Sirak on Dakoda Dowd

Proving again why we selected him as the TGB 2005 Best Golf Writer, Ron Sirak has written this fine article about Dakoda Dowd here. Here's a flavor:

There have been times when the novel use of sponsor's exemptions have been viewed with cynical eyes, but not this time. Dakoda Dowd was playing for Kelly Jo, but she was also playing for us all. We all owe the Dowds a word of thanks for reminding us that winning is about much more than score. It's about what's in your heart

One great day...

Journeyman pro Chris Couch has added intrigue to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans by going from worst to first by posting a 64 in his third round on Saturday. After making the cut on the number, this repeat Nationwide Tour winner now has a one-shot lead going into the final round and a great chance to get his first win in a PGA event.

Annika, Even; 13-year-old Dakoda, +2

This is a little mind-boggling to me: 13-year-old Dakoda Dowd, playing on a sponsor's exemption (see here), managed to shoot an impressive 2-over 74, while world No. 1 Annika Sorenstam could only muster an even par round. Way to go, Dakoda! Hard to believe this teen phenom is 3 years younger than Michelle Wie. Boy, the talent level of these girls!

Of course, the inspiration for Dakoda's play is her mom, who has terminal cancer and may only have a few more months to live. This is one sponsor's exemption that no one can dispute. More here.

Paula Creamer, not so hot

As hot as Paula Creamer was in her rookie year last year (3 victories), it's bit of a mystery what exactly is going on with her game this year. Why, even her fan websites appear to be no longer following her (see here and here). C'mon Paula fans, what gives? The loyal Duval fans are still following him (see here).

Said Paula: "“I get anxious out there and I want to win, and I miss that feeling of winning and I think that has a little to do with it. Lately I haven’t been playing that great, but I don’t think it’s because of what I do off the course. I know it’s very important to practice and get my time in with my golf. If that becomes a problem with stuff off the course then we’ll take care of that.”

British Open: where's No. 1, er, 17?

This year's British Open will be played at Royal Liverpool on July 20-23. Already, they are planning for the event. Turns out they will be rearranging the order of holes: No. 17 will now be the first hole and the rest of the holes will be played consecutively so the par-5 No. 16 will be the last hole. Get it?

13 year old receives sponsor's exemption

Dakoda Dowd is a promising 13-year-old golfer, whose mom is suffering from terminal cancer. Ginn Clubs & Resorts heard about the family's story and extended a sponsor's exemption to Dakoda for this week's inaugural tournament, so her mom can see her play in an LPGA event. Of course, Ginn has received great press for the story, but so too has Kelly Jo Dowd for her cause in heightening awareness for early detection of breast cancer. (See here)

The Perez report

Hey Everyone. PP here. Still home, still bored and itching to get back on the road. Headed to Daly's 40th birthday deal tomorrow and then to the Wachovia straight from there. Elbow is still killing me and doing what I can to keep my mind off the pain - while not getting extremely frustrated in the whole process. (more here)

The Tiger report: new driver

In New Zealand for his caddie Steve Williams's wedding, Tiger managed to go bungy jumping and then stock car racing. Of course, Tiger won a race. Is there anything this guy can't do?

Weir on Wie

Michelle Wie accepted a sponsor's exemption to the play the 84 Lumber Classic on the PGA tour. It has sparked some reaction among PGA players.

Mike Weir: "If they want to give her a shot, that's their prerogative. Do I think it's right all the time? No, I don't. I understand the buzz they're trying to create with Michelle. But at the same time, she hasn't made any cuts. I think maybe it's about time for her to really earn a spot. It would be nice if the tour would step in. There are guys who really need to play, really need events to get in. There are plenty of guys, a lot of my friends, who are in that situation."

Olin Browne: "This is the big leagues, man. I think tournaments should invite players who qualified to play. I don't see any high school kids playing major league baseball."

