Retief Goosen continues to apologize to Tiger over comments

If there is one unspoken rule in professional golf, many would contend that it is, "Don't mess with Tiger." Unprecedented fan support, a cut throat IMG public relations team, and the skill to back up his status as the world's best make Tiger (pictured left) a figure that most PGA Tour professionals know not to slip up with.

Even the young Tiger Woods has a similar affect before much of the fame and fortune when Fuzzy Zoeller's racist comments at Augusta essentially led to 0 support from golf fans.

Last week, with Tiger Woods out of the game, the media fired questions about what the PGA Tour would be like without Tiger at everyone from the players to commissioner Tim Finchem.

One player, most certainly, slipped up. Retief Goosen (pictured right), when asked about whether or not Tiger's injury was faked, told the media, "I think so. It just seemed that when he hit a bad shot his knee was in pain and on his good shots he wasn’t in pain. You see when he made the putts and he went down on his knees and was shouting, ‘Yeah’, his knee wasn’t sore."

Whoops. Possibly the most surprising thing is that this comment came from Goosen, who not only is a PGA Tour veteran with two U.S Open titles, but one of the most calm headed players in the game (which many credit to the fact that Goosen has been struck by lightning as many times as he has won major championships).

Goosen later apologized for the comment to the media, but has continued to try to apologize to the world's best player through his blog. Goosen wrote, "It would be impossible for me to talk about last week without commenting on the media reports. Talk about putting my foot in my mouth! Actually my comments after Tiger won the Open were intended to be tongue in cheek, and certainly not the way they appeared in print. But they did, and I wholeheartedly apologise for that and intend to contact Tiger to explain this to him."

ZealousGolfer.com Product Reviews: The Putting Arc

While a focus on swing mechanics is nothing new to dedicated golfers, the average hacker has rarely given much attention to their putting stroke. Indeed, though putting woes affect virtually every golfer, whether evidenced in a player's struggles to sink three footers or terrible control from long distances, many golfers have failed to address their faults in this part of the game.

Thus, the Putting Arc, which the company claims is used frequently by over 700 professional golfers, may revolutionize your game.

Background:

The Putting Arc was the product of the vision of three men: V.J. Trolio, a teaching professional from Mississippi drove the idea of "the perfect putting stroke," Joey Hamilton, an engineer who was responsible for perfecting the math and physics behind the product, and Dave Hamilton, who handled manufacturing as an expert engineer-inventor himself.

Today, the Putting Arc is found on every professional tour. Fans who have attended professional events over the past several years have almost certainly encountered this product when watching players on the practice green.

Naturally, with so much support from golf's best players, ZealousGolfer.com was extremely excited to review this product.

Technology:

For the review, I played for several months with the MSIII Putting Arc, which, unlike the other models, is made out of black plastic. Nothing too exciting here. However, this Arc weighed in at only two pounds at 33 inches in length. While not a technological advancement, the company definitely got it right in making a product that most players could manage to put in their bag, cart, or locker after walking off the putting green.

More importantly, the arc of the Putting Arc is what makes the product so successful. While my lack of a degree in physics most likely prevents me from doing the sophistication of this product justice, I will do my best to explain based on the company's explanation. If you are still interested in how this works to perfect your swing, I strongly urge you to give the Putting Arc's website a look.

Basically, the putting stroke functions much like the full swing in that the easiest way to control distance and accuracy is by maintaining a certain "plane" over the course of the movement. Indeed, deviating from said "plane" leads the putter to come toward the ball offline. Consequently, golfers who continually practice this poor, off-plane motion will be forced to compensate by manipulating the putter head during the swing in an attempt to bring the putter face back to square in order to hit the putt on line. Unfortunately, when added motions like this are ingrained into a player's putting stroke, the probability of error increases substantially. Thus, players looking to strike the ball with more accuracy and better control of distance must change the putting stroke to remain on plane.

The Putting Arc teaches a player to strike the ball with the "perfect stroke" because its designers have deduced mathematically the radius of the swing plane based the axis of rotation, a golfer's spine angle, the height of the shoulders propelling the putter forward and backward, and many other factors. However, those these factors change from golfer to golfer, the Putting Arc still provides the perfect radius based on the combination of the geometric properties of these factors.

The next question is, "Does it work?" Or more simply, "Is this necessary?"

My Thoughts:

Yes and yes. The Putting Arc is an effective means by which a golfer can retrain himself or herself to putt consistently on the correct plane. Mind you, it takes time. Just like any other swing change in the game of golf, a player will only find success with this product if they are dedicated to making the swing change.

On the bright side, this product makes it relatively easy to devote yourself to making the change. For one, the manufacturer made an excellent decision when placing small holes on the far ends of the Putting Arc, which make it very easy to peg down the product when putting on any green. However, when you cannot place tees in the ground to keep the Putting Arc in place, you still are pretty safe. The product has strips of griptape permanently attached to the bottom, which stick very well to carpet (just in case you would like to putt within your home or in the office).

