Hunter Mahan Blitzes Barclays - Reluctant Ryder Cupper?

“And from what I’ve heard, the whole week is extremely long,” Mahan said in the interview. “You’ve got dinners every night – not little dinners, but huge, massive dinners. I know as players, that’s the last thing we want to do. We want to prepare ourselves. That’s part of the whole thing: You’re just a slave that week.”

Ah, portions of the youthful expressions from Hunter Mahan quoted in Golf Magazine in an interview originally conducted in the spring, but printed during the PGA Championship week. To his credit he apologized quickly to both Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger and the PGA. A straight apology for once. No nonsensical double talk or Clintonesque musings about what "is" really "is".

Mahan's 62 today at The Barclays, the 1st of four FedExCup playoff events, would make you think he possessed with earning Azinger's favor. Four shots better than Paul Casey, five ahead of Bo Van Pelt, (Lucy's cousin), Kevin Streelman, Mathew Goggin, Charly Hoffman, and Dudley Hart. The resurgent Rich Beem was one more back with a 68. Mahan spun a 98 yd. wedge into the hole for an eagle 2 on the 1st hole. That's the way to get out of the gate. That couples with 8 birdies will get you well on your way to a 62. Tons of golf left. It'll be interesting to see how he holds up for the coming rounds. Just make your your butt can cash the checks that your mouth writes.

Azinger is expected to make his 4 captain's picks on September 2nd. That leaves 7 more rounds for the hopefuls to impress the boss. Mahan certainly got out of the gate better than could be expected. If he makes the team, pair him with Furyk or Woods. Then there will be no doubt in his mind about the meaning of the Ryder Cup.

Other Tours....

LPGA - Safeway Classic, 54 holer, Lorena Ochoa defends.

Champion's Tour - The Boeing Classic, Denis Watson defends.

European Tour - KLM Open, Ross Fisher defending.

Nationwide Tour - Northeast Pennsylvania Classic, Justin Bolli won last year.

Til' next,