Fail of the Week 7
August 22, 2011
This week’s FAIL goes to the crowd at Atlanta Athletic Club.
On Thursday, I was at my desk quietly watching Tiger in his round. He pushed a ball into the trees and hit a beautiful 4-iron onto the green. Then, this guy comes running out of the crowd for his 15 minutes.
I almost fell out of my chair.
All week long the announcers were ripping on the AAC crowd. I think perhaps the best is Ian Baker-Finch’s line “I told you they were breeding in there.”
A friend of mine went on Friday and saw Rory McIlroy hit a poor shot from a bunker, wherein it rolled back to his feet. A fan (not 10 feet from the action) yelled out “Oh my God! That was a horrible shot! He didn’t even get it out of the bunker!” While I have used this line repeatedly on my friend since then, it’s absolutely unacceptable at a major tournament.
On Sunday, I was standing on the tee box of the 14th hole when Bubba Watson came through with a crowd of followers. After hitting his shot, literally 7 different people in the crowd yelled out “Go Dawgs.” Like we’re at a football game instead of a golf tournament. I’m sorry, who are the dogs? Which player is the dogs? I must not understand this idiotic recitation–in the middle of a pro golf tournament. I know Bubba went to UGA, but come on. I doubt the guy even likes football.
Given the events of the week, I can’t see the PGA returning to AAC for awhile. While it was a great tournament, the players HATED the course–they couldn’t stand the bermuda rough and really didn’t care for the greens, everyone disliked the bunkers, and most thought the course was too penal in the final stretch of holes. And, as noted here, the crowds were obnoxious (thanks for giving ATL a bad name).
Given all, it was a great tournament, but we can expect it will be awhile before they return to AAC. Here’s looking forward to East Lake in a few weeks.
Play of the Week 21
August 22, 2011
This is a belated play of the week in honor of Keegan Bradley. Keegan played tremendously at the PGA Championship, battling back from a triple-bogey 6 on the par 3 15th to close with two birdies and a par and win the 93rd PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club.
Congrats to you, Keegan. You’ve earned this.
PS, we are sorry for waiting so long to post, but LG and I have both been very, very busy with our real jobs.
Predictions: PGA Championship
August 9, 2011
ANSWERS IN BOLD – YIKES! This is probably our worst job yet. Thanks LG for helping us achieve a new low here at the PF.
The Tiger Woods edition was fun but (thankfully) is now over. It’s time to load your predictions for this year’s final major. Did you hear the fairways at AAC are running 9 on the stimp! Unbelievable! The course is in tremendous shape and I’m looking forward to going out and seeing the best of the best.
It’s hard to believe it’s already the time of year for the final major, but, alas, the golf season must end sometime. I’m looking forward to some September and October baseball, when my Braves crush LG’s Giants. However, first things first. Without further ado, our PGA predictions.
Response from LG – I love the Braves as well, sir. My first professional team ever when I moved to Atlanta. Last year when my Giants had to crush the Braves during the playoffs, I was torn. Care to wager?
RE re from JK – I’m not even sure the Giants will make the playoffs this year, but assuming they do–yes.
BACK TO GOLF!
Winner: Dustin Johnson Cut, +7
Runner Up: Jason Day Cut, +5
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Larry Nelson Cut, +13. Let’s go with…Keegan Bradley
Last Year’s Winner (Martin Kaymer) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Make the Cut Cut, +5
Tiger Woods will: finally show up for an event. T-3 Cut, +10
Phil Mickelson will: Top10 T-19, E
Bubba Watson will: hit some big drives, but otherwise not do much. Barely make the cut. T-26, +1
How many prior winners in the Top 10: 2 1, David Toms
How many prior major winners in the Top 10: 4 1. David Toms
The Master’s Champion (Schwartzel) will: Make the Cut Correct, T-12
The US Open Champion (McIlroy) will: miss the cut T-64, +11
The Open Champion (Clarke) will: miss the cut CORRECT. +14
Will the winner lay up on the 72nd hole? Since I’ve picked DJ, definitely not. Bradley didn’t lay up on either try. Played it beautifully both times. Hybrid 5i to go par-par for regulation and playoff. Pretty awesome stuff
David Toms (winner of the last PGA Championship at AAC) will: Make the Cut T-4, -5. so, not wrong, but not right either
Who is most likely to Dustin Johnson it? Phickelson Definitely Jason Dufner. Although Phickelson had his own little meltdown after a few birdies on the front side.
