In keeping with our “Chumps, Lunkheads, Dingbats” feature, a hat-tip goes to Kevin Hench of Fox Sports for this hilarious and highly accurate look at the biggest losers in sports in 2006. Kevin, are your fans called “Henchmen?” We exposed several violators Hench picked in various columns this year. Click here to relive the biggest loser...
While I get a few new things ready for the end of the week, go visit Geoff Shackelford for his analysis of Tiger Woods the designer (My bet is he sells alot of expensive real estate and lands a major fairly quickly) and over to Golf Observer for Sal Johnson’s recap of Adam Scott’s victory at the Tour Championship and coverage of Paul Azinger’s...
He’ll play in the Accenture and Buick events, but Tiger Woods will skip the Tour Championship at East Lake next week. Citing that playing seven out on nine weeks was “taxing mentally and physically,” Woods dealt a major setback to the tournament by taking a pass. As Phil Mickelson will also not attend, none of the champions of the four majors will...
My new piece is up at Golf Observer – Winged Foot: Graveyard of Champions.
The piece is dedicated to my cousin Maryanne Flemma Wiatr, who died of cancer this July at the age of 55. It was written mostly in the days between her passing and her mass of Christian burial. May perpetual light shine upon her.
I usually ignore anonymous emails and comments, but this one I received recently brings into sharp relief the terms of a current, vehement debate. It came in response to the assertion I have put forth several times in this website that the winner of the Women’s U.S.Open should get an automatic bid to the U.S. Open or that the winner of the LPGA Championship...
You couldn’t cheer because you were crying, you couldn’t cry because you were cheering, but both felt heartwarming and overwhelming anyway. In one unforgettable weekend Darren Clarke gave us a golf performance for all time. Gritty, courageous, inspiring, grateful, humble; a broken man held all the golf world on his back this weekend and we held him up in...
Take a look at this photo. Why is Luke Donald’s fiance Diane wearing the back half of Harry Potter’s broomstick in her hair? And how can Elin walk around the course in those stiletto heel black leather boots??? See? This is why I hate all the “wives and girlfriends” rubbish at the Ryder Cup, (click here for real time scoreboard). We’re...
Sadly, with the “crucial” week two of NFL football occupying too many sports minds, Ben Curtis’ inspiring victory at the last 84 Lumber Classic went unnoticed by too many in the sports world. That is a disappointing reflection of our society, for Ben is a terrific role model both as a golfer and a gentleman. He shows us so much not through mere...
The press buried a terrific story this weekend. Ben Curtis, the quiet, but affable pro who is best known for winning the 2003 British Open won his second tournament this year at the 84 Lumber Classic. Curtis became a hero to everyman golfers across the globe when he played steadily for four days at quirky, tricky Royal St. George’s, then watched in amazement as...
***Click here for my piece on Clarke and the 2006 Ryder Cup*** Four news items today. 1. The golf world sends its sympathies as Heather Clarke, wife of popular European Tour player Darren Clarke passes after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 39. Clarke had been a long time strong finisher in British Opens before bursting on the scene in America after drubbing...
I’ve read this book before. Heck, book? It’s a blueprint – right off Woods’ nightstand. “Day 1 – The heck with “getting to know the course” – send message with textbook execution. Try to eagle all par-5s, get one or two. Shoot 65/66. Be at or near lead. Day 2 – Achieve separation from pack. Shoot another 65...
Recently, I reconnected with an old college buddy. I invited him out for a drink. He replied that he had to refuse – he “lost his privilege.” That’s an interesting choice of words – “lost his privilege.” I lauded him for his will power. After reading John Daly’s confession in Golf Magazine, my heart went out to him too...
First, Steve Czaban – the pulse of the Great American Sportsman does a terrific job analyzing the “Good Angel/Bad Angel” discussion in Phil’s head on 18. With Steve’s persmission, I’m reprinting with a quick edit or two (sorry, but we’re PG-13 here): Good Angel: You’ve hit like 2 fairways all day. Put the big dog bag in...
Winged Foot went from phestival to phuneral in phorty minutes. We golf writers were all writing the leads. . At 6:24, it looked like the tournament was Mickelson’s. Everyone in Mamaroneck – from the media, to the members on the terrace to the massive galleries around the golf course – thought the 2006 U.S. was over, the last few holes just a...
Bunkers are supposed to be hazards. Old Tom Morris said they are meant to be places of punishment and repentance. But today’s player attck the pins and gleefully spin the ball close to the hole for scoring chances. Phil Mickelson plays the 307 yard par-4 6th hole by trying to put the ball in the bunker to try to position himself for a birdie. He’d would...