Ok you vultures... here are my picks for 2008.... make sure you get your's in by next Thursday.
REGULAR PICKS
Phil Mickleson (2)
David Duval (222)
Nick Flanagan (209)
Stuart Appleby (45)
Kenny Perry (79)
Frank Lickliter (139)
Jim Furyk (7)
Chad Campbell (49)
SHORT PICK
Woody Austin (15)
So far, I have entry fees from: Excal, Bandit, Shades, Tev and myself... make sure you get your picks and entry fees in soon!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tiger to skip Mercedes again
Last year as President of the "I Hate Tiger fan club", I took a lashing for complaining that ol'Tiger Woods was too busy to play the Mercedes Championship because he was pushing the new Buick crossover at the Detroit Auto Show. So this year I'm simply going to say that the PGA Tour and players thank you. Less people watch PGA Tour events when you don't play so eventually that will lead to lower prize money in events that you don't play in. The PGA Tour is already having some issues with finding sponsors, but thank god Justin Timberlake is a big golf fan. So without Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake there would be 2 less events for the players to make money since each is sponsoring an event. Oh well, that's my annual rant on Tiger. Now he can go out there and win $10 million.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Rory shown the goods on the course.
Even a kangaroo will show him how to have "fun" on the golf course.
BTW, is Rory going to be the 2008 whipping boy of the FPGP?
BTW, is Rory going to be the 2008 whipping boy of the FPGP?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A Reason to Short Wil MacKenzie Next Year...
Uh... this is his girlfriend, and my guess is he's going to have trouble concentrating on his golf game.
I'm sure she's lovely, blah blah blah... but damn!
More photos here... you pervs!
I'm sure she's lovely, blah blah blah... but damn!More photos here... you pervs!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Golf with Tommy "Two Gloves"
I played some golf with Tommy "Two Gloves" today at the course that each of us used to work for in Charleston. I've got to say, that Tommy's game is very much improved from the last time I played with him and even better then when I caddied for him this past spring at the US Open Qualifier in Charleston. Yeah, he can drive the ball a good bit over 300 yards off the tee, but his short game is dead on right now. So although I am a "homer" and pulling for Tommy to do good, I think he could be a nice surprise on the PGA Tour this year if he can keep the space between the ears clear.
BTW, I mentioned to him a JG/New Tex vs "Two Gloves"/Shades best ball match in 2008. I think depending on schedules, that it is doable. JG/New Tex, you up for a little match?
BTW, I mentioned to him a JG/New Tex vs "Two Gloves"/Shades best ball match in 2008. I think depending on schedules, that it is doable. JG/New Tex, you up for a little match?
Sunday, December 09, 2007
FPGP 2008 RULES
Do you have an incredibly cool blog that allows FPGPers to view updates, rankings, etc. as well as harass (that’s two words Joel, not one) each other on a regular basis?
Yes. All pool information is posted to our blog. This is done to ensure that email In Boxes are not filled with rants and raves about our picks. If you are interested in the chatter, you can go find it; if not, you can ignore it. I suggest everyone gets a blogger ID so they can post comments and blog posts, as this has been a great source of fun since the blog inception in 2006.
How much is the entrance fee?
The same amount as always, $100 US dollars. It's a small price to pay for a year of fun and aggravation. Further, veterans of the FPGP will receive a $10 discount for each new player they get to enter the pool. The goal is to have as many entries as possible.
What’s the timeframe?
The FPGP officially starts with the Mercedes Championship beginning on January 3rd, 2008 and ends on November 9th, 2008 with the completion of the Fall Finish. Even though the Fed Ex Cup is completed earlier in the Fall, there are several official PGA Tour events from September thru the Disney, and all of those will be counted in the standings, despite outcries by FPGP veteran, Vic.
What’s the format?
• Each FPGP participant selects 9 PGA Tour players from the 2007 Money List . To be as clear as possible: you may not choose a player who is not on this list. So, no picking Michelle Wie. No picking guys who made it through Q-school, but who did not have official earnings on the PGA Tour in 2007 (i.e., The “Tommy Gainey Rule”). No picking a guy who qualified through the Nationwide Tour but did not have any official earnings on the PGA Tour in 2007…
• Once again, TIGER WOODS is off the board. If there is a player that EVERYONE picks, I will drop him from the picks and allow everyone a re-pick so we can get some variability like we did in 2006 with Ernie Els.
How are points earned in the FPGP XI?
There are two types of picks which we call “regular” and “short.”
REGULAR PICKS
For “regular” picks, you earn points based on:
1) Positive (i.e. improvement) changes in the PGA Money List rankings from 2007 to 2008.
