The 2011 PGA Masters: What we know now

South African Charl Schwartzel held off a cast of contenders en route to claiming the 2011 PGA Masters at August this morning. The South African won his first major title, finishes two strokes in front of Aussie duo Adam Scott and Jason Day.

In what was one of the more stunning and enthralling PGA Masters in recent history, Schwartzel birded the last four holes at the famous Augusta National, coming from behind to eclipse the field.

The 2011 Augusta Masters are now in the rearview mirror, but it has shed some valuable light on the events, that will shape the 2011 season and beyond.

The Youth Movement

One thing that is for certain after witnessing a truly brilliant tournament, is that the future is definitely now for the young stars of golf.

Nine golfers that finished in the top twenty are 30 years of age, or under.

Runner up, Australian Jason Day, is only 23 years of age. Rory McIlroy – who capitulated over a disastrous final round – led the Masters through the first three rounds, at the tender age of 21.

Even the performance of 19 year-old Japanese starlet, Ryo Ishikawa, showed great signs of things to come finishing two under par, a score good enough for 20th place.

Looking purely on the form shown in the PGA Masters, Day and McIlroy both certainly appear to have great careers ahead of them, and will be in the fight for many more Green Jackets in the future.

Adam Scott

Adam Scott burst onto the golfing scene, after taking out the coveted PGA Players Championship, back in 2004. Since he turned pro in 2000, Scott has claimed 19 tour victories, and reached his highest ever ranking – World Number 3 – in 2007.

However, he has been haunted by inconsistency, especially with his putting game. It was this trouble that led to Scott switching to the “Broomstick” putter, and after his performance over the weekend, the dividends are already clear to see.

If he can carry his play from the 2011 PGA Masters throughout the rest of the season and beyond, Scott will definitely be in Major contention in the future.

Tiger Woods is back

Just in case anyone forgot, Tiger Woods is the most talented human being ever to pick up a golf club.

The front nine of his final round at Augusta National was the perfect example of just how good Tiger Woods can be, as he stormed to the top of the leaderboard with four birdies and an eagle in eight holes.

Woods cooled off somewhat however on the back nine, finishing even over that span.

Yet the fact that Woods was able to bounce back from a horrid third round performance – shooting what was thought to be an tournament killing 74 – proves that after almost two years spent in the golfing wilderness, Woods’ agony won’t last much longer.

His performance will only fuel his confidence, as he resumes his quest to overtaking Jack Nicklaus, as the most successful player in the Major Era.

He currently sits five titles behind Nicklaus, but off the back of his performance over the weekend, it’s hard to see Woods not taking the mantle from Nicklaus.

2011 Masters Preview

This weekend, Ninety-Two of the world’s best golfers, will take to the course in the opening Major Championship of the season. The 2011 PGA Masters will tee off – at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club for the 75^th time – with the hopes of claiming one of the most prestigious prizes in all of Golf, the Green Jacket.

Winning at Augusta, is still seen to be the pinnacle of the golfing mountain, much of which comes down to the exclusivity of the event. The Masters has the smallest field of any of the majors on the PGA Tour, with roughly 40% fewer entrants given the privilege to compete, when compared to the other major championships.

So before the first ball is hit in anger this weekend, lets break down some of the top contenders, primed to take home this year’s Green Jacket.

TIGER WOODS

For the better part of the last decade, Masters predictions have often come down to “Tiger or the field”, a result of Tiger Woods unprecedented dominance over the golfing world. However, in 2011, we all know this isn’t the case anymore. Speaking purely on his form – and not the much-publicized upheaval in his personal life – Woods is in the midst of his longest ever form slump. More than 18 months have passed since his last win on the PGA Tour – The 2009 BMW Championship – and he has looked a shadow of the dominating figure, who took out that event, with an astonishing 19 under par performance.

The question for Woods’ has never been his skills - he has arguable already established himself as the greatest golfer ever – instead it is his mentality that has come under scrutiny. If Woods is able to find his past greatness at Augusta, nothing will stop him claiming his fifteenth Major title.

PHIL MICKELSON

The man who for years, seemed destined to toil away in Woods’ shadow, “Lefty” now casts his own shadow over the golfing landscape. Mickelson currently sits in sixth place on the World Golf Rankings. He also comes to Augusta as the defending champion, winning by 3-strokes in 2010, claiming his fourth major.

Mickelson does have the tendency to be a bit wayward off the tee, however this isn’t always punished at Augusta, certainly not to the extent it is at the other majors.

