Tour golfer update
The 2004 Players Championship - a recap
Sal Johnson takes a look at Adam Scott's victory and asks if he really is the next Tiger Woods. A thoughtful piece. He also takes a briefer look at the performances of Padraig Harrington and Phil Mickelson, and reveals just how close John Daly came to missing the Masters.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Sal Johnson takes a look at Adam Scott's victory and asks if he really is the next Tiger Woods. A thoughtful piece. He also takes a briefer look at the performances of Padraig Harrington and Phil Mickelson, and reveals just how close John Daly came to missing the Masters.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
The Masters will be the poorer for it
Just a quick note that David Duval won't be playing in that esteemed tournament this year. I'm looking forward to his comeback, though. I get a lot of people writing in with encouraging words for him. Seve Ballesteros has also withdrawn.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Just a quick note that David Duval won't be playing in that esteemed tournament this year. I'm looking forward to his comeback, though. I get a lot of people writing in with encouraging words for him. Seve Ballesteros has also withdrawn.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Korea
Part travelogue, part golf feature, this article by Tom Callahan at Golf Digest offers some fascinating insights into Korean golf and culture, and explores why so many Korean women are doing so well on the professional tours (and so few men). Great read.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Part travelogue, part golf feature, this article by Tom Callahan at Golf Digest offers some fascinating insights into Korean golf and culture, and explores why so many Korean women are doing so well on the professional tours (and so few men). Great read.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Wie words
The Honlulu Advertiser has a few articles on Michelle Wie and her performance at the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Including speculation about some possible big-time (BIG TIME) sponsorship deals.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
The Honlulu Advertiser has a few articles on Michelle Wie and her performance at the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Including speculation about some possible big-time (BIG TIME) sponsorship deals.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
He's the new Tiger
Or maybe not...yet. The Monday round-up of the weekend winners begins with Adam Scott, who won the Players Championship. Another two key questions answered at that tournament:
Yep, John Daly has qualified for the Masters, by dint of being 10th on the money list.
Tiger Woods may be mortal, but still not as mortal as many would hope. His "consecutive cuts made" record holds as he finished tied for 16th.
And talking of the gods, Annika isn't going to win the Grand Slam this year. Grace Park took the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Notable performances from two youngsters - Aree Song (17) came second and Michelle "still only 14" Wie came fourth.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Or maybe not...yet. The Monday round-up of the weekend winners begins with Adam Scott, who won the Players Championship. Another two key questions answered at that tournament:
Yep, John Daly has qualified for the Masters, by dint of being 10th on the money list.
Tiger Woods may be mortal, but still not as mortal as many would hope. His "consecutive cuts made" record holds as he finished tied for 16th.
And talking of the gods, Annika isn't going to win the Grand Slam this year. Grace Park took the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Notable performances from two youngsters - Aree Song (17) came second and Michelle "still only 14" Wie came fourth.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Star making happy transition to a fuller life
Thomas Boswell in the Washington Post explores the new, fun, more relaxed, Tiger Woods and gives him a clear thumbs up.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Thomas Boswell in the Washington Post explores the new, fun, more relaxed, Tiger Woods and gives him a clear thumbs up.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Q&A with Michelle Wie
...including the tidbit that she has a 7-year old picture of Tiger Woods on her wall, but her dad won't let her take it down.
Friday, March 26, 2004
...including the tidbit that she has a 7-year old picture of Tiger Woods on her wall, but her dad won't let her take it down.
Friday, March 26, 2004
Tiger vibes
I'm picking up a few murmurings of concern for Mr.Woods in the press. A few rounds over par and the slump comments are back, as well as the widespread suggestion he get some swing help from someone like Butch Harmon. I know nothing about these things, but that won't stop me from saying that maybe we need to stop worrying about Tiger Woods until he's missed a few cuts. Or are we all just scared that he may in fact be mortal after all?
Sample article: Woods turns down Harmon offer and aims to find his own cure (The Guardian)
Friday, March 26, 2004
I'm picking up a few murmurings of concern for Mr.Woods in the press. A few rounds over par and the slump comments are back, as well as the widespread suggestion he get some swing help from someone like Butch Harmon. I know nothing about these things, but that won't stop me from saying that maybe we need to stop worrying about Tiger Woods until he's missed a few cuts. Or are we all just scared that he may in fact be mortal after all?
