FanHouse ShingoKatayama

Every Monday during the PGA Tour season, Monday Pin Placement will run as a wrap-up of the weekend's action. Basically, we'll focus on what you missed while you were out grinding on the putting green.

In 1996, Greg Norman had one of the most epic collapses in the history of golf. Carrying a six-shot lead into the final round of that year's Masters, Norman was set to finally grab that green jacket that had eluded him for so long.

You all know the story. Norman wound up losing the tournament to Nick Faldo and in accordance with the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words," has this lasting image that summed up his experience at Augusta. After a final round 78, Norman had two choices: he could duck out of Augusta or he could face the music. Norman responded courageously by heading into the press room and answering all questions asked of him for 45 minutes. He earned the respect of darn near any golfer that has played the game.

The Masters' television coverage is still an hour off, but thanks to the wonders of Al Gore's magnificent invention, I've been watching groups make their way around Amen Corner since this morning. Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Camilo Villegas just navigated the three-hole stretch at even par, 1-over and 1-over, respectively.

The 2009 Masters are underway, and unlike last year, when Arnold Palmer hit the ceremonial first shot into a cloud of fog, it has been an incredible day, weather-wise, from the start.

Palmer's first shot this year found the middle of the fairway and the first group built on that momentum. In the second group of the day was Par-3 Tournament winner Tim Clark, who, in typical form, bogeyed his first two par-3s before getting it together and reeling off four birdies on his closing 12 holes before posting a 4-under 68, leading the tournament in the clubhouse.

Right behind Clark are Ross Fisher, Kevin Sutherland, and Prayad Marksaeng who all posted 3-under 69s and will enjoy the rest of the mid-70 degree day fine-tuning their game while other golfers try to put the finishing touches on some rather salty (read: "good") rounds.

It might not have been Tiger Woods against Phil Mickelson. Heck, it isn't even Ernie Els playing Vijay Singh, but the two professional golfers playing the best right now will face up against each other Sunday exactly 125 miles away from their home course.

Australian Geoff Ogilvy, who won this tournament in 2006 and was runner-up in '07, will take on Englishman Paul Casey in a 36 hole final to see who can claim title of Best Golfer During Tiger Week.

I really can't remember the last time I've found the U.S. Open more enjoyable. A tournament that usually has people looking like the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, the course has been fair and the players have appreciated the set-up.

Also, it never hurts when Tiger Woods, after eight weeks off from competitive golf, is one shot back, making fist-pumping eagles and shooting a completely alien five-under 30 on the back nine yesterday.

You've had Phil Mickelson do things that, well, don't surprise you from Phil, Ernie Els bring form to the U.S. Open that we haven't seen since Brett Favre was winning a Super Bowl and even a caddy--spectator fight!

Before you tune in to coverage this afternoon, check the list of players in the top-10, their current position, some facts about them and the FanHouse odds on them winning.

Not to quote the Weepies, but the world spins madly on with the FanHouse Media Guide.

• Fredrik Jacobson -- t-5 -- Jacobson is the typical European golfer that you see randomly in a major playing well, take the needed time to remember his name and then you don't hear of him again for five years. I hate that.

• Lee Janzen -- WON -- Ok, trivia time. Did you know there are nine golfers that have won a major championship with a "Z" in their name? Janzen is one, can you name the other eight?

• Miguel Angel Jimenez -- t-2 -- Not a doubt in my mind that Jimenez is my favorite Spaniard golfer in his 40s with a dyed ponytail that looks like an extra from every movie with pot and people laughing.

• Brandt Jobe -- t-33 -- Jobe has played on Tour so long, he was around back when the Nissan Open was still called the Los Angeles Open. Never a winner on the big boys tour, Jobe has notched ten wins around the world.

• Dustin Johnson -- DNP -- This is his first year as a full time PGA Tour pro and he's doing well, notching two top-10s thus far. Never a problem when playing a lengthy course, Johnson is third on tour in driving distance (307.1).

• Zach Johnson -- t-45 -- Who knew Drake University was the new Oklahoma State? Johnson (pictured) went from obscure golfer to occasional favorite after his Masters win last year. He will struggle with the distance of Torrey Pines but if his wedge play is on, it won't matter. Also, if it looks like he's going to win, you can skip church on Sunday because he tends to give a sermon during his victory speech.

• Robert Karlsson -- t-45 -- Not a lot of experience at the U.S. Open, but a top-10 at this year's Masters should have him ready for similar conditions.

• Martin Kaymer -- DNP -- The 23-year-old German is being touted as the "Next Big Stud Who Will Probably Dominate the Americans in the Ryder Cup," winning his first European Tour event earlier this season. Kaymer shot a 59 in the second round of the Habsberg Classic in 2006, following that up with a 62 the next day. Also, he won that tournament (shock ensued).

• Shingo Katayama -- t-35 -- Most famous for always rocking the Nike cowboy hat, Katayama has won 24 times on the Japan Golf Tour. Also, on the Japan Golf Tour website, they give six profile categories -- full name, birth date, birth place, height, weight and blood type?! Huh?

• Jerry Kelly -- t-7 -- A grinder on tour, Kelly has only two top-10s in majors, both coming in 2007. Also, Kelly helps his brother-in-law, Jim Schuman, coach the University of Wisconsin golf team.