The Return

Well...almost a year away. Over that time, I've enjoyed some opportunities. Some of which I continue, others that I have chosen to no longer pursue. I even tried my hand at re-branding...of sorts. But this was the first "home" and it beckoned me on almost a daily basis. I have a slew of items to cover. Let's not put them off any longer...

NHL

Be serious now. Prior to last evening, has anyone heard of Sam Gagner? If you hadn't, I'm sure you have by now. Anytime someone ties a record with Wayne Gretzky, you're accomplished something very special...


The Edmonton Oilers scored eight goals...and Gagner had a point for each goal. Kinda spectacular huh? For the record, another former Oiler scored eight points in a game, Paul Coffey.

MLB

Just finished watching the news conference in regards to Josh Hamilton and his relapse. If anyone is truly upset at this, think about it some more, please.

I have heard and read where people were blaming the bartender for serving Hamilton. It's one thing to be what's known as an enabler. The bartender wasn't. Has anyone considered if the bartender even knew who Hamilton was? Sure there could have been patrons that were aware of who he was serving, but to come down hard on this individual is a little harsh.

Also, Hamilton holding a press conference even though he didn't take questions was brilliant. I loved that. In this day anf age, athletes, celebrities, etc., believe that issuing a statement through personal websites and/or Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, all other forms of social media is beyond refreshing.

PGA

I present the long hitting Gary Woodland...



Missed it by that much...

NFL

Isn't this week supposed to be about the Super Bowl? If you ask me, it's been more about Peyton Manning, Jim Irsay and the Indianapolis Colts. This game of "oh, yeah, well..." is edging toward the sophomoric side. Remember when we heard this kind of crap was going to stay in-house? So much for that idea.

So, Manning's surgeon, Dr. Robert Watkins to you, issues a statement that alerts us that one of Indy's prized possessions is "medically cleared to play professional football". Colts owner Jim Irsay, as he tends to do, took to Twitter. His version? Manning hasn't been cleared by the Colts medical staff.

Irsay was preparing a statement to be released today. Honestly, I'm tired of all this stuff. If he doesn't want to pay Manning that huge roster bonus, don't. If you want Peyton in Indy, then you do. We don't need to hear anymore statements...until the Super Bowl is over. Then my ears will perk up.

College Football

Remember Gunner Kiel? That name should be fresh in your memory especially if you follow college football. Might wanna watch this video courtesy of The Daily Reveille. Go to the 1:40 mark...

I don't think I need to add to this, but I believe you suspect that Kiel was the "quarterback from Indiana".

Only "The Hat"...

All This NFL Talk Gets Us Nowhere

I know I went off on a form of a rant regarding the NFL players and how through their own words they're not helping their cause in the court of public opinion. This isn't a retraction or an extension of that.

This post differs from that. Greatly.

Let me ask you this. Are you really thinking of all these NFL players and owners right now? Seriously think about your answer here. I'm not in any way. If you're an NFL fan and only an NFL fan, you most likely are. You're fretting that with all the disdain, there is a chance there's no 2011 season or at the least, a loss of some games. What if you're not? What if you're just the "average sports fan"?

This won't hit you yet. Depending on your cup of tea for this time of the year, you have the NCAA men's and women's tourneys. You have spring training beginning to wind down and baseball's opening day a scant nine days away. The NHL is making its push for the playoffs. Matt Cooke won't be playing, though. Arnie's hosting his tournament at Bay Hill this week. Tiger and Phil are among those entered. The NBA is also making a playoff push and Derrick Rose has been fabulous so far this year. The MLS season has started and the leagues over in Europe are having their season ending pushes for avoiding relegation or making the Champions League or being promoted.

You see, it's not all about the NFL. There are other avenues to explore within the sports spectrum. I'm well aware the NFL is being touted as being at an all-time high. Is it now? It actually might be at an all-time low because of the labor strife. But you know something. Let those that could determine its fate do such.

We don't need an update every 15 freakin' minutes about the discord. About the disconnect. We don't need it from ESPN, FOX, CBS or any other outlet as far as that goes. Yes, blogs included.

It amazes me that some media feel we need to see a group of players seated ever so precisely being interviewed and condemning those that have given them the opportunity to make a lot of coin. It's disconcerting. Ever there was ever an instance of something appearing staged, that was it.

The owners aren't in the clear either. I understand they want more money in their pockets. I don't understand denying those that made you your little cache of bills from having a healthy life after their short careers. You say tomato, I say tomahto.

No, I'm not against the players. I'm not against the owners either. Bring up all the millionaires arguing with billionaires BS you want.

Point is, it's March. The NFL should be taking a back seat for now to all the other great sporting events we have. It's a shame the sports outlets won't enjoy those.

Dustin Johnson Provides Hacks Another Reason to be Jealous

What most non-hardcore golf fans remember most about Dustin Johnson is that ill-fated second shot on the 72nd hole of the PGA Championship. Johnson grounded his club in a hazard (which he didn't realize was actually a bunker) and was penalized two strokes. Got to read those local rules, I suppose. And argue that whole deal all you want.

