Who will win the Women's US Open?

[mizuno_mp37]

What are peoples thoughts ahead of the Women's US Open starting tomorrow?

Will Lorena finally get over her nerves and deliver a first major championship that she really needs to prove herself the world's #1?

Or will one of the other young guns step up and stake a claim, what about Annika, does anyone think her back is good enough to allow her to challenge?

P.S. - PLEASE do not respond with comments on Michelle Wie and recent events surrounding her off and on course exploits :(

[racmbs]

My money is on Morgan Pressell, to finish higher than both Lorena and Annika.

[iyell4]

i think lorena ... she'll get that monkey off her back 'best player to never win a LPGA major':)

kinda like Monty ... he hasn't won a Major (after finishing runner-up on five occasions) .. heck, he hasn't even won a PGA Tour event yet!:)

P.S. - PLEASE do not respond with comments on Michelle Wie and recent events surrounding her off and on course exploits :(
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: oh, u know us too well! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: *biting tongue*:rofl:

[hogannut]

Ochea is primed and ready for a major, and Pressel has a great US Open record as well. I was watching GC this morning and Annika says she is finallly feeling 100%, so if that is the case, she must be included on the list.

I am more interested in some of the young guns who haven't necessarily lived up to their hype. I am hoping for good results from both Creamer and Gulbis. Also can't count out veterans like Webb and Inkster. Julie would NOT surprise me in the least, she is a really gritty competitor.

I'm actually really looking forward to it, and may have to get 2 VCR's going on the weekend, as I want to see Jay Harrison's win at the Buick this weekend!!

[Bellyhungry]

Probably some Korean girl no one ever heard of.

I look forward to seeing the competition unfold on HD.

I'm actually really looking forward to it, and may have to get 2 VCR's going on the weekend, as I want to see Jay Harrison's win at the Buick this weekend!!

You meant Jay Williamsons....

[justinn]

good odds picking a korean lady

[TourIQ]

Morgan Pressell :D and if she doesn't win then she will finish higher than Ms. Wie :eek:

[Bellyhungry]

No chance...Morgan will not win.

I am pulling for Brittany Lincicome and Suzann Petterson.

[TourIQ]

No chance...Morgan will not win. I am pulling for Brittany Lincicome and Suzann Petterson.I guess it would be too early in Morgan's career to have 2 Majors :rofl: . Your 2 picks are pretty solid :D

[CharlieDog]

My money is on Morgan Pressell, to finish higher than both Lorena and Annika.

Morgan's my lady! :fingersx: She's had a solid year and is only going to get better!

[Bellyhungry]

I guess it would be too early in Morgan's career to have 2 Majors :rofl: . Your 2 picks are pretty solid :D

Morgan has not been in the heat of the battle enough to be my pick on a very demanding tourney. Also, her length off the tees prevents her from being in contention week in and week out.

BTW, I am sick of people saying Morgan got her 2005 US Open stolen from her. Birdie Kim made a spectacular shot when she needed to and won. No one says Tom Watson stole his major from Jack when he chipped in at 17th of Pebble.

The Koreans will show up on the leaderboard and could be leading on Saturday, but none will win on Sunday after all said and done.

Go Suzann! Go Brittany!

[racmbs]

Actually, I change my mind......

Tiger's asked to play in the event, since the birth of his daugther's made him feel a little soft and overly-sensitive these days.

I say Tiger wins it by a land slide. :D

[davevandyk]

i am thinkin Creamer this week. She is top 10 in both GIR and Fairways, and has gotta break out some time.

[hogannut]

Probably some Korean girl no one ever heard of.

I look forward to seeing the competition unfold on HD.



You meant Jay Williamsons....

Thanks for the correction!! I must have been reading the joints on the course thread to much!:eek: :rofl:

I think Annika is very inspired to play well here this week. She would get a 4th US Open at a course she had won at before. I think it will be a veteran, but I also think a young gun will be right up their butt!

[mizuno_mp37]

Good picks by all.......for what it's worth I think Lorena will finally get the monkey off her back with Sorenstam and Pressel pushing her all the way.

[milhaus]

Clearly it'll be Kim.

[hogannut]

Clearly it'll be Kim.

Not to pick on Milhaus directly, but how can ANY of you say who it will be or not be? It could be ANY of the field, except the little 12 year old girl, and of course Ms Wie!! ;) . You can say IMO, but I am particularily suprprised about the Pressel comments. Morgan certainly has the game, as she has proved over the last 4 years.

