NORTON– How sweet it is when all the pieces that make up New England’s premier PGA Tour event fall into place: an exclusive setting, a dramatic confrontation, a fight to the finish waged by 100 of the best players in the world and many local charities benefiting.
Last year, a blond bombshell from southern California, Charlie Hoffman, noted for his long blond hair sprouting out from his flat-billed cap, entered Labor Day four shots back of leader Jason Day, and blistered the TPC course with nines of 33-29. Enroute to victory over Geoff Ogilvy, Luke Donald and Day, Hoffman tied a course record for the back nine by shooting a 6-under 29; which also helped him set the record for lowest final round score (62) and tie the record for lowest final score (22-under, 262) and largest margin of victory (five strokes). Hoffman is the tournament’s seventh different champion, adding his name to the list of accomplished and colorful winners including Tiger Woods (‘06), Vijay Singh (’04 & ’08), Phil Mickelson (’07), Steve Stricker (’09), Adam Scott (’03). “I haven’t played a better round of golf given the situation,” Hoffman said. “This tournament is a major on the PGA Tour, for the most part. It’s the road to the FedExCup final, and it’s a big event. I think I was, sort of, the poster child last year for the FedExCup. I think the Tour is looking for someone to come from behind and have a chance to compete for the FedExCup, which I did.”
This, and much more is assured, when the ninth edition of the Deutsche Bank Championship tees off over Labor Day weekend at the Tournament Players Club in Norton. Over its eight-year history, the tournament has produced wild finishes, record-breaking scores and exciting wins by an impressive list of champions.
Last year, a blond bombshell from southern California, Charlie Hoffman, noted for his long blond hair sprouting out from his flat-billed cap, entered Labor Day four shots back of leader Jason Day, and blistered the TPC course with nines of 33-29. Enroute to victory over Geoff Ogilvy, Luke Donald and Day, Hoffman tied a course record for the back nine by shooting a 6-under 29; which also helped him set the record for lowest final round score (62) and tie the record for lowest final score (22-under, 262) and largest margin of victory (five strokes). Hoffman is the tournament’s seventh different champion, adding his name to the list of accomplished and colorful winners including Tiger Woods (‘06), Vijay Singh (’04 & ’08), Phil Mickelson (’07), Steve Stricker (’09), Adam Scott (’03). “I haven’t played a better round of golf given the situation,” Hoffman said. “This tournament is a major on the PGA Tour, for the most part. It’s the road to the FedExCup final, and it’s a big event. I think I was, sort of, the poster child last year for the FedExCup. I think the Tour is looking for someone to come from behind and have a chance to compete for the FedExCup, which I did.”
Most memorable moments of the Deutsche Bank Championship
Dream Field
It’s a tournament directors dream to have the best players in the world participate, and Eric Baldwin will host to the top-100 players in the FedEx Cup points system, because the Deutsche Bank Championship is the second event on the PGA Tour’s playoff schedule. Last October, Jim Furyk pocketed $10 million by advancing through the playoffs and winning the Tour Championship, from among 30 finalists.
This year we are thrilled to have EMC aboard, and they have been a terrific partner to both Deutsche Bank and the Championship,”tournament director Eric Baldwin said in an interview with New England Golf Monthly. “It has always been our goal to provide a world class experience for our fans and this year should be no different. We are excited to offer this opportunity to golf fans to come out and enjoy the Championship.”
Dustin Johnson leads the FedEx Cup points system with 3,691 points, over Matt Kuchar (2,907), Nick Watney (2,256), Webb Simpson (2,211), Luke Donald (2,108), Brandt Snedeker (2,102) and Steve Stricker (2,083). For most of the spring, Bubba Watson was leading and jokingly said in an interview in June at the Travelers Championship, “I dream of winning that $10 million first prize. I might quit golf if I win $10 mil.”
New England golf fans will see 24-year old rookie sensation Keegan Bradley. The Hopkington-Mass product, nephew of LPGA legend Pat Bradley, stunned the golf world on Sunday August 14 at Atlanta Athletic Club by winning the PGA Championship in a three-hole playoff over Jason Dufner. Bradley, ranked No. 14, claimed his first PGA victory in the HP Byron Nelson Champion on May 29. In 25 events this season, he was 2 wins, 4 top-10s, 14 missed cuts, including at last week’s Barclay’s earning $3,432,000 to date. The only other New England player to qualify is J.J. Henry. Scott Stallings was born in Worcester and is also in the field.
Fan’s Guide to a Good Time
Tournament week is filled with multiple opportunities to engage casual fans, families or anyone in-between. Throughout tournament week, all active, reserve and retired military service members and their dependents will receive complimentary admission each day with access to the Military Patriot Outpost tent, located on the 17th fairway.
The Red Sox Legends and Friends Pro-Am played Tuesday August 30 and the official Championship Pro-Am on Thursday September 1. One significant new event is scheduled Wednesday August 31, billed as Community Wellness Day, where spectators get in free, and the occasion is billed as a celebration of charity, community & volunteerism
Thanks to a recent merger of NBC and Comcast (which owns the Golf Channel); there will be extended TV coverage. Live action will be carried on the Golf Channel from 3 – 6 p.m. for rounds one & two. NBC will take over live broadcast on Sunday, September 4 from 3 – 6 p.m. and on Labor Day from 2 – 6 p.m.
“One of our goals in sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Championship was to raise our brand awareness as we continue to build our presence in the Americas,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, and the man who presents the trophy to the winner. “The Championship has been a critical feature of that overall effort. We have been successful in achieving our other goals, such as supporting the local community, including a robust and effective charitable element to the Championship – raising more than $19.5 million in charitable contributions since our inception just nine years ago, which we’re all very proud of.”
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