Bridgestone Invitational

The Bridgestone Invitational in Akron marks one of the best weeks of the year. Even though Akron isn’t what I would call the most scenic city, the opportunity to play with the top 50 players in the world and a purse worth over 8 million makes up for it. This event is first class and Firestone is a great course. With a limited field of only 80 players we get to play in twosomes for the first two days which is much better for the pace of play.

Like all other WGC there is no pro am on Wednesday which is surprising to me. I think it would be a good idea to add the pro-am to the world events as a way of giving back to the sponsors who have supported the TOUR through these tough economic times. The opportunity for sponsors to invite their customers to play an exclusive five hours with a TOUR player is of great value. This is the only sport where you can spend that much time in such a relaxed atmosphere with a professional athlete.

Mike has been practicing a lot with his Coach Mike Wilson. Last week the two were down in San Diego at Taylormade working on his game. He will also be with us all this week keeping an eye on Mike. On Monday, all three of us met up at Firestone Country Club to practice. Tuesday we had practice in the morning and played 18 holes in the afternoon. It was a great day for me as I had my own caddy all day. 

There is a charity called Caddy for a Cure, where people pay to caddy a TOUR player for a day. Each week one or two players’ auction off their bag during a practice round or a pro-am and the money generated goes towards the charity. This week was my turn. I had the opportunity to walk around with Dr. Jason Palleck who is a dentist from London. Since I grew up around London, we had a lot in common and knew quite a few of the same people. I must say, I don’t think I’m in jeopardy of losing my job to him as he made me look really good!

The course is looking as perfect as ever this week. The only difference I noticed from years past is that the rough is much lower. Apparently it is because all of the heat and lack of rain which has not given it a chance to grow. Whatever it is, the course seems much more playable. I can remember when Padraig hit the ball over the green on 16 last year and could barely hit that chip shot- definitely not going to be the case this year. Firestone doesn’t seem to change much. They did lengthen the course a few years back but other than that, it remains very similar year after year. It’s just a good old fashion course where you have to drive the ball well and use all of the clubs in your bag.

To add to this exciting week, Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson both have the opportunity to become the number one player in the world. This is really the first time in the past 10 years that there is even talk of anyone passing Tiger. I don't think Lee is in the best physical shape, which may have some effect on his game. In any event, it will be good for golf as it may drum up a little extra interest in the sport as we head into the PGA Championship and playoffs.

Also taking place in Akron this week is a Hall of Fame football game. The Cowboys are coming to town as Emmitt Smith is being inducted. Not that I am a Cowboy fan or anything, but I am very happy for him. He does a lot for his community and seems to be a very classy guy.

I have a good feeling about this week. It’s time for us to turn the season around and make a move as we approach the Fed Ex Playoffs. That is what I love about the sport of golf; a season can be turned around in one week!

Brennan Little