334 replies to this topic

[BigPete]

Luke has had 33 top tens from 52 starts, including 7 wins in the last 2 years, and only missed 3 cuts.

Go ahead and find a better record out there (other than Rory ofc)

That's what it takes to be at number 2 (and spend most of that time at number 1)

The stars don't have to align, and there's no freaky computers needed to work that out.

Edited by BigPete, 21 November 2012 - 12:27 PM.

[Sean2]

tbowles411, on 21 November 2012 - 08:57 AM, said:

Sean2, on 21 November 2012 - 08:33 AM, said:

That's correct, Luke Donald has not won a major, but I think that's just an excuse a lot of folks just trot out to disrespect Mr. Donald. Luke's not cool because he doesn't hit 300 plus yard drives, doesn't awe us with his 180 yard 8-irons, doesn't hit approach shots into par 5's with 6-irons. That's not cool. They say "chicks dig the long ball". But I think a lot of guys dig it more.

Luke is workman like. He's steady. He has a great swing that for the most part holds up under pressure. But for most, unfortunately, he's no "cool hand Luke". Say what you will, Mr. Donald is a great golfer, I'm sure Messrs. Woods and McIlroy would be the first to agree.

Unfortunately Donald is wearing the anchor of "Best played to have never won a Major."  That's where most people stop.  And admittedly, I was in that group a while back saying it's invalid.  However, I've come around somewhat.  To play consistently over such a long period of time is insanely hard to do.  No, he's not going to win 14, 18 or possibly, as crazy as it sounds, 1.  Something I honestly believe will not happen.  I think he's got ONE in him.  He's so strong in his iron and wedge game, it can make up for not being able to bomb it 300 yards.  I'd take driving it 270 and hitting a 6 iron to 10-15 feet instead of that 8 iron any day.  When you're just as accurate with a long iron is saying something. "Cool Hand Luke" is a well earned nickname because that's what he is.  Cool under pressure.  I still find it hard to believe  he doesn't have one at this stage.

I agree as well Mr. Bowles. And, I wholeheartedly agree that it's very difficult to play so consistently over such a long period of time. That takes real talent.

[bunter101]

MizzyMan, on 21 November 2012 - 09:57 AM, said:

bunter101, on 21 November 2012 - 09:18 AM, said:

The people who are of the opinion Luke was undeserving of the #1 ranked player, are the people who are hard of thinking.

Rather, the people who think he was deserving of the #1 ranked player because of some stupid computer program as opposed to thinking and watching for themselves are the ones who are hard of thinking. Hope you enjoyed the spell when the calculations fell just into place for you. The stars probably won't align like that again.

So Jack is the best player on the planet then? Tiger hasn't won a major in four years... Should he have been number 1 during that period? Rory had more missed cuts than Luke during that period and wasn't as consistent either. Should he have been number 1?

In fact, why don't you tell us who was number one and why?

Hard of thinking? Me? Sorry I can differentiate between World number one and the best golfers period. I understand the OWGR and the rational behind them. Some obviously don't.

[WVP]

Luke just tweeted this about an hour ago:

Quote

Luke Donald @LukeDonald

A lot of people finding it hard to believe that I holed out just over 90% from inside 10 feet on the PGA Tour this year.....

Quote

Luke Donald @LukeDonald

... Here's the breakdown
3' and less 484/485
4' 108/112
5' 52/61
6' 38/50
7' 29/39
8' 17/38
9' 13/25
10' 20/34
Total 762/843 = 90.2%

Arguably the best putter in the game, arguably the best from the sand and one of the elite iron ball strikers. I can not understand why we even need to defend him so often here, he's that good.

[Yepyukon]

WVP, on 21 November 2012 - 03:19 PM, said:

Luke just tweeted this about an hour ago:

Quote

Luke Donald @LukeDonald

A lot of people finding it hard to believe that I holed out just over 90% from inside 10 feet on the PGA Tour this year.....

Quote

Luke Donald @LukeDonald

... Here's the breakdown
3' and less 484/485
4' 108/112
5' 52/61
6' 38/50
7' 29/39
8' 17/38
9' 13/25
10' 20/34
Total 762/843 = 90.2%

Arguably the best putter in the game, arguably the best from the sand and one of the elite iron ball strikers. I can not understand why we even need to defend him so often here, he's that good.

Wow, those numbers are damn near WRX good

[rafal]

Nobody questions whether he was #1 as he was or whether he's an exceptional player.  Hardly anyone cares whether he's short or long hitter.  For one I think he's a better golfer than Bubba (consistency!) and much better than the belly-wonders like Simpson or Bradley.

It's purely a matter of opinion whether he was a "good" #1 to have.  Some would prefer a golfer with at least a major title to their name, and thus Westwood (short hitter? don't think so!) was getting even more flak as a #1.