Seriously though, anyone could win the event, and wouldn't it be ironic if Pressel did? A little egg on those Pressel bashers faces!:hush: :shhh:

[milhaus]

Not to pick on Milhaus directly, but how can ANY of you say who it will be or not be? It could be ANY of the field, except the little 12 year old girl, and of course Ms Wie!! ;) . Exactly. My "prediction" gives me at least ten cadidates.
Kim, Birdie
Kim, Christina
Kim, In-Kyung
Kim, Joo Mi
Kim, Kimberly (a)
Kim, Mi Hyun
Kim, Song Hee
Kim, Su A
Kim, Yoora
Kim, Young

[Shake99]

Standings at 12:25Pm

Park -4 16 Leader
Ochoa E 13
Kerr E 16
Gulbis +1 14
Pressel +1 14
Linicome +1 13
Tucker +2 13
Sharp +3 16
Wie +7 14

[TourIQ]

Live Scoring at:
http://www.uswomensopen.com/scoring/dyn/alllb.html

[Bellyhungry]

Not to pick on Milhaus directly, but how can ANY of you say who it will be or not be? It could be ANY of the field, except the little 12 year old girl, and of course Ms Wie!! ;) . You can say IMO, but I am particularily suprprised about the Pressel comments. Morgan certainly has the game, as she has proved over the last 4 years.

Seriously though, anyone could win the event, and wouldn't it be ironic if Pressel did? A little egg on those Pressel bashers faces!:hush: :shhh:

I am not bashing Morgan...I am just stating what I've seen since she turned pro. She didn't exactly win in her rookie year despite many experts' prediction, nor did she light up the leaderboard in the majors in 2006. And she sort of back-doored into the first major this year because Petterson lost her nerve and bogeying in.

BTW, BC's Bryn Perry is leading this week's nationwide tour event at this moment....

[hogannut]

I am not bashing Morgan...I am just stating what I've seen since she turned pro. She didn't exactly win in her rookie year despite many experts' prediction, nor did she light up the leaderboard in the majors in 2006. And she sort of back-doored into the first major this year because Petterson lost her nerve and bogeying in.

I guess being the youngest player ever to win a major doesn't mean much to you?:confused: Right now she is even par and in 2nd or 3rd. I know it's only THursday, but Pressel is a strong player and has as good a chance as anyone else.

I suppose then that Creamer and Gulbis, and Lincicombe and every other young player who didn't win the first year on tour is also on your list of "no chance to win"? If so, don't forget good ol' Michelle who also has not won yet in her 2nd year as a pro!:eek:

We don't need to hear all about MW's restrictions etc, because this thread is NOT about MW. All I'm saying is if you are basing your opinions on what an 18 year old rookie did in her first year then IMO you don't understand the learning curve that players go through when going from amatuer to professional.

As for your justification of Pressel's first major I would also like to say that Jack Nicklaus "backed doored" the 1986 Masters because Greg Norman bogeyed the 18th hole?

[Bellyhungry]

I guess being the youngest player ever to win a major doesn't mean much to you?:confused: Right now she is even par and in 2nd or 3rd. I know it's only THursday, but Pressel is a strong player and has as good a chance as anyone else.

I suppose then that Creamer and Gulbis, and Lincicombe and every other young player who didn't win the first year on tour is also on your list of "no chance to win"? If so, don't forget good ol' Michelle who also has not won yet as a pro!:eek:

As for your justification of Pressel's first major I would also like to say that Jack Nicklaus "backed doored" the 1986 Masters because Greg Norman bogeyed the 18th hole?

I am not dragging Wie into this. She is currently playing a game with which I do not comprehend - and it is not on the plus side. She has no chance either if you must.

My comment on Morgan was before the round started and base on her performance at majors since she turned pro. Now the golf media knows that Wie has no chance, Morgan is now getting all their attention, and thus pressure. Given the history between the two both on and off the field, it could be poetic justice at the end for both.

As for Jack's 86 Masters win. I have to admit that I was too young to know what the heck was going on. Secondly, I do not want to comment for fear of waking up the sleeping 'Golden Bear' :p

[hogannut]

At least we agree on MW.

As for Morgan all I was saying is it is not really fair to base a player of her age against what she has accomplished. Also since this is her 6th major as a pro and she already has one win, that is pretty good don't you think? HOw many majors did it take for Michelson to win?

I would also be curious, and if anyone out there knows please correct me if I'm wrong, but how many majors did it take for Annika to win her first major, and did she win in her first year?

The point I'm trying to make, and this relates DIRECTLY back to IRRESPONSIBLE media coverage of the players and the game itself; is that it takes more than one year at the pro level to determine a players abilities, and that is for ANY sport, not just golf where a players career is based on DECADES, not years.

[corchard]

The point I'm trying to make, and this relates DIRECTLY back to IRRESPONSIBLE media coverage of the players and the game itself; is that it takes more than one year at the pro level to determine a players abilities, and that is for ANY sport, not just golf.

Unless your name is Sidney Crosby.

[hogannut]

Unless your name is Sidney Crosby.

These names are EXCEPTIONS to the rule, not the norm. This is EXACTLY what I was trying to say. TIger Woods won his 1st pro event and major, but that is Tiger Woods. Phil took 10 years, and now he is in the top 3 in the world.

Everything these days is being reported as a day to day event, and that is certainly NOT the case for golf. This really gets under my skin because the media hype these days and getting the fu**ing ratings is more important than representing the players and game responsibly.

[Bellyhungry]

I would also be curious, and if anyone out there knows please correct me if I'm wrong, but how many majors did it take for Annika to win her first major, and did she win in her first year?

