Trahan Leads SFBC By Two, Janzen Hot on Trail

D.J. Trahan retained the lead at the Southern Farm Bureau Classic after shooting a one under par 71 on Saturday. Trahan, who hails from Atlanta, Georgia, is currently on the bubble on the Tour's money list at 142nd place. A win at The Southern Farm would greatly improve his place and guarantee him a tour card for the 2007 season. Another player fighting to stay on Tour, Lee Janzen (Left), is only two strokes behind. Janzen came into the SFBC at 202nd on the Tour's money list, making only $142,000 in seven cuts. Janzen has a great history on tour as a winner, and a resume highlighted by two U.S. Open victories and a PLAYERS Championship. The Southern Farm Bureau Classic is certainly lacking in superstars, with only one player who is in the top 125 on the money list in the top 10 after 54 holes. Former world number one David Duval fell from tenth to 27th after shooting an even par 72. Other notables include John Daly who is in 27th after shooting 70. The Southern Farm will not be televised tommorow either, so make sure to check back to get the coverage,

PGA Tour Q-School Stage I: Florida, Texas, Georgia, California

The PGA Tour's first round of Tour Qualifying school finished on September 29th in three different locations nationwide. The tour hopefuls who had to play in the first round, likely from college or worldwide mini-tours, will have to play anohter two rounds in the Tour's qualifying school in order to own Tour cards for the 2007 PGA Season. The first three events were held in Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

Florida: TPC of Tampa Bay, 6,898 yards, par 71

The first stage at the TPC of Tampa Bay in Lutz, Florida would accept the top 43 players in the field, that cut coming at 8 over par for four days of play. Benjamin McClung was the medallist firing a fourteen under par 270 to lead the nearest competitor by two strokes.

Texas: Cypresswood Golf Club, 6,906 yards, par 72

The Texas qualifier gave the most spots of all three Stage I qualifiers, 45 spots, and took a score of 6 over or better to move on to Stage II. The qualifier was won by Andrew Parr, who was anything but par firing a 21 under 267 over four days.

Georgia: Jennings Mill C.C., 6,951 yards, par 72

Scott Brown was the victor at the Georgia qualifier, who, along with 40 other qualifiers who shot 12 over par or better, will advance to the second stage. Brown shot 10 under for the week, with a five under par 67 on the final day.

California: PGA West, Norman Course, 7,152 yards, par 72

The qualifier at PGA West in LaQuinta, CA will send 42 qualifiers to the second stage of qualifying school, all of which shot 12 over par or better to qualify. Jae Choi of New Mexico was the medallist shooting fifteen under par for the week, highlighted by a five under 67 on the final day.

Second stage of qualifying school will take place between November 15th to 19th. The final stage in December will be played on several of PGA West's courses.

Tiger Smokes Field, Shoots 67

Tiger Woods will likely continue his streak, moving to 6 consecutive PGA Tour victories, after shooting a four under 67 to complement rounds of 64 and 63. Tiger's play would be good enough to move to 19 under for 54 holes, and a lead of 6 strokes on the nearest competitors. Tiger fired another sub-70 round with a four under 67 to continue his stellar play this week. Woods shot his lowest 36 hole score in six years, after rounds of 63 and 64, to tie his 15 under at a former World Golf Championship, the 2000 NEC Invitational. Tiger has already found three amzing eagles on the par five 18th, holing putts on each of the first three days of play. Aussie Adam Scott made a move in the fight for second place shotting 65 to move to 13 under. Americans Brett Quigley and Jim Furyk are both tied for third at 12 under. South African Ernie Els, formerly the world's number two ranked player, has put together a decent week shooting 69 to move to nine under. Els has struggled to put four good rounds together since his injury last season after the British Open.

Mickelson Calls it Quits for 2006

As the PGA's Grand Slam of Golf draws nearer, world number two Phil Mickelson has chosen not to play. After qualifying by winning the Masters (the event is between the year's major champions), Mickelson has decided to shut down his 2006 season. Mickelson has skipped season ending events in the past, choosing instead to spend time with his family. Mickelson has had difficulty in most of the events he has played since facing a major meltdown with the U.S. Open in his hands. Mickelson's spot would go to second alternate Ernie Els, but Els decided not to play, so former Masters champion Mike Weir will play. The final lineup will be Tiger Woods (British, PGA), Geoff Ogilvy (U.S. Open), Mike Weir (3rd alternate, playing instead of Mickelson), and Jim Furyk (1st alternate, qualfied via Tiger's two major championships in '06).

The Grand Slam will be played November 21st and 22nd at Poipu Bay in Hawaii.

Woods on the Prowl, Faxon Leads at Southern Farm

Tiger Woods continued his dominance in World Golf championships as he adds 7 under 64 to his Thursday 63. Tiger moves to a stellar 15 under, 5 strokes ahead of three players in second place, all at 10 under par. Two American Ryder Cuppers, Jim Furyk and Stewart Cink, stay tied in second place with Englishmen David Howell. Tiger refuses to give up his six straigh PGA Tour victories as Tiger will likely not only win another WGC event, but lap the entire field. Tiger eyes the Harry Vardon award for the lowest scoring average, helping his cause by shooting to round well under 70.

