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Chat Reel: Johnny Phelps
Anchor weighs in with predictions for this year's tour
Posted: Thursday January 20, 2000 06:52 PM
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CNNSI.com's Johnny Phelps thinks Casey Martin's schedule will be critical to his success. AP |
CNN/Sports Illustrated anchor Johnny Phelps chatted with CNNSI.com users about his expectations for this year's PGA tour. A transcript of the chat session follows:
CNNSI Host: Welcome to our golf chat this afternoon with CNNSI.com's Johnny Phelps. Thanks for joining us today, Johnny!
Johnny Phelps: Pleasure to be with you all.
CNNSI Host: Let's start with the first question...
From Guest: It was great to see Paul Azinger win this week. Can he reach his early '90s level of play again?
Johnny Phelps: I certainly think so. Paul is on of the most determined players on the tour. He had a lot to come back from, not just health wise, but also with the tragedy of the loss of his close friends Payne Stewart, Robert Fraley and Van Ardan. I think that it is good for the PGA Tour that Azinger is a winner again.
From Guest: Casey Martin was the in the top 15 on the Nike Tour. Can he win on the PGA Tour?
Johnny Phelps: Absolutely! I think one thing lost in all of the discussion on Martin is that he is a very solid player. And very confident in his ability. I think it will be interesting to see how Casey worked out his schedule, because stamina could become a major factor for him.
From Guest: How long can Tiger Woods keep up his streak? Do you think the pressure will get to him?
Johnny Phelps: I don't think Tiger is bothered by any pressure. It is really difficult to project how many consecutive events he might win because the fields change each week. And any pro can get hot for four days, but at the same time every week that Tiger tees it up he is the man to beat.
From Guest: Has Greg Norman run out of chances at winning the Masters?
Johnny Phelps: I don't think so. He has rededicated himself to competitive golf this year after battling back from shoulder surgery and dealing with his many business affairs (i.e. course design). He will always be a fan favorite in Augusta.
From Guest: Do you think there's anyone on the tour who isn't afraid of Tiger?
Johnny Phelps: Oh sure! His competitors aren't necessarily afraid of him. But clearly they have enormous respect for his ability and the things he has already accomplished.
From Guest: Could anyone ever come close to Nelson's 11 in a row?
Johnny Phelps: Up until now I never thought it was possible because there are so many great players these days. But you would have to say Tiger has the best shot.
From Guest: With the Senior Tour just about to start up will the two big name rookies, Tom Kite and Lanny Wadkins, be dominant?
Johnny Phelps: I think the dominant player on the Senior Tour this year will be Tom Watson. But both Kite and Wadkins will win their share too. By the way Lanny shot 5-under par on the front nine today at the Hope Classic and right now is only two shots off the lead.
From Guest: Was Bruce Fleisher a one year wonder or is he going to dominate again?
Johnny Phelps: I don't think he was a one year wonder, but it would be difficult for him to duplicate what he did last year. He is a very confident player now and must be considered one of the favorites each week.
From Guest: The PGA was talking about having a stop in Pennsylvania. What is the latest news on a possible Pennsylvania Open?
Johnny Phelps: I have not heard the latest.
From Guest: Will the AT&T at Pebble Beach be a good indicator of who has a chance in the U.S. Open or will the USGA toughen it up in June?
Johnny Phelps: It will be some sort of a barometer. But two things you have to remember: First -- at the AT&T they only play Pebble Beach two of the four rounds. Second -- the USGA gets the benefit of the spring growing season and can make the set up much more difficult.
From Guest: What was up with Se Ri Pak disqualifying herself this past weekend? Is Webb's play frustrating her?
Johnny Phelps: She failed to sign her scorecard and that is automatic disqualification. I don't think Webb is frustrating her competitors, but they know she is a threat to win each week.
From Guest: People don't seem to take Jesper Parnevik seriously, but he has been playing well. Can he win a major?
Johnny Phelps: I don't think there is any reason he shouldn't. He has proven he can play some of his best golf in majors, especially in the British Open.
CNNSI Host: From Guest: We have seen a few rounds of 59, do you think we will ever see a round of 58?
Johnny Phelps: I would not predict a round of 58, but given today's advances in equipment and with the perfect set of conditions it is not inconceivable.
From Guest: Do any other players on any tour use the type of putter and or stroke that Azinger used in winning last week? When did he start using it and who makes it?
Johnny Phelps: I don't know who makes it. But 'Zinger has been experimenting with different putting styles for awhile. I remember Johnny Miller used a similar long putter before he stopped playing.
From Guest: Could you tell us some of your favorites for this year's majors?
Johnny Phelps: Watch Tiger at Augusta, and I think this might be the year David Duval and Phil Mickelson win their first majors. Duval has already said he is placing extra emphasis on the majors and wants to be playing his best at Augusta.
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining us today, Johnny.
Johnny Phelps: It has been my pleasure. I look forward to the next opportunity.
CNNSI Host: Thanks for joining us everybody! A transcript will be available this afternoon.
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