Sample article: Woods turns down Harmon offer and aims to find his own cure (The Guardian)
Friday, March 26, 2004
Bad news for Furyk fans
Wrist surgery means he'll be out for at least 3 months. So no defence of his US Open title unfortunately.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Wrist surgery means he'll be out for at least 3 months. So no defence of his US Open title unfortunately.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Baddeley knows patience is virtue
Here's a little bit of background on the new MacGregor Golf ads featuring Aussie starlet Aaron Baddeley. And a little bit of background on the player himself.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Here's a little bit of background on the new MacGregor Golf ads featuring Aussie starlet Aaron Baddeley. And a little bit of background on the player himself.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Whoa Nellie!
Gary van Sickle uses a timely visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame by Byron Nelson to review and pay tribute to the career and life of that great golfer. Full of quotes and little bits of trivia.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Gary van Sickle uses a timely visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame by Byron Nelson to review and pay tribute to the career and life of that great golfer. Full of quotes and little bits of trivia.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Vijay the nice guy
This (probably much needed) feature article on Vijay Singh goes some way to correct the apparent misconception that he's a bit of a miserable soul. On the practice range and away from the media, he's popular with many pros who owe improved skills - and bank balances - to Singh's willingness to help out others, whatever their status.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
This (probably much needed) feature article on Vijay Singh goes some way to correct the apparent misconception that he's a bit of a miserable soul. On the practice range and away from the media, he's popular with many pros who owe improved skills - and bank balances - to Singh's willingness to help out others, whatever their status.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
UpperDeckStore.com and Annika
Ms.Sorenstam breaks more new ground as she becomes the first female athlete to be an official Upper Deck spokesperson. The company has plans for a range of Annika merchandise and memorabilia in addition to its general golf items.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Ms.Sorenstam breaks more new ground as she becomes the first female athlete to be an official Upper Deck spokesperson. The company has plans for a range of Annika merchandise and memorabilia in addition to its general golf items.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Whole lotta Rosie
Here are two articles with commentary on Rosie Jones' decision to publicly declare her homesexuality.
* Out of the rough (Houston Chronicle)
* Rosie Jones is gay, so what? (Golf Digest)
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Here are two articles with commentary on Rosie Jones' decision to publicly declare her homesexuality.
* Out of the rough (Houston Chronicle)
* Rosie Jones is gay, so what? (Golf Digest)
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
More weekend winners
On the PGA Tour, Chad Campbell turned a four shot deficit into a six shot victory ahead of Stuart Appleby to capture the Bay Hill Inivitational. And a big surprise on the LPGA tour at the Safeway International...where Annika Sorenstam of all people took home first prize and a check for $180,000.
Monday, March 22, 2004
On the PGA Tour, Chad Campbell turned a four shot deficit into a six shot victory ahead of Stuart Appleby to capture the Bay Hill Inivitational. And a big surprise on the LPGA tour at the Safeway International...where Annika Sorenstam of all people took home first prize and a check for $180,000.
Monday, March 22, 2004
BackTalk: First, a Word About Me And My Sponsor
A self-penned article by Rosie Jones in the New York Times from Sunday. In it, she reveals she's gay and writes about the decision to declare her sexuality and the possible ramifications for her golf. Good on her. Unfortunately, such declarations aren't that easy to make in a conservative sport like golf. But good luck and best wishes from Golf Stars Online. (You may need to register with the site to see the article, but registration is free)
Monday, March 22, 2004
A self-penned article by Rosie Jones in the New York Times from Sunday. In it, she reveals she's gay and writes about the decision to declare her sexuality and the possible ramifications for her golf. Good on her. Unfortunately, such declarations aren't that easy to make in a conservative sport like golf. But good luck and best wishes from Golf Stars Online. (You may need to register with the site to see the article, but registration is free)
Monday, March 22, 2004
With Tiger Woods, it's Nike, Nike everywhere
If you've ever wondered about the business side of the endorsement world, this makes interesting reading. It looks at the value Nike gets from the association with Tiger Woods, especially since their logo is on display on his clothes when he's promoting other sponsors. Get a little insight into the world of branding and celebrity endorsements.