While the product is only 33" in length, it is long enough to hit basically any length of putt.

Another stellar feature for the Putting Arc is the "Arc Glider" attachment. The attachments costs slightly less than $8.00 and can be found on the company's website. As they say, the Arc Glider turns the Putting Arc "into a putting machine." Indeed, with the attachment connected to your putter with Velcro or rubber bands (included with attachment), becoming a better putter requires virtually no effort on your part: your body feels what the correct movement feels like as the club stays on track with the attachment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Putting Arc is a spectacular way to improve your putting. One of the biggest problems golfers face with their full swing is not knowing what a "correct swing" feels like. This issue simply isn't a problem on the putting green after you have used this product.

Quite simply, anyone can become a solid putter by using the Putting Arc frequently. Though, becoming a master of putting requires quite a few hours of practice (keep in mind the professionals still practice while using this aid), at least you now have the tools to become successful.

The Putting Arc may be purchased at many major golf retailers, but also may be purchased from the Putting Arc's website for $69.95. Because of its ease in use and the amazing results, ZealousGolfer.com gives the Putting Arc 5 out of 5 stars. Good work.

Interested in having a product reviewed? Check out our information on ZealousGolfer.com product reviews.

2013 Women's Open heads to Long Island

As the world's best female golfers fight for the U.S. Women's Open title, the USGA has announced a future location for the tournament. The Women's Open will be staged on Long Island for the first time in the tournament's history at Sebonack Golf Club.

The course, designed by legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, opened only in 2006.

This will mark the first time that the U.S. Women's Open has been played in New York state since the 1973 edition played at Winged Foot.

Buick Open Footage: Daly's tee shot off of his favorite style of tee

Like I said before, without Tiger, it isn't easy to market. While Woods would not be at the Buick Open, the tournament's last hope that classy and well-liked players like Jim Furyk and Rocco Mediate would attract attention. Though, another opportunity to gain some fan attention came with inviting John Daly to play.

Sure, Daly should have been banned from the game after subjecting the world to footage of "Long John" smacking it around without a shirt. However, the class act has provided some more interesting video for the golf world.



In his defense, whoever ok'd this pro-am group was truly the one at fault. Notice his playing partner sporting overalls is fellow class act Kid Rock.

Hurst and Young Oh lead Women's Open

The amateur has been absent from the top of leaderboards in the U.S. Open for quite some time in the men's golf world. However, an astounding performance by a Colombian amateur in the U.S. Women's Open has put a different class of golfer in contention.

Maria Jose Uribe finished in a tie for fourth place at four under par after the tournament's initial 18 holes. Uribe, who quickly found massive grounds surrounding her as she played, is currently a student at UCLA. Despite being relatively untested at this point in her career, Uribe claimed, “I like to play under pressure, so I was looking forward to it and I knew that I was going to play good today.”

Pat Hurst, who finished at 6 under par after an eagle on Interlachen Country Club's second hole, is tied for first with Ji Young Oh of South Korea. Oh, who made over $148,000 on the LPGA Tour in 2007 as a rookie, has not yet captured an LPGA Tour title.

Lorena Ochoa finished in a tie for 33rd at even par with three birdies and three bogies during the day. Last year's champion, Cristie Kerr, is far back in a tie for 21st at one under par.

13 year old Alexis Thompson, after a 2 over par front nine, played the back nine at even par to finish at +2 after 18 holes. However, the 13 year old Thompson is currently tied with Annika Sorenstam (pictured in the upper left), who struggled on Thursday with four bogies.

Michelle Wie (pictured right) is fighting to stay out of last after an 8 over par round. Wie is currently in a tie for 146th out of the 156 players in the field. Despite being only one over par after 8 holes, a 9 on the ninth hole, a 379 yard par four, led to her high score of 81.

Women's U.S. Open: 13 year old Thompson set to return to the championship

40 women will play in America's national championship for ladies for the first time of their careers. 13 year old Alexis Thompson (pictured left) will not be one of them. Thompson, the sister of PGA Tour player Nicholas Thompson, became the youngest woman to qualify for the Women's U.S. Open last year.

Though, Alexis is not exactly the same player she was the last time she played in the championship. The 5'3" 12 year old has grown into a 5'8" 13 year old when she walks onto Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota.

Still the youngest player in the field, Thompson is certainly a long shot to win and facing an uphill battle to make the cut. However, reflecting on her experience last year, Thompson said, “It definitely helped me a lot.” She continued:
“It just showed me how good I have to be and how I, like, have to present myself out there—with attitude.”

Thompson finished in second to last place at Pine Needles last year after finishing 36 holes at 16 over par.