I think Annika's first win is the US Open. As to how long it took her, not really sure.

BTW, what the heck happened to Karrie Webb? Shooting a 12 over 83 today?!?

[hogannut]

I think Annika's first win is the US Open. As to how long it took her, not really sure.

BTW, what the heck happened to Karrie Webb? Shooting a 12 over 83 today?!?

OUCH!!! I know she was injured a while back but I thought she had healed. Hey, sometimes this happens in US open's!!

[corchard]

[quote=hogannut]These names are EXCEPTIONS to the rule, not the norm./quote]

The world is made up of exceptions at least that's what my momma told me. She always said I was special and needed to be put away in an asylum.

[Flog]

I'm gonna guess 1st-- Ochoa
2nd-- Sorenstam
3rd-- Creamer

[hogannut]

I think Annika's first win is the US Open. As to how long it took her, not really sure.

BTW, what the heck happened to Karrie Webb? Shooting a 12 over 83 today?!?

Was she paired with MW? A combined +23 in the 1st round.....ouch is right! That darn wrist!!:rofl:

[Bellyhungry]

Was she paired with MW? A combined +23 in the 1st round.....ouch is right! That darn wrist!!:rofl:

They weren't paired together, but they did tee off at the same time at the opposite ends of the nines.

[TourIQ]

Posted on another forum:

Who wins in a match, Bo or Michelle Wie?

I'd take Bo 2Up. Me thinks Nike/Sony ponied up money to the wrong Wie.

[allforethegame888]

who cares, womens sports suck

[Golden Bear]

Wie and Webb have to know they had bad days when they see THREE Big Break alumni ahead of them.

[hogannut]

who cares, womens sports suck

Thanks for your input BObby Riggs!!:rofl: :eek: :D

Wie and Webb have to know they had bad days when they see THREE Big Break alumni ahead of them.

Ya I saw that too!! Also they got beat by a 12 year old.

[Bellyhungry]

In addition to Suzann and Brittany, I am also pulling for Hawaiian youngster Kimberly Kim (youngest US women amateur champion last year). She is averaging 261 yards off the tee this week - that is 10 yards longer than Wie and 14 yards longer than Pressel.

[Golden Bear]

Also they got beat by a 12 year old.

Pfft. Been there, done that.

[GQuizzle]

Paula Creamer

[racmbs]

Come on PRESSELL!!!!

2 back of Lorena....

[iyell4]

congrats to Kerr.
Holder of Canadian and U.S.Opens .. if she wins British in a few weeks, you'll match one of TW's hard-to-match accomplishments.:)

[golfcrazy]

Kerr played great good job! Lorena played good too. Morgan lost it a bit but shes still very young that can happen.:eek:

[Bellyhungry]

As I posted earlier, Pressel's length (or lack thereof) forced her to hit a lot of long irons into the greens compared to her fellow competitors. And she missed the greens more. Even though she chipped in a few times at the 3rd round, but when you play with fire long enough, the fire will eventually win.

Because of the rain delay and staggered playing time, this US Open has no flow for viewers at home.

Also, now I wonder if Wie will play at the CN Open after her latest WD.

[hogannut]

In addition to Suzann and Brittany, I am also pulling for Hawaiian youngster Kimberly Kim (youngest US women amateur champion last year). She is averaging 261 yards off the tee this week - that is 10 yards longer than Wie and 14 yards longer than Pressel.

"The woods are full of long drivers." THe Little Red Book....Harvey Pennick

Don't forget these girls have not reached their full weight and strenght yet, still being teenagers. Annika was also a short hitter and she seems to have done OK. I am pretty sure by the time Pressel is 25 she will have increased her length 10-20 yards.

The reason why I like Pressel so much is because she is a gritty compeititor. Her record as an amatuer and her record so far as a pro has proved she is a consistent performer, and a player that rises to the challenge.

Even though she lost and did not play her best on the final round, she did what ALL winners do, she put herself in the position to win. You hear this over and over again from Tiger all the way to #150. "Put yourself in the position to win" and that is what Morgan seems to always do, although she doesn't always win.

Same thing for Ochea. She almost did it, but had a shaky last few holes. Players like Pressel and Ochea will always be in contention because they are mentally tough. Julie Inkster is another that comes to mind.

BTW....do you know what 10-14 yards represents? A 6 iron into a green instead of a 7. Not trying to pick on you, but lenghth off the tee is not the ONLY thing that matters in golf. Tiger's records is not because of his driving, it is because of his wedges, his short game, and his putting. Statistically Tiger is less than average for fairways hit, and he certainly isn't the longest anymore either.

As I posted earlier, Pressel's length (or lack thereof) forced her to hit a lot of long irons into the greens compared to her fellow competitors. And she missed the greens more. Even though she chipped in a few times at the 3rd round, but when you play with fire long enough, the fire will eventually win.

Because of the rain delay and staggered playing time, this US Open has no flow for viewers at home.

Also, now I wonder if Wie will play at the CN Open after her latest WD.