Back in the States, both Brad Faxon and Joe Durant are tied at the top of the leaderboard, both 9 under after two days. Several players remain in contention at the Southern Farm, including Ted Purdy, Fred Funk, and Jason Gore. Former world number one David Duval looks to improve his season with a top 10 finish, currently in 17th place. John Daly, who has struggled this season in 190th on the Money List, shot a 7 under 63 to move to 3 under for the week. Unfortunately, the Southern Farm Bureau Classic is a small purse evnt, giving few pros a good chance to improve their standing in the money list in order to retain tour cards.

Tiger Woods Leads at American Express Championship

Tiger Woods matched his best score of the year today, shooting an 8-under 63, to lead the American Express Championship.

He saved the best for last, shooting an eagle on the last hole. Woods leads by one stroke over Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter.

One of Tiger's most exciting shots was on the ninth hole. It went to the right and appared headed into dense, 18 inch grass. Luck was on his side, however, and it hit a TV cart. The ball shot 40 yards back onto the fairway. The TV cart forever etched with a scuff mark showing the dimple pattern of the golf ball.

Byron Nelson Dies at 94

Yahoo Sports reports golf legend Byron Nelson dead at 94 years old. Nelson died Tuesday, finishing a life that contained epic battles against Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan, as well as meeting the greatest player of this era, Tiger Woods. Nelson held the PGA Tour record for most consecutive wins, 11, and was recently matched this year by Tiger Woods in career victories. Nelson was a hero of many top tour pros, helping to shape careers of such players as Tom Watson.

Equipment Review: Birdieball and Strikepad

If you spend anywhere between a minute and several hours at the driving range, hitting wiffleballs, or playing at a course without a range, the Birdieball golf set is for you. After reviewing a revolutionary golf product for the course yesterday, Golf Heaven reviewed a revolutionary product for your practice today. The BirdieBall set which Golf Heaven tested today, features a 12 pack of "Birdieballs" and the BirdieBall Strikepad. The BirdieBall is a cylindrical plastic practice ball which will finish off all wiffle ball golf practice. Unlike the real golf ball, the Birdieball will generally fly around forty yards with irons, and the manufacturer says up to 60 yards with woods. Also unlike the real golf ball, the BirdieBall is not going to smash car or house windows or hurt the neighbors. Like the real golf ball, the BirdieBall will fly as well as you swing. Because the BirdieBall better simulates the flight of the real golf ball, players not only can see that they are hitting slices, but can practice shaping shots, an integral part of hitting low scores. The wiffle or foam practice ball can not simulate the ball flight like the BirdieBall can, so your practice will be better spent and will show when you step on the golf course. Another fun feature about the BirdieBall is the "turbine sound", which means when you really hit it, you will hear the ball whistle as it flies long and straight. In addition to buying the BirdieBall, the set comes with the BirdieBall Strikepad, which is unlike any practice mat that you have played on before. The Strikepad sits up about 2-3" from the ground, and when hit with the golf club will slightly "give" to simulate the feel of the real golf course. After the Strikepad collapses slightly, the pad will refold before you finish your swing. The Strikepad also has the swing path printed on it, so your practice will help you develop a much better takeaway. The whole set combines to give the golfer instant feedback, and not fool yourself into thinking you are hitting it great, only to come to the course and find that the results are not what you would have thought. The product is great for the range rat or the person who can't find enough time to get out of the house to get to the range, as the player can practice for as long as they want. The BirdieBalls can be used with irons and woods, so even your long irons can be fine tuned. The basic set of 12 BirdieBalls and the Strikepad retails at $35.99, and can be found at all major golf retailers, or purchased through the manufacturer at http://www.birdieball.com/. In addition to the basic set, many other accessories are also available such as BirdieBall Flag Targets, and range mat packages. If you want to shoot lower scores, the best way to do so is by improving your ball striking, and the easiest way to do that is by using the BirdieBall system. The BirdieBall, which won top prize at last year's PGA Merchandise Show, is being given a full five stars by Golf Heaven.

Next Up: TOUR Doubleheader, American Express and Southern Farm Bureau Classic

The professional golf world will field another double-header week with the WGC American Express Championship and the Southern Farm Bureau Classic in play. The focus this week will certainly be on the American Express at the Grove in Hertfordshire, England as Tiger Woods seeks his sixth consecutive PGA Tour victory. The AMEX will have the best field this week, boasting a $7.5 million purse. America's best will surely stay in England this week before returning back to the U.S. following another trouncing at the hands of the Europeans at the 2006 Ryder Cup. Not much can cause the world's best and mentally thoughest golfer to hand his caddie, Stevie Williams, a nine iron and tell him to ditch it. Regardless, Tiger is still the best pick for the win following months of a hot streak, and a nack for beating everybody else in any WGC event. The other event this week back in the States is the Southern Farm Bureau Classic, a small purse event (Only $3 million, $540,000 going to the winner), played in Madison, Missouri. Annandale Golf Club will play at nearl 7,100 yards, one of the TOUR's shorter courses this season. Golf Heaven will pick Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods to battle it out in England, and look for the PGA Champion Shaun Micheel, as well as Fred Funk and Jason Gore to be in the hunt at the Southern Farm.

