Luke Donald has undergone surgery on his left wrist and will miss the remainder of the season, officially ending any hopes of playing on the Ryder Cup team for Europe.
Donald was forced to miss the final two majors of the year. He had surgery Monday in New York to repair a tendon injury in his wrist. He had hoped that rest would allow it to strengthen, but there was little progress.
The 30-year-old from England has played on the last two European Ryder Cup teams and has a 5-1-1 record.
"While there is never a good time for an injury the timing of this was especially disappointing considering it forced me to miss the British Open and it comes in a Ryder Cup year," Donald told the European Tour's official Web site.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Woods won't swing club until next year; timetable for return uncertain
Tiger Woods is riding a stationary bike two or three times a day, but the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world does not expect to be able to swing a club for another five months and gave no indication of his return to competitive golf.
"As far as swinging a club, that's not going to happen until next year," Woods said in a newsletter sent Tuesday to readers of his Web site, tigerwoods.com. "I just don't have a choice. We simply don't know what type of swelling there would be or if there would be any residual effects the next day once you start wheeling and dealing on the knee. Everyone's body reacts differently. I could putt right now, but I'm not going to do it."
Woods, 32, had reconstructive surgery on his left knee on June 24, just eight days after his dramatic playoff victory over Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open.
It was Woods' first tournament since the Masters because of arthroscopic surgery that was performed with hopes of putting off the more serious reconstructive surgery until after the season.
Woods was in noticeable pain throughout the U.S. Open because of two stress fractures in his left tibia suffered during rehab. That injury coupled with the need to repair a torn ACL made Woods opt for the season-ending surgery. He had a graft taken from his right hamstring to repair the ACL.
Hank Haney, Woods' coach, said this type of surgery necessitates a long rehabilitation, regardless of whether it was Woods or any other athlete.
"It's just letting it heal and doing the rehab and strengthening it more than anything," Haney said. "He'll be able to work on his chipping and putting in pretty short order and I would think he'll be able to practice that for a long time. It's just a question of when he can start hitting full shots. And that's all speculation.
"If he's working out and he has swelling, he's got to back off and let it calm down. Maybe then you've lost a day or a week or 10 days. None of this has happened, but it's a possibility. We just don't know. The timetable he is on would put him back before Augusta, but you're really just guessing," he said.
Woods played in just six PGA Tour events this year, winning four of them, finishing second at the Masters and fifth at the CA Championship. His victories, in addition to the U.S. Open, were at the Buick Invitational, Accenture Match Play Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational.
In the newsletter, Woods said he initially lost about 10 pounds after surgery and has been busy with duties associated with his AT&T National golf tournament, golf course design business, a new video game and endorsements.
He also congratulated Padraig Harrington on winning the British Open and the PGA Championship, a title Woods was unable to defend.
"As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most," he said.
"The thing I miss the most about not competing is the fight. I've gone through this experience before, so I knew what I was in for. I know I'm in no condition to beat anybody right now, so I don't have a problem with not being able to compete," he said.
As for the Ryder Cup next month, which he will miss for the first time since turning pro, Woods said, "I will definitely watch some of the Ryder Cup matches and will be pulling hard for the American team. I wish I could do more than root!"
"As far as swinging a club, that's not going to happen until next year," Woods said in a newsletter sent Tuesday to readers of his Web site, tigerwoods.com. "I just don't have a choice. We simply don't know what type of swelling there would be or if there would be any residual effects the next day once you start wheeling and dealing on the knee. Everyone's body reacts differently. I could putt right now, but I'm not going to do it."
Woods, 32, had reconstructive surgery on his left knee on June 24, just eight days after his dramatic playoff victory over Rocco Mediate at the U.S. Open.
It was Woods' first tournament since the Masters because of arthroscopic surgery that was performed with hopes of putting off the more serious reconstructive surgery until after the season.
Woods was in noticeable pain throughout the U.S. Open because of two stress fractures in his left tibia suffered during rehab. That injury coupled with the need to repair a torn ACL made Woods opt for the season-ending surgery. He had a graft taken from his right hamstring to repair the ACL.
Hank Haney, Woods' coach, said this type of surgery necessitates a long rehabilitation, regardless of whether it was Woods or any other athlete.
"It's just letting it heal and doing the rehab and strengthening it more than anything," Haney said. "He'll be able to work on his chipping and putting in pretty short order and I would think he'll be able to practice that for a long time. It's just a question of when he can start hitting full shots. And that's all speculation.
"If he's working out and he has swelling, he's got to back off and let it calm down. Maybe then you've lost a day or a week or 10 days. None of this has happened, but it's a possibility. We just don't know. The timetable he is on would put him back before Augusta, but you're really just guessing," he said.
Woods played in just six PGA Tour events this year, winning four of them, finishing second at the Masters and fifth at the CA Championship. His victories, in addition to the U.S. Open, were at the Buick Invitational, Accenture Match Play Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational.
In the newsletter, Woods said he initially lost about 10 pounds after surgery and has been busy with duties associated with his AT&T National golf tournament, golf course design business, a new video game and endorsements.
He also congratulated Padraig Harrington on winning the British Open and the PGA Championship, a title Woods was unable to defend.
"As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most," he said.
"The thing I miss the most about not competing is the fight. I've gone through this experience before, so I knew what I was in for. I know I'm in no condition to beat anybody right now, so I don't have a problem with not being able to compete," he said.
As for the Ryder Cup next month, which he will miss for the first time since turning pro, Woods said, "I will definitely watch some of the Ryder Cup matches and will be pulling hard for the American team. I wish I could do more than root!"
Friday, August 29, 2008
Three tied for Scandinavian Masters first-round lead
Nick Dougherty boosted his Ryder Cup chances by taking a share of the lead in the Scandinavian Masters first round on Thursday.
With three counting events left, Dougherty is four places away from the top-10 qualifiers in the European side. A flawless 4-under 66 started his bid to make mentor Nick Faldo's team for next month's clash against the United States.
The 26-year-old Englishman holed out with his second shot at the par-4 12th on his way to a share of the clubhouse lead with Swede Peter Hanson. Spain's Pedro Linhart matched the pair's 66 in the afternoon.
"It's been a long while since I've played like that," said Dougherty, who has slid down the Ryder Cup table since his mother, Ennis, died in April.
"To see my name on the leaderboard, in the aftermath of what's happened, is fantastic. I was very confident for the first time for a long while. You know you've got to turn the corner sometime and that was today," he said.
With most of his rivals not playing this week, a win here can move Dougherty, joint runner-up in this event last year, within striking distance of the top-10 for next month's match in Valhalla, Ky.
Dougherty said he might also get one of captain Faldo's two wild-card picks even if he fell short of automatic qualification.
"I hadn't expected Nick to pick me, but if I just miss out by a few euros after playing well for the next three weeks maybe he will," he said. "But it is more likely I'll have to qualify."
Martin Kaymer, also second here last year, is even closer to qualifying, holding 11th place. The German stayed well in the hunt with a 69.
"I struggled on the first nine, three-putting the fifth, but after the turn I played pretty solid," said Kaymer, who had to combat blustery wind and rain in the afternoon. "But every round under par in those conditions was pretty good."
