Sunday, July 30
2006: Gulbis becomes Kim’s latest victim
It looked like Natalie Gulbis’ time. The LPGA’s All-American poster girl had a long-awaited first victory squarely within her sights at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic
Tuesday, July 25
2006: One lively living legend
Byron Nelson, golf legend and gentleman rancher, leaned on a cane in each hand as he walked into the room.
2006: For your game - Get strong to go long
Gerry James is a PGA golf professional, but any similarity to other instructors ends there.
2006: Business - Aldila ‘in the pink’
Thanks to NV’s staying power and Mathewson’s leadership, shaftmaker continues to prosper.
2006: Monarchs take flight
In 2002, Methodist steamrolled the championship field en route to a Division III record 53-shot victory.
2006: Huskers’ title shot a long one
Take a glimpse at the eight schools that qualified for the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship out of the Central Regional: Southern California, Duke, Pepperdine, Florida, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Kent State and Nebraska.
2006: Boilermakers blow by Bruins
The Boilermakers journeyed more than 2,000 miles to the NCAA West Regional at Washington National Golf Club and validated their existence as a top team in college golf.
2006: Tide rises in East Regional
That’s right, the Tide rolled into the NCAA Division I Women’s East Regional on a private jet. Welcome to the Big Time.
2006: A wide-open affair
On a steamy Texas afternoon during the final round of the NCAA Central Regional, Duke and Southern California had their final players standing on the 18th tee box at the demanding Traditions Club.
2006: Stiles’ accuracy rules Rheem
Darron Stiles couldn’t care less about finesse, or the leaderboard.
2006: The Master of surprise
Paul Casey’s comeback isn’t quite complete. Not by the evidence of his final-round performance in the $3.35 million Quinn Direct British Masters.
2006: Wadkins’ win ends skid
When Bobby Wadkins joined the Champions Tour in 2001, it took him only 10 days to find the winner’s circle.
2006: Webb spins another ‘W’
Whatever Karrie Webb lost the past few years, she suddenly has found. And now that she’s got it, she’s again leaving the rest of the LPGA in her wake.
2006: Full Nelson for Wetterich
Brett Wetterich, a tap-in from victory, cried on the 18th green. His eyes were on the edge between mist and river. His goal was to avoid a “full-out bawl.”
2006: An eminently scary project
The start of a golf season in the Northeast usually is a time of joy for those who have shivered through yet another long winter.
2006: Houston, we have a dynasty
Fifty years ago, the University of Houston golf team began what would become one of the greatest – and arguably most unlikely – dynasties in the history of college sports.
2006: No Bluff: An intimate 20,000-acre plan
A Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course touches lightly on the land, with homesites set back generously from corridors of play.
2006: A Wynning formula, typically extravagant
A year ago, Steve Wynn, the indefatigable Las Vegas entrepreneur, capped his comeback on the Strip by opening the eponymous Wynn Las Vegas.
2006: Class offers cooks their just desserts
Jennifer Millar stood behind the counter in the spacious kitchen and began mixing the eggs, sugar and cream. And all I could think of was Dan Aykroyd in drag.
2006: Emirates best of eclectic layouts
Dubai certainly has come a long way since the Emirates Golf Club opened in 1988.
2006: Dubai - Boom town
In its quest to become the playground of the Middle East, Dubai has evolved into the world’s fastest-growing metropolis – complete with traffic jams, American fast food and Western-style golf resorts.
2006: LPGA chair’s son indicted at Duke
Accompanied at a May 15 news conference by his mother and father, David Evans, 23, called the charges against him and two teammates “fantastic lies.”
2006: Pinehurst not part of potential ClubCorp sale
For anyone who wants to buy some golf courses and business clubs, there’s a seller looking to unload a pretty big portfolio.
2006: Florida’s Every wins Hogan honor
After a week filled with controversy over the absence of Oklahoma State’s Pablo Martin, Florida senior Matt Every was announced as winner of the Ben Hogan Award at Colonial Country Club May 13.
