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HUSKY MEN'S GOLF: INSIDE THE ROPES
Pac-10 Championship Golf Blog With O.D. Vincent
Husky golf fans can follow all the action from the Seattle Golf Club this Tuesday and Wednesday as O.D. Vincent will provide insight from inside the ropes during the Pac-10 Men's Golf Championships. Vincent will follow the Huskies and Head Coach Matt Thurmond on the course and provide instant analysis, exclusively for GoHuskies.com. Also, submit a question or comment and we'll post our answers here!
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Huskies Are Pac-10 Champs
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (3:55 p.m.)
What an epic event. The performance the Husky men's golf team put on at Seattle Golf Club over the past three days will be remembered for many years. Not only did they dominate a field of the nations' best teams and individuals, but they did it with class. To a man, this team exudes confidence, patience and precision.
Congratulations to Darren on a historic feat. It is nice to see the former Canadian Amateur Champion not only regain his form but play to a level he is so capable of consistently.
Congratulations to the team for winning this event in convincing and impressive fashion. This was as dominate of a performance as I have ever seen. These guys are a tight unit with diverse but yet complimentary personalities and backgrounds. They are extremely deserving.
Congratulations to the coaches. It is difficult to find three harder working and effective coaches than Garrett Clegg, Scott Alexander and Matt Thurmond. They are doing the best job in the country and we are all enjoying the fruits of their labor. Keep it up gents.
Congratulations to Seattle Golf Club for doing the best job hosting a conference championship anyone can remember. The conditioning was perfect for championship golf, the organization was flawless and the atmosphere was inclusive and electric. The only bad news is that we have to wait 10 years until we get the opportunity to host again.
Thanks to everyone that came out to watch and all of you who logged on to follow the action on GoHuskies.com. We have the best fans in the country and we appreciate each and every one of you.
Next up......NCAA Regional action. After digesting and enjoying this win, the boys' next challenge will be to continue the momentum they have built in recent weeks. Regional's and the Finals this year have a different format. There are six Regional's instead of three. There will be 13 or 14 teams at each Regional site with five advancing at each to the NCAA Championship at Inverness CC in Ohio. At Inverness, 30 teams will play 54 holes of stroke play before a cut to the low eight teams. Those eight teams will play head-to-head match play to determine the National Champion. Regional's can never be taken too lightly. You have to play well to advance, period.
Golf is a crazy game. One year ago, we were fighting for our lives just to get a Regional bid. Twelve months later, we are celebrating a Pac-10 Championship and looking forward to having a realistic shot of bringing home a National Championship. Like my dad has always reminded me, when things are great, you are never as great as you think you are and when things are bad, you are never as bad as you think you are. Take every day in stride, do the little things that others overlook and always expect to be the very best. These Huskies believe they can win! Isn't it nice when a plan comes together?
Go Dawgs!
O.D. Vincent
Links To GoHuskies.com coverage:
• Read the daily recap from GoHuskies.com
• Photo Gallery from today's action.
 Interviews With The Champs: Darren Wallace & Matt Thurmond
• Submit Questions and Comments
Signing Off To Attend To Other Duties
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (2:35 p.m.)
This is Brian Tom. Sorry to leave you all in the lurch, but O.D. and I have duties we need to attend to. But, we'll be back later with a wrap up. Obviously, a very historic day for Husky golf!!! Go Dawgs.
• Submit Questions and Comments
On 17 With The Leader
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (updated 2:35 p.m.)
Wallace hit his tee shot down the right-hand side that should be just fine, although it is in the rough. He had 118 to the hole from there and hit a 54-degree wedge to about 15 feet from the cup for birdie. He missed his putt, but tapped in for par. On to 18!
• Submit Questions and Comments
Wallace On The Par-3 No. 16 Hole
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (2:15 p.m.)
Sixteen is a 186-yard par-3. Wallace hit a 6-iron to about dead pin high and is was about 18 feet left of the hole for birdie. He missed his putt on the high side and tapped in for par. He is now 13-under for the tournament as he heads to No. 17.
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Double Bogey For Wallace
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (2:10 p.m.)