While Hanson's six birdies left him alongside Dougherty, Linhart collected seven birdies in the bad weather to make it a three-way tie as the 45-year-old Spaniard battles to keep his card.
"I've not made a lot of money but I expect to bring out the best of me now for the rest of the season and make my card now that I'm keeping it simple, more doing than thinking," Linhart said.
Australian Peter Fowler, 49, who has fully recovered from injuries he suffered in a recent car accident, is in the group a shot off the pace.
Fowler, tied for third at the Austrian Open in June, is also battling to keep his European Tour card for next season before trying to qualify for the U.S. Champions Tour at the end of next year.
With three counting events left, Dougherty is four places away from the top-10 qualifiers in the European side. A flawless 4-under 66 started his bid to make mentor Nick Faldo's team for next month's clash against the United States.
The 26-year-old Englishman holed out with his second shot at the par-4 12th on his way to a share of the clubhouse lead with Swede Peter Hanson. Spain's Pedro Linhart matched the pair's 66 in the afternoon.
"It's been a long while since I've played like that," said Dougherty, who has slid down the Ryder Cup table since his mother, Ennis, died in April.
"To see my name on the leaderboard, in the aftermath of what's happened, is fantastic. I was very confident for the first time for a long while. You know you've got to turn the corner sometime and that was today," he said.
With most of his rivals not playing this week, a win here can move Dougherty, joint runner-up in this event last year, within striking distance of the top-10 for next month's match in Valhalla, Ky.
Dougherty said he might also get one of captain Faldo's two wild-card picks even if he fell short of automatic qualification.
"I hadn't expected Nick to pick me, but if I just miss out by a few euros after playing well for the next three weeks maybe he will," he said. "But it is more likely I'll have to qualify."
Martin Kaymer, also second here last year, is even closer to qualifying, holding 11th place. The German stayed well in the hunt with a 69.
"I struggled on the first nine, three-putting the fifth, but after the turn I played pretty solid," said Kaymer, who had to combat blustery wind and rain in the afternoon. "But every round under par in those conditions was pretty good."
While Hanson's six birdies left him alongside Dougherty, Linhart collected seven birdies in the bad weather to make it a three-way tie as the 45-year-old Spaniard battles to keep his card.
"I've not made a lot of money but I expect to bring out the best of me now for the rest of the season and make my card now that I'm keeping it simple, more doing than thinking," Linhart said.
Australian Peter Fowler, 49, who has fully recovered from injuries he suffered in a recent car accident, is in the group a shot off the pace.
Fowler, tied for third at the Austrian Open in June, is also battling to keep his European Tour card for next season before trying to qualify for the U.S. Champions Tour at the end of next year.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Injury provided distraction to let Harrington focus on winning second Open
SOUTHPORT, England -- Beware the wounded golfer. And don't even think about dismissing anyone heading into next month's PGA Championship if he is on crutches, wearing a sling or has just left the infirmary.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0720/pga_harrington_300.jpg
To win a major championship this year, it appears, you better play hurt. Padraig Harrington wasn't even sure if he could defend his Open Championship. Sunday, the Claret Jug is headed back to Ireland -- where it began the week.
Despite an aching wrist that limited him to just nine holes of practice at Royal Birkdale, Harrington emerged as the "champion golfer of the year" Sunday after sentimental favorite Greg Norman ran out of magic and Ian Poulter could not produce enough of it.
Apparently, those guys were pain-free.
A fortnight ago, Harrington was practicing at home, hitting an impact bag, and injured his left wrist. It was painful enough to keep the world's 14th-ranked player from practicing Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Harrington tweaked the wrist again on the eve of the championship, then said his chances of finishing the Open were just 50-50.
Yet he persevered through a driving rainstorm Thursday morning, endured 48 mph wind gusts Saturday and dealt with the intense major championship pressure Sunday to win his second straight Open.
"There's no doubt that this week it helped me having an injury," said Harrington, who will move to third in the Official World Golf Ranking after shooting a final-round 1-under 69. He has also moved to the top of the European Ryder Cup list. "It took all the pressure and stress and expectation away from my game. It helped me deflect so much from coming back and defending. It was like coming in fresh."
Perhaps it was not as dramatic as Tiger Woods' win last month at the U.S. Open, where he returned following a two-month layoff from knee surgery and limped his way around Torrey Pines before winning a playoff over Rocco Mediate -- then shut it down for the year for more knee surgery.
And it certainly wasn't as serious as the surgery Trevor Immelman returned from just four months before his Masters victory in April. For a time, Immelman worried about having cancer as a benign tumor was removed from his diaphragm.
But a wrist injury brings problems not to be dismissed, especially trying to hit out of the deep fescue that lines a links course like Royal Birkdale. Add in the cold and rain and discomfort that comes with it, and nobody would have blinked had Harrington sprayed it around the property and packed his bags Friday night.
But the son of an Irish policeman who played Gaelic football did not become a multiple major champion by giving in so easily. Harrington has said that he would have been content to be a journeyman pro, that he didn't feel his talent warranted stardom. He'd have to work for what he got. And work he did.
"If you ask, me my best trait over the years, it's always been my ability to learn," said Harrington, 36, who now has 13 European Tour titles. "To look around, take the best of everything and try to put it together. I do enjoy that end of things. And I do believe I'm getting better with time."
Sunday was a prime example.
For a time, he and Norman appeared headed toward an ugly best-ball score, neither one able to do much. And when Harrington bogeyed the final three holes on the front side, Norman was on the cusp of history, leading the Open Championship with nine holes to play.
But Harrington did not make a bogey the rest of the way. He made two birdies and an eagle to shoot 32 on the back side.
"He was very impressive," said Norman, who also has two Open titles and was bidding at age 53 to become the oldest major champion. "The way he finished … a true champion finishes that way. And he finished strong on these holes early in the week, and he finished strong today."
Harrington joined a long list of back-to-back champions at the Open, including Woods, who did it in 2005 and 2006. But it's been more than 100 years since a European golfer pulled off the double. You have to go back to Scotland's James Braid in 1905 and '06. Before that, it was the great Harry Vardon, who won a record six Opens and won consecutive titles in 1898 and '99.
None of that was racing through Harrington's mind Sunday. He never looked at a leaderboard, didn't know until late in the round that Poulter had even entered the picture, was unaware of how much money he'll be hauling home (about $1.5 million).
But he did know it sure would be nice to end things better than he did a year ago at Carnoustie. And it was an eagle at the 17th hole -- after a 5-wood second shot to three feet -- that meant a 4-shot advantage and one of the loveliest strolls toward the 72nd green a golfer could dream about.
The grin was ear to ear and the smile could have illuminated the sky from the west coast of England to his home in Dublin.
"It was a fantastic experience coming down there knowing I had won the Open," he said.
And quite the contrast from Carnoustie, where Harrington deposited two balls in the Barry Burn and considered the prospects of joining Jean Van de Velde in Open infamy.
But last year Harrington recovered, got a break when Sergio Garcia bogeyed the final hole, then defeated him in a four-hole playoff.
A year later, he wondered aloud how his career might have proceeded had he blown the tournament. He admitted that doubt could have crept in his mind, that the haunting memories might always come back if faced with a similar predicament. And he expressed regret at having to return the game's oldest trophy.
