BogeyLounge: TOUR NEWS Archives

August 1, 2007

Paula Creamer and the girls take on St. Andrews

If a picture tells a thousand words, then the photo below of Paula Creamer doing a cartwheel in front of the famous Swilcan Bridge tells us that the girls are ready to rock the Royal and Ancient right out of St. Andrews.

St. Andrews, where until recently, a sign hung outside the clubhouse behind the 18th green that read, “No dogs or women allowed”, hosts the Women's British Open for the first time in history.

Links: A New Day at St. Andrews Golf Course [NY Times]

Old Course has some surprises for first Women's British Open [Herald Tribune]

Women's British Open host the Old Course at St. Andrews will be friendly to Ochoa - but it isn't for regular lady duffers [WorldGolf]

2007 Women's British Open Information [LPGA.com]

Like this post? Then you'll really like these...

July 29, 2007

Gublis gets her first win; Compared to Kournikova nevermore

Way back on March 9, 2005, I wrote: "She may be interested in photo shoots and improving her Q-rating but not at the expense of her golf. She's got game, and it looks like she's got heart... only time will tell if she can be a champion." [link: Gulbis: Calendar queen or golf ball-striking machine?]

That was in reference to Natalie Gulbis, who at the time was being compared to Anna Kournikova for being all show and no go.

Today, Natalie Broke through by winning her first LPGA Tour title at the Evian Masters with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff with Jang Jeong of South Korea on Sunday. Gulbis, who won $450,000, gave part of the credit for her win to a back injury two months ago that forced her to take a month off and make some adjustments.

Way to go Natalie! We knew you had it in you... Now that you're an LPGA winner, you can shoot as many swimsuit calendars as you wish and no one can complain.

Link: Masterful Gulbis [ESPN.com]

July 19, 2007

2007 British Open TV Times

Here is the latest on TV times for British Open coverage
(all times eastern US):

Thursday (TNT 7am - 7pm)

Friday (TNT 7am - 7pm)

Saturday (TNT 7:00am-9:00am) (ABC 9:00am-2:30pm)

Sunday (TNT 6:00am-8:00am) (ABC 8:00am-1:30am)

Carnoustie looking fair as Open Championship begins

It Open Time and we're looking forward to some high-def golf goodness on the telly.

There has been a sense, at least before the first official shot was struck, that this Carnoustie is a softer one than in 1999.

“Very fair,” said Jim Furyk, among the favorites this week.

2007 Open Championship Live Scoring [PGAtour.com]

Open Coverage: Golf.com | Golf Digest | ESPN |

June 17, 2007

US OPEN: Eye of the Tiger or Bad to the Bone?

Eye of the Tiger or Bad to the Bone? Tiger Woods and Aaron Baddeley will be the final group out in today's US Open, but will they be able to fend off Oakmont and the rest of the field and give us an unforgettable finish? Or will someone from the field emerge with a low score and then sit in the clubhouse and watch Tiger and Badds try and catch them?

One thing's for sure and that is that anything can happen. Enjoy the show...

More: Tiger flirts with near perfection but settles for 69 [PGA]

Baddeley leads, Woods stalks [NewsDay]

Woods coming on strong in U.S. Open [IHT]

Aaron Baddeley Leads the Open, but the Story Is Still Tiger Woods [AOL FanHouse]

June 14, 2007

TV Schedule: 2007 Men's U.S. Open - Live from Oakmont

Here's the TV Schedule for this week's Men's U.S. Open ... Tee 'em up and hit 'em well gentlemen!

Thursday
ESPN 10am-3pm
NBC 3pm-5pm
ESPN 5pm-7pm

Friday
ESPN 10am-3pm
NBC 3pm-5pm
ESPN 5pm-7pm

Saturday
NBC 1pm-7pm

Sunday
NBC 1pm-7pm

If an 18–hole playoff is necessary on Monday, ESPN will begin coverage at noon, with NBC picking up play at 2 p.m.

May 23, 2007

Despite coach's advice: Michelle Wie continues to play with men

Michelle Wie's coach said a few weeks ago that she wouldn't play against men anymore, reasoning that she'd be better suited working on her game on the women's tour.

Now a sponsor has offered her cash to play against men, and she's jumping at it. The 17-year-old Wie will play in the John Deere Classic in July, making her eighth attempt to make the cut against men. So far, she's 0-for-7.

Wie's coach, David Leadbetter, said earlier this month that he had worked on convincing her parents that she's not ready to play men. "The thing I've tried to explain to them is that you have to work your way up the ladder," he said. Apparently that message didn't get through.

Link: Michelle Wie to Play Against Men in John Deere Classic [AOL Sports Blog]

February 22, 2007

Fuzzy Zoeller suing Wikipedia contributor for negative entry

Hey golf bloggers, time to go back and clean up any defamatory comments you've made about professional golfers before the men in black suits come to get you.

I understand how "facts" posted on an online encyclopedia can be considered vandalism, but what do we expect from a free encyclopedia than anyone can edit?

Long story short, Fuzzy Zoeller is trying to track down and bring suit against someone who posted negative entries about the golfer. Just by bringing it up, he's made even more people aware of the problem.

I won't tell you what the "vandal" wrote because I don't want Fuzzy coming after me, but it's in the story linked below.

Maybe it was Tiger getting back at him for the incensitive racial comments he made a few years back that went something like, "You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

See, if it wasn't for that lawsuit I wouldn't have just brought that ugly incident up... Oh well.

Links: Zoeller sues to identify author of Wikipedia post [AP]

Fuzzy Zoeller [Wiki]

February 19, 2007

Accenture Match Play Championship Brackets Announced

The Accenture Match Play Championships begin on Wednesday and the brackets are out.

Here's your chance to warm up for March Madness with some bracket warmups, so get your co-workers together, print out some brackets and see how well you can pick the winners.

Who will upset Tiger Woods? Will Ernie Els finally make some waves? Will Charles Howell and Phil Mickelson meet up again in the third round?

As always, Stay Tuned!

Links: Interactive Bracket | Printable Bracket (PDF)

Match Play brackets Set [GolfWeek.com] | TV Information

February 18, 2007

Charles Howell gets biggest win of his career at Nissan

We are still over a month away from the Masters and already the PGA season is full of interest and intrigue.

Charles Howell, the much lauded young gun who looked as if he would be just another passing fad looks to have his game in order and stands atop the early FedEx Cup standings after nailing down the biggest win of his career.

It was only the second victory of his career, but it helped Charles exorcize the demons of nine runner-up finishes since winning the now-defunct Michelob Championship in 2002.

He already has two runner-up finishes in four starts this year, including three weeks ago against Tiger Woods down the coast at Torrey Pines.

Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Jim Furyk are great players, but for tour needs young and exciting players to energize each week's action.

Congrats to one of the best "good guys" on tour.

Link: Charles Howell's Winning Scorecard [PGAtour.com]

Howell ends long drought with playoff win over Mickelson [PGAtour.com]

January 21, 2007

Our new next big thing: Julieta Granada

Around this time last year I was going on about how Japan's Ai Miyazato would be the next big thing on the LPGA and how big an impact it would have on golf in Japan. Now I'm back at it, only this time it's Julieta Granada that's got my attention.

Julieta was a rookie on the LPGA last year, earned $1.6 million dollars including the first ever $1million prize in women's golf history... more importantly, she became the first ever Paraguayan-born player to win on the LPGA tour.

Why is that important? Paraguay only has 6 golf courses and today with the help of Julieta and her playing partner Celeste Troche won the Woman's World Cup.

Granada was a rookie on the LPGA Tour last year, and she asked how she could get into the World Cup. She was told Paraguay -- a country with just six golf courses -- was not even invited.

"So I tried really hard all year," said Granada, who won the season ending ADT Championship on the LPGA Tour. "And I hope now that young people in my country will take up the sport, but more importantly, that they never give up."

She gets her country invited to the World Cup and then goes out and wins the whole thing!

We say, watch out Annika, Paula, Lorena and Michelle... Julieta is not only coming, she's arrived!

Read: Paraguay claims Women's World Cup by seven over USA [PGAtour.com]

Julieta Granada [Wikipedia]

From PGA.com - ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Julieta Granada

All due respect to Seon-Hwa Lee, the LPGA's Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year, but Julieta Granada deserves the award more.

Granada finished fourth on the money list -- behind Ochoa, Webb and Sorenstam -- with more than $1.633 million. Most of that came from the tour-record $1 million check she received for winning the season-ending ADT Championship, but that doesn't negate her other impressive stats.

She made 26 cuts in 30 tournaments and had two second-place finishes, four top-5s and seven top-10s. She was also the only player ever to make the ADT Championship her first victory.

"This is just unbelievable. I'm so excited I can't think," she gushed afterward.

January 3, 2007

Curtain Rises on 2007 Season: Is The Golf Channel Ready?

Tomorrow is the really big day. Not just the start of another golf season, but the start of a new golf season with a radically new format designed to give the PGA Tour its first season-ending playoffs and its first true season-long champion.

Oh yeah, it's also the debut of The Golf Channel's new 15-year PGA Tour partnership which will see the network carry all or part of 43 official PGA Tour events in 2007.

TGC will carry Thursday and Friday coverage of every tour event and in some cases (the first three events in fact) will carry all four rounds on the cable network.

We'll have to wait until tomorrow at 6pm (eastern) to see what's in store for the telecast, but one certain upgrade being showcased is popular Golf Channel personality, Kelly Tilghman, who becomes the first full-time female golf anchor and will be teamed with Nick Faldo for TGC's coverage.

Read More:
Tilghman's golf career takes her to anchor role on TV [MercuryNews.com]

Who thinks Kelly Tilghman is hot? [The Sand Trap Forum]

Tilghman Joins Faldo to Lead Golf Channel's PGA Tour Broadcasts [About Golf]

Golf Channel set to tee off [Orlando Sentinel]

September 7, 2006

Michelle Wie to tee it up at the Masters: Euro Style

She wanted to play in the Masters, so Masters it is... European Masters that is.

This will be Michelle Wie's 10th tournament against men, the first in Europe. Oh, and she used the opportunity to say that she would like to one day also play in the Ryder Cup.

"I think it is totally possible, anything is possible in the future," She said. "I think players, both women and men, are getting better and we are getting stronger and are mentally tough and we can do it."

You all know that I cheer for Michelle wherever she decides to play, but I still can't understand why she doesn't just get in a groove on the LPGA and then make the leap when her game is in top form.

What is the motivation? Does she expect to compete with the PGA's best right from the get-go? Is just making the cut enough? I can't help but believe that these comments are somewhat motivated by Nike or her dad and that she can't possibly be that crazy about being criticized at every one of these appearance.

Then again, maybe Michelle believes she is ready right now. I just hope she realizes the whole thing is quickly going from "phenom" to "freakshow".

"I love playing men's events. This is not going to be a short-term thing for me, it is long-term and I intend to do it all the way. Of course there are going to be some people that aren't happy with me playing. I am not expecting 100 percent support every week, but that is the way the world works. There are going to be people that support me and others that don't but I feel people here have been very supportive and welcoming."

Rock on Michelle... We're pulling for ya!

Read: Wie to make European Tour debut at European Masters [Yahoo!]

Archived BogeyLounge Wie Coverage:
Michelle Wie shrugs it off and gets it going... June 2006
Here Wie go again... May 2006
Michelle Wie: Who's Rush Limbaugh? March 2006
I hope Wie makes the cut... I also hope she doesn't January 2006
Michelle Wie puts the "M" in MOXIE... July 2005
Ready or Not, Michelle Wie takes on the men... Again. July 2005

August 16, 2006

Dave Pelz takes on the trash talk...