Johnson provides us hacks another reason to be jealous of him.

No, it's not because he can routinely bomb a ball 300+ yards. No, it's not because he's a two-time defending champ at the AT and T at Pebble Beach. It's not even because he won the BMW Championship last season. It's not even that he's one of the best golfers in the world.

Nope. Not even close.

It's because it was confirmed that he's dating LPGA professional Natalie Gulbis.

This dude has "that game", too? And he can dunk as well?

Gulbis confirmed as much at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions where she followed her new beau during his back nine yesterday. While the tourney didn't produce a win for Johnson, I'm sure he's feeling a bit better knowing he can enjoy Hawaii...with Gulbis.

I knew I picked the wrong profession...

Were You Duped?

After the opening round of The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club, we all looked at the top of the leaderboard and saw a surprising name...Tiger Woods.

Woods shared the opening round lead for the first time this season after posting a 6-under-par 65. I bet PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem and all the other PGA TOUR officials were jumping up and down endlessly. The money man had returned. Seven birdies and only one bogey were on Woods' scorecard. He's back. Isn't he?

Not...so...fast.

Overnight, the transformation back to the Tiger we've seen all year emerged. Tiger needed 73 strokes to make his way through the second carding four bogeys with only two birdies.

Saturday could have been even worse. Woods birdied three of his last six holes to close with a 72, 1-over-par. Actually, not a bad score at all consider Tiger began with day with a triple-bogey 7 on the first hole. For the remainder of his round, he was 2-under. He began today T28 at -3, nine shots behind the leader, Martin Laird.

One thing Woods addressed his his presser after his first round bears a significant reason for his play. He fired a 31 on the front nine, 4-under-par.

“With fresh greens, everybody in our group was making putts on the front nine,” Woods said. “You had to get it today.”

Need anyone say more. He was in the first group out on the front nine. Plus, the area had received four inches of rain during the week leading up to the event. The greens were in pristine condition as no one had been on those first nine and you could aim at pins when the situation was available. The only thing that may have been a distraction was, of all things, mudballs. The TOUR officials took that into consideration and made the appropriate actions.

Granted, Woods has not been himself all year, but the media was making this single round out as being his comeback. One round? Really? Woods has played (going into today's final round) 36 rounds this season. He has manged only seven rounds in the 60's. As far as the number of strokes taken, Thursday's 65 was his best round of the year. His 6-under was equal to the 66 he posted at Pebble.

Ah, that 66 at Pebble during the U.S. Open. We've been teased before by Tiger. Remember Woods' third round at the U.S. Open? He followed that up with a final round 75.

We know he's been through a lot this year and for anyone to expect Woods to return to his former self this soon is asking way too much.

There's no doubt that the PGA TOUR needs Woods to make the cut into the next round of The PGA TOUR Playoffs. And the next and son on. The top 100 after this week will advance. Woods is in position to do that

However, no Tiger doesn't necessarily translate into bad golf. We've seen young stars emerge this year. Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day.

The issue concerning the TOUR is that no Tiger only translates into lower gates.

U.S. Open Prep

Update: Congrats to Graeme McDowell on his win. I was there with my prediction of Dustin Johnson through 54 holes. Johnson didn't exactly have a good start to his day firing a devastating 42 on the front nine.

Ah. Tomorrow's the day. The 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach commences and this year is the 110th such Open. Here's a few things that should catch your eye over the next few days.

1. Tiger Woods
A no-brainer that Tiger's game is under its biggest microscope ever. Woods has yet to bring his "A" game this year, but I think we can cut him a bit of a break. He's only started four tournaments in 2010. His best finish is T4 at The Masters. He also has a missed cut at Quail Hollow and Tiger had to withdraw from The Players due to his neck issues. You better believe the entire world will be watching Mr. Woods. Remember the lat time the U.S. Open was at Pebble Beach? Tiger posted a -12 and won by an incredible 15 strokes. Tiger also won at Pebble in February, 2000.

2. The "Can Lefty be #1" watch
There are four different scenarios where Phil Mickelson can leave Pebble being ranked as the #1. Class is in session, so pay attention.

• Lefty wins, OR
• Lefty finishes 2nd and Tiger finishes outside the top 4, OR
• Lefty finishes 3rd and Tiger finishes outside the top 18, OR
• Lefty finishes in a two-way tie for 3rd or better and Tiger misses the cut

Winning it all is the best of both worlds for Mickelson. He gets another major win, a major he has yet to emerge as the victor. We all remember the debacle at Winged Foot in 2006. That bore out the quote "I'm such an idiot" from Lefty. In 2000 when Tiger blitzed the field, Phil finished at +9, 21 strokes behind Woods. Mickelson has won at Pebble Beach three times (1998, 2005, 2007). Mickelson has 5 runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open and in each year of his Masters victories, Lefty has been the runner-up in the Open. By using that, Tiger must play some good golf or #1 will be gone.

