Pond Scrum: They’re wild about Yani, but where’s the buzz?
Theyve got this thing covered, coming and going.
European Tour correspondent John Huggan spent last week at storied Carnoustie, watching the games fastest-rising star defend her title and win the final major of the year on the female side of the ledger, the Womens British Open.
On the left side of the Atlantic Ocean, CBSSports senior writer Steve Elling is headed off this week to track the travails of Tiger Woods and his adversaries at one of the biggest tournaments of the season, the World Golf Championships event at Firestone Country Club.
The busiest stretch of the year is the next eight weeks and starts at Firestone, where the top 50 players in the world ranking are assembled as a prelude to the PGA Championship in Atlanta next week.
But first, some reflection and genuflection as it relates to a particularly busy weekend across all genders and ages last weekend, especially at Carnoustie, where Yani Tseng won her fifth major at the tender age of 22.
As ever, Huggan and Elling trade their weekly broadsides from opposite sides of the Atlantic in Pond Scrum, where they break down the breakdowns, ramp up the rhetoric and pick at a few nits.
Once this pair goes at each other verbally, its a lock that theyll have some memorable comebacks. Which is more than can be said of Woods at this uncertain point.
If Yani Tseng had been born a male, what kind of reaction would winning her fifth major victory at age 22 on Sunday have generated?
Elling: Well, the golf world went a dozen flavors of berserk when Rory McIlroy won at the same age in June, and that was his log more majors than any active player not named Tiger Woods. Pretty incredible. Wed be throwing rose pedals in her path if she were a dude instead and making pilgrimages to her hometown. And I dont mean Orlando.
Huggan: I watched a bit of Tseng at Carnousti like a man. It comes off like a rocket on a great trajectory that is made for li and won easily. As for her ability to dominate for the next few years, a lot of that will depend on her interest level. If she stays keen, the rest of them have no chance.
What was also noticeable was the lack of depth in who can really play on the LPGA Tour. But after that it is like falling off a cliff.
Yani Tseng won her fifth major title, fourth in the last two years. (Getty Images)
Elling: When I have watched her play, theres no jaw-dropping part of her game that blows you out of your tennis shoes. Its more the sum of all the parts, similar to Annika Sorenstam, who wore players down with all those fairways and greens. Tseng has more firepower, but she doesnt necessarily overwhelm courses. Although Canoustie was more like Carnicely last week. What a joke. The Ladies Golf Union holds the Womens British on all these world-class venues, then sets them up like its the Bob Hope Classic. Nobody should be 16 under at Carnoustie. Ever. The par-5 17th was reachable in two iron shots for some players. It felt like an insult, really. Like women couldnt handle the stress and demands of the infamous Carnasty.
Huggan: Indeed, the course setup was hugely disappointing. Only one example is needed. At the famous sixth hole, Hogans Alley was more like Hogans Motorway. Every player was able to fly the bunkers with ease, thereby eliminating the whole point of them being there. Point-missing on a grand scale indeed.
Elling: By the way, I concur on the depth reference. Even after all this time, the talent pool in the womens game is one-tenth as deep as it is for the men. Which is why it has been much tougher for, say, Korean men to make as much of a splash as the women have. Back to Tseng, since the LPGA will be playing five majors annually starting in 2013, she could win 20 of them. Unless she gets bored, married, whatever. Like Annika and Lorena did, sort of.
Huggan: The big mistake was not starting with the tees back, then moving up if the weather got nasty. But they started too far forward and had nowhere to go. Very disappointing. But not that surprising when you consider that the Ladies Golf Union is involved in the running of the event. They couldnt run a bath, never mind a tournament. Earlier this year, they broke the qualifying tie at the British Ladies Amateur by invoking the “better inward half” rule. Amazing incompetence.
I dont think even Annika is going to compare with Tseng when she is done. Certainly not in the area of ball-striking. Where Sorenstam was robotic and a bit dull, Tseng is an artist.
Elling: What will that mean in terms of the public imagination? The bottom line on Tseng is that shes got a terrific attitude, but Im not sure how much shell grab the sports world by the throat, except with the true aficionados. Not for lack of trying. Among the top players, only Ai Miyazato has worked harder to assimilate into American culture, learn the language, etc. Other than with her game, theres not as much sizzle for Tseng.