Will Dustin Johnson do a line of coke off his driver face? Not while the cameras are on him i didn’t see it, but he wasn’t there on the weekend…so….
Will Tiger shave? I hope so. He looks like he dipped his chin in a bowl of poop sadly, no. he still looks evil.
Will someone win it or will everyone else lose it? The PGA is normally won, not lost. Phil did lose it once, and DJ and Bubba each “lost it” last year, but there is a long history of guys winning it–even Kaymer came up and got it when DJ and Bubba choked. I’m going with win. Bradley definitely came up and won it. He played awesome, dunked a chip on the par 3 15th then had the stones to birdie 16 on a great shot from the fairway, birdie 17 on a tiger-esque 35 footer, and par 18, which is no easy feat. Congrats Keegan
Will Rickie Fowler wear all orange on Sunday? I hope not. Atlanta has enough pollution. It doesn’t need nuclear radiation along with it. yes, and my eyes will never heal from the pain they experienced at seeing him live. I’m just waiting for that kid to paste a Home Depot logo on the back of that thing.
Will JK be on TV on Sunday? Hopefully not, although I will be there =). I don’t think so. LG thought he saw me, but alas, it was only Tony Romo
Will LG be jealous of JK’s Sunday ticket to the PGA Championship? He already is =).CORRECT. I had a blast. 11 hours at a golf course, worth every ounce of pain I’ve endured this morning.
LG (from INDIA!)
Winner: Rory McIlroy No, T-64
Runner Up: Dustin Johnson No, Cut
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Kevin Na Na was in the Top 10 (T-10, -2), but once again LG picks an “unknown” that everyone knows. You picking Sergio Garcia for the Masters, LG?
Last Year’s Winner (Martin Kaymer) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): make cut no
Tiger Woods will: make cut no
Phil Mickelson will: make cut yes
Bubba Watson will: make cut, possibly top 10 yes
How many prior winners in the Top 10: 1 correct
How many prior major winners in the Top 10: 0 this makes no sense. you picked 1 prior winner in the top 10 and 0 prior major winners in the 10 top. this is a fail
The Master’s Champion (Schwartzel) will: Top 10 no, T-12
The US Open Champion (McIlroy) will: Win! not even close
The Open Champion (Clarke) will: miss cut correct
Will the winner lay up on the 72nd hole? hell no correct
David Toms (winner of the last PGA Championship at AAC) will: miss cut uh, no. top 10 bud
Who is most likely to Dustin Johnson it? DJ himself nope. duffner. johnson wasn’t there to choke
Will Dustin Johnson do a line of coke off his driver face? Driver face? If that’s what you call some chick in the crowd, sure. probably was doing this in myrtle beach
Will Tiger shave? I hope not. Beards rule! It’s okay, JK, not everyone is man enough to grow a beard. sadly, correct.
Will someone win it or will everyone else lose it? Rory will win going awaywrong on rory, wrong on “going away.”
Will Rickie Fowler wear all orange on Sunday? obviously. yah
Will JK be on TV on Sunday? Hopefully falling into a lake. almost, but no
Will LG be jealous of JK’s Sunday ticket to the PGA Championship? I Already am. I’ll hopefully be using a telecast of the PGA to get over jet lag on Sunday. Let’s hope for some red in contention so I can stay awake!
Grades:
LG – F
JK – F-
so much for our predicting skills
Play of the Week 20: 100th Post!
August 9, 2011
This week’s play of the week goes to … THE PF! In our 20th POTW, we post our 100th post all-time.
At the current moment, we have been writing for less than one year and have over 7,700 views all-time–and are climbing every day. LG, I have very much enjoyed this little project we have. Although it’s not always easy to maintain, it’s milestones like these where we remind ourselves just how much fun we have here.
Thanks to all our readers for keeping us in it. Your thoughts, comments, and viewership have been a great benefit to us. We look forward to posting our 1000th post sometime soon.
Predictions: Tiger Woods Edition
August 3, 2011
*8/8/11 update by LG: Let’s see how we did! (Grades below)
Tiger is coming back at the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone. He’s been a magician at Firestone, pulling out 7 wins at the course. However, in his last tournament (at Sawgrass), he shot 42 on the front 9 and pulled out. So, here are some predictions about Tiger’s return that we should address.
