2008 FedEx Cup Point Standings

2008 FedEx Cup Standings after 3 events

1 K.J. Choi

2 Daniel Chopra

3 Rory Sabbatini

4 D.J. Trahan

5 Tiger Woods

6 Justin Leonard

7 Steve Stricker

8. Ryuji Imada

9 Stephen Ames

10 Jerry Kelly

SUMO Saturday Returns

On Saturday, Feb 2, the Nike Golf's new SQ SUMO 5000 and SQ SUMO(2) 5900 drivers will be made available in stores across the United States. According to the company website, "The SQ SUMO 5000 features a traditional rounded club head design providing golfers with added distance while allowing them to shape their shots more. The SQ SUMO(2) 5900 is the next generation of square head drivers that result in longer, straighter shots."

Just like last year, the unveiling of the clubs will be known as SUMO SATURDAY. The clubs are named Sumo for Super Movement.

Retailers hosting special SUMO Saturday events on Feb. 2 include all Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Golfsmith stores. To find a full list of SUMO Saturday retailers as well as additional information about SUMO golf equipment, consumers can log onto Nike.com, click on SUMO Saturday and enter a city and zip code.

"I am getting into my stride..."

Following his massive 8 stroke victory at the Buick Invitational (his fourth consecutive victory at Torrey Pines), Tiger shared his views to the press about tying Arnold Palmer's record for PGA Tour wins.

More surprisingly, Tiger told the media that he feels he is "getting into [his] stride." Hmm. Yeah, these first few years of Tiger's career were sort of disappointing. For those of you considering joining the PGA Tour, Tiger also said: "My best years are yet to come."Poor TOUR professionals.

62: Tiger Catches Arnie

Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer are old friends by this time, from Tiger choosing to play in an exhibition with the "King" without an appearance fee to choosing to playing out of order a few years back in order to play next to Arnie. However, while few would probably argue that Arnie was a "better" player than Tiger relative to his competition, Tiger did equal one of Palmer's great achievements (so, may silence such critics): 62 PGA Tour victories.

Of course, tying Arnie's victory mark came with little fanfare, and certainly would have been a goal (if truly one) that has taken a backseat to larger ones (i.e. beating Jack Nicklaus's record in Major Championships).

For now, it looks like Tiger has another champion down, which means he has few heroes and goals left to chase.

Tiger Woods Wins Fourth Buick Invitational

The Buick Invitational was set at Torrey Pines South Course. Tiger Woods took the lead on the first day and never let go of it. Despite a chilly 60 degree day with brisk winds and four bogeys on the final round, Woods clinched another victory.

It was Woods' fourth consecutive win at the Buick Open. This was only the fourth time in history a player won an event four times in a row. Tiger Woods is now tied with Arnold Palmer with 62 PGA Tour wins. He pocketed $936,000 for the win.

Phil Mickelson, battling a respiratory illness, said that he is looking forward to playing next week in Phoenix. He had no eagles at Torrey Pines, but 16 birdies over four rounds.

Tilghman apologizes for "lynch" comment

Over the years, the PGA Tour has certainly not been immune from racial controversy. However, it was nice to see the Tour enter the 21st century with a fresher perspective on society.

However, golf dominated sports media over the past several weeks due to the comments of Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman. Considering Tilghman usually plays the role of the light analyst on TGC, she slipped big time during a telecast when fellow anchor, Nick Faldo, asked what a young player would have to do to catch Tiger.

Tilghman's response: "Lynch him in a back alley."

In La Jolla, California, Tilghman told the world during the Buick Championship telecast, "In a recent live broadcast, I used an inappropriate word that was offensive to many. Over the last two weeks I've taken the time to reflect and truly understand the impact of what I said. While I did not intend to offend anyone, I understand why those words were hurtful. I am terribly sorry for any hurt that I have caused. I would like to express my deepest apologies."

While it seems as though the issue involving Tilghman may have been put to rest (Tiger Woods and his representatives, IMG, did not attack Tilghman), the issue is far more complex. In fact, the issue received massive publicity when Golfweek published a cover with a noose, which ultimately led to the firing of editor Dave Seanor.

