Thoughts On the International

A few random thoughts on the International.

I really like the Stableford format. That, and the popularity of the Ryder Cup’s various team formats make me think that there’s room on the Tour for some more “unusual” events. How about a regular Tour event played as teams: alternate shot, or four ball stroke play?

Castle Pines has to be one of the most beautiful courses I’ve seen.

Bubba Watson hit a 427 yard drive. I know the altitide has some effect here, but that’s incredible.

It was interesting to see some of the less experienced players in the lead (Dean Wilson and Bubba Watson) lose their cool and let Tom Lehman back into the match. Bubba talked at the end of his round about how nervous he was.

What’s gotten into Tom Lehman these days? He’s really been playing well. A win at the International would have let him qualify for the Ryder Cup. Lehman hasn’t won on tour in six year and was picked for Ryder Cup captaincy in part because of his elder statesman status. He’s not been playing like an elder statesman this year.

Quick—who was the last Ryder Cup captain to win in the same year he was Captain: Jack Nicklaus, in 1986. It was a quality win. He won the Masters.