Both Mickelson and Woods have learned their lessons about trash talking in public, but now their coaches are getting in on the act.

Dave Pelz (Mickelson's short game coach) was quoted as saying, “When Phil’s at his best, I’m thinking that nobody can beat him.” When asked if that included Woods, Pelz reportedly responded, “You bet it does.”

Both players diffused the situation with a little humor. Should be a good weekend of golf.

Read: Tiger and Phil Playing Nice [Golf Channel]

July 24, 2006

"Come on, let's pretend it's like the British Open."

As a student at Stanford, Tiger Woods would call a group of golfing buddies on a rainy day and say, "Come on, let's pretend it's like the British Open."

Well even the British Open conditions weren't pretending to be like the British Open, but Tiger still got the job done with his 11th Major victory.

And now the talk of catching Jack's 18 majors is back.

Read:
Woods driven by goal of becoming best ever [Mercury News]
What's next for Woods? [BBC]
Tiger slams door [Toronto Sun]

July 21, 2006

Just when you think Tiger Woods is done...

Yesterday, as I was preparing to sit down and do a post about how just maybe Tiger had lost that ability to just dominate a tournament from start to finish, he went and eagled the 18th. Needless to say, that put an end to that post.

Now before I can even get the sleep out of my eyes, I watch as Tiger holes out his second shot on the par-4 14th for another eagle (followed two holes later by a another birdie) for a tournament leading -12 (with two holes to go).

Tiger seems to be getting back to A-game form, and all of a sudden the weekend's TV golf ratings are looking way up.

More:
Woods Moves One Shot Behind Lead at British Open Golf [Bloomberg]
McDowell punished early as spectre of Woods looms large [Scotsman.com]

July 20, 2006

British Open TV Times

It's 7am and major championship golf is on tv... It's gonna be a great weekend.

Here is the latest on TV times for British Open coverage
(all times eastern US):

Thursday (TNT 6:30am-2:30pm)

Friday (TNT 7:00am-2:30pm)

Saturday (TNT 7:00am-9:00am) (ABC 9:00am-2:30pm)

Sunday (TNT 6:00am-8:00am) (ABC 8:00am-1:30am)

July 18, 2006

British Open Week: Tuesday's Roundup

The talk is heating up regarding this week's British Open.

Everything from "Why Tiger Won't Win" to "Why Ernie Just Might".

And the latest news comes from Trevor Immelman, who came to form last week with his first PGA win, but had to pull out due to the impending birth of his first child. Which makes us think, had Trevor pulled out nine months earlier, he wouldn't have had to pull out today.

Best of luck to the Immelmans, after all, there's always next year.

Ernie fit and confident ahead of Open [Mail & Guardian]

Immelman pulls out of British Open [SI.com]

Don't count me out: Monty [The Advertiser]

Faldo uneasy about pairing with Tiger Woods

First of all, how great is it to start your day at 5am by watching live British Open coverage. (TNT: Thu 5:30am-1:30pm, Fri 6am-1:30pm, Sat 6am-8am, Sun 5am-7am) and that doesn't even include ABC's network coverage. More on that later.

Anyway, looks like 3-time Open champion Nick Faldo is a little worried about being paired with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds at Hoylake.

Woods can be a little sensitive when it comes to his swing, and Faldo took his crack two years ago at the Buick Invitational, when he was working for ABC Sports. Later on Faldo also said that he didn't worry about what players thought of his criticism as long as his network check cleared.

Oh well, maybe this will be motivation for the 49-year-old (his birthday is today) to pick up his game and make an improbable run at #4.

Read: Faldo uneasy about pairing with Woods [Chicago Tribune]

July 16, 2006

Kournikova no more? Gulbis almost wins her first...

Trying to shake the Anna Kournikova comparisons of all "looks" and no "game", Natalie Gulbis almost broke through in a sudden-death playoff in the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic.

Gulbis had been the leader or co-leader for the second and third rounds of the tournament, but never by more than one stroke, and Sunday it came down to a sudden-death playoff with Mi Hyun Kim, who sank a birdie put on the 3rd hole of the playoff for her second win of the season.

It would have been nice to establish that Natalie has the makeup to win an LPGA event, so we could go back to focusing on how hot she really is... ;)

July 14, 2006

Michelle Wie bows out with heat exhaustion

sick michelle wie

I can hear the jokes now... "If you can't stand the heat, get off the golf course", or "I didn't see any of the boys get too hot".

Regardless, Michelle Wie bailed out of the John Deere today mid-round and was taken to a local hospital for observation. The most likely cause was heat exhaustion.

"I think she'll be fine," said Dr. Benjamin Shnurman, a physician and tournament medical staff volunteer who treated Wie. "She's in stable condition and will be evaluated in the emergency room."

Hang in there kid, one day you'll be a contender.

Read: Sick Wie Leaves Deere Classic in Ambulance [Forbes]

June 30, 2006

FedEx Cup details announced... still confusing.

The PGA Tour yesterday unveiled the points system that will be used to seed players for its first playoff to determine the season-long champion.

The system, which is scheduled to go into effect next year, is more complex than the one Nascar uses for its 10-race Nextel Cup playoff. Unlike Nascar's system, which gives the top 10 drivers (or all within 400 points of the leader) a chance of winning the title after the 26-race regular season, up to 144 PGA Tour golfers will have a mathematical chance of winning the new FedEx Cup when the playoff begins. - NY Times

*New rules for 2007 PGA game [Gainesville.com]
*FedEx Cup frequently asked questions [ESPN]
*Will FedEx Cup generate more fan interest? [ESPN]

June 27, 2006

BMW signs on for PGA's new points race

In a sign of marketability for the PGA's new season champion format, German automaker BMW has entered into a six-year agreement with the PGA to sponsor one of four playoff tournaments that will determine a PGA season champion beginning in 2007.

The innaugural BMW Championship will be played the week of September 3-9, 2007 at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Chicago. The tournament will then alternate between other Midwestern cities and Chicago, with the 2008 tourney at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis and 2010 at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Indianapolis.

Read: BMW signs on as title sponsor the of the Western Open, starting in 2007 [PGA.com]

June 16, 2006

David Duval making a run???

(Reminder: There's still time to post your picks for the US Open Pick 10 Challenge)

As I write this post, David Duval stands at -4 for the day after 13 holes, creeping to tie9 (at +3) on the leaderboard.

What a freakin' thing that would be if D2 could actually finish the day in the top 10 and maybe make a run over the weekend. Now by the time I save this post Duval could go snowman, snowman and miss the cut.

So now I'm done and hitting save.

As always, Stay Tuned!

June 15, 2006

Tadd Fujikawa - Story of the week?

Freakshow or phenom? Some say this kid got Michelle Wie's spot when she decided to try and qualify for the open in New Jersey instead of Hawaii. Her loss was Tadd Fujikawa's gain as he captured the one qualifying spot out of Hawaii to become the youngest player to compete in a US Open.

From AP story - At 15 Hawaiian teenager Tadd Fujikawa has become the youngest player ever to compete in the US Open and he is relishing his chance to play at Winged Foot.

Fujikawa told reporters: "Who wouldn't be excited? It's the Open. It doesn't matter what age you are, 15, 20, 50. It's definitely a great thrill for me."

The teenage sensation added: "I was born three-and-a-half months premature. I think the doctors said that I had probably a 50 per cent chance of living.

"I think that it's really something special that I'm actually here, alive, not only at the US Open, but just talking to everybody, and I guess being alive right now."

Read more:
US Open Media Room Interview [Noticias.info]

Fujikawa is youngest [Honolulu Advertiser]

Another big challenge [AP]

June 14, 2006

Bogey Lounge presents... The US Open Pick 10 Challenge

Not a lot of action here at the Lounge lately, but I promise to be better about it this week (and weekend) as the 2006 U.S. Open starts tomorrow.

My early favorite to win the whole thing? Trevor Immelman. You got it, the same Trevor Immelman who missed four consecutive cuts this year, but has since gone on to finish 11th (Shell Houston Open), 2nd (Wachovia), 2nd (Byron Nelson), 7th (Memorial), and 13th (Barclay's).

What are your picks?

Here's what I'm gonna do... Use the comments link below to give me your top 10 finishers. Man (or woman) who gets the most top ten players correct wins a prize (in the event of a tie, we'll pick a random winner).

I'll even let you watch two days of action before submitting your picks... Friday, June 16 at 5pm (Eastern US) is the deadline. I'm making this up as I go along, so please feel free to post any questions you have and I'll try and clarify.

I've got a few cool items that were sent to me for review that I can use as prizes. Once I go through my stash, i'll post the prize list (probably tomorrow).

Good luck and happy picking!

June 6, 2006

Michelle Wie falls short of US Open bid

For most of the day it looked as if Michelle Wie would capture a historical spot in the 2006 US Open, but as she would later say, "I guess it wasn't meant to be."

Michelle hung tough for the first three nines before faultering with a very uncharacteristic three consecutive bogeys. While bogeys are expected from us here at the Lounge, it didn't make for a happy day here to find that Michelle had fallen short in her quest.

Sure the hype was overblown (see 4 hours of Golf Channel coverage last night), but this would have been quite a story and a very nice shot in the arm for the entire golf industry.

Whether you agree with Wie's playing in men's events or not, you've got to feel for the kid.

Way to go Michelle... I'm sure you'll be there one day.

See also:
Get used to Michelle Wie competing against men [Star Bulletin]

Wie close, but misses [Star Bulletin]

When Wie goes awry, why is it a surprise? [SFgate.com]

Wie bogeys U.S. Open chance [OCregister.com]

Trying for the men's Open only ups pressure cooker [ESPN.com]

May 31, 2006

Tiger Woods Returns For U.S. Open

Tiger US Open.jpg

Tiger Woods will play in the 2006 U.S. Open. There was some speculation as to whether he would play because he withdrew from the Memorial, however, he revealed Tuesday that he definitely plans to play.

Imagine the scene if he wins, or is even in contention on Sunday, Father's Day. The emotion will be palpable and I predict the highest golf T.V. rating of the year.

There is talk about whether the time he has spent away will affect his game. The potential certainly exists for Tiger's game to be less than sharp, but if anyone in the game today can spend 9 weeks grieving for his father and then come back and win a tournament on Father's Day it is Tiger Woods.

Read Woods says he'll return to Tour for U.S. Open [ESPN.com]

Read Will Woods be mentally and physically ready? [ESPN.com]

May 4, 2006

Earl Woods 1932-2006

We have spent a lot of time on this site celebrating the accomplishments of one of golf's special talents... Today, we observe the passing of the inspiration behind Tiger Woods' success.

"My dad was my best friend and greatest role model,'' Tiger Woods said in a statement on his Web site. "He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn't be where I am today without him.''

Earl Woods lost his long battle with cancer on Wednesday. He was 74.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Tiger and his family.

Read more:
Earl Woods loses battle with cancer [Mercury News]

Earl Woods made Tiger more human [SFgate.com]

Earl Woods helped shape Tiger into the person that he is today [USAtoday.com]

Father's death robs Tiger of 'best friend'

April 20, 2006

Tiger Woods: Is NASCAR Next?

Following the likes of multi-sport superstars Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, Tiger Woods has agreed to compete in a Charity Kiwi Stock Car Race as a favor to friend and caddy Steve Williams.

Yes, this is the same type of race that Steve Williams severely gashed his left hand (to the bone) a year or so ago.

