Coach MO checks in from the road...
I'm writing this blog whilst sitting on the plane headed out to West Palm for the Honda. With the west coast having just finished, it seems like a good time to go over the beginning of PP's season.
When 2007 began it was almost like starting over with having missed so much of last season. Even though the elbow felt fine for the last few weeks of 2006, it was a very different matter of whether it could stand up to the rigors of playing and hitting balls on a daily basis. For me, the highlight of the 2007 season thus far has been no injuries. Both PP and Jeff (Banazak) have worked hard getting him back to match fitness and touch wood, the elbow is feeling fine.
A top ten at the Sony in Hawaii was the perfect start to a new season. PP realized he was not that far away from being back to top form. Unfortunately, this was followed by two poor weeks at the Buick Invitational (Torrey Pines) and the FBR Classic (TPC Scottsdale), where PP has never made the cut. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, playing home games at both Torrey and PHX are can be very difficult with so much off-the-course stuff to take care off, so the Florida swing always seems to come at the perfect time.
After PHX it was quite important that PP made a cut and he played nicely at Pebble, but really didn't score as well as he played. However, I know he enjoyed playing with Kelly Slater, Jason Gore and Carson Daly. He felt good about his game coming to Riviera, a course where he has played well in the past. The 8th place finish was solid and I think it shows PP's class as that leaderboard in LA was full of blue chip players. It was the strongest field to date.
PP's confidence in his game was shown to me last Sunday night as he told me he was "disappointed" with his t13 finish at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. A very good sign.
As we get to the Florida swing, the players will feel the changes to the schedule as Doral is a World Golf Event and was moved to late March. Tampa has moved from October to March and the PLAYERS Championship at Sawgrass has moved from March to May. As for the Honda, it's being played on another golf course, but PP has always played well in the Sunshine State. From his Q-School victory in late 2001, right up through four top ten finishes since 2002 (two of which were top five).
Most west coast boys struggle on the Bermuda greens in Florida, but PP loves them so look for some strong golf in the next few weeks.
When 2007 began it was almost like starting over with having missed so much of last season. Even though the elbow felt fine for the last few weeks of 2006, it was a very different matter of whether it could stand up to the rigors of playing and hitting balls on a daily basis. For me, the highlight of the 2007 season thus far has been no injuries. Both PP and Jeff (Banazak) have worked hard getting him back to match fitness and touch wood, the elbow is feeling fine.
A top ten at the Sony in Hawaii was the perfect start to a new season. PP realized he was not that far away from being back to top form. Unfortunately, this was followed by two poor weeks at the Buick Invitational (Torrey Pines) and the FBR Classic (TPC Scottsdale), where PP has never made the cut. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, playing home games at both Torrey and PHX are can be very difficult with so much off-the-course stuff to take care off, so the Florida swing always seems to come at the perfect time.
After PHX it was quite important that PP made a cut and he played nicely at Pebble, but really didn't score as well as he played. However, I know he enjoyed playing with Kelly Slater, Jason Gore and Carson Daly. He felt good about his game coming to Riviera, a course where he has played well in the past. The 8th place finish was solid and I think it shows PP's class as that leaderboard in LA was full of blue chip players. It was the strongest field to date.
PP's confidence in his game was shown to me last Sunday night as he told me he was "disappointed" with his t13 finish at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. A very good sign.
As we get to the Florida swing, the players will feel the changes to the schedule as Doral is a World Golf Event and was moved to late March. Tampa has moved from October to March and the PLAYERS Championship at Sawgrass has moved from March to May. As for the Honda, it's being played on another golf course, but PP has always played well in the Sunshine State. From his Q-School victory in late 2001, right up through four top ten finishes since 2002 (two of which were top five).
Most west coast boys struggle on the Bermuda greens in Florida, but PP loves them so look for some strong golf in the next few weeks.
2 Comments:
Pat I got money on you over Stricker.. Lets cash that ticket homie!!
PP,
It was good times once again. I look forward to seeing you and H out at Bay Hill. The only regret I have is that we didn't get a chance to broil that damn dog. I think he would have tasted better than Burger King but that's just me!
Good Times,
B
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