The Steve Stricker saga of 3 years ago was fantastic as he totally lost his confidence and his PGA Tour Card with it. Then, like a phoenix slowly rising from the ashes, he successfully navigated the horrors of Qualifying School and played well enough afterwards to be named Comeback Player of the Year two years on the bounce. He went from PGA Tour winner and major championship contender, to the depths of despair, and back again. Unbelievable. But that has nothing on what we’re seeing now. As I predicted four years ago, David Duval just finished second in the US Open ... full post »

Under the direction of the USGA, the groundskeepers at Bethpage Black are cutting back the rough to a manageable level for about 20 feet from the fairway. Now, to be fair, the USGA’s idea of exactly what is manageable is a bit extreme but they are making it more playable than years past, nonetheless. Which brings me to my point: Local greenskeepers should instruct their crews to keep the rough lower than 2 inches at all times, save perhaps around club championship time. Such a direction in course maintenance would provide many positives, the most important of which is speeding up ... full post »

Only the blue bloods of New Jersey could manage to both elate and grate on the same day. The USGA announcement of holding the 2014 Women’s US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 on the week following the men’s Open is the kind of bold and innovative thinking you’d want from a national governing body. Personally, I think this will prove to be a brilliant move. The only potential stumbling block is if there is the out-dated Monday 18 hole playoff to the men’s championship. Perhaps, if we’re lucky, infringing on the Women’s Open will provide them with a convenient “excuse” ... full post »

If you are any kind of a golf fan, and you have high speed internet access, you’ve likely tried Shot Tracker, the newest feature on the official website of the PGA Tour. At first glance it appears to be the next best thing to watching a live broadcast. Upon closer inspection, I’ve noticed a couple of annoying glitches that could be cleaned up. Before I make my minor complaints, let me say that it really looks magnificent, detailing shot by shot each player’s round as it occurs and all at the same time. For those of us accustomed to looking ... full post »