As it worked out, the Claret Jug was not out of his grasp for long. He scanned the list of champions, seeing his name inscribed there again. He then held it aloft for all to see.
And that wrist could not have felt better.
http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0720/pga_harrington_300.jpg
To win a major championship this year, it appears, you better play hurt. Padraig Harrington wasn't even sure if he could defend his Open Championship. Sunday, the Claret Jug is headed back to Ireland -- where it began the week.
Despite an aching wrist that limited him to just nine holes of practice at Royal Birkdale, Harrington emerged as the "champion golfer of the year" Sunday after sentimental favorite Greg Norman ran out of magic and Ian Poulter could not produce enough of it.
Apparently, those guys were pain-free.
A fortnight ago, Harrington was practicing at home, hitting an impact bag, and injured his left wrist. It was painful enough to keep the world's 14th-ranked player from practicing Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Harrington tweaked the wrist again on the eve of the championship, then said his chances of finishing the Open were just 50-50.
Yet he persevered through a driving rainstorm Thursday morning, endured 48 mph wind gusts Saturday and dealt with the intense major championship pressure Sunday to win his second straight Open.
"There's no doubt that this week it helped me having an injury," said Harrington, who will move to third in the Official World Golf Ranking after shooting a final-round 1-under 69. He has also moved to the top of the European Ryder Cup list. "It took all the pressure and stress and expectation away from my game. It helped me deflect so much from coming back and defending. It was like coming in fresh."
Perhaps it was not as dramatic as Tiger Woods' win last month at the U.S. Open, where he returned following a two-month layoff from knee surgery and limped his way around Torrey Pines before winning a playoff over Rocco Mediate -- then shut it down for the year for more knee surgery.
And it certainly wasn't as serious as the surgery Trevor Immelman returned from just four months before his Masters victory in April. For a time, Immelman worried about having cancer as a benign tumor was removed from his diaphragm.
But a wrist injury brings problems not to be dismissed, especially trying to hit out of the deep fescue that lines a links course like Royal Birkdale. Add in the cold and rain and discomfort that comes with it, and nobody would have blinked had Harrington sprayed it around the property and packed his bags Friday night.
But the son of an Irish policeman who played Gaelic football did not become a multiple major champion by giving in so easily. Harrington has said that he would have been content to be a journeyman pro, that he didn't feel his talent warranted stardom. He'd have to work for what he got. And work he did.
"If you ask, me my best trait over the years, it's always been my ability to learn," said Harrington, 36, who now has 13 European Tour titles. "To look around, take the best of everything and try to put it together. I do enjoy that end of things. And I do believe I'm getting better with time."
Sunday was a prime example.
For a time, he and Norman appeared headed toward an ugly best-ball score, neither one able to do much. And when Harrington bogeyed the final three holes on the front side, Norman was on the cusp of history, leading the Open Championship with nine holes to play.
But Harrington did not make a bogey the rest of the way. He made two birdies and an eagle to shoot 32 on the back side.
"He was very impressive," said Norman, who also has two Open titles and was bidding at age 53 to become the oldest major champion. "The way he finished … a true champion finishes that way. And he finished strong on these holes early in the week, and he finished strong today."
Harrington joined a long list of back-to-back champions at the Open, including Woods, who did it in 2005 and 2006. But it's been more than 100 years since a European golfer pulled off the double. You have to go back to Scotland's James Braid in 1905 and '06. Before that, it was the great Harry Vardon, who won a record six Opens and won consecutive titles in 1898 and '99.
None of that was racing through Harrington's mind Sunday. He never looked at a leaderboard, didn't know until late in the round that Poulter had even entered the picture, was unaware of how much money he'll be hauling home (about $1.5 million).
But he did know it sure would be nice to end things better than he did a year ago at Carnoustie. And it was an eagle at the 17th hole -- after a 5-wood second shot to three feet -- that meant a 4-shot advantage and one of the loveliest strolls toward the 72nd green a golfer could dream about.
The grin was ear to ear and the smile could have illuminated the sky from the west coast of England to his home in Dublin.
"It was a fantastic experience coming down there knowing I had won the Open," he said.
And quite the contrast from Carnoustie, where Harrington deposited two balls in the Barry Burn and considered the prospects of joining Jean Van de Velde in Open infamy.
But last year Harrington recovered, got a break when Sergio Garcia bogeyed the final hole, then defeated him in a four-hole playoff.
A year later, he wondered aloud how his career might have proceeded had he blown the tournament. He admitted that doubt could have crept in his mind, that the haunting memories might always come back if faced with a similar predicament. And he expressed regret at having to return the game's oldest trophy.
As it worked out, the Claret Jug was not out of his grasp for long. He scanned the list of champions, seeing his name inscribed there again. He then held it aloft for all to see.
And that wrist could not have felt better.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Woods making cautious recovery
World number one Tiger Woods is yet to set an official date for his return to competition and will not swing a club until next year.
Currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the Nike player revealed that he has started his rehabilitation programme but is advised not to head to the golf course until 2009.
"As far as swinging a club, that''s not going to happen until next year, I just don''t have a choice," Woods told his official website this week.
The 14-time Major winner underwent surgery following his dramatic win at the US Open in June, when he defeated Callaway golfer Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole playoff.
In his website statement, Woods also congratulated Wilson golfer Padraig Harrington for his victory at the US PGA Championship last week.
According to Golf.com, Woods''s agent Mark Steinberg recently suggested that the player will target a return to action at the Masters in April next year.
Currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the Nike player revealed that he has started his rehabilitation programme but is advised not to head to the golf course until 2009.
"As far as swinging a club, that''s not going to happen until next year, I just don''t have a choice," Woods told his official website this week.
The 14-time Major winner underwent surgery following his dramatic win at the US Open in June, when he defeated Callaway golfer Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole playoff.
In his website statement, Woods also congratulated Wilson golfer Padraig Harrington for his victory at the US PGA Championship last week.
According to Golf.com, Woods''s agent Mark Steinberg recently suggested that the player will target a return to action at the Masters in April next year.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dougherty goes back to basics in Stockholm
Callaway golfer Nick Dougherty has said that he intends to go "back to the drawing board" in an attempt to play his way onto the Ryder Cup team.
The 26-year-old Englishman has struggled for form in recent months and currently lies 14th in the European points table, four places away from qualification.
Preparing for the SAS Masters in Sweden this week, Dougherty revealed that he is trying to rediscover his best golf by returning to a style of swing he used as a youth.
He told the Telegraph: "I''ve been trying to work out how I can get more of my old feel back, so I''ve gone back to playing a draw, just like I did when I was a kid, rather than the cut shot.
"I had to go back to the drawing board, because what I was doing wasn''t working."
Titleist''s Martin Kaymer is another Ryder Cup hopeful in the field at Stockholm''s Arlandastad course this week, while Robert Karlsson will play having already secured his place in the side.
The 26-year-old Englishman has struggled for form in recent months and currently lies 14th in the European points table, four places away from qualification.
Preparing for the SAS Masters in Sweden this week, Dougherty revealed that he is trying to rediscover his best golf by returning to a style of swing he used as a youth.
