TOC Champion

Congratulations to Jonathan Byrd for his playoff victory last night in Hawaii. An underdog going into Kapalua, Byrd's slow and steady wins the race proves true, though his eagle on the par four 10th during the first round no doubt helped his score and confidence. Byrd's par on 18 made it possible for even bigger underdog Robert Garrigus to enter a sudden death playoff.

The 18th proved a scratch as both golfers made par. A short drive in the stylish 2011 Hyundai Veracruz (ahem, a little endorsement money Hyundai?) to the first tee box led to two more great fairway drives. Byrd had a 3 iron in while Garrigus' mega distance only required a soft 9. Byrd's lengthy draw putt came so close to the hole the trophy engravers were jumping up to inscribe Byrd's name. Alas, that missed putt sat just outside Garrigus' 2 someodd foot putt. Byrd sinks his putt for what seemed like a third playoff hole.

Just then the heavens opened up and told Robert his putt was uphill 15 feet and that's exactly how he played it. Only problem was it was two feet and the plane was level. Needless to say Garrigus blasted his putt another three feet past the hole to end the playoff. I hope to see him at the top of the leaderboards again soon... Now on to the Sony!

Kapalua

The day we've all been waiting for is finally here & I don't know about you, but I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Tomorrow begins the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at undeniably the most picturesque courses on tour (and one of the most difficult in the opinion of many tour players).

The Plantation Course at Kapalua boasts Maui's most beautiful coastal scenery, 7,400 challenging yards as well as the only par 73 on the PGA. The best part of Kapalua is, in my opinion, the 521 yard par 5 ninth. Players face strong, in your face winds & a massive valley which must be carried on your second shot or you're facing a blind approach to the plateaued green.

Big news out today, defending champ Oglviy withdrew from the tournament due to a finger injury he suffered on the beach earlier this week. Also breaking news, Mehleck didn't take him out of his line up - dummy!

Only the Beginning

As 2011 approaches I can't help but think about what I'm sure a lot of you are thinking about at this time of year. No, I'm not recalling how special the holidays were or how I'm ever going to stick to my new years resolutions. I'm not thinking is my car going to start tomorrow, will we be seeing above freezing temps soon? No, nothing like that at all...

My mind wonders to thoughts of green grass, white balls and tidy traps. To 'silence' signs, record crushing drives and IJP's latest FootJoy obsession. It's time, for golf. That's right ladies and gents, the 2011 PGA season is upon us and I for one am looking forward to an exciting season of rookie opportunities, foolish rules violations and (watch out Roy) Tiger attacks!!

The biggest news of 2010 was undoubtedly the changing of the guards as Lee Westwood takes over as #1 in the world. Westood secured his 109.7 point lead over Tiger despite having only one win (ending his 12-year victory drout in a 4-hole sudden-death playoff with Swede Robert Karlsson). Woods, hands full with major publicity clean-up, participated in a mear 12 events (making 11 cuts) and finished winless for the first time in his 15-years professional career.

Will Westeood be able to secure his standings throughout the year? Publically humiliated, personally tormented & dethroaned, Tiger has more than enough reasons to be working extra hard with new swing coach Sean Foley. The question then becomes, will Foley make the cut? Since parting ways with long-time coach and friend Hank Haney in the spring of 2010, Tiger has gone through four coaches and a myriad of swing styles. His traditional fierce competitivness was replaced by second guesses and shots that resembled a first timer on the range.

Bottom line, Westwood shines like a beacon of oppertunity for anyone who ever thought they were mearly playing for second place against Tiger (I'm looking at you Mickelson). The chance is there for someone determined enough to stand up to the challange.