Brighters Blog

2009-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

First update in three months, so I better make it a good one.

Gone are the days of picking winners on the PGA Tour because that got to be too much of a hassle. What I intend to do is use this as a short little forum to give quick-hit thoughts on subjects and maybe show you some articles from all over the world. You know, like a blog is supposed to be.

- So let's start with Monty's ascension to European Ryder Cup captain. After a somewhat lengthy column about how it all happened, it has happened.

- Now Monty has reportedly extended Ollie an "olive branch" according to Derek Lawrenson of The Daily Mail. That's a terrible way to start your captaincy.

- Plus, why not just name Olazabal officially the captain of the 2012 team? Thomas Bjorn basically said it was close to happening and Ollie's agent all but confirmed it. There's precedent. The committee named both Ian Woosnam for 2006 and Nick Faldo for 2008 at the same time.

- Golf will be, and already has been, hit hard by the economic woes of the U.S. Now gone is the Ginn company, which sponsored an event on both the LPGA and Champions Tours. The Ginn company also sponsored Cristie Kerr. If Buick can drop Tiger, no one and nothing is immune. According to the Associated Press, the PGA Tour is suing Ginn.

NON GOLF

- If you wanted my Super Bowl pick I like Pittsburgh fairly comfortably. After the Cardinals eliminated my Eagles, I thought Pitt would beat the crap out of Arizona, but I'm off that now. I think Pittsburgh by something like 7 (?) or 10, but in a relatively competitive game.

- My favorite film of the year was "The Wrestler." You don't have to be into professional wrestling to love it. My girlfriend would rather watch bread rise than the WWE, but she liked the film a great deal. Watch it.

2008-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

No points last week. Frys.com Open in Scottsdale this week. I'm hoping the season ends at some point this year, but it doesn't matter. My Phillies are up 1-0. Don't want to talk about it anymore. I don't believe in fate, but I'm not tempting it.

KC (33) - Aaron Baddeley - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW), Laird (75 Viking Classic), T. Clark (29 Tour Championship), Moore (T25 Turning Stone), D. Wilson (T44 Texas), Gore (57th Justin Timberlake).

G (32) - Aaron Baddeley - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW), Howell III (T45 Viking Classic), Villegas (1st Tour Championship), Pettersson (T55 Turning Stone), Campbell (T36 Texas), Imada (T15 Justin Timberlake).

JB (23) - Martin Laird - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW), Funk (MC Viking Classic), Campbell (T22 Tour Championship), Allenby (2nd Turning Stone), Leonard (T11 Texas), Durant (T43 Justin Timberlake).

2008-10-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

J.T.'s event in Vegas is where we are this week. No points for last week.

KC (33) - Jason Gore - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW), Laird (75 Viking Classic), T. Clark (29 Tour Championship), Moore (T25 Turning Stone), D. Wilson (T44 Texas).

G (32) - Ryuji Imada - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW), Howell III (T45 Viking Classic), Villegas (1st Tour Championship), Pettersson (T55 Turning Stone), Campbell (T36 Texas).

JB (23) - Joe Durant - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW), Funk (MC Viking Classic), Campbell (T22 Tour Championship), Allenby (2nd Turning Stone), Leonard (T11 Texas).

2008-10-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

Back for another week. Sorry for the lateness of late, but we all make these picks fairly if you care about our integrity.

I picked up five points for a Robert Allenby second place last week. Still way behind.

KC (33) - Dean Wilson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW), Laird (75 Viking Classic), T. Clark (29 Tour Championship), Moore (T25 Turning Stone).

G (32) - Chad Campbell - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW), Howell III (T45 Viking Classic), Villegas (1st Tour Championship), Pettersson (T55 Turning Stone).

JB (23) - Justin Leonard - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW), Funk (MC Viking Classic), Campbell (T22 Tour Championship), Allenby (2nd Turning Stone).

2008-10-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

G closes in. News at 11.

KC (33) - Ryan Moore - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW), Laird (75 Viking Classic), T. Clark (29 Tour Championship).

G (32) - Carl Pettersson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW), Howell III (T45 Viking Classic), Villegas (1st Tour Championship).

JB (18) - Robert Allenby - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW), Funk (MC Viking Classic), Campbell (T22 Tour Championship).

2008-09-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Again all apologies for lateness.

KC (33) - Tim Clark - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW), Laird (75 Viking Classic).

G (22) - Camilo Villegas - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW), Howell III (T45 Viking Classic).

JB (18) - Chad Campbell - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW), Funk (MC Viking Classic).

2008-09-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

We are back, although a little late. It's Ryder Cup week, so cut me some slack.

Also, if you didn't read any of my columns, I, sadly, like Europe this week. I think the roster is too deep and has less question marks than the U.S. side has.

We are picking for the Viking Classic. Ugh

KC (33) - Martin Laird - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA), Stricker (T10 BMW).

G (22) - Charles Howell III - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA), T. Clark (T8 BMW).

JB (18) - Fred Funk - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA), Holmes (T33 BMW).

2008-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well we are back and a day late. Luckily, the PGA Tour and Mother Nature co-operated and the first round has been suspended.

G returned from China and brought me a lighter. Very nice. I nearly lost it golfing with him, Kevin and former golf editor, Dan Rowan, but it's back in my pocket without a scratch.

G returned and is complaining already. He doesn't want us to get our picks back from the PGA so we will go with what he had and count Westwood and Singh for us.

So here is the BMW Championship.

KC (33) - Steve Stricker - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone), Westwood (MC PGA).

G (22) - Tim Clark - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone), Donald (DNP since he had wrist surgery PGA).

JB (18) - J.B. Holmes - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone), Singh (MC PGA).

2008-08-15T13:35:00.001-07:00

Just a little update everyone.

My laptop is currently down. G is in China and didn't get his pick in time for the PGA, so we will suspend the Sports Network Golf Editor Challenge for a few weeks. Kevin and I get Westwood and Vijay back.

2008-08-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Currie returns to the winner's circle and collects 10 points, firmly putting him in charge.

G is in China for some sports thing for the next month. His involvement in the blog is up for debate. He said he will do it. He forgot in week one. But, check our site www.sportsnetwork.com for some of G's Olympics columns. If he gets to me before the start of play, he's back in.

As for the PGA Championship:

KC (33) - Lee Westwood - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open), Singh (1st Bridgestone).

G (22) - ???? - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open), Scott (T56 Bridgestone).

JB (18) - Vijay Singh - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open), Reavie (T52 Bridgestone).

2008-07-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lateness. A thunderstorm near home knocked out various things at the house, including my laptop battery. Again, don't doubt the authenticity of these picks. They are too legit, too legit to quit. (Dated MC Hammer reference, ignore it and move one.)

This is for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, not the Michelle Wie dog and pony show in Reno.

KC (23) - Vijay Singh - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open), Villegas (T55 Canadian Open).

G (22) - Adam Scott - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26
U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open), Furyk (T14 Canadian Open).

JB (18) - Chez Reavie - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open), Curtis (T48 Canadian Open).

2008-07-23T14:20:00.001-07:00

After a wild British Open, I embrace the relative boredom of the Canadian Open.

We all had players in the mix at Royal Birkdale, but no one got any points (10 for 1st, 5 for a 2nd, and 1 for a top-5.)

KC (23) - Camilo Villegas - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), McDowell (T19 British Open).

G (22) - Jim Furyk - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26
U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere), Karlsson (T7 British Open).

JB (18) -Ben Curtis - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere), Els (T7 British Open).

2008-07-16T15:55:00.001-07:00

British Open Championship blog time.

Also, a disappointing three-over finish for the golf room at the Sports Network golf outing. It was the three of us and NFL editor Tony Moss and we tied for fourth I think, but we should've done better. Three of us broke 87 and three-over was the best we could do?

Here are five guys I like a whole lot this week: Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Robert Karlsson and Lee Westwood. Without Tiger, this thing is so wide open that a good European Tour pro could easily win this thing. Think Jean van de Velde without the angst.

As for last week, no points for anyone.

KC (23) - Graeme McDowell - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere).

G (22) - Robert Karlsson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26 U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National), Slocum (T41 John Deere).

JB (18) -Ernie Els - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National), Baddeley (T29 John Deere).

2008-07-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

No points last week and the John Deere Classic is the last tune-up prior to next week's British Open Championship. G and Currie are so cute. They pick the same guys a lot of the time.

Remember, 10 points for a win, five for a runner-up and one for a top-five finish.

KC (23) - Heath Slocum - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Mahan (T12 AT&T National).

G (22) - Heath Slocum - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26 U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open), Stricker (T18 AT&T National).

JB (18) -Aaron Baddeley - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open), Snedeker (MC AT&T National).

