Vijay Singh and Adam Scott have added their names to the commitment list for the Quail Hollow Championship later this month.
Singh won the 2006 tournament while Scott has been a regular at Quail Hollow.
They join an already strong list of early commitments that includes Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, Rory McIlroy, Lucas Glover, Padraig Harrington, defending champion Sean O'Hair,, Rickie Fowler, Kenny Perry, Bill Haas and others.
Phil Mickelson is expected to play though won't make an official commitment until closer to the tournament. Tiger Woods hasn't given an indication if he plans to play at Quail Hollow this year.
http://green-side.blogspot.com
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Masters Monday Like No Other
Aside from a couple of weather-delayed finishes, this will be the most anticipated Monday in Masters history.
Typically, Masters Mondays are soft as players arrive and begin their preparation in earnest. It's easy even with enormous galleries taking advantage of the opportunity to spend a few hours at Augusta National.
This one's different because it's the day Tiger Woods officially returns to golf. He's already been to Augusta National to play practice rounds and he may play there on Sunday.
But Monday will be the first time Woods plays in front of galleries and it's the day he'll face the media in the interview room. Monday will have an uncommon buzz.
Fred Couples has said he's planning to play a practice round with Woods Monday at Augusta and they'll probably be on the course early, given Tiger's 2 p.m. date with the media. It wouldn't be surprising to see Mark O'Meara playing with them.
It will be interesting to see how Woods interacts with the spectators, who won't be allowed on the grounds until 8 a.m. Will he talk more to them? Will he pose for the occasional photo? Or will he stayed tucked beneath the bill of his cap, rarely glancing sideways?
Woods' press conference has drawn so much attention that only a limited number of media members will be admitted to the interview room. There's only so much space in the interview room and it's too small to accommodate everyone who wants to be in there.
I'm guessing Tiger will spend a minimum of 30 minutes, maybe up to an hour, taking questions. Given what he's said in his public statement and the two television interviews he's done, I think we have a good idea of what we'll hear.
He'll answer some things, avoid others. I don't need to hear details from him. He'll be pushed for details on what happened the night of his auto accident, when all of this began unfolding, but it's unlikely he'll offer more than he has.
It will be an uncomfortable time for him but once it's done, he can move on. When asked about his troubles at future events, he can say he said all he's going to say at the Masters. It won't satisfy everyone but he'll understand that going in.
It's important for Woods to do this press conference and get it behind him. It's remarkable the amount of coverage his personal life has received. It says something about our culture that Woods made the front page of the New York Post 20 consecutive days, one day longer than the 9/11 attacks were on the front page in the city where they happened.
Masters week starts Monday. This year, the world will be watching.
Typically, Masters Mondays are soft as players arrive and begin their preparation in earnest. It's easy even with enormous galleries taking advantage of the opportunity to spend a few hours at Augusta National.
This one's different because it's the day Tiger Woods officially returns to golf. He's already been to Augusta National to play practice rounds and he may play there on Sunday.
But Monday will be the first time Woods plays in front of galleries and it's the day he'll face the media in the interview room. Monday will have an uncommon buzz.
Fred Couples has said he's planning to play a practice round with Woods Monday at Augusta and they'll probably be on the course early, given Tiger's 2 p.m. date with the media. It wouldn't be surprising to see Mark O'Meara playing with them.
It will be interesting to see how Woods interacts with the spectators, who won't be allowed on the grounds until 8 a.m. Will he talk more to them? Will he pose for the occasional photo? Or will he stayed tucked beneath the bill of his cap, rarely glancing sideways?
Woods' press conference has drawn so much attention that only a limited number of media members will be admitted to the interview room. There's only so much space in the interview room and it's too small to accommodate everyone who wants to be in there.
I'm guessing Tiger will spend a minimum of 30 minutes, maybe up to an hour, taking questions. Given what he's said in his public statement and the two television interviews he's done, I think we have a good idea of what we'll hear.
He'll answer some things, avoid others. I don't need to hear details from him. He'll be pushed for details on what happened the night of his auto accident, when all of this began unfolding, but it's unlikely he'll offer more than he has.
It will be an uncomfortable time for him but once it's done, he can move on. When asked about his troubles at future events, he can say he said all he's going to say at the Masters. It won't satisfy everyone but he'll understand that going in.
It's important for Woods to do this press conference and get it behind him. It's remarkable the amount of coverage his personal life has received. It says something about our culture that Woods made the front page of the New York Post 20 consecutive days, one day longer than the 9/11 attacks were on the front page in the city where they happened.
Masters week starts Monday. This year, the world will be watching.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Five Masters Favorites -- One Week Out
One week before Masters week begins and the Tiger show commences, it's time to update the five favorites list. I can only hope it looks a little more reasonable than my NCAA tournament bracket.
