Seventeen year old sensation Lydia Ko has stepped up big on the spotlight she had. Ko has already won three times on the LPGA Tour, one if them being as a pro. She claimed this weeks Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic by one shot over American-star, Stacy Lewis. Ko was able to build up a couple shot lead down the stretch, but found herself with only one shot over her nearest competitors on eighteen tee. After a birdie by Lewis, Ko was able to make her five-foot birdie putt to win her first event as a professional.
Her win came the week after Michelle Wie got into the winning circle after a five year drought. Wie was the Lydia Ko of the 21st century. Wie was the teenager who could do everything, she was going to be the first girl to play in the Master's. Wie had been given all of these expectations as soon as she stepped onto the scene, and now Ko is the "golden girl." Wie did not repeat her victory, but she did settle for a top ten finish, so she keeps showing signs of progress, and that maybe the old Wiesie is back.
It's always weird to see a girl win her third LPGA event when I'm older than her. I happen to be almost two months older than Ko, and she is already winning professional tournaments. It definitely inspires me that I can one day fulfill my dream. Lydia Ko is an inspiration to not only young women golfers, but also to the guys.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Society today
Many people grow up in today's society always being told what to do, and always answering for others. Few are picking up the sword and carving their own paths. And frankly that's sad to see.
Now a day's all we see are people who take orders from others, and people who expect to be given everything in life. Everyone hears the old joke growing up "Do you want to flip burgers for the rest of your life?", but now that is the case with many teenagers. A good number of them get jobs at McDonald's or Burger King and never grow out of it. Our society now is molded around "What's the most I can get with the least amount of work", and there needs to be a serious change in the attitudes of our youth.
We don't see youth dreaming of being astronauts, the next president, or really just dreaming. Many of them just choose to play video games and be lazy. They expect for their parents to provide for them as long as possible, and when they finally have to move out, they finally do. They aren't choosing to go to college, or get a high paying job, no that's too much work. They just want to smoke weed, get drunk, and get the most out of their youth before they have to put on big boy pants. The issue is their big boy pants are what used to be the last generations teenager pants. And this causes a serious issue with where our society is headed.
Due to the lack of motivation by our youth, our society is not headed in the direction as hoped. I'm not saying there aren't youth out there who still dream, and are still motivated to go far in life. There are many that still do. But the increase in our youth that are not motivated is much higher than the ones who are. As a high school student I get to watch our societies youth from a first person view, and I do see many programs that are out there to encourage students to go far in life. But those programs are always viewed as either for the "nerds", or boring. I think the area in which the most progress could be made would be in our schools, and with our teachers. As a student I have had teachers who are very inspirational, but I've also had teachers who prefer to not even be at school. Many of them just hand out a packet and then sit on their computer or cell phone, and watch the clock just like the students for when they can leave. The teachers who are inspirational always try to push their students to their maximum potential, and encourage them in positive directions with life. We need more of them.
We need more teachers to become role models and inspirations to our youth. This will encourage our students to go far in life, and chase a good future. As a society, we need our youth to start taking responsibility, and even though it can be more challenging, carve their own paths.
Now a day's all we see are people who take orders from others, and people who expect to be given everything in life. Everyone hears the old joke growing up "Do you want to flip burgers for the rest of your life?", but now that is the case with many teenagers. A good number of them get jobs at McDonald's or Burger King and never grow out of it. Our society now is molded around "What's the most I can get with the least amount of work", and there needs to be a serious change in the attitudes of our youth.
We don't see youth dreaming of being astronauts, the next president, or really just dreaming. Many of them just choose to play video games and be lazy. They expect for their parents to provide for them as long as possible, and when they finally have to move out, they finally do. They aren't choosing to go to college, or get a high paying job, no that's too much work. They just want to smoke weed, get drunk, and get the most out of their youth before they have to put on big boy pants. The issue is their big boy pants are what used to be the last generations teenager pants. And this causes a serious issue with where our society is headed.
Due to the lack of motivation by our youth, our society is not headed in the direction as hoped. I'm not saying there aren't youth out there who still dream, and are still motivated to go far in life. There are many that still do. But the increase in our youth that are not motivated is much higher than the ones who are. As a high school student I get to watch our societies youth from a first person view, and I do see many programs that are out there to encourage students to go far in life. But those programs are always viewed as either for the "nerds", or boring. I think the area in which the most progress could be made would be in our schools, and with our teachers. As a student I have had teachers who are very inspirational, but I've also had teachers who prefer to not even be at school. Many of them just hand out a packet and then sit on their computer or cell phone, and watch the clock just like the students for when they can leave. The teachers who are inspirational always try to push their students to their maximum potential, and encourage them in positive directions with life. We need more of them.
