US Bank Championship round one (and a half): Saved by the storm

Crumbs. Looks as if the foul weather I predicted for Carnoustie struck a day early and missed. It decided instead to dump on me as I went to fetch a transatlantic traveller from London’s Gatwick airport. Six hours struggling through floods of near biblical proportions is no joke, but it does have a sunny side - it saved me from myself on the US Bank Championship.

I had been tempted to follow the market and espouse the virtues of Jay Williamson, enthroned overnight as joint favourite with leader Jeff Maggert even though he was two shots behind.

I don’t know if that says more about the market’s regard for Williamson or lack of confidence in Maggert to get the job done, although he is the proven winner against a veteran journeyman using any exemption he can lay his hands on to regain his PGA Tour card. No doubt punters recall the thrilling duel at the Travelers when Jay lost a Sunday thriller to Hunter Mahan, courtesy of a bit of nerves and inconsistent rules officials.

Anyway, since my impersonation of Noah has left me too late to beat the early risers for round two at Deer Park, I now see Williamson struggling at two over. Looking at his stats I can see why: a sizzling putter has saved him from a struggle to find fairways and greens. Maggert by contrast produced a model all-round performance. Distance aside, so did rookie Brendon de Jonge, with a strong first round showing for the second week running. Last week it was the weekend that found him wanting.

I now see Kenny Perry has finally learnt the lines of his script and is two under half way round on day two. Trouble is, that’s still nowhere near good enough on this track It was striking how virtually all the last week’s contenders fluffed their lines this week. Those knitting needles beckon guys.

PS: I assure you I get no satisfaction whatever ( :-) ) from the knowledge that the deluge that hit me is on its way north to Carnoustie to hit tomorrow. If it’s still this bad the players had better bring along snorkels. However, there is a hint some of the sting will have been taken out of it by tomorrow. Mostly, I suspect, by me!