Equipment Review: Brush T's

Welcome to a new age in golf. Clubs get better, balls go farther, so what else is left to improve? Ever since Walter Hagen and his friends started to use wooden pegs instead of wet sand to prop up balls, the wooden tee has had little technological advancement over several decades. The Brush T is out to change that image, as well as length and direction on your drives. Golf heaven recently tested the Brush T series of golf tees, and we were impressed. Brush T's obviously, as the name says, use bristles forming a brush to hold up the ball. The tee part is inserted into the ground like the conventional type. Unlike the conventional wooden tee, the Brush T has a plastic disc which will support the ball at a conistant height each time, a critical part of hitting great drives. Along with consistant tee height, the Brush T's bristles encourage better ball flight as the ball will touch less surface area then the conventional, resulting in longer and straighter drives. Independent testing has shown that players using the Brush T will hit the ballseven yards longer than the same players using the conventional tee. The Brush T comes in two different packages, one being the combo pack which includes tees designed for hitting a 3 woods, normal size driver, oversized drivers, and the XLT for drivers exceeding 300 cubic centimeters. When I tested the product, the XLT was a perfect tee height for my Taylormade R7 425, and helped to significantly neutralize my strong draw. The Brush T combo pack, which includes all four tees, retails at $9.99 and can be found at all major golf retailers. Another cool feature about the Brush T is the carrying case which holds a Brush T ball marker, good for me who commonly holds up his competitors searching pockets for something to mark the ball with. The XLT pack, which includes two XLT's, retails at $7.99. Go to www.brushtees.com to find more information on the Brush T as well as where you can find the best bristle tee in golf. The Brush T conforms to USGA and R&A rules. Golf Heaven gives the Brush T five stars in comparison to the conventional tee, and the best part, the Brush T won't snap unlike the wooden peg, so one set will last a while. Make sure to try out the Brush T to improve your drives.

Who Are You? Eric Axley Wins Valero Texas

Eric Axley, a 2005 Nationwide Tour graduate, left golf fans everywhere wondering who are you? The kid obviously has game, and a hot putter as the 2005 Rex Hospital winner shot two 63s, a 68, and a 1 over 71. Axley's long drives would take him from 183rd on the money list, and moved to 87th. Axley was not looking at another tour card for the 2007 season, nor partial playing status. Despite a strong effort by Anthony Kim who shot 65, Axley's three sub 70 rounds would carry him to the victory circle. Also tied for second with Kim, three behind Axley, was Justin Rose who is beginning to find his game, seeming to be in contention each of the last few weeks. Axley had not recorded any top ten finishes prior to his win, but has assured himself a tour card and full playing priveleges next season. Axley takes home $720,000 of the four million dollar purse.

TEAM EUROPE TAKES 2006 RYDER CUP

Team Europe dominated the 2006 Ryder Cup and has won for an unprecedented third straight time in the 79 year history of the tournament. The final score, 18 1/2 - 9 1/2, was the same as the 2004 European win.

Phil Mickelson, the number two player in the world, scored only 1/2 points out of five matches and turned in the most dismal performance. Sunday's lone American highlight was wild card player, Scott Verplank, making a hole-in-one during the final singles match of the day. Briton Paul Casey had a hole-in-one on the same hole during Saturday's play.

Tiger Woods, the world's preeminent player, had his first winning record in a Ryder Cup and emerged as America's top scorer with three points in five matches. However, he had struggled with his game all weekend. On #7, he handed his 9-iron to his caddie, Steve Williams, who then accidently dropped the club into the Liffey River. Williams' error forced Woods to play the remaining holes with only 13 clubs.

Crowd favorite, Darren Clarke, appeared composed and focused despite the loss of his wife, Heather, to cancer on August 13. He won all three of his matches helping to secure Team Europe's convincing win.

Day 2 of the Duel Outside of Dublin

Weak performances by Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods helped Team USA endure another difficult day at the Ryder Cup. Europe has expanded its lead to 7 1/2 to 4 1/2.

Woods has been plagued by uncharacteristic poor play. After 36 holes, he has made only three birdies.

Mickelson has faired even worse. He has managed only two birdies in 36 holes.

Making things worse were the drenching rains. The Palmer course was soggy and persistent rains have soaked the area.

The only bright spot on Day Two for TEAM USA was rookie, Zach Johnson. He had a solid performance Friday. Saturday, however, he put forth the best American effort with 7 birdies including 5 in the first 10 holes. Johnson is currently 17th on the money list with $2,253, 366 in 2006. He is one of four rookies on the USA Ryder Cup team.

TEAM USA TRAILS EUROPE AFTER FIRST DAY OF PLAY AT THE 2006 RYDER CUP

For more than twenty years, the Europeans have dominated the opening session of the Ryder Cup. After winning 22 of the first 25 Ryder Cups, the US has lost seven of the last ten. Unfortunately, history repeated itself today. Despite strong initial rallies, the USA Team ended the day on the losing end of a 5-3 score.

Two strong performances, though, by American rookies Zach Johnson and J.J. Henry.

The day did not appear to start with a strong US team. Tiger Woods, the number one player in the world, put his very first shot of the day into the lake that borders the first hole at the K Club. After a drop, he played his approach to the right fringe. He had an opening bogey on the hole. His partner, Jim Furyk, stayed solid. He hit a perfect tee shot and birdied the hole, putting Team USA up at the first hole.

Despite, also have trouble on the fifth and seventh holes, Woods consistently displayed his prowess as the greatest golfer in the sport.

