Padraig Harrington joined a super select group of golfers that includes the likes of Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Bobby Jones as a repeat champion of the British Open.
Hard to do anything but credit Greg Norman, the leader through three rounds, for a fantastic tournament. I know the tourney organizers had Dr. Heimlich on stand-by, given Norman's propensity to choke down the stretch, but you really can't fault the guy for a Top 5 finish in a major at the age of 53. Well done, Greggy.
The first major without Tiger Woods was a resounding success, but I wouldn't say the sport is just "fine" without him as John Feinstein's Monday column in the Post suggests. A lot of pieces fell right to provide great stories at the Open, but someone from the senior tour is not likely going to contend at the PGA. And what about the non-major tournaments that drew vast crowds simply because Tiger was in the field? The AT&T at Congressional this year was a ghost-town of talent after Tiger's injury. The tour will go on, sure, but "fine" is not a word I'd use to describe its status during Tiger's absence.
Here's what I took away from the Open Championship: Harrington is a gamer, fighting through a wrist injury that almost forced him to withdraw before the start. Norman is a helluva golfer. Period. Ian Poulter, who has previously worn sequined pants during tournaments is looking like he could become the guy everyone loves to hate. The ever-flamboyant Pink Pantster earlier claimed that it was just a matter of time until he and Tiger sat atop the rankings. He later retracted the statement, saying he aspired to be No. 2 behind Tiger ... that should work out well, considering the No. 2 finish on Sunday was his best ever in a Major (his previous best was ninth at the 2006 PGA) and he's yet to win a PGA tour event. He's got talent, but right now he just feels like some sort of gimmicky glam-rock golfer.
Things I'm looking for as the season heads to the final major and the FedEx Cup: Jim Furyk has been very sharp lately and is my early pick to win the PGA and the FedEx. Paging Phil Mickelson, consistency is looking for you at the front desk. Willowy British amateur Chris Wood (tied for fifth at the Open) is officially on the radar ... I just hope someone gives the poor kid a sandwich so he doesn't waste away before he turns pro.
The Washington Redskins traded for Jason Taylor after losing two of their DEs to season-ending injuries. While sad, come December, those injuries may be the best thing that could have happened. The Skins needed to address their D-line, have for years, and now they finally have an impact player to apply some pressure. Unlike last season, opposing QBs won't have time to calculate the next digit of Pi before carving up the Skins' secondary.
Saw Dark Knight (along with roughly half the world) on Friday. Briefly: Ledger was great. Script ran a little long. The themes were amazing. All in all, it showed super hero movies aren't required to fit the vapid Michael Bay/Jerry Bruckheimer mold. Along with Spider-Man 2, this is probably the best hero movie I've seen. Once again, great work from the Nolan Brothers.
A few more slivers ...
• Kerry Wood looks like he's heading to the DL. In other news, the sun will set again tonight.
• Peter Gammons reported Sunday that the Nationals were fielding calls on closer Jon Rauch, but were asking for more than what the Brewers gave up to land CC Sabathia. I can't believe unreasonable requests like that make other teams more willing to deal with you.
• Saturday was Mullet Night at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. This isn't the only hair-brained scheme of late. The Yankees held a mustache give-away to support Jason Giambi's All-Star candidacy. Less appealing was a past promotion by the Potomac Nationals to give an award to the fan with the most back hair. ::Shiver::
• ESPN.com has a story on a 14-year-old mixed martial arts "prodigy." Apparently kids as young as 7 are getting in on the action. Forget the ethics of this for a second, this thing seems like it's only a few serious injuries away from an age-restriction. Interesting read.
• Friday Night Lights and The Wire are snubbed again by the Emmys. FNL's second season was a little more "O.C." than I'd like, but the first season remains one of my favorites for any show (along with Lost, House, Six Feet Under and HBO mini-series Band of Brothers). Do yourself a favor and check it out.
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