2008-07-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Quickie this week as I am headed to Boston to be in my friend Pete's wedding.

I narrowly missed a point when Lucas Glover caught fire on Sunday, but alas, all for nothing.

This week is the AT&T National, Tiger's event without the Tiger. (Reports say he won't show. Not a great host if you ask me.)

KC (23) -Hunter Mahan - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open).

G (22) - Steve Stricker - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26 U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers), DiMarco (T70 Buick Open).

JB (18) -Brandt Snedeker - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers), Glover (T7 Buick Open).

2008-06-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yawn from last week, but at least Stewart Cink finally broke through.

Scoring update - 10 points for a win, 5 for a second and 1 for a top-10.

This week is the Buick Open and away we go...

KC (23) -Chris DiMarco - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open), Janzen (MC Travelers).

G (22) - Chris DiMarco - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26 U.S. Open), Henry (T59 Travelers).

JB (18) -Lucas Glover - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open), Austin (MC Travelers).

2008-06-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well has anything happen since the last blog?

How about the fact that Tiger Woods won the longest U.S. Open in history on one leg? One freakin' leg! Now that he's done for the year, who benefits? Everyone else come British Open or PGA Championship time. Paul Azinger probably just fell over when he found out. Good luck getting that Ryder Cup back without Tiger.

Anyway, no one got any points for the U.S. Open.

This week is the Travelers Championship.

KC (23) -Lee Janzen - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship), Mickelson (T18 U.S. Open).

G (22) - J.J. Henry - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship), Kim (T26 U.S. Open).

JB (18) - Woody Austin - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship), Garcia (T18 U.S. Open).

2008-06-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Second, and my personal favorite, major of the year on tap this week.

Check out my column http://64.246.64.33/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=golf-m/news/news.aspx?id=4156232. Needless to say, I like Phil Mickelson a lot. Almost as much as I liked him before the 2004 Masters and guess what happened then? He won.

As for last week, Currie moved into the lead thanks to Justin Leonard's victory at the St. Jude Championship. Remember, 10 points for a win, five for a second and one for a top-five.

KC (23) -Phil Mickelson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial), Leonard (1st St. Jude Championship).

G (22) - Anthony Kim - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial), Toms (T37 St. Jude Championship).

JB (18) - Sergio Garcia - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial), T. Clark (T18 St. Jude Championship).

2008-06-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Five points for me. Joy and rapture.

Justin Rose tied for second at the Memorial and that got me five points.

This week is the St. Jude Championship.

G (22) - David Toms - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial), Moore (T10 Memorial).

JB (18) - Tim Clark - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial), Rose (T2 Memorial).

KC (13) -Justin Leonard - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial), Couples (T46 Memorial).

2008-05-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

No points last week at the Colonial.

G asked me to refresh you all on the rules. Ten points for a win, five for a runner-up and one point for a top five. You can only use a player once.

Up next is the Memorial.

G (22) - Ryan Moore - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic), N. Green (T26 Colonial).

KC (13) -Fred Couples - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic), Flesch (MC Colonial).

JB (13) - Justin Rose - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic), K. Perry (T46 Colonial).

2008-05-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Currie is taking Steve Flesch.

2008-05-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

No points last week as spent the weekend kicking myself for not sticking to my Camilo Villegas guns.

We have the Colonial this week. Currie's pick will be made a little later.

G (22) - Nathan Green - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players), Z. Johnson (T34 AT&T Classic).

KC (13) - - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players), Beem (T52 AT&T Classic).

JB (13) - Kenny Perry - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players), Baird (T11 AT&T Classic).

2008-05-14T17:39:00.001-07:00

Let's start with Annika.

First of all, the shock people in the media are complaining of is completely misplaced. She said all along that she would be going out before people expected. Sorenstam has always wanted a family and now that she's getting married next year, that can happen.

If that is part of it, and Sorenstam said it was, I don't get why she has to leave competitive golf totally. Nancy Lopez and Juli Inkster both won several majors after having children.

With the mention of Lopez, this retirement begs the question, is it going to last? Lopez retired years ago and still plays. She thinks she can compete. She's wrong. Jan Stephenson was in the field this week at the Sybase, but now is not in the tournament. No one leaves competitive golf.

But I believe Annika. Remember that she said she'd never play another PGA Tour event after the Colonial. She wanted to try it once and that was all. Know what? She didn't play in another despite several invitations.

So I believe her that she'll be done. As to whether this is the right call or not, that is for no one but Annika to decide.

Now on to the AT&T Classic. Last week, I picked up a point with a fifth by Stephen Ames at The Players Championship.

G (22) - Zach Johnson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), O'Hair (MC Players).

KC (13) - Rich Beem - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia), Furyk (T27 Players).

JB (13) - Briny Baird - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia), Ames (5th Players).

2008-05-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Players Championship is on tap. Do NOT call it the fifth major. The phrase is stupid and is the product of the fact that the PGA Tour does not have control of any of the four major championships. If it was the fifth major, it would be designated as such.

No points last week at the Wachovia as the anointed future star, Anthony Kim, finally won.

G (22) - Sean O'Hair - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia).

KC (13) - Jim Furyk - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson), Ogilvy (T22 Wachovia).

JB (12) - Stephen Ames - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson), Pettersson (T55 Wachovia).

2008-05-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lateness, but we are on the level. I blame G.

No one accumulated anything for the Byron Nelson, despite a shockingly high level of confidence I had in Ian Poulter. The Wachovia Championship is on tap and this is becoming a must-play for the biggies. They love Quail Hollow.

G (22) - Geoff Ogilvy - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Verplank (T61 Byron Nelson).

KC (13) - Geoff Ogilvy - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage), Kim (T19 Byron Nelson).

JB (12) - Carl Pettersson - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage), Poulter (T35 Byron Nelson).

2008-04-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

No one got anything last week as G and the Big Jimboski came close with Stewart Cink.

This week is the Byron Nelson Championship.

G (22) - Scott Verplank - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage).

KC (13) - Anthony Kim - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters), Pampling (MC Heritage).

JB (12) - Ian Poulter - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters), Cink (T7 Heritage).

2008-04-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lateness.

Currie picked up some points for Tiger at the Masters. I snuck in a point for Mickelson's top five.

G (22) - Stewart Cink - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston), Goosen (T17 Masters).

KC (13) - Rod Pampling - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 CA Championship), Kresge (T70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston), Woods (2nd Masters).

JB (12) - Stewart Cink - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston), Mickelson (T5 Masters).

2008-04-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

"A tradition unlike any other..."

Masters week and we at the Sports Network are all over it. In preparation, the three of us hit the links again and this day belonged to Kevin Currie. He and G played 36 and I jumped in the last 18. Good fun and someday I will tell you some of the stories. Also, Hall of Fame coach John Chaney was in attendance as well, although I wouldn't say we really talked.

As far as I go, I firmly believe Tiger Woods will win, but I think this has a chance to be a great one. Phil, Vijay, Goosen and Geoff Ogilvy will all be in the mix. Looking forward to it.

Here we go:

G (22) - Retief Goosen - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T 15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans), Harrington (T26 Houston).

JB (11) - Phil Mickelson - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans), Lonard (MC Houston).

KC (8) - Tiger Woods - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T 31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 - CA Championship), Kresge (T 70 New Orleans), Maggert (MC Houston).

2008-04-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is awful.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/golf.html?in_article_id=557468&in_page_id=1955

This is so far over the line by Azinger, it's almost surreal. Let's look at some of the finer quotes.

"Nick Faldo has tried to redefine himself," says Azinger. "I'd say he is both who he is and who he was. Some people have bought it. Some have not. But if you're going to be a p***k and everyone hates you, why do you think that just because you're trying to be cute and funny on air now that the same people are all going to start to like you?"

Calling the man a p***k is so far past the boundaries of etiquette. If I were Faldo, I'd gently ask Azinger to speak next time I saw him, then drop him flat on his ass. Azinger's sentiment is a common one, but can't we deal without the p***k line? Isn't this still a golf competition?

Maybe not.

"The Ryder Cup means everything. It's consuming my life. Being captain is the ultimate honour."

Fine, I appreciate dedication, but I wonder how your wife and family feel about this line. It's not everything. It's supposed to be a friendly golf competition between two great teams. Work hard at it, yes, but don't let it consume your life.

Here's this gem about Montgomerie.

"He and Faldo don't seem to get along and there's no way Faldo will award him one of his two wildcards."

Really? In addition to being the American Ryder Cup captain, you can see the future. There's a quote earlier about Azinger being offended that Faldo joked about helping Azinger's partner Chip Beck with a putt. "I said: 'I'll help my partner, not you'." I think Faldo will captain his team, not you.