Strongest player of the day was Spain's Sergio Garcia who finished the day 2 - 0

Ryder Cup Stars:Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson will play his first competitive golf of any kind in several months at the Ryder Cup this weekend. Phil's season began right where he had left off, as a champion. Unlike his peers, Phil enjoys playing the week before a major championship, getting his first victory of this year at the Bellsouth Classic. Mickelson followed that performace by winning the Masters for the second time, his third career major. Mickelson's year was already looking hot, only two years removed from holding the title of BPNTHWAM (Best Play Never to Have Won a Major). It appeared that a new Tiger was in town as the U.S. Open was all but Mickelson's with the lead, needing only a mediocre finish to the 17th and 18th holes on Sunday at Winged Foot. Unfortunately for Mickelson, that mediocre finish quickly became a major meltdown as Mickelson's tee shots were nowhere to be found, except perhaps a garbage can outside an merchandise tent. So, as the story goes, Mickelson would double bogey the final hole, needing only a bogey to force a playoff with Geoff Ogilvy, and that very moment, the 72nd hole of the 2006 U.S. Open, could possibly another turn of Lefty's career. Since that par 4, Mickelson has not been in contention at any event, compiling a long list of lackluster finishes and missed cuts. Lefty's season seemed over after his major meltdow, but Mickelson was willing to take some time off to get his mind back in the right place.

The Skinny

Mickelson has played in the Ryder Cup five times, going on his sixth with a total of 20 matches played since 1995. Mickelson's Ryder Cup record is very solid, having a singles record of 3-1-1, a foursome record of 2-2-2, and a four-balls record of 4-4-1. Mickelson was the second best qualifier for this Ryder Cup through the U.S. points system, and looks to reestablish himself as a player comparable to Woods who has flourished since Mickelson's struggle began. Don't look for Tiger to be paired with Mickelson again as 2004 captain Hal Sutton did, Lehman will most likely keep the successful Presidents Cup pairings of Mickelson with Chris DiMarco and Tiger with Jim Furyk.

Ryder Cup Countdown:Practice Round Pairings

The U.S. Ryder Cup team played practice rounds today at the K Club, site of the Ryder Cup matches. According to ESPN, Tiger Woods was paired with Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson with Chris DiMarco. Both of which were successful pairings at last year's Presidents Cup, a match similar to the Ryder Cup but instead the U.S. playing an international team. Here is alist of pairings from the practice round:
U.S. Team
*Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk
*Chris DiMarco and Phil Mickelson
*David Toms and Chad Cambell
*Scott Verplank and Brett Wetterich
*Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink
*Vaughn Taylor and J.J. Henry

European captain Ian Woosnam paired players during the practice rounds by nationality, but said, "I think you can read a little bit into that,". Players paired by Woosnam were:
The European Team:
*Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson - Sweden
*Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia - Spain
*Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, David Howell, and Luke Donald - England
*Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, and Paul McGinley - Irish with Lee Westwood

Stars of the Ryder Cup: Tiger Woods

This week, in honor of the Ryder Cup matches kicking off in Ireland, I will have a series of posts dedicated to profiling America's best. This series begins with the world's best player himself, Tiger Woods. Tiger is of the course this era's best player, having won 12 major championships and 53 PGA TOUR victroies. Tiger is having one of his best years, having won two major championships and going into the Ryder Cup with a five tournament winning streak on the PGA Tour. Tiger is playing some great golf, and is showing a new trait; playing great when his "game" is not at the course. Tiger is picking spots to miss at, and knows how to get in the hole from anywhere.

The Skinny:

Tiger will always tell reporters or anyone else who is listening that he has 15 major championships, as would Jack Niclaus for the same reason, the U.S. Amateur. Tiger is definitely a great player in any style of play, having won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles, and event where players must go through days of grueling match play. Remember, at last year's Presidents Cup matches, Tiger played very well during the team matches alongside current world number two Jim Furyk. The same can't be said about Tiger's 2004 team matches when playing with Phil Mickelson. Tom Lehman will likely pair Woods and Furyk again this week. Tiger has played well in sigles matches with 3 Amateur Championships, a 10-1 record in playoffs on the PGA Tour, and a 2-1-1 record in the Ryder Cup. Tiger has always struggles in the team portion though with a combined record of 5-10-1. Tiger has earned 8 Ryder Cup points during his career.

Ryder Cup Countdown:Delay

If the American Ryder Cup team is looking for good signs for victory, they are looking in the wrong place. This year's Ryder Cup kicked off by the U.S. team arriving in Ireland three hours late. Captain Tom Lehman said the delay was mostly due to too much luggage on the chartered flight. Luckily, America's best were already over there. Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods have been in the U.K. for a week after playing in the HSBC Match Play Championship. Both players were eliminated by lesser ranked opponents in the very first round as their European counterparts flourished. Woods was spotted yesterday in the crowd at a Liverpool FC vs. Chelsea football (our soccer) game.

Curtis Finds 2nd Victory This Year

Ben Curtis just needed a 70 to hold off fellow third round leader Charles Howell III to find his second victory of the season, his third of his career. Ben Curtis is quickly establishing himself as a player after first winning the British Open during his rookie 2003 season. After that victory, Curtis's game dropped off, not finding another win until this year during the Booz Allen Classic, a 7 stroke victory found on a rain delayed Tuesday finish. Curtis's 3rd victory will cement him as the reigning champion for the rest of eternity in two events, the Booz Allen and the 84 LUMBER Classic. Charles Howell III was not able to find any scoring opportunities, shooting an even par 72 to take second place. Howell III has not been in contention very often, so staying close to the lead is probably a good sign of improvement for Howell. Ted Purdy, who was near the top of the leaderboard during the first day, shot a 5 under par 67 to get to third.