But god, man, five majors at age 22? Bobby Jones would be jealous. Historic stuff. I hope people pay attention. I really do. Surprise me, world.
Huggan: Yes, Im afraid it is all about “becoming American” isnt it? At least until Asia takes over the world, Tseng is going to struggle on the endorsement front. Unless she becomes a cute wee blonde from California overnight. You are not wrong. But we live in a mans world. Sporting world at least.
Elling: Yes and no on becoming Americanized. Catriona Matthew won that tournament a couple of years ago, and shes pretty fluent in English (for a Scot). It did nothing for her in endorsements. There just isnt as much money in the femme game, is there?
Huggan: Thats true … especially if you are not that cute wee blonde! On the other side of that coin, Natalie Gulbis cant play at all. But she seems to do OK commercially. Ever wonder why that is?
Elling: Should we feel badly about that? As dudes, I mean? Data shows that most of the viewership for womens golf is a male audience. Marketing 101, right? Cater to the audience. Erectile dysfunction pills for one and all! Here, take a handful.
Huggan: I do feel bad. It isnt right or fair. But the numbers also say that womens sport just doesnt provoke as much public interest as mens. Its that simple.
Elling: Excepting for womens tennis, which draws bazillions of eyeballs and feels just as compelling relative to the men. Go figure.
Was Rory McIlroys emotional Twitter exchange with a longtime European Tour broadcaster last week a mistake?
Elling: Noted American author Mark Twain once said it best: “Never pick fights with people who buy ink by the barrel.” Sure, this was virtual ink via Twitter, but McIlroy not only fought a battle with the media that he had no chance of winning, he was flat wrong in what he said. Specifically, he called Jay Townsend, a former European Tour veteran, a washed-up, never-was player who should “shut up” because his opinion is meaningless.
Huggan: There were faults on both sides. Townsend is a valued friend of mine, but he made a mistake in his use of language. That stuff about “under-10s” was unnecessary and ultimately distracted from the legitimate point he was making. And Rory? Well, he reacted like a 22-year-old typically reacts, in a slightly petulant manner, even if Im sure he sees this whole thing as simply sticking up for his much-maligned caddie.
Elling: They were both over the top, no doubt whatsoever. Maybe Twitter should have a five-minute delay switch. McIlroy put about as much thought into the consequences of his tweet as he did into his club selection, which is what started the whole brushfire. Both of those guys are lucky that Woods elected to announce his comeback later in the day and swiped back the headline.
Huggan: What no one seemed to recall was that Rory acknowledged he and J.P. they stopped talk so criticism of their performance has, so far at least, been legitimate.
Elling: I was listening to the European Tour Productions broadcast on the Golf Channel here in the States, and the two other analysts were fawning over Rory, even as he was making a mess of it. Townsend was just giving the other side of the ledger. You know, being fair and balanced. Wait, I think that term is copyrighted.
Huggan: Plus, pointing out mistakes is part of Townsen see it that way. There might be pressure from behind the scenes to limit Jays role in future. If that happens, it would be both unfortunate for him and a knock against freedom of speech.
Elling: Townsend was stunned by McIlroys bold play off the tee at several spots in the Irish Open. After leading much of the first round, McIlroy pumped a driver into a bunker on the 18th as other players laid back, then hit his approach into the water. Townsend, who works on the European Tour broadcasts in the States and for BBC radio, was stating his opinion while other broadcasters were gushing all over McIlroy like he was the Chosen One. Good for him for having the conviction to stand behind his words. McIlroy will to develop a thicker skin. If he could handle his Masters meltdown, he should have shrugged this off without making a public issue out of it. As a player marked as a future No. 1, weve had enough of that from the games top cat already.
Huggan: Analysts? Most of those guys are there to praise anything and everything. Most of them have no golfing knowledge whatsoev what hes talking about.
Elling: European Tour Productions ought to realize that this little tiff generated more publicity for its broadcasts than anything since Tiger hawked up that loogie on a putting green in Dubai this year. Go with it. If Townsend gets muzzled, its their loss.
