Brennan's Blog - Year End Report

As I sit here and write my review for the past season I can only think of just how fast the years seem to go by.  2009 was the eleventh year that I have worked for Mike and time seems to fly by on the PGA Tour.  I feel fortunate to have a job where I enjoy going to work every day, even after all these years.  I don't think I could write a year end blog without saying something about the entire Tiger Woods scandal.  I have been asked numerous times whether I had any inclination that this was going on and the answer is NO.  In 11 years on Tour I have never seen him out at night, whether it be dinner, the mall, or anywhere else.  The only times I see him is when we cross paths at the gym with his early morning workouts.  I am as shocked by the situation as anyone and I have spent some time with him over the years as he and Mike are pretty good friends.  Let's hope he gets things straightened out at home and comes back to the Tour sooner than later.  I always enjoy playing events when Tiger is in the field as it has a little different feeling knowing you are going to have to beat him to win the event. 

Looking back on the past year I would say it was a success even though there were no victories.  I know Mike will be the first to tell you that he wants to win tournaments and that is how great players are judged once their careers are over.  That is true, but I think you have to be realistic and look at the opportunities that you gave yourself to win.  The season is a long season and playing consistent golf really gives you the best chance to win week in and week out.  The year got off to a great start at the Bob Hope in January with a Tie for 3rd and a score of -28.  Having such a good start is always great as it is a confidence builder for the year. That good finish led right into Pebble Beach which was a bitter sweet finish - the final round got rained out where Mike was in second place.  Tough to complain about finishing second but it would have been nice to try and get a win there after numerous chances.  It is only a matter of time before the bounces go his way and he gets a victory at the AT&T. Once again he played well at the Memorial which has become one of his favorite events.  There was a top 10 finish at the Firestone this year, a place he hasn't typically played well, and a good run during the Fed Ex Playoffs.  The final round 61 at the Fry's was a great way to end the year.  It could have very well been a 59!

Recapping the major championship's, I am sure Mike is a little disappointed with the way he finished aside from the US Open.  I know he really gears his game up for the majors and would like nothing more than to get that second major championship under his belt.  I am including the RBC Canadian Open in this group as it really is like a major for all Canadians.

In looking at Mike's stats, it's amazing to me that his ball striking stats are not better.  Each year his putting stats seem to be very good but his greens in regulation and driving is an area that can get better.  I know he will be working hard on this in the offseason as he is very aware of it. Having driving stats like he does and a pretty good scoring average tells you that his short iron play is very good.  Being able to get the driver in play more often and hitting more greens will be a priority for next year.  If he can improve in this area it should lead some much better scoring opportunities!

I am really looking forward to 2010 and know that Mike is determined as ever.  Golf is a game that you have to be patient and let things happen, the more you force things the worse off it is. I am sure with a lot of hard work he will be back in the winner's circle before long and who knows maybe a two or three win season again.  I would like to thank everyone who has supported not only Mike, but myself on the website.  I have received a lot of nice emails over the past year and thank you very much for that.  As always if there is something else you would like added for next year or something you would like me to talk about, email me and I will do my best.

Thanks to all the great people at RBC for supporting the caddy blog and for everything they do for golf in Canada and the PGA Tour! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!! 
Brennan