Poulter Blows Field Away

The Madrid Masters finished this morning with Ian Poulter no surrendering any part of his lead, and shooting 69 to get his first European Tour title in two years by five strokes. Poulter finished the Madrid Masters with a five stroke win, his first win on the European Tour since beating Sergio Garcia in a playoff at the Volvo Masters two years ago. Aside from Poulter's victory, Darren Clarke, whose wife died on August 13th, shot even par 72 to finish at 7 under par. Both Poulter and Clarke will be members of the European Ryder Cup team to be contested next week at the K Club. Both European Tour events were won this week by English European Ryder Cup team members, giving extra momentum to the European Squad as they roll into Ireland next week.

Casey Takes HSBC, Micheels Hot Streak Ends

The HSBC Match Play Championship, an event associated with the European Tour, ended this morning in England with Paul Casey soundly destroying Shaun Micheel. Englishmen Paul Casey, a member of next week's European Ryder Cup team, never let Micheel back into the match during the 36 hole final, beating Micheel in only 28 holes. The final score would be Casey winning 10 and 8. American Shaun Micheel surely had to still be happy. After having a huge drought following his first career victory, the PGA Championship, Micheel has not cashed a winner's check, or any big checks in a long while. Paul casey is one of England's most promising players, and will go into the Ryder Cup matches in Ireland at the almer designed K Club with a lot of momentum following his victory.

Howell III Tied With Curtis Atop Leaderboard

After a long weather delay, Charles Howell III was able to make a charge atop the leaderboard to tie with Ben Curtis at 12 under. Curtis, the 2003 British Open Champion, was sporting Pittsburgh Steelers colors, by the way Curtis is a Cleveland Browns fan, as he shot a 69 to hold onto the lead. Ryan Moore, the UNLV graduate who is looking for his first win in his rookie season with a tour card, shot a 71 to fall out of the lead and into a tie for sixth place. Only one stroke behind the two leaders is Hunter Mahan who regained his PGA TOUR card last season. Also moving into the top 10 is Brett Quigley, a long driver who fired a 68 today. 14 players are with 4 strokes of the leaders.

Madrid Masters:Poulter Has 4 Stroke Lead, Clarke Still Strong

The European Tour's Madrid Masters carried a bigger storyline than in year's past mainly due to Northern Irishmen Darren Clarke's return to competitive golf. Clarke's wife had been battling with breast cancer, and as the condition got worse, Clarke decided to end his season after the British Open in order to spend time with his wife. Clarke's would die in mid-August during the week of the International. Despite the death of Clarke's loved one, he expressed interest in playing on the European Ryder Cup team as a captain's pick by Ian Woosnam, entering himself in the Madrid Masters in order to prepare for the Ryder Cup next week. After being out of competitive golf for several months and having a major death, Clarke is playing like he hadn't left in 25th place right now with a cumulative seven under par, and only four strokes behind the ninth position. Clarke surely has proven that he was a worthwile pick for European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam. Englishman Ian Poulter is dominating this week shooting a 64 today to move to ninteen under par and carrying a four stroke lead over Ricardo Gonzalez.

Ryder Cup Countdown:Verplank Ready Or Not?

American Ryder Cup captain's pick Scott Verplank insists that a rib injury sustained last year while visiting a chiropractor has not effected Verplank's game.

Verplank has been called repeatedly by U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Tom Lehman to make sure that Verplank will be ready for the matches starting on September 21st and the K Club. Despite Verplank's answer saying he was alright, his play has not been as he fails to make another cut at the 84 Lumber Classic, shooting a 78 on Friday. Verplank's season has not gone all that well without a single victory, and recently has failed to make several cuts. Lehman may be regretting choosing Verplank over Davis Love III who was in contention a couple weeks ago at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, only a week after failing to be chosen. Though Love III and Verplank were very close picks, Love III was realistic saying that he didn't deserve to make it if he couldn't do it through the points list or playing convincingly enough to be a sure pick. The Ryder Cup will begin on September 21st and be played through September 23rd in various matches. All matches will take place at the K Club, an Arnold Palmer design located near Dublin, Ireland.

HSBC Match Play Championship: Semis

The semifinals of the HSBC Match Play Championship in Wentworth, England finished the semifinal rounds this morning.

The semifinal was certainly missing some star power, most notably Tiger Woods and jim Furyk, the world best and second best players. Furyk was coming off a victory at the Canadian Open last week at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

Match 1:
Paul Casey def.
Colin Montgomerie 5 up

Match 2:
Shaun Micheel def.
Rober Karlsson 1 up

The final will be fought between American PGA Champion Shaun Micheel and 2006 European Ryder Cupper Paul Casey. Micheel continued his hot streak this week following two unpredicatble victories against Tiger Woods and Luke Donald. Three of the four finalists were member of the European Ryder Cup team, the exception being Micheel who is an American but has not had a single win in an official money event since winning his first and only major.