It would have been nice for GC to pick up the extra play. I think that would have made the overall tournament better to watch. Don't know why they wouldn't. As for MW.......the smartest thing she could do is NOT play anymore this year, let her "injuries" heal and try and get her amatuer status back to play for Stanford. At this stage of the game, one would have to think ANY tournament for MW now will mean another missed cut and more emberassment for her. I think she is beaten up both mentally and physically right now, and needs to lick her wounds for a while.

[northernhiro]

Wie would never be able to play NCAA golf for Stanford. She's beyond any hope of regaining NCAA eligibility. She'd have to pay back every car ride, endorsement payment, tournament winning, meal, flight, etc given to her to even have a chance at getting an do-over by the NCAA.

[hogannut]

Wie would never be able to play NCAA golf for Stanford. She's beyond any hope of regaining NCAA eligibility. She'd have to pay back every car ride, endorsement payment, tournament winning, meal, flight, etc given to her to even have a chance at getting an do-over by the NCAA.

Really??!! I was not aware of that. So you are saying to go back to amatuer status the person has to pay back all her endorsement contracts? How about the money you won as pro (although it wouldn't add up to much for MW:eek: :rofl: ) what happens to that?

I had a cousin who played briefly on a womens mini-tour and gave up after she got married. I know it took a long time for her to get her amatuer status back in Ontario as she wanted to play in local amatuer stuff. Something like 3 years she had to wait. I never asked, so I don't know what exactly she had to do, and if any compensation was necessary. I remember playing with her when she was 6 months pregnant and she kicked my butt all over the place.

[Bellyhungry]

Base on your logic, Brett Quickley is a bona fide winner because he is always in position to win (but never did.)

Anyone who tee off on Thursday is 'putting themselves in a position to win'.

Morgan reverted back to her cry-baby antic after the final round. She could say she has mature and what not, but she is still the same person. She must be happy that Wie is struggling.

As for Ochoa, I have been accused by RGK (or something) that I have something against her, so I will not comment.

Kerr has a curt personality, I am not happy that she won. But whatever.

Also, it is commonly known that LGPA's short game is inferior to the PGA. For LPGA player to try to score by relying on their short game is not playing to their strength. Constantly relying on up-and-down to make pars is going to take its toll no matter if you are Tiger Woods.

Harvey Pennick did not live in the era of metal woods and square grooved wedges, thus he opined that long drive is overrated. Then again, if we are looking to golfers for philosophical wisdom (no matter how well-respected they are), we are looking at the wrong place.

I don't think Wie will ever recover from her conundrum on the golf course. I don't believe for one second that her problem is due to the wrist. It is just an convenient excuse by her camp. The only good decision her camp made is to get 30M out of her sponsors. Having said that, I hope she play at the CN Open just so that Canada can say Wie was here.

Just some random thoughts and random responses....

"The woods are full of long drivers." THe Little Red Book....Harvey Pennick

Don't forget these girls have not reached their full weight and strenght yet, still being teenagers. Annika was also a short hitter and she seems to have done OK. I am pretty sure by the time Pressel is 25 she will have increased her length 10-20 yards.

The reason why I like Pressel so much is because she is a gritty compeititor. Her record as an amatuer and her record so far as a pro has proved she is a consistent performer, and a player that rises to the challenge.

Even though she lost and did not play her best on the final round, she did what ALL winners do, she put herself in the position to win. You hear this over and over again from Tiger all the way to #150. "Put yourself in the position to win" and that is what Morgan seems to always do, although she doesn't always win.

Same thing for Ochea. She almost did it, but had a shaky last few holes. Players like Pressel and Ochea will always be in contention because they are mentally tough. Julie Inkster is another that comes to mind.

BTW....do you know what 10-14 yards represents? A 6 iron into a green instead of a 7. Not trying to pick on you, but lenghth off the tee is not the ONLY thing that matters in golf. Tiger's records is not because of his driving, it is because of his wedges, his short game, and his putting. Statistically Tiger is less than average for fairways hit, and he certainly isn't the longest anymore either.

It would have been nice for GC to pick up the extra play. I think that would have made the overall tournament better to watch. Don't know why they wouldn't. As for MW.......the smartest thing she could do is NOT play anymore this year, let her "injuries" heal and try and get her amatuer status back to play for Stanford. At this stage of the game, one would have to think ANY tournament for MW now will mean another missed cut and more emberassment for her. I think she is beaten up both mentally and physically right now, and needs to lick her wounds for a while.

[northernhiro]

Really??!! I was not aware of that. So you are saying to go back to amatuer status the person has to pay back all her endorsement contracts? How about the money you won as pro (although it wouldn't add up to much for MW:eek: :rofl: ) what happens to that?

I had a cousin who played briefly on a womens mini-tour and gave up after she got married. I know it took a long time for her to get her amatuer status back in Ontario as she wanted to play in local amatuer stuff. Something like 3 years she had to wait. I never asked, so I don't know what exactly she had to do, and if any compensation was necessary. I remember playing with her when she was 6 months pregnant and she kicked my butt all over the place.
it has to do with the NCAA eligibility rules, not the rules of amateur status. Wie could get her am status back and play in USGA events but she'll never play for Stanford's golf team.

