Brennans Caddy Report-Funai Classic
Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:15:03
The atmosphere this week is much more laid back than most tour events, most of the guys seem to be more relaxed. This week's event is the Funai Classic which is played at Disney World and happens to be the best family stop on the tour.
I was asked several times today what exactly Funai is. After watching the players come out of the locker room carrying televisions in big Funai boxes, I am going to guess that they are an electronic equipment manufacturer. I'm not positive on that, but I will definitely have a more accurate answer next week.
As the season winds down for most, there are still some battles left out there for many players. The biggest one is for those who are trying to stay in the top 125 on the money list. Staying in the top 125 gives each golfer certain playing privileges for next year. While most guys are enjoying a fun week with their friends and families at the Disney parks, there is a certain amount of stress being experienced by those who are grinding it out to stay in the top 125.
A second battle is for the golfers who are trying to stay in, or get into the top 30 in order to make the Tour Championship cut. This is a great accomplishment for everyone and I am sure a lot of guys set goals to get into that tournament. However, in the grand scheme of things, it is not nearly as important as those players fighting for a job for next year.
I am very fortunate to have my folks down this week to spend some time with my wife, son and I. It was a good time for my folks to get out of the cool weather and it gave them a chance to see the baby for a while. I took everyone to the Animal Kingdom today after we were finished practicing and we all had a very good time. This happens to be one of the slowest weeks of the year here at Disney World and there were still some long lines. I can't imagine what it must be like during the busy season!
As far as the golf goes, because that is the reason we are here, the format for this event is a little different from most regular tour events. There are two courses that are played during the first two days. Each day is also played with an amateur as your partner. On the weekend only the pros play on the Magnolia course.
The Palm golf course which we play only one day this week is an average course as far as PGA standards go, but it can be challenging when it is windy. The course is in great condition and the greens are faster than I have ever seen them in my three or four visits here over the years.
The Magnolia course is a much better and tougher course in my opinion. They have made some great changes since the last time we were here and have really added some good length to the course. It is also in incredible shape and the greens are some of the fastest Bermuda grass greens that I have ever seen. There is actually going to be a premium on hitting the ball on the correct side of the hole this year.
Each of these courses, as you can imagine, are designed for resort play; but the Mag as it is called is far from a resort course. With the changes that have been made it has three of the longest finishing holes in golf. Number 16 is a 455 yard par 4 that has some water crossing the fairway at 300 yards. The approach shot isn't that difficult, but with a little wind the hole can play quite long. Number 17 has been lengthened by 45 yards and it needs to be played with a driver and long iron now. It used to be no more than a 7 iron for the approach to a green that has water all down the right side. Number 18 also requires a driver and a long iron on the approach to another narrow green that has some good undulation to it. With so much added yardage, these are three very difficult holes to finish on!
I am really not sure what score to expect this week, but I can bet it will be at least 15 under and maybe more. While sometimes the courses seem hard, the scores always amaze me! 17 under is my prediction.
Finally, I just want to mention that my London Knights are off to a flying start this year. I hope the guys can continue the good work!
Thanks for reading,
Brennan
