Sportandfashion-news PGA: Jimmy Walks to a Win, Completing Early Season Hat-Trick

I guess now would be a good time to admit the obvious; I would have never guessed I am typing Jimmy Walker won his third tournament this year, especially considering it is only February! It was not pretty coming down the backstretch but a win is a win. Walker started the Sunday at Pebble Beach with a six-shot lead over the likes of Hunter Mahan and Richard Lee, but he squeaked his way to a one-shot victory. The rain, fog and cold weather made it tough to find birdies out there but Walker’s performance in the early rounds gave him the edge he needed. In round one and two, it seemed he made any putt attempted from within 15 feet. As I mentioned before, I don’t know if Walker contends in a major this year but he can no longer be ignored. His talent and consistency is real.

Besides congratulating the winner, there were many other takeaways from the west coast following the National Pro-Am. Dustin Johnson played his first three rounds among one of the most interesting cast of characters we could get together on the links. His ‘amateur’ partner was his future father in law, also known as ‘The Great One’, Wayne Gretzky. They were paired up with the beer guzzling team of Kid Rock and John Daly. I admit, the latter two did not exhibit impress golf skills, but they were sure fun to watch.

Now, this upcoming week we will not have the luxury of NFL quarterbacks and notable celebrities walking the fairways, but we have yet another pivotal event in route to the FedEx Cup. Riviera in Los Angeles will play host the Northern Trust Open. This par 71 is known for long rolling fairways, and an iconic 18th hole punctuated by a beautiful clubhouse atop the hill. With John Merrick as your defending champ, I am confident in saying that I don’t believe we will see a repeat.

As in previous weeks, the eyes of the golf world will be focused on the scorching Graham DeLaet as he continues to search for his first career win. DeLaet finished no worse than eighth in his last five tournaments and got himself a tied for 21st here last year. That type of momentum is dangerous but I am looking to other names to win this week.

I like the calm, cool, and collected Bill Haas to grab his first win on 2014 this week. Bill already notched two top 10’s on the season and holds an impressive recent resume here at Riviera. Haas just missed a playoff here last year, finishing in third when it was all said and done, and won the playoff/tournament the year prior. Although he relies on consistency throughout, Haas is one of the better ball strikers you will see on Tour. If Bill does not get out to an early or mid-round lead, I don’t think he can come from behind, but watch from him to contend this week.

I also cannot ignore the impressive early season efforts of Sportandfashion-news favorite, Pat Perez. It seems hard to ignore that he could be Duf’s older brother, and how can you not love that. Perez finished eleventh or better in the last three starts, starting with a second place finish at his hometown track, Torrey Pines. Pat dominates the par 5’s, with the help of his spin control. Look for him to continue to find the birdies and go low to stay in contention.

Although I am looking forward to tuning in this week, next week is one of the highlights of the year; the WGC-Matchplay Championships. Keep an eye on the players looking to gain the momentum going down to the desert for one of the most exciting weeks of the year.

-Bryan 

Sportandfashion-news PGA: Little Walrus Holds On & Admiration of Pebble Beach

Another surprising week in golf has come and gone, and we have yet another first-time winner. Kevin Stadler, an avid Broncos fan and local Phoenix talent, is now the defending champion of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Stadler did just enough to shoot a -16 and outlast Bubba Watson, among others, to stand as champion on the 18th green. I did not see it coming and don’t think it will be a regular occurrence. Stads is a talent comparable to last year’s version of Carl Petterrson, and I don’t just say that because of his stature. He will hang around in a lot of these early tournaments but I don’t think he is force to be reckoned with long-term.

To me, the biggest takeaway is the continued great performance by Graham DeLaet. He had a solid Friday round and followed that up with an impressive Sunday performance. Graham often finds himself in sticky situation, but he is one of the best scramblers on tour and can drain clutch putts when the victory is within reach. I expect DeLaet ride this momentum to his first win soon and be a popular ‘sleeper’ pick come Masters time.

Now, this week offers up one of the Tour’s best known events at one of its most beautiful courses. Earlier this season, Charlie asked me for a list of courses on my bucket list and Pebble Beach was right at the top of that list. You only have to flip on the tube for a few seconds to see why. The course is perfect and the event is unique. We do not often get to see celebrities, amateurs and pros walking the same fairways during competition but Pebble provides us that luxury.

Ed. Note: Bill Murray is one of the prominent figures at Pebble Beach and finally won the tournament a couple years ago with D.A. Points. Murray did a Reddit AMA a little while back where he talked about golf. I was waiting for the perfect Sportandfashion-news PGA post to share it, and I think Pebble Beach preview is the perfect time to do it. 

The current defending champ, Brandt Snedeker, is a guy whom can sneak his way into a power position in these tournaments but I am not convinced he is back to his old self quite yet. He got himself banged up trying to ride a Segway and until he shows a flash I think he is still recovering from injury meaning it is hard to believe he can put it together for all four rounds.

Although it seems to be a common pick, I like Hunter Mahan this week. Hunter was money in all the majors
last year and he loves to get his game going, especially leading up the Matchplay in a few weeks. Hunter has finished in the top 16 here the last three years, highlighted by a second place finish in 2011. He does not necessarily blast the ball off the tee but he is consistent, along with being in the top 5 on Tour in strokes gained putting. Hunter is one of those guys who needs a major under his belt be considered amongst the elite but watch for him to pile up some wins while he waits for that opportunity.

I don’t always pick a sleeper but I got a funny feeling about local boy, Jerry Kelly, this week. Jerry missed the cut here last year but he looked good in Hawaii, notching a 3rd place finished at the Sony Open. Now, I would not be surprised if Kelly is a total flop but what the hell, it’s worth a guess!

Even though it’s still frigid here in the Midwest, stay patient guys. Spring is coming. (I think..) We will be out there swinging the sticks soon.

Bryan Reynolds