PGA Tour: Greensboro - Prelude to Play-Offs: Notes from the Ballwasher

1).That's the Majors out the way then - Thanks for the memories Rory - and on to the season's epilogue. And perhaps this week's "Wyndham Championship" at Donald Ross's Sedgefield design in Greensboro, NC, is effectively the prologue to the epilogue.
"Greensboro" has been around since 1938 and is most closely associated with the great Sam Snead, who won here eight times, from 1938 to 1965.

2).Let's itemize some of the reasons why this week's tournament has ramifications, not at the highest echelons of the Tour, but to determine:
a).The top 125 players in FedEx points who will contest The Barclays, Round 1 of the FedEx Play-Offs and earn Tour membership for 2014/15.
b).The Top 125 golfers on the official money list. Anyone in this list (Mike Weir for instance, perhaps Paul Casey) but not in list a). retains Tour membership but is ineligible for The Barclays.
c).Places 126 - 200 in FedEx points who will qualify for the web.com finals (the wtf's) with the Top 75 on the web.com money list.

There are some other, more arcane, details to be determined but we'll deal with them if they come in to play as the tournament progresses.

3).One golfer, in self-confessed need of more tournament "reps", who won't be around is Tiger Woods who exited the Valhalla stage in pretty ignominious fashion. Woods is telling Ryder Cup Capt Watson that he'll be truthful about his fitness when Tom makes his "picks", but surely his form last week and absence from Greensboro makes it unfathomable that he'll make the Team.
Unless, of course, there's pressure from PGA President Bishop (unfortunate name, all things considered) to include Woods.

4).There's increasing speculation that Woods is about to dump swing-coach Sean Foley and may turn to original guru Butch Harmon. Not a happening thing according to Lord Butch. Interesting though.
One thing we do know is that all parties have apparently confirmed that Woods and Kuchar (not a healthy back between the two of them) will represent the US in the America's Cup in Buenos Aires, Oct 20th - 26th.

5).The FedEx Play-Offs will enter their eighth year at The Barclays and 35 Pros qualified for every one of the first seven series.
pgatour.com reminds us that five of those golfers enter play at Greensboro knowing that only a high finish will allow them to extend their streak: Brian Gay, JJ Henry, Merrick, Rollins and Charlie Wi.
Only Hunter Mahan has played all 28 FedEx PlayOff tournaments, while Mickelson and Stricker have competed in each Tour Championship finale.
All these streaks in grave jeopardy of being terminated in 2014!
Europeans who have reached the PlayOffs every year are Brian Davis, Luke Donald, Garcia, Jacobson, Poulter and Justin Rose.

6).The past couple of weeks has seen some stars of the game finally secure their place in The Barclays field, Stricker, Westwood, Watney & Oosthuizen for instance.
Others who might just be safe but could certainly make sure by finishing at least Top 60 at Greensboro include Romero, Morgan Hoffmann, Allenby and Toms while still more are in definite jeopardy:
Jhnonny Vegas, Casey, Lingmerth, Charlie Beljan, Byrd, Snakey Chalmers, O'Hair, Bud Cauley, Laird, Immelman, Castro (who reached the 2013 Tour Championship), Two-Gloves Gainey, Stanley, Wagner, Peter Hanson, Lovemark etc. Lots to play for!

7).There's an interesting European presence this week, including Cabrera-Bello, Gallacher, Harrington, FMolinari, Manassero and Karlsson, plus Richard Sterne making a surprising cameo. Olesen seems to have given up on his card and plays in Denmark.

8).Good news for Tim Finchem this week as he adds a new tournament to his schedule, the Barbasol Championship in Alabama which will be sweltered as an "opposite field" event to the Open Championship.
By my count that means two additional stops for the 2014/2015 season which, remember, starts in October. The first seven events are:
Frys.com
Las Vegas
McGladrey
CIMB (Malayasia)
WGC-HSBC Champions in China / Sanderson Farms in Mississippi (not played during 2013/2014 season)
Mayakoba, Mexico

9).I always look forward to "Greensboro", a challenging par-70 Sedgefield course and an event with so much on the line.
We've also had quality winners these past few years: Snedeker (2007), Moore (2009), Simpson (2011) and Reed last year all enjoyed their first win while Sergio scored his only Tour win of recent years here on a Monday morning two years ago.
Wouldn't be surprised to see an older golfer win this week with three South Africans flashing decent form, Clark, Els, Goosen and the US's Carolina/Georgia crew here in force. Snedeker, Haas and Simpson will want to impress Watson for sure.

