PGA Tour
John Deere Classic
TPC Deere Run
Silvis, Illinois
This season on the PGA Tour has been very interesting in terms of how even the fields have been. There have been numerous first-time winners, a breakneck pace. Once again, the Tour produced a first-timer, this week at the John Deere.
This week’s first-time winner is the 27-year-old Brian Harman. Harman’s first victory came by holding off the very hot playing Zach Johnson. Harman’s final round 5-under 66 was enough to edge the veteran Johnson.
With the win many doors are opened up for the 27-year-old, not the least of which is the door to the bank with a winner’s check of $846,000. In addition to the cash Harman claimed the last exemption into this week’s British Open as well as invites to the Masters and the Tournament of Champions.
A good week.
European Tour
Scottish Open
Aberdeen, Scotland
Who is the hottest player on the planet right now? One might argue that distinction belongs to Justin Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open champion. Rose claimed a victory last week at the Quicken Loans National at congressional. This week Rose displayed his links golf skills for a Scottish crowd, claiming the Scottish Open.
Last year’s Scottish Open winner was Phill Mickelson, who then carried that momentum into the British Open, claiming his first Claret Jug. Can Rose carry that same momentum? If so, he would have won his third event in as many weeks.
Women’s British Open
Royal Birkdale
Southport, England
Those watching the final round of the Women’s British Open were treated to an incredible golf shot on the last hole. Mo Martin was 240 out with a 3-wood in her hand at Royal Birkdale. The shot was so pure and so on-line that hit ended up hitting the flagstick and nearly dropping for a double eagle.
“An absolutely perfect 3-wood. When it was in the air, I said, `Sit.’ And then I said, `Stop.’ And then when it was going toward the hole, I said, `OK, I don’t have anything more to say to that ball.’ I actually heard it hit the pin. It’s definitely one to remember.” ~Mo Martin
The ball settled to six feet, where Martin would drain the eagle put, securing a one-shot victory for her first major win.
