PGA Tour AT&T National: 5th of July Fireworks

(July 5, 2009) — The saying goes that to be the best you have to beat the best. Anthony Kim, today is your chance.

Anthony Kim (photo: REUTERS/Jonthan Ernst)

After a sizzling opening round, Kim has continued to impress entering today’s final round tied for the lead with some guy named Tiger. Tiger Woods, that is, who crafted an even par thrid round to find himself once again in the final pairing on Sunday.

Tiger Woods (photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Kim, who toasted Sergio Garcia so completely during last year’s Ryder Cup Sunday singles match that he didn’t even realize the match was finished, will have a chance to do what very few golfers have done–play with Tiger in the final round and win. Tiger’s mere presence (along with the masses that make up his gallery) tends to make fellow-competitors a little wriggly although Kim doesn’t seem to be fazed by too many things.

It will be a lot of fun seeing how these two play together, and play off of each other this afternoon. Tiger seems to have some affection for Kim–when he is asked about Kim, the answers are a bit more animated and complete than the typical Woods-as-politician response. Tiger has an unrivaled ability to focus when the spotlights are on, even if he is having some fun. (Remember last year’s playoff with Rocco?) A.K. likes to have fun, although in recent weeks he has demonstrated a new commitment to his body and his golf swing.

Here’s hoping we see these two go paw-to-belt buckle a la Phil and Tiger at The Masters earlier this year. That would be better than ANY fireworks you may have watched last night.

© 2009, No Gimmies!!. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: Anthony Kim, Golf, PGA Tour, Ryder Cup, Sergio García, sport, Tiger Woods