A look back at 2017
In a few hours we’ll celebrate the arrival of a new year, but before that giant ball drops in Times Square to the delight of a million-plus frozen humans, there’s time for a bit of reflection on 2017 and what memories stand out.
Here’s what stands out to me from the golf world in 2017.
1. Jordan Spieth won three times, including the British Open, but to me, the three victories are not the biggest memory. How he won that British is a remarkable accomplishment that golf fans will not soon forget.
For the longest time that Sunday morning, it looked as though Matt Kuchar was finally going to get his first major, one that would end his long-standing run as PGA Tour bridesmaid. But even though Speith squandered a three-shot, front-nine lead to enter the back tied with Kuchar, the latter really had no chance.
The two were even through 12 and Spieth played one of the most remarkable holes in the history of the game at 13. He blocked his drive way right onto the top of a dune, took an unplayable like, determined his best spot of relief was behind some equipment trailers and somehow made a bogey.
A moment of hope for Kuchar turned into another disappointment when Spieth then went birdies, eagle, birdie, birdie to play the last five holes in 5-under par to win by three.
The young man has a flair for the dramatic and most times can back that up with some great shot-making.
2. Even with personal issues that have been a part of Dustin Johnson’s life, it’s generally agreed he is the best athlete on the PGA Tour and among the very best players in professional golf.
He had a memorable season on tour in 2017, winning four times. What stood out to me was the remarkable drive he hit on the first playoff hole at the Northern Trust.
At one point during the final round, Johnson was five shots out of the lead. He rallied to tie Spieth but made quick work of that playoff in the first of the four FedEx Cup playoff events.
On the 467-yard par four that was bounded by a lake on the left side and called for an iron off the tee, Johnson pulled out the big stick and blasted a 341-yard drive straight over the water. He had 94 yards left and stuck his approach to four feet. He made that for the win.
If he can stay healthy, who knows how many wins he might rack up.
3. This is not directly golf-related, but for years Arnold Palmer was the headliner in television commercials for Xarelto. He appeared with NBA player Chris Bosh and NASCAR driver Brian Vickers, to name few. Some of those were shot at Latrobe Country Club.
Of course, those commercials ended when Palmer’s life did in September 2016 and the urgency to check the new version just wasn’t there this year.
4. I saw this statistic earlier in the year and found it to be interesting. Three players under the age of 50 come into 2018 one major victory short of the career grand slam: Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth.
This is the first time that’s happened since 1989 when Raymond Floyd, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson found themselves in a similar position.
For the record, none of them won a major in 1989.
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Here’s wishing a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018 to all my readers and their families.
I appreciate your support and look forward to a great year in golf.
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If you have an interesting story about your club or course or an individual who has done something special, let me know? Send your story ideas to mike.dudurich@gmail.com.
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Mike Dudurich is a freelance golf writer and hosts The Golf Show on 93.7 The Fan, Saturday mornings from 7-8 during golf season.