He told the Telegraph: "I''ve been trying to work out how I can get more of my old feel back, so I''ve gone back to playing a draw, just like I did when I was a kid, rather than the cut shot.
"I had to go back to the drawing board, because what I was doing wasn''t working."
Titleist''s Martin Kaymer is another Ryder Cup hopeful in the field at Stockholm''s Arlandastad course this week, while Robert Karlsson will play having already secured his place in the side.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Choose Golf Clubs for Lefties, Women, & Kids
Left-handed players, women, and children need to take special care to buy proper golf clubs designed just for them.
Don't leave out lefties
Golf clubs come designed for left-handed (lh) players and right-handed (rh) players. Make sure you buy the correct orientation.
Women on the green
Women often find clubs designed for men too heavy. Lightweight clubs designed for women, often with graphite shafts, come in a standard size for people between 5'5" and 5'9" and in variable lengths for shorter users.
* If you want a larger hitting area, replace the 3-iron and 4-iron with a 7-wood and 9-wood.
* If you're shorter than 5'5", buy a 33" putter.
* Look for clubs with an L flex shaft designed for women.
Clubs for kids
Kids learning how to golf shouldn't use adult-sized clubs or rigid cut down adult-sized clubs. To determine how long a club will work for your child, measure him or her from just above the waist to the ground. You'll find plenty of junior golf clubs, including complete sets, on eBay. Sets geared toward kids don't include as many clubs as adult sets, reducing the weight of the bag. These sets usually include the 6 through 9 irons, 3-wood, 5-wood, and may include a driver.
Don't leave out lefties
Golf clubs come designed for left-handed (lh) players and right-handed (rh) players. Make sure you buy the correct orientation.
Women on the green
Women often find clubs designed for men too heavy. Lightweight clubs designed for women, often with graphite shafts, come in a standard size for people between 5'5" and 5'9" and in variable lengths for shorter users.
* If you want a larger hitting area, replace the 3-iron and 4-iron with a 7-wood and 9-wood.
* If you're shorter than 5'5", buy a 33" putter.
* Look for clubs with an L flex shaft designed for women.
Clubs for kids
Kids learning how to golf shouldn't use adult-sized clubs or rigid cut down adult-sized clubs. To determine how long a club will work for your child, measure him or her from just above the waist to the ground. You'll find plenty of junior golf clubs, including complete sets, on eBay. Sets geared toward kids don't include as many clubs as adult sets, reducing the weight of the bag. These sets usually include the 6 through 9 irons, 3-wood, 5-wood, and may include a driver.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Evaluate and Select Golf Clubs
Not all golf clubs are created equal. If you don't find your new clubs comfortable, you won't use them. Know what type of clubs you want to buy before searching out a good deal.
Club head sizing
Club heads come in three sizes: standard, midsize, and oversized.
* Standard: Easy-to-control club with a small sweet spot.
* Midsize: Weighs less than an oversized club and offers a larger sweet spot than a standard club.
* Oversized: Offers a large sweet spot, but users cannot control it as well as clubs with midsize and standard size heads.
Select a shaft
Woods and irons can come with steel shafts or graphite shafts.
* Steel: Heavier than graphite, steel offers durability and control.
* Graphite: Lightweight graphite can cost more than steel, but offers a little less durability.
Set flex vs. uniflex
Consider shaft flex (the amount of bend in a shaft) when you shop. Beginners will want more flex than experienced golfers
* A: Geared toward seniors.
* Regular: Designed for average players with a 75 to 90mph swing speed.
* Stiff/ Firm/ Extra stiff: Designed for people with a swing speed between 90 to 110mph.
* Uniflex: Varying flex to fit most swing speeds.
Club head sizing
Club heads come in three sizes: standard, midsize, and oversized.
* Standard: Easy-to-control club with a small sweet spot.
* Midsize: Weighs less than an oversized club and offers a larger sweet spot than a standard club.
* Oversized: Offers a large sweet spot, but users cannot control it as well as clubs with midsize and standard size heads.
Select a shaft
Woods and irons can come with steel shafts or graphite shafts.
* Steel: Heavier than graphite, steel offers durability and control.
* Graphite: Lightweight graphite can cost more than steel, but offers a little less durability.
Set flex vs. uniflex
Consider shaft flex (the amount of bend in a shaft) when you shop. Beginners will want more flex than experienced golfers
* A: Geared toward seniors.
* Regular: Designed for average players with a 75 to 90mph swing speed.
* Stiff/ Firm/ Extra stiff: Designed for people with a swing speed between 90 to 110mph.
* Uniflex: Varying flex to fit most swing speeds.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Bring the Right Golf Clubs for the Course
Aside from hitting a ball toward a hole, full-scale regulation golf doesn't have a lot in common with put-put miniature golf courses. Walking around a regulation course with only a putter in tow won't get you very far. You need different clubs to do different jobs.
A typical set of golf clubs has at least 12 clubs, with many people opting to carry an additional wood and iron in their bag. A basic set includes a driver (also called the 1-wood), 3-wood, 5-wood, 3-9 irons, pitching wedge (PW), and putter.
Drivers and other woods
Players use drivers and fairway woods when they stand more than 175 yards away from the green. The lower the number wood, the lower its loft. Manufacturer can use steel or titanium to make the head of a wood.
* Stainless steel: If you want a classic-looking club, buy stainless steel woods. They look small and weigh more than titanium woods.
* Titanium: Lightweight titanium woods often have larger heads and sweet spots than stainless steel woods.
Irons
Use an iron when you're less than 200 yards away from the green. A standard set of irons includes the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9-irons as well as a pitching wedge. Most people find it easier to hit with the 7 and 9-irons than the 3 and 4-irons preferred by some seasoned golfers. Choose which type of steel you want in your irons:
* Cast/Perimeter-weighted: These irons have more weight on the outside of the club, creating a large sweet spot. They work well for mid-to-high handicap golfers.
* Forged steel: Softer metal makes forged steel clubs more difficult to hit. They work best for mid-to-low handicap players.
Wedges
Wedges have a lot of loft with a high trajectory. Use one when you want to fulfill a specific task.
* Pitching wedge: Use the long pitching wedge for shots from the fairway into the green.
* Sand wedge: Dig your ball out of a bunker (sand trap) without causing a lot of damage with a sand wedge.
* Lob wedge: Use a lob wedge to make short-distance shots around the green.
* Gap wedge: Use a gap wedge when you want results between those you could achieve with a pitching wedge and lob wedge.
Know your handicap
If you know how well you play on a regulation par-72 course, you can get a rough idea of which clubs you need. How far over par (the standard number of strokes for a course) you play reflects your golfing ability. Always try for a lower score.
Suggested Clubs
High Handicap Course Score: 100+
Mid Handicap Course Score: 83 - 92
Low Handicap Course Score: 72-82
Wood
Driver, 3-wood, 7-wood, and 9-wood.
Driver, 3-wood, and 7-wood or 9-wood
Driver, 3-wood
Wedge
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Iron
No recommendation
Irons 3 through 9
3 or 4-iron
A typical set of golf clubs has at least 12 clubs, with many people opting to carry an additional wood and iron in their bag. A basic set includes a driver (also called the 1-wood), 3-wood, 5-wood, 3-9 irons, pitching wedge (PW), and putter.
