D.A. Points, Bill Murray Sweep at Pebble Beach National Pro Am

Kismet. (I've vowed not to use Cinderella story). D.A. Points and Bill Murray each captured their maiden victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am. Points shot 32 on the back nine including a spectacular hole-out eagle on the 14th hole that gave him the lead. He followed with a birdie on 15 and garnered a two shot cushion that he never relinquished. It's was Point's first PGA Tour victory. He's won four times on the Nationwide Tour. Points and Murray combined for 35 under to win the Am title by two. Must have been satisfying for Murray, who has become the legend celebrity at this party. Final Full Field Scores. Final Amateur Results.

Hunter Mahan sat on the clubhouse lead after firing a 66 and getting to -13. Steve Marino, the overnight leader, was the only man with a legit shot to catch Points after the 14th hole turnaround. Marino took the gas pipe however with a back nine 38 including an 8 on the 18th hole. Marino appeared visibly agitated by the wait between holes that are an inevitable part of celeb events. He's typically a guy that likes to play quickly, so you could see how the pace affected him. Remember that in your regular foursome at the local muni.








All in all a very pleasurable tourney. Hard to beat the Monterey Peninsula in the dead of a Northeast winter.

*Average Golfer mention..... Hard to ignore all the Caddyshack references this weekend thanks to Mr. Murray. I was fortunate to play a course in South Florida called Grande Oaks. It was named Rolling Hills Golf Club when they filmed Caddyshack there. 






Swing hard, look up,

2011 AT & T Pebble Beach National Pro Am - Odds and Expert Picks

The APBNPA, aka The Dustin Johnson Invitational. Two time defender is the easy pick. We'll look for the tough ones. Bit of a watered down field with the world's top ranked 3 off in the Dubai desert  for a slurp at the appearance fee trough. Still, plenty of great players and Pebble's always a treat, even with tiny, slow, bumpy greens.

British betting house Ladbrokes again provides the odds. Average Golfer supplies the witty, insightful commentary.  

And we're off...



Phil Mickelson, 7/1 - How much more unpredictable can a man with this much talent get? We'll see. Loves the West coast. Should contend, won't win.

Dustin Johnson, 7/1 - All the tools. Gained valuable experience in last year's dogfights. Expect him to be right there. Safe to say he likes it here.  

Jim Furyk, 16/1 - On reputation alone. Hasn't been the same Jimbo of late. Still, may contend. Like anyone, if the putts fall....  

Nick Watney, 16/1 - Waiting for a bust loose season. Might as well start here. Could very well win. 

Tim Clark, 16/1 - T2 last year. Lack of mistakes makes him a constant threat. Could win. 

Geoff Ogilvy, 20/1 - Rallying well from slump. Played well last week in AZ. Still, not quite. Won't win.

Brian Gay, 25/1 - Odds seem low. Steady, but nothing of distinction. Don't see it or him ahead of a Mahan. 

Vijay Singh, 25/1 - Reminded us last week that he hasn't retired. Has a golf age of 92. Not all the way back yet. Won't win. 

Padraig Harrington, 25/1 - The man of a million swing reincarnations. Surprised not in Dubai. Have no idea with Paddy. You tell me.

Jonathan Byrd, 33/1 - Gee, who knows? I put him in the B.Gay category. See B. Gay.

Brent Snedeker, 33/1 - May be best putter on tour. Rest of game too spotty to favor him. Won't win.  

Mark Wilson, 33/1 - Let down in order? Couldn't blame him. Ride the streak as far as it takes you though. Won't win again this week.

Hunter Mahan, 33/1 - The beard's gotta go, along with Fowler's wardrobe. By golly should win or least be right there.  

JB Holmes, 33/1 - Visibly upset at WMO where he'd won twice. Ryder Cupper should have a chance. May win.

Sean O'Hair, 40/1 - Disappeared after promising career start.. Oodles of talent, but not here, not now.  


Average Golfer's AT&T Picks

1.  Dustin Johnson, Hey, til' he loses.
2.  Tim Clark
3. JB Holmes


Dark horses to watch...

Overton, Daly, Duval, Hoffman, Flesch

There you have 'em. Gratis as usual. Feel free to forward donations when you win. Tax deductible.







Swing hard, look up,