Westchester is a classic, old course with a grand history, but so was En-Joie Golf Club, former home of another bygone New York tournament, the B.C. Open. But the Tour follows the dollar, and more often than not the dollar follows Tiger and Phil.
Classic Club, you've been warned.
Rough Beginning for Ferrie
Kenneth Ferrie would have been better off had he played worse at the Sony Open, and that's only the latest reason why he leads the 2008 season in hardship.
Even before he'd had a chance to play in his first event, the Sony, Ferrie's father died after a long battle with cancer. But as dad would have wished for his son, Kenneth carried on, flying to Hawaii, where he easily made the cut after rounds of 66-70. But Ferrie, who tied for sixth place at the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot in 2006, got food poisoning and had to withdraw. Then he got more bad news.
Due to an unfortunate Tour bylaw for players who withdraw, Ferrie was paid for finishing in 87th place, behind the group of 18 players at even par who made the cut but were not cleared to play on the weekend. (New Tour rule: If the number of players who make the cut is greater than 78, only the pros at the next lowest score and better get to play on.) Even worse than getting paid less than those who were four shots behind him through 36 holes (about $8,000 compared to $9,805), it was unofficial money. He also earned zero FedEx Cup points, compared to 46 for those at even par.
As a new Q-school graduate, he's fighting to make as much cash as he can as quick as he can so he can improve his status and get into tournaments. He shot 70 on Friday, but he'd have been better off shooting 74 and finishing with those 18 players at even. As he flew back to England for his dad's funeral, he had to be thinking 2008 could only get better.
