Tuesday, April 23, 2013

RBC Heritage in Hilton Head decided in playoff


Graeme McDowell strides across the green

Despite winning the 2010 U.S. Open golf tournament, Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland has been on a winless streak since then. With a howling Northeast wind along the coast of Hilton Head on Sunday, most other players were unable to shoot a score under par. McDowell won by making the fewest mistakes, including a par on the picturesque 18th hole during a playoff. Furthermore, the PGA Tour enjoyed its second playoff in two weeks, pitting 2012 U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson against McDowell. Simpson had a putt to win the RBC Heritage on the final hole of regulation play, but he could not find the cup. Simpson needed three putts during the playoff on 18, and McDowell needed just two. It should be noted that the wind was blowing so hard that it even affected the roll of golf balls on the greens. McDowell spoke after the win, sharing that he had played well each round for the tournament, but that his putter heated up on Sunday. A hot putter is often the type of thing that can make a difference sorting out winners at pro golf tourneys. Since the entire field had to play in the same overcast, cool and windy conditions it equates to a level playing field for the players. 

To view more of my feature article click Colletonian.

To view a past blog entry about the 2013 Masters click here.

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