Koepka doing what you are doing Brooks…
Brooks Koepka scored his maiden win on The US Tour last week in the madhouse we now know as the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Koepka, 24, playing on the European Tour, had a first win there last season and managed to secure his US rights in 14 events last season at the same time. The monster hitter from Florida brought the course to its knees and no matter that 9 million dollars was spent both modernising and toughening it up, it wasn`t enough. With constant 325 yard drives (that makes it a little easier) Koepka could hit wedges into 450 yard holes and keep the birdies coming. The decisive move happened on the 15th when, one behind 4 other players, he hits a driver and 6 iron 553 yards flag high to an island green and rolls the putt in to tie with Laird who birdied at the same time. Koepka kept his nerve on the 'coliseum' 16th, which was spectacular as always, and followed up with a smooth 3 wood 332 yards just over the green. Meanwhile, everyone else couldn`t maintain momentum and with a 'boom' up the last of around 330, followed by a smooth 115 yard sand iron to 20 feet, the trophy was all Brooks. Koepka epitomises the way the 'new breed' go about playing, 'mental, not gentle' off the tee, lob it in nice and close and see who putts the best, not much fun on TV, great if you are watching it live from the teeing ground though!.
So what of the return of Tiger? At best, rubbish, more like a disaster! His worst score on the US Tour. Okay, tournament rusty, but it was a good job the course had no rough, it might have been quite a few more. His swing doesn`t look much different in the downswing just yet and contains the same problems as always, losing height with the shaft stuck behind him. And what about his now suspect pitching action? We saw it all in its glory, so there is hope for those of you who are also afflicted with the chunks, the skulls and taking the putter when clearly the sand iron, as Spieth did from beside him numerous times, looked the better option! You have to have a little sympathy for him, love him or loathe him he is still the No 1 US crowd puller on tour. His record still shows more Majors wins than missed cuts but the sands of time are not standing still even for the great man. This week he attempts Torrey Pines, or could that be 'Torrid' Pines by Friday evening. A need for good driving and subtle short game. Hopefully his nerve hasn`t deserted him, without that as well the season will look pretty grim.
On a cheerier note, it was amazing to see how much the players struggled in a drop of rain and a 10mph breeze on the Friday. Wearing more than a t-shirt, pairs of gloves and rain suits, you gotta love it. Isn`t that how we play for 4 months of the year and enjoy it?
Meanwhile in Dubai, Rory was just reaffirming his hold as World No 1. Just the 22 under around an ever increasingly difficult course. McIlroy is head and shoulders above the rest right now and is THE hot favourite for every event he attends. His manner in interviews is easy going, making him a sponsor's delight, with the typical Irish sense of humour he enjoys the banter and is definitely 'one of the boys'. Move over Tiger, the boy from Holywood is the real deal and plans to spend the next decade doing what he does best, WIN.
Anyone catch the Super bowl final? A brilliant event (minus the stoppages and adverts) with a thrilling finish. Why have I mentioned it apart from being a complete sports fanatic? On literally the last play of the game, the decision to throw the ball from 4 yards out when you have a running back who has been virtually unplayable was incredible. Play to your strengths and TCUP came to mind (think clearly under pressure). Two things the playmaker didn`t do at that moment.
So when you are under a bit of pressure on the course, take an extra deep breath and size up your options. Ask yourself, "is it possible to realistically pull that shot off you are about to attempt? Could I make it easier to avoid a big number?" These two questions might help you just when you need it most.
We have numerous products on great discounts at the moment. With the spring/summer products due in any time we need a little space, so why not stop in and pick up a bargain.
All our SALE items from hardware, clothing and shoes are up to 20% discounted - Men's Ashworth, Ladies Glenmuir and Nike lines.
Not to mention Titleist, Mizuno and Callaway hardware as well as FootJoy shoes all discounted for the whole of February.
GC2 fittings have been in full flow. Again, thanks to those of you who took the plunge and bought into the latest way of custom fitting. With our indoor swing centre the weather has not stopped us It is now February and, as I mentioned, a charge of £40 is now in place (with 50% being refunded if a purchase is made) for all fittings using the monitor. Please don`t let that distract you from being fitted correctly. It is well worth the peace of mind it brings and the confirmation you have the ideal product to play with. Click here to book a session in with the GC2.
Sold their soul to the devil…
The latest sport to sell their soul to the devil via the head of the game has happened. Many of us subscribe to the 'devil' but The R and A sold the live rights to The Open from 2017 which means only highlights on the BEEB from then on. 60 years of unbelievable coverage will come to an end for a lovely pot of gold that the R and A think will help to introduce more people to the game, maybe elsewhere but not so sure, here in the UK.
My concern is that, with Sky saturating the coverage, golf will become even more like snooker did and football, Rugby, Cricket and Darts. Yes, darts is becoming a little dull with every event, being just that, another event. The Open mustn`t become just another event without the spark of anticipation, excitement and perhaps drama. Perhaps the R and A have some tricks up their sleeve to keep the audiences from falling asleep in the continual breaks they will endure? Cricket has achieved it with the 20/20 game, it`s lively, colourful, even abstract with players inventing new strategies with bat and ball.
Will golfing audiences get the same? Tour players are hitting it further every year, the average golf watcher loves that part of it, but perhaps it's time to introduce something different? Golf is not an easy game to master, which is part of both its turn off and turn on tradition I believe in, but new ways of getting people to enjoy it is the way to getting more people playing. Perhaps seeded handicaps in tournaments? Or time limits on shots? It`s working for cricket That way perhaps we can have The Open back on The BEEB, where it belongs.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
