Serena Williams withdrew from the event with an injury so I don’t care to watch (In case you didn’t hear how Serena was injured, she cut her foot on a piece of glass in a restaurant shortly after this year’s Wimbledon.  How believable…)

It wasn’t the case between the Sampras and Fed eras, but mens tennis is now way more entertaining to watch than womens (I know, you just want to see them dressed like skanks – so scroll to the bottom of the page).  Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are the top 2 seeds and most people want to see them go toe-to-toe in what would be their 8th match in a major final. 

The knock on Rafa is this is the time of year when he a) breaks down with an injury & b) gets blown off the court by someone with more power.  Now that the grass at Wimbledon has been altered since the Sampras era to slow down the pace of play, the US Open offers the fastest surface and it usually leads to a rough exit for Rafa. 

The knock on Fed is his age and wear and tear.  He may never finish the year #1 again, but I don’t think his major winning days are done.  He won a Masters event two weeks ago that included all the top players in the US Open and made the final in a similar tournament before that. 

Since this is my favorite tennis event of the year, I will go a couple steps further and predict the US Open from the quarterfinal round on:

Quarters: Rafael Nadal over David Nalbandian, Andy Murray over Tomas Berdych, Mardy Fish over Andy Roddick, Robin Soderling over Roger Federer

Semis: Nadal over Murray, Soderling over Fish

Final: Nadal over Soderling

I am going with my head over my heart here.  In a perfect world Fed would take out Nadal in a 5th set tie break, but I think Fed got the toughest player in his quarter.  Soderling has bigtime power on his serve, forehand and backhand.  Soderling has a couple landmark wins over Rafa and Fed the last two years so it wouldn’t be the biggest upset if he pulled it off.  But his biggest question at this event will be if he can play defense, Fed can take him out if he moves Soderling around the court.

In the end, Nadal is an all-time great currently at his peak.  He has to be the favorite to win, even if he hasn’t had typical results in New York.

And without further ado, I give you the all-important shots of hot tennis girls:

Ain’t that a bitch. You think men all over the world could at least catch this break once in our lives where the Wife Knows Everything actually loses to the Wife Doesn’t Know. I mean seriously. Oh well, back to reality where small fluffy animals and throw pillows exist in the world.

• Entry deadline: Friday, August 20^th at the wilgusinvitational.com store located on the right-hand side of the home page. Our site is safe and secure through PayPal (This method worked flawlessly for last year’s event. Additionally, you do not need a PayPal account to use this service). PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO PRE-PAY ONLINE as soon as possible. The first 54 responses will be entered. Late entries will be placed on a waiting list. If the waiting list reaches 12 players, the field can expand to 66.
• Format: Three-man team scramble, playing in six-man groups at McKenzie River Golf Course. Teams will be created according to the PARS system (Player Ability and Relationship Seeding). We are accepting team requests this year. Please include this if you wish in an RSVP email (wilgusinvitational@gmail.com). Iron play only due to the lost ball potential with metal woods. A sound conduct penalty will be enforced after first warning. Score cards will indicate the SSI level (Sound Sensitivity Index) of each hole. In the event of a tie, a sudden death playoff will ensue.
• Check-In: The Invitational has evolved into two-day riverside event situated off Highway 126 at 90376 Thomson Lane. Green and yellow balloons will mark the turn located on the right-hand side of the highway. Players and caddies will have the option to check-in to the private drive-in camp site at 3 pm on Friday the 27^th. A twilight practice round can be played at your discretion. On Saturday we have a plethora of river activities and various competitions making it critical to arrive early and blow off any boring weddings or worthless celebrations. The Committee recommends that players, caddies, and spectators bring their ‘A’ game. For participants unable to arrive on Friday we encourage you check-in no later than 6 pm on Saturday the 28^th. A 10:17 pm shotgun start will commence play.
• Entry fee of $100.00, payable online at the wilgusinvitational.com store includes: A weekend at our exclusive, pristine riverside location perfect for drive in camping (If you don’t have a tent, there is a giant covered structure ideal for a mat and sleeping bag set-up). Greens Fees at McKenzie River Golf Course. Two glowballs (This year we have the latest breakthrough in glowball technology, the Night Flyer Constant Light. Equipped with a powerful LED light, this is the brightest golf ball on the planet. Recently, NASA reported a space shuttle noticing a massive glow tournament on the southern tip of South America). Each player will receive two of these balls valued at ten dollars each (Additional CLs will be available for purchase at the event). The course will be equipped with the most glow gear of any tournament on the West Coast and will feature patented “Light Saber” pin setup. An Oregon Crescent Sticker. Pre/Post-Tournament party and award ceremony. A Fifth Anniversary Players Edition Shirt. A fantastic firework show. Multiple kegs available to players and caddies (The Committee strongly advises all attendants to BYOB as well, due to reported cases of dehydration in the 2009 Shadenfreude Scramble). A shuttle service to and from the course on Saturday night from the party site. A custom souvenir scorecard. An event photographer. Group/team photos will available for purchase online. Our best raffle ever. Awards for 1^st and 2^nd place, Most Outstanding Player, Long Drive, Long Putt. KP on each par three will receive a complimentary off season round at Bandon Dunes Resort valued at $75.00 each. In the event of a double hole-in-one, a coin toss will determine the winner.
• Spectators are highly encouraged this year. Tickets are available online at the wilgusinvitational.com store for $20.00 or can be purchased at the event campsite for $25.00. A Limited Edition shirt and glow gear will be included.
• Congratulations to the team of Justin Real, Kyle Overstake, and Tommy Franzen for their one shot victory last year. Real, a chiseled night golf veteran making his fourth appearance in the WI, guided his team throughout the Canyon to capture the MOP award. Overstake sealed the win with a 25 foot birdie putt on the last hole. Well done gentlemen.
• The Committee would like to thank the following volunteers and participating businesses from last year in no particular order: Brendan and Rihana Roseta and The Craigmont Canyon Cabin, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Shawshank, Chris Dignam, Big Cat, Big Dave, Ryan Omlid and McKenzie River Golf Course, Jon Locke, The Wayfarer Resort, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, The Duck Shop, Elliot Dobkin, Sign Pro, Delp’s Awards, Cassy Berry, Gene at Clothing4All, Zack Klonoski, Mac’s Taxidermy, Ryk and the Ninkasi crew, DJ L8 Knight, Kyla Magiera, Hague’s Printing, Ashley Gillespie, Newman Banners, Bill and Maxine, Paper Plus, Eli Kriegh, Alex Boone, Sky at Skopil’s Cleaners, Jacoby Puglisi at Banana Republic, Pat at Night Flyer, Lauranne Crooks, Tom Connor, Brent Adler, all of our loyal traveling players, and everyone who has supported us throughout our struggle in becoming “The Most Mysterious Event on the West Coast” –The Oregonian 2008.