2006: Michelob seeks major promotion
Is it possible that the LPGA’s major championship lineup could be altered?
Monday, July 24
2006: For your game - Lofty expectations
Think 60 degrees is the reasonable max for wedges? Think again. New techniques combined with extreme lofts might revitalize your short game.
2006: Nike aims to put putters in play
A state-of-the-art flatstick facility is added to help attract Tour players.
2006: USC-Aiken scores D-II triple
University of South Carolina-Aiken continued its grip of dominance on the golf world.
2006: Lions, Wolves and Waves, oh my!
Every year, a few surprises come out of the NCAA Division I Men’s Regionals.
2006: Lamar ends streak, advances
Brad McMakin had taken his Lamar Cardinals golf team to the regionals in each of the last six years but was 0-for-6 in advancing to the final stage.
2006: Bruins wake up just in time
Unlike politicians, NCAA regional championships can be all things to all people. For Georgia, the 54-hole qualifier was a warm-up for the upcoming NCAA final in Oregon.
2006: Teams take aim at ‘Dogs
No. 1 Georgia’s ranking gives opponents even more incentive
2006: ’86 finals: Spills, thrills and chills
Some of the details of the 1986 NCAA Men’s Championship jump immediately to mind. Others I have to dig deep to remember.
2006: Seven decades later, still a standout
It was fall 1932 when Chuck Kocsis arrived on campus for his freshman year at the University of Michigan.
2006: Kuchar’s drought ends
To say the last three years have been a bit of a struggle for Matt Kuchar would be an understatement.
2006: Bjorn gets payback
The last time Thomas Bjorn was playing in Ireland, he had a round to forget.
2006: Ochoa gunning for No. 1
Lorena Ochoa figuratively got over the hump. Annika Sorenstam literally did not. And suddenly there could be a shift at the top of women’s golf.
2006: Ben on Ben
Many in these parts refer to the late Ben Hogan as Mr. Hogan. Almost nine years after his death, it’s still Mr. Hogan.
2006: Lumpy’s burden lifted
Tim Herron wishes he would have made it easier on himself. But after waiting seven years for another victory on the PGA Tour, what was two more holes?
2006: Wie’s schedule no Big Easy
A la Ernie Els, Michelle Wie is ready to go global.
2006: FedEx points still in limbo
Members of the PGA Tour’s Players Advisory Council, which makes recommendations to the Tour’s Board of Directors, met at Colonial last week to discuss the allocation of points for next season’s inaugural FedEx Cup.
2006: Irvine player misses shot at finals
University of California-Irvine’s Brian Edick was in California when he found out he had a chance to snag a spot in the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship
2006: Mighty Casey embraces his next challenge
He stutter-steps to the tee, then launches a drive into orbit around the 93rd rock from the sun.
2006: For your game - A need for speed?
Pumpkin Ridge prothinks golf would benefit from a swift kick
2006: Power play
Building on its success with metalwoods and with a handful of young stars on Tour, Cobra is betting on its new line of carbon-composite drivers.
2006: Class of ’09: a breath of ‘fresh’ air
Duke’s Amanda Blumenherst walked away with five major awards May 26 following the National Golf Coaches Association’s annual banquet.
2006: Devilish re-do
Duke’s dominance, improved chemistry provide enjoyable – if suspenseless – NCAA defense
2006: No helping Han for Lee
Hee-Won Han was getting tired of finishing second, and she was determined not to do it again at the LPGA Corning Classic.
2006: Golf’s ‘golden child’ grows up
Nick Dougherty was known as the Golden Child when he was playing amateur golf, the prodigal son of the English amateur scene.
2006: Howell in gear at BMW
David Howell probably sent Ernie Els back to the drawing board.
2006: Sweet music for Maggert
One week after Tim Herron broke his seven-year winless skid on the PGA Tour, Jeff Maggert shattered one of his own.
2006: Haas gains knowledge, Senior PGA triumph from stay with Tway
Members of the Oak Tree Gang proved to be gracious hosts for the 67th Senior PGA Championship at Oak Tree Golf Club.