3. Can Steve Stricker capture his first major?
Stricker now wears the title of "best player to not win a major". His best finish in a major is at the 1998 PGA Championship at Sahalee which was won by Vijay Singh. Another downer is that Sticker hasn't won at Pebble Beach. Personally, Stricker's too good a guy to have not won a major.

Four Things to Take from The Players

Golf's "Fifth Major" provided us with a few things take going forward. Here's four items on my list.

Woods' future? Who knows.

1. Tiger Withdraws
Before television coverage begin, news alerts were all over the place as Tiger Woods had to withdraw from the tourney due to what has been deemed as a possible bulging disc in Wooods' upper back or lower neck area. Not something to fool around with and Tiger sought attention.

Here's my issue. We've been hearing from Tiger that things are okay, but when pressed after his round abruptly ended on the 7th hole, Tiger revealed that he'd been dealing with this for quite a while. If everything (physically) with Tiger has been okay, why has this not previously been a concern? We're arriving to the point where I think we're being fed a built-in excuse for poor play. If I suck, tell them about an injury.

I'm not doubting the injury, I'm doubting the timing of its revelation.

His schedule for the remainder of 2010 is "up in the air". An MRI will be done, and Tiger can only go on from there...and so can we.

Will Mickelson ever be #1?

2. Lefty's Still #2.
Phil Mickelson had an opportunity to take over as the world's top golfer. He needed two things to happen. First, Tiger had to finish outside the top 5. Check. Second, win The Players. Not a check. Lefty did manage to put himself in a decent position to make a Sunday run, but a 2-over-par 74 spelled doom.

For now, it may be best if Lefty stays at that #2 ranking. When he was asked about the potential of attaining that #1 ranking, he bristled at the question. He does have other more pressing needs in his life, and that's where his efforts will be aimed for the time being. Phil did inch closer, and do not dismiss the possibility of his status changing this year. With Tiger's current injury woes, Phil may be #1 sooner that we think.

The driver let Westwood down on Sunday.

3. Lee Westwood
You cannot help but feel sorry for Westwood. For the second time this year, Westwood owned the overnight lead heading into the final round...only to come up short. At The Masters, Westwood had to deal with Mickelson. That was a bit easier to do since they were in the same pairing. Yesterday wasn't the case. All Westwood could do was watch the leader board and sometimes, that's not the best thing to do.

A final round 74 proved costly (especially when his tee shot went in the drink at #17) after posting rounds of 67-65-70. His driving was once again the main culprit as it was at Augusta.

All Westwood has to do is seal the deal. Until he performs in a final round when there's pressure, don't be shocked if people affix the "choke" tag to the world's #4 player.

A well earned victory (and trophy).

4. Tim Clark's First Win on US Soil
Start #206 in the US proved to be Clark's best. After scoring 68 and 71 in his first two rounds (-5), Clark seemed poised to merely collect a check. The check he ended up with was far greater than anyone has thought going into the weekend. A Saturday 66 followed by a bogey-free 67 on Sunday proved too much for the rest of the field. His 67 on Sunday was one of only two rounds in the 60's (Davis Love III had the other).

Clark's check? A cool $1.7 million. Plus, Clark was the only one that really played like he wanted the win. No more questions about getting a win on the PGA TOUR anymore.

One last thing (BONUS!)
I'm revisiting Lee Westwood here. After in what can only be termed as a major disappointment for him, Westwood took all questions from the media. He's always been that way, too. Ask him a question, good or bad, you get an answer that's straight and to the point. He doesn't give you a run around. He never dodges a questions either.

Someone should learn from this.

Youth is Served

Did you miss Tiger not making the cut at Quail Hollow this weekend? Did you refuse to watch because of that? If so, you missed the greatest weekend of golf in quite some time. Two of golf's great young talents showed they belong.

Getting that one, big worldwide win is all Ryo
is lacking.

In Japan, 18-year-old phenom Ryo Ishikawa shot an astounding 58 on a par-70 course. The score set the record for lowest score ever for a major tour event. Going into the final round, Ryo was six shots behind, but birdies on 9 of his last 11 holes thrust him into the top position and his seventh tour win in Japan. Not bad for being 18, huh?

What was almost more impressive was who Ishikawa beat. It was none other than Shigeki Maruyama. Maruyama has had a bit of success in the states, too.

All Ryo needs now is that one victory worldwide to put him front and center in all of golf.

Rory will celebrate tomorrow. After all,
you only turn 21 once!

The bigger story was at Quail Hollow. 20-year-old Rory McIlroy blitzed the field on the weekend for his first win on American soil. I the process, McIlroy set a few records. He fired a course record 62 on Sunday. Combine that with his 66 on Sunday and the 128 was a record for a weekend at Quail Hollow. He also had a birdie or better on 25 holes for the tournament, a record he shares with Vijay Singh. His opening round even par 72 is the highest opening round for a winner.

A nice weekend of golf on of the the tour's harder stops, especially the last three holes. Some consider 16, 17 and 18 the hardest finishing three holes on all of the tour.

Add this. Over McIlroy's last six holes, he took a mere 18 strokes, including 16 and 18. Yes, your math is not failing you. He did make a 3 on each of those 6 holes.

