Anthony Kim and Tiger Woods played together in the final round of a tournament for the first time Sunday.  Hopefully that’s something we’ll get to see more often in the very near future.  On the first hole Mr. Kim became the only player I can remember to hit the champ flush on the jaw with an opening birdie.  Scary thing about that, the champ just smiled.  No flinch, no wide eyes, no acknowledgement at all.  Too bad that was the best the kid had to offer, because he proceeded to lose his swing entirely, hitting the ball in some very dark scary places from which he managed to emerge remarkably unscathed. 

Give him credit to for refinding his swing shortly after losing it, something not every professional can accomplish.  Mr. Kim posted a one over par 71, while Mr. Woods shot a three under par 67 to secure his third win of the year by a stroke.  Give him time and Mr. Kim may indeed be able to avoid a trampling by the best in the world.  “I had a lot of fun,” said Kim. “I know I’ll be knocking on the door again. It’s only a matter of time. I learned if you have a birdie putt, you better make it.” 

The man who gave Mr. Woods the challenge on Sunday finished long before the eventual winner.  Hunter Mahan did what its seems he is more capable of than anyone on tour, going really really low.  His final round 62 tied the course record, posting a target for Mr. Woods.  Mr. Mahan seems to be capable of incredible streaks of marvelous golf.  I don’t believe anyone shoots as many rounds in the low 60’s over the course of a year.  Why he’s only won once in his career seems mysterious. Hazarding a guess, something rather unstreaky must be going on in the other three rounds.  

“Six holes to go, and at the time I was tied for the lead,” Woods said. “It was just like, ‘You can go either way. You can win the tournament or you can lose the tournament from here.’ Just got to keep plodding along and hopefully maybe sneak one or two birdies coming in and get the title.”  Sneak one in he did, on the 16th hole.  Despite muffing a chip from the rough, a shot he managed to hit off the top two grooves of the club leaving himself twenty feet from the hole.  David Feherty mentioned these are the putts he generally makes,  to which he could have added, when he wins tournaments.  Make that one he did to give himself a one shot lead with two to play.  No bogey bogey finish today,  rather par par and thank you very much while I interview myself as the winner of my tournament. 

So once again Mr.Woods heads to a major coming off a win.  He’s yet to maintain form into the major, so the odds appear to be in favor of him doing so this time.  Turnberry awaits in two weeks replete with whatever marvels Mother Nature can provide.  It is an Open after all, where weather is always a part of course set up.  Bryce Mulder and Paul Goydos qualified thanks to a special money list exemption.  Brant Snedecker finished tied fifth, qualifying him for a trip overseas as well.  US Open champ Lucas Glover will honor his committment to the John Deere Classic and play yet another week since winning his first major.  Good for him.  Not enough folks honor any kind of committment anymore, so it’s refreshing when someone with a legitimate excuse keeps a promise.