2) Actual money earned on the PGA Tour in 2008.
Assume you select our FPGP blog buddy Jason Gore, who finished the 2007 season ranked 88th on the money list. Now assume that Jason Gore finishes the 2008 season ranked 50th on the money list. Such movement would earn you 38 points. However, if Jason Gore fell to 150th on the money list you would LOSE 62 points for that pick.
With regard to the “earnings points” you gain 1 point for every $100,000 that your "regular" players earn on PGA tour in 2006. Again, if you selected Jason Gore and he earned $1,243,332 next year, you would gain 12 points under his earnings. Please note that points are rounded up. For example, a player earning $551,000 will earn you 6 points, while a player earning $549,000 will get you 5 points.
So, let’s put it all together… assume you pick Jason Gore at 88th , and he finishes the 2008 with $1,432,323 and at 62nd on the money list. You’d gain 15 “earning” points and 26 “ranking” points, for a total of 15 points.
As a reminder, you can pick anyone from the list at the bottom of these rules… Q-school graduates are fine, AS LONG AS THEY ARE ON THIS LIST. That is, you can pick a guy who did not keep their card but re-earned it at Q-school, but you cannot pick players that did not make the list last year. The obvious reason for this is that such players have no “starting” position in the rankings.
SHORT PICKS
The so-called “short” pick name derives itself from the stock market. The idea here is that you are able to pick player(s) who you think had a better than average year in 2007, and you anticipate they will fall in the rankings (i.e., get worse) in 2008.
For “short” picks, points are based on:
1) Negative changes in the PGA Money List rankings from 2007 to 2008.
2) Actual money earned on the PGA Tour in 2008, only in this case you LOSE points as that player earns money.
Again, to illustrate, assume that as a short pick you take Briny Baird, ranked at 100th on last year’s money list. Further assume that he falls to 120th on the 2008 money list. That fall would GAIN you 20 points. Conversely, if he finished the 2008 season ranked 20th on the money list, you would LOSE 80 points. Needless to say, you root for your short pick(s) to have bad years.
Also, for every $100,000 your “short” pick(s) earn, you LOSE one point. So, let’s say you picked Baird as a “short” and he earned $1,040,025 and finished 105th on the money list. You would lose 10 “earning” points for the million in earnings, and gain 5 “ranking” points, for a net of -5 points for that selection.
What is the David Gossett Rule?
If a player fails to make a single cut, their earnings are set to $0, and their “ranking” is set to the last player on tour plus one. For example, one of last year’s picks, Craig Perks, did not earn any official money on tour. Because there were 256 players (Guy Boros was #256) who earned some money on tour, Craig Perks “ranking” was set to 257. Note that the only dollars that count in this pool are official PGA Tour dollars. If you pick some limey who makes 2 million euros on the European Tour, but nothing on the PGA Tour, you get nada.
CONSTRAINTS ON REGULAR AND SHORT PICKS
1. You may take as many as two short picks, but you have to have at least one. So, your line up is either 8 regular and 1 short pick, or 7 regular and 2 short picks.
2. The short pick(s) must meet the following conditions:
a. They had to finish in the top 125 on the 2007 PGA Tour Money List. That is, they must have FULL STATUS ON THE PGA TOUR. NO NATIONWIDE OR Q-SCHOOL GRADUATES CAN BE USED AS A SHORT PICK.
b. The Loren Roberts Rule. Short picks may not be over the age of 50, or turning 50 this year. That is, you can’t pull a 2006 Loren Roberts, and have your short pick playing on the Senior Tour all season, thus earning virtually no PGA Tour Money despite having full status on the PGA Tour. Simply put, you can’t short Fred Funk, although if you want him as a regular pick, knock yourself out. I am not going to compile a list of “those you can’t short because of this rule” but I’ll take a close look at each short pick as they come in and make sure the Loren Roberts Rule is not violated.
3. Only 4 of your picks can be players in the Top 30 on the money list.
TRADES
One trade is allowed and it'll cost you a grand total of $20!! If you make a trade, the points that your new player earns will be counted from that point forward based on the player’s money list position at that time, not their 2007 money list position, and the points from your original player will be eliminated whether they are positive or negative. Trade details:
a. The trade must be for one of your “regular” picks. That is, you cannot trade your short pick(s).
b. Trade Window. Also known as the Greg Owen Rule, trades will only be allowed between March 10th and June 1st . Trades are registered when I receive notification of the trade via email, and are officially consummated when I receive funds for the trade. If funds are not received within a week of notification, the trade will be null and voided, and the FPGPer will not be allowed another trade. There will be NO discussion on this. If the little trade light bulb strikes you in the middle of a tourney, that is fine… but the trade does not go into effect until the following week.
c. The player you trade for must have been ranked lower than your traded player on the 2007 Money List. For example, if you want to trade Mathew Goggin (103rd on the 2007 Money List), you can only trade him for someone who was ranked 104th or worse on the 2007 Money List. The players’ positions on the 2008 Money List are irrelevant with regard to who you can and cannot trade for.
