Waggle Room: FanPosts

Ya Ni Tseng: Hotter Than Ai Miyazato?

2010-03-14T08:39:33Z

Ya Ni Tseng just won the Women's Australian Open and she did it in style, blowing by Hall of Famer Karrie Webb and soon-to-be-Hall of Famer Laura Davies over the last 6 holes and denying them the chance for their 2nd win on the LET's Down Under swing. In the last calendar year, she's earned 2 golds, 3 silvers, 2 bronzes (in the 1st 2 LPGA events of 2010), 11 top 5s, and 16 top 10s in her last 28 starts around the world. And as Tim Maitland recently pointed out, she weathered a big slump (by her standards) mid-way through it all. How hot has she been since pulling out of that mini-nosedive? Well, were it not for her T11 last week at the ANZ Ladies Masters, this win would have been her 10th-straight top 10. I wonder who'd win a team match, consisting of Tseng, Ai Miyazato, and Ji-Yai Shin against Lorena Ochoa, Suzann Pettersen, and Cristie Kerr? They'll all be going head to head (individually, of course) at La Costa pretty soon. Can't wait!

The Latest Contestant in the 'Tiger Woods Owes Me Something' is ...

2010-03-14T03:06:04Z

Gene Wojciechowski

In an article on ESPN.com, Woj, under the auspices of chiding Woods for hiring former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, goes to the same tired 'because you spectacularly failed in your personal life and you are not as popular as you once were, I can demand things from you I wouldn't have dared before Thanksgiving 2009' meme.

After listing a number of questions he would ask Woods (to his credit the first few pertain to the level of his relationship with Anthony Galea, a Canadian sports medicine specialist who is under investigation by federal authorities for possibly supplying athletes with performance-enhancing drugs), he drops my (sarcasm on) favorite line in the article (sarcasm off):

Woods owes us at least this much. More importantly, he owes us sincere, non-spin-control answers that come from the heart, not from the legal pad of Fleischer. He owes us something as basic as the truth.

Why does Woods owe anyone who isn't his family anything? He negotiates twelve foot putts, not health care legislation.

More importantly, who is the 'us' Woj speaks of? The general public? The media in general? ESPN.com correspondents? It appears Woj is using some of the spin-control he calls for Woods to abandon.

Bobby Jones, reporting from Pebble Beach

2010-03-13T22:47:59Z

After winning four times between 1924-1928, Bobby Jones lost to Johnny Goodman at the 1929 United States Amateur Championship. Jones wrote this article for the October, 1929 issue of the American Golfer. This article has been excerpted, with permission, from that publication. NOTE: Jones also found time after being eliminated to referee the match between Jimmy Johnson and George Voigt. Can you imagine a young amateur sticking around today after being beat?

LITTLE Johnny Goodman of Omaha fixed it up for me to see more of the Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach than I have ever before been in position to observe. I cannot say that my gratitude to Johnny is not tempered by some regret, but I found that being relegated to the gallery is not an entirely unpleasant experience especially when the later rounds of the championship prove as interesting as those staged by Messrs. Johnston, Willing, Ouimet, Voigt and others.

Photograph of Bobby Jones' first round loss at Pebble Beach, 1929

I think everyone connected with the tournament was immensely pleased when Jimmy Johnston won. Certainly it was impossible to hear a note of regret anywhere. There has never been in golf a finer sportsman or a more lovable chap than the new champion, and throughout the week he displayed a command of his shots and a courageous spirit which entirely deserved the honor which he eventually won.

Johnston has long been a topnotch player, an outstanding member of several Walker Cup teams and always prominent in National competitions, although until this year he had failed to win one.

The feature of the tournament from a competitive standpoint was the thirty-nine hole match which Johnston won from George Voigt. I had the good fortune to referee this match, and so saw every stroke. Both played very consistent and very good golf with rarely more than one hole and never more than two separating them at any time.

The thirty-eighth hole of this match showed us by what slender margins are championships won. Both players put together two fine wood shots to this par-five hole. Voigt lay just off the front edge of the green, while Johnston's ball was in the rough to the right, where he had to pitch over a bunker to reach the hole. Jimmy played his shot very well, but the ball slid ten or twelve feet past the hole. Voigt's chip left him scarcely more than six feet away. Both had courageously saved themselves from a good many serious difficulties and everyone in the crowd felt that there must come a break on this hole. Yet Jimmy holed his putt, the ball going in then almost coming out as it rolled around the edge. Voigt rapped his putt in, as confidently as onecould desire. There was a splendid exhibition of nerve on both sides, but it was a fearfully close call for Jimmy, where the decisive margin was very narrow.