[hogannut]

Base on your logic, Brett Quickley is a bona fide winner because he is always in position to win (but never did.)

Anyone who tee off on Thursday is 'putting themselves in a position to win'.

Morgan reverted back to her cry-baby antic after the final round. She could say she has mature and what not, but she is still the same person. She must be happy that Wie is struggling.

As for Ochoa, I have been accused by RGK (or something) that I have something against her, so I will not comment.

Kerr has a curt personality, I am not happy that she won. But whatever.

Also, it is commonly known that LGPA's short game is inferior to the PGA. For LPGA player to try to score by relying on their short game is not playing to their strength. Constantly relying on up-and-down to make pars is going to take its toll no matter if you are Tiger Woods.

Harvey Pennick did not live in the era of metal woods and square grooved wedges, thus he opined that long drive is overrated. Then again, if we are looking to golfers for philosophical wisdom (no matter how well-respected they are), we are looking at the wrong place.

I don't think Wie will ever recover from her conundrum on the golf course. I don't believe for one second that her problem is due to the wrist. It is just an convenient excuse by her camp. The only good decision her camp made is to get 30M out of her sponsors. Having said that, I hope she play at the CN Open just so that Canada can say Wie was here.

Just some random thoughts and random responses....

IMO.....you have no idea what professional golf is all about.

1.) Morgan Pressel IS a competitor. Her amatuer record indicates as such. Her very young pro career is also continuing. She is 19 years old for goodness sakes. She hasn't even finished maturing BOTH physically and mentally. Put it this way when Morgan is 28, the same age as Christe Kerr she will already have a bunch of wins and majors, because she is a competitor by nature, nothing to do with her golf swing or how far she hits it, she just wants to win, and right now due to her age she sometimes shows it in a less than mature way. She will out grow this.

2.) Of course EVERYONE has a chance on Thursday.....YOU HAVEN"T HIT A GOLF SHOT YET!!!! Players that embrase the competition are close to the leader board more often than not, and the ones who don't/can't embrase the challenge are not near the top of the leader board. This is why guys like Tiger, and Nicklaus in his era were always "hanging around" on Sunday. Jack Nicklaus has as many 2nd place finishes as major wins (19 2nd place finishes in majors). So far both Pressel and Ochea have had good success being in a position to win SUNDAY, which is the final day, not the first.

Not sure about your Quigley comment, but I do not see his name on the leaderboard on Sunday's round within 5 shots like I do with guys like TIger, Phil, Vijay, Furyk and players like that. Pressel and Ochea are also in this boat, where as they are usually closer to the top than not on SUNDAY, when it counts.

So...now that we are aware that you don't like any of the players who are usually in the tournament come SUNDAY (including the #1 ranked player) who is it you think will dominate the LPGA over the next 2-3 decades.

[Bellyhungry]

You are right, I have no idea what professional golf is all about and thus do not plan on having a career as one. I can also see that people repeating what they see on TV and read in golf publication and think they do know what professional golf is though.

As for your question about who will dominate the LPGA. I believe they will evolve into like Women's tennis where upcoming players will have a few years worth of dominant period then fade into mediocrity. There won't be any longevity in term of dominance because there are way too many up-and-comers ready to challenge the top ranked players.

Then again, I have no idea what professional golf is all about...

IMO.....you have no idea what professional golf is all about.

1.) Morgan Pressel IS a competitor. Her amatuer record indicates as such. Her very young pro career is also continuing. She is 19 years old for goodness sakes. She hasn't even finished maturing BOTH physically and mentally. Put it this way when Morgan is 28, the same age as Christe Kerr she will already have a bunch of wins and majors, because she is a competitor by nature, nothing to do with her golf swing or how far she hits it, she just wants to win, and right now due to her age she sometimes shows it in a less than mature way. She will out grow this.

2.) Of course EVERYONE has a chance on Thursday.....YOU HAVEN"T HIT A GOLF SHOT YET!!!! Players that embrase the competition are close to the leader board more often than not, and the ones who don't/can't embrase the challenge are not near the top of the leader board. This is why guys like Tiger, and Nicklaus in his era were always "hanging around" on Sunday. Jack Nicklaus has as many 2nd place finishes as major wins (19 2nd place finishes in majors). So far both Pressel and Ochea have had good success being in a position to win SUNDAY, which is the final day, not the first.

Not sure about your Quigley comment, but I do not see his name on the leaderboard on Sunday's round within 5 shots like I do with guys like TIger, Phil, Vijay, Furyk and players like that. Pressel and Ochea are also in this boat, where as they are usually closer to the top than not on SUNDAY, when it counts.

So...now that we are aware that you don't like any of the players who are usually in the tournament come SUNDAY (including the #1 ranked player) who is it you think will dominate the LPGA over the next 2-3 decades.

[hogannut]

You are right, I have no idea what professional golf is all about and thus do not plan on having a career as one. I can also see that people repeating what they see on TV and read in golf publication and think they do know what professional golf is though.

