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U.S. Junior Amateur Blog
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Finished
And we are finished. On a personal note, I can't say enough about the two finalists. Both are top-notch individuals with solid heads on their shoulders. Both were respectful of the game and one another. At this level, that speaks to their upbringing.
It's always moving to see someone reach a sought-after goal. Whitsett never stopped believing in himself. Even when questions hovered about why he should win, he never took them as negatives.
Sitting here, doused in sweaty clothes (nice imagery, eh?), it's hard to believe another championship has come to an end. As usual, it went by fast. Bet I walked about 50 miles this week. But it was all worth it. The kids are good. Fun to watch.
Anyway, until next year ............ take care all.
Ken
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First 18 Done
OK, first 18 are in the books. Cory Whitsett simply capitalized off Anthony Paolucci's mistakes before they made the turn. Right now Whitsett is the steadier of the two, and it shows in the score.
Naturally, as he came off 18, Whitsett said, "I just want to get it done."
The key right now points to their accuracy off the tee and on the green. Paolucci isn't making any long putts, or should I say make-able putts. Be back soon.
On a separate note, more notable members after walking through the locker room: Mark McGwire, Chris Pronger, Quin Snyder, and a couple from the Busch family.
Ken
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Trivial Matters
For those of you interested in this kind of thing, here are some interesting facts about today's final. I can't take the bow here. This information comes from David Shefter, our illustrious staff writer who is covering the U.S. Girls' Junior this week. And here we go:
This is the first
All-Texas final in Junior history.
This is the eighth
time two players from the same state have squared off in the final match at the
Junior, six have been All-California finals, and one an All-Arizona finale
(2006)
All-California
finals occurred in 1994, 1974, 1973, 1966, 1962 and 1954.
The last Texan to win
the title was Matthew Rosenfeld in 2000.
So stick that in your memory bank. May be useful by day's end. Off to walk the course for the 895th time this week. I have lost some weight, but that's not important.
Ken
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Friday, July 27, 2007
Two Texans In Final
Here's to the Lone Star State for
producing two finalists. I'd have to say it's a toss-up between
Paolucci and Whitsett. Both have been resilient, consistent and
mentally strong. Says a lot for a 14 and 15 year old.
Ken |
Last Match
By the way, play has resumed.
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Almost There
Have to admit I was a little surprised at the Graham-Whitsett match. Not so much at the outcome but that Graham simply lost his accuracy. He was all over the place in his match, which helped Whitsett. However, Whitsett was solid. Machine-like.
It hasn't been reported much but Whitsett's caddie this week is Ryan Rue. For you diehards, Rue caddied for Chris DiMarco the last year and a half. He was on his bag at last year's British Open. After Whitsett won, Rue raved about Whitsett's course management for such a young age. Whitsett is 15.
Whitsett agreed with the course management comment. "I take a lot of pride in my course management. I don't do stupid stuff," he said after he beat Graham.
By the way, play has been suspended due to inclement weather.
Ken
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Coming In
Matches are beginning to end today. Wesley Graham was the first one done. This kid is pretty motivated. So down to earth too. He's battling blisters on both heels. Both heels are covered with industrial-sized band-aids, with another set of band-aids underneath. It just speaks to the grind these players go through this week.
"There is nothing like it," Graham told me after I asked him if any other junior tournaments compare to this championship. "There are no other tournaments that go on as long. This is where the best of the best play."
For whatever reason, Graham said he was "pretty pumped up" today. I laughed. He's pretty intense as it is on the course, commenting loudly after every shot.
Back on the course. I shall return. By the way, looks like a threat of rain today. Really overcast.
Ken
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Thursday, July 26, 2007
Long Day
My legs feel like Jello. Lots of walking today. Sultry conditions just zapped all the energy, so I can only imagine what the players, and caddies, feel like about now. Probably snoozing.
I did run into Dan Dierdorf on the course today. He's a member here. So are other luminaries you might recognize, like Joe Buck and Ozzie Smith. Just an interesting trivial note.
Right now I'd say Peter Uihlein and Wesley Graham are the favorites. Both are going to be hard to knock off. Two more matches tomorrow. Time to get some rest.
Ken
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Tough Day
Today features two matches, with the potential of 36 holes (or more) of golf for those who make it past the second round. There's little doubt that the sweltering conditions will take its toll on some. Fatigue can do funny things to the thought process, and mechanics of any swing. Of course, many of these players are used to such conditions.
Ken
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Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Still Here
Apologies for what might appear as a dereliction of duties. I decided to take in the David Chung-Wesley Graham match, which went 20 holes. It stood out as a marquee matchup and lived up to expectations. Hopefully I'll have something prepared soon. Almost finished.
This was one of the vagaries of match play in which two strong players are matched up against one another early. Each player has the pedigree to get to the semifinals or win. It's always tough when one of these types of players are eliminated early. Chung, as you might expect, was disappointed. However, he answered every question immediately after the match ended like a pro. Graham, a bit intense on the course, had nothing but kind things to say about Chung. Graham called it his most intense match play match ever.
Ken
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