"I've done other things. I've thrown a baseball a few times and thrown a couple of coins here and there," Woods said. "This is a bit more physical. (I will do) whatever the race is and hopefully I will win it. (Bumping) is part of the deal. They knock me off and I will knock them off, it is about having fun."

Maybe Tiger should follow the lead of fellow golfer Rocco Mediate (poker) and take on less hazardous endeavors away from the course.

Read: Tiger turns to stock car racing in NZ [The Age]

April 12, 2006

Dokoda Dowd wants to spread the word...

Think Morgan Pressel and Michelle Wie have moxie? You ain't seen nothing compared to 13-year-old Dokoda Dowd.

This young lady isn't just another freaky phenom who gets a publicity driven sponsor's exemption to play in an LPGA event. She's a very talented golfer (for her age) who wanted more than anything to get to play in a pro event before her mother (who is terminally ill) passes away. She is seeking publicity, but she wants to use the stage to spread the word about early detection of cancer in women.

This may be the best sponsor's exemption ever put to use.

"She's got talent,'' says Annika Sorenstam, one of Dakoda's idols and the women's top-ranked player who met her earlier this month and watched her swing. "She can really hit the ball. She's got a great head on her shoulders. She's really strong and her attitude is really something great.''

From daughter's golf, an ill mother's dream is realized [SI.com]

Tips on golf -- and life -- from a pro [TampaBays10.com]

Daughter of Dying Mother to Play LPGA Event [TheGolfChannel]

April 1, 2006

Michelle Wie gets 2006 Masters Exemption!

Has Hootie Johnson lost his mind and given the go ahead that will allow teen sensation Michelle Wie to realize her dream of playing in this year's Masters?

Has Nike finally crossed the line and paid her way into a major marketing coup?

Or could it be that it's April Fools day?... Good morning fellow "Loungers"... consider yourselves warned.

See Also:
Paula Creamer to Pose Nude [Today's Golf]
Tiger Woods to retire after 2006 season [Golf Today]
Danielle Amiee makes LPGA Tour [Today in Golf]

March 22, 2006

All Funked up and ready to go

He's not the longest hitter or the best putter, but Fred Funk seems like a guy you could really have fun playing a round of golf with. His humble demeanor and self-deprecating personality makes him one of our favorites on tour...

Read: Interview with Defending Champion Fred Funk [PGA.com]

Slope problem? DiMarco pulls out of Players Championship

Even though I'm a hack that's lucky to break 90 once a year, I take upcoming golf trips and tournaments serious.

There have been weeks that I don't even take the trash out for fear that I may pull something and be left not able to play (ok maybe I take golf too serious)... That being said, I'm amazed when a professional athlete hurts himself doing something he shouldn't be doing...

Why would you go on a ski trip at the start of the PGA season? A question only Chris DiMarco can answer...

Read: DiMarco replaced by rookie Villegas [ESPN.com]

March 10, 2006

Camilo Villegas: '¡Un Fenómeno!' has arrived...

If you know me, you know that if it's good for growing the game of golf, I'm paying attention.

So when a young golfer comes around that makes his entire country focus on the game of golf, it's time to stand up and recognize.

Camilo Villegas (pronounced be-JAY-gus) is turning heads and turning perceptions around about his country who up until now was known more for its' drug lords than for its' athletes.

Are you ready for ¡Un Fenómeno!' ...

Read: A Colombian has his nation wild for golf [Miami Herald]

February 25, 2006

Tom Lehman: Leading by example...

The era of big time professional sports salaries has seen an increase in managers and head coaches struggling for respect from their players.

Golf's answer to that dilema is shaping up to be this year's Ryder Cup story. What better way to get your player's attention than by beating their brains out on the course and eliminating them from big money tournaments?

That's what U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman has done the last few day, beating down guys that are certain to be playing for him at the K CLub at this year's Ryder Cup Matches.

Read more: Lehman wearing two caps for golf [Mercury News]

February 10, 2006

It's never too early for Masters talk: Tiger's Teleconference

It's less than two months away, so Masters talk should start heating up. Yesterday the media got a chance to speak with the defending Master's Champ in preparations for the 70th playing of the golf classic.

Most of the talk surrounded Tiger's latest playoff feats but they managed to get some Masters talk covered.

Read: Masters Teleconference with Tiger Woods [Masters.org]

February 4, 2006

JB Holmes: A star is born?

There's something about a rookie who takes an easy swing with a 3-wood and hits a green 300 yards away...are you ready for the J.B. Holmes revolution?

Here's the 23-year-old's post-round media Q&A.
Interview with J.B. Holmes [PGA.com]

Some more on JB win...
Wildcat puts golf on notice [Cincinnati Post]

Even more on JB...
Big-hitting rookie Holmes an early winner in PGA career [SI.com]

January 19, 2006

Miyazato to defend at Women's World Cup of Golf

When you can impact the growth of golf in the world's most populated region, we pay attention at the Lounge. So while the men take on each other at the "Hope", we'll also be paying attention to Ai Miyazato as she defends her country's title at the Women's World Cup of Golf.

Annika Sorenstam will partner with Liselotte Neumann to represent Sweden, while Paula Creamer teams up with buddy Natalie Gulbis to represent the Stars and Stripes. Defending champ Ai Miyazato has partnered this year with Sakura Yokomine.

All the action can be seen (tape delayed of course) on the Golf Channel.

Following the inaugural event in 2005, with a worldwide television audience of over 450 million households, the Women’s World Cup is proving to be one of the major highlights on the women’s golfing calendar, attracting the worlds best players including the US, British, South African and Australian Open Champions.

The 2006 event is no different. Endorsed by the Ladies Professional Golf Association and the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour, the 2006 field represents twenty nations, comprising of 40 of the worlds top players, including defending champions Japan, and host nation South Africa. The teams will play over three rounds of betterball, foursomes and strokeplay, competing for a total purse of $1.1million. - WWCH Official Website

Preview Story and Full Field [The Golf Channel]
Women's World Cup of Golf [Official Site]
WWCG Preview Page [LPGA.com]
World Cup Preview [SuperGolf]

January 17, 2006

Warming up for the Bob Hope...

Here are few links to get you warmed up for the Hope...

Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Official Site

PGAtour.com Bob Hope Classic section

The Full Field | TV Times

The Desert Sun "Bob Hope Section"

History of the Bob Hope Classic Girls

What Hooked on Golf Blog "Hopes" not to see

Much ado about Bubba ...

As you all know by now, I'm a sucker for buzz, hype, and frenzy... So i'm drooling over the possibilities that Bubba Watson brings to the table for the 2006 season.

A lefty, who hits the piss out of the ball, named "Bubba", plays Ping clubs, and is from Bagdad (Florida). That's enough material to last me all season. Just thinking of all the cheesy titles I can use for "Bubba" blog posts all summer makes me smile.

I'm rooting for "Bubba", that is for sure. And before anyone else uses it, let me be first to call him... ready for this... ALI "Bubba" from Bagdad. Sorry, but it had to be said.

Anyway, take a look below as the world begins to recognize the power of "Bubba".

A "SHAAA-WING" FOR PING! [Hooked on Golf Blog]
“Boom Boom 2.0″ was bombing it 100 yards past Rory Sabbatini and simply blowing the announcers away. He was carrying the ball in the air over 300 yards. His driving average in the Sony was 336.3. That is average folks. Ping is going to love this.

WHAT'S IN A NAME? [Golf Punk Blog]
Lets start with the name. If ever there was an apt name for a young hotshot who can belt the ball 340 yards then Bubba's yer man. Images of slack-jawed yokels who don't possess the mental capacity to worry about swing planes spring to mind. Added to that, the 6ft 3" boomer hails from a place called Bagdad! Alright, it's the one in Florida and spelt differently to it's American inhabited counterpart, but intimidating nonetheless.

ON BUBBA's SWING [Major Acid]
But, like watching a train wreck, you can't take your eyes off it. The man is flexible. He gets his shoulders so far around I suspect even he doesn't know which way is forward, and when he unwinds ... same problem. He unwinds so fast that sometimes he can barely remain in a standing position. And if he wants to fade a drive, as he did on a couple of occasions (on purpose, I might add) elbows fly, and he is even more ungainly.

A NEW FAN FAVORITE? [The GrunkleGuru]
It looks like golf might have itself a new fan favorite on its hands, and his name is Bubba. Bubba Watson that is, and does this kid ‘ton it’. Four times on Sunday he hit drives of over 360 yards. This kid is scary long, and it looks like he has some game to go with the bombs he can hit as he finished in fourth place for the week.

NOT JUST LONG, BUT GOOD [The Undaunted Duffer]
Looking at Bubba’s stats for the weekend, you’d think that he was slighted in the end, and that he should have won just based on his numbers. He averaged 336 yards off the tee (1st in the field), he was tied for 2nd in greens in regulation (75%) and tied for 7th in putts per green in regulation (1.70). Then again, it isn’t too hard to get your ball on the green when your ripping your drive all the way down the fairway.

EVEN IN JAPAN? [Golf Digest Japan]
あんまり気に入ってしまったので、NETROLLさん　の許可を得て、掲載させていただきました。 NETROLLさん　は大好きなブロガーさんの１人で、毎朝ご訪問しては新しいイラストを見るのを楽しみにしています。

January 12, 2006

I hope Wie makes the cut... I also hope she doesn't

Michelle Wie - BJ Wie

When I first sat down to write this post, my intentions were to announce that Michelle Wie would make the cut at this week's Sony Open. After all, she's a pro now ready to move on with her lifelong dream of playing at the top level of professional golf. She's stronger, she's working hard with swing guru David Leadbetter, and she's maturing by the day.

Then I read the transcript from Tuesday's media session...

"I would consider a successful week if, at the end of the week, I felt good about the week. I had a lot of fun and played as hard as I can."

"Playing with the guys has made me a better player. With that experience and knowledge, I think it will help me win women's events. That's my goal -- to win with the women's events."

"I am going to relax, have a good time, play my hardest and what happens, happens."

Hey Michelle, what happened to "I'm gonna play in the Masters"? What happened to "I'm gonna kick everyone's ass... including Tiger's"

O.K., she never said that last thing, but I'm concerned that Michelle's toned down attitude may be from the pressure she feels from becoming a pro with seven figure commitments and no turning back.

Maybe this is a media strategy (courtesy of Nike) to lessen the blow in case she fails miserably.

Or maybe this is a kid who wishes she could be a kid, but has a dad who wants her to be "more than she's ready to become".

Read the most telling part of yesterday's session below, and tell me that sounds like someone who wants to dedicate her life to playing pro golf. Guess what Michelle? Nike isn't paying you to hang out with your friends in the school cafeteria... even if that is what you'd like to be doing.

Q. Do you like school or are you looking forward to being done with school?

MICHELLE WIE: Part of me wants to play every week, but a big part of me wants to stay at school, be normal. That's very important to me and my family for me to go to school. I'm very grateful for that. I don't think I could be home-schooled. I'm not that kind of kid. If there were more days (in the year), I would love to play week after week after week, because that's what I love to do. But I love to go to school, sometimes, not when I have exams. That's a part of my life I can't live without it right now.

ATTENTION WIE FAMILY: If it was important for you that Michelle went to school... Why the heck did she turn pro? Golf has been around for thousands of years, it would have still been there after Michelle graduated from Stanford.

Because it would be such a great story, I will still root for Michelle to make the cut this week, but part of me says what may be best for her in the long run (as a person and as a golfer), would be for her to fail so badly that she never steps foot inside the ropes of a men's event ever again.

As always, Stay Tuned...