As for your question about who will dominate the LPGA. I believe they will evolve into like Women's tennis where upcoming players will have a few years worth of dominant period then fade into mediocrity. There won't be any longevity in term of dominance because there are way too many up-and-comers ready to challenge the top ranked players.

Then again, I have no idea what professional golf is all about...

So....no names to offer? That's what I thought.

THe reason I made the comments was golf is unique in that a pro golfers career lasts 2-3 decades, not 10-15 years. For pretty much EVERY sport EXCEPT golf your concept of the youngest flourish is pretty correct. A golfer however needs at least a DECADE to truly determine what type of player they may be.

In the case of Morgan Pressel she has now been playing golf for exactly ONE decade. She started at 9 years old and is now 19. Within this decade she qualified as an amatuer for the US Open after her 3rd year playing. She turned pro after her 8th year (with a farily impressive amatuer record), and has already won a major setting a new record. So I guess within a few years she'll be a washed up nobody being dominated by another younger player? That cetainly follows the pattern she has done to date!!

I can only assume players like Annika, Inkster, and the rest of the veterans are just flukes, and will be replaced by these unknown players who will all of a sudden figure out what tournament golf is all about.

Although I do not play competitve golf at a high level, I do play competitive amatuer golf. I know the "feeling" you get standing on that 1st tee with the butterflies in your stomach. It takes YEARS to 'learn" how to play compeititively regardless of your natural abilities/competitive nature.

It is my personal experience along with what I see and read that I base my statements on. What do you base yours on?

[Bellyhungry]

You got that exactly right. I have no name to offer. I believe there will be more young golfers coming up and the tour will morph into something entirely different. Who would have predicted the Koreans will be so dominant before Se Rik Pak arrived at the scene? Who would have thought the US will get their butts kicked so handily 20 years ago? What you see is what happened in the past. What I see is that the tour will evolve into something different than it is today where there's no dominant players.

I see similarities between golf and other sports that are getting more international attention. In basketball, the US is no longer the hands-down favorite on the court. In soccer, the African countries are now legitmate contenders, not just the Europeans and South Americans. I think golf will go through similar evolution albeit in a slower pace due to barrier of entry. But for countries with similar means as the US, they will develop world class golfers, thus changing the golf landscape as you know it today.

And that is my belief.

You know, I might not have as an 'impressive amateur golf' experience as you (actually, I don't have any amateur career to speak of given that I only play recreationally). Does that make my opinions any less? Also, in the eye of the pro, may be he or shes does not think there's much of a different between you and I.

As for golfers taking a decade to figure out who they are. I reckon Tiger might start winning soon? After all, after 10 years on tour, he must have figured out what kind of golfer he is.

Also, nowhere did I say the current LPGA veterans being flukes.

So....no names to offer? That's what I thought.

THe reason I made the comments was golf is unique in that a pro golfers career lasts 2-3 decades, not 10-15 years. For pretty much EVERY sport EXCEPT golf your concept of the youngest flourish is pretty correct. A golfer however needs at least a DECADE to truly determine what type of player they may be.

In the case of Morgan Pressel she has now been playing golf for exactly ONE decade. She started at 9 years old and is now 19. Within this decade she qualified as an amatuer for the US Open after her 3rd year playing. She turned pro after her 8th year (with a farily impressive amatuer record), and has already won a major setting a new record. So I guess within a few years she'll be a washed up nobody being dominated by another younger player? That cetainly follows the pattern she has done to date!!

I can only assume players like Annika, Inkster, and the rest of the veterans are just flukes, and will be replaced by these unknown players who will all of a sudden figure out what tournament golf is all about.

Although I do not play competitve golf at a high level, I do play competitive amatuer golf. I know the "feeling" you get standing on that 1st tee with the butterflies in your stomach. It takes YEARS to 'learn" how to play compeititively regardless of your natural abilities/competitive nature.

It is my personal experience along with what I see and read that I base my statements on. What do you base yours on?

[hogannut]

You got that exactly right. I have no name to offer. I believe there will be more young golfers coming up and the tour will morph into something entirely different. Who would have predicted the Koreans will be so dominant before Se Rik Pak arrived at the scene? Who would have thought the US will get their butts kicked so handily 20 years ago? What you see is what happened in the past. What I see is that the tour will evolve into something different than it is today where there's no dominant players.

I see similarities between golf and other sports that are getting more international attention. In basketball, the US is no longer the hands-down favorite on the court. In soccer, the African countries are now legitmate contenders, not just the Europeans and South Americans. I think golf will go through similar evolution albeit in a slower pace due to barrier of entry. But for countries with similar means as the US, they will develop world class golfers, thus changing the golf landscape as you know it today.

And that is my belief.

You know, I might not have as an 'impressive amateur golf' experience as you (actually, I don't have any amateur career to speak of given that I only play recreationally). Does that make my opinions any less? Also, in the eye of the pro, may be he or shes does not think there's much of a different between you and I.

