Dufner Avenges 2011 & wins the PGA Championship

Two years ago, a virtual unknown named Jason Dufner looked like he was going to win his first major and
be with the likes of Shaun Micheel, Rich Beem and other random golfers surprising everyone to win the PGA Championship. Dufner would hit water on 16 leading to an epic collapse leaving him in a playoff with Keegan Bradley. In the playoff, he continued to struggle in the playoff leading to Bradley taking home the Wanamaker Trophy.



Dufner ended up becoming more than just a random player on the tour as he won two tournaments in 2012 and made the Ryder Cup team as well. Dufner can now add 'Major champion' as he took home the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

Dufner came out firing on Friday afternoon after torrential rains left the greens softer than baby bottom allowing for many players to go low like that Ludacris song. Duff Daddy as Bradley, his BFF on the tour likes to call him, drilled an approach shot straight into the cup for an eagle on number two. This would spark Dufner's round leading him to tie a major record by shooting a 63.  He had control of this tournament heading into the weekend with a two stroke advantage but the leaderboard was stacked with 2013 major winners like Adam Scott and Justin Rose plus golfers like Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker chasing their first Major like Dufner.

Like most Saturdays at a major, there were some tight moments and people fell back a bit to the pack. Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jonas Blixt made a push, but the final five groups at some point where a combined 20 over par. Dufner hit a ball into the water on number five leading to a double bogey which was his first one since the 18th on Thursday.  People expected the wheels to come off as it has before but Dufner kept his composure for the most part with ten pars, two birdies and one bogey to finish the round only trailing Jim Furyk on the final day.

Now, there is nothing better than a golfer going out on a major Sunday and winning the damn thing instead of just being the one golfer who does not completely throw up on his shoes. Dufner dominated Sunday's round with three birdies on the front nine holding at minimum a two-stroke lead on Furyk but on 15, water loomed for Dufner just like it did in Atlanta in 2011. Dufner took the water completely out of play and made a safe par. He would finish the tournament with two bogeys, but that did not dilute his first tournament win.

In 2011, I really did not like Dufner because he does not show emotion on the golf course. If you know me, I am an emotional person and like to see others displaying it.  But I made a complete 180 on Duff after I started following him on Twitter. He seemed like a regular dude who loves sports, packs mean dips and taps his wife on the ass when winning his first major tournament. We also love him here on Sports News on Tap. It also appears to be a very likable guy on the tour. Bradley, the man whom beat him in 2011, was the first guy waiting for him on 18th to congratulate him on his first major. That's all I need to know about Dufner to tell me he is someone I would like to play 18 with on a lazy Sunday.

It would not surprise me to see Dufner win another major tournament in the coming years. When he can channel his nerves, his putter, Duff is as good as anyone on tour given his cerebral approach to the game. This will not be the last time we are hearing from the Duff Daddy.

Charlie.

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PGA Championship Preview: Tee Time Draft

The third tee time draft of the season. I can speak for Bryan in saying this is one of my favorite things to do before a major golf tournament. We talked about possibly not doing it, but I felt it may help the casual fans figure out when they want to tune in on the first two rounds. We scored the Open Championship where I not only had the winner but I also won the whole scoring part of it as well.  

Charlie's First Pick: (8:35 am) Tiger Woods, Keegan Bradley, Davis Love III 

Boy, I wonder what these three will talk about?  If you do not know the answer, it is the Ryder Cup. Love III coached both Woods and Bradley last October. Woods struggled at Oak Hill in 2003 but he could definitely win it this week. Bradley is playing well and has won a Wanamaker in 2011 although the one worry is he tends to have atomic bombs on certain holes. I am 100 percent confident Love III will miss the cut and  will provide me with my worst score. 

Bryan's First Pick: (1:35 pm) Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson, Charl Schwartzel
Now, this may seem out of place for being a first round pick, but that seems to be SnoTap tradition with DJ. This is the first major in a while that he will not be teeing it up with the Belgian Bomber (Nicolas Colsaerts SPELLING) and Bubba Watson, and maybe that is a good thing. Henrik Stenson is an incredibly accurate iron player and leads the tour in recovering from the rough. The latter stat will be huge this week, as Oak Hill’s primary cut has been described as ‘Cabbage’. That relates well to Schwartzel seeing as Nike will most likely outfit him with a low cut shirt that allows his South African chest hair to blossom out all tourney long.

