SnoTap Bowl Picks: Chain Restaurants

Beef O'Brady's Bowl 

Ohio vs. East Carolina 1:00 pm ESPN - I tried to figure out why this game was being played in the afternoon, but with the day off, I definitely felt #blessed to have it be on. I believe the reason is ESPN would like to feature both the bowl game as well as Monday Night Football tonight.  Will the game be a blowout?  Most likely. I would bet every last of your Christmas spending money on East Carolina today. Ohio is not a good football team. Against bowl teams this year, they lost all three games by a combined score of 128-10. That's really bad. I am trying to wonder how Ohio got to play in a bowl game. Do they have Beef O'Brady Bowl staff members taking explicit photos or what? If they do, feel free to send them along.  As for East Carolina, they have wins against North Carolina and NC State this season including a five-point loss to Virginia Tech. Sure they were blown out by Marshall in the final game of the season, but this is a pretty good football team all things considered. Shane Carden has a massive day for East Carolina, and the Pirates roll to victory. ECU 48-10

Bowl Record: 2-2

Charlie.

Dougy's Best of 2013: Artists // Album Covers // Videos // Lyrics

Dougy's Best of 2013: Concerts

Dougy's Best of 2013: Songs Countdown

Dougy's Best of 2013: Albums

Dougy's Best of 2013: Movies (Coming Soon)

Dougy's Best of 2013: Album Covers

#3 Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

By the time this image started appearing on billboards in April, the Daft Punk frenzy was at an all time high. The cover depicts the two helmets of the French group and it's font prepared us for a trip back to the 70s.

#2 Prince - Breakfast Can Wait

Dave Chapelle dressed as the Purple One holding a plate of pancakes. This is Prince's annual reminder of how cool he is.

#1 Danny Brown - Old

From his broken smile to his crazy hair to his comical lyrics, Danny Brown has one of the most unique and hilarious personalities in the music industry. Although Old is a more serious offering from the rapper, the cover proves he still has his sense of humor.

Dougy's Best of 2013: Lyrics

#10 "It's like you're my mirror My mirror staring back at me I couldn't get any bigger With anyone else beside of me". Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
#9 "You see there's leaders and there's followers But I'd rather be a dick than a swallower". Kanye West - New Slaves
#8 "My name is Giovanni Giorgio, but everybody calls me Giorgio". Daft Punk - Giorgio by Moroder
#7 "What rhymes with hug me? Hey, hey, hey". Robin Thick - Blurred Lines
#6 "I love bad bitches, that's my fucking problem And yeah, I like to fuck, I got a fucking problem". A$AP Rocky feat. 2 Chainz - Fuckin Problems
#5 "You've got the luck of a Kennedy". Vampire Weekend - Diane Young
#4 "In a French-ass restaurant Hurry up with my damn croissants". Kanye West - I Am A God
#3 "Afterlife Oh my God What an awful word". Arcade Fire - Afterlife
#2 "Like Lieutenant Dan I'm rollin'". Danny Brown - Dip
#1 "I drink cheap beer So what? Fuck you". FIDLAR - Cheap Beer

Dougy's Best of 2013: Music Videos

#5 Vampire Weekend - Diane Young
Vampire Weekend's video for Diane Young is a Last Supper of indie music artists. It is as much fun watching the video as it is listening to the song.

#4 Action Bronson - Blue Chips 2 Teaser
Although not really a music video, Action Bronson announced the long awaited Blue Chips sequel in epic fashion. In the video, we find out that Bam Bam is responsible for Patrick Ewing's missed finger roll in 1995's Game 7 versus the Pacers.

#3 Kanye West - Bound 2
Claiming he was inspired by everything white trash, Kanye once again got the water cooler talking when he released the video for Bound 2. While I find the video hilarious, the real reason this video is one of my favorites is because we get an extra taste of the amazing "I know you're tired of loving, of loving, with nobody to love" sample at the beginning of the song.

