Reputations are not always a good thing... Patrick Reed, although according to the PGA Tour has followed the correct procedure during his latest excursion with the rules last week must take a look at himself if he wants to lose "THAT" tag of a word no one likes or wants to use against another golfer. A brilliant win at Torre Pines, this years US Open venue, was tainted again by what happened in the third round. He plays tough courses well and must now put him in line to be ranked among the favourites in June. The rough will probably be deeper, with more of it, let's just hope it's dry and issues like this one don't occur. He wasn't the only one who was pushing the boundary, Rory McIlroy did the same thing on the 18th when he too hit in the rough. How they could deem that the surface had truly been broken by the ball ( especially as it had bounced first on both occasions) is questionable. Rory, one of golfs "good guys" spoke immediately after and swore that it had embedded onTV. Reed did something similar but when you have a reputation surely it's less believable, especially when the TV camera is blocked, you need to be seen to be doing procedures cleanly. The biggest thing about all this was the player's reactions to what happened, no one came out in support of the winner. Reed plays in Saudi Arabia this week, where plugged lies are uncommon thankfully. He battles against World No 1 Dustin Johnson, among others who makes his season-opening appearance and looking to keep his dominance ongoing. Reed is the sort of player who could dislodge DJ from the top spot.AMasters jacket in his cupboard, a win at Torre Pines and has learnt how to play those three-quarter shots, much needed at the Open. He has an impressive wedge game, vital for success in the Majors and especially at the seaside and match that with a steely determination to not let anything bother him he could be the one enjoying the delights fromThe Claret Jug come July. If he wants my advice, It would be on the line of "call for a referee in future". The PGA tour goes to one of its favourite venues on the rota in Phoenix this week for the Waste management, home of the biggest golfing crowds and a party atmosphere like nowhere else. Sadly it will only have 6,000 spectators each day and the infamous 16 the hole will have just a single-story grandstand all the way around it. The players will miss the mad atmosphere that happens but perhaps not the booing for missing the green or a short putt on that hole. It's a great venue and with half of the worlds top 50 playing including Rory making his debut it will be another exciting event. Last years winner Webb Simpson will be looking to defend and is so consistent these days, but my choice is Hideki Matsuyama, especially if he gets that putter working. They will have stiff company from the usual suspects, Bubba, JT and of course Rory. Will this be the venue that ignites Ricky Fowler for the season? The fans love him but his game has been in turmoil for a while, perhaps he will be inspired? It will be a great bit of drama come Sunday just before the Super Bowl. So keep the coffee close and cocktail sticks closer if you have plans.
From The World Of Sport Along with this weekends Super Bowl, that somehow gives World Champion status to the winners, the Six Nations Rugby begins. Champions France looks to continue their form again and with England and possibly Ireland it will be another fascinating tournament. As for Wales, we should be in a period of change, but with a Lions Tour this year, possibly some of the old guards want one more go. This weekend sees England face Scotland for the Calcutta Cup and Wales play Ireland, where our house will be 50% happy no matter what the result with an Irish wife. I just hope it's the red half for a change.
The Super Bowl brings its own incredible story to a seasons end. Usually the most expensive TV coverage for advertisers with a 15-second advert being more than a million dollars a view. They too will have a limited number of spectators and I'm just wondering if they will be watering down the half time entertainment. Imagine agreeing two years ago to be the headline halftime act for Sunday and walking out to just 5,000 instead of 60,000? Bit deflating. Its real story is the Tampa quarterback Tom Brady. He moved from his Legendary office of Patriots quarterback and now at the age of 43, has a chance to move his "elderly" veteran arm again and add to his 6 Super Bowl rings. The big problem is that he is up against Kansas City who are the holders and have a pretty decent quarterback themselves in Patrick Mahomes. Could the Bucs upset the favourites? Amazingly they are the first team ever to play at home in the final game, so the familiarity of the venue will help, how much who knows but again for any sports nut this will be compulsive viewing.
At least in lockdown, we have plenty of sport to watch at the moment. It could be really enjoyable if all the teams in red win at the weekend, in fact, it would be pretty amazing. I can't finish without mentioning one of the most popular men in the UK. Captain Sir Tom Moore, astounded everyone with his ability to walk around his house 100 times last year to try and raise funds for the NHS.33 million pounds later, I think he achieved his goal. An amazing man with an amazing story only tarnished some might say for being a contestant on blankety-blank! back in the day. Well no one is perfect! God bless you, Sir.
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