Mickelson mirrored his preparation from a year ago – competing in the Shell Open – which coupled with his experience and past success at Augusta, should have him amongst the contenders on Sunday.

MARTIN KAYMER

Although his name isn’t as recognized as Woods or Mickelson, there is no denying Kaymer’s immense quality, which has seen him take the mantle as the world’s Number One ranked player.

Kaymer had an unbelievable 2010 season, winning four PGA titles, including the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights. It was his first Major title. He also capped off the season, by leading the European Ryder Cup Team, to a famous victory at Celtic Manor in Wales.

Kaymer has carried his fine run of form into 2011, winning his third Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January, and finishing in second place at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

If Kaymer maintains his outstanding play over the weekend, there is no doubt that Kaymer will be well and truly in the mix come Sunday afternoon.

LEE WESTWOOD

Westwood is considered by many to be the best player on the PGA tour, not to have won a Major. He came painstakingly close in 2010, finishing Runner-Up at The Masters and the British Open.

Westwood’s quality is beyond question; he currently sits second in the World Rankings, and has amassed twenty-six titles over his career. He even briefed reigned supreme as World Number One, as he usurped Tiger Woods at the head of the rankings, in October last year.

Yet, Westwood has always suffered to shine in Major play, something that he will be desperate to change this weekend. If he does, Westwood has a great shot at winning his maiden Major Championship.

PREDICTION
Tiger Woods will finally return to the winner’s circle this Sunday, and resume his chase of Jack Nicklaus’s record of eighteen Major triumphs.

I believe that, after battling with inconsistency and mental anguish since his tabloid fall from grace, Woods’ will recapture the form that has seen him named PGA Player of the Year on ten occasions.

At his best, Woods’ is still head-and-shoulders above every other person on the planet with a golf club in his hand, and will show it at Augusta. Not only is Woods a great golfer, but also he is a true champion, and has shown his immense class time and time throughout his career.

As the saying goes, ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’, and I expect that to shine through once again for Woods as he adds another Green Jacket to his wardrobe.  

MADDEN 2012 COVER CAUSING CONTROVERSY

The upcoming NFL season may be in doubt, but EA Sports Madden 2012 will definitely be hitting shelves later in the year. It seems even the possibility of a strike-ruined season cannot stop the EA juggernaut.

Madden NFL Football has long been at the forefront of gaming evolution and has become as much a part of the NFL as big hits and touchdown passes. Upon its annual August release, fans clamor to get their hands on the new version. Even in the shadow of a potentially strike-effected season, Madden continues to revolutionize its field.

For the first time in the history of videogames, EA Sports are giving fans the world over, the chance to vote for whom they want on the cover of this year’s game. However, this has dumped a whole heap of controversy on EA’s doorstep.

EA Sports established a 32-player bracket system for their voting, with players with the fewest votes being eliminated in a tournament-like system, until ultimately there is a winner. That winner looks almost certain to be Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick.

This isn’t sitting well with the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) who are calling for EA Sports to remove Vick from the tournament.

Vick returned to the NFL as a starter last season, after having served 23 months in prison, being charged with Dog-fighting. Dog-Fighting is a barbaric ‘sport’ and form of gambling, that forces dogs to fight one another, often to the death. Vick was convicted of running several dog-fighting syndicates from the basements of his houses.

However, despite the calls from PETA, EA Sports president Peter Moore says that, if he wins the fans vote, Vick will be on the cover.

Moore has recently stated that due to Vick’s outstanding season – that saw him finish second in the league MVP voting and win the Comeback player of the year – he deserves his shot. He also acknowledged PETA’s requests to pull Vick from the competition, but stated, “…I'm not here to comment on what he did. I personally believe that Michael served his time.”

Vick has also been using his Twitter site to encourage his fans to vote him onto the cover, showing that he believes that he has earned the opportunity to be considered.

Personally, I’ve long been a fan of Michael Vick’s, and found a lot of enjoyment in watching his tremendous season last year. He is great for the NFL, as his tremendous skill makes his “must-see television.”

Obviously, his involvement in organized Dog-fighting was despicable and cannot be defended. However, as Moore said, Vick has served his time and paid his dues. He lost everything, declaring bankruptcy before he entered Federal Prison. This was the man who signed a contract worth in excess of $70 Million with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2006 Vick has endorsement with Nike, Coca-Cola, PowerAde and many others, at the moment he’s endorsed solely by Unequal Technologies – a company that makes Football pads.

