LPGA caddie: I was seduced for my sperm

Well, this one tops the cake for the most bizarre story of the year. 26-year-old Gary Robinson, the former caddie to 37-year-old LPGA golfer Jackie Gallagher Smith (her photo here) alleges that Jackie seduced him and had sex with him basically because she could not get pregnant with her husband. Well, you guessed it: Jackie did get pregnant and gave birth last month. Gary is now suing her in a paternity suit. Wow.

Best year ever?

I have been thinking about the money title, and exactly what it means. If you recall, there was a much discussion about where Singh's 2004 season ranks amongst the greatest in Golf, with his 9 wins and nearly 11 million in earnings. This discussion is complicated, however, because of the increases in overall purse during the Tiger era (1998-present), therefore interpreting the moneylist and the money title becomes difficult. So I did what every nerd would: adjust the numbers, and look at the results.

I argue that the money title at the end of the year is meaningless, for two obvious reasons: first, the more events you play, the more money you stand to make. Clearly, all things equal, if Singh plays 29 events (as he did in 2004), he is much more likely to win the money title than Tiger or Phil or Ernie, who play around 20 per year, or less (Els at 15 or 16 events per year, not including European or other tour events). Second, as purses increase, it is impossible to compare across years, since each tournament result takes a percentage of the total purse: increase the purse, and you win more, even if you place the same as you did the year before.

Clearly, the best way to look at this data is by adjusting for the purse increase every year, and calculating a new statistic: earnings per start, adjusted by purse increase.

Thus, I looked at the earnings of the "big four", Mickelson, Singh, Woods, and Els starting in 1999. After a bit of research, I found that purses have increase 11 percent on average since 1999 (1999 was the year of the new television contract that most directly led to the increase in purses on the PGA tour). I then divided total earnings by the number of events played, and adjusted that number by the increase in purse during the past years.

The findings are very interesting. For example, Singh's breakout 2004 earned him $376,040 per start. However, Els earned $361,702 per start, only about $15,000 less than Singh. Singh's 2004 year was best by a large margin for him, with his next best year at $311,372 (2003), and a pretty large drop-off in per-start earnings after that.

It gets more interesting as we move back in time. After adjusting for purse increases, Tiger Woods jumps to the top of the pile, recording four of the top ten "earnings per start" scores with a stunning $697,426 in 2000, $530,920 per start in 1999, $473,168 in 2002, $411,527 in 2003 when rebuilding his swing, and about $410,000 during his "down" years of 2003 and 2001.

As you can see, Tiger has fully dominated the Tour for the past 5 years, but even moreso than we initially thought. Singh's 2004 year ranks fifth overall, followed up by Els and Mickelson, who, with the exception of Phil's 2000 season when he made $313,280 per start, is at the bottom of the distribution.

These results tell us that while Singh had a strong year in 2004, it was primarily due to the long schedule and wins against lesser fields. If we are comparing "greatest years ever", we would have to put every year of Tiger's above Singh's 2004 season, as well as make a compelling arguement for Els 2004 season where he played only in the top events with the strongest fields, yet made only $15,000 less per start than Singh. Mickelson's 2000 season, played in the shadow of Tiger's career-defining season, should be discussed as well, as Phil made $313,280 per start at a time when it was nearly impossible to win when Tiger was in the field.

the King and I

Here's a blast from the past: apparently, Arnold Palmer chipped in on the 16th hole in a similar position as Tiger Woods this year and eventually went on to win the 1962 Masters. Palmer was watching the Masters this year and knew the shot was not as difficult as Lanny Wadkins was making it out to be. This makes Tiger's shot a little less miraculous, thanks to the King.

reality natalie 2.0

22-year-old Natalie Gulbis placed (tied for) 5th at last week's Morelia Championship in Mexico, matching her best finish ever in her pro career. So I wonder who will win on the LPGA tour first -- Natalie (coached by Butch Harmon) or Michelle Wie (coached by Leadbetter)?

From her online diary, Natalie reported at the start of the tournament:

"The food has been really good so far…Mexican is one of my favorites so there is a ton of great dishes. Beans, rice, and tortillas is served at every meal. There are a ton of players that have been getting sick which is unfortunate....I am not sure what or from where...well I am off to start my warm up here."

