New York mayor/presidential maybe Michael Bloomberg goes sandbagger in FedEx Cup pro-am

HARRISON, N.Y. (Aug 22, 2007) - A lot of people are dubious about New York mayor billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s claims that he isn’t interested in running for president. It turns out that they should be dubious about his golf game. Or at least his handicap claims.

Bloomberg played in the pro-am for The Barclays, the first tournament in the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup” playoffs, today as mayors are wont to do. He got to play in Phil Mickelson’s group because billionaires usually get what they want and … as you may have heard Tiger Woods isn’t here.

Well, Bloomberg played as a 21-handicap, according to Mickelson. Only he didn’t play anything like a 21-handicap. In fact, Mickelson was crowing about the Bloomberg net birdies that powered the team.

“He must have had four or five natural pars, which helped the team immensely,” Mickelson said.

Later, Mickelson threw in the obligatory kiss-up quote about Bloomberg’s financial success. “I mean if we want to talk money, it’s not like I’m going to say anything. I’m just going to listen.”

Regular golfers who watched Bloomberg play from behind the ropes were more interested in talking about a handicap that might make Pinocchio blush.

“He’s a good golfer,” Pat Greco of Long Island said. “A 21-handicap? No way he’s a 21-handicap. The mayor’s a sandbagger! How about that? The mayor’s an old sandbagger! I’ll be.”