Without Tiger, Furyk is ready to roar

The Buick Open was supposed to be a showcase of Tiger's power over the golf world. He would have given a clinic at Comerica Park, the first time he would have given golf instruction in a stadium setting. Pictures of Tiger Woods covered the local airport in preparation for the event. Buick, the sponsor of the Buick Open and Tiger Woods, used the World's number one player as the focus of their advertisements on the course. Now, the Buick Open isn't looking so hot.

Last year, the tournament's most exciting moment (though there was little competition) was the 12 foot putt on the 18th hole during Sunday's round sunk by Brian Bateman. With that putt, the relatively unknown PGA Tour player captured his first PGA Tour victory.

Bateman is again in the field. With little competition from the world's best players, it is not unfeasible that Bateman may capture another victory at the Buick. However, former U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk (pictured left) will enter the tournament as the highest ranked player in the field (12th in the World Ranking).

Thus, while the fanfare accompanying any Tiger Woods attended tournament will be absent, this will certainly be the PGA Tour's first opportunity to prove that they can do without Tiger. Perhaps a more reasonable goal might be to demonstrate that the Tour can survive without its best players.

Tiger undergoes successful knee surgery

Tiger Woods underwent his second knee surgery within the last ten weeks today. Fortunately, doctors stated that it was "highly unlikely" that the surgery would cause any long-term effects.

Dr. Thomas Rosenberg, the surgeon who performed the procedure on Tuesday in Utah, stated that he was pleased with the results given the situation going into the surgery.

While Tiger Woods has had trouble for most of his professional career with his left knee, Tiger told the Associated Press that the injury came while jogging after the Open Championship last year.

Vijay vs. Paul Casey: A work ethic battle

Former world number one Vijay Singh may have picked a fight with the wrong crowd. Vijay, notable for his unbelievable and unparalleled work ethic at and outside of tournaments, commented that the young English players are becoming satisfied with their success and have began to enter a "comfort zone."

Paul Casey (pictured left), who led the U.S. Open last year and has claimed 8 European Tour victories, is now fighting back. While Casey has defended his own work, stating, "I would invite Vijay along to do exactly what I do on weeks off and see how he goes, invite him to the gym with me for instance,” Casey also believes that Vijay's work ethic may do more harm than good. He explained that, for instance, Tiger Woods "plays his practice rounds very, very early, hits some balls, hits some putts and gets out of there, conserving his energy. That’s the way I do it and I think I work hard enough."

Only time will tell how the young English crowd consisting of players like Paul Casey, Justin Rose, and Ian Poulter will respond to Vijay's criticism.

ZealousGolfer.com Product Reviews: FiZ Golf

Traditionally, golf cleaning products have never been the most exciting technological developments in the golf world. However, multiple companies have, over the past several years, seen the need for on and off the course cleaning products and have succeeded in creating some stellar ways to maintain clean sticks.

One company that has taken on such a task is FiZ Golf, based out of North America. Today, ZealousGolfer.com will review FiZ's unique cleaning agent for irons and woods.

Background:

FiZ Golf was founded, according to company president Aaron Heap, during the 2006 golf season. Dirty clubs that robbed them of distance and accuracy as well as being aesthetically unappealing plagued a group of golfers, like most players. Hence, FiZ Golf was born.

Today, FiZ’s packaging includes a statement on the side explaining the “Dirty Truth.” A mission statement of sorts, the “Dirty Truth” explains, “You’ve spent thousands on your gear to have soil rob you of distance and accuracy. Foaming at the mouth is not the answer to cleaner gear or a polished game.”

The Product:

When you receive FiZ, you will get a green container that fits the bottle containing the cleaning solution. The bottle is approximately four or five inches tall, which would fit easily in any golf bag. Moreover, the bottle’s cap has a large hook that allows for the bottle to be hooked onto the golf bag for convenience.

The product functions pretty simply. Much like a canister of AXE deodorant or a similar product, the user must only press the cap on top to dispense the foam cleaning agent. One must only spray to any area on the club or ball with significant grass stains or loose dirt.

FiZ Golf claims on their website that the product will last, if used frequently, for 100 or more holes. Though, from my experience, a small spray may cover the entire face of the driver effectively rather easily.

In addition to the foam, the canister includes a small pad which is covered in firm bristles. These, as I found, are effective in rubbing away the dirt and grass stains after the foam has already been applied to the clubface or golf ball cover.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I believe that FiZ is an excellent golf product. As the company’s website explains, FiZ is a substantially better alternative to saliva and any other bodily fluid one may try to use in order to clean their golf product. From my own experience with FiZ, the cleaning agent was excellent in eliminating the dirt and grass stains that have been on my clubs for months. Plus, having the product readily available seemed to encourage me to clean my clubs for once.