Huggan: And Jays, unfortunately. But it wont surprise me if it happens. You and I both know that there is a big difference between broadcasting and journalism.
Elling: A big difference? Its a chasm. TV is entertainment. If any journalism happens, its often by accident. Thats why guys like Miller and Kostis stand out. And ruffle feathers.
With a memorable win on Sunday at the Greenbrier Classic, Scott Stallings became the sixth different rookie winner this year on the PGA Tour. Doesnt that seem like a lot?
Elling: Only because it is. According to the tour, its the most by a rookie class since 1970. Even of you tend to discount Charl Schwartzel as a true rookie, since hes played around the world as a pro since he was a teenager before joining the U.S. tour this year, its an impressive body of work by a bunch of young and largely unknown kids.
Huggan: I must admit to paying the Greenbrier Classic little attention. I caught the last few holes though. And it was great stuff. Stallings is a great story an both good and bad. And all those first-time winners? Just another sign that those who have already made their easy money on the PGA Tour are bored and doing something else.
Elling: Of course, sarcasm aside, the obvious question is, why is this happening? Couple of reasons. First, there was a very deep rookie class this year out of Q-school (Stallings included) and from the Nationwide Tour, where previous 2011 winners like Keegan Bradley, Jhonny Vegas and Chris Kirk originated. There are 35 rookies in all, a big number. Throw in the fact that double winners from 2010 like Jim Furyk and Ernie Els havent won, and Tiger Woods continues to be mostly a non-factor when he shows up, and the door is open. Hello, fresh meat.
Huggan: Heavens, youve been putting some thought into this. You better go lie down now. You might also throw in the fact that the very best players in the world dont play that much in the States anymore. So lesser talents have room to flourish.
Elling: Personally, I find the fresh faces to be interesting. The general viewing public apparently does not. It wants the Yankees and Steelers. Meaning Tiger and Phil.
Huggan: It has ever been thus.
Scott Stallings became the sixth rookie to win on the PGA Tour this season. (Getty Images)
Elling: Stallings is an interesting story who underscores the depth in the mens game. He almost made it through Q-school two years ago, but settled for a 2010 season on the Nationwide, his first year on a big tour. He made it through Q-school last year and hopped straight to the PGA Tour, where he had a mixed season before last week. Theres a genuineness about him, though, thats very endearing. Hes an easy player to root for.
Elling: The “very best players in the world,” like U.S. tour members Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter? By the way, Mr. Huggan, the Yanks have won 23 of the 33 official events staged this year on the PGA Tour, even without longtime American standard-bearers like Woods, Furyk, Mickelson or Cink contributing much of anything. Of course, zero were majors. Big hole in the resume, admittedly.
Huggan: Thats exactly what Id expect … with the very best players traveling elsewhere.
Huggan: Im sure you are correct in all you say. But Stallings plays the game in basically the same way as everyone else. Which brings me back to the modern clubs and the ball, which have gone a long way to eliminating individuality at the top level.
Elling: It could be worse. At least there are some original swings out there these days, like Furyk, Dustin Johnson. McDowell and Fowler.
Huggan: Not many more though. The mens game has more Sorenstams than Tsengs, unfortunately.
Elling: American tally: Zero majors, and a Korean won at Sawgrass. As you like to say, keep up.
Huggan: I knew youd get there in the end.
From a fan standpoint, do the next two weeks represent the best fortnight in the world game, or what?
Elling: Its hard to beat a World Golf Championships event played on a venerable venue like Firestone Country Club, especially with an all-in field of the top 50 in the world plays a few other assorted winners tossed in. The top dogs from Europe and the States will be there, along with a bunch of guys from lesser tours. Hey, if nothing else, its a tremendous appetizer before the PGA Championship next week, the seasons final major. Unlike at the two other WGCs held during getting dialed in for the PGA. As Tiger. Hes won this sucker seven times. Then won four PGA titles.
Huggan: That would be a no, only one month on from the Scottish Open and the Open. Next question.
Elling: Oh, for the love of haggis. Be serious.
