Sunday, June 15, 2008

Snedeker finishes in tie for ninth at U.S. Open

After sinking another putt for the ages and letting out an emphatic double-fist pump, Tiger Woods will face off against Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole playoff tomorrow. It never gets old, does it?

In other news, Vanderbilt grad and media darling Brandt Snedeker posted another top-10 finish in a major, tying for ninth thanks to rounds of 68 and 71 over the weekend.

Remember it wasn't too long ago that Snedeker broke down at Augusta after coming up short at the Masters. The 27-year-old, who's infectious smile and carefree demeanor have made him a fan-favorite on the PGA Tour, admitted this week that it took him a while to recover from the third-place finish. He placed 53rd, 55th and missed two cuts in the ensuing weeks.

"I was in a good frame of mind, I just didn't realize how tired I was, how much the week had taken out of me," Snedeker told the LA Times. "Trevor (Immelman) and I have talked about it; he had been through it before. Last week in Memphis was the first time I got my mind right."

Snedeker started off slow at Torrey Pines, shooting 76-73 to barely make the cut, but came back with a 3-under-68 on Saturday. Here's what WorldGolf.com columnist Chris Baldwin had to say about the round:

The result is one of the most wildly entertaining rounds you'll see in major golf - one eagle, four birdies, three bogeys and too many smiles to calculate. For both Snedeker and anyone who watches.

"Now that boy loves himself some golf!" a fan yells from along the 18th fairway. Snedeker just tips his cap, not the least bit offended that his 27-year-old multi-millionaire self is still being branded a kid.

That's some great stuff.

At Torrey Pines, Snedeker shows the U.S. Open joy that Mickelson's lost [WorldGolf.com]
Snedeker has plenty to smile about at U.S. Open [LA Times]

2 comments:

Tony Arnold said...

Brandt just makes everyone feel good. In hindsight , the dream pairing was not Tiger and Phil on Thur & Fri, but would have been Rocco and Brandt playing together on Sunday for the tournment.

Both showed the fans how to play tough and have fun at the same time. Great attitudes. Pro golfers offer so many great examples over the rest of Pro sports these days, and these two are the cream of the crop in attitude in Pro golf.

We love you Brandt. And we love you for you who are, not because you are a great player.

Unknown said...

Just a note for those who missed it;

Snedeker dropped his quarter on the ball while trying to mark it on Sunday. This cost him a stroke, and a significant chunk of cash. Brandt didn't let this get to him, and still seemed to enjoy the day of golf. Great role model for how everyone should behave when sporting.