Masters first round shows Tradition is always in play.

My notebook from the first round at Augusta is simple. The old with the new are in play. Its the old school guys giving us the most to talk about. Tom Watson shoots 67 and Fred Couples shoots 66. This first round is starting to feel like the final round at the British Open last year. Tom Watson is the world’s favorite to win it. After the first round theres no doubt that he can do this and contend for another win. Another notable name today is previous Masters Champion Fred Couples. He has proven this year with boat shoes that he still has the best swing in golf. Additonally, he can play all out. Don’t let the cool demeanor fool you. He wants to win. With the results this year on the Champions Tour he can parlay it to another win and green jacket. Round one notes are simple. Tiger is back and just as we thought he  is making a run. Its early but he can play. Phil Mickelson is also tracking well as he is one shot back of Fred Couples. The tradition like no other is alive in well in Augusta. What a great first round. Stay tuned for end of round commentary this week as we all go wire to wire with coverage from Augusta.

Steven Umphlett

On The Tee With Steve

Villegas & South America show golf  that South America is ready!

Camilo Villegas (pronounced Bgeeeeeeegas) is showing us he can travel to the inaugural Nationwide event at Bogota and win on the PGA Tour in the same week. Hats off and standing ovation to Camillo and South America.

He didn’t just win-he won with authority. He’s a guy who hits the golf ball a mile and is in the best physical shape of any golfer I have interviewed. Who else can you call Spiderman and be pretty accurate with the description.

This week marks a great week in golf. Here’s why. A South American wins on the PGA Tour and it’s not a fluke. He’s a guy who I believe is a big part of the future of the PGA Tour. He is from a part of the world that currently where the green jacket and Masters Champion resides. He also hails from the continent where we as golf fans will see the game played in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Now that is special.

Speaking of the Masters. Angel Cabrerra is our defending Masters Champion. How fitting. He will host the champions dinner this year on Tuesday night and we can all rest assured that the pride of South America’s people will be there in spirit. Amidst all the destruction in Chile right now and the politics, South America is one of my new favorite golf destinations. The people, venues, and overall spirit are enough for me to book a flight and go play the courses.

I’m proud of Camilo Villegas. I’m a true red, white and blue American with a southern draw…. I’m also capable of telling you’ my listeners and readers’ that we are lucky to have a guy like Camillo. He represents a great golf game. He is also a guy that the PGA Tour can be proud of.  I don’t think Camilo will have to apologize anytime soon for his game on and off the course.

Finally, Congratulations to Camilo Villegas, the Nationwide Tour, and South America. Job well done. See you at Doral.

Steven Umphlett

Farewell PGA Tour West Coast Swing. See you at the US Open in June.

By Steven Umphlett

This time of year is usually filled with a lot of anticipation and excitement and also some somber thoughts for me regarding the PGA Tour. The guys will make their journey to the  East Coast Swing PGA Tour style this week. It’s always great to get them east because it means more great golf on fantastic venues. PGA National kicks it off next week for the Honda Classic. Can’t beat that. In the following weeks we will see more signature courses. Most notably however is that the East Coast Swing also signals that the azaleas are almost in bloom and the years first major championship is only weeks away. Ahhhhhhhhh. Golf is great. Its one of my favorite times in golf.

I also feel somber a bit because we bid farewell to, arguably, the single best line up in the season for the PGA Tour. We get to see the Santa Rosa Mountains for Bob Hope to start it all off and then on to one of my favorites.  Torrey Pines, with her majestic views of  the Pacific Ocean. If thats not enough then its over to Hollywood at Riviera. It’s got so much history. No they won’t be hosting a 2018 US Open per the info provided by the USGA. That’s okay. It’s probably better that way. I don’t want this incredible venue being slighted in the future if the crowds can’t get in and truly enjoy the US Open the way it’s meant to be. I digress. We then move to the West Coast version of Augusta National. Pebble Beach CC. It doesn’t get any better than this. I said on the shows that when I die I hope this is what heaven is like. The place offers the major championship feel we all like with the best views in golf. I said it. The best views in golf!  Augusta has a great place in my soul but it only looks that way a few weeks a year. Pebble Beach looks that way every week. The PGA Tour goes south into the match play and Mayakoba in a duel venue event. Its March Madness pro golf style. It’s the closet to “bracketology” we get to in golf.

