2012 Northern Trust Open, Round 4 This And That

Haas celebrates the winning puttDoug Ferguson's game story covers a wild final forty minutes in succinct fashion:

They started the playoff on the 18th, and Bradley had the best look at birdie with a 15-footer from just off the back of the green that touched the right side of the cup.

It was decided on the 312-yard 10th hole, regarded as the best short par 4 in America, certainly among the most interesting holes in all of golf. It can be reached with a drive, but it's all about position - and none were in a particularly good spot.

Haas went long into thick rough, with enough of the back bunker in his way that he smartly played out to the right and left himself a long birdie putt that at least would assure him par.

Mickelson and Bradley each came up short, a horrible angle. Mickelson's flop shot landed near the hole and rolled into the back bunker. Bradley was in the bunker, and did well to blast out to 15 feet, just through the green.

Haas ended the suspense with his putt.

"I never expected to make a 40-footer, especially in that situation," Haas said. "A little luck was involved. I guess it was meant to be."

A few thoughts from a splendid, epic and truly unforgettable finale at Riviera...

Phil's birdie putt on 18--It figured that a largely uneventful final round would turn so lively in a short span. They made us work for it, between the glacial pace, the missed putts and Keegan's spitting and twitching. But boy did that finish make it all worthwhile.

--The post-Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley roars were the loudest I've ever heard on 18 and I was there for Elkington's winning putt in the PGA along with a few other epics. And I know the roars at Augusta are special, but there's nothing in golf like Riviera's amphitheater in terms of setting, sound and a basketball-arena feel.

--Phil and Keegan's birdie putts were clutch, but you could make a case that Bryce Molder's par putt was the toughest. The crowd was still buzzing, everyone just wanted to cheer a little more and he mercifully ended his final hole misery in classy fashion.

And Keegan's birdie on 18-Mickelson's putt on 18 was certainly impressive because of the situation and a new wrinkle, a slightly different hole location about a pace further back than the traditional Sunday spot (no one could make a putt to the old spot, so Tip 'O The Cap to rule staffer John Mutch for recognizing this and making the sweet adjustment).  But oddly it was Phil's 9-iron approach into the fifth hole that impressed me more. It mirrored his shot on 16 Saturday and demonstrated the difference in his ability compared to that of his (fine) playing partners. He had the ball below his feet playing to the silly-looking new back peninsula, and he hit a sweet draw to four feet, four inches. (He made it.)

--Eerie moment: The playoff group walking up the hill on 18. Some of it has to do with being out of breath the silence as they walked the first playoff hole was eerie.

The playoff participants walk up Heart Attack Hill-Keegan Bradley is just too slow. I timed several shots at 90 seconds or more, and we're not talking about complicated scenarios here. And no jury in the world would acquit him if they saw that pre-shot possessed look when he rubs his face on his putter grip.

- That was the largest Sunday crowd in a long, long time. Not quite the size of the epic '92 Davis Love-Fred Couples duel, but in that neighborhood. The PGA Tour says attendance was up 42% but they do not give out a final attendance number.

- The 10th hole location was cut 32 paces back. Bill Haas' putt was 43 feet, five inches. But he didn't put his tee shot right nor did he think about getting cute with his second shot, and that was ultimately the difference.

--Both Bradley and Mickelson simply missed their tee shots too far right in the playoff. Both were trying to play to the opening in front of the green. Both played incredibly good second shots but their positioning off the tee ultimately did them in.

--I'd give up trying to understand the refusal to lay-up and leave a 90-110-yard wedge shot, just assuming you can't teach new dogs old tricks, or in Phil's case, a somewhat old dog a new trick. But Mickelson's post round comments have me even more confused about his approach to the hole, calling it a “defensive hole” where “you’re just trying to make 4, believe it or not.”  If that's the case, then why not lay up short and left? Humor me just once! I bet you make birdie or at the worst, a stress-free four!

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