Charlie's Second Pick: (1:45 pm) Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson 

Cheeky move by the PGA to have the three major winners from this year play with each other. I am sure they will talk about how awesome they are and how their majors are great. None of these guys I personally root for but I completely respect all of their games. A winner could easily come out of this group and I could not believe Bryan left the window open for me to take this group. my competitiveness to win a Tee Time Draft trumps my lack of a rooting interest 

Bryan's Second Pick: (1:15 pm) Graeme McDowell, Ernie Els, Bill Haas
This second round pick is based off mostly by the early season play of Mr. McDowell and I know Bill Haas possesses the ability to be at the top of the leaderboard. Also, I am wearing a beautiful ‘mint’ colored shirt today and I would bet my life Billy will do the same at some point this weekend. I do not know if Ernie has the strength left in him to play out of thick rough, but if he keeps it straight he could look to win his second major in as many years.

Charlie's Third Pick: (7:45 am)  Nicolas Colsaerts, Jason Day, Brandt Snedeker 

I am going to ride the Belgian Bomber bandwagon until everyone else is on it. He is in the Dufner, DJ, Horschel group of SnoTap favorites. He also is one of the few if not the only golfer to fly the creek on 14 in two.  The guy can completely mash. Day will probably end up in the top ten, but finish third with a car crash finish leading people to criticize him for no real reason. Snedeker is going to win this thing if Tiger and Phil does not. I realize that's not too out there but the man with the golden locks will be great this week.

Bryan's Third Pick: (7:55 am) Sergio Garcia, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler
This group was built for me. I highlighted the games of both Garcia and Kuchar is yesterday’s post and I believe they will both comfortably make it into the weekend. Folwer putted extremely well last week and has not been a stranger to weekend leaderboards at majors this year. In order for Fowler to win his first major title, he will have to avoid what he does so often and not have any blow up holes. Consistence and patience are key.

Charlie's Fourth Pick: (7:45 am) Hideki Matsuyama, Steve Stricker, Jason Dufner 
I surprised Reynolds by leaving Stricker off my list of guys I thought might be worth watching this weekend and now we believe he has the SnoTap mojo in his direction. Strick will definitely be a player at Oak Hill, this course works to his advantage. DUFFFFFFF I want to see him and then pay attention to see if he will smile at any point of holding the Wanamaker. Matsuyama held his own when Woods went off for a 61 on Friday and that makes me think he could do alright this week.  

Bryan's Fourth Pick: (1:25) Rory McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Martin Kaymer
This is another group the PGA assembled by highlighting their past champions. It has been a while since Vijay has been a threat on tour, but he won this event in both 1998 and 2004. Kaymer will always be stuck in my head as the guy who stole a major from DJ when he had his goofy penalty at Whistling Straits. Nonetheless, Kaymer remained consistent since his triumph and could find himself in contention come Sunday. Lastly, Rory is the defending PGA Champion and we know whether he plays well or self-combusts, the media will find a way to bring him to the forefront. I hope Rory turns it around, he needs it.

Charlie's Fifth Pick: (12:45 pm) Hunter Mahan, Paul Casey, Billy Horschel

Mahan and Horschel have hovered around the leaderboards during majors so far this season, and there is no reason to think they cannot do it again this weekend. Mahan probably does not have much sleep dealing with a new baby but he looks like a guy who needs only two hours of sleep. Horschel probably will wear sting ray pants and that is good enough reason to choose him.  Casey scares the living shit out of me. I have Casey and Love III, two of the bigger underachievers in the past decade or so we know I could lose this thing easily.

Bryan's Fifth Pick: (8:25) Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Luke Donald, Jordan Spieth
Spieth is by far my favorite out of this group, because he does not wear a visor. In all seriousness, Jordan is looking more and more like someone to fear in future years. He broke through in dramatic fashion at the John Deere Classic and a victory here would have the whole golf world buzzing about his potential. Castano played well at The Masters and has continued since earning his exemption. I am not a big fan of the permanently popped collar but I do enjoy his golf game. Finally, Luke Donald; My nemesis. I just feel he has been so overrated, for so long. Personally, I would love for him to win so I can finally feel like he is playing to his rank.

