Some call it the “fifth major,” while others simply call it The Players Championship. No matter how you want to look at it, it’s one of the toughest courses for the best players in the world to grind through.
This weekend, it was all about Matt Kuchar, the twelve year pro who doesn’t have the prettiest game, but whose consistent play helped him pass the young guns for his fourth PGA Tour win.
“It’s such an amazing feeling — playing amongst the game’s best, to come out on top, to do it on Mother’s Day … it really is magical,” said Kucher after capturing the win by two strokes.
If you’re new to the game of golf and looking for a favorite to root for, there aren’t many more likable than Kuchar (or Kuuuuuuch as they like to yell out in the crowd).
He has one of the most enduring smiles in the game and is the quintessential family man with his wife and two boys.
But similar to Masters sensation Bubba Watson, it’s the road Kuchar took to get where he is now which makes the story that much sweeter.
Sure, Kuchar is currently ranked fifth in the world, but it wasn’t always that easy for the Georgia Tech grad.
He turned pro in 2000 and quickly showed his promise with a win at the 2002 Honda Classic, but by 2006, he was back to the Nationwide Tour (minor leagues of the PGA) struggling with his shot.
In 2007, he returned to the Tour and hasn’t looked back while improving his game more and more each season.
At TPC, Kuchar didn’t shoot the best rounds of the week, but his 68-68-69-70 (-13) was the correct formula in outlasting each and every other player in the field, including big names such as Luke Donald, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson.
It’s easy to say recent winners such as Kuchar, Watson or even Rickie Fowler could be the next big thing in golf, but with the recent demise of Tiger Woods, the PGA is begging for that next superstar to step up.
Kuchar doesn’t have the out-of-this-world ability, but golf is really all about consistency and that’s one thing he has.
Watch out at the U.S. Open in mid-June because Kuchar could be ready to join the elites of golf with a major win.
What did you think of Kuchar’s win? Is he ready to join the elites of golf or does the media always jump the gun with tournament winners? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice and pretend to be a Golf expert from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.
*Quotes obtained from PGA.com
Pictures:
Matt Kuchar w/ Trophy (adelaidenow.com.au)
Matt Kuchar Smile (lubbockonline.com)