And finally, we go to the “Colleseum” in Phoenix to the best crowds in professional golf. You get the largest crowds averaging up to 40,000 people on one hole. The 16th hole at the Phoenix Open is unrivaled. Where else do the guys holding “Quiet” signs just give up because the fans are not to going to listen. And thats what is so great about it. Anywhere else and the crowds will simmer down. Here they pick it up and do their research on the players. The guys know that you can’t go through 16 without having the fans on your side. They will blow you up. Big Time. Phoenix is the final run of the what I consider the best in all of golf. For that I’m always excited and somber.

This year we get a bonus. June is coming and the US Open is back at Pebble Beach. Golf hats off to the 2010 West Coast Swing. Can’t wait to see you again in 2011. East Coast Swing here we come. Masters is only 44 days away.

Steven Umphlett

WereTalkingGolf.com

On the Tee with Steve: Stats and info you want to know about.

by :Steven Umphlett

Here again through the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am we see some interesting stats and figures for our WereTalkingGolf listeners, viewers, and readers. Dustin Johnson wins at Pebble Beach and now has an additional $1,166,000 in his bank account. Also to add to it he now leads the Fed Ex Cup race year to date overtaking Steve Stricker this week. One other stat thats fun to note. Dustin Johnson joins Geoff Ogilvy with 3 consecutive years on tour with wins.

We see Dustin Johnson win back to back at the AT&T pro am and with that he is our player of the week.

WereTalkingGolf Player of the Week:              Dustin Johnson, back to back wins at AT&T

Honorable mention goes to:                                   David Duval with his 2nd place finish and $545,600.00

Blake Adams with a big finish and $126,000 at AT&T

By the Numbers in Golf this week.

Results through the AT&T Pro Am at Pebble Beach:

2010 Money Leader:                                   Steve Stricker,  $1,686,000

2010 Fed Ex Cup Leader:                          Dustin Johnson, wins at Pebble Beach, 771 points overtakes Stricker this week.

2010 World Golf Ranking Leader:         Tiger Woods, Finally talks a little.  Stricker is still # 2 now.

2010 Ryder Cup Points:                           Stricker,  Johnson, Glover, Cink, Woods, Palmer, Crane, Mickelson, Holmes, Haas,

2010 Scoring Average:                             Robert Allenby, 68.63 avg. 12 rounds with 823 strokes.

Career Money Leaders:                             Tiger Woods, $92,862,539. This is even close. He tears up the money.

2010 T-10 Finishes: Alex Prugh 3 thru 5 events

Robert Allenby- 3 thru 2 events

Steve Stricker 3 thru 3 events

2010 Low 9 Round:                               Bubba Watson, Bob Hope Classic, 29 (-7 under par)

Scott Piercy, Farmers Ins. Open, 29, (-7 under par)

Adam Scott, AT&T Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula, 29, (-5 under)

2010 Low 18 Round:                             Michael Sim, Farmers Insurance Open, 62 Torrey Pines South Course

Bubba Watson, Bob Hope Classic, 62, Silver Rock Course,

Retief Goosen, Sony Open, Waialae Course, 62 Hawaii

Shane Bertshch, Bob Hope Classic, 62 Nicklaus Course.

Low 1st 36 Holes:                                  128 (16-under), Bubba Watson, (66-62), Bob Hope Classic

Low 36. (Any Round) 127 (17-under), Kevin Streelman, (63-64), Rds 3-4, Bob Hope Classic

Low First 54 holes:                               Alex Prugh,      (64-66-65), Rds 1-3, Bob Hope Classic

Matt Kuchar, (67-65-63), Rds 3-5, Bob Hope Classic

Low First 72 holes:                              Alex Prugh, (64-66-65-70), Bob Hope Classic (finished 5th)

High 72 Winning score:                   Ben Crane, (65-71-69-70), Farmers Insurance Open

Largest Winning Margin:               Steve Stricker, Northern Trust Open, 2 strokes

Largest 18 hole Lead:                         Shane Bertsch, Bob Hope Classic, 2 strokes.