Feeds and E-Mail

Quick report on some of our site's new features, those being the added feeds. If you have used RSS Feeds in the past or use a program such as MyAOL or MyYahoo then I am sure you are jumping out of seat due to excitement. What the link on the right side of the page titled RSS Feed is is a selection of RSS Feed programs so that are stories can be sent directly to you without the pain of typing in the URL. If you have not used an RSS Feed before, and nor do you have any of the prgrams, no problem. For your convenience, you can enter your e-mail at the very bottom of the page in the text box and our stories will be sent directly to you. I strongly recommend using these programs, and if you dislike either than you unsubscribe. Keep on Reading!

Moore Hunting First Win, Tied With Curtis

Ryan Moore, former U.S. Amateur, NCAA, and Public Links champion, is tied with Ben Curtis after shooting a five under 67. Ben Curtis followed his Thursday 66 with a strong 3 under 69. The two leaders tied at 69 are followed by two players tied at 8 under. Sean O'Hair, winner of the 2005 John Deere Classic, shot a 69 along with Charles Howell III. Five players are tied at two back including yesterday's leader Nicholas Thompson. The story of the day was definitely that surround teen golfer Michelle Wie who will turn 17 next month, who was not able to make the cut. Wie shot an 81 following her 77 yesterday to finish at 15 under in last place. Though Wie came in last place, she was in good company alongside several major winners including Todd Hamilton, Justin Leonard, and John Daly. John Daly, a former British Open champion, is coming off one of the worst seasons during his career sitting in 189th place on the TOUR's official money list. Daly has usually performed well in the 84 Lumber Classic, playing each year due to his endorsement contract with the 84 Lumber Company. Last year's champion Jason Gore made the cut shooting 70 on Friday to finish the first two days at one under par. Another notable player making the cut is Jason Day who I wrote about earlie in the week. The eighteen year old Austrailian has now made 5 out of his first 6 cuts on the PGA Tour. Jason Day looks to bypass Tour Qualifying school and earn his tour card for the 2007 season by playing well enough in his sponsor's exemptions this year. At one over par, two strong days could put Day in the top 25.

Wie Struggles, Shoots 81

Teenage golf sensation Michelle Wie was not able to find much success at the 84 Lumber Classic on either day. Wie's game was not able to keep up with Mystic Rock's layout which is well over 7,500 yards. Starting with a 5 over 77, she followed with an 81 to find herself in dead last place following a poor tournament a week before at the OMEGA Masters in Switzerland. The biggest issue for Wie was her inability to hit GIR, and having difficulty putting with 35 putts and 33 putts on Thursday and Friday respectively. Wie was only able to find one birdie over the two days of play. Despite poor play, Wie still attracted the largest crowds of any player. Even though she has struggled in the last two weeks, Wie was optimistic after the round saying that she is prepared to hit the gym and continue working. It is hard to say that Wie's appearance in tournament is a bad thing as some have argued, Wie, like Tiger Woods, is an instant ticket seller. In all honesty, Wie did not have much of a chance at the present of playing well on such a hard golf course. Rounds are still continuing as Ben Curtis and Ryan Moore share the lead with several players till out on the course.

Day Two of HSBC

The second day of the HSBC Match Play Championship in Wentworth, England was missing many of golf's biggest names, especially the number one, two, five, and seventh player on the World Ranking. Yes, the two American Ryder Cuppers were ousted in the first day of play, but another American has emerged after several years of medicre ply. Shaun Micheel, a PGA Championship winner, has began to find his game agin as he beats Luke Donald 4 and 2, only a day after beating Tiger Woods in similar fashion. Day two's bracket finished as:

Match 1:

Colin Montgomerie def.

Michael Cambell 1 Up

Match 2:

Paul Casey def.

Mike Weir 5 and 3

Match 3:

Rovert Karlsson def.

Angel Cabrera 4 and 3

Match 4:

Shaun Micheel def.

Luke Donald 4 and 2

HSBC Match Play Championship: Falling Stars

Many of the stars at the HSBC Match Play Championship, a European Tour event with a field of 16 players, fell to some of their lesser known counterparts. Most notably, world number one Tiger Woods was ousted four and two by former PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel who has struggled ever since his major victory. Thursday matches went as follows:

Match 1:

*Michael Campbell Def.

Simon Khan ----------3 and 1

Match 2
David Howell

Colin Montgomerie---1 up

Match 3
Retief Goosen

Paul Casey------6 and 4

Match 2

Adam Scott

Mike Weir-----3 and 2

Match 5
Jim Furyk

Robert Karlsson----4 and 3

Match 6
Ernie Els

Angel Cabrera----2 and 1

Match 7
Luke Donald

Tim Clark----2 up

Match 8
Tiger Woods

Shaun Micheel----4 and 2

*Bold Denotes Champion

Thompson Takes Lead, Wie Falters Again

Nicholas Thompson, a golf unknown, unbelievably leads at the 84 Lumber Classic in Farmington, PA after the first day of play. The 23 year old, Florida native, is 8 under after day one. He is currently ranked 181st on the PGA money list. That, of course, would change dramatically should he pull off a Cinderella win. First place at the 84 Lumber Classic pays a whopping $828,000.
Thompson, who has been a pro for less than a year, attempted to make the field 26 times this year. 17 of those times, he failed. His best finish was a sixth place tie at the July B.C. Open.
6 players are tied for second place at 6 under par: Will MacKenzie, Greg Kraft, Robert Gamez, Ted Purdy, Rory Sabbatini and Ben Curtis.
Crowd favorite, Michelle Wie, respectfully beat some male contenders after the first day of play; John Daly among them. The six foot, one inch phenom ended the day five over par. It is unlikely she will make the cut. The Nemacolin Woodlands course is the third longest course on the PGA. Heavy rains made the course play mch easier and most players had scores in the 60's. Wie, was, however, the most popular player today and had the largest crowds following her.