10).The forecast for the week is fabulous with sunny skies, pleasantly warm temps and nothing outrageous in the forecast so far.
I'd bet we won't be finishing with a four-ball stampede up #18 after Sunday sunset, and there'll be common sense employed in setting tee-times, allowing adequate warm-up in event of suspension in play, and course conditions will be agreed as playable.
PGA President Bishop certainly reaped his rewards at Valhalla, however, as his decisions to fly in the face of the forecasts and squeeze 18 Championship holes in daylight/dusk earned the best viewing ratings since 2009 when millions tuned in to see Woods win at Hazeltine only to be disappointed when the Wanamaker Trophy was YEYangked from his grasp.
Many speculated at the time (2009) that this represented unexpected vulnerability for Tiger, but none of us knew what was to come, driving misadventures, addictions, surgeries, swing changes, etc, etc.
Greensboro may not represent the first PGA Tournament of the Rory Era but it certainly is the end of the 1996 - 2008 Tiger Era.

Oleson's World Cup appearance could be his 15th tournament.

He still might be eligible to play the WTF series.

Double post

The US Amateur is being contested this week, at Atlanta Athletic Club.

British golfers qualifying for knock-out play include:
Jimmy Mullen - finished T8 in qualifying.
Sam Horsfield - T8
Paul Howard - T43

The following were eliminated:
Grant Forrest
Jordan Smith
Toby Tree (Jeremy's grandson?)
Rhys Pugh
Bradley Neil

(May have been others masquerading under a non-UK address.)


Shotrock will be pleased to see Derek Bard qualify, but I'm shocked that Gavin Hall failed, as did our local lad.

Several familiar names proceed to knock-out action including Canada's Taylor Pendrith who played superbly in the recent Canadian Open.

Not surprisingly, Utah's Luke Crapo stunk the joint out as he flushed his way to 290th.

Shigeki Maruyama has done all right in America.

https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/499359332627398656

McIlroy seems to have pulled out this years frys.com;

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2014/8/12/mcilroy-asks-and-receives-fryscom-deferment.html

He will instead play it in 2015.

why do they need a release to play turkey? Do they need a release to play other european tour events?

Hopefully GPB or kwini can clear this up properly but I believe PGA tour members can only play events on other tours - in the same week as a PGAT event is also taking place - a certain number of times a year.

So in the eyes of the PGAT Rory is dissing Mayakoba to play in Turkey (Nov 14th - 17th).

Mac, skiddy,
Nothing to do w/Mayakoba, this explains it fully:

http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golf-central-blog/mcilroy-defers-fryscom-commitment-2015/

Thanks Kwini.

GPB wrote:Shigeki Maruyama has done all right in America.

https://twitter.com/darrenrovell/status/499359332627398656

Not bad - boy doing good. I like some of the comments about why he's selling i.e. that he thought he had a great view while in the bath until he actually got in it.

Cheers kwini. Good article as always.

Ta pedro.

Some news on PGA Tour also rans:
Ted Potter has broken his ankle and will be cooling his jets for a few months. Exact status beyond "Past Champion" in doubt.

Vaughn Taylor went swimming with the fishies a few days ago - turned his fishing boat over, swam to shore. First alternate this morning for Greensboro.

Joe Ogilvie, Tour Commissioner after Finchem's successor is done?, is retiring from golf to take his financial expertise to "Wall Street". He won Milwaukee in 2007 and was a good guy to follow. Too short to prosper in the modern game and Greensboro will see his farewell. For now anyway. (Don't be surprised to see him offer some punditry sometime, somewhere.)

To best of my knowledge: 

PGAT Europeans are allowed unlimited exemptions (no questions asked) to play EuroTour events, as long as they are in Europe. 

Ditto South Africans in South Africa, Japanese in Japan, etc.

The Turkey tournament from two years ago was unsanctioned and unofficial so that was treated differently.  The PGAT gave releases to Rory, Tiger, Kuch, Westwood, Mahan, Schwartzel, Rose, and Simpson on the condition that they play FRYS in the next three years

In addition, all PGAT players are allowed a certain number of unconditional releases to play non-PGATour (but official) events.  That is why you see Euros and Americans players playing the Middle East events.

I think the number of unconditional releases are three (but could be increased if they play more PGATournaments.)

What I don't know how strict the PGATour is on the borders of the European continent.  The Turkey tournament is technically in Asia, IIRC.  The Middle East events could be considered European Events.

It looks like Thorbjorn Oleson got a pardon from the PGATour and will be eligible to play the WTF series next month.

IMO it should not have been given, as he had plenty of opportunities to play the 15 events.  I think he just assumed that he would qualify for the Playoffs.

Ref: Note 8). above.

The PGA Tour has just published its schedule for the entirety of the 2014/2015 season, herewith:

http://www.pgatour.com/news/2014/08/13/pga-tour-2014-15-schedule.html

As far as I can see, there are few changes from this past year; those that look different to me include:
Phoenix/San Diego: Looks like the dates are flipped. Immaterial?