The Golf Blog: Apparently, Browne is wrong about high school kids playing in MLB. See here.

The Big Easy report

Fitness-wise, the leg has been holding up well, even on the up-and-down fairways of Augusta National. As you all know I’ve been doing a lot of work in the gym this past six months, so I’m physically quite fit at the moment. I’m not saying I don’t feel some discomfort from the knee from time to time – anyone who’s had this type of injury knows it takes a while to completely heal. But I feel like I’ve got past that point where it’s an issue as far as my golf swing is concerned. And that’s the important thing. I only need to look forward from here on. (more)

The Wie report

Time Magazine's Jeff Chu interviewed Michelle Wie recently. Here are a few classic Michelle responses:

Time: Who are your role models outside golf?

Michelle: A couple of weeks ago, I met the Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, and I thought she was really amazing. I look up to her because she's a really strong woman. I can't believe I played nine holes with her. She was kind of a beginner, but she was pretty athletic. She actually hit her driver really well. She liked hitting her driver. Anyway, I don't really remember everything. It was such a blur, and I was like, "Oh my God, it's the Secretary of State." They put me in charge of driving her around. I was like, If I crash, the Secretary of State goes down with me.

Time: Rush Limbaugh reportedly said something about you recently [calling you a "triumph of marketing"].

Michelle: Huh? Who's that?

Time: You don't know who Rush Limbaugh is?

Michelle: Uh oh.

Time: He's on the radio.

Michelle: I don't listen to the radio much.

The Golf Blog: We would have added, He's the guy who was addicted massively to pain killers, until he was ratted out by his own housekeeper (see here). He made a similar type of remark (see here) about the media hyping of QB Donovan McNabb, who is African American.

As if one wasn't good enough...

According to ESPN.com (article here), Brad Hobbs' a custodian for a local elementary school in Abington, Massachusetts recorded 2 holes-in-one in the same regulation 18 hole round. Hobbs shot 81 on a the par 68 Brockton Country Club.

Mad props Brad!

The Perez report: the Double P blog

Pat Perez is now 39th on the money list, after having finished an impressive tied for 3rd at the TPC. Now, he's started a smokin' hot and stylish website to match his personality. This site is so cool, it ain't funny--just listen to the tunes. It's the best golfer site I've seen yet. Sorry, Natalie!

What makes it even cooler is that Double P, as he's self-described, is a blogger. His blog will be featured on The Golf Channel here. As soon as Double P wins the Masters, we'll have to call him Master P.

Megan Heckeroth - The Golf Blog interview, Part 2

(photograph (c) megangolf.com)

The Golf Blog: Megan, we’ve seen you post some comments to The Golf Blog – thank you for your interest. Are you a regular reader of The Golf Blog?

Megan: I love the Golf Blog. It is one of a few blogs that mix competent commentary with open views and opinions from golfers at large.

The Golf Blog: Thanks, we try our best, but sometimes we have to "take a mulligan."

OK, so now seems a good time to actually talk about some golf. What was it like growing up playing golf in Oregon? Did you play at the same time when Jason Allred was playing? What other tour pros are from Oregon – are we missing someone?

Megan: Are you kidding me? How about Peter Jacobsen, Ben Crane, Alison Hanna.

The Golf Blog: Ooops! There goes our interview with Jake. Well, there's our one mulligan for the day ... We need to get out to Oregon. What should we know about playing golf in Oregon?

Megan: Oregon golf is wet. So if I’m in a tournament and all the players are moaning about the rain, I am going ... this is my hometown weather. Easy stuff. Of course, the players from Texas are happy when it’s windy.

The Golf Blog: How would you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your game?

Megan: My strength is my length, especially off the tee, and I have a great feel around the greens. My weakness is bunkers. We don’t like sand in Oregon. That’s why I moved to Southern California to practice my sand saves on those beautiful beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica.