By all accounts he has done above-and-beyond what is expected of him ever since his release from prison. He works with several charities in the US, and gives speeches at schools across the country on the importance of staying in school and getting an education. He’s striving to have a better life, inside and outside of the NFL, this is something that should be embraced and used as an example of someone changing for the better.

Vick’s actions will never be forgotten; he’s even spoken of how they’ve haunted him, yet it’s time that we forgive him. If he appears on the cover of Madden NFL 2012, this would show that the NFL community has, at least that would be a start.

No need for Knick panic

After losing to the Orlando Magic – 111 to 99 – the New York Knicks dropped one game below .500 for the season (35-36). That marks 4 straight losses for the Knicks, whilst also falling to 7 wins and 10 losses, since they acquired Carmelo Anthony in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Nuggets.

But the Knicks needn’t panic.

On the 18^th of April, the Knicks will be competing in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in over a decade. They’ve been the laughing stock of the NBA for the better part of that decade, they’ve turned that around this year. Last season the Knicks finished 11^th in the Eastern Conference, winning only 29 games for the season, meaning they lost a whopping 53. With 11 games left in this season they’ve already won 35, meaning even if they split the remaining games on their schedule, they’ll improve by over 10 games this season.

That’s a massive improvement however you look at it.

It becomes even more significant, when you look at the way the Knicks have completely rebuilt their roster, from that they turned out last season. So much so, that only three players – Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Jared Jeffries – remain from last years squad. Not one player in the Knicks starting line-up was playing for New York last year. The Knicks have completely undergone a rebuilding process – a phrase that gets thrown around all the time today – yet they’ve managed to improve whilst doing so. A rare achievement.

As Carmelo Anthony said after the loss to the Magic, “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” Despite being in the midst of a brutal stretch of their season – this loss being their fourteen game in the last twenty-three days – these Knicks know that they’re on the right path. They’ve known that ever since the day Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups arrived. But realistically they’ve known that they were going to adjust to playing together, right now even though they may not be winning, but they’re gaining valuable chemistry. Integrating two keys players into their starting line-up, midway through the season no less, was always going to be a difficult task.

Many pundits and fans have already buried this Knicks team, damning them for not performing up to lofty expectations, but please give these Knicks a chance. For the first time in a decade the Knicks are heading to the playoffs, and look set to face the Miami Heat in the opening round, who they Knicks have beaten in both of their last two contests. They would enter that series full of confidence, that they could cause an upset against one of the NBA’s heavyweights. Similar words haven’t been uttered in the Big Apple since the Ewing Era.

The Knicks are in a slump at the moment, that cannot be ignored, but a month from now playoff basketball will return to New York City. If they find a way to win just one playoff game in the Garden, mid-March frustrations will be replaced by April jubilation.

The Knicks have improved beyond any reasonable expectations this year; they deserve to be praised, not to have fans reaching for the panic button.

  

Chatting with Collingwood legend Simon Prestigiacomo

Before the new Northern Football League season kicks off on the 9^th of April, I had the chance to have a chat with recently retired Collingwood star, and West Preston’s newest recruit Simon Prestigiacomo. He gave his thoughts on retiring from the AFL at the end of last season, what it was like having to famously pull out of the Grand Final, his favorite moments over the course of his illustrious career, and going back to where it all began this season.

The first thing I wanted to know, was if since his retirement “Presti” had been able to sit back and reflect on his career as one of the best Full-Back’s of the last decade. He said that he hadn’t really looked back at it all yet, but it’s obviously something he’ll do in the future. However Prestigiacomo said that the chance he had to speak at Collingwood’s Copeland Trophy Night was a thrill, as it gave him the chance to thank all his players, coaches and all the other people that had helped him over his 233 game career.

The topic then turned to his heartbreaking withdrawal from Collingwood’s Grand Final side last season, as a result of a groin injury picked up in a training session, on the Wednesday of Grand Final week.

“I lost a lot of sleep over it…I was hoping it would get better, but it got worse over the week.”

“It was one of the toughest things I ever had to do…”

It was a cruel blow to a player that had earned a cult-status with the Magpie Army, someone who embodied everything that Collingwood stands for, hard-work, dedication and commitment to the cause. I must say, having had the pleasure of watching “Presti” go toe-to-toe with the greatest forward’s of the last decade, I was relishing seeing him finally collect that elusive Premiership Medallion. But it wasn’t to be.

We then spoke about his most treasured memories over his career in the Black and White. In spite of the way they turned out, Prestigiacomo immediately spoke about the build-up and taking the field in Collingwood’s back-to-back Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003. Although the matches obviously didn’t turn out the way Prestigiacomo and his Magpies would’ve hoped, it was easy to hear the pride in his voice, as he looked back nostalgically at a great run by the Magpies.