The tournament and all things in connection with it were handled with impressive efficiency by the California Golf Association and the Bel Monte organization, as everyone knew it would be. The event was something of which California may long be proud. The galleries were unusually well behaved and conducted themselves as though they thoroughly appreciated the players problems. In this it was easy to see the effect of the amazing popular interest in golf on the Pacific Coast. It is always a delight to a golfer to play before a gallery of golfers who appreciate the fine points of the game, as those did.

Blind leading the Blind

2010-03-12T19:39:54Z

it's twoo, it's twoo...Newsmax posted that Fleischer has indeed been hired by Tiger to do the spin on his return...This is the same guy who did wonders for the college bowl game picture, advised the GB Packers on how to handle the dismissal of their quarterback, and advised a steroid druggie before a senate inquiry...boy, and we all know how well those all turned out...Oh, and not only that, but this is a joint venture with ...drum roll here...IMG....Tigers agents....wow, this just boggles the mind doesn't it? Now, supposedly it's reported that Arnie Palmer has let it out that Tiger will play at BayHill.....TADATATATATAAAAAA!!!!....stay tuned, this seems to be a work in progress...STUB

I Have Been Dishonest With Myself

2010-03-12T19:34:03Z

I made a promise to myself earlier this golf season. I swore up and down that no matter what, I would remain as interested in the PGA Tour as I ever was... with or without Tiger Woods.

The task seemed easy enough; stars were abundant on the Tour, including the likes of Anthony Kim, Sean O'Hair, Phil Mickelson, etc, etc. The game was bigger than any one man, anyway, so why couldn't I just continue watching golf and enjoying it as much as I ever did. I love this game, and just because the world's number one wasn't on the fairways wasn't going to keep me away.

Then one tournament came and went. Then another. And another. There went Torrey Pines. There went Phoenix. Wait, the World Match Play already happened??

I could stand behind my own personal lie no further. I had been dishonest with myself from the very start, and I had to come to terms with my mistake in order to move forward.

Simply put, the PGA Tour sucks without Tiger Woods.

By no means do I wish to put down any of the other professional athletes on Tour. These guys ARE good (or so the slogan says) and provide hours of impressive talent on courses that boggle the golfing mind. And frankly, it has been nice to actually watch live coverage of the tournament leader instead of on a tape delay because Jim Nantz was too busy talking about Tiger's shot on 2.

But who are we kidding here? The man is the greatest golfer we have seen in a generation, and love him or hate him, people will continue to watch whatever it is that Tiger does on a golf course. I'm pretty sure I would even watch if he was simply in attendance at Bay Hill. That excitement just isn't there anymore whn watching coverage of an event. There are no huge crowds following one group because of one guy... and if there is, it is because there isn't anyone else worth following.

Say what you may about this entire sex scandal. The fact is, he Tiger has basically done all he can do up to this point. He's apologized both publicly and privately, he's paid the consequences of his actions in terms of sponsorship and family, and has entered rehab in order to make sure this thing doesn't happen again. Time for this guy to get back on the course and start winning tournaments again so everyone can put this situation in the past.

Q&A with Ken Green: His Comeback Well Underway

2010-03-12T15:52:52Z

In June of 2009 Ken Green's life was turned upside down. While travelling to a Champions Tour event in his RV, the right front tire blew, causing the vehicle to veer down a steep embankment and hit a tree. The crash killed his brother, girlfriend, and precious dog, all who were travelling with Green. Green sustained multiple injuries from the crash, most notably having to have the lower portion of his right leg amputated. Seven months later, fate dealt Green another heartache when he was informed that his 21 year-old son Hunter, was found dead in his SMU dorm room from a cause that is still unknown. Throughout it all Ken Green has shown a determination and positive attitude that not many could muster if put in a similar situation. I recently had an opportunity to catch up with Ken on a range of topics including how he is able to stay so positive to his earlier "bad boy" reputation on Tour.