Drivers and other woods
Players use drivers and fairway woods when they stand more than 175 yards away from the green. The lower the number wood, the lower its loft. Manufacturer can use steel or titanium to make the head of a wood.
* Stainless steel: If you want a classic-looking club, buy stainless steel woods. They look small and weigh more than titanium woods.
* Titanium: Lightweight titanium woods often have larger heads and sweet spots than stainless steel woods.
Irons
Use an iron when you're less than 200 yards away from the green. A standard set of irons includes the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9-irons as well as a pitching wedge. Most people find it easier to hit with the 7 and 9-irons than the 3 and 4-irons preferred by some seasoned golfers. Choose which type of steel you want in your irons:
* Cast/Perimeter-weighted: These irons have more weight on the outside of the club, creating a large sweet spot. They work well for mid-to-high handicap golfers.
* Forged steel: Softer metal makes forged steel clubs more difficult to hit. They work best for mid-to-low handicap players.
Wedges
Wedges have a lot of loft with a high trajectory. Use one when you want to fulfill a specific task.
* Pitching wedge: Use the long pitching wedge for shots from the fairway into the green.
* Sand wedge: Dig your ball out of a bunker (sand trap) without causing a lot of damage with a sand wedge.
* Lob wedge: Use a lob wedge to make short-distance shots around the green.
* Gap wedge: Use a gap wedge when you want results between those you could achieve with a pitching wedge and lob wedge.
Know your handicap
If you know how well you play on a regulation par-72 course, you can get a rough idea of which clubs you need. How far over par (the standard number of strokes for a course) you play reflects your golfing ability. Always try for a lower score.
Suggested Clubs
High Handicap Course Score: 100+
Mid Handicap Course Score: 83 - 92
Low Handicap Course Score: 72-82
Wood
Driver, 3-wood, 7-wood, and 9-wood.
Driver, 3-wood, and 7-wood or 9-wood
Driver, 3-wood
Wedge
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge or approach wedge.
Iron
No recommendation
Irons 3 through 9
3 or 4-iron
Saturday, August 9, 2008
WGolf: UCLA's Uribe And Michaels Make Cut At U.S. Open
UCLA's Maria Jose Uribe and Sydnee Michaels each survived the cut Friday at the 63rd U.S. Women's Open in Edina, Minn.
Both players were within six shots of the leader after 36 holes on the par 73 Interlachen Country Club.
Uribe, who posted a second round score of 74 (+1), hit 79% of her fairways and 83% of her greens -- both improved totals from her first round. But she made half as many birdies as a result of taking six more putts. She was tied for ninth place at 143 (-3), three shots behind the leader.
Michaels posted a second round score of 76 (+3), despite matching her first round birdie total of five. She began the day by going four-over through the first three holes before dropping birdies on the final three holes of her outward nine. At 149 (+3), she was tied for 36th place.
Former Bruins to make the cut were LPGA veteran Giulia Sergas, who was tied for 36th at 147 (+1) after carding a 74 (+1) and Jane Park, who was tied for 55th at 149 (+3) after signing for a 71 (-2). The projected cut was 150 (+4) with several players still on the course.
One of those was Gina Umeck, who was five-over par with five holes to play before being called off at the 13th. Charlotte Mayorkas was 11-over par at the 16th before leaving the course. Vanessa Brocket finished 156th at 21-over par.
Both players were within six shots of the leader after 36 holes on the par 73 Interlachen Country Club.
Uribe, who posted a second round score of 74 (+1), hit 79% of her fairways and 83% of her greens -- both improved totals from her first round. But she made half as many birdies as a result of taking six more putts. She was tied for ninth place at 143 (-3), three shots behind the leader.
Michaels posted a second round score of 76 (+3), despite matching her first round birdie total of five. She began the day by going four-over through the first three holes before dropping birdies on the final three holes of her outward nine. At 149 (+3), she was tied for 36th place.
Former Bruins to make the cut were LPGA veteran Giulia Sergas, who was tied for 36th at 147 (+1) after carding a 74 (+1) and Jane Park, who was tied for 55th at 149 (+3) after signing for a 71 (-2). The projected cut was 150 (+4) with several players still on the course.
One of those was Gina Umeck, who was five-over par with five holes to play before being called off at the 13th. Charlotte Mayorkas was 11-over par at the 16th before leaving the course. Vanessa Brocket finished 156th at 21-over par.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Danny Sinksen Named USD Head Golf Coach
VERMILLION, S.D. -- Joel Nielsen, director of athletics at The University of South Dakota, has announced that Danny Sinksen has been named head coach of the men's and women's golf teams. Sinksen replaces Tim Sheridan, who resigned after last season.
"I'm looking forward to the challenges that will come with the transition to NCAA Division I," said Sinksen. "I'm excited to continue working with the group of athletes we have at USD. They know how I operate and they know the type of coaching style I have."
This past season Sinksen was an assistant under Sheridan, spending time with both programs. He coached Wally Byrne who qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
Since 2006, Sinksen has played as a pro on the Dakota Tour. He has played in 14 events in the past two years, including a first place finish at the 2007 Westward Ho tournament. While on the tour he finished in third place at the Pinnacle Exceptional Drive competition.
Sinksen currently works at Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D., as an instructor and inventory manager. Part of his instructor duties include working with the First Tee program and junior golf camps. In 2006 he was a caddie at Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson, Nev., working with players on their course management and swing skills. Prior to his stint at Lake Las Vegas Resort, he was at the John Means Golf Camps in River Falls, Wis.
Sinksen earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern State University in 2005. He was a captain on the golf team while earning All-MIAA and Academic All-MIAA honors.
The University of South Dakota will begin its first year of transition to NCAA Division I in 2008-09.
"I'm looking forward to the challenges that will come with the transition to NCAA Division I," said Sinksen. "I'm excited to continue working with the group of athletes we have at USD. They know how I operate and they know the type of coaching style I have."
This past season Sinksen was an assistant under Sheridan, spending time with both programs. He coached Wally Byrne who qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
Since 2006, Sinksen has played as a pro on the Dakota Tour. He has played in 14 events in the past two years, including a first place finish at the 2007 Westward Ho tournament. While on the tour he finished in third place at the Pinnacle Exceptional Drive competition.
Sinksen currently works at Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D., as an instructor and inventory manager. Part of his instructor duties include working with the First Tee program and junior golf camps. In 2006 he was a caddie at Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson, Nev., working with players on their course management and swing skills. Prior to his stint at Lake Las Vegas Resort, he was at the John Means Golf Camps in River Falls, Wis.
Sinksen earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern State University in 2005. He was a captain on the golf team while earning All-MIAA and Academic All-MIAA honors.
The University of South Dakota will begin its first year of transition to NCAA Division I in 2008-09.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Multi-million tourism boost in prospect as Open ticket sales soar
Strong advance ticket sales for next year's Open at Royal Birkdale have led to predictions of a £70m tourism boost for the local economy of the North West.
