August 11, 2008

The next Tom Watson??

Now that Paddy Harrington has won his 3rd major in the last two years, it might be time to start discussing his legacy. Is he headed toward a Tom Watson type career?? It seems entirely possible. I don't think he is finished winning majors by any stretch.

Great stuff at Oakland Hills yesterday. Those two shots on 17 by Sergio and Paddy were remarkable, and you just knew Harrington was going to drain that putt. Once he locks in on a tournament, he never seems to miss a putt. I don't care what the rankings say. At this point, there is no doubt that Paddy Harrington is the #2 player in the world. He's a classy and good-natured champion in every way. Sort of the Roger Federer of the PGA Tour.

Is there any point in playing the Ryder Cup this year?? Shouldn't Paul Azinger just start waving the white flag now?? Virtually every one of the top players in this event will be on the European side, and the best American player (Phil Mickelson) could care less about the Ryder Cup. This thing could be mathematically in the bag by the end of the day on Saturday. If there are any Euros who don't qualify for the Ryder Cup like Villegas or Stenson or someone like that, maybe we can borrow a few??

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods must be chomping at the bit to get out there and take on the rising Irish star. While everyone is going to be excited about a "Tiger vs. Paddy" showdown at Augusta, the British Open at Turnberry could be great stuff if those two are both in it. Paddy is cementing his reputation as the best "cold weather" golfer in the world, so it could be interesting to see that battle next year.

As Jim Nantz said yesterday, we're only eight months away from Augusta where we'll do it all over again. I'm already fired up!

Just to get you in the mood for April, a little Dave Loggins for you. Don't even try to tell me you don't get the goosebumps going! I might just play this on the site every day during the week leading up to the Masters.

"Augusta, your dogwoods and pines
They play on my mind like a song
Augusta, it's you that I love
And it's you that I miss when I'm gone."

3 comments:

Doug said...

By the way, if Charlie Wi had won the PGA yesterday, wouldn't we have had to change our site name to Wi Is ND for a couple weeks??

I think it was the least we could have done to show some respect!

Ravi said...

Didn't get to hear his post round interview, but I'm sure Paddy "tanked" the PGA and Oakland Hills for a great week. Hopefully, he also "tanked" Sergio for burning the edge on yet another HUGE putt. At least Sergio didn't blame the ghosts of the game this year like he did last year at Carnoustie. Pardon me if I was audibly cheering after he missed that putt on 17. In the words of Dan Hicks, "Expect anything different?!?"

Would have liked to see Ben Curtis hang on yesterday.

Jeremy said...

Tough to watch Curtis yank those couple tee shots down the stretch. But when Harrington goes 66-66 to close and makes every putt he looks at on the last 5 holes, you pretty much have to just tip the cap and move on.

Great season for the kid from Ostrander - 2 top 10's in majors, and a lone 2nd at Wachovia. Plus, after the PGA he's clinched a spot on the Ryder Cup!! Congrats Ben.