Read More: Interview with Michelle Wie [PGA Tour]

Big Wiesy Tries Again at Sony Open [The Sand Trap]

Wie Making Fitness a Priority [AP]

The Cut Looms Large for Wie [AP]

The Golf Channel gets lions share of tour coverage...

Particulars of the 2007 PGA Tour schedule have not yet been announced, but the tv agreements are set.

The biggest change in the TV landscape is The Golf Channel's long-term commitment to the tour which makes them the exclusive cable television home for the PGA Tour's official money events beginning in 2007. The exclusive deal is not only unprecedented in golf, but also will make the 24-hour golf network the Tour's biggest television partner.

Congratulations Golf Channel... now listen up... Get your act together! Improve your broadcast quality, announcers, graphics, and start broadcasting in High Definition before the start of next season.

For all the good you have done for the game of golf, it could be just as bad for golf if you get the lion's share of coverage and don't succeed in satisfying the golfing public and engaging the casual fans.

PGA Tour Finalizes Television Agreements [The Sand Trap]

January 10, 2006

Tiger Woods to reach 1 Billion in earnings by 2010?

Assuming Woods continues on the same earnings trajectory, Golf Digest projects that Woods will reach the $1 billion mark in career earnings by the end of 2010.

Golf Digest has done all the research and laid out every dollar made on the course and off. The article includes the top-50 money making golfers and top earners among each major sport. Good stuff!

It's amazing to think that a "golfer" (i.e. independant contractor) could break such a milestone.

Read: Golf's first Billion-Dollar Man [Golf Digest]

December 13, 2005

End of year golf lists have begun...

As the year comes to an end, get ready for an avalanche of year ending list and stories... BogeyLounge promises to only point out the ones worth reading. Like the one below...

Golf World writer John Hawkins shares a nice list of top 10 moments he'll remember from 2005. It's a nice read from an honest to goodness golf journalist.

In my opninon, any article that contains a story about Phil Mickelson at an In-and-Out burger is worth reading.

Read: Ten things I'll remember about the '05 golf season [ESPN.com]

December 8, 2005

Tiger Woods plays his last event... as a 20-something.

Tiger Woods turns 30 at the end of the month, making the Target World Challenge the final tournament in his 20s.

"Pretty impressive decade," David Toms said, shaking his head.

Read: Tiger Woods hoping 30s are prime time [Fox Sports]

December 2, 2005

Ai Miyazato leading at LPGA Qualifying Tournament

I really thought Japan's number one female athlete would rise up and take the U.S. by storm in 2005, and just when I was ready to give up on her showing up in '05, Ai Miyazato puts on an overwhelming performance at the LPGA Q-Tournament.

"Nothing changes," she said through a translator. "Paula won with 11-under (in 2004). I think with 2-under, I could probably get close to that number."

Miyazato's success could mean that the already heating up LPGA could see millions of new Japanese fans in 2006. Add to that a surging Creamer, Pressel, and Wie, and you've got a future that's looking bright for women's golf.

Read: Third Round Qualifying School Wrap-Up [LPGA.com]

See previous post on Miyazato:
Ai Miyazato to follow Wie lead... but in Japan
Japan's Tiger Woods is a 5 foot 2 teenager
Ai Miyazato: The next big "little" thing

December 1, 2005

Determination with a capital P... Pressel debuts as pro

Morgan Pressel

She may be coming in like a lamb (compared to the media frenzy brought on by Wie's arrival), but don't expect Morgan Pressel to stay in the shadows for long.

By the way, for those of you who care about gear matters, she's playing the FT-3 driver and has reportedly already signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Callaway.

"In her debut as a professional Wednesday, she generated a buzz at LPGA International with a 6-under-par 66, seizing a share of the first-round lead at the final stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament.

The Boca Raton phenom, with a small entourage of Callaway and IMG reps in tow, made a strong first statement as a pro on the Legends Course with a relentless assault on the flagsticks.

She isn't here just to claim one of 24 exempt spots onto the LPGA Tour next season.

She's here to win." - Sun-Sentinel.com

Read more: Pressel wows 'em in her pro debut [Sun-Sentinel.com]

November 10, 2005

Ai Miyazato to follow Wie lead... but in Japan

A few months ago, I wrote about 20-year-old Ai Miyazato, an up and coming Japanese golf superstar known as her country's Tiger Woods.

According to press reports, it now looks like tiny Ai is taking a page out of Michelle Wie's playbook and joining the men on the Japanese men's tour.

World Cup hero Ai Miyazato, who has revived women's golf in Japan as a spectator sport, may save the men's game as well by waging a rare battle of the sexes at home.

The 20 year old will become the first Japanese woman to compete on the country's premier men's golf tour at the Asia-Japan-Okinawa Open from December 15-18 on her native subtropical island of Okinawa.

"To be honest, I was taken by surprise when I was invited to play on the men's tour and I still feel a bit puzzled," said Miyazato, who partnered senior teammate Rui Kitada to victory in the inaugural World Cup over The Links at Fancourt in February. - The Star

Read: Ai! Supergirl Miyazato to take on the men [The Star]

Girl Power - Wie, Creamer, Gulbis, Pressel & more...

What do Michelle Wie, Louise Stahle, Brittany Lang, Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel, and Paula Creamer have in common?

All of them are young, super-talented rising stars in professional golf... All of them have a chance to be the next Annika... All of them have the style, looks, and moxie to become a sports marketing force (see Michelle Wie + Nike)... All of them are being looked at to save the LPGA (which I believe they are accomplishing)...

And all of them are featured in a piece this month in T&L Golf.

Read: Girl Power [T&L Golf]

September 8, 2005

U.S. players determined to have good chemistry

Nancy Lopez has spent a great deal of time working on chemistry in the makeup of her Solheim Cup team.

Perhaps she learned a lesson from last year's Ryder Cup performance. "It was sad because I didn't see that bonding of players (in the Ryder Cup)," Lopez said.

Truth be told, emotion and chemistry has a lot to do with how a team performs in an international competition. When golfers are playing for more than just themselves (which golfers rarely get to do), we tend to learn alot more about their fortitude and personality from that interaction.

When the heat rises and you've got others counting on you, you need to rely on more than just your golf talent, you need to have mental game as well.

Rookie of the year Paula Creamer, 19, quickly fueled the rivalry minutes into the U.S. team's introduction Aug. 28, saying the Europeans "better get ready, because they're going to get beat. I'm laying it down."

"We don't voice our opinions the way they do," Sweden's Annika Sorenstam said. "Hopefully, we can let our clubs do the talking."

Let the "cat fight" begin...

Read more: U.S. players determined to have good chemistry [USA Today]

August 24, 2005

In a betting mood?

What are the odds Michelle Wie will turn pro on October 11, 2005 (her 16th birthday)?

Just for fun, SI.com's Chris Lewis sets the odds for exotic golf proposition bets for late 2005 and early 2006.

Read: Setting the odds - Inside Golf [SI.com]

August 15, 2005

Phil Mickelson wins 2005 PGA Championship

No playoff, but a great finish saw Lefty win his second major in as many years.

From AP - Phil Mickelson got up and down for birdie from a buried greenside lie on the 72nd hole to claim a one-stroke victory at the 87th PGA Championship.

Last year's Masters champion went for the par-5 18th green in two -- even taking time before the shot to tap the plaque in the fairway that commemorates Jack Nicklaus' memorable shot from the 1980 U.S. Open -- but left the shot short and right of the green.

Tapping the Jack plaque was a very nice touch! Well done, Lefty!

Read: Mickelson wins second major title [AP via ESPN.com]

Already depressed that the 2005 Major season is over? For your daydreaming pleasure, here is a link to next years current Masters field.

August 14, 2005

Paula Creamer outlast Ai Miyazato for first win in Japan

Since there wasn't an LPGA event going on in the states this weekend, Paula Creamer had to travel to Japan to continue her string of golfing dominance.

Quickly emerging as a force in women's golf, American teenager Paula Creamer shot a 4-under 68 Sunday to hold off Ai Miyazato — Japan's most popular player — to win the NEC Karuizawa tournament.

Read more: U.S. teenager Creamer wins on Japanese LPGA Tour [USAtoday.com]

August 11, 2005

Arjun Atwal becomes first Indian to compete in PGA Championship

At 7:15am this morning, Arjun Atwal, Asia's 2003 Order of Merit winner, became the first player from India to compete in the PGA Championship as this year's final major tournament began.

Arjun and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, Asia's 2004 number one, join South Koreans Hur Suk-ho, Yang Yong-eun and Choi Kyung-ju and Japan's Toru Taniguchi, Shingo Katayama and Shigeki Maruyama in bidding for Asia's first major title.

If one of these men could find a way to the top of the leaderboard on Sunday, it would mean a lot for golf and the PGA Tour's worldwide growth.

Longshot picks to win at the PGA

Anyone can pick a winner when your making your selection from the top 10 list. SI.com's Scott Wraight's, however, gives us 9 picks from outside the top 50 that he thinks have a legit chance at lifting a trophy on Sunday.

So before you call in your friendly wagers, check out SI.com's - The Front Nine - for Longshot picks for the PGA Championship.

July 15, 2005

Wie Eliminated in Publinx Championship

The dream is over (for now) as Clay Ogden, 20, of West Point, Utah, eliminated 15-year-old Michelle Wie of Honolulu, Hawaii, 5 and 4. Wie, the first female to qualify for a USGA men’s championship, was hoping to fulfill her goal of winning the APL and get the likely Masters invitation that goes to the champion. The invitation is up to the discretion of Augusta National, but the APL winner has received an invitation since 1989.

Something tells me we'll see Wie-zee at the Masters before too long...

As always, Stay Tuned...

Read: Wie Eliminated By Ogden [USGA.com]

July 14, 2005

Give The Girl Some Room

Eric Mirlis at TheMirl.com writes that Michelle Wie's Publinx run will do more for her career development than any other event she has competed in... Check it out along with all of TheMirl.com's collection of writers.

Read: Give The Girl Some Room [TheMirl.com]

July 8, 2005

Golf may replace baseball at 2012 Olympics

Looks like the little white ball with stitches may be replaced by the even smaller ball with dimples for the 2012 Summer Games in London.

In a secret ballot, Baseball and softball became the first sports cut from the Olympics since water polo in 1936.

The IOC will consider replacing them with two sports from a waiting list of five sports: golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports.

Baseball has been vulnerable because it doesn't bring top Major League players to the Olympics. Softball has been in danger because of a perceived lack of global appeal and participation.

I guess the question is, will Michelle Wie be given the first ever Olympic exemption to be allowed to play in the men's category? After all, in 2012, she will have peaked (and maybe won a major or two - on the PGA tour).

Read more: Secret ballot eliminates baseball, softball [ESPN.com]

June 28, 2005

Masters Officials Lengthen Augusta National

This sure beats the goofy idea of having all players play a limited flight "Masters" ball during the game's greatest event. I know I sound like a broken record, but it doesn't take much to make today's courses more challenging. Plant a tree (or two), add a bunker, rework a green, grow some rough, but DON'T halt innovation...

[From the LA Times] For the second time in three years, Augusta National Golf Club is getting a makeover, with six holes being lengthened a total of 155 yards for the 2006 Masters.

Four par-four holes, including the first hole and No. 11, the beginning of Amen Corner, are getting stretched out. The par-three fourth hole is getting 30-35 yards longer, to 240 yards, and the par-five 15th is being stretched another 25-30 yards to 530 yards.