The more impressive feat is that McIlroy is one of three players to win a tournament before turning 21 years of age. The other two: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Pretty lofty company the Irish lad is keeping.

What's the most impressive thing about Rory's win? His fellow pros couldn't describe what the youngster had done.

Phil Mickelson called him "some kind of player". Anthony Kim, McIlroy's final round playing partner went a bit further.

“It was unbelievable, I don’t know how else to say it,” Kim said. “He was in a zone. He hit a lot of fairways and made a lot of big putts. It seems like a lot of the younger guys don’t make those putts, but he did.”

A zone? 18 strokes on those final six holes is way beyond being in a zone.

Electronic Arts now looks like a bunch of geniuses.

Storylines Make Final Round at The Masters

Within the last 19 years, Zach Johnson is the only player outside the final group to win The Masters. That was only in 2007 when he pulled off the feat. Currently, three players are within four strokes of the leader Lee Westwood. What about the final two pairings? Here's a look.

K. J. Choi (-8): Choi has never won at Augusta and has a 3rd in 2004 as his best finish. Come to think of it, Choi has never won a major, but Choi's usually calm demeanor lends itself well to playing in majors. Keep on eye on him because Choi can sneak up and claim the lead if he converts early birdie opportunities. Unassuming to say the least, but Choi is crafty enough to use such a cover to his advantage. Considering Choi missed the cut in two majors last year (The Masters and the Open Championship), striving for that first major victory is priority #1.

Tiger Woods (-8): Tiger has four green jackets and 14 total major titles. For the fourth consecutive round, Woods will be paired with Choi. There's an obvious comfort level between the two and that could very well lead to some spectacular golf. You get the feeling a bit of vindication would be in order if Woods were to don another green jacket. If Tiger can climb the four stroke mountain in front of him, emotion would overcome him as well. The negative to his deficit, Tiger has never come from behind. He's always been the hunted and that's a role he relishes. Can he play the role of the hunter this year? As we all know, Woods rests atop the world golf rankings.

Phil Mickelson (-11): Lefty has two green jackets to go along with his three total major titles. His other major was in the 2005 PGA Championship held at Baltusrol. Phil may be an even bigger emotional favorite than Tiger. This year's Masters is the first time the Mickelson's have travelled as a family since Lefty's wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer last year. What a celebration that would be if Mickelson were to emerge as the victor. One point we cannot discount is Phil's caddy, Jim Mackay, or Bones as he is referred to. The two have a chemistry that cannot be duplicated and the two work spectacularly together. Lefty is currently ranked at #3 in the world rankings.

Lee Westwood (-12): No majors, but Westwood has three 3rd place major finishes on his resume' ('08 US Open, '09 Open Championship and PGA Championship). He's knocking on the door, he only needs to walk through. Closing the deal at Augusta would prove that Westwood deserves mention as one of the world's top players. Holding off Phil and Tiger in that effort could even catapult him a bit more. Westwood also possesses a unique opportunity. No player has ever shot in the 60's for all four rounds at Augusta National. With rounds of 67, 69 and 68, Westwood would be the first...and most likely capture his first major. Westwood carries the ranking of 4th.

One last player I want to mention and he has no chance at victory is the Italian amateur Matteo Manassero. He was was a T13 in last year's Open Championship and the only amateur to make the cut at The Masters...at the ripe old age of 16 years, 11 months and 22 days, the youngest to ever make the cut. Manassero will turn pro in a couple of weeks and make his debut at the BMW Italian Open.

Regardless of Sunday's outcome, we will have a first time major champ, the feel good story of possibly the decade or the greatest return in golf for quite some time.

Yes, Sunday at Augusta is in full bloom.

Questioning Tiger

An article in the latest edition of Vanity Fair provides more insight into Tiger Woods' past. Obviously, none of it portrays Woods in a positive light.

I will say only one thing about the article. Woods has previously stated that no one enabled him during his romp. The Vanity Fair article reports quite the opposite. In fact, the names of Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are even being mentioned as enablers regarding Woods' escapades. This is based off the article's author allegedly talked to four of the women in which Woods carried on an affair, a former advisor and attorney for Woods and others that were in Tiger's circle.

Tiger's honesty is being questioned by many.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I've never been one of Tiger's biggest fans and I have taken a couple shots at him since last November. I will somewhat defend him here. I will say that the timing of this "piece" would be ironic to say the least. His presser upcoming at Augusta National. His comeback to golf at The Masters. It all seems too convenient and too easy.

Before we all make the decision to jump on board with this, consider the following.

The article alleges that Tiger ended his affair with Jamie Jungers because Woods' refusal to financially support her. Suspicious. Mindy Lawton claims the only thing Woods ever bought her was a wrap from Subway. That's suspicious, too. Two women complaining about not getting this guy's money even though he's loaded. Anyone willing to take a guess why they're talking? Is anyone questioning their honesty? Haven't really seen it.

Maybe, just maybe, we should.

Spotlight on Woods

I know a lot of us are tiring of all the Tiger talk, but there's more to come.

