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Monday Morning Musings: Morning after McIlroy Edition

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There was very little science to watching Rory McIlroy dominate the 111th U.S. Open. With every twirl of the club, viewers at home knew the shot was pure. He took control of the tournament on Thursday and didn’t bother to look back. The most impressive aspect of McIlroy’s performance was how effortless he made everything look. Perhaps this will all change with age but for right now at least, he does not look like a golfer consumed by the “process”.

Other golfers, like Tiger Woods, are consumed by their “swing plane” and “hip rotation” that they stop trusting their instincts. Rory is blessed with so much natural ability that he can just see it, hit it and and believe in the results. In this the day and age of the swing coach, it’s refreshing to watch a golfer believing in himself like McIlroy did at the U.S. Open. Perhaps a lesson to all aspiring major champions.

A Quick Trip Around the Bases

1B – Injuries. Injuries. Injuries. First Carl Crawford. Then Clay Buchholz. And now Albert Pujols. I’m sure the Red Sox can survive for a short while without the services of Crawford and Buchholz but what in the wide wide world of sports are the Cardinals supposed to do without King Albert if his sprained wrist keeps him on the sidelines for any extended period of time? I’m sure manager Tony La Russa will come up with something “inventive” like perhaps batting the pitcher 3rd or playing with two first basemen.

2B – I would feel much worse for the Florida Marlins and their fans if they actually had any fans. How dysfunctional is a team when their manager, Edwin Rodriguez, resigns after 71 games? Los Fish are losers of 10 in a row and have know slipped to last place in the NL East while their owner, Jeffrey Loria sounds about as fun to work for as Bill Lundberg. And now, the Marlins are poised to hire 80 year old Jack McKeon as interim manager to finish out the season. Question is, why would McKeon be interested in the job? At his advanced age he ought to more concerned with counting the lumps in his oatmeal than thinking about filling out a lineup card.

3B – Interleague play continues Monday with several marquee matchups including the Baltimore Orioles visiting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Well, maybe not this particular series, unless we were somehow miraculously transported back to the mid ’70s, but there are several other intriguing pairings this week like Rays/Brewers and Twins/Giants. I for one can do without Rockies/Indians, Angels/Marlins, A’s/Mets, and Astros/Rangers. Price you pay for interleague play.

HR – Justin Verlander really is a throwback to the days where there were no bullpen specialists to speak of and starting pitchers were expected to go deep, if not finish ballgames. Including yesterday, Verlander has thrown 4 complete games this year, matching his total for the entire 2010 season. Pretty impressive stuff for a guy who is still bringing triple digits in the 9th inning.

Fielder’s Choice – And lastly, in regards to the season 1 finale of The Killing on AMC, what the heck was that? After last night it feels like I wasted 13 hours of my life on this show. Following the web this morning, it’s clear that I am not the only one who felt betrayed by the season finale. Who killed Rosie Larson? As of this morning we don’t know and frankly, don’t care.

view from atop the St. Louis Gateway Arch courtesy of @mattwettersten

Teeing it up on Father’s Day

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A Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there. And a special thanks to my dad for picking me up when I fall down, and for kicking me in the pants whenever I need to be reminded of how lucky we are.

I can’t think of a better way to spend my first Father’s Day as dad than by watching the final round of the U.S. Open live from Congressional. And what a day it should be. With Rory McIlroy holding a commanding 8 stroke lead heading into Sunday, today will hopefully mark the coronation of one of golf’s finest young players.

I hope El Tigre is sitting back, watching this U.S. Open from his massive estate in Jupiter, FL, just biding his time until he’s healthy once again and ready to take on Rory. Because that’s ultimately golf’s biggest story should McIlroy pull through today and win his first career major. Can Tiger return to his old form and challenge the young gun for title of world’s best? I look forward to a least 5 solid years of McIlroy/Woods battling down the home stretch of the majors.

It is going to be tough to pick a favorite between these two once in a generation talents. But, until Tiger is healthy, smart money remains on the precocious talent from Northern Ireland.

view from Congressional courtesy of @wingoz

Welcome to Congressional: A Golfer’s Bill of Rights

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In honor of the 111th US Open to be played this week at Congressional Country Club outside of Washington, D.C., VMS has decided that it is in the best interest of Americans, and golf fans alike, to use the first Ten Amendments of the Constitution as a means to predict our 2011 champion.

Tenth Amendment – power of States and people

Harrison Frazar 200/1: For this one, I had to go with a guy from Texas, that, as far as I know, is still contemplating secession. Or maybe that’s just Rick Perry the GOP Governor of Texas/soon to be running for President in 2012. In any case, Frazar has some momentum after his win last week at the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

Ninth Amendment – protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution

Angel Cabrera 66/1: This Amendment was created for Cabrera, a guy known for smoking his fair share of “fairway butts”. Citizens may not have the right to smoke in restaurants anymore but, as far as I know, when the cameras aren’t rolling there is nothing preventing “El Pato” from lighting up as he waddles down towards the green.

