Tiger Spits Some Game, Comes Up Short in Dubai; Lego Man Wins at Pebble

Tiger Woods did it again. No, I'm not talking about that! I'm talking about Tiger putting himself into contention to win, then completely imploding in the final round. The old Tiger, being one stroke back, showed up Sunday, wore red, and just dominated. That is all. The field expected it, he expected it, and so did we. But now, what exactly can we expect from Tiger? We are still trying to figure that out. So is Tiger. 

The big question is; when will he figure that out? He needs it, we need it. Most importantly, golf needs it. We all kind of figured golf was going to be a little blase without him. Look at the TV ratings if you don't believe me. Now with 2010 behind him and a new swing, he has shown signs of the old Tiger. Still, he hasn't got the job done. He will win again. Lets hope it's sooner than later. 

Alvaro Quiros' win was somewhat overshadowed by what happened on the twelfth green during the final round. Tiger spat on the green. Yep, he hocked a loogie. It was the 'spit heard round the world.' But should we really care that much? I got news for you: all golfers spit on the golf course during a round. I'm not saying they all spit on the green, but it happens. I've done it, you've done, we've all done it.

Let's not forget about Sergio Garcia spitting into the bottom of the cup during the 2007 WGC-CA Championship. Garcia wasn't the first, Tiger wasn't the second, and they certainly won't be the last. Let's just all stop salivating about the little things and ponder who is looking good for Augusta. After all of this, I'd still watch out for Tiger. 

Across the pond, a guy sporting a Lego belt was ball striking his was to victory at Pebble Beach. D.A. Points, or as I like to call him, Lego Man, came from a couple strokes behind to rip yet another would be victory from Steve Marino. An eagle, and a couple of birdies on the back helped secure Points' first PGA Tour win. It was a great victory for him, and a fun win for the fans! How can you not root for a guy who wears a Lego belt just because he likes, well, Legos? The tour needs more guys like Points. After making his par putt on 18, he shouted out to the fans and thanked them all for coming. Can you see Tiger doing that?! Me neither. 

Points has been pretty quiet since his rookie year in 2008. Last year, his clubs started making some noise. With three top tens and seven top twenty-fives, he looks to be a contender to win in 2011. He played well in San Diego with a fifth place finish, following that up with a top twenty finish in Phoenix. Needless to say, he had a lot of mojo coming into Monterey. Oh, he also had Bill Murray on his team. If Bill doesn't calm your nerves, I don't know who can! Think they were good for each other? I'd say so. They just really need to work on their chest pump.  

The Monterey Peninsula always leaves us with a lot of memories, picturesque views, and a look at unbelievable real estate. The greens seem like they are the size of, well, pebbles, and are as hard as rocks, to boot. A perennial favorite stop on tour, Pebble Beach and the surrounding golf courses always deliver a great tournament. If not for golf, just go there. You'll thank me later. You're welcome. 

Bubba's Pink Driver & Johnny Vegas

Everyone knows he can hit it far. Really far. But no one knew he could make clutch putts. Well, no one except him. And when it comes to golf, where the mind plays such a big part in success, the only thing that matters is that you know what you're capable of doing. Bubba Watson sure knows himself. If you couldn't tell, rewind your DVR of The Farmers Insurance Open and watch how far right he aims. It's one of the most unique swings on tour. Never really receiving a formal golf lesson, Bubba owned his swing, and owned Torrey Pines.

As a perennial bomber of the golf ball, Watson was primarily known as just a big hitter. Now he's known as a big hitter that can win on the PGA Tour. Twice to be exact. They all say the first win is the toughest, and the second is even tougher because you want to validate the first win. Well, Watson proved his wacky swing, pink driver, and crazy long distance can win on tour. 

Speaking of crazy, have you seen the play of Jhonattan Vegas? The rookie is the hottest kid on tour right now and don't think it's just beginners luck. The kid can play. A win and a tie for third in his first three starts will make noise on any professional tour. He has charisma to boot and a very sound golf swing. I don't see Vegas falling off the map any time soon. Eat your heart out Venezuela.

The fashion statement of the week at Torrey Pines goes to the crew of TaylorMade and Adidas. Coming out with their R11 driver, all the boys on staff with TaylorMade/Adidas had a whiteout for Thursday's opening round. Yes, a whiteout. Players dressed head to toe in all white clothing. I'm sure their drivers stuck out like sore thumbs. 

After all the moments that Torrey Pines produced for us, what exactly did we learn? On Thursday we learned that TaylorMade and Adidas are the leaders in the clubhouse for on and off course marketing. Just look at all their staff players and their success. On Friday we learned that Bubba made the North course look easy, again. Over the weekend we learned that Johnny Vegas, as he's affectionately called, is here to stay and make noise on the PGA Tour. Late Sunday afternoon we learned that it actually does rain in southern California. 

Phil Mickelson still loves the dramatic finish, when he walked off his yardage and literally thought he could slam dunk it from 81 yards to force a playoff. Or was it, fly it 83 yards and spin it back in? Ask Bones. Finally, as Bubba was lining up his winning birdie putt, the clouds parted and the sun broke through as if Bubba's father was just saying, "hello son, I got your back on this one."