Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Starts tomorrow - and of course the big draw (apart from yesterday's announcement of the 2014 Ryder Cup Captain) is the first appearance of the season of Tiger and Rory

Of course they are drawn together for the first two round (I wish they wouldn't do that!) but made me wonder who Kaymer had upset to be chosen as the third in that group!

In fact it made me wonder who else could or should have made up that group if they were going to "fix it" - I'm guessing Kaymer got the nod because of his record here - 3 wins and a 2nd in 4 years though rather inexplicably missed the cut last year. Robert Rock is the defending champ and would maybe have been the obvious choice to go with Rory and Tiger but maybe he's not considered a big enough draw?

As I said, I'd rather Tiger and Rory had been kept apart for the first two rounds, but if they had to be put together who else should have joined them?

Definitely me, I wouldn't have minded making up the threeball!

So a +3 for Rors on his first outing, and a battling level par from Tiger including an outrageously topped drive which didn't even reach the fairway! Kaymer take the honours in that group with a 71

Jamie Donaldson currently leading on -5 (I won't mention he's one of my picks for fear of jinxing him - oh wait I just did!)

Justin on the move early for the afternoon starters

Woods' excuse in his interivew was that the course was very difficult - didn't seem to bother Jamie

LadyPutt wrote:Woods' excuse in his interivew was that the course was very difficult - didn't seem to bother Jamie

Well known to all golfers who are 'in the know', that the course isn't set up suit Nike clubs

Had a free £3 bet from Sky. I was going to put it on Justin Rose, but Steve advised me to go for Paul Casey - maybe I should have followed my instinct!

Early days yet Mary - steady -1 for Casey so far so all is not lost

My hard earned quid went on Dufner!

I wonder if it's playing much harder this afternoon - only Rose of the afternoon starters really challenging (next best is -2) - and some quite big numbers propping up the leaderboard

Davie wrote:

Jamie Donaldson currently leading on -5 (I won't mention he's one of my picks for fear of jinxing him - oh wait I just did!)

Davie you've currently got the top 3 and Howler tied at 5th. Could you mention them all please and give the rest of us a chance?

Tiger you can't promise Elin all those millions and then go and miss the cut!

Has he reacted publicly yet to his two shot penalty?

This is on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/21084605

Woods wrongly thought he had a free drop at the fifth hole after his ball became entangled in weeds.

He was told on the 11th hole that the matter was being investigated and his bogey five was changed to a triple-bogey seven after discussions with European Tour senior referee Andy McFee.

"Andy feels the way he feels about it and I broke the rules," said Woods.

The American asked Germany's Martin Kaymer, the other member of the star group, to examine the lie among some foliage.

"I called Martin over to verify the ball was embedded. We both agreed, but evidently it was not sand," said Woods.

"It's tough. I didn't get off to a very good start and I fought. I got it back."

Sounds like he should have asked for a ruling to be certain but then the spectre of slow play raises its head again.

I bet the sponsors are well pleased with Andy McFee, without his intervention Tiger would have made the cut and been on show at the weekend!

Davie wrote:Has he reacted publicly yet to his two shot penalty?

He was interviewed on Sky shortly after the round finished, and I thought he was quite restrained, given the circumstances. As it was on 11th hole, why wasn't he informed during his round? I'm sure that I've seen them do this in the past.

He was Mary, the penalty was applied to his 5th hole, he was told on the 11th.

Did any player endorsed by Nike make the cut

Oh dear .....

Doc wrote:Did any player endorsed by, but not paid squillions by, Nike make the cut

Thorbjorn Olesen, looking great at a fraction of the price of Coco

Just because you picked him

BlueCoverman wrote:Definitely me, I wouldn't have minded making up the threeball!

Would probably scored better as well

BlueCoverman wrote:

BlueCoverman wrote:Definitely me, I wouldn't have minded making up the threeball!

Would probably scored better as well

Not sure about that.....bet you would have made Tiger's tee shot look long

I only knew the Olesen thing due to research for a previous event

1GrumpyGolfer wrote:He was Mary, the penalty was applied to his 5th hole, he was told on the 11th.

Ah, thanks for clarifying. I misunderstood what Mark Roe said on Sky - not difficult as he was rambling on so much about Rory/Tiger.

1GrumpyGolfer wrote:

BlueCoverman wrote:

BlueCoverman wrote:Definitely me, I wouldn't have minded making up the threeball!

Would probably scored better as well

Not sure about that.....bet you would have made Tiger's tee shot look long

I reckon I might have sneaked past it, assuming I was playing off the yellows

Bit of a tapper Blue?

Just modest Grumps

Of course

1GrumpyGolfer wrote:I only knew the Olesen thing due to research for a previous event

Fair enough. Did you forget to research Jamieson, McIlroy and Woods?

I think I saw the Olesen piece on the PGA tour website when I was searching for background fluff for one of the Hawaiin event postings. Davie told me he reads that stuff.

Jamieson has been playing well but I guess his bubble burst. Coco and Woods are supposed to be the two best players in the world they shouldn't be missing the cut or be likely to get outdriven by tapper....

Just you be careful you don't tap your thumbnail when you're hammering away at that DIY in the morning...

Thanks Blue