The TOUR moves to Farmington, Pennsylvania tomorrow for the third and final 84 Lumber Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands

After three years of low scoring, tournament founder Joe Hardy anted upthe big bucks to make course improvements and generally add length wherever it could be found, all of which done by golf architecht Pete Dye. Mystic Rock, the course the entire event is played on, will play as one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour. This course is certainly fit for the "bomb and gouge" players as last year's victor, Jason Gore, average well over 300 yards and was third in the field for total driving distance. This year's Rock will play to a puny 7,516 yards according to the PGA Tour. This week's winner will of course receive a meager 826,000 dollars, part of the 4.6 million dollar purse. This course and course owner have no problems dishing out the dough as Joe Hardy, who founded the 84 Lumber Company, send all of his players Christmas gifts, provides private flights for players to go to their next events, signed John Daly and Vijay Singh to play, and was able to intice Phil Mickelson to play, and barely missed Tiger Woods in 2005. Joe Hardy also made a castle of a clubhouse complete with butler service, private player rooms, and all the other amenities that could not be found anywhere else. It is disappointing to say that this tournament will not be on the 2007 schedule as the 84 Lumber Company did not express interest, despite being offered a spot in the FedEx Cup.

The Next Big Thing? Could Be. Day at the Lumberyard

As the 84 Lumber Classic begins on Thursday, the vigelent eyes of the golf world will shift to teenage "phenomenon" Michelle Wie. And well, Wie deserves it as she tries to make history as the youngest woman ever to make a cut on the PGA Tour. Wie's high aspirations have certainly propelled her to golfing fame despite having no "big" victories, possibly her greatest triumph coming from making a cut at a men's Asian Tour event or her qualifying for the Public Links. Wie will definitely be the most popular teen in the field, but quite possibly the future lies with one of her peers. Jason Day is an 18 year old from Austrailia whose amateur career speaks for itself. Day gave up his amateur status this year so he could play in the John Deere Classic, and he never looked back. In five starts in PGA Tour events, he has made four of those and has nearly had top 10 finishes in two of those events. For those of you keeping score, Wie is 0-6. Though Day has yet to gain huge public support, he certainly has the same high aspirations that the young Wie has. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette said about Jason Day that he, "could be better than Adam Scott and,[...] Greg Norman." Jason Day will look to have a similar finish as tour rookie Jason Gore did last year; victory. Day has an 11th and 13th place finish in the Tour's full field events at the U.S. Bank Championship and Reno-Tahoe Open respectively. The most astounding statistic though is that if he had played two more rounds this year for his statistics to be official he would be the Tour's third longest driver (310) and tenth in accuracy (72%). Day will defnitely be a tour superstar very soon.

HSBC Match Play Championship

The HSBC Match Play Championship kicks off this week in Wentworth, England with an impressive field of 16 players. The field of 16 players who qualfied through a special points list is highlighted by U.S. stars Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk, both of which will be playing in the Ryder Cup matches next week at the K Club in Dublin, Ireland. Tiger will continue his record setting season starting with Shaun Micheel, the 2003 PGA Champion, in the first round. Micheel will not be an easy match as Woods prepares for the Ryder Cup. Micheel's suffered after his first victory of any kind, but has slowly worked his way back into high finishes after the doctor suggested he begin taking testosterone pills. The field also includes European Ryder Cuppers such as Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Angel Cabrera, Paul Casey, and Robert Karllson.

Should Wie or Not?

Michelle Wie will be making her sixth start in a PGA Tour event this week at the 84 Lumber Classic. Read ESPN's debate on why and why not Wie should play in men's golf events. Readers: Should Michelle Wie play in PGA Tour events or not? Post you thoughts in the comment section of the site.

Next Up: 84 Lumber Classic

The PGA Tour moves to Farmington, PA for the final installment of the 84 Lumber Classic. The 84 Lumber Classic, played in a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania suburb, is played at the Mystic Rock course at the Nemacolin Woodslands Resort. The course was recently redesigned by golf legend Pete Dye in order to not only lengthen the course, but make many areas more accesible to spectators. The field will feature former world number one Vijay Singh, fan favorite John Daly, and teenage phenomenon Michelle Wie. Wie will be playing in her eleventh international men's event this week, her first at the 84 Lumber Classic. Wie is coming off her worst fnish in a men's event, fifteen over and dead last at the Europea Tour's OMEGA Masters. Wie will hope to make her second cut on a men's tour following her first ever made cut at an Asian Tour event earlier this year. Wie withdrew from the field last year after receiving a sponsor's exemption by 84 Lumber Classic and company founder Joe Hardy due to the length of the course. Mystic Rock will play as one of the longest of the tour's venues this season to help offset the low scoring of years past. The tournament features a total purse of 4.6 million dollars. Last year's champion, Jason Gore, will return to defend his title despite a tough season so far. Gore found his first Tour victory in one of his first starts on the Tour while having his card following his promotion from the Nationwide Tour. Some favorites this week may be Vijay Singh who lost to Tiger Woods on a Monday battle at the TPC of Boston during the Deutsche Bank Championship. The long driving Brett Wetterich is certainly in the mix as his distance will help beat the Rock's massive length.