2006: Quality can’t be measured in yards
Distance is the least interesting part of golf and golf course architecture.
2006: Starting on top of the heap
When it comes to design skill, working with native contours is a matter of restraint.
2006: Curtis Cup could be college all-star squad
Carol Semple Thompson was seen sizing up potential members of this year’s Curtis Cup team last week at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course.
2006: Champions Q-School changes coming
A new look is coming to Champions Tour Qualifying School.
2006: Tiger spreads his wings in New York
Fair to say the Forecaddie was a bit surprised when the May 26 deadline to enter this week’s Memorial Tournament came and passed with no “T. Woods” commitment.
Sunday, July 23
2006: For your game - Just a few grams add a twist to club performance
When John Daly switched to a TaylorMade r7 460 driver, he wanted to be absolutely certain he would never hit a big hook.
2006: PGA Tour commissioner- Who's next?
When Deane Beman retired in 1994 as commissioner of the PGA Tour, he left his successor, Tim Finchem, a pro circuit idling on the cusp of prosperity.
2006: Brouse honored for transformation
The NCAA Division I Women’s Championship had been completed for five minutes and Purdue coach Devon Brouse was not pleased.
2006: Little-known Cardinals take flight
Ninth place never looked so good. Not to a fringe independent candidate in a presidential election, not to an “American Idol” wannabe, and definitely not to Brad McMakin.
2006: Cowboys make a splash
McGraw carries on Holder’s legacy, but steps out of his shadow as Cowboys lasso another NCAA title
2006: Morgan gets major rebound
Gil Morgan won one week too late. At the Senior PGA Championship the previous week, Morgan let the major slip away at his home course.
2006: Pappas remedies woes with title
Brenden Pappas has had to change his focus lately. The 36-year-old has had a life-changing year and a Nationwide Tour season that has been hit-or-miss from the get-go.
2006: Karlsson closer to Cup
Robert Karlsson has been waiting seven years for another shot to make the European Ryder Cup team. This could be his year.
2006: LPGA - Lee’s game shouts success
In all the preseason hype about the LPGA’s sudden wealth of young stars, Seon Hwa Lee received barely a whisper.
2006: PGA - Off the bubble
Nine months ago, Carl Pettersson was a man on the outside looking in, sitting on the wrong side of the top 150 bubble on the PGA Tour’s money list as Labor Day approached and the homestretch of a long season beckoned.
2006: Major memories
A h, the memories. At the 1984 U.S. Open, I was part of a rat pack of reporters, running to keep up with Greg Norman in the final round at Winged Foot.
2006: Winning with a putter and a plan
"Bob Rosburg hates me,” Billy Casper says. And anyone with even a slight sense of golf history understands why there is some playful animosity between the two men.
2006: Winged Foot East: A classic venue fills blue-collar role
One of the country’s premier layouts will be transformed into a media hub during the Open
2006: Stout Winged Foot will test patience of Open participants
Tighter, longer, tougher might not add up to “better,” but it certainly adds up to Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course, site of the 106th U.S. Open.
2006: Michael Campbell - Ready to attack
’05 Open champion Michael Campbell believes the best defense is a good offense
2006: Phil Mickelson - His kind of town
There’s a whole lotta love for Lefty in New York as he guns for a third consecutive major title
2006: Storied amateur career for Kocsis
In fall 1945, Chuck Kocsis arguably was the top player in American amateur golf.
2006: Cipriano Castro, second-round 59, Venezuela Open
The Venezuelan became the first Latin American player to shoot golf’s magic number (59).
2006: Nicklaus rakes over Memorial field
Jack Nicklaus and the PGA Tour greeted 104 players at the Memorial Tournament with a new twist.
2006: An off-Broadway hit – and miss
Michelle Wie’s bid to become the first female to qualify for the U.S. Open through 36-hole sectional qualifying fell five shots short of a playoff. But it was quite a show.