The Golf Blog: You work with both a swing coach, Bryan Lebedevitch, and a sports psychologist, Dr. Joseph Parent. What’s the best tip you have learned from both so far?

Megan: Pay first. Score later. Naaaa just kiddin'... From Bryan, "Believe in your swing no matter how it looks." From Doc, "How to use peripheral vision when putting."

The Golf Blog: Tell us about a typical week in the golf season, from Monday through Sunday.

Megan: Monday – it’s my day about nothing! Just me and Bubba (miaow).
Tuesday – It’s airport-car rental-hotel check-in day.
Wednesday & Thursday – Practice rounds and Pro-Ams; and most importantly my side bets with the girls – just to keep that competitive edge during practice.
Fri-Sat-Sun Tournament days – when I have an early tee time, I use the afternoon to practice or go to a movie, or shopping, or check out the local hangouts…; If I have a late tee time, I sleep in, do a short workout routine, and then head to the range.

The Golf Blog: Most of your time must be focused on golf. But is there time to have a social life or go out on the town during the golf season?

Megan: You bet. I go out anytime I have the chance because it helps release competitive tension and takes your mind off golf. Just read my last blog post about my Las Vegas weekend before going to my tournament in Louisiana.

The Golf Blog: What’s the best part about being a tour professional? And the worst thing?

Megan: Seeing the world and meeting great people (and a few unpleasant ones too). The downside: For a homebody like me, being away for such long periods of time.

The Golf Blog: You are playing on the Futures Tour and Ladies European Tour. For those of us who don’t get a chance to watch either tour, can you tell us about the level of competition that you face on tour? What do you need to do to become eligible for the LPGA tour?

Megan: It is deep and getting deeper. Many girls have been playing since their early teens before they became eligible to join a tour; so the experience and the competition are definitely there. They just don’t get the same TV and media exposure because they are not broadcast. To become eligible for the LPGA in 2007, I either need to finish in the top 5 in the Futures Tour money list or make it in the top 30 in the LPGA Q-school.

The Golf Blog: You must be having a fun time traveling to different countries in Europe? Is it more difficult, though, getting adjusted to European courses that you haven’t played before?

Megan: While it is fun to visit so many different cultures, the European courses aren’t very different except that they have smaller greens. So accuracy and GIR are much more difficult to achieve over there.

The Golf Blog: Fact or fiction: The LPGA will overtake the PGA in terms of fan popularity.

Megan: I don’t think so. This is a male dominated sport (from a fan base standpoint), and therefore the PGA will always prevail over the LPGA. The ones that I see losing ground to the LPGA are the Champions and Nationwide tours.

The Golf Blog: Fact or fiction: Megan Heckeroth will be playing on the LPGA tour within three years or less.

Megan: FACT!


(photograph (c) megangolf.com)

Related post
Megan Heckeroth - The Golf Blog interview, Part 1

Megan Heckeroth - The Golf Blog interview, Part 1

(photograph (c), megangolf.com)

Megan Heckeroth is a rookie on the Ladies European Tour, and she's also playing on the Futures Tour. Below is Part 1 of The Golf Blog's exclusive interview with Megan.

The Golf Blog: Hi Megan, thanks for this interview. Before we discuss your golf game, we want to start with some background questions. Let's start off with a simple one: Who is your inspiration in golf?

Megan: After I played with Annika Sorenstam at the U.S. Women’s Open, I was inspired by her, specifically because she had the personality of someone I can relate to, along with an incredible dedication and wherewithal.

The Golf Blog: How about outside of golf, ... who is your inspiration outside of golf?

Megan: My parents are my everyday inspiration, my dad for his work ethic, my mom for her generosity.

The Golf Blog: Favorite indulgence?

Megan: Chocolate-dipped strawberries at the right place, at the right time, with the right person.

The Golf Blog: Hmmm... Sounds goods ... How about your favorite TV golf analyst or announcer?

Megan: I really like Vince Cellini from the Golf Channel. I actually watch the Big Break show just because he is in it.