Greatness can only be attained after the suns ambient light vanishes beneath the vast horizon of the McKenzie River Valley. Here in the darkness, legends are born. Accept your fate. Establish the culture. Welcome to the Fifth Annual Wilgus Invitational.

W. Adam Wilgus, Tournament Chairman

Whatever.

I’m jumping on board the Rory McIlroy bandwagon right now.  The kid is somebody to get behind.  He’s only 21 and hangs with all the older dudes on the links.  Just look at the rankings … the kid is currently 7th in the world.

Maybe if we all ceased hanging out in the Tiger waiting room, he’d finally bust out destroy a field and don the USA super-hero cape once again.

But you-know-what … I walked out of the Tiger waiting room.  I’m tired of the stale donuts he was serving up in there.  He used to serve up a gut-filling Sunday brunch every weekend … but now we get the Continental breakfast.

Fuck that!  I’m still used to that 32oz Bloody Mary I’d drink for breakfast at the Woods golf brunch (or poolside at the Paris in Las Vegas ).  A donut and cereal with milk is not what I want Eldrick!  Ugh.

I feel so unsatisfied. 

[yeah, that was a rounders quote for you movie buffs][teddy KGB is the man, you know it, I know it]

Don’t get me wrong, I will walk back into the Tiger Cafe with a major win.  But I’m not so sure that will happen any time soon.  If I’m gonna follow, or get excited about golf, then I need to get behind some ball-striker that isn’t worried about where his kids are staying the night, nor on the phone with his lawyer every day.  Sorry, Eldrick.  You still the man.  But I’m gonna get behind some kid that doesn’t care that his fro is more reminiscent of some 70′s female porn-star’s nether region.

Yup, you heard me Tiger.  I know Scott Van Pelt will continue to give hope as to when you are gonna bust out.  But no, I’m tired of waiting.

[It's kinda like being a bachelor and chillin at the bar waiting for some random hot chick to walk in to hit on ... sometimes you gotta realize that switchin bars is the right play and not waiting around watching the door]

I paid my tab and I’m rolling down the street to the Irish bar to dig in and get cozy with some McIlroy game.  I got some Irish blood in me, so I don’t feel too guilty about the switch.  That and the fact potatoes can be consumed many different ways.  I’m startching up fucker!

Waitress!  Can I have and order of boxty, blood sausage, and a pint of Guinness … please!

And if my pint glass ever has less than 4 ounces of beer in it, your tip is reduced to 10%!

Sweet.

But even more impressive is the gasoline he has been throwing all over the media lately. Emptying a gas can is one thing, but throwing lit matches in it’s direction is quite another. Safe to say, I think Sonnen just gave everyone third degree burns with this golden nugget:

Take Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong did a number of things and he gave himself cancer. He cheated, he did drugs, and he gave himself cancer. Well, instead of saying ‘Hey listen, I cheated and gave myself cancer, don’t be like me.’ He actually made himself the victim and then went out and profited something like $15 million dollars from this ‘Hey, poor me, let’s find a cure for cancer’ campaign instead of just coming clean and saying, ‘Look, here’s what I did, I screwed myself up, and I hope people learn from my mistakes.’ You just watch these guys and can’t help but think, God, what a fraud.

