As OS noted in a post that keeps a steady flow of traffic every week, last year's PGA Championship was a monumental screw-up.
This year's leaderboard is dominated by relatively unfamiliar names, new faces, strong young players like Dufner, Steele, Bradley. Tiger's Tale is now one of self-destruction, accelerating after he fired Steve Williams, the best caddy any golfer could wish for. There are also a number of familiar names up near the front, and any one of twenty of the field could prevail. It's the makings of a great event.
Now, to see if the PGA officials will resist the temptation to determine the outcome. If the marshals will control the crowd, if the course managers really have thought through (and marked!) out-of-bounds, hazards, what is and isn't part of the golf course. Where the bunkers are and aren't, for starters.
We'll see if Mark Wilson decided that last year's fifteen minutes of fame was enough, or if he needs another moment in front of CBS's cameras. (Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.)
We'll see if CBS Sports puts up with his BS another year, or calls it what it is.
If the PGA screws up again, it will bode ill for the professional game. Sponsors aren't obligated to pony up cash, volunteers can give their time elsewhere, spectators can go to baseball games, viewers can change the channel. Young people, who are much needed to keep the game alive, will conclude that years of dedicated work don't matter when a PGA official decides how he wishes matters to conclude.
So, we'll see. This final round isn't just about the skill of the competitors, it's about the integrity and future of the PGA.
Tee it up, ya'll!
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