The pros stayed in Texas this week, moving from the site of the Byron Nelson over to Colonial (that’s one side of the Dallas area to the other, if you did not know), for one of the most vaunted non-majors on tour. While the play was challenging, and the competition strong all weekend, the most impressive part of the event (even more than the three-way playoff Sunday at dusk) was Saturday’s “Pinks Out.” Just about every player in the field on the weekend wore not only a pink golf shirt (not easy to find in the men’s section), but ribbons as well.
If anyone watching on TV was wondering, “Why,” the answer came quickly, and often. Also peppered throughout the crowd were signs (rare in a golf setting), buttons and banners proclaiming love and support for Amy Mickelson, wife of top pro Phil, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Someone from the club, where Mr. Mickelson is a fave and the defending champ, decided to tie pink ribbons to a long row of trees on the course as well.
So with Phil attending to Amy and the kids, and Tiger sitting courtside to see his Magic make the NBA Finals, the title was wide open. Tim Clark, with six 2nd places, but no wins in his career, blazed a trail to double-digits under par, and stayed there, getting to -19 by Sunday afternoon. But Steve Stricker, Steve Marino, and a few other top players filed in behind him, like NASCAR drivers drafting behind the leader.
Would Clark get over the hump and get the win? He faltered off the tee on 18, and allowed Stricker and Marino to catch him, forcing a three-way sudden death playoff. Tim missed a chance to put the pair away, and play continued. Stricker’s 2nd shot on the 2nd hole of OT landed and stuck mere feet from the hole, leaving both of the other guys “must have” shots to stay alive. They missed, Stricker didn’t and he smiled, for the time all day, as the win became official.
And now, the two-week ramp-up to the U.S. Open at Bethpage begins. The 2nd major takes place June 18-21. Before that the St. Jude’s Classic takes place June 11-14.
Hit ‘em straight and stay out of the tall stuff!!!