10 Burning Questions

August 06, 2012

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Is Tiger's year a success even if he goes major-less?

Define "success." By the standard of years past, Woods' season could be noted for what he hasn't done. He was a non-factor at the Masters, then squandered promising starts at both the U.S. and British Opens. Then again, Woods has won three times, is first in the FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup points lists, and after a 68-66 finish at the Bridgestone Invitational, appears to be playing well enough to contend at Kiawah. Compare that to last year, when Woods missed two majors because of injury and appeared utterly adrift when he returned for the PGA, and 2012 -- regardless of where Woods finishes this week -- has at least been an encouraging return to normalcy.

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2 .Who could be this week's Ernie Els?

If by "this week's Ernie Els," you mean a 40-something multiple major champion who returns to former heights, well then how about John Daly? Sure, Daly has had to dig himself out of a much deeper hole than Els, but the mercurial 1991 PGA (and 1995 British Open) champ has still enjoyed a quiet resurgence in 2012, with a T-5 finish at last week's Reno-Tahoe Open marking his eighth time finishing in the money in 10 starts. Sure, it's a big jump from Reno to the season's final major, but given the unpredictable nature of major championships these days, we'd like to think a Daly sighting on the leader board is still a possibility.

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Who has most at stake for Ryder Cup qualifying?

Actually, the only player who doesn't have a lot at stake this week is Woods, who is the sole player guaranteed a spot on the team thanks to his point total. But it's down the list a bit where the most intrigue lies. In positions nine through 12, Hunter Mahan, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler are four players with Ryder Cup experience, but all would need to rely on a captain's pick if they don't make up any ground this week. For U.S. captain Davis Love III to tab all four, it would likely come at the expense of South Carolina native Dustin Johnson (left), another holdover from the 2010 team who currently sits 14th on the points list.

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What's up with everyone choking of late?

Welcome to golf, where the only thing harder than reaching the top of a leader board is staying there at week's end. Between Jim Furyk, Adam Scott, and well, Jim Furyk, it's been a particularly cruel summer of tournament leaders stumbling at the finish line. But it's certainly nothing new. Remember, it was at the PGA last year when Jason Dufner held a five-shot lead over Keegan Bradley when he reached the 15th tee on Sunday, only to give it all away over the final four holes. In other words, if you're looking for someone to bet on Sunday, maybe go with anyone BUT the guy who has the lead. And that especially applies at a place like Kiawah. Speaking of which. . .

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Is Kiawah as hard as it looks?

Yes. There's a reason the Ocean Course ranks No. 1 on Golf Digest's listof America's Toughest Courses. It's long (7,676 yards), windy (10 holes that run along the water), and if you're looking to lose 10 pounds just by standing outside, then you're in luck this week. If the wind blows as much as expected, a winning score over par is not out of the question. As for the hole that could be a difference maker, try the par-3 17th, which plays 223 yards with water guarding the green short and right. Depending on the wind, players could be hitting a fairway wood off the tee or an 8-iron. Sounds like fun. . .

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Is Rory finally over his mid-season swoon?

After an incredibly bad run that included one stretch of four missed cuts in five events, the 23-year-old's T-5 at the Bridgestone Invitational must have felt nearly as good as his eight-shot romp at Congressional last year. Sure, it's just one event, but we'd also point out that earlier in the year, McIlroy had another stretch that featured 11 top-five finishes in 12 events. We'd also like to point out again that he's only 23. Other than Tiger Woods, he's the betting favorite this week -- and for good reason.

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Can a club pro contend?

It's an unlikely scenario for any of the 20 that qualify each year through the PGA Professional National Championship, but if anyone can do it, it's probably Mike Small (left). The men's golf coach at the University of Illinois has made the cut in the year's final major three times. Another name to watch out for? Matt Dobyns. The head pro at Fresh Meadow CC in Long Island won this year's PGA Professional National Championship by a whopping eight shots, breaking Sam Snead's mark by three.

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Will the year of the Long putter continue?

Just look what Keegan Bradley started. Last year, the St. John's product won the PGA in a playoff over Jason Dufner to become the first golfer to ever win a major while anchoring a long putter to his body. Now, it's news if a major winner doesn't do the same thing. With Webb Simpson winning at the U.S. Open and Ernie Els following that up with a win at the British Open, long putters have now won three of the past four majors, and others like Adam Scott, Bill Haas and Carl Pettersson have won big events during that span as well. It looks like the long putter is here for the long haul -- unless the USGA decides to step in.

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What's up with Phil?

A memorable 40th career PGA Tour win at Pebble Beach by dusting playing partner Tiger Woods and close calls at Riviera and Augusta had Mickelson poised for his biggest season in years. But Lefty hasn't been right since. Whether it's his age catching up to him, a lack of motivation, or not letting on how bad his arthritis really is, Mickelson has managed just one top 10 since the Masters. His last five starts have featured just one sub-par score in 13 rounds and his finishes have been as follows: WD, T-65, MC, MC and a T-43 in the 78-man field at Firestone.

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Will the streak of 16 different winners in the last 16 majors continue?

The unprecedented streak of nine-straight majors being won by first-time major winners finally came to an end with Ernie Els topping Adam Scott at the British Open. However, this run of different major champions, dating back to Padraig Harrington winning the 2008 PGA Championship, is still intact. How do we explain it? One word: parity. Incredibly, a win by many of the favorites (Woods, Donald, Westwood, Rose, Kuchar, Scott, Dufner, etc.) would keep the streak going into the 2013 season.

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The American Express

10 Burning Questions

Shop This Look

Is Tiger's year a success even if he goes major-less?

2 .Who could be this week's Ernie Els?

Who has most at stake for Ryder Cup qualifying?

What's up with everyone choking of late?

Is Kiawah as hard as it looks?

Is Rory finally over his mid-season swoon?

Can a club pro contend?

Will the year of the Long putter continue?

What's up with Phil?

Will the streak of 16 different winners in the last 16 majors continue?

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