#2 Arcade Fire - Afterlife
While the official video is excellent and as heart-breaking as the song, I didn't watch it over a 100 times like I did this SNL performance. Although the sound mixing is particularly awful, the two bongo players are having more fun than anyone has had on SNL on years.  Even the other members of the band look amused with them.  I really hope they join the band on their 2014 North American tour.

#1 FIDLAR - Cocaine
The video for FIDLAR's epic closer to their debut album features a drunk Nick Offerman leaving his mark all over Los Angeles. It's just a bonus that he chooses Mickey's 40s to get loaded. This video is NSFW and will probably offend a bunch of you.

Artist of the Year

Honorable Mention: A$AP Rocky
Honorable Mention: Action Bronson
Honorable Mention: Chic
Honorable Mention: Danny Brown
Honorable Mention: Disclosure
Honorable Mention: Empire of the Sun
Honorable Mention: Frank Ocean
Honorable Mention: Local Natives
Honorable Mention: The National
Honorable Mention: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

#10 Lorde

I enjoyed "Royals" when it came out at the end of the summer, but never gave much thought to Lorde. I happened to watch her performance over a live broadcast and was blown away by her talent and her stage presence. i guess I was surprised she lived up to the hype.  I've only had the album three weeks, but nothing else has been playing in my car. Every song on the album is accessible and I expect my love for this album to continue to grow into 2014.

#9 FIDLAR

The first three months of the year were soundtrack-ed by FIDLAR's excellent debut album. It culminated in a rousing, drunken show opening for Wavves at The Rave.

#8 Kendrick Lamar

I was rather late to the Kendrick Lamar bandwagon and didn't really get around to enjoying Good Kid, Maad City until the end of last year/beginning of this year. Two exciting concerts, at Bonnaroo and opening for Kanye, earns his spot on the list.

#7 Animal Collective

Animal Collective's 2009 song Bluish was hands down my favorite song in 2013. I spent hours listening to the oddly hypnotic, surprisingly sweet song. My excitement for their late night Bonnaroo slot made me spend hours listening to the band's discography. After Bonnaroo, my buddy hilariously explained his favorite things in life: #1 Animal Collective #2 Giordano's Pizza #3 the Green Bay Packers and #4 his girlfriend.

#6 Father John Misty

Although I missed all the FJM love last year, his album was in steady rotation all summer. Every time I listen to it, I find a new favorite song. His Bonnaroo performance was so much more engaging than what I was expecting and reenforced my infatuation with his album.

#5 Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire seem to release albums whenever I have a big change in my life. The band's fourth album, Reflektor, was all I listened to while getting settled and discovering my new home in Knoxville. Expect the band to place much higher next year because I already have tickets to three of their 2014 tour dates.

#4 Kanye West

Was anyone more entertaining than Kanye was in 2013? From his New Years Eve pregnancy announcement to the Jimmy Kimmel feud to the surprise Yeezus announcement to the Bound 2 video to all those amazing interviews to the over-the-top live show, Kanye was everywhere once again in 2013. Whether you agree with what he has to say is another story, but he still got people talking.

#3 Daft Punk

I was the guy that ate up all the hype. I was excited to see the SNL commercial, I repeatedly watched the Coachella teaser, I listened to the fifteen second "Get Lucky" sample on a ten minute loop. When "Get Lucky" came out, I spent a snowy weekend in Platteville listening to it on repeat. Although the album didn't quite live up to the greatness of the lead single, it still spent a summer in my CD player. I was so anxious for any news relating to Daft Punk that we even saw an amazing tribute band in Milwaukee.

#2 Vampire Weekend

I didn't listen to another band more than Vampire Weekend in 2013. I usually have a 2-3 month window with albums before I move on to something else, but VW remain in heavy rotation 7 months after the release of Modern Vampires of the City. Although my plans to see the band fell through, there weren't many bands I loved more this year.

