Buick Invitational

[Focker Singh]

Every week I get excited on Thursday just because I know there's more golf to watch. This weeks field is the strongest so far and should be a great weekend of golf. With VJ, Tiger, Mickelson, Els, Sergio, Cink and more entered, it might be difficult to predict who will win. Lets see VJ kick some butt!! Here's my top 3!

1st- VJ Singh
2nd - Tiger Woods
3rd - Stewart Cink

[Ems]

1 - Tiger
2 - Singh
3 - Els

[el tigre]

First of all, I believe you mean the Buick Invitational. The Buick Open is later in the year.

Secondly, I believe Stewart Cink is not playing at Torrey Pines this week.

My picks are Vijay, Els and Weir. I've heard the greens are not in good shape, and Tiger had a lot of problems putting at Kapalua.

[fireice]

I like Shigheki at the Buick this week he's even more hungry after last week and he plays well on the West coast. I think Jesper Parnevik will surprise this week, along with Luke Donald.

[Focker Singh]

First of all, I believe you mean the Buick Invitational. The Buick Open is later in the year.

Secondly, I believe Stewart Cink is not playing at Torrey Pines this week.

My picks are Vijay, Els and Weir. I've heard the greens are not in good shape, and Tiger had a lot of problems putting at Kapalua.
YES, thank you el tigre...Buick Invitational and thanks for pointing out Cink is not playing this week...might I add that Weir is NOT playing either...:rofl: :rofl:
http://www.pga.com/tournaments/scoring/pgatour_pairings.cfm

I'll take John Daly in Cinks place then.

[Queen of the Beach]

First of all, I believe you mean the Buick Invitational. The Buick Open is later in the year.

Secondly, I believe Stewart Cink is not playing at Torrey Pines this week.

My picks are Vijay, Els and Weir. I've heard the greens are not in good shape, and Tiger had a lot of problems putting at Kapalua.

Last year's winner was Daly though I don't think he will place in the top 3 this year. This is Phil Michelson's debut tournament right? He has won this tournament 3 times already and I think he will come out strong since he's playing in his hometown. I'm also rooting for Ernie Els to be in the top 3. And I think Sergio Garcia will inject some excitement into the gallery as well. Of course I won't forget VJ who will probably put forth a strong game. But I don't think he will take this one because I have faith that Tiger will win this time as he had before. :) There is the added sponsor pressure and expectation from the fans. He won't let them or me down. hehee Go TIGER!

El tigre, I also heard that there were wet conditions in Southern California for the last couple weeks. And even if there are sunny skies this week and into the weekend the conditions of the greens might be unpredictable. I heard there is a major difference in the south course vs. the north course. I guess the players will have to cope. It should be interesting for sure.

[el tigre]

YES, thank you el tigre...Buick Invitational and thanks for pointing out Cink is not playing this week...might I add that Weir is NOT playing either...:rofl: :rofl:
http://www.pga.com/tournaments/scoring/pgatour_pairings.cfm

I'll take John Daly in Cinks place then.
Oops, I forgot that Weir was skipping this one. I'll switch lefties and take Phil in his place then.

[el tigre]

I like Shigheki at the Buick this week he's even more hungry after last week and he plays well on the West coast.Yeah, I picked him in the OG Fantasy Pool too.
I think Jesper Parnevik will surprise this week You mean he's going to wear pants and a shirt that match??:D

[noback]

I like Shigheki at the Buick this week he's even more hungry after last week and he plays well on the West coast. I think Jesper Parnevik will surprise this week, along with Luke Donald.Dont know about Jesper but Maruyama ususally does well in hot weather, not so good in cold.:D Yep I had him in the pool last week too. Going with Els, Phil, VJ and then Tiger in 4th. Garcia and Howell as wild cards.:p

[Ego Woods]

predicting Tiger, Els, & Garcia........and VJ misses the cut like he did last year......:D ...kidding...kidding...

[fireice]

You mean he's going to wear pants and a shirt that match??
I doubt it :D

It's only his second week back I'm sure he's got some great ones in his closet and he's just itchin' to wear them. :)

[laxgolf]

My picks:

1 - Mickelson
2 - Els
3 - Garcia

[Bogeybog]

Hmmm, pure supposition as there are often many surprises very early in the season, but I'll take a stab at:

Els
Vijay
Mickelson/Woods tied for third
I do however have a nagging feeling that a "darkhorse" will win this one.

