The 19^th Hole

July 31, 2006

What Could Have Been

What if…?  It is the question that makes life so compelling.  It activates our imaginations and makes us wonder about everything that could have been if only something else had happened differently.  Just as George Costanza wonders what life would have been like had he stayed with Marisa Tomei, the sports fan questions the everyday events that seemingly are directed from above.  For Loren Roberts, he may not have Marisa Tomei to wonder about, but his Champions Tour season has left a lot to be desired – considering what could have been.

Despite opening the season by winning the first three Champ Tour events (a feat never accomplished in the 25 years of the Tour) and picking up the Senior British Open this weekend, the Boss of the Moss has left a lot on the table.  He can overlook the Senior PGA Championship as he finished four shots out of a playoff that was eventually won by Jay Haas in the middle of a winning streak of his own.  Given the windy conditions and Loren’s lack of distance, his finish was more than respectable.

After that, though, Roberts basically had the last two majors at his fingertips.  In the US Senior Open, Roberts fired a 62 in the third round.  That round set the USGA record for low score for any round in any open staged and left him three back of leader Tom Watson.  Firing another halfway decent round would have put Roberts into the winner’s circle for the fourth time this season.  Instead, on a day ripe for scoring, Roberts played his worst round of the week, carded 73, and handed the title away to Allen Doyle.

Just one week later in Michigan at the Senior Players (not PLAYERS) Championship, the final round was staged to be a coronation ceremony for Roberts.  Holding a two shot lead over complete darkhorse Lonnie Nielsen, Roberts simply had to keep pace to win from the last group.  Frustrated by a short game that usually does not elude him, Roberts ballooned for a four-over inward half and a total round of 74 – handing the championship to Bobby Wadkins and guaranteeing that Lanny Wadkins would not be quiet for just one minute on television.

This week, at the Senior British Open, it again appeared that Roberts was in position to win another major.  After opening with a 65 in favorable conditions, the course toughened up and presented the stingy Roberts with an opportunity to lap the field.  Carrying a four shot lead into Sunday, Roberts then proceeded to let that lead evaporate with a 75 – finishing in a tie with Eduardo Romero at -6.  Although he eventually prevailed in a playoff, Roberts appeared almost apologetic about winning given the size of his collapse. 

American Dick Mast summed up the attitude of Champ Tour golfers to seeing Roberts at the top of the leaderboard in a major.  After firing an impressive Sunday 67, he said he was aggressive on the links because he knew Loren would likely give at least a few back to the field in his round.  His premonition was right and proves that the field has little to fear when Roberts makes a Saturday charge, as he did in the Senior US Open and the Senior Players.

Of course, most sports fans (and arguably a lot of golf fans) do not give two hoots about the Champions Tour.  Basically, this whole column could be for naught were it not for the size of Loren’s recent tumblings.  But, if Loren had performed to his potential, he would have six wins this season and dominate the tour in a fashion not seen since Hale Irwin nearly a decade ago.  That may have helped a tour that has a publicity machine less than that of the MLS – hell, even the WUSA.  Not to put the pressure of an entire tour on one man, but Roberts was really the only man this season that could have made that kind of attention happen.

Obviously, this season is not really a disappointment for Roberts.  Four wins, including at least one major, a lot of money, and some memorable performances put a nice frame around his 2006 season.  But, at the same time, he will always wonder what could have been.

Ryan Ballengee is host of The 19^th Hole Golf Show, found at The Golf Newsnet.com.  You can also get The 19^th Hole on the go through podcasting by clicking here Feedburner.com - The 19th Hole Golf Show.  Contact Ryan via e-mail at the19thholeshow@hotmail.com.

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