The Golf Blog: Well, you might be the only one, at least the only one willing to admit it... What about your favorite TV show?

Megan: It’s the show about nothing … I can watch Seinfeld reruns for hours. I really relate to all their scenes and setups.

The Golf Blog: Seinfeld, yes, great show. Kramer was a hilarious golfer (see here). What about your fondest memory?

Megan: Going up to San Francisco for my U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifier at Lake Merced, making it, playing the Olympic Club and going to a San Francisco Giants baseball game with my friends Andy & Kenny.

The Golf Blog: How about the flipside: what is your biggest pet peeve?

Megan: I live in L.A. Draw your own conclusions...

The Golf Blog: Understandable, we wouldn't expect an Oregonian to be at home in LA. But at least you get to practice bikram yoga there. How often do you practice the so-called "hot yoga"? Do you enjoy sweating profusely in a really hot room?

Megan: When I am on a home-week, I do my yoga 3 times a week; on the road it’s a little tougher to do it. I do enjoy the sweating because it makes me feel energized afterwards.

The Golf Blog: How about a more genteel topic -- you majored in Fine and Applied Arts in college. Do you have artistic talent like Luke Donald? Who is your favorite artist?

Megan: I’ve never seen any of Luke’s art, but I do have artistic talent. I love to oil paint and draw in watercolors. My favorite artist is Georgia O’Keefe.

The Golf Blog: Luke Donald is a pretty good painter. He also majored in art in college, at Northwestern, and he painted the artwork for last year's Western Open.

Now, we've noticed that you also are a blogger and you blog during the season. You have a blog on your website and one on the Ladies European Tour website. What do you like about blogging?

Megan: Keeping my friends and fans updated on my own progress, and following what all the golf bloggers are thinking about the tours, the pros, and their needs with golf improvement tips.
(photograph (c) megangolf.com)

Stay tuned Wednesday for Part 2 of the interview.

David Toms: Masters run like CIA

In a very uncharacteristic public criticism of The Masters by a PGA pro, David Toms lambasted the "CIA" like treatment that The Masters gives to players, who, in Toms's words, are "walking on eggshells."

Said Toms: "It's still a golf tournament. It's the players that make that tournament. It's Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods battling down the stretch that makes that event successful on television around the world. It's not how green the grass is on the No. 1 fairway." (More here)

If Toms is given the worst tee times at Augusta next year, or, even worse, suddenly goes missing, we will know why.

My Thoughts on the Masters

When I think of the Masters, I few things have always come to mind. First, the majesty and coverage of the tournament is different. Referring to Patrons instead of fans, the 2nd cut instead of the rough, never discussing the prize money, never showing the trophy presentation but just Butler Cabin where the winner receives his green jacket, these are all things that are different about the Masters. Second, the commercial coverage is very small, so CBS has the ability to show a ton of golf coverage. (56 minutes per hour) Third, the Masters has always been known for its back nine finishes or collapses. Jack in '86. Norman in '96.

However, over the past few years, the Augusta National Golf Club has been attempting to "update" the golf course so players will play the course as it was meant to be played. It has been well documented of the changes to Augusta and whether a "short" hitter could beat the "long" ballers. Regardless of whether Augusta National has now been "Tiger-proofed" or "updated", this year, there was one thing that was truly missing. The back 9 finish.

As Young Tom Morris has discussed in some of his comments, I think the "Tiger-proofing" the golf course has taken away from the Masters experience instead of adding to it. As Young Tom Morris and I discussed last night, the Masters has always been fun because the players "go low" and you can see a back nine 30 to win. However, this year, the best I could find, on quick inspection, was a 33 on the back nine in the final round. Also, the excitement of Augusta was almost there when Olazabal got it to 5 under after 15, but that soon died when he bogied 16.