How do I ante up?
Checks must be post-marked by 11AM EST on Jan. 3rd, 2008 or you can't play. Send checks/paypal (prefered) to me...
What’s the payoff?
The payoffs are determined on the cumulative total of your team. If you have one guy who earns 300 points, and the rest of them are -200… sorry, you lose. This is a team game.
After all of the whining last year, here is what were are doing:
3rd place: $120, which covers all costs in the pool.
2nd place: 30% of remaining pot.
1st place: 70% of remaining pot.
No Duffer Award this year.
How do I enter?
Send me your picks via e-mail (stevetuholski@hotmail.com). Make sure you include whether a pick is a regular or short pick, as well as that player's 2007 Money List ranking.
Good luck everyone… let the games begin!
Oh, and don’t forget… I’m not just the Commish… I’m the defending champ!
Yes. All pool information is posted to our blog. This is done to ensure that email In Boxes are not filled with rants and raves about our picks. If you are interested in the chatter, you can go find it; if not, you can ignore it. I suggest everyone gets a blogger ID so they can post comments and blog posts, as this has been a great source of fun since the blog inception in 2006.
How much is the entrance fee?
The same amount as always, $100 US dollars. It's a small price to pay for a year of fun and aggravation. Further, veterans of the FPGP will receive a $10 discount for each new player they get to enter the pool. The goal is to have as many entries as possible.
What’s the timeframe?
The FPGP officially starts with the Mercedes Championship beginning on January 3rd, 2008 and ends on November 9th, 2008 with the completion of the Fall Finish. Even though the Fed Ex Cup is completed earlier in the Fall, there are several official PGA Tour events from September thru the Disney, and all of those will be counted in the standings, despite outcries by FPGP veteran, Vic.
What’s the format?
• Each FPGP participant selects 9 PGA Tour players from the 2007 Money List . To be as clear as possible: you may not choose a player who is not on this list. So, no picking Michelle Wie. No picking guys who made it through Q-school, but who did not have official earnings on the PGA Tour in 2007 (i.e., The “Tommy Gainey Rule”). No picking a guy who qualified through the Nationwide Tour but did not have any official earnings on the PGA Tour in 2007…
• Once again, TIGER WOODS is off the board. If there is a player that EVERYONE picks, I will drop him from the picks and allow everyone a re-pick so we can get some variability like we did in 2006 with Ernie Els.
How are points earned in the FPGP XI?
There are two types of picks which we call “regular” and “short.”
REGULAR PICKS
For “regular” picks, you earn points based on:
1) Positive (i.e. improvement) changes in the PGA Money List rankings from 2007 to 2008.
2) Actual money earned on the PGA Tour in 2008.
Assume you select our FPGP blog buddy Jason Gore, who finished the 2007 season ranked 88th on the money list. Now assume that Jason Gore finishes the 2008 season ranked 50th on the money list. Such movement would earn you 38 points. However, if Jason Gore fell to 150th on the money list you would LOSE 62 points for that pick.
With regard to the “earnings points” you gain 1 point for every $100,000 that your "regular" players earn on PGA tour in 2006. Again, if you selected Jason Gore and he earned $1,243,332 next year, you would gain 12 points under his earnings. Please note that points are rounded up. For example, a player earning $551,000 will earn you 6 points, while a player earning $549,000 will get you 5 points.
So, let’s put it all together… assume you pick Jason Gore at 88th , and he finishes the 2008 with $1,432,323 and at 62nd on the money list. You’d gain 15 “earning” points and 26 “ranking” points, for a total of 15 points.
As a reminder, you can pick anyone from the list at the bottom of these rules… Q-school graduates are fine, AS LONG AS THEY ARE ON THIS LIST. That is, you can pick a guy who did not keep their card but re-earned it at Q-school, but you cannot pick players that did not make the list last year. The obvious reason for this is that such players have no “starting” position in the rankings.
SHORT PICKS
The so-called “short” pick name derives itself from the stock market. The idea here is that you are able to pick player(s) who you think had a better than average year in 2007, and you anticipate they will fall in the rankings (i.e., get worse) in 2008.