However, the only major drawback I saw was the problem of disposing of the foam after spraying it. Though one can remove the foam quite easily with a towel, after using the product for 18 holes, the towel may become very damp and covered with foam. Another problem with disposing of the foam is the residue left on the bristles. Indeed, after scrubbing the club or ball, foam will inevitably become stuck deep inside the bristles of the pad. While this is not a great problem for those who hang the product on their bag, golfers who would prefer to place it inside their bag or in their pocket may find foam in unfortunate spots.

On the five star ZealousGolfer.com scale, we have given FiZ four out of five starts for its excellence in cleaning golf products, but with a slight drawback in removing the foam. For more information, make sure to check out FizGolf.com and look for the product in golf retail stores soon.

Interested in having a product reviewed? Check out our information on ZealousGolfer.com product reviews.

Cink goes low in Connecticut to win the Travelers

Stewart Cink has been through a tough season. Eh, for a top player, I guess winning over $3,000,000 in the first half of the season isn't spectacular when he has failed to find victory. Cink, no stranger to PGA Tour victories, has struggled to find victory since a disastrous finish at the PODS Championship in March.

This time around though, Cink wasn't going to lose the lead in the fourth round. Cink shot a solid 67 to finish the tournament at 18 under par, one stroke safe from defending champion Hunter Mahan and the resurging Tommy Armour III. Mahan and Armour III finished at one stroke back, both having climbed the leaderboard with twin 65s in the fourth round.

Thus, Cink claimed another PGA Tour victory and $1,080,000 of the Travelers Championship purse.

Heath Slocum, who started the day in second place, fell to fourth on Sunday after coming up short by two strokes with a 67 to match Cink. Vijay Singh's (pictured right) Sunday 68 left him in fifth place for the week.

Ryder Cup implications from Tiger's injury?

The shocking news after a stunning Monday victory at the U.S. Open that Tiger Woods would undergo surgery to repair his knee, thus ending his 2008 campaign, certainly sent the golf world into a state of chaos. Commentators as diverse as Jay Leno questioned the PGA Tour's ability to stay afloat with its most memorable champion out of the game.

Tim Finchem explained to the press that the game of golf would go on. The R&A, which exercises control over the world's most prestigious major championship, declared that the Open Championship had succeeded without strong performances by Tiger before, and would produce a strong competition in his absence.

Another lingering question was America's hopes to turn the tides in the bi-annual Ryder Cup. At least, this 2008 edition appeared to give America some chance to oust the Europeans: a strong Tiger Woods, some talented young players at the top of their games, and home-field advantage at Valhalla in Kentucky.

While it seems relatively intuitive that Tiger's absence will negatively affect the American team, Open champion Nick Faldo (pictured right) had a different thought. He explained, “But on the other, they know that they don’t have the option to bank on Tiger this year, and I’m sure they’ll all pull together because of that.” Indeed, Faldo has expressed his concern that the Americans may actually rally behind their loss and finally see strong play across the entire team.

Monday Final: Woods vs. Mediate

Epic.

Tiger Woods, billed as the first player to win the "Grand Slam," recovered from a devastating loss at Augusta National and a knee surgery to find himself in a playoff for the title. Rocco Mediate (left) has quite a different story.

Mediate, who has won five events on the PGA Tour during career, has no major championships. He qualified to play in this event a day short of two weeks when he steps onto the tee box tomorrow. The last time he had a chance at winning the major, he was leading the 2006 Masters. However, Mediate found himself falling off the leaderboard after a sextuple bogey on the 12th at Augusta. Mediate then removed himself from competitive golf in 2007 while performing the duties of on-course commentator for the Golf Channel.

Despite being two completely different players (most notably, Tiger's World Ranking at 1, Rocco's World Ranking at 158), they are almost character foils. Woods, the exciting, young, star almost groomed to be in this position by men like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. On the other hand, Rocco would become the oldest player in U.S. Open history to claim the title at age 45 if he were to beat Tiger tomorrow.

The last time Woods and Rocco have played together competitively was at the Phoenix Open in 1999. Mediate led the tournament by six strokes, but ultimately won with three strokes to spare over Tiger.

Regardless, this playoff will most certainly be a show.

Tiger converts putt on 18th to force a playoff at the U.S. Open

It's a common fact for the golf world at this point that Tiger Woods doesn't lose when he is in control. In fact, he has never lost a major championship when leading the tournament after 54 holes. This was the scenario at the 2008 U.S. Open: Tiger Woods one stroke ahead of the nearest competitor. However, the Tiger of this U.S. Open is, ultimately, weaker than usual. Coming off of an extended break due to surgery, fans saw Woods noticeably coping with his industry.

By the 72 hole for Woods, playing in the final group, it looked like his run might be over. Rocco Mediate, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, sat in the clubhouse with a solid one strong lead over Tiger. Thus, as Mediate watched the broadcast, he knew only one thing could deprive him of his first major championship: Tiger's usual.