Wallace was aggressive on his 30 foot putt attempt for par and missed it about 8 yards long. He then missed that putt and had to settle for a double-bogey six. This is just Wallace's second double of the tournament and first bogey or worse since he bogied No. 3 yesterday. Since that aforementioned bogey, Wallace had been 13-under par over the previous 29 holes.
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Wallace Finds Trouble
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (2:00 p.m.)
Unfortunately for Darren, there was a tree in his backswing, so he was forced to chip out and had about 143 yards to the green for his third shot. He hit a pitching wedge and got it about up to the hole, but the ball spun back off the top shelf and he's got about 30 feet for par.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Tee Shot On 15
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:58 p.m.)
Hole No. 15 is a medium-lenghth Par-4 with a dog-leg left. These guys are hitting a 3-wood off the tee. Darren pull-hooked his a little bit and he's going to have to get a pretty good break to get a shot into the green.
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Wallace On 14
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:55 p.m.)
Darren chipped to about six feet away for his birdie attempt on the par-5 No. 14. He just lipped out on the low side and made his tap in for par. On to No. 15.
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Choo On A Roll, Huskies Locking It Up
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:48 p.m.)
Choo is on a little bit of a roll. He has about 12 feet for birdie on No. 15. Wallace just knocked it on the left edge of the green in two on No. 14 after hitting a great drive down the pipe. What I'm going to do since the team race has such a large gap, I'm going to follow Wallace as he finishes up a pretty epic championship and give a shot-by-shot blow.
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The Eagle Has Landed For Choo
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:38 p.m.)
Tze Huang Choo made his eagle putt on No. 14, his third eagle of the tournament and second time he has hit one on 14.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Back Nine Updates
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:35 p.m.)
Chris Kilmer hit a speed bump on No. 14. He hit a triple and it looks like Jens Bracht birdied the hole. Those two guys are kind of battling it out to see who gets to count the last score towards the team's total. Kilmer followed up on No. 15 with a great approach shot and was sitting nicely for birdie, but lipped it out and had to settle for par.
Richard Lee had a great up-and-down on 14 after hitting his second shot into the trees. Choo hit it in there pretty tight on No. 14. He went for it in two by hitting a cut 3-wood and is sitting about six to eight feet for an eagle.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Mailbag Answer
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:15 p.m.)
Question from Ed Hanson: To what extent is the golf team supported by the athletic department? Does the golf team need donor support? If so, what types of fundraising events or opportunities exist?
Answer: The team is funded by the UW Athletic Department but they have a great fundraising arm that has been very successful called the Husky Golf Foundation. What the Husky Golf Foundation does is allow them to compete at the very highest level. It funds some additional trips and some pre-season training. It allows the kids to get all the equipment and all the advantages they need to be able to compete.
If someone is interested in donating to the Husky Golf Foundation, they should contact Matt Thurmond directly by email or phone at 206-685-7632.
I would encourage anyone to join that wants to help the golf team because it really goes a long way.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Scoreboard Gazing
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (1:10 p.m.)
I just walked by the scoreboard on the 12th green and I had no idea that the gap was what it is currently at. I can't explain to you how well these guys are playing right now. The challenge right now is for these guys to keep their eyes off the leaderboard and just to continue to keep the pedal down right to the last hole. If they do, they're going to set some records that might stand for a very long time.
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Wallace And Taylor Go Birdie Hunting
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:55 p.m.)
Nick Taylor lipped out of the hole just missing a hole in one on the Par-3 No. 11. He has about six inches for birdie. Wallace hit his second shot about 10 feet below the hole on No. 10 and hit a perfect putt for a birdie.
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Something To Choo On
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:50 p.m.)
Choo made a 10-footer for bogey on No. 11. He got up-and-down from about 100 yards after hitting it in the water. Choo has been grinding every shot and has had some phenomenal up-and-downs. It was just another in a long line of great saves.
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Taylor Birdies 10
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:43 p.m.)
Nick Taylor knocked his second shot about 15 feet behind the hole on No. 10 and knocked that in for birdie. Hopefully his putter will start heating it up a little bit.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Wallace Eagles Nine!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:40 p.m.)
