2012 U.S. Open comments – Was the media coverage “The Big Miss?”

Written by: Tony Korologos | Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
Categories: GolfPGA TourPro GolfTiger WoodsU.S. OPEN

U.S. OPEN 2012 Olympic ClubAs I chomp on some seriously hot habanero salsa I’m ready to post my personal comments about the 2012 U.S. Open.  The thoughts percolating in my cranium are fully brewed now.  Keep in mind these are my opinions and not those of this blog.  Wait a sec… this is my blog…

Big Miss #1 – Tiger Woods didn’t win the U.S. Open, despite being awarded the victory by the media after two rounds.

Hank Haney’s book about Tiger is called The Big Miss.  That title fits perfect for the media coverage of this year’s open.  Michael Thompson held a three shot lead over five other players including Tiger after round one on Thursday.  ESPN led off their post round Sportscenter coverage with a “Tiger package.”  They gave Thompson little to no air time.  At the end of their package they excitedly mentioned that their Friday coverage would have full coverage of Woods.  I get that of course.  Woods = ratings.  In the end Thompson would finish tied for 2nd, some 19 places ahead of Woods.

After Tiger ended up tied for the lead at the conclusion of the 2nd round Friday the TV golf talking heads where in full blown Tiger mania mode.  90% of the TV golf programs was devoted to Tiger and the rest of the field 10%.  The media had practically awarded Tiger the U.S. Open trophy Friday night to Saturday morning.

Tiger would then shoot rounds of 75 (+5) and 73 (+3) on Saturday and Sunday, moving him down to a tie for 21st place, six shots off the lead.

Coverage of Tiger on Sunday started heavy.  We got to watch him bogey the first two holes, then double bogey the 3rd.  They then pulled the plug on Tiger, moving to the leaders and other players. From that point on TW only had a a few seconds of coverage.  Personally I thought the Tiger coverage was getting interesting as he struggled.  Just when I wanted to watch Tiger the most, the coverage stopped.

2012 U.S. Open Champion Webb Simpson

Webb Simpson – 2012 U.S. Open Champion

Webb Simpson

I’d love to go back through my DVR and count up how many minutes or shots of 2012 U.S. Open Champ Webb Simpson were covered in the final round by TV broadcast.  Next to none would be my guess.  My wife, who knows little to nothing about golf watched the entire final round with me. During the trophy presentation she said of Simpson, “who is that? They never showed him.”  Then later at dinner during a toast she said, “here’s to Webb Simpson, whoever he is.”

I was in the car this week listening to the Dennis Miller show.  Mainly Dennis talks politics but he started talking about the U.S. Open.  He commented about Webb Simpson and the fact that he’d not seen him covered during the final round.

Big Miss #3 – Jordan Spieth

The story of the 17 year old amateur Beau Hossler was fantastic and deserved the heavy coverage it received.  Hossler is going into his senior year in high school, but at one point held the outright lead in the U.S. Open.  What a great story.  Hossler got about a billion times the coverage that eventual champ Simpson did.

Much of the story with Hossler focused on the fact that his goal was to win low amateur for the Open.  His amateur competitors who made the cut included Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth.  Spieth is a great Texas golfer who I’ve had the pleasure of covering on the course while at the Byron Nelson.  Not much coverage at all was given to Spieth, who beat Hossler by two shots.  That’s a big miss.

Big Miss #4 – Johnny Miller

Johnny Miller is a polarizing figure in golf.  Some people like his announcing and some don’t.  I get both sides.  I do like the fact that he speaks his mind, even when talking about Tiger.  At least he’s not afraid to do that like many others in the golf media.

Miller scored a Big Miss toward the end of the competition by saying that Webb Simpson would be heading to the driving range to warm up for a playoff when it looked like two or more players might finish at +1.  Well, U.S. Open playoffs are 18 holes on Monday.  Johnny did catch his error though, so credit for that.

Random Thoughts

There were many players I would have loved to see win the Open.  As bunched up as the leaderboard was, many had a chance.

Lee Westwood

When will Lee Westwood win a major?

Lee Westwood

I would have loved to see Lee Westwood get that elusive major victory he’s been trying for so hard and long.  Westwood looked to be right in the mix until he lost a ball in the top of a cypress tree on the 5th hole.  What a heart breaker being right in the mix, then having to make that horrible walk from the fairway back to the tee to hit his 3rd shot.