First, I'd like to offer my deepest sympathies for all the losses you’ve suffered in the past year. You’ve been through so much since June ‘09, more than most people go through in a lifetime. How do you keep such a positive attitude through it all?

Ken Green: I believe that the only way to move on without going insane is to keep a positive outlook on life. If you let the disaster get into your head you are just "as dead" as your loved ones. Cry but accept and cry some more and then move forward.

You’ve accomplished a lot in your career on the course. The 1989 Ryder Cup, 5 Tour victories, some great finishes in Majors. What are you most proud of?

Ken Green: My wins are clearly what I covet the most. The Ryder Cup was a thrill and an honor, but second. I also like the fact that I've won on four continents and had hole-in-ones on five continents.

You’re playing as Mike Reid’s partner at Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tournament at the end of April. Do you feel your game is close to where you’d like it to be for the event?

Ken Green: Mike Reid is an absolute angel for playing with me at The Legends, as my game will be about 70%. My hope is to be able to make a few birdies for him and tell him to grind hard Mr. Radar.

Physically, what’s been the biggest challenge for you now that you are back on the course?

Ken Green: The are two things thats are nightmares for me. Bunkers and the side hill lies are "ouch not again". The physical nerve pain drops you to the ground when it strikes. It is the most pain I have ever felt in my life. Sadly, it can last for up to two hours of serious intensity.

Your story has touched so many people and the entire golfing community seems to be behind you. Describe what that outpouring of support has meant to you. Was it at all surprising?

Ken Green: I have been astounded at the outpouring of love, support and generosity. Strangers, friends, and family have joined together to give me the oppurtunity to try and play professional golf again. Without them I would be in deep trouble as I had nothing to my name. They have shown me that with support your goals are acheiveable.

I know currently you have a dispute with the Champions Tour in regards to your major medical exemption. Is there anything new to report there that you could share?

Ken Green: As of right now there is nothing new to report on whether or not I receive the major medical exemption that I have asked for. I personally feel this is a no brainer and have only asked for what I had already earned. Only the Tour can answer that and certainly they will spin it so they don't look like they are doing anything wrong.

In regards to your reputation earlier on in your career as a bit of a “bad boy”, you were to somewhat of a lesser degree “John Daly” before John Daly. Do you regret any of those actions that may have led to that reputation? Most of those incidents, to me at least, seem to have all been in good fun and the PGA Tour being a little uptight.

Ken Green: I regret nothing that I have done in the past in regards to my actions. I never did anything with intent to hurt me or the game of golf. Somethings people may not have agreed with but I just simply enjoyed my life in golf, there is no better way to make a living. My "so called actions" today would not even being mentioned at all. The tour was simply not ready for me then, today they are.

Ken Green will be playing in the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tournament on the Champions Tour when it takes place from April 23-25. Look for Ken when it's televised then on The Golf Channel and CBS.

You can follow Ken's come back at his website: www.kengreenscomeback.com. I'll also be checking in with Ken from time to time to see how is progress is coming along.

For more posts and interviews check out: http://goodwalkspoiled.wordpress.com

Updated: Acushnet Sells Cobra to Puma Golf

2010-03-10T15:28:51Z

Acushnet just announced the sale of their Cobra brand to the Puma corporation. Fortune Brands, parent of Acushnet, issued a release about the sale. In the release, Wally Uihlein, CEO of Acushnet Company, said, “With the sale of Cobra, we have the opportunity to devote all of our resources to the global growth of our industry-leading Titleist and FootJoy brands."

Puma acquires "the Cobra brand, as well as related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts."

Cobra had been the technology forward division of Acushnet for a number of years, but their tour budget was slashed at the end of 2009 and had a scant line for 2010.

“Through the acquisition of Cobra Golf, we reinforce PUMA’s commitment to our sports performance business by strengthening our growing and successful Golf category,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and Chief Executive of Puma in a release.

“Cobra Golf has a history of innovative performance products fused with an edge and is therefore a perfect fit for PUMA. With Cobra Golf, PUMA will capitalize on the many opportunities in the golf category and upside potential ahead of us.”

Since Puma has acquired all rights to Cobra, including endorsement contracts, will we see Rickie Fowler with Cobra clubs in his bag any time soon? Perhaps Camilo Villegas will be wearing Puma? Could you imagine JB Holmes in those orange Puma pants?!

You can count on Puma doing whatever it takes to make it worth his while to switch.