We need more teachers to become role models and inspirations to our youth. This will encourage our students to go far in life, and chase a good future. As a society, we need our youth to start taking responsibility, and even though it can be more challenging, carve their own paths.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Your choices, not others
Right now in my AP Lang class we are discussing the topic of sexism and inequality still in America. This whole thing has got me thinking a lot. Do we still have sexism in this country?
I will agree that women are pushed into thinking they have to be sexy and attractive. Or that most powerful positions are held by men. Which infers that women are looked at not so much for there brains and accomplishments, but as a sex object or care taker. But equal rights do exist. Women are more powerful than ever now. The video "MissRepresentation" states that women have the least amount of power they have ever had, which is so unbelievably false. Maybe it's tougher for a female to grow up to the perfect figure we like to think, than it is for a man, but that doesn't mean this is the least amount of power girls have ever had. Women have tremendous power, and just as much as men, they just have to seize that power.
As a male, maybe my views are slightly biased, and no I don't know what it is like to grow up in this day and age as a female. But I do know and understand how a majority of men view women, and their capabilities with power. Most men view women as being smarter than them to be honest. And a majority of them see girls as having the capability for lots of power. So this conceived notion that men can't stand women with power, and that guys want all of it and discriminate girls out of it is a lot of bull shit. Yes, some men do think this way, but not most. I get annoyed easily with these complaints and women's marches about how little power and rights they have. According to our constitution it's the same, so take advantage of that and put down your sign's and get some power. Men are allowing women to take up powerful roles, but very little of them choose to do so, and then blame that on the men. In this day and age, women and men are responsible for their own life's and their own roles in society. Maybe it is a little more challenging for a female to gain power than a man, but the only way to prove you are equal is by PROVING it, not by complaining and pointing fingers. So I challenge all the women who want to make a difference for all women, to make that difference. You choose your own fate, others may influence it, but ultimately you have the say.
I change my challenge. I challenge everyone (male, female, black, white, Asian, etc.) to make a difference they want for themselves, and the only way you can do that is by making your difference in this world.
I will agree that women are pushed into thinking they have to be sexy and attractive. Or that most powerful positions are held by men. Which infers that women are looked at not so much for there brains and accomplishments, but as a sex object or care taker. But equal rights do exist. Women are more powerful than ever now. The video "MissRepresentation" states that women have the least amount of power they have ever had, which is so unbelievably false. Maybe it's tougher for a female to grow up to the perfect figure we like to think, than it is for a man, but that doesn't mean this is the least amount of power girls have ever had. Women have tremendous power, and just as much as men, they just have to seize that power.
As a male, maybe my views are slightly biased, and no I don't know what it is like to grow up in this day and age as a female. But I do know and understand how a majority of men view women, and their capabilities with power. Most men view women as being smarter than them to be honest. And a majority of them see girls as having the capability for lots of power. So this conceived notion that men can't stand women with power, and that guys want all of it and discriminate girls out of it is a lot of bull shit. Yes, some men do think this way, but not most. I get annoyed easily with these complaints and women's marches about how little power and rights they have. According to our constitution it's the same, so take advantage of that and put down your sign's and get some power. Men are allowing women to take up powerful roles, but very little of them choose to do so, and then blame that on the men. In this day and age, women and men are responsible for their own life's and their own roles in society. Maybe it is a little more challenging for a female to gain power than a man, but the only way to prove you are equal is by PROVING it, not by complaining and pointing fingers. So I challenge all the women who want to make a difference for all women, to make that difference. You choose your own fate, others may influence it, but ultimately you have the say.
I change my challenge. I challenge everyone (male, female, black, white, Asian, etc.) to make a difference they want for themselves, and the only way you can do that is by making your difference in this world.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Kuchar gives it back to the tour
Matt Kuchar has been all over the leaderboards these past few weeks, with three straight top five finishes leading up to this weeks RBC Heritage Championship. Kuchar found himself four back of former number one in the world, Luke Donald, entering Sunday. He quickly got himself into the hunt Sunday, and was able to hold himself on top of the leaderboard by the end of the tournament. Kuchar finished with a final round 64, to just pass Donald for a one shot victory. That's just the beginning of the story.
