Welcome back, folks. With little going on, I didn't feel compelled to write much, but some things are going on, so I'll chime in.

* According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, Natalie Gulbis is toning down her sexy image. (http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/golftennis.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-01-0173.html)

This makes for an odd decision. I guess she's tired of the royalty checks from all of those calendars and from "The Natalie Gulbis Show." She always defended her ability to sell herself and the notion that the LPGA Tour does not get hurt by it. The LPGA Tour doesn't mind Gulbis being a hot athlete. All of this because she won? Doesn't make sense, although doesn't every young boy want a year-long day planner with Gulbis' game face?

* Ernie Els is taking a beating for skipping the Volvo Masters on the European Tour. He has the Order of Merit lead with this being the final event and as of this posting, Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington have a chance to catch him. Those two chaps happen to be the players on top at the Volvo Masters.

If Els loses the money title, he deserves to. He went for an appearance fee in the Singapore Open although he has a relationship with title sponsor, Barclays. Monty has been especially critical. Els is not impressed with Monty's criticism according to a story by PA Sport on pga.com.

http://www.pga.com/news/tours/european/elsmonty110107.cfm

However, no one is in position to criticize Els for this. He has a deal with Barclays and if Monty has never had to miss a single thing for a paycheck or a sponsor's responsibility, then he can blab all he wants.