Firestone is a course that preps players for the PGA, which is the major most often set up like a regular PGA Tour event. Nice, solid, parkland track with plenty of old trees, parallel fairways and the like. It has tended to produce a steady stream of good winners, too, like Woods, Singh and the like. Some have picked at it for its sameness, but I dont see that at all. As former winner Darren Clarke tweeted about Firestone over the weekend, “a proper golf course.” Im not sure thats a ringing endorsement for last weeks Irish Open venue, where he missed the cut in front of half the Irish golfing populace.
Huggan: Firestone is one of the dullest tracks I have ever seen. Can you tell the difference between any of the holes? Endless par-4s with trees and rough on either side. Wake me up when its over.
Darren is being nice. Inject him with truth serum and hed have a hard time staying awake round there.
Elling: I used to think so, too. Until I walked the course. Like with Augusta and the topography, TV does not do it justice.
Huggan: Sad to say, Firestone is American golf at its most pedestrian.
Elling: Wow, theres a mixed metaphor. Characterizing a course built by a tire salesman as pedestrian. You are a funny man.
Huggan: Thats not the word most people use to describe me.
Elling: Keep complaining and they will hire Rees Jones to come in and spruce it up and youll have a Cog Hill riot all over again.
Huggan: Ive walked the course a few times. Cant remember more than a couple of holes. I rest my case. Thank goodness it is located in Akron, where there is so much to do away from the golf.
Elling: You mean Akron, Gateway to Cleveland? As I made my hotel reservation this week, the lady said, “You are all set, so have a good time in Akron.” I told her, “Thats the first time in the history of the English language that term has ever been uttered.” She laughed. I guess she thought I was kidding.
Huggan: Sounds just like the course, which is an unimaginative test of execution, shot after tedious shot.
Much will be written this week about the comeback of deposed former No. 1 Tiger Woods, who has resurfaced after a layoff of virtually four months, nine holes at Sawgrass notwithstanding. Lets just throw it open for your random and unfiltered thoughts.
Elling: The results are secondary. To me, this is all about how his leg reacts. Firestone is a parkland course with plenty of hills and slopes. He will face a few awkward lies. Millions of us will get some insight into whether this leg will be a major liability for the rest of his career. It will always be an issue to some degree, but to such a point where he has to walk off courses, like he did at Sawgrass? His physical readiness is more important than what he shoots.
Huggan: I hope he plays well. I dont think he will, but I hope he does. Id love to see him play again close to the level he attained 10 years ago. But, as you say, the key is his knee. Will it let him play great again? I have my doubts.
Elling: I cant see how he can possibly be prepared. A player who once spent weeks working his way onto game shape before majors decided Thursday night that he wanted to play? Even with Woods formidable skill set, its hard to envision much happening, even if the adrenaline kicks in.
Huggan: What would be even better is if he comes back a changed man, one who interacts with the galleries, signs autographs and says thought-provoking and interesting things in press conferences. Oh, yes, and did you know the moon is made of cheese?
Elling: Right. Dream on, Spielberg.
Huggan: I can see him shooting one good round from the four. But all hes doing is trying to get somewhat ready for the PGA next week. Lets not forget that.
Elling: If there was one positive to emerge from this scenario, its that he was forced to hone his horrid short game while waiting for doctors to supposedly clear him for full action. At no point in his career had it been less impressive than over the last two years. The wedge game was amateurish at times.
Huggan:Im more concerned with his putting, which has looked increasingly suspect over that same period you mention. Of course, hes getting to that age where the hole gets smaller and the breaks get bigger.
Elling: Well almost surely see a Tiger that falls in between his last two Firestone trips. He won in 2009, and was one spot out of Deaf Effing Last in 2010. But he will steal away the headlines at a quality event for two days, at minimum.
Huggan: Bottom line, though, Im rooting for him to do well, if not this week, sometime soon. Despite all of his myriad faults, the game is better with him in it. Its certainly more interesting.
Elling: You … are rooting for Tiger? I think I just threw up in my mouth he wont miss the cut. Because there isnt one.
Huggan: Indeed. And Im sure we are both rooting for him to play at least one round with Adam Scott and his new caddie, the despicable one.
