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WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
| Maginnes: Don't bet against Ogilvy in late February  PGATOUR.com Correspondent MARANA, Ariz. -- We have talked a lot about karma this week when it comes to Geoff Ogilvy.
Two years ago, he won his first PGA TOUR event at the Chrysler Classic of Tucson, which was held opposite the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. He was unable to defend that title because he had risen into the top 64 in the world, though. So Kirk Triplett went on to victory in Tucson while Ogilvy slogged his way through six matches in Carlsbad, Calif., to win the Accenture Match Play Championship a year later. Now, of course, the match play event is in Tucson and Geoff is again in the finals. He is defending his crown the same week that he has won the last two years. Every player on TOUR is waiting for a good week, but Geoff seems to have this one blocked off the schedule. Of course, he has won another week, too. I believe that he won a little tournament last June but I will have to check the record book. Can Geoff Ogilvy be beaten the last week in February? Two years ago he hoisted the Conquistador Helmet on Feb. 27. Last year he won the Accenture Match Play Championship on the 26th. Perhaps Sunday, Feb. 25, will be just as magical. If you are a member at Whisper Rock and Geoff is looking for a game on Monday or Tuesday I would suggest you steer clear. A powerful young enigma of a Swede stands between Geoff and the extraordinary three-peat. Henrik Stenson has climbed all the way to eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking. Of course, there is still a bit of debate about the merits and accuracy of the rankings. After all, Geoff is not only the defending champion here but is also the defending U.S. Open champion yet Henrik is ranked higher. One thing is certain, though, this powerful kid has big-time game. Whichever way the Southern Arizona winds happen to blow on Sunday, you can count on the fact that these two players have incredibly bright futures. The future of the professional game is firmly in the hands of the international contingent at the moment. Tiger and the rest of the 30- and 40-something set are the game's present. On Sunday we get a close-up glimpse at the game's future. There will be another match on Sunday that won't get the coverage or publicity of the finals, and with good reason. The consolation match between semifinal losers Trevor Immelman and Chad Campbell will be anti-climactic for both players and fans. Yes, money, rankings and FedExCup points are at stake but I imagine the participants would be happy splitting all of those points down the middle. Both players are fine champions who came to the tournament with their sights set on the trophy. With that out of reach, I would imagine that motivation will be difficult to achieve. They are professionals, though, and will put their best foot forward even if it is with a slightly heavy heart.
With all the excitement of the Accenture Match Play Championship, it would be easy to overlook one of the most intriguing stories of golf over the past several years. Former Maryland golf coach, the venerable Fred Funk, has a two-shot lead going into the final round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. Fred, a seven-time PGA TOUR winner who turned 50 last June, doesn't seem to be slowing down one bit. Fred has an opportunity to join Craig Stadler as the only other man to win on both the Champions Tour and the PGA TOUR in the same year. As the sports world awaits March Madness and opening day of baseball season, the PGA TOUR is fertile with story lines. If you are going to be screaming "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy" for Geoff Ogilvy or joining Funk's Punks south of the border you are in for a terrific Sunday. It is sure to improve your karma as well. Copyright 2007 PGATOUR.com. All rights reserved. |
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