In its nine years, the Wells Fargo Championship has given us a thick scrapbook of memorable moments. What it gave us this year was the best finish in tournament history.
Here are my five top Sundays at the Wells Fargo Championship:
1. 2011
It had a little of everything, starting with Phil Mickelson making some early birdies then it had the lead ping-ponging back and forth among a handful of players.
There was the rules issue with Padraig Harrington, sending him back to the 13th tee to determine if he’d hit from in front of the tee markers; there was Rory Sabbatini’s charge while facing a possible suspension from the PGA Tour; and, there was Charlotte-born Bill Haas chasing a victory.
The way it ended, with Clemson brothers Lucas Glover and Jonathan Byrd in a playoff forced by Byrd’s spectacular 72nd hole birdie capped a terrific day.
2. 2010
Rory McIlroy’s closing 62 last year was so spectacular and so far beyond what anyone thought was possible at Quail Hollow that it echoed around the globe.
It cemented McIlroy’s international stardom with his first PGA Tour victory and his run of six straight threes to close the round won’t be duplicated. It was pure magic.
3. 2005
A playoff with Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk, that’s a pretty good threesome.
It was a Sunday when Garcia started with a six-stroke lead and shot even-par 72 but it wasn’t enough.
4. 2007
Tiger Woods won in Charlotte after struggling over the final nine holes. Steve Stricker had a chance to tie him until he hit his tee shot under a tree on the 16th hole.
Two memories stand out from Tiger’s victory:
The long eagle putt he made on the seventh hole to build his lead and the way he rifled his golf ball down the fairway after holing the winning putt.
5.2006
On a rainy Sunday, Jim Furyk made an eight-foot par putt on the 72nd hole to force a sudden-death playoff with Trevor Immelman then he won the championship by holing a six-footer on the same green on the first extra hole. It was a measure of redemption for Furyk, who had lost in a playoff the year before.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Now That's The Way To Finish A Golf Tournament
For a moment Sunday afternoon, about the time everybody coming to the Mother’s Day matinee at the Wells Fargo Championship had arrived, Jonathan Byrd had a four-stroke lead and the chance to siphon the juice out of the warm springtime air.
Then – right after everyone put their caps back on after taking a moment to honor the late Seve Ballesteros -- things got crazy in a Rory Sabbatini, Fear The Beard, Let’s Go To The Video kind of way.
By now, you know how it ended, with Lucas Glover beating his buddy Jonathan Byrd on the first hole of sudden death but getting there was all the fun.
There was a time, though, when it appeared any one of several other players might win. Bill Haas had a chance. Kevin Na had a chance. Until he faded late, Andres Romero looked like he could win without ever having a shot of his televised.
Then Sabbatini arrived, all big hat and attitude, throwing birdies on the board like they were spitballs. Sabbatini is rumored to be facing a PGA Tour suspension for letting his temper get the best of him a couple of times and the possibility of him rolling into the tour’s headquarters this week having just won a big-time event was amusing.
When Sabo birdied 14, 15 and 16 to get a share of the lead, it became a serious possibility. But Sabbatini said, “One short” when he headed to the scoring room after his round and he was right.
While Sabbatini was finishing, Padraig Harrington was being accused of hitting his tee shot on the par-3 13th hole from in front of the markers necessitating a sudden, intense investigation.
A marshal was said to have reported the breach and pretty soon, Harrington and his playing partner, Phil Mickelson were back on the 13th tee studying divots the way David Caruso studies evidence on ‘CSI: Sunglasses.’ After a lengthy review, it was determined that nothing had been determined and, therefore, Harrington was absolved of any guilt.
Harrington is one of the game’s great gentlemen and it was nice to see the relief on his face when the decision had been rendered.
Finally, it came down to a pair of Clemson guys trying to beat each other while keeping their fans in line.
Every time Byrd would hit a tee shot, a few of his fans would shout ‘J-Byrd’ in their football-game voices. Living in tony Sea Island, Ga., as he does, Byrd doesn’t get that every day but he went to Clemson so he understands.
Then there was Glover, who was trailed by a group of guys wearing home-made ‘Fear The Beard’ t-shirts. The good news is they were better than Glover feared they might be when he was told to stay out of the garage where his hosts were making their wardrobe.
By sundown Sunday, Glover was wearing a new navy blazer, one of his prizes for winning a Wells Fargo Championship that looked just great with his beard.
Then – right after everyone put their caps back on after taking a moment to honor the late Seve Ballesteros -- things got crazy in a Rory Sabbatini, Fear The Beard, Let’s Go To The Video kind of way.
By now, you know how it ended, with Lucas Glover beating his buddy Jonathan Byrd on the first hole of sudden death but getting there was all the fun.