Largest 36 hole Lead:                        Lucas Glover, SBS Championship, 3 strokes

Largest 54 Hole Lead:                       Steve Stricker, Northern Trust Open, 6 strokes

Lowest Cut line: -2 Under, 142, Farmers Insurance Open

Highest Cut line: +2 Over, 144, Northern Trust Open

Fewest to make cut:                            Farmers Insurance Open, Torrey Pines, 78 players

Most to make cut:                                 Northern Trust Open, 81 players

Most tied for lead (18 holes) 6 players, Sony Open

Most tied for lead (36 holes) 2 players, Farmers Insurance Open

Most tied for lead (54 holes) 2 players, Sony Open

Most Consecutive events in $$ Kenny Perry with 29 events in the money

Most Consecutive yrs. with win: Dustin Johnson, 3 years. (2008,2009,2010)

Geoff Ogilvy, 3 years. (2008.2009.2010)

Holes in One: Greg Owen, (# 7/Rd 2/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                                       Chris Couch, (# 7/Rd 3/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                                      Dustin Johnson, (# 6/Rd 2/Riviera CC) Northern Trust Open

Double Eagles: Carl Pettersson, (# 5/Rd 3//La Quinta CC) Bob Hope Classic

2 Eagles in One Round: Lucas Glover, (# 5, # 9/Rd 1/Plantation Course at Kapalua) SBS Championship                                                                                     Matt Bettencourt, (# 6, #11/Rd 2/PGA West (Palmer Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                   Jason Bohn, (# 8, #16/Rd 3/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                           Harrison Frazar, (# 8, #16/Rd 4/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                  Matt Bettencourt, (# 1, # 9/Rd 1/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Ins. Open

Best Birdie Streak: Dustin Johnson, (14-18-Round 1) Pebble Beach CC, AT&T Pebble Beach

Rory Sabbatini, (#11-15/Rd 4/Plantation Course at Kapalua) SBS Championship                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Michael Bradley, (#18- 4/Rd 2/Silver Rock) Bob Hope Classic

Kevin Streelman, (#16- 2/Rd 4/PGA West (Palmer Course)) Bob Hope Classic

Ricky Barnes, (#14-18/Rd 1/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Ins. Open

Jesper Parnevik, (# 6-10/Rd 2/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Ins. Open                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Michael Allen, (# 5- 9/Rd 4/Torrey Pines (South Course)) Farmers Insurance Open                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jason Bohn, (#15- 1/Rd 4/Riviera CC) Northern Trust Open

Last day From Behind toWin: Ben Crane, 2 strokes, Farmers Insurance Open

Most Consecutive Par or Better: Chez Reavie with 22 consecutive rounds at par or better rounds.

1st time winners: Bill Haas, Bob Hope Classic

Tougest Hole: 12, Torrey Pines South, Par 4, 504 yards

Course Records: JP Hayes, 63, Monterey Peninsula CC, Round 3-AT&T Pebble Beach

Bubba Watson, 62, Silver Rock Course, Bob Hope Classic

Random stats on players from around the tours:

Phil Mickelson:                                       0 wins, 2 events, 2 cuts made, 1 T25 finish

Matt Bettencourt:                                  0 wins, 4 events, 2 cuts made, T39 Bob Hope, T 49 Northern Trust

Tom Watson                                             1 win on Champions Tour this year, Runner Up finish at 2009 British Open.

Bubba Watson:                                         307.9 yards average driving distance is #1 on PGA Tour

Robert Allenby:                                      68.82 scoring avg. is best on tour year to date.

Ben Crane:                                                  81.3% for Greens in Regulation thru 10 rounds.

Dustin Johnson proves with his back to back win at Pebble Beach that he is well positioned to make a run at the Ryder Cup points. He trails Stricker by $4,000.00 for the year to date lead.

Next week I’ll break down the results and stats from Mayakoba and the Match Play event.

Steven Umphlett

Stats courtesy of PGA Tour

Dustin Johnson wins AT&T 2 years in a row

By Steven Umphlett, WereTalkingGolf.com

Dustin Johnson hit all the right shots when he needed to today at Pebble Beach despite a final round 74. Its the other rounds in the low 60s that vaulted this story to a happy ending for him. He was able to get up and down out of the 18th green bunker to win back to back AT&T Championships.

It wasnt without moments of excitement. Todays round saw two quadruple bogeys by two players who could have spoiled the party for Johnson. Paul Goydos and Bryce Molder both carded 9 on the scorecard to end their chances at winning.

