ADT Skills Challenge

This was a very entertaining competition this year. Paula Creamer did really well and she got in a few good verbal shots at the guys. I did wonder about there being three former football players and only one baseball player in the event. But it was great fun to watch. It was good to see Peter Jacobsen back in action and I hope he does really well next year back on tour. I thought it was cute that Jason Gore got to pair up with one of his childhood heroes, Dan Marino.

Look What I Found!!

As the ADT Skills Challenge is currently on tv, I wanted to find out what is going on with Peter Jacobsen and his hip replacement surgery. So, I googled him first at Google News and didn't find anything. Then I switched to plain Google. There, I found something wonderful. Peter Jacobsen is a blogger! A part of the Blogger.com family at that. He seems to post every couple of months or so. Check out his blog:

Hit the Road, Jake

A Very Cute Anecdote

I found this really cute story on the Golf Channel's Website:

Most of the winners congregate on Maui to kick off the new campaign in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, then stick around the islands for the Sony Open on Oahu. This point was driven home to Steve Stricker by his 8-year-old daughter.

Bobbi was a toddler when Stricker last qualified for Kapalua in 2002, but the memories must have been lasting.

"She won a tournament at our club (in Wisconsin), it was either three holes or six holes," Stricker said toward the end of his season. "She comes home all excited and says, 'Daddy, I won, I won! We're going to Hawaii."'

Stricker had to break the news that he's the one who has to win for the trip to Hawaii. He did everything but that in a remarkable turnaround this year. Starting the season with limited status, able to play only four times the first four months of the year, Stricker rode a third-place finish in Houston and a tie for sixth in the U.S. Open to finish 36th on the money list.

He showed up at Tiger Woods' year-end tournament in California to play in the pro-am and prepare for 2007. After giving it some thought, Stricker decided to make his debut at the Sony Open.

"I'm going a week early to get ready," Stricker said, adding that Bobbi probably won't know the difference.

Strange Birthday Celebration

The Golf Channel is supposed to be celebrating Tiger's birthday all week long. But on Monday I saw Tiger get beat by David Howell and then the other day they showed that World Matchplay event where Mark O'Meara beat him. Gee, I don't think I want them celebrating my birthday. They would dig up that nightmare sophomore year of high school when I had to drop drivers education class because the teachers were spending too much time taking the cool kids out to drive and stopping at the post office to pick up their mail and swinging through the McDonalds drive through. I wasn't getting to drive any which meant my grades were going to suck.

Don't worry, I passed the driving test, even the parallel parking, and Knock on Wood, I've been a decent driver ever since. (If I brag too much, the driving gods will curse me).

A Christmas Present Courtesy of the Golf Channel

This morning I got up and watched David Howell beat Tiger Woods at last year's HSBC Champions. That was a really nice way to start the day.

A New Golf Forum

I received a very short email letting me know about this new golf forum/message board at www.gaulph.com. It looks like there's only been three posts so far. Check it out and offer some support to this guy.

New Website - Take a Listen

I received a pleasant email from the folks at www.usprotour.com. They tell me there's a podcast available which features a review of a different golf course or resort each week. Now, I have to suffer with a dial up connection, so I won't ever be able to listen to the podcast. But, in case you'd like to give it a try, click on the link up there where it says www.usprotour.com and check out their website.

Congratulations to Us!

Time Magazine has named folks like us bloggers as their Person of the Year. Whoohoo!!


From CNET News.Com:

"You were named Time magazine "Person of the Year" on Saturday for the explosive growth and influence of user-generated Internet content from such sources as blogs, video-sharing site YouTube and social-networking site MySpace.com.

"For seizing the reins of the global media, for founding and framing the new digital democracy, for working for nothing and beating the pros at their own game, Time's Person of the Year for 2006 is you," the magazine's Lev Grossman wrote."

South African Airways Open

Ernie Els finally won a tournament this year. He won this one over Trevor Immelman. Maybe now we won't be treated to fine displays of tantrums from the Big Easy.

From the European Tour Website:

Ernie Els ended a 12 month title drought at the South African Airways Open thanks to a brilliant final round of seven under par 65, which blew away the challenge of fellow South African Trevor Immelman at a blustery Humewood Golf Club.

Els, who last won at the Dunhill Championship a year ago following his return from knee surgery, finished on 24 under par 264, three clear of overnight leader Immelman and four ahead of Swede Patrik Sjöland.

In doing so the ‘Big Easy’ extended his record of winning at least one title on The European Tour International Schedule every calendar year since 2002. It was his 23rd European Tour title in all.

All of this was achieved with a superb display of attacking, but controlled golf on a blustery day in Port Elizabeth.

His 24 under par total was a record winning total for South Africa’s national open, surpassing the previous best of 21 under by Tony Johnstone in 1993 (Els was second on that occasion), while victory ensured that he has won at least once in the world every year since 1992.

"That's as good as I can play probably," Els said. "Under the circumstances I was chasing the first couple of holes and then I was in the lead and then I had to protect the lead and be aggressive. There were a lot of different emotions going on today. I view the South African Open like I do a Major, and that's how I played this week.

"I didn't know if I had much of a chance the way Trevor played yesterday evening, but I was on the range yesterday evening and I found something in my swing.

"I was glad to see a little bit of breeze because you had to more on your game to get birdies," added Els.

Immelman finished second after a slightly disappointing 71, although the 2006 US PGA Tour Rookie of the Year was at least able to keep a charging Sjöland at bay, the Swede ending on 20 under par after a 67.

South African Darren Fichardt carded a final round 68 to sneak into fourth place on 16 under, while first round leader Andrew Raitt of England managed to hold on to a share of fifth place with Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen.

The much-anticipated duel between Els and overnight leader Immelman failed to materialise after the latter struggled in the late-morning wind while Els was imperious.

Immelman started three shots ahead after a course record 63 in the third round, but when the wind picked up it seemed he didn’t have quite the same touch.

Els was quickly off the mark with birdies at the second and fifth holes to close the gap to one stroke before a crucial error by Immelman on the sixth allowed the World Number Eight to take the lead, and subsequently control of the tournament.

Els put his tee shot within four feet of the pin on the par three while Immelman’s effort caught a gust of wind that sent his ball right onto the lip of the green before rolling off into the bunker.

Immelman splashed out some eight feet past the hole and two-putted to make bogey. Els turned the screw with a birdie to move into the lead with a two shot swing on the hole.

Immelman birdied the 11th to move within one, but Els responded with a brace of birdies at the next two holes to take him three clear once again.

Three straight birdies between 14 and 16 sealed it as Els cruised home to a cheering crowd and Immelman never had a chance to catch him, despite birdies on 15 and 17.

Sjöland rattled off four birdies between 14 and 17 as he tried to capture second place, but was unsuccessful in the end. However, the Swede left South Africa delighted by his return to form following the loss of his card in 2005 and a subsequent break away from top flight golf that ended when he regained his card at The 2006 European Tour Qualifying School Final.

Around the Golfing World

From the European PGA Tour Website:

• Seve Honoured By PGA

15 Dec 2006

Seve Ballesteros receives the 2006 PGA Recognition Award ©Getty Images

Five-time Major champion Seve Ballesteros was guest of honour at the PGA Annual Luncheon at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, where he collected the PGA Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to golf.

The Spanish maestro, who recently delighted his legion of fans by announcing a return to competitive golf next year, has enjoyed a glittering career during which he captured three Open Championship and two Masters titles. The 49 year old also played a huge role in revitalising The Ryder Cup both as a player and captain.

Renowned for his shot-making and genius around the greens, Seve’s charisma and flair inevitably turned him into golf’s biggest attraction during the late 1970s, 80s and 90s.

In presenting the award, PGA Chief Executive Sandy Jones said: “The PGA is delighted to honour Seve with this award which recognises his outstanding contribution to golf since he first burst onto the scene at Royal Birkdale in 1976.

“We always recognise greatness but in life we get very few occasions to recognise genius and Seve is simply a golfing genius.

“Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s he lit up world golf with his charisma, skill and flair, winning millions of fans in the process and playing a significant part in making The European Tour what it is today.

“He’s also left a lasting impact on The Ryder Cup and richly deserves the acclaim and recognition he is receiving today.”

In addition to celebrating Ballesteros, the luncheon included an auction to raise important funds for the PGA Benevolent Fund and the British Heart Foundation.

• Casey Named The 2006 European Tour Golfer of the Year

12 Dec 2006

George O'Grady and Nick Faldo at The European Tour Golfer of the Year Luncheon ©Getty Images

England’s Paul Casey has been named The 2006 European Tour Golfer of the Year following a wonderful season in which he won three times on The European Tour International Schedule, played a key role in Europe’s record third successive Ryder Cup victory over the United States and came within €35,252 (£23,616) of capturing the Harry Vardon Trophy for the first time.

