Good Day Sand Trappers and welcome back to another installment of Hittin’ the Links. The stage is set, the players are ready, here comes Bethpage Black! We know Tiger has done his homework, with his impressive win at the Memorial along with his new found love of hitting fairways he is most definitely the guy to beat this week.
In this pre-U.S. Open volume of HTL we look at Phil Mickelson’s comeback to the Tour, delve into the USGA’s decision to stay with an 18 hole U.S. Open playoff, and find out who is taking caddy applications. Also we see who is not at the U.S. Open, look at the long road to get there, and do a wrap-up of the week’s winners. Read on!
Hole 1: He’s Back!
Phil Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour this week, but has his eye on Bethpage Black [Link]
Hole 2: Ken Green Tragedy
Five-time PGA Tour winner and current Champions Tour member Ken Green was hurt and his brother and girlfriend killed in an RV accident. [Link]
Hole 3: It Takes 18 Holes
The USGA is staying with the 18 hole playoff format for the U.S. Open. [Link]
Hole 4:Job Opening!
Camilo Villegas is without a caddy at present, so he is borrowing Freddy Couple’s for a few weeks. [Link]
Hole 5: Long Road to the U.S. Open
The U.S. Open is just that, open to everyone with a low enough handicap and a game to get them there. [Link]
Hole 6: You’re Out
Some big names won’t be on any U.S. Open scoreboards, because they will be watching from home. [Link]
Hole 7: PGA Championship History
The PGA Championship History Exhibit is on display in Minnesota. [Link]
Hole 8: The Front-Runner
Brian Gay may be a better front-runner than Tiger Woods. He wins again this year – big – and gets into the U.S. Open. [Link]
Hole 9: How Swede It Is
Anna Nordqvist wins in her fifth start on the LPGA Tour at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship. And, oh yeah, it’s a major. [Link]