U.S. Senior Open Blog
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Bryant
Have to hand it to Brad Bryant (anyone want to guess how many times today I've typed 'Bear' instead of Brad? Too many). Just like Allen Doyle last year, he emerged from the depths of leaderboard obscurity by playing a round he won't soon forget.
I always like talking to first-time winners. Bryant, who hasn't won many tournaments in his career, was gushing what it meant, how happy he was, why kids should keep dreaming about winning U.S. Opens. Winning does that to 52-year-old men who have tried most of their adult life to reach the top. Bryant, full of emotion, called himself a journeyman just making his way around a golf course. He also acknowledged Loren Roberts and Tom Watson.
"I had a lot of help," said Bryant. "Loren, Tom, unfortunately, didn't play their best today. The best break I had this week was having both of them not playing well at the same time."
But Bryant certainly deserves it. He's a good guy. Nice guy. What was that famed Leo Durocher quote about nice guys? Doesn't apply here.
Ken
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Low Ams
Talk about a nervous wait. George Zahringer, at eight over par, hung around the better part of three hours to see if he'd slide into low amateur honors. He had an outside chance because Danny Green, who had been six strokes ahead of Zahringer after his second hole, headed to No. 18 holding just a two-stroke advantage.
Both knew what was at stake. The low amateur secures an exemption into this year's U.S. Amateur and next year's Senior Open. Turned out OK for both. That's because a bloodied Green double bogeyed the 18th to fall into a tie with Zahringer. "The double didn't really hurt me on 18," said Green, "it just helped George out a little bit. So that's OK."
Zahringer had birdied his final hole, which made all the difference. "Even posting 69, Danny played two very solid rounds the last two [days] and I guess I thought I had a chance. But I wasn't expecting it."
Green was a mess while doing his interview. He had blood spots all over his shirt and dried blood stains everywhere. He looked as though he was wearing clown makeup around his mouth, which looked quite comical. Was Whistling Straits so tough that it exacted blood? Nah. Green's lips were chapped to the point that blood blisters opened up just before he started his round. He sought medical treatment but it re-opened on No. 6. The oozing didn't stop until he finished. "The sixth green is full of blood," quipped Green.
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Coming Down The Stretch
Decided to follow Watson and Roberts for about nine holes. I thought Roberts might catch him - until he bogeyed No. 8. Roberts walked off his 10-footer as soon as he hit the ball. He knew he pushed it. As he headed up to the ninth tee, he discreetly, yet sternly, chastized his caddie for moving his bag during the backstroke. Whether that frazzled Roberts or not is anyone's guess.
Ken
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Hot
It is absolutely brutal out there/here today. Very, very hot. Almost oppressively hot. However, there is a stiff wind that has helped.
Ken
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Saturday, July 07, 2007
Moving up
Moving day certainly brought some surprises didn't it? John Ross and Sam Torrance are definitely in the mix now. So is Denis Watson. How about Watson? This guy's story is simply amazing. He should not be playing competitive golf, but somehow he is.
So again we ask: Will Tom Watson win this thing tomorrow? There is certainly pressure on him with a three-stroke lead, and of course, with his past in this in full spotlight. Should be fun to watch what he does.
Today there was a lot of boat activity on Lake Michigan. The combination of the warm weather and golf probaby contributed to that. But it made the waters look more lively. It's been derelict this past week. One boat, maybe two. Much more today. Made the course that much more scenic.
Ken
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Friday, July 06, 2007
And ...
What have we learned after the second round? Tom Watson has once again positioned himself to win, although there are two rounds to go. Eduardo Romero had a costly triple on his 18th hole; compatriot Vincente Fernandez is still lingering around as he always seems to do in these; same goes for Loren Roberts; Lonnie Nielsen is having the time of his life after winning last week; and Ben Crenshaw has turned back Father Time.
Should only get more interesting tomorrow. By the way, check the tee times. They're early, beginning at 7:40 a.m. CDT. Last group goes off at 12:40 p.m.
Ken
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Watson
I marvel at Tom Watson. The guy doesn't practice much anymore - by his own admission - but there is something about links-style courses that suit him like peanut butter goes with jelly. I watched nine of his holes and it seemed like he couldn't miss with his putts. I asked him afterward about his comfort level with the putter and he said he has been tweaking a couple things. He couldn't go much further, as though the great secret might be adopted by others in the field.