The 29 year old receives the accolade for the first time in his short professional career after earning the vote of a panel comprising the Association of Golf Writers (AGW), Television, Radio and The European Tour, who met at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London to discuss an outstanding list of contenders for the 2006 award. Among those also considered for the prestigious award were Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Johan Edfors, Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Robert Karlsson, Jeev Milkha Singh, Henrik Stenson and 2006 Ryder Cup Captain, Ian Woosnam.

Casey won the Volvo China Open, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and a cheque for £1 million after capturing the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth Club in the week prior to The Ryder Cup.

At The K Club, Casey was undefeated in four matches, winning twice and halving twice as Europe equalled their 18 ½ - 9 ½ margin of victory from 2004, when the Englishman also played a leading role as a rookie.

One of the highlights of the week in Ireland came in the Saturday afternoon foursomes with David Howell, when Casey became the first player in Ryder Cup history to close out a match with a hole in one. His 213 yard four iron secured a 5 and 4 win over Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson.

In the season-ending Volvo Masters, Casey was laid low by a virus which threatened his participation at Valderrama. However he showed great fortitude in playing on before missing out on the Order of Merit to Ireland’s Padraig Harrington.

Ultimately, Harrington ended the season with €2,489,336 (£1,667,618) with Casey on €2,454,084 (£1,644,002), Howell on €2,321,166 (£1,554,959) and Robert Karlsson €2,044,935 (£1,369,911).

Paul Casey ©2006 Getty Images

Casey said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named European Tour Golfer of the Year. To win three times during the 2006 season and play a part in Europe’s record breaking third successive Ryder Cup victory before finishing runner-up to Padraig in the Order of Merit was extremely satisfying, although it goes without saying that I was bitterly disappointed to miss out on the Harry Vardon Trophy.

“The race for the Number One position with Padraig, David Howell and Robert Karlsson was truly exceptional and, I believe, fired the imagination of the golfing public in Europe. It didn’t help that I was ill during the Volvo Masters but these things happen in sport. It was a tremendous tussle with my three Ryder Cup team mates and their determination to succeed also helped spur me on at the end of the season.

“Many great golfers have won The European Tour Golfer of the Year Accolade and it gives me a great feeling of pride to join that illustrious roll of honour.”

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, commented: “Two of the highlights of a superb season on The European Tour were The Ryder Cup at The K Club and the Volvo Masters at Valderrama and Paul played a significant role in both events.

“After helping Europe defeat the United States for the third time in succession – and who can forget that hole in one? - he then showed a great desire to win the Order of Merit. The race for the Vardon Trophy, which came down to the wire at Valderrama, was thrilling to watch and Paul never gave up despite his illness. He is an outstanding role model in our sport and a deserving Golfer of the Year.”

Europe’s 2008 Ryder Cup Captain, Nick Faldo, Guest of Honour at The European Tour Golfer of the Year Award Luncheon at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, said: “It was a very gutsy turnaround by Paul this season after a disappointing 2005 by his own high standards. He was outstanding in The Ryder Cup and his hole-in-one at The K Club was the shot of the year in my book.

“His performances during the season will set him up nicely for the big challenges ahead in 2007.”

John Hopkins, Golf Correspondent at The Times and Chairman of the AGW, said: “Darren took his courage in both hands at The Ryder Cup and Padraig finished the season strongly to win the Order of Merit, but Paul Casey left his stamp on the year by the weight of his achievements. His golf made a great statement throughout the world.”

The Golfer of the Month Award is presented to a European Tour Member each month from January to November for his performance on The European Tour International Schedule and in worldwide competition.

Award winners in 2006 were Henrik Stenson of Sweden (January), South African Charl Schwartzel (February), Jean Van de Velde of France (March), Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (April), England’s David Howell (May), John Bickerton of England (June), Robert Karlsson of Sweden (July), Alejandro Cañizares of Spain (August), Paul Casey of England (September), Padraig Harrington of Ireland (October) and Jeev Milkha Singh of India (November).

• Clarke and Westwood to Star in Qatar

13 Dec 2006

Darren Clarke (L) and Lee Westwood ©2006 Getty Images

European Ryder Cup heroes Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood have confirmed they will compete for the richest prize fund in the history of the Commercial bank Qatar Masters next month, and a top prize of US$366,660.

Clarke and Westwood will join their Ryder Cup team mate Sergio Garcia and World Number Five Retief Goosen at the US$2.2 million event, to be played at Doha Golf Club from January 25-28, 2007.

Commercial bank of Qatar CEO Andrew Stevens said: “I’m delighted to announce that the tenth anniversary of the Qatar Masters will offer record prize money of US$2.2 million as well as the strongest line-up in the history of the tournament.

“In association with the Qatar Golf Association, we believe we have attracted a field that will take the Commercial bank Qatar Masters to the next level.”

Clarke and Westwood can be sure of a fantastic reception from Qatar’s golfing public after both starred in Europe’s magnificent win over the USA at The K Club after occupying both of Ian Woosnam’s Captain’s Picks with distinction.

The Ryder Cup, for Clarke, was a well documented, emotional roller coaster following the death of his wife just weeks earlier, but he performed with courage and a sense of dignity that made The 2006 Ryder Cup one of the most memorable sporting events in recent ye.

“It certainly helped having Lee at my side because he’s always been like a brother to me,” said Clarke, who took maximum three points from his three outings, two of those in the company of Westwood during the Fourball Matches.

“I felt sorry for Lee at the Ryder Cup because so much media attention was focused on me. But he won four points out of five and played fantastically well.”

Clarke became the first European to win one of the World Golf Championships (WGC) events, capturing the US$1 million first prize at the WGC - World Match Play Championship in 2000, defeating Tiger Woods in the final. Three years ago, the 38-year-old became only the second man after Woods to win two WGC events with victory in the WGC-NEC Invitational – a win that helped him to second place in The European Tour Order of Merit.

Westwood has won 16 times on The European Tour and was Order of Merit winner in 2000.

“Darren and Lee are two of the best European players of the past 25 years,” said Commercial bank Qatar Masters Tournament Manager Chris Myers.

“With Ryder Cup stars like Sergio, Darren and Lee joining Retief Goosen in the line up and many more to come, I have no doubt the 2007 Commercial bank Qatar Masters will be the biggest and best in the tournament’s history.”

Target World Challenge

So, far I haven't seen much of the golf so I can't really comment on that. But I can say this: You'd think with only 16 players in the field, the Golf Channel could at least show parts of every player's rounds. There are some players in the field this week that we haven't seen anything of on the Golf Channel's coverage. I don't believe the network is called the Tiger Channel so maybe they should think about showing some of the other competitors in the field.

That all being said ............... Go Henrik and Geoff!

Golf Wrap-up

Final notes on the Alfred Dunhill Championship: Jaco Van Zyl finished T17 at -4 and Jesusmaria Arruti and Rafael Cabrera Bello of Spain finished T25 at -2.

Australian PGA: Nick O'Hern won after a 4 hole playoff with Peter Lonard. This is O'Hern's first win since 1999 and it also secured his place at the top of the Australian Order of Merit for the year.

WGC World Cup: Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem won in a playoff with Scotland's Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren. The winners won $700,000 each. Langer had his son caddying for him this week - I wonder if he will get the standard 10%. They showed some of the Spanish team on the tv coverage today - Gonzalo Fernandez Castano and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Spaniard Watch: Alvaro Quiros Wins!!!

From: Eurosport.com

Unheralded Spaniard Alvaro Quiros came roaring from behind to win the Dunhill Championship by one stroke at Leopard Creek on Sunday.

Quiros, playing just his fourth European Tour event, shot a five-under-par 67 to pip overnight leader Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, who deposited his second shot on the par-five 18th into the water surrounding the notorious green.

Britons Lee Westwood and Mark Pilkington, who were tied for second two strokes behind at the start of the final round, both endured frustrating days.

Westwood finished third on nine under par, four behind Quiros, after a one-over-par 73, while Pilkington shot a 75 to finish tied for seventh, his round destroyed by three successive double bogeys between the seventh and ninth holes.

The 23-year-old Quiros shot 74 in the first round but then tore up the course with rounds of 66, 68 and 67 to finish on 13-under-par 275 overall, having started the final round in fifth place, four strokes behind.

Who is Alfred Dunhill?

Courtesy of Wikipedia:

Alfred Dunhill, Ltd. is a British-based company, specializing in leather goods, writing implements, timepieces, fragrances and clothing. The business was developed by Alfred Dunhill after he inherited his father's saddlery business on London's Euston Road. Dunhill, responding to the growing demand for automobiles, developed a line of accessories called "Dunhill's Motorities". This first collection included car horns and lamps, leather overcoats, goggles, picnic sets and timepieces. Dunhill pitched the company under the slogan “Everything but the Motor”.