[Ems]

I'm surprised Tiger isn't up there more on some of your lists. If it's his putting troubles of late, as explained by el tigre, don't you guys think he would have worked this out by today?

[Focker Singh]

I'm surprised Tiger isn't up there more on some of your lists. If it's his putting troubles of late, as explained by el tigre, don't you guys think he would have worked this out by today?
Exactly, nobody's got faith with Tiger...I bet his putting will be much better this weekend...different grass, Bentgrass.

[el tigre]

Exactly, nobody's got faith with Tiger...I bet his putting will be much better this weekend...different grass, Bentgrass. I think the greens at Torrey Pines are mostly POA Annua rather than bentgrass, but whatever. I heard that they're slow (by PGA standards) and Tiger hates slow greens. It's not like the guy can't putt - I just think the greens will keep him out of the top 3. I have 7 picks in my fantasy pool and he's one of them!

[Queen of the Beach]

I doubt it :D

It's only his second week back I'm sure he's got some great ones in his closet and he's just itchin' to wear them. :)
Don't you just crack up at his outfits? hehehe And there's also that commercial where he donates his old clothes to charity...he makes me laugh. I don't think anything he wears surprises me anymore.

[Focker Singh]

WOW, old man Lehman shot a 62 (-10) today!! Though he's been playing rather well over the past few months I don't have faith in him to finish up high. Hope he proves me wrong. Els is right there in contention. Lets hope he can win one to get his monkey off his back! VJ's -1, Tiger's -3 and Lefty's even.

[noback]

Should be another interesting weekend for sure. Gotta luv moving day on saturday.:D

BTW........... David Hearn sits at -2.:D

[Ego Woods]

GO TIGER!!!!!!!!!!

-4 thru 5 holes in R2 N.C.!!!

:D :D :D :D :D

[EDSGolf]

TSN is showing yesterday's round, is it postponed due to rain? By the way, those greens look awful, bumpy and wicked slow!

[noback]

Postponed due to fog.:eek:

Looked like it does in the mountains here when we play early rounds. Gotta know where to hit it. :D

Why would they stop ? ..............Arent they that good??:rofl:

[Focker Singh]

TSN is showing yesterday's round, is it postponed due to rain? By the way, those greens look awful, bumpy and wicked slow!
The greens look terrible and everyone's leaving putts short. Tiger is putting on a show today but glad the fog rolled in to stop his momentum. Come on VJ, make a move!!

[EDSGolf]

More fog today, sucks!

[noback]

No kidding. GRRRRRRRRRRR

Gotta get my fix.............:eek:

Oh well, Golf-O-Max tomorow at 7 will help. Gonna play Torrey Pines too.:D

[noback]

Looks like Phil took a nap today. Already at 6 over par after 13 holes. Maybe he's playing with some "inferior equipment".:rofl:

[EDSGolf]

Yeah, but aren't you happy Tiger is in 2nd noback? We better get to see the end of the golf on TV!!!!

[noback]

Everyone picks Tiger in the pools. So did I.:eek:

We just need to pick the right "alternates":D
I picked Els to win. Mind you I also picked Howell.:p

[Ego Woods]

TIGER!, TIGER!,TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!, TIGER!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Focker Singh]

If it weren't for some late collapses for Donald and Lehman, Tiger would not have won, but I must say he shot a very good -4 under today. Howell was charging late and I can't believe what happened to him on the 18th!!! That is probably the worst feeling for him. Congrats Ego, when do you want to go claim your free Pho?

[EDSGolf]

It would be cool if Tiger and VJ have a wicked battle this year and each win 6 tournaments and have the number #1 ranking change several times!!!

[Jaydog]

that would be super entertaining. i wouldn't mind seeing them go head to head on a final sunday.

[noback]

Eeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I knew Tiger could win again, as long as.....

