April 15, 2008 6:45 PM ET
Cejka takes a pass on the Heritage
 The News
Alex Cejka has withdrawn from this week's Verizon Heritage tourney in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to the PGA.
 Our View
Cejka hasn't been terribly reliable this season for fantasy owners with one strong finish (T8 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational) and several missed cuts. The rest may serve him well. He will be replaced by Jin Park.
|
April 15, 2008 6:45 PM ET
Marino opts for extended rest, withdraws from Heritage
The News
Steve Marino has withdrawn from this week's Verizon Heritage tourney in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to the PGA.
Our View
Marino has been playing rather well this season and hit nearly every tourney on the calendar leading up to The Masters (making the cut at all but one). It appears he is up for an extended bit of rest and we hope to see him back on the links next week. Marino will be replaced by Marc Turnesa.
|
April 15, 2008 6:44 PM ET
K.Stadler withdraws from Heritage
The News
Kevin Stadler has withdrawn from this week's Verizon Heritage tourney in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to the PGA.
Our View
He will be replaced by John Riegger.
|
April 15, 2008 6:44 PM ET
Hoffman withdraws from Heritage
The News
Charley Hoffman has withdrawn from this week's Verizon Heritage tourney in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to the PGA.
Our View
He will be replaced by Michael Letzig.
|
April 15, 2008 6:43 PM ET
Lowery withdraws from Heritage
The News
Steve Lowery has withdrawn from this week's Verizon Heritage tourney in Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to the PGA.
Our View
The veteran duffer started the season on a hot streak but has since cooled significantly. He will be replaced by Jon Mills.
|
April 15, 2008 1:20 AM ET
Oberholser ready for extended break
The News
Those who watched The Masters may have heard the CBS announcers discussing Arron Oberholser, stating the belief was that Oberholser would entertain ideas of a prolonged break from the Tour in order to rest his aching arm and wrist. However, comments made by Oberholser following The Masters suggest there is more going on than injury. "I might just scratch the whole thing and call it a mental health year because I'm tired of it. I'm sick of it. I didn't enjoy one shot out here today and I enjoyed very few shots this week. I'm just burnt out." Oberholser went on, "I don't care about the top 50 anymore. I don't care about coming back to the Masters. I don't care about making the majors. I just want to be healthy."
Our View
Of course, the ending shows his true frustration and a break, no matter the reason, is in order. We hope to see the California native back sooner rather than later, but it is evident he will not be making PGA starts any day soon.
|
April 14, 2008 10:43 AM ET
Immelman wins Masters
The News
Trevor Immelman has fought off Tiger Woods to win the Masters, according to the AP. After tapping in at Hole 18 to win with a closing 75 (that's 3 over par), Immelman leaned over to pick up his ball and raised his arms in victory. Woods finished second and stated, "I just didn't make any putts all week. I hit the ball well enough to contend. I hit the ball definitely well enough to put pressure on Trevor back there, but I just didn't make any putts."
Our View
After accepting his green jacket, he was asked if he thinks he can win the next three majors and he stated, "No, probably not."
|
April 13, 2008 9:49 AM ET
Tiger on the prowl, six shots off the lead
The News
With the final round of The Masters ready to sport's main stage today, the game's top star and current argument as the best player of all time is in prime position to give Sunday spectators a show. Tiger Woods enters the final day of competition in sole possession of 5th place on the current leaderboard, six shots back of top man Trevor Immelman.
Our View
It will take a huge effort from Tiger (and possibly a fall from Immelman) to get the job done, but it is well within reason to expect the game's greatest to rise to the occasion and provide intrigue on today's back nine.
|
April 13, 2008 9:49 AM ET
Final day set to run
The News
The final day at this year's Master is set to take center stage today as a field loaded with top names has risen and is ready to provided a quality day of golf entertainment. Trevor Immelman sits in lone possession of the top spot on the current leaderboard, the only golfer in the field to post three rounds under 70, and carries a current score of -11 into Sunday. Young up-and-comer Brandt Snedeker has held the pace as well, hitting 70 on the button (his first round outside of the 60s) on Saturday to fall two strokes back of Immelman, touting a -9. Veteran Steve Flesch remains competitive at -8, young Englishman Paul Casey is another stroke back at -7, followed by the story of the day, Tiger Woods, at -5.