I don't want to hear Azinger come out and say that he was misquoted. Be a man and stand up. Azinger has already tainted this Ryder Cup with personal attacks. This thing won't have enough spice in it that we have to resort to calling the other captain a p***k?

I'm just so disgusted by Azinger, I may pull for the Europeans.

2008-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lateness of the blog, but I spent the majority of Wednesday helping a friend move, then entertaining a dinner party. Our integrity should not be questioned.

Check on SportsNetwork for a lot of Masters coverage starting next week.

This week is the Houston Open

G (22) - Padraig Harrington - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnold Palmer), Garcia (T 15 CA Championship), Glover (MC New Orleans).

JB (11) - Peter Lonard - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship), Z. Johnson (T57 New Orleans).

KC (8) - Jeff Maggert - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T 31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 - CA Championship), Kresge (T 70 New Orleans).

2008-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Tiger has been catching crap for his tirade against a cameraman on the ninth hole Sunday at Doral. All I will say is this - golf is this man's livelihood and that cameraman cost him money.

As for the profanity, well here's a story for you.

On Wednesday, the golf editors met for a spirited golf game (G won by a stroke over Kevin. I was there too.) On the 10th hole, we picked up Frank, the straggler (who had a daughter G went to grade school and high school with). I hit my drive right of a bridge on that hole and let out a bad word. I had to ask if Frank was a priest. Cursing happens in golf. Deal with it.

New Orleans is our destination this week. As a side note, I'm glad I was there before Katrina ravaged one of the most vibrant cities I've ever been to. Also, I'm pissed that Ogilvy won the week after I picked him.

G (22) - Lucas Glover - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnolf Palmer), Garcia (T 15 CA Championship).

JB (11) - Zach Johnson - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer), O'Hair (WD CA Championship).

KC (8) - Cliff Kresge - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T 31 Arnold Palmer), Els (75 - CA Championship).

2008-03-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Nothing really going on other than Tiger Woods stating majors are important to one's career.

As we prepare for this week's WGC-CA Championship I'd like to say that I know no other golfer will win this but Tiger Woods.

G (22) - Sergio Garcia - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS), Appleby (MC Arnolf Palmer).

JB (11) - Sean O'Hair - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS), Ogilvy (T14 Arnold Palmer).

KC (8) - Ernie Els - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS), Garcia (T 31 Arnold Palmer).

2008-03-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

We start with the John Daly/Butch Harmon fiasco.

On Wednesday, Daly was an hour late for his pro-am tee time for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That means he's out of the tournament. That's probably the best thing that's happened to him in the last two days.

Daly's swing coach, Butch Harmon, dropped him as a client and the reason is not good.

Per the AP http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3288641

Yikes. This is as worse a break up as I've seen in my life and that includes Kim Carr dumping me two days before my senior prom. (I went with her.) Stories have swirled for a while that Daly is back to what he's notorious for, but for Harmon to directly blame that on Daly's dismissal is huge.

Daly's been publicly humiliated now. Whether Harmon is trying to do this to get him on track is anyone's guess (possible since Harmon said over and over again how much he loved Daly.) Daly has to wake up now, but how long have we said that? Daly's playing career is in shambles without eligibility so how Daly responds could determine what happens to his life.

We'd all love to think that Daly rebounds from this, but enough is enough. Too many stories and Harmon was supposed to work closely with Daly. This is not some wild accusation by Harmon. This smells like the beginning of the end of the Daly tragedy.

Last week, no one accumulated any points.

This week is the aforementioned Arnold Palmer Invitational, named after...Dean Martin.

G (22) - Stuart Appleby - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda), Marino (T14 PODS).

JB (11) - Geoff Ogilvy - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda), Calcavecchia (T14 PODS).

KC (8) - Sergio Garcia - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda), Durant (MC PODS).

2008-03-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

My quick take on the Tripp Isenhour situation.

I don't know much in this world, but I know I don't like you too much if your solution to quieting a loud bird is to fire golf balls at it with the intent to kill.

He's 39 years old. This is not some dumb kid, although my faith in humanity exists enough to say that people of all ages should know better than to become executioner to an annoying animal.

Before you pooh pooh this as nature lovers acting goofy, what's the next move for Isenhour when an animal annoys him? He's already showed he can kill once, what would stop him from going after a barking dog or an abrasive horse?

This is not something that should be taken lightly. The hubris it takes for a grown man to kill a hawk because it got loud is appalling. Isenhour should be cited and should pay a stiff penalty. I don't know if I can incarcerate a man for this, but it would hit his wallet hard.

And if he gives any lip, I say we fire golf balls at him.

2008-03-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

Greetings on a Wednesday night.

This week is the PODS Championship outside Tampa.

G picked up a point thanks to Robert Allenby's tie for fourth.

G (22) - Steve Marino - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play), Allenby (T4 Honda).

JB (11) - Mark Calcavecchia - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play), Weekley (T74 Honda).

KC (8) - Joe Durant - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play), Day (MC Honda).

2008-02-27T11:56:00.000-08:00

Really quick blog this week since my head is pounding and I've got a wicked cough. Damn my sinuses.

Currie had a nice week with the Match Play and Stewart Cink. I had two semifinalists as well with Tiger and Leonard, but Currie picking the finalists was impressive.

G (21) - Robert Allenby - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open), Rose (T33 Match Play).

JB (11) - Boo Weekley - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open), Harrington (T17 Match Play).

KC (8) - Jason Day - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open), Cink (2nd Match Play).

2008-02-19T14:15:00.001-08:00

Tuesday edition for my favorite non-major, non-Ryder Cup event in golf. For "blanks" and giggles, we included our Final Four picks.

G (21) - Justin Rose (Woods, Scott, Kelly) - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach), Sabbatini (T44 Northern Trust Open).

JB (11) - Padraig Harrington (Woods, Scott, Leonard) - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach), Elkington (MC Northern Trust Open) .

KC (3) - Stewart Cink (Woods, Immelman, Fasth) - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach), Allenby (T7 Northern Trust Open).

2008-02-13T16:20:00.001-08:00

Real quickie this week.

First, I know my links aren't linking. Working on it.

This week is the Northern Trust Open (aka Nissan Open)

G (21) - Rory Sabbatini - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open), Sutherland (MC Pebble Beach).

JB (11) - Steve Elkington - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open), Weir (T14 Pebble Beach) .

KC (3) - Robert Allenby - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open), Elkington (MC Pebble Beach).

2008-02-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Some postings for your Saturday pleasure.

* Here's an update on the Arjun Atwal story I admit I forgot all about. Rex Hoggard of Golfweek did not.

* The Raleigh News and Observer has an interesting piece on the next big rivalry in golf.

* Excellent column by John Hawkins of Golfworld. The last person in the world you want to be compared to is Ms. Spears.

* You've probably heard about Esteban Toledo by now, but if not, here it is thanks to the Orange County Register and Randy Youngman.

That is all. Enjoy Pebble Beach. I won't.

2008-02-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lateness, but Wednesday was spent with my grandmom. Again, the authenticity of these picks can not be debated.

We are at Pebble Beach this week and if you don't know anything about me, I hate celebrity pro-ams with the intensity of 1,000 suns. (Cheers quote).

G is racking up the points this year, but is short Tiger and Phil already.

G (21) -Kevin Sutherland - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Mickelson (2nd FBR Open).

JB (11) - Mike Weir - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational), Sabbatini (T34 FBR Open).

KC (3) - Steve Elkington - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational), Haas (T9 FBR Open).

2008-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

* We manufacture rivalries for Tiger, be it Phil, Vijay or Ernie. I've always contended Jack Nicklaus is his main rival. Throw another name in the hat.

A seven-time winner on the European Tour is going to dethrone Tiger. OK. Dethrone Johan Edfors, then we'll talk.

* There's word that the PGA Tour is already exploring options with the new cut policy. Too much complaining. Play better and this won't be an issue. Also players are crying about drug testing now. Enough guys. Play better and know what goes into your own bodies.

* Paul Azinger will make his four captain's picks on September 2nd. That's about two weeks before the Ryder Cup and gives Azinger almost three weeks after the PGA to still get the hottest players for the team. This is more significant a move than making the Ryder Cup list all about this year's money list.

As for the Sports Network Golf Editor Challenge, well, I won for the first time in almost two years. Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines. Who knew?

FBR Open with the best golf fans in the world at the par-three 16th. If the U.S. staged a Ryder Cup here, this hole would require SWAT team help.

G (16) -Phil Mickelson - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational).
JB (11) - Rory Sabbatini - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope), Woods (1st Buick Invitational).
KC (3) - Bill Haas - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope), Sabbatini (T3 Buick Invitational).