Charlie & Bryan 

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PGA Championship Preview: Charlie's Top Five to Watch

Bryan and I decided to do things a little differently for the final major of the year, the PGA Championship. We are just picking five players we like not named Tiger because it is more fun that way and then doing our usual tee time draft tomorrow. Enjoy.  

Even though, the PGA Championship has a host of players like Shaun Micheel, Rich Beem and Mark Brooks, it is extremely difficult to predict those no-namers to win the actual tournament. I did pick four guys out of five whom have not won a major yet they are big names in the golf world.  

1.) Brandt Snedeker - It feels like it is his time to win a major. I realize that's a cliche thing to say, but sometimes, everything seems to come together.Brandt has a win under his belt in the last month at the RBC Canadian Open and did well in the Open Championship finishing tied for 11th.  For the year, Snedeker has eight top 10 finishes out of 17 appearances only missing four cuts. With Oak Hill being a par 70, Snedeker being third in Par 4 scoring could play a major factor.

2.) Hunter Mahan - This is the feel good story definitely. CBS wants Mahan near the top of the leaderboard on Saturday and Sunday with the story of his newborn baby; he is probably the only golfer other than Tiger and Phil who could drive rating. Mahan's season is not really impressive minus making 17 out of 20 cuts and his performance in majors this year. Hunter has some nice numbers when it comes to approach shots and will definitely need it this weekend.

3.) Charl Schwartzel - The South African golfer does not have a win this year on the PGA Tour, but Schwartzel is having a strong year. He made 13 of 14 cuts this season, he is fourth in overall scoring and fifth in birdie average. Schwartzel also seems to find a way to get birdies whether it be a Par 3, Par 4 or Par 5 meaning he could go low at Oak Hill. He already has a major and knows what it takes to win one. I would not be surprised if he does it again.

4.) Jason Dufner - Yes he is a SnoTap favorite. Bryan mentioned Dufner's name as a contender multiple times this season and I also have done the same this year and in years past. He would probably admit his 2013 has not been great, but he played well at Bridgestone and maybe that is what gets his ball rolling leading into the FedEx Cup. There are no real mind blowing statistics to point except for his ability to hit GIR's from under 200 yards out and the fact he does well at the PGA Championship as he finished 5th in 2010 and lost in a playoff to Keegan Bradley in 2011.

5.) Bill Haas - He would definitely not be coming out of nowhere to win this major, but at the same time, Haas struggles in majors missing the cut in both the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.  Haas did have his best major finish at the 2011 PGA Championship finishing 12th. The reason I keep Haas here is the statistic I cited with Snedeker, Par 4 scoring. There is a group of four players who are far and away better Par 4 scorers than the rest of the PGA and Haas is one of them. I know he does not do well in majors, but you truly cannot predict majors.

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PGA Championship Preview: Bryan's Five to Watch

Bryan and I decided to do things a little differently for the final major of the year, the PGA Championship. We are just picking five players we like not named Tiger because it is more fun that way and then doing our usual tee time draft tomorrow. Enjoy.  

Coming off an outstanding victory at Firestone, Tiger Woods will be the hands down favorite to win this year’s final major. Rochester, NY and Oak Hill CC will play host to the 2013 PGA Championship and I can guarantee they will not disappoint. It has been 10 years, but this is not the first rodeo for Oak Hill when it comes to this championship. Back in 2003, Shaun Micheel raised the trophy and marked himself one of the biggest underdogs to ever win this major or any other. There is always the chance that a ‘no-name’ with rise from the slums to win a major but let me take this chance to tell you who my ‘big-name’ favorites are to win the Tour’s final major

1) Adam Scott - This is not the first time Adam Scott will play the PGA at Oak Hill. When it was played here 10 years ago, Scott notched a top 25 finish at the young age of 23. Since the 2003 PGA, Scott has only been able to record one top five finish at the final major, coming back in 2006. We all know he is the defending Masters champion but that does not carry any value this week. He fared well in Scotland, with a third place finish but was less than impressive at Merion. With two out of three incredible runs in majors this year, I expect Mr. Scott to stay consistent and keep the putter hot to be near the top this week.

2) Matt Kuchar - If it were not for the incredible year Tiger is having this year, Kuchar would be the easy favorite for Player of the Year. Kuch has established himself this year by gathering two victories and two more second place finishes. Also, he is still the tour’s leader in made cuts going back to last year and it does not look to be letting up. Kuchar does not necessarily have a vast history at this championship, especially considering he has only made the cut once. That occurrence came in 2010 when he was able to finish in a tie for 10th overall. With a victory here, Kuchar would put himself in a prime spot to compete for the FedEx Championship.