Friday, March 19, 2004
If you've ever wondered about the business side of the endorsement world, this makes interesting reading. It looks at the value Nike gets from the association with Tiger Woods, especially since their logo is on display on his clothes when he's promoting other sponsors. Get a little insight into the world of branding and celebrity endorsements.
Friday, March 19, 2004
For starters, wins aren't certain
Jerry Potter in USA Today draws on the words of tour pros to try and explain why very few round 1 leaders retain that top spot once Sunday's play is over. As with many statistical rules, a certain Mr. Woods is the exception.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Jerry Potter in USA Today draws on the words of tour pros to try and explain why very few round 1 leaders retain that top spot once Sunday's play is over. As with many statistical rules, a certain Mr. Woods is the exception.
Friday, March 19, 2004
A couple of awards to catch up on
1. John Daly is the PGA Tour Player of the Month for February
2. Thongchai Jaidee got the Royal Bank of Scotland Shot of the Month award for the same month.
3. Tiger Woods won the 2003 Mark H. McCormack Award, which goes to the golfer who leads the world rankings for the most number of weeks in the year (that must have been a hard one to calculate).
Friday, March 19, 2004
1. John Daly is the PGA Tour Player of the Month for February
2. Thongchai Jaidee got the Royal Bank of Scotland Shot of the Month award for the same month.
3. Tiger Woods won the 2003 Mark H. McCormack Award, which goes to the golfer who leads the world rankings for the most number of weeks in the year (that must have been a hard one to calculate).
Friday, March 19, 2004
World Golf Hall of Fame to Honor Arnold Palmer in Special Exhibit
Palmer fans might want to pencil in a trip to the WGHoF in Florida. Starting November 15th, they'll have a special exhibit with memorabilia, videos and stories covering his 50-year career, life and off-course business activities.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Palmer fans might want to pencil in a trip to the WGHoF in Florida. Starting November 15th, they'll have a special exhibit with memorabilia, videos and stories covering his 50-year career, life and off-course business activities.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Champions Dinner
Brian Hewitt gets some inside gossip from Ben Crenshaw on the typical (or not) fare at the Masters Champions Dinner. Seemed like Sandy Lyle left a lasting memory...
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Brian Hewitt gets some inside gossip from Ben Crenshaw on the typical (or not) fare at the Masters Champions Dinner. Seemed like Sandy Lyle left a lasting memory...
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Does UK newspaper the Guardian know something we don't know?
This morning, the teaser for a report on the Bay Hill Invitational on the main golf page said, "Tiger Woods surpassed some of golf's greats by winning the Bay Hill Invitational for the fifth time in a row." Now there's confidence for you...
Thursday, March 18, 2004
This morning, the teaser for a report on the Bay Hill Invitational on the main golf page said, "Tiger Woods surpassed some of golf's greats by winning the Bay Hill Invitational for the fifth time in a row." Now there's confidence for you...
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Agassi ordered to pay British tax
So what does men's tennis have to do with golf players? Well, the UK tax authorities have received the support of the courts in their attempt to get money out of sports stars for endorsement cash they're getting while performing in the UK.
The implication of the report is that even more US golfers might avoid playing in the Open if it means an increased tax liability. Which would be unfortunate. But I'm sure they're not THAT money-oriented, are they?
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
So what does men's tennis have to do with golf players? Well, the UK tax authorities have received the support of the courts in their attempt to get money out of sports stars for endorsement cash they're getting while performing in the UK.
The implication of the report is that even more US golfers might avoid playing in the Open if it means an increased tax liability. Which would be unfortunate. But I'm sure they're not THAT money-oriented, are they?
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Hamilton takes long road to title
The Houston Chronicle looks at the life and career of recent tour winner Todd Hamilton, and some of the other less-well-known names who performed so well at the Honda Classic.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
The Houston Chronicle looks at the life and career of recent tour winner Todd Hamilton, and some of the other less-well-known names who performed so well at the Honda Classic.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
An afternoon with Arnie
Fans of Mr. Palmer will enjoy this interview, where he looks back at a few choice moments in his career and talks about his current life and loves, too.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Fans of Mr. Palmer will enjoy this interview, where he looks back at a few choice moments in his career and talks about his current life and loves, too.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Get Real
If you ever wanted to know what Laura Diaz sounds like, now's your chance. LPGA.com have put up some photos and audio clips, where she talks at length about herself and her golf career.