Another story was playing out on another fairway ahead of Johnson. David Duval playing on a sponsors exemption made the most of it with a chance to force overtime PGA Tour style. Duval fired all four rounds in sub par fashion. (68,68,67,69)  The former number one player in the world is starting to show that he still has a lot of golf left in him despite the media who proclaimed his demise in the game. Duval missed getting his tour card by finishing outside the top 125 last year. He subsequently missed getting his status back after a failed bid at Q school.

The difference a few months and a sponsors exemption makes. Duval will tie for second here at Pebble Beach and now focus on the 2010 season with anticipation of winning.

David gets the WereTalkingGolf Radio player of the week award for the PGA Tour. David we are sending a logo hat with your name on it. Congratulations.

JB Holmes had a chance coming down the final holes to push overtime at this event. He hit it to within 3 feet at 16 from 225 yards. After a tap in he was within one shot of the lead. Knowing that he went to 17 where he carded a 3. An errant tee shot at 18 to the right rough left the long ball hitter looking at having to lay up.

Bottom line. JB is a gritty golfer who we at WereTalkingGolf.com like a lot. He has won before and will win again. He can hit it 10 miles with ease and has the short game to back it up. Look out Euros. He can make the Ryder Cup.

Finally, the real winner is the golf course. If you have listened to the shows you know that golf on the coast doesnt get any better than this. What a finale. Pebble Beach you win again. You always will. You are what is right with golf and we as golf fans get to see the majestic beauty of your fairways agan in 120 days when our country hosts the US Open.

Check out our s

Interesting numbers you want to know about this week for the PGA Tour Year to date.

One of the fun things I get to do weekly following golf is talk golf on the live shows at the events or in Studio 1G on WereTalkingGolf Radio.

This week I take a look at some of the stats and interesting numbers you may enjoy. Let me know your thoughts and other key numbers you want to see and Ill run them down.

Results through the Farmers Insurance Open:

2010 Fed Ex Cup Leader:                          Steve Stricker,  3 top 10s and 1 win

2010 World Golf Ranking Leader:         Tiger Woods, Is dropping spots by the week without play. Stricker is 2 now.

2010 Ryder Cup Points:                             Stricker, Glover, Cink, Woods, Palmer, Crane, Mickelson, Perry, Haas, Kuchar,

2010 Scoring Average:                              Robert Allenby, 68.63 avg. 12 rounds with 823 strokes.

Career Money Leaders:                             1. Tiger Woods, $92,862,539

2010 Low 9 Round:                                     Bubba Watson, Bob Hope Classic, 29 (-7 under par)

2010 Low 18 Round:                                  Michael Sim, Farmers Insurance Open, 62 Torrey Pines South Course

Shane Bertshch, Bob Hope Classic, 62 Nicklaus Course.

Bubba Watson, Bob Hope Classic, 62 Silver Rock Course

Retief Goosen, Sony Open, 62, Waialeae course

Low 1st 36 Holes:                                       128 (16-under), Bubba Watson, (66-62), Bob Hope Classic

Low 36. (Any Round)                               127 (17-under), Kevin Streelman, (63-64), Rds 3-4, Bob Hope Classic

Low First 54 holes:                                    Alex Prugh,      (64-66-65), Rds 1-3, Bob Hope Classic

Matt Kuchar, (67-65-63), Rds 3-5, Bob Hope Classic

Low First 72 holes:                                    Alex Prugh, (64-66-65-70), Bob Hope Classic (finished 5th)

High 72 Winning score:                            Ben Crane, (65-71-69-70), Farmers Insurance Open

Largest Winning Margin:                         Steve Stricker, Northern Trust Open, 2 strokes

Largest 18 hole Lead:                               Shane Bertsch, Bob Hope Classic, 2 strokes.

Largest 36 hole Lead:                               Lucas Glover, SBS Championship, 3 strokes

Largest 54 Hole Lead:                               Steve Stricker, Northern Trust Open, 6 strokes

Lowest Cut line:                                           -2 Under, 142, Farmers Insurance Open

Highest Cut line:                                          +2 Over, 144, Northern Trust Open

Fewest to make cut:                                   Farmers Insurance Open, Torrey Pines, 78 players

Most to make cut:                                       Northern Trust Open, 81 players

Most tied for lead (18 holes)                  6 players, Sony Open

Most tied for lead (36 holes)                  2 players, Farmers Insurance Open

Most tied for lead (54 holes)                   2 players, Sony Open

Most Consecutive events in $$             Kenny Perry with 29 events in the money