Read: Masters Officials Lengthen Augusta National [LAtimes.com]

June 22, 2005

Bogey Links Roundup: 2005 Women's U.S. Open

Young Players Poised to Pounce on LPGA Tour:
Paula Creamer is one of 18 teenagers in the 156-player field, which includes Wie, and 15-year-old amateur Esther Choe. The 18 teenagers is the most in recent U.S. Women’s Open history, topping last year’s 16, and the 14 in 2003. In addition to the 18 teenagers is Ai Miyazato, who turned 20 on Sunday.
[read: In the swing - Daily Times-Call]

Annika's game elevating along with her age
As she seeks her third major championship of 2005 this week at the U.S. Women's Open, Sorenstam already has won more titles in her 30s than any other player and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, while the LPGA roster seemingly gets younger with every passing week, Sorenstam never has been better - even at an age when many of the game's greatest female stars have seen their games begin to flatten.
[read: Sorenstam reigns at an age when competitors' games are flattening - MercuryNews.com]

Michelle Wie doesn't scare easily
"I think that the one characteristic that I have is .... I don't really listen to anyone, and that I believe really strongly in what I do and that I'm not really afraid of anything," she said. "I don't think, 'What if I play bad, what if I do this.' That's one of the things that helps me to overcome a lot of things."
[read: Teen star Wie big kid with high aspirations - The Clarion-Ledger]

Rarified air?
Sorenstam right now is having a better year than Tiger ever had, having won six of eight starts. Heck, that’s moving into Byron Nelson territory.
[read: Sorenslam? - The Golf Blogger]

Visit the Official Website

June 20, 2005

2005 U.S. Open Champion: Michael Campbell

Congrats to Michael Campbell for becoming golf's latest Major winner...

"I was sneaking in there," Campbell admitted. "All the media hype was on Goosie winning three times and back to back, and obviously, Jason, for playing so well and being the Cinderella story, and Tiger threatening and Vijay threatening, and there was just little old me, hanging in between some great players, the world’s best players.

"I snuck in there, and without anybody noticing, I won."

Read More:
An Interview With Michael Campbell [USOpen.com]

Michael Campbell wins the ‘05 US Open [Hooked On Golf]

Campbell's career highlights [TVNZ.co.nz]

Tiny golf club rocks with celebration [Stuff.co.nz]

Great boost for NZ golf [TVNZ.co.nz]

June 7, 2005

LPGA announces plans for a fantastic finish...

While the NCAA debates (and debates, and debates) a playoff system for their Div 1A football programs, the LPGA has stepped up with their latest announcement of a $1,000,000 playoff beginning next season.

From AP: Commissioner Ty Votaw on Tuesday unveiled the "LPGA Playoffs at The ADT," the first time a golf tour has had a year-end playoff system comparable to other sports.

The '06 season will be split into two parts, with players earning points toward making the 32-player field at the ADT Championship at Trump International, which previously served as a Tour Championship.

Fifteen players from each half of the season and two wild cards will advance to the LPGA Playoffs. After 54 holes of stroke play, the top two golfers will meet in an 18-hole showdown for $1 million (?810,000), nearly double the richest payoff in U.S. women's golf.

Things are looking up for the LPGA as they trump the PGA in making a progressive decision, while the men's side continues to contemplate schedule changes (and less events). The LPGA also unveiled its new marketing initiative — These Girls Rock (click for more info)— designed to promote the players' great performances and personalities.

As always, stay tuned...

Read more: LPGA to have $1M playoff beginning in 2006 [FoxSports.com]

June 1, 2005

Jack Nicklaus: "I should have said goodbye in '86"

Get ready for all the Jack stories this weekend. Will he retire from professional golf after St. Andrews? Will he return each year to play the Memorial (thus becoming what he never wanted to be: A Ceremonial Golfer)? What about the Champions Tour? Weekend golf?

According to this AP story, there is even doubt as to how much golf Jack will ever play once he retires from pro golf. Unlike Arnold Palmer, who still plays as often as possible, it seems that Jack doesn't even know what recreational golf is.

"The real script of going out would have been to say goodbye in '86 at Augusta," he said of his sixth victory in the Masters, and 18th pro major. "That's probably what I should have done. If I had any common sense, I would have said goodbye there."

May 31, 2005

2006 Ryder Cup Tickets: if you're lucky...

If you're planning on heading to the K Club next summer for the '06 Ryder Cup, here's your chance at tickets. I wonder if your chances are better of getting selected in the "computerized random lottery" if you have a European address? Take it easy, I'm just kidding...

Even, if you're not planning on attending, it may be worth your while to apply and then sell your tix on Ebay. I have a buddy who bought a new set of Ping irons last year with the profit he made by selling his tickets to last year's event (and he only had practice round tickets). Just think, if he had tickets to Saturday or Sunday's matches, he may have been able to buy some nice clubs ;)

The Official Ticket Site for The 36th Ryder Cup is now live. Ticket applications will be accepted on this site until midnight (GMT) on July 18th 2005 after which this site will close. Successful applicants will be determined through a computerised random lottery draw to take place in August 2005.

RYDER CUP LOTTERY APPLICATION

May 30, 2005

Monty qualifies for US Open; hurt by "cheater" allegations

Colin Montgomerie has qualified for next month's US Open at Pinehurst by the skin of his teeth.

A seven-foot birdie putt on the final green of the BMW Championship gave the Scot a round of 66 and share of 11th place at Wentworth.

His fate was not entirely in his own hands, but his Open berth was sealed by Kirk Triplett failing to finish second at the PGA Tour's St Jude Classic. That takes the Ryder Cup star back into the world's top 50 just in time. [BBC Sport]

May 4, 2005

Woosnam voices Ryder Cup concern

Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam fears he could face problems if leading European players continue to compete extensively in the United States, thus affecting their qualification for next year's Euro team.

Read More: Woosnam voices Ryder Cup concern [BBC Sport]

Visit the Official Site of the 2006 Ryder Cup

May 2, 2005

Wachovia Championship features deep field

The 2005 season rolls into full effect as eight of the world's top ten will be in Charlotte, North Carolina for this week's Wachovia Championship.

Check out the full field:
Wachovia Championship Commitment List

April 26, 2005

Michelle Wie in line for Open spot - yes the British Open

OK, she would have to win the John Deere Classic, but what if?... you never know.

As always, stay tuned...

Teenage American prodigy Michelle Wie could qualify for this year's British Open, even though women are barred from playing in the world's oldest championship.

Organisers said on Tuesday they were not opposed to the principle of women competing and that Wie would book her place in the field if she won the PGA Tour's John Deere in July.

"If Michelle Wie wins the John Deere Classic, she would qualify for the Open championship," Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) chief executive Peter Dawson told a news conference at St Andrews. [Reuters]

April 23, 2005

Vijay Singh enters Hall of Fame ... on technicality?

"On the heels of one of golf's finest single seasons, this is a richly deserved honour for Vijay and one he has dedicated his life to earning," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

"Adding World Golf Hall of Fame member to his resume assures his rightful spot among the game's elite."

Singh's spectacular 2004 season included nine victories and nearly $US11 million ($14.28 million AUS) in prize money.

The 42-year-old Fijian with 25 PGA Tour victories and three major championships becomes the youngest golfer to be elected on the PGA Tour/Champions Tour ballot – although he gained admission to the Hall on a technicality.

Under the rules, a player needs to receive 65 percent of the votes. Singh was named on 56 percent of the ballots. But the Hall, instead of sticking to its 65 percent rule, has qualifying language that states, "In the event no candidate receives 65%, the nominee receiving the most votes will be inducted, providing he is named on at least 50% of the ballots returned." [Fox Sports Australia]

Read more:
Vijay Enters Hall of Fame [Fox Sports]
Singh receives 56 percent of the HOF vote [ESPN.com]

April 19, 2005

CHINA SET FOR GOLF BOOM

[SportingLife.com] China's last emperor Pu Yi learned the game from his English tutor in the 1920s but it was not until the 1980s that economic planners began to see the game as a chance to attract foreign investment to China.

The first golf course built in post-revolutionary China was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in southern Guandong Province in 1984.

More than 4.5billion euros have been spent on China's courses since then, making the country the fifth largest golfing nation in the world in terms of green space.

There are 195 officially registered golf courses in 22 cities with a further 500-1,000 new courses under construction or near completion.

The potential is obvious, not just to the European Tour, but to club manufacturers, clothing suppliers and course designers.

Read more: CHINA SET FOR GOLF BOOM [SportingLife.com]

April 16, 2005

Dynasty Cup Update : Asia fights back for one point lead going into Sunday

SHENZHEN, South China -- The Asian team, one point behind Japan after the opening foursomes, came back in Saturday's fourball matches for an overall 6 1/2 to 5 1/2 lead in the golf Dynasty Cup (Asia's version of the Ryder Cup matches).

Hsieh Min-nan's side collected four out of six points to build the edge into the remaining 12 singles to be played on Sunday and the captain, eager to keep the trophy in Asia, was pleased to see the one point lead.

"We did well today. We could have been two points up but we certainly have shown that Asian players are of world standard. The singles will beinteresting," Hsieh said. [Xinhuanet]

LINKS:
Visa Dynasty Cup Official Website
Mission Hills Golf Course (180 Holes!)

Isao Aoki's Japan side started quick with a lop-sided opening showdown when Tomohiro Kondo and Takuya Taniguchi, who fired a sparkling seven birdies in 13 holes, crushed Boonchu Ruangkit and Prayad Marksaeng 6 and 5.

Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee and Mardan Mamat combined to launch the Asian fightback, winning the second match against Toru Suzuki and Tetsuji Hiratsuka 3 and 1.

Local heroes Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong maintained their 100 percent record in Asia's version of the Ryder Cup, claiming their fourth victory as a pair with a 2 and 1 over veterans Hideki Kase and Ryoken Kawagishi.

After debutante Amandeep Johl and his partner Thammanoon Srirot downed Katsumasa Miyamoto and Hiroyuki Fujita 3 and 2, Asia began to take the upper hand.

Asian rookies Angelo Que and Mo Joong-kyung held superstar rivals Shigeki Maruyama, ranked 24th in the world, and Keiichiro Fukabori to a half. Jyoti Randhawa and Thaworn Wiratchant then finished all square with Japan's Shingo Katayama and Takashi Kamiyama to seal the win.

The remaining 12 singles will be played on Sunday.

April 15, 2005

Heritage Day One: Lonard's 62 leads at Heritage

Peter Lonard flirted with a 59 and finished with a two-stroke lead after Thursday's opening round of the MCI Heritage Classic in Hilton Head, South Carolina on Thursday.

The 9-under 62 was one shot off the tournament record and brought some life to an event that doesn't include Masters champion Tiger Woods.

Britain's Darren Clarke birdied seven of his 13 opening holes to grab an early first round clubhouse lead.

Clarke, who finished tied for 17th at last week's U.S. Masters, got his first round off to a scorching start at the Harbour Town Golf Links but stuttered slightly coming home with bogeys on 14 and 16 to card a solid six-under 65.

Heritage Leaderboard [ESPN.com]

April 14, 2005

Asia's Ryder Cup Begins Friday : Japan led by Shigeki Maruyama

The Visa Dynasty Cup, the Ryder Cup style shootout between Asia and Japan, will be played at the worlds largest golf club, Mission Hills Golf Club, China, starting this Friday.

Asia pulled off a big shock with their 16 1/2 - 7 1/2 victory over Japan at the first Dynasty Cup 2 years ago which gave golf a huge boost in the region.

Stung by their defeat at the hands of a fired-up Asia side, Japan has bolstered their squad by bringing in US-based stars Shigeki Maruyama and Hidemichi Tanaka.

Founded in 1994 and located just 30 minutes from Hong Kong, Mission Hills is the Worlds No. 1 Golf Club as accredited by the Guinness World Records in 2004.

