Hello out there everyone in golf land. Anyone out there still in shock? Yep, the invincible Tiger Woods did get beat, you weren’t dreaming. I believe it’s a good thing: it gets boring watching everyone fade in his presence. Good job Y.E. Yang, I for one did not believe you could do it.
In this most recent volume of Hittin’ the Links, we first look at the sale of U.S. golf history, then see what happened to Lefty at the PGA, and find out what Seve is doing now to fight cancer. Also on tap, we investigate Hugo Chavez’s disdain for golf, find out Tiger’s plans for Olympic golf, and do a wrap-up of the Y.E. Yang shocker at Hazeltine. Read on!Hole 1: For Sale
Oakhurst Links, the birthplace of American golf, is up for sale. [Link]
Hole 2: Other Things on His Mind, Maybe?
Phil Mickelson had a difficult week at the PGA except for a 199-yard hole out eagle on the first hole on Sunday. [Link]
Hole 3: Phil Kosin
Phil Kosin, one of Chicago’s liveliest golf voices has died. [Link]
Hole 4: One Bad Guy
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has found a new target, golf. [Link]
Hole 5: Seve Starts Cancer Foundation
In an effort to fight the disease that has nearly killed him, Seve Ballesteros has started his own cancer foundation. [Link]
Hole 6: The Truck
The truck as its called by the players is a Nationwide Tour pro’s best friend on the road. [Link]
Hole 7: Tiger is In
Tiger Woods has said he would play if golf is included in the 2016 Olympics. [Link]
Hole 8: Ogilvy Not Happy with PGA Course Setup
Geoff Ogilvy had some parting remarks about the course setup before he flew out of Minnesota Sunday. [Link]
Hole 9: PGA Shocker!
Y.E. Yang shocks the golf world with a come-from-behind win over Tiger Woods. [Link]
Where are the US PGA Tour Pros and why can’t they beat Tiger? Why do they have tour cards if they cannot possibly compete for the number 1 spot at tournaments when Tiger plays?
Tour cards should be reassigned to either younger players from the nationwide or to foreign born players that exhibit no fear when playing golf, have the drive to win and don’t sit on the sidelines simply earning millions by going for 2nd through 30. Get rid of these non producers, it would happen at most US companies why not at the PGA Tour. Why do popular players like Freddie Couple have PGA Tour cards when they cannot possibly challenge to win.
re venezuealan golf…I have played many rounds in Caracas and the courses are nice but VERY snobby..while I am no fan of Chavez, he is basically correct in what he says. What latin america needs is a “first tee” program to give something back to the kids…unfortuanatly it is probably too late with the level of violence and paranoia there no way the members would allow “Catia Kids” to invade their domain…very sad.
It is not just Yang’s win that is going to be big for the game. Interestingly, earlier this week, another measure was announced which may be lost in the din of Yang’s victory but has equal importance when it comes to the issue of globalising the sport. The decks have been cleared for golf to be accommodated, once again, as an Olympic sport with a special panel recommending golf as one of the sports to be included in the games. If this recommendation is indeed accepted, then golf will be well on its way to becoming a truly global sport.
It will also help the nations where golf is developing because it would mean that the government will increase its funding as it would become an Olympic sport and would be forced into opening public driving ranges in many cities which would go a long way in furthering the growth of the sport. Tiger Woods recently said that he would love to win an Olympic gold for his country and knowing how much we respect Olympic medal winners, golf in the Olympics will become something that youngsters will hope to take part in and bring laurels to the country.