. In fact, I say that Earrings and pink fingernails won't be in the top ten. Why? The course seems tougher, Bubbles may be tired, and there will be less incentive than ever for her to get a win. Her clarion call and that of the Wie Warriors seems to be"We're number two! We're number two!"
2006-07-30 @ 00:00
Comment from: Jenney M. [Visitor]
Stacy, if you know so much about golf as you claim, why is it you can't figure out how the Rolex Standings work?
Yes, I know...Math is hard. I guess an English degree doesn't necessarily help you figure out the math. An English degree from anywhere, does not make you a good writer. Shouldn't your writing speak for itself?
Why is it when people who cannot stand on the merits of what they actually write on these blogs, they end up bringing their "credentials" into it. I don't see the merits of posting personal information on a public forum such as this one.
I can even think of a golf analogy that applies to this situation. Morgan Pressel has a pretty impressive golf pedigree and looks like she would do extremely well on paper, yet she's fallen short all year.
Yes, I know...Math is hard. I guess an English degree doesn't necessarily help you figure out the math. An English degree from anywhere, does not make you a good writer. Shouldn't your writing speak for itself?
Why is it when people who cannot stand on the merits of what they actually write on these blogs, they end up bringing their "credentials" into it. I don't see the merits of posting personal information on a public forum such as this one.
I can even think of a golf analogy that applies to this situation. Morgan Pressel has a pretty impressive golf pedigree and looks like she would do extremely well on paper, yet she's fallen short all year.
2006-07-30 @ 04:22
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I don't see it that way Alex and look for Michelle to do well at the Weetabix. By playing in men's events and preparing for the same Michelle has become quite good at hitting long irons. Keeping the ball low and in the fairway is the key to playing on a links course. The conditions should be the same as Tiger faced in the British Open and Michelle is one of the few women that can put a two iron in her bag and actually hit it long with action.
Hopefully Michelle will lose the Nike Driver and take a tip from the Tiger. The women's tees will be up and a long iron will take the bunkers out of play in the fairways, keep the ball low out of the winds aloft and minimize the risk of ending up in the hay.
There are very few (if any other than Michelle) women professional golfers hitting forged blades anymore. They carry a variety of rescue clubs, lofted woods and cavity back irons with a sweetspot the size of an egg. They sacrifice distance for accuracy.
Michelle hit a 7 iron from 170 on the 15th hole she eagled in round four. I would say most women on the tour would be hitting a five or seven wood from that distance. or a rescue club around the same lofts. A friend of mine on Oahu plays Ko Olina quite a bit and he has watched Michelle practice on the range a few times with the regular gallery that ends up watching. He said that when Michelle was hitting a two iron, she was drawing it or fading it at will and carrying it almost to the 250 marker she was aiming at with the ball rolling out well past it. On a hard, dry and fast fairway this could be a real advantage for her at the Weetabix. When you think about it ...it almost seems like cheating. Nah Tiger didn't cheat a bit, he won fair and square.
Hopefully Michelle will lose the Nike Driver and take a tip from the Tiger. The women's tees will be up and a long iron will take the bunkers out of play in the fairways, keep the ball low out of the winds aloft and minimize the risk of ending up in the hay.
There are very few (if any other than Michelle) women professional golfers hitting forged blades anymore. They carry a variety of rescue clubs, lofted woods and cavity back irons with a sweetspot the size of an egg. They sacrifice distance for accuracy.
Michelle hit a 7 iron from 170 on the 15th hole she eagled in round four. I would say most women on the tour would be hitting a five or seven wood from that distance. or a rescue club around the same lofts. A friend of mine on Oahu plays Ko Olina quite a bit and he has watched Michelle practice on the range a few times with the regular gallery that ends up watching. He said that when Michelle was hitting a two iron, she was drawing it or fading it at will and carrying it almost to the 250 marker she was aiming at with the ball rolling out well past it. On a hard, dry and fast fairway this could be a real advantage for her at the Weetabix. When you think about it ...it almost seems like cheating. Nah Tiger didn't cheat a bit, he won fair and square.
2006-07-30 @ 04:51
Jenney M, What I glean from your post is that you are an unsophisticated, undereducated dummy, and that you resent anybody who is obviously more schooled than you. Don't let these feelings be known to the folks down at the Immigration and Naturalization Service if and when you apply for US citizenship.