Golfweek's 2006 Women's All-Americans
Golfweek's 2006 Women's All-Americans
Golfweek's 2006 Men's All-Americans
Golfweek's 2006 Men's All-Americans
Saturday, July 22
2006: Moore sizzles at Players
Jonathan Moore had a fabulous finish to his spring, and he could be on his way to a scorching summer.
2006: Snedeker seals the deal
Brandt Snedeker knows what it feels like to let a title slip away during a playoff.
2006: Wadkins hangs tough
Bobby Wadkins made a 12-foot putt for double bogey on the final hole at the TPC of Michigan July 16 and he still won the Ford Senior Players Championship.
2006: Edfors notches win No. 3
Johan Edfors may have to start bringing his family to more PGA European Tour stops.
2006: Another Deere in headlights
Australian John Senden became the latest victor with a one-shot triumph July 16 over J.P. Hayes at the TPC at Deere Run.
2006: Hometown hero McCurdy succeeds through hard work, determination
McCurdy, the first Arkansas native to be named to a U.S. Curtis Cup team, is deeply proud of her blue-collar roots.
Friday, July 21
2006: Cowboys round up postseason honors
The Cowboys, coming off a victory at the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship June 3 at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort, also roped in all three of Golfweek’s major postseason awards.
2006: Nieporte, a Winged Foot legend, winds down career
As the best golf professionals in the world gather at Winged Foot Golf Club for the 2006 U.S. Open, one stands out for all he has accomplished.
2006: Nationwide Tour
Major performance for Dufner
2006: PGA European Tour
Brier beats odds, Austria field
2006: Way, way, way outside the box
It has been 35 years since he founded Aldila, the graphite shaft manufacturer, and 15 years since he founded Odyssey, the insert putter maker.
2006: Standing behind the Arc
Curved stroke gains converts
2006: Old meets new
The Sagamore has aged gracefully, but modernization has diminished some of its charm
2006: Back for a refill
When Se Ri Pak saw Karrie Webb for the first time following Webb’s playoff victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, Pak couldn’t wait to give her friend a congratulatory embrace.
2006: Nice & easy
Nothing says “slow down and smell the lilacs” like a $100 speeding ticket.
2006: Taste of the Tour
Every PGA Tour stop has its favorite restaurants and watering holes.
2006: Caddie offers H.O.P.E. to PGA Tour players
There’s a Bible verse on the back of Steve Hulka’s trailer that says, “All the weights of the bag are His concern.”
2006: ‘Paper Tiger’ addresses the Tour dream, with a few short misses
Think you can hit it like a tour pro?
2006: Four factors of historical significance
There is something innately handsome about a century-old golf club with its hickory shaft, leather grip and the mellow patina on its head.
2006: Retro golf
Hickory golf’s simple pleasures keep it alive and thriving among a small but passionate group of devotee
2006: Son’s success worth sacrifices
Percy Hall will never say that what he does for his family is out of the ordinary. To him, it’s just what a father should do.
2006: LPGA executives continue exodus
The LPGA continues to lose executives at an alarming rate.
2006: N.Y. Senate joins Deepdale’s fight
Members of Deepdale Golf Club in North Hills, N.Y., have acquired an important new ally in their battle against the town’s mayor, who wants to seize the exclusive retreat through eminent domain.
2006: FedEx Cup points decided
The PGA Tour Policy Board is expected to give rubber-stamp approval to a points system for next year’s FedEx Cup race.
Saturday, July 15
2006: A little fade goes a long way
More versatility, new putting stroke build Wagner’s confidence
2006: Lincicome overlooked no more
Like Marisa Baena a year ago, Brittany Lincicome made a big career move by mowing down top-ranked foes.
2006: Immelman gains control
For talented South African, it was only a matter of time
2006: Kingdom coming - British Open
Briton David Howell’s major feats could cure mistaken identity
2006: Allen Doyle’s double
Playing his own game, golf’s late bloomer captures second consecutive Open title
Wednesday, July 12
2006: On-course challenges
These games can sharpen your skills
Saturday, July 8
2006: A dream come true - JJ Henry
J.J. Henry couldn’t have picked a better spot to win his first Tour title.