2008-01-23T17:17:00.000-08:00

G is already racking up points with Justin Leonard finishing second at the Bob Hope.

Buick Invitational

GG (6) - Tiger Woods - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony), Leonard (2nd Bob Hope)
KC (2) - Rory Sabbatini - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony), Verplank (T22 Bob Hope)
JB - (1) - Tiger Woods - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony), Senden (T22 Bob Hope)

2008-01-16T09:25:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the slight lateness, but Wednesday starts throw me.

I can guarantee the authenticity of this. Take me at my word or we do not have a true society.

Last week, Currie charged into the lead as Jerry Kelly took third. That got him a point.

This week - Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

KC (2) - Scott Verplank - Weir (4th Mercedes), Kelly (3rd Sony)
G - (1) - Justin Leonard - Weir (4th Mercedes), Ames (T10th Sony)
JB - (1) - John Senden - Mahan (T5th Mercedes), Furyk (T20th Sony)

2008-01-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

It came to my attention that I erred the other day. You get a point for a top-five finish so all three of us got a point. Apologies.

2008-01-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

So Kelly Tilghman has been suspended. Two weeks by the Golf Channel. The reason you might ask? Al Sharpton.

Sharpton said that even though Tiger Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, called it a "non-issue," it is one. He demanded she be fired. The Golf Channel suspended her three hours after he's sticking his two cents in.

Sharpton's point is that even though Woods was not insulted, the rest of the African-American community was. That's fair. I actually like Sharpton more than most, but I've always found it interesting that he's the first guy in against Tilghman, Don Imus (who I think should've been fired) and those Duke Lacrosse kids. Then when Isiah Thomas of the New York Knicks calls a black employee a derogatory word, albeit none with a racial tie, Sharpton doesn't think there's a need for any further action.

He picks his moments, certainly, but some group, just once needs to say, "No." Sharpton has some influence no question, and no one is defending Tilghman's comments, but there was no intent on making that a racial statement.

What Imus said about the Rutgers' women's basketball team was said with the intent of igniting racial feelings. Tilghman said that younger players basically wished Woods was not around. The word "lynch" has an awful history to it, but look at Tilghman's intent and Woods' treatment of it and take a step back.

Here's The Golf Channel's statement:

"The Golf Channel regrets the poorly chosen remarks made by Kelly Tilghman on a recent broadcast and, again, extends our apologies to anyone who was offended. There is simply no place on our network for offensive language like this. While we believe that Kelly's choice of words were inadvertent and that she did not intend them in an offensive manner, the words were hurtful and grossly inappropriate. Consequently, we have decided to suspend Kelly for two weeks, effective immediately."

This just seems like too much.

2008-01-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

* Let's start with the Kelly Tilghman "scandal." For those that don't know, when Nick Faldo said on Friday's broadcast stated that the players were tired of Woods' dominance, Tilghman suggested young players wanted to "lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley."

Stupid choice of words, but it was not meant to be racist. Woods' agent called it a "non-issue." Mark Steinberg is correct. When people fly up in arms about comments like this, it takes away from fighting real fights against racism. The whole thing is much ado about nothing.

* "I think it's easily within reason."

Those words may be what we hearken back to in August. That's what Woods said on his website www.tigerwoods.com about the chances of winning the single-season Grand Slam. In a particularly solid column, one writer thinks he will come close, but ultimately short. http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=golf-m/misc/out_of_rough.htm

* Golf is starting to feel the steroid crunch from baseball. Courtesy of The Desert Sun. http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200801080115/EVENTS02/801080338

* Media Take Out broke the story of another golf/tennis engagement. Not Greg Norman and Chris Evert, but still...true love warms my heart. http://www.mediatakeout.com/20828/exclusive_venus_williams_engaged.html

On to the Sports Network Golf Editors Challenge. I forgot to mention last week that you receive 10 points for winning, five for a runner-up finish and one point for a third. Sadly, we all knocked on the door last week, but came up short.

G - Weir (4th Mercedes-Benz Championship)
KC - Weir (4th Mercedes-Benz Championship)
JB - Mahan (T5 Mercedes-Benz Championship)

This week - Sony Open in Hawaii

G - Stephen Ames
KC - Jerry Kelly "I don't know why."
JB - Jim Furyk "I get that using the third-ranked player in the world this early is foolish, but I'm going for wins early this year."

2008-01-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Good 2008 everyone. We are back with the Sports Network Golf Editors Challenge. The rules are you can only use one player each week and a player only once all year. A case of beer is on the line as Gerard Gallagher is our defending champion.

To Hawaii we go for the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

G - Mike Weir
Kevin Currie - Mike Weir. "Continuing his hot finish from last year."
JB - Hunter Mahan. "No real reason but with only a handful of guys in the field having experience at the course, why not?"

2007-12-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

Good morning.

Good thing golf adopted a drug policy because, I don't know if you're aware of this, it turns out baseball players did steroids. I've said it before, don't look for many PGA Tour players to test positive, but I'd look at smaller circuits where guys are trying to move up the chain.

Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson and Jim Furyk were all asked about testing in golf and here are transcripts of their answers. (quotes from asapsports.com)

Q. With the drug testing kind of in the forefront of the news today, I was wondering your thoughts on what the PGA TOUR has done thus far to educate you guys and maybe if you could speak a bit about that large manual that you guys were given.

TIGER WOODS: It is thick. Yeah, I think it's a good thing. I know that our sport is clean, but obviously the perception is all athletes -- not all athletes, but certainly athletes in every sport are trying to push the envelope illegally. You know, our sport, I believe we don't do that, but it's nice to have a chance to prove that to the whole world. Golf is a game of honesty. Can you imagine offensive linemen calling a holding call on themselves (laughter)? That's what we do in our sport. The ball moves, we call a penalty on ourselves when there's no one around. That's the great thing about our sport.

Q. If the TOUR doesn't have this testing now, do you think there eventually could have been a Mitchell report for golf?

TIGER WOODS: I think it could happen. What you're trying to prevent is the kids look up to
athletes, and you don't want to have kids going down the wrong path at an early age and knowing that they can get away with it.

Q. Given that, do you think the fact that the TOUR is bringing in testing next year is necessary?

ZACH JOHNSON: Well, I appreciate you calling us athletes (laughter). You know, necessary? Probably, just because I think to date we're the only sport that didn't have any sort of testing. I don't think it's going to be much of an issue, and I say that because I haven't heard any rumors, I haven't seen anything, I don't know anything. Is that naïve to think? Potentially. I don't know. I think the TOUR is just touching all the bases to make sure that our sport is held in high regard. There's a lot of integrity involved, a lot of -- it's a gentlemen's game. This should or could help maintain that even more than what it is, which is pretty good. Our product is awesome. The most recognizable athlete in the world is playing our sport. That's pretty good.

Q. The new drug testing policies next year, do you feel there was a need for something like that? Obviously in baseball but there hasn't been any musterings or rumblings of that type in golf, so do you feel a necessary thing?

JIM FURYK: It's a trick question, unnecessary. I don't think any of us feel there's an issue or a problem, but I like the fact that we're doing it. I like the fact that they're testing and I think it's a good idea. The problem is it's a Catch 22. If we don't test we get criticized, if we do test we get criticized because it looks like we have a problem. In baseball they have been testing and a lot of the fans don't think they're catching the players. There's always details. But I think it was a good measure for us, and I see no negative in us starting up the program. It's just right now the players I think really have to educate themselves on our procedures and what is right, what is wrong, and take a look at the prescriptions and different things that you have just to make sure you're fine and there's no embarrassment at the end. But I don't think there's an issue, and I'd be very, very surprised if any of our players test positive.

As for the Mitchell Report, while I found it to be wonderful theater for five or so hours, what did we ultimately get from it? Discipline? Who knows. Clemens and Bonds out of the Hall? Who knows. Here's what I've thought forever. Everyone did them and having two guys who were about to get pinched tell me everything they knew, didn't set my heart afire.

Thomas Bonk of the LA Times articulated wonderfully why Fred Couples would be a perfect Ryder Cup captain. Actually it's Couples, but you get the drift. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-target14dec14,1,2306382.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

2007-11-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Another day and Frank Lickliter is miles ahead of everyone at Q School. This event bores me to tears, but it's not going to be good until Sunday. Monday is the final round, but by Sunday you will be able to see who's in and who's out. My boy Colt Knost is looking like a conditional Nationwide Tour player next year.

I forgot to mention the Nedbank Golf Challenge is also going on. Justin Rose joined Trevor Immelman in the lead if that's your thing.

