On golfers collapsing and Mariners ascending
? A bad case of the yips
Anyone who has ever golfed has experienced it. A case of the nerves — usually caused by lots of people watching — causes a swing completely foreign to you and the result is either a worm-burner, ball that lands two fairways over, or worse yet, a complete miss of the ball.*
* — Yes, I'm not to proud to admit to this, it happened last year.
It's comforting to know that even the best in the world succumb to the same affliction — albeit on a much grander stage, and with much, much more money at stake.
It was rather oddly enjoyable watching Phil Mickelson, Colin Montgomerie and Jim Furyk stage memorable meltdowns last Sunday as each butchered the 18th hole and watched their chance at a major championship go up in smoke.
It's comforting to know that when it comes down to it, they're just like you and I. Nerves and pressure affect their swings just like ours.
Never mind their countless country club lessons, bevy of different swing coaches, top of the line equipment and the six or seven million shots they had hit during their lives as golfers.
Stepping up to the 18th tee box their palms probably got a little sweaty just like ours do, their rear ends a little tighter than normal, pulse rate about 40 beats faster than it had been a few holes earlier and low and behold — they choked.
We're so used to watching them make a hard game look routine that it comes off as a bit of a shock. It shouldn't. Tiger Woods and his steely nerves aside, there is a reason not a lot of guys pile up the major hardware. Mickelson, Montgomerie and Furyk all double-bogeyed that final hole, when a simple par would have meant victory.
Not to worry, they figure to be on a lot of leader boards in future majors, combating that monstrous foe — nerves. I'd go so far as to say that Mickelson, last Sunday's debacle notwithstanding, will have more majors than Tiger at some point in the next ten years.
? Mariners win West?
Don't look now, but the Mariners have crept near .500, and in the mediocre AL West that puts them 3 1/2 games back of the league-leading Oakland A's as of Thursday. Coming off a couple of impressive sweeps, they are beginning to tease Northwest baseball fans. As usual with the M's, the million dollar question is . . . are they legit?
The Good — Ichiro, enough said. J.J. Putz has absolutely filthy stuff, and looks like he could be the game's next dominant closer. Watching him make big league hitters look foolish makes one wonder why manager Mike Hargrove left him in the bullpen when Eddie Guardado was blowing saves early in the year. The same can be said for ace Felix Hernandez, who hasn't even sniffed his potential as an elite starter. Jose Lopez has been the biggest surprise, adding offensive production along with some gold glove caliber defense at second base.
The Bad — It took about four heartbreaking ninth inning collapses before Hargrove realized that Guardado had lost something. The middle of the lineup — Richie Sexson, Adrian Beltre and Raul Ibanez — doesn't scare anybody, although they have heated up of late, coinciding with a modest winning streak.
The Ugly — Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, also known as Joel Piniero and Gil Meche. When these guys are on, they join Hernandez and Jamie Moyer to form a rock-solid rotation. When they're off, it usually means a lopsided loss for the M's. Both have great stuff, and on given nights can mow through the batting order, which must drive Hargrove crazy. Like it or not, as they go, so go the M's chances of catching the A's in the West.
The Answer — Texas will do their annual wilting in the sweltering and humid dog days of summer. The Angels are a mystery, which means they'll be there in September in this mediocre division race. The A's have proven to be a second half powerhouse and almost always string together a monster month down the stretch. Being a homer sportswriter at a small daily paper, I get to go out on a limb once in a blue moon. I predict the Mariners win the West, and no, I haven't lost my mind.
? Take your cameras
Two of the marquee sporting events in the region are taking place this weekend. Coeur d' Alene will play host to some of the best Ironman triathletes in the world and Spokane will host Hoopfest — the largest 3 on 3 tournament in the U.S.
Any and all Sandpoint area residents are invited to send in photos, results and stories to the Bee for future publications. Help shine a light on the wealth of athletic talent residing in this area.
Send a jpeg digital photo, along with names and caption information, to "eplummer@cdapress.com".