Eight Amendment – prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment

Dustin Johnson 25/1: What happened to Dustin during his final round of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach last year, and the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights for that matter, was certainly cruel and unusual. Tough to feel that sorry for a guy who is still young, rich, and famous and bound to win his fair share of majors eventually.

Seventh Amendment – civil trial by jury

Rory Sabbatini 100/1: Can you press civil charges against someone for simply being an all around arse? If so, Sabbatini is the leading candidate on the PGA Tour. Unfortunately for haters like myself, he can play golf and has played well so far this year. I just hope he doesn’t start some sort of international incident in our Nation’s Capital.

Sixth Amendment – trial by jury and rights of the accused; speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel

Gary Woodland 80/1: Talk about a player in need of some representation. I’m surprised his odds are this low, especially given how long he hits the ball. It’s about time his publicity machine went to work. More fans need to know about Gary Woodland and maybe they will after this U.S. Open.

Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain

Luke Donald 12/1: I’ll be pleading the 5th if Donald, arguably the hottest golfer in the world right now, and many peoples trendy choice this week at Congressional, actually ends up winning this tournament. Tough not to root for Donald, partly because of his diminutive stature. He walked right past me at the 2009 U.S. Open at Bethpage and I could have sworn he was no older than 16. Certainly hasn’t affected his golf game.

Fourth Amendment – protection from unreasonable search and seizure

Lee Westwood 11/1: To Westwood, after coming so close so many times in the majors, it probably feels like the golfing gods have torn through his personal belongings without a warrant. What has he done to to deserve such heartbreak? Westwood seems like a rather affable guy and, aside from his spat with the PGA Tour , he manages to keep his name out of the headlines. Would like to see him win a major sometime soon.

Third Amendment – protection from quartering of troops

Phil Mickelson 14/1: Seriously, isn’t about time to amend the Amendments. Much like the Third Amendment, time is running out for Lefty who at the age of 40, soon to be 41, has his window of opportunity slowly closing. The people’s choice will have the D.C. crowd pulling for him big time and if he hits his driver straight, expect an exciting finish on Sunday.

Second Amendment – right to keep and bear arms

Alvaro Quiros 80/1: This one was easy. The way Quiros bludgeons the ball off of the tee, PGA authorities should have him register his driver as a concealed weapon.

First Amendment – freedom of speech, of the press and of religion

Matt Kuchar 25/1 – Oh the irony! Kuchar seems like a really quiet, affable guy, someone who doesn’t like to push the envelope,  avoiding controversy at all costs. His patience will be tested but his even demeanor and unassuming nature should help him mange the pressure of a final round, Father’s Day Sunday at the U.S. Open.

view from Congressional CC courtesy of @IanJamesPoulter

Al Czervik and the Players Championship

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Believe me, I’ve faked my fair share of injuries. Every summer, right around the time my wife and extended family are ready to take the boat out for a little water skiing, I develop a severe case of left knee “tendinitis” when  all I’m really trying to do is get out of an embarrassing situation.*

*For the record, I’m the world’s worst water skier. There is nothing in this world more aggravating, humbling than failing to get out of the water over and over and over again while your family rides along in the boat wondering how long they have to sit there before politely telling you to give up. Brings back scarring memories of my grandfather forcing me into the water and not letting me back on shore until I demonstrated some progress. I still have the facial ticks to prove it.

For the record, unlike many golf fans out there I do not believe Tiger Woods is faking his latest knee/achilles injury a la Al Czervik? I do however now question weather he’s going to be able to return to his pre Thanksgiving Day ’09 form. For now, I’ll just hope he can return to health by the US Open at Congressional. Makes things more interesting that way.

view from TPC Sawgrass courtesy of @TanLineClothing

Our Totally Fictional Round at Augusta – Part III of III

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In honor of The Masters, myself and VMS contributor Dave are taking you through Augusta National, hole by hole, playing the course as if we were part of the field. Part III includes holes 13-18.

Jon: So, while we wait to tee off, who’s going to win the 2011 Masters anyway? My money is on either Luke Donald or Phil Mickelson.

Dave: I got Dustin Johnson , Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods. Basically all the favorites.

No. 13 “Azalea” Par 5 , 510 yards

Jon: End of Amen Corner, my prayers go unanswered after a lost opportunity to reach the green in two once I shank my drive towards Atlanta. I’ll take a solid 9.

Dave: Can I just tee off from the pine straw on this one?  So much was made about Phil’s amazing 2nd last year, but not enough is made of him pushing the eagle past the hole.  I’m on in 6 here (after 5 from the straw).  And, for good measure, I make my putt for the double.  Because that’s the difference between Phil and me.  And that I read the greens in Braille.

