Wedge-Out Rough? Say Goodbye To Tiger At Torrey!

Because if they keep this nonsense up with silly-thick rough around the greens, Mr. Woods and other top players will no longer begin their year at this otherwise wonderful event in one of the best sports towns around.

Photo By J.D. CubanThat's the gist of my Local Knowledge rant about issues with the rough, plugging lies in bunkers and overall nonsense that has taken the fun out of having firm, fast greens (for a change). The Killjoy Classic is not what this event needs.

Check out these stats through round three from the gurus at ShotLink. Though the comparison is far from perfect, remember that the South Course has been widened by the tour rules staff in some spots where the fairways had inched-in since the 2008 U.S. Open.

Just 5 players managed to shoot rounds in the 60’s on the South Course at Torrey Pines today where the field averaged 73.73 (+1.73 over par). For the week, the South Course is playing to a stroke average of 74.235.

In the first 3 rounds of the 2008 U.S. Open the South Course played to a stroke average of 75.08. This week the South Course is playing at a stroke average of 74.25 through 54 holes.

The rough is up this week on the South Course where the field is averaging over 51 feet to the pin. In 2008 & 2009 the South course was the toughest course on TOUR when hitting approach shots from the rough. When in the rough, the field is going on to make birdie just 8.15% of the time this week through 54-holes.