Bob Charles, 71, actually made the cut at the New Zealand Open. He had a senior moment as to which was his first tee on Friday. http://www.pgatour.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=7160. This is really impressive all kidding aside.

Here's a revelation in golf's silliest, stupidest feud. The Scotsman has the story. http://sport.scotsman.com/golf.cfm?id=1875452007
Three things to realize here. 1.) The Ryder Cup is almost 10 months away. 2.) If Monty doesn't make the team, there's no way Faldo wouldn't bring him, assuming he still has the function of his legs. And 3.) If Monty doesn't make the team, and Faldo won't bring him because of a high-school girl feud, the European Tour would intervene. This is a case of two stubborn, bitter men and that's all.

2007-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

It's day two of Q School and nothing of any profound consequence has happened.

The Skins Game was once again a major snoozer. John Hawkins of GolfWorld summed it up best why this event just doesn't work that well anymore. http://www.golfdigest.com/golfworld/columnists/2007/11/gw20071109hawkins.

The European Tour has its own FedEx Cup type thing going. http://www.europeantour.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7B5A258B31%2D8294%2D4C0E%2DB8B9%2DA796F6009E52%7D&newsid=508799&date=11%2D19%2D2007&listPageName=ET+TourNews+%2D+Latest+News.
The European Tour lost out due to the FedEx Cup so this might help, although Europeans will be out in full force this year since its a Ryder Cup year.

That's all for now. Going forward in the blog, I'm going to try and include more pieces from others.

2007-11-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-09-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

Let's talk Presidents Cup. After a dominating first day, Jack Nicklaus switched all of his pairings. Didn't quite get it, and it's not working well on Friday. Four matches are going to the Internationals and two are tied.
Who sits tomorrow morning in foursomes?
For the Americans, I think Woody Austin will be one. The other should be Charles Howell III based on his play, but with an undefeated record in foursomes with Tiger, he tees it up. My bet goes on David Toms.
For Gary Player, I think he goes with Nick O'Hern and Stuart Appleby on the pine.
I know nothing, so this all means nothing.

The U.S. team has been asked why they play better at the Presidents Cup than the Ryder Cup. Almost to a man, they've said Jack Nicklaus. The captain admitted he would take the Ryder Cup job if asked.

WHY HASN'T THE PGA OF AMERICA ASKED HIM?

Seriously. They have won one Ryder Cup since 1995 and that was a miracle at best. The Americans are too tense in the Ryder Cup and unless Bill Murray submits his name, no one will be hands off as much as Jack. The PGA Of America only picks players in their late 40s with Ryder Cup experience and at least one major. Davis Love III will get the gig next time around. If this organization wants to win back the Ryder Cup, ask Jack.

And the U.S. needs to groom younger players. Lucas Glover has been awesome the first two days, but what happens when he draws K.J. Choi on Sunday and gets pasted? The next time he is in one of these international contests, he's ready, that's what happens.

2007-09-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

If it wasn't made clear, we cut out the SportsNetwork Golf Editor Challenge after the FedEx Cup. G won this year's in a landslide and did it with the type of class you would expect. I did not pick one winner all year, so good for me.

Per the agreement, Kevin Currie and I owe G a case of beer each. When we arrived in the office on Monday, written on our board were the following five words:

Lager (Yuengling Lager - local beer here in Philly. Solid, but gives me bad hangovers.)
Carlsberg (Snob.)
Hoeggarden (Family friend Mr. Conroy always had a rule against putting fruit in a beer. I agree, but a lime in a cold Corona on a warm summer night is heavenly. You put oranges in Hoeggarden and unless you have been diagnosed with scurvy, you don't need orange in your beer.)
Amstel (I'm a simple beer guy, but Amstel Light is sort of my fancy Light beer.)
Harp (Good beer, but only every now and again.)

I'll be getting Lager cause it's the cheapest. I will spend money on my own beer, but not his.

As for the biggest news of the day in golf - drug testing. I've contended all along that this is unnecessary, but this is a good policy. When trying to enact policy like this, you need uniformity and all golf organizations are on board.

My guess is that if anyone gets caught for this, it won't be a PGA Tour, LPGA Tour or Champions Tour player. (How revolting would it be for a Champions Tour player to be on steroids?)

In baseball, the majority of offenders have been minor leaugers. The players this might get in golf will come from the Australasian Tour or Canadian Tour or maybe, the Nationwide Tour. It will be the guys trying to make it to the show.

2007-09-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

More Solheim thoughts, then Tour Championship.

The start of the foursomes was delayed two hours for wind this morning. The gusts were so strong that it was moving balls and actually knocking over trees. That's some serious wind, because most trees I've encountered have a pretty thick base and foundation.

Dottie Pepper is awesome. Bettina Hauert is whooping it up out there to get the crowd going. Pepper brought up that she used to do it and was called the "ugly American," but why won't anyone say it about Hauert? I will. Bettina Hauert, you are behaving badly. You're playing decently, but you are have not earned the right to pull that crap.

Pepper also referred to Iben Tinning as Iben Simpson, which makes me wonder how many Ibens she knows. I hope Pepper is the one of her age group that gets left out of being Solheim Cup captain, because she is so good on television.

Annika and Catriona Matthew are humiliating Cristie Kerr and Nicole Castrale. Kerr has missed four putts inside five feet and that should get her a ticket on the bench in the afternoon.

I'd go with
1.) Gulbis/Prammanasudh
2.) Diaz/Steinhauer
3.) Hurst/Lincicome - she's the easier of the tough choice between Stanford/Lincicome
4.) Creamer/Pressel

You have to realize that the fourballs will go into Sunday. If you want, say Juli Inkster to lead off in singles, you can't play her in the afternoon, otherwise she's getting up for a 7:00 a.m. local time restart then going back out for singles right away.

As for the Tour Championship, I love Woody Austin. He is now exclusively talking about easy beating Tiger is. Did I wake in some alternative universe where anyone in their right mind thinks Woody Austin could beat Tiger Woods? I mean, anytime, anyplace, anywhere and Woods wins by two shots minimum.

Who the hell is Woody Austin? Enough buddy. Tiger has won as many times since the first of August as you've won in your whole PGA Tour career. Stop talking.

Provoking Tiger is always a good idea. See Singh, Vijay; Mickelson, Phil; Ames, Stephen and Sabbatini, Rory. Tiger has made them all his "slang term for female dog" and it won't stop with Austin. Tiger, remember he's on your team in two weeks, so don't completely destroy his mind.

2007-09-14T03:52:00.001-07:00

Since the Tour Championship is a mess with more bad weather expected on Friday, let's look at the Solheim Cup, where the morning foursomes are in the books. The U.S. has a one-point lead and the rain is coming down in Sweden as well.

I have to question the captains already. I subscribe to the theory of "if you win in the morning, unless you contract polio at lunch, you play in the afternoon."

American captain Betsy King benched three of her four winners from the morning, including the team of Laura Diaz and Sherri Steinhauer. They posted a 4 & 2 win over Annika Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew. Why aren't they back out? Juli Inkster won with Paula Creamer as well, but if you want to sit Inkster, that's fine. She's not a kid.

King wanted her entire team out on Friday and accomplished the goal. Morgan Pressel looked bad in the morning and overexcited. She would be one of the players I'd sit in the afternoon. She will play with Creamer in the afternoon against Laura Davies and Trish Johnson as both Europeans are old enough to be either American's mother.

Helen Alfredsson is sitting Bettina Hauert, the leading money winner in Europe, and Linda Wessberg, one of her captain's picks, who has played a lot of good golf lately.

Then again, what do I really know? Europe better come out in the afternoon because they dominated the Americans in alternate-shot and that did not happen Friday morning.

All in all, very dull morning.

2007-09-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of questions about Mickelson skipping the BMW Championship last week and the bottom line is that unless he talks out loud about it, no one will know.

My two best guesses (and that's all they are) would be Mickelson is unhappy with the payment structure, and the scheduling. The payout gripe is starting to chap me. Yes, you don't get the $10 million TAX-FREE annuity til you are 45, but that is an awesome prize. Can't figure out how to pay your caddie? Open your checkbook.

As for scheduling, not much can be done there. The Playoffs are designed for the end of the regular season, so there isn't much flex on that front. The guys are asked to play a lot of golf, and I know what you're thinking, golfers have to play golf? Yes, it's true.

No one got anything last week.

Gerard Gallagher (43) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Jonathan Byrd, Ernie Els, Carl Pettersson, Stephen Ames.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald, Chris Riley, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, Stuart Appleby.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, Tim Herron, Jerry Kelly.

Tour Championship
GG - Stewart Cink
KC - Phil Mickelson
JB - Steve Stricker

2007-09-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

Currie has picked Stuart Appleby.