April 27th - May 3rd: WGC MatchPlay at San Francisco's Harding Park.

The Players/Wells Fargo: Dates are flipped - sure Wells Fargo are ecstatic - not.

Colonial/Byron Nelson: Dates flipped - would have thought that benefits the Byron Nelson who have AT&T on board as a new sponsor

July 13th - 19th: Barbasol Championship in Alabama (likely heat index about 110F - good luck with that!) opposite The Open.

July 27th - Aug 2nd: Quicken Loans National moves from earlier in July. Crappy date to be playing golf in Washington DC whichever way you look at it - New venue also as Congressional will alternate with the 2015 course: Robert Trent Jones GC, one-time home course to the Presidents Cup.

The Barclays will be played at Plainfield CC in New Joysey.
The BMW will return to last year's venue, Conway Farms GC in Chicago.

GPB,
Agree about Olesen; sure the rank and file will love that. Cake and eat it.


Speculation that Webb Simpson is the bright spark who texted Watson about picking him for Ryder Cup action. Haven't seen that confirmed, but he hasn't exactly been making a compelling case.

Thanks Kwini for your as ever informative article.

Moving PHX a week earlier, a small increased chance of frosty greens at worse but will continue to tie in with Super Bowl weekend, and monster crowds. Will also be interesting to see how much the stadium course has changed. Birdie fest course - even I managed to birdie the 17th when I played it!

I assume moving the Matchplay to later in the year - the West Coast swing is reduced by one - no replacement, shame as Tucson Open would be great.

Finally will be interesting to see if Woods commits to the fry's this year.

Meanwhile the European Tour is warming up for the first ET tournament in Denmark since 2003. Record crowds of 70,000 are expected (sold out). Nice to see.

Looks like some calendar anomalies are forcing some changes.

Phoenix tournament wants to be on same weekend as the Superbowl.  Superbowl is on Feb 1 this year.

Players is the same weekend.  Mothers Day (USA) weekend.

Florida Swing starts a week earlier (because loss of Match Play)

Thanks Snap,
You're spot on regarding TPC Scottsdale, had forgotten that there's been a re-do. Nice bird on #17! One of the better short par-4's of those on Tour methinks.

As GPB also suggests, the dates for some BIG tournaments are a bit funky this year, with Honda a few days early and an extra week between Augusta and US Open. Bad week for Wells Fargo at Quail Hollow though, running the risk of antagonising one of their best tournaments if the top Pros avoid it after MatchPlay & Players.

I'm not sure about Woods and the Frys - he might have a deal as he played it in 2011; just don't know.
Frys is moving from Cordevalle to Johnny Miller's Silverado, in Napa Valley, a course the Tour played decades ago!

Also, should've noted a week off between the DeutscheBank and the Beemer - much needed I would think. Wouldn't be at all surprised if one or two players dodged either Barclays or, more likely, DeutscheBank this year.

I am hoping Rory skips one of the playoff events as only have two starts left for him at Yahoo Fantasy.  Been trying to figure which two playoff events to use him

I figure Ridgemont is probably not a good a fit but I hate to sit a thoroughbred right now.  I am 134th in the Global game and I sure would like to make a run into the top 50...only 43 points out of 50th.  He won at D-Bank a couple of years ago so that is a MUST play.  No idea how Cherry Hills will fit his game.  Has he ever played in high elevation before?

Many (if not most) of the yahoo players ahead of me have Zero or One start left for Rory so I am looking good in that department.

GPB,
I do the PGATour version and have endured a horrendous year.
Do a private one-and-done and had three big wins, Day, Kaymer and Rory last week. But only had Rors on the PGA.

Doubt if Ridgewood would be a great Rory-fit, but he HAS played well at altitude, lost (I think in a play-off) at Crans when he first turned Pro.

Decent enough field....How strong is the Woods and Harmon rumour?

I do the PGATour version as well, and not doing very well.  I was in contention to win it all last year as I was in first place in mid summer.  Could not keep it up as I finished about 70th for the year.

I like the PGAT because it is only takes 5 minutes one time a week.

The Yahoo game requires attention several times per week.

As of now, I am playing Rory at D-Bank and BMW.

Woods has taken himself out of consideration for Ryder Cup selection.
Official.
The speculation can stop.
Now: It'll be interesting if he plays that Bridgestone shindig in Buenos Aires.
EDIT: Don't cry for me Argentina. But I won't be seeing ya in October. Next tee-time planned to be in December, at the "World" Challenge.

Will Tiger be let near the event as a VC?

McLaren wrote:Will Tiger be let near the event as a VC?

Why would Watson want someone so self serving and uninspiring in a Ryder Cup sense as a VC?

To foster a false sense of security for the Europeans?

Roller_Coaster wrote:To foster a false sense of security for the Europeans?

Cunning....