In 1967 Carreras acquired a 51% stake in the company. The company is currently owned by Richemont.

Alfred Dunhill Championship

I got to watch some of this today too. There are a few new spaniards to watch this year: Alvaro Quiros who is currently tied for 5th and Rafael Cabrera Bello who is tied for 31st after a bad third round. And then there's Juan Parron and Jesusmaria Arruti to watch as well. Lee Westwood is in a good position to challenge for the win tomorrow and Charl Schwartzel is leading. Jaco Van Zyl, who made it through Q School last week, is currently tied for 20th.

There seems to be a lot of things named after Alfred Dunhill. I need to find out who this guy is.

WGC World Cup Round 3

I got a chance to watch this today. It was very good with a lot of good players in the field. It's hard to choose who I want to win. I'd love to see Cabrera and Romero win, but then there's Stenson and Petterson who are playing so well. Tomorrow should be really good.

WGC World Cup

I've been reading some headlines on google-news about this event and how some people think that the absence of the big stars hurts the event. Well, we know what happens when we send the top 3 Americans to a team event - Can you say Ryder Cup Thumpin'? From a competitive aspect, I think it's good that players other than the biggest names in the sport participate. It helps promote national pride within the countries these players represent and it makes golf seem like a more inclusive sport, rather than an exclusive one. What I think does hurt events like this is the media's and sponsors' heavy dependence on the big names. They are shooting themselves in the foot by putting all their eggs in one basket. They need to focus more on promoting the event instead of a particular player.

Q-School

I watched the final hour or two yesterday. I wish they would post human interest stories about each of the players who got their cards yesterday so I will be able to find some to support next year. One general observation - everyone looked like they hadn't slept in weeks when they were being interviewed. I don't think any of them had enough energy to step for joy, let alone jump for it. I did pick 5 players to keep an eye on next year: Michael Boyd, who shed some tears when he spoke of his father's passing and the family paint store, George McNeill who was the medalist, Jaco Van Zyl, Anders Hansen and Paul Stankowski.

This Weekend in Golf

I haven't been watching it much this weekend. I saw a little of everything though. Jose Maria and Sergio played in South Africa. I read that Sergio was fined for throwing a club. Along with Ernie Els who threw clubs more than once. One thing I've had a problem with is the names and scores in the corners of the screen. I swear they were small and not very bolded during the New Zealand and the South Africa events. Good thing I can check out the scores online.

Skins Game

Stephen Ames won the Skins Game this year, with Fred Couples coming in second, followed by John Daly and then Fred Funk. As usual, it was very entertaining and very exciting as it came down to a playoff. I hope Fred Couples comes back in 2007. It just wouldn't be the Skins Game without him.

Justin Rose Wins!!!

Courtesy: European PGA Tour Website

Justin Rose ©2006 Getty Images

(Reuters) – Justin Rose claimed his first European Tour title in over four years with a two shot triumph in the MasterCard Masters at Huntingdale Golf Club in Melbourne. The Englishman claimed the €170,353 (£115,359) first prize to move to fifth on the Order of Merit and 51st on the Official World Golf Ranking.

The 26 year old broke a drought which dated back to the 2002 Victor Chandler British Masters by posting a final round 73 to finish on 12 under-par 276, two ahead of fellow European Tour Member Richard Green and Green’s fellow Australian Greg Chalmers in the event co-sanctioned with the Australasian Tour.

“I cannot believe it's been four years,” said Rose, who became the first overseas winner of the title since Scotland's Colin Montgomerie in 2001 in this, the first year the tournament has featured fully on The European Tour International Schedule.

“It has been a big week confidence wise for me. I've had a few close calls this season but to win a tournament like this is great for my confidence,” added Rose who became the first sponsor’s invite to win since Craig Stadler lifted the Johnnie Walker Classic in February.

Green and Chalmers finished on ten under par 278, one ahead of 21 year old Australian amateur Aaron Pike, who equalled the course record in the first round with 64 and who led at the halfway stage before eventually running out of steam.

Rose, who went into the final round with a two shot lead, reached the sixth quietly at one under for the day before apparent disaster struck at the long seventh in the shape of a triple bogey eight.

His tee shot found the sand and his second squirted off the face of the trap into an unplayable lie in the bushes. He chipped out before finding the back of the green and three-putting.

However, the Englishman showed great resilience to shake off the disappointment straight away with a birdie at the eighth before reaching the turn in one over par 37.

He was joined in the lead at 11 under par by Pike when the burly Australian holed his bunker shot for eagle three at the par five 14th, but crucial birdies at the 14th and 16th gave Rose breathing space.

He took an iron for safety at the 18th but found trouble on the right, but a brilliant recovery allowed Rose to par and secure his third European Tour title.

Green, the 2004 champion, had surged through the pack as the gusting wind and quickening greens made life difficult on the course in Melbourne's southern suburbs.

He fired a rare bogey-free 69 to set the clubhouse target as Rose and Pike battled for the advantage. Pike's eagle at the 14th brought him back into contention momentarily but he finished bogey-bogey, the latter after his 50-foot putt for birdie trickled into a greenside bunker.

Chalmers would have got closer to Rose but for his own nightmare at the par-four ninth, when he five putted -- four from less than six feet -- for triple bogey seven.

© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.
Official On-Line Services Provider of the European Tour.

Peter Lonard Website

I found out today while watching the Mastercard Masters coverage that Peter Lonard has his own website. Check it out by clicking here.

Mastercard Masters Round 3

Justin Rose continues to do well, as does Aaron Pike, the amateur. The final round should be pretty good. Tomorrow morning, I'll get up at 5:30am, like I do when I have to let the dogs out, and then check the final results online. I like it when they play on the other side of the world and I get to find out if I want to watch the coverage or not by looking at the results.

Website

There have been a couple of comments posted that include a link to a website called Thailand Golf. So, since someone took the time to post comments, I thought I would post the link to the website. Take a look by clicking here.

Gobble Gobble

Today was a good Turkey Day. I cooked and Mom and Dad came to my house. The dogs were very happy to see mom as she never comes here. After dinner, I was pleasantly surprised to see last year's Skins Game on ESPN Classic. So, I watched that and took a nap with the dogs. I'm still stuffed though. Tonight looks to be a good night for tv. At least starting at 9pm with the Shell's Wonderful World of Golf episode with Fred Couples and John Daly. And an extra plus: It's nice and warm and sunny here in WV. I love it.

Tomorrow I plan to be one of the stupid people who are out at 4am to get in line at Walmart for the Black Friday sale. They have 600 threadcount sheet sets on sale.

As for golf going on around the world: Michelle Wie is doing very badly in Japan and some amateur is in the lead in Australia. I saw Justin Rose is doing well there too. Good for him.

The Way of the Shark

I read Greg Norman's book today. It was very interesting, but not so interesting at the same time. I tended to skip a lot of the business talk - there's a reason I have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting that I don't use. There were many good stories about his life in this book. And yes, he put to paper his side of the World Tour controversy.

A quote from the book, page 202: "People tend to believe what they hear. Rather than try to find out whether it's true or not, they formulate an opinion that is tough to change." I kept this in mind while reading the rest of the book and remembering what I had read in the first 201 pages. Norman disclosed many interesting facts regarding the PGA Tour's rules and how people interpret those rules. I won't discuss them here because all I know about it is what I've just read in Norman's book and I would feel more comfortable learning other people's points of view on all of it before saying anything. Will I learn any other points of view? Probably not. I don't really have that kind of burning desire to drown myself in PGA Tour bureaucracy. I get enough bureaucracy in my real life with my real job.

I will say this for the book: Once you get to about chapter 33, you think every chapter is the last chapter. The last sentence of each of the chapters sounds like a wrap it up book ender. Then you turn the page, and on we go to another chapter.

All in all, it's a good book, well written, and full of interesting stories. One personal comment based on what I've read: If the comments about the PGA Tour's rules and the officials' interpretations of those rules are accurate, then I think it's really funny that Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods take full advantage of the 'independent contractor' phrase to take weeks or months off and not play.

A Pleasant Surprise

I was pleasantly surprised to hear last night on Golf Central that Geoff Ogilvy was leading the Grand Slam of Golf. At first, I wasn't going to watch it, but after that news I turned the tv over to TNT. As it ended last night, Jim Furyk was in the lead, then it was Geoff Ogilvy, Tiger Woods and Mike Weir. At one point, Bobby Clampett said Tiger was tied for last place, instead of saying he was tied for third. Apparently, Clampett didn't receive the memo that says all media has to put the best spin on anything Tiger related. I appreciate this little bit of honest reporting. Too bad there isn't more of it.

