Every Sunday night, the editorial staff of the SI Golf Group conducts an e-mail roundtable. Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors and join the conversation in the comments section below.
LEISHMAN WINS AS CHALLENGERS COLLAPSE
Michael Bamberger, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: Geesh, the Travelers was the Travelers for three days -- birdiefest, good times -- and then the U.S. Open broke out on Sunday. I mean, choke city. Balls in water, in weeds, whiffed putts. Yikes. Do you find such train wrecks fun to watch? And what brings them on?
Ryan Reiterman, senior producer, Golf.com: Hate to see guys go down like that, but I guess whatever makes the tournament after a major compelling.
Jim Herre, managing editor, SI Golf Group: It's tough to win, regardless of the event. Especially when you haven't been in that situation a whole bunch, like the late starters on Sunday.
Stephanie Wei, contributor, SI Golf+: It's not "fun" watching everyone choke, but it's hard to look away from a train wreck. It was pretty ridiculous. Let's see, Driscoll hit it O.B. on 10 and 14, Davis in the water on 13, Bubba in the water on 15, Thatcher in the water on 15, Clark putting off the green on 13 and missing a two-footer on 17, Hoffman practically shanking it in the water on 17, Jacobson in the water on 17...
Rick Lipsey, writer-reporter, Sports Illustrated: Many golfers watch pro golf because of "I can do it, too" thinking. That not only goes for birdies and big drives, but also for collapses. We all get the nervous shakes.
Damon Hack, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: Every week we learn how hard it is to win out there. And that the pros get quick with the swing and yippy on the greens, just like everyone else.
Mark Godich, senior editor, Sports Illustrated: It's a little hard to watch, especially when it happens to guys who are trying to win for the first time. That's the great thing about River Highlands. You can go low, but disasters are waiting at every turn.
Gary Van Sickle, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: Golf is a game of constant failure, even at the highest level. Makes me feel better about my latest choking-dog round.
Charlie Hanger, executive editor, Golf.com: I would rather see someone win with a flurry of birdies, and you hate to see Hoffman finish double bogey-bogey and lose by a shot, but I have to admit - a multi-car pileup like that can be pretty darn entertaining. That's golf I can relate to.
Alan Shipnuck, senior writer, Sports Illustrated: I love the occasional train wreck. It's a reminder of the game's brutal pressure.
Jim Gorant, senior editor, Sports Illustrated: I'd rather see someone win it, and not someone who finished two hours before the last group.
Mick Rouse, editorial assistant, SI Golf Group: You certainly can't call it boring to watch. I think the "choking" simply proves how insanely hard it is to win a golf tournament. One little mishap can snowball so quickly.
David Dusek, deputy editor, Golf.com: Why do Sunday train wrecks happen ... because it's Sunday and guys are trying to win a golf tournament. Pressure, plain and simple. I hate watching guys and gals, who I know are talented, self-distruct. I cringe and much prefer to watch golfers chase one another down the stretch.
Cameron Morfit, senior writer, Golf Magazine: I actually have a new favorite non-major Tour event. Loved everything about Hartford, except maybe the heat. The community gets behind it. Reminds me of old-school, small-market golf, like the old B.C. Open in Endicott.
Wei: Isn't it the best? This is probably the only non-major that I'd go out of my way to cover.
Herre: Agree, and River Highlands is fun to play. Lots of variety and original holes.
Tell us what you think in the comments section below: Do you enjoy watching final-round train wrecks?