1) VJ played badly
2) Phil didnt show up
3) Howell gets the shaft
4) Els didnt make his move
5) Luke Donald colapses
6) Lehman is still an old geezer

and the list goes on and on http://forum.ottawagolf.com/images/smilies/lol2.gif http://forum.ottawagolf.com/images/smilies/lol2.gif

We :hush: Tiger:rolleyes:

[Shadow]

A lesson for us all comes from Tiger's admission that his ball striking was not up to snuff, but his short game was, and that is what winner's do. Tiger's reverse pivot backswing will catch up and punish him more severely when he plays tighter courses, however, he is brilliant when it comes to putting the ball in the hole when he has to.

Luke Donald played the best tee to green and IMO has the best swing on Tour, however, two simple mistakes at the inopportune time, proved costly.

I hope that we are not forced to endure another year of the media's obsession with Tiger and VJ, however, I am a dreamer. Watching the best players playing their best is more interesting that watching the best players playing mediocre golf. Els has developed a loop at the top of his backstroke and while is is a great ball striker, unless you can putt, you can't win. If anyone is going to supplant VJ or Tiger, I would like it to be Ernie.

[Ego Woods]

I knew Tiger could win again, as long as.....

1) VJ played badly
2) Phil didnt show up
3) Howell gets the shaft
4) Els didnt make his move
5) Luke Donald colapses
6) Lehman is still an old geezer
*sigh*....always has to be atleast one.....ahaha......

Well HEY! VJ won a tournament the week before....I knew he could do it as long as:

1) Tiger wasn't in the field
2) Shigeki faltered on Sunday
3) Els was too late in making his move
4) Phil wasn't in the field
5) Goosen played mediocrely
6) Quigley faltered

[Ego Woods]

Congrats Ego, when do you want to go claim your free Pho?
YEP TIGER BEATS VJ AGAIN, I CASH IN ON MY BET YET AGAIN!!

Oh and Tiger did it while he was bed-ridden and lost 7lbs......:rolleyes:

[Outwest]

GO TIGER!!!!!!!!!!

-4 thru 5 holes in R2 N.C.!!!

:D :D :D :D :D
Tiger hung in there to win..he is not all the way back,but is on his way..This will do a lot for his confidence.Would love to see Tiger demolish V J this season..

[Ego Woods]

Els has developed a loop at the top of his backstroke and while is is a great ball striker, unless you can putt, you can't win. If anyone is going to supplant VJ or Tiger, I would like it to be Ernie.
Els has one of the sweetest and most smoothest swings on tour.......I'd say right now that he's got to be one of those players that have to get over the hump right now......all 3 tournaments, he's fallen awfully close and doesn't have anything to show for it.....

[Ego Woods]

Would love to see Tiger demolish V J this season..
HERE HERE!!! :D

[noback]

*sigh*....always has to be atleast one.....ahaha......

Well HEY! VJ won a tournament the week before....I knew he could do it as long as:

1) Tiger wasn't in the field
2) Shigeki faltered on Sunday
3) Els was too late in making his move
4) Phil wasn't in the field
5) Goosen played mediocrely
6) Quigley falteredNow you're fishing.:D

BTW..........anybody see The Golf Channel's shot of the tournament??
What a crock............. :nono:
Tiger's putt on 18 was it. Why the heck is that the shot of the day when he could have 3 putted and still won. It's a joke to say the least. It should have been Howell's shot on 18 that went in the hole and bounced out and into the pond.:eek: Now that was THE shot! Especially since he needed to hole out for a tie (at the time he was down by 2).

[Ego Woods]

Tiger's putt on 18 was it. Why the heck is that the shot of the day when he could have 3 putted and still won. It's a joke to say the least. It should have been Howell's shot on 18 that went in the hole and bounced out and into the pond.:eek: Now that was THE shot! Especially since he needed to hole out for a tie (at the time he was down by 2).
Agreed...Howell's ball into the hazard on the 18th should've been the shot of the day....

IF they were to pick one of Tiger's shots, I'd say it would've been the 20ft birdie putt on the 13th hole just to keep pace with Donald and Lehman.....