Great, can't wait for the highlights from the Reality Show.

Related posts.
1. reality natalie (update)

Spring is in the air....

Depending on where you live, your golf season is coming into full swing. In Houston, we just had the Shell Houston Open, of course, but the courses are in really good shape. Actually, I have not missed many days this year. We were able to play all winter, as it was exceptionally mild. I am getting ready for the Texas am qualifying, and a bunch of other tourneys. What are you working on for the new season?

Daly's loss was a bummer, considering that he had just striped a 3 wood on 18 to set up a birdie to get to the playoff. But, once again we saw how dominating Singh can be. One of the guys that I played with yesterday evening watched all of the practice rounds at the Shell, and followed Singh during his first-round 64.

He said it was amazing. Singh made everything that he looked at. During the practice round, when the wind was up a bit more than it was on the weekend, Singh was just tearing it up.

By the way, during coverage on Sunday, did anyone notice during the slo-mo camera close-up of the ball leaving Singh's driver, that the ball was absolutely NOT spinning as it left the frame? You could watch the dimples on the ball, and they were not moving. Now, the ball will start spinning as it moves through the air, but that is amazing.

Weighing in at 220.... what!?!?!?!

While eating lunch today with a couple friends (oldtommorris was one of them), they mentioned the fact that Big John Daly according to Pgatour.com clocks in at a somewhat tall 5'11" and weights a ripe 220.

Now all I can say is look at this pic.... and you tell me if he is clocking in at 220??

After that fist pump, which might have created enough force to drive Vijay into the ground, I doubt that 220 is what he really weights....

------

In another JD moment, what about his sucking on a cig before hitting his ball into the water on the 1st playoff hole?? Talk about a true american... Overweight, smoking a cig, and not stretching or hitting balls before playing!!

I still love the man....

reality natalie (update)

More on Natalie Gulbis's reality show: it's going to be on The Golf Channel, starting July 19. Hopefully, they'll get some airtime for Ben Roethlisberger. The show will no doubt do better than the Big Break III did for The Golf Channel.

Related posts:
1. reality natalie
2. natalie who?

playoff: Daly v. Singh

John Daly shot a 5-under 67, including draining a clutch birdie putt on the 18th at the Shell Houston Open. After draining the putt, JD got excited with a fist pump, or, maybe the better description, an overhand punch. Vijay Singh had a chance to win in regulation, but missed a 6-footer for birdie. Playoff.

UPDATE: Vijay drove first, electing to bomb a driver on the tight 18. It landed in the rough, but luckily in between trees. Vijay was able to hit pitching wedge to the front of the green. Meanwhile, (after electing not to hit any balls on the range during his 30 minutes after the round, but instead to "warm up" with a cigarette), JD played it "safe" with a 3-wood but overcooked it slightly. The ball hit the fairway, but bounded to the left and into the water. JD hit his 7-iron over the green. Some camera man inadvertently kicked it, so JD got a free drop. Only the drop was worse than the original lie. JD hit a respectable shot to 15 feet. But it was all over after Vijay 2-putted for par.

nike: No. 1 irons at Masters?

Well, you're not going to believe this. USA Today reports that Nike irons were the the No. 1 used irons at the Masters -- apparently by paying some of the "older" players $20,000 to use the Nike irons.

Here's the scoop: "How it was won, though, has competitors accusing Nike of guerrilla marketing for paying several past Masters champions $20,000 each to play its irons. Charles Coody, Tommy Aaron, Sandy Lyle, Ray Floyd and Billy Casper — who shot 106 — all played under the swoosh at Augusta National. Those aging stars were enough for Nike to edge TaylorMade 17-15."

goosen: "probably not right" to give women exemptions

Retief Goosen has entered the fray about Michelle Wie's sponsor exemption at the John Deere. Retief suggested that it's "probably not the right thing" to give women sponsor's exemptions to play on the men's tour. Let the women qualify, says Retief.

Who has Retief been hanging around with? Vijay?

power fade: what have you done lately?