Our View
Other scores of note: Stewart Cink (-4), Ian Poulter (-2), Zach Johnson (-2), Padraig Harrington (-2), Boo Weekley (-2), Sean O'Hair (-2), Retief Goosen (-2), Phil Mickelson (-2), Andres Romero (-2), Vijay Singh (-1), Lee Westwood (-1), Mike Weir (E), JB Holmes (E), Adam Scott (E), Jim Furyk (E), Nick Watney (+1), Jeev Milkha Singh (+1), Nick Dougherty (+1), Stephen Ames (+1), Justin Leonard (+2), Robert Allenby (+2), Stuart Appleby (+2), Angel Cabrera (+2), Henrik Stenson (+2), Bubba Watson (+2), Migueal Angel Jimenez (+3), Justin Rose (+3), David Toms (+3), Johnson Wagner (+4), Geoff Ogilvy (+6), KJ Choi (+9).
|
April 12, 2008 1:39 AM ET
2nd Round Leaderboard: The Masters
The News
The first major of the year has seen the first two days of competition roll by and we have a varied group to consider as we move forward into weekend play. Trevor Immelman owns the top spot on the current board, shooting 68 in each of his first two round to carry a score of -8 into Saturday. Brandt Snedeker holds the spot in 2nd his lonesome, sitting at -7. Ian Poulter, Steve Flesch, and the one and only Phil Mickelson sit three strokes back at -5, all tied for 3rd.
Our View
Other scores of note: Paul Casey -4, Arron Oberholser -3, Mike Weir -3, Stewart Cink -3, Retief Goosen -2, Lee Westwood -2, Tiger Woods -1, Sean O'Hair -1, JB Holmes -1, Vijay Singh -1, Jim Furyk -1, Andres Romero E, Nick Watney +1, Jeev Milkha Singh +1, Padraig Harrington +1, Niclas Fasth +1, Bubba Watson +1, Justin Leonard +2, Robert Allenby +2, Zach Johnson +2, Geoff Ogilvy +2, Stuart Appleby +2, Justin Rose +2, Henrik Stenson +2, Johnson Wagner +2, Boo Weekley +2, Adam Scott +2, Miguel Angel Jimenez +3, David Toms +3, KJ Choi +3.
|
April 12, 2008 1:39 AM ET
Missed Cuts: The Masters
The News
With the first two rounds of play in the books, the cut line was determined at +3. As a result, the following players have been eliminated from weekend competition: Brett Wetterich, Charles Howell III, Michael Campbell, Fred Couples, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, Toru Taniguchi, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els, Aaron Baddeley, Hunter Mahan, Nick O'Hern, Jerry Kelly, Rory Sabbatini, Jonathan Byrd, John Rollins, Daniel chopra, Tom Watson, Steve Stricker, Camilo Villegas, Michael Thompson, Vaughn Taylor, John Senden, Peter Lonard, Tim Clark, Woody Austin, DJ Trahan, Scott Verplank, Mark Calcavecchia, Drew Weaver, Larry Mize, Fuzzy Zoeller, Gary Player, Prayad Marksaeng.
Our View
Make note of three players. First, Michael Thompson: Thompson was the top amateur and was right on the cut line when he approached a putt on the back nine, set this putter, and the ball moved. That is a penalty the player must identify himself, and Thompson, knowing that stroke penalty could mean the difference between playing this weekend or not, made the call and suffered. That's class. Second, Fred Couples: The streak ends at 28 straight cuts made at The Masters. Third, Rory Sabbatini: Another golfer falls prey to the Par 3 Jinx (no player has ever won the Par 3 and then won The Masters, and Sabbatini fell on that sword this week).
|
April 11, 2008 12:04 AM ET
Rose/Immelman share 1st-Round lead at The Masters
The News
With Day 1 wrapped at the first major of the season, Augusta National is giving indication that scores will go low and the race to the finish will be intriguing to say the least. Your 1st-Round leaders are Justin Rose and Trevor Immelman, both finishing at 68 (-4) on the day.
Our View
Other scores of note include: Brandt Snedeker (-3), Lee Westwood (-3), Ian Poulter (-2), Robert Karlsson (-2), Zach Johnson (-2), Stephen Ames (-2), Jim Furyk (-2), Heath Slocum (-1), Arron Oberholser (-1), Jeev Milkha Singh (-1), Paul Casey (-1), Retief Goosen (-1), Phil Mickelson (-1), Justin Leonard (E), Robert Allenby (E), Jerry Kelly (E), Tiger Woods (E), Boo Weekley (E), Sean O'Hair (E), Daniel Chopra (E), Vijay Singh (E), Stewart Cink (E), K.J. Choi (E), Brett Wetterich (+1), Michael Thompson (+1), Luke Donald +1, Angel Cabrera (+1), JB Holmes (+1), David Toms (+1), Mark calcavecchia (+1), Steve Stricker (+1), Camilo Villegas (+1), Nick O'Hern (+2), Padraig Harrington (+2), Henrik Stenson (+2), Ernie Els (+2), Nick Watney (+3), Vaughn Taylor (+3), Rory Sabbatini (+3), Geoff Ogilvy (+3), Soren Hansen (+3), Tom Watson (+3), Niclas Fasth (+3), Jonathan Byrd (+3), Adam Scott (+3), Aaron Baddeley (+3), DJ Trahan (+4), Fred Couples (+4), Martin Kaymer (+4), Stuart Appleby (+4), Sergio Garcia (+4), Hunter Mahan (+5), Scott Verplank (+5), John Rollins (+5), Tim Clark (+5), Charles Howell III (+6), John Senden (+8), Gary Player (+11).
