The Mercedes Benz Championship
It took Daniel Chopra 133 PGA Tour starts to win his first title. It only took him another two starts to win his second.
Chopra won the season opening Mercedes-Benz Championship in a four hole playoff with Steve Stricker. The win netted Chopra 1.1 million dollars and an invitation to his first Masters.
Chopra fell into the playoff after a seven footer missed on the 18th green, a similar position where Stricker made his birdie putt to get to 18-under par a twosome before.
Putts continued to hang in limbo for Chopra in the playoff. Chopra averaged the third lowest putts per round this week but could not get winning putts to drop on the first or third playoff holes. It almost seemed cruel when Chopra rolled his eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole--tracking for the cup, the ball came up one revolution short. Stricker could not get up and down for birdie ending the second playoff at the Mercedes since 2000.
Low scores were to be had on Sunday at the Plantation course. After blustery winds and rain swept through Kapalua the first three days, the winds and the rain subsided to make for optimal scoring conditions. Hunter Mahan vaulted into contention with a 6-under 30 on the front nine. Stricker started the day four strokes behind 54-hole leader Mike Weir but his final round 64 ensured him a spot in the playoff.
Stricker’s final round 64 should not come as a surprise from the reigning back-to-back Comeback Player of the Year. It now seems common for the 43-year-old. 2006 was a good year for Stricker (seven top-tens and one runner-up) and 2007 showed the PGA that Stricker was serious about contending in majors again. 2008 is a new year with new resolutions. I think it is time for him to ditch the comeback trophy for the Claret Jug.
2008 looks like it could be a year of high expectations for Chopra. Starting off the season with a win opens up new doors to the Swede. A strong showing in the majors could set-up Chopra for a run at the Ryder Cup roster this year.
Next week the PGA Tour stays in Hawaii for the Sony Open. Check-in with hookedongolf.com for updates and results.