[Mok]

Now you're fishing.:D

BTW..........anybody see The Golf Channel's shot of the tournament??
What a crock............. :nono:
Tiger's putt on 18 was it. Why the heck is that the shot of the day when he could have 3 putted and still won. It's a joke to say the least. It should have been Howell's shot on 18 that went in the hole and bounced out and into the pond.:eek: Now that was THE shot! Especially since he needed to hole out for a tie (at the time he was down by 2).
saw a clip when lehman shot a hole in a bucket of water during the warm ups...haha that was during the delay after round 2....that shoulda been shot of the day haha.

[EDSGolf]

saw a clip when lehman shot a hole in a bucket of water during the warm ups...haha that was during the delay after round 2....that shoulda been shot of the day haha.
Actually that was the shot of the day on Saturday, Lehman's bucket shot! It was cool seeing the guys just playing/fooling around during the fog delayS.

[Shadow]

Els has one of the sweetest and most smoothest swings on tour.......I'd say right now that he's got to be one of those players that have to get over the hump right now......all 3 tournaments, he's fallen awfully close and doesn't have anything to show for it..... In what I wrote above I just realized that I left a word out. I was referring to a loop he has developed at the top of his PUTTING backstroke, which caused him to pull several putts.

Agree that Els has beautiful tempo, and I like his more humble demeanour even though you know he hates losing, however, beautiful tempo is relatively unimportant. Ben Hogan and Moe Norman had very fast swings and they were reasonably good ball strikers.

Luke Donald has a much better swing than Tiger Woods, but Tiger has greater ability. With Donald's swing, Tiger would be untouchable.

[Shadow]

Would love to see Tiger demolish V J this season.. What am I missing here? I used to think that golfers played against the golf course.

Are Tiger and VJ taking part in a demolition derby somewhere? Arm wrestling? Texas hold'um?

[Jaydog]

Agreed...Howell's ball into the hazard on the 18th should've been the shot of the day....

IF they were to pick one of Tiger's shots, I'd say it would've been the 20ft birdie putt on the 13th hole just to keep pace with Donald and Lehman.....

perhaps howell's shot was considered more of a mis-shot since the desired outcome was not achieved. very, very close tho. that would have been sweet.

[Queen of the Beach]

woohooo...looks like I'm amidst some mighty male locker room banter with all the posts back and forth on this thread. ;) Can an avid female golf and Tiger fan squeeze in a few words?! hehee I just want to say that TIGER DESERVED THAT WIN. He played well despite losing weight last week while battling the flu. He looked and sounded quite under the weather. But I am happy that he stayed on top. Some people might say that the other golfers handed Tiger the win. But seeing as no one would lose a golf tournament on purpose... that only means that Lehman, Donald and the others games just fell apart on Sunday. If you fall apart mentally and can't keep it up then you don't deserve to win. Golf is mostly a mental game after all.

P.S. Poor Howell must have upset the golf gods or how else can you describe that shot landing back into the water?! :eek: Poor guy!

[Queen of the Beach]

A lesson for us all comes from Tiger's admission that his ball striking was not up to snuff, but his short game was, and that is what winner's do. Tiger's reverse pivot backswing will catch up and punish him more severely when he plays tighter courses, however, he is brilliant when it comes to putting the ball in the hole when he has to.Agreed! We all know that putting can save any man's game or cost him the win. Tiger's putting back in the 1st tournament of 2005 was evidence of this. His ball striking was better at that tournament but he still lost. And this time at the Buick Invitational his putter didn't fail him and that was the difference.


I hope that we are not forced to endure another year of the media's obsession with Tiger and VJ, however, I am a dreamer. Watching the best players playing their best is more interesting that watching the best players playing mediocre golf. Els has developed a loop at the top of his backstroke and while is is a great ball striker, unless you can putt, you can't win. If anyone is going to supplant VJ or Tiger, I would like it to be Ernie.I'm actually enjoying the VJ vs. Tiger stats, stories and threads keep it coming. :)
Though I would like that competition to include Els right up there battling it out with them. Based on how Els played this past weekend...I wouldn't count on it unless he fixes something. And I am not sure how he will fix it.

[Shadow]

Agreed! We all know that putting can save any man's game or cost him the win. Tiger's putting back in the 1st tournament of 2005 was evidence of this. His ball striking was better at that tournament but he still lost. And this time at the Buick Invitational his putter didn't fail him and that was the difference. Good observation. At the Mercedes Tiger's improved ball striking was obvious and his putting was obviously painful to watch. He did not win.