Kuchar finished second place at the Valero Texas Open, and he had lost in a playoff to Matt Jones. Jones chipped-in in the playoff to beat Kuchar, and get into the field at Augusta. Kuchar found himself with a share of the lead on the 18th tee box. When he was in the green side bunker, all he was hoping for was an up and down, and then to face Donald in a playoff. The golfing gods had other plans for Kuch. Matt's bunker shot, was perfect. No literally, he holed it. Kuchar made his bunker shot to pull ahead by one over Donald, and to finally get that win in 2014. This victory was long awaited for Kuchar after the great start he has had to his season.
Donald on the other hand has been struggling of late. This week's event was a good one for Luke, and it showed signs of the player he once was coming back. Luke once was at the top of the game, building all of his success off of his short game and good iron play. But after an attempt to gain distance and win more, he quickly slipped down the rankings. It is nice to see him back and in contention, hopefully we will see more of these kind of performances from Donald in the near future.
Donald and Kuchar are two of the household names in golf, everyone knows who they are. So for the two of them to be battling it out down the stretch the week after a major was a treat for golf fans. It would be nice to see these kind of performances every week on the tour.
Kuchar finished second place at the Valero Texas Open, and he had lost in a playoff to Matt Jones. Jones chipped-in in the playoff to beat Kuchar, and get into the field at Augusta. Kuchar found himself with a share of the lead on the 18th tee box. When he was in the green side bunker, all he was hoping for was an up and down, and then to face Donald in a playoff. The golfing gods had other plans for Kuch. Matt's bunker shot, was perfect. No literally, he holed it. Kuchar made his bunker shot to pull ahead by one over Donald, and to finally get that win in 2014. This victory was long awaited for Kuchar after the great start he has had to his season.
Donald on the other hand has been struggling of late. This week's event was a good one for Luke, and it showed signs of the player he once was coming back. Luke once was at the top of the game, building all of his success off of his short game and good iron play. But after an attempt to gain distance and win more, he quickly slipped down the rankings. It is nice to see him back and in contention, hopefully we will see more of these kind of performances from Donald in the near future.
Donald and Kuchar are two of the household names in golf, everyone knows who they are. So for the two of them to be battling it out down the stretch the week after a major was a treat for golf fans. It would be nice to see these kind of performances every week on the tour.
Bloody Love
I have an older brother. And just because we grew up in the same house, have the same parents, and share the same last name, I am expected to love him. I have been yelled at by my parents for not loving him, and people always tell me you should love your brother. When I ask them why, they respond: because he is your brother. Some reason. Just because we have the same blood, I'm expected to love him. I don't really know if I agree with this expected custom. Do I really have to love him because we are related?
Now I will give the nay-sayer's this. I should at least attempt to love him and be friends with him because he's my brother, and I won't argue that there should be more of an effort for family. But it is not like I haven't tried to get along with him, and love him like "family should". I have attempted to get along with him and be friends with him, but every time it comes down to him thinking he's cooler, tougher, or smarter than me (which isn't the case). Most of the time he will just throw out some insult to make himself look superior. I don't go around saying how much better I am than him, so why must he do it to me? I really don't know. He acts as if I was born with all the talent, and is super jealous of me. I was born with a good mind, and a good work ethic, that's all. I have worked much harder than him to receive the things he is jealous of. So he should blame himself, and not me. For me to love him I have to be able to put up with his shit, and not be bothered by it.
In my eyes, I am always blamed for not loving him. He isn't questioned. I don't really know why he isn't. Because to me it seems like I'm the one making an effort and not him. As I hinted at earlier, I should at least give him a chance, and make the effort. And I have and will continue to. Returning to the original topic, do I really have to love him because I am related to him? I think the answer is no. But I do think that I should treat him like family should treat family, and I should care about him and be there for him. But I do not need to love him.
Now I will give the nay-sayer's this. I should at least attempt to love him and be friends with him because he's my brother, and I won't argue that there should be more of an effort for family. But it is not like I haven't tried to get along with him, and love him like "family should". I have attempted to get along with him and be friends with him, but every time it comes down to him thinking he's cooler, tougher, or smarter than me (which isn't the case). Most of the time he will just throw out some insult to make himself look superior. I don't go around saying how much better I am than him, so why must he do it to me? I really don't know. He acts as if I was born with all the talent, and is super jealous of me. I was born with a good mind, and a good work ethic, that's all. I have worked much harder than him to receive the things he is jealous of. So he should blame himself, and not me. For me to love him I have to be able to put up with his shit, and not be bothered by it.