Dispelling the Myths of Augusta, Georgia

2010-03-09T14:37:43Z

The Masters, is just about a month away. This time of the golf season is ridiculously exciting for me, especially when considering all that there is to offer in Augusta, GA during the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Locals become superstars for a week out of the year, welcoming golf fans from across the world to their home... sometimes literally, should a player need a rental for the week. However, despite what I would call a pretty decent knowledge of the history of the event, I am never ashamed to admit when I am shown a new side of Augusta that I never knew existed.

In his recent article published in GOLF Magazine, Joe Posnanski has done just that... and a pretty impressive job at that, if I might add. His topic? Addressing the lives and livelihood of the Augusta locals during Master's week while also dispelling a few myths surrounding one of the world's greatest courses.

In his article, Posnanski addresses what has (presumably) been a common misconception of golf writers while covering the week leading up to the tournament: the existence of a Piggly Wiggly across the street from the course:

So, as someone who lived in Augusta for three and a half years and has comeback to visit many times since, I'm required to break this bit of news to you: There is no Piggly Wiggly grocery store across the street from Augusta National. There has not been a Piggly Wiggly for at least 20 years, and I'm not even sure there was one before that.

Despite this rather inconvenient fact, every year someone will write a story about "The Real Augusta." And it's at least a 50-50 shot that they will write about the Piggly Wiggly across the street. Hey, I'm a sportswriter. I understand. Piggly Wiggly is a funny name for a grocery store. It's a funny detail to include in a story — ha, ha, right across from Amen Corner there's a Piggly Wiggly! But there isn't. There's no Piggly Wiggly there or, for that matter, anywhere else in Augusta.

Personally, I found this little tidbit completely interesting and hilarious. Why would golf writers fabricate a story detail surrounding Piggly Wiggly? Furthermore, what does that say about the quality of Piggly Wiggly? If I was a writer who made jest regarding this supermarket, I would keep my eyes open for red aprons.

Another common myth regarding Augusta National (one which I have actually heard myself) is that Washington Road, the street leading to the famous course, is lined with southern mansions, luxury, and exclusivity. As Posnanski also points out, this couldn't be further from the truth:

People always write about how Augusta National is on Washington Road, a tacky (always "tacky") four-lane street lined with chain stores, fast-food restaurants, a Hooters, various strip malls, and an IHOP and Waffle House barely two miles apart. We were always amazed by the amazement of the visiting writers. They were shocked — and seemingly offended — by Washington Road. Apparently their cities had no fast-food restaurants or strip malls.

This April, while millions of golf fans will be wondering if a certain disgraced golfer will be making an appearance on Augusta National's fairways (and I don't mean Greg Norman), these same fans may be missing out on the mystique of Augusta as a regular, everyday type of town that just so happens to host a historic golf tournament. The Georgian town is, in many ways, exactly like your hometown fifty-one weeks out of the year: people still get up to go to work every day while others search for employment; people break laws (albeit seldom) and pay fines on occasion; health care is a struggle for many without insurance; and yes, sometimes people like to go to Hooters for "wings".

Perhaps this is why The Masters holds such a special place in my golf fandom: the fact that for one week, a regular town flourishes into the golf mecca, only to eventually return to regular ol' Augusta the following Monday.

19 out of 20 Courses in Beijing Are Illegal

2010-03-08T15:45:08Z

According to a member of the law committee branch of China's parliament, only one golf course in twenty have been legally developed in Beijing.

Simply put, China has been hurting for land for the better half of a decade. Boasting the largest population on Earth, lawmakers in the country decided to pass a moratorium on golf course development in 2004 and again last year. Despite this decision, however, many rogue developers are still opening new courses every year illegally.

Just how many courses are in the mainland area surrounding major cities like Beijing and Shanghai? According to the China Golf Association (CGA), the number of courses on the mainland tops of at around 500, mainly clustered around the major cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The only golf course in Beijing that has been labeled as being legally developed is the Beijing International Golf Club, developed in 1986. Of the 19 that are not deemed "legal", perhaps the three most famous courses include Jack Nicklaus-designed Pine Valley, the Beijing Honghua and the CBD International. Professional golf events have even been played on these aforementioned courses, including the European Tour's China Open in recent years.