Monday, March 15, 2004
If you ever wanted to know what Laura Diaz sounds like, now's your chance. LPGA.com have put up some photos and audio clips, where she talks at length about herself and her golf career.
Monday, March 15, 2004
Palmer versus Venturi?
A story still generating heat is Ken Venturi's renewed suggestion (in a book) that Palmer didn't play by the rules in the 1958 Masters. Below are some links to articles and commentary on the subject. I'm not sure anyone comes out of this one particularly well.
o The King and Ken (Golf Digest)
o 'Controversy' is better left embedded (Boston Globe)
o Venturi dredges up old Masters controversy (Independent)
o Decades old cheating in the PGA? (The Chicago Sports Review)
o Venturi flap much ado about nothing (The Desert Sun)
Monday, March 15, 2004
A story still generating heat is Ken Venturi's renewed suggestion (in a book) that Palmer didn't play by the rules in the 1958 Masters. Below are some links to articles and commentary on the subject. I'm not sure anyone comes out of this one particularly well.
o The King and Ken (Golf Digest)
o 'Controversy' is better left embedded (Boston Globe)
o Venturi dredges up old Masters controversy (Independent)
o Decades old cheating in the PGA? (The Chicago Sports Review)
o Venturi flap much ado about nothing (The Desert Sun)
Monday, March 15, 2004
Swedish redneck? Life is good
Greg Cote has a little background on Carl Pettersson, whose character was shaped by long spells in his native Sweden, the UK and finally the USA.
Monday, March 15, 2004
Greg Cote has a little background on Carl Pettersson, whose character was shaped by long spells in his native Sweden, the UK and finally the USA.
Monday, March 15, 2004
No updates this week
Scarlet fever + one-man business = no updates until the antibiotics work their miracles.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Scarlet fever + one-man business = no updates until the antibiotics work their miracles.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
A Small Price to Pay
Ron Sirak in Golf Digest offers his authoritative and considered opion on Hecklergate. His thesis - you can't have your cake and eat it. Either you remain an elitist sport with hushed silence on the course, or you expand your appeal and accept that more raucous fans come along with it.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Ron Sirak in Golf Digest offers his authoritative and considered opion on Hecklergate. His thesis - you can't have your cake and eat it. Either you remain an elitist sport with hushed silence on the course, or you expand your appeal and accept that more raucous fans come along with it.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Michelle McGann helps find missing children
Like Briny Baird on the PGA Tour, Michelle McGann is helping Canon4Kids and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by displaying a photo of a local missing kid on her golf bag at tournaments.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Like Briny Baird on the PGA Tour, Michelle McGann is helping Canon4Kids and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by displaying a photo of a local missing kid on her golf bag at tournaments.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Ford Championship at Doral goes to Craig Parry
Another big winner at the weekend was Craig Parry. His second victory on the PGA Tour got him an "aren't you glad you stayed in the US to play your golf" check for $900,000, plus a new car. And he won in some style, with a superb eagle on the first playoff hole.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Monday, March 08, 2004
Belated success for Davies down under
After the torrid time she had at the men's ANZ Championship in Australia, Laura Davies tanks up on some self-esteem by winning the AAMI Australian Women's Open. And by a big margin - six shots ahead of Rachel Teske.
Monday, March 08, 2004
After the torrid time she had at the men's ANZ Championship in Australia, Laura Davies tanks up on some self-esteem by winning the AAMI Australian Women's Open. And by a big margin - six shots ahead of Rachel Teske.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Legend of golf Arnie accused of cheating
Ken Venturi's coming autobiography suggests that Arnold Palmer broke the rules to record his first Masters win, according to this article in the Scotsman. Whatever the real story - and 45 years on, who's to say - it can't hurt book sales.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Ken Venturi's coming autobiography suggests that Arnold Palmer broke the rules to record his first Masters win, according to this article in the Scotsman. Whatever the real story - and 45 years on, who's to say - it can't hurt book sales.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Love's reaction to heckler has critics howling
Joe Logan rounds up the reaction to Davis Love III's Hecklergate, essentially suggesting there must be a middle ground between the "people shout at basketball matches so what's the problem?" crowd and the "golf course as library" group.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Joe Logan rounds up the reaction to Davis Love III's Hecklergate, essentially suggesting there must be a middle ground between the "people shout at basketball matches so what's the problem?" crowd and the "golf course as library" group.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Tiger Let Loose on GW
US Navy News isn't a traditional source of tour golfer insight, but here's the official report on a visit to USS George Washington by Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara. At least they were only firing off golf balls.
