NEW YORK (AP) -- The volatility in the PGA Tour Playoffs has the attention of the Masters, which last year updated its criteria to invite the top 30 from the FedExCup standings and the top 30 from the PGA Tour money list.

The Masters prefers to keep its field small, and that wasn't affected by the FedExCup. Camilo Villegas was the only player who qualified for the Masters by reaching the final 30 at the Tour Championship.

It's early, but among those moving into the top 30 after one playoff event were Kevin Sutherland (3), Nicholas Thompson (20), Mathew Goggin (26), Ken Duke (28) and Bubba Watson (30).

"That's a lot of movement as it relates to us and our field size," said Buzzy Johnson, senior tournament director of the Masters. "We've got our eye on it, believe me."

SAY AGAIN?: Sergio Garcia was second in total putts at The Barclays, giving him a platform to challenge his critics.

"Obviously, I'm putting much better," he said. "Whoever doesn't think that is obviously blind."

Before anyone reaches for the white cane, it would be prudent to consider a year of putting, and not just one week. According to PGA Tour statistics, Garcia is ranked No. 167 in total putts, compared with No. 17 a year ago.

Or maybe he was referring to 2006, when he was 176th in total putts.

PADRAIG'S SHOT: Padraig Harrington thought his 5-wood to 4 feet on the 17th hole at Royal Birkdale was his best shot at the British Open, and a panel of golf writers, broadcasters and European Tour officials agreed by voting it the "European Tour Shot of the Month" for July. Even so, an argument can be made for another fairway metal on the back nine Sunday.

Harrington had a one-shot lead when he hit 3-wood into a stiff wind onto the par-5 15th green, setting up a two-putt birdie that gave him a two-shot cushion over Ian Poulter. The 5-wood was memorable because it stopped so close to the hole for an eagle, but once the ball bounded onto the green, the tournament effectively was over.

The debate is comparable with Paul Lawrie's victory at Carnoustie in 1999. The most memorable shot was his 4-iron to 3 feet on the final hole of a playoff to win by three shots. Perhaps more impressive, however, was a 4-iron to 12 feet on the 17th hole for birdie when Lawrie was tied with Justin Leonard.

Next up for the European panel is shot of the month for August, undoubtedly belonging to the Irishman. Will it be the 5-iron Harrington hit to 10 feet for birdie on the 17th for a one-shot lead at the PGA Championship, or the 15-foot par putt he holed on the 18th for the victory?

DIVOTS: None of the players who finished in the top 10 at The Barclays last year were in the top 10 this year. ... Danny Lee secured the Mark H. McCormack Medal by winning the U.S. Amateur. The award is in its second year and goes to the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world. Colt Knost won the award last year. ... So where does Michael Phelps go after winning a record eight goal medals in the Olympics? A golfing vacation in the Algarve region of Portugal.

FINAL WORD: "I got to play those major tournaments before I die." -- U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee on his intentions to stay an amateur so he can play in the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open next year.

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