There was a time, though, when it appeared any one of several other players might win. Bill Haas had a chance. Kevin Na had a chance. Until he faded late, Andres Romero looked like he could win without ever having a shot of his televised.
Then Sabbatini arrived, all big hat and attitude, throwing birdies on the board like they were spitballs. Sabbatini is rumored to be facing a PGA Tour suspension for letting his temper get the best of him a couple of times and the possibility of him rolling into the tour’s headquarters this week having just won a big-time event was amusing.
When Sabo birdied 14, 15 and 16 to get a share of the lead, it became a serious possibility. But Sabbatini said, “One short” when he headed to the scoring room after his round and he was right.
While Sabbatini was finishing, Padraig Harrington was being accused of hitting his tee shot on the par-3 13th hole from in front of the markers necessitating a sudden, intense investigation.
A marshal was said to have reported the breach and pretty soon, Harrington and his playing partner, Phil Mickelson were back on the 13th tee studying divots the way David Caruso studies evidence on ‘CSI: Sunglasses.’ After a lengthy review, it was determined that nothing had been determined and, therefore, Harrington was absolved of any guilt.
Harrington is one of the game’s great gentlemen and it was nice to see the relief on his face when the decision had been rendered.
Finally, it came down to a pair of Clemson guys trying to beat each other while keeping their fans in line.
Every time Byrd would hit a tee shot, a few of his fans would shout ‘J-Byrd’ in their football-game voices. Living in tony Sea Island, Ga., as he does, Byrd doesn’t get that every day but he went to Clemson so he understands.
Then there was Glover, who was trailed by a group of guys wearing home-made ‘Fear The Beard’ t-shirts. The good news is they were better than Glover feared they might be when he was told to stay out of the garage where his hosts were making their wardrobe.
By sundown Sunday, Glover was wearing a new navy blazer, one of his prizes for winning a Wells Fargo Championship that looked just great with his beard.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mickelson Goes The Wrong Way
Observations as we head into the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship:
-- I keep believing Phil Mickelson will win this tournament one day but it's not going to happen this year. Mickelson played himself out of the tournament Saturday afternoon by shooting 74, depositing two more golf balls into water hazards around Quail Hollow. That's five water balls this week if you're keeping score at home.
As sharp as Mickelson looked Friday, he was that ragged Saturday. It happens but I didn't expect to see it happen Saturday. Maybe he can shoot 62 in the final round the way Rory McIlroy did last year but even that may not be enough.
-- Neither Stewart Cink nor Lucas Glover has won a tournament since they won their respective majors in 2009, Glover at the U.S. Open and Cink at the British Open. Both have a chance to snap their streaks today.
-- The soft conditions have led to lower than normal scoring but things get different on Sunday afternoon. Still, with as many players as are gathered in striking distance, it's going to take a really low round from the winner. Both are emerging on the bright side of swing changes.
-- The gallery at Quail Hollow Saturday seemed as large as I've ever seen at the tournament and why not. With ideal temperatures, a little breeze and a good tournament, it was a perfect day to be at Quail Hollow. Tournament officials expect the attendance to decline a bit on Sunday, understanding it's Mother's Day.
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-- I keep believing Phil Mickelson will win this tournament one day but it's not going to happen this year. Mickelson played himself out of the tournament Saturday afternoon by shooting 74, depositing two more golf balls into water hazards around Quail Hollow. That's five water balls this week if you're keeping score at home.
As sharp as Mickelson looked Friday, he was that ragged Saturday. It happens but I didn't expect to see it happen Saturday. Maybe he can shoot 62 in the final round the way Rory McIlroy did last year but even that may not be enough.
-- Neither Stewart Cink nor Lucas Glover has won a tournament since they won their respective majors in 2009, Glover at the U.S. Open and Cink at the British Open. Both have a chance to snap their streaks today.
-- The soft conditions have led to lower than normal scoring but things get different on Sunday afternoon. Still, with as many players as are gathered in striking distance, it's going to take a really low round from the winner. Both are emerging on the bright side of swing changes.
-- The gallery at Quail Hollow Saturday seemed as large as I've ever seen at the tournament and why not. With ideal temperatures, a little breeze and a good tournament, it was a perfect day to be at Quail Hollow. Tournament officials expect the attendance to decline a bit on Sunday, understanding it's Mother's Day.
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Remembering Seve Ballesteros
As the memories of Seve Ballesteros come rushing back, wrapped in the sadness of his passing, three images come to me.
The first is of seeing him win the 1980 Masters, watching up close his magic. Part of it was the golf but more of it was who he was. He had that almost indefinable but undeniable aura that radiated from him.
