Maginnes: Weather might decide whether Kelly will win  PGATOUR.com Contributor HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- Let's assume for a minute that the weatherman is right. Of course, we all know what happens when we assume. For argument's sake, though, we can assume the wild weather that is predicted to hammer the low country on Saturday night and Sunday morning is definitely coming.  Jerry Kelly is closing in on his first win since the 2002 season. (Steve Grayson/WireImage)
The PGA TOUR rules staff has gone with that assumption, as well, and has decided to split the field and send the players out in threesomes off Nos. 1 and 10 for the final round. The first groups will tee off at 11:10 a.m. with the final group of the day scheduled for 1 p.m. If this all goes off without a hitch, we should be in for one heck of a final round. But it is the weekend of Friday the 13th and Mother Nature is less predictable than keno. There are nine players within four shots of Jerry Kelly's lead. There are sentimental favorites like Kelly and Ernie Els and up-and-comers like Kevin Na. Those three will comprise the final group on Sunday. This could be the week that Ernie solidifies his return to the forefront of the game. Ernie's last PGA TOUR victory came way back in the fall of 2004 at the World Golf Championships-American Express Championship. Injuries, including knee surgery, have plagued Ernie in the last couple of years. Even after he declared himself 100 percent, his game has yet to hit on all cylinders. Ernie has had his chances recently but has been unable to close the deal. The sweet-swinging South African will have plenty of support on Sunday. Jerry has become a sentimental favorite, too. The fiery cheesehead with the heart of a boxer is trying to make his way back into the winner's circle for the first time in nearly five years. Jerry has been close in recent years, as well, but has not managed to break the tape at the finish line. Nearly perfect ball-striking for two of the first three days has taken Jerry to the top of the leaderboard through 54 holes. If you are into numerology, then, you may have to give Jerry the nod on Sunday. He has the number 13 on the side of his hat and his golf bag. He marks his ball with the number 13 as well. He is 13 under par going into the final round. If the storm blows through and leaves breezes that are predicted to gust in the 40-mph range, then 13 under will likely win going away. Then there is the 23-year-old Kevin Na. Kevin finished second twice in 2005, which was his sophomore season on TOUR. The young man from southern California was limited to only 11 starts last year, though, after having his hand slammed in a car door. He rehabbed the hand throughout the summer and came back to win his first start on the Nationwide Tour in his hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. What Kevin lacks in age he makes up for in experience. He turned pro at the age of 17 and is now in his fourth season on the PGA TOUR. With the vigor of youth and the experience of four years on TOUR, Kevin could be poised to knock off the his veteran counterparts.
The reigning PLAYERS champion, Stephen Ames, and Zach Johnson, the man who won the Green Jacket a week ago, are in the mix as well. They will be in the penultimate group on Sunday. Or will they? The weather forecast does not look good. When asked after his round if the 5-footer he had for par and the one-stroke lead on the final hole could have been for the title, Jerry Kelly said the thought never crossed his mind. He said that even if the course is unplayable on Sunday that the tournament would extend into Monday. Weather permitting, of course. Copyright 2007 PGATOUR.com. All rights reserved. |
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