Holy cow, have you seen the HSBC Women’s Champions leaderboard? Lorena Ochoa, in her debut event of the season, is making a bold statement with two rounds of 66, 65. The statement, of course, is a rather loud “Move over, Annika, there’s a new number one in town.” She is now seven strokes in the lead, at 13-under par. It would appear that the extra time she spent practicing in Mexico is paying off. Tied for second seven strokes back is a threesome that includes Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, and South Korean In-Kyung Kim, who made a bit of a statement ... full post »

Last October the LPGA unveiled their new logo. Personally I’m a fan, mainly because anything had to be better than the old one. The “swinging lady” in the old image looked suspiciously unserious, more like a weekend golfer who gets tips from her boyfriend than a professional athlete. As any pro will tell you, she had some serious swing flaws, like a reverse pivot and an incomplete follow-through. Also, bad hair. The new one, designed by SME, is modernized in every way, from the bold colors representing the LPGA’s “international membership and global business,” to the decidedly futuristic Star Trek lettering. ... full post »

CNN is running a nifty little feature called Ten Guys Women Should Run From. You know, possessive bullies who threaten to beat you up and/or cheat on you–"It may first appear charming, but jealous boyfriends will quickly get irritating!” Wow, really? Personally I think that someone who actually threatens your personal safety is pretty much wearing a neon sign around their neck that flashes the words “Date me at your peril. You have been warned.” But ladies, when it comes to golf, the signs aren’t always so clear. So here are some indications that this is not the guy you ... full post »

At least four people were killed, cars burned, mobs rioted, and death threats were issued following the publication of a religious image deemed offensive… No wait, I’m thinking of the wrong cartoon controversy. Sorry, let me start over. Several people complained after an image of Lorena Ochoa appeared superimposed over the Virgin Mary in a Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine article last week. The image was removed from their Web site and Editor Jon Rizzi immediately issued an apology. “To illustrate our support of her, we selected an iconic image that suggested her transcendent qualities,” said Rizzi. “We never intended to insult anyone.” ... full post »

Paula Creamer picked up her fifth LPGA win yesterday at the Fields Open, making four birdies in the last five holes to edge out leader Jeong Jang on the eighteenth. It was Creamer’s second win in Hawaii, following last year’s win at the season-opening SBS Open. She’s always been known for her penchant for pink—hence her nickname, the Pink Panther. But now she’s taking it a step further, with a pink ball and a final-round pink hat for her caddie—a cue from Tiger, perhaps? “He likes it, I think, secretly,” says Paula. “It means we’re in the hunt, in contention.” Uh ... full post »

Five reasons to watch the Fields Open tonight: 1) It might be Saturday, but today is the final round of this 54-hole tournament. Wait until tomorrow to tune in and you’ll be staring a blank screen. Or some random infomercial. Or an Oscar preshow or something. Tonight’s broadcast of the Fields starts at 6:30 Eastern on The Golf Channel. 2) Jeong Jang tied the course record with a blistering 64 during yesterday’s second round. Whether you’re a fan of Jang or not, that’s some good golf right there. 3) Annika Sorenstam is still in the hunt, four strokes off the lead. If she wins this thing, ... full post »

I just checked the leaderboard at the LPGA’s Fields Open and nearly fell out of my chair. Through 14 holes, Michelle Wie is currently at 4 under par, putting her (alone) in first place. If that’s not a blog opportunity, I don’t know what is, whether this lead lasts the day, the tournament, or the next five minutes. Could it be a sign of things to come? Who knows. But with a healthy Wie in the mix, it could be an interesting season. Meanwhile, I’ll just keep refreshing my browser until the 6:30 broadcast rolls around. Here’s the TV viewing schedule: • ... full post »

I just got an email in my inbox that asked me to let Athleta.com “change the way I look at golf.” I’m not sure how Athleta—a sportswear company I’ve always associated with yoga and rock climbing—knew how I looked at golf in the first place, but I was intrigued enough to follow the link to see where it took me. Well, I can’t say my perspective on golf has undergone any major modifications, but I can say I’m glad I opened the email. Mainly because it informed me of Athleta’s new ladies golfwear collection. Being the fashionista that I am, I don’t ... full post »

Now that Annika Sorenstam has claimed the season’s first trophy, it’s time to look ahead to next weekend’s Fields Open at Ko Olina. Why? Because you might get a sneak peek at one of golf’s most talented up and comers. No, I’m not talking about Michelle Wie, although actually, Wie will be there too. I’m talking about one Miss Cyd (pronounced “Sid") Okino—an amateur who’s going to try to Monday-qualify. Never heard of her, you say? Don’t worry, you will. Just 14 years old, she’s the latest in what’s becoming a line of Hawaiian prodigies, with back-to-back Hawaii State Opens (the adult ... full post »

After firing a second-round 67 at the SBS Open, Annika Sorenstam has a share of the lead, making the leaderboard look a little bit like it did back in the old days. A herniated disk last season toppled Sorenstam from the number-one spot she’d monopolized for years, limiting her to just 13 events and sending her to an unfamiliar 25th place on the money list. But now she’s back, ladies and gentlemen, to what appears to be her old form, as the five birdies she made on her last seven holes demonstrate. And while it may be premature to say so, ... full post »

Women’s golf begins the 2008 season this week at the SBS Open at Turtle Bay. Let’s see, storylines, storylines. They’re a little hard to come by at the moment, what with Michelle Wie being something of a nonfactor and the “youth-movement” growing up. But let’s start with the top three. Can The Ocho repeat her red-hot 2007 season this year? Lorena Ochoa finished in the top 10 in 21 out of 25 events played last year. She chalked up a stunning eight victories, including her first major, breaking LPGA records with her $4,364,994 in winnings. Ochoa’s toughest competition comes in the form ... full post »

Yeah, I know I said let’s take a break from politics, but this one is just too easy. Golf.com is currently running a poll on its front page: Which of the presidential candidates would be the least fun on the golf course? Guess who’s leading. Yeah, with 57.3% of the vote, this is one election Hillary has in the bag. Behind her is Ron Paul, with 10.7%. Apparently folks think Barack Obama would be the most fun, as he’s trailing with merely 5.4% of the vote. Mitt Romney clocks in with 9.3% of the vote, and he’s not even a candidate anymore! So ... full post »

Turn on the TV these days, read the blogs, and it’s all Super Tuesday, all the time. Hillary cried! McCain shouted! Emotions are running high! I for one am sick of it already. So I hereby propose a break from politics. I say we cut out early and go golfing. That’s right all you citizens of the 24 states voting today, after you’ve punched your chad (completely through the ballot, please!), or touched your screen, or however it is that you fulfill your civic duty, head down to your local course and take out any rancorous partisan aggressions on a Titleist. Of course, ... full post »