Faldo Thinks Chuck Howell Has Game to Challenge Tiger

If you didn't catch yesterday's telecast of the Nissan (Los Angeles) Open, you missed one of the better finishes I can remember. From Mickelson being Mickelson to Charles Howell draining putts all over the place and making par from a cart path on the second playoff hole, it had everything.

I'm impressed by Nick Faldo's TV analysis. He's funny, candid, and very knowledgeable. It's obviously too early to tell if he's right, but before the playoff between Howell and Mickelson, he predicted that Howell might have taken his game to a level where he can consistently push and challenge Tiger and Phil. I don't think Nick made those comments without carefully considering them first.

How the rest of the season plays out will determine if Faldo is correct in his assessment of CH3. Charlie was once touted as the "chosen one" to give Tiger a run for his money. That hasn't happened, but all signs are pointing to a more mature, confident and consistent CH3. No one has ever argued his massive talents. It will be interesting to see if he can build upon yesterday's win and start thinking he should be among the best players in the world.