A lot of us thought that Tiger’s back injury this year could be the one from which he doesn’t come back. Turns out, he was thinking the same thing. That’s a startling admission from Woods who has long kept injuries hidden from the competition and the media. Time will tell if he will indeed be able to return to the TOUR and take up pursuit of major #15, but he is sounding optimistic about his health and his future.
More on that soon, but first let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: European Tour Issues Apology
We were appalled last week that the European Tour decided to resume play, following a moment of silence, after a caddie suffered a fatal heart attack during the Madeira Islands Open. The tour took a week to come to the conclusion that it should have stopped play after Iain MacGregor, who was one the bag for Alastair Forsyth, but they have now issued an apology and are helping with funeral arrangements. At this week’s BMW PGA Championship, the tour will honor MacGregor by encouraging players and others to wear “Black for Mac” on Thursday. [Link]
Hole #2: Todd Wins Nelson
Brendon Todd shot a bogey-free 4-under 66 to win his first PGA TOUR victory at the Byron Nelson Championship. Mike Weir (yes that Mike Weir) finished second. Good to see him back in contention. [Link]
Hole #3: Salas Runs Away with Kingsmill
Even par was good enough on Sunday for Lizette Salas to earn a 4-stroke victory at the LPGA Kingsmill Championship. It was her first LPGA Tour win. [Link]
Hole #4: Jimenez: Oldest Winner (Again)
Miguel Angel Jimenez broke his own mark as the oldest winner on the European Tour when he won a three-man playoff at the Open de Espana. Jimenez (50) beat Thomas Pieters and Richard Green with a par on the first playoff hole. [Link]
Hole #5: Courses Closing at Disturbing Rate
More courses in the U.S. closed last year than opened, for the eighth consecutive year. This troubling national trend is visible on the local level. We’ve heard that two courses may be in their last seasons. Here’s a similar story from Crystal Lake, Illinois. [Link]
Hole #6: Teen Impressive at Byron Nelson
A 17 year-old named Scottie Scheffler not only made the cut but his rounds of 71-68-69-68 put him in a tie for 22nd and would have won more than 60,000, if he was a pro. His performance reminded many of another player who shot well at the Byron Nelson Championship as a teen… Jordan Spieth. [Link]
Hole #7: Golfers Are Atheltes (sic), Too
OK, this is the worst trick shot video ever until about halfway through, when it gets pretty good. The actual trick shots are pretty cool, we just wish they’d have used something other than a cell phone camera or at least have shot it in landscape. Yes, they can do it all… except spell. [Link]
Hole #8: You Had Us at “John Daly in Hooters Shorts”
After John Daly missed the cut at the Byron Nelson Championship, he used his free weekend to play in the 11th Annual Toby Keith and Friends Golf Classic with Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops. Now where can we get a pair of them shorts? [Link]
Hole #9: Woods to Return, Someday
Tiger Woods revealed this week that he had doubts about being able to play golf again due to his back injury. He says that the surgery removed that doubt but the date of his return is still anyone’s guess. [Link]