Jim Furyk

I was very surprised to see Jim Furyk lose it Sunday.  You could see the look in his eyes on the back nine.  He was struggling inside and eventually his shots, like the duck-hook on 16 tee, showed it.  Still he had a chance to make a playoff by making birdie on the final hole.  Instead the nerves got him again and he pulled his wedge approach into the greenside bunker left.  Buried lie, buried hopes of a 2nd Open trophy.

Graeme McDowell

Being a blogger is great.  I can be a “fan” and cheer for players like Graeme McDowell.  I was hoping he’d pull off another U.S. Open.  But the nerves must have gotten to him as well.  The normally deadly accurate McDowell missed eight fairways in a row and only hit four total.  Missing fairways in Open conditions is a sure way to make bogeys and the occasional par.

Despite his struggles he still gave himself a chance on the final hole like Furyk.  I was sure he’d make that 25 foot putt for birdie to force a playoff.  He is such a great clutch putter.  Think Ryder Cup and 2010 U.S. Open…  The read was bad, or he pulled it.  The putt never had a chance, missing left.

Phil Mickelson

If there were one major I’d have to pick that I’d say Phil Mickelson would never win it would be the U.S. Open.  Yes his game doesn’t seem to work well in the British, but some links courses could be okay for his playing style.  Mickelson was a non-factor this year.  Sure I’d like to see him win a U.S. Open, but at this point I don’t think it is likely.

Jason Dufner

Jason Dufner was my pick to win the Open.  If you look at his four scores you could argue that he was the most consistent player (72, 71, 70, 70).  He has the game and especially the mental and emotional disposition to win the U.S. Open.  He will definitely win a major and perhaps more than one.

Padraig Harrington

Loved watching Padraig Harrington’s final round.  I love how this guy shows his emotion and how much fire he has.  His game is back obviously and he had a good chance at winning his 4th major.  The look in his eyes when he missed his approach on 18 (bunker) was amazing.  He knew he’d blown his chance on that one swing.

The Big Missed Cut

Luke Donald

Luke Donald

Luke Donald

Despite being ranked #1 in the world, Luke Donald has yet to win a major championship.  Right now the competition for “best player to not have won a major” is between Donald and Lee Westwood.

Donald missed the cut with a first round 79  and a 2nd round 72.  Luke should have the perfect game for a U.S. Open, but somehow didn’t bring it.  I’d have to agree with David Feherty’s assessment of Donald in the majors.  He needs to adjust his mental approach.  The game is there.

Bubba Watson

It is quite obvious that Bubba Watson has Masters hangover.  He’s so happy and satisfied from winning the Masters that he hasn’t been able to bring his game back up to form since.  I have no problem with that.  Add to the fact that he’s now a new father and those are two hall passes for missing some cuts, including the Open.  One could argue as well that Bubba’s game isn’t exactly well suited for U.S. Open conditions.

Rory McIlory

Rory McIlory

Rory McIlory

Amazing that Rory McIlory sets the record for low scoring and crushes the field in the 2011 U.S. Open and then fails to make the cut in the 2012 Open.  His game has been off the past couple of months.  It was quite surprising, but as young as he is and amazingly talented, he will win more majors.

Final Thoughts

After the Open was finished my lady looked at me and asked me if I was feeling okay.  Apparently I’d had a mental dump myself and she could see it.

The U.S. Open is a great tournament and I love to watch the best players in the world take the hardest test in golf.  U.S. Open golf isn’t exactly fan friendly.  Most golf fans, especially the casual/drive-by fans, want to see birdies.


Fantasy Golf – Week 19 Winner

Written by: Tony Korologos | Tuesday, June 19th, 2012
Categories: Fantasy GolfMiscellaneousSite News
Tags:

Fantasy Golf UpdateFantasy Golf

The #1 Blog In Golf Golf Social Networking

Week #19 (U.S. OPEN) winner: zingr

Weekly prizes provided by Champ Spikes: Flix divot tools. Winners please contact me to make shipping arrangements.