This week his swing looked painful with the reverse pivot that showed up on several occasions, but his putting was great. He did win.

Now, if he continues to swing like he did last year, ie., blocking the ball, and his putting is less than spectacular, he could end up with another mediocre season. He will be interesting to watch in the next few tournaments, particularly at the Tournament Players Championship at Sawgrass, where the demand for good ball striking goes up.

[iyell4]

what a start to the tournament (and the year!) for Appleby!

... shouldn't speak too soon because he won the Merc in 2004 and 2005 too but didn't win again in the year.

[Carlton]

Lets see if Tiger keeps the SQ in the bag for tomorrow's round... Holy smokes, 1 fairway out of 14 hit, 12GIR and still managed a 1under par 70. BUT this was on the easy course too. Boy was Tiger ticked on the teebox during today's round!

[iyell4]

Lets see if Tiger keeps the SQ in the bag for tomorrow's round... Holy smokes, 1 fairway out of 14 hit, 12GIR and still managed a 1under par 70. BUT this was on the easy course too. Boy was Tiger ticked on the teebox during today's round!
SQ or not, ya gotta like TW's chances going into round 4 tomorrow! :)

[Greywolf]

The finish should be good, TW, Phil and Sergio all in the mix.

[Big Shooter]

How about that Nathan Green?

He lives in TORONTO!!!;)

[ForeontheFloor]

How about that Nathan Green?

He lives in TORONTO!!!;) Keep it together buddy. Man the top guys are all over the place today

Toronto, I wonder if there is a Hamilton near by

[iyell4]

in for a great finish!!! i hope we get a dramatic playoff ... but it would be great to see Green hold'em off for his first WIN.:)


crappy 'punch 3 wood' by tiger ... in da ruff!

[noback]

crappy 'punch 3 wood' by tiger ... in da ruff!Yeah and I bet he sleeps with it too. How many of you call your 3 wood "Woody"? Anybody hear that after that shot?:rofl: :rofl:

How about that Nathan Green?

He lives in TORONTO!!!;) Of course you mean the Toronto in New South Wales in Australia :D

[Grass Roots Tour]

Come On Ole.

Wouldnt it be fun to see Olazabal win and score one for the shorter hitters?

[iyell4]

this puppy's a goin' into OT!

go GREEN!

[ForeontheFloor]

I've got $5 on green
although I would like to see jose as well

nnnnnnnnnnnnnoooooooooooooooooooo

bets are now closed for green

but I will put $5 on Jose

[Grass Roots Tour]

I feel sooo sorry for Green. He almost puked at the side of 18 green from all that pressure. If you've never had anything on the line, you'll never understand how tough that truely is. Esp with two time Masters champion, Olazabal and the worlds' number 1 player waiting for ya.

[noback]

No kidding:eek:

Did you see him utter those famous words after that chunk into the fringe? Looked to me like the f-bomb. Good thing he wasnt miked:D

But still a pretty good weekend after the 5th place last week:cool:

[iyell4]

nice 3iron cut-shot on playoff hole#2 ... advantage TW!

Olly in da sand.

No kidding:eek:

Did you see him utter those famous words after that chunk into the fringe? Looked to me like the f-bomb. Good thing he wasnt miked:D

But still a pretty good weekend after the 5th place last week:cool:that chunk from the fringe was brutal :( ... that's a shot I could (and do often) make!

olly ..nice blast from the beach!

[ForeontheFloor]

nnnnnoooooooooooooo

all bets off

$%#@& damn Woods

excuse me:beer:

[kingplayer]

Tiger wins again!!! AWESOME

[Thimble]

wow, total tiger factor... ollie should've had that putt...

[Golfbum]

I feel sooo sorry for Green. He almost puked at the side of 18 green from all that pressure. If you've never had anything on the line, you'll never understand how tough that truely is. Esp with two time Masters champion, Olazabal and the worlds' number 1 player waiting for ya.
Maybe it was tough for Green, in his 2nd PGA event. But being in a playoff in his 2nd PGA event, and making that biride on 18 shows me this guy has game, and lots of it. Two TOP 5's in his first two events, he is damn close to securing his card for next year after 2 tournaments.:clap:

Sergio let me down again today. :( He is one of the best drivers of the ball and he can't putt. Imagine if he was one of the top 10 putters on tour? A lot of guys, including Woods would be playing for 2nd place in a lot of tournaments.