Friday, March 05, 2004
US Navy News isn't a traditional source of tour golfer insight, but here's the official report on a visit to USS George Washington by Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara. At least they were only firing off golf balls.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Davis Love III fallout
The heckler incident in last weekend's Match Play final has generated a lot of discussion. For those interested, here are some article links with commentary...
* Shooting down the shouting gallery
* Heckling a problem in golf
* Golf needs to be more like hockey
* Golfers need to develop thicker skin
* Unlike Love, let's not overreact to golf heckler
Friday, March 05, 2004
The heckler incident in last weekend's Match Play final has generated a lot of discussion. For those interested, here are some article links with commentary...
* Shooting down the shouting gallery
* Heckling a problem in golf
* Golf needs to be more like hockey
* Golfers need to develop thicker skin
* Unlike Love, let's not overreact to golf heckler
Friday, March 05, 2004
Cobra Golf has a new face
Fans of David Feherty will have the oportunity to see more of him now, as he's signed up with Cobra and features in their latest TV commercials.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Fans of David Feherty will have the oportunity to see more of him now, as he's signed up with Cobra and features in their latest TV commercials.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Defying incredible odds
Not the usual fare, but some stories are too good to ignore. David Hackett reports on a 68-year-old golfer who's hit three holes-in-one in the past 6 months. Which is a pretty mean feat, especially when you learn he did it one-handed.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Not the usual fare, but some stories are too good to ignore. David Hackett reports on a 68-year-old golfer who's hit three holes-in-one in the past 6 months. Which is a pretty mean feat, especially when you learn he did it one-handed.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Leaney rebukes US golf media
Interesting comments from Stephen Leaney on how he was more or less ignored by the US media despite his great performance at the Match Play Championship. I fear it's a fact of life. I often get visitor feedback commenting on how the TV stations ignore certain players during golf tournament coverage, regardless of how well they're doing. The media has its favorites. Hope Stephen gives me time to add him to the player directory here.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Interesting comments from Stephen Leaney on how he was more or less ignored by the US media despite his great performance at the Match Play Championship. I fear it's a fact of life. I often get visitor feedback commenting on how the TV stations ignore certain players during golf tournament coverage, regardless of how well they're doing. The media has its favorites. Hope Stephen gives me time to add him to the player directory here.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Ashworth Golf Apparel
A few more European Tour players will be turning out in Ashworth apparel after the company signed up some new members to its team. These include Patrik Sjoland, David Carr, Gary Murphy, Brett Rumford, Anders Hansen and John Bickerton.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
A few more European Tour players will be turning out in Ashworth apparel after the company signed up some new members to its team. These include Patrik Sjoland, David Carr, Gary Murphy, Brett Rumford, Anders Hansen and John Bickerton.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Accenture Match Play Championship - World Golf Championships
Funny to think we were all cautiously wondering if Vijay Singh would knock Tiger off the world rankings top spot. Another big payday and win for Mr.Woods. The link takes you to the official tournament site and round up. But good results for the semi-finalists, too; Clarke, Leaney and Love III.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Funny to think we were all cautiously wondering if Vijay Singh would knock Tiger off the world rankings top spot. Another big payday and win for Mr.Woods. The link takes you to the official tournament site and round up. But good results for the semi-finalists, too; Clarke, Leaney and Love III.
Monday, March 01, 2004
The first time is always the hardest
Monday morning congratulations to Heath Slocum, who took the Chrysler Classic of Tucson to record his first PGA Tour victory. A final round of 65 was enough to give him the win and half a million dollars pocket money.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Monday morning congratulations to Heath Slocum, who took the Chrysler Classic of Tucson to record his first PGA Tour victory. A final round of 65 was enough to give him the win and half a million dollars pocket money.
Monday, March 01, 2004