|
April 9, 2008 7:07 PM ET
Sabbatini takes Masters Par 3 Title
The News
Rory Sabbatini didn't let the fear of history get to him today, shooting -5 (22) in the nine-hole Par 3 Contest at this year's Masters, taking the win. Sabbatini was closely followed by both Woody Austin and Miguel Angel Jimenez, both at -4 (23).
Our View
This is both a curse and a blessing. It is Augusta tradition for participants to bring their kids out to caddie the tourney, and it's a wonderful event for fans and families alike. However, the more concerning "tradition" attached to this tourney is one of failure: No golfer has ever won the Par 3 Contest and moved on to win The Masters. In the past, players have avoided winning this tourney for fear of treading on that illustrious fact each and every participant knows going in. Veteran Fuzzy Zoeller is famous for his approach, having never served a putt on the final hole to insure his round is null and void (he hands the putter to a kid in the crowd). Tiger Woods, following the precedent set by Jack Nicklaus many years ago, passed on taking part, instead choosing to concentrate on the task of winning his fifth Green Jacket. If history holds true, you can mark Sabbatini off your fantasy starting lineup.
|
April 8, 2008 7:10 PM ET
Tee Times for 1st & 2nd Rnd Announced
The News
The Masters is all set to go and the official pairings and tee times for the first two days of competition have been set. Pairings of note with 1st-Round Tee Times noted (all times EST): 8:11 am Fuzzy Zoeller/Brett Wetterich/Heath Slocum, 8:22am Mark O'Meara/Tripp Kuehne/Ian Poulter, 8:33am Larry Mize/Peter Lonard/Hunter Mahan, 8:44am Gary Player/Miguel Jimenez/DJ Trahan, 8:55am Justin Leonard/Charles Howell III/Nick Watney, 9:06am Scott Verplank/Robert Allenby/Michael Campbell, 9:39am Fred Couples/Jerry Kelly/Anders Hansen, 9:50am Vaughn Taylor/Martin Kaymer/Arron Oberholser, 10:23am Zach Johnson/Luke Donald/Geoff Ogilvy, 10:34am Mike Weir/Padraig Harrington/Jeev Milkha Singh, 10:45am Tiger Woods/Angel Cabrera/Stuart Appleby, 10:56am Justin Rose/Henrik Stenson/Toru Taniguchi, 11:40am Boo Weekley/Trevor Immelman/Sean O'Hair, 11:51 am Sandy Lyle/John Rollins/JB Holmes, 12:24pm Tom Watson/Brandt Snedeker/John Senden, 12:35pm Tim Clark/David Toms/Niclas Fasth, 1:08pm Bubba Watson/Sergio Garcia/Mark Calcavecchia, 1:19pm Adam Scott/Paul Casey/Retief Goosen, 1:30pm Vijay Singh/Steve Stricker/Stewart Cink, 1:41pm Phil Mickelson/Andres Romero/KJ Choi, 1:52pm Ernie Els/Shingo Katayama/Jim Furyk, 2:03pm Aaron Baddeley/Camilo Villegas/Lee Westwood.
Our View
Of those groups, it is hard not to look at both 1:19pm and 1:30pm with great anticipation. Tiger may be the story, but those two groupings are BLOATED with top-shelf potential. DJ Trahan and Brandt Snedeker must be ecstatic with the opportunity to travel the course with greats of the game (Watson for Snedeker, Player for Trahan). Tiger draws an interesting group, working with that only man that might make an attempt to rival John Daly as the most "interesting" player on the Tour (that being Angel Cabrera). Meanwhile Mickelson gets a great player to push him (KJ Choi) and another that will just be happy to be there and will brighten the day (Andres Romero).
|
April 7, 2008 11:08 AM ET
Love's streak comes to an end
The News
In a disappointing turn of events, an amazing streak of 70 consecutive Major Tourneys attended with end this week as Davis Love III, finishing at T26 (-5) on the final board from the Shell Houston Open, has failed to qualify for The Masters and will not be included in next week's field.