As we discussed, if we wanted to watch people struggle, we'd wait till the US Open. If we wanted to watch players play on golf courses which are "links" style in crazy weather conditions, the Open Championship is where it is at. And, the PGA is always fun because of the club pros involved. But, the Masters was always the way to start of the Majors. Low scoring, beautiful landscapes, and did I mention birdies all over the place.

Yes, Augusta National might have gotten what it wanted, someone not shooting 20-under par, but this year, the tournament was set up for "greatness." And, because of the additional yardage, trees, and other adjustments to the golf course, the patrons at the course and patrons watching at home were deprived of something that makes the Masters special: The ability to go low, the ability to watch someone make a Sunday back nine charge, and the ability to not watch someone make bogey to win the tournament!!

Take a mulligan: PGA, where are the young guns?

After watching a fantastic finish at the LPGA Kraft Nabisco, followed by a rather ho-hum final round at The Masters, I'm rather amazed how few "young guns" there are who can compete at the majors on the PGA tour. The LPGA, of course, has many: Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis, Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, to name a few. The PGA has, well, a major problem.

Just look down the list of the 47 final round players at The Masters. Only 1 golfer who's still in his twenties finished in the Top 25 -- Geoff Ogilvy, and he'll be 29 years old this year. Of the 47 players who made the cut at The Masters, only 6 (Ogilvy, Adam Scott, Carl Petterson, Ben Curtis, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia) are still in their twenties and none is under 25 years old. Adam Scott will be turning 26 this year, and he's the youngest. Of the 6 players, 3 are already or will be 29 years old this year. Only 1 -- Ben Curtis -- has won a major.

So what does this mean? Well, if I were Tiger or Phil, I would be licking my chops. But, if I were the PGA, I would be worried. Michell Wie = 16 years old, need I say more.

TGB blog etiquette

To our Commenters:

We appreciate all comments submitted to The Golf Blog, and we generally permit wide-open discussion on any golf-related topic, as you can tell from some of the recent exchanges.

We only ask two things: first, keep it clean (meaning no offensive language or profanity), and second, no personal attacks on another commenter. You can disagree sharply with another commenter's point of view, but it's completely "out of bounds" to start calling the commenter a bad name or to make other derogatory remarks about the commenter.

Please respect these rules of etiquette. And keep with the comments! Thanks.

Phil = or < Tiger?

OK, there's been much banter on the sports shows today about how Phil Mickelson is playing as the best player today, even better than Tiger, at least for the moment. But I don't think anyone is really suggesting that Phil is better than Tiger Woods, all round.

The real question, I think, is whether Mickelson has proven himself to be a worthy adversary or rival to Tiger -- the adversary we've all been waiting for. Is Mickelson better than Retief, Vijay, and Ernie, in terms of competing with Tiger? I think he clearly is, but what do others thinks?

Next question: why is Tiger's collar so messed up?

TGB Monday Masters numbers

0 -- Number of times Tiger has won a major coming from behind at start of final round.

2 -- Number of drivers Mickelson was using in yesterday's round (he took out one of his sand wedges, apparently).

3 -- Number of putts Fred Couples needed from 4 feet on the 14th yesterday. Ended his run.

5 -- Number of inches away from the hole Tiger's tee shot missed going in on the fly on 16.

7 -- Number iron Phil used on the par-3 16th hole, to stick it within 8 feet.

10 -- Number of strokes Rocco Mediate took on the par-3 12th. Ended his run.

16 -- Number of years in a row in which the winner of The Masters tournament has come from the final group.

17 -- Number of strokes Sergio finished back of Lefty.

Phil wins second major in a row ... is he now the favorite at the US Open?

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson reversed roles in today's final round at the Masters. Tiger kept hitting great approach shots to give himself chances to put pressure on the leaders, but he missed every big putt. Meanwhile, Phil made all the key shots and putts; without making any big mistakes, Phil had a surprisingly easy back nine to get his second green jacket.

