Good morning golf fans, and welcome again The Sand Trap‘s Hittin’ the Links. Even in a weekend dominated by football, there was still quite a bit going on in the golf world. A whole column could be devoted to Tiger Woods alone!
In this newest volume we start off by quelling some Tiger Rumors, find out who made the Match Play, and check out Bubba on Ellen. Also, we investigate some tough times for country clubs, see who became Assistant Ryder Cup Captains, and do a wrap-up on the week’s events. Read on!
Hole 1: No Tiger!
There is no truth to the rumors of Tiger’s imminent return says Steve Williams. [Link]
Hole 2: Match Play
Ross McGowan gets the last spot in the Accenture Match Play Championship, that is if Tiger doesn’t show up. [Link]
Hole 3: Bubba on Ellen
Bubba Watson talks about his recent visit to the Ellen DeGeneres show. [Link]
Hole 4: Ryder Cup
Cory Pavin names four assistant captains for this year’s Ryder Cup. [Link]
Hole 5: Tough Times
Country Clubs are having a tough time keeping their doors open. [Link]
Hole 6: Tiger Getting Some Family Time
It is reported that Tiger got to spend the day with his family in order to celebrate his son’s first birthday. [Link]
Hole 7: You’re Fired! Now Go Win a Golf Tournament
Jim Herman, an ex-employee of Donald Trump’s, wins on the Nationwide Tour. [Link]
Hole 8: Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Miguel Angel Jimenez wins the Dubai Desert Classic in a play-off. [Link]
Hole 9: Riviera
Steve Stricker wins at Riviera and moves to #2. [Link]
I’m a huge Phil fan, but I love seeing Stricker finally making it to #2. He has played such good golf for the past couple years and he needs to get more recognition for what a great golfer he is. I personally hope he is remembered as being on the same level as a Nick Faldo or Vijay or Ernie.
But on a different note, how many times do you see an athlete or team play conservative after getting a big lead and either almost lose or blow the game, like Stricker almost did? If I were his caddie, I would try as hard as I could to get him to gun for those pins (with tact of course).
Faldo – 6 Majors
Vijay – 3 Majors
Ells – 3 Majors
I like Stricker but he is nowhere on the list compared to these guys (especially Faldo).
As regards Stricker it would be nice to see him play a bit more outside of America.
Ah, Neil beat me to it!
Frank , buddy where were you the last two decades