Bubba Wins Second Green Jacket

The Masters this year had some remarkable stories. Jordan Spieth trying to become the youngest winner in Masters history and only the second person to win in their first try. The over 50 year olds that made the cut and contended. Freddie Couples finished T20, Bernhard Langer finished T8 and Miguel Angel Jimenez finished 4th.

 

Augusta doesn't care who you are or where you've come from. It demands quality golf shots and punishes those who are not at the top of their game. Jordan Spieth was 5 feet from catching the ridge down to the hole on 8 (made bogey), 6 feet from staying on the green on 9 (made bogey) and 10 feet from being on the green on 12 (made a great bogey). Coming down the stretch he burned the edge of the cup for birdie on 13, 15, and 16.

Jordan played very well but a combined 21 feet kept him from equaling Bubba's score at 8 under. Yes things may have been different but that is the fine line between Masters Champion and 3 shots back.

They say the Masters doesn't start until the back nine on Sunday but Jordan and Bubba made everyone aware that the front nine can be just as exciting. Those two were feeding off of each other as they made birdies on 4 and 6, two holes that have cost many players the Green Jacket.

All in all, Bubba is a worthy champion. Nobody played better than he did and the scores proved it. With Bubba's game, he could win a few more. Six of the last 12 champions have been lefties. A fade is easier to control than a draw and that, combined with the length of Bubba and Phil, gives them the chance to separate from the field.

I'm not sure what the rest of 2014 holds but there are a lot of players that have the ability to contend at the majors and a 20 year old probably tops that list.

With that being said, I can't wait til next years Masters; A Tradition Unlike Any Other.

Friday at The Masters

I first want to apologize for Marc Leishman for putting some sort of curse on him. When I posted yesterday that Marc has a great chance to win after he birdied the first three holes he goes on to miss the cut. What a fickle game golf his.

Bubba Watson continued his good play with five birdies in a row from 12-16. As a past champion Bubba has a great chance to win and is great position after 36 holes.

 

 

Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson, some analyst's favorites for the week, missed the cut. Rory had to make a four foot putt on the last hole to make the cut on the number. Some unlikely past champions did make the cut, however. Larry Mize, Bernhard Langer Sandy Lyle and Vijay Singh all made the cut. The never aging Freddie Couples is in great postion to win a second green jacket. What a story that would be.

 

 

 

Today is moving day and some big names have some moving to do if they want to get back in contention. My picks, Jason Day and Justin Rose, have some ground to make up if the want to win.

 

Bubba looks poised to win but The Masters doesn't start until the back nine on Sunday. There is a lot of golf left.

 





Masters' First Round Action

Thursday of Masters' Week feels like Christmas Morning. Whether it's waking up early to watch the ceremonial first tee shots or staying up late to watch the encore presentation, Thursday is an all day event.

 

The magic of Augusta National was on full display yesterday. Shots that land 40 feet from the pin cuddle up next to the cup. Shots that land next to the cup are propelled away as if there were a barrier around the hole.

 

 

Bill Haas leads after a first round 68. Since 1985, only one first round leader has won but since 2006 every winner has been within the top ten after the first round. Those within the top ten are in great position but the likes of Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, and Jason Day  have some work to do.

Bubba Watson shot the only bogey free round of the day with a three under par 69; not the person I would pick to play bogey free but thats Augusta.

Jason Dufner made a NINE on hole 13. He was two paces off the edge of the green in two and almost knocked his eagle chip in the hole, but a little too much speed carried it into the hazard. Augusta humbles even the best.

I look forward to a great next three days. The weather sounds like it will be perfect so the tournament committee will be able to set the golf course up how they like.

Oh...and look out for Marc Leishman. He played with Adam Scott in the final round last year and has the game to win at Augusta.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

"Hello Friends"

These famous words uttered by Jim Nantz at the start of coverage on Sundays in April still give me chills. The Masters is about to begin and for us, that signals the start of golf season.

There are many things to love about The Masters. Some of my favorites include the Par 3 Tournament, the live coverage of the Tournament Practice Facility all week long, Amen Corner, and the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches where I'm not sure I would ever think about eating one...except at Augusta.

The Masters is a tournament that is unique in every way. There is a whisper among the patrons and the roars are loud but not rowdy. The claps respectful but not over the top. Augusta doesn't host The Masters it writes the story. I know the course better than the one I grew up on. As longtime caddy master Freddie Bennett said, "You don't read the greens, you learn them."

