This past weekend, Rocco Mediate returned to Corde Valle Golf Course in San Martin, California to defend his 2010 title in the annual Frys.com Open Tournament, part of the PGA Tour Fall Series. What may have been an event of relatively less importance in previous years, this year’s event drew record crowds and provided plenty of drama.
The Tiger
Is there anyone who draws more headlines in the sport of golf, both on and off the course? Hype for the 2011 Frys.com Open Tournament heightened when Tiger Woods announced he would be participating. Whether he needed the practice, or because he was required to participate in some tournament golf prior to participating as a member of Team USA in the 2011 President’s Cup, Tiger surprised many by deciding to play here, generating ticket sales never drawn at this venue before.
Whether he is playing poorly or not, crowds still came out in record droves to see the once-dominant player and to witness for themselves how his long break from competitive golf would affect his return. For those of us who still have hope and refuse to join the naysayers, Tiger’s performance over the weekend showed some flashes of the Tiger Woods of old. Even though he finished in a disappointing 30th place, things seem to be moving in a positive direction where his game is concerned.
The Rookie
As usual, all media eyes followed Tiger’s every stroke and temper tantrum. However, his mediocre performance paled in comparison to that of rookie phenomenon Bud Cauley, who at 21, drove well, played impressive tee to green and putted his way to a highly respectable third place, securing his 2012 PGA Tour Card without Qualifying School. Other players to avoid Qualifying School in their early career include Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Sudden Death
The most heart-stopping and dramatic part of the 2011 Frys.com Open came quite literally at the twilight of the tournament. Two players were tied for first place after the 18th hole. Briny Baird and Bryce Molder returned to the 17th for a two-hole sudden death playoff. Both players made exceptional shots with every bit of skill and luck they could muster. It wasn’t until after six holes and a quickly setting sun that Bryce Molder holed the putt that would give him his first PGA Tour win.
For more information regarding the Frys.com Open, visit their website.
Lisa Giannone - Lisa is a writer and photographer residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. When not working in the corporate world, she is a frequent ...
