The Transitions Championship ended with a sudden-death playoff which was won by Luke Donald. The big payoff for Donald was returning to the #1 position in the world golf ranks. Rory McIlroy sure had a short run at #1 but I’m sure he will be in that position again. Actually, I think the world number one position will change hands quite a few times this year. There are just too many outstanding players within reach of number one.
My picks did not do well this week. Here are the results:
(1) Charl Schwartzel — Schwartzel missed the cut. I can’t believe he played so poorly (shot a 76 on the Thursday and 73 on Friday) Just goes to show how difficult it is to maintain a consistent level of golf week after week.
(2) John Senden — Senden finished tied for 38th. He had a great first round score of 66 but then shot 70,70, and 73. You can’t shoot three rounds in the 70’s and be in contention.
(3) Padraig Harrington — On Thursday, as bad as Schwartzel played, I was thrilled with Patty’s play. Harrington shot a 61 (10 under par). He shot a new course record! Then day two came and the “luck of the Irish” left him — he shot a 73. When all was said and done on Sunday, Harrington was tied for 20th.
(4) J. J. Henry — My “what the heck pick this week.” I had hoped for a top 20 finish (because Henry tied for 20th at the Transitions Championship last year); but no such luck. Henry finished with an overall score of 285 (Tied 66th).
So one common theme for all my guys — they all had one round when they shot a 73. Not a good thing to have in common.