Kevin Streelman will give Tiger a go on Saturday

For years, statistics have shown that the most gruesome, terrifying experience for players on the PGA Tour (reflected by their scoring average) is playing in the same group as Tiger Woods.

Why wouldn't it? Tiger attracts the biggest, loudest crowds who will surely erupt after every single one of Tiger's shots. Of course, Tiger will pull off unbelievable feats of golfing greatness as you try to play alongside him. Also worth noting, dealing with the intimidation of a number one player in any sport is tough.

So, it appears that Kevin Streelman is in for a tough ride on Saturday at the Buick Invitational. Streelman, who is a PGA Tour rookie, made it into the Buick field as the last alternate, which forced him to prepare for the tournament with uncertainty.

However, in Streelman's 7th PGA Tour start, rounds of 67 and 69 have put him in contention...and in Tiger's group.

Streelman, who attended Duke University, still trails Tiger by four strokes. Of course, it will be interesting to see whether or not the 29 year old will be able to keep up with Tiger in the first high pressure, PGA Tour moment of his career.

TIger Woods Announces Fist Pump Challenge

At TigerWoods.Com an online contest called the Fist Pump Challenge has been announced. It designed for kids to identify and share their greatest achievements. Children write down their proudest accomplisments at the foundation website.

Woods shares that his first "fist pump moment" came at age 11 when he beat his father for the first time on the golf course.

Prizes include Ipods, Tiger Woods '08 EA Video Games and gift cards.

Choi Takes Sony Open

Hawaii's Sony Open, which, in recently, has relied on gimmicks for popularity, allowed K.J. Choi to show his mettle against a talented field this year. Choi, who had a four stroke lead on Sunday, struggled through his final 18, posting a score over par.

However, Choi's tough final round was still good enough for the win, as he did lead runner up Rory Sabbatini by a healthy three strokes. So, even with a Sunday 71, Choi took home $954,000.

While Michelle Wie did not play this year (as she had in past seasons), last year's hero, Tadd Fujikawa, did not find a repeat performance. Last year, Fujikawa made the cut as a 16 year old amateur, which led to widespread support. However, since then, Fujikawa has turned professional and not found the same success. Tadd struggled with an opening 36 of 74 and 70, which left him well outside the tournament's cutline.

Former President George Bush gets USGA award

Former President George Bush has been chosen to receive the Bob Jones Award from the US Golf Association on Feb. 9 at their annual meeting in Houston, Texas. It is the organization's highest honor.

The Bush Family has a longstanding golf history. His grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was president of the USGA in 1920. He inspired the Walker Cup. Bush's father, was USGA president in 1935.

This is only the second time the award is being given to a non-golfer. In 1978, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were honored.

You, too, can play the US Open

Do you remember at the 2007 US Open at Oakmont Country Club when Tiger Woods said that there was no way a 10-handicapper would hit under 100 on the course conditions?

That comment motivated Golf Digest to create a new contest. You, an average golfer, could play at Torrey Pines Golf Course in the days right before this year's US Open. You will play with three celebrity golfers. Your round will be featured on ABC prior to the final round of the US Open.

Mercedes-Benz Championship Hard to Get to

Everyone knows that the Mercedes-Benz Champ-ionship in Kapalua, Hawaii is hard to get to. It is a winners only tournament. But for competitor, Boo Weekley, getting to the destination, itself, was difficult.

The Associated Press is reporting that Weekley was held up in Florida, appropriately, by airport security because two bullets from his rifle were found in his carry-on bag. He had used the bag during a hunting trip to Illinois.


He finally arrived in Atlanta, but missed his connection. Weekley, his wife, son and in-laws got a flight the next day to Los Angeles. They were at LAX for nine hours due to airport delays. He arrived in Hawaii about 48 hours after he left home in Florida.


The good news, it will only be a 31-man field. Tiger Woods is skipping the event for the third consecutive time. Mickelson won't play either. Last time he played was 2001. Padraig Harrington is on break in Ireland. Finally, Adam Scott has bailed out citing exhaustion.