#1 Paul McCartney / The Beatles

For years my "big three" artists to see were: Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Paul McCartney. I was lucky enough to see the Boss at Wrigley in 2012 and feel like I've still got some years to see Prince, but I was starting to worry I may have missed my chance to see Macca. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be able to see him 3 times in three states in one summer. His performance at Bonnaroo was the best headlining set I've seen at a festival and his sound check was the stuff of legends. After the festival, I couldn't stop listening to The Beatles, Wings and Paul's solo stuff. When McCartney played Miller Park, my Dad and I bought tickets at the last minute. Seeing him with my old man, who got me into the Beatles, was a memory I'll never forget. At that point, I became obsessed and everyone I lived or worked with had no choice other than spending their summer listening to the Beatles. Finally in August, I was fortunate enough to fly to San Francisco to see Paul for a third time. Although his set doesn't change much, it's still one of the most remarkable shows I've ever seen and is a great reminder of how the Beatles continue to matter to so many people.

*********

History

2003 blink-182

2004 Incubus

2005 Green Day

2006 Motion City Soundtrack

2007 Rage Against The Machine

2008 Coldplay

2009 Gaslight Anthem

2010 Mumford and Sons

2011 Bon Iver

2012 Skrillex

2013 Paul McCartney/The Beatles

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Dougy's Best of 2012: Artists

DOY: LeBron James

WHY BEN MCLEMORE WHY?!?! DO YOU VALUE LIFE SON?!  If there is a definition of a rookie mistake, it would be this from the Sacramento rookie. Why would you think it is a good idea to go for a charge against LeBron James. There is a short list of people that I would not try to take a charge on and LeBron is on the top of my list. James felt bad for dunking on the rookie after the game. That's how vicious this dunk was from LeBron. I would say this is tops for DOY right now. It is still way to early in the season, but LeBron's dunk deserves to be up there. I say this whenever we get #blessed with a LeBron James DOY.

Charlie.

U.S.-Canada Women's Hockey Brawl

USA USA USA USA USA USA. I know we probably should not condone fighting in an exhibition game, but this is awesome. As the U.S. women's hockey was on their way to beating Canada, 4-1, in a game preparing for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, all 'heck' broke loose according to the announcer as a brawl began in the corner. I believe Canada started it which is a classic Canada move. Cannot deal with the United States handing them a bald eagle's version of whoop ass on Friday night. Hopefully, this will carry over to Russia because I am convinced the U.S. is entirely in Canada's head. (H/T @brodiebrazil) 

Charlie.

SnoTap Packers Preview: Pittsburgh v. Green Bay

When Green Bay beat Dallas, I was obviously excited for the win. Who would not be at that point? But the fact I would make a trip to Lambeau Field the following week with some great people and the potential chance Aaron Rodgers might be suited up coming out of the tunnel to a raucous Lambeau Field crowd made me even more excited for the opportunity to be there. The national media believed Rodgers would be back to begin the week yet the story became the same by the end of the week meaning Matt Flynn is starting for another week. I am perfectly okay watching Matt Flynn on Sunday even if I never thought I would go to a game and not see Rodgers under center.  

A couple weeks ago, ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde speculated whether Rodgers' injury was more like Charles Woodson's collarbone which took 10 to 14 weeks to recover and the Packers are being more coy with Rodgers injury to throw off the scent of the opponent.  Or the doctors believe injury will be almost a guarantee if he falls on it again. If Rodgers gets hurt again and there is doubt he might not be ready to start the 2014 NFL season. It is not the Packers quarterback's decision to make honestly, it is a joint discussion that stars with the doctors and how Rodgers feels is the last opinion this organization listens to honestly no matter how much power we perceive #12 has in Green Bay. 

While Dr. Pat McKenzie is catching a ton of heat right now, imagine what his life would be like if Rodgers got hurt again this season? It would be the same shit just a different narrative with this fanbase. Drew Magary of Deadspin compared Packers' fans to St. Louis Cardinals fans and I cannot make a defense for this one. We as a fanbase as just as bad right now. People are acting like a bunch of doctors with professional degrees when the only thing they do is watch the game from their couches. It is time to let things play out and just watch the games to finish the year. 