Darren Wallace just drained a 40-footer from the fringe on No. 9 for an eagle. He is now 13-under for the tournament and has a seven stroke lead!
• Submit Questions and Comments
Washington Holding Strong
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:30 p.m.)
Richard Lee on No. 10 hit a straight-up 15-footer into the back of the hole for a birdie. Choo finished his front nine strong with a birdie too. Washington has a 14 stroke lead right now!
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Wallace Moves To 11-Under
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:10 p.m.)
Darren Wallace just birdied No. 8, as did his playing partner Daniel Miernicki. Both hit outstanding shots to get into position.
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Taylor Striking The Iron
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (12:05 p.m.)
Nick Taylor is continuing his stellar iron play after hitting it to within six feet on No. 8. Eugene Wong, his playing partner from Oregon, hit his to about four feet. So, two great shots! Unfortunately, Nick missed his putt on 8.
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Richard Lee On Fire
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:55 a.m.)
Richard Lee birdied No. 8 for his third birdie in a row. Choo knocked it in pretty close on No. 8 and has about nine feet for birdie. Right now, the Huskies are a combined 12-under par for the tournament, while second-place Oregon is 1-over.
• Submit Questions and Comments
More Seventh Heaven
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:45 a.m.)
Richard Lee birdied No. 7. He actually went for the green in two, hit it right in front and chipped it up to about three feet and knocked it in. Nick Taylor hit his first shot right down the middle and will have a decision to make.
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Onto No. 7
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:35 a.m.)
Another makeable birdie attempt coming up for Nick Taylor on No. 6. Wallace had a real good two-putt on No. 5.
No. 7 is playing interesting today. The pin is right on the front of the green which really brings the water and the shaved-bank into play. Our players look like they're laying up, while yesterday they were going for that green, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Mailbag Answer
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:25 a.m.)
Q: Why does the Pac 10 Conference play it's championship with six players counting five when other tournaments are played with five counting four?
A: The NCAA Championships used to be six play, count five and so the conference championship was consistent with that. The Pac-10 Conference is the only conference that has held onto that tradition. As long as I've known golf, the Pac-10 has held onto six, count five. What it does is it provides an entirely different element of depth. So, a lot of times, the Pac-10 Championship becomes the most difficult championship to win all year because you become so dependent on the depth of your team.
With this tournament being a four round tournament, with five counting scores, there are 20 rounds that count towards a team's score. In a regular season event there are only 12 counting scores, four counting scores and three rounds. This is almost two entire tournaments with this scoring system, so it is very interesting and I think tremendous.
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Wallace Birdie, Other Updates
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:20 a.m.)
Choo had another really good up-and-down on No. 5. Wallace had a solid par on No. 4 after a birdie on No. 3. Richard Lee, after bogeying No. 5, stuffed it on No. 6. It is hard to see exactly how close he is, but it sounded like he almost hit it in and must have hit it really tight. He ended up hitting the birdie. Nick Taylor really lasered his shot in close on No. 5 and has a short birdie attempt left. If he can get these shots rolling in, it is going to be a real special day for him.
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Taylor Still Throwing Darts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:04 a.m.)
Taylor is again right on with his approach shots. He almost holed out on No. 4. He hit it six feet past the hole and spun it back, lipped it out and has about a foot-and-half for birdie. Taylor ended up tapping in his birdie putt.
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Nice Up-And-Downs
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (11:00 a.m.)
There has been some nice early work around the greens by the Huskies so far. Choo had a nice up-and-down from the front of the green on No. 4 and Chris Kilmer got up-and-down from the left of the green on No. 5. So, we're hanging in there!
• Submit Questions and Comments
Pin Locations Tough Today
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:52 a.m.)
The hole locations today, from what I've seen from the first five holes, are really tough. The scoring today is going to be a little tougher to come by, but I think that is going to be to our advantage because we know the course real well and I think we're going to play it smart.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Putts Not Falling Early
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:45 a.m.)
Putts are not falling yet. Darren left his putt just on the high side of the hole, but again, if we keep giving ourselves these looks, were going to be in great shape. The guys look solid, just the putts have not dropped the first couple of holes.
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Taylor Update, Wallace On The Course
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:40 a.m.)
