Shell Houston Open — Final Notes
The biggest debate that will be talked about in the next few days before all eyes shift to Augusta will be whether Matt Jones won the SHO, or Matt Kutcher lost it. Even though Kutcher lost his 4 shot lead, and choked on his second shot on 18 by dumping it in the water, you can’t tell me that Jones didn’t go out there and win it. Jones birdied the last hole of regulation, and then chipped in on the first playoff hole. Add on to that Jones’s final round of 66 (the second best round of the day) and Jones definitely deserved the win from his fantastic play, and not Kutcher’s poor finish.
Other Notes
Rory McIlroy’s final round 65 was the lowest of the day by one over Jones and two others. Good momentum going into the Masters, but I’m not convinced it means much.
Tape delay sucks. But with hindsight being 20-20, we get to see the tournament in a whole new light. For example, when Matt Jones was about to hit his second shot into 18, Johnny Miller noted that if he birdied, there was a 30-40% chance for a playoff. Just after, they cut to Kutcher missing a birdie putt on 17 by an inch. Funny little moments that we would never have had without tape delay. Nevertheless, tape delay sucks.
Shaun Stefani and Retief Goosen both played well enough this week to extend their PGA Tour cards they had from medical issues. Talk about clutch playing when your job is on the line.
Outstanding fresh analysis. Great perspective. You are the man.