Big Play with Steve Bosdoshi
WHO: AnnikaSorenstam
WHAT: Tee shotwith a fairway wood
WHERE: 397-yardpar-4 15th at Bosque Real Country Club
WHEN: Final roundof the MasterCard Classic
WHY
Studying stats has helped Sorenstam become a star. In 2000 she saw that she wasonly 48th in driving distance (244 yards) and immediately began a fitnessregimen. As a result she is now one of the LPGA's longest hitters (fourth in'05 at 263 yards). The added distance makes her approaches shorter, so she hitsmore greens and has easier putts. Plus, her power permits her to tee off with afairway wood when needed, as she did at 15 to set up the clinching birdie.
STEVE'S TIP
Size Up Your Game By the Numbers
KEY
F =Fairway hit
G =Green in regulation
C =Chip*
P =Pitch*
S =Sand shot*
=birdie
=bogey
MY STATS
Fairways: 5 of 7
GIR: 6 of 9
Putts: 16
Short Game:
Chips: 1-1
Pitches: 1-2
Sand shots: 1-1
Up and downs: 3-4
Statistics givean accurate picture of where your game needs work. This scorecard shows themethod of revealing strengths and weaknesses that I use. Compile the stats fromat least five rounds before analyzing.
*( = up and down)
Bosdosh, a GolfMagazine Top 100 Teacher, works at The Members Club at Four Streams inBeallsville, Md.
... AND ANOTHER THING
"I'd be a basket case without my belly putter, but the advantage longputters have over normal ones is so huge that long putters should bebanned."
Q: When Tiger Woods curses audibly after bad shots,does anyone have guts enough to tell him about it?
Stan Hawley, Ansonia, Conn.
A: I'm not sure anyone has said anything to Tiger(left), but I am certain that fines have been issued. All of the tours haveregulations covering unprofessional conduct. My largest penalty came at the1992 U.S. Women's Open, at which I got hit with a $1,000 fine for a colorfulverbalization after a wedge shot that went awry--with the TV cameras on, ofcourse.
Q: Is there a reason Phil Mickelson wears a watch whenhe plays?
Jack Cahill, Fishkill, N.Y.
A: How do you spell ka-ching? Phil (right) is a paidendorser of Rolex.
Q: What has happened to one of our favorite LPGAgolfers, Michelle McGann?
Mike Maloni, Arlington Heights, Ill.
A: Michelle (left) played nine events in 2005 withoutmaking a cut then petitioned the LPGA for a medical extension that was grantedfor '06. She has struggled to balance the management of her diabetes with heruse of high-blood-pressure medication.
Q: Some golfers (particularly Jennifer Rosales) seemto withdraw very often. Is there some consequence for excessive WDs?
Linda Cannizzo, Whitefish Bay, Wis.
A: Yes, and the excessive withdrawals over the lastfew years have prompted the LPGA to clarify its regulations. Beginning thisyear on-site WDs carry no penalty if the withdrawal occurs before play beginsor after the cut. Four on-site WDs after play begins and before the cut willgive rise to a fine of $1,000. Five or more will result in a major penalty,which can include a fine of $1,000 or more, tournament suspensions and/or asuspension/revocation of membership. Good for the LPGA and bad for Rosales andother repeat offenders. Play or pay.
Dottie Pepper, a 17-year veteran of the LPGA tour andan analyst for NBC and the Golf Channel, welcomes questions atdottie@siletters.com.
SEVEN PHOTOS
COURTESY OF THE GOLF CHANNEL (SORENSTAM); ERICK W. RASCO (BOSDOSH); DAVID WALBERG (PEPPER, BALL); WILFREDO LEE/AP (WOODS); JACK SMITH/AP (MICKELSON); STEVE GRAYSON/WIREIMAGE.COM (MCGANN)