1. Ernie Els
It would be the every-so-often feel-good story the Masters provides (Ben Crenshaw winning after Harvey Penick's death; Phil Mickelson finally winning in 2004, come immediately to mind) if the Big Easy could finally win a green jacket. He's been solid there and was prepping for a playoff when Mickelson rolled in his life-changing putt six years ago. a serious heartbreak for Els.
2. Retief Goosen
The Goose has quietly built an impressive record at Augusta National with four top-five finishes. He's hanging around the top of leader boards again and seems to have his putting under control. Keep an eye on him.
3. Fred Couples
He's won three times in four starts on the Champions Tour and shot 62 in the final round Sunday on a Jack Nicklaus course in the Dominican Republic. I know it's seniors golf but good golf works on any level and Couples can win at Augusta. He's only missed the cut once there and he has that confident look about him. How cool would a Couples win at the Masters be?
4. Phil Mickleson
I'm holding steadfast to the idea that Phil will find what's been missing by the time he gets to the Masters. He shot 58 in a friendly round in Arizona and had one brief shining moment on Friday at Bay Hill before going 75-77 on the weekend. Maybe Dave Stockton will caddie for him at the Masters.
5. Tiger Woods
Enough said.
1. Ernie Els
It would be the every-so-often feel-good story the Masters provides (Ben Crenshaw winning after Harvey Penick's death; Phil Mickelson finally winning in 2004, come immediately to mind) if the Big Easy could finally win a green jacket. He's been solid there and was prepping for a playoff when Mickelson rolled in his life-changing putt six years ago. a serious heartbreak for Els.
2. Retief Goosen
The Goose has quietly built an impressive record at Augusta National with four top-five finishes. He's hanging around the top of leader boards again and seems to have his putting under control. Keep an eye on him.
3. Fred Couples
He's won three times in four starts on the Champions Tour and shot 62 in the final round Sunday on a Jack Nicklaus course in the Dominican Republic. I know it's seniors golf but good golf works on any level and Couples can win at Augusta. He's only missed the cut once there and he has that confident look about him. How cool would a Couples win at the Masters be?
4. Phil Mickleson
I'm holding steadfast to the idea that Phil will find what's been missing by the time he gets to the Masters. He shot 58 in a friendly round in Arizona and had one brief shining moment on Friday at Bay Hill before going 75-77 on the weekend. Maybe Dave Stockton will caddie for him at the Masters.
5. Tiger Woods
Enough said.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Harrington Latest Quail Hollow Commitment
Padraig Harrington has added his name to the commitment list for the Quail Hollow Championship, giving the tournament 11 of the top 25 players in the world rankings one month before the event begins.
Harrington (10th in the rankings) adds his name to a list that includes Lee Westwood (No. 4), Jim Furyk (No. 9), Rory McIlroy (No. 11), Robert Allenby (No. 15), Kenny Perry (No. 16), Sean O'Hair (No. 18), Retief Goosen (No. 19), Stewart Cink (No. 20), Hunter Mahan ( No. 21) and Lucas Glover (No. 25).
Phil Mickelson is expected to play at Quail Hollow though he typically waits until closer to an event to officially commit. Tiger Woods is also expected to wait until closer to the April 23 entry deadline before committing if he chooses to play.
Harrington (10th in the rankings) adds his name to a list that includes Lee Westwood (No. 4), Jim Furyk (No. 9), Rory McIlroy (No. 11), Robert Allenby (No. 15), Kenny Perry (No. 16), Sean O'Hair (No. 18), Retief Goosen (No. 19), Stewart Cink (No. 20), Hunter Mahan ( No. 21) and Lucas Glover (No. 25).
Phil Mickelson is expected to play at Quail Hollow though he typically waits until closer to an event to officially commit. Tiger Woods is also expected to wait until closer to the April 23 entry deadline before committing if he chooses to play.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Talking Hoops More Than Talking Tiger
When golf writers covering the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill this week noticed Kym Hougham, executive director of the Quail Hollow Championship, talking with Tiger Woods' agent Mark Steinberg, it didn't take them long to play connect the dots.
It was the second time in recent weeks Hougham and Steinberg have talked at PGA Tour events, raising the speculation that Woods will make the Quail Hollow Championship his second appearance in his comeback to golf tour.
It may happen that way but, at least according to Hougham, that's not what he and Steinberg were talking about this week at Bay Hill.
They were talking about Illinois basketball, a subject near and dear to both of them.
Hougham and his Quail Hollow team are making plans in the event Woods decides to play the Charlotte event, which he has most years. But Hougham was adamant today saying he doesn't know if Woods is coming to Charlotte or not.
"We're in the same position we always are at this time of year -- we don't know," Hougham said.
If a decision has been made about Woods' possible appearance in Charlotte, Hougham said Steinberg did not tip his hand.