You can't argue opinion or preference, I like both Lee and Luke but until either of them wins a major their former/future #1 ranking are not very compelling to me and some others.   Why?  Well both have glaring weaknesses and it is not compelling to have someone with inferior ballstriking (Luke) or inferior short-game (Lee) as #1's.

[Jamboy72]

Why ??  You had someone who had/has a glaring weakness driving the ball and he was/is able to overcome it. Not sure why that's such a big deal. I guess to be #1 you have to be perfect ?

[bobfoster]

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

[scratchswinger]

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

Yes

[bscinstnct]

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

It means nothing. In fact being #1 and not winning a major highlights the fact that you're can't win the really big game.


Jack, Tiger, Bobby Jones.

Or Vardon, Hagen, Palmer, Hogan, Player, Watson, Faldo.

That's who people remember because they could close the big deals. Lots of them.

Just win, baby. The big game. That is all that matters.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey, gravy, stuffing and pies!

Hooray!

[hogans71]

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

Yippie! Bob and his predictable "owgr don't mean diddly" makes an appearance. Again.

Unless it's 2008- then it's for real yo....

Ahh well. Happy Thanksgiving all!

[imakaveli]

bscinstnct, on 21 November 2012 - 09:30 PM, said:

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

It means nothing.

Tell that to #51

[bobfoster]

hogans71, on 22 November 2012 - 12:50 AM, said:

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

Yippie! Bob and his predictable "owgr don't mean diddly" makes an appearance. Again.

Unless it's 2008- then it's for real yo....

Ahh well. Happy Thanksgiving all!

Yippie! Hogans71 and his predictable "Bob" trashing shows up. Yo. (Yo? Seriously?)

Ask Luke what he'd prefer ... 44 weeks at #1 in the OWGR, or a major (a single major).

[imakaveli]

bobfoster, on 22 November 2012 - 05:54 AM, said:

hogans71, on 22 November 2012 - 12:50 AM, said:

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

Yippie! Bob and his predictable "owgr don't mean diddly" makes an appearance. Again.

Unless it's 2008- then it's for real yo....

Ahh well. Happy Thanksgiving all!

Yippie! Hogans71 and his predictable "Bob" trashing shows up. Yo. (Yo? Seriously?)

Ask Luke what he'd prefer ... 44 weeks at #1 in the OWGR, or a major (a single major).

A "Luke Donald career" or a "Todd Hamilton career" mmm... I think he is not interested in the switch, sorry

[bunter101]

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

How do you think players get into the Majors in the first place? Based on their OWGR rankings and other ranking systems? So statistical rankings are THAT...... important.

Edited by bunter101, 22 November 2012 - 06:28 AM.

[hogans71]

bobfoster, on 22 November 2012 - 05:54 AM, said:

hogans71, on 22 November 2012 - 12:50 AM, said:

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

These guys have two criteria: Total tour wins, and (especially) total majors. A statistical ranking really is not that ... important.

Yippie! Bob and his predictable "owgr don't mean diddly" makes an appearance. Again.

Unless it's 2008- then it's for real yo....

Ahh well. Happy Thanksgiving all!

Yippie! Hogans71 and his predictable "Bob" trashing shows up. Yo. (Yo? Seriously?)

Ask Luke what he'd prefer ... 44 weeks at #1 in the OWGR, or a major (a single major).

No trashing here Bob (why is Bob in quotes? do you prefer Midas?). just shining a little light on your always predictable response regarding OWGR. And yes, I was deadly serious with the use of the word yo- much like your use of the word hater...

As opposed to me asking the question you posed above, I have a better suggestion- why don't YOU tell him how utterly meaningless his ascension to the top of his profession is... You know, 'cause so many have attained that particular spot in the game of golf. At least then we will see you address the actual thread topic...

Don't forget to ask him your original question- I'm sure by then, smugness will then be looking for the nearest exit out of the building...

[Hogan's Cardy]

He looked every inch a #1 today let alone a #2.

And lol @ "do they care about the OGWR?" What an absurd question.

[ron lefthanded holmes]

tbowles411, on 21 November 2012 - 07:13 AM, said:

deasy55, on 21 November 2012 - 06:22 AM, said:

imakaveli, on 21 November 2012 - 06:15 AM, said:

Do some people think he should be ranked below Bubba, Simpson or Else this year btw?

It looks like some people think he should be ranked below Rich Beem this year

OK, that's just ridiculous!  

the funny thing is it isn't the way a lot of these members are going on,

[imakaveli]

Luke Donald wishes you happy Thanksgiving and couldn't care less if you think he is not worth it

Luke Donald ‏@LukeDonald
Enjoy your turkey everyone and remember don't drink and drive! #HappyThanksGiving http://moby.to/fpbi2a

[MileHighClub]

scratchswinger, on 21 November 2012 - 09:01 PM, said:

bobfoster, on 21 November 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

Does the OWGR actually mean anything to any pros?

Yes

+1

If it didn't, they wouldn't talk about it so much.