JK:
Tiger will (MC, Make Cut, Top 10, Win): MC – While I hope this was a joke, let’s go ahead and make it official. WRONG
Final score relative to par: +4 – +1 – Close, but no cigar. Tiger made 3 birdies coming in to put the kibosh on this
Facial hair will be: Goatee – Correct! Apparently Gillette ISN’T the best a man can get. Real men have facial hair.
Who will win? Graeme McDowell – Incorrect – Aussie Adam Scott took it down with Steve Williams on the bag and a putter longer than the list of issues with America’s finances. Gmac took down solo 65th at +9.
Will Tiger be in the last group on one of the weekend days? No – Correct
Will Tiger ever hold the lead? No – Correct
What will be his biggest issue? Putting – Hard to say – Tiger says hitting the ball too straight caused a lot of issues for him. Putting wasn’t great, but not sure it was his “biggest issue”
What will be his biggest strength? Confusing the media with cryptic answers – Not sure, Tiger’s always abundantly clear – It’s a process. Going to go with Incorrect on this one.
Who will caddy for him? Looks like it will be Bryon Bell – Well done.
LG will not participate in this predictions segment, as he is on vacation. Have fun LG!
LG’s Answers:
Top 10 – Incorrect, but hey, at least I picked something that could have actually happened.
Final Score -8 – +1 – eh. What are you going to do? -8 would have just nearly made the top 10.
Goatee – See above. Because I am the only PF-er with facial hair, this is a double win.
As much as I hate to say this: Rickie Fowler – T-2. CLOSE! Fowler and Luke Donald tied for first losers at -13 while Scott took down the title in style at -17.
NO last group – Correct
No lead – Correct
Issue – Driving – Tiger described this as his biggest issue, but not because he was all over the place, but because he was driving it “too straight.” I wish I had that problem, Tiger.
Strength – chipping/short game – Tiger’s first round 68 found him hitting 75% of greens in regulation. Clearly, his short game brought up the rear.
Bell on the bag (but it should be me!!) – Correct!
LG: B+
JK: C-
All-in-all, Seems like LG came out on top.
Review: Mystery Valley Golf Course (Lithonia, GA)
July 25, 2011
Today’s post focuses on a course near and dear to my heart, Mystery Valley.
Mystery Valley is a municipal golf course in Lithonia, GA–very close to Stone Mountain and to Southland Golf course, the subject of a prior PF review (see https://thepowerfade.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/course-review-southland-atlanta-ga/). The course, nestled between majestic pine trees, plays 6700 yards around several lakes. Although not the longest test, Mystery Valley presents a fair challenge that rewards good shots and punishes bad ones.
Along with nearby Sugar Creek, Mystery Valley is the municipal golf course of DeKalb County, GA. The course opened in 1966 and has remained largely unchanged since Then. Although some landscape is different since when I started playing there in the early 90s, the layout is basically the same. The brother of famed Atlanta golfer Charlie Yates was the first head pro at the course. It is even rumored that Bobby Jones walked the grounds at one time.
However, none of this history is apparent when arriving at and playing the course. A long, winding drive previews the front 9 to the player as he drives into the course. A modest clubhouse with a chipping green, putting green, and substandard driving range greet the player.
At first glance, the course doesn’t look like much. However, it’s layout–meandering through the natural hills and elevation changes–provides a great test to the average golfer and some great opportunities for the advanced one. There are a good number of risk/reward shots for the long hitters as well as a number of bailouts for the average players. The fairways usually have nice green grass and are mostly wide and inviting.
Although not terribly fast, Mystery Valley is one of the few municipal golf courses in Atlanta that has not converted to bermuda greens. The bent grass is usually well-maintained but can become a little shaggy on certain days and after rains. And despite the work required for maintaining the greens, an average player can still walk on weekend mornings for under $30–plus, the course is especially easy to walk since it was built before carts were mainstream and is set up with tees in close proximity to greens.
Like all courses–and especially municipals–Mystery Valley has its drawbacks. There are several holes that border on unfair. For example, the par-3 second hole includes a green that is so severely sloped that certain pin placements are virtually unreachable. Bunkers typically lack sand and are very inconsistent if sand is included. Because it is a muni, weekends are typically packed, and 4.5-hour rounds should be expected; note, however, the course management takes their jobs very seriously, and only in very strange situations will a 5-hour round occur.
As stated, this course is very near and dear to my heart, as it is the place that I learned to play. If it were a private course located in the center of Atlanta–and if it had a little more length–it would be a likely spot for a tournament or at least a desired track. The enjoyment of the layout is comparable or superior to Druid Hills, East Lake, and Dunwoody Country Club, just to name a few. However, because it is municipal, it gets little credit for the true gem that it is.