Power Fade posted some comments that are worth their own post:

The majors have begun, with Tiger making a supposed statement. Perhaps he finally fixed his swing enough to win tournaments on a more regular basis. Seriously, with Tiger's experience, do you really think it is more of a pressure situation down the stretch to win the Masters vs. winning the Bob Hope? I think at this point, he's just trying to get enough wins to get the players worried about him as they did in the past. That advantage only works against the new guys now (are you listening, Luke Donald?). Sooooo....on to my point. For some of the prior major winners, what have you done lately? May was mentioned in a prior comment, but since he's never had a win, and only 2 2nd place finishes, perhaps he isn't expected to have done anything lately. My comments will skip anyone who is in the top 10, since they have shown what they can do lately.

First is the British, since "The Open" is my favorite major. The Masters would be, but I can't watch it because of my profession, and I am a true believer of playing the ball as it lies, playing the land as it is, no matter how unfair the conditions may be. And the Open plays as such. Think you'd ever find a Euro watering the greens during the match (remember the U.S. Open)? Blasphemy.

Paul Laurie: Struggling on the mini-tours, and hoping to get back onto the European Tour. It is sad that he will never be remembered first for his win due to the actions of one Van De Choke, but at least he isn't the third guy in that playoff that few remember, Mr. Leonard.

O'Meara: Boy, he had quite a year. Won the Masters, won "The Open," and then hasn't had a win since that magical 1998 (unless you count the Dubai, which I am not). He definitely has the experience to lead a Ryder Cup team, but will they have been forgotten by the time he is given his opportunity? Sounds like Casey sure would have supported the next one as his time rather than Lehman. Grrrr...Casey. That is another discussion.

Lehman: Nice transition, huh? That is why I make big bucks for these commentaries. Casey can have his remarks, but the old man hasn't slowed down. Won two tournaments since his major, and has two ties for 2nd in the current year. Whenever a captain plays well enough to possibly make the team, he still has some magic left. At least he won't be wearing a cowboy hat.

Daly: Oh, boy. Here is a tough nut to crack. It has been noted that the future golfer will be a Mark Mcguire type body. Length with equipment may have reached its limit, but the strength of golfers has not. Daly is the body type, but you need to add Tiger's mental game to create the new beast that the future holds. Instead, with Daly, you have a guy who marries his fourth wife 4 days after meeting her, and two years later, she is arrested for drug-related felonies. The fact that he married her in Vegas only shadows the fact that anytime he steps on the course, his results are sure to be a gamble.

Baker-Finch: Have fun commenting Finchy, because it is rumored you will be playing in the British this year. You and Duval may be competing to see if you can berat Billy Casper's score in the Masters this year.

Calc: Another old man with skills to compete. Look for him to tear up the Senior Tour when you decide to join it. You are the Walrus of the future.

Faldo & Norman: they both had their days in the sun. I'd never put down their recent play, because they both were kings at one point in time.
The U.S. Open:

Payne Stewart: Got on the wrong plane at the wrong time. I'd say he'd still be a contender if we still had him.

Lee Janzen: a two time winner, but he hasn't won since his 1998 major. Can't complain...he's been in the top-100 for 14 years straight, and is gonna have a pretty pension when he's done.

Steve Jones: He was a hot number when he won, but he hasn't won since 1998, and has been injured since 2003. He will be someone they write an article about in the magazines in a few years as a guy who had a load of success, but never really got the public's adoration.

Pavin: You have to respect a guy that is this short off the tee, but continues to hold his own. He is the old style golfer like Couples, and I'd never bet against him making the cut. When they finally decide to redesign courses to take the long ball out of contension, he will be the man to emulate.
Masters: (almost all the past years' winners are the guys you'd expect, showing that the Masters may be the best set-up for a major out there)

Olazabel: Has two Euro titles and the 2002 Buich Invitational since his last major. And people still thought he'd compete at this year's Masters (nope). He still has game, but the long ball is taking him out of the equation. Trivia: Has been in only one playoff on the PGA Tour, and lost.
PGA Championship:

Micheel: Everyone says he has game, but he can't prove it. Barely made top-100 in 04, and hasn't done much this year. Maybe his 03 win is a simularity to Curtis and Hamilton (notice I don't even mention them).

Beem: Read the book "Bud, Sweat, and Tears," and you'll see why he hasn't done zip since.