Augusta is unique in that way. Its a course you know before you step on the tee but never really understand. 1998 Masters Champion Mark O'Meara says he learns something new about Augusta every time he plays. Augusta can almost be described as perfect; hard but playable. Whether it's hole 13 that gives you a hook lie in the fairway but requires a cut into the green or the severe undulation that can't be seen on tv, Augusta National is a course I could never tire of playing.

The past champions at The Masters have been able to work the ball right to left off the tee as holes 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 17 all require this shot shape. Until recently, the favorite was a right handed player that could draw the ball, but with the recent success of Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir prior to that, a lefty who can fade the ball moves to the top of the list as the greens have gotten firmer and faster and a fade is easier to control.

My pick this year is Jason Day. He has played well this year with a win at the WGC Accenture Match Play. He has been injured but said during his press conference this week that he is swinging with no pain. Justin Rose is another player with the game to win at Augusta.

Here are Chris Thomson's thoughts:

Jason Day

Zach Johnson

Matt Kuchar

Phil Mickelson

Brandt Snedeker

"I am going with a few dark horses that have Masters experience and could break back through and slip into another Green Jacket.  Look out for Zach Johnson who has been hot as of late!  With his outstanding short game this could just be his week to capture his 2^nd Masters Championship.  Also, the likes of Brandt Snedeker who has had a near miss at Augusta and is playing well or the veteran Phil Mickelson who you always can’t count out because of his incredible shot making ability.   Having been to Augusta in the past and seeing the severity in elevation as well as the massive and incredibly fast and sloping greens, no matter how you slice it (no pun intended) it will come down to the player that gets hot both on and around the greens.  Did I pick one of the winners above?  Who know’s……will it be a newcomer; maybe!  Sit back, relax and watch the best golf event in the world and love every minute of it!!"

Whomever it may be, Augusta National will have the attention of every golfer this weekend. The Masters will produce a worthy champion, as it always does. Enjoy the weekend because it's The Masters.

PGA Championship

Wow, what a finish!  But then again, you were probably watching just as I was.  Congratulations to

Jason Dufner for a record breaking score of 270 (lowest winning score in Oak Hill History) to win the 95^th PGA Championship.

As we entered into the weekend there was lots of talk if Phil or Tiger would emerge from the pack with a great Saturday score, or would Henrick Stenson or Jim Furyk be able to pull away and win their first major.  Well, Jason Dufner spoiled everyone’s day with an Oak Hill course record 63 on Saturday and a follow up 68 on Sunday.  I was right behind the 18^th green to watch him leave his 12 foot birdie try short for a 62.  Amazing display of ball striking! 

Sunday Duties:

As I made my way to the courses on Sunday I couldn’t help but wonder who was going to be on the 18^th green with the Wanamaker trophy in about 8 hours.  I was stationed at the 9^th green that afternoon as the leaders made their way through to their final nine holes.  I was responsible for announcing the approaching players to the gallery as they made their way onto the green.  As I watched the players  go through I saw some great birdies on the difficult hole and saw players like Scott Piercy and Boo 

Weekly make birdie and start to make a charge up the leaderboard only to fall back slightly as they finished their final round. 

The ninth hole is a hard uphill dogleg right with a tricky approach and subtly sloping very, very quick green.  Kerry Haigh,  our Chief Championship Officer for the PGA of America even had to slow a few greens down in order to keep the ball on the putting surface.  I would say out of the 2 ½ hours that I watched there were maybe only 3 bogies.  As the leaders approached the galleries  got larger and larger.  Strange to hear some of the expressions that spectators are saying now as soon as a ball is struck, like “MASHED POTATOES”!  OR,  "RUTABEGA".  It kinda drives the players nuts with all the shouting when a ball becomes airborne.  Oh well, I guess they are just having fun!  Upon completion of my duties I retreated to the clubhouse and then to the 18^th green with one of my fellow BOD’s Scott Brandt, PGA as he fulfilled his duties of announcing players approaching the green.

As the leaders approached the 17^th green our PGA Officers and Board of Directors made their way to the back of the 18^th green to watch the final hole.  Once it was evident that Jason was going to be the winner and he tapped in for victory we quickly made our way around the bunkers and onto the putting green for the trophy ceremony.  Just a few quick housekeeping things like checking and signing the scorecard.  Our Officers and Board were positioned directly behind the Wanamaker Trophy and our President, Ted Bishop announced the winner, thanked the fans and Oak Hill for the use of their course.  Jason was a great champion with a heartfelt victory speech.  I think he was still a little in shock that he won a major.