That is awesome.

Of course Lance is a D-bag, and pumped his body full of horse juice, but this??? Who knew.

Congrats Chael, you are now officially the coolest Duck ever (sorry Mr. Ho-Ching).

Appleby started the final round 7 strokes behind the leader and when his 59th shot dropped in the bottom of the cup he was the leader in the clubhouse. He did have to wait it out and watch the final few pairings but his score of -21 was the eventual winning number. This was Appleby’s first tour victory in 4 years. You can see the new logo that he recently had put on all his golf balls. Pretty sick when you have your own logo on your ball and then go out and drop a 59 with it. 

As I said this is the 5th 59 of all time, and the second in the last month. There were also only 14 60′s ever shot on tour before the last month. In that time we’ve seen 3 60′s and 2 59′s…hmm PED’s?, I don’t know but something sketchy about that. Not about to give any athlete credit for any amazing accomplishment until after we test them these days.

Oh yeah this is a golf post so I just wanna say that Tiger Woods mobs!

University of Oregon throws coach Lance Deal, the 1996 Olympic silver medalist in the hammer throw, is leaving coaching to seek a job as facilities manager at Hayward Field.

The (Eugene) Register-Guard reported that head track coach Vin Lananna has interviewed a handful of candidates for the assistant coaching job and that Deal’s decision to quit coaching was the former world-class thrower’s decision.

The facilities job Deal seeks has not been approved for posting by the UO administration, the Register-Guard reported, and when it is posted, Deal would have to go through an application process before he would be hired.

UO throwers won two NCAA championships in eight seasons under Deal.

– The Oregonian

Hopefully it’s not too late for the Big Cat to get his name in the hat of potential names looking to fill the vacancy. Mr. Deal was the only throwing coach in the state, better than Gummy. As previously reported in early July, Gums has already accepted a position with the Eagles of Georgia Southern. Maybe Big Cat’s coaching style would better suit the styles of incoming top track recruit, Sam Crouser?

Pick 3

Races 6-8

Race 6: The first leg of the pick 3 is a tough Optional Claimer going a mile over the turf, but why I like this race to start off my tickets is I plan on beating the favorites and getting some price right out of the gate. My top choice is the 7 Bran Jammas who’s morning line odds of 5-1 is the perfect kind of horse to play. He has won 2 straight going this distance over turf and even though his 83 and 82 beyers don’t look that great he ran much better than those numbers. The other angle that I love with him is Del Mar is known for being very friendly to horses that close from behind and with what I expect to be a hot pace out front he will have a great chance to mow them down late. The other Horse I’ll being playing is the 3 Enumclaw Girl. She is one of the horses that will be up on the lead and I’m hoping that jockey Rafael Bejarano won’t have her dueling with the other 2 speed horses and has her sitting right behind them ready to pounce when the time comes.

Race 7: The 7th is a interesting looking maiden special with a bunch of so-so looking horses. The 3 Mama Bouche and 5 Go On Babe are the two favorites who both happened to be trained by the same trainer Bob Baffert who is known for having really good young horses. I’d be a fool not to play them both, but the one that I’m most interested in is the 4 Vindicated Ghost. She is a first time starter out of the monster Vindication sire and with some decent morning works and a 15-1 morning line I’d rather take a shot with her that with some of the other horses.

Race 8: My pick 3′s will end with the Oceanside Stakes going a mile over the turf. There are 3 horses that I will play, but 1 that I will play more. The 3 Twirling Candy looks like he can be an absolute monster and if you don’t believe me go back to my May 10th picks where I isoed him saying I thought he would crush and he went out and won by 7 3/4 lengths. The only reason why I’m not jumping all over this horse for a huge win bet is that it’s his first time going long and his first time running on turf so logic tells me not to trust him 100%, because of that I will also play 2 other horses the 6 Macias and the 7 Domonation. Macias is a stakes winning horse who loves turf the only problem is that he loves being on the lead and Twirling Candy is just to fast for him so look for Macias to be right behind Twirling Candy and if the distance and surface are to much for him he will be right there. The other horse Domonation is also trying turf for the first time, but that shouldn’t be a problem since he is bred to love the grass. I’ve played Domonation almost every time he has ran so I know he can compete with these 2 horses and with his running style of being a closer fits in great at Del Mar and if Twirling and Macias get into a speed duel look for Domonation to come clean them up late.

For these 3 races I will play 2 separate tickets. The numbers are the number the horse is entered as.

3,7/3,4,5/3,6,7- Cost $18 per ticket but I’ll play it for $2. Total $36

7/3,4,5/3,7- Cost $6 per ticket but I’ll play it for $5. Total $30