2006: Sunday hurrahs, Monday blahs
A splendid Sunday at Newport should have ended with a winner, not a hug between Monday playoff participants.
2006: Newport staff pulls off minor miracle
Some bunkers had remnants of the recent rains, but were playable.
2006: Patriot Act - women's open
New citizen Sorenstam fulfills American dream – a third national title
Friday, July 7
2006: Under review: Real golf on Line 1
NBC Sports Real Golf, the newest golf game for your talking machine, is everything you need in a cellular links experience.
2006: New Mexico’s natural beauty paints backdrop for course
New Mexico is one of America’s original melting pots, whose influences still infuse the state’s culture.
2006: Cup’s rivalry needs restoring
I saw the ghosts. They were here, the spirits of all the great amateurs who have been Curtis Cup captains.
2006: Track stats for useful data
All golfers should keep personal statistics. This advice applies to every player, regardless of ability, although it can be particularly important to low handicappers.
2006: Finally, UNLV’s Han second to none
On the eve of the final round at this year’s Porter Cup, co-leader Seung-su Han was asked about the last time he won a tournament.
2006: PGA irked by packed '08 schedule
The Ryder Cup is the latest victim of the new FedEx Cup system introduced by the PGA Tour earlier this year.
2006: ‘Awesome’ Leon a study in contrasts
Taylor Leon, who finished with three victories and a tie for the American Curtis Cup team, is a contradiction.
2006: Round of the week
Craig Bowden, final-round 63, Northeast Pennsylvania Classic.
2006: Forecaddie - Rumors of his demise
Word circulates around Medinah practice area that Daly had suffered a heart attack.
2006: Talent gap evident during Leon’s romp
Great Britain and Ireland captain Ada O’Sullivan put it succinctly. Her squad was “simply outclassed” on Day 1 of the 34th Curtis Cup Match.
2006: Curtis Cup - Seaside Suprema
A dominating Curtis Cup victory revealed the talent gap between the Americans and a links-style GB&I team.
2006: Johnson regains winning touch
It had been a long time since Kevin Johnson last won a Nationwide Tour event. Six years to be exact. His confidence was waning, and he was wondering if he had a future in the game.
2006: Champions Tour - No sputter in Roberts' putter
Loren Roberts has let a couple major championships slip. He wasn’t about to let the Senior British Open get away. Although, he almost did.
2006: PGA European Tour
Swede banks Cup points
2006: LPGA - Webb keeps Wie waiting
Last fall, Karrie Webb entered the Hall of Fame with some impressive credentials. At just 31 years old, however, Webb isn’t done adding to her resume.
2006: PGA Tour - Pavin bounces back
Winless for 10 years, gritty veteran finds road to redemption.
2006: Woods inspires Windons to Ivy League educations
Play golf long enough and eventually some stranger in a passing car will yell “Fore!” out the window, perfectly timed to disrupt the middle of your backswing.
2006: Tiger's thrilling fans and inspiring children
Clues of his greatness came early and often. Certainly no golf toddler had appeared before on the “Mike Douglas Show,” and no boy had won three U.S. Juniors in a row.
2006: Forcaddie - Tom, did I mention I’m Irish?
The Forecaddie cannot remember a non-election year when he has seen so much rampant campaigning, but the Ryder Cup race officially has gone full throttle
2006: Girl’s golf: So hot, it’s cool
The ninth annual Garlic Festival was being held in downtown North Plains, population 1,700, at the same time the U.S. Women’s Amateur was being conducted at neighboring Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club
2006: For your game - From the bottom up
NCAA champion Jonathan Moore saved his troubled game with positive thinking and a focus on setup and swing plane
2006: U.S. Women's Amateur - Way cool
Kimberly Kim’s booming drives and carefree mindset make her the youngest Women’s Amateur winner ever
2006: Stadler closes in on PGA card
Kevin Stadler has been bouncing around three tours this year. But his final goal is a return to the PGA Tour.
2006: PGA European - Dyson’s good year gets better
Simon Dyson says he’s a changed man from last year, and he owes it all to . . . nagging?