[Gone Right]

I think, to be fair, that part of the doubts about Luke's no. 1 ranking had to do with the fact that it was after Tiger's decline and before the emergence of Rory, and there was a period of uncertainty with multiple first time major winners with no real pattern to the game.  I suspect that if he now knocks Rory off the top spot and holds off the challenge from Tiger that he'll get the kudos he really deserves for his unbeleivable consistency.  Anyone who has any doubts about just how good he is should get a copy of the highlights from the first day in Dubai.  He hit iron after iron stiff, and its still a mystery to me how anyone was with 3 or 4 of his score given the quality of his play.

[imakaveli]

He just needs a Major "Simpson style" and he will get all the credit he deserves. Just a matter of luck at this point. (imho)

[Jamboy72]

I believe Bill Parcells stated something to the effect of "you are what you're record says you are"...Luke was ranked #1 based on the same criteria all players are ranked...You may not like the system or you may be apt to point out the short comings of  the system, but at the very least it is a consistent quantifiable measure of a player's performance. It doesn't look for style points or anything else...just results...and the fact Luke got the results which got him to #1 and now to #2 is just fine by me...

[scratchswinger]

Just watched Luke's round, dude is one hell of a golfer and a true tribute to the game. He just needs one major to solidify his career. If he never gets a major, he will always be that guy. I don't care if dominates one from Thursday to Sunday or backs into win, he just needs a major, plain and simple.

I'm not bashing the guy or trying to discredit his amazing accomplishments, but until he gets a major he will never be thought as of the best player in the world. Regardless if his ranking.

[2000wrx]

does anybody seriously think rory could bench press 300lb? i think he might be able to. i mean, he hits it so far.

tiger can bench press 300lb.

could luke bench press 300lb? ha ha ha, i don't think so. you can't be world #1 or #2 if i can out-drive you. i mean, webb simpson has a major and luke donald doens't. how can he be #1 or #2 if webb simpson can bench press about 50lb more?

i can't wait to see rory's family pics when he has kids.

[hogans71]

2000wrx, on 24 November 2012 - 12:58 AM, said:

does anybody seriously think rory could bench press 300lb? i think he might be able to. i mean, he hits it so far.

tiger can bench press 300lb.

could luke bench press 300lb? ha ha ha, i don't think so. you can't be world #1 or #2 if i can out-drive you. i mean, webb simpson has a major and luke donald doens't. how can he be #1 or #2 if webb simpson can bench press about 50lb more?

i can't wait to see rory's family pics when he has kids.

I heard tiger can bench press 400 lbs- Or two Perkins waitresses.

He's that strong...

Who is this Luke Donald?

[2000wrx]

hogans71, on 24 November 2012 - 01:54 AM, said:

2000wrx, on 24 November 2012 - 12:58 AM, said:

does anybody seriously think rory could bench press 300lb? i think he might be able to. i mean, he hits it so far.

tiger can bench press 300lb.

could luke bench press 300lb? ha ha ha, i don't think so. you can't be world #1 or #2 if i can out-drive you. i mean, webb simpson has a major and luke donald doens't. how can he be #1 or #2 if webb simpson can bench press about 50lb more?

i can't wait to see rory's family pics when he has kids.

I heard tiger can bench press 400 lbs- Or two Perkins waitresses.

He's that strong...

Who is this Luke Donald?

some imposter who thinks he can be #1 or #2 OWGR driving the ball like a pansy who hasn't released awesome family photos and has less majors than webb simpson. tiger could bench rory and caroline at the same time. they're golf's super-couple.

donald has no compression. he flips at impact. that's why he hits it so short.

[Ajit]

Er anyway...

Moving forward, I think Luke Donald is back to playing his best golf. After his outstanding 2011 he switched irons from mp62s to mp59s and there was a deterioration in his iron play. He has now switched to the mp64s and some of the iron shots he's hit since (at Ryder Cup vs Bubba and this week in Dubai) have been absolutely spectacular. Think he'll been in the shakeup for majors in 2013 for sure.

[csiachos]

irlgolf56, on 21 November 2012 - 04:55 AM, said:

For some reason people always seem to find a stick to beat Donald with. People said he was boring.. and he shoots 6 birdies in a row to win at Disney and the money title.. people said he wasn't clutch enough and then he hits a 7 iron from the rough to 6 feet in a playoff at the Transitions and makes the putt to win. People said he couldn't win the big events and he wins the flagship event on the European Tour (twice) and a WGC, and he has won 8 of his 11 Ryder Cup matches.

Now the only thing in golf he doesn't have on his resumé means he can't legitimately claim to be #1 golfer in the world. I really hope he gets a major soon, and I'm confident he will.

Monty was a similar case.

[2000wrx]

tiger woods is always #1 until he retires.

there shouldn't even be a #2 until tiger retires. leave it blank to emphasise how #1 tiger is. fighting for #3 is y'all beyatches. PGA tour points should be worth 2.7 times stupid euro points.