As for the game, Green Bay needs to start out strong. In the last two games, Green Bay had a dominating first drive against Atlanta then had two critical turnovers leading to the Falcons taking the lead at halftime plus Green Bay's offense stalled after their 19-play drive. We all know about what happened against Dallas in the first half of that game. With the wind being projected to be blowing around 20 miles per hour, I expect Packers to defer yet I would love to see them get the ball first to have an establishing drive with Eddie Lacy. He figures to have a big day against the Steelers defense plus with the terrible weather conditions, it is day for Lacy to go hog wild against an average opponent. 

Looking at Pittsburgh stats for their defense, they are near the bottom third when it comes to stopping the rush and they are actually a top ten team in stopping the pass in terms of yardage. Although they only have eight interceptions and 22 sacks for the season which are both near the complete bottom of the barrel for defensive statistics. One of the biggest problems with the Flynn-era Packers have been turnovers, and it does not seem like Pittsburgh is one of those teams who can force Flynn into his one bad pass that he has been known for in the last month. 

The two worries from Pittsburgh besides Big Ben is Le'Von Bell and Antonio Brown. If this team were a playoff team, they would be called the Killer B's without question. Brown is one of two receivers with at least five catches in every game this season. Sam Shields will have his hands full with Brown as well as Tramon Williams. He does a lot of quick routes meaning I would not be surprised to see them go to more of a bump-and-run style playing up because Shields is one of the few corners that Brown cannot burn deep. Bell like Lacy should get a lot of carries in this one. Dallas and Atlanta mashed through this defense on the ground and now with Green Bay missing Johnny Jolly, the expectation would be for Bell to have a massive day on Sunday. 

The prediction is needed and I believe Flynn can do it again playing Pittsburgh. Since their 0-4 start, Pittsburgh has been 6-4 playing much better football. Steelers could be out of the playoffs by the time of this game which could take the wind of their sail a bit. I made mention of this last week, but Green Bay knows how to win without Rodgers. They know how to comeback from 20 points without Rodgers. Does this not feel like the culmination of this team coming together and dominating a football game? I think the Packers win this football game, and it will a truly impressive win that will have many people talking on Monday. 

Green Bay 31 Pittsburgh 23

Charlie. 

SnoTap NFL Picks Week 16: Check Scoreboard Sunday

Honestly, it is never a bad idea to be at Lambeau for a Packer game, but this week will be tough with all the different playoff scenarios possible plus myself in the fantasy championship in one of my five leagues (20 percent, live the dream!) I am really expecting to be the usual NFL earthquake where people are picking up the pieces by Tuesday.

Miami (8-6) at Buffalo (5-9) 12:00 pm CBS - This is one of the most important games on the late for young Charles. If Miami wins this football game, they knock Pittsburgh out of the playoffs. Many would worry about the Dolphins heading north to Buffalo yet Miami handled the snow just fine in two weeks ago therefore I am not as worried. Thad Lewis will be starting for Buffalo as E.J. Manuel is out with yet another knee injury. Buffalo's offense seems to only be cooking when they face bad defenses, and sadly for them, Miami is not one of them. Dolphins take control of this one in the second half and win this game. MIA 27-16

Minnesota (4-9-1) at Cincinnati (9-5) 12:00 pm FOX - How about the Vikings? They are on complete fire led by Matt Cassel and a true island of misfits with Adrian Peterson out with injury. They face their toughest task of their current unbeaten streak facing Cincinnati, a team who has not lost at home. Bengals are trying to recover from a beatdown by Pittsburgh last Sunday night. Cassel should be able to move the ball against a banged up Cincinnati secondary meaning he will be successful once again. But I feel like this is a career-defining game for Andy Dalton. They need this win for the division, possibly a one-seed, just have to win this one. I like Cincy in a close one CIN 31-27