So, now that Phil has two straight victories in the majors (and more over the last two years than Tiger), does Phil become the early favorite for the US Open? Is it time to start talking slam?

What's the target today to win the Masters?

As the leaders get ready to tee off for the final round of the Masters, I wonder what they think they need to shoot to win. After watching everyone back up a bit this morning while finishing round 3, I am thinking -6 might just be good enough to win, and I would be really surprised if anyone goes lower than -7.

So, just about anyone who gets a hot putter and can somehow post a round in the mid 6os has a real chance to take home a green jacket today. Should be lots of fun to watch.

Predictions? Hopes?

Moving day at the Masters

Especially because I do not expect Chad Campbell (or anyone else) to run away from the field, just about anyone who made the cut at the Masters, and can post a good number today, has a real shot at a playing late on Sunday.

As of 2pm, Jim Furyk and Jose-Maria Olazabal are two interesting names who've posted strong front nines today. A couple more birdies coming home, and they both could be in the middle of the late-day action tomorrow. Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia is moving the wrong way so far, though he has plenty of holes to play.

Other than Tiger and Phil, who else might we expect to make moving day memorable?

Coody... Best 2nd Round??

While looking at the early 2nd round scores at the Masters, I was drawn to the man at the bottom. The only player to not beat, my man, David Duval, Charles Coody.

Coody, who won the 1971 Masters over a Johnny Miller and some guy named Jack, shot his career worst round at Augusta National yesterday carding an 89. However, through 10 holes today, the 68 year old, Coody is at even par.

If he stays at even for the day, could that round be "better" than any other round in the tournament? Come on, this guy is 68 years old!

Anyways, at least he is putting pressure on the guys at the bottom in the race for DFL (Dead F'in Last).

Duval, already finished: 84

Dead last. (here)

The Masters: watch at work?

Not to hurt U.S. productivity today, but The Masters is airing some coverage of Amen Corner starting at 10:45 am today. Go here.

The Masters jinx factor: fact or fiction?

The Big Easy report: the changes to Augusta

When I first started coming here in the early 1990s I think it’s fair to say that Augusta was the most fun of all the major championship venues. Now it’s probably the toughest. It’s a seriously long and difficult test of golf. I have to confess, though, I like the changes. But then again, being one of the longer hitters, I guess the changes are supposed to play into my hands.

I was talking to Tiger about this when we were paired together on the second day at The Tavistock Cup last week. The way the golf course plays now – you know, if the long hitters get their games together there’s a real chance they could separate themselves from the rest of the field. It’s going to be interesting, for sure. Another thing we were saying is that if the wind blows and the course conditions are dry, anything could win. Honestly, an over-par aggregate could be a winning score. No one’s seen that at Augusta for the best part of 50 years.

For a hole-by-hole analysis of the changes to Augusta, go to Ernie's site here.

Sergio's new shoes

Flash(j)ack: 20-year anniversary of Jack's 1986 Masters victory

Hard to believe it was twenty years ago when Jack Nicklaus made his last amazing run at the 1986 Masters. It feels like it was just yesterday. The Sunday round was one of the most magical displays of a champion golfer "in the zone," but that was one of Jack's signature "Sunday charges." On his website, Jack reminisces about the 1986 victory:

Knowing he needed to make a run, Nicklaus began his charge with a birdie from 11 feet at nine then twisted in a pair of 25-footers at 10 and 11. Though he bogeyed the 12th, he offset the error with another birdie at 13. But he was merely treading water, and his hopes for winning a 20th major rested on the 15th hole, something that had rattled in the back of his mind all day.