He was the kind of guy the movies would make up but he was the real thing. He played golf with a rare passion. It didn't hurt that he was handsome, dark-haired and fiery. Watching Ballesteros could be spell-binding because there was an almost untamed element to his golf.
Seve would hit it in places few others would and then dazzle us with his ability to save par or make a birdie from the ragged edge.
The second image is of a photograph taken years ago that showed Ballesteros shaking hands with his long-time Ryder Cup partner and fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal after winning another match. They were silouetted in profile and the image of Ballesteros, jaw jutted forward and leaning into the handshake, captured the essence of Seve's competitive fire.
Finally, I remember standing on the 10th tee at the K Club in 2006 during the Ryder Cup matches. Like the hundreds packed into the grandstands around the tee, I was waiting for a match to reach the 10th hole.
Quietly, Seve walked onto the back of the tee, standing beside a wall by himself. Gradually, the gallery noticed Ballesteros and began cheering, finally giving him a standing ovation.
That's what he meant to golf, particularly European golf. We didn't see enough of him here but we saw enough to know -- and to remember now -- Ballesteros had a rare brilliance.
The first is of seeing him win the 1980 Masters, watching up close his magic. Part of it was the golf but more of it was who he was. He had that almost indefinable but undeniable aura that radiated from him.
He was the kind of guy the movies would make up but he was the real thing. He played golf with a rare passion. It didn't hurt that he was handsome, dark-haired and fiery. Watching Ballesteros could be spell-binding because there was an almost untamed element to his golf.
Seve would hit it in places few others would and then dazzle us with his ability to save par or make a birdie from the ragged edge.
The second image is of a photograph taken years ago that showed Ballesteros shaking hands with his long-time Ryder Cup partner and fellow Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal after winning another match. They were silouetted in profile and the image of Ballesteros, jaw jutted forward and leaning into the handshake, captured the essence of Seve's competitive fire.
Finally, I remember standing on the 10th tee at the K Club in 2006 during the Ryder Cup matches. Like the hundreds packed into the grandstands around the tee, I was waiting for a match to reach the 10th hole.
Quietly, Seve walked onto the back of the tee, standing beside a wall by himself. Gradually, the gallery noticed Ballesteros and began cheering, finally giving him a standing ovation.
That's what he meant to golf, particularly European golf. We didn't see enough of him here but we saw enough to know -- and to remember now -- Ballesteros had a rare brilliance.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Perez Has The Look Of A Guy Who Can Keep It Going
Thoughts on the Wells Fargo Championship at the halfway point:
-- Pat Perez sounds very confident, having undergone a major swing reconstuction that has him bombing the ball again. He's also rediscovered an old putter that's brought back some old magic so he'll be a formidable force this weekend.
The guy has made 18 birdies in 36 holes. He won't keep making them that fast but when Perez gets going, he can go low. He's fought his temper in the past. That could be his biggest challenge.
-- There's a distinct ACC feel to the leader board. Clemson has Jonathan Byrd and Lucas Glover near the front, Wake Forest has Bill Haas and Webb Simpson, N.C. State has Carl Pettersson and Georgia Tech has Stewart Cink and North Carolina's Davis Love III isn't that far back.
-- Phil Mickelson got his competitive groove back Thursday afternoon and rolled it into Friday morning. The 66 he shot in the second round looked easy and it could have been a handful of shots lower. He's been close here so often, you know this is one he'd really like to win. Saturday will determine if this is the year or not.
-- With a SubAir system under the greens at Quail Hollow, I expect they'll have the blowers working all night to pull as much moisture as possible out of the putting surfaces. They don't mind guys shooting good scores at Quail Hollow but they know the greens need to have some fire to have the course where they want it.
-- You could see the disappointment on Rory McIlroy's face after missing the cut Friday afternoon. He was grinding until the end and made a couple of late bogeys when he had to force the issue.
-- Pat Perez sounds very confident, having undergone a major swing reconstuction that has him bombing the ball again. He's also rediscovered an old putter that's brought back some old magic so he'll be a formidable force this weekend.
The guy has made 18 birdies in 36 holes. He won't keep making them that fast but when Perez gets going, he can go low. He's fought his temper in the past. That could be his biggest challenge.
-- There's a distinct ACC feel to the leader board. Clemson has Jonathan Byrd and Lucas Glover near the front, Wake Forest has Bill Haas and Webb Simpson, N.C. State has Carl Pettersson and Georgia Tech has Stewart Cink and North Carolina's Davis Love III isn't that far back.