Indianapolis (9-5) at Kansas City (11-3) 12:00 pm CBS - I feel like this game would have been more fun had it been played a month ago. Both teams have playoff spots now it is just a matter of jostling for position. Indy played well against Houston, but I think every team can say that this season. Kansas City's defense looked less than stellar against Oakland, but people will forget that because of Jamaal Charles' performance. He should have a nice encore against a weak Indianapolis defense. This should be a shootout, and most of the time I would take Andrew Luck in those scenarios yet I still cannot trust this team yet especially on the road. KC 34-30

Tampa Bay (4-10) at St. Louis (6-8) 12:00 pm FOX - Two teams that I think a lot of people and their fanbases expected more from the 2013 NFL season. St. Louis is a bizarre football team because I think if Zac Stacy started all year and Sam Bradford stayed healthy, they might be contending for a playoff position. We also talked about Mike Glennon's impact on this team a couple weeks ago and how Tampa would have been much better off.  Although this could be a rough one for Glennon as he faces a top notch defensive line. Rams will win again meaning Jeff Fisher is going to continue his dream of being the .500 coach. STL 20-14

Cleveland (4-10) at New York Jets (6-8) 12:00 pm CBS - This is the 'Last Resort' game of the week. If this was the only game you could watch in the NFL slate, how much money would it take to solely watch this and nothing else?  I would say a good 150 dollars for this one. It's going to be brutal. Geno Smith is bound to struggle against an above average Cleveland secondary and Jason Campbell will not be much better going up against the Jets front line. I will take the home team, but I have no real basis on why they should win this football game. NYJ 14-10

Dallas (7-7) at Washington (3-11) 12:00 pm FOX -  Last time these two played at FedEx Field, the game was for the NFC East. This time we have Kirk Cousins versus a much criticized Cowboys team. Cousins should be able to move the ball against a weak Dallas secondary, but I cannot really see anyone from Washington stopping Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense. The only way Dallas loses this football game is if they have quit entirely as a team on head coach Jason Garrett. While I feel like his job is at risk I do not think Dallas lays down. DAL 35-27

New Orleans (10-4) at Carolina (10-4) 12:00 pm FOX - People are close to hitting the panic button for thebSaints if they were to fall to Carolina. I cannot believe there is chance New Orleans could miss the playoffs if they were to lose their last two games. They head into hostile Carolina where they had some struggles in the past decade. Carolina bounced back last week after getting their asses handed to them by this very Saints team. Carolina knows the door is open for them to get a bye and a home playoff game for the first time since 2008 when they were 12-4. I do not think Cam Newton nor the Carolina defense shits the bed here. Panthers win with a big fourth quarter.  CAR 27-17  

Tennessee (5-9) at Jacksonville (4-10) 12:00 pm CBS - Before Jacksonville went on a run, Tennessee was their whipping boy. Knowing that I think Tennessee might have had their last gasp after they come back against Arizona only to lose in overtime. Jacksonville's defense is a little shaky, but I think they will be able to get a victory here. JAX 27-21  

Denver (11-3) at Houston (2-12) 12:00 pm CBS - There are not many games where I would call them 'Sleep off your hangover' like I do in college football, but this is one of them. Denver puts up some big points early on and Peyton Manning will be resting during the fourth quarter. DEN 45-14

New York Giants (5-9) at Detroit (7-7) 3:05 pm FOX - Hmmmm.... This one is interesting. Lions seem like they could be a team that mails it in, and just ends it for Jim Schwartz. But then again, New York has been complete shit for the last two games against San Diego and Seattle. I have to think Detroit responds to all the criticism and wins this football game. Additionally, they still have a chance at the NFC North if they win this game obviously they need some help though. New York's defense is so bad meaning Matthew Stafford could have an error-free game. Ah who am I kidding, I know he will throw at least one or two picks. Lions will still win this one, but it will be close. DET 20-17  