Most Consecutive years with win:        Geoff Ogilvy, 3 years. (2008.2009.2010)

Holes in One:                                                 Greg Owen, (# 7/Rd 2/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                                        Chris Couch, (# 7/Rd 3/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                                    Dustin Johnson, (# 6/Rd 2/Riviera CC) Northern Trust Open

Double Eagles:                                              Carl Pettersson, (# 5/Rd 3//La Quinta CC) Bob Hope Classic

2 Eagles in One Round:                             Lucas Glover, (# 5, # 9/Rd 1/Plantation Course at Kapalua) SBS Championship                                                                                     Matt Bettencourt, (# 6, #11/Rd 2/PGA West (Palmer Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                   Jason Bohn, (# 8, #16/Rd 3/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                           Harrison Frazar, (# 8, #16/Rd 4/PGA West (Nicklaus Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                   Matt Bettencourt, (# 1, # 9/Rd 1/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Ins. Open

Best Birdie Streak:                               Rory Sabbatini, (#11-15/Rd 4/Plantation Course at Kapalua) SBS Championship                                                                                  Michael Bradley, (#18- 4/Rd 2/Silver Rock) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                                                        Kevin Streelman, (#16- 2/Rd 4/PGA West (Palmer Course)) Bob Hope Classic                                                                                    Ricky Barnes, (#14-18/Rd 1/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Insurance Ope                                                                             Jesper Parnevik, (# 6-10/Rd 2/Torrey Pines (North Course)) Farmers Ins.                                                                                             Michael Allen, (# 5- 9/Rd 4/Torrey Pines (South Course)) Farmers Insurance Open                                                                              Jason Bohn, (#15- 1/Rd 4/Riviera CC) Northern Trust Open

Best Come From Behind toWin:        Ben Crane, 2 strokes, Farmers Insurance Open

Most Consecutive Par or Better:      Chez Reavie with 22 consecutive rounds at par or better rounds.

1st time winners:                                    Bill Haas, Bob Hope Classic

Tougest Hole:                                         12, Torrey Pines South, Par 4, 504 yards

Phil Mickelson:                                       0 wins, 2 events, 2 cuts made, 1 T25 finish

Matt Bettencourt:                                  0 wins, 4 events, 2 cuts made, T39 Bob Hope, T 49 Northern Trust

Stats courtesy of PGA Tour

Pebble Beach. Hallowed ground West!

Lets face it I love golf. A lot.  I love broadcasting golf more then just about anything. I even have a new set of irons in my bag. Havent even hit them yet. They are the tour version of a manufacturer that will remain secret. (They are not a sponsor…….yet……) I love to play when I’m not broadcasting live shows , calling guests for the upcoming broadcasts, returning emails, etc…. I love talking golf more then playing the very game I love most.

A few times a year I get chills when I get to see the venues the PGA Tour and other professional circuits play. This week is one of them. Actually the last 3 weeks in golf are what I hope heaven is like when I depart this great life of golf broadcasting. Tee times at Torrey, Riviera, and Pebble Beach…. Sign me up….. Anyway, I digress.

No disrespect to our friends in Phoenix. You guys are in a league of your own. The 16th hole with 45,000 people is another column forthcoming.

Pebble Beach brings some of the  greatest views and memories in golf that we all know. Where else and what other week in the year commands the anticipation than this venue on the “west coast swing”?  Played over 3 courses for a few days to conclude at majestic  Pebble Beach. You can’t beat it. Its the west coast version of another favorite golf course of mine in Georgia. Yet so different. It’s got views that every golfer in their lifetime should see. Its a venue, money withstanding, that every golfer can and should play in their lifetime. We all should.

No other course in the world gets the top billing Pebble Beach gets. When you do go on the pilgrimage in golf and can play Pebble, Spyglass, Poppy and now Monterey Peninsula CC you can’t find better golf anywhere on the planet. Simple as that.

I look forward to the day I can take my 8 year old son to those mentioned above and play. I look forward to leaving my Blackberry at the Lodge and enjoying top notch golf with him. Its one of the venues on the planet that we can go play as father and son and walk the fairways where the best champions in golf have also walked.