2006: Kerr’s 65 again leaves Stanford stuck in 2nd
For the second time in three months, Stanford was dealt a crushing loss thanks to a final-round comeback from Kerr
2006: Wilson win lets Lehman off hook
Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman came close to a decision that would have caused much debate
2006: Tiger's Impact - Child's play
The National School Program is an obvious solution to a vexing problem
2006: Learning today, leading tomorrow
The First Tee Life Skills Academy teaches the program’s best and brightest how to shape the futures of those around them
2006: Tiger's Impact - 675,000 and counting
The First Tee has exceeded expectations, but it may be another 10 years before its true impact can be measured
2006: For your game - Shrinks of swing
Hypnosis is beginning to make an impact among competitive golfers, although these hypnotic states have no resemblance whatsoever to stereotyped images of individuals doing things against their will
2006: LaCassie helps make Western foreign affair
By the time the final putt dropped to end the quarterfinal chapter of the Western Amateur, it became increasingly clear the storied tournament’s xenophobic ways would end, sooner rather than later
2006: Wagner’s win moves Tour one step closer
Johnson Wagner not only knows what he needs to do to make it on the PGA Tour next year, he’s showing he might just be capable of making the leap to the next level this season
2006: Champions Tour - Drought over for Edwards
It had been 13 years, 3 months and 18 days since David Edwards last won a professional golf event. But it only took him 3 months and 19 days to win on the Champions Tour
2006: Rule 35: Learn the previous 34
Michelle Wie’s two-stroke penalty on the 14th hole during the second round of the Women’s British Open was the product of pure ignorance of the rules of golf – a lack of knowledge that is all too rife in our sport
2006: LPGA - Weathering the rains of change
Although the galleries turned out to see golf’s future, a veteran stole the show at Royal Lytham
2006: PGA Tour - Nifty 50
This time, the moisture Tiger Woods wiped from his face as he stood on the final green was sweat, not tears
2006: Medinah could yield scoring ambush
For those who think narrow, tree-lined fairways are the paradigm of good course design, Medinah Country Club’s No. 3 course is an icon
2006: PGA - Just right
Setup man Kerry Haigh has raised the PGA Championship’s stature
2006: PGA Championship: Still a big shot
Sergio Garcia has remained in the spotlight since that scintillating slice around a tree at the ’99 PGA. But 7 years later, the Spaniard still seeks a major breakthrough
2006: Tiger Woods - Pitching In
Woods has evolved beyond golf. His Learning Center validates him as a philanthropist with considerable clout
2006: American Express: Woods fits the bill
When company officials spotted Woods, they knew he met all the prerequisites
2006: Nike - Changing everything
Without question, Tiger’s impact is most evident at Nike Golf
2006: EA Sports: Swinging into the mainstream
One can’t discount the impact of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour game, which industry observers say transformed golf into a legitimate video game category
2006: Buick - Attracting a younger crowd
Buick, the General Motors subsidiary and a longtime sponsor of professional golf, signed Woods in 2000
2006: Cha-ching - Tiger Woods' impact on marketing
Companies fronted by Tiger Woods discover his worldwide appeal is as good as money in the bank
Saturday, July 1
2006: Phil forgot his major lesson
Phil Mickelson can’t run from his U.S. Open mistakes
2006: pga open culprit: fatigue
Experts agree: Players in best shape have best shot down the stretch at majors
2006: ‘Golfers Gone Wild’ . . . over cart girls
John Steinbreder wouldn't wish a cart girl job on his daughter
2006: Shut out by the Open
Jackie Pung’s scorecard error at the Open was the beginning of her downfall.
2006: The Peak of the mountain lifestyle
Jackson Hole’s natural wonders do wonders for real estate
2006: Virginia Roadtrip - 60 miles through time
Virginia is for lovers of golf, history and, oh yeah, bikinis
2006: La Costa Rejuvenation
Fresh off a $140 million makeover, La Costa tries, with mixed results, to reclaim its former glory
