Random Thoughts from My Desk

This weeks column isnt about deep thoughts, or long conversation. Its not about research either.
 
After spending the week at the Barclays hosting our Sprint Post Game shows and a week sitting glued to week two of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, and other tournament golf, Im simply tossing you some one-liners that might allow you to fire back with a response.
 
  • Steve Strickers win at the Barclays and the way it happened was better for the Playoffs than Tiger winning ' which might have ended the run for the cup before anyone was winded.
     
  • Vijay Singh missing 2 straight cuts on the PGA TOUR? Amazing. And given that he was in danger again at the Deutsche Bank, somethings not right. (He didnt miss the cut ' and given that hed never missed 3 straight ' he wasnt going to)
     
  • Tiger Woods hitting a 30 yard cut fairway wood from a fairway bunker and hitting the green was proof that Woods is the best shotmaker in the game ' period.
     
  • The fact that Woods 3-putted the same hole and struggled with 3-putts for the week in Boston means hes human (which is nice.)
     
  • Phil Mickelson isnt as consistent as Woods week-to-week. but when hes on hes just as fun to watch.
     
  • Woods and Mickelson together for 3 of 4 rounds at the Deutsche Bank Championship? Cmon who could ask for anything better.
     
  • I really believe these Playoff events will come to mean more to win for players than the WGC events. More at stake, more pressure, and more emotion ' ask Steve Stricker who probably treasures his Barclays win more than his Accenture Match-Play title.
     
  • Rich Beem is the best there is ' in the pressroom. As well as hes played in the playoffs, its a shame hes not in Chicago ' at least for a press conference or two before the tournament.
     
  • Whos the first network to hire Beem someday as an on-course commentator? I hope its GOLF CHANNEL.

  • Sherri Steinhauers wire-to-wire win was exhilarating to watch. Im serious. Did you see the finish? Talk about clutch ' which is great for Betsy Kings Solheim Cup hopes.
     
  • Speaking of King. Her choice not to pick Christina Kim can certainly be questioned. Runner-up finishes in consecutive weeks and a whole lot of fire ' which never hurts in cup competition. Diaz has it. Castrale? Dont think so.
     
  • Annikas still stuck on 69 wins. Shocking. 7 events since her return from a ruptured disk in her neck. If there really is a golf god then please let her get there.
     
  • Arron Oberholser has the exact makeup youd like on a Ryder Cup team. I hope hes there when Azingers team visits Valhalla.
     
  • Dr. Gil Morgan beats Hale Irwin on the Champions Tour at Pebble Beach. More than 60 wins combined for the two men who used to dual week-to-week. If we cant get OMeara and Price then Morgan and Irwin make us think back to some good ol days.
     
  • Please no points next year for the FedEx Cup do it on money. And reward more guys for good play in each of the events. Brian Hewitt is advocating some bonus points or money for low round of the day, which keeps everyone involved. I like it.
     
  • As much as I loved the Deutsche Bank. I cant warm up to a Monday finish. Lets get this thing done on Sunday so everyone can enjoy the day with the family.
     
  • Nothing against Michelle Wie, but its been a nice break from the hype the last few weeks. Let her get her game back before the publicity train rolls again.
     
  • If Appalachian State can beat Michigan ' in Ann Arbor.. then the PGA TOUR needs to allow for a better chance of somebody outside number 15 winning the FedEx Cup. (PGA TOUR projections never allowed for someone outside 13 in their computer runs.)
     
  • I guarantee the BMW Championship will have a bigger feel than any WGC event played this year. Kudos to Commissioner Tim Finchem for the idea though it still needs some tweaking. (Dont know what that says about the WGC events moving forward.)
     
  • Actually, I wish theyd go away with the exception of the Match Play. Keep the venues but rid us of the no-cut, big purse event and find a way to give back to some of the tournaments that have lost their way. For example ' the folks in Milwaukee who support their event as well as anyone.
     
    Im sure Im missing something. But thats where you come in. And thanks for the responses I get each week ' positive or otherwise. Your thoughts are welcome.
     

    Email your thoughts to Kraig Kann