On Monday, April 5 at 2 P.M., Woods will have his special day at Augusta National. Why? His very own press conference. Makes me wonder if this was hastily put together due to Arnold Palmer recently saying that Woods needs to be a bit more open with the press. Some viewed Arnie's comments as bitter since Tiger would not be playing this week at Bay Hill.

Will we all be totally captivated by this presser? Will we all hinge on every word uttered from Tiger? Will we all wonder exactly what questions the media will ask? The answer, unfortunately to all, is yes. Shouldn't be that way, though.

Look at this situation closely. What do you really see?

I see this:

The NCAA Championship game is that evening. Not a big deal, but it deserves mentioning due to the fact that CBS will also be covering The Masters. You know that every time during the game a promo for the tourney is aired, his "comeback" will be part of that promo. And who's the anchor covering both? Jim Nantz. Nothing against Nantz here. Just merely an observation.

Also, it's the first full day of the MLB baseball season. Funny how most games start somewhere between 1 P.M. and 2 P.M. that day. What time is Tiger's "parade"? That's right. 2 P.M.

All the other player's press conferences will be held on Tuesday.  Those will be short since it will be compacted. Add this. The press will have an entire day to digest what Tiger said the previous day and every player will field numerous Woods questions...if Augusta will allow that. Nice move by all involved to put the other players behind Tiger. They should be used to it. All that is important is to keep Tiger front and center. It's a eerie feeling that the PGA feels compelled to thrust Woods into the spotlight. It's almost a form of thievery.

I do understand that Tiger is the sport's biggest draw. I also understand that all of this is totally unnecessary. Put Tiger last. Allow the other player's to field questions pertaining to only their game. Does he actually need his own day for a press conference? A big no from me.

Have you ever wondered why Tiger said a few weeks ago in his "statement" that he felt entitled? Wouldn't you? Golf is expressing this very notion. We're being told that "Golf needs Tiger more than Tiger needs golf". It's that simple. Is Tiger bigger than the game? It's evident that many feel he is.

One last question. Who knew that Jim Furyk won last week for the first time since the Canadian Open in 2007? Not many at first. It was more important to air Tiger's little five minute interviews.

Poo on all of them, Arnie. Same goes for you, Ernie Els and Jim Furyk, too. You have all the right in the world to feel slighted (if you really do) and if others can't see that, it's their loss.

This is merely another display of how the world of golf continues to openly pander to Tiger and that will never change.

Where Tiger Will Return?

There have been conflicting reports about the return of Tiger Woods to the world of golf.

The New York Post is reporting that Tiger will return at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Meanwhile, ESPN's Tom Rinaldi is stating that Woods is set for his return at Augusta National for The Masters. His report is in line with an Associated Press story. One other source, longtime friend of Woods Mark O'Meara, say he "wouldn't be surprised" if Tiger resurfaced at the Tavistock Cup.

All three have pros and cons and all three are highly likely.

The Tavistock Cup is particularly interesting. First, only members of Isleworth and Lake Nona communities and special invited guests are able to attend. That limits the chances for a security breech. Well, unless your a member of Isleworth that felt somewhat intruded by the incident from November. Also, the Tavistock Cup is more of a competition than a tournament. It's also only two days in length. It is held the Monday and Tuesday before the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Arnie's tournament presents more potential security issues than the other two. Tickets can be obtained by the general public and passes can be purchased to other extending areas of the course. The big plus is the relationship between Palmer and Tiger. That and the fact that Tiger has won there 6 times. It's a course that's surely to stir positive memories for Woods. It's been reported that Palmer has said Tiger will be at Bay Hill.

The Masters possesses the greatest of both worlds...to an extent. There is an extremely high chance that any unwanted guests will be unable to attend. There is a waiting list to obtain any tickets/badges for entrance. Plus, you know Augusta National will not issue any extra press credentials to those that normally do not attend. The reality of this situation is that Augusta National doesn't care nor should they. It is hallowed ground in the world of golf and they strictly adhere to their own set of rules.

The only negative is not reflective of The Masters, but of Tiger. Coming back at a major may place undue pressure upon him by himself and us. It may wind up being counter-productive if Woods plays poorly.

Here's the funny thing. This is all strictly conjecture. Woods recent hiring of Ari Fleischer as a consultant and the fact that Hank Haney is in Orlando has fueled the fires of speculation. Remember what Woods said during his "speech". Even he wasn't sure then and that was only three weeks ago.

One thing can be duly noted. It will be only when and where Tiger wants...as always.

Employer/Employee Relations - Williams is Mad at His Boss

It's the stage Steve Williams finds himself on now, but for only one reason: he's the caddie for Tiger Woods. And there are those that suggest Williams knew more than Tiger's yardage to that bunker on the left side of the green.

Williams denies any such knowledge as part of an interview on New Zealand's TV3. Williams also delivers a peek into how thing's have been for him since the incident and subsequent worldwide fallout.

"It's been the most difficult time of my life, no two ways about it, because every single person believed that I should know or did know or had something to do with it."