SARAZEN AND THE MAGIC RING - Did it help with the magic double eagle at the Masters in 1935?

2010-03-06T10:45:35Z

This article has been excerpted, with permission, from the September, 1935, issue of the American Golfer

By BOB DAVIS

LUCK pieces, hunches, signs, portents, yes even jinxes, all have their places in human psychology. Superstition has played an important role in history. It is difficult to imagine a normal person who is not in some measure affected by these things. Read on!

Last April while attending the golf tournament at Augusta where the cream of amateur and professional players gathered in competition, I ran into my old friend Gene Sarazen. (right, click to make image larger) We shoot hands, too warmly, I fear. At least Gene detached his mitt from mine exclaiming, "Are you wearing brass knuckles?"

"Sorry, Gene, but I forgot the heavy silver ring on my third finger."

"Who made it; some blacksmith?"

"A souvenir from Mexico. The maker passed from this life more than a century ago. Concerning its history, if you care to listen . . . ?"

Yes he would; so I let the tale unfold. Originally the silver band was worn by Benito Juarez, first president and liberator of Mexico, the man who opposed the right of France to set up a monarchy on Mexican soil for the enthronement of Maximilian, who was executed by a Republican firing squad in 1867. That was an end to the French desire. Mexico continued free and a Republic.

"Now the point that will interest you, Gene," I continued, "is that the father of the present Premier of Italy, land of your forebears, and the birthplace of Sarazen, Senior, named his firstborn Benito in honor of the Mexican patriot. Three years ago when I dined at your home in Pelham, your dad discussing Mussolini, told me how II Duce got his given name.

"In view of the fact that this ring, once the property of Benito Juarez, linked vicariously with Benito Mussolini, is now in my possession, convinces me that destiny has set the stage for a ceremony to be performed, in the surrender of this ring to your keeping, in the hope that it will bring you good luck in the four days' competition on the Augusta National Course. Therefore I place in your keeping, with all the influence for good that may obtain, this silver relic once the possession of Benito Juarez."

Following this brief recital I removed the ring from my finger and handed it to Sarazen. That he was impressed is putting it mildly. Although reserve is not Gene's strong point when speech is justified, on this occasion he hesitated. "I'll accept it for my father's sake," he said finally, "not to be worn during play; it is the wrong shape for comfort and would interfere with my stroke, but to be carried in my pocket. I won't attempt to express my thanks. You know how I feel. Perhaps. . . Well, let's see what happens tomorrow."

"Go with confidence down every fairway, Gene. You can't fail." I slapped him on the back as he walked away, fingering the luck piece.

"Honestly, did that piece of junk ever belong to Juarez?" asked Tow Dewart, who had heard my whole conversation with Sarazen.

"Absolutely not, it was made by a modern Mexican silversmith and presented to me by Major Arthur Hamilton Gibbs last December."

"Well, what's the big idea in loading your friend Sarazen up with the fake history?"

"An experiment in suggestion. It may work."

"Suppose it doesn't. What then?"

"If he wins the tournament, it won't make any difference. If he loses, I'll tell him the truth and he will probably find some other reason for his defeat."

"When you tell the truth," said Tom, "that will be something new. I'll be interested to watch developments."

Sarazen slugged his way through all opposition with scores that were hung up on the front page wherever newspapers are printed. Not in the history of American golf has a more consistent performance been staged by any individual. On the fourth day the custodian of the ring rubbed its bright silver and sunk a double eagle, dropped a ball in two on a 485-yard hole that called for five strokes on the card. A sensational performance that gave Sarazen a tie with Craig Wood whom he defeated by five strokes on the following day. The silver ring was parked during the whole course of the competition in the plus fours watch pocket of the sturdy Italian whose father is an admirer of Benito Mussolini, named after Benito Juarez. As an additional stimulus to confidence I sent Sarazen the following telegram from Sprucepine, North Carolina, through which I passed the next morning, when he paired with Hagen in the fourth round.

At Roanoke that night I heard the news of the great victory and suddenly became smitten with the consciousness that I had pulled a preposterous fake under pretext of experiment. But after a night's sleep and a soaring conviction that perhaps the suggestion of power implanted in Gene might in the light of results be forgiven, and perhaps even applauded.