As for golfers taking a decade to figure out who they are. I reckon Tiger might start winning soon? After all, after 10 years on tour, he must have figured out what kind of golfer he is.

Also, nowhere did I say the current LPGA veterans being flukes.

TIger is an exception to the rule, and if he wasn't I guess EVERYONE would have 50+ wins and 12 majors in their first decade of their career. This is why there is world rankings.

Tom Kite only one 1 major in his PGA career, is Tom Kite a nobody? I guess what I'm trying to say here is it is ridiculous to assess a golfer's career over the course of 1 tournament, or even 1 year. So to say that someone like Morgan Pressel who is 15+ years away from her "prime" is going to be a flash in the pan isn't exactly fair to the player.

There are MANY players who can go out and play a game of golf as good as a PGA player. Many local amatuers and club pro's and guys who compete on Great lakes can go out and shoot a score good enough to play at the PGA level. Can these same players do it at the actual PGA tournament, more than likely not. Why not, they are capable of shooting those numbers, so why not at the actual event? The reason why is they do not have the experience playing in that environment.

i remember when I started playing in GAO events. Going into the event I didn' think it was going to be a big deal. I had a 4 handicap and felt I was in good shape to at least qualify. Do date I have made 1 cut in the 3 years I have played GAO events. I am getting better, but I was shocked how different the game was when a little pressure was added.

So these no-namers that you think will knock out the current players are to date "unproven" and therefore it's impossible to assess how these players may or may not fair under the most intense pressure in women's golf. You are correct in that the modern competition now is global instead of national, and in particular Korea is kicking the USA butts in terms of the # of players they are producing. So, yes, there is way more more competition out there than ever, but IMO....I think Morgan Pressel has that intagible that sets athletes apart from each other. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

I would suggest if you are interested to try to some competitive amatuer events and see for yourself the difference between recreational golf and competitive golf. FOr me anyway it was shocking how much difference there is between the types of games.

[Bellyhungry]

Name me a guy who's been on the tour with 10+ years of experience who started winning like Tiger after they 'put in their dues' and 'figured out what kind of golfers they are'.

I am assessing Pressel's performance at the US Open based on how she performed at the pro level so far. By no means am I dismissing her from turning into a major force in LPGA. She could well be. Then again, some people also thought Wie will play on the PGA 2 years ago and that Tiger was just a fluke.

I don't have to play any competetive golf to know that I have no chance playing competetively. I probably will get so nervous before the first tee I might just injure myself so that I could DQ myself. There are enough things in life to demand attention from me, golf for me is a stress-reliever, not a stress-inducer.

As for your GAO career, I wish you nothing but the best. Next time you tee up, let me know, if it is nearby, maybe some of us can show up to be the gallery. Speaking of that, does GAO events allow spectator on the course?

TIger is an exception to the rule, and if he wasn't I guess EVERYONE would have 50+ wins and 12 majors in their first decade of their career. This is why there is world rankings.

Tom Kite only one 1 major in his PGA career, is Tom Kite a nobody? I guess what I'm trying to say here is it is ridiculous to assess a golfer's career over the course of 1 tournament, or even 1 year. So to say that someone like Morgan Pressel who is 15+ years away from her "prime" is going to be a flash in the pan isn't exactly fair to the player.

There are MANY players who can go out and play a game of golf as good as a PGA player. Many local amatuers and club pro's and guys who compete on Great lakes can go out and shoot a score good enough to play at the PGA level. Can these same players do it at the actual PGA tournament, more than likely not. Why not, they are capable of shooting those numbers, so why not at the actual event? The reason why is they do not have the experience playing in that environment.

i remember when I started playing in GAO events. Going into the event I didn' think it was going to be a big deal. I had a 4 handicap and felt I was in good shape to at least qualify. Do date I have made 1 cut in the 3 years I have played GAO events. I am getting better, but I was shocked how different the game was when a little pressure was added.

So these no-namers that you think will knock out the current players are to date "unproven" and therefore it's impossible to assess how these players may or may not fair under the most intense pressure in women's golf. You are correct in that the modern competition now is global instead of national, and in particular Korea is kicking the USA butts in terms of the # of players they are producing. So, yes, there is way more more competition out there than ever, but IMO....I think Morgan Pressel has that intagible that sets athletes apart from each other. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

I would suggest if you are interested to try to some competitive amatuer events and see for yourself the difference between recreational golf and competitive golf. FOr me anyway it was shocking how much difference there is between the types of games.

[golf101]

The golf world is full of players who were to be th enext great player. Verplank won as an amateur. Imagine the media frenzie if a college player won an event now?

Anyone remember Brandie Burton. Things happen and in the end it seems a career or a great career is all about mental attrition on the major tours. Maybe that doesn't quite sound right but hopefully i got my point across.

Seems grinders(guys who keep thier card for years and cash cheques) have there year or three when they win a few times then go back to being grinders. Sometimes these players get a second wind or even a third. Kenny Perry or Verplank or O'meara thanks to tiger. Some never get back(atleast so far and time is running out) like Tom Lehman who almost ended up being a college coach for good.