"I knew nothing, that's my answer. I don't have to clarify or extend that answer. I knew nothing. It would be very difficult as a caddie not to know, but I'm 100% telling you, I did not know, and that's that."

Williams is saying he's mad primarily because Tiger let his own family down. I do believe Williams on that point, but I think it all goes just a bit deeper for a couple of reasons.

Most caddies make their living based on their players payout from a tournament's purse. The golfer will pay a percentage of their winnings to the caddie. That being the case, Williams isn't making any dough since Tiger isn't playing in any tournaments. Oh, there's a tad more.

Williams also has a sponsor. Ever wonder why he doffs his caddie's bib when he and Tiger approach the tee on the 18th hole? Now you know. Williams must avoid the "guilty by association" tag that society seems to want to use on him. If that "guilt" is perceived, his sponsor would surely drop him like Gatorade, Accenture and Tag Heuer, among others, have dropped his boss. That is a realistic and legitimate concern. The pocketbook takes yet another hit.

Williams does confess that he would have blown the whistle had he known of Tiger's exploits. Not a lot of fans believe that. They're viewing Williams as playing the role of Tiger's enabler. After all, the most beloved athlete in all of the world was eventually caught with his hand in the cookie jar. So, people think Williams was acting as the lookout.

Maybe he still is...

Tiger tells his tale

I've been one that's been a bit critical of Tiger Woods. I'll admit, I was antsy to hear what he had to say.

I wanted to see Tiger, physically. Not in a picture, but live. I wanted to hear him speak. Not on a voicemail, but live. I wanted see his facial expressions.

First, I'll take you back to my thoughts before we heard Tiger's statement.

In his statement, which some of the contents were leaked, Tiger was to talk about his past issues. He would apologize for his actions, talk of his future and speak of his return to rehab.

But something struck my as extremely consistent, the control. Tiger was once again attempting to control the situation, going so far as to not have a Q and A session, inviting only select individuals and even having some form of security on the grounds. As it always is with Woods, he and his camp went more than out of their way to control the environment.

Most were being denied access to the "event". They weren't given the secret password or handshake in order to be permitted into the club. This issue alone sparked the Golf Writers Association of America to boycott attending. Part of the very fabric that's made Tiger who he is, refusing inclusion. That should resonate loudly.

The more things change, the more they are the same, I guess.

Now, after watching Tiger's statement, a few of his words struck a chord with me. Before I get too deep here, I want to voice a couple of things.

Do you miss Tiger?

Update: We will finally hear from Mr. Woods. According to the AP, Woods will be holding a press conference on Friday at 11:00 AM.
It's not a rhetorical question. It's an honest one.

Many tightly associated with the world of golf would say "yes".

I am in the minority here. I really don't. His absence is a calling card for others to step up and win a trophy or two. Dustin Johnson is an excellent example. He stepped up and defended his title at Pebble Beach this past weekend.

But I have other reasons why I'm not missing the world's #1 player.

Through all of his ordeal, we're constantly hearing that Tiger is a private person. That's the squeeze here. He's so private that we've never really seen or met him. He rarely, if ever, interacts with the gallery. Sure, he'll talk to the guy holding the mic after he's played a round so he can self-diagnose his performance. The only other time anybody should view Tiger as being somewhat "chatty" is during a press conference.

He's a machine on many levels. Until that fateful evening last November, he was a money machine. He was a walking endorsement. He was a golfing machine. He was a business. Nike and EA are still in his corner despite the obvious lag in his popularity. Why? He makes all of them bucks...still.

I do get it. In sports there's something called self-promotion, and to Tiger's credit, he almost refuses to go overboard. Athletes have to find other avenues for income. There's nothing wrong with that. Commercialization and advertising go along way to create a different persona, and Woods is the king of that. Or at least, he was.

The one area that has come under fire the most is Tiger's antics on the course. We've all seen the slamming and throwing of clubs. We've heard the expletives deleted from his tirades. His body language is a map into his soul. He's not alone in lacking with his course etiquette, but with his exposure, you would think he could conduct himself a little better.

While it may sound like I'm bashing Tiger, I'm not. I would just like to see other golfers get half of the attention he does. The field is still obviously slanted in his direction. For the last two weeks we've been hearing of his return. One rumor was at Pebble. One was at this week's WGC Match Play. Both were unfounded and untrue. Now, the rumblings of Augusta and The Masters being the week.

Seriously, why all the fuss over someone we've not heard a thing from in over two and a half months?

It's a given that Tiger, as always, will do things only on his terms. There are no other terms to consider.

And in this corner, Scott McCarron!

Update 2/3/2010: Mickelson has pulled the disputed wedge from his bag. Also, Scott McCarron has apologized for his comments...in person.

Much was made over the biggest issue in the golf world this past weekend. It would be the use of the Ping 2 Eye wedge and some of the quotes that have arisen out of the use of that wedge.

Why was this brought to light. It has to do with the new regulations on the grooves on club faces. The Ping wedge has grooves which are considered illegal according to the new rules. Case closed.