2006-07-30 @ 08:20
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
"He said that when Michelle was hitting a two iron, she was drawing it or fading it at will and carrying it almost to the 250 marker she was aiming at with the ball rolling out well past it."
Nonsense, she doesn't hit her driver much further than that. I think your friend should get glasses.
Nonsense, she doesn't hit her driver much further than that. I think your friend should get glasses.
2006-07-30 @ 13:09
Judge Smails, I only saw Bubbles play once, at the Publinx a year ago in the second round of qualifying stroke play. She was either being out-driven by her playing partners or almost even on every hole. Yet the next day, The AP article spoke of her 300 yard drives. Nobody had a 300 yard drive that I saw that day. Only in the minds of her adoring fans did such a drive exist. Her drives that I saw were in the 240-265 yard range. Not bad for any girl or woman but certainly not 300 yards.
2006-07-30 @ 14:09
Comment from: Jenney M. [Visitor]
Oh Stacy,
I'm the most excitement you get on these blogs, because usually no one else bothers. So you're bored, don't reply. I'm not bored. It's fun for me.
I'm the most excitement you get on these blogs, because usually no one else bothers. So you're bored, don't reply. I'm not bored. It's fun for me.
2006-07-30 @ 15:21
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
"He said that when Michelle was hitting a two iron, she was drawing it or fading it at will and carrying it almost to the 250 marker she was aiming at with the ball rolling out well past it."
Nonsense, she doesn't hit her driver much further than that. I think your friend should get glasses."
Do you even carry a two iron in your bag Judge? Well I do and it is my club of choice 240 to 270 from the center. 240 to 250 three quarter swing with draw or fade depending on wind direction and approach. Above 250 full swing with the same action. Stiff wind in my face I hit it about an inch forward in my stance and achieve nearly the same distances. JK my friend carries the same club in his bag as anyone who plays island golf does. The only glasses we need are for reading.
Now I'm sure when you hit a driver Judge you are worried about distance so you can outdrive your partners and "be the man". Better golfers worry about hitting a spot on the fairway to a distance that brings their club of choice in play or takes hazards out of the mix and also achieves the correct angle into the green to where the pin placement is located. Depending on how tight the fairway is, angle of sloap, wind speed/direction, doglegs R/L, dryness of fairway, lenght of grass or hazards near the landing area determine the speed with which I hit my driver with the shape I want to achieve. I may only crank one or two full drivers a round and pull a three wood from the bag sometimes to take danger out of play.
One can go out and swing hard everytime or they can go out and play a game of "course management".
BTW Judge, I trust JK's "judge"ment more than yours, he is after all a PGA teaching professional.
"He said that when Michelle was hitting a two iron, she was drawing it or fading it at will and carrying it almost to the 250 marker she was aiming at with the ball rolling out well past it."
Nonsense, she doesn't hit her driver much further than that. I think your friend should get glasses."
Do you even carry a two iron in your bag Judge? Well I do and it is my club of choice 240 to 270 from the center. 240 to 250 three quarter swing with draw or fade depending on wind direction and approach. Above 250 full swing with the same action. Stiff wind in my face I hit it about an inch forward in my stance and achieve nearly the same distances. JK my friend carries the same club in his bag as anyone who plays island golf does. The only glasses we need are for reading.
Now I'm sure when you hit a driver Judge you are worried about distance so you can outdrive your partners and "be the man". Better golfers worry about hitting a spot on the fairway to a distance that brings their club of choice in play or takes hazards out of the mix and also achieves the correct angle into the green to where the pin placement is located. Depending on how tight the fairway is, angle of sloap, wind speed/direction, doglegs R/L, dryness of fairway, lenght of grass or hazards near the landing area determine the speed with which I hit my driver with the shape I want to achieve. I may only crank one or two full drivers a round and pull a three wood from the bag sometimes to take danger out of play.
One can go out and swing hard everytime or they can go out and play a game of "course management".
BTW Judge, I trust JK's "judge"ment more than yours, he is after all a PGA teaching professional.
2006-07-30 @ 15:30
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
err sloap = slope. I should read these things before hitting send :-)
2006-07-30 @ 15:36
Comment from: Jim Nugent [Visitor]
This year Wie has:
1. The lowest scoring average on tour
2. Finished in the top ten 100% of the time -- number one on tour
3. Finished in the top five 100% of the time -- no one else comes close
4. 2nd-highest earnings per event on tour
5. Highest average finish on tour: 3.5. Next best is Ochoa at 9.81.
On top of that Wie is ranked 2nd in the world...has come within one or two strokes of winning every major so far this year... has compiled this record playing mostly the toughest events on tour, against the very best players the LPGA has to offer. If the LPGA adjusted scoring as the PGA does, Wie's scoring average would go even lower.