For “short” picks, points are based on:
1) Negative changes in the PGA Money List rankings from 2007 to 2008.
2) Actual money earned on the PGA Tour in 2008, only in this case you LOSE points as that player earns money.
Again, to illustrate, assume that as a short pick you take Briny Baird, ranked at 100th on last year’s money list. Further assume that he falls to 120th on the 2008 money list. That fall would GAIN you 20 points. Conversely, if he finished the 2008 season ranked 20th on the money list, you would LOSE 80 points. Needless to say, you root for your short pick(s) to have bad years.
Also, for every $100,000 your “short” pick(s) earn, you LOSE one point. So, let’s say you picked Baird as a “short” and he earned $1,040,025 and finished 105th on the money list. You would lose 10 “earning” points for the million in earnings, and gain 5 “ranking” points, for a net of -5 points for that selection.
What is the David Gossett Rule?
If a player fails to make a single cut, their earnings are set to $0, and their “ranking” is set to the last player on tour plus one. For example, one of last year’s picks, Craig Perks, did not earn any official money on tour. Because there were 256 players (Guy Boros was #256) who earned some money on tour, Craig Perks “ranking” was set to 257. Note that the only dollars that count in this pool are official PGA Tour dollars. If you pick some limey who makes 2 million euros on the European Tour, but nothing on the PGA Tour, you get nada.
CONSTRAINTS ON REGULAR AND SHORT PICKS
1. You may take as many as two short picks, but you have to have at least one. So, your line up is either 8 regular and 1 short pick, or 7 regular and 2 short picks.
2. The short pick(s) must meet the following conditions:
a. They had to finish in the top 125 on the 2007 PGA Tour Money List. That is, they must have FULL STATUS ON THE PGA TOUR. NO NATIONWIDE OR Q-SCHOOL GRADUATES CAN BE USED AS A SHORT PICK.
b. The Loren Roberts Rule. Short picks may not be over the age of 50, or turning 50 this year. That is, you can’t pull a 2006 Loren Roberts, and have your short pick playing on the Senior Tour all season, thus earning virtually no PGA Tour Money despite having full status on the PGA Tour. Simply put, you can’t short Fred Funk, although if you want him as a regular pick, knock yourself out. I am not going to compile a list of “those you can’t short because of this rule” but I’ll take a close look at each short pick as they come in and make sure the Loren Roberts Rule is not violated.
3. Only 4 of your picks can be players in the Top 30 on the money list.
TRADES
One trade is allowed and it'll cost you a grand total of $20!! If you make a trade, the points that your new player earns will be counted from that point forward based on the player’s money list position at that time, not their 2007 money list position, and the points from your original player will be eliminated whether they are positive or negative. Trade details:
a. The trade must be for one of your “regular” picks. That is, you cannot trade your short pick(s).
b. Trade Window. Also known as the Greg Owen Rule, trades will only be allowed between March 10th and June 1st . Trades are registered when I receive notification of the trade via email, and are officially consummated when I receive funds for the trade. If funds are not received within a week of notification, the trade will be null and voided, and the FPGPer will not be allowed another trade. There will be NO discussion on this. If the little trade light bulb strikes you in the middle of a tourney, that is fine… but the trade does not go into effect until the following week.
c. The player you trade for must have been ranked lower than your traded player on the 2007 Money List. For example, if you want to trade Mathew Goggin (103rd on the 2007 Money List), you can only trade him for someone who was ranked 104th or worse on the 2007 Money List. The players’ positions on the 2008 Money List are irrelevant with regard to who you can and cannot trade for.
How do I ante up?
Checks must be post-marked by 11AM EST on Jan. 3rd, 2008 or you can't play. Send checks/paypal (prefered) to me...
What’s the payoff?
The payoffs are determined on the cumulative total of your team. If you have one guy who earns 300 points, and the rest of them are -200… sorry, you lose. This is a team game.
After all of the whining last year, here is what were are doing:
3rd place: $120, which covers all costs in the pool.
2nd place: 30% of remaining pot.
1st place: 70% of remaining pot.
No Duffer Award this year.
How do I enter?
Send me your picks via e-mail (stevetuholski@hotmail.com). Make sure you include whether a pick is a regular or short pick, as well as that player's 2007 Money List ranking.
Good luck everyone… let the games begin!
Oh, and don’t forget… I’m not just the Commish… I’m the defending champ!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
What is your personal golfing goal in 2008?
