Friday Fun: Bubba Shoots 58, Behind-The-Scenes Stories & More

On this final Friday of 2011 (or Saturday, depending on where you are in the world), I've decided to comment on a few stories that would likely fit into the "odds and ends" section of any news publication or sports blog. I'll do my best to make this style of article routine for each Friday in the future, with the obvious exceptions of major tournament weekends. The stories listed in this article are a few of my favorites from the week, so let's get this party started.

Bubba Shoots a 58 - According to numerous news sources, bloggers, and other golf media types, the word on the street is that Bubba Watson shot a 58 at his home course in Scottsdale, AZ yesterday during a practice round. Watson confirmed these reports as he tweeted a picture of his final putt and a signed golf ball recording the feat for his followers to see. Watson holds four course records at Estancia Club, each for the four different sets of tees. No word yet on whether he has ever played from the red tees, but don't put it past him.

Donald Voted Player of the Year by GWAA - Luke Donald's amazing year on the PGA and European Tours is beginning to collect award after award, including the POY designation by the Golf Writers Association of America. Others nominated for the award include the usual suspects for 2011: Keegan Bradley, Rory McIlroy, and Webb Simpson. I refuse to mask my pride and fandom for Luke during this time, because dammit, he deserves every good thing said or written about him. Keep it up, sir.

Arnie's Still Got It - While the events of the story actually took place prior to this week, I still felt it worth mention due to the awesomeness of Arnold Palmer. When asked by another reporter to describe his perfect day, Arnie stated that he was "in a dilemma right now" because apparently the golf ball wasn't doing what he wanted it to do. "I can do things that will allow me to hit the ball where I want to hit it, but not as far. But straight isn't the answer for me because I can't hit it far enough. At 82, am I going to put the effort into it that I have to for me to enjoy playing? It's very difficult." So after a few practice sessions at Bay Hill three weeks later, Arnie went out and recording his 20th hole-in-one using a 5-iron from 163 yards out at the Charger Course.

Feherty Vs Lopez - During the Pebble Beach National Pro-AM earlier this season, golf funnyman David Feherty was interviewing comedian George Lopez on the course. In his usual style, Lopez absolutely buried Feherty on national television, poking fun at David for his various trials and tribulations involving his biking accidents. Not to be outdone, the following morning Feherty woke up at dawn, drove over to Lopez's rental house for the week, and began ringing the doorbell over and over again. After no response after multiple tries, Feherty eventually called Lopez's cell phone and asked why the comedian wasn't answering the door. "That's because I'm at the house across the street," Lopez informed Feherty, who had unknowingly visited the wrong home. The owner of the house eventually answered the doorbells, and Lopez managed to capture a photo of Feherty with his tail between his legs from across the street.