The BMW Championship Cog Hill Chicago

Both Stuart Appleby and KJ Choi shot 3 under par 68's in the first round of the BMW ( formerly Western Open ) in Chicago today. For Apples it was a good turn around of form, particularly with his putting which has been horrible the last two weeks in Westchester and Boston. Apples had 26 putts today, which was 11 less than his 2nd round last week. We went back to some very simple basics of reading the putt from all sides, aiming down the assessed line and then committing to good speed down that line. Stuart's reading has not been good lately, but his stroke has been excellent. That can be frustrating when you know that you are rolling the ball well, but there not going in. On the practice green he has been using just one ball and reading putts and going through his routine on each putt the same as he would out on the course. KJ is playing wth Tiger the first two rounds and continues his good form. He pulled out after feeling a twinge in his back during the first round last week and went home for a few days rest. KJ is in great position to win the Fedex Cup, he is currently in 4th position, and a strong finish this week will set him up in a good position to contend for the 10 million dollar prize next week in Atlanta. Apples is currently in 36th place in the rankings and only the top 30 go through to the Tour Championship. He will need a top 5 finish this week to make it through. If he keeps putting like today, I think he will do it.