Following the ceremony the Wanamaker Trophy was taken to the bottom of the 18^th fairway so group and individual photos could be taken.  The photo of our Board of Directors is pasted below (some were missing as their either had to leave early or had continued media duties).  We all had the opportunity to shake his hand and congratulate him on being our PGA Champion. 

Following a few quick interviews with Golf Channel everyone was ready and waiting for the Champions Toast inside the Oak Hill Clubhouse.  The champion receives a few nice gifts such as a gold champions money clip, Omega watch, bracelet for his wife and a huge bottle of Moet champagne.  This is a private ceremony where PGA Staff, BOD, Officers and Oak Hill members were invited.  I would guess there was close to 100 or so in the room.  Brief speeches were made by our President, Ted Bishop, PGA along with the Championship Committee and Oak Hill GM.  Jason spoke last and again thanked everyone for a great and memorable week and how much it meant to win at Oak Hills.  I think this was sweet redemption after his 2011 loss to Keegan Bradley in Atlanta.

As all the fans filed out of the gates another championship season comes to a close with the 4^th and final major now completed.  Next year’s championship will be at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.  This is a much closer venue for our Nebraska fans so hopefully you will be able to get tickets and watch some of the best players in the world tee it up.

This was a great week for me and my family and we are so happy that we could attend and be part of the festivities.  This is truly an honor that very few PGA members will ever be able to do and I am so grateful for the opportunity to not only represent Wilderness Ridge but also all the members of the Nebraska Section PGA, the Lincoln community and Nebraska golfers all over.

Thanks for tuning in for my daily updates!!

Chris Thomson, PGA

Director of Golf

Wilderness Ridge Golf Club

PGA National Board of Directors

Champions Gifts

Champions Money Clip

Trophy Ceremony

Board of Directors Picture with the Champ

Announcing on 18 Green

Champion

Champions Toast

18 Grandstand

Media Center

Announcing on Hole 1 with Tiger

18th Hole

PGA Championship Friday

Friday Activities:

As Friday sunrise came so did the rain in Rochester.  A steady warm rain fell for hours on Friday morning making the Oak Hill course a muddy mess for the spectators and a challenge for the competitors.  I had the 12:00 PM – 2:55 PM draw for the first tee duties and I was excited to get going as I had some big name players teeing off. 

The best way to describe the feeling of being a tee announcer is that it is a HUGE adrenaline rush.  I would approximate that there were thousands of spectators both in the stand and crowded hundreds deep around the tee.  CBS came to me early and “miked” me up with a radio so they could talk with me for a few of the bigger name players.  We did some test runs with a few groups and they start by having me give the TV crews a 1 minute warning before we are ready to hit.  To time the TV just right they give me a count down from 10….9….8…until it’s time to announce.  Once the ball hits the ground they give you a countdown from 5 seconds to announce the next player. 

There is a standard way to announce but each announcer may have a slightly different way to start the announcement.  I would start by saying…..”Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the 1:55 starting time; please welcome from Hobe Sound, FL the 1999, 2000, 2006 & 2007 PGA Champion, TIGER WOODS!!  

When I announced this group starting with Davis Love III, then Keegan and finally Tiger the crowd roars got larger and larger until it erupted with Tigers announcement.  You really have to project your voice as loud as possible for all the spectators as they are literally on your left, behind you & on the right in the large grandstand.  What a rush!  Loved it!  Was so honored to be able to have TNT announce my name on national television as the announcer and be able to do this.    

Following my duties at the first tee I shot a brief video for the PGA of America for a National Committee that I chair for marketing and member benefits.  The video will be placed on our website and be an introduction to some new, free marketing materials that we have developed that will assist PGA members in promoting and creating new players to their business.  I have had a great time being able to chair this committee that really has done some great things to help professionals across the country to make their job easier when creating flyers and promotional material for Print, web and email.  One of the things that we are about ready to roll out is a customized weekly newsletter that PGA members can use by inserting their own club information, tournament results, club news, etc along with new weekly content from PGA.com.  You will begin to see this from our golf staff at Wilderness very soon.

Channel 10/11 did a quick remote interview regarding the championship and I did my weekly radio program with 93.7 The Ticket where I talked with Mike Welch about what’s been going on at the Championship. 

