If I were you, I’d start worrying now. I realize it’s early in the season, but we’re seeing a serious shortage of closers on the US side in 2008. Let’s look at the results so far:
Mercedes Championship – Steve Stricker fails to close, Daniel Chopra wins.
Bob Hope – Justin Leonard loses a four shot lead and gets lapped by D.J. Trahan. I’m not taking anything away from Trahan here (-7 in the last round isn’t exactly backing into a win), but Justin Leonard is a guy who has come up big in Ryder Cups before. I can only hope Trahan stays hot and plays himself onto the team.
Buick Invitational – Tiger Woods wins, as he should.
FBR Open – J.B. Holmes beats a rusty Phil Mickelson in a playoff. Had J.B. not washed one coming down the stretch, there wouldn’t have even been a playoff.
AT&T Pebble Beach – I love to see the pluggers win, but having Steve Lowery on the team doesn’t make me think we’re a lock.
Northern Trust Open – You never know which Phil Mickelson will show up. Let’s hope he keeps this up.
Mayakoba – Brian Gay. Somewhat Steve Loweryesque.
Accenture Match Play – TW wins a few close ones, then boat races Stewart Cink. I’d feel better about J.B. Holmes if he’d taken care of Tiger. Cink claims he’s learned from the experience.
Honda Classic – A rock in the trap sinks Calc.
PODS – Makes me wonder what Cink learned from the Accenture. How to seal the deal? Don’t think so. Again, not to take anything away from Sean O’Hair, but Cink gift-wrapped this one for O’Hair.
Will Zinger make good on his idea of picking a hot Nationwide or Champions Tour player? At this rate, he may have to.
