U.S. Open Continued

Consider this: Since 2000, Tiger has never ranked better than 54th in tour driving accuracy. Moreover, from 2001-2007, he was never in the top 100. Going into the Memorial, many questions were being asked about his accuracy off of the tee. During that tournament, Tiger hit 49/56 fairways, an impressive 87.5%. As you can see from the chart below, that would be the highest percentage among the most accurate drivers in the past decade. I know, it isn't an acceptable sample, but it is still impressive. If he can continue to drive the ball well and increase his YTD percentage to the low to mid 70's, who is going to beat this guy?

Couple these fun facts with his accomplishments, and it's pretty scary.

• 2000 - 71.0% - U.S. Open, British Open, PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2001 - 65.5% - Masters - 4 other PGA wins
• 2002 - 67.5% - Masters, U.S. Open - 3 other PGA wins
• 2003 - 62.7% - 5 PGA wins
• 2004 - 56.1% - 1 PGA win
• 2005 - 54.6% - Masters, British Open - 4 other PGA wins
• 2006 - 60.7% - British Open, PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2007 - 59.8% - PGA - 6 other PGA wins
• 2008 - No Data - U.S. Open - 3 PGA wins
• 2009 - 61.9% - 2 PGA wins

U.S. Open

The 2008 U.S. Open was, in my opinion, the most remarkable golf tournament in my life. ESPN highlights last year's major in the video below.

I don't think there is any way that we will see this kind of drama again this year, but I would love to be suprised. Tiger is the clear favorite to win again this year, coming off of an impressive victory at The Memorial. He comes into this Open as the defending U.S. Open champion and the definding U.S. Open at Bethpage Black champion (2002). I am looking forward to the fireworks.

Obama Hypocricy/MIA Media

Big news today. Barack Obama made good on a campaign promise to take his wife, Michelle, on a date. Word has it (insert teenage girl giggle), that they went to NYC to take in a dinner in the Village and a Broadway show. I would like to state that I have zero problems with the POTUS and FLOTUS having their date night; I think that is an important part of any marriage. I also have zero problems footing the bill for this, even though it took three planes and three helicopters to get the job done. That's fine, I get it. He is the President of the United States, and, along with taking his honey out, he got some more exposure to the American people. Here's the rub: this is the same President that criticized Citi Group for spending money on a private jet because they were on tax payer dime and told them to "fix it"! This is the same President that chastised all of the bank executives for flying into Washington on corporate jets for bailout hearings! News flash Mr. President: your budget, just like these companies' books, is an absolute mess!

And where is the media on this? All we hear about, even in an article titled GOP takes aim at Barack and Michelle's NYC trip, is what the couple was wearing, where they dined, etc. Again, I get it that the Obama's need a little rec time, and I support that. But, come on, a little accountability never hurts.

More MIA media. A Google search for George Tiller, the Wichita, KS abortion doctor who was murdered, returned over 7,000 references. A search for William Long, the 23-year-old military recruiter murdered Monday morning by a man who allegedly had political and religious motives, returned under 500. George Tiller spent his life killing babies, while William Long hunted down terrorists. I realize that Tiller was a public figure while "soldier" was not, but how often are U.S. citizens murdered by terrorist suspects on U.S. soil? What bothers me more than the lack of media coverage is that the White House has made statements regarding the murder of George Tiller, but, to my knowledge, not one statement has been made about William Long. That is despicable.

UPDATE: Gov. Sarah Palin has addressed this issue on her website.