New Golf in Space Story

Courtesy: BBC News


Cosmonaut prepares for golf stunt

Nasa says the golf shot does not threaten the ISS

A Russian cosmonaut is preparing to hit a golf ball during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS).

Flight engineer Mikhail Tyurin will knock a lightweight ball off a tee above the ISS's Russian docking port.

A Canadian golf club maker is paying the Russian space agency an undisclosed sum for Tyurin's time.

Nasa held up the stunt for months while safety experts checked possible flight paths to make sure the ball would not head back towards the space station.

"I play ice hockey and my understanding is that it is very similar," said Mr Tyurin, who has been taking many practice swings to brush up his technique ahead of the shot, which will be carried out during a spacewalk on Wednesday.

Responding to discussion over the safety, the flight engineer replied: "No question it's safe."

Nasa flight director Holly Ridings added: "Of course the crew is taking this very, very seriously so they've been doing a lot of practice."

"There is absolutely no re-contact issue with the space station."

Federal law bars the US space agency from getting any money for its involvement.

Mr Tyurin, who has been aboard the station since September, isn't expected to smack the ball, just tap it with the club. The ball itself weighs just 4.5g (0.16 ounce) instead of the standard-issue 45g (1.6 ounce) ball.

The Russian has to make the shot one-handed because his bulky spacesuit prevents him from bringing his hands together.

Station commander Michael Lopez-Alegria, who is accompanying Tyurin during the spacewalk, will help set up a camera to film the shot for an upcoming television commercial.

Tyurin's drive is expected to be one for the record books, though not everyone agrees on how long the ball will fly. Nasa figures it will fall into Earth's atmosphere and be incinerated within three days.

Toronto-based club maker Element 21 Golf - which is paying for the orbital golf shot - is betting on three years.

During the Apollo 14 moon mission in 1971, US astronaut Alan Shepard hit a golf ball with a six-iron from the lunar surface and boasted that it travelled "miles and miles" in the low-gravity atmosphere.

Should I or Shouldn't I?

I think I should: Let's talk about Tiger's new streak. The Losing Streak. Two straight. hahaha. That was some break he took to rest up.

Spaniard Watch Sees Lara Win

• Lara Completes Wire-to-Wire Victory in Hong Kong

Courtesy: European Tour Website

19 Nov 2006

Jose Manuel Lara ©2006 Getty Images

José Manuel Lara finally delivered his long-awaited maiden European Tour title with a wire-to-wire victory in the UBS Hong Kong Open. A final round of 69 for a 15 under par total of 265 earned the Spaniard one stroke triumph over Filipino Juvic Pagunsan on a thrilling afternoon at Fanling.

Four times Lara has finished runner-up on The European Tour but he shed the bridesmaid tag by winning in the most impressive fashion, from pillar to post. Lara looked in control throughout the tournament in taking a two stroke lead into the final round but rookie Pagunsan almost defied the odds.

Lara had a three stroke advantage after two holes of the final round following a Pagunsan bogey by the jovial Filipino chipped away at Lara’s lead with an outstanding putting display and when Lara bogeyed the seventh and ninth, they were level.

Pagunsan edged ahead with another birdie on the 11th before Lara drew level again with a birdie on the 13th. But another birdie putt dropped for Pagunsan on the 14th and the trophy looked to be within his grasp. The 16th , however, proved pivotal when Pagunsan bogeyed after hooking his drive into trouble and Lara seized the opportunity by making birdie to regain the lead. Two pars later the Spaniard was crowned champion.

“This is my time,” said Lara. “It is a great victory. I lost my lead today but took my chance over the last few holes. Juvic got in front of me. He was a better player than I thought, especially on the greens. He putted so well. I think I was too confident but I got my chance on the 16th and that gave me the trophy but it has been a really tough day.

“You wouldn’t believe the number of people who ask me when will I win. Now I can say I have. This is a very important moment in my life. Winning and leading every day. I was thinking of my first victory and coming from behind but to lead from the start is fantastic.”

Lara becomes the third Spaniard to win the UBS Hong Kong Open title after José Maria Olazábal and Miguel Angel Jiménez and as the winning putt dropped Jiménez stepped forward to be the first to offer his congratulations.

“Miguel knew today was a tough day for me,” said Lara. “I have been close many times and he knew that. He said to me forget about everything and you are alone on the course. I tried to stay in my bubble and it was a great day.”

Pagunsan delighted the record crowds at Hong Kong Golf Club with an outstanding display on his way to a two under par 68 and especially his demeanour on the course with every shot greeted with a broad smile. Even losing the lead couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

“I always smile for the crowd, I don’t want to be sad,” he said. “I’m really happy I played well and there are many more tournaments to come for me. This is a good tournament and Lara played really well. But I have a lot of confidence now.”
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and the Indian pair of Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa shared third place on 12 under par 268. That was good enough to seal the Asian Tour UBS Order of Merit for Singh before the season’s finale next month.

China’s Liang Wen-chong was also celebrating after winning a 1kg bar of golf, courtesy of sponsors UBS for his hole-in-one on the 12th. Liang holed from 140 yards with a nine iron to claim the prize worth US$20,000.

Harrington Wins over Tiger, Rose Finishes T4

Harrington tames Tiger after miracle shot
Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:32 AM GMT

By Alastair Himmer

MIYAZAKI, Japan (Reuters) - Ireland's Padraig Harrington upset Tiger Woods to win the Dunlop Phoenix tournament after an astonishing birdie on the second playoff hole on Sunday.

Harrington, the 2006 European Order of Merit winner, courageously blasted his second shot through a perilously narrow gap in a Y-shaped tree after hooking his tee shot left.

His ball caught the base of the gap and ricocheted upwards, advancing the Irishman 120 yards. Harrington then produced a superb pitch to within two feet to set up an easy birdie.

Woods, who was bidding from a third straight title in Miyazaki, missed a 12-foot birdie putt and Harrington completed a simple tap-in to win the $1.7 million tournament.

"When you come up against Tiger you've got to take whatever opportunities are presented," Harrington said of his risky second through the split trunks of the tree.

"I saw it as a great chance of hitting a spectacular shot to win the playoff and it came off.

"I definitely got lucky but sometimes fortune favours the brave."

World number one Woods began the final round tied with Harrington for the lead but the American looked to be cruising to his 10th victory of the year after three early birdies.

However, the momentum shifted suddenly when Harrington holed a long birdie putt on the par-four 16th and then Woods amazingly missed a three-foot par putt to leave them level.

Both men holed parred 17 and sank short birdie putts on the 18th to card rounds of three-under-par 67 and finish at nine-under 271.

DAUNTING RECORD

After matching birdies on the last at the first playoff hole, the players returned to the 18th where Harrington went for broke after a poor tee shot to triumph against the odds.

Woods had a daunting 38-3 record going into the final round of tournaments with at least a share of the lead and also a 14-1 playoff record in official events.

However, the 12-times major winner could not shake off a determined Harrington despite leading by two strokes with three holes of regulation left.

"The great thing about stats is that they've got to fall sometimes," Harrington said after claiming his second victory of the year and avoiding a 31st career runner-up finish.

"Sooner or later a stat like that is going to break so just be there to be the one to break it."

Woods was left to rue his costly missed putt on 16.

"I had my opportunities today," he said. "I had a two-shot lead with three to go and missed a short one there at 16.

"If I made that putt it forced Paddy (Harrington) to have to birdie one of the last two holes to get into a playoff. It was a poor putt. It probably cost me the tournament."

Japan's Keiichiro Fukabori crept under the radar to claim third on eight under after the day's best round of 64 had given him the clubhouse lead until Woods and Harrington birdied 18.

Britain's Justin Rose shot a fine 66 to finish tied for fourth on six under with Japan's Shingo Katayama, who closed with a 68.

ADT Championship

I've been keeping up with the leaderboard of the LPGA's big season ending event and the new format in which the field is cut two or three times during the four days and on Sunday the top 8 will battle it out for a $1 Million payday. I get the sense by listening to all the players say "it's interesting" when asked what they think of the format that the players aren't too excited about it. But I think it's pretty exciting. Except for the idea that someone can sneak up in this one tournament and win the money title. That needs to be looked at. But I've been really interested in finding out where Lorena Ochoa ends up after each day, so the format itself seems to have a lot of merit.

Fed Ex Fiddling

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR Tuesday announced that it will modify the original proposal for field sizes in next year’s inaugural PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. This modification follows significant input and discussion during the meeting of the PGA TOUR Policy Board in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Nov. 13.

