- Jim Furyk wins the FedEx Cup. Now I find East Lake a dull place to watch golf, but Furyk managed to hang on — barely — to win. Did he deserve the title, with its system so complicated that an actuary couldn’t figure it out? That’s another question. Furyk finished T37-T16-1 to win the championship. In other words he just had to get by to the finish and watch those around him falter. Matt Kuchar, on the other hand, finished 1-T11-T3-T25, but fails to win. Odd. And is anyone surprised to see that Furyk won despite not playing all of the FedEx events (re: cell phone alarm that didn’t go off…)?
Looking down on the front nine at Celtic Manor's 2010 Course
- This week is all about the Ryder Cup. The biggest disappointment will surely be — once again — the golf course. It is fine, but hardly remarkable and could be set pretty much anywhere in the U.S. Great events should be played on great courses, but the Ryder Cup is more about the respective PGA making a boatload of cash. My take on this is here.
- If you’re interest in a full review of the 2010 Course, go here.
- Last week I had an interesting tour of intriguing golf courses. The week started with a game at Beacon Hall. The course was basically in perfect condition, and I had a good game. I still find the back nine much stronger than the front, but must admit the conditioning really benefits the overall experience. Then it was off for my annual trip to Oviinbyrd in Muskoka, which is always one of the highlights of my year. It had been slammed with wet weather, but is still a delight to play, with varied holes and intriguing greensites. There’s also a new tee on the par-5 ninth, which was a short 3-shot hole previously. I can’t say I really liked it — strikes me the hole might have been better as a par-4. Finally, I ended in a match at Osprey Valley’s Wasteland course against director of golf Bob McClure and a friend, with me partnered with my instructor Bruce McCarrol. Neither McCarrol nor I had a good day and got trashed while McClure shot 69. However, part way through I started wondering why the wasteland course isn’t thought of more highly. What a fine course, perhaps let down by the 16th and 17th.
- Off to a Mizuno event today at, you guessed it, Osprey Valley.
About Robert Thompson
A bestselling author and award-winning columnist, Robert Thompson has been writing about business and sports, and particularly golf, for almost two decades. His reporting and commentary on golf has appeared in Golf Magazine, the Globe and Mail, T&L Golf and many other media outlets. Currently a columnist with Sympatico.ca and Ontario Golf, and a contributing writer to ScoreGolf, his blog, Going for the Green, was launched in 2004. 
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Osprey Valley “Hoot” might be one of the most underrated golf courses in all of Canada. In fact it is better than their much lauded – and original – “Heathlands” layout. Don’t get me wrong, the Heathlands has certainly earned its well respected place in Canadian golf, but their trend setting faux links look has been blown away in recent years by courses that not only look like a transplant from the UK but actually play like it – think Tarandowah or Sagebrush.
For some reason I just never had the urge to go see either of Osprey’s “newer” courses but the quality of golf – and variety – for $60 a round (all day three round package) is unparalleled. My day there this year was a 2010 highlight and should be a must play for anyone looking to getaway for a whole day of golf.
Rob – Furyk got DQ’d at the Barclays for sleeping in, otherwise he would have played all the events…must have slipped your mind!
Furyk deserved the win and the ridiculous amount of money. He represents the PGA better than any other, imagine how much he could win with Tiger or Phil’s swings? I hope he gives his Dad at least half the purse. Too bad Paul Casey couldn’t finish, I was hoping he’d win the Fedex Cup without winning a PGA event in 2010. I’d love to see Casey and 11 others play the winners of the Ryder Cup for a million per player, their own money!
Off to Banff, spring has finally arrived in the West!
Did you just say something nice about Beacon Hall??? I can’t believe it!!!
Beacon Hall is easily one of the best courses in Canada and a fantastic experience. Glad to hear it is in great shape. Paul is a great Superintendent.
Europe to win the Ryder Cup! The course does not matter for this event. The Ryder Cup would be exciting even if it were played at Bloomington Downs!
Ole!
Good thing you didn’t get a real job, you’d never have time to play golf.
I agree 100% re: Osprey Hoot – such a great course, and it’s easily my favourite of the 3 at Osprey.
I do think Furyk deserves the title. The PGA has set this up as a playoff so that the winner of the last event has the best chance to be the winner…in every other sport, the winner of the last game is the champ. I like it.