No other game like it. Maybe billiards. I can shoot some stick but it's just like golf. Such a fine line.

Mike Weir. I fhe continues on as he is, would it be fair to label him as a 'over achiever? Wish I could over achieve like he has but the weekend at the masters happened to be during his short stretch of outstanding play(couple years). Not being able to get back to that must be tough to cope with.

[hogannut]

Good comparison to the billiards, very true. I used to follow snooker when they showed it on TSN, but haven't for years. My friends used to laugh at me because I would tape it if I was out, but I love snooker. My father hussled locally during his university days and was a decent player. He could run the colours sometimes if they were set up to do so. Funny because my dad was an above average snooker player, he had a real nice smoooooth stroke, but the worst part of his golf game was putting, doesn't make sense to me. You would think the eye hand co-ordination should have carried over.

As you have said there is nothing wrong with being a grinder on the PGA tour. There are worse ways of making a living! Once in a while you get a nice story like Jay Williamson. Yes he is probably a flash in the pan, but hey it's a great story, even if it doesn't last very long.

BTW....I once e-mailed TSN and asked why they stop showing the pro snooker, but never heard back. Is it possible to get TV coverage of the European snooker? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[TourIQ]

Morgan Pressell :D and if she doesn't win then she will finish higher than Ms. Wie :eek:I wasn't too far off.
At least Morgan got to play in the last group come Sunday with a T10th overall :D

[hogannut]

ANother poor showing for Morgan again this past weekend. Man when is this girl going to start playing some consistent golf? Nice to Se Ri playing well again too!

$1,300,000 JAMIE FARR OWENS CORNING CLASSIC 2007
Rank Golfer Score Hole Strokes
1 Se Ri Pak -17 F (63,68,69,67) 267
2 Morgan Pressel -14 F (68,70,64,68) 270
3 Wendy Ward -8 F (71,70,67,68) 276
3 Carri Wood -8 F (68,69,70,69) 276
3 Laura Davies -8 F (71,69,67,69) 276
3 Laura Diaz -8 F (69,70,68,69) 276
7 Angela Stanford -7 F (69,70,69,69) 277
7 In Kyung Kim -7 F (72,68,65,72) 277
9 Stacy Prammanasudh -6 F (71,70,69,68) 278
9 Linda Wessberg -6 F (73,68,66,71) 278

[Bellyhungry]

Did you notice Annika, Lorena and Brittany weren't in the field :D ?

BTW, Tim Clark with a stiff neck also finished SECOND on the PGA :rofl:

Also, two full card-carrying members on the Nationwide Tour got beat by an amateur and finished SECOND. :rolleyes:

Pressel really does have some very good companies....:p

ANother poor showing for Morgan again this past weekend. Man when is this girl going to start playing some consistent golf? Nice to Se Ri playing well again too!

$1,300,000 JAMIE FARR OWENS CORNING CLASSIC 2007
Rank Golfer Score Hole Strokes
1 Se Ri Pak -17 F (63,68,69,67) 267
2 Morgan Pressel -14 F (68,70,64,68) 270
3 Wendy Ward -8 F (71,70,67,68) 276
3 Carri Wood -8 F (68,69,70,69) 276
3 Laura Davies -8 F (71,69,67,69) 276
3 Laura Diaz -8 F (69,70,68,69) 276
7 Angela Stanford -7 F (69,70,69,69) 277
7 In Kyung Kim -7 F (72,68,65,72) 277
9 Stacy Prammanasudh -6 F (71,70,69,68) 278
9 Linda Wessberg -6 F (73,68,66,71) 278

[hogannut]

Annika has not really been a factor in any tournament this year. I thought you weren't that big on Lorena? Anyway, no need to open old "wounds" as you are entitled to your opinion and me to mine.

A fairly impressive field for the girls, even without the above mentioned names, even if it doesn't impress you.

[Bellyhungry]

Annika has not really been a factor in any tournament this year. I thought you weren't that big on Lorena? Anyway, no need to open old "wounds" as you are entitled to your opinion and me to mine.

A fairly impressive field for the girls, even without the above mentioned names, even if it doesn't impress you.

I really wasn't paying attention to Morgan....Rather, I was pulling for Alena Sharp from Hamilton....She was going in Sunday tied for 4th. Unfortunately, she shot a 78 and ended up at 28th spot. Alena is the brigthest spot in women golf in Canada. Score golf or what not should feature her more prominently.

[Bellyhungry]

Morgan got beat at the first round of the HSBC Match Play.

I was out playing golf rather than watching yesterday, and only saw it on TGC. I wonder if the announcer said she got 'robbed' once again by Birdie Kim.

[hogannut]

Funny.....as I was following the match play yesterday on the net and saw that Morgan lost I just knew Bellyhungry would be all over that. I knew you wouldn't let me down.

[Bellyhungry]

Funny.....as I was following the match play yesterday on the net and saw that Morgan lost I just knew Bellyhungry would be all over that. I knew you wouldn't let me down.

No problem, you've got it....:D