Nick left his putt on No. 2 just on the edge, but again, if he has good looks like that all day, he is going to have quite a round. Darren Wallace has about 10-feet straight up for birdie on No. 2.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Nick Dialed In Early & Answer To Question
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:30 a.m.)
Nick looks like he is dialed in today. He has about seven feet for birdie on No. 2. Also, thanks for the question/comment from "Junior Millbowski"
Q: OD- nice shoes they are wearing, reminds of the pants your team wore back in the late 90's. Being outside the ropes now, is it easy to grin when the school is about to when a Pac 10 title.
A: I can appreciate the fact that Matt is using Ian Poulter as a fashion consultant this year and I can appreciate that they are standing out. I'll just leave it at that!
Keep the questions coming in!
• Submit Questions and Comments
Choo, Taylor On The Course
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:20 a.m.)
Tze Huang Choo had a real solid two putt on No. 1. He left his second shot about 50 feet short and made a real solid second putt to save par. Nick Taylor followed up and put his second shot about two feet from the hole but missed the putt. The pin location is really tough on No. 1, so Kilmer's birdie earlier is looking that much better.
I talked to Matt before the round today and he said he wouldn't be surprised if Nick had one of his patented great last rounds that he has been posting lately and make a run at the individual title with Darren Wallace and others.
Also, the weather has turned out great! There is no wind, the sun is out and there is already a ton of people out here. Get on out here!!
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It's Got To Be The Shoes...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:08 a.m.)
The Huskies will be wearing retro golf shoes today. They are patent leather, purple and white, that are extremely eye-catching for sure! To the right are photos of the shoes.
• Submit Questions and Comments
Nice Start For Bracht, Kilmer
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (10:00 a.m.)
Matt Thurmond will start the day with Jens Bracht, the first Husky off the tees. Jens hit two great shots on No. 1, was 8-feet below the hole for birdie, and just lipped it out on the high side. The Oregon player made bogey on the first hole. Chris Kilmer also hit two great shots on No. 1 and ended up about 12 feet below the hole and just knocked it in for birdie, for a great start.
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Wednesday Morning Thoughts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 (9:45 a.m.)
Some reflections on yesterday first. I think yesterday was about as good of college golf as you are ever going to see as far as excitement. The way Oregon came out of the gates on fire and the way that Washington fought back and the way those two teams fed off of each other amounted to one of the best days of college golf that I have seen.
Also another observation... what a great job the Seattle Golf Club has done hosting this event. The buy in and the commitment of the club from top to bottom has been outstanding. I've heard so many people say that this is the best conference championship they have ever seen in the operation, the condition of the golf course and just overall commitment to making this championship the very best it can be. For a club that has not hosted a lot of events and does not host a lot of events, I think that everyone is really enjoying it. I think that Darren Wallace posting a 65 yesterday is something that members will never forget. I think that the members here and the Seattle Golf Club as a whole deserve a tremendous amount of thanks.
As far as today goes, I spoke with Matt (Thurmond) last night and he obviously feels really good about where his team is and likes his postion at the lead.
What the fans should look for today is that I personally think that this tournament is going to be decided on the first nine holes. For Oregon to come out and play so well yesterday -- at one time they had everyone on their team under par -- and still lose strokes to Washington, that is going to be a question mark as far as how they rebound. If Oregon comes out swinging again, we're really going to have a dog fight on our hands between those two schools. From my standpoint as a former coach, it is difficult when you have a team give everything they've got -- that was almost a knock out punch -- and to still lose ground, can be discouraging for a team. It will be interesting to see how Oregon reacts coming out of the gate.
For Washington, we don't really want to have the same start they had yesterday. You don't want to have two bogeys on No. 1. I think the first four holes have birdie opportunities for the taking with a variety of short shots coming into the holes. If Washington can get off to a good start and give themselves some real separation from the rest of the field, it will make all the difference in the world in coming to the back nine. I think they will and I hope they do, so if they can make the turn at 8-under par, I think it will make it much more clear as to how the results on the back nine will turn out.