G - Stephen Ames
KC - Stuart Appleby
JB - Jerry Kelly

2007-09-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

I goofed. The week I had G with Jim Furyk and Currie with Ernie Els, it should have been the other way around. Apologies, but G will still burn in hell for a myriad of other reasons. Waiting to hear back from Currie about his newest pick and I will post asap.

Gerard Gallagher (43) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Jonathan Byrd, Ernie Els, Carl Pettersson.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald, Chris Riley, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, Tim Herron.

BMW Championship
G - Stephen Ames
KC - ??????????
JB - Jerry Kelly

2007-09-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

No one got points last week. G cheated and took Furyk twice, so he shall burn in hell.
In fairness, I think Currie can use a guy not named Tiger or Phil a second time.

Gerard Gallagher (43) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Jonathan Byrd, Jim Furyk, Carl Pettersson.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald, Chris Riley, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, Tim Herron.

BMW Championship
G - Stephen Ames
KC - Jim Furyk
JB - Jerry Kelly

2007-08-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

G picked up another point with Ernie Els last week, but Els has since pulled out of the Deutsche Bank Championship. This is the biggest flaw with the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Top guys can skip events without serious risk.

Gerard Gallagher (43) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Jonathan Byrd, Jim Furyk.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald, Chris Riley, Ernie Els.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink. Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover,

Remember, this week is a Friday-Monday tourney.

G - Carl Pettersson.
KC - Padraig Harrington
JB - Tim Herron

2007-08-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

The playoffs are upon us. Enjoy everyone.

Thought I had a chance last week with Lucas Glover, but of course not.

It also came to my attention that I used Stewart Cink twice. Who cares? I suck so bad at this that it doesn't matter.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Jonathan Byrd.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald, Chris Riley.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink. Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover.

The Barclays

G - Ernie Els
KC - Jim Furyk
JB - Kenny Perry

2007-08-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

The PGA Championship was one of the worst major championships I've covered in my seven years in this job. Once Tiger took the lead Friday afternoon, the tournament was over. Everyone knew it.

What became the story was Woody Austin and not just because of his run, but his post-round comments. I like when someone says they can beat Tiger, but he went above and beyond on Sunday.

"We can go through our rounds. I outplayed him on Friday, but he beat me by seven shots," he said.''

You could ask a two year old if that makes sense. How did you outplay him if he beat you by a touchdown? Woods lipped out a 12-footer on the 18th hole Friday. If he made it, Woods would have the lowest round in the history of major championship golf. The history of it.

So I guess Austin thinks he has essentially the best round in golf history?

You didn't. Not even close.

Again, for the I don't know how manyth time, don't talk about Tiger. Say you think you can beat him and leave it at that.

No one collected any points in the PGA Championship, although I won the golf pool at The Sports Network.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink. Phil Mickelson.

This week is the Wyndham Championship.

G - Jonathan Byrd
KC - Chris Riley
JB - Lucas Glover - "Guys who get the nods for these team events play well the following week."

2007-08-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

First blog from the PGA Championship as this tournament is boring me to tears. This was over the second Tiger took the lead on Friday. Woody Austin is going to threaten Tiger's lead huh?

The reason for the post has to do with Sergio's DQ for signing an incorrect scorecard. My friend Ryan Morris just called me and asked how this can happen in this day and age of technology.

"I'm blown away by this," he said.

His point is that why not have a scorekeeper following the players. It's not a bad idea but I guess that would fly in the face of tradition. This seems to be an avoidable offense (or he could thoroughly check his card). Enough people walk with the pairings.

Just a thought in between yawns.

2007-08-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lateness. A lot happens the week of a major. I can guarantee the authenticity of these results. No one got anything last week, but this is the PGA Championship, the best field of the year, so here we go.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin, Trevor Immelman.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins, Angel Cabrera.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins, Stewart Cink.

G - Tim Clark
KC - Luke Donald - "will make it all first-time major winners this year."
JB - Phil Mickelson - "hate this pick, but I waited all year to use him in a major."

2007-08-01T18:14:00.001-07:00

First things, Jay Williamson firing his caddy on the course and grabbing a guy in from the gallery is awesome. The player/caddy relationship is a tricky one but it's not like you wouldn't get canned from your job immediately if you messed up badly.

Next, I can not emphasize how little I care about Annika Sorenstam using Tiger's yardage book at St. Andrews. (I like her to win this though.)

Italian golfer Alessandro Pissilli has been suspended for two years for failing a drug test. He plays on the highly-vaunted Italian Tour, but I guess some guys are doing. Do you think this was who Gary Player had in mind?

Last week none of the three of us accumulated anything.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth, Spencer Levin.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey, John Rollins.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald, John Rollins.

WGC Bridgestone Invitational
G - Trevor Immelman
KC - Angel Cabrera
JB - Stewart Cink

2007-07-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lateness. Nobody got anything last week.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Niclas Fasth.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler, Paul Casey.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer, Luke Donald.

This week - Canadian Open.

G - Spencer Levin
KC - John Rollins
JB - John Rollins

2007-07-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, presumably in Warminster, PA, an old man is snoring. Good morning, dad. The reason I say this is because at Carnoustie, it's raining, it's pouring. It's raining so hard that caddies have to follow around their guy with the umbrella.

On Saturday, I wrote that I think Sergio's got this one, but it is far from a done deal. I wish someone, with all due respect, other than Steve Stricker was three back, but that's what we have.

Garcia has played amazing golf this week and has not made a bogey since the 11th on Friday. The belly putter looked shaky for all of two holes on Saturday, so it will take a lot to dethrone the Artist Formerly Known as "El Nino."

Remember this - Garcia squandered a six-shot lead in the final round of the 2005 Wachovia Championship. Of the group at minus-three, the two I like the most to make a run are Ernie Els and Stewart Cink. Els has the experience and handled the conditions at Muirfield in 2002 and Cink I like because he has played pretty consistently all week.

It will still be Garcia's to lose, and while I don't think he will, he could.

2007-07-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

With a three-shot lead over Steve Stricker, I think Sergio's got this one.

Bad day to be spectators as Tiger and Garcia each hit someone on the melon. The WOMAN Tiger hit was bleeding like she went three in the Octagon with Chuck Lidell. Garcia's guy was laying out like he got kicked in the mouth by a bull.

ABC just ran a piece about Jean van de Velde in '99 and I agree with Faldo a little. Enough already. He's a human who is the biggest punchline in sports history. Let's all let it go, although since ABC is running more of it tomorrow, I think we're in trouble.

Peter Alliss is so good it's scary by the way. I thought his funniest line ever was when he called Tim Herron the Patron Saint of Sandwiches, but when he called Van de Velde heading into the water eight years ago, all he could say was, "someone please stop him." That's funny.

See ya tomorrow morning.

2007-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods is analyzing the final five holes for ABC, which is very cool. What I don't need is to see his video game being the one to show it. Stop! You have eight people with microphones. The guys in your booth alone have seven majors. If I wanted to watch a video game, I'd fire up my old Nintendo 64 and play GoldenEye.

2007-07-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Steve Stricker and Chris DiMarco are in the middle of amazing runs right now. If one of the middle-range starters on Saturday can get in around one- or two-under (Pelle Edberg and his silly do rag is in at minus-one), he will be playing later on Sunday.

Speaking of these two American guys, the Presidents Cup team gets finalized in about a month. Stricker is eighth and he's a lock to be on the team even if he doesn't finish in the top 10 because he is playing so well. (Woods, Furyk, Mickelson, Howell, Johnson and Toms are almost mathematical locks.) That leaves Verplank, Stricker, Cink and Rollins. Can't imagine the first three not being there, so that leaves Rollins in some trouble.

Assuming Rollins stays on, Capt. Jack has two picks and it's doubtful DiMarco would be one. He ranks 36th on the points and as Paul Azinger just said, his shoulder pops out 70% of the time on his back swing. Even though he was the hero last time, DiMarco has a horrible-sounding injury so he's out. I would take Lucas Glover (ranked 11th) and Brett Wetterich (ranked 12th).

Do you know why I would take those two? There is literally no one better to take. American golf is in serious trouble. Maybe Boo Weekely can make it based on this week. He's 34th and would look solid walking out for the opening ceremony with a lipper of Skoal and his camoflauge long-sleeved shirts.

2007-07-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

Tiger birdied two in a row, then hit someone with his second shot at six. To make matters worse, a camera went off in the middle of his back swing on his third shot. That's always fun to see if Stevie will go up and rip the guy's eyes out. Tiger made par, but looks good.