"O Canada" Furyk Wins Again, Beats Lefty in World

Jim Furyk found his second victory of the 2006 PGA Tour season after shooting a 65 to edge by Bart Bryant. Furyk received the Canadian Maple Lead encrusted trophy surrounded by two Mounties en route to moving into the world's second ranked postition. Furky has perhaps edged past former world number two, Phil Mickelson as the "most likely to present some sort of threat to Tiger Woods". Bart Bryant was unable to make a long birdie putt on 18 to force a playoff with Furyk, so Furyk was able to quit trying to stay warm on the range and accept his prize. Noone else was able to make any type of charge to match Furyk's Sunday 65 as Jonathan Byrd, a third round leader, shot an even par 70, Sean O'Hair a 68, and Justin Rose a 74. The young Englishmen Rose has been in contention or leading in both the Deutsche Bank and the Canadian Open and has not been able to put together a decent final round. Rose has three international victories, none of which have came on the PGA Tour. The Tour will move to Farmington, PA for the 84 Lu,mber Classic. The final installment of the 84 Lumber Classic will feature Michelle Wie and Vijay Singh at Mystic Rock.

A Wie Problem?

Michelle Wie played in her 10th men's professional golf tournament at the European Tour's OMEGA Masters. Wie failed to meet the two day cut coming in dead last at 15 over par in her tenth international start. After defending her right to play with men during the entire week, she was unable to come through with her first cut made on a top tie men's tour. Wie did make a cut earlier this year in an Asian Tour event, but has struggled in all events played since. Wie will play this week at the 84 Lumber Classic, a PGA Tour event, in Farmington, PA. Mystic Rock, the course for the 84 Lumber will be the longest course that she has ever played.

Furyk Dominates, Shoots 63

The best statistic to summarize Jim Furyk's day would be the fact that he did not miss a single putt within fifteen feet. Jim Furyk of West Chester, Pennsylvania dominated Hamilton Golf and Country Club as he putted his way to a 63, and the lead. Only two weeks removed since his third place at the WGC Bridgestone, Furyk has put himself in postition to win again. Furyk will be playing for America in the Ryder Cup in two weeks and surely will bring some momentum with him. Brandt Jobe trails Furyk by a single stroke shooting 64 and staying barely ahead of a whole slew of players at 5 and 4 under. Notable players in contention include Justin Rose who had a lead for some time at the Deutsche Bank Championship, Aaron Obberholser who had a win already this year, and young Sean O'Hair who won the John Deere Classic last year. Mark Calcavecchia, last year's champion, shot a four under 66 to stay in contention. The Hamilton course has been hurt by the players as the last time the Canadian Open was played there, the winning 72 hole score was 8 under, the first day's leader shooting seven under.

The Canadian Open

The Tour will move to Canada this week for the annual Canadian Open. The event in Hamilton, Ontario has a purse of $5 million but brings one of the weakest fieldes talent wise in all of the Tour's events. The early favorite for victory is probably world number two as well as the number two player on the money list, Jim Furyk. Furyk is having one of the best seasons in his career seeming to always be in the hunt. He will hope to build momentum going into the Ryder Cup at the K Club starting on September 21st. Another player who may be able to find the winner's circle this week may be Steve Stricker. Stricker is having a solid season and looking for victory to complement his several top ten finishes. Tiger Woods will not be in the field despite winning in each of the last three weeks, and more impressively winning in each of his last five starts. Mark Calcavecchia will return to Hamilton to defend his title and hope for his first victory of this 2006 season.

Michelle Wie's New Goal: Ryder Cup Spot

Michelle Wie, a 16 year old teenage girl phenomenon, has set a new goal for herself in addition to playing in the Masters: Playing in the Ryder Cup. Wie is currently in Switzerland playing in the European Masters, a men's European Tour event. In response to being asked why she still plays in men's events despite little success, she said, "I am not just doing it for the support I get, I am doing it for myself and my own self happiness. I love playing men's events and the challenge. I feel an adrenaline rush when I play these events and it is a lot of fun." Wie will follow this week's event in Switzerland with another men's event, the 84 Lumber Classic in Farmington, PA which is part of the PGA Tour's Fall Finish. Wie identified her new goal, boldly stating, "Hopefully, I will be able to play the Ryder Cup one day, that would be awesome and I think it is totally possible," Wie played alongside a current Ryder Cupper, Sergio Garcia, in a practice round this week. Wie will look to make her first cut in a PGA Tour event next week.

Can Anyone Stop Tiger?

With a fifth straight victory, golfers everywhere are left to wonder "Who could stop him?". The early favorite was Phil Mickelson who had won two straight majors before losing "it" after that meltdown at the U.S. Open. The only word to describe the player that struggled for years with getting into the winner's circle would be mediocre. Mediocre finishes have really piled up since Winged Foot including few top-50's. Jim Furyk is number three on the world ranking but has never been able to really battle with Tiger, never facing him down in a major championship. Vijay Singh is probably the most likely candidate to end Tiger's streak despite the poor finish at the Deuts