Specifically, the fields in the 2007 Playoff events will be reduced from week-to-week as follows:
Barclays Classic -- 144 players
Deutsche Bank Championship -- 120 players
BMW Championship -- 70 players
THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola -- 30 players

After ongoing feedback from players, tournaments, television partners and sponsors, the Policy Board concluded that a reduction in the fields of the PGA TOUR Playoffs from week-to-week offered the best opportunity for the events to feature a true playoff atmosphere evident in other sports.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said, “I’m delighted with this direction, and believe it represents an important improvement in our Playoff structure. I had recently indicated we would not be recommending any changes in our Playoff structure given that we had preliminarily announced the format earlier this year. However, the TOUR and a number of our players had heard from several sponsors and tournaments that going in the direction of a field size reduction was the right thing to do for the success of the FedExCup. The Player Directors and the full Policy Board were in unanimous agreement.

“Not only am I pleased but am impressed that our sponsors and television partners felt strongly enough to communicate their views on making the FedExCup as good as it can be,” Finchem said.

“We are now well positioned to offer PGA TOUR players, along with other important TOUR constituents, a more compelling finish to our season,” Finchem said. “With this step, PGA TOUR players, sponsors and fans can look forward to the inaugural FedExCup Season and the exciting drama of the 2007 PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.”

My Say: You have to wonder just how smart these people are to have come up with this Fed Ex Cup thing back whenever they did and not thought to reduce the fields in the 'playoff' part of the Cup. I personally didn't care and didn't know enough about how it was originally designed. But Brandel Chamblee said there was a playoff aspect to it.

Observations

1. The golfers need to tan the rest of their heads - take your hat off once in a while Jerry Kelly.

2. Kelly and other golfers are working with the USO and traveling to the Persian Gulf to work with the troops. One of the other golfers is Frank Licklighter. I believe he's a big time hunter. I wonder how smart it is to put him that close to military hardware. On second thought, Jerry Kelly around military hardware gives me pause for concern too. LOL.

Shark Shootout

I would like to point out how well my Ryder Cup picks did in the Shark Shootout this year: J. B. Holmes, Scott Verplank, Jerry Kelly, and J. J. Henry. The only thing that would have made this year's event better is if they had all worn microphones.

LPGA - Lorena Ochoa blew away the rest of the field and won the Tournament of Champions by 10 shots and captured the Player of the Year title. Good for her.

Nationwide - Matt Kuchar had a chance to win but didn't get it done today. He did get his card though which is good.

Korean Wins the HSBC Champions

My Say: So much for the alleged intimidation factor that Tiger has. LOLOL. And so much for that so-called win streak. However, the media will still say he has one because this wasn't an official PGA tour event. The media and Tiger fanatics will cling to any little thread to make excuses for him. And skipping the Tour Championship did such great things for Tiger's game for the 2007 season - Not. However, I'm sure his appearance on the Tonight Show during his break went a long way to honing his game. It's hard to call Tiger the #1 player in the world when he's lost to David Howell last year, lost to Yang Young-eun this year, sucked at the Ryder Cup - proves that the World Ranking Points system needs overhauled.

From: European PGA Tour Website

Korean Yang Young-eun upstaged the biggest names in world golf to win the HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club in China, standing firm on athrilling final day against the combined challenges from Major Champions Tiger Woods, Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell.

A final round of three under par 69 gave Yang a winning 14 under par total of 274, two ahead of World Number One Woods, who battled bravely with a five under par 67 in his attempt to win a seventh successive strokeplay event but simply had too much ground to make up.

Campbell, in stark contrast to his third round 77, equalled the course record of 64 with some stunning golf to share third place but, like Woods, the 2005 US Open Champion had left himself with too much to do.

Overnight leader Goosen looked to have the title within his grasp when he birdied the second and third to pull two strokes clear but the Korean edged ahead with three birdies from the sixth and when Goosen bogeyed both the tenth and 11th holes, the Korean turned the screw with a birdie two on the 12th to move four strokes ahead. With winning line in sight, Yang could allow himself the luxury to two late bogeys and still claim the €655,883 first prize.

“This is such a big thing that's happening to me right now, such a big moment in my life right now, that it's really hard for me to explain in words how I feel right now,” said Yang.

“At the start of this week, I noticed that this tournament has a great field and if I were to win it, it would have been worth a lot of World Ranking points. So now that I've won, I expect to play a lot of tournaments. I want to play a lot of tournaments overseas, both Europe and the United States and Japan. I just want to be able to compete with the best players in the word, and I think this win has given me that chance.”

Woods got his challenge going with a burst of three birdies before the turn but his momentum faltered with a bogey on the 11th. Although he birdied three more coming home it was not enough.

“I had my chances,” said Woods. “Yesterday was the day, if I could have hung in there, I could have been a challenge for tournament today but I was too far back and Yang just went on and played some great holes. He just went off and it was basically out of reach, and I was just trying to get as many birdies as I can and maybe get second.”

Goosen’s challenge faltered over the back nine as he ran up four bogeys coming in to come home in 39 for a round of 73.

“On the back nine, I hit a couple of bad shots off the tee and didn't really give myself any birdie chances,” said the World Number Six. “I struggled with my swing out there so I didn't hit it as good as I would have liked to have hit it. Yang played very well, consistent. He made those good run of birdies there on. I hit a lot of good putts, just didn't make things.”

After the disappointment of a third round 77, Campbell roared back to life with stunning eight under par 64 to claim a share of third place, giving the New Zealander plenty of confidence going into his next run of three events.

“I basically said to myself just think positive,” he said. “That’s it really. Simple stuff. Yesterday I was unlucky on a lot of occasions with wind swirling around and gusting and blowing my putts off line, bad lies. I hope I have had all my bad luck for the year in one day.

“Today was completely different. Everything was great. Missed two fairways all day and hit it close. I believe if you fill your mind with positives thoughts it will help you perform well.”

Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Marc Warren of Scotland claimed fifth place with a one under par 71 to finish on ten under par while Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey, three of the main protagonists during the 2006 season, also made strong starts to their 2007 campaigns in sharing sixth place on eight under par 280.

But it was Yang’s week and as a result Europe has a new Number One golfer with Yang immediately taking up the opportunity of European Tour Membership and going straight to the top of The 2007 European Tour Order of Merit.

Day Three Round Up

JB Holmes and John Daly are out front at the Shark Shootout. That's exciting to watch. Faldo and Norman are not dead last at least. Fred and Annika are. Tomorrow promises to be exciting.

Sergio fell out of the lead over in Japan. I hope he can rebound in his final round. Hopefully he just had his bad round in the third round instead of the final round, which is what some 2006 stats suggested.

The HSBC thing: The Sprint Post Game did a spot about how carhorns went off while Tiger was trying to play. The Post Game people thought this was just horrible and poor Tiger had to deal with all these distractions. As if he was the only one playing over there. Every other golfer in the event had to deal with the same distractions. It isn't just poor Tiger. And quite frankly, if he wanted to play a sport that didn't come with distractions, maybe he should have become a professional chess player. It isn't like he didn't know that golf is played outdoors where Mother Nature and all of Earth's inhabitants can't be controlled. Talk about spoiled.

LPGA - Lorena Ochoa had a really scored a really low round today and takes a 5 shot lead into the final round. This too will be an exciting event to watch.

Nationwide - I hope they find new singers to feature next year. I'm tired of Pat Green. I didn't like him before I started watching the nationwide tour.

Shark Shootout

I've been waiting and waiting for this to start. A lot of good pairings to watch: Norman and Faldo, Sorenstam and Couples, Daly and Holmes, Faxon and Henry. Norman and Faldo didn't do so well today, but it's not like they play a lot either. So, for them, they did pretty well. I hope I get to see more of Faxon and Henry tomorrow.


Just a note about the other golf: Sergio is in a tie for the lead at the tournament he's playing in Japan. Hopefully this won't be yet another runner-up finish for him. He needs to take that one extra step and get a win. I watched some of the nationwide tour event today, but as I don't watch it regularly I don't have much of an opinion on it. Except to say that it looks like Matt Kuchar has lost some weight recently. And it appears that I've scooped USA's Sunday Golf Show regarding the Steve Azar country music video featuring John Daly. I posted about it a while back, and just now, the USA network is talking about it. Finally, I'm hoping Lorena Ochoa plays well this week and takes another step closer to clinching the Player of the Year title.

Round Up

Sergio is playing in Japan and is 2 off the lead after the first round. It took me a while to find the leaderboard on the internet for that tournament. The first event on the 2007 European Tour season is in China and Tiger, after snubbing the Tour Championship claiming he needed one more week of rest, sucked in the first round and is even par. Serves him right. Padraig Harrington and Michael Campbell are doing well. Luke Donald is playing again this week. That means he was in Spain for the Volvo Masters, then flew to Atlanta for the Tour Championship and is now in China. If anyone is tired, it's Luke.