-- Phil Mickelson got his competitive groove back Thursday afternoon and rolled it into Friday morning. The 66 he shot in the second round looked easy and it could have been a handful of shots lower. He's been close here so often, you know this is one he'd really like to win. Saturday will determine if this is the year or not.
-- With a SubAir system under the greens at Quail Hollow, I expect they'll have the blowers working all night to pull as much moisture as possible out of the putting surfaces. They don't mind guys shooting good scores at Quail Hollow but they know the greens need to have some fire to have the course where they want it.
-- You could see the disappointment on Rory McIlroy's face after missing the cut Friday afternoon. He was grinding until the end and made a couple of late bogeys when he had to force the issue.
Storm Sneaks In Then Slides Away
When the first rumble of thunder was heard at Quail Hollow this morning, a PGA Tour official on the fifth tee told Jim 'Bones' Mackay, Phil Mickelson's caddie, that the storm was about 13 miles away.
Mackay wasn't thrilled.
There was no umbrella in Mickelson's bag.
The good news is the horn sounded moments later and players and caddies were whisked away before a brief downpour drenched the golf course. The storm seemed to sneak up on everyone not sitting by a weather radar.
It was a nice, soft morning -- perfect for the kind of low score Mickelson was putting together -- and suddenly it turned gray, cool and noisy.
The good news is the weather has come and gone -- at least for the time being -- with only a minor delay to the action.
Mackay wasn't thrilled.
There was no umbrella in Mickelson's bag.
The good news is the horn sounded moments later and players and caddies were whisked away before a brief downpour drenched the golf course. The storm seemed to sneak up on everyone not sitting by a weather radar.
It was a nice, soft morning -- perfect for the kind of low score Mickelson was putting together -- and suddenly it turned gray, cool and noisy.
The good news is the weather has come and gone -- at least for the time being -- with only a minor delay to the action.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Phil's New Toy, Fowler's Start and More
Observations from the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship:
-- The most surprising thing about the first day was Rory McIlroy's 75, which was as sloppy as the score suggested. McIlroy said he fought his timing throughout the round, never getting comfortable with his swing and he paid the price for it.
He'll need a very good round Friday afternoon -- at least 68 I'm guessing -- to make the cut. Losing him after two days would be both a surprise and a disappointment.
-- Phil Mickelson has a new 2-iron in his bag this week. It has a thick, blocky sole but he can scald his new toy from Callaway.
Mickelson shook off a sluggish start and played his way into good position as the first round unfolded. With an early tee time in the second round, Mickelson has a chance to jump up the board in a hurry.
-- Rickie Fowler likes Quail Hollow. He finished sixth last year in his first trip here and he opened with a 68 Thursday. If you believe in trends, Fowler would follow in the pattern of dynamic young champions that started with Anthony Kim and included Sean O'Hair and McIlroy.
-- No surprise that the par-3 17th hole played as the most difficult on Thursday. It averaged 3.417, barely edging the par-4 12th as the toughest hole. One of the next three days, look for the tees to be moved forward on the 17th hole, letting players hit 6 and 7-irons into the green, softening some of its potential bite.
-- Lucas Glover is looking for a good week. He doesn't have a top-10 finish this year but the 67 he shot Thursday -- despite a sick stomach -- was an encouraging sign. He's been working through a swing adjustment and personal issues for a few months and is due to have a breakout performance.
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-- The most surprising thing about the first day was Rory McIlroy's 75, which was as sloppy as the score suggested. McIlroy said he fought his timing throughout the round, never getting comfortable with his swing and he paid the price for it.
He'll need a very good round Friday afternoon -- at least 68 I'm guessing -- to make the cut. Losing him after two days would be both a surprise and a disappointment.
-- Phil Mickelson has a new 2-iron in his bag this week. It has a thick, blocky sole but he can scald his new toy from Callaway.
Mickelson shook off a sluggish start and played his way into good position as the first round unfolded. With an early tee time in the second round, Mickelson has a chance to jump up the board in a hurry.
-- Rickie Fowler likes Quail Hollow. He finished sixth last year in his first trip here and he opened with a 68 Thursday. If you believe in trends, Fowler would follow in the pattern of dynamic young champions that started with Anthony Kim and included Sean O'Hair and McIlroy.
-- No surprise that the par-3 17th hole played as the most difficult on Thursday. It averaged 3.417, barely edging the par-4 12th as the toughest hole. One of the next three days, look for the tees to be moved forward on the 17th hole, letting players hit 6 and 7-irons into the green, softening some of its potential bite.
-- Lucas Glover is looking for a good week. He doesn't have a top-10 finish this year but the 67 he shot Thursday -- despite a sick stomach -- was an encouraging sign. He's been working through a swing adjustment and personal issues for a few months and is due to have a breakout performance.
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