Mark Brooks: Has had poor results the last few years, but I love the fact that his first win was at the Sammy Davis Jr. Hartford Open. I'd love to have that trophy on my mantle.

ugly

Luckily, I missed it. Third-day leader Darren Clarke shot 9-over for the last 13 holes at the MCI Heritage, including 3 double bogeys (even on the 18th where he was tied for the lead) and 4 bogeys. After having a 4-stroke lead today at one point, the rest of the day for Clarke was downright ugly, with a bad case of the hooks. Guess it's time to call Butch Harmon.

Peter Lonard, the guy who won, seemed to shoot just as bad, +4 for the day. Ugly. But Peter will take it...his first win on the PGA tour.

Said Clarke of his round: "I felt like a 36-handicapper."

UPDATE: Ron Sirak has this excellent article "Nowhere to Hide," discussing what happens when the wheels come unhinged in golf.

email from Tiger

Tiger sent a very gracious email, recapping his Masters victory. He seems very mature and even somewhat humble. Here's a taste:

"More than anything it's validation of all the hard work I put into it. Hank and I have put some serious hours into this. I read some of the articles over the past year - him getting ripped and me getting ripped for all the changes - and to play as beautifully as I did all week is pretty cool.

"Granted, it wasn't perfect. I hit a few poor shots coming down the stretch on Sunday, especially my drive at 17 and my 8-iron second shot at 18, which I blocked into the right bunker. I probably made it more dramatic than it should have been, but I had no problem regrouping for the playoff against Chris DiMarco. I came back with two of my best shots of the week: a well-struck 3-wood into the fairway, then flushed an 8-iron to within 15 feet of the hole. The birdie putt felt good as soon as it left my putter.

I must congratulate Chris for his great play. Even when I went ahead by four strokes, I knew he wouldn't back off and would make me earn it, and that's exactly what he did. They always say the Masters doesn't start until the back nine on Sunday and they were right. I was fortunate to win."

Even further, here's what Tiger says about Jack's record 18 majors:

"The other nice thing was that my nine major championships tie Ben Hogan and Gary Player for third place all-time. Jack still leads the way with 18 and will probably never be caught, but you never know. It's something to shoot for."

michelle wie

There's been much hullabaloo over 15-year-old Michelle Wie's sponsor's exemption to play the John Deere Classic on the PGA with the men. As far as I can tell, there are 2 main criticisms:

1. She's taking away a spot that a PGA tour male pro would've received (who's trying to earn a living);

2. She should win a few tournaments with the ladies before "practicing" on the men's tour.

My take: You can't blame Michelle for (1) -- blame the sponsors of the tournament. They're the ones inviting the golfers, and they foot the bill. (2) is more of a concern, but I think you've got to leave the decision up to Michelle (and her parents and golf pro David Leadbetter) on what's best for her at this stage of her career. If I were 15 again and had her game, I'd do it, too.

UPDATE on April 15: Apparently, there's been a Power Fade spotting. Read the entertaining comments below.

Steroids in golf?

Gary Player once said that the day will come when a golfer stands on the first tee at Augusta National and drives the first green (even with the new tournament tees). This golfer will be “6-foot-5, weigh 260 pounds, and he will make Tiger Woods look like a shrimp” (Golf Digest, 2002).

So, what would Gary Player’s nightmare look like? Actually, we have photographic evidence, and even analysis of this golfer’s swing by none other than David Leadbetter. Who is it?

Mark McGwire. 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. Clubhead speed: more than 140 miles per hour (average tour player is in the 115 to 125 mph range), 300+ yards carry (remember, this is from 3 years ago, and does not take the most recent ball and driver technology into account). McGwire won the 2003 skills challenge over pros Greg Norman, Paul Azinger, and Colin Montgomerie, among others.

Now, McGwire is not a professional golfer by any stretch. But it is easy to imagine some college (or high school) kid who has played golf since he (or she) was walking, getting bigger, faster, stronger, and better. More likely than not, there is a substantial group of kids out there with the right mental, genetic, and physical make-up, as well as the resources to be able to play and practice at the level required to succeed at the highest level.

Or, more simply, imagine Tiger Woods the size of Mark McGwire. That is what steroids would do to a good golfer. Long drive champions routinely pound 375-plus drives during competition. Combine that power with Tiger or Phil Mickelson’s ability from 200 yards in….