Along those lines, this year is one of the rare years in professional golf. A course on the PGA Tour west coast swing will also host a national championship in the same year. Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach both make the claim. Pebble will be ready to go in a much different way than what you see this weekend in June. No celebrities unless they are in the gallery. No greens running 10.5 on the stimpmeter. No doubt that the best all around golfer will prevail here in June. The 2010 US Open will be filled with picturesque and ultra competitive golf. My guess is that even par will win it. With or without Tiger. Only Pebble Beach can do that. My special thanks to Chuck Dunbar for coming on WereTalkhgGolf Radio this week again to talk golf and Pebble Beach to all our listeners. Chuck is first class all the way and as voted by you one of the favorite guests we interview on the shows.

Speaking of US Open venues…Riviera CC  don”t call us, well call you!

I may have jinxed this whole thing!!! I said it last week on the show. “Riviera should get a US Open in 2018! Everyone that sent email to me agreed. Problem is Mike Davis and friends who really count on this topic at the USGA said “Not gonna happen”. Even with my vote to give it to them Mike said no?

Riviera CC is located in a tight spot in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Its tough to get in and out of there. I drove through it a few weeks ago and I agree. I love the course. I love the history. I love the location in a big city that knows how to host a PGA Tour event. Thats where it stops. The USGA has to make money on the events they host. Nothing wrong with that. You can’t park the most attended event and watched major event in professional golf in an area that is completely surrounded with residences that truly don’t want the championship.

You listen to my shows. (Don’t you?) I love Riviera. Its one of the best stops in professional golf that I talk about on the the weekly shows I broadcast live. You can’t find too many better places to play. Its got major championship flavor and success. Just not 2018 success.

Steve is top seed at  Accenture Match Play.

This past week at Riviera Steve Stricker made another move toward showing the world that persistence and consistency can really pay off on the PGA Tour. With the win, and by the way I picked it on the First Tee show last week I believe he is firing on all cylinders. Stricker is now ranked number 2 in the world. Thats not as important as the fact he has been able to come back from the wasteland of pro golfers who think they can play, to the guys on tour who we interview and conclude that he is whats right with golf.

Stricker hit golf balls in a steel shed in sub freezing Wisconsin temperatures to “find” his game and a tour card a few years back. He is one of the nicest guys in all of professional golf you will ever listen to. I know when I’m in the media centers putting together a broadcast Stricker is one of the guys I always hope is in contention to win.

I totally have a bone to pick with anyone who says he’s boring or not as exciting to watch as Tiger. Are you kidding me? He is everything Tiger needs to be as a person, husband, father, and fan favorite. I know this. After I interviewed him he stood outside the clubhouse many times last year to sign hats and autographs when he could have walked by without even looking at the kids like a few of the players do too often.

Its been said in some circles that “Well behaved men don’t make history”.  Steve Stricker can relax on this quote and never worry that history will pass him by for being who he is. He is the guy the PGA Tour should have done a better job promoting for all of his stats, figures, and contributions to the game of golf. They could have saved a lot of face on that the number one player by talking golf on Stricker.

His numbers speak volumes about focus, determination, and the drive to win while being a guy you can talk to your kids about.

**Over $25,000,000 (Million) in earnings on the tours he’s played in a great career.

** Wins at Crowne Plaza, John Deere, and Deutsche Bank in 2009

** 8 total wins on tour.

**Win at Riviera this year to get 2010 going.

Heres the part I like most. He is my pick to win a major and possibly two this year. Currently he is the best player without a major to his credit. After last weeks win at Riviera the numbers above and his overall demeanor say to the golf fans out there that there is a lot right with golf. He will have a green jacket and a US Open trophy. I hope it happens this year.

On the Tee with Steve:  Grooves, Jon Daly, Oostie and more….

By Steven Umphlett

2009 Nationwide Tour 25 still showing why they are the best class ever.

It’s always nice to get out of Studio 1G and out to the tour events across the country. It gets even better when you interview the guys on the Nationwide Tour who battle week to week to get a tour card. This year I have high hopes for the “25” who graduated at Daniel Island South Carolina last year.

I follow the Nationwide a lot on the weekly radio shows I broadcast and in the columns I write. Why? The answer lies within the leader boards full field events so far this year on the PGA Tour. The Nationwide Tour graduates and veterans are making the presence known with authority. Every event has had many of the Nationwide Tour’s big performers and “25” in contention so far this year.