There are many drawbacks to Mystery Valley–certainly. However, it is the course that I continually return to because 1) it is a fair course and 2) it is a fair price.
Layout: 9/10
Maintenance: 7/10
Greens: 8/10
Cost: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Practice Facility: 5/10
Proximity to Atlanta: 6/10
Overall: 8/10
NOTE: At the current time (July 2011), Mystery Valley is undergoing construction to repair drainage systems. Please be sure to call the proshop at (404) 469-6913 to ensure that construction is complete before your round.
Golf Fitness: 14 new exercises from Men’s Health
July 25, 2011
For those PowerFaders looking to amp up their exercise routines, check out
I have tried each and every one of these exercises and believe they fit nicely into any of the routines that we have outlined previously.
Enjoy longer drives and more precise iron shots with a stronger core and legs. Good luck!
Just Awesome
July 22, 2011
Certainly worthy of a POTW. However, this is in a different category. Enjoy PF readers.
-JK
Feeling it
July 22, 2011
A fortunate development at work occurred on Tuesday that allowed me to focus my energy on golf for essentially the rest of this week. I took my new found freedom to the valley course at coyote creek. Maybe it was just the sheer joy of being outside in summer time california weather instead of in an air conditioned office, or maybe it was all the Bob Rotella audiobooks I’ve been listening to, but it felt like something clicked. I played extremely well and felt as though I thought my way around a new course in a way that I have never done before. I’ve shot 80 on more than one occasion, but this time didn’t feel like it was an accomplishment.
Today, in extremely windy conditions, I managed to put together an 83 on “less than stellar” greens at my usual course.
I wanted to try to capture the feeling I had on the course during these two rounds for our readers, but honestly, the feeling is nothing. Though I’ve hit some of the best drives I’ve ever hit this week, my only thought has been to keep my head still and visualize a target. To hit a draw, I think “draw,” to hit a fade, I think “fade.” Pitching, chipping, and putting are all exercises in focusing on a target and visualizing a result. If I don’t hit the fairway, it’s no big deal, I’ll still have a shot. If I miss the green, I’m going to get up and down. If I have an 8 footer, well, that putt’s breaking 4.5 inches straight down.
My problem in the past was not enjoying it. I’d take the feeling as a sign I need to practice really hard so I didn’t lose it. While that’s not untrue, I never took the time to enjoy it. It’s fun to hit the ball long distances into the wind. It’s fun to feel like I can make any putt I look at. I hope it lasts, but the old saying is true: you can’t own golf, you just get to borrow it sometimes. At least I can appreciate it right now. Hopefully I can hang on to it long enough to break through the 80s and down into the single digits.
Fail of the Week 6
July 19, 2011
This week’s FAIL goes to our American golfers at the British Open, Phickelson and DJ. American golf has been hurting for the last several years (since Tiger’s surgery and subsequent tree-driving incident). We count on the big hitters, and they continually let us down.
Dustin Johnson has had chances at last year’s US Open, last year’s PGA, and this year’s British Open. But last year, he choked away the US Open with a final-round 82. Then he failed to read the rules and incurred a 2-shot penalty for grounding his club, taking him out of a playoff with headcase Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer, eventual winner. And this year, for some reason he just couldn’t keep himself from jacking his second shot OB to the right on a par 5 at the Open Championship, again incurring a 2-shot penalty and again losing a major for it. Although Darren Clarke definitely won the championship, DJ had a shot to put pressure on him; when the ball went out of bounds, Clarke was looking at a 4-shot lead with 5 holes, which is doable even for a hacker like me.
However, the bigger disappointment had to be Phil “Phickelson” Mickelson. Mickelson shot a five under par front nine of 30 (see http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/players/Phil+Mickelson/29/scorecard/2011/29). He had birdies on holes 2, 4, 6, and 10 and an eagle on 7. He sat at -6 for the round on the 11th tee box when the lights went out. For some reason, Phickelson rushed his 2-footer for par 3 on the 11th and bogeyed, sending him into a tailspin, thereafter bogeying 13, 15, and 16 and failing to make birdies on some of the easiest holes on the course (14 and 17). It was like he was a different golfer after the 3-putt–and, really, for no reason other than his own head got in the way. For all the tournaments Phil has won, the old choker is still lurking in there.
Once again, American golf comes up short. So, to you Phil and DJ, you are this week’s FAIL.
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