The R&A Director of Championships, David Hill, said: "The Open Championship is always well attended at Royal Birkdale and we expect golf fans to book season tickets early to take advantage of discounted rates. Strong ticket sales are an important factor in predicting the likely benefit to local tourism related businesses and we have every reason to believe business will be brisk in 2008."
More than two-thirds of spectators buy tickets for The Open in advance, with over 40 per cent purchased online.
Early estimates of spectator numbers suggest that the event will bring over £30m of new money to the local economy while television pictures of the local golf coast, beamed around the world, will have an equivalent advertising value of approximately £40m to tourism related businesses in the region.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club has hosted golf's oldest major championship on eight previous occasions, drawing spectators from the West Midlands, North Wales, Yorkshire and The Humber and throughout the North West of England, an area with a population of some 20 million people.
Welcoming the news Sefton Council Head of Tourism, Tony Corfield said: "When it was announced that The Open was returning to Royal Birkdale we knew the tourism benefit would be significant and long lasting, especially as it coincides with our launch of Southport as Englands Classic Resort. As a Council, we are working hard to ensure that local people get the most out of having one of the worlds greatest sporting events on their doorstep."
The prospect of Open champion Padraig Harrington bidding to become the first home back-to-back winner since James Braid in 1906 is likely to boost the number of spectators beyond the 200,000 who watched the last Open at Birkdale in 1998.
A season ticket to cover eight days of official practice and Championship play at the discounted price of £180 is available until January 31.
The R&A Director of Championships, David Hill, said: "The Open Championship is always well attended at Royal Birkdale and we expect golf fans to book season tickets early to take advantage of discounted rates. Strong ticket sales are an important factor in predicting the likely benefit to local tourism related businesses and we have every reason to believe business will be brisk in 2008."
More than two-thirds of spectators buy tickets for The Open in advance, with over 40 per cent purchased online.
Early estimates of spectator numbers suggest that the event will bring over £30m of new money to the local economy while television pictures of the local golf coast, beamed around the world, will have an equivalent advertising value of approximately £40m to tourism related businesses in the region.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club has hosted golf's oldest major championship on eight previous occasions, drawing spectators from the West Midlands, North Wales, Yorkshire and The Humber and throughout the North West of England, an area with a population of some 20 million people.
Welcoming the news Sefton Council Head of Tourism, Tony Corfield said: "When it was announced that The Open was returning to Royal Birkdale we knew the tourism benefit would be significant and long lasting, especially as it coincides with our launch of Southport as Englands Classic Resort. As a Council, we are working hard to ensure that local people get the most out of having one of the worlds greatest sporting events on their doorstep."
The prospect of Open champion Padraig Harrington bidding to become the first home back-to-back winner since James Braid in 1906 is likely to boost the number of spectators beyond the 200,000 who watched the last Open at Birkdale in 1998.
A season ticket to cover eight days of official practice and Championship play at the discounted price of £180 is available until January 31.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
O'Meara to make 10th anniversary return to Birkdale
Mark O'Meara will return to the site of his Open victory when he comes to Royal Birkdale to play in The 2008 Open Championship. These days, the 1998 champion is normally found plying his trade on the Champions Tour, but he will once again tee up alongside the best players in the world at the event, which takes place at the Southport links from 17-20 July.
The 1998 Open was one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with O'Meara only coming out on top after a succession of other contenders fell by the wayside. Among them was his good friend Tiger Woods, a then 17-year-old Justin Rose, and a little-known American golfer, Brian Watts, who played a superb bunker shot from a downhill lie on the 72nd hole to ensure a tie with the reigning Masters champion.
It wasn't to be for Watts, however: once O'Meara birdied the first hole of the play-off he comfortably held off his opponent's challenge to win the Claret Jug. With his victory, O'Meara joined the elite band of players who have won two majors in the same calendar year.
Read more about the 1998 Open Championship or click here to find video highlights of the event.
The 1998 Open was one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with O'Meara only coming out on top after a succession of other contenders fell by the wayside. Among them was his good friend Tiger Woods, a then 17-year-old Justin Rose, and a little-known American golfer, Brian Watts, who played a superb bunker shot from a downhill lie on the 72nd hole to ensure a tie with the reigning Masters champion.
It wasn't to be for Watts, however: once O'Meara birdied the first hole of the play-off he comfortably held off his opponent's challenge to win the Claret Jug. With his victory, O'Meara joined the elite band of players who have won two majors in the same calendar year.
Read more about the 1998 Open Championship or click here to find video highlights of the event.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Rose relives his Birkdale magic
Justin Rose has begun his preparations for The Open with a visit to Royal Birkdale, the venue at which he first found himself under the glare of golf's brightest spotlight. The world number 11 played a couple of rounds at the course, in the process reliving a few memories of his extraordinary championship debut back in 1998.
Then just 17 years old and still an amateur, Rose came through qualifying and played superb golf all week - including a second round 66 - to find himself high up the leaderboard alongside the likes of Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara.
As he came up the final hole, however, it looked as if he was heading for an anti-climactic finish: he was faced with a fearsome 40-yard pitch over a bunker to the hole, and looked destined to score no better than five. Yet the pitch found the green and ran straight into the cup for a birdie three, bringing the grandstands roaring to their feet. The shot secured fourth place for Rose, the best performance by an amateur in the Open since Frank Stranahan tied for second at Carnoustie in 1953.
Last week's visit marked the first time that Rose had returned to Birkdale since his 1998 exploits. For years he had resisted going back, but with the event returning to the site and his entry officially submitted he felt that the time was finally right to indulge in a little nostalgia. "I wanted to go back and re-live the memories," he said. "I gained a lot of information as well, and I was certainly having a good look around. It was fun."
Then just 17 years old and still an amateur, Rose came through qualifying and played superb golf all week - including a second round 66 - to find himself high up the leaderboard alongside the likes of Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara.
As he came up the final hole, however, it looked as if he was heading for an anti-climactic finish: he was faced with a fearsome 40-yard pitch over a bunker to the hole, and looked destined to score no better than five. Yet the pitch found the green and ran straight into the cup for a birdie three, bringing the grandstands roaring to their feet. The shot secured fourth place for Rose, the best performance by an amateur in the Open since Frank Stranahan tied for second at Carnoustie in 1953.
Last week's visit marked the first time that Rose had returned to Birkdale since his 1998 exploits. For years he had resisted going back, but with the event returning to the site and his entry officially submitted he felt that the time was finally right to indulge in a little nostalgia. "I wanted to go back and re-live the memories," he said. "I gained a lot of information as well, and I was certainly having a good look around. It was fun."
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wilson's near-misses secure Birkdale spot
After finishing runner-up three times in the last five weeks, Oliver Wilson might be forgiven for wondering what he has to do to win a tournament. But the Englishman does at least have some consolation for his series of disappointments, because his recent form has won him a place in the starting field for The 2008 Open Championship.
Wilson's latest stint as bridesmaid came at the BMW PGA Championship, where he lost out to Miguel Angel Jimenez on the second hole of a play off at Wentworth's West Course. Yet despite the fact that he didn't lift the trophy, the performance still lifted Wilson into 45th spot in the world rankings, a jump of 30 places from the previous week and over 60 places since February. This run on the rankings has been beautifully timed: Monday 26th May was the cut-off date on which the world's top-50 players gained automatic exemptions for The Open, and Wilson found himself among that elite band just in time.
