Anthony Kim - Is he the next Tiger

Image via WikipediaAfter a long layoff I'm back in blogging mode. The Ryder Cup got my juices flowing.
That may have been the best play I've ever seen at a Ryder Cup. Ian Poulter, Anthony Kim, Boo Weekley Kenny Perry, Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell all played extremely well and it certainly makes me look forward to the 2010 matches at Celtic Manor in Wales.
Anthony Kim was very impressive as he dusted an ailing Sergio Garcia in the singles. With a couple of Tour wins under his belt and the early lead at the Tour Championship, he might be the player to watch next season when Tiger finally returns from surgery.

Cut Kenny Some Slack

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeWhat's the deal with all of the criticism of Kenny Perry? He decided to skip the British Open because he is the defending champion at next week's Tour event.
Apparently loyalty is not prized very much by some people and in any case, who's business is it where Kenny plays?
Kenny Perry is one of golf's gentlemen and it's a recognized tradition that the defending champion does not skip out on a title defense unless there are extenuating circumstances.
What next? Will we hear criticism of Tiger for not defending at the PGA Championship? He won the US Open on one leg, can't he defend the PGA on crutches, or better yet from a wheelchair? What kind of wimp is he anyway?
So give Kenny Perry a break, he's showing some integrity and doing the right thing and you know you'll be rooting for him in the Ryder Cup later this year.

Tiger Wins, now what?

Image by thegordons via FlickrSo now it's official, Tiger is the 2008 US Open Champion and this was the most exciting US Open I've ever seen. All credit to Rocco Mediate, what a great competitor - he never gave up, but Tiger isn't the number one player in the world for nothing. He showed us that even playing hurt he is a force to be reckoned with.

The question now is "Will he play in the British Open?". Frankly I doubt it, we may not see him before the PGA Championship in August where he is the defending champion. This time he will make sure that his rehab is complete and that he's completely cleared by his doctors.

As for Rocco, doubtless he's disappointed but he seems to have a realistic handle on the enormity of what he achieved. He rose into the top 50 in the World Rankings and that will give him access to opportunities that he never had before this weekend. He may also have just played himself onto the Ryder Cup team where he will be a great asset for the USA. If Paul Azinger doesn't team Rocco and Tiger on the first day he's crazy.

US Open Week - Dream Time

Image via WikipediaFor the guys, this is US Open week and for many of the women it's Open Qualifying week. Thousands of people enter the USGA Open Championships and play for the few spots that remain after the exempt places are filled. They are following their dreams.
One of my students is playing today in one such qualifying event, hoping to qualify for the third consecutive year. Whether she is successful or not, she represents the new breed of teenage female golfer vying to knock the veteran players from their perches at the top of the women's game.
No wonder Annika is retiring. She's had her day in the sun, won her majors, made millions and now she's going to concentrate on raising a family and perusing her business interests.
Perhaps the most important aspect of Annika's retirement is that she opens up a spot in the field for another player, someone trying to establish themselves in this great game and maybe one day win a tournament, or a major or the Grand Slam.
Perhaps it's time that the LPGA and PGA Tour should take a look at the number of exempt spots that are available each week. I know that the crowds want to see Tiger, Ernie and Phil rather than Joe Bag-of-Doughnuts but there are too many boring cookie-cutter players out there making a great living and providing no excitement or added value to the game.
Let's have 9 spots available through Monday qualifying every week. Some LPGA events have done away with Monday qualifying in favor of sponsors exemptions which is a shame and could easily be rectified by reducing the number of exempt players or by increasing the size of the field.
9 more players is only three more tee times. They don't need to have more players making the cut and so it won't cost any more but it might just allow someone to fulfill their dream of playing on Tour.