I saw on tv and read on google news that Tiger says they should pick all 12 participants in the Ryder Cup if they want the best players. Well, that is 180 degrees opposite of what a rankings system is used for. The rankings system is supposed to determine your best players. If you could pick all 12 of them, then you'd be picking friends, and players who played well 15 years ago. The players who are actually playing better than everyone else wouldn't get to play and you'd never get new players in the event which means when the old and tired players move on to the Senior tour, there wouldn't be any players with Ryder Cup experience to carry on.

For Tiger to say that all the players need to be picked, it sounds like he's trying to blame the newbies on the 2006 team for the loss of the cup. Also, if the players didn't have a spot to earn like they do with the current system or the former systems of top 8 or top 10, then the captain wouldn't be able to tell who fights for the spots and who wants to be on the team more. But, all that being said, and Tiger's opinions aside, the bottom line is, no matter how the players are chosen, the players have to play well with each other. None of the top players are friends, spend free time together or anything like that. You can't manufacture relationships for one week every two years. And I don't see Tiger, Furyk, Phil forming the bonds necessary to put together a winning round.

Found this on the PGA Tour website

TOUR players talk about their offseason plans

By John Kim
Special to PGATOUR.com

ATLANTA -- Many people take a break from work and go play golf. But what do the best golfers in the world do when their work is over?

“We have a new house,” says Stewart Cink. “I’ve got some work to do there. I doubt I’ll have much time for golf.”

“I’m teeing off tomorrow morning at 7:30,” Brett Quigley said. “I plan on playing every day I can.”

As the 2006 PGA TOUR season comes to an end, the players’ plans for the off-season are as diverse as the swings that propelled their success throughout the year.

Some will be playing in Challenge Season events such as the Merrill Lynch Shootout or the Target World Challenge presented by Countrywide. Others will play tournaments in Asia, Australia and South Africa. Still more will concentrate on practice.

Almost all of them agree, though, that there is one uniform goal before the 2007 season begins: Relax.

Asked what he’ll be doing, Chad Campbell’s answer was quick and honest. “Not much of anything,” he said. “Maybe get out to the Mercedes(-Benz Championships) early, but I’m really going to try and rest up.”

“Pretty boring,” Dean Wilson said as he packed up. “I’m going to take a break. Relax a little, try to get excited about ’07.”

“Go home and relax,” David Toms agreed. “I’m playing in the Target World Challenge, but I’m going to spend some time at the house, for sure.”

Maybe Stuart Appleby will play some cricket this offseason. (Getty Images)

Arron Oberholser was excited about his holiday plans. “I’m hosting Christmas this year for the first time, so that’s on my mind.” Other than that? “Not a lot,” he laughed.

Of course, family plans are prominent for many of the players as they conclude the season.

“We have a young son at home … I can’t wait to go and spend some time with him,” Ben Curtis said. “I’ll focus on him and the family, and then get ready for Maui.”

J.J. Henry, will have to balance some golf with his desire to spend time with his family.

“It’s such a great time for me right now,” he beamed. “I’ll be at the (Merrill-Lynch) Shootout, the Target World Challenge, and the (Barbados) World Cup with Stewart Cink. I also have a 2-year-old son at home and he’s such a blast. I want to spend some time with him, watch football and basketball, and just hang with my family and friends.”

Geoff Ogilvy, who won the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship and U.S. Open last year, laughed when asked what his plans for the off-season were.

“Whatever I did last year,” he cracked. “It seemed to work out pretty well. I’ll play some events back home, spend some time on the beach. I’ll get to Maui early, spend some time out there on the beach as well.”

Joe Durant and Stuart Appleby are two golfers who have mixed feelings about seeing 2006 end.

“The year went too quick,” said Appleby, who had two wins on the PGA TOUR this past year. “I hate to see it go, but at the same time, I’m looking forward to ’07.”

Perhaps the golfer most bothered to see the season end is Durant. In the last two months of the season, Durant placed in the top six in the five events, winning more than $2 million plus another $500,000 for the Fall Finish presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m pretty tired right now,” Durant stated. “I hate to see it end, but yet, hopefully, I can kind of pick up where I’m leaving off when we go out to Mercedes.”

A little R&R balanced against practice, family time and professional obligations seem to be the consensus.

Of all the players’ plans, Sweden's Carl Pettersson seemed to have the best perspective.

“I want to get in better shape, to really concentrate of fitness,” the husky Pettersson said, adding, “but of course, I say that every year.”

Very Good Rich Lerner Interview with Hal Sutton

Excerpt:

“There’s no captain that’s going to make the difference,” Sutton said with a tinge of resignation. Of course now, the phone call was no longer about Azinger.

“We’re in a vacuum in golf in America,” Sutton began, and I knew I was about to experience a strong Texas wind.

“We’re consumed by the almighty dollar,” he said. “We’ve forgotten that we all play the game because we love it. Greatness doesn’t worry about money. Greatness worries about bein’ great.”

“We’re a product of our environment,” he explained. “We’re playing a game that requires us to hit it high and long. In the old days we had to do more with different golf shots.”

Sutton emphasized that it’s not necessarily the fault of the players. “We got too many people in leadership capacities that don’t understand the game at its core,” he said. “We’re conforming to what they say the market wants and what manufacturers are giving us and it’s weakening our players.”

...............Click here to read the whole interview................


My Say: It seems like a lot of golfers are saying the same thing about US Golf but is anyone listening?

Another Possibility

Everyone is focused on Tiger's excuse of fatigue for his missing the Tour Championship. I've certainly posted extensively about it. But there is another possible reason that no one seems to be considering. Tiger has that 'win streak' going on the PGA tour. In the past 10 years, he's only won the Tour Championship once - a success rate of 10%. So, it's quite possible that Tiger is protecting his win streak by not playing in a tournament where he's lost 90% of the time.

Ryder Cup Hodge Podge

I'm having trouble with my blogging - I don't know if it's my isp, blogger, or what, but I'm going to put everything I want to say in one post since I'm lucky enough to actually get a post screen right now.

First......

Ian Woosnam (click here to find the whole article):

"In Europe, Ryder Cup points are based on prize-money and world ranking points and you get points wherever you finish.

"In America, only the top-ten get Ryder Cup points and you get more points winning a small event than being top five in a major. That's ridiculous."

America's bizarre Ryder Cup points system was highlighted when John Rollins earned more points for winning the B.C Open than Chris Di Marco did for being runner-up to Woods at The Open the same weekend - and bear in mind, all America's top stars were at Royal Liverpool.

"Their system is all wrong," said 1991 Masters champ Woosie. "I can't understand why they don't have the same system as us."

My Say: If the European points system was so great, then why did Woosnam have to skip several players, such as Thomas Bjorn, to select Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood? You'd think the man would practice what he preaches or else think a little more before he speaks.

Next.....

Paul Azinger Named New Ryder Cup Captain

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

— Paul Azinger took over the U.S. Ryder Cup team in more ways than one, persuading the PGA of America to give him four captain's picks and revamping the criteria so that money and majors determine who makes the team.

"I'm going to get the blame if it doesn't work," Azinger said Monday. "I would like some of the credit if it does."

Azinger, a former PGA champion and cancer survivor, was introduced as the next U.S. captain at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., where the 2008 matches will be played.

The changes were bold, and Azinger feels the Americans have nothing to lose. Europe has captured the Ryder Cup eight of the last 11 times, winning by its largest margin _ 18 1/2-9 1/2 _ the last two times. Two months ago at The K Club, Europe became the first team to capture all five sets of matches.

Azinger wanted a qualifying process that would give him the best players, and it reflects his personality. He has often said during his 20-plus years on the PGA Tour that he got nervous only when cash or prestige were on the line.

"I just felt like it was time for money to be the barometer," Azinger said.

Under the new system, one point will be awarded for every $1,000 a player earns in the 2007 majors, and in regular PGA Tour events in 2008. Two points will be given for every $1,000 earned at the 2008 majors.

The PGA of America took care of one arguments _ tournaments held opposite majors _ by offering only a half-point per $1,000 at those events. Last time, John Rollins nearly made the U.S. team by winning the B.C. Open, which was held the same week as the British Open.

Because the Ryder Cup points system was to begin after the PGA Championship in August, PGA president Roger Warren said players would be awarded one-fourth of a point for every $1,000 earned over the last 11 weeks.

The new system eliminates some glaring problems under the old criteria, when points were based on top-10 finishes.

Several players complained that they could finish 11th at the Masters and get nothing, while someone could finish ninth at the Houston Open and earn points. And with so many international players on the PGA Tour, there were some weeks when only a couple of U.S. players earned points.

Warren said only 58 percent of the Ryder Cup points were distributed last time.

Plus, it distinguishes between strong and weak events on the PGA Tour. Previously, a player earned as much from The Players Championship as he did an opposite-field event.