Woods stood on the 18th green in two, 12 feet from the cup. Naturally, the world's greatest player sunk the putt to send the U.S. Open to a Monday playoff.

Tomorrow, Mediate and Woods will engage in an 18 hole head-on-head battle for the major championship. Both players finished the week at one under par; the first time the leader(s) has finished under par after 72 holes at the U.S. Open since 2001.

Appleby takes lead on Friday at U.S. Open

Stuart Appleby took sole possession of the lead at the 2008 U.S. Open following a round of one under par. The Australian moved to three under for the week with a narrow lead over several strong competitors.

At 2 under par, Robert Karlsson, Tiger Woods (left), and Rocco Mediate are tied for second place and a stroke behind the tournament leader. Woods improved significantly from his 72 on Thursday by firing a strong 68 on Friday to scale the leaderboard.

Four players are tied at one under: DJ Trahan, Davis Love III, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Lee Westwood. However, several major champions are not far behind, including Ernie Els and Geoff Ogilvy at even par.

First round leader Kevin Streelman fell to 22nd after a Friday 77. Fellow first round leader Justin Hicks, a teaching professional from San Diego, took an even bigger turn for the worse by limping in with an 80.

The cut ended up being 7 over par, which sent notable players like 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson (right), young gun Justin Rose, and last year's champion, Angel Cabrera, packing their bags.

Uh? Hicks and Streelman lead U.S. Open

The beauty of the U.S. Open, they say, is that the tournament is unique in giving every golfer a chance at vying for the prestigious title. Illustrated by Roy McAvoy in the classic golf flick Tin Cup when asked about taking a high risk shot by a commentator, "Well, so am I! I mean, look at me, all right, what I'm wearing. I mean, I'm playing for Rio Grande Short-Haul Trucking, Briggs and Brown Sanitation, First State Bank of Salome, Woody's Smokehouse... You think a... you think a guy like me bothers to worry about the percentages?"

The spirit of "Tin Cup" seems to live on with the 2008 U.S. Open leaderboard. Thus, ZealousGolfer.com is pleased to provide you with some background information for the top six players after Thursday's round.

1. Justin Hicks - 67 (-3)

Hicks owns a golf instruction center in San Diego, California. Naturally, Hicks would appear to be the unknown hometown favorite for many of the galleries at Torrey Pines. Though a member of the PGA of America as a teaching professional, Hicks also has spent time on the Nationwide Tour. Through six events in the 2008 season, Hicks has made only three cuts and has made a hair over $8,000. Even amongst Nationwide Tour professionals, his statistics are middle of the road: 47th in driving, 116th in putting, and 104th in scoring (at 72.04 strokes per round). Possibly the Jason Gore (right) of the tournament: will produce a hard fought battle and will capture America's hearts, but will falter at the end.

1. Kevin Streelman - 67 (-3)

Streelman, who qualified for the U.S. Open only two weeks ago in Ohio, is a member of the PGA Tour. Though ranked 142nd currently in FedEx Cup points, his 11th place ranking in GIR out of Fairway Bunkers makes him a threat to the big names (note the sarcasm). Similar to our fellow leader, Streelman has produced mediocre results pretty much across the board. Most notably a 188th ranking in putting. Given the usual USGA approach to greens, it is hard to believe two players with flatstick struggles have dominated thus far.

Aside: the last time ZealousGolfer.com covered Streelman was after his Sunday pairing with Tiger Woods at the Buick Invitational. Streelman entered four strokes behind Tiger and in second place. The result? A five over par Sunday round to drop to 29th. We will see how he copes with the pressure of a major championship.

3. Stuart Appleby - 68 (-2)

We know him. A contender for best player to have never won a major, Appleby is in good position for a run at the championship. Considering his expertise in the "Bomb and Gouge" philosophy, the unusually wide fairways of Torrey Pines seem to play to his advantage.

3. Eric Axley - 68 (-2)

He's back. In 2006, Axley (left) had an impressive hot streak near the end of the season, which included a victory at the Valero Texas Open and several top 5 finishes. However, Axley is certainly new to this position: he has never made a cut at a major championship.

3. Rocco Mediate - 68 (-2)

Also notable for past success, Rocco qualified in the tough Ohio field two weeks ago. Rocco's presence has not been very significant since his stint commentating on the Golf Channel, and more notably, his run at the 2006 Masters. Unfortunately, that run may have serious implications on Rocco's performance this week. Think Phil at Winged Foot. Mediate was at the top of the leaderboard before taking a sextuple bogey on Augusta National's 12th hole.

3. Geoff Ogilvy - 68 (-2)

The highlight of the group at the leaderboard, Ogilvy is the only one in the bunch with a major championship, let alone a top five finish. The champion of the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot following the Phil Mickelson meltdown, Ogilvy's strong play and calm demeanor just may lead him to a second major.