Beautiful morning for golf in Greensboro, though there might be some patchy fog in the area. 50's as they warm up, rising to 80's later.
Should be a great week.

Sean O'Hair batting lead-off in an effort to resurrect his career.

super_realist wrote:

McLaren wrote:Will Tiger be let near the event as a VC?

Why would Watson want someone so self serving and uninspiring in a Ryder Cup sense as a VC?

He wouldn't. But sponsors, TV network and masses want him in.

Not to mention the money-grabbing PGA Of America.

pedro,
Good to read that the Denmark tournament is doing well; Thomas Bjorn making a Ryder Cup statement. Good for him.
Interesting that most British golfers close to Ryder Cup selection have opted to leave themselves only one chance at forcing their way on to the Team, Stephen Gallacher a notable exception.
One of the Donald, Donaldson, McDowell, Poulter, Westwood fivesome seems likely to be left out by McGinley - certain to be tears, especially from one of the entitled English trio.

pedro wrote:

super_realist wrote:

McLaren wrote:Will Tiger be let near the event as a VC?

Why would Watson want someone so self serving and uninspiring in a Ryder Cup sense as a VC?

He wouldn't. But sponsors, TV network and masses want him in.

Has anyone ever tuned in to the Ryder Cup because of who was a VC?

Mac might.

No, not yet super, but they will.

Why? To see his bald nine chinned miserable mug in a golf buggy sneering into a walkie talkie whilst being insufficiently dressed for the inclement Scottish weather, taking in his team getting their arses handed to them?

Actually, I'd tune in to see that.

Signs of life from Martin Laird as Greensboro gets underway, tied for the lead as early starters are playing their final holes of Round 1.

Super, you just provided the recipe for top ratings!

Lingmerth also doing well at G'boro.

And as it looks now Bjorn, Aguilar and Badley Dressed (what happended to him?) will hold a 4 shot lead after R1 in Denmark.

So, Casey and Laird both in at 5 under par 65, good for T3 a couple of hours before close of play.
Early days but that position would secure both a place next week at Ridgewood GC in The Barclays.

Casey surely a huge contender for a RC wild card along with the almost guaranteed Westwood and Poulter.

Has Jimenez given up on qualifying for the Euro RC team on merit?

Not in the field this week and is not in the tentative field for Prague or Italy.

Wonder if the Captain has told him he is on the team?

More likely he's told him he won't be a pick and would he like to be a VC.

Not sure about Casey - would bet cash money that he'll struggle to put four good rounds together. Been the story of his year.
Sincerely hope I'm wrong.

Plenty of work to do for Messrs Gonzo, Gallacher, Hanson, Harrington, Karlsson and Matteo on Friday; disappointing Thursday from all of them.

Wouldn't pick Casey at the moment. Pretty consistent this year - mediocrely consistent that is - so still too much of a wild wild card. Hope he'll be back to his former glory soon though!

Yeah, MAJ as VC sounds like it, now that TB seems to have qualified. Otherwise Clarke should still be on the short list.

Oh Casey,
This is so bl00dy typical of you.
+3 after 2 holes this morning. Hopeless.
You can't win it on Friday, but you sure can lose it.

Much better from Casey, 3 birdies cancel out that bogey/double bogey start. Under par for his second nine and he'll be back in business. Fingers crossed.
But there's going to be no way back this week for Peter Hanson who needs to contemplate the meaning of his golfing life sooner rather than later - eligible for the WTF Series but will he sign up for that? He's a grisly -3.8 strokes "gained" putting so far, an indication of something he might care to work on.

sirbenson wrote:Decent enough field....How strong is the Woods and Harmon rumour?

Do we think Woods would go back to Butch all the time he's doing tv work? I don't. You'll often hear Butch saying 'Phil has been working on....'  No way can I see Tiger up for that.

That said it might be a good move for him. Harmon's guys seem to be doing well at the mo (Dustin pre 'rest')

Scoring in Greensboro a little higher today, only Sleath Hocum better than -4 on the course after 4+ hours.
Looks like cut-line may stay at -1.

Wasted trip to Greensboro from Gonzo, Hanson, Matteo, Gallacher - all would have been better off taking the week off or, better still, playing in Denmark. And another exercise in futility for St.Padraig, with the customary Par-5 double bogey.

Casey still in the mix after his Round 2 69, and Karlsson will be sweating bullets that his 67 is good enough to make the cut. Touch and go for him I would have thought, Duval also on the brink.

NB: Some bloke called Lyle with an early lead in the Champions Tour event in the Southern Tier of New York State. Says he's Scottish.

Badly Dressed not so badly placed: 4 shot lead in Denmark.

Also at "Made in Denmark" some guy got arrested by local police for drunk driving. On course. In a golf cart.
Could it be MAJ    or Darren Clarke   prepping for Gleneagles?