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Huskies End Round Three In The Lead
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (updated 5:05 pm)
Darren just missed his birdie attempt at 18. What a great round! He is now the new competitive course record holder at 65. Congrats to Darren and the entire Husky squad. Thirteen under today is extremely impressive. This morning Matt was expressing his focus with the guys in regards to finishing the round strong. They did that and more. I give Oregon a tremendous amount of credit for the way they played. They had the gas pedal down right from the first hole. The Huskies started slowly but hung in there so well. You can tell this is a confident team that is very patient.
I am sure the boys are feeling pretty goos right now. They put some distance between themselves and the field. However, there is never a big enough lead when you have a 6 count 5 format. There is a lot of golf to be played tomorrow but I do like our position. The third round is often referred to as moving day. I would say we moved very well.
The atmosphere was great today. There is a tremendous amount of excitement for the program and a lot of SGC members and Husky Golf fans enjoying the action. Get out tomorrow if you get the chance. The tee times will be the same as today with your Huskies teeing off at 9:36 a.m. off of the No. 1 tee. Go Dawgs!
A couple of tidbits:
• Read the daily recap from GoHuskies.com
Matt Thurmond & Darren Wallace Interview
• Washington shot 347 collectively, the low round of the tournament. The Huskies were 5-under on No. 18, while second-place Oregon was even on the hole. The Huskies shot 4-under par on the front nine and topped that on the back nine with a 5-under as a team. Oregon came out red hot and shot 15-under on the front nine, but was 6-over on the back.
• According the wall in the men's locker room, Don Bies and Arnold Palmer hold the course record with a 63. Wallace's 65 is the record score during a competition.
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Wallace Threatening Course Record
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (2:48 pm)
Darren Wallace is 7-under for the day after 17 holes and the course record is 65. If he can birdie 18, he'll hold the new record. He piped it on 18 and if he birdies, he'll shoot a round of 64. The competitive course record is 67. Kilmer missed his birdie attempt on 18.
Huskies Continue Late Push
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (2:41 pm)
Nick Taylor birdied 18 after sitting 20 feet away from the hole for and eagle. Kilmer is 20 yards off the green after his second shot and right behind him on No. 17, Darren Wallace just knocked in a birdie. After trailing Oregon for much of the third round, the Huskies have taken a six-stroke lead over the Ducks!
Choo Eagles 18
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (2:22 pm)
Tze Huang Choo wrapped up his round with an eagle on 18 to go to 4-under for the round and 1-under overall for the tournament.
Lee Finishes Strong
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (2:15 pm)
Richard Lee just chipped in for birdie on No. 18 after saving himself from the trees on the right-side of the fairway. A great chip in for birdie!
Oregon Hits Some Trouble
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (2:10 pm)
Oregon is having a little bit of trouble right now. Eugene Wong from Oregon just hit his second shot on No. 16 into the water and has to take a drop back from where he started. He was playing real well. The Husky boys are playing real well on No. 17 right now, so it looks like it is going to be a dogfight to the end.
Huskies Hit A Speed Bump
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:55 pm)
The Huskies have hit a little bump in the road momentarily. Choo hit it into the water on No. 16, but recovered and hit about a 20-foot putt for bogey. Chris Kilmer is having a tough time right now 15. He hit his third shot well left of the green and has a real tough up-and-down left for bogey.
Taylor Sitting Pretty For Another Birdie
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:45 pm)
It looks like No. 15 is providing more action. Nick Taylor hit a nine iron onto the green about 20 feet past the hole but the ball spun back and is sitting about four inches away from the hole. He should obviously knock that thing in for a birdie, which will move Taylor to 4-under for the day.
Choo Makes Shot Of The Day
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:40 pm)
The shot of the day right now belongs to Tze Huang Choo who chipped in on 15. Choo was about 10 yards short of the green and his chip shot took about two hops and went in the hole for birdie.
Taylor, Lee Updates
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:35 pm)
Nick Taylor laid up into the fairway bunker on No. 14, but knocked his next shot to within about five feet for a birdie attempt. He ended up missing that attempt. Richard Lee did not make his putt on No. 15. Lee now has a real good birdie look on No. 16.
Choo & Lee Updates
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:25 pm)
Choo just birdied No. 14 on a real good up-and-down from the right bunker, which followed up Richard Lee's birdie on the same hole. Right now, Lee is sitting about 15-18 feet for a birdie on No. 15, which is a pretty makeable putt.
