Palmer looks at the positive after a disappointing finish
By Mike McAllister, PGATOUR.COM Managing Editor
IRVING, Texas -- Ryan Palmer was trying to balance his emotions. The disappointment of losing in a playoff to Keegan Bradley. The elation of having made a clutch -- and improbable -- birdie just to get in that position.
It wasn't easy. As Palmer said, "Obviously, winning is everything out here."
But when all is said and done, the Texas native will look back on this week at the HP Byron Nelson Championship and consider it a positive.
He nearly won on a course in which he previously had never played well and which was bringing most players to their knees. He made one of the biggest and most clutch shots of his career to set up that birdie. And he's got a new gameplan with his caddie, James Edmondson -- a gameplan that the two can call upon when needed.
"James and I had a blast this week," Palmer said. "Obviously, I'm disappointed because I didn't come out on top, but I can't be disappointed with my game and how I hung in there with the pressure of the wind. Finished second -- nothing wrong with that."
He hopes Fred Couples feels the same way. Palmer, a three-time TOUR winner in his career, would love to play for Couples and the U.S. team at The Presidents Cup in Australia this November.
"It's huge for Captain Freddy," said Palmer, who moved to 25th in the FedExCup standings. "Hope he's watching."
Palmer entered Sunday's final round with a one-stroke lead over playing partner Sergio Garcia. But while Garcia skidded to a 7-over 77 in the brutally tough scoring conditions, Palmer battled to stay in contention.
After a bogey at the 14th hole, Palmer was 3 over on his round and 2 under for the tournament -- and now having to play catch up.
He birdied the 16th, but bogeyed the 17th and by the time he reached the 18th tee box, he knew he needed a birdie to tie Keegan Bradley and force a playoff at 3 under. Considering there had been just one birdie at that hole all day, his odds were slim. Very slim.
But Palmer found the fairway with his tee shot, then hit a tremendous approach to within six feet. When he sank the birdie, he had the Texas faithful rising in celebration.
"I can't think of how proud I am just to suck it up and then pull off those three shots," Palmer said. "It's going to be huge down the road."
In the playoff, which was back at the 18th hole, Palmer wasn't as fortunate. His tee shot found the rough to the right side of the fairway, and he hooked his approach shot into the water. He did drain the 12-foot putt for bogey, but it didn't matter, as Bradley two-putted for par.
"Just wanted to tease myself a little more," Palmer said about the bogey putt. "I got into position to win the golf tournament and that's all I can ask for."
This week, Edmondson was in charge of strategy off the tee, allowing Palmer to swing with an uncluttered mind. It nearly paid off in a win.
Palmer didn't commit to using that strategy full-time, but it will be used again, as well as the previous strategy of Palmer calling the shots.
"We'll do a little bit of both," Palmer said. "I always ask him what he feels ... He'll be there when I need him, for sure."
Shop your favorite brand name golf equipment and accessories at SHOP.PGATOUR.COM
FANTASY
PGATOUR.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network 