Pavin's win magnifies importance of the short game

How about Corey Pavin's surprising win at the U.S. Bank Championship? Here's a player, who hadn't tasted victory in 10 years, is blown away by 40-50 yards a drive every tournament and couldn't putt. So, how did he win in an era where long hitters supposedly rule the golf world? Simply by holing putts and never looking back after setting a new PGA Tour scoring record for nine holes (26) while finding a scant three fairways the entire round. Unfortunately, after annihilating the front, Pavin could only scrounge one birdie on the back resulting in a "disappointing" 61 (yes, even the pros can have difficulty piecing together stellar back-to-back nines).

What's refreshing is a dinky-do driver like Pavin could lead a PGA Tour event wire-to-wire on a relatively short 6,759-yard track. Here's a guy who could relate to Titleist's deranged fictional throwback character Ian MacCallister's penchant for hickory sticks and gutta percha balls. Sure Pavin's success won't occur frequently anymore, but it's nice to see a golf dinosaur rule the again -- if only for a week. This won't quiet the distance alarmists much, but we'll hear less squawking for a few days

In comparison, brut bomber Bubba Watson (No. 1 on Tour with a 319-yard driving average) said he was licking his chops over the petite filet layout but couldn't drop a worthy putt (168th in putting). "The main thing is putting," said Watson. "That's what it comes down to. The fans always talk about who can hit it the longest, but I will take the best putter in the world over the longest driver."

Amid all the technology, Tour success still revolves around the simple flatstick -- and assuredly always will.

Quick fun fact: Nelson Silverio from the PGA Tour provided the nugget that Phil Mickelson (Masters) and J.J. Henry (Buick Championship) are the only tournament winners this year to lead the field in driving distance.

Pounding the Mailbag

The messages poured in following last week's British Open recap. Many sent their two cents (some four) regarding the links golf conditions, Tiger Woods' front-running record, ABC's broadcasting crew and Sergio Garcia's Yellow Submarine ensemble.

Rick, I read your latest column on SI.com. Good stuff, however, I disagree with the Hoylake comment. The only criticism I have read or heard about Hoylake is its appearance. None of the Open's players were overtly critical about the course and I think their opinion is the one that counts. I personally find it refreshing that a championship is played on a course that is presented in its natural state. Just because it is not green does not mean it is not a quality course. Golf is about dealing with the conditions of the course and the weather. Hoylake, in its natural state, put a premium on course management, creative shot making and neutralized distance advantages. This is in marked contrast to the over-watered, over-fertilized U.S. Open courses with tricked up greens that usually take shot creativity out of the equation and typically favor long hitters. Perhaps the R & A is on to something.
--Derek

Rick, I cannot agree with you more on your "muni course" comment of Royal Liverpool. What kind of tournament is this that a guy who played only irons can win? Certainly a major should not be won by someone who is not on top of his game and cannot even use his driver...
--Teo Yeow Soon

Uh, what? Tiger Woods was most definitely ON his game. He realized the driver would roll too far to control -- hence the neglected big stick. Woods abundantly displayed a talent to win with literally one driver tied behind his back. The best part of Tiger is his ability to constantly re-invent and still achieve winning results.