Surprises few in top PGA stops
With The Players and the Wachovia Championship behind us and The Memorial and U.S. Open on the horizon, the PGA Tour is in the midst of one of the meatiest portions of its schedule — last week and this week notwithstanding.
Golf is built on big events. That’s why the majors define careers.
So what are the 10 biggest events on the PGA Tour?
Here’s one man’s ranking:
1. Masters
It’s the best for so many reasons — the course, the history, Amen Corner, green jackets, Hogan shooting 66 near the end of his career, Arnie making double-bogey at the last to lose, Gene Sarazen’s double-eagle, Jack in `86 shall I go on?
2. British Open
The case can be made that it’s the biggest tournament to the rest of the world and that’s probably true. It has had some quirky winners recently (Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton come to mind), but it’s played on fantastic courses and has a feel unlike anything else. Golf in the Open is played on the ground as well as through the air, something missing in U.S. golf.
Plus the Claret Jug is really cool.
3. U.S Open
It’s as charming as a set of brass knuckles to the teeth, but it’s the U.S. national championship. The U.S. Golf Association’s obsession with par has taken much of the fun from the Open, but it’s usually a captivating struggle to watch as Phil Mickelson demonstrated last June.
4. PGA Championship
This one gets almost everything right. The course set-up is demanding but not sadistic. It’s on terrific layouts that produce action more than reaction. And it almost always has a compelling storyline.
5. The Players
It’s not the fifth major. It’s The Players, an event unique unto itself. The course is largely responsible for making it what it is — memorable. Yeah, the 17th hole might be gimmicky, but so what? It’s one reason we pay so much attention.
Plus, with the new giant clubhouse, if they get a rain delay, there’s enough room to let everyone come inside.
6. Wachovia Championship
In five years, it’s become a model for PGA Tour events. When you put together a great old-style course, a perfect date, leadership that understands golf and has a commitment to being the best, you get the Wachovia Championship. There’s a reason 27 of the top 30 in the world played here this year.
7. The Memorial
Jack’s tournament is one of those special events that jump out on the schedule. It has a Masters feel in spots and it’s on a fantastic golf course. It also has Nicklaus, who did everything right.
8. The Nissan
It’s at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., which immediately makes it special. It’s also played when most of us back east are still caught in winter and our golf season hasn’t come to life. The 10th hole is one of the best short par-4s in the world and it’s near L.A., baby.
9. WGC — Accenture Match Play Championship
Match play doesn’t always produce a made-for-TV showdown of the stars, but it’s a great window into the mental side of competitive golf. Every match is a different story. Plus, if Nick O’Hern can take down Tiger Woods twice, there’s something unique about it.
10. Verizon Heritage
It’s the perfect after-Masters decompression chamber. Hilton Head Island, S.C. The beach. Bike paths. Alligators. No pressure. A good field. An extraordinary golf course, Mid-April. Seafood. The Calibogue Sound.
Maybe it should be rated higher.