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Major Challenge Fantasy Golf – 2012 U.S. Open Winners

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, June 18th, 2012
Categories: Fantasy GolfMiscellaneousSite NewsU.S. OPEN

2012 MAJOR CHALLENGE – U.S. OPEN TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Golf Blog Golf Social Networking bridgestone golf Kikkor Golf Shoes Carnahan Golf Switch Belt
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The following prizes will be awarded for EACH of the four major championships in golf this year:

  • Carnahan Golf: Putter
  • Bridgestone Golf: One dozen of the new dual dimple golf balls
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In The Bag – Webb Simpson’s 2012 U.S. Open Equipment

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, June 18th, 2012
Categories: Golf BallsGolf ClubsGolf EquipmentGolf GearU.S. OPEN

2012 U.S. Open Champion Webb SimpsonHere’s what’s in the bag for the 2012 U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson:

Ball Titleist Pro V1x
Driver 909D3
Fairway 910F
Fairway 910F
Hybrid 910H
Iron Forged 680
Wedge Spin Milled C-C TVD
Wedge Spin Milled C-C TVD
Bag Titleist Staff Bag


2012 U.S. Open Final Leaderbaord

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, June 18th, 2012
Categories: Champions TourFedEx CupPGA TourPro GolfU.S. OPENWeb.com Tour
POS Player To Par R1 R2 R3 R4 Total
1 Webb Simpson +1 72 73 68 68 281
T2 Michael Thompson +2 66 75 74 67 282
T2 Graeme McDowell +2 69 72 68 73 282
T4 David Toms +3 69 70 76 68 283
T4 Padraig Harrington +3 74 70 71 68 283
T4 John Peterson +3 71 70 72 70 283
T4 Jason Dufner +3 72 71 70 70 283
T4 Jim Furyk +3 70 69 70 74 283
9 Ernie Els +4 75 69 68 72 284
T10 Casey Wittenberg +5 71 77 67 70 285
T10 Retief Goosen +5 75 70 69 71 285
T10 Kevin Chappell +5 74 71 68 72 285
T10 John Senden +5 72 73 68 72 285
T10 Lee Westwood +5 73 72 67 73 285
T15 K.J. Choi +6 73 70 74 69 286
T15 Steve Stricker +6 76 68 73 69 286
T15 Adam Scott +6 76 70 70 70 286
T15 Aaron Watkins +6 72 71 72 71 286
T15 Martin Kaymer +6 74 71 69 72 286
T15 Fredrik Jacobson +6 72 71 68 75 286
T21 Nick Watney +7 69 75 73 70 287
T21 Jordan Spieth (a) +7 74 74 69 70 287
T21 Raphael Jacquelin +7 72 71 73 71 287
T21 Justin Rose +7 69 75 71 72 287
T21 Tiger Woods +7 69 70 75 73 287
T21 Blake Adams +7 72 70 70 75 287
T27 Matt Kuchar +8 70 73 71 74 288
T27 Nicholas Colsaerts +8 72 69 71 76 288
T29 Davis Love III +9 73 74 73 69 289
T29 Alistair Presnell +9 70 74 75 70 289
T29 Morgan Hoffmann +9 72 74 73 70 289
T29 Francesco Molinari +9 71 76 72 70 289
T29 Robert Karlsson +9 70 75 72 72 289
T29 Kevin Na +9 74 71 71 73 289
T29 Scott Langley +9 76 70 70 73 289
T29 Charlie Wi +9 74 70 71 74 289
T29 Beau Hossler (a) +9 70 73 70 76 289
T38 Charl Schwartzel +10 73 70 74 73 290
T38 Hunter Mahan +10 72 71 73 74 290
T38 Sergio Garcia +10 73 71 71 75 290
T41 Zach Johnson +11 77 70 73 71 291
T41 Patrick Cantlay (a) +11 76 72 71 72 291
T41 Rickie Fowler +11 72 76 71 72 291
T41 Ian Poulter +11 70 75 73 73 291
T41 Alex Cejka +11 78 69 70 74 291
T46 Matteo Manassero +12 76 69 73 74 292
T46 Bob Estes +12 74 73 71 74 292
T46 Angel Cabrera +12 72 76 69 75 292
T46 Steve LeBrun +12 73 75 69 75 292
