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Weblog
Saturday, July 26, 2008
That's It
And we are finished. Through my years of covering championships and tournaments, I don't recall one ever being as soggy as this. It just rained steadily, making it miserable for this poor sap who, at first, forgot to bring an umbrella. But it's not always about me.
Today was a textbook lesson about golf. Hit your fairways and greens and you give yourself a chance. If you don't, you struggle. Poor Evan Beck struggled. The match seemed to snowball on him from the start.
When he lost, he got emotional while walking with his dad. That was obviously the competitor in him. But Beck has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. There were 154 players that didn't earn the right to play in the final. Sometimes losing teaches valuable lessons. Beck will probably become a better player for it.
Thanks to everyone for checking in. As always, we appreciate it. Until next year .... keep hitting it straight.
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First 18 Finished
We have made it to the break. Cameron Peck is leading, 6 up. Why the lead? Peck has simply been more consistent than Evan Beck.
If you're a stat hound, Beck has hit half his fairways and half his greens in regulation. Peck, meanwhile, has gone 10 for 14 with fairways and 11 of 18 with greens in regulation.
The biggest problem for Beck has been his penchant to spray the ball. No doubt about it, he's struggling. He's been in the sand a lot today.
He still has time to regroup and make a charge.
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Dark
It is dark and dreary here. We've had lightning on and off since about 7:45 a.m. CDT. Officiuals are reporting that we've had about 1/4 inch so far.
Switching gears, is there a better story than Evan Beck? After nearly missing the championship because he missed qualifying by the hair of his chin, he got the call to get here. He was an alternate. Look at him now. It just goes to show that there are many, many talented golfers out there.
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Delayed Part II
We have been delayed. But the good news is that we're about to get going again in about 25 minutes. Storm has passed.
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Down To Four
I have to say I'm impressed with our semifinalists. Covered Jordan Spieth and this kid, all of 14, comes across well polished. Normally when I talk or interview a subject, I'm also probing their demeanor. Are they just happy to be here? Do they have any self doubt? Are they too hard on themselves? So it goes.
I never sensed any of that in Spieth. He's a competitor, no doubt, but he also understands it's golf. It's a game, it's something he excels at he's always trying to do better.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is by being polished. In his case, it's the way he handles himself. He does offer up nuggets of revelation that suggest a realistic view. That's part honesty and part of knowing your limitations, I guess.
Enjoy the semifinals.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Getting To Know You
Here's what I enjoy about the amateur championships (as if you asked). I'm going to tell you anyway.
There are so many new faces each year that it can get overwhelming if you let it. The issue, and it's a good problem, is that they are potential acquaintances you'll see down the road. Most important, the players and parents are genuine for the most part.
I like sitting down with a player at lunch or on the range and getting to know them. Just setting out on their path in golf, their eyes gleam and the excitement is palpable. There is no star too high in the sky. Call it young age, optimism or whatever. But it's refreshing to be around. There are times you would think you'd get that vibe from some of the pros who have made it big. But not so. Some don't look like they enjoy what they do.
So my advice is this: never lose the passion and never look at golf as a chore. It's supposed to be fun. It's a game, yes, but a minute one in the granddaddy of them all, called life.
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They play on
It might be a little late but covering the David Persons-Matthew Ceravolo match Wednesday was a treat. Couldn't have asked for better golf. The only downfall, as Persons said afterward, was that neither deserved to lose. It's hard to argue that. Especially when both shot the equivalent of 69 through 18 holes.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
More Weather
I feel like I'm talking about the weather too much in this space, but here we go again. There's an alert out because we have some storms moving in again. Let's hope they pass. We won't be getting in the first round of match play as it stands already. The last match goes off at 6:09 p.m. CDT.
Happen to see Cody Gribble's late charge? After a birdie on No. 17 to pull even with Jorge Fernandez Valdes, he bogeyed the final hole.
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We Are Playing
The weather this morning is better, but not by a whole lot. The sun has poked out here and there, but the threat of rain looms. I do feel for those players who had to come back and finish their rounds today. For those who are going to advance into match play, they'll need to turn around and get going.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Play Is Finished
Just in, play has been suspended for the day. Too many storms or potential threat of storms. Therefore, the practice areas will be opened at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday with play resuming at 8 a.m.
It's been interesting sharing our media center with 70 some people. We were designated as a safehouse. Now we believe the players have a new-found appreciation of what we do. Well, can't say that because we weren't doing a whole lot.
Maybe it was a bad thing to herd them in here, after all?
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