Not Even Hail, High Winds and Lightning Can Stop Yani Tseng

Associated Press

(courtesy of the NY Times)

“The 24-year-old Tseng won her 14th LPGA Tour title and second in four events this year. She led the tour last season with seven victories — including major wins in the LPGA Championship and Women’s British Open — and finished with 12 worldwide titles. On Sunday, Tseng overcame a three-stroke deficit for a one-stroke victory, fighting through rain, hail, cold, wind and lightning delays.”

I caught part of the action Sunday, and I couldn’t believe just how awful the weather was. I’m not surprised, however, that Yani Tseng was the one standing in the end. For those keeping tabs, it was her 14th career LPGA Tour victory, 5 of which have been majors championships. And to put the depth of her talent into a clearer perspective, consider this:

  • By the end of Annika Sorenstam’s 4th season on the LPGA, she had amassed 12 LPGA Tour victories, which included 2 majors.
  • By the end of Lorena Ochoa’s 4th season on the LPGA, she had amassed 9 wins, none of which were majors.

Yani obviously still has a ways to go before nearing Annika’s 72 career LPGA wins, but in just 4 seasons, she’s halfway there in equaling her (Annika’s) major tournament wins (10).

What she has done and continues to do is incredible.

 

For a glimpse of the Sunday leaderboard at the 2012 Founders Cup, click HERE.

This Week’s PGA Tour News Items

It’s been a slow golf news week, folks. Doing my best here to make something out of nothing…

So how exactly does one “Tweet” his way back on tour?

Some people have absolutely no shame…. as if a $100 million lawsuit that included a children’s charity wasn’t a clue? Apparently a John Daly fan has opened an account on Twitter in an attempt to start a “Grass Roots” movement to impress upon the the tournament sponsors next season of the need to have Daly in the field.  STORY

I’ve got two responses to that: (1) Grass Roots of the Cannabis type, maybe. (2) When a player has come to rely on the social media to maintain his career, he is no longer a player. He’s an opportunist.

Live rodeo coverage would be better…

So much for The Golf Channel being serious about sprucing up their coverage. TGC just announced that beginning January 3rd, they will be airing a new morning segment called “Morning Drive” that will not only focus on golf, but weather reports and other non-golf news items happening across the nation as well. Erik Kuselias and Gary Williams will be hosting the show for the 20 or so viewers who can’t find the remote to change the channel.  ARTICLE

When they ask you to captain it, that usually means you’re no longer good enough to play in it…

Rumors earlier in the year about Davis Love III being the US Ryder Cup Captain in 2012 might soon be a rumor no longer. The Golf Channel is reporting that a source close to the situation has confirmed that DL3 will be the guy leading the American charge to reclaim the Cup in the next event. The media in the UK also reported on Thursday that Jose Maria Olazabal will likely be the Captain on the European side.  ARTICLE

From the “I’ve got another one in the oven” files…

Apparently Annika Sorenstam isn’t spending EVERY ounce of her time in her golf course design business. News broke earlier this week that Sorenstam and her husband are expecting their second child early next summer. Congrats to them both!  STORY

Weir’s caddie resigns, will loop for Sean O’Hair in 2011

“I know that (Little) has to look after his family, and my situation, while I remain confident, is certainly not all that stable at the moment. He’ll be great with Sean and I predict big things for them next year.”  – Mike Weir commenting on his caddy’s decision to work with Sean O’Hair next season.

Mike Weir has always been on my “likable player” radar, and here’s just one more example of why. I’m guessing that he wasn’t expecting his caddie of 12 seasons to end their partnership and move on, but he understands the situation and holds no grudges. I hope Mike fully recovers from his injury and regains the form to be one of the top players on tour again. Best wishes in 2011, Mike.     STORY

Els, Goosen not impressed with course conditions at SA Open

Ernie, Retief…. here, let me throw you both some cheese.

I don’t doubt that the course conditions there vary greatly this week from the typical perfectly-manicured surfaces you guys play most weeks elsewhere. But if you have a complaint, do the respectful thing and keep it in-house. It’s not like you guys had to shell out $100 to play on aerated greens. I don’t blame you for being disappointed, I just don’t see the comments being made openly serving much of a purpose. ARTICLE

Camilo Villegas’ caddie heading to Nationwide Tour

You might recall earlier last month when I posted a blog about Camilo’s caddie (Brett Waldman) giving Q-school a shot. He ended up doing better than just giving it a shot…. he made it all the way to the final stage. Waldman didn’t play quite well enough to earn his PGA Tour card, but he did earn a spot on the Nationwide Tour. And that’s where he will be next season, as Camilo finds himself looking for another looper. ARTICLE