Wallace's Birdie Streak Ends
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1:05 pm)
Wallace missed a five-foot putt on No. 11 to miss on his attempt for five-consecutive birdies.
Wallace Remains On Fire
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (12:55 pm)
Darren Wallace had a very unconvential birdie on No. 10. He hit his tee shot in the trees on the right but had an opening out. He hit a great wedge from in there to about six feet short and knocked that in. This could be a big tide changer. He now has four-consecutive birdies and is 5-under for the day, 7-under for the tournament.
Nick Taylor Holding Steady
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (12:45 pm)
Nick Taylor had an exception up-and-down left of the Par-3 11th green to save par. Hopefully that will keep some momentum going. For looking a little wobbly at the outset, he is holding it together pretty well.
Wallace Has Three-Straight Birdies
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (12:15 pm)
Darren Wallace made about a 30-footer on No. 8 for a birdie to go 4-under for the day. He followed that up with a short putt for birdie on nine. He has birdied three-consecutive hole on seven, eight and nine. He has posted a 6-under for the tournament and currently holds a one-stroke lead over Oregon's Eugene Wong.
Kilmer Update
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (12:00 pm)
Chris unfortunately missed his birdie putt on No. 7 and held on for par, but Darren Wallace is about 40 feet short and has an eagle putt on seven.
Team Settling Down, Oregon On Fire
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (11:50 am)
Chris Kilmer is sitting 3 feet from birdie on No. 7 after hitting a real good chip shot from the right side of the green. Nick Taylor ended up with a birdie on No. 7.
Overall, the boys look more comfortable right now and it looks like they're getting into their groove a little bit. Oregon has played flawlessly this entire morning and both teams are having a pretty good showdown right now.
Hole No. 7 & No. 8 updates
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (11:40 am)
Richard Lee ended up two-putting on No. 7 for a birdie, and right now, Nick Taylor has about 25 feet for eagle on the same hole.
Lee Sitting Pretty on No. 7
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (11:20 am)
Richard Lee has about 30 feet for eagle on No. 7 after hitting a 3-wood onto the green and piping his drive.
Huskies Hanging Tough
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (11:15 am)
Choo copied Jens on No. 5 with a really nice par save from the same bunker and hit a 12-footer, while Nick hit it in from about 20 feet on the same hole for a birdie. Oregon has made a ton of birdies already to be at 5-under for the day, so if we can hang in there this morning they are going to have a good shot at getting it going. The guys are hanging tough for not looking as sharp as they normally do.
Choo Moves To 2-Under For The Day
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (10:50 am)
Choo made about a 15-footer for a great birdie on No. 4 to go to 2-under par, while at the same time, Jens had an excellent par save from the left greenside bunker on No. 5.
Taylor, Choo Get Things Started Right
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (10:15 am)
Good news to report. Nick Taylor birdied No. 1 after hitting his ball in there about 20 feet behind the hole. Choo drove the green on No. 2 and knocked his ball about 25 feet from the hole and has that for eagle. That is on the heels of recording a par on No. 1. So, things are looking up after the second group of Huskies took the course.
Not A Great Start
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (10:00 am)
Not great news to report starting out of the gate. Jens had to take an unplayable on the first hole and ended up making 6, while Richard Lee hit his first shot out of bounds to the right on hole No. 1. So, there is a lot of work to do and it's not the best start, but there are a lot of birdies out there.
Scores Should Be Lower Today
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (9:45 am)
Jens Bracht is about to tee off. After talking to the staff, a lot of people are expecting some lower scores today across the board. With no wind and some of the hole locations, there should be some lower scoring.
With a good day, the Huskies should return to par or below par overall. The boys seem relaxed and ready to go, so we'll check back in shortly.
Strategy For Round Three
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (9:30 am)
This is O.D. Vincent. Our goal with Inside the Ropes is to give everyone a little more insight as to the story behind the scores. You need to go to Golfstat.com for the live scoring, but we want to give our golf fans the opportunity to get a little bit more insight and information.