Arizona (9-5) at Seattle (12-2) 3:05 pm FOX - I really have enjoyed Arizona's bounce back year. No matter what happens, it has been fun to watch this team play football. Although this might be the end of it for the Cardinals unless some teams ahead of them fall as well. I cannot see them going into Seattle and winning this football game even if Seattle has pretty much locked up homefield advantage . I would not take the Seahawks to cover, but I would not pick against them in this one. They still need this victory, and if they get it then Week 17 is a wash. SEA 21-16

Pittsburgh (6-8) at Green Bay (7-6-1) 3:25 pm CBS - Preview will be coming along a little later today. I wanted to wait on the Rodgers news before I published anything.

Oakland (4-10) at San Diego (7-7) 3:25 pm CBS - With how weird San Diego has been all year, this would be a game they would lose and everyone would wonder 'Huh?' But there are some things going against Chargers being quirky in this one... First, Oakland's defense regressed like a person in rehab on a five-day bender. Second, San Diego had some time off with playing on Thursday plus Phillip Rivers is a God in December. Chargers roll in this one. SD 30-14  

New England (10-4) at Baltimore (8-6) 3:25 pm CBS - This has been a great rivalry in the last couple of years. I have no idea if people are talking about this as a rivalry, but it is. Terrell Suggs hates Tom Brady. Like I think they were in the same room, one person would have to leave unless they want a ton of tension. Baltimore is doing some quirky shit again, and it seems like we are headed to Ravens sneaking into the playoffs being as lethal, but can they score?  Justin Tucker is great, but six field goals will probably not cut it. I think we are going to see a vintage Tom Brady performance, and he will carry this club in a major victory for the Pats. NE 24-23

Chicago (8-6) at Philadelphia (8-6) 7:30 pm NBC - Am I the only one who does not get the whole notion of Philadelphia resting their players if Dallas beats Washington? I mean I get they are playing with house money, but why would they want to lose two straight heading into Dallas which is a road game. Obviously, they could play a vanilla offense not showing the Cowboys much, but at the same time, they play to win the game. Chicago needs this one badly and could possibly clinch the NFC North if things break the right way. This will come down to whose defense makes a stop?  Both teams are destined to allow some points, but in the end, I am going with Philly. I think LeSean McCoy will be a huge problem for this Bears defense even if Lance Briggs comes back. PHI 45-42

Atlanta (4-10) at San Francisco (10-4) 7:30 pm ESPN - This is another sleep off your hangover game. Last game at Candlestick for San Francisco and Atlanta has nothing to play for but a higher draft position. San Francisco rolls in this one. SF 37-13

Charlie.

The Tap Ten: 2013 PGA Stories

This is the beginning of our 2013 end of the year lists for sports.  I know we will do one for MLB, CFB, CBB, NBA, PGA and NFL. I probably will do a top 20 list of overall moments and if we get real frisky, maybe top 20 figures in sports giving away our first annual Tapper of the Year or something dumb like that. Also as always, these are my lists and I can imagine you have a different one, cool story.  

As the calendar year comes to a close, it is time to reminisce about the year we just lived through. Now, I am not referencing your family memories or your career accomplishments; it is time to take a look at the outstanding season we witnessed courtesy of the PGA Tour.

I do not want to pound you with stats during this holiday season; I would rather paint a picture of an image to go back to from months ago. We all have our favorites but let’s take a look at my top 10 memories from this year:

10) Phil Dominates Overseas
This storyline is pretty self-explanatory but Phil flew across the pond a week before The Open to get a little time in at The Scottish Open. Phil being a guy who does not waste his own time, won that leading up to his outstanding performance at the British. Muirfield was playing like a sheet of concrete but Phil used his flair for the dramatic to coast to a huge major victory.

9) Tiger dominates everything, except the Majors
Tiger Woods started off the year but stumbling in Arizona, at the WGC-Match Play but that was certainly not a preview of things to come. Tiger won at ease it seemed, but struggled to finish the job in majors. Tiger’s biggest victory came at The Players Championship, where he went head to head with Sergio Garcia, which turned out to be easier than he could have thought.