A mighty drive of 298 yards - this when metal heads and balata balls were still in vogue - left him 202 yards to the green and presented him with a make-or-break proposition. He turned to Jackie, who was caddying in his first Masters for his father, and asked him, "How far do you think a three would go here?" Jackie's response:

"Let's see it." When his 4-iron settled 12 feet from the hole, recognition kicked in. The gallery recognized that without a doubt that they were again watching the Nicklaus who had won 17 professional majors and 72 PGA Tour titles. Nicklaus recognized opportunity as well as a familiar feeling. Cheers and applause shook the grounds Jack cut his four-shot deficit in half when he converted the eagle. "I've never heard that noise level, not even at a concert. I remember my ears were just ringing," Jackie says. (More here.)

TGB: The New Look

To Our Readers:

We set out to redesign our site several months ago, in order to give you a cleaner, fresher look to The Golf Blog – a distinctive look that you’ll remember … and enjoy. Well, we hope you like. It’s taken months of planning and the generous input and help of a number of people whom we are indebted to and will be thanking in person.

We also want to thank all of you for your continued readership. Last month was another record month for The Golf Blog, with over 31,000 hits. And last Sunday was another record day, with over 4,500 hits. These numbers are nice, but what we appreciate most is sharing our love of this amazing, but, at times, frustrating game with others who share that same sentiment.

We could not think of a better way to kick off The Masters than with the launch of our redesign. Enjoy both.

The Golf Blog

Jack speaketh, questions Augusta's lengthening

Jack Nicklaus took one look at the changes (adding length) to Augusta, and he didn't necessarily like what he saw.

"I know what Augusta is trying to do," Nicklaus said. "Whether they've gone overboard, I'm not sure, but they've eliminated a lot of guys. Could Tiger (Woods) do that? Or Ernie Els? Or Vijay (Singh)? Yes. Could Mike Weir or Jose Maria (Olazabal), one of those guys of moderate length, could they do that? Probably not. That's the change at Augusta I have a hard time with."

Mike Weir responded, when he heard of the comment: "I know I can still do it. But does it (the longer course) make it harder? Yeah, no question."

Masters week debate: greatest single shot

Now that mulligan has given the LPGA its proper due, it's time to turn to arguably the greatest week of the season and the official golf sign of spring: The Masters Tournament. There is so much to talk about, I am not quite sure where to start (though I can recommend this official Masters site to get the excitement going).

In the wake of Tiger's remarkable chip in on 16 last year, I thought I might start the week by soliciting comments on the greatest single shot during the Masters. I am sure the folks at Nike consider Tiger's chip to be the greatest ever, but Larry Mize's even more improbable chip in on the 11th hole for victory in the 1987 playoff might still be my top shot. And, of course, O'Meara and Mickelson both made great birdie putts on 18 for victory in recent years.

Any other candidates come to mind, readers?

Take a mulligan: let's not get chippy

I have finally recovered from yesterday's thrilling finish to the Kraft Nabisco. It was a fantastic finish, with what proved to be an intriguing group of young guns -- Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, and Natalie Gulbis -- and then Karrie Webb vying for the championship. Karrie Webb's eagle from 116 yards on 18 will probably go down as the most memorable shot on the 18th hole of an LPGA major. If you get a chance to watch the replay, her ball flight immediately went straight along the flag post. That's why her caddie said, "Be right ... be right" as soon as it left her club.

Too bad, though, that some critics are now second-guessing Michelle Wie's decision to chip the ball on the 18th instead of putting it (see here). It was a judgment call. The ball was about 5 feet off the green on a slight downslope. Even if Michelle putted it, there's no guarantee that the ball wouldn't have gotten caught up in the rough, or, that Michelle wouldn't have blown the ball past the hole trying to power it through the rough. Michelle could also have tried a hybrid or 3-wood to chip the ball instead of the more conventional chip. But all these "what ifs" show that it wasn't an automatic putting situation, by any means. I probably would have putted it myself, but that's because I wouldn't trust my chipping in that situation. But a professional of the caliber of Michelle Wie has to go with the shot she trusts. In the end, it may not have mattered what club Michelle used because it appears, based on what she said afterwards, that she simply misjudged the speed. A great debut as a pro in her first major, nonetheless.