In my eyes, I am always blamed for not loving him. He isn't questioned. I don't really know why he isn't. Because to me it seems like I'm the one making an effort and not him. As I hinted at earlier, I should at least give him a chance, and make the effort. And I have and will continue to. Returning to the original topic, do I really have to love him because I am related to him? I think the answer is no. But I do think that I should treat him like family should treat family, and I should care about him and be there for him. But I do not need to love him.
Friday, April 18, 2014
The Dream
Every year amateur and professional golfers gather together in early May, and compete for a chance to play their way into the US Open. Some of them hoping to shoot the rounds of their life with the hopes of possibly being competitive in the first qualifier. While some are past success stories on the tour, with hopes of getting their name back into the spotlight. No matter what the story is, or the motivation behind it, they all have the same dream.
We've seen dreams come true, and we've seen them shattered. A couple years ago, most golfers remember, there was a heavy set club-pro named Dennis Miller, and he made this putt in extra holes to buy himself a trip to the Open. The 42-year-old hit a great putt that stopped right on the edge, and as he turned around in despair the ball dropped in the cup. He didn't even see it go in. Stories like that are what inspire and amaze all of us golfers. It's what motivates us every day. It is possible.
This year on Tuesday May 6th, I will try my hand in the first round. I will attempt the dream. It is possible for 17-year-old kids to make it there, and even possible for them to be competitive. A couple years ago, a young man by the name of Beau Hossler found himself competitive in the US Open. Hossler had already been committed to the Texas Longhorns, who happen to be one of the top golf schools in the country. He held the lead part way through the Open, and faded off a little by the end of the tournament. But for a 17-year-old kid to hold the lead in one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world, it inspires all of us to give it a try, you just never know what will happen. Beau achieved the dream.
All golfer's, no all athletes, hope to have their moment of glory at one point. Whether that's making a game winning basket, or getting a clinching interception late, and for us golfer's it can be to qualify for the US Open. There are many dreams out there. Many find their moments of glory at one point. I have had multiple, but that doesn't prevent me from the continuous grind to achieve more. All golfer's dream, some achieve their dreams, and some keep working to achieve them. Golf is a game of dedication, if you are not dedicated, you might as well not play. It's a game you always have to keep refining to get better, you can't really ever take a break. If you are dedicated to your game, then your dreams become much more of realities.
We've seen dreams come true, and we've seen them shattered. A couple years ago, most golfers remember, there was a heavy set club-pro named Dennis Miller, and he made this putt in extra holes to buy himself a trip to the Open. The 42-year-old hit a great putt that stopped right on the edge, and as he turned around in despair the ball dropped in the cup. He didn't even see it go in. Stories like that are what inspire and amaze all of us golfers. It's what motivates us every day. It is possible.
This year on Tuesday May 6th, I will try my hand in the first round. I will attempt the dream. It is possible for 17-year-old kids to make it there, and even possible for them to be competitive. A couple years ago, a young man by the name of Beau Hossler found himself competitive in the US Open. Hossler had already been committed to the Texas Longhorns, who happen to be one of the top golf schools in the country. He held the lead part way through the Open, and faded off a little by the end of the tournament. But for a 17-year-old kid to hold the lead in one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world, it inspires all of us to give it a try, you just never know what will happen. Beau achieved the dream.
All golfer's, no all athletes, hope to have their moment of glory at one point. Whether that's making a game winning basket, or getting a clinching interception late, and for us golfer's it can be to qualify for the US Open. There are many dreams out there. Many find their moments of glory at one point. I have had multiple, but that doesn't prevent me from the continuous grind to achieve more. All golfer's dream, some achieve their dreams, and some keep working to achieve them. Golf is a game of dedication, if you are not dedicated, you might as well not play. It's a game you always have to keep refining to get better, you can't really ever take a break. If you are dedicated to your game, then your dreams become much more of realities.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Bubba claims second jacket
Bubba Watson is wearing another green jacket. Bubba had
remained in the hunt during the whole week, and never was figured out of it. He
shot three-under to start the tournament, and found himself only one back after
day one. He then held a three shot lead after shooting four-under on Friday.