Tiger saves U.S. Open hopes after double bogey

Tiger Woods, returning from a break from competitive golf starting at the 2008 Masters, opened his 2008 U.S. Open with a slight struggle. Indeed, the world's top golfer began his round with a disappointing double bogey on the first hole of Torrey Pines.

However, Tiger, despite the chance at the "Grand Slam" spoiled weeks ago in Augusta, battled back with three impressive birdies and three clutch par saves over the course of the round.

Tiger was joined by the world's second and third ranked players, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott respectively. However, both players failed to light up Torrey Pines on a breezy day.

The threesome will rejoin tomorrow.

U.S. Open Tee Times: Thursday and Friday

The Thursday and Friday pairings for the 2008 U.S. Open:

Thursday (June 12), hole #1; Friday (June 13), hole #10

7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - D.A. Points, Ocoee, Fla.; Patrick Sheehan, Warwick, R.I.; David Hearn, Canada

7:11 a.m. - 12:41 p.m. - A-Kyle Stanley, Gig Harbor, Wash.; Casey Wittenberg, Memphis, Tenn.; Hunter Haas, Fort Worth, Texas

7:22 a.m. - 12:52 p.m. - A-Kevin Tway, Edmond, Okla.; Jason Bohn, Acworth, Ga.; Dean Wilson, Las Vegas, Nev.

7:33 a.m. - 1:03 p.m. - A-Jeff Wilson, Fairfield, Calif.; Fredrik Jacobson, Sweden; Brett Quigley, Jupiter, Fla.

7:44 a.m. - 1:14 p.m. - A-Rickie Fowler, Murrieta, Calif.; Chris Kirk, Sea Island, Ga.; Dustin Johnson, N Myrtle Beach, S.C.

7:55 a.m. – 1:25 p.m. - Mark Calcavecchia, Phoenix, Ariz.; Oliver Wilson, England; Joe Ogilvie, Austin, Texas

8:06 a.m. - 1:36 p.m. - Adam Scott, Australia; Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; Tiger Woods, Windermere, Fla.

8:17 a.m. - 1:47 p.m. - Lee Janzen, Orlando, Fla.; Steve Flesch, Union, Ky.; Rich Beem, Austin, Texas

8:28 a.m. - 1:58 p.m. - Michael Campbell, New Zealand; Jesper Parnevik, Sweden; Todd Hamilton, Westlake, Texas

8:39 a.m. - 2:09 p.m. - Miguel Angel Jimenez, Spain; Boo Weekley, East Milton, Fla.; Shingo Katayama, Japan

8:50 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Anthony Kim, Dallas, Texas; Andres Romero, Argentina; Ryuji Imada, Japan

9:01 a.m. - 2:31 p.m. - Mike Gilmore, Locust Valley, N.Y.; A-Jordan Cox, Redwood City, Calif.; Brian Kortan, Albuquerque, N.M.

9:12 a.m. - 2:42 p.m. - Jeffrey Bors, Chardon, Ohio; Sean English, Cincinnati, Ohio; Travis Bertoni, Paso Robles, Calif.



Thursday (June 12), hole #10; Friday (June 13), hole No. 1

7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Robert Garrigus, Gilbert, Ariz.; Peter Tomasulo, Long Beach, Calif.; Craig Barlow, Henderson, Nev.

7:11 a.m. - 12:41 p.m. - A-Derek Fathauer, Jensen Beach, Fla.; Scott Piercy, Las Vegas, Nev.; Justin Hicks, Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

7:22 a.m. - 12:52 p.m. – K.J. Choi, Korea; Jim Furyk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Steve Stricker, Madison, Wis.

7:33 a.m. - 1:03 p.m. - A-Michael Thompson, Tucson, Ariz.; Rocco Mediate, Naples, Fla.; Brad Bryant, Lakeland, Fla.

7:44 a.m. - 1:14 p.m. - Craig Parry, Australia; Robert Karlsson, Sweden; Tim Clark, South Africa

7:55 a.m. -1:25 p.m. - Stuart Appleby, Australia; Jerry Kelly, Madison, Wis.; Lee Westwood, England

8:06 a.m. - 1:36 p.m. - Woody Austin, Derby, Kan.; Pat Perez, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Thomas Levet, France

8:17 a.m. - 1:47 p.m. - Matt Kuchar, Atlanta, Ga.; Mathew Goggin, Australia; Nick Watney, Las Vegas, Nev.

8:28 a.m. - 1:58 p.m. - Rod Pampling, Australia; Heath Slocum, Alpharetta, Ga.; Niclas Fasth, Sweden

8:39 a.m. - 2:09 p.m. - Carl Pettersson, Sweden; Soren Hansen, Denmark; Daniel Chopra, Sweden

8:50 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. - Johan Edfors, Sweden; Eric Axley, Knoxville, Tenn.; Ben Crane, Beaverton, Ore.