Not so fast. Ping, the USGA and PGA entered into an agreement some 20 years ago when a simliar controversy developed. According to the terms of that agreement, the Ping 2 Eye wedge has now been "grandfathered" under the new groove ruling.

Enter PGA vets Phil Mickelson and Scott McCarron.

Mickelson's role in this controversy is the simplest. He's using said wedge. He admitted that according to the new regulations the wedge is actually illegal, but he could use it due to it being "grandfathered".

One thing some are losing sight of is that Callaway, the clubs which Lefty uses, developed a wedge, but it was deemed not in compliance with the new groove rule. Therefore, Phil put the Ping in his bag for last weekend's event at Torrey Pines.

McCarron's role is bit more, shall I say, notable.

Lefty is our family guy

On Wednesday, Phil Mickleson, golf's #2 player, held center stage.

Since this is Lefty's first tournament of the season, he was asked a myriad of questions. When asked about the status of Tiger Woods, Phil declined any type of remark stating that he and Woods are friends and that he didn't want to cross any line or compromise their friendship. There was one thing he did say about Woods.

“The game of golf needs him to come back,” Mickelson said of Woods. “But right now he’s got a lot more important things going on in his life.”

Phil's right. Golf needs Tiger, and Tiger needs golf, but Tiger also has issues to take care of first. Mickelson recognizes that. It's about family.

The biggest surprise of Mickelson's presser was when he announced that he would not be a participant in the Accenture Match Play Championships this year. He would most liklely be the #1 seed, unless there's a Tiger sighting between now and the beginning of the event.

So #1 and #2 won't be there. Why wouldn't Lefty be playing at the Match Play? We know of Tiger's dilemma.

“The Match Play is a week that my kids are out of school and that’s why I’m skipping this year, not because I want to,” Mickelson said. “It was the best week for us to have a family vacation that we had to reschedule because of our procedures.”

That family vacation had to be scrapped last year. It was around the time of that family vacation that the Mickelson's received the news of Phil's wife Amy being diagnosed with breast cancer. The time was taken for the family to get things in order.

And later on in the year, the same diagnosis was given to his mother. Lefty proved how close his family really is. And the golf world embraced every bit of it. From pink shirts at Colonial to the outpouring from well-wishers at Bethpage, last year was one the Mickelson's can't forget.

There's two reasons Phil won't forget 2009.

One was that he was 2-for-2 against Tiger at the end of the season. The other was the Phil has never forgotten what the late Payne Stewart told him.

"You're going to be a father."

Family is everything to him, and that's why Lefty is special.

It's about family.

PGA kicks off year without Tiger

All is still quiet with golf's #1, Tiger Woods.

As the PGA commences another season at Kapalua in Hawaii with the SBS Championships, many may wonder how the PGA tour will hold up with out Tiger's presence. I, and I may be in the minority, think it will be fine despite what past numbers have shown.

In the past, there's no question that Tiger's absence has had ramifications on the numbers of viewers. If you watch golf just for Tiger, then you're missing out. I can give you (easily) another ten players worth watching in 2010.

1. Phil Mickleson (left). Lefty is currently #2 in the world rankings. He has a knack for being extremely creative on a golf course. Want to improve your short game? Watch Phil. Want to see a player interact with the galley? Watch Phil. He's probably the most popular player. The story of both his wife and mother dealing with breast cancer helped bring even more awareness in '09. Phil is the guy until we see Eldrick again.
2. Sergio Garcia. Is this the year Sergio breaks through and wins a major? He had a down year in '09 both in the U.S. and Europe. He's won at Sawgrass in Tiger's absence in '08 (and promptly thanked him for that). Want charisma? Watch Sergio. It oozes from his pores.

3. Jim Furyk. He didn't win an "official" tournamnet in '09 but won Tiger's tourney at Sherwood. That might be just the boost Furyk needs going into 2010. There's not many that play a more steady game than Furyk. The only knock, don't even try to emulate his swing. Just emulate his steady play.

4. Steve Stricker. You can group Strick with Furyk. He's steady and for some reason, nothing seems to get to him. He's the Tour's best putter, so watch him on the greens.

5. Boo Weekley (right). There's no player that is more down to earth than Boo. You might be able to call Boo the PGA's version of Yogi Berra due to his quotes that have to rattle aound in your head a bit before they can even come close to making sense. That's what a "Booism" is. Weekley's known as the player from the '08 Ryder Cup playing "giddy up" on a club. No better personality on Tour.

6. Bubba Watson. Watson doesn't exactly strike you as a golfer, but nobody lauches a drive like Bubba. He may not be very accurate (53.05% in '09), but he hits the ball a mile (311 yds. on average in '09, 2nd on Tour). The rest of his game is starting to take shape.

7. Rickie Fowler (left). He's going to get a lot a press as one of the Tour's future stars. He might be one of the guys that can make us temporarily forget Woods, especailly if he's got the game he showed at Q-School. This kid can play. He has all the shots.

