The Memorial

Aussie Hit by Tank

Date Written: June 5, 2007

If you happen to be leading a Tour event on the last day, shooting even par will probably not do it for you. Solid Aussie player, Rod Pampling, nursing a healthy 3-stroke lead going into round four must have felt like he got hit by a tank or some other heavy vehicle yesterday by shooting 72. Coincidentally, the eventual winner, Korean icon, K.J. Choi just happens to be known as, "The Tank" in his home country not only because of his stature but also his steely, competitive nature. To take this here army metaphor to another level, Pampling got run over not only by a "Tank" (65), but by a couple of other sharpshooters named Ryan Moore (66) and Kenny Perry (63). The "Tank" gets another record of sorts.....he comes from further back to win on the last day (5 shots) than anyone else this year. It was amazing to watch "Tank" down the stretch, especially his bunker play. Rarely does one get to see someone make EVERYTHING he needs to win and he did.

Another coincidence....Tiger, Ernie and V.J., all finished together at 9-under (T-15). Does that mean that they are all equally ready for the Open at Oakmont in two weeks? The number one ranked lefty named Lefty, did as his name suggests...he left the premises early in round one, claiming a sore wrist. Probably overuse on the range from trying to emulate Tiger's "stinger" in the hopes of hitting it straight at The Open. My fantasy pick for the Open, Mr. "Back-Off" Furyk (who I've learned to fast-forward on my TIVO when I think he's actually going to hit a shot,) finished T-23 at Jack's Memorial. Six of youse in the pool got to take a TV timeout this past weekend when your favorito, Zach Johnson, had a tummy ache after being 3-over for eleven holes. Which begs the question: have you ever heard of anyone quitting when they were 3-under? Did Zachy have to get a note from the tour nurse that allowed him to go home and sleep it off rather than gut it out?

"The Donald" pads his million-dollar-plus lead with another timely (Kenny Perry) pick. Whazzup wid dis Donald guy? Should we throw in the proverbial towel...award him first place dough and re-start for the last 12 tournaments? Jeez!

Onward to Memphis...8 NO-SHOWS this week, including "The Donald" who figured Steve Stricker would show up. Nah, nah. Time to make some hay boys and girls.