9:01 a.m. - 2:31 p.m. - Joey Lamielle, Sarasota, Fla.; A-Michael Quagliano, White Plains, N.Y.; Fernando Figueroa, El Salvador

9:12 a.m. - 2:42 p.m. - Chris Devlin, Northern Ireland; Yohann Benson, Canada; Brian Bergstol, Mount Bethel, Pa.

Thursday (June 12), hole #1; Friday (June 13), hole No. 10

12:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. - D.J. Brigman, Albquerque, N.M.; Jonathan Mills, Canada; Jarrod Lyle, Australia

12:41 p.m. - 7:11 a.m. - A-Nick Taylor, Canada; Charlie Beljan, Mesa, Ariz.; Rob Rashell, Scottsdale, Ariz.

12:52 p.m. - 7:22 a.m. - Stewart Cink, Duluth, Ga.; Sergio Garcia, Spain; Vijay Singh, Fiji

1:03 p.m. - 7:33 a.m. - Trevor Immelman, South Africa; Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mike Weir, Canada

1:14 p.m. - 7:44 a.m. - Retief Goosen, South Africa; Scott Verplank, Edmond, Okla.; Aaron Baddeley, Australia

1:25 p.m. - 7:55 a.m. - Stephen Ames, Canada; Robert Allenby, Australia; Ben Curtis, Stow, Ohio

1:36 p.m. - 8:06 a.m. - Angel Cabrera, Argentina; Padraig Harrington, Ireland; Davis Love III, Sea Island, Ga.

1:47 p.m. - 8:17 a.m. - Bubba Watson, Bagdad, Fla.; J.B. Holmes, Orlando, Fla.; Brett Wetterich, Jupiter, Fla.

1:58 p.m. - 8:28 a.m. - Brandt Snedeker, Nashville, Tenn.; Nick Dougherty, England; Jonathan Byrd, Sea Island, Ga.

2:09 p.m. - 8:39 a.m. - Michael Letzig, Richmond, Mo.; Ross Fisher, England; Steve Marino, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

2:20 p.m. - 8:50 a.m. - Brandt Jobe, Westlake, Texas; Phillip Archer, England; Jason Gore, Valencia, Calif.

2:31 p.m. - 9:01 a.m. - Kevin Silva, New Bedford, Mass.; Bobby Collins, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Jay Choi, Korea

2:42 p.m. - 9:12 a.m. - Bob Gaus, St. Louis, Mo.; Philippe Gasnier, Brazil; Garrett Chaussard, Millbrae, Calif.



Thursday (June 12), hole #10; Friday (June 13), hole No. 1

12:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. - Michael Allen, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Jonathan Turcott, Middleton, Wis.; Scott Sterling, Baton Rouge, La.

12:41 p.m. - 7:11 a.m. - Kevin Streelman, Wheaton, Ill.; Artemio Murakami, Philippines; Robert Dinwiddie, England

12:52 p.m. - 7:22 a.m. - Bart Bryant, Windermere, Fla.; D.J. Trahan, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Chad Campbell, Colleyville, Texas

1:03 p.m. - 7:33 a.m. - Sean O'Hair, West Chester, Pa.; Richard Sterne, South Africa; Hunter Mahan, Plano, Texas

1:14 p.m. - 7:44 a.m. - Ian Poulter, England; Paul Casey, England; Luke Donald, England

1:25 p.m. - 7:55 a.m. - Henrik Stenson, Sweden; Toru Taniguchi, Japan; John Rollins, Las Colinas, Texas

1:36 p.m. - 8:06 a.m. - Justin Rose, England; Geoff Ogilvy, Australia; Ernie Els, South Africa

1:47 p.m. - 8:17 a.m. - Camilo Villegas, Colombia; Charles Howell, Orlando, Fla.; Martin Kaymer, Germany

1:58 p.m. - 8:28 a.m. - Jeff Quinney, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Justin Leonard, Dallas, Texas; Mark O'Meara, Windermere, Fla.

2:09 p.m. - 8:39 a.m. - Rory Sabbatini, South Africa; David Toms, Shreveport, La.; Colin Montgomerie, Scotland

2:20 p.m. - 8:50 a.m. - John Mallinger, Long Beach, Calif.; Alastair Forsyth, Scotland; John Merrick, Long Beach, Calif.

2:31 p.m. – 9:01 a.m. - Chris Stroud, Houston, Texas; Ross McGowan, England; Ian Leggatt, Canada

2:42 p.m. - 9:12 a.m. - John Ellis, San Jose, Calif.; A-Jimmy Henderson, Lebanon, Ohio; Andrew Dresser, Carrollton, Texas

Tony Romo lights up Torrey Pines

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo led a group of amateurs yesterday in a celebrity packed foursome.