Jon: Funny, I totally forgot that Phil missed that eagle putt. Give him a break though, last year was a win for the family.

Dave: Great win for Phil and the whole family.  Now, if only they could find a proper tailor for daddy.

Jon: That was pretty low mister and way too easy. Moving on to 14. your honor your honor.

No. 14 “Chinese Fir” Par 4, 440 yards

Dave: “The primary defense on this bunkerless par four is a terraced putting surface that drops significantly from left to right.”  This is how the Masters folks describe Chinese Fir.  Hahahaha!  More putts than approach shots here, which wouldn’t be scarce.  My honor is besmirched.  9.

Jon: I get the same feeling reading the hole descriptions from The Masters website that I do reading the safety procedures on a plane. In both cases, if and when things go wrong I am going to panic. No sand no problem. Give me a 6. Ready to dance with the Firethorn?

No. 15 “Firethorn” Par 5, 530 yards

Dave: These holes either sound like painful rashes, or old-timey names for debutantes. Have at it.

Jon: Well, I have dreams about reaching this green in two, giving myself a chance to putt for eagle as the gallery at 16 looks on. But my eyes are definitely bigger than my stomach and I’ll have to live with the disappointment of another errant tee shot and water hazard to boot. Give me an 8.

Dave: I, too, have packed my trucks.  Unavoidable, I’m afraid.  When I hear “reachable Par 5”, I’m thinking in 5.  In this case, though, I’m on in 7, after 2 well-intentioned hybrids into the pond.  (Still haven’t figured out how to line up that club yet.  It’s like it was designed by aliens.)  The green seems “straight forward”.  Three putts, and I’ve got my first double digit hole.  10.

Jon: No way you go 14 holes before a double digit score. You’re just not that good a golfer.

Dave: I don’t tell you how to design your fantasies, do I? Next hole is both a rash AND a chaste debutante: Redbud.  Go!

No. 16 “Redbud” Par 3, 170 yards

Jon: I love Verne Lundquist sooo much. I would pay him gobs of money to announce me washing the dishes. Believe it or not, I’m putting for birdie on this one. And, after a close miss, I tap in for par.

Dave: All this water here scares me.  I try to play it safe and aim for the left of the green.  Too bad I scull a screamer WAY left.  It does clear the drink, though, and I’m pitching from the Redbuds– which happen to be beautiful up close.  I’m on in 4, with a nice two-putt up the hill.  No hazards and no 3-putts.  My round is made here.  Now where is that drink girl?

Jon: You mean drink boy right? Did you forgot that this is Augusta and that the lady folk are frowned upon in these parts? Show us the way around 17.

No. 17 “Nandina” Par 4, 440 yards

Dave: Before we tuck into Nandina (rare exotic disease AND the given name of my Ukrainian maternal great-grandmother), a little history for you. Now, to my dear Nandina. This one is framed around the majestic Eisenhower Tree.  To avoid the imposing greenside bunkers, I– unwisely– choose to play up the left side.  In and out of my forest, I’ve got a clear shot to the front of the green from about 100.  I hit a wedge too fat, and I’m in the right bunker anyway.  From there, it’s a little more misery: out in 3, 3 more putts.  Another 10. This course is a lot easier on X-Box

Jon: I am so underwhelmed by 17. Feels out of place between the majesty of 16 and grace of 18. But, I’m sure golf historians would tell me that many a Masters has been won or lost on 17. Blah blah blah blah blah. Give me a 7 and bring on the grace!

No. 18 “Holly” Par 4, 465 yards

Jon: Before we tee of we should take a moment to thank Billy Payne and all other members for allowing us to write about our totally fictional round at Augusta. Your generosity knows no bounds.

Dave: Nor, I imagine, does the nuanced sense of humor of the entire Masters contingent.  Thanks.

Jon: I finish 18 with a sand wedge and a snowman. As I exit the green, Elin Nordegren is there to congratulate me on a well played round. Eat your heart out Tiger! (Just kidding. Can we still be friends?)

Dave: I just took the “virtual flyover” on the Masters website.  I can’t believe how narrow the landing is here.  Seems impossible, even for the pros.  I guess they really have to earn it Again, I can’t hit driver here (slice), so I’m spitting into the wind with my hybrid up the hill.  “Near in 4”, on in 6, down in 9.  Which happens to be one third of the number of different financial services companies who will advertise during Masters Sunday.  Depressing for those of us whose finances aren’t quite eligible for servicing.

Jon: Its The Masters. Everyone is eligible for servicing!!

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Final Scores: Jon 120 Dave 139

views from Augusta National courtesy of @RickieFowlerPGA and @bubbawatson