Olazabal secures unexpected win at Buick
IN: News | US PGA | Buick Invitational (2002) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 11 Feb 2002
It appeared on the surface like a major surprise that he won but when the form leading into the event was analysed Jose Maria Olazabal was indeed a likely chance. He had played well here last year and his form leading into the event had also been good with a win and a second late last year in Asia and a good finish at Pebble Beach.
The lengthening of the course may have counted against him but based on the stats from the week he appears to have picked up yardage and he is such a brilliant iron player that he was able to set himself up with many birdie opportunities.
Eight birdies in his last round of 65 including a beauty he knew he had to make at the last left him to wait for those behind to finish. Neither O'Meara who seems to be getting back to some form after such a long time in the wilderness and JL Lewis who three putted the last for bogey were able to match the effort of the Spaniard and Olazabal take his wins on the US Tour to five. The two time Masters Champion must be licking his lips at the prospect of his visit to Augusta now only two months away. You could do worse than to find an agency where you could get decent odds for another Masters win.
Tiger Woods who had to produce a just great up and down from 100 yards on Saturday to avoid missing his first cut in eighty starts rushed home to share fifth and he continues to make noises as to how well he is playing. He takes this coming week off to prepare for the Accenture in two weeks time. Phil Mickelson's woes continued as he once again made the cut after such an amazing return to tournament golf a month ago at the Phoenix. It's a bit difficult to work out just what's going on with him, as he along with Woods, Duval, DiMarco and Singh must be considered a favourite for Augusta.
The Australians were once again impressive. Greg Chalmers has struggled this year to date with three missed cuts but his last round course record 63 to grab a share of 13th with John Senden and both picked up cheques for $US65,000. For Senden it was a continuation of his steady form in his debut season in the US and with $155,000 he now is well on track to, at worst, retain his card for next season.
New Zealander Phil Tataurangi was 18th ($US48,000) Peter Lonard, Mathew Goggin and Rod Pampling were all in 22nd place and $US31,500, Steve Allan 30th, Grant Waite 37th, Steve Elkington 44th, Craig Perks 57th and Michael Long in his first cut making effort 76th.
The tour now heads to Los Angeles for the Nissan Open.