At least one national golf publication has already requested three media credentials for the Quail Hollow Championship, two more than usual. That's why alternate plans are being made in the event Woods does play Charlotte.
I still think it's likely Woods will play the Quail Hollow Championship but much may depend on his Augusta experiece in two weeks. That may make the decision for him.
It was the second time in recent weeks Hougham and Steinberg have talked at PGA Tour events, raising the speculation that Woods will make the Quail Hollow Championship his second appearance in his comeback to golf tour.
It may happen that way but, at least according to Hougham, that's not what he and Steinberg were talking about this week at Bay Hill.
They were talking about Illinois basketball, a subject near and dear to both of them.
Hougham and his Quail Hollow team are making plans in the event Woods decides to play the Charlotte event, which he has most years. But Hougham was adamant today saying he doesn't know if Woods is coming to Charlotte or not.
"We're in the same position we always are at this time of year -- we don't know," Hougham said.
If a decision has been made about Woods' possible appearance in Charlotte, Hougham said Steinberg did not tip his hand.
At least one national golf publication has already requested three media credentials for the Quail Hollow Championship, two more than usual. That's why alternate plans are being made in the event Woods does play Charlotte.
I still think it's likely Woods will play the Quail Hollow Championship but much may depend on his Augusta experiece in two weeks. That may make the decision for him.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Talking No. 2 With Crenshaw and Coore
I spent two hours Tuesday with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore at Pinehurst where they're in the process of restoring Pinehurst No. 2 closer to what it was when Donald Ross was still alive and tinkering with what many consider his masterpiece.
Among the things I learned:
-- Crenshaw and Coore were initially reluctant to take on the project because they wanted to be certain they wouldn't mess up No. 2. They understand what No. 2 means to so many people and they gave careful consideration to how they would handle the project if they took it, which they did.
-- They aren't sure whether to call it a restoration, a renovation or something else. What's clear is they are taking great care to do what they -- and others around Pinehurst -- think is the right thing. They have spent hours researching and analyzing the archives, studying overhead photos of the course taken in 1943, in an effort to bring it back to what it was. There's an almost reverence about working on No. 2.
Standing on the par-3 17th tee Tuesday, they had aerial photos from '43 with them. They spend a large amount of time studying lines on each hole, in an effort to bring back the strategic elements Ross built into the layout. This is not a project they will hurry through.
-- Coore and Crenshaw are exactly the right people to do this project. They aren't looking to put their 'brand' on the layout. Their goal is to peel back some of the things that have changed the course over time while largely leaving the greens and green surrounds untouched.
To hear them talk about what they're doing, it's evident Coore and Crenshaw feel honored to have this opportunity.
-- When it's complete, Pinehurst No. 2 will have a sandier, wispier look than it does now. Crenshaw says it will look "scruffier" which is how it was meant to be given its Sandhills location. Already, more than half of the irrigation heads on No. 2 have been cut off, meaning the area that will be watered will be cut by about half.
-- More than three acres of turf (rough) have already been removed from between the 13th and 14th fairways. The turf, by the way, was donated to a local baseball field. The areas off the fairways will be converted to sandy ground dotted with the native wiregrass that will be hand-planted.
Though it will be months before Nos. 13 and 14 will be complete and grown in, it's obvious the look will be dramatically different around the golf course. It will bring back the essence of Pinehurst golf.
They've also expanded some natural areas at Nos. 11 and 12, where the first part of the project is being done. Coore said it's critical that the natural areas look natural, not similiar from one hole to the next.
-- They're doing the project in segments in an effort to minimize the impact on play. In November, the course will close until March so bunker work can be done. While acknowleding some of the greens are now more dome-shaped than when Ross created them, there are no plans to rebuild the greens. There are a handful of spots where small work may be done, perhaps raising or lowering the edge of a bunker or slightly altering the edge of a green.
Among the things I learned:
-- Crenshaw and Coore were initially reluctant to take on the project because they wanted to be certain they wouldn't mess up No. 2. They understand what No. 2 means to so many people and they gave careful consideration to how they would handle the project if they took it, which they did.
-- They aren't sure whether to call it a restoration, a renovation or something else. What's clear is they are taking great care to do what they -- and others around Pinehurst -- think is the right thing. They have spent hours researching and analyzing the archives, studying overhead photos of the course taken in 1943, in an effort to bring it back to what it was. There's an almost reverence about working on No. 2.
Standing on the par-3 17th tee Tuesday, they had aerial photos from '43 with them. They spend a large amount of time studying lines on each hole, in an effort to bring back the strategic elements Ross built into the layout. This is not a project they will hurry through.
-- Coore and Crenshaw are exactly the right people to do this project. They aren't looking to put their 'brand' on the layout. Their goal is to peel back some of the things that have changed the course over time while largely leaving the greens and green surrounds untouched.