8. Padraig Harrington. He's as gritty and gutsy as they come, and Harrington pushed Tiger in a few events last year.

9. Kenny Perry. Is there anyone out there that doesn;t like this guy? Perry will turn 50 in August of this year, but by no means let his age fool you. He has no thoughts of playing on the Champions Tour just yet and he can still "hang with the big boys". Could this be the year Perry gets his first major after coming so close at the Masters in '09? Hard not to root for Kenny.

10. Geoff Ogilvy. In my opinion, I can't remember watching a sweeter swing since Fred Couples, and Couples still has a spectacular swing. I know Ernie Els has a beautiful, easy swing, but Ogilvy's swing is as elegant as they come. It just doesn't seem that such an easy looking swing can launch a ball so far. And he's won a major.

See, I told you there's a lot more to watch than just Tiger.

I saw an interview on ESPN with Jerry Kelly. Kelly made a comment to the effect that the game of golf will be here with or without Woods. Kelly's been on the Tour since 1989, so he's been around before the "Tiger Era" began.

PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem hopes Kelly is right. I think Kelly is.

Tiger Woods' Statement

Tiger Woods released a statement on his webite, tigerwoods.com, today. Many of us have wondered if he would ever release any type of staement regarding all the reports and rumors that have surfaced over the last couple of weeks. We finally have it. But did Tiger have to do such an act?

That being said, I think we should all delve deep into Tiger's statement. Read it and take it to heart. He deserves that. His statement deserves our attention. It's reveaing on how our society has evolved. We should lend a ear, or an eye in this instance.

For all the excellent golf he's given us, let him have a minute or two of your time. While he is currently the world's most famous athlete, it does come with its baggage. And I'm not referring to his golf bag.

Part of Tiger's statement made me really pause for thought.

"But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don't share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions."

We all have a right to privacy. It's a basic fundamental freedom we have been given as a citizen of the United States of America. I heard someone say we lose that right once we leave the confines of our homes. Once we exit the front door of our houswe, we are "public property." Really? What happened to the term "private property"? Tiger should be permitted that right. He actually shouldn't have to ask for that, but he had to due to his celebrity status.

The longer Tiger is silent...

We've not been able to escape the barrage of questions and/or coverage of the one car accident involving the world's #1 golfer, Tiger Woods. The quiet gated community of Isleworth has become nothing short of a media circus. Not a way to make good with the neighbors.

The accident had reportedly taken place at about 2:30 AM Friday morning. Tiger going down his driveway and hitting a fire hydrant and a neighbor's tree. That led to a neighbor calling 911 and reporting the accident. It was initially reported that Woods' wife, Elin, broke out the rear window of the Escalade and extracted her injured husband. She used a golf club to break the window.

From there, we know nothing. Many questions have been asked, but we've gotten no answers.

Why was Tiger leaving the home so ealry of the morning? Why did his wife have a golf club? Was it really to break out the rear window? Why has the family repeatedly turned away the Florida Highway Patrol who is attempting to coduct an investigation? Was he really not wearing shoes? Oh, there are more questions. And we may never get the whole story.

One site has reported that the FHP has requested a warrant for Woods' medical recods regarding his hospital visit. FHP denies this. If this information is needed to continue their investigation, no one should have a problem with this. Again, there's a question. Does the FHP really need this info?

Woods has since cancelled playing in his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge, which benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation. He missed the tourmey last year due to his recovery from knee surgery. He'll miss this year due to injuries he sustained in conjunction with the accident. Are you buying this?

There has been much conjecture on Woods' off the course life, too. Rumors of an affair have been shot down by the woman which he's alledged to have had the affair. Both Woods and the woman have hired high profile attorneys. These moves have prompted more questions.

Most of the comments I've read and heard about this have stated that Tiger owes us all an explanation of the events leading to the crash and any subsequent matters. It's been widely stated that his "people" have totally mishandled this situation.

But does Tiger really owes us anything? I'm not so sure he does.

As far as the general public is concerned, Tiger owes us nothing. He wants this to be a private matter. I, for one, agree. By law, all Woods has to provide to the FHP is his driver's license, the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. He has reportedly done this.

Yahoo! has even posted a blog about Woods' wife. She's not immnue to this press brigade either. Or some think she's not.

There are some people Tiger does owe an explanation.

First, his sponsors deserve to know. They give (notice I didn't say "pay") Tiger millions of dollars a year for use of his name and his support for certain products. From video games to golf equipment to shaving products, Tiger earns a bit of coin from these people.

Those who look after the Tiger Woods Foudation. They deserve an explanation, too. These people back Woods in Tiger's continued endeavour to provide children the opportunity to have access to an education.

The same goes to those people and companies that support the Foundation through their donations. They have a right to know what happened. There's nothing wrong with making sure that the name you're supporting is a good one.

After that, Tiger owes us nothing. But the longer any type of public statement is not made, not including those issued via his website, the more that questions and rumors can evolve. There could be a lot more damage control for the Woods camp to digest.

Tiger isn't expected to play in another tournament for about two months.

Much more is to come on this in that timeframe. That's a guarantee. If nothing is revealed about that day, then many feel Tiger is fair game.

If you feel that Tiger owes us, I ask you this one question...

Would you want your life invaded like that?