“The Defense Department regrets to inform you that your sons are dead because they were stupid.”
These are the unforgettable words of Goose in the movie “Top Gun.” But they also apply to the two Americans who blew the PGA Championship on Sunday, paving the way for Germany’s Martin Kaymer to win his first major championship.
First, and regardless what you hear aout those dastardly rules officials, Dustin Johnson committed an unpardonable sin – grounding his club in a bunker on the 72nd hole, which turned his bogey into a triple bogey.
Then in a playoff, in which he had the advantage, Bubba Watson tried to hit a hero shot instead playing smart. His bad decision led to an approach shot into the creek and a double bogey, requiring Kaymer only to play it safe and make a bogey to win.
It was the third straight time (and 10th in the last 15) that a major was won by a non-American. With the demise of Tiger Woods, the fortunes of the U.S. are sinking fast. Is the U.S. due to get waxed in the Ryder Cup?
You want to pick Mickelson, Mahan, Watson, Furyk, Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Overton, and Kuchar over McDowell, Poulter, Westwood, McIlroy, Fisher, Rose, Molinari, and Kaymer? Go ahead. I’ll take the Euros.
