The PGA Championship staged the Long Drive Competition for the second consecutive year Tuesday and got vastly different results.
Bubba Watson didn't finish last this time because he didn't hit an iron off the tee in protest. Louis Oosthuizen couldn't repeat as champion because he didn't play the hole the contest was played.
Watson caused a stink at Valhalla in 2014when the PGA revived a contest that was originated in 1952. One of golf's longest hitters didn't want to take part and made his point by choosing to hit iron off the tee. On Tuesday, Watson pulled driver and hit it long ... and left.
It found a bunker, and only drives in the fairway count.
"I tied a bunch of people that missed the fairway," Watson said. "At least last year I hit the fairway."
As for Oosthuizen?
He played the back nine on Tuesday. The contest was played on No. 2.
"I forgot about it up until yesterday after I had already done nine holes," Oosthuizen said. "So my nine holes were the opposite. So I didn't even hit that shot this year. Struggling last week with the driver, I think I probably would have just missed the fairway."
The winner was Anirban Lahiri with a tee shot of 327 yards. He beat club pro Matt Dobyns (323 yards), while J.B. Holmes was third at 315 yards.
Lahiri won two long drive competitions twice in India, with one tee shot going 365 yards on a hole that was dry and firm.
"I entered this contest last year and I didn't hit the fairway, just like a lot of my friends today," Lahiri said. "It helps to be able to drive it right-to-left. I hit a good one and got a good bounce. Now that I have a money clip, it's going to be on me all week."
The top three won a money clip inspired by the one Jack Nicklaus won in 1963 when he was the Long Drive champion.
Help wanted
From Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: "Eagles fans have started a petition for the Pope to bless Sam Bradford's knees when he visits Philadelphia this September. Because asking for a miracle cure for the Phillies is above even a Papal pay grade?"
Spell check, Part I
The New York Knicks have finally signed small forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, a 2014 draft pick.
From Dwight Perry of The Seattle Times: "One delusional Knicks fan we know is already saying Antetokounmpo is worth 21 points a game.
"We're talking Scrabble, right?"
Spell check, Part II
From RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: "The New York Jets released linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali after he sucker-punched QB Geno Smith and broke the pivot's jaw.
"That seems harsh -- the guy is paid to hit quarterbacks."
Sports quiz
Five different times the PGA Championship has had a wire-to-wire winner. One player did it twice. Who?
Answer
Raymond Floyd in 1969 and 1982
Sports on 08/13/2015