Heading into the new FPGP season, I thought it might be interesting to hear what each of us have for a personal goal in our individual golf games for 2008. For example, my goal is to make it past the first stage of the SC Amateur Qualifier. But maybe your goal is to break a certain score or play a certain course or qualify for the Masters.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Blog Update
I made a template change to take advantage of all the space near the top of the blog. Hopefully this makes the site look cleaner and makes links easier to find. Also, I added "headlines" to the sidebar.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Aussie PGA Championship
Our friend JG is playing down under this week at the Australian PGA Championship. You can read the preview of the tournament HERE.
Live Scoring - Australian PGA Championship LINK
Live Scoring - Australian PGA Championship LINK
What's in Joel's bag?
Well Joel was a great host on Saturday. I had the chance to leave my kids with my wife's aunt and uncle. My kids love going there as they have 4 horses. I had intended to just play a round of golf locally in Charleston, but had an idea of calling Joel to see if he wanted to play. My kids were off my hands for the weekend and my wife was at a conference in San Diego, so I was going to play golf somewhere. So I called Joel and he got permission to play. I think the conversation was, "Hey baby, I'm playing golf with Shades! What?.. Maybe you didn't hear me! I'm golfing with Shades!" or something like that. So I drove up to Columbia (SC) and we played 18 at Indian River. Neither of us played real well. I can't putt to save my life. I mean, it's sick just how bad my putting is. Anyway..after the round, Joel invited me to his home for some great steaks on the grill and many beers. He and his wife let me crash at their home for the night. What a great host and fun time.
But that's not why you are reading this post. The title says "What's in Joel's bag?" Well, take a look.
But that's not why you are reading this post. The title says "What's in Joel's bag?" Well, take a look.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Get to know your fellow FPGPer's
I've added the links to the personal blogs of New Tex and myself. If you have a personal blog and would like new and old FPGPer's to get to know you better (or for worse) then put your blog address in the comments section and I'll add it to the sidebar. Obviously none of us can beat Double P's blog, but then again not all of us have the blogging budget of a PGA Tour player.
Don't have a personal blog to tell the world how cool you are? Get a free blog
.
Don't have a personal blog to tell the world how cool you are? Get a free blog
.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
2007 FPGP Awards!!!
After this record breaking season, I thought it was important to recognize the good, the bad, and the Rodent. Let's get to it.
Best Trade: This one has to go to Excal. He waited until the last minute, and pulled Tim Clark out of thin air... gaining 103 points on that move. Meanwhile, Vic's trade for Ryan Moore only returned 20 points. Clark's fine play at the end of the year propelled Excal into the money position, just ahead of Vic and the rest of the field. At the time, I questioned the trade but clearly I was wrong.
Best Trade Research: New Tex. While some of you fockers read stories online and do your own kind of research, Tex was out there test-driving his trade. After a round with JG, Tex knew the man was about to turn the corner... new equipment, good attitude, and an ability to pour back some Shiner Bocks. A great combo. Just a few days later, JG would be off and running, shooting his lowest score to date at the Nelson. He never looked back, and neither did Team Tex.
Worst Trade: Johnny V. making a move for Brad Faxon. Seriously? What year did you think this was? In 2007, it takes more than driving the ball 260 yards, erratically. If that was a skill that was useful on Tour, I'd be out there.
Worst Team: This is not about the points... this is about the theory behind the picks. And this award is an easy one. Shades' team was terribly conceived. Let's take a look: Hank Kuehne. Craig Perks. Scott Gutschesksomething. Chris Couch. A trade for Jason Schulz. Ugh. Several of those players made less on Tour than the FPGP winner made this year.
Rookie of the Year: Bimma. Sure, Tev was the only rook to actually win money, but Bimma had a pretty decent squad that pulled in a point total that is historically good. I'm looking for big things from young Timmy for next year.
Biggest Bandwagon: The JG Express! A bunch of us had him, and he was one of the top producers in the pool.
Greatest Dependence On A Pollack: Bandit. Down the stretch, his only real hope to catch Team Tex was if Paul Stankowski had a breakthrough performance. But that was not going to happen. Which reminds me, I need to untie Stankowski and let him out of our garage.
Most Consistently Funny Posts/Comments: Vic. I don't know where the man gets his material, but damn. Good stuff.
Most Twisted Genius: Tev. For the first few months, he was called a genius for shorting Justin Leonard. At the end of the season, with Tev's team faltering, the Texas' Lil' Grinder went nuts and finished high on the money list... the net result being that Tev's squad landed in the Duffer position. So yes, the Leonard short was genius... but not for the reasons some thought back in April.