But after a stumbling two-over, 74, on Saturday, he found himself with a share
of the lead tied with 20 year old, Jordan Spieth. Spieth got off to a hot start
Sunday, but stumbled and found himself falling quickly behind Watson, and Bubba
didn’t look back. Bubba did not slip up and give Spieth any room, he made good
birdies on 8 and 9 to slide past Spieth, and played a good even-par back nine
to secure the jacket.
The 2014 Master’s was really a two man race on the final
day. Matt Kuchar made some noise early, but after a four-putt double on the
fourth hole, his name was never really of relevance for the rest of the
tournament. Jonas Blixt did find himself making a charge throughout the final round,
but he couldn’t really catch Spieth or Watson. The most the Swede got to was
five-under, and ended up sharing second with Spieth at that. Other than these
two names the only ones you really heard were Spieth and Watson.
At the end of golf’s Christmas, Bubba Watson found himself
with his second green jacket in three years. Bubba who is known mostly for his
long drives, and passion, found himself relying heavily on his putter. Bubba
made many putts during the final round, and that usually means a good outcome
for the tournament. For some reason he just really fits this golf course. Most
people would think that due to his inaccuracy off the tee and his shaky
putting, that he would not be a good fit for Augusta, but Bubba finds his home
here, and that’s a pretty good thing to find. This is the second win this year
for him, and you have to think there will be more to come. He has been putting
very good all season, and when you’re putting good and driving the ball a
country mile, then that usually means success. Plus the first major victory
drama will not be a factor this time, and he will be able to get right back on
the grind and keep the peddle down this year. There are not many guys on the
tour as good at heart as Bubba, so from a fans perspective we are all very
proud of you Bubba.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Day one recap of The Master's
After the first round of play, we have a pretty competitive Master's, as was expected. Bill Haas, son of Jay Haas and past Fed-Ex Cup Champion, finds himself sitting atop the leader board with a one shot lead. He leads the past two champions, Bubba Watson and Adam Scott, as well as two years ago runner-up, Louis Oosthuizen, by one. So far The Master's is setting up for an exciting weekend.
Some other player's that find themselves in the hunt are K.J. Choi and Brandt Snedeker at two-under, as well as Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy all at one-under. Today will be a big day for the tournament because if some of these bigger names at even or a couple over can make a charge up the board then we will have one exciting tournament. Right now we have a lot of big names right there, and if more could get up there then we will be in for a treat.
Day two of the Master's is underway. Please visit: http://www.masters.com/en_US/ for live coverage of today's round.
Some other player's that find themselves in the hunt are K.J. Choi and Brandt Snedeker at two-under, as well as Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy all at one-under. Today will be a big day for the tournament because if some of these bigger names at even or a couple over can make a charge up the board then we will have one exciting tournament. Right now we have a lot of big names right there, and if more could get up there then we will be in for a treat.
Day two of the Master's is underway. Please visit: http://www.masters.com/en_US/ for live coverage of today's round.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Master's is underway
With the commemorative tee shot's form Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player the 2014 Master's Championship is underway. There have been numerous players making early round charges, but there seems to be a pattern of receding shortly after. Webb Simpson birdied his first three holes to start the day, but then made a double bogey mid way through his front nine. Reigning champion Adam Scott had a two shot lead at four-under par, but then also followed that up with a double bogey. We saw the fifty year old Spaniard, Miguel Angel Jiminez, make a charge up the boards to get to four-under, but that was also short lived. At the moment, we have four players finished at two-under par, and Bill Haas holds a one shot lead over Louis Oosthuizen at four-under. Past champion, Fred Couples, who currently resides on the Champions Tour shot a nice one-under par round. The theme so far for this year has been a magic number of four, and some old timers who are showing they can still compete on the biggest stage.
Multiple players have only been able to reach four-under par and cannot go further, and then they dip back down. This is showing us viewers that Augusta National is still holding up its reputation. The course always has given up some birdies, but it always finds a way to take many of those shots. There are plenty of birdie holes at Augusta, but there are many holes where the player gets onto the tee, and is wishing to just get to the next hole with the same ball. This great feature allows for makes and breaks on final rounds, and it allows for an exciting finish down the stretch. That is what makes this arguably the greatest tournament in the world, and the one I look forward to every year. The Master's is a golfer's Christmas.