3) Sergio Garcia - Really Bryan? Sergio? I know it’s a bit crazy but that is how golf works sometimes. What amazed me the most prepping for this tournament was the fact that Sergio is the exact same age as Adam Scott. Knowing this, it is about time Sergio turned that frown upside down and labeled himself a major champion. He has had three top five finishes at previous PGA’s but missed the cut last year. He ranks first on Tour in stokes gained putting, which was long held by his best buddy, Mr. Tiger Woods.

4) Henrik Stenson -  have to pick Henrik here to redeem myself for leaving him off the list last week. He has been incredibly consistent this year but is yet to break through this season. Stenson's best major finish of 2013 was second place at The Open Championship. He also took an impressive second last week considering he spend his Sunday playing alongside Tiger. While he ranks second in ball striking and GIR, his most important performance stat to keep up will be his scrambling from the rough; where he currently leads all players.

5) Rory McIlroy - If we look back to this time last year, it would be hard to believe picking Rory this week would be a surprise. He is the defending PGA Champion and with a victory here, he could be only the fifth player in history to get three majors before the age of 25. He placed in the top five in three of his four attempts at this major and has never missed a cut. Also, 2009 was the last year that we saw Rory go a season without a victory. I do not know if he has the confidence to pull through for a win this week but he really needs to put himself near the top to get back on track.

-Bryan

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Limit the Tiger Woods Expectations at Oak Hill

Tiger Woods has courses where he should have personal ownership of the course. There are a few that belong to Tiger like Torrey Pines, Bay Hill, Muirfield and Firestone. Hell, those four should build statues saying 'Personal ownership of one, Tiger Eldrick Woods.'  While golf is probably as loaded as it has ever been, Woods is the only one where there are courses he pulverizes and is always near the top of the leaderboard.  Tiger ran away with the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday winning by seven strokes and completely dominating the field.

The highlight of the weekend was Friday afternoon. Woods came out on complete fire going four under in the first three holes and came in reach of getting golf's greatest round, 59. Tiger did absolutely everything right from driving the ball, approach shots and putts. The last one might be the biggest one moving forward. Tiger had mostly one-putts on Friday and ensure the mistakes he made throughout the weekend did not come back to haunt him on the scorecard.  After he finished the second round, the tournament became who is playing for second as Tiger ran away with the tournament.      

Woods is easily the Golfer of the Year if the PGA season ended today. Woods has five wins on the year and they are not minor ones either winning two World Golf Championships and a Players Championship.  No one comes close to those numbers for the full year, but Woods is missing the one elusive win, a major.  While the hype will be at an all-time high for Woods to win at Oak Hill at this weekend's PGA Championship, it should not be a big deal if he does not win.

People measure golfers like they do with quarterbacks in the National Football League and playoff wins. Both get judged if they fail to achieve milestone, the national media comes crashing down on him. People will always bring up Woods inability to win majors in the last couple of years. People make generalizations about Woods' failure to win a major without looking at a few bad breaks in different rounds of the major tournaments. Could Tiger win at Oak Hill?  Yes, but it should not come as a shock if he does not even though he golfed like the 2001 version of himself last weekend.

There are couple things going against Woods this week at Oak Hill.  He has never won a major on a Par 70. While he has done better in years past and Bridgestone is probably his favorite Par 70 course he plays regularly, he still has never won a major on a Par 70 course. When Tiger gets more Par 5's, he has more opportunities to not only take risks, but also atone for the mistakes he might make on a Par 3.  The other part is he struggled mightily in 2003 when Oak Hill last had the PGA Championship.  Woods went 12 over shooting over par in every round. For whatever it's worth, Tiger won four tournaments before the PGA Championship in 2003, but none of them were majors; he also won one more time following one of his worst majors of his career.

It is still hard not to root for a situation where Tiger is leading or tied for the lead heading into Sunday's round. Even if you are the biggest diehard golf fan, there is something special about seeing Woods in the lead heading down the back nine at a major in contention. In two of the three majors this year, Tiger found himself hanging around the leaderboard at some point of the weekend and this week will probably no different.

Charlie.

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