T46 Hunter Hamrick +12 77 67 71 77 292
T51 Simon Dyson +13 74 74 74 71 293
T51 Jesse Mueller +13 75 73 74 71 293
T51 Nicholas Thompson +13 74 74 72 73 293
T51 Hiroyuki Fujita +13 75 71 73 74 293
T51 Branden Grace +13 71 74 73 75 293
T56 J.B. Park +14 70 74 77 73 294
T56 Michael Allen +14 71 73 77 73 294
T56 Jeff Curl +14 73 75 71 75 294
T56 Jonathan Byrd +14 71 75 71 77 294
T60 Bo Van Pelt +15 78 70 76 71 295
T60 Jason Day +15 75 71 76 73 295
T60 Matthew Baldwin +15 74 74 73 74 295
T60 Kevin Streelman +15 76 72 72 75 295
T60 Darron Stiles +15 75 71 73 76 295
T65 Marc Warren +16 73 72 74 77 296
T65 Phil Mickelson +16 76 71 71 78 296
67 Kyung-Tae Kim +17 74 72 74 77 297
T68 Stephen Ames +18 74 73 79 72 298
T68 Keegan Bradley +18 73 73 75 77 298
70 Rod Pampling +19 74 73 74 78 299
71 Jason Bohn +21 70 75 78 78 301
72 Joe Ogilvie +23 73 75 76 79 303
CUT Thomas Bjorn 78 71 149
CUT Gregory Bourdy 74 75 149
CUT Roberto Castro 75 74 149
CUT Joe Durant 78 71 149
CUT Robert Garrigus 72 77 149
CUT Lucas Glover 76 73 149
CUT Bill Haas 76 73 149
CUT Brian Harman 77 72 149
CUT Justin Hicks 75 74 149
CUT Charles Howell III 72 77 149
CUT Mikko Ilonen 75 74 149
CUT Ryo Ishikawa 71 78 149
CUT Dustin Johnson 75 74 149
CUT Martin Laird 77 72 149
CUT Casey Martin 74 75 149
CUT Louis Oosthuizen 77 72 149
CUT Carl Pettersson 75 74 149
CUT Alberto Sanchez (a) 72 77 149
CUT Lee Slattery 79 70 149
CUT Bubba Watson 78 71 149
CUT Mark Wilson 76 73 149
CUT Y.E. Yang 74 75 149
CUT Sang-Moon Bae 77 73 150
CUT Rafael Cabrera-Bello 74 76 150
CUT Ben Crane 77 73 150
CUT Martin Flores 71 79 150
CUT Jim Herman 78 72 150
CUT Edward Loar 76 74 150
CUT Rory McIlroy 77 73 150
CUT Alexander Noren 75 75 150
CUT Geoff Ogilvy 76 74 150
CUT Scott Piercy 75 75 150
CUT Alvaro Quiros 75 75 150
CUT Chez Reavie 80 70 150
CUT Kyle Stanley 73 77 150
CUT Olin Browne 77 74 151
CUT Tim Clark 77 74 151
CUT Luke Donald 79 72 151
CUT Anders Hansen 72 79 151
CUT Tim Herron 74 77 151
CUT Brendan Jones 76 75 151
CUT Peter Lawrie 74 77 151
CUT Spencer Levin 74 77 151
CUT Toru Taniguchi 78 73 151
CUT Gary Woodland 74 77 151
CUT Stewart Cink 77 75 152
CUT Paul Claxton 75 77 152
CUT Samuel Osborne 76 76 152
CUT D.A. Points 72 80 152
CUT Anthony Summers 76 76 152
CUT Shane Bertsch 78 75 153
CUT Matt Bettencourt 76 77 153
CUT Tommy Biershenk 74 79 153
CUT Michael Campbell 79 74 153
CUT George Coetzee 78 75 153
CUT James Hahn 73 80 153
CUT Peter Hanson 78 75 153
CUT Colt Knost 75 78 153
CUT Bill Lunde 81 72 153
CUT David Mathis 78 75 153
CUT Robert Rock 75 78 153
CUT Vijay Singh 75 78 153
CUT Tadahiro Takayama 77 76 153
CUT Aaron Baddeley 75 79 154
CUT Brooks Koepka (a) 77 77 154
CUT Kyle Thompson 82 72 154
CUT Cameron Wilson (a) 77 77 154
CUT Brian Gaffney 77 78 155
CUT Brice Garnett 78 77 155
CUT Hunter Haas 81 74 155
CUT Trevor Immelman 80 75 155
CUT Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 80 76 156
CUT Dong-Hwan Lee 77 79 156
CUT Andy Zhang (a) 79 77 156
CUT Tim Weinhart 78 79 157
CUT Miguel A. Jimenez 81 77 158
CUT Nick Sherwood (a) 78 80 158
CUT Mark McCormick 82 77 159
CUT Scott Smith 78 81 159
CUT Soren Kjeldsen 85 75 160
CUT Steve Marino 84 78 162
CUT Dennis Miller 80 82 162
CUT Cole Howard 80 84 164
CUT Brian Rowell 86 82 168

1 396 397 398 399 400 1,165