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Well, only three weeks to go until the Games begin. The PGA tour rolls on though and unfortunately the British Open will be held on the weekend that the Games get underway. How unfortunate can you get? No movement from the armchair, but much channel switching. Many congratulations to Robert Allenby for a wonderful win in the French Open this week. The win gets him 100,000 British Pounds and vaults him well into the top 10 on the European Order of Merit. Having cable here, including the Golf Channel (what a wonderful addition THAT is to TV viewing), we saw Allenby’s win live. His 30-foot putt for birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Bernhard Langer was amazing, and I’m sure that was shown on Australian news broadcasts. This was Allenby’s second win in a month and he must be considered as a big chance in the Open in 2 weeks. Now this week and some controversy, which may have also made the news in Oz. PGA Tour Greater Hartford Open, Cromwell, Connecticut, par 70 June 27-30, 1996 D.A. Weibring 68-65-70-67 270 (-10) Tom Kite 72-68-66-68 274 ( -6) Dicky Pride 70-70-68-67 275 ( -5) Fuzzy Zoeller 75-66-66-68 275 ( -5) Mark Calcavecchia 71-67-68-69 275 ( -5) Stuart Appleby 73-70-69-70 282 ( +2, T32, $8914) Lucas Parsons 73-75 148 (MC) Greg Norman 64-73-DQ The big news this weekend was not so much surrounding DA (no idea what those initials stand for, but then does anyone?) Weibring’s comfortable win, following a remarkable recovery from a recent struggle with Bell’s Palsy, but with the Shark and his ball supplier. While Weibring was setting up a decent halfway score, Norman was unknowingly using prohibited golf balls. As with most top pros, his golf balls were placed in his locker by his supplier MaxFli before his round each day. However, they came with an "unapproved" stamp on them. Norman, on being made aware of this fact by embarrassed company officials, immediately disqualifed himself, as he had done so some years ago in a Queensland tournament (don’t recall which one). He bore the situation well, as he always does, and will be back next week with approved balls we hope. Weibring always kept his nose in front, despite challenges from some "gone missing" players by the names of Kite and Calcavecchia. Both major winners, but you’d hardly know it. Stuart Appleby was the only Australian to play on the weekend in what was a quiet week on the course for Australians. Scott McCamish — A Melbournite in Michigan (it’s a pity I couldn’t bring Melbourne with me). Go the Kangas!!!
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Quick report this week, as I need to post scores for last weeks US Open. Personally, my wife and I were there at Oakland Hills on the 3rd day and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The atmosphere in a major is really quite amazing. Now the scores for last week, although I’m sure all in Australia would have read them in the papers or seen them on TV already. Here goes. 96th US Open Oakland Hills, Birmingam, Michigan, Par 70 June 13-16, 1996 Steve Jones 74-66-69-69 278 (-2) Tom Lehman 71-72-65-71 279 (-1) Davis Love III 71-69-70-69 279 (-1) John Morse 72-69-70-70 280 (Ev.) Greg Norman 73-66-74-70 283 (+3, T10) Brett Ogle 70-75-72-71 288 (+8, T34) Steve Elkington 72-70-74-73 289 (+9, T42) Wayne Riley 73-69-74-73 289 (+9, T42) Lucas Parsons 75-71-73-70 289 (+9, T42) Peter O’Malley 75-73-70-74 292 (+11, T70) Wayne Grady 71-75-72-74 292 (+11, T70) Craig Parry 70-76-75-74 295 (+15, T93) Ian Baker-Finch 82-83 (165, MC) Another top 10 finish in a major by Norman, which is wonderful to see after what happened at the LAST one. Lucas Parsons played extremely well, and the highlight for me, apart from all the Aussies who played on the weekend and apart from almost being being clocked by a wayward Wayne Riley tee shot on the 14th, was watching both GRades and Lucas Parsons (who played together) put it within 2 feet and birdie the 11th. It was exciting, even if you weren’t an Australian. Now to this week, and a complete reversal of scoring trends from the week before. PGA Tour St. Jude Classic, Southwind GC, Memphis, Tennessee June 20-23, 1996 John Cook 64-62-63-69 (259, -26) John Adams 65-64-66-70 (265, -19) Kenny Perry 67-64-67-68 (266, -18) Gil Morgan 70-65-68-64 (267, -17) Justin Leonard 70-64-66-67 (267, -17) Stuart Appleby 65-67-73-68 (273, -11, $20,250) Lucas Parsons 70-69-68-70 (277, -7, $6,097) Wayne Grady 70-69-70-69 (278, -6, $4,082) Craig Parry 71-68-72-70 (281, -3, $2,943) Brett Ogle 69-72 (141, MC) Ian Baker-Finch 74-77 (151, MC) Great to see Stuart Appleby performing well again, and if he could ONLY string four good rounds together without throwing in a mediocre round in, he may _really_ do something. Lucas Parsons is not yet reaping the financial rewards for his good play but will do so soon we hope. As for the winner, John Cook, his play was amazing and his four round total was the 2nd lowest in the history of golf on the PGA Tour. It really took all interest out of the tournament. Looking forward to THE golf tournament, the British Open. I trust that everyone else out there who loves golf feels the same. Scott McCamish — A Melbournite in Michigan (it’s a pity I couldn’t bring Melbourne with me). Go the Kangas!!!
