2010 SBS Championship Recap
Winner: Geoff Ogilvy
Score: 22 under, 270 (69, 66, 68, 67)
Quote: “I like the golf course, I think it’s fair to say.”
Fact: Won with clean-shaven look instead of last year’s stubble.
Thought: Will Geoff win his second major in 2010?
YOU CAN CHANGE the name of the tournament from the Mercedes-Benz Championship to the SBS Championship. But it was still the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in early January. And it was still Geoff Ogilvy feasting on birdies in a winners-only field to repeat as champion of the PGA Tour season-opener.
What a groovy way to start the year. Play in a field of 28. (Odds wise, that’s as good as it gets.) Spend a week at Kapalua on Maui. Get a win in your first event. Who cares if no one is watching?
(Just the idea of playing golf in January would be exciting for me. Actually, I’d be thrilled to walk outside and see the ground instead of snow and ice.)
Although third-round leader Lucas Glover stumbled home with a 76, it was not an easy stroll to the trophy presentation for Ogilvy. The Aussie had to make up two shots over the last 10 holes to fend off hard-charging Rory Sabbatini, who rang up five consecutive birdies on his way to a final-round 63 and a second-place finish. Matt Kuchar finished alone in third.
We’re underway, folks. There’s a 2010 schedule and it appears that Finchem and crew are going to play it. Apparently, the rumors of golf’s demise are greatly exaggerated.
Tour Notes
• Next up is the Sony Open at Waialae in Honolulu. Zach Johnson defends.
• On the European Tour, Charl Schwartzel won the African Open.
• The first LPGA event of 2010 is five weeks away.
• It’s 78 degrees in Honolulu. (Feels like 80.)
−The Armchair Golfer