Choi's fans were sure about their favorite, but there were questions about Michelle Wie.
The story in this case ought to have been that Daly was actually grinding for the opportunity to play more. Bearing down under trying circumstances is not typically part of his repertoire. Indeed, he has withdrawn so often (11 times) in the last two years, that perhaps he ought to be known as WD, not JD.
Daly may not be the most credible spokesman on this issue, but neither was he alone in his resentment over the rule. Someone, presumably a player, drew up a rudimentary poll -- more as a statement than as a fact-finding mission -- and posted it on the bulletin board in the locker room. "Are you in favor of the current cut policy?" it asked, its lack of objectivity evident by the 44 lines for players to add their names under "no," and the 22 lines for "yes." Six names turned up on No side, none on the Yes side.
Objections notwithstanding, the only issue seems to be the fact that players weren't reading their tour communiqués. The rule, passed by the PGA Tour policy board on which four players sit, was explained to them in mail and e-mail, and, in the event they still overlooked it, the new rule was sent to their agents, too.
If it is bad policy, the time to argue it seemingly should have been before it was enacted, not after it was enforced. It brings to mind tour players' collective surprise at elements of the initial FedEx Cup last year. Then again, off-course minutiae is not their strong suit.
Those who did survive the chopping block were playing for second anyway. The stiff trade winds that turned Waialae into an obstacle course Sunday rendered the chase impossible, and after rounds of 64, 65 and 66 on docile days, Choi needed only a single birdie and a round of one-over-par 71 to prevail on a day from which he took away more than a victory.
"This has a lot of implications for this year," Choi said. "The biggest thing I learned is that no matter what the conditions are out there, you have to stay patient with yourself. This experience in Hawaii is going to help prepare me for majors because in those tournaments you have to be patient. You can't get too greedy."
Winning a major championship has moved to the top of his to-do list, as it would any player of his caliber, especially those for whom winning has become, if not mundane, at least a habit. "I have a goal to achieve," he said. "There's a major I want to win. It gives me the motivation to work harder and shoot for that goal. I think that makes me mentally stronger. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. I'm not going to dwell on it, but it's something I'm going to prepare myself for."
Choi, incidentally, was unaware that only Woods and Singh have longer streaks of wins in consecutive years. He was grateful for his ignorance. "I achieved it because I didn't think about it," he said. "It was all through hard work."
The thought of winning a major is not similarly avoidable. There are too many reminders, notably victories like that on Sunday, when a continent's hopes are rekindled and land squarely on his shoulders, beckoning him to win one on its behalf and certain that he can do so. There is no greater burden, surely, but no greater compliment, either.
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