It's well known he's had issues with his putting the latter part of his career. It was the difference in not winning last year. It's hard not to root for a guy like him. It almost seems wrong that he isn't listed as a past Senior Open champion. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino. All have won at least one. Isn't it Watson's turn? He's had so many heartbreaks playing in these that you have to think he'll win one of these days.
Ken
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Little guys
How about a round of applause for the 'Senior Open rookies?' Three of them were within the top seven spots after the first round. Bruce Vaughan, Ron Vlosich and Jim Woodward were receiving attention after their rounds, and rightly so.
No way of telling if they'll hang around, but here's hoping the underdogs do.
Ken
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Issues
Please excuse some minor issues we experienced this morning, which affected scoring. Some walked into a waterlogged media center this morning that affected connectivity. However, that has been corrected.
Ken
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Thursday, July 05, 2007
Finished
We are done for the day. Play has been called and will resume at 7 a.m. CDT Friday. The second round will start approximately at 8 a.m. Sorry folks. That's the way Mother Nature wanted it.
Ken
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Update
OK, update time. There is no update. Not until 6:15 p.m. CDT. Sorry.
Ken
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Rainbows
OK, it has come to this. We have a major storm moving through, with a beautiful rainbow permeating the sky, and I'm blogging about rainbows. Multi-colored and pretty. Where are the unicorns?
I write this with a bit of a wry smile on my face, for this is the third consecutive Open this season in which we have not avoided serious weather. It is part of the equation. Something uncontrollable. But frustrating nonetheless. What can you do but blog about, well, rainbows.
Moving on, wonderful to see another Argentinian atop the leaderboard. Two in fact if you count Vincente Fernandez, who stands three strokes behind Romero.
Romero was a joy to watch today. He was, as Jay Haas attested, around the hole on all 18. He had crisp strokes, and seemed sure of himself. Not cocky by any means. Just full of self assurance with a club in his hand. After his round, it was enlightening to hear his thoughts, as well as Fernandez's, about the state of the game in Argentina. Seems they have high hopes for the next generation of golfers.
Someone asked Fernandez if golf has a chance to become more popular than soccer in his homeland. Fernandez laughed and said no. Then he intimated that he was looking forward to watching the Argentina vs. Paraguay match tonight. Go figure.
Ken
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Play Suspended
Play has been suspended due to inclement weather. The horn sounded at 5:03 p.m. Central Daylight Time. No word on any updates but I'll pass them along as I receive them.
Ken
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Walking
This is my first visit to Whistling Straits. I didn't cover the PGA Championship a couple years ago when it was here. But colleagues warned me of the tough trek, walking-wise. They weren't joking. There are many peaks, valleys, false steps. It's sort of fun because it keeps you honest. But difficult if you're trying to watch a shot as you move. Mr. Twisted Ankle isn't invited this week, so I'd be careful.
Ken
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Wednesday, July 04, 2007
On The Range
Last year I blogged how Fuzzy Zoeller was one of my favorite golfers to deal with. Other players could learn something from him. The way he gives back to the fans, jokes with them, makes them feel like they're something special - namely, all the smiles and chuckles - should be what it's about. He goes about his business like a professional, then finds time to sign, make small talk or tell a joke.
At the moment I'm currently working on a story that needed his input. I waited. And waited. And waited while he went through his routine. So when he got done, I politely nudged him for a minute of his time. It went something like this:
Me: "Fuzzy, you got a sec to answer a question or two?"
Fuzzy: "About what, my man? About what?" as he slapped my back.
Me: "Well, let's talk about the course."
Fuzzy: "The course? Noooo way. No comment." And off he walked smiling. Of course, Fuzzy's done this about five times to me in the past before, so I knew it was schtick. Sometimes, though, you wonder whether it really is. In this case, it was. After letting him go off to sign, I worked in another quick interview before heading back toward Fuzzy. When I got to him again, he was like, "What do you want? No, seriously, I'm sorry, I was only kidding." I knew. As usual he was great. He's in a bit of pain after undergoing a procedure to remove a cyst from his neck last week. But never did he grimace or look like he was in pain.
He just moved on smiling.
Ken
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