By Gene himself the whole truth will be known when he reads this page. And that's soon enough. In the interval I wrote Major Gibbs to whom I confessed without reserve, not forgetting to put in the plea of extenuating circumstances. I should have known that a man of his timber, schooled in the ritual of sportsmanship, would react according to Hoyle.
"I commend your audacity," he sternly wrote, "and ratify the transfer of the silver circlet. At least the ring is now on the hand of one worthy to wear it. I'm bringing you a duplicate as a reward for constancy. Gibbs."

I have a strong hunch that Sarazen will win the American Open Championship honors as well as the British Open, not because of this silver ring, but because of his iron heart.

A note from the blogist: Gene Sarazen had won both the US Open and The Open Championship in 1932. Unfortunately, he did not win those majors in 1935, nor ever after.

xxx Golf Channel is copying the wrong sports network

2010-03-05T23:43:19Z

I'm sure that just about all of us have recognized how much xxx Golf Channel "borrows" from ESPN. Golf Channel versions of ESPN's Pardon the Interruption (PTI), Outside the Lines, and The Sports Reporters are more than a little obvious copies....even to a casual viewer.

Just on the surface, one might wonder how a Golf Channel copy of some fairly successful shows would be a bad thing, but I'm going to give it a go.

Over the years, ESPN talking heads have gotten more and more negative in the way they view the players, teams, and games they cover. The positive view of sports has been taken over by a superior attitude that prefers to point a finger of blame when a team loses or a player makes a mistake. Plays are broken down as if they occur in a vacuum, or the entire game is in the balance during this one play. Nothing is ever good enough - and no team should ever lose.

It's bad enough that the guys who never played the games take this attitude, but over the years, the guys who actually did strap on the gear have gotten the same way...sort of like golf's own Johnny Miller.

I don't mind seeing a play broken down to point out how or where things went wrong, but the attitude of so many takling heads comes across that the player did it on purpose. (sort of like Brandel Chamblee's determination that there was "no reason for" Ernie Els' pull hook into the water at 15. Gee Brandel - are you SURE he didn't just feel like dunking his ball in the lake ?)

The arrogance and negativity from these "experts" drives me nuts...and xxx Golf Channel has follwed ESPN like a puppy.

Enough of those guys - I'm thinking there is a better role model for xxx Golf Channel to follow...since it seems that they aren't interested in taking the lead on anything. They're already going back to the John Daly "reality" show well.

The better example in sports broadcasting, in my opinion, is the MLB Network. That's right - the baseball network. If you haven't tuned in, these guys have gone out to find a handful of former players and put them on shows with upbeat media types who actuall ENJOY the game.

I know - it's a groundbreaking idea, isn't it.

Tune in some night. You'll find positive discussion on teams and players from the eyes of players. What is good - what is lacking - what are they working on - can they get better - can they contend...and on and on and on. Add to that some great demonstrations on how the game is played, and drills that the pros work on. Names like Sean Casey, Barry Larkin, Al Leiter, Harold Reynolds, Jim Kaat all chime in. Then they add the journalist - Bob Costas, Tom Verducci, Peter Gammons.... They add up to fast paced, exciting, excited, and yes, FUN conversation on the game of baseball.

You can't tell me that xxx Golf Channel can't get rid of some of their dead weight and find some former players, or maybe a caddy, who are excited to talk about golf, but don't sound like they are a high school freshman asking out his first date. I like Frank Nobilo, but his delivery is more of a lullaby than a wake-up call. Put the Steve Sands and Todd Lewis in as anchors, since they decided that their best host, Vince Cellini, wasn't worth keeping around. Add Michal Breed, tell him he doesn't have to yell all the time, but if you need a caffeine boost, he's your man. Keep Faldo on speed dial - give the man a chance to pick up the pace a little - we've seen him do it.

Lose the Tilghman's and Walkers and Feinstein's, and Micellii's and definitely Hawkins'. You don't even need RIch Lerner...which sort of goes without saying.

Get active players on....spice it up and have their caddy with them. Do some demonstrations of what went right or wrong on some shots - show how the pros do it on the course and in practice. Show us that the players really AREN'T a bunch of psychobabble trained autobots who don't enjoy the game anymore. Laugh a little - it won't kill you.

There has to be a better way than these incredibly boring and negative shows we see day in and day out. Come on guys - MLB network is on Comcast - I know you can find it on your box...it's even in HD !

These girls rock!