Technology is quickly hitting a wall, in terms of additional length and control. Further, the fitness craze on the PGA tour arguably has had as much impact on the professional game as technology. It would not be hard to convince me that athletic prowess will be the primary driver behind success in golf at every level in the future. And, as we have seen in every other professional sport, once slim advantages in athletic ability begins to separate players on the margin of the highest levels of performance, the temptation to use performance-enhancing substances becomes undeniable.

tiger's major thrillers

Tiger has prevailed in several close major thrillers -- which was the best?:

1. defeating Sergio Garcia by 1-stroke at the '99 PGA Championship.

2. defeating Bob May in a 3-hole playoff at the '00 PGA Championship.

3. defeating David Duval by 2 strokes at the '01 Masters.

4. defeating Chris DiMarco in a playoff at the '05 Masters.

I tried to think of the times Tiger has lost in close thrillers, but could only come with one (so cheated by adding the TPC to the mix):

1. Rich Beem over Tiger by 1-stroke at the '02 PGA Championship.

2. Hall Sutton over Tiger at the '00 TPC.

3. can anyone else stare him down, mano a mano?

that's what I'm talking about

I don't like predictions, and usually don't make them. Once in a while, though, I do ... usually, only when things seem all too obvious to me.

Well, not to toot my own horn, but back on March 7, 2005, here's what I posted after Tiger beat Phil in a showdown at Doral:

"If Tiger's play yesterday is any indication of his play this year, he will win at least 2 majors. Yesterday may be the day that we look back and say: Tiger finally returned, not only to No. 1, but to his 2000 form (revamped by Hank Haney and Tiger). Phil, Ernie, Vijay, and Retief better be hitting the driving range right now."

And a day earlier, I concluded after the Tiger-Phil showdown: "He's back. Tiger Woods had the look of his 2000 year, staging one of the most exciting head-to-head match-ups in golf in years."

OK, so Tiger's got some work left to do if my prediction of at least 2 majors this year is to be validated. But he's 1-1 now, and I wouldn't bet against him.

tiger over dimarco, in a playoff

Sunday was a day of incredible drama. Chris DiMarco woke up to a nightmare final 9 holes of the 3rd round, shooting a 41. Meanwhile, Tiger was on the birdie train and pulled a 3-stroke lead by the end of the 3rd round at -12.

Things, though, got interesting in the final round. DiMarco rebounded and put up a valiant, gutsy fight that few others could pull off, staying within 1 or 2 strokes of Tiger most of the round. But Tiger seemed to seal the deal by chipping in from over the green on the 16th hole, playing about a 90-degree break from the hill on the green -- with one of the most incredible clutch shots you will ever see. For dramatic effect, the ball hung on the lip for two seconds and then fell in. Tiger said it was one of the best shots he ever hit. Tiger opened up a 2-stroke lead.

But then he proceeded to bogey the next two holes. Meanwhile, Chris DiMarco almost chipped in on the 18th (which would've won the tournament). He did make his 5-footer, to force a playoff. Kudos to Chris. But, in the playoff, DiMarco made the same mistake he made about 10-minutes before, coming up short and having his ball roll off the green. DiMarco chipped it to less than a foot away for par. However, Tiger then rolled in his 20-footer for birdie -- you kind of felt it coming!

Poignant moment, Tiger dedicated his victory to his ailing father.

Starting to get interesting

DiMarco is playing much better after the shock of the morning, but he should be tied or only one back with the way that his putts are burning the edges. Tiger looks like he is in pretty good control.

This is starting to look like Tiger 2000 in terms of inevitability, however. Phil isn't making anything either, and no one else is seriously contending.

DiMarco missed another 8 footer for birdie. Wadkins called the putt a "weak effort". Heh.

Get up, you are missing it!!

Tiger is 7 under currently, and has erased a 4 stroke deficit during the third round. Seven birdies in a row (I think, I am getting fragmented info from ESPN).

And I have to wait until 2 pm to see the footage. GAH.

Watching round 3 at 1 am

Heh, out late tonight, so Im watching the Masters on Tivo. Very nice.

Tiger just had a 375 yard drive on 2. 200 to the flag.

To the powers that would try to limit the ball or equipment: It is not the ball or the clubs. These guys are just powerful. Remember, Tiger didn't add new driver technology until this year. He was ultra-long before the tech boom. He is just now catching up equipment-wise to his competition, and we again are seeing the same disparity as we did in 97 or 98.