Michael Sim is one shot back of the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. He fired a 62 Friday after going one over on Thursday. He is one shot off the lead as I write this. Sim dominated the Nationwide Tour last year and earned the battlefield promotion with 3 wins. He is comfortable with winning. He is proving that last year wasn’t a fluke and that he plans on continuing what he started last year. By the way he is also in the Masters by virtue of his Official World Golf Ranking. And the guys at golfodds.com have him as 100/1 to put on a green jacket. Knowing Michael, I like those odds.

The PGA Tour would be well advised to start really promoting these guys from Matt Bettencourt, Alex Prugh, Blake Adams, Kevin Johnson, Vance Veazey, Garth Mulroy, Chris Tidland and the list goes on. All are solid, talented players who golf fans should get to know.

Bottom line: Follow the Nationwide Tour. It’s not just kids out of college trying to figure out if they can play competitive golf.

“Groovin” in 2010. PGA Tour style…..

As if there wasn’t enough excitement so far this year at Torrey Pines with all the name changes for the event from Buick all the way to Farmers Insurance Open now comes the lightning rod called the Ping Eye 2 wedge. Again.  That’s good news for Tiger Woods. He won’t have to be the lead story for a change.

This year the new rules say that you have to conform for “V” grooves if you play on tour in order to place a bigger premium on accuracy. Let’s face it. The tour players can spin a wedge on concrete and back it up if they need to. In the old days hitting it in the rough or a bunker was punitive. Nowadays the technology of the clubs affords the capability to stop wedges on a dime.  Until now. Sort of.

Now comes the fun part. There are loopholes to everything. Yes, even the USGA can’t get past that part. The club makers can push the limits of the new clubs to fractions of millimeters.  All in the name of giving their tour players an edge on the course.

Phil Mickelson is using a Ping Eye 2 wedge that is grandfathered in with the “box grooves” that allow more spin on ball. Mickelson, arguably one of the best short game players ever is using the loophole to use the club that was the basis of a lawsuit by Ping in 1993. Long story short Ping sued the USGA and won. All was forgotten. Until now. Lots of players on tour this week were angry and vocal when Phil pulled out the Ping wedge. By the way guys, he isn’t the first to play it on tour this year. I guess since he’s the number 2 player in the world and has his own short game video series that puts him on the top stories page this week.

Bottom Line: Phil isn’t cheating, and the Ping Wedge, for now, is legal. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Ebay awaits you with a hot buy it now price. I have one in my garage. Hmmmmmmmm.

Jon Daly quits then comes to his senses and Tweets his return to golf.

Another year on the PGA Tour and everybody’s favorite two time major championship winner says he’s had enough. Even after a suspension last year for behavior unbecoming of a PGA Tour player imposed by Tim Finchem, Daly said he just can’t go on any longer. Daly proclaimed that he would get his life together. He was in better physical shape after losing over 100 pounds through last year.

Jon Daly quit professional golf after missing the cut at Torrey Pines Friday. He is on sponsor’s exemptions this year and says he can’t afford to play the tour any longer. Daly who is also on a reality show on the Golf Channel will have more time to dedicate to the shows. With his svelte new look and pants from powered by the circus JD will certainly ……………….(Breaking News theme)This just in. Breaking News from Studio 1G at WereTalkingGolf.com.

Jon Daly says through his Twitter page it was all a misunderstanding. He loves golf and can’t imagine doing anything else. JD also says his comments were taken out of context. The PGA Tour can now relax and go back to Tiger watch and figuring out how to make 2010 a success.

Bottom Line: JD, you can’t do anything else and get this much attention. What else would you do? Nothing. You’re a talented golfer who is getting close to being back to tour form. The job market is a mess and you can’t interview in those pants.

Oosterhuis is out at CBS Sport’s golf coverage.

CBS announced after the first week of golf broadcasting that Peter Oosterhuis will not be on the weekly broadcasts this year opting not to renew his contract. He will appear on the Masters and PGA Championship coverage in limited capacity. One source stated that Oosterhaus was too enamored by Tiger Woods and that his coverage was bland at best on other players.  With his release he immediately was picked up for additional duties at the Golf Channel.

Bottom Line: Oosterhius is one of the best announcers in golf. He is not just about Tiger as some say. He calls it like he sees it. Peter, if the guys at the Golf Channel don’t treat you well, come join us at WereTalkingGolf TV. As always you’re a welcome guest on the shows.

