King Kaymer at Bunkergate PGA
The 2010 US PGA Championship was one of the finest major golf tournaments in living memory. At one stage there were seven golfers all within a shot of the lead, all considered a good chance to win. Even without the bunkergate controversy it would have been something to remember.
Martin Kaymer: The second German to ever win a major and won in similar conditions to the way Bernard Langer win the US Senior Open a few weeks ago. Martin Kaymer 26, is a virtual unknown in the US but now has six professional victories. This was one brilliant win. His tee shot on the second playoff hole was sublime and kept his head on the final hole while Bubba Watson rolled the dice and lost.
Bunkergate: As ridiculous as the ruling seemed I still find it amazing that Dustin Johnson said “it never once crossed my mind that I was in a sand trap”. Given the talk of the many bunkers, the reminder in the local rules pinned up in the locker room that ALL bunkers are in play and the previous trials of Stuart Appleby on this very course, surely he must have at least ‘crossed his mind’? Then an official called for and a ruling made on how to proceed. I feel for the guy. He’s had a stellar season and now blown two major chances. I hope he gets another shot at one soon. Official ruling.
Forever Young: Steve Elkington and Zach Johnson aside, this was a leaderboard full of ‘unknown’ golfers who are now becoming ‘known’. Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jason Dufner, Jason Day, Martin Kaymer and Matt Kuchar will be names on leaderboards of the future. If Tiger doesn’t feature, golf is certain to be extremely exciting.
Speed golf: Ian Poulter mysteriously pulled out of the Sunday round after firing a 77 on Saturday (grapes? sour?).This allowed Jeff Overton to go out as the lone golfer in the first group and finish his round in two hours, eight minutes.
The Elk and Day: It has been well over a year since any Australian golfer has given us a reason to get out of bed in the middle of the night. It was such a pleasure to see Day and Elkington giving the Wanamaker Trophy a shake. The young and the old. The white pants and the brown pants.
Whistling Straits: What a golf course. Reportedly not great for galleries and much too difficult for your average golfer it was still hugely entertaining watching the pro’s try and negotiate Pete dye’s design. Bunkergate won’t go away quickly but for every golfer in a world of hurt, there was a golfer making a great birdie.
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Dustin was surrounded by the crowd in the middle of the storm but where did the caddy sit the clubs? Ridiculous as is seems he should have been penalized for setting the clubs in a hazard.
I felt sorry for Dustin, but all golfers have to work on the theory that “sand = penalty” unless you are positive something says different. At least he made the Ryder Cup team with his play — that should cheer him up a little.
And I definitely thought about you when Day and Elk got into contention. Before the tourney I picked Scott to contend; but after the troubles he’s had, I’m just happy he made the cut. A year ago, we would have seen his T39 as a major accomplishment (sorry about the pun).
No sour grapes for Poulter. He had been battling a virus all week (77 on Saturday) and it got the better of him on the final day.
So does that mean that 90% of The Dunes on Mornington Peninsula is a hazard? Lot of sand off the fairway, some in defined traps, but a lot in exposed dunes etc.
I can’t help but feel there will be a precedent set here for a few sandy courses. The local rules will become clearer, bolder and pinned in more prominent positions.
I can think of multiple courses where bunker definitions will be reviewed. The Dunes included.
I’ll take your word for it Marty. I’ve always liked Poults and he cops enough from American golf bloggers. There’s no need for me to start now.
Oh and you’re spot on Bruno! The caddie must take a large part of the blame here.