[EDSGolf]

Green choked big time, poor guy, ah well he's just starting out on Tour and got a big check $$$!

[iyell4]

Green choked big time, poor guy, ah well he's just starting out on Tour and got a big check $$$!T-2 is a great finish!!!:)

[noback]

Sergio let me down again today. :( He is one of the best drivers of the ball and he can't putt. Imagine if he was one of the top 10 putters on tour? A lot of guys, including Woods would be playing for 2nd place in a lot of tournaments.He looks very uncomfortable standing over his ball when he putts. :confused:

[Grass Roots Tour]

Green choked big time, poor guy, ah well he's just starting out on Tour and got a big check $$$!

If you aint chokin its cause theres nothing on the line. Try it, play for $1000 of yer bucks, you'll see.

[Thimble]

He looks very uncomfortable standing over his ball when he putts. :confused:it's his new putting stroke. he's just not used to it, yet.

[sharkhark]

I remember breaking 80 for the first time, and at a crappy not even par 72 course at that (Derrydale).

I was by myself trying to lag to hole sitting on 77. Hands shaking left it 3 feet short. Shaking again sunk putt, but thought a heart attack was coming.

We all are capable of pressure getting us, best way to learn as green found out, is through failure. He will get better from it.

[Grass Roots Tour]

I remember breaking 80 for the first time, and at a crappy not even par 72 course at that (Derrydale).

I was by myself trying to lag to hole sitting on 77. Hands shaking left it 3 feet short. Shaking again sunk putt, but thought a heart attack was coming.

We all are capable of pressure getting us, best way to learn as green found out, is through failure. He will get better from it.

Wait till one day your at a GRT event and the entire field that finished before you is having a beer watching you finish out. You'll see what pressure is. But, if your like me, its fun. I loved it. :D

[Gligster The Amatuer]

I thought green had a great chance after an awsome drive and then tiger and oly having to lay up i thought this was going to be his if he found the putting surface but the the grandstands got in the way and then 2 bad chips but give the kid a break top 5 in his first two events. Kids good. As for Tiger as much as i like to see him win it didnt seem like he played well today as he was getting disapointed alot and seemed to hit some poor shots but recovery nicely (ex.#17) Tiger won again tho from his opponent missing a short put in a playoff....Can we think back to who did it last time??? BIG JOHN DALY!

[Thimble]

but give the kid a break top 5 in his first two events. Kids good. um, he's almost old enough to be your dad?

[Ego Woods]

TIGER!!

I bet somebody a free session at an indoor range (after Tiger finished the front nine in R4) that Tiger would win despite being at one point 2 shots behind Nathan Green when he holed his eagle in the par 5. Lucky for me. :D

Wasn't pretty, but Tiger got the job done.

[iyell4]

the cat ... proves he's a WINNER ... nerves o' steel putting at the 72nd hole to join the playoff.

then Jose missed his shortish par putt on the 2nd playoff hole to continue the playoff . ...
i'm sure TW would've wanted to seal the win with a birdie and not an opponents miss, but hey, a win is a win and he's had his share of 'em at the Buick Invitational.

[noback]

Wasn't pretty, but Tiger got the job done.I can agree with that, not that I like it, but I can agree with it.:hush:

Too bad for Green, but the guy is playing well so far this year. I wont hesitate to take him in a pool.:cool:

[Bellyhungry]

In the last two PGA play offs that Tiger was in , his opponents both missed short putts and lost the playoff.

May be it is his intimidation factor, plus the pressure.

IMO, Tiger won because he made that 8-footer in regulation to secure a play off spot. After that, he was in his zone and it was just a matter of time.

Good way to kick off the PGA year where Tiger watch starts early this year.

[chiantibro]

It's funny, but this thread started with last year's Buick. Now almost as long as the Eddie Belfour/Pylon thread.