Playing in NBC and Golf Digest's U.S. Open Amateur Challenge, Romo fired a stellar 84 under "tournament conditions." Romo, who failed to qualify for the actual tournament, led the group on the 7,600 yard course.

While it will not match the spectacular scores that will inevitably be put up next weekend, Romo certainly accomplished his goal: to break 100. As written on the blog previously, the point of this event was to test Tiger Woods' claim that no 10 handicap could break 100 on the course the pros played at Oakmont last year.

On the other hand, Romo still isn't a 10 handicap. Romo, in fact, plays to a 2.2 under the American system.

More surprisingly, singer Justin Timberlake also was able to break 100. The Associated Press so beautifully noted, "Timberlake, outfitted in a dashing black trilby hat and tuxedo-stripe pants, started hamming it up with the gallery once his taut dancer's swing started to go south, blowing on the ball as it rimmed the seventh hole without any luck and asking the crowd to approve his drop into the rough at the edge of the fairway." He was able to sign for a 98 at the end of the day.
"The Today Show's" Matt Lauer limped in to a 100. Though, the star of the group, Omaha's John Atkinson was unable to beat Tiger's expectation, posting a 114. However, Atkinson, playing while facing inoperable lung cancer, was glad to have the experience and enjoyed the round thoroughly.

An 8 Handicap vs. Torrey Pines. Your Call?

Following the thrashing that was the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, Tiger Woods told the media, "If you're a 10-handicapper, there is no way you're breaking 100 out there."

Consequently, NBC, the USGA, and Golf Digest jumped at the opportunity to test Tiger's claim. After a lengthy application process, the three sponsors chose one amateur golfer to play Torrey Pines under U.S. Open conditions. Well, at least pretty close.

Their choice? John Atkinson. Out of over 56,000 essay, one written by Terry Beutler, a caddie for Atkinson in Omaha, Nebraska, was chosen. Beutler wrote, "Can I break 100? No. Do I want the chance? Yes, but not for me. You see, my best friend since sixth grade was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer last April. He has never smoked, and it's just one of those life things. He is a wonderful father, husband, friend and son. Last summer he had a double treatment of chemo and walked 18 holes the next day and shot a 76. He's a 5-handicap. The statistics aren't on his side, but, like John says, they have never done a study of 100 John Atkinsons."

Atkinson will play in a celebrity foursome: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, "Today Show" anchor Matt Lauer, and music artist Justin Timberlake (right). Additionally, according to Greg Norman's blog, the Shark will be on the bag for Lauer.

The round will be broadcast during NBC's coverage of the U.S. Open on June 15th.

Best of luck John.

What do you think? An 8 handicap (slightly better than Tiger's subject) breaking 100 at Torrey Pines?

Bob Tway returns to U.S. Open...as a caddie

Kevin Tway, hot off a spectacular performance earlier this week in U.S. Open qualifying, will travel to Torrey Pines in style.

Probably fitting for a 19 year old who recently beat out PGA Tour professionals like Chris DiMarco and Tom Lehman to qualify.

Tway will bring his father, Bob Tway, to carry his bag during his week in California. On Wednesday, Bob, a major champion himself, said, "I'd rather be doing this than playing."

However, the question of how much Bob will be paid remains unanswered. Bob declared, "I'm pretty cheap."

Tiger vs. Phil at Torrey Pines. Really?

The USGA and NBC have announced that (quite vocally) that the 2008 U.S. Open will pair players on Thursday and Friday based on World Ranking. Thus, the major promotion NBC has used for the event has been, "Watch the World Number One take on the World Number Two."

Indeed, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Adam Scott will spend 36 holes (at least) in each other's presence. I suppose we will see if the "Tiger vs. Phil" match really comes into play...I would feel more inclined to get excited about this pairing if I thought we couple compare Tiger and Phil in any way, shape, or form.

On another note, I am very pleased that my run at the U.S. Open came last year at Oakmont. I would imagine that frontloading groups is going to lead to unbelievable crowd problems during the early part of the week, but, that is another issue that I suppose we will see soon.

DL3 survives to make it to U.S. Open

Davis Love III, following a successfully made cut at the Memorial last weekend, was able to survive a 36 hole qualifier for the U.S. Open on Monday.

Love III will make his 18th consecutive trip to the USGA's U.S. Open, which will, of course, take place this year at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California.

The qualifier in Ohio, frequented by PGA Tour professional after Jack Nicklaus's signature tournament, gave 13 spots to the U.S. Open. Other notable players who qualified: Chad Campbell, Rocco Mediate, Carl Pettersson, Bart Bryant, Pat Perez, Jesper Parnevik, and Ben Crane.

Despite the talent of the qualifying field, several young guns were able to make it. Oklahoma State's Rickie Fowler and defending U.S. Junior Amateur Champion Kevin Tway both were able to qualify.

However, Fred Couples (former Masters champion) was unable to qualify.