The Golf Watch

Furyk edges Harrington at Grand Slam (zzzz)

I subscribe to Golfweek, Golf World and Golf Digest.  I run a golf news Web site.  I am a golf junkie.

Yet, I've been out of the loop for a couple of days and haven't been able to read or see much in the way of golf.  Now that I'm back in the swing of things, I noticed that the PGA Grand Slam of Golf just took place.  Really?  So how did I know the Justin Timberlake tournament was taking place this week and not the Grand Slam?

I guess a lot has to be said for how much the tournament has been put on the backburner without the presence of Tiger Woods.  It's been quite some time since the world's number one golfer has been involved, and it shows--from the lack of coverage, and my lack of interest.

Furyk and Singh go low on Saturday

Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh, two of the highest ranked players in the field at the Mercedes-Benz, happened to fire two of the lowest rounds of the tournament on Saturday, 66 and 67 respectively, allowing both to get back in contention. "On the back-9, I just got into a little groove," said Furyk, who birdied five of his last seven holes on Saturday to pull within four strokes of the lead at 9-under-par overall.  As for Singh, the 3-time major champion was not altogether happy with the way he played.  "6-under sounds really good, but it’s disappointing to shoot 6-under because I needed to play a lot better today. I did, but just didn’t make enough putts."  Singh trails third round leader Mike Weir by five strokes. Both players are past champions at Kapalua and admitted that they will need to go low tomorrow in order to catch Weir.

Furyk feels more rust than pain

Jim Furyk fired an opening-round 5-over 75 yesterday at the PGA Championship after withdrawing from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational last week due to a back injury.  However, according to Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press, "Furyk was more worried about rust than an ailing back...In stifling heat, Furyk said his back felt fine."  Furyk said after his round, "It was the mental mistakes and the stupid things."  He will tee off at 2:45 p.m. ET. 

Furyk's back is still stiff

In an interview with Inga Hammond of The Golf Channel, Jim Furyk revealed that he is still feeling stiffness in his back.  "I’m a little bit more stiff today than I’d like to be," said Furyk.  He added that he has not been able to prepare for the PGA Championship properly due to the back injury, but is still hoping to feel better everyday.

Rosaforte: Furyk and Weir intend to play in PGA

Both Jim Furyk and Mike Weir withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this past week, and Tim Rosaforte reported on Golf Central earlier this evening that both still intend to play in this week's PGA Championship at Southern Hills.  Rosaforte added that Furyk's status will be determined when he hits balls this week, while Weir is almost a guarantee to play. 

Furyk withdraws from WGC Bridgestone Invitational

Jim Furyk has withdrawn from the WGC Bridgestone Invitational due to a back injury.  Furyk said that he felt tightness in his back when he was hitting balls on Tuesday.  The world's second ranked golfer is unsure as to whether or not he will play in next week's PGA Championship.  According to the Sports Network, Furyk said, "I would love to try to be prepared and ready to go at the PGA, but if that's not the case, just get healthy and get strong.  I've had a good stretch the last few months of playing, so it's a little easier to handle."

Furyk's back tightens, uncertain about playing this week

According to the Associated Press, Jim Furyk is uncertain as to whether or not he will be able to play this week in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational due to a stiff back and neck.  Furyk said that his back started to tighten up when he was hitting balls on Tuesday.  In the Associated Press article, it was stated that Furyk's appearance could be doubtful at the PGA Championship next week.  Furyk, who is ranked second in the world golf ranking, said he would make a decision tonight about whether or not he will play.

Hewitt: Furyk is the best grinder in professional golf

According to Brian Hewitt on thegolfchannel.com, "Jim Furyk is nothing if not relentless.  He is not the best player in professional golf. But he is the best grinder. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a lot of grinding going on in professional golf these days."  Furyk, who trailed Vijay Singh by three strokes on Sunday, fired a final round 7-under 64 yesterday to win the Canadian Open.   

Furyk successfully defends Canadian Open title, aces fourth hole

Jim Furyk won the Canadian Open earlier today by shooting a 7-under 64, which included a hole-in-one on the par-3 4th hole from 209 yards.  Furyk trailed Vijay Singh by three strokes heading into Sunday's final round, but was able to string together six birdies along with an ace to hold off the 2004 Canadian Open champ.  "It's been a special event for me for two years now," said Furyk to Inga Hammond of The Golf Channel after his round.  "I’m proud to have my name on that trophy twice in back-to-back years."  The world's third ranked golfer is scheduled to play next week in Akron, Ohio at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. 

Furyk replaces Mickelson as world's second best golfer

With a T-3 finish at the AT&T National, Jim Furyk moved up one spot in the world golf rankings to second overall, replacing Phil Mickelson.  Although Furyk has not seen the winner's circle this year, he has had eleven top-25 finishes on tour.  K.J. Choi moved up in the world golf rankings as well with his win at the AT&T National.  Choi is now ranked 13th in the world.