Capelle On Golf

Geoff Ogilvy has a big opportunity facing him this weekend at the WGC-CA Championships. He could be the man that takes down THE MAN and ends the streak. Ogilvy’s the 2006 U.S. Open champion, and he won 11 straight matches at the 2006-07 editions of the WGC-Accenture Match Play, so he knows a thing or two about winning. At the 2006 PGA Ogilvy was paired with Woods and Mickelson for the first two rounds. His response? He matched Woods’ 137 two-day total.

Now if he can only duplicate that feat over the final 36 at Doral, he’ll more than likely find himself in a playoff with Woods – for the chance to end Tiger’s five PGA Tour win streak. While he wouldn’t trade his 2006 U.S. Open for a win this week, ending Tiger’s streak while he is at the absolute peak of his powers coul be the defining moment in his career.

Does he have a chance? It’s hard to tell. In the first round he hit 15 greens on his way to a 65. Friday’s version hit only 10 greens, but required only 23 putts for a 67. He’s scrambling stats are a perfect 11 for 11. In short, it’s hard to tell. Ball striker, scrambler, whatever it takes, we need Ogilvy to hang tough on the weekend so this remains a contest. If not, then maybe Adam Scott will step up big time and emerge into the kind of player he’s been groomed for.

Tomorrow is a big day in the life of Tiger’s streak. Ogilvy’s at -12, Tiger’s at -11, and the third member of their group, Adam Scott, is at -9. Then it’s a big drop to the three at -6. If Tiger does his usual thing and Ogilvy and Scott implode, as so often happens to Tiger’s playing partners, then Sunday will shape up one long victory parade, and Tiger will be heading to Augusta with his perfect season in tact.