When asked about the prospect of playing in the Northern Football League this season, where he played as a junior, Presti was refreshingly honest.

“I wasn’t planning on playing again this year…but Anthony Rocca got into my ear a little…now I’m looking forward to it. Playing back on the same grounds I played as a kid…with old friends again…I’m really enjoying it.”

He was clearly relishing the chance to get back amongst the NFL – a league that honored him by naming it’s Under 15 Best and Fairest Award in his name – and is looking forward to getting back to just enjoying playing again.

Prestigiacomo was also very impressed with what he’s seen of new club, West Preston, as they embark on their quest to win back-to-back Premierships.

“They’ll been training well, look really focused…they really know how to play together.”

Presti and new teammate, Anthony Rocca, are working hard to fit into the group and learn how the team plays, but I’m sure it will be something he’ll have no trouble with.

One of his closing comments really stood out to me, saying that he’s enjoying “playing for fun (and) getting back to why you start playing as a kid…” something that we sometimes lose sight of in today’s media-driven AFL climate.

Simon Prestigiacomo was a beloved player,and ultimate clubman during his time with the AFL. He is regarded as one of the greatest Full Back’s of the modern era. He’ll be an asset to the Northern Football League this year; not just for his great play, but also for the way he goes about his football. He was always seen by many, as one of the “good guys” in the AFL, a sentiment that rung true during our quick chat.

So do yourself a favor this year, get around the grounds and take the chance to watch one of the greats in action, before he hangs up his boots for good. 

NBA MVP Race

There are only a handful of games left in this years NBA regular season. Besides teams scrapping for the final playoff spots, some of the league’s elite players are vying to claim the NBA MVP Award. But before I can name who I think will win this years Maurice Pololoff Trophy, it must be established as to what it means to be the “Most Valuable Player.”

Many people have different opinions on what being an MVP constitutes, but for me, I believe it to be a player most indispensable to his team. It should be awarded to the one player should be the essential facet to his team’s fortunes for that season, someone who routinely carries his team to victory.

In my opinion, it doesn’t mean that you’re the best/most skilled player for that season. Sorry LeBron, but that means your not making it this year.

So with that established, here’s my Top-5 for the season.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers

Portland sits sixth in the Western Conference, and has been in great form since the All-Star break, winning nine of the fifteen games since the break. Without the play of Aldridge, the Blazers would be nowhere near the playoffs in the West.

It seems that their superstar center’s snub from the NBA’s player showcase has spurned him on, with Aldridge having been on fire as of late. He was rewarded for his play by being named the Western Conference Player of The Month for February, making him only the third Trailblazer in history, to do so. 

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

For the second straight season, Durant is leading the NBA in scoring. His continued growth and improved, is the main reason for the Thunder’s terrific play, and back-to-back playoff appearances.

If this were last season Durant would be much higher on my list, but following on from that breakout season means higher expectations, but he appears to be handling them well. He will undoubtedly win an NBA MVP Award over his career, just not this year.

3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

If you ever wanted to witness a player single handedly carrying his team, look no further than Howard. He has been monumental all season for the Magic, almost single-handedly willing them into fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Howard has raised his career scoring average by five points per game – from 18 to a shade over 23 – and pushed his already stellar rebounding number out to over 14 per game. His play saw his pick up the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award in February.

Howard is a lock to claim his third straight NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, but that should be the only individual accolade he collects this year.

2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Whether you love or hate Bryant, there is no doubting his importance to the Lakers, coming off back-to-back NBA Titles. He still routinely produces stellar numbers whilst being the primary focus for the Lakers but he has also embraced his teammates, making the Lakers even more dangerous.

Bryant continues to do what he has always done for the Lakers, that is find a way to get his side a win, something he has turned into an art-form. Without Bryant, the Lakers would be nothing like the team they are now, and they certainly wouldn’t have won the last two Championships.

What’s more valuable than that?

1.Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Rose has been nothing short of inspiration this season, driving his Chicago Bulls side, to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Playing in the shadow of the greatest player in the history of the sport, Rose has shined, even giving Michael Jordan the confidence to proclaim the Bulls are ready for title success.

In only his third season in the league, Rose has improved his career averages across the board, firmly planting himself at the pinnacle of the NBA’s elite. At the age of just 22, he looks set to become the youngest MVP in history.