for Master's coverage visit: http://www.masters.com/en_US/index.html
Multiple players have only been able to reach four-under par and cannot go further, and then they dip back down. This is showing us viewers that Augusta National is still holding up its reputation. The course always has given up some birdies, but it always finds a way to take many of those shots. There are plenty of birdie holes at Augusta, but there are many holes where the player gets onto the tee, and is wishing to just get to the next hole with the same ball. This great feature allows for makes and breaks on final rounds, and it allows for an exciting finish down the stretch. That is what makes this arguably the greatest tournament in the world, and the one I look forward to every year. The Master's is a golfer's Christmas.
for Master's coverage visit: http://www.masters.com/en_US/index.html
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Matt Jones takes down Kuch and buys ticket to Augusta
Matt Jones started Sunday at -9, six shots back of the leader Matt Kuchar. Kuchar has won The Players and a WGC event, so his lead was not to be caught. But Jones had other plans. Matt Jones who had never won on tour fired a final round 66 (6-under) to match Kuchar's even par round, and force a playoff. Jones ended up taking the playoff by chipping-in in dramatic fashion, and punching his ticket to the Master's.
Jones had not already qualified for the Master's, and this victory bought him an invitation. He had to chase down not only Kuchar, but he also had to pass Sergio Garcia. Garcia, who is also a past Players champion, was the closest to Kuchar entering Sunday. He ended up two behind Kuchar and Jones. This was a good finish for Garcia. He has been lacking confidence these past few years, and has lacked a lot of success on the tour. So hopefully this third place finish will give him some confidence with the major season starting next week. Sergio has been close in many majors over the years, and maybe this year will be the year.
Past number one in the world, Rory McIlroy had a great finish to the event with a final round 65 to give him some confidence going into the Master's. Rory, like Sergio, has struggled on the PGA Tour these past years after being on top of the game at one point. This finish should carry over some momentum going into next week, and maybe both McIlroy and Garcia will be back and in contention in majors this year.
Jones' victory was huge to a small time name like himself. He through his name out there, and is now a PGA Tour champion and will be playing at Augusta National. This next week's major should be a suspenseful one, especially with Tiger not in the field.
Jones had not already qualified for the Master's, and this victory bought him an invitation. He had to chase down not only Kuchar, but he also had to pass Sergio Garcia. Garcia, who is also a past Players champion, was the closest to Kuchar entering Sunday. He ended up two behind Kuchar and Jones. This was a good finish for Garcia. He has been lacking confidence these past few years, and has lacked a lot of success on the tour. So hopefully this third place finish will give him some confidence with the major season starting next week. Sergio has been close in many majors over the years, and maybe this year will be the year.
Past number one in the world, Rory McIlroy had a great finish to the event with a final round 65 to give him some confidence going into the Master's. Rory, like Sergio, has struggled on the PGA Tour these past years after being on top of the game at one point. This finish should carry over some momentum going into next week, and maybe both McIlroy and Garcia will be back and in contention in majors this year.
Jones' victory was huge to a small time name like himself. He through his name out there, and is now a PGA Tour champion and will be playing at Augusta National. This next week's major should be a suspenseful one, especially with Tiger not in the field.
Tiger to not compete in Master's
Tiger Woods announced earlier this week that he will not compete in this year's Master's. This came as a shock because I don't think anyone believed his injury was as severe as it ended up being.
Tiger withdrew at the end of WGC Cadillac Championship due to a pinched nerve. He then withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and has now had back surgery and will not play at Augusta. This shocked the whole country because this is known to be the one Tiger wants the most, and he has rarely missed it. Tiger's absence this year really opens up the tables to who is the favorite. Most people will have to take Adam Scott, who is the defending champ and number two player in the world, behind Tiger. This is just adding to the suspicion that Tiger's body is wearing down, and his time is running out quickly to catch Jack. He has gone from injury to injury, and still manages to be the best player in the world. So I don't think he's done yet, but I do think that this is just showing how easily he can break down now. There is no doubt Tiger's time is limited.
This year's Master's might be a very good show, now that Tiger will not be competing. There is no clear favorite now, and there are many guys that have a great chance to win. It's all up in the air now. The guys to look for now are Jason Day, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, and Jordan Spieth. Jason Day is coming off of a win at the WGC Accenture Match Play, and has finished in the top 10 multiple times at Augusta. Scott, as I said earlier, is the defending champ and the number two player in the world. Garcia is having a good week right before Augusta, and has one multiple times this year on the European Tour, and has had multiple top 10's this year on the PGA Tour. And finally the 20 year old Spieth already has one win on tour, and can play anywhere, so what's stopping him from winning at Augusta? With Tiger not in the field, there is not a favorite for this year's Master's. Anyone could take home the green jacket this year.
