Tiger's gone, now let's get on with it...

So after all the insane, over the top hysteria from a way to many of my colleagues, many of them at the Golf Channel over the mere appearance of Tiger Woods at this PGA Championship, his pairing with Phil, the shots of him opening his car door, then his trunk, on and on and on.. blah blah blah...well he's back home in Florida after a pair of 74's as he continues to yank the driver left, and putt poorly.


We so often lay the story of what is actually happening with the competition, all the story lines, to concentrate on Tiger, then when he's gone it's ho hum, let's see and report on the tournament...this is always what is at the heart of those of us who should know better, who actually love watching the greatest player of this era, but who despise the dismissal of this great game and all those playing it just to chase ratings and concentrate on one guy, no matter how great he was..

Rory McIlroy once again is the story as he marches on his way to not only winning his 3rd in a row, but two of them majors to boot !!. He started on the back nine with two birdies paying with such confidence, then claimed the lead for the first time when he made a long eagle putt at the 18th hole ( his ninth) before picking up two more birdies in his final three holes for a 4-under 67 -9, for a one-shot lead over Jason Day (65) and Jim Furyk (68).

To me Rory has just grown up so much over the past year, his break up with Caroline, the whole Nike / new management issue, his harsh self criticism...he just seems happier now. To be constantly at the top of this game you have to be selfish, By that I mean, your preparation, your focus is all about golf first and foremost.. not your girlfriend, or wife or even family... golf..( look at what it eventually cost Tiger.)

Now Rory plays, practices then goes to the gym.. it's all about him and his game and it shows doesn't it...His head is up, shoulders back..you never saw Jack looking hangdog when he was playing did you ? annoyed at times you bet, but he carried himself like the champion he was and is..

So we go into the weekend with these questions...Can Rory do it ? If not who will top him. Jason Day always seems to play well in majors and is due.. Jim Furyk continues to play superbly, another kid who has grown up a lot this year Rickie Fowler shot 66 and is only two shots back at -7. Did you know he has finished in the top five of the first three majors of the year.

Great to see Phil Mickelson in contention after an 8-footer for eagle at the final hole for a 67, just three shots back. Ryan Palmer turned in the best round of Thursday's leaders shooting 70, Lee Westwood slipped with a 73 and is four shots back at -5 while Kevin Chappell struggled to a 74 and dropped six strokes off the pace.

Steve Stricker who was picked as an assistant U.S. Ryder Cup captain this week made four birdies on his first nine holes on the way to a 68, which left him at -5 along with Westwood. Others at -5 are Graham DeLaet (68), Victor Dubuisson (68), Joost Luiten (69), Henrik Stenson (71).

Kenny Perry at home in front of friends and family made the cut after  69, while his pals from the senior circuit Vijay Singh and Colin Montgomerie, also made the cut.


It is raining lightly this morning, it rained overnight, so another hot, humid soggy day ahead in a very soft Valhalla which sets up for spectacular shot making and low scoring.


Rory is off at 3pm and as has been the case all summer, he will be able to see what all the others out before him are doing. from the drivers seat..

Live scoring click here http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/pga-championship/leaderboard.html