Best Dump: Tex holding Leonard and dumping DiMarco. This was actually a pretty close call in my mind, and I am lucky that the coin came up "heads".
Best Fan Base: Red Sox Nation. Let's hear it for Tex, JG, MG, Shades, Bimma, and even Da Bandit (hold on tight to the bandwagon). It's pretty easy pulling for the best team, but we still deserve a nod.
Worst Move: The Yankees grabbing Roger Clemens. Yikes.
Biggest Michelle Wie Hater: Shades. I don't think he'll be making any more sidebets that involve her making a cut.
Most Disappointing Team: Team MG/Murph. So much for "inside information." Better luck next year!
Post That Actually Made Shades Look Smart: This one, on Matt Kuchar. If it wasn't for a late season surge by Team Excal, Shades would have hit this one right on the head. Of course, with all of the posts made by Shades, I could have named this the "Blind Squirrel Finds an Acorn Award".
Post That Made Shades Look Like An Idiot: This one, on Bret Wetterich. I particularly like the bold ALL CAPS title. I guess that was for emphasis. Well played. Turns out that didn't matter so much though.
Most Useless Thread: The notion that we'd all get together to play golf. I hate you guys. I officially want nothing to do with organizing this thing... if someone else can get it organized, I'm coming to play... but dealing with all of the "schedule" conflicts and whatnot is too much for my overloaded brain to deal with.
Mime Of The Year: Excal.
Most Disturbing Moment Of The Year: Walking into my living room on the morning of round 2 of The Colonial, to see Excal coming down the stairs in a mime outfit. Seriously, I am still in therapy over this one.
Worst Idea: This one from Stevie V. Yikes. Good thing 'ol JG is a good guy.
Worst Downward Spiral: Rodent. This one stretches back to last year when he traded for Rocco Mediate, starting a collapse that continued right into this year. Robbo may actually be the Roger Clemens of the FPGP. .. the game may have simply passed him by.
Most Convenient Memory: Excal... for forgetting that he owed me $100 from our side bets, and sending a "hey, where is my check???" email for his FPGP winnings. Wanker!!
Most Impressive Streak: (tie) Da Bandit for finishing in the money for the last 5 (!) years in a row. Shades for never finishing in the money. To make things easier next year, I might just ask Shades to send his $100 to Bandit and cut out the middle man.
Team Of The Year: Team Tex baby. A record shattering performance... a team firing on all cylinders all year long... liquid nasty. Not only a record shattering performance, but a team that brought Tex into rarefied air... the land of "multiple FPGP championships." To the best of my knowledge, this is a Club that had only one member before this year... Bandit. The bar has been raised everyone...
Best Trade: This one has to go to Excal. He waited until the last minute, and pulled Tim Clark out of thin air... gaining 103 points on that move. Meanwhile, Vic's trade for Ryan Moore only returned 20 points. Clark's fine play at the end of the year propelled Excal into the money position, just ahead of Vic and the rest of the field. At the time, I questioned the trade but clearly I was wrong.
Best Trade Research: New Tex. While some of you fockers read stories online and do your own kind of research, Tex was out there test-driving his trade. After a round with JG, Tex knew the man was about to turn the corner... new equipment, good attitude, and an ability to pour back some Shiner Bocks. A great combo. Just a few days later, JG would be off and running, shooting his lowest score to date at the Nelson. He never looked back, and neither did Team Tex.
Worst Trade: Johnny V. making a move for Brad Faxon. Seriously? What year did you think this was? In 2007, it takes more than driving the ball 260 yards, erratically. If that was a skill that was useful on Tour, I'd be out there.
Worst Team: This is not about the points... this is about the theory behind the picks. And this award is an easy one. Shades' team was terribly conceived. Let's take a look: Hank Kuehne. Craig Perks. Scott Gutschesksomething. Chris Couch. A trade for Jason Schulz. Ugh. Several of those players made less on Tour than the FPGP winner made this year.
Rookie of the Year: Bimma. Sure, Tev was the only rook to actually win money, but Bimma had a pretty decent squad that pulled in a point total that is historically good. I'm looking for big things from young Timmy for next year.
Biggest Bandwagon: The JG Express! A bunch of us had him, and he was one of the top producers in the pool.
Greatest Dependence On A Pollack: Bandit. Down the stretch, his only real hope to catch Team Tex was if Paul Stankowski had a breakthrough performance. But that was not going to happen. Which reminds me, I need to untie Stankowski and let him out of our garage.
Most Consistently Funny Posts/Comments: Vic. I don't know where the man gets his material, but damn. Good stuff.