The Masters in High Definition

I hope everyone is able to see the Masters in HD this year. As last year, the picture quality is absoluting stunning. A repeated comment that I hear from the players about Augusta is that television does not do the elevation changes and the mounding on the greens justice.

HD really makes the contours of the greens stand out, and allows the viewer to see the difficulty for themselves. Really amazing.

One complaint, however: why is footage from last years Masters not presented in HD? Or for that matter, highlights of other majors from last year that were presented in HD are not shown in HD this year. Strange, and unfortunate.

Finally, the widescreen really allows you to see how the holes fit together. For example, the camera that is looking over the 12 tee allows you to see the the huge open area to the right of the green, as well as the teebox of 13. Pretty cool.

By the way, I have caught 2 "patrons" picking their noses in the background behind the players. Yes, HD is that good:)

farewell, jack

It's all over. Many thanks, Jack.

Watch out for the Amateurs...

After posting his second straight 71, Ryan Moore, a Senior at UNLV and winner of the US Am and US Pub Links as well as many other college tournaments is sitting T6 with 2 rounds to go.

Also Luke List posted a solid 69 and is currently T23 after 2 rounds. List is a sophomore at Vanderbilt finished second to Moore at the US Am.

According to golfstat.com, Moore is the #1 ranked college golfer and List is #70. Also, some might remember Casey Wittenberg who is currently T11. Wittenberg left Oklahoma State last year to turn pro and has not done much as a pro.

Hopefully, one of these college or former college folk will be able to beat the so called "big 4."

----------

Tap Ins...

DiMarco is currently at -10 and will need to continue to race lower as Tiger (-4), Singh (-3), and Phil (-2) are all close behind.

Duval birdied the last two holes to shoot 77. I have a feeling that Duval might actually do something by the end of the year... He appears to be very close.

Paul Casey, who "hates Americans", posted a solid 10 on the 13th hole in the first round. Way to go Paul!

Finally, I love the golf coverage on CBS. Gotta love the Patrons and 54 minutes for every hour of golf coverage! Also, there is no discussion of the prize money and the trophy is a replica of the clubhouse!

Bump, Set, Spike!!

For those of you who haven't heard, Phil with his man boobs and metal spikes danced around the 12th hole yesterday and left his tracks. Standing back on the 12th tee, Vijay and crew got upset because Phil left his spike marks on the green.

You can see the Golf Channel's coverage here.

Now, most of us amateurs do not play golf with metal spikes and most golf courses are completely spikeless. However, I can remember what it used to be like not being able to tap down those nasty spike marks left by my buddies in junior golf.

the claw

The claw: Wow, the claw is showing some fangs. Chris DiMarco is now at 8-under, with a 4-stroke lead over second place Thomas Bjorn. DiMarco did well last year, and maybe he "deserves" some good luck after basically showing Phil Mickelson the line on the final hole of last year's Masters.

I like DiMarco because he showed some real fight in defeat at the Ryder Cup, while most of the other Americans seemed to roll over. I also like him because his swing is not really ... well, let's say, not picture perfect. I can relate.

Tiger spotting: Tiger has resurrected himself, shooting 4-under on the 2nd round, to pull to -2 for the tournament. Leaderboard here.

"Long" versus "short" hitters

Funk wins the Players, with Luke Donald right behind. Donald is now on the first page of the leaderboard. DiMarco is leading. Triplett (from WSU:)), Maggert, Riley near the top.

Maybe being a short versus a long hitter doesn't matter. Maybe it just matters how good you are. Or how well you are playing.

Oh, and Vijay's complaints about Phil's spikes? Should have talked to Phil first, then gone to the rules people.

If we really believe that everyone is playing with the utmost integrity, then one should never have to go to the rules officials.

Thanks to the founders of the the Golf Blog for letting me post here. I will have lots to say over the next few days, and into the future.

For my background, I am a marketing professor at a private university in the southeast. I play to a 4 handicap.

british invasion: howell and donald

The second round has been suspended because of rain. First day leader Chris DiMarco is now tied for 1st at 5-under with two Brits, 27 year old Luke Donald and 29 year old David Howell.

