Anthony Kim Steps Up.

Winning the AT&T National on Sunday was nothing but pure validation for young Anthony Kim. By doing so he became only the second American golfer to rack up two P.G.A. Tour victories before his 25th birthday in the last ten years. Tiger Woods is the other. Perhaps there's still a little hope for a Tiger challenger to emerge from the twenty-something millionaires. This year, in addition to the AT&T, Mr. Kim won the Wachovia Championship, finished T2 at the Verizon Heritage, and T3 at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. That places him 5th in Fedex Cup points, and 5th in the Ryder Cup standings. He's building a resume that's the envy of many of his peers. Peers of which have described his game as "awesome", "fearless", and having the "skills of Woods". He's 2nd this year in scoring average, 69.55, wails it 301 yards off the tee, hits 67.20% of the greens in regulation, and uses 29.14 putts/round. If he could shave 1/2 putt per round he'd be damn near unbeatable.

I'm not implying he's the Tiger beater that hasn't appeared yet, just a potential Tiger competitor for once. And a young one at that. Here's an article from my friend The Armchair Golfer that will balance everything and return this to sanity. In the meantime, who wouldn't like to see a 23 year old step up to the challenge? Contend at the Open Championship, be in the mix at the P.G.A., and stomp some serious European butt at the Ryder Cup. Charles Howell III, Sergio, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Aaron Baddeley, Hunter Mahan, et al. They've all had their chances. Let's give Anthony Kim a shot. He's earned it.

Til' next,

*Average Golfer stat watch............P.G.A. Tour, 1 Kim. L.P.G.A. Tour, 10 Kims.