8) Stenson Close All Year, Crowned Season-Long Champ
Henrik Stenson was a name that we constantly saw hanging around the leaderboard all season long. Because of this, Stenson found himself in prime position come playoff time. He won the last two tourneys of the year to put an exclamation point on one hell of a season.

7) Furyk Shoots Elusive 59
Earlier in the year, Tiger flirted with the idea of shooting the 6th sub-60 round in Tour history, but was not able to finish the job. You could say that Jim finished what Tiger started. At the BMW Championship, Furyk carded a 59, punctuated by birding 2 of the last 3 holes. Furyk has the weirdest swing you will ever see, besides my father’s, but he is a mighty fine ball striker.

6) Tiger Misplaces His Ball at Augusta
Friday afternoon at Augusta National and Tiger Woods is in the 15th fairway, right in the thick of it. His approach smokes the flagstick and ricochets back into the creek. From here it seemed simple: drop in the drop area or drop from the previous shot location, no closer to the hole. We thought at the time that Tiger obeyed this rule. Nope. Tiger dropped his ball incorrectly and was penalized come Saturday morning, a deficient he proved unable to fight back from.

5) Duf Daddy Wins his 1st Major, finally!

It would not be a SnoTap Top 10 if we did not talk about Jason Dufner, right? We have grown to love thebig guy but now he finally came through on the big stage and gave us something to cheer for. Dufner was close a few years back but was unable to close out Keegan for the PGA Championship. This year was different at the PGA Championship. Duf was throwing darts all afternoon Sunday at Oak Hill, and edged out Furyk for his first Major victory.

4) Sergio Finds the Water, Twice.
After a few days of heated remarks and misplaced anger, Sergio and Tiger were neck and neck down the stretch at Sawgrass. Was Sergio really back? Could he fight those Tiger demons to emerge as The Players Champ? We quickly found out that the answer to both of these was a No. Sergio launched his first tee shot on the famous 17th island hole, right in the water. As if this was not degrading enough, he teed up again, and plunked another one in the drink. Oh Sergio, this is why so many love to hate you.

3) Rose defeats Merion at U.S. Open
Justin Rose was/is one of those guys that is always hanging around. We have just been waiting for him to break through. No one was quite sure what to expect from the players where they arrived at Merion but we quickly learned what the course had to offer. Merion was an absolute beast. Rose remained calm, settled in with the fact that there was not going to be a lot of birdies, and beat out Phil and Jason Day to win his first major title. And he did it all for his father, it does not get much better than that.

2) Spieth Wins Playoff at Deere Run
Jordan Spieth wins. I wanted to keep it simple because that is a line that we will have to get used to reading in the upcoming years. Spieth is a stud, and he has all the skills to compete on the Tour now and long time to come. He edged out the defending champ, Zach Johnson, to win his first PGA Tour Event and get his all-important Tour card. I may be biased to this storyline as Spieth is a young guy like me and his victory came on one of my favorite courses to tee it up, but I do not care. J. Spieth is the man.

1) Scott 1st Aussie to Win the Green Jacket
Not only is Adam Scott easy on the eyes for the lady fans, he is an amazing golfer. Scott seemed to have lost his swagger there for a couple years but he was back with a vengeance at Augusta. He stuck his approach on 18 to put himself in control of his first major. If it were not for the effort of the ageless Angel Cabrera, the roars of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” would have echoed through GA, but things did not come that easy. El Pato took Scott to the playoff but Adam sunk his putt, in the pouring rain, to get the monkey off his back, and win the jacket for Australia. 

Sure I might have missed some moments but if these tidbits did not bring back some memories, something is wrong with you. Stay tuned for more golf on the way, as the 2014 season kicks off in a few weeks, and we will be back in full force.

Cheers.

Bryan