Most Twisted Genius: Tev. For the first few months, he was called a genius for shorting Justin Leonard. At the end of the season, with Tev's team faltering, the Texas' Lil' Grinder went nuts and finished high on the money list... the net result being that Tev's squad landed in the Duffer position. So yes, the Leonard short was genius... but not for the reasons some thought back in April.
Best Dump: Tex holding Leonard and dumping DiMarco. This was actually a pretty close call in my mind, and I am lucky that the coin came up "heads".
Best Fan Base: Red Sox Nation. Let's hear it for Tex, JG, MG, Shades, Bimma, and even Da Bandit (hold on tight to the bandwagon). It's pretty easy pulling for the best team, but we still deserve a nod.
Worst Move: The Yankees grabbing Roger Clemens. Yikes.
Biggest Michelle Wie Hater: Shades. I don't think he'll be making any more sidebets that involve her making a cut.
Most Disappointing Team: Team MG/Murph. So much for "inside information." Better luck next year!
Post That Actually Made Shades Look Smart: This one, on Matt Kuchar. If it wasn't for a late season surge by Team Excal, Shades would have hit this one right on the head. Of course, with all of the posts made by Shades, I could have named this the "Blind Squirrel Finds an Acorn Award".
Post That Made Shades Look Like An Idiot: This one, on Bret Wetterich. I particularly like the bold ALL CAPS title. I guess that was for emphasis. Well played. Turns out that didn't matter so much though.
Most Useless Thread: The notion that we'd all get together to play golf. I hate you guys. I officially want nothing to do with organizing this thing... if someone else can get it organized, I'm coming to play... but dealing with all of the "schedule" conflicts and whatnot is too much for my overloaded brain to deal with.
Mime Of The Year: Excal.
Most Disturbing Moment Of The Year: Walking into my living room on the morning of round 2 of The Colonial, to see Excal coming down the stairs in a mime outfit. Seriously, I am still in therapy over this one.
Worst Idea: This one from Stevie V. Yikes. Good thing 'ol JG is a good guy.
Worst Downward Spiral: Rodent. This one stretches back to last year when he traded for Rocco Mediate, starting a collapse that continued right into this year. Robbo may actually be the Roger Clemens of the FPGP. .. the game may have simply passed him by.
Most Convenient Memory: Excal... for forgetting that he owed me $100 from our side bets, and sending a "hey, where is my check???" email for his FPGP winnings. Wanker!!
Most Impressive Streak: (tie) Da Bandit for finishing in the money for the last 5 (!) years in a row. Shades for never finishing in the money. To make things easier next year, I might just ask Shades to send his $100 to Bandit and cut out the middle man.
Team Of The Year: Team Tex baby. A record shattering performance... a team firing on all cylinders all year long... liquid nasty. Not only a record shattering performance, but a team that brought Tex into rarefied air... the land of "multiple FPGP championships." To the best of my knowledge, this is a Club that had only one member before this year... Bandit. The bar has been raised everyone...
Friday, November 09, 2007
FPGPers Unite!!!
Say it loud and say it proud:
60-30-10
60-30-10
60-30-10 .....
For all of the common folk of the FPGP, let's make a statement for fairness and the American, I mean Polish way (sans da Boca Pole). Let's unite for the suggested change from 70-30-10 payout to a 60-30-10 split of the FPGP pot. It's a minor request (just a wafer).
To the Stalins and Machiavellis (selfish f --- ks) in this pool (and you know who you are) go see The Grapes of Wrath, read some writings by Samuel Gompers, sing a line or two from Joe Hill, listen to Huey Long's speehes about his "Share The Wealth" program. Get a conscience, throw the rest of us a bone or two (2nd place finisher anyway) ---
I call on other FPGPers to organize and support the 60-30-10 movement! I know Bimma, from a solid union state, is supportive. Robbo is from Italian heritage where strikes are as common as bowl movements. Johnny V. is a kind, compassionate person who loves to share his fortunes (except when it comes to women).
FPGPers of the world, awaken!
60-30-10
60-30-10
60-30-10 .....
For all of the common folk of the FPGP, let's make a statement for fairness and the American, I mean Polish way (sans da Boca Pole). Let's unite for the suggested change from 70-30-10 payout to a 60-30-10 split of the FPGP pot. It's a minor request (just a wafer).