2010-03-05T15:15:27Z

One week after the event and nothing about the LPGA HSBC Champions? We are all painfully aware of the trials and tribulations that the LPGA has been battling these past twelve months, so it was interesting to witness first hand how the girls are progressing. I was at the HSBC last Friday as a guest of the sponsor. Lucky me and it's true, it's not what you know, it's who you know!

The top 65 players on the LPGA tour teed it up on the beautiful Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore last week and the girls did themselves, their Tour and the game proud. Great golf was in abundance, but the best part - aside from the food and hospitality in the HSBC Pavillion, was the attitude and demeanor of the ladies that make up of the best of the LPGA Tour.

Smiles, ball tosses to the gallery, genuine thank you's after a good shot is acknowledged by the gallery, emotion after bad shots, but no histrionics, autographs and photo ops by all after the round and a bit of schmoozing with the sponsors guests before hitting the range or putting green post round. I was impressed and all who I have spoken to, have said the same thing, they will go to this event again next year and they are firm converts to the LPGA. The ladies game has much to offer, lets hope that the new management can and will capitalize on what is already a great product.

The boys could learn a thing or two from the girls - often the case!

These girls rock!

2010-03-05T15:15:11Z

The boys could learn a thing or two from the girls - often the case!

Speaking of Blair O'Neal

2010-03-05T14:53:38Z

A business associate of mine e-mailed me this "Lovely Photo" of Blair O'Neal & Co. attending a Super Bowl Party at the Playboy Mansion. This photo certainly paints a different side of Blair for sure. Now I do stay at a lot of hotels during the course of the golf season, but never in my life have I ever had a Bell Hop or Valet that even closely resembled her. Perhaps if the "Sawgrass Marriot" hired a few girls like her it may help them get out of their recent chapter 11 bankruptys filing. OOOOOOOOOOO LA LA

http://theradreport.com/playboy_party_blair_oneal

Let's Just Shut Up About Pace of Play on Tour

2010-03-05T12:11:23Z

Read the following sentences very slowly. Slow play can be fixed. Slow play can be fixed. Slow play will not be fixed. Slow play will not be fixed.

John Feinstein reported yesterday on The Golf Channel how many rounds were in excess of 5 1/2 hours. A few players mentioned to him they thought 'sports psychologists' were at least part of the problem. Some players are taught a long pre-shot routine and are also taught to back off the shot if they are not 100% ready to perfectly execute the shot. That's fine, but not 4 1/2 minutes worth of it.

Good piece, John, but the Tour is not listening. Everyone player on Tour, the caddies, the TV crew and every Tour official from Finchem on down know the offenders.

Obviously, the PGA Tour does not genuinely care. If they did, they would take 37 seconds and implement the following:

First time out of position on course - one stroke penalty

Second time - two strokes

Third time - two tournament penalty

Penalty would apply to everyone in group. There would be no appeal process and no instant replay.

For many decades, the solution was right in front of their face. They saw it. They just do not have the gumption to pull the trigger and implement it.

Something funny

2010-03-05T01:45:13Z

I wanted to share this. OK, so I was at a junior golf clinic this afternoon with my 6 year old and the instructor used Tiger Woods to make a point. "Don't worry about making mistakes, even Tiger Woods doesn't do everything right on the golf course" he says. Just then in perfect comedic timing, a little boy probably no more then 7 years old said " he doesn't do everything right in life either". The adults all busted out in laughter. Yea you probably had to be there, but trust me it was really quite funny.

THIS JUST IN......ELIN IS MOVING BACK IN WITH TIGER

2010-03-04T21:15:22Z

I just got a call from a friend over at Isleworth that has been told by a reliable source the above headline. No added details have been provided. I have known this friend for over 25 years and I doubt very much that he would waste his time calling me if it wasn't true. If it is I am sure it will be well broadcast sometime this evening. Most likely during the Honda Golf Tournament.

Tiger and Steve: The Odd Couple

2010-03-04T16:09:29Z

Perhaps one of the most famous caddies ever to work on the PGA Tour, Steve Williams has decided to make his opinion known regarding the recent events surrounding his Tour player boss Tiger Woods.

According to an article posted on PGA.com, Williams is more than a little upset regarding Tiger's sex scandal and is stating that he basically had no idea what was going on:

"It's been the most difficult time of my life, no two ways about it, because every single person believed that I should know or did know or had something to do with it," Williams said. "I knew nothing, that's my answer. I don't have to clarify or extend that answer, I knew nothing."

