Lorena Ochoa faltering

[Awsi Dooger]

Steadily declining margins in her three wins this year -- 11 strokes, then 7 last week, and now down to 5 today in the Kraft Nabisco, the first women's major of the year. Boring pars on her final 8 holes today, after birdies on 5 of the opening 10.

In her Mexico homeland she really sucks, losing a few weeks ago after a lousy opening round.

Ochoa doesn't have Tiger's overall game but in many respects I enjoy watching her more. It certainly helps my game. Such limber muscles and a relaxed style, producing fantastic clubhead speed, a real whip. Then the trademark double recoil on the follow through. She's gained tremendous distance the last few years and now is one of the longest hitters on tour, even at 5-5 and thin, but in great golf shape.

The only shots she seemed to struggle this week were when her tempo got a bit quick, and she lost the effective slight pause at the top.

[GOPisEvil]

1. We should all falter like her.

[Kingofalldems]

2. She was hitting it 300 yds. today

Wow! She dominates more than Tiger.

[Awsi Dooger]

3. Also a very impressive leap into the lake

The Golf Channel's Frank Nobilo called it a Bob Beamon version. And she did end up like a long jumper, fully extended with her feet briefly above water while the rest of her was submerged.

Three others ran toward the lake with Lorena, but one pathetically bailed out. I think it was her mother. But it ended up as a virtual fiesta on water, about 20 people celebrating.

A couple of other golf-related notes Sunday:

* I got a kick out of seeing a friend of mine caddying for Mark Wiebe, who won the senior tour event at a magnificent scenic venue in the Dominican Republic. Clark Dill spent many years in Las Vegas, a true sportsbook character. He couldn't get enough of asking math related questions regarding betting strategy, and he's very sharp in that regard. Now he's caddying for Wiebe, and this was their second win in only 12 starts. John Jacobs mentioned Clark on the Golf Channel telecast. Clark is the son of long hitting pro golfer Terry Dill. Only problem with Clark: tell him you're a Democrat and he looks at you like you're a different species. But that's typical of the pro tours.

Another guy I know in Las Vegas was the caddy for T.C. Chen during the famous double-hit disaster in the 1985 US Open.

* Ryder Cup news already. Paul Azinger was quoted in a British tabloid, denouncing fellow captain Nick Faldo. Basically (paraphrased), "Who is he trying to kid, reinventing himself on TV by joking around? Tour members from my generation and his generation don't want anything to do with the guy."

Azinger reportedly denies the quotes but this is certain to receive more scrutiny. Somewhat odd because the two were paired on ABC as analysts for a couple of years recently, a very effective duo and no hint of animosity. Competitive, as always, but they brought out the best in each other. Faldo certainly was more impressive alongside Azinger than he has been in the booth next to Jim Nantz or Kelly Tilghman. Faldo is the type who is content to goof around and say not much more than, "Wow, look at that!" on the air, unless he's pushed to analysis by someone he respects. Completely unlike Johnny Miller, who thrives on providing hints and insight, things no one else mentions.

Azinger may be bitter he didn't earn a subsequent high profile TV gig after ABC lost golf rights. Now he's stuck in that late 40s stage of non-competitive on the PGA tour but not yet eligible for senior tour riches.

[Awsi Dooger]

4. Back on track

Lorena wins by 11 this week, at 25 under par. She could have established a scoring record, but had a triple bogey 7 on #11.

Rather weak field but she did it in her Mexico homeland, fans reportedly cheering for every shot. Lorena is depicted on billboards throughout Mexico.

The victory gives her enough points to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, the youngest ever at age 26.

[Awsi Dooger]

5. Lorena wins by 3 this week

Game second place effort by a rookie Korean whose name I don't remember. She looks to be the real deal but got down on herself after a couple of missed putts on the back nine, and it transferred to the rest of her game.

Lorena looked tired today and not quite as sharp as normal, missing shorts putts on 16 and 17. Understandable, since she played 4 weeks in a row. This win matches Mickey Wright, Kathy Whitworth and Annika Sorenstam for only LPGA players to win 4 consecutive tournaments.

Damn, Lorena is taking the week off next week at Aventura, the tournament I have a chance to attend. It's like a Pebble Beach pro am for the women, with amateurs the first 3 days.

***

Otherwise, Scott Hoch blew a 2 foot par putt on 18, losing to Tom Watson by a shot in the senior event. It looked exactly like the choke vs. Faldo in the '89 Masters playoff, aiming too far left and coming out of the putt. Everyone was gagging down the stretch including Watson who dunked it in the water on 18. My friend who caddies for Mark Wiebe must be sick. Wiebe had that tournament in hand until collapsing over the final 5 holes with a triple bogey to lose a 2 shot lead, double bogey on #17 to knock him out of it, and then a bogey on #18.

[PanchoBass]

6. Well, can't win'em all

This girl had a long streak going for her.