Gut Check for Anthony Kim in AT&T's Final Round

Center stage, albeit not at a major, is there for the taking by Anthony Kim during tomorrow's final round of the AT&T National. Locked at -10 with Tiger Woods, Kim faces either a daunting task or a huge opportunity. The host and the defending champion will be the last to tee off on Sunday. Kim's 68 today made up the two shot deficit he faced at the beginning of today's 3rd round. Woods' rather pedestrian 70 set up the final round pairing with Kim. Woods' ridiculous numbers after having or sharing the 54 lead would ordinarily be intimidating, but I'm not so sure young Kim is aware of just how much. Kim has enough gunslinger mentality to go for every pin, which may not be a bad idea. After all, Kim set a Masters single round record earlier this year by recording 11 birdies. An "on" Kim and a slightly "off" Woods could result in a win that would catapult Kim's confidence and make him a legit Woods' challenger. A win by Woods would make for the unusual trifecta of having won the three player named tournaments in one year, Arnie's, Jack's, and his own.

Before I begin to make this out as a two man match play round, keep in mind that a host of golfers are within four stokes of the leaders. Michael Allen and Cameron Beckman are at -9, just one back. Jim Furyk and Rod Pampling, both of whom play extremely well here, are knotted at -8. Recent US Open champ Lucas Glover sits at -7 and a gaggle of five other players are at -6. Should the leaders falter there's more than enough players willing to take their places.

It stands to be a good one. Salute our nation's magnificent military, stretch your July 4th celebration another day and catch some great golf.



Til' next,