TGB Monday numbers

0 -- The number of rounds in the 60s Annika Sorenstam posted this week.

1-- After shooting a 10-under 62 on Thursday, Lorena Ochoa could only manage a 1-over par for her next 3 rounds.

2-- The number of drivers Phil Mickelson had in the bag this week and will have at the Masters.

4 -- Out of 5 tourneys this year, number of tournaments Natalie Gulbis has finished in the Top 5 (but still without winning).

7 -- The number of majors Karrie Webb has now won after shooting a 7-under 65 on Sunday.

13 -- The number of strokes Lefty won by this weekend after shooting 28-under par.

15 -- How many years older Karrie Webb is than 16-year-old Michelle Wie.

116 -- The number of yards Karrie's wedge was from on 18, which she holed for eagle.

4,500+ -- The number of hits The Golf Blog received on Sunday. Thanks!

FANTASTIC finish at LPGA Kraft Nabisco

The final hour of this championship turned into what will probably go down in history as the most exciting finish ever at an LPGA major. Whew! I'm exhausted from watching.

Within a span of a minute, Michelle Wie almost pitched her full wedge in for eagle at the 16th, only to miss by inches. Then, on 18, Karrie Webb -- who rebounded from yesterday's terrible play -- hit her wedge from 116 yards up and in for eagle. Her caddie called it, whispering "Be right" while the ball was in the air. It was. Right in the hole. That put Webb ahead at -9, but Michelle had the easy putt on 16 for -8.

Meanwhile, Natalie Gulbis looked and played brilliant today (shooting another 68 without any bogeys), and she made a huge clutch birdie on the 17th to pull into a tie with Michelle at -8. Third-round leader Lorena Ochoa, however, was having her difficulties all day, and was 2-over for the day when she stood on the 18th hole. In other words, she needed an eagle to get into a playoff, while Michelle and Natalie only needed birdies. Well, you guessed it, Lorena's luck finally changed, and she stuffed a 5-wood on the green in 2 and ended up sinking her clutch 12-footer for EAGLE! Michelle and Natalie both hit great putts for birdie that grazed the edge, but did not go down.

Playoff: Karrie v. Lorena, the Old Guard v. the New Guard. Holy smokes! Karrie Webb just sunk a 6-footer for birdie on the 1st playoff hole to win! Amazing! The Old Guard staved off the New Guard, ... at least for now. Karrie really deserved it after shooting an incredible 7-under 65 today after playing so poorly yesterday.

I'm emotionally drained, but will have more to say after I get an IV.

LPGA Kraft Nabisco: WOW

WOW. You better be watching this!

Final group: Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis

The youth movement has officially taken over the LPGA's first major of 2006. Lorena Ochoa, who has a silky smooth swing, leads at -9, followed by Michelle Wie at -6 and Natalie Gulbis at -4, tied with Shi Hyun Ahn and Seon Hwa Lee. Tomorrow's final group consists of Lorena, Michelle, and Natalie. What more could you ask for? The LPGA must be uncorking some Dom Perignon right now, or at least some cheap bottles of Asti Spumante.

Annika Sorenstam is at even par. It's very surprising that she was a complete nonfactor. Prelude of things to come?

UPDATE: WOW, are you watching this?

LPGA > PGA

A funny thing happened yesterday, and this is no April Fool's joke. I was glued to the set watching the LPGA major championship, with Karrie Webb crashing the youngsters' party of Lorena Ochoa and Michelle Wie.

And here's the kicker: I had absolutely no interest -- zilch -- in watching the PGA tournament on the other channel with Phil Mickleson leading. Granted, the BellSouth has no Tiger, no Vijay, no Ernie, no Retief, and even no Camilo Villegas (sorry, girls). But still, this is a good sign for the LPGA. Just three years ago, I wouldn't have ignored a PGA tournament for an LPGA tournament. This week, I am.