2011 Northern Trust Open Final - Baddeley

Aaron Baddeley, 29 year old Aussie, proved there can be life after the Stack & Tilt, and captured the 2011 Northern Trust Open. Baddeley kept the coolest head among the contenders and fired a -2, 69 to land at -12, a two stroke cushion over Vijay Singh. Aaron had attempted to revamp his swing a few years back in a quest for consistency. What he found was a lack of distance and a rather robotish look to the whole deal. Now he's back to the Badds of yore with an aggressive approach. Add that to what's always been a fearless attack on the hole with the putter and you have the recipe for today's win.    

The crowd had sided with Fred Couples before the pro am. Fred slid to a T7 finish with a tough 73 today. He ignited the crowd early opening with birdies on the first three holes to take the lead by one. His undoing was going five over in holes six through ten. Walking four rounds may have ultimately been Freddie's undoing. Champions Tour events are three round affairs, and although you'd never see it shown on TV, they can hop in a golf cart if they choose. Fred could have used a cart today. Still, an excellent showing by probably the best loved player in the last twenty years. Can't wait to see him again at the Masters.

Vijay Singh came in with a superb 69 to finish in sole 2nd at -10. Vijay looks rejuvenated after a tough couple of years handling nagging injuries and knee surgery. Expect him to be around at the top level for a few more years. Kevin Na, playing in honor of his cancer stricken father, landed in solo 3rd at -9. Na's one of the best ball strikers around and it's easy to forget he's been out here for eight years, having joined the tour at eighteen. Watching his face and body language I'd have to think he'd benefit from some outside help with his demeanor though. Golf's a marathon. Letting your misses carry over into the next shot is deadly. Na hits some beautiful shots. I'd love to see him break through.   Full Field Final Scores   

Tomorrow we'll begin analyzing and handicapping this weeks WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. 64 go in, 1 comes out.   






Swing hard, look up,