Needless to say a very busy day and lots of fun for my entire family as they got to watch some great golf, especially from the 18^th Hole grandstand behind the green.  The 18^th hole very well could decide this tournament just from the sheer difficulty of the hole! 

Oh…..if you didn’t take notice, Jason Dufner lit it up all day and had a putt for a course record 62 on the 18^th hole.  He unfortunately left it about a foot short but the gallery was cheering hard for him to make it.

PGA Championship Wednesday

Wednesday was an exciting day as Jane participated in a program with the PGA Tour Wives Association and helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity.  Wives from the PGA Tour and our Board of Directors along with help from other volunteer builders worked in shifts doing everything from laying sod, painting to building walls, etc.  Jane was part of the internal wall building crew where she worked with others to build and erect internal walls for the home.  She had lots of fun!  The home will be used for a family that has a young son that now has become interested in golf due to this Championship.  The neat thing about this project is that the family doesn’t just get the keys for the home; they need to spend over 420 hours assisting in the building of the project by putting the “sweat equity” into the home.  The family can secure a zero percent interest loan so they pay for the home but with lower payments.  Very neat project and all the women that participated had a blast. 

Distinguished Service Award:

Each year since 1988 the PGA of America recognizes an individual for their outstanding contributions to golf.  Sometimes the award goes to a past professional golfer and other times it goes to someone that has made an impact on the game with other contributions. 

This year the award was given to retired tour player Lee Trevino, PGA.  But before the DSA ceremony everyone was treated to a special concert from Michael Bolton.  Still sings beautifully!

Lee told his story of “rags to riches” so to speak and how he was raised by his mother and grandfather who was a gravedigger.  Lee learned early the value of hard work from his grandfather and entered the service at 17 where he served overseas.  He caddied when he was young but didn’t really play until he reached the service.  He was quick to become good and was a 4 handicapper by the time he left the service.  This is when he got a job working at a golf club and worked towards earning is PGA Membership which he ultimately did.  As he worked as an assistant professional he continued to work hard on his game and become extremely good.  To earn extra money he “hustled” people and said you don’t know pressure until you play $5 per hole and only have $2 in your pocket!

Lee was very emotional about how the PGA of America gave him his first opportunity in life and he has always been very loyal to the association since.  It was one to the most outstanding and emotional speeches I have listened to over the years.  He truly has a passion for the PGA of America.

What a great night!  We were honored to be able to attend.

Thursday:

Day one at the Championship was underway!  What a phenomenal golf course which will ultimately produce a great champion this week. 

When we arrived we all entered the Media Center where my friend Kelly Elbin had us in and took some fun pictures of us at the player interview area.  If you watch the Golf Channel, Kelly is the person that directs the media during the interviews and selects who asks questions.  Kelly is one of our PGA staff members down and Headquarters and has become a good friend over the years.  (See photo below)

The boys both went their way and followed Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson during their rounds.   Jane and I went to the course and sat in the grandstands for a while as we waited for my announcing shift at #18 green.  We saw some great shots and smooth swings over the hours!

A short rain delay slowed things down a bit but play resumed at 5:30 PM and I was at my post at the 18^th green.  As an announcer you are the one that announces to the crowd who is approaching the green.  You may have heard my voice as it was loud and clear on TNT yesterday announcing the group of Mickelson, Kymer and Singh.  What we say in as loud a voice as possible is:  “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome from………..the 2005 PGA Champion, Phil Mickelson!!”  The crowd applauds each player and they acknowledge the crowd.  Kinda fun as the crowd goes NUTS for the major players like Phil and Tiger.

I did this duty from 5:30 PM to literally dark when the last group approached the green.  Players really don’t want to quit early if they don’t have to as this would mean a very early start just to finish one hole or maybe even half a hole.     Left the course about 8:30PM and headed back to the hotel.

Clubhouse Access & Locker Rooms:

What a beautiful clubhouse at Oak Hills!  As part of my duties with the Board of Directors we all have clubhouse access where we can dine, watch the golf or just hang out.  I also have a locker in the players locker room.  Interesting to see players getting ready to play or work with one of the many physical therapists to help get loose and work on sore muscles.  (I have attached some clubhouse photos below)

Friday Duties:

I am on the first tee today at 12PM – 2:45PM announcing players as it is their turn.  I have a great wave of big name players today and am excited to get to the course and get going!  More about today in a later blog!

I hope you all have had a chance to watch the championship so far, if not I hope you can watch over the weekend!

All the best and stay tuned for the next Blog.

Chris