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A little late this week getting this hopefully-regular report out due to connection problems here yesterday. In summary, it was a sad weekend. A harrowing weekend. A weekend where you always remember it in years to come, but not with any fondness. Even if you’re a fan of Faldo, it’s not one of the better weeks. PGA Tour: The US Masters, Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta GA April 11-14, 1996 For three days, Greg Norman held the US Masters "in the palm of his hand". It was HIS tournament, and finally those demons looked like they would be exorcised. Not to be. After shooting a course record 63 on the way to a six shot lead after 3 rounds, the golfer-formerly-known-as-the-GWS (dare we say it) produced a memorable slide on the final day, handing the tournament to Nick Faldo. Faldo’s play on the last day was superb, but Norman only had to shoot par or better to win. He shot 78, including +4 for the first three holes on the back nine, where, as it is said, "the tournament really begins". At this stage he slipped from 2 shots in front to 2 shots behind. Oh well. Next year perhaps, if there is ever such a chance again. Norman will show great character to win another major this year if he does so. In summary, and not to dwell on stuff that would already be well documented everywhere, especially in Australia, here are the scores of the only 3 Aussies who played in the 1996 Masters: Greg Norman 63-69-71-78 281 (-7, 2nd) Steve Elkington 76-79 155 (+11, MC) Ian Baker-Finch 78-79 157 (+13, MC) Ouch on those last two. One wonders how IBF will be able to get his game back together – it’s been a long slump. As for Elk, it’s hard to work out where his form has gone since his win in the PGA last year – let’s hope it’s only temporary. Young NZer Michael Campbell also missed the cut, shooting 73-76. No news of other Aussies at this stage, although I will keep my eyes open for golf, Olympic, or any other news I may come across. Scott McCamish — Ex-Melbournian and still a True Blue Aussie … … who loves Aussie Rules the North Melbourne Kangaroos … and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan … and met his wonderful wife on the Internet ;-)
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Steve Elkington 76-79 155 (+11, MC) Ian Baker-Finch 78-79 157 (+13, MC) Ouch on those last two. One wonders how IBF will be able to get his game back together – it’s been a long slump.
His exemption to the majors is running out. The Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship exempt the British Open champ for 5 years. This is the final year for IBF in those tournaments. He does remain exempt for the PGA Tour until 2002. It hasn’t just been a long slump, it’s been an ugly one. As for Elk, it’s hard to work out where his form has gone since his win in the PGA last year – let’s hope it’s only temporary.
Elk had played with the same clubs forever. However, they were stolen late last year. He is working on adjusting to new clubs. I think he will get his form back. Watch for him to be very competitive in the next few months. I think he could have it worked out and be tough at Royal Lytham and St. Annes this summer. Young NZer Michael Campbell also missed the cut, shooting 73-76.
