Seven Players Withdraw: Notes From Day 3 of the 2020 PGA Travelers Championship

Phil Mickelson Update:  Commentary abounds about Phil Mickelson's sunglasses.  The consensus is that the sunglasses are an improvement because we don't have to see the maniacal look in Lefty's eyes when he tees off.  Further improvement might be found in requiring Mickelson to wear a face mask in addition to the glasses.  With a face covering we won't have to see him sigh and grind his teeth when he shanks shots into the bunkers.  A face mask on Phil will also save fans from enduring the big dumb grin on Phil's face when he chips it in from the bunker.  

Just Hit the Ball Already Dustin:  Dustin Johnson is committed to his putting ritual. Johnson's protocol on the greens starts with a look from behind the ball toward the hole, followed by a look from behind the hole towards his ball.  Then he stands between the ball and hole, looking back and forth at each.  This is followed by another squat behind the ball.  Squaring himself up to the ball, he does a cadence of  practice stroke, practice stroke, putt.  The only things missing from Johnson's pre-putt walkabout is a Michael Jackson crotch grab and an Ichiro Suzuki sleeve tug. 

Seven Players Withdraw: Seven PGA players withdrew from the Travelers due to virus concerns.  The names on this list are Webb Simpson, Brooks Koepke and his brother Chase Koepke, Denny McCarthy, Bud Cauley, Cameon Champ and Graeme McDowell.  On day three, when most golfers played in trios, golfer Jason Day teed off solo.  Day was exposed to the virus but tested negative.  He played solo on day three as a precaution.

Ugly Prop Bet:  Will the virus scuttle the Rocket Mortgage Classic?  Has anyone seen odds on this yet?  I would imagine that it would be three-choice bet -- 1) that the Rocket will be cancelled before it begins, 2) that it is cancelled after it begins but before it concludes, or 3) that the Rocket is played in its entirety.  I was more optimistic over the last couple of weeks, willing to bet on the third option.  As the Rocket Mortgage Classic nears, I am leaning toward the middle option.

Today's Coolest Name on the Tour:  If I could change my boring moniker, which professional golfer's name would I take?  From here on just call me Louie Oosthuizen McKenzie.  I would run through the club house, touching people with my pointer finger and saying, "You've been Oosthuitzen'd!"

(C) 2020

Mike McKenzie

Portland, OR