Highs & Lows

[pnomm]

I commented a couple days ago about the chances at the TPC to have either great moments or moments you would rather forget about. I also commented about Davis Love III, but didn't expect the two to culminate together like they did Thursday & Friday. After opening with a tournament leading 65, DLIII shot 83 today, ending the round with a three-putt quad on his final hole. I guess some days that just happens - even to the best players in the world.

There has been a lot of talk that DLIII is both as physically and mentally fit as he has ever been. So what I am curious to see is how he bounces back from this. I know he more than most would love to be a green jacket owner, especially given his near-miss back in '95 when Crenshaw won one of the greatest golf tournaments I have ever seen. The ability to bounce back is a testament to a golfer's will and determination. Even as recent as Greg Owen - he's five-under halfway through the Player's after last week's meltdown at Bay Hill. But one thing I have notices about guys who are able to bounce back like this is that they are very honest with the situation - to both themselves and others. Since it is so fresh on our minds, let's talk about Owen. He played flawlessly until 17, only to mess up suddenly on the green. He realized right away that he simply screwed up - MADE A LITTLE MISTAKE. And that's all. He admitted it to us and himself, but he also realized how well he played. So Owen accepted the error, learned from it, and focused on the positive once the disappointment wore off.

But I am not sure about Love III. Does he openly admit mistakes? I don't know. He certainly has had a lot of 2nd place finishes, which means he keeps putting himself into position, even after the many defeats. So I guess he knows how to bounce back. And I hope he does. I have never been a huge DLIII fan, but I would kind of like to see him win Augusta. Certainly more so than some others, so I am anxious to see what happens.

So no doubt the TPC has delivered again - we have seen some fantastic shots, and we have seen some awful ones. And I bet the weekend continues to provide the excitement. Certainly the course can be scripted for great drama, and at the end of the day it is all we can ask for. Enjoy the weekend - enjoy the game!

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