LINKS:
Visa Dynasty Cup Official Website
Mission Hills Golf Course (180 Holes!)
Day One Matchups
Maruyama In Victory Mood

April 13, 2005

Baltusrol vows to be more rough for Woods

Somewhere in a garage in Springfield, N.J., where grass clippings carpet the floor and the room freshener is the smell of fertilizer, a golf course superintendent is talking to the television as he watches the replays of the Masters highlights.

"Go ahead, Tiger Woods, enjoy your victory. But the day of reckoning is coming. In four months, you're going to be mine. Mine! Mine!" [The Star Ledger]

Read more: Baltusrol vows to be more rough for Woods [The Star Ledger]

"Tiger Factor" results in big TV showing...

Call it the Tiger Woods factor. In a two-day battle between Woods and Chris DeMarco that ended with Woods winning a one-hole playoff on Sunday, ratings for CBS's two-day coverage of the Masters golf tournament produced ratings up 24 percent from last year.

The two-day average in the metered markets earned an 8.3 rating, 17 share, up from a 6.7/16 last year. The final round on Sunday recorded a 10.3/21, up 41 percent from the final round last year.

The Sunday rating peaked during the conclusion of the final regular round through the playoff, reaching a 15.5/27 from 7:15-7:45 p.m. [MediaWeek]

April 9, 2005

End of a Golden Era?... Jack Nicklaus bids farewell...

I can't even begin to say that I can fully appreciate what Jack Nicklaus meant to the game of golf.

As a 34-year old, who fell in love with the game just four years ago, I unfortunately missed the golden era of the "Golden Bear". But, I do have some idea, and I'm sure a lot of you did experience his greatness... C'mon, SIX Masters Championships!

If this is truely your last competitive PGA round, we raise our glasses to you and bid a fond farewell...

"I don't think I'll play in the tournament again," Nicklaus said Saturday after shooting a 4-over 76 and missing the cut by five strokes.

"I think it's fine to go ahead and say goodbye and so forth and so on, but I think you say goodbye when you think you can still play a little bit. I think I can play a little bit, but I can't play well enough to be playing."

Read: Tearful Nicklaus Says Goodbye to Masters [ABCnews]

April 4, 2005

McCarron leads BellSouth Classic after two rounds

Phil Mickelson shot a 7-under 65 Sunday to move within a stroke of leader Scott McCarron in the rain-shortened 54-hole BellSouth Classic. Mickelson will drive to Augusta following Monday's final round.

McCarron, the 1997 and 2001 winner at the Tounament Players Club at Sugarloaf, shot his second straight 69 for a 6-under 138 total on the Greg Norman-designed course.

Read: McCarron leads BellSouth Classic [PGAtour.com]

April 2, 2005

BellSouth set for marathon Monday

Stars gunning for next week's Masters had their build-up further disrupted when the BellSouth Classic was washed out for the second day running. And they are now being asked to play 36 holes on Monday on one of the most demanding courses on the US Tour, just three days before 2005's first major.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson and past winners Ian Woosnam and Jose Maria Olazabal are among the 24 affected.

But England's Luke Donald, who is also Augusta-bound, withdrew on Thursday.

While Donald cited a shoulder injury, Americans Chris DiMarco and Steve Flesch withdrew without giving any reason.

Read: BellSouth set for marathon Monday [BBC Sport]

April 1, 2005

BellSouth pullout?

Over the last few weeks, the weather has wreaked havoc on tour players physical and mental states, so is it any wonder some would decide to pull out of what looks to be another much-delayed event this weekend. With the Masters coming up next week, who can blame them?

Luke Donald pulled out of the rain-delayed BellSouth Classic in Atlanta yesterday, citing tiredness after finishing joint runner-up in the Players Championship on Monday.

Donald, who makes his Masters debut next week, said: "Last week was a very long week and I was very tired. It was mental and physical having to play almost two rounds in one day in wet conditions and windy conditions."

Stay tuned...

March 29, 2005

The Tavistock Cup: My country club is better than yours...

For those of you who didn't get enough golf this past weekened (and yesterday), fear not, for there is more golf coverage coming your way today.

The Tavistock Cup, reduced to a one-day event because of the TPC's weather related delays, tees off today on The Golf Channel (Noon-5pm ET).

What is the Tavistock Cup?, you ask. Basically, let's just say its the Country Club Championship for the big boys. Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Annika Sorenstam will tee it up today for pride and a modest purse (although, one can imagine a good number of substantial side bets going on in an event like this.)

Cody from the Sand Trap has a nice preview posted: Tavistock Cup Preview

Also, more info is available at www.Tavistockcup.com

March 28, 2005

Fear the Turtle: Funk a winner at TPC

Former University of Maryland golf coach ('82-'88) Fred Funk won the biggest tournament of his life today by outlasting a charging field and cataclysmic wind conditions to win The 2005 Players Championship and the $1.4 million that comes with it.

"I can't believe it," Funk said, choking back tears. "I didn't fathom this happening."

He closed with a 1-under 71, then had to wait until Luke Donald missed a 20-foot birdie putt from just off the green before celebrating the seventh -- and by far the biggest -- victory of his career.

Funk, 48, became the oldest winner of The Players Championship with a final round that aged him even more, with conditions that were tougher than most majors because of 35 mph wind.

Read: Feelin' Funky [ESPN]

Editor's note - I went with the "Fear the Turtle" U of Maryland reference because I can only imagine all of the headlines that will incorporate the word "Funk" tonight and tomorrow... just for kicks, do me a favor and cut and paste any you see in the comments section below, I'd love to see just how many variations the media will come up with.

March 27, 2005

Oh so close: Monty cards career best 60!

Colin Montgomerie's career-best round of 60 at the Indonesian Open proved to be in vain as Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant won the title by five shots.

Montgomerie came within inches of a 59 but his 60 gave him an 18-under-par total of 262 including nine birdies in a row to share fourth place.

Montgomerie needed to win the tournament to return to the world's top 50 and automatically clinch a place at Augusta, but now he must rely on being invited.

See the story: Monty records career-best round [BBC Sport]

March 26, 2005

Play to resume Saturday morning with a clean slate...

The second round of THE PLAYERS Championship was re-started Saturday morning so all players can compete under lift, clean and place rules. Tee times reverted back to Friday's original tee times with a 7 a.m. ET start.

30 players had teed off Friday before inclement weather halted the competition after just 44 minutes. None of Friday's play will count. New hole placements on the first three holes on each side are being made before the second round begins.

Read More:
Heavy Rain Delays the Players Championship [Yahoo-AP]
LIFT, CLEAN, WORRY [Miami Herald]

March 24, 2005

Wie Just One Back at Nabisco

Rosie Jones carded a 3-under-par 69 on Thursday to join Karen Stupples and Mi Hyun Kim in the lead after the first round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Annika Sorenstam, who is seeking her fifth consecutive victory on the LPGA Tour, posted a 2-under-par 70 to share fourth place with Carin Koch, Juli Inkster and amateurs Michelle Wie and Morgan Pressel.

Ai Miyazato (who shot a 3-over par 75) is playing her first tournament in the United States this week, but the 19-year-old sensation probably feels like she's back in Japan given the large Japanese media crowd documenting her every move. She played in a threesome with Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis today.

With dad ill at home, Harrington unsure about Masters

World number six Padraig Harrington has said he may not play in the US Masters in two weeks' time.

The Irishman said he is only competing in the Players' Championship, which starts in Florida on Thursday, because his father wants to watch him on TV.

Harrington's father Paddy, 72, is in hospital having treatment for cancer. - BBC Sport

The Players Championship: Round One Leaders

Here's a quick recap of Today's First Round action:

Steve Jones' 64 gave him the lead after day-one of THE PLAYERS Championship. Fred Funk and Zach Johnson are one stroke behind.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Jones, Steve -8
2 Funk, Fred -7
2 Johnson, Zach -7
2 Westwood, Lee -7
5 Donald, Luke -6
5 Garcia, Sergio -6
5 Lewis, J.L. -6
FULL LEADERBOARD

ESPN - Jones 8-under after first round

Fab Four Era? Singh, Woods, Els, Mickelson

They've jockeyed on the money list and world rankings, creating rivalries and causing flashbacks to golf's Sans-A-Belt days of the 1970s, if not the game's storied battles of the '50s and '60s.

Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson — the Big Four, in order, according to this week's Official World Golf Ranking — meet for the second time this season in The Players Championship, the so-called fifth major that offers the PGA Tour's highest purse ($8 million) and largest winner's check ($1.44 million). - USA Today

Golf's new golden era? If the start to the '05 campaign is any indication, me thinks it possible...

Read more: Singh, Woods, Els, Mickelson create Fab Four era - USA Today

Masters Quest: Monty has steady start in Jakarta

Colin Montgomerie's late bid to qualify for the Masters got off to a steady start with a three-under-par 67 in the opening round of the Indonesian Open.

Second place may be good enough for Montgomerie, but a spot at Augusta would then hinge on results from The Players Championship in Sawgrass.

Read more: Monty has steady start in Jakarta - BBC Sport
Full Leaderboard - Europeantour.com

March 23, 2005

The Players Championship 2005: Link Roundup

TV Schedule
Thursday, 3/24 12-6pm ET ESPN
Friday, 3/25 12-6pm ET ESPN
Saturday, 3/26 2-6pm ET NBC
Sunday, 3/27 1:30-6:30pm ET NBC

Links
LEADERBOARD
TPC At-A-Glance
Thursday's Pairings
The Golf Channel's TPC Coverage

Latest Stories
SI.com - Ready to Rumble - "Big Four" tee it up at PLAYERS Championship

The Sand Trap's TPC Preview

MSNBC - How the TPC Sawgrass course helped boost golf

Goose flying under the radar at Players Championship

According to Golf Digest the hottest golfer to look out for this weekend is always-under-the-radar Retief Goosen, who has thre top-10s in his last three starts.

Also covered is the fact that Vijay's late round miscues may mean a return to some of his old haunts. Sure would explain missing a 2 1/2 foot putt.

See a complete Players Championship preview: GolfDigest.com

Tiger's driver checked for COR limit because of inquiry...

After finishing his pro-am round at the Bay Hill Invitational, Woods was headed for the parking lot when PGA Tour rules officials Mark Russell and Slugger White stopped him. Turns out a fellow player wanted Woods' driver tested to make sure it conformed to the rules.

"They said, 'We've had an inquiry,"' Woods said. "I said, 'No big deal."Woods gave the club to caddie Steve Williams, who took it to the tournament office to be tested. The limit for coefficient of restitution - otherwise known as springlike effect for those without a degree in physics - is 0.83. The results don't show a number, only whether the driver passed or failed.

"It wasn't even close," Woods said. "I'm well below the speed limit. The hotter it gets, the more I cut it. I can't control the ball if it's coming off the face that fast."

The PGA better be careful or congress will want to do a hearing regarding "hot" drivers...

See the complete story: On the PGA, you can tell, but don't ask - Fox Sports

Park Fit for Defense of Opening Major

South Korea's Grace Park declared herself fit to defend the Kraft Nabisco Championship, although she said her back was very sore after completing Wednesday's 18-hole Pro-am.

The 26-year-old pulled out of the final round of last week's LPGA tournament in Phoenix with a back muscle injury and had not hit a shot since Saturday.

"I started out okay but after about five holes I was hitting it 20-yards shorter than normal and then it was about 30-yards by the time I finished," Park said.

"On the back nine I was needing about two clubs more for every shot so my game's certainly not in perfect shape.

"My back is very sore and now I'm going to go and get some more treatment and, hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow," she added.