If your reporting on New Zealanders, Frank Nobilo had a great Masters. After his top-10 finish at Shinnecock last year, Nobilo is becoming someone to content with in majors. His $120k earned at Augusta got him up to $139,665 in earnings on the PGA Tour. Another decent finish and he will make enough money to be exempt on the U.S. tour for 1997 if he chooses to use it. Dan King I wish my name was Tom Kite. –Ian Baker-Finch (on signing autographs)
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Apologies for the depressed tone of last weeks report. I was still in shock after THAT tournament. Greg Norman has, in the past week, recieved thousands of faxes and letters from all over the world, expressing sympathy and support. Friends have called him – friends he did not know he had, such as Fred Couples, who was the first to call Norman after the tournament. Freddie is known to have an aversion to the telephone, so it meant a great deal for Greg to hear right away that the Masters champion of 1992 was hurting for him. The majority of stories in the media here in the US have focussed on Norman and how he has handled the loss, what it has meant for the sport to see someone handle it with dignity and sportsmanship, and only a few articles publicly criticisng him for his play. Faldo has been the forgotten man it seems, just as he feared. Now to this week’s scores. PGA Tour PGA MCI Heritage Classic, Hilton Head, South Carolina April 17-20 In what was a peaceful and relaxing week down at the picturesque Hilton Head course (you have to see this to understand how pretty it is – mostly on the beach, lots of water, very attractive), Loren Roberts took the tournament by three shots, making his charge on the 3rd day. The 40-year old tour veteran charged into the lead with a 63 on Saturday, including birdies on the first 6 holes. Robert’s total of 265, 19 under par, was a tournament record. Mark O’Meara was a respectable second, followed by Scott Hoch and Davis Love III. Greg Norman was the only Australian to make the cut, in what has been a lean period for Aussie-golfers-other-than-Norman, or even golfers-who-are-Norman. The pseudo-GWS finished at -6, one shot ahead of rival Faldo. Brett Ogle, Wayne Grady and Craig Parry all missed the cut. I do not knwo what has become of Lucas Parsons, Stuart Appleby or Robert Allenby. All three have surfaced in PGA tour events this year, but I have not seen them recently. Scores: Roberts 66-69-63-67 265, -19 O’Meara 68-69-65-66 268, -16 Hoch 71-68-65-66 270, -14 Love 68-68-68-67 271, -13 Norman 68-69-72-68 278, -6 (T22) Ogle 144 (MC) Grady 144 (MC) Parry 146 (MC) The cut was at even par 142 for the par 71 course. Scott McCamisg — One day I’ll write a book entitled "from Melbourne to Michigan in 1,756 easy steps", but for now I’ll just say: "Go North!!"
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… Loren Roberts took the tournament by three shots, making his charge on the 3rd day. The 40-year old tour veteran charged into the lead with a 63 on Saturday, including birdies on the first 6 holes. Robert’s total of 265, 19 under par, was a tournament record.
The next day was the opening round eliminations for the Anderson World Match Play tournament. Roberts suffered a major letdown, and was eliminated in the first round. Too bad; he’s usually good at that. I was also disappointed to see Pavin and Lehman with first-round losses. Why should I bring this up here? Well….. Greg Norman was the only Australian to make the cut, in what has been a lean period for Aussie-golfers-other-than-Norman, or even golfers-who-are-Norman.
I understand that Norman will compete in the Anderson. This is a great opportunity for him to exercise Zen under pressure. It’s not a major, but it’s sustained head-to-head match play for a very large prize. I think that sort of tournament would be a good pressure cooker for him, and would like to see him do well. (Not because he needs the prize, but right now I think the confidence in his mental toughness would do him a world of good.) Cheers! Dave
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missed the cut. I do not knwo what has become of Lucas Parsons, Stuart Appleby or Robert Allenby. All three have surfaced in PGA tour events this year, but I have not seen them recently.
Appleby is doing quite well for his first year – about 100th on the money list. Parsons is scratching it around, but Allenby.. Honestly, Allenby should stop trying to play 3 tours and concentrate on 1, namely the US. — "We’re very concerned, obviously, that those elections occur in a safe, orderly, democratic fashion." – Glyn Davies, US Department of State
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Ogle 144 (MC) The cut was at even par 142 for the par 71 course.
For those of you keeping up with Ogle in more detail than I, please let us know what has been hampering him over the past year. I really thought he was going to just take off a couple years ago. Perhaps I was letting good showings in "start of the year" tourneys give me the worng impression. For those of you that have not seen him play or practice in person or talked to him, then you have missed being able to see of the friendlist guys playing professional golf today. Watching him to talk with other players on the practice tee is like watching the class clown in action. Cheers, Mike — Mike Marler Information Technology, Georgia Tech
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Honestly, Allenby should stop trying to play 3 tours and concentrate on 1, namely the US.
He also might try eating once in a while. I’ve got thicker grips on my clubs than he’s got arms! Surely he’s earned enough to be able to eat by now 
Rotund Mr. Z.