"The goal is to try to get to the point where Paul feels that he has the players that he needs to come to ... win the Ryder Cup," Warren said.

Azinger said no one would be assured of making the team starting the 2008 season because points will have been awarded only during the majors the first year. He thought that would make players feel as though they earned a spot on the team, instead of coasting for the final few months.

"That's better than what we had," said Scott Verplank, a captain's pick in 2002 and 2006 and one of the few Americans with a winning record. "Apparently, they spent some time on this and I commend them for trying to fix it. But I don't think anything is going to matter until we figure out how to play that game as a team."

"Zinger is a strong personality, somewhat of a free thinker," he added. "I think he'll be super."

Still to be decided is when Azinger will make his captain's picks.

The United States has never had more than two picks since 1989, and they were announced the morning after the PGA Championship.

Warren said the qualifying process again will end at the '08 PGA Championship, but that Azinger would have until Monday a week before the Ryder Cup to make his four picks.

Part of that is a massive change in the PGA Tour schedule. Starting next year with the new FedExCup competition, a "playoff" series begins two weeks after the PGA Championship, with three big tournaments leading to the Tour Championship. In 2008, the Ryder Cup will be held the week after the Tour Championship.

"I like the idea of being able to pick four players," Azinger said. "I like the idea that I don't have to pick them immediately after the PGA Championship. I have an opportunity that no other Ryder Cup captain has had, and I really appreciate that."

Azinger also said he was "awe-struck" to get the job. He played on four Ryder Cup teams and was 5-7-3, going 2-0-2 in singles while usually taking on Europe's best.

His counterpart at Valhalla will be six-time major winner Nick Faldo, who has earned more Ryder Cup points than any other European. Faldo and Azinger were golf analysts for ABC Sports the last two years, and they have a rivalry in the Ryder Cup, battling to a draw in a 1993 singles match that had no bearing on the outcome.

He was diagnosed with lymphoma in his shoulder after the Ryder Cup, and won only one more time on the PGA Tour the rest of his career.

Azinger said Faldo will be under more pressure trying to follow after Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam, all of whom guided Europe to victory.

"I've got more of an everything-to-gain situation," Azinger said. "There's going to be a little more heat on Nick to get it right, and I think a little more of the microscope will on Nick if he gets it wrong."

My Say: Only awarding points during the majors in 2007 might not be a good idea. You only have to look at the 2006 US Open to see just how tough these courses are and just how out of it really good US players can be. David Toms hurt his back there I think; Tiger missed the cut; Geoff Ogilvy won. And being able to pick four players might not be a good thing because the players aren't going to feel as though it's something to earn and work for and achieve. They will feel like it's a gift. If this past Ryder Cup was any indicator (both Lehman's and Woosnam's picks) Azinger probably won't pick new guys which means there won't be any cultivating of a new Ryder Cup generation. I liked Verplank's comment that nothing will make a difference until they learn to play as a team. And rather than having 4 picks, Azinger needs a couple of Switcheroos, just in case Tiger's too tired to play or Phil's kids have school plays that week, Zinger can replace them with Brett Quigley, or Dean Wilson, or Tom Pernice Jr, or Jerry Kelly, or Steve Flesch - all of whom have played 30 events or more this year. Whether the points are awarded by this new system that Azinger has proposed or by the system used for the 2006 Cup, you'll still have Woods, Mickelson, Furyk, Toms, Dimarco on the team, and as Verplank said, they need to learn to play as a team. They've been on every Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup team for the last few years. If they haven't learned to play well with others by now, there's no hope for them.

Tour Championship Final Round

Adam Scott carried on and won the tournament with a 4 under round today. I was happy to see that. And it didn't hurt to see him win after the announce team alluded to some sort of ego issue with Vijay when the coverage began. Apparently, Vijay had some sort of attitude after he heard that Adam had said it didn't matter who he was paired with in the final round. That's the second time Vijay's had some sort of attitude issue that I know of. The other time was at the Presidents' Cup when he made a disparaging comment about Fred Couples when they played their singles match. I think I blogged about it back then, so you might go back through the archives to see it.

My vote for the most colorful pairing goes to Retief Goosen and Tom Pernice Jr. Retief wore green and Pernice wore what looked to be pink.

Luke Donald did well as did Brett Quigley. Brett's played something like 33 tournaments this year. That's about 10 more than Tiger and Phil combined. You'd think if anyone was 'tired' it would be Brett. But he went out there and played every time he could, sometimes even with an injury.

Tour Championship Round 3

Adam Scott finished the day with a 3 shot lead over Vijay Singh and Joe Durant. Vijay had the best round of the day with -5. Luke Donald is -1 and Brett Quigley had a bad day with a +3 but he's in the middle of the pack so he's still doing well for his first time there.

Tom Pernice Jr.

The Golf Channel has been playing bits of an interview given by Tom Pernice Jr. In these clips on the golf channel, Pernice says some very harsh things about Tim Finchem and the Fed Ex Cup. Now I haven't really liked Pernice ever since the US Open qualifying when he was so critical of Michelle Wie. But his comments about the Fed Ex Cup and Finchem were very bold and reminded me a lot of the Thomas Bjorn comments made after Woosnam made his Ryder Cup wildcard selections. Because of this I was ready to ignore everything Pernice was saying and just write him off as a hothead. But then he had to go and make a comment I agree with and ruin it for me. He said that missing the Tour Championship when you're not injured is a slap in the face to the tour. Like I said, I don't like Pernice all that well, but I do have to give him credit for saying something that no one else interviewed this week has had the nerve to say.

Tour Championship

Whose idiotic idea was it to have the golf coverage end at 5pm eastern? I get off work at 4pm. By the time I get through small town football Friday night traffic and get home the golf's over with. Anyway, I took a look at the leaderboard. Adam Scott and Joe Durant are leading right now with 4 under par. One of my new faves, Brett Quigley, along with Trevor Immelman, Stuart Appleby, and Retief Goosen are next in line at -1. Luke Donald, who played in Spain last week, is even par. He might be a bit tired what with all that travel and nearly winning last week. Maybe he should have skipped the Tour Championship like the wus- uh, fatigued players. My thoughts on who might win, and who I would like to see win? I don't predict who wins these things. But I do think it's great that someone other than the skippers has a chance. I'm cheering for Brett and Adam. It would be great if either of them wins. As long as they don't bump Sergio out of his position on any rankings lists. And of those two, I'd have to choose Brett since he hasn't won on tour yet.

I may have to attend the 2008 Ryder Cup

Azinger to become next U.S. captain

The Associated Press

Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo have competed on the golf course and shared space in a television tower as commentators. The next time they square off will be as Ryder Cup captains in two years at Valhalla.

Azinger, a former U.S. PGA Championship winner and cancer survivor who played in four Ryder Cups without losing a singles match, has been selected the next American captain, according to two people with knowledge of the appointment.

They did not want to be identified because the PGA of America has not announced its selection, which could come as early as next week.

Azinger did not immediately return a phone call.

He will be in charge of a U.S. team that has lost three straight times to Europe, including record margins (18 1/2-9 1/2) in the last two matches. Last month in Ireland, Europe became the first team to win all five sessions of the match.

The PGA of America had talked to Azinger about being captain for the 2004 Ryder Cup — a captaincy that would have gone to his close friend, Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999 — but he declined.

Azinger said last week at the Chrysler Championship in Florida that he had spoken to the PGA of America, but stopped short of calling it an interview process.

Given how the Americans have been hammered the last two times, he was asked if wanted the job.

"Well, it's like everything to gain, nothing to lose now," Azinger said last week. "Yes, I would like to do it."

Europe already has announced Faldo, a six-time major winner, as its captain for the 2008 match at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The appointment of Azinger gives this Ryder Cup a history between the captains.

Perhaps their most famous showdown came in a singles at The Belfry in 1993, played a month before Azinger was diagnosed with lymphoma in his left shoulder. Faldo made a hole-in-one in that match, and even though the U.S. had earned enough points to win the cup, Azinger kept grinding, eventually earning a halve.

When NBC Sports later showed highlights of that match, Azinger quipped, "Look at that. I had cancer and he still couldn't beat me."

Azinger played in four Ryder Cups and had a 5-3-7 record, but he never lost in singles while playing some of Europe's best. Along with his halve against Faldo, he beat Seve Ballesteros in 1989 and Jose Maria Olazabal in 1991. He played his last Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 2002 and holed a bunker shot on the 18th hole to earn a halve against Niclas Fasth.

Azinger played Faldo four times in the Ryder Cup and had a 2-2-0 record. He played on winning teams in 1991 and 1993, and the United States lost in 1989 and 2002.