"I'm wearing a back brace to try and ease some of the pain and, whatever happens this week I'm going to take a five week break and try to get really well and fit."

The Kraft Nabisco Championship, the opening major of the women's season, begins Thursday.

Park won the title last year by one stroke from compatriot Aree Song. - Reuters

March 22, 2005

Talk about pressure: Monty needs win to get into Masters

Colin Montgomerie goes into the Indonesian Open in Jakarta this week with his eye firmly on first place.

A win would virtually make certain of a move into the top 50 and with that comes a place in the Masters in April.

Second place may be good enough, but a spot at Augusta would then hinge on results from The Players Championship in Sawgrass.

"A win anywhere in the world is good but winning the first ever Tour event in Jakarta would be great," he said.

"I feel, if I can get into the field, I have as good a chance as I have had in the last 20 years of winning the Masters," he added. - BBCsport.com

Ai Miyazato: Japan's Tiger Woods is a 5 foot 2 teenager...

Here's another story about 19-year old Japanese golf sensation Ai Miyazato as she prepares to make her debut on the LPGA tour.

Women's golf is more popular on television than men's golf in Japan, according to LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw.

"Ai Miyazato is responsible for that," he said. "She's certainly captured the imagination of Japan with her golf, much like Tiger Woods did in men's golf and Annika Sorenstam on our tour."

You can almost hear the drool coming from Ty Votaw... There's no doubt about how big this could be for the LPGA if Ai's Japanese following takes to the LPGA.

With the rise of teens Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer and now the arrival of what looks to be a true Asian superstar, the LPGA may be poised for a historic run.

Read the complete story: A Star in the Remaking - LATimes.com

March 21, 2005

Grace Park withdraws with bad back... could miss first major

Grace Park, who was tied for ninth after three rounds of the Safeway International, withdrew from Sunday's final round because of a bad back.

"She is day to day, but she expects to play next week," Tim McNulty, Park's agent, said.

Park is the defending champion of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the year's first major, which begins Thursday in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Read more at: Ailing back forces Park out - Arizona Republic

March 20, 2005

Vijay drops tournament, regains #1...

Kenny Perry lost a three-shot lead in three holes, but emerged the winner in the Bay Hill Invitational when Singh hit 7-iron off the rocks and into the water on the 18th hole to make double bogey, the second straight week he has blown a chance to win. (AP)

He may have regained the number one spot, but I doubt Vijay is very happy with himself right now.

See the recap: Singh blows chance to win, settles for consolation - ESPN.com

Sorenstam downs Ochoa in play-off

I'm watching the (recorded) Ochoa meltdown on The Golf Channel right now... Yes Annika came from behind with some nice late round play, but the door was left wide open by the young Ochoa.

See the recap: Sorenstam downs Ochoa in play-off - BBCSport.com

March 18, 2005

Rain Suspends Play at Bay Hill

Play was suspended around 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday and one plan had the players returning to Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge at 4:00 p.m. Unfortunately that plan was scrapped when the weather did not cooperate and now the first round will resume at 7:15 a.m. Friday morning. The second round is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m.

Read more from TheGolfChannel.com - Rain Suspends Play at Bay Hill

TV Coverage: Friday 3pm-6pm USA Network

March 17, 2005

Palmer won't compete in Par 3 Tournament

No practice rounds, no Par 3 tourney, not even an "official" starter... Arnold Palmer won't be playing any golf at Augusta this April.

"I'm not going to play in anything at Augusta this year," Palmer said Wednesday. "I'm going to say hello to my friends and do a couple functions that I would like to do, and then come back home."

Instead, he'll attend the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night and chairman Hootie Johnson's buffet on Wednesday, and spend time in between chatting with his legion of friends and fans.

I'm sure it will be real tough for him, but kudos to Arnie for knowing when to say when... The streak stops at 50 Masters appearances. Thank you, Mr. Palmer, for all the great memories...

Read the story: Palmer won't compete in Par 3 Tournament - ESPN.com

March 16, 2005

Ai Miyazato : The next big "little" thing

Sure there is a slew of young up-and-comers in the world of women's golf, but one seems ready "bring it on" and she's got an entire country behind her.

Waiting in the wings is 19-year-old Ai Miyazato, who is wildly popular in Japan. The 5-foot-2 pixie won her first title on the Japan LPGA as an amateur, then turned pro last year and won five more.

Last month, she finished 1 shot behind Karrie Webb in the ANZ Ladies Masters. She has received a sponsor exemption for next week's Kraft Nabisco.

"I think I'm pretty lucky to get one off her now because in a few years we'll be seeing her in the winner's circle more and more," Webb said after her victory.

Unlike the tall and powerful Hawaiian-born Wie, Miyazato is only 5-foot-2. She has become Japan's most popular player, and her TV ratings eclipsed those of Tiger Woods when the two played last year in Japan in separate tournaments during the same week.

Miyazato led Japan to victory at last month's inaugural Women's World Cup in South Africa. She won five times last season on the Japanese Tour, and is considering a switch to the LPGA Tour as early as 2006.

Here she comes...

Ernie Slips Back to America

The Golf Channel's George White writes that "Ernie is coming to join the party in America" ... Have the big three (Tiger, Phil & Vijay) been paying attention to Ernie's feats thus far? Or will he come crash an already rowdy party... time will tell.

"He played Seminole Monday and in the Bay Hill Pro-Am Tuesday – this after hopping his jet after the win in Qatar Sunday. He streaked first to his London home for a few hours sleep Sunday night, then awakened and caught the jet again for a quick hop over to the United States. He catches planes like most people catch taxis. Crossing an ocean or two is no more complicated than crossing the highway." - TheGolfChannel.com

Read the complete story: Ernie Slips Back to America - TheGolfChannel.com

IMG not trying to 'circumvent regulations'

Any attempt by the PGA Tour to eliminate Monday outings in which players receive a fee "seems like a restriction of players earning income" and would likely be opposed by top tour members, Mark Steinberg, managing director of golf in the United States for International Management Group, said Tuesday in an exclusive interview with Golf World.

Steinberg's remarks were the first by IMG since its proposed player price list for Monday outings was revealed by Golf World last week. - Golf World

Looks like IMG has more explaining to do. Some of the players listed on the "price list" aren't even IMG clients, and some IMG clients (like Ernie Els) didn't even know they were included in the menu.

Read the complete Ron Sirak story at:
IMG not trying to 'circumvent regulations'

No more McGregor Girls?

Aaron Baddeley, a hip-hop Aussie who has crafted a carefree bachelor image in a series of commercials for his equipment supplier, finds himself playing the most consistent golf of his PGA Tour career in 2005. Baddeley is 36th on the season money list ($423,302) and has placed 11th or better in his last three events. Baddeley, who will turn 24 on Thursday, credits the turnaround to stability found in his relationship with fiancée Richelle Robbins.

The couple will be married April 15, which means the guy whose nickname is "Badds" has made his last racy commercial with the MacGregor girls.

"I think so," Baddeley said. "For me, it's such a blessing ... it just blows you away. I didn't know you could care for someone or love someone like I love her."

Making wedding plans, said Baddeley, has been "a great diversion off golf" that has help him remain fresh mentally on the course. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Baddeley also hinted marriage could mean the end of the MacGregor Girls -- the threesome in the back of the ragtop convertible in his equipment ads, tossing their arms in the air and shouting ``Badds!''

March 13, 2005

Tiger Awakened

ESPN.com's Skip Bayless reports that Phil Mickelson is exactly what Tiger Woods needed to get him going...

As a final-twosome foe, Mickelson brings out the Tiger in Woods. Mickelson serves as his psychological steroids. And as a Ryder Cup partner, Mickelson brings out the scowling, club-throwing, bogey-making worst in Tiger. Mickelson is his Kryptonite. - ESPN.com

Read te story: TIGER AWAKENED - ESPN.com

Els wins again...

World number three Ernie Els completed a magnificent recovery to capture the Qatar Masters, his second successive title on the European Tour.

Els, who was in a share of 81st place after a first-round 73, was still five shots off the lead into the final day.

But a stunning 65 containing eight birdies set a 12-under clubhouse total that could not be matched.

Overnight leader Henrik Stenson birdied three of the last four holes, but his 71 left him a single shot adrift.

March 12, 2005

Hot putter puts Janzen in hunt

Seeking his first tournament title since 1998, Lee Janzen figures a new putting stroke gives him a shot.

The two-time U.S. Open champion shot an eight-under-par 64 yesterday and trailed leader Brett Wetterich by one shot after two rounds at the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Wetterich shot his second successive 66 for a 12-under total of 132.

Janzen has spent plenty of time on a leaderboard but endured a long putting slump.

"It got to the point where it ruined the rest of my game," he said. "I had no confidence in my putting.

Ballesteros to miss Augusta again

(BBC SPORT REPORTS) - Former Masters champion Seve Ballesteros will not compete at Augusta this year because of a knee injury.

The Spaniard had hoped to return to the Masters and the Open, the two majors he is eligible for as a previous champion, after being injured for both in 2004.

After recovering from severe arthritis in his back, Ballesteros began training but hurt his knee cartilage.

"Having reached the point where I felt satisfied with my progress, the injury made me give up the Masters," he said.

Ballesteros, who will be 48 during Masters week, won two Green Jackets at Augusta in 1980 and 1983, but missed the cut on 18-over at his last appearance there in 2003 after a second-round 85.

He added that he still hoped to compete this year in the Open at St Andrews, where he won one of his three Claret Jugs in 1984.

March 9, 2005

Masters field continues to take shape...

I know I posted this about a month ago, but I'm starting to get excited about the MAJORS ...

There are still a lot of players vying for a spot including some formidable talent from across the pond (see BBCSport.com's "Donald, Howell eye Masters debuts") in the likes of Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley.

Here is the updated (as of Feb23) players list for the 2005 Masters Tournament... It will be here before you know it.

Faldo backs Donald to win major

Luke Donald is the best hope of breaking Europe's poor run at the majors, insists Nick Faldo.

The last European to win a major was Paul Lawrie in 1999 but Faldo believes that Donald gives hope for the future.

"Of all the British talent out there right now, I feel Luke Donald is mentally the most complete," Faldo told Golf World magazine.

Editor's Note:
Currently Luke is #18 in the World Golf Rankings and plays the world's best brand of irons (o.k., so now you know BogeyMan's irons of choice)...

Read the rest of the story from BBCSport.com - Faldo backs Donald to win major

March 8, 2005

Nicklaus decries trend toward pure power

USA Today's Tom Spousta writes today that Jack Nicklaus (a bomber in is own era) is concerned by display of power shown over teh weekend...

From USA Today-

Jack Nicklaus seldom watches golf on television but sat riveted Sunday as the last few holes played out in Tiger Woods' victory over Phil Mickelson. The Golden Bear also was disturbed by the way players overpowered Doral Resort's Blue Monster, a course he considered one of the PGA Tour's most challenging in his prime.

"It's absurd," Nicklaus said. "It doesn't make any difference where you hit it anymore. You just hit it as far as you can. They're hitting it so close to the green, they can't put enough rough out there to make any difference."

Read the complete story -
Nicklaus decries trend toward pure power

A can of worms? or a Golden Opportunity?

One of the reasons last week's Ford Championship had such a strong field was because Ford paid a number of top pros an appearance fee for playing in pre-tournament pro-am events...

(see story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel):
Ford opens can of worms with `outing'

Now, in a letter obtained by Golf World, it looks like management firm IMG is offering similar "player packages" to other tours for the purpose of "enhancing the field" at their tournaments.