The most exciting thing for all NBA fans is that with Rose being so young, his play will only continue to improve in the future. I think it’s a pretty safe bet that he’ll win a few MVP’s over his career.

2011 Formula One Season Preview

2010 At a Glance:

The 2010 Formula One season has been already touted as one of the greatest the sport has ever seen. For the first time in history, when the season concluded in Abu Dhabi, there were four drivers in with a chance of snaring the title.

Over the course of the 19-race season none of the drivers were able to grab the championship by the throat. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, Red Bull’s Mark Webber and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, all juggled the championship lead, with eventual champion Sebastian Vettel hot on their heels. It was a year full of twists and turns with perhaps the biggest being that Vettel – who became the youngest champion in history – had never lead the championship before he clinched the crown in the Abu Dhabi desert.

Red Bull also took out the Constructors Championship, capping off a near perfect year for the team.

It was a season that saw new technology implemented, in-team fights and the return the dreaded Ferrari team orders. It has rejuvenated Formula One and its fan-base.

It really was a season for the history books.

KEY RACES OF 2011:

GRAND PRIX DE MONACO: May 26th-29th

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a highlight of any F1 season. It’s picturesque setting on the Monte Carlo harbor and razor sharp racing has given it the status of one of the most prestigious races in any form of Motor Sport. Last year saw Mark Webber winning the famous race for the first time, and will be fighting hard to add a second Monaco victory to his trophy cabinet.

GRAND PRIX OF INDIA: October 28th-30th

For the first time ever, India will stage an F1 race. This marks a massive date in the Indian sporting calendar, not just in terms of the F1 race, but also in what it signifies about the growth of India. Formula One’s governing body – the FIA – are notorious for only going to countries they deem worthy enough to hold an F1 event. Hosting the F1 shows that they are starting to be considered amongst the world’s elite.

Not much is known about the Jaypee Circuit, but one thing is for sure, every driver will be looking to take out the inaugural race.

GRAND PREMIO DO BRASIL: November 25th-27th

It’s Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most races fan look forward to most, simply because it’s the fastest race of the season. The high-octane GP always draws a massive crowd in Brazil, and captivates those watching from Europe and other F1 Nations. It’s flat-out corners, burning straights and hairpin bends, really do make the Brazilian race quite the spectacular.

With the season ending here this season, expect every more fireworks than usual come November.

THINGS TO WATCH IN 2011:

All 19 races from last year were scheduled to return for another go around this season. Unfortunately, before the engines could be started for the year, the curtain raising Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to the civil unrest in the area. The FIA have yet to announce whether they will try and reschedule the Grand Prix for later in the season, but regardless we still have 19 enthralling F1 events to mark on the calendar. One of the highlights for the year will undoubtedly be the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, taking place between the Korean and Abu Dhabi races. Plus - the fan favorite Brazilian Grand Prix – has been reinstated as the site for the season finale. When you throw the likes of Monza, Spa, Hockenheim, and Silverstone, we should again be in store for a fantastic season.

Red Bull look set to once again be the perennial pace-setters for the year, and are heavily backed to deliver the Drivers and Constructive Championships, once again this year. This years car – the RB7 – has been incredibly fast in practice in the off-season, coupled with the unchanged Driver tandem of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, there appears were little reason to question the teams title credentials.

Vettel will come in with even more confidence than before – if that’s even possible – off the back of his maiden World Championship and another certainly his to take. His teammate Mark Webber is quickly running out of time to claim the ever-elusive F1 throne. He turns 35 during the upcoming season, making him the fourth oldest driver in the field behind Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Jarno Trulli. Webber claims to be more motivated than ever, and it should be fantastic to see whether he can finally get a championship this season.

             

PREDICTIONS:

As much as I would love to say that Mark Webber is to finally break the barrier this season, I just can’t see him claiming the title this year. I strongly believe he’ll be victorious in front of a boisterous home-crown in Melbourne to begin the season, but he won’t be leading after Brazil.

I think that Fernando Alonso, or Lewis Hamilton, as an outside bet will capture this year’s title. After seeing how much the Ferrari and McLaren machines improved for their respective drivers over the course of last season, its scary to think of how good the cars will be after a season of testing.

Another incredibly tight season will play out, purely because F1 is enjoying a talent boom of sorts. Webber, Hamilton, Button, Massa, Alonso and Vettel would all realistically fancy their chances going into the season, but as I said, Fernando Alonso should beat them across the line.

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

1.     F. Alonso

2.     M. Webber

3.     L. Hamilton

CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

1.     Red Bull

2.     McLaren

3.     Ferrari