in Golf Articles

Of all the surreal moments that happened on Day 2, I truly believe that CBS dropping “Party Like a Rockstar” during a quick promo for Tiger Woods. Yes I know he’s a big name, but this is the prestigious PGA for Pete’s sake! But perhaps the song is appropriate since Tiger did, indeed, party like a rockstar going minus-7 and catapulting himself to the head of the class.

Graeme Storm, the leader after day one, failed to make it rain for a second day and ended the day at plus-6 which sits him tied for fifteenth overall. Storm can thunder through the final two days hypothetically, but expect the PGA Championship underdog to slowly drizzle out of contention.

It’s a shame really, since he gave this writer so much to work with. The last name “Storm”, he was a cake maker not too long ago…I know it’s a shame he’ll slowly dwindle out of contention at Southern Hills but I’m more disappointed in his performance for myself.

Still in the running is the other crowd favorite, Mr. John Daly. whose aggressive style of play is pleasing the crowd and bewildering the announcers who are constantly claiming that this course requires precision above all else. Doesn’t sound like his type of course, but Daly is brave (i.e. dumb) enough and aggressive (i.e. stupid) enough to stick to his guns in this tournament.

Yesterday I told you that Daly was worth a long shot bet because he is not as dumb as he looks…or acts…or talks…ok, fact is he can be a damn good golfer when he needs to be. He hurt his chances today by going plus-4 but he is still in the mix. And the fact remains that the crowd is behind him, which will boost his confidence. You can’t honestly tell me you don’t want Daly in the running going in to Sunday. Try it. See? You can’t.

After the length of Southern Hills, and the heat of Oklahoma, took its toll on the morning golfers, the real talent came to the stage in the afternoon. Scott Verplank, one of the best drivers in the tournament, and Canadian Stephen Ames, secured spots at the top of the leaderboard by shooting minus-4 and minus-1 respectively.

Ernie Els who has been rather quiet this season, roared back with a minus-3 on the day finishing tied for sixth place. He played the type of patient and consistent game needed to succeed at Southern Hills. He will need to be at the top of his game to keep up with a roaring Tiger Woods, however.

My Mom called me to tell me about how good looking Camila Villegas from Columbia is (don’t worry, my Dad did the same thing with Paula Creamer in 2002). The sweet swinger finished plus-1 on the day breaking even overall and tied for tenth. Nobody expected Villegas to be in the running, and he played well considering a few bad breaks today. Keep an eye out on him to stay in the running.

Sergio Garcia, the golfer everyone loves to hate, fell apart in the sand on the eleventh hole when it took three strokes for him to escape the bunker. Then everything crumbled to crap for the kid through the rest of the back-9. Anyone who bet money on the idea of Sergio winning his first major at the PGA Championship is surely kicking themselves in the face right now.

Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh, two of the best golfers this year, are way out of the running. Phil Mickelson, however, is in striking distance of Woods after battling to minus-1 today. He remains two over par and his troublesome wrist is going to keep him from contending. Both Furyk and Mickelson would be wise to pull out of the PGA Championship to concentrate on the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

But, in all honesty, can anyone keep up with Tiger when he is playing like this? He finished with a 63 on a par-70 course and has secured a two stroke lead heading in to day three. The field is shaking because Tiger is in the zone, and when he’s there, he’s untouchable.

The only golfers who have a serious chance of staying competitive are Ernie Els and Scott Verplank. A long and angular course like Southern Hills is right in Verplank’s wheelhouse. And, of course, Ernie Els’ experience and performance on day two warrant him attention.

At this point, it is Tiger’s tournament to lose. Let’s hope that John Daly can maintain the pace because he is just fun to watch. Expect Els to hammer his way in to the top-5 as Verplank struggles to keep pace with Woods. Tiger has waited all year for a major victory, and now there is one within his grasp.

Take a swing at today to make betting on golf earn you cash.