I'm going to be with Matt Thurmond and Garrett Clegg today and on the golf course at some of the key holes. I think Matt was pretty happy yesterday to get off to a good start. One of the things that concerned Matt about playing at home is that sometimes the players and their comfort level when playing on their home course is a little bit higher than at other places, which can be good, but at times it can make you get lazy with some of your decision making and there can be more distractions with friends and family around. I think they did an excellent job of managing those distractions and Matt feels really good about their finish yesterday.
The key hole for the Huskies yesterday was No. 11, a tough par 3, where they made their biggest move on the field. They played that hole 1-under par, while other teams played that hole over par and found the water quite a bit. Matt felt really, really good about that.
As far as today goes, they have moved the tees up on hole No. 2 to make it a risk-reward drivable 310-yard par 4. That is the first place that I'm going to be today. A lot of our players feel comfortable on that tee and like the shape of the hole, so it will be interesting to see the decisions they make on that hole. If you choose not to drive the hole, you can hit a hybrid right up in front and hit a little pitch in. The pin is going to be tucked on the left-hand side of the green. They're going to have a decision to make right out of the gate so it's going to be interesting.
Garrett is going to start off the day with Darren Wallace and Matt is going to get out with Richard Lee and Tze Huang Choo.
Matt told me his goal today is to take it as a one round tournament and to have the low round of the day. They are a little fired up that Oregon State recorded the low score of the first round and that they lost a couple shots coming down the stretch, but they feel good about having the low round (360) of the afternoon and they'd like again to have the low round.
The key is to be in good position down the stretch tomorrow and be in the hunt. The tournament is really going to be won on the last five holes on the golf course. It is a difficult stretch, but the holes are playing really well and there and there are a couple of par 5's that teams can pick up strokes.
Huskies Lead After Two Rounds
Monday, April 27, 2009 (10:00 pm)
Brian Tom here again. I'm just warming up the car for O.D. Vincent, who will be providing his insight on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tidbits from Round 2 of the Pac-10 Championships at the Seattle Golf Club:
• Here is a recap from GoHuskies.com on the first two rounds.
• The Huskies turned in the best team round of the afternoon, tallying a 360. For the day, the Huskies are 5-over par as a team, shooting a combined 725 (365-360). Oregon is in second place at 9-over (366-363-729), while Oregon State is third, ten shots behind the Huskies, after shooting a first day 735 (364-371).
• Darren Wallace is pacing the entire field, and teammate Chris Kilmer is tied with two others for second. Wallace is 2-under par shooting a combined 142 (70-72) after 36 holes, while Kilmer is one shot behind with a 143 (71-72).
• Nick Taylor finished his up-and-down day with a second round 2-under 70 after opening the first 18 with a 4-over 76. Tze Huang Choo is 3-over par after two rounds (73-74-147) and is one shot behind Taylor. Richard Lee sits at 4-over par (75-73-148) to trail Choo by one shot. Jens Bracht is within reach too, at 6-over, after shooting a 150 (77-73).
• The Huskies made their biggest move of the day during the back nine of the second round. After shooting a combined 5-over on the front nine, the six Huskies in the field combined for a 3-under par on the back nine. Taylor and Wallace each shot 2-under on the back.
• The Huskies will be paired with Oregon on Tuesday. Jen Bracht will tee off first at 9:36 a.m, followed by Lee, Choo, Taylor, Kilmer and Wallace, who is last off the tee at 10:16 a.m.
Round 1 Update
Monday, April 27, 2009 (3:00 pm)
First off, this is NOT O.D. Vincent right now. This is Brian Tom from the Athletic Communications staff. The Huskies just finished up their first round from the Seattle Golf Club and were in second place behind surprising Oregon State. The Huskies carded a 365, while the Beavs finished one shot better with a 364. Oregon and Stanford were on the Huskies' heels with a 366.
The Huskies' top finisher after the first round was Darren Wallace, who shot a 2-under par 70. Wallace was tied for second place with two other golfers. Cal's John Murphy was the only golfer in the sixties, carding a 69.
We'll have more later after the golfers get off the course, and don't forget that tomorrow and Wednesday, we'll have hole-by-hole coverage of the Huskies.
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