The tour, which learned of the letter from Golf World, said it "has a long history of rejecting the concept of paying players to appear in a particular tour event" and cited the following tour regulation:

"Neither players, nor other individuals acting on such players' behalf, shall solicit or accept any compensation, gratuity or other things of value offered for the purpose of guaranteeing their appearances at any PGA TOUR co-sponsored, approved or coordinated tournament."

The tour said it would "take very seriously any proposals" violating the regulation. "We will review this recent solicitation and take whatever steps we deem necessary," said tour spokesman Bob Combs.

Read: Quite an appearance (from Golf World)

I see this as a chance for golf to catch up to some of the other big sports in terms of consistent star power. I don't believe less events will do that (as Tiger has suggested), but I do think this might. After all, if sponsors want to spend more money to make sure their initial sponsor investment is protected, why should anyone care.

The elite players in the world deserve to make as much cake as their counterparts in other sports. And don't even talk about a bad precedent, as last week's evidence from Dubai showed, a big appearance check for Ernie Els did nothing to hurt his motivation to play top notch golf.

I have always liked the fact that golfers were different in that they played for their paychecks, but if it means more weekends like last week in Doral, I'm fine with the world's best cashing a check even before a ball is struck.

March 7, 2005

Jack devasted by the death of his grandson...

Jack Nicklaus planned on preparing for the Masters over the next few weeks, however, golf is the last thing on his mind after his family suffered the tragic loss of 17-month old Jake (Jack's grandson).

"As you can imagine, the last few days have been an overwhelmingly difficult and trying time for my entire family," Nicklaus said in his statement. "The loss of our precious, 17-month-old grandson Jake was devastating, and it is a loss that is impossible to put into words."

Nicklaus remains interested in playing in this year's British Open (in his final year of eligibility), where his son Steve (Jake's dad) will caddy for him.

As we've said before, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and his family".

Read More: ESPN.com - Nicklaus has 'zero plans' for golf

Tiger Woods gives caddie Ford GT prize

Looks like caddie Steve Williams (noted race car enthusiast), will be sporting around New Zealand in a new Ford GT, courtesy of his boss.

My boss once gave me a $50 gift card to Starbucks (so that it would speed the process up when I went to get him coffee.)

From the St. Pete Times: The Ford GT sports car Woods won for his victory is worth $140,000, but you won't see him driving it. Because Woods has an endorsement deal with Buick, he made a point all week to be careful about saying anything about Ford products. He did acknowledge afterward, however, that his caddie, Steve Williams , would be getting the keys to the car.

Tiger Woods gives caddie Ford GT prize (from AUTOBLOG)

March 6, 2005

NUMBER ONE ... Again!

Tiger Woods outlasted Phil Mickelson to win the 2005 Ford Championship at Doral, and take back the #1 spot in the World Golf Rankings...

Although it's early in the 2005 season, this "Super Sunday Showdown" was worthy of a halftime show even bigger than Janet Jackson... While there was no halftime entertainment, fireworks were present as Tiger slapped a 3-wood 295 yards to the back of the green on the par-5 12th (he would go on to eagle the hole).

Super Showdown: Woods v. Mickelson

The season has just begun and already golf lovers get to experience a "Super Bowl" type showdown... Tiger vs. Phil, and don't count out up-and-comer Zach Johnson who is 6 strokes off the lead...

Erik from the TheSandTrap.com has a nice pre-game summary... Check it Out...

March 5, 2005

LPGA's Hot Property - Jennifer Rosales

In the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated, rising LPGA star Jennifer Rosales sat down with Bill Kwon for a Q&A... Here is a sampling of the exchange.

She's got style, she's got flair, and she's got game... More players like Jennifer and the LPGA will certainly see a rise in interest among men and women alike.

From SI.com

SI: Describe yourself.

JR: I've always wanted to be different. Ask my mom. I've always wanted to stand out. I do a lot of crazy things. I love extreme sports. I love to snowboard. I surf, but not on the waves here in Hawaii. I skydive and bungee jump and do all kinds of other things that my mom thinks are crazy. I like to express myself. When I play well, I show it. When I play poorly, I show it. I am a very emotional player, and I'm not ashamed of it.

Sunday Showdown... Phil vs. Tiger at Doral

Phil Mickelson continued to bully the Blue Monster with a 6-under 66. Tiger Woods put on a dynamic charge Saturday in the Ford Championship, driving the green on the 347-yard 16th and making good on a birthday pledge to his father with a 9-under 63 that left him only two shots behind.

Blue Monster being tamed... Phil at -14 after 2 rounds

I just returned from a week-long business trip to the Miami area where you couldn't drive down the street or listen to the radio without seeing or hearing mention of the Ford Championship and the "Blue Monster" eating up the participants...

Billboards like "PHIL vs. THE MONSTER" foreshadowed high scores and difficult conditions... after two days, it looks like the "Blue Monster" is treating Phil and company quite tamely...

READ MORE: ESPN.com (AP) -
Mickelson leads by 2; Tiger, Vijay 5 back

Grandson of golfer Jack Nicklaus dies

I know this happened a few days ago, but I thought it would be appropriate to post it in case any of you hadn't heard.

Our prayers are with Jack and his family.

The 17-month-old grandson of Jack Nicklaus died Tuesday after falling into a hot tub where he had been playing earlier, officials said.

Jake Walter Nicklaus was pronounced dead at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center at about 6:30 p.m. local time, said Palm Beach County sheriff's spokesman Paul Miller.

READ THE COMPLETE STORY: From CBS.Sportsline.com - Grandson of golfer Jack Nicklaus dies after falling in hot tub

March 4, 2005

Phil, Tiger Quickly Out of the Gates

Day one is over at Doral and Phil continues his early season excellence...

Phil Mickelson, who has won two of his last three starts on the PGA Tour, fired an 8-under-par 64 on Thursday to share the lead after the first round of the Ford Championship at Doral. Jose Maria Olazabal, Brian Davis and Marco Dawson joined Mickelson atop the leaderboard at the Blue Course at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

March 3, 2005

Tiger wants fewer events on Tour...

Tiger Woods says the PGA Tour should consider cutting back its tournament schedule to get the game's best players at the same events more often.

"It would be more exciting for the fans, sponsors and TV and everybody if we did play more often together." Tiger Woods

A revamped PGA Tour schedule is under review, with commissioner Tim Finchem studying five models.

READ MORE: From BBC Sport - Woods wants fewer events on Tour

March 2, 2005

Woosnam to captain Ryder Cup team ... Faldo in '08

Welshman Ian Woosnam has been picked to lead the European team in their defence of the Ryder Cup in 2006.

In an unusual step, Nick Faldo has already been named in the role for 2008, when the event is in the USA.

The 14-strong committee met on Tuesday and asked Woosnam to lead the side at the K Club in Ireland in 2006.

READ MORE FROM:
BBC Sports - Woosnam to captain Ryder Cup team
The Golf Channel - Europe Names Next Two Ryder Cup Captains

February 26, 2005

Faldo given cold shoulder over Ryder Cup job

Looks like Ian Woosnam will be leading the charge for Europe in next year's Ryder Cup.

After expressing a strong desire to lead the Euros, it now looks like the 11-time Ryder Cup competitor will be watching from the broadcast booth.

From Telegraph.com by Andrew Both: COMPLETE STORY

"The 2006 captain will be announced next Wednesday in Dubai, when Faldo will be on business in Puerto Rico, en route to the following week's Honda Classic in Florida, all of which suggests that Ian Woosnam will get the nod.

"It's quite amazing that they've never called me in to sit with the committee and asked about my plans," Faldo said here at the Accenture Matchplay Championship, where he is commentating for American television."

February 25, 2005

Tiger & Vijay out at La Costa...

It's all wide open at the Accenture Match Play Championship as the number one and two seeds fell in match play action at La Costa.

Both Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh didn't drop enough putts as they both dropped their second round matches and left the door wide open for the likes of Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia...

Read all about it at ESPN.com: "Tiger's three-peat bid is over"

ESPN.com: UPDATED MATCH PLAY BRACKET

February 22, 2005

Brackets finalized for Accenture Match Play

The Accenture Match Play Championship will begin Wednesday, Feb. 23 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., USA.

The four brackets at the Accenture Match Play Championship are named in honor of Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Sam Snead.

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE BRACKETS... let the office pools begin ;)

Update: Also check out ESPN's web-based bracket

Scott Wins Nissan Open in Playoff

Adam Scott made a 4-foot par putt on the 18th hole Monday morning to beat Chad Campbell in a sudden-death playoff at the Nissan Open, the first PGA Tour event in nine years to be cut to 36 holes. Scott earned $864,000 and moved up to No. 7 in the world ranking, his highest ever.

February 20, 2005

Scott and Campbell Atop Soggy Nissan Open ...

Due to horrible weather, they've only finished the second round, so on Monday they'll tee it up and see if they can wrap up the 80th Nissan Open at Riviera.

As it stands right now Adam Scott and Chad Campbell stand atop the leaderboard at -9 (133) after two rounds. The players will return at 7:30am to see if the weather will cooperate. Currently the forecast is calling for rain all day Monday, which would put the PGA in a difficult position. PGA TOUR events must be at least 54 holes to be considered official.

"We're going to make every effort to play," PGA TOUR tournament director Mark Russell said. "We're going to come back in the morning, try to finish the third round and see how it goes from there."

Read: Nissan Open update from PGATOUR.com

TV UPDATE: Right now ESPN2 is scheduled to carry Monday's action from 11:45am to 1:30pm. With tomorrow being a holiday (President's Day), it would make sense if ESPN2 could clear more airtime than just under two hours.

February 19, 2005

Who will take on the men?

BBC Sport weighs up the repercussions for the game of golf if the R&A allows female competitors to qualify for the Open Championship.

READ: BBC Sports's -Who will take on the men? (By Caroline Short)

FYI... Below are last year's driving averages.

2004 LPGA Average Driving Distances (yards)
1. Sophie Gustafson 270.2
2. Wendy Doolan 269.2
3. Annika Sorenstam 268.2
4. Grace Park 267.9
5. Laura Davies 266.7

2004 PGA Average Driving Distances (yards)
1. Hank Kuehne 314.4
2. Scott Hend 312.6
3. John Daly 306.0
4. Mike Heinen 305.2
5. Chris Smith 304.0

February 17, 2005

2007 Headline? A Wie bit Historical, U.S. Teen Wins Open Championship

The R&A is considering removing the wording on the Open entry form that states eligibility is limited to 'any male professional or from a male amateur golfer whose playing handicap does not exceed scratch'.

Progress is a beautiful thing...

Read: Mirror.co.uk - BIRDIE TIME

February 16, 2005

2005 MASTERS TOURNAMENT INVITEES

Get ready, because it will be here before you know it.

Here is the updated list of the current 2005 Master's field as it currently stands. It's interesting to look at the bottom of the page and see the many different ways players are qualified.

PLANNING FOR THE MASTERS:
2005 Masters, April 4-10, 2005

From Masters.org- Early round coverage on USA Network will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 30 minutes longer each day than the previous 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. broadcast times. USA Network will replay early round telecasts from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Saturday's coverage on CBS will be 3:30 - 7:00 p.m., also 30 minutes longer at the day's conclusion. Sunday's time on CBS of 2:30 - 7:00 p.m. remains the same. All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

February 6, 2005

Lefty in the win column...

It didn't take long for Phil Mickelson to get it going in '05 with a convincing win at the FBR Open. Phil finished the event at 17-under-par 267 for his 24th career victory on the PGA Tour.

Read: TheGolfChannel.com - FBR OPEN Recap