Tiger withdrew at the end of WGC Cadillac Championship due to a pinched nerve. He then withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and has now had back surgery and will not play at Augusta. This shocked the whole country because this is known to be the one Tiger wants the most, and he has rarely missed it. Tiger's absence this year really opens up the tables to who is the favorite. Most people will have to take Adam Scott, who is the defending champ and number two player in the world, behind Tiger. This is just adding to the suspicion that Tiger's body is wearing down, and his time is running out quickly to catch Jack. He has gone from injury to injury, and still manages to be the best player in the world. So I don't think he's done yet, but I do think that this is just showing how easily he can break down now. There is no doubt Tiger's time is limited.
This year's Master's might be a very good show, now that Tiger will not be competing. There is no clear favorite now, and there are many guys that have a great chance to win. It's all up in the air now. The guys to look for now are Jason Day, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, and Jordan Spieth. Jason Day is coming off of a win at the WGC Accenture Match Play, and has finished in the top 10 multiple times at Augusta. Scott, as I said earlier, is the defending champ and the number two player in the world. Garcia is having a good week right before Augusta, and has one multiple times this year on the European Tour, and has had multiple top 10's this year on the PGA Tour. And finally the 20 year old Spieth already has one win on tour, and can play anywhere, so what's stopping him from winning at Augusta? With Tiger not in the field, there is not a favorite for this year's Master's. Anyone could take home the green jacket this year.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
UConn and Kentucky both advance
Connecticut and Kentucky both entered the Final Four being looked at as teams who did not deserve to be there. The Huskies dominated the Florida Gators and ended up beating them by double digits. The Wildcats were able to pull off a down-to-the-wire victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, and were able to win by just one point. The seven seeded Huskies and the eight seeded Wildcats could only have dreamed of being in this spot entering the tournament, the visualization would have been tough.
When you look upon the championship game tomorrow, think about the all the really good teams from this season, and then look at the two that are still standing. The Big Ten Champions, gone. The Big 12 Champions, gone. The lone undefeated team, gone. Two teams whose regular seasons had been considered a disappointment are the teams who remain. Kentucky started the year as the number one overall ranked team, but quickly fell through the ranks and was not ranked for a large part of the year. Even with those poor regular seasons, the Huskies and the Wildcats found ways to advance throughout the tournament.
For Kentucky, they have been riding on the back of the Harrison twins, and they have stepped up big. Aaron Harrison has it to big game winning shots to eliminate Michigan in the Elite Eight, and Wisconsin in the Final Four. Julius Randle and James Young stepped up against Wisconsin both scoring over 15 points. It seems to be that the Kentucky's five freshman starters are finally starting to play like the team they were expected to be.
UConn did not enter the season with as big of expectations as the Wildcats. The Huskies were expected to be a good team and have a good seed in the tournament. But they were not supposed to be the best team in the country. Their starting point guard, Shabazz Napier was a freshman on the 2011 championship team, so he will lead his Huskies into Monday night with experience. This should be a good game of two teams who have ended up where they wanted to, but with a different path than what was expected.
When you look upon the championship game tomorrow, think about the all the really good teams from this season, and then look at the two that are still standing. The Big Ten Champions, gone. The Big 12 Champions, gone. The lone undefeated team, gone. Two teams whose regular seasons had been considered a disappointment are the teams who remain. Kentucky started the year as the number one overall ranked team, but quickly fell through the ranks and was not ranked for a large part of the year. Even with those poor regular seasons, the Huskies and the Wildcats found ways to advance throughout the tournament.
For Kentucky, they have been riding on the back of the Harrison twins, and they have stepped up big. Aaron Harrison has it to big game winning shots to eliminate Michigan in the Elite Eight, and Wisconsin in the Final Four. Julius Randle and James Young stepped up against Wisconsin both scoring over 15 points. It seems to be that the Kentucky's five freshman starters are finally starting to play like the team they were expected to be.
UConn did not enter the season with as big of expectations as the Wildcats. The Huskies were expected to be a good team and have a good seed in the tournament. But they were not supposed to be the best team in the country. Their starting point guard, Shabazz Napier was a freshman on the 2011 championship team, so he will lead his Huskies into Monday night with experience. This should be a good game of two teams who have ended up where they wanted to, but with a different path than what was expected.
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