Sergio does not, and I'm not speaking about his golf swing. He's wearing red pants, a red undershirt and a bright orange and red sweater. Remember when everyone thought their cable went out at the end of "The Sopranos?" Well people will be adjusting their dials because they won't believe an adult could wear this. It's repugnant and bright. On a gloomy day in Scotland, you will be able to see him from Neptune. This is also coming from a guy who wears a tee shirt that says "My Other Ride is Your Mother" with a picture of a donkey on it. I'll wear anything, but what Sergio has on right now.

2007-07-21T05:19:00.001-07:00

I'm almost speechless after watching Boo Weekley get interviewed. He might have sent a new TNT record for "aint's" in one interview. I like folksy and honesty and that's what Boo brings, but one piece of advice, Boo. Take the chew out when you are being interviewed. It's just polite.

2007-07-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday morning.

TNT, specifically Bobby Klampett, is killing me more and more each day. If Klampett talks about how much he loves when someone (cough, Tiger, cough) takes a divot with a three-wood off the tee, I will walk to Scotland to kick him in the shins. And boy does he like this Markus Brier fella. "Best Austrian golfer of all time." Hah, that's hilarious. See, Brier is like the only Austrian golfer. That's rich.

Jim Huber's essays are interesting at times, but so cheesy in delivery, I end up cringing. Billy Kratzert is very strong on the course and Ernie Johnson is my hero.

Shot of the day already happened almost two hours before Sergio and K.J. tee off. John Senden's third at 18 hit the grandstand on the left, flew toward the out of bounds right, but hit a stake the width of an ankle and bounced back into play. Of course Senden made double, but welcome to Carnoustie.

The weather will not be as big a deal as hyped on Friday. It might rain and be windy, but the weather people are already backing off the assertions that it will be brutal. Don't think Muirfield on Saturday in 2002 when Ernie Els won. Think some steady rain that might drive the average up slightly.

Bold prediction is that K.J. Choi and Miguel Angel Jimenez are the final pairing on Sunday. Sergio Garcia will blow up a bit, but not so much that he will be out of it.

2007-07-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

So why don't the Europeans win majors anymore? Let's turn it over to TNT analyst Bobby Clampett for the penetrating investigation:

"They need to shoot the lowest score."

Oh.

If I ran TNT sports, after I got done with my morning victory lap around the breakfast table for hiring Charles Barkley years ago, I'd fly Clampett's backside back to the states. Then I'd send Barkley to Scotland and let the good times roll. You would be able to hear country club older women throughout the U.S. cringe when Barkley started going off about Ian Poulter's pants or the white snobs in the golf world.

Now, we're on to something.

Why did Clampett have to go?

"He wasn't any good."

Oh.

2007-07-20T03:22:00.001-07:00

Some quick first-round thoughts.

John Daly grabbed the lead then lost it in the same time as your average sneeze. Just about par for the course for Long John. Hole-out eagle, double-bogey, triple-bogey, how's your dinner and maybe I'll see ya on the weekend.

Sergio Garcia played great and putted wonderfully, but can it last? History says no and God forbid if Tiger gets in Sergio's group on Saturday. That would be a slaughter.

Tiger played ok, not great. The guy who might have played the best on Thursday was amateur Rory McIlroy. Just because his name sounds like the guy from "Tin Cup," don't be alarmed. He went bogey-free in round one and missed a pair of four-footers that would have had him one off the lead.

It's worth mentioning that McIlroy is four-over already on Friday, so that last paragraph was just for the sake of history.

My guy Niclas Fasth (actually he was Gerard Gallagher's guy first) is four-under so far in round two.

If you are looking for something of a dark horse to impress your friends with on Friday night, I kind of like Miguel Angel Jimenez. He's got the right temperament to play a tough Carnoustie layout.

2007-07-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods eagled the sixth from about 15 feet to tie for the lead. K.J. Choi just one-upped him with a birdie at 13 and the outright lead at minus-four. Choi is tough to read. Before this year, I don't think anyone really expected him to be a major contender, but his wins at Tiger's and Jack's events made him a player.

Who knows? With Tiger this close, I'd say we're headed toward an anticlimactic weekend.

Weather is hideous. Fifty degrees and no more rain, but the wind is out from time to time. When it's down, Carnoustie is playable, so five-under could be the leading score on Thursday.

Forgot to mention Gary Player's comments about absolutely knowing at least one player is on steroids. Player is not the right guy to deliver this message for two reasons. First, he's not around active golf anymore and secondly, Player can be a bit goofy at times, so outlandish comments are not exactly rare.

Player could not divulge the golfer who told him he knows this information to be fact. Don't blame him for that, but it makes me wonder. This is not exactly Deep Throat helping Woodward and Bernstein, but I'll believe it.

This doesn't surprise me. I've always contended that steroids are not a problem on the PGA Tour, or professional golf to be safe. That doesn't mean they aren't out there at all. While I have some problems about this revelation, it's not shocking.

Nick Faldo is next as he basically said Europeans are too friendly with each other to win majors. I doubt there's anything to that, because Tiger has friends out there, and he'd eat their heads to win.

Faldo, who never had an abundance of buddies in his prime, may just be trying to get his young boys to get going. Maybe he's getting into their heads 14 months before his duty as Ryder Cup captain, but how tired are we getting of European chumminess? At the Ryder Cup, their friendship is what propels them. The other 358 days of the year it hurts them according to Faldo.

Maybe playing in one of the best eras in the history of golf has to do with it more than the fact these guys have some beers together.

2007-07-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lateness of the blog but I can confirm that all of these picks were made before the start of play. Hopefully, we will get a couple of blog updates through the day.

No points last week and we are not picking the event in Milwaukee with all due respect.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore, Kevin Stadler.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne, Ryan Palmer.

Open Championship

We all think the European drought will end apparently.

GG - Niclas Fasth.
KC - Paul Casey. "Will the European drought end this week? He's tied for 10th at Augusta and Oakmont."
JB - Luke Donald. "Think his game could be perfect for Carnoustie."

2007-07-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing new to report as G keeps racking up points. Steve Stricker took second and it may take a small miracle for Kevin or I to come back.
We had our company golf outing on Tuesday as well and the three golf editors, plus NHL editor and college friend of mine, Dan Shoes, took fourth. Oh well.

Gerard Gallagher (42) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson, Steve Stricker.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Gore.

Below Average (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair, Olin Browne.

This week's John Deere Classic.

G - Bernhard Langer.
KC - Kevin Stadler - "Another first time winner here? I hope."
JB - Ryan Palmer - "This is a lock."

2007-07-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

This just in from our nation's Capitol, Phil Mickelson hit a shot so bad, that it required the deployment of the United States Secret Service.

He made such a mess of the 16th hole that it got too close to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The Secret Service apparently moved her to be away from the throngs of people.

Here's what I want to ask Mickelson - "Have you ever hit a shot so poorly that the best trained guards in the history of civilization have to scramble into duty?"

2007-07-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

Quick post this week as I'm off to celebrate my nation's independence from the British.

Gerard Gallagher (37) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern, Jay Williamson.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley, Brandt Snedeker.

Mediocrity (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis, Sean O'Hair.

This week is Tiger's event in our nation's capital.

G - Steve Stricker - "I guess that's good news for Stricker."
KC - Jason Gore - "I think one of Tiger's buddies wins this week."
JB - Olin Browne - "I am clueless."

2007-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

I'm officially tired of Michelle Wie. I hate jumping up and down on a kid, but this is getting to the point of annoyance. She withdrew again from a tournament because she was playing like crap. Wie's wrist may well be bothering her, but twice now when she posts gigantic numbers she pulls out. That is not professional, nor is it tough.
Let's try this out, Michelle. Do not play until you are fully healed. Take the rest of the year if you have to, but you are destroying your already fragile reputation in the world of golf. Just shut it down now, so that you can avoid this come time for the Women's British Open.
On to the U.S. Women's Open, I don't think Angela Park will make it through this thing. Morgan Pressel and Lorena Ochoa are lurking, so expect either one of them to run this 19-year-old out of the lead.

2007-06-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

U.S. Women's Open this week and I like Karrie Webb.

Now Annika is taking the stance that Michelle Wie can apologize anytime for her disrespectful behavior. Fascinating. I'm getting the feeling that Sorenstam may be waiting a long time. At least til Wie's in her mid-20s.

The PGA and Champions Tours are both adopting drug-testing policies and I still contend these are not necessary. However, I think it will give some within the sport peace of mind, so hooray for that. I do not believe steroids to be a problem in golf. I do believe them to be a problem in the WWE, but that's for another time.