Our View
Love hasn't missed a Major for nearly 18 years, and that alone deserves praise. Unfortunately, injury and a resulting fall from his normal place among the top ranks of the game has left him without a place to play next weekend.
|
April 7, 2008 10:33 AM ET
Wagner wins Shell Houston Open
The News
In a somewhat surprising performance, Johnson Wagner earned a ticket to this week's Masters, holding on to a Saturday lead to withstand a list of names any fantasy golfer would be proud to own to win the Shell Houston Open. Wagner finished at 16 strokes under par (272) for the tourney with Sunday serving his only round at or over 70.
Our View
The top ranks of the leaderboard is littered with names you might have expected to pull victory, including Geoff Ogilvy (T2, -14), Chad Campbell (T2, -14), Fred Couples (T4, -12), Steve Stricker (T11, -9), K.J. Choi (T11, -9), Bart Bryant (T11, -9), Aaron Baddeley (T14, -8), and others, but in the end it was Wagner getting it done, taking home $1,008,00.
|
April 5, 2008 2:51 PM ET
In-Progress Update: 3rd Rnd, Shell Houston Open
The News
Checking in on scores at mid-day, as expected, the rain in Houston is helping the vast majority of golfers on the course today, many using the soft greens to fly at the stick and find birdies. Tourney leader Johnson Wagern is holding steady at even par through five holes, but Chad Campbell is giving chase, going -3 through five. Bob Estes (as warned in this week's Start/Sit article, exclusively for Owner's Edge Members), is also right in the mix, going -5 through nine holes.
Our View
Other in-progress 3rd-round scores of note (score, holes completed): Geoff Ogilvy (-4, 9), Mathew Goggin (+2, 5), Steve Elkington (-4, 11), Ben Crane (-1, 6), John Merrick (-2, 8), Steve Stricker (-3, 11), Davis Love III (-2, 10), K.J. Choi (E, 7), Fred Couples (-2, 13), Bart Bryant (-3, 11), Aaron Baddeley (+1, 9), Stuart Appleby (+1, 9), Phil Mickelson (+1, 7), Jeff Quinney (+1, 7), Robert Allenby (-1, 11), Brett Wetterich (-1, 10), Jeev Milkha Singh (-1, 10), Justin Leonard (-1, 7), Padraig Harrington (-1, 7), Charles Howell III (E, 10), Steve Marino (+1, 8).
|
April 5, 2008 11:44 AM ET
Scott withdraws from Shell Houston Open
The News
Adam Scott, the defending champ at the Shell Houston Open, has officially withdrawn from this week's PGA stop.
Our View
Scott set a new course record on Thursday, going 9 shots under par to score 63 (an effort later tied by current leader Johnson Wagner). However, he mentioned lingering illness to reporters following the round and it appeared to play a role in a drastic fall to 76 (+4) on Friday. Scott is wise to take his clubs and hit the sack now with hopes of dumping this flu before next week's onset at Augusta National.
|
April 5, 2008 11:40 AM ET
Cuts made at Shell Houston Open
The News
Names of note who have failed to qualify for weekend play at this week's Shell Houston Open include Trevor Immelman, Tommy Armour III, Parker McLachlin, Vaughn Taylor, Brandt Jobe, Angel Cabrera, Matt Jones, Dudley Hart, Hunter Mahan, Anthony Kim, Jeff Maggert, Joe Durant, Nick O'Hern, Alex Cejka, John Rollins, Andres Romero, and John Mallinger.
Our View
Mahan may be the biggest disappointment of that group, coming off a T6 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and hoping to catch fire heading into The Masters. Angel Cabrera continues to disappoint in what has been a horrific early season, a true concern for a man that typically performs well at Augusta but now must be feared due to his total lack of performance thus far.
|
April 5, 2008 11:33 AM ET
Top names struggling at Houston
The News
Favorites fall back in Shell Houston Open: Lesser names were the story of the day after Friday's 2nd-round play at the Shell Houston Open. Aussie Mathew Goggin shot -8 (64) on the day to charge into 2nd place behind Johnson Wagner, riding the momentum of a course-record -9 (63) on Thursday to a 69 (-3) on Friday, in sole possession of the top spot on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, the names you might expect to surge struggled to post impressive scores on Friday, including Geoff Ogilvy's +1 (73), Steve Elkington's +2 (74), and Steve Stricker's +4 (76) on the day.
Our View
Other top names suffered in Day 1, including K.J. Choi (+2, 74), Phil Mickelson (E, 72), and Robert Allenby (+3, 75). We are only halfway there, so any one of these top-tier golfers could make a charge, but the hampered start is still frustrating.
|
|
|
|