They moved to the broadcast booth in 2004 with ABC Sports, a deal that ends this week at the U.S. Tour Championship because ABC declined to sign a new TV contract with the U.S. PGA Tour for the next six years. Faldo has signed on with CBS Sports, and Azinger has gone back to golf, narrowly keeping his tour card for 2007.

Now that the PGA of America has a captain, its next step is to decide whether to tweak the points system that decides who plays. It overhauled the system for the '06 matches, allowing four rookies who had strong seasons this year to make the team.

"The bottom line is the players have to perform," Azinger said last week. "And you have to have players that are playing well enough to get it done. If you have a team that's running cold against a team that's running blazing hot, then you have to look at the system to determine how you can change the system to get the best players — the hottest players — on your team at that event."

Preview To the Tour Championship

I just looked at the money list. It looks like KJ Choi's win knocked Jose Maria Olazabal out of the top thirty. Choi was the only one listed who was out of the top 30 last week. I don't know if Jose Maria would have come over for the tournament anyway. I read that he was inflicted with the same illness that plagued a lot of other people at the Volvo Masters. He might just want to go home and rest for a while instead of flying all the way here with no rest between tournaments.

Others in the tournament this week include: Brett Quigley, Arron Oberholser, Davis Love, Lucas Glover, Luke Donald, and Geoff Ogilvy plus 20 other guys.

Chrysler Championship Round 4

KJ Choi won today. Rod Pampling had the low round of the day with -6. Brett Wetterich was -5 on the day to finish T2 with Paul Goydos. Paul Azinger's final round was -4 and he finished T31. Justin Rose was -2 on the day.

The greatest thing was seeing Ernie Els after his round studying the computer to see if he did enough to get into the Tour Championship. It meas a lot to him to qualify and play in the that event. Unlike some Americans who are skipping it.

Volvo Masters Final Round

Jeev Milkha Singh went on to win the Volvo Masters today. It is the first time he's played Valderrama and the first time he's played in the European Tour's version of a tour championship. Sergio didn't do well at all today. He was +1 on the day, failed to birdie any of the par 5s and racked up 4 bogeys, the most in any of his four rounds. He did make a couple of good putts, but it just wasn't enough. Sergio finished tied for second with Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington. Harrington went on to capture the Order of Merit. Other players of note: Jose Maria Olazabal, whom I read was stricken with the illness that plagued many of the other players, caddies and others this week, rebounded with a -2 69 today, and Jose Manuel Lara had the low round of the day with a 67.

The course there at Valderrama is very beautiful with those cute stone bridges that I seem to like and interesting trees. Not like the average tree we see on every American course.

I now hope that David Howell will take some time off to get his shoulder healed up. American PGA tour players whined because they say their season is too long with the Tour Championship at the end of October and the first event of the next season in January, but the European Tour season begins again in a couple of weeks. Hopefully Howell will be able to rest up some.

Volvo Masters Third Round

Jeev Milkha Singh is currently in the lead at 3 under par, with Johan Edfors, Sergio, Henrik Stenson, and Lee Westwood all one shot back. I really hope Sergio has a good day tomorrow. The announcers were talking about his putting, once again, but if you compare last year's putting stats and this years, you'll see he's moved up quite a bit, so his putting has improved.

As for the battle for the Order of Merit title, David Howell and Robert Karlsson are even par, Padraig Harrington is +1 and Paul Casey, battling either the flu or food poisoning depending on which story you read on the web, is a distant +6. If Casey doesn't win the Order of Merit, I would like to see David Howell get it. He held the number one spot all year until Casey came along so it would be only right to see him get it if Casey can't claim it on Sunday.

Another comment related to yesterday's news about the PGA Tour's Tour Championship. This Volvo Masters is essentually the European Tour's version of the Tour Championship with only a select number of top players in the field competing for a big prize, the final prize of the season. In Spain, you have Paul Casey playing sick, David Lynn playing sick, David Howell playing injured. In America, you have players dropping out of the Tour Championship because they are tired. Is it any wonder Europe wins the Ryder Cup every time? You've heard the saying "there's no quit in that guy". Well, there's no quit in the European players, and apparently there's no start in America's top players.

Thumbing His Nose at the Tour

From Tiger Woods' Website:

"Playing seven out of nine weeks with an additional trip to Ireland for Ryder Cup practice was taxing both mentally and physically and I feel like I need another week away from competitive golf. I'm confident that this extended break will help me to recharge my batteries for the 2007 season."

Tiger comments on his decision not to compete in the 2006 TOUR Championship. Woods will play in the HSBC Champions Tournament, Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, and Target World Challenge Presented by Countrywide to close out his season.

Miranda's comments: It seems to me there should be a measure of respect doled out for the people who make your career possible, the tour, the sponsors, the fans. It isn't as if the Tour Championship was a surprise addition to the PGA Tour schedule. The players know it's there and they know it's the most important tournament for a lot of people. A win there carries a great deal of prestige as you can say you've beaten the top 29 players in the world. The game of golf is more than just records, more than just wins, more than just money. It's integrity. It's honor. It's tradition. It's respect for the history of the game and the people who made all this possible, from the players of yesteryear to the past PGA tour commissioners, from the legends in corporate sponsorship, to the volunteers and the charities, and to the fans who not only buy the tickets, but also the clubs, the balls, the clothes, the programs, the Buicks and Rolexes the players endorse. The fact that this is the last year the Tour Championship will be held so late in the season only makes me more incensed that some players are not participating. They got what they wanted with the shortened Fed Ex Cup season next year, but that just isn't enough for some of them. This week, there are hard fought battles being waged att he Chrysler Championship by players who would desperately love the opportunity players like Tiger and Phil Mickelson are so carelessly tossing aside. Are these two the best players in the world? They may have more money. But you have to question their passion. Their dedication. And their love for the game.

Chrysler Championship: Round 1

I didn't watch much of this today. I did see the half naked golfer. I believe Doug Barron was the guy - the shirt came off so he could hit his ball out of some water. Some other notables: Brett Quigley had a bad round at +4, Paul Azinger finished the day at +1, Lucas Glover is currently 2 under par, and Daniel Chopra is at 4 under par, three shots behind the leader.

Commentator Comment: One of the announce crew was commenting on Woody Austin talking to himself. The announcer said "he speaks to/with the other Woody." That probably wasn't the best thing to say.

J.J. Henry's kid was pretty adorable, reaching for the microphone and saying hi to "BR" Billy Ray Brown.

Volvo Masters Round 1

Click: Poor start by Euro leader
26/10/2006 21:45 - (SA)

Sotogrande, Spain - European Order of Merit leader Paul Casey shot a 5-over 76 to trail by 10 strokes after the first round of the Volvo Masters on Thursday.

Jose Manual Lara of Spain shot a 5-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead over Graeme McDowell, Richard Green, and Niclas Fasth.

Casey said he struggled and was "feeling unwell" by the fifth hole, and on the 11th the Englishman was given a shot for his nauseous stomach.

"It wasn't too bad starting out, but (my stomach) wasn't feeling good, and it just got worse as the round went on," said Casey, who leaned on his bag for support through the final holes.

Casey started well with a birdie on No 2. But he bogeyed No 6, and then got a double bogey on No 7.

He was forced to lay up after his drive nestled in the left hand rough in front of some tree branches, and he subsequently three-putted from 20 feet.

The Englishman, hoping to become only the fifth player to win the European money crown since 1993, started the back nine with three consecutive bogeys.

Inconsistent putting

Padraig Harrington, second to Casey in the European season money title by $274 080 going into the final event, finished seven shots back and three ahead of Casey after a 73.

Harrington also started strongly, sinking a six-footer for birdie at the par-3 No 3. His approach on the par-4 fifth landed within a foot for an easy birdie, and he finished the front nine on 2-under 34.

Harrington's inconsistent putting - he missed eight putts from within eight feet in his round - caught up with him on the back nine. The Irishman missed par-saving putts on 12, 16 and 18.

"I suppose I could have shot worse, but luckily I played well from the start," Harrington said. "I hit a few poor putts to start and I didn't trust my reads after that. But better to play like this in the first round than the last."

David Howell, No 3 on the money list, holed a 60-foot chip from the bunker for a 70. No 4 Robert Karlsson dropped a 20-foot putt on the last hole for a 69 to stay in contention.

Casey said he won't be disappointed whatever the outcome.

"The Order of Merit is a reflection of the year's golf and I'm not going to get caught up in letting this ruin my entire year," Casey said. "So whatever happens, happens."

Johan Edfors and 1999 winner Miguel Angel Jimenez each had opening rounds of 68.

Leader Lara carded six birdies. A a poor drive into the right rough on the par-4 16th resulted in his only bogey.

"To win the Volvo Masters here in Valderrama would be like winning one of the Majors," Lara said.