Ok, a guy in Florida goes to get his golf ball out of the pond and an alligator latches on to his arm. Terrifying. Probably would have induced a heart attack if it happens to me. Here's the rub, the alligator had one eye. Is there any way this guy is not nicknamed Chubs from now on? (For the uninformed, Chubs was Carl Weathers in "Happy Gilmore" and he lost his hand to a one-eyed gator.) What made me most angry about this story is that I didn't come up with that joke. My friend Matt Lyon nailed it, so kudos to him.

Now as for my friend and colleague Gerard. He sucks. For those whose memory does not span a week, he had me pick a random guy out of the field for last week's Travelers Championship. That guy happened to be Nick O'Hern. The same Nick O'Hern who took third place for another point for G. I said a real man doesn't accept that point, but he claimed he was thinking of him before that. I think he's a liar who is devoid of a soul. Jealousy on my part.

Gerard Gallagher (37) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk, Nick O'Hern.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els, Brett Quigley.

Mediocrity (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk, Ben Curtis.

This week's Buick Open

G - Jay Williamson.
KC - Brandt Snedeker - "I've won with two S's before (Stenson/Sabbatini), so hopefully my cold spell will end."
JB - Sean O'Hair - "I'm getting points this week. I feel it."

2007-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have a U.S. Open column up on the site already, so check that, but long story short - Cabrera shot a 69 so that means he won, not that Woods and Furyk lost it, although Furyk pulling a driver at 17 was hideous.

Also, I think everyone should calm down on what they think will happen now that Sam Alexis Woods has been brought to the Earth. Let it play out, but my guess is Tiger's game suffers down the line. The major record is still completely attainable, but the time put into the game will go down.

G and I each picked up five points for Furyk's runner-up finish as I have now got two second places in majors. Still trail by a mile.

Gerard Gallagher (36) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair, Jim Furyk.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron, Ernie Els.

Mediocrity (10) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes, Jim Furyk.

Let's explain how G has come to his selection this week. Here is the text message he sent me in the afternoon on Wednesday. Admittedly, I needed to do the blog earlier this week than normal, but here's what G said:

"Close your eyes, run your finger over the field and wherever it stops, that's my pick, as long as I haven't used him."

This is a perfect combo of him being busy and arrogant and I love it.

G - Nick O'Hern - "Hand to God - or whatever - I was going to say him."
KC - Brett Quigley - "Just a hunch, maybe being back in New England will do something for his game."
JB - Ben Curtis

2007-06-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Some random things from Friday morning of the U.S. Open.

Phil Mickelson flew out of the gate and was two-under on his round. Since, he has gone double-bogey, bogey, bogey, double-bogey and the cut line is in sight. Oakmont taketh away.

Oakmont is amazing right now and I promise you, even-par is the best possible score that could lead after this round.

The leader will be Jose Maria Olazabal. Despite not being in the lead, I thought he played the best on Thursday with a steady diet of pars. Felt the same way about Zach Johnson after Friday at the Masters and look what happened there.

ESPN broadcasters should never be permitted on a course unless playing recreational golf. Not its normal golf team like Turico, North, Rankin and Cratzert, I mean Boomer and Ravech. Boomer has a niche but if I hear Ground Control to David Toms or Paul Casey is at the bat or Ian Poulter is Geist once more, I will throw up. Again, he's got a niche, but not here.

Best part of any USGA event is the steady stream of the commercial with the guy wanting to golf in the rain. Real method acting, kinda like when DeNiro packed on the pounds to play Jake LaMotta. Dude probably went to Julliard, so I shouldn't mock him, but this commercial is always on.

2007-06-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

U.S. Open time and periodically I shall be blogging, but here's the contest.

No one got anything last week, so here we go.

Gerard Gallagher (31) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Sean O'Hair.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods, Tim Herron.

Mediocrity (5) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama., Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Bob Estes.

G - Jim Furyk
KC - Ernie Els - "Won here in '94 and is finding a good groove with his new Callaway's."
JB - Jim Furyk - "I never liked Gerard."

2007-06-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

First the Michelle Wie thing. I didn't believe it was a conspiracy that she withdrew to avoid the "88" Rule until today. When I found out she was practicing for the LPGA Championship over the weekend, I am now convinced she withdrew to avoid getting thrown off tour for the season.

This girl is turning into a mess. Wie is resented already because she has been handed so many sponsor's exemptions . Annika spoke out against her this week and she's perfectly within her right to do so. Wie is getting some bad advice in how to handle her career, and I'm looking right at you, dad. Get this girl on the right path. Let her go to Stanford and play occasionally.

As for Butch saying Phil Mickelson will supplant Tiger Woods atop the rankings, I have two things to say. No he won't and shut up, Butch. Your mouth is what got you booted from Team Tiger and Woods would rather eat tree bark then let Mickelson take over No. 1.

I hated using Tiger at the Masters and him not winning. It's better than getting zero points out of him like the two others did last week at the Memorial. Of course, Zach Johnson walked off with strep throat, so I didn't light it on fire.

Gerard Gallagher (31) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods.

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI, Tiger Woods

Mediocrity (5) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama., Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson.

St. Jude Championship

G - Sean O'Hair
KC - Tim Herron
JB - Bob Estes - "Was going to wait until a major to use Estes, but his record here is too good."

2007-05-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well, clearly this thing isn't going my way.

Both clowns won last week, so I shall be brief.

They suck and apparently don't talk much because for the second week in a row, G and Currie have picked the same guy. He's a big one, too.

Gerard Gallagher (31) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON, RORY SABBATINI

Kevin Currie (22) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, RORY SABBATINI.

Mediocrity (5) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama., Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink.

The Memorial

G - Tiger Woods - "Ballgame."
KC - Tiger Woods - "Can't hold him forever and with the Tiger cub coming, no telling where we'll see him after the U.S. Open."
JB - Zach Johnson - "I don't have anything to say considering my record."

2007-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the deck as I am writing from beautiful, albeit windy, Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Enjoying a little pre Memorial Day break and I can't wait to get back to the grind. That was a joke in case you didn't know or if you have the sense of humor of a fire hydrant.

G collected another win then promptly reminded me that since I did this last year I have picked one winner in almost 18 months. He has two victories as the very Christian Zach Johnson went through Georgia like General Sherman in his prime.

Gerard Gallagher (21) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins, ZACH JOHNSON.

Kevin Currie (12) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink.

Mediocrity (5) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama., Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh, Henrik Stenson.

Colonial (I'm not going corporate and calling it that insane name now.)

G - Rory Sabbatini - "Gimme Sabbatini." So effusive and eloquent.
KC - Rory Sabbtini - "Nice record here and he's playing well."
JB - Stewart Cink - "Please win. Please. I wanted Cink last week, but it was impractical since Kevin picked him."

2007-05-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

First, give Sean O'Hair some credit. He needed to make a move and unfortunately, it had to come at the 17th at Sawgrass. What killed him was how many missed putts he had on the back nine. It was a lot of money to be lost (and FedEx points, world ranking points, Presidents Cup points), but he's got loot, so it came down to being a professional athlete. My question is not why he went after the flag, it's that he used the wrong club to do it. With the blood pumping, pitching-wedge was the club, not nine-iron.

Secondly, Seve Ballesteros is joining the Champions Tour this week. I'm no big Seve guy, but he's missed so much time due to a back injury, it's anyone's guess how he'll do. My guess is that he doesn't threaten the top of a leaderboard anytime soon. The biggest misconception about the Champions Tour is that if you recognize the name, they will be a success. Crenshaw joined and hadn't won since the 1995 Masters. Strange's last victory was in 1989. Seve hasn't won in a decade so why would anyone expect him to do well? The other two have not won on the elder circuit.

Kevin Currie (12) - David Toms, Davis Love III, Ryan Moore, David Duval, Jeff Quinney, Justin Leonard, Robert Allenby, HENRIK STENSON, Rich Beem, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Scott Verplank, K.J. Choi, Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade, Sean O'Hair, Shigeki Maruyama, Geoff Ogilvy, Steve Stricker.

Gerard Gallagher (11) - Adam Scott, Vijay Singh, George McNeill, Robert Allenby, Troy Matteson, Luke Donald, Mike Weir, Retief Goosen, David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Johan Edfors, Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Phi Mickelson, Davis Love III, Carlos Franco, SCOTT VERPLANK, Geoff Ogilvy, John Rollins.

Mediocrity (5) - Stuart Appleby, Rory Sabbatini, Scott Verplank, Robert Allenby, Justin Rose, Mike Weir, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington, Carl Pettersson, Charles Howell III, Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Joe Durant, Shigeki Maruyama., Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh.

On to Sugarloaf

KC - Stewart Cink - "Gotta go with the best available."
GG - Zach Johnson - "The third best-known Zach behind Messrs. Braff and Morris."
JB - Henrik Stenson - "Top-ranked player in the field as I need a win."