It remains to be seen whether Wilson can continue his run of form until The Open begins on 17 July, and even if he's playing well he'll still have to deal with very different conditions at Royal Birkdale than he faced at the BMW PGA Championship, Italian Open and Volvo China Open. And then, of course, there's the rest of the world's best 50 golfers to contend with, all but three of whom have now confirmed their attendance. One of those yet to do so is Australian Rod Pampling, who, like Wilson, pulled himself into the top-50 at the last minute by finishing second at the weekend.
Wilson's latest stint as bridesmaid came at the BMW PGA Championship, where he lost out to Miguel Angel Jimenez on the second hole of a play off at Wentworth's West Course. Yet despite the fact that he didn't lift the trophy, the performance still lifted Wilson into 45th spot in the world rankings, a jump of 30 places from the previous week and over 60 places since February. This run on the rankings has been beautifully timed: Monday 26th May was the cut-off date on which the world's top-50 players gained automatic exemptions for The Open, and Wilson found himself among that elite band just in time.
It remains to be seen whether Wilson can continue his run of form until The Open begins on 17 July, and even if he's playing well he'll still have to deal with very different conditions at Royal Birkdale than he faced at the BMW PGA Championship, Italian Open and Volvo China Open. And then, of course, there's the rest of the world's best 50 golfers to contend with, all but three of whom have now confirmed their attendance. One of those yet to do so is Australian Rod Pampling, who, like Wilson, pulled himself into the top-50 at the last minute by finishing second at the weekend.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
World looks forward to a very open Open
The world's most famous Tiger may no longer be prowling the fairways of Royal Birkdale next month, but the world of golf is looking forward to what is shaping up to be one of the most open Opens for years.
"Tiger is an enormous attraction, there's no denying that," said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A. "But the Open Championship has had many exciting finishes which Tiger has not been part of, and I'm sure there will be more.
"Tiger would be the first to agree that The Open is bigger than any one player, and I'm sure we can look forward to another memorable week at Birkdale."
Lee Westwood, who was within a shot of joining Woods and Rocco Mediate in the US Open play-off, echoed these comments, saying that the world number one's absence from the 2008 event would not even merit a footnote in history.
"When it goes down in the history books," said the world number 17, "there won't be a note beside it to say that Tiger didn't participate."
Westwood's Ryder Cup colleague Colin Montgomerie was quick to agree. "In four years time, you wont know if Tiger Woods was playing or not," he said. "Everybody is disappointed he won't be at the Open or PGA or other world events, but health is number one and we have to go by that. It puts the whole thing into perspective in a big, big hurry."
Others were more light-hearted in their comments. "Gives us a chance to win now!" said 1995 Open champion John Daly, before adding that it was undeniably a blow for fans and sponsors. And Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, as well as speaking of his sympathy and disappointment, also saw the silver lining. " "From the point of view of going to Birkdale in a few weeks, it is an advantage and we have a chance," he said. "The best player in the world by a long way won't be there."
Phil Mickelson, meanwhile, sounded a sympathetic note, and spoke of his disappointment that he won't be able to test himself against the man whose number-one spot in the world rankings he now has a great chance to take - or at least borrow. "I'm sorry about Tiger having to miss the rest of the year," said Mickelson. But I expect him to be back as strong as ever and look forward to competing with him as soon as possible."
Vijay Singh, the last man to out-play Woods over the course of a season, echoed Mickelson's comments. "It's pretty sad to know he's not going to play the rest of the season," said the Fijian. "But he needs to fix his knee. The sad thing is it's the wrong knee. It's the left knee that takes all the torque. He needs to fix that, and I think he's doing the right thing."
Such noble sentiments are entirely part of golf's sportsmanlike spirit, but the reality is that Tiger's rivals will now enjoy an opportunity to play for several months in the absence of a man who seems to be a perennial contender in every event he plays. And they should make the most of it while they can, if Tiger's coach, Hank Haney, is to be believed: Haney is confident that his star pupil will come back stronger than ever from his rehabilitation.
"Tiger is going to come back and be better than he ever was," he said. "He's had trouble with his knee ever since I've been with him for the past five years and I know he's had trouble with it before that. Now he's going to have a stable knee. I just expect it will be such a positive thing for Tiger and his whole career."
"Tiger is an enormous attraction, there's no denying that," said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A. "But the Open Championship has had many exciting finishes which Tiger has not been part of, and I'm sure there will be more.
"Tiger would be the first to agree that The Open is bigger than any one player, and I'm sure we can look forward to another memorable week at Birkdale."
Lee Westwood, who was within a shot of joining Woods and Rocco Mediate in the US Open play-off, echoed these comments, saying that the world number one's absence from the 2008 event would not even merit a footnote in history.
"When it goes down in the history books," said the world number 17, "there won't be a note beside it to say that Tiger didn't participate."
Westwood's Ryder Cup colleague Colin Montgomerie was quick to agree. "In four years time, you wont know if Tiger Woods was playing or not," he said. "Everybody is disappointed he won't be at the Open or PGA or other world events, but health is number one and we have to go by that. It puts the whole thing into perspective in a big, big hurry."
Others were more light-hearted in their comments. "Gives us a chance to win now!" said 1995 Open champion John Daly, before adding that it was undeniably a blow for fans and sponsors. And Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, as well as speaking of his sympathy and disappointment, also saw the silver lining. " "From the point of view of going to Birkdale in a few weeks, it is an advantage and we have a chance," he said. "The best player in the world by a long way won't be there."
Phil Mickelson, meanwhile, sounded a sympathetic note, and spoke of his disappointment that he won't be able to test himself against the man whose number-one spot in the world rankings he now has a great chance to take - or at least borrow. "I'm sorry about Tiger having to miss the rest of the year," said Mickelson. But I expect him to be back as strong as ever and look forward to competing with him as soon as possible."
Vijay Singh, the last man to out-play Woods over the course of a season, echoed Mickelson's comments. "It's pretty sad to know he's not going to play the rest of the season," said the Fijian. "But he needs to fix his knee. The sad thing is it's the wrong knee. It's the left knee that takes all the torque. He needs to fix that, and I think he's doing the right thing."
Such noble sentiments are entirely part of golf's sportsmanlike spirit, but the reality is that Tiger's rivals will now enjoy an opportunity to play for several months in the absence of a man who seems to be a perennial contender in every event he plays. And they should make the most of it while they can, if Tiger's coach, Hank Haney, is to be believed: Haney is confident that his star pupil will come back stronger than ever from his rehabilitation.
"Tiger is going to come back and be better than he ever was," he said. "He's had trouble with his knee ever since I've been with him for the past five years and I know he's had trouble with it before that. Now he's going to have a stable knee. I just expect it will be such a positive thing for Tiger and his whole career."
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Over 24 Open spots available at IFQ Europe and America
The battle for qualifying spots in the 2008 Open takes another jump forward on Monday 30th June, with the playing of the International Final Qualifying events for Europe and America.
240 golfers will tee up at three venues to play for a minimum of 24 starting spots at Royal Birkdale: Dearborn Country Club and TPC Michigan in Michigan, USA; and Sunningdale, in England, where golfers will compete over both the club's Old and New courses.