While I think there is about as much chance Williams knew nothing about Tiger's affairs as there is Steve winning the Masters, what I find to be more interesting is the way Tiger and his caddy discuss one another to the media.

Let us not forget that just a few months ago Tiger had the following to say regarding a few comments his looper had regarding Phil Mickelson:

"I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect," Woods said in a statement Monday. "It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with."

In no way am I trying to compare Tiger's extramarital affairs with Steve's name-calling, however the fact that both men decided to disclose his personal feelings regarding the other to the media takes me aback. I understand that people will want to know their opinions regarding the other individual, especially in the time of controversy or scandal, but we are all forgetting one particularly important factor at play: these two guys are supposed to be friends.

I don't know the relationship you may have with your closest friends, but if there is one thing I can count on is for any personal issues that come up, everyone keeps their mouth shut and handles it internally.

Williams has worked with Tiger for 11 years and has repeatedly referred to him as his "best friend", or at least "one of his closest friends". Heck, Williams is even the godfather of one of Tiger's children. Since when is it customary to discuss personal matters about your friend in such a way to the media?

Oh yeah, I forgot; sports personalities don't play by the same rules.

New Groove Rule - Much Ado About Nothing? Scores Say Yes

2010-03-04T15:27:11Z

Much has been made about the new groove rule in effect this year. Just when the story seems to be dying down more fuel gets added to the fire (see Hunter Mahan's win last week). From discussing it with some players as well as reading the numerous articles that have been done on it, playing with the new conforming grooves is very different. Especially around the greens and out of the rough. But looking at the all of the winning scores for the tournaments so far this year, they point to either not making much of a difference, or more likely, that the players have adjusted to them well...and very quickly.

Take a look at the table below which compares the winning scores from 2009 to 2010 for the first eight tournaments of the year (not including WGC Accenture Match Play).

Tournament	2010	2009
SBS Championship (formerly Mercedes-Benz)	-22 (Geoff Ogilvy)	-24 (Geoff Ogilvy)
Sony Open	-15 (Ryan Palmer)	-15 (Zach Johnson)
Bob Hope Classic	-30 (Bill Haas)	-33 (Pat Perez)
Farmers Insurance Open (formerly Buick Invitational)	-13 (Ben Crane)	-11 (Nick Watney)
Northern Trust Open	-16 (Steve Stricker)	-15 (Phil Mickelson)
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am	-16 (Dustin Johnson)	-15 (Dustin Johnson)
Mayakoba Classic	-15 (Cameron Beckman)	-13 (Mark Wilson)
Waste Management Open (formerly FBR Open)	-16 (Hunter Mahan)	-14 (Kenny Perry)

In some cases the winning scores were lower this year and in others slightly higher. So it appears to all even out in the wash. But in actuality 2010 scores best 2009 by -3! Personally I just think the players have really adjusted well to playing with the new conforming grooves. After all... "These guys are good".

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John Daly: A Walk Down Memory Lane

2010-03-03T15:33:57Z

Perhaps one of the most entertaining and controversial players on any professional tour, John Daly has proven to be the PGA's bad boy time, and time... and time again. Just how "bad" has Daly been over his career? Well, if you are in the mood for some light reading, his 456-page rap sheet would be a good start.
According to an article posted on USAToday.com, Daly's memoirs of badness reached the astonishing bulk (pun intended) after 18 years in professional golf. Starting in April of 1991 and ending in the Fall of 2008 (when Daly was suspended for six months), the document lists the following highlights:
- Five total suspensions for reasons ranging from not trying hard enough to aggrivated assault.
- Twenty-one citations for "not giving his best effort".
- Placed on PGA Tour probation six times.
- Ordered to attending counseling for drug and alcohol abuse seven times.
- Cited for behavior unbecoming of a professional eleven times.
- Nearly $100,000 in various fines.
- Evidence of trashing a hotel room in 1997 during the Players Championship.
- Reports of fighting with a 62-year old man at Firestone. Since the above has become public knowledge recently, Daly has also attempted to sue a columnist from the Florida Times-Union for libel. Needless to say, Daly did not win the lawsuit and the action was dismissed in March 2009.