TODAY'S FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: WYNDHAM, DUSTIN & TIGER

by Doug McAllister

Some days there are just too many golf subjects to weigh in on. One of those days today. So, this post will be several pieces crammed together. The only unifying element here is golf but, in the end, that's probably okay!


"MINOR LEAGUE" WYNDHAM WITH SOME MAJOR ISSUES AT STAKE

More and more, events that seem to lack the supposed marquee players of the Tour have gotten a black eye, labeled as almost minor league events. But, at the Wyndham Championships this week, that really isn't the case — even if what's his name is too good to come. Too much at stake this week to be considered minor in any way. All of the "bubble" players are scrambling hard to make the start of the playoffs next week and that makes for some exciting stuff. I guess when there is, seemingly, a ton on the line, high interest is generated.

But, don't you think if there were appropriate levels of interest given to all of the previous "minor" events of the year, many of the Bubble Boys would have already qualified for the playoffs? Something to think about.

Others, like Anthony Kim, who are coming off injuries or other setbacks during the season really aren't to be blamed. I am sure that their interest was there, even though they were unable to play. Also, let's not consider any PGA event minor, regardless of who shows up. It's golf, isn't it? Golf at this level is all that really needs to be there. But, for minor league golf, please tune into the Nationwide Tour.


DUST(IN) IN THE WIND!

While it seems that Dustin Johnson has wisely moved on following his unfortunate debacle at the PGA Championship, everyone else in the press seems to be chewing the bones. So, not to be left behind, I will too.

The finger pointing has begun in earnest as everyone is blaming everyone for the mess. Even Pete Dye is being criticized for including the 1200+ bunkers in his exquisite design. Hilarious! It was Dustin's fault for not reading the unnecessary local rules sheet (unnecessary because, in my view, the whole deal shouldn't have been handled on a local rules breakout!). It was the PGA's fault for their professionals on the scene remaining silent when they should have been sending up red flags right and left. And it's surely Lake Michigan's fault for being there in the first place and for helping form the links land upon which the course was built.

I liked Nick Faldo's take on things during an observation made while commentating at the Wyndham Championships. He noted that only once previously in his entire career had he ever seen spectators standing in a bunker that was in play on a golf course and that was in France (leave it to the Frogs! — my comment not Nick's). His comment was that he couldn't believe that the spectators were allowed to stand there (probably the fault of the PGA!) and that, given the fact that they were allowed there, the sandy track was not immediately declared a waste area. Hear! Hear! Sir Nick! Why didn't someone on the scene think of that? Seems to me that if an area is tracked all over by a bunch of human cattle the only fair thing to do is consider it a waste area. Faldo for PGA President!


AS THE TIGER TURNS!

I would have said "as the Eldrick Turns" but the nice alliteration would have been lost.

We can all rest easier. Eldrick has announced that he will begin his defense of the FedEx cup at next week's Barclay's. Defense? Right! I don't know about you, but I was losing sleep wondering whether or not he would sanctify the event with his presence. But breathe easier, golf fans! The exalted one will be there and the world of golf will be saved for one more weekend!

Also, speculation is running higher than high that Pavin will pick Eldrick to grace the ranks of America's Ryder Cup Team. If you didn't shout "hallelujah!" regarding the breakthrough at the Barclay's, here's your next chance. Again, America will be saved as El(drick) Tigre leads our boys into the fray to vanquish the foul European foes! And, if you believe that — that we will vanquish the foul European foes — I still have that oceanfront property here in Utah for you to consider buying.

I'm afraid that poor Pavin is under immense pressure to make sure that the PGA's erstwhile Poster Boy is on the team, whether it's for the best or not. After all, money talks and that other stuff walks. Can't have money without a product and, mistakenly, Eldrick is viewed as the product.

Funny. I always thought golf was the product. Silly me!


So, there you have my random meanderings for today. Do yourself a favor and get out there and...

Hit 'em Long and Straight!