All this while playing a part-time schedule. From a 16 year old girl, who has nowhere to go but up.
We are seeing history made before our eyes.
1. The lowest scoring average on tour
2. Finished in the top ten 100% of the time -- number one on tour
3. Finished in the top five 100% of the time -- no one else comes close
4. 2nd-highest earnings per event on tour
5. Highest average finish on tour: 3.5. Next best is Ochoa at 9.81.
On top of that Wie is ranked 2nd in the world...has come within one or two strokes of winning every major so far this year... has compiled this record playing mostly the toughest events on tour, against the very best players the LPGA has to offer. If the LPGA adjusted scoring as the PGA does, Wie's scoring average would go even lower.
All this while playing a part-time schedule. From a 16 year old girl, who has nowhere to go but up.
We are seeing history made before our eyes.
2006-07-31 @ 04:46
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: Ford [Visitor]
One-Putt
Bullshit! "
I've heard that comment before mostly at the end of a round.
It sounds like you might be technology challenged Ford, so I will give you the same tip I give the other losers after a round.
Go to the next TaylorMade demo day that comes to your area. Before you go get some accurate numbers for the distance you hit your present clubs, write them down and put it in your left front pocket.
When you get to the demo ask the tech for a set of RAC TP Forged irons 2 thru PW with X-Stiff shafts if they have them.
Hit ten balls with each club and average the distance for each group of balls hit and write it down. After you finish logging them, put that list in your right pocket and head to the 19th hole for your favourite beverage. As your enjoying a cold one pull out both lists and compare, now one or two things can happen at this point.
You may have discovered you have a problem hitting forged irons or as happens in most cases you will discover you were hitting two clubs less to the same distance the first time you hit the club. Since you had them include a two iron in the set, let me know your longest distance and we will see who is full of it. That is if you can stop smiling enough after hitting em flush to around the 250 sign.
While your there Ford you might as well try out the R7 460 with a 2x stiff shaft and R7 3 and 5 wood with the same shaft and let me know the outcome.
One-Putt
Bullshit! "
I've heard that comment before mostly at the end of a round.
It sounds like you might be technology challenged Ford, so I will give you the same tip I give the other losers after a round.
Go to the next TaylorMade demo day that comes to your area. Before you go get some accurate numbers for the distance you hit your present clubs, write them down and put it in your left front pocket.
When you get to the demo ask the tech for a set of RAC TP Forged irons 2 thru PW with X-Stiff shafts if they have them.
Hit ten balls with each club and average the distance for each group of balls hit and write it down. After you finish logging them, put that list in your right pocket and head to the 19th hole for your favourite beverage. As your enjoying a cold one pull out both lists and compare, now one or two things can happen at this point.
You may have discovered you have a problem hitting forged irons or as happens in most cases you will discover you were hitting two clubs less to the same distance the first time you hit the club. Since you had them include a two iron in the set, let me know your longest distance and we will see who is full of it. That is if you can stop smiling enough after hitting em flush to around the 250 sign.
While your there Ford you might as well try out the R7 460 with a 2x stiff shaft and R7 3 and 5 wood with the same shaft and let me know the outcome.
2006-07-31 @ 05:30
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
I forgot one thing about the R7 460 Ford ask for the 8.5 degree of loft. That way you can watch the ball go straight out to about fifty yards and then gain altitude like a F-16 on full afterburner. It really will make you smile after you see where it lands.
2006-07-31 @ 05:53
1776, US declares independence from Great Britain. History was made. !903, Wright brothers fly at Kitty Hawk. History was made. !969, Neil Armstrong walks on the moon. Because of television, history was made right before our eyes. 2006 Bubbles finishes tied for second in a golf tournament. Jim Nugent tells us that history is being made right before our eyes because of this momentous occurrence. That is hyperbole and exaggeration even for a Wie Warrior. Keep it up, Wie-wee's. See if you can top that one.
