Random Thoughts on the Zurich Classic

I really like Jason Dufner, who won his first PGA Tour event Sunday in a playoff with Ernie Els. But I swear, poor Jason looks like a deer in headlights in every picture.

I was torn between rooting for Dufner, a player -- as stated previously -- I really like, and pulling for Els to end his two-year drought. Loss aside, Els is consistently contending again. Those 40-something nerves aren't doing him any favors in the clutch, though.

By the way, one knock against the belly putter is that it takes nerves out of the equation. You sure about that?

The Sad Tale of Sugarloaf Mountain

My piece on Sugarloaf Mountain Golf Club, the struggling Coore/Crenshaw gem outside Orlando, is now up at Golf-Newz.com. Read it and try not to weep.

Can Tiger Play by Feel Alone?

I think everyone agrees with Butch Harmon's assessment that Tiger Woods needs to forget mechanics and get back to playing by feel. But I question whether Woods is capable of ignoring technique in his current state. It seems that his new, Sean Foley-constructed action is so different from Tiger's previous swing(s) that he couldn't get out of his head if he tried.

Here's another question: If Tiger did manage to banish all swing thoughts, which swing would emerge? The Harmon swing? The Hank Haney swing? Foley's? Some mutant hybrid of all three?

If Tiger were inclined to take Harmon's advice, he might be best served by an extended break from the game. A couple months off could clear his clouded mind and allow Woods to do what comes naturally.

Whatever that may be.

Bubba the Bender

I was as awed as anybody by Bubba Watson's hook from the woods on Augusta National's 10th hole in his Masters playoff victory. I do wonder, though: If Bubba were right-handed, could he have pulled it off? It's tough to make a slice curve as much as a hook, and the ball certainly would have stopped more abruptly on the green. Just thinking out loud...

When Good Courses Go Bad

Played the Coore/Crenshaw-designed Sugarloaf Mountain GC outside Orlando last weekend. Sad to see such a great layout in such lousy condition. Sign o' the times, as they say. I'd still recommend playing it, though, especially if you're interested in course architecture. More in a future post...

Blog test... 1... 2... 3... Is this thing on?