To hear them talk about what they're doing, it's evident Coore and Crenshaw feel honored to have this opportunity.
-- When it's complete, Pinehurst No. 2 will have a sandier, wispier look than it does now. Crenshaw says it will look "scruffier" which is how it was meant to be given its Sandhills location. Already, more than half of the irrigation heads on No. 2 have been cut off, meaning the area that will be watered will be cut by about half.
-- More than three acres of turf (rough) have already been removed from between the 13th and 14th fairways. The turf, by the way, was donated to a local baseball field. The areas off the fairways will be converted to sandy ground dotted with the native wiregrass that will be hand-planted.
Though it will be months before Nos. 13 and 14 will be complete and grown in, it's obvious the look will be dramatically different around the golf course. It will bring back the essence of Pinehurst golf.
They've also expanded some natural areas at Nos. 11 and 12, where the first part of the project is being done. Coore said it's critical that the natural areas look natural, not similiar from one hole to the next.
-- They're doing the project in segments in an effort to minimize the impact on play. In November, the course will close until March so bunker work can be done. While acknowleding some of the greens are now more dome-shaped than when Ross created them, there are no plans to rebuild the greens. There are a handful of spots where small work may be done, perhaps raising or lowering the edge of a bunker or slightly altering the edge of a green.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tiger Talks: No Revelations But A Sense Of Shame
It wasn't Oprah and it wasn't '60 Minutes' that nabbed the first Tiger Woods' interviews but The Golf Channel and ESPN, which ran concurrent interviews on Sunday evening.
According to reports, each was limited to five minutes but there were no restrictions on the questions asked by The Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman and ESPN's Tom Rinaldi.
The result?
Neither produced any great revelations but they did provide another glimpse of Tiger as he readies himself to return to the public stage at the Masters in three weeks. In both interviews, he put all the blame on himself, admitted his treatment is ongoing and stopped short of explaining what happened on the night of his accident when his world began coming apart.
Even in as controlled a setting as the interviews were, confessing the shame you brought on yourself and your family must be wrenching.
It seems clear that Tiger isn't going to go into the details of his Thanksgiving weekend accident, using police reports to answer the quetions for him. Those, of course, don't answer the personal side of what was happening but Woods is intent on keeping that between himself and his wife.
When he sits down for a mass interview, I expect he'll still get peppered with questions about the accident and he will continue to deflect them. He will only go so far with his answers. It won't be far enough for many.
He admitted, again, that he let his wife, his mother, his family and others, including himself, down. He sounded like a man who understood the consequences of what he has done and understands the difficulty of his road back.
I expect when he submits to other interviews, the answers will be similar to the ones we heard over the weekend. He will avoid details, citing personal privacy but he will accept all the blame anyone wants to heap on him.
Tiger admitted he's nervous about returning at the Masters and I'm guessing he's more nervous than he'll let on. He's said in the past that he's never gotten completely comfortable with people looking at him all the time. Now, they're going to gawking and for different reasons. I'm not sure anyone can be ready for what he'll feel.
The interviews seem like the next step in his gradual return to golf. He is easing back in, trying to say and do the right things. It won't be easy.
According to reports, each was limited to five minutes but there were no restrictions on the questions asked by The Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman and ESPN's Tom Rinaldi.
The result?
Neither produced any great revelations but they did provide another glimpse of Tiger as he readies himself to return to the public stage at the Masters in three weeks. In both interviews, he put all the blame on himself, admitted his treatment is ongoing and stopped short of explaining what happened on the night of his accident when his world began coming apart.
Even in as controlled a setting as the interviews were, confessing the shame you brought on yourself and your family must be wrenching.
It seems clear that Tiger isn't going to go into the details of his Thanksgiving weekend accident, using police reports to answer the quetions for him. Those, of course, don't answer the personal side of what was happening but Woods is intent on keeping that between himself and his wife.
When he sits down for a mass interview, I expect he'll still get peppered with questions about the accident and he will continue to deflect them. He will only go so far with his answers. It won't be far enough for many.
He admitted, again, that he let his wife, his mother, his family and others, including himself, down. He sounded like a man who understood the consequences of what he has done and understands the difficulty of his road back.
I expect when he submits to other interviews, the answers will be similar to the ones we heard over the weekend. He will avoid details, citing personal privacy but he will accept all the blame anyone wants to heap on him.
Tiger admitted he's nervous about returning at the Masters and I'm guessing he's more nervous than he'll let on. He's said in the past that he's never gotten completely comfortable with people looking at him all the time. Now, they're going to gawking and for different reasons. I'm not sure anyone can be ready for what he'll feel.
The interviews seem like the next step in his gradual return to golf. He is easing back in, trying to say and do the right things. It won't be easy.