FACTOID: The last Brit to win the Masters? (click comments)

tiger, putting for eagle ... into the creek

Well, it was a weird day for Tiger (who started on the back nine, but didn't finish) yesterday. Putting for eagle on 13 from above the hole, he proceeded to putt the ball off the green and into Rae's Creek. Guess he misjudged the speed.

Then he called a rules official over, and dropped his ball on the green and putted again after taking the stroke penalty for going into the water. (Is that the nearest point of entry? Kind of weird, too.) Tiger 2-putted and saved bogey.

After making the turn on the 1st hole, Tiger stiffed his short wedge and hit the pin. The ball almost landed in the hole, but instead careened off the green into the bunker. Tiger blasted out from a down hill lie, well past the hole and two-putted for bogey. Still fuming, on the next hole Tiger hit about 6 inches behind his ball with his driver and duck-hooked the ball into the trees. The drive went about 100 yards. Tiger whacked at the ball for a hook that didn't happen. It went into the trees on the right. Tiger whacked it out of the trees, but into the bunker. Tiger whacked it out of the bunker, some 25 feet away. He drilled the putt. Routine par.

Meanwhile, after the round, Tiger was questioned by rules officials to see if he should incur a penalty for tapping in a putt astride the hole on 14. He determined he didn't. Just imagine the steam that would've been coming out of his ears if he had incurred that penalty.

david duval on the leaderboard

OK, so it's only after 1 hole and a par. But it's nice to see Duval's name back on the leaderboard. Leaderboard here.

UPDATE: Duval just birdied the 2nd hole and is tied for 1st place. When's the last time we could say that?????

uh oh

Rain in the forecast at the Masters. This may advantage all those who braved the elements last week at the Bell South.

Let the Masters begin

There is nothing like the internet coverage of the Masters. (www.masters.org)

Currently, I am watching Jack hit balls on the range and at the ripe, young age of 24, I'm spellbounded in the fact that one of the greatest golfers of all time is hitting balls and I'm just sitting in school (not class) watching him do this. Technology is absolutely amazing.

Anyways, I'm excited that Jack is playing and hope that he makes the cut. But, I feel that this years tournament is going to be won by someone in the "so-called" field and not the "Big 4".

Yes, Tiger, et. al are playing at the tops of their games, but I feel that someone from the pack say a Zach Johnson or David Toms will adorn the Green Jacket when all is said and done.

So bring on the patrons and 54 minutes for each hour of golf coverage!! I love the Masters... it is the golfers opening day!

reality natalie

It's official: Natalie Gulbis is doing a reality show, about none other than herself. She was on the Best Damn Sports Show tonight, and seemed more mature and well-spoken than you might think from her age.

spring is in the air

Today it was 75 degrees in my neck of the woods. Young people in shorts. Ahh, and yes, now starts the Masters. If you are not excited, you are not a golfer!

John Daly is back at the Masters. Today, he hit a hole in one on the par 3 16th. Let's hope his luck continues. I can't wait.

Jack to Play!

Well, it is time to start the Masters talk.

I just heard on the Golf Channel that Jack is going to play in this year's Masters!

What would happen if there was another 1986??

I'm excited!

Good Prep for the Masters??

I'm currently sitting here watching the 5 man playoff at the Bell South Classic. Everyone knows that Phil wants to be in a pressure situation before Augusta, but what are we watching??

Phil Chokes again!
Beem misses the hole!
Jose does a quick Ole!

Gotta love the confidence watching these 3 players who have all won, look like weekend hackers!

wowee, ollie

Check this out: Jose Maria Olazabal shot a 40 on the front nine at the Bellsouth Classic, which included a 2-stroke penalty for grounding his club in the sand in disgust for leaving his first attempt in the bunker.

So what does Jose do on the back nine: 29! Now, that's going low!

Notables as Predicted Drop Out of Sugar Loaf

As could be expected, the following players withdrew/DNS at the Bell South Classic

Woosnam
DiMarco
Flesch
Appleby
Donald

All of which would have had to play 36 holes on Monday before the Masters.

Man, I'm excited for the Masters!!

Postponed...

Surpise...

Another rained out day at Sugarloaf!

Round 1 commences 7am on Saturday. I'm sure USA and NBC are glad they spent big $$$ on televising movies and re-runs!!