Pro golf Hollywood style…..

Another year on tour and another west coast swing with some of the best tour stops all year. This week Torrey Pines. Next week we go to Hollywood. The PGA Tour has one of the best events all year as Phil will try to 3 peat at Riviera Country Club. With TARP funds well into the rear view mirror Northern Trust can enjoy the ceremonies hopefully without any commentary from Barney Frank and friends in the Beltway. I always enjoy the west coast swing because of the rich golf history and weather they get.

Jerry West is the new man in charge of the tournament and if things go as I suspect he will rise to the occasion and build a solid reputation in golf in Los Angeles. He brings leadership and energy back to the event that the PGA tour could take notes on and use. He knows how to work with people from all levels including the likes of a Kobe Bryant to a Jack Nicholson. Why does this matter? West can take an embattled event and turn it into the premier stop on the west coast swing with great players, celebrities, parties that other events only dream of and finally a work ethic at age 70 that no other director has. I’m excited to see the guys back at Riviera. I always enjoy the broadcasts a little more the week of this event.

Bottom Line: West is a proven winner on the basketball court and will also be a proven winner on the fairways and greens. Tim Finchem can learn a lot from this guy and how he deals with people on all levels to get results. Jerry, good luck this week and great job.

Steven Umphlett,

CEO WereTalkingGolf Productions Inc.

Like father like son, Bill Haas joins father Jay as winner at Bob Hope Classic on PGA Tour.

By: Steven Umphlett

Its always nice to get one for our hometown. Well sort of. Bill Haas won today on the PGA Tour for the first time in over 140 events. Whats even better is that Jay Haas, Greenville, South Carolina resident and Champions Tour player won the tournament back in 1988 while enjoying a successful career on the PGA Tour.

Bill Haas said it was about patience as much as anything. Its about going through the process of learning how to win on the PGA Tour. One thing is for sure. Now that he has closed the deal on a victory on tour he can focus on doing what matters most out here. Winning again.

Jay Haas who flew from Hawaii from the Mitsubishi Championship in time to see his son win commented                           “To win the same tournament I won is special, and then for me to get to see it – that’s really special,”                                     Jay Haas, who texted his son on Sunday night with a simple message: “Hit when you’re ready, and never before.”             It turned out to be sage advice from one of the PGA Tours favorite players and help his son win his first tournament.

Alex Prugh who was the leader going into today’s final round had a good round with 3 birdies to finish the day but not enough to edge Haas.  In the media center Haas said “It will be nice to come back here in the future and see my name along with my fathers on the trophy.

The Bob Hope Classic finishes the week with 90 holes, 4 golf courses, one rain delay, and a lot of birdies. This week the PGA Tour heads to San Diego to play Torrey Pines and continue the west coast swing.

Steven Umphlett

WereTalkingGolf.com

Steven Umphlett is the CEO of WereTalkingGolf Productions Inc. He writes weekly in the column “On the Tee with Steve” He can be heard weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio.

2010 WereTalkingGolf.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Live from Studio 1G this week on WereTalkingGolf Radio:

Parting Shots Show Monday 6 pm

Join Steve live from Studio 1G as he covers the weekend results from the PGA/ Nationwide tour , Champions Tour.  Also on this show coverage of the E golf Professional events.  A look at news and stories from around the globe and across the internet in professional golf.

First Tee Show Wednesday 6 pm

Live from Studio 1G we will cover this weeks events on all the professional tours around the country. Taking a look at the field scheduled to play and the course overviews. Interviews to include GCSAA Superintendents with course conditions and updates. PGA Club Professional also to join the show to go over the latest updates on the tournaments at their host clubs.

Out on the Course Show Live from Studio 1G Thursday- Sunday 6pm EST

Tune in live for all the golf tour results from round 1 of scheduled events from around the country. This is the show where  8 minutes takes you through the all the results, news, and golf news you want spanning the globe in professional golf.

“At the Turn Show” Live from Studio 1G Saturday 9am EST.

Join Steve, Chris and Rob  live from Studio 1G or on location across the country with all the latest in news, opinions, and commentary from around professional golf. Plus all the interviews with the leaders in golf you want to hear from.  This is the premier national live golf radio show that gets you in on the talk with the best names in golf.