Each event is a 36-hole stroke play competition, with at least 12 spots available in Europe and the same number in the States. Several times in recent years a number of players have tied for the final qualifying spot or spots, leading to dramatic sudden death play-offs that have at times involved half a dozen or more players.
With over 100 of the world's top 250 in the starting fields for the fully-subscribed events, competition is set to be tough and the standard high. Players competing at Sunningdale include Thomas Bjorn, who came so close to becoming an Open champion at Royal St George's in 2003; double Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal; Thomas Levet, who lost in a play-off for the 2002 Open; and the Northern Irish pair of Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy, the latter of whom made such a great impact in winning the Silver Medal for top amateur at Carnoustie last year.
In Michigan the field is equally strong, including players such as Arron Oberholser, Davis Love III, Daniel Chopra and Steve Elkington.
Click here to see the fields for the IFQ events in Europe and America.
240 golfers will tee up at three venues to play for a minimum of 24 starting spots at Royal Birkdale: Dearborn Country Club and TPC Michigan in Michigan, USA; and Sunningdale, in England, where golfers will compete over both the club's Old and New courses.
Each event is a 36-hole stroke play competition, with at least 12 spots available in Europe and the same number in the States. Several times in recent years a number of players have tied for the final qualifying spot or spots, leading to dramatic sudden death play-offs that have at times involved half a dozen or more players.
With over 100 of the world's top 250 in the starting fields for the fully-subscribed events, competition is set to be tough and the standard high. Players competing at Sunningdale include Thomas Bjorn, who came so close to becoming an Open champion at Royal St George's in 2003; double Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal; Thomas Levet, who lost in a play-off for the 2002 Open; and the Northern Irish pair of Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy, the latter of whom made such a great impact in winning the Silver Medal for top amateur at Carnoustie last year.
In Michigan the field is equally strong, including players such as Arron Oberholser, Davis Love III, Daniel Chopra and Steve Elkington.
Click here to see the fields for the IFQ events in Europe and America.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Olazabal plays through the pain as Wakefield goes
Simon Wakefield followed an opening round of 65 with a 68 to finish among the top the qualifiers at IFQ Europe. An avalanche of late birdies in his opening round allowed Wakefiled the luxury of relaxing somewhat over his lunch, knowing that steady burn rather than fireworks would be all that he needed in the afternoon. A steady 68 was plenty, and he is relishing the thought of heading to Birkdale in three weeks' time.
Though it's a course he's never played, he has strong memories of watching Ian Baker-Finch winning the 1991 Open at the venue. "At the time I was too busy climbing conker trees to worry about playing golf," said Wakefield. "But my mum and dad took me along there to try and inspire me to get back into the game. It worked!"
Round of the day, however, belonged to Swede Alexander Noren, who must have considered packing up and going home after a morning 72 on the New Course. Yet he must be glad he stayed: a 63 on the Old Course in the afternoon propelled him up the leaderboard and secured him a spot at Birkdale. If anyone knows what he had for lunch, please let us know...
Feeling almost as inspired was Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who needed to produce something special after an indifferent 71 in the morning. Despite carrying an injury that would ordinarily have prompted him to sit out the event, he shot a five-under-par 65 on the New Course in the afternoon to make it likely that he'll find himself in a play-off with at least nine other players for the last few Open berths.
Alongside Olazabal will be Alastair Forsyth, who had a beautiful 65 in the morning but dropped back with a 71 in the afternoon: whether he makes it through or not, Forsyth will discover when he gets home late this evening that his brief tenure as Scottish number one is over, following Colin Montgomerie's second place finish at the weekend.
Several players had produced good morning rounds, only to fall away drastically over the second 18. Wales's Sion Bebb followed his opening 68 on the Old Course with an afternoon 77 on the New to go from being well-placed to near the bottom of the field. Equally disappointed will be England's Benn Barham, who shot 67-75; Australia's Matthew Zions, who shot 66-76; Robert Dinwiddie, with 66-72; and Mark Tullo, with 66-71. That none of them will be teeing up in The Open despite such good scoring goes to demonstrate the incredible strength in depth of this 240-man field.
Thomas Bjorn will also be ruing his luck, but for very different reasons. After a decent 68 in the morning, an injured shoulder forced him to withdraw after 11 holes of the afternoon round; he will be missing his first Open since 1995. "I tried to soldier on, particularly given that another player put a new slant on playing through injury a few weeks ago," said Bjorn, "but in the end I thought I should step aside and let Pelle [Edberg] concentrate on having a go at it." Bjorn walked the final holes with Edberg, marking his card and watching him finish on 135, safely within the likely qualifying number. But for Bjorn, it's disappointment, and having come to close to winning The Open at St George's in 2003 the Dane must be wondering if he is jinxed never to win the championship.
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Though it's a course he's never played, he has strong memories of watching Ian Baker-Finch winning the 1991 Open at the venue. "At the time I was too busy climbing conker trees to worry about playing golf," said Wakefield. "But my mum and dad took me along there to try and inspire me to get back into the game. It worked!"
Round of the day, however, belonged to Swede Alexander Noren, who must have considered packing up and going home after a morning 72 on the New Course. Yet he must be glad he stayed: a 63 on the Old Course in the afternoon propelled him up the leaderboard and secured him a spot at Birkdale. If anyone knows what he had for lunch, please let us know...
Feeling almost as inspired was Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, who needed to produce something special after an indifferent 71 in the morning. Despite carrying an injury that would ordinarily have prompted him to sit out the event, he shot a five-under-par 65 on the New Course in the afternoon to make it likely that he'll find himself in a play-off with at least nine other players for the last few Open berths.
Alongside Olazabal will be Alastair Forsyth, who had a beautiful 65 in the morning but dropped back with a 71 in the afternoon: whether he makes it through or not, Forsyth will discover when he gets home late this evening that his brief tenure as Scottish number one is over, following Colin Montgomerie's second place finish at the weekend.
Several players had produced good morning rounds, only to fall away drastically over the second 18. Wales's Sion Bebb followed his opening 68 on the Old Course with an afternoon 77 on the New to go from being well-placed to near the bottom of the field. Equally disappointed will be England's Benn Barham, who shot 67-75; Australia's Matthew Zions, who shot 66-76; Robert Dinwiddie, with 66-72; and Mark Tullo, with 66-71. That none of them will be teeing up in The Open despite such good scoring goes to demonstrate the incredible strength in depth of this 240-man field.
Thomas Bjorn will also be ruing his luck, but for very different reasons. After a decent 68 in the morning, an injured shoulder forced him to withdraw after 11 holes of the afternoon round; he will be missing his first Open since 1995. "I tried to soldier on, particularly given that another player put a new slant on playing through injury a few weeks ago," said Bjorn, "but in the end I thought I should step aside and let Pelle [Edberg] concentrate on having a go at it." Bjorn walked the final holes with Edberg, marking his card and watching him finish on 135, safely within the likely qualifying number. But for Bjorn, it's disappointment, and having come to close to winning The Open at St George's in 2003 the Dane must be wondering if he is jinxed never to win the championship.
hy
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