To the Stalins and Machiavellis (selfish f --- ks) in this pool (and you know who you are) go see The Grapes of Wrath, read some writings by Samuel Gompers, sing a line or two from Joe Hill, listen to Huey Long's speehes about his "Share The Wealth" program. Get a conscience, throw the rest of us a bone or two (2nd place finisher anyway) ---
I call on other FPGPers to organize and support the 60-30-10 movement! I know Bimma, from a solid union state, is supportive. Robbo is from Italian heritage where strikes are as common as bowl movements. Johnny V. is a kind, compassionate person who loves to share his fortunes (except when it comes to women).
FPGPers of the world, awaken!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Cobra On Board
JG, I hear you're officially with Team Cobra Golf. Congrats. I hope this was the deal you've been working for since leaving the swoosh guys.EDIT
This got me thinking this morning, what if the FPGPers were sponsored. Who would sponsor us?
New Tex: Tyson Foods - Chicken Strips Division
Excalibur: Ben Nye Clown Make-up
Monday, November 05, 2007
FINAL UPDATE... ALL HAIL NEW TEX!! HIP HIP, HOORAY!
Put another FPGP season in the books... and what a season it was. Record setting performances, our biggest group of FPGPers yet, and the first ever Due Diligence Trade.
Here is our FINAL update... congratulations to all of the winners (New Tex, Bandit, Excal and Tev) as well as to the rest of you for well... being you.
669 ..... Steve T. / Tex ($959)
476 ..... Da Bandit ($274)
420 ..... Excal ($137)
375 ..... Vic/Talon
333 ..... Johnny V.
327 ..... Timmy D. / Bimma
249 ..... Stan the Man
247 ..... Stevie V.
127 ..... Jeff / Shades
71 ..... Murph/MG
50 ..... Krust
-21 ..... Robbo/Buzz
-116 ..... Tev ($100)
Bandit, Excal and Tev... I am going to assume that you are going to apply $100 of your prize money to next year's FPGP... I'll send you checks for the rest ($174 for Bandit, $37 for Excal, and a coupon for a free-roll next year for Tev)... make sure you email me your home addresses so I can send that off.
The bar has definitely been raised... last year, 407 points won this thing, and that was a big year. No one has ever cracked 500 until this year, and I am pretty sure we've never had more than 1 player over 400.
Jeff is allegedly going to make a final update of the sidebar and whatnot... if anyone wants to see the actual spreadsheet, let me know and I will email it to you.
Coming tomorrow... the 2007 FPGP Awards!
Here is our FINAL update... congratulations to all of the winners (New Tex, Bandit, Excal and Tev) as well as to the rest of you for well... being you.
669 ..... Steve T. / Tex ($959)
476 ..... Da Bandit ($274)
420 ..... Excal ($137)
375 ..... Vic/Talon
333 ..... Johnny V.
327 ..... Timmy D. / Bimma
249 ..... Stan the Man
247 ..... Stevie V.
127 ..... Jeff / Shades
71 ..... Murph/MG
50 ..... Krust
-21 ..... Robbo/Buzz
-116 ..... Tev ($100)
Bandit, Excal and Tev... I am going to assume that you are going to apply $100 of your prize money to next year's FPGP... I'll send you checks for the rest ($174 for Bandit, $37 for Excal, and a coupon for a free-roll next year for Tev)... make sure you email me your home addresses so I can send that off.
The bar has definitely been raised... last year, 407 points won this thing, and that was a big year. No one has ever cracked 500 until this year, and I am pretty sure we've never had more than 1 player over 400.
Jeff is allegedly going to make a final update of the sidebar and whatnot... if anyone wants to see the actual spreadsheet, let me know and I will email it to you.
Coming tomorrow... the 2007 FPGP Awards!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Congrats, but this guy always knew you were a winner
Yes, it was back in the early 90's when I first met, a-hum, New Tex. He was an ugly prick with a nasty-to-watch golf swing that was better then his stats skills. And I doubt it's any different today. But I would like to personally let, a-hum, New Tex know how proud I am to see him finally succeed in something...even if it is just this little golf pool. More studying, more stats and less smokin' the weed n'drinking in Five Points and you could have been a real winner. So this will have to do!
RE
For the outsiders on this one, that is New Tex's graduate sponsor Doctor Randy Engle.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Fat Lady Is Warming Up...
But first she has to finish this cigarette...
It's looking like a mathematical impossibility for New Tex to lose the lead to Da Bandit... even if Joe Duh Duh Durant wins this tourney, he won't climb high enough.
Third place is currently in jeapordy though... We could see one of the great all-time comebacks into cash position if Cameron Beckman can follow up his first round with three more solid performances and wins this thing. That may vault a Vodo into the money.
I'll post the final update Sunday or Monday night.
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