2006-07-31 @ 08:46
Comment from: Ford [Visitor]
Thanks for the advice One-Putt. We actually have a demo day coming up either this weekend or the next and I will heed your suggestions. I currently play Mizuno Mp-32's with the standard True Temper Dynamic Gold stiff shafts and do carry a two-iron, which I carry 235-240 in ideal conditions. I have never been called a short knocker, in fact quite the contrary, so you can certainly understand my skepticism when somebody is claiming to be substantially longer. Distance has never been a major issue for me, but if you think it will add yardage with comparable control I'm all for it. Anyway, thanks for the tip, I'll let you know what I think.
2006-07-31 @ 13:15
Comment from: George [Visitor]
Here's one for Coulthard or Nugent. They're both pretty maniacal about Wie, so perhaps they'll have a race to get the answer out first.
question:
Is Wie playing better during the summer stretch (other than whatever is the real story with the John Deere tourney)? IOW, could it be that playing a bit more frequently be helping her consistency?
I'm sure you can come up with numbers to make one case or the other.
-George
question:
Is Wie playing better during the summer stretch (other than whatever is the real story with the John Deere tourney)? IOW, could it be that playing a bit more frequently be helping her consistency?
I'm sure you can come up with numbers to make one case or the other.
-George
2006-07-31 @ 14:42
From what I witness of Wie, she is playing better during the summer months than earlier in the season. Perhaps she has been concentrating her efforts on her schoolwork. Wie has even stated that she is playing better. Her confidence is up and she looks good out there. (Sorry George, I know you asked the answer from Coultard or Nugent but I just got home from Atlantic City and just caught up with the thread!)
Will that win her a tournament? I think, eventually. Look at how long it's been between tournaments for Corey Pavin. I'll bet that there was alot of self-doubt creeping into his backswing up until he won this weekend. I bet Pavin will make a great Champions Tour golfer.
Will that win her a tournament? I think, eventually. Look at how long it's been between tournaments for Corey Pavin. I'll bet that there was alot of self-doubt creeping into his backswing up until he won this weekend. I bet Pavin will make a great Champions Tour golfer.
2006-07-31 @ 17:25
Comment from: Jim C [Visitor]
Since Michelle Wie has been consistently getting pretty much the same result, the obvious conclusion would be that she is playing just as well now, as she was earlier in the year. A better answer would be that she is playing at the same level relative to the LPGA field. I suspect that the level of play in the LPGA improves after the first few events as players get the rustiness out of their games--and work the kinks out of any improvements they made offseason. If this is true, Michelle Wie has probably improved about the same amount as the pros who were playing on a regular basis.
I'm not sure how meaningful th total putts number is--but Michelle has to feel pretty good about 112 total putts. It is more encouraging to come close to winning, but lose because you may have made some poor decisions--than to lose because you can't putt well under pressure.
If the same part of her game were keeping her down every time, she might feel she is doing as well as she can. But as it is, she is clearly not bringing her A game in all areas in any of her one or two stroke losses. There is clearly more in the tank than we have seen--and she needs very little more to win.
I'm not sure how meaningful th total putts number is--but Michelle has to feel pretty good about 112 total putts. It is more encouraging to come close to winning, but lose because you may have made some poor decisions--than to lose because you can't putt well under pressure.
If the same part of her game were keeping her down every time, she might feel she is doing as well as she can. But as it is, she is clearly not bringing her A game in all areas in any of her one or two stroke losses. There is clearly more in the tank than we have seen--and she needs very little more to win.
2006-08-01 @ 01:44
Comment from: Joe [Visitor]
Why do you use Phil Mickelson's name in the headline when NONE of the players said that?
2006-08-01 @ 12:10
Mickelson collapsed during the final round of the U.S. Open. Wie has a tendency to collapse, although not so lately. And Phil is my favorite golfer, so anytime I can put his name into my blog using some sort of association, I do it!
2006-08-02 @ 18:20
Comment from: Fish Monger [Visitor]
I am sure Mickelson appreciates your reminder of his major collapse at the US OPEN. Another Mickelson booster I might suggest to his "fans.": " Be like Phil. Grow man boobs" LOL
2006-08-03 @ 00:12
Mickelson doesn't need my reminders. He lives it every day. Perhaps a regular reminder, though, will stop him from doing something so stupid again! However, his fans (me included) are still behind him.
And, man boobs look good on Phil. Keep eating those hamburgers, Mickelson! As long as Amy and the kids love you, that's all you need!
And, man boobs look good on Phil. Keep eating those hamburgers, Mickelson! As long as Amy and the kids love you, that's all you need!
2006-08-03 @ 10:02
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