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Tom Watson won his first PGA Tour event since 1987 this week. For all those who follow golf in this country or around the world and revere this man, it was a wonderful day. Even Ernie Els, who played with Watson on the last day, could only talk about the possibility of a Watson victory rather than his own game, such is the standing of the man amongst his peers. I would gather that only Nicklaus and Palmer command more respect. Greg Norman returned from exile but missed the cut, maybe to keep IBF company? On to the scores. PGA Tour The Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village, Dublin, Ohio (Par 72) May 30 – June 2, 1996 Tom Watson 70-68-66-70 274 (-14) David Duval 72-70-67-67 276 (-12) David Frost 73-68-70-67 278 (-10) Mark O’Meara 71-72-68-67 278 (-10) John Huston 74-61-71-73 279 ( -9) Brett Ogle 73-71-71-73 287 ( -1, T31) Peter O’Malley 73-74-70-73 290 ( +2, T50) Steve Elkington 73-72-72-73 290 ( +2, T50) Wayne Grady 75-71-69-76 291 ( +3, T57) Greg Norman 73-76 (MC) Ian Baker-Finch 78-79 (MC) That last line makes yours truly a little sad, so no further comment. Watsons’ win was made during Scottish conditions (or Minnesota weather, his home state) and he even stated that he prayed for rain, and it came. Fast finishing David Duval (who played the last 5 holes in birdie-eagle-birdie-par-birdie) threatened to take it away from Mr. Watson, but in the end it was sealed with a 10 foot downhill birdie on the last hole. Watson said it felt like winning for the first time. If you are framing an early US Open market, put both Mark O’Meara and David Duval near the top of your list. Duval may win his first tournament in a major – and he WILL win very soon. One note here, John Huston onlybroke 70 once in his three rounds – a course record 61 on day two. Of the Aussies, Ogle was the best and is having a reasonable year for the limited events he’s played. Grady was unspectacular although he did make the cut this week. I did not know Peter O’malley was on the US Tour, but here he is this week in Jack Nicklaus’ tournament. Steve Elkington was consistent but could not get anywhere this week. As already mentioned, Norman played (as defending champion) but did not make the weekend. He will play at Oakland Hills here in Michigan in two weeks time. The cut was at +3 this week. Scott McCamish — A Melbournite in Michigan (it’s a pity I couldn’t bring Melbourne with me). Go the Kangas!!!
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Not too much to report this week, but I will say that North Melbourne are on top of the AFL ladder Just golf this week, although you can feel the Olmpic Games on the horizon and it is quite exciting to be in the country where they will be held. All those in Australia will feel that in the year 2000. Would that I could be with you all. Now to this weeks golf, and some encouraging Aussie performances. PGA Tour Kemper Open, TPC at Avenel, Potomac, Maryland, par 71 May 23-26 This tournament, apparently notorious for producing first-time tour winners, did so again in 1996. Third year player Steve Stricker shot a 68 on the final day to produce a comfortable 3-shot victory over former winner, New Zealander Grant Waite and three others. Stricker was one of two players who broke 70 in all four rounds and takes home a cool $270,000 for his trouble. As a side note, John Daly’s 0-iron (yes, that’s a zero iron) caused some discussion, especially after he used it to drive the 314yd 16th (I think it was) hole. Daly was in contention after 3 rounds, but faded away on Sunday. For the Aussies, apart from our friends across the Tasman (Philip Tataurangi has appeared on the weekend for the past two weeks) there was some encouraging news. Stuart Appleby played on the weekend, and progressively got better as the tournament continued, while Craig Parry was once again solid and placed well for I think the 3rd or 4th week now. On the minus side, Ian Baker-Finch sadly continues to struggle, while Wayne Grady yet again missed the cut by a narrow margin, as did Lucas Parsons, who is struggling this year. Someone asked if I have news on their placings on the tour money list and unfortunately I don’t, but as soon as I do I’ll be sure to post it. To the scores: Steve Stricker 69-68-65-68 270 (-14) Grant Waite 72-66-69-66 273 (-11) Brad Faxon 67-71-68-67 273 (-11) Mark O’Meara 67-69-70-67 273 (-11) Scott Hoch 69-68-68-68 273 (-11) David Toms 71-65-66-72 274 (-10) Stuart Appleby 74-69-69-67 279 ( -5, T18, $19,560) Craig Parry 69-69-70-72 280 ( -4, T23, $12,643) Wayne Grady 145 (MC) Lucas Parsons 146 (MC) Ian Baker-Finch 155 (MC) The cut was at 143, or +2. You have to wonder what Appleby might have done had he scored well in his first round. Brett Ogle was missing this week and I know from watching the Golf Channel that Robert Allenby played on the European Tour this week. Three weeks until the US Open and I’ve got *tickets* ……. 
Scott McCamish — One day I’ll write a book entitled "from Melbourne to Michigan in 1,756 easy steps", but for now I’ll just say: "Go North!!"