Sunday, May 31
Van Sickle wins Bryron Nelson award
Marquette’s Mike Van Sickle won the Byron Nelson Award, the Golf Coaches Association of America announced Thursday.
Aggies win NCAA title in thriller
Bronson Burgoon almost threw away the NCAA Championship, then hit one of the best shots in college golf history to earn Texas A&M its first national title.
Stricker seizes moment at Colonial
Steve Stricker won his fifth Tour title with a 5-foot birdie putt in a playoff over Tim Clark and Steve Marino at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Clark, seeking a long overdue first Tour title, squandered a two-shot lead with five to play.
Saturday, May 30
Balicki: Van Zandt anchors Aggies
Aggies senior Matt Van Zandt was expecting a lot more from his week at the NCAA Championship. He played poorly and some might consider him a non-factor, but as Ron Balicki writes, he was critical in them winning a national title.
Breakfast delay
The start of the final match between Arkansas and Texas A&M Saturday morning to determine this year’s NCAA champion was delayed by 30 minutes.
Pete Dye River Course of Va. Tech
Currently ranked by Golfweek among the top 20 of all U.S. university courses. Too bad it’s not closer to the main campus, as it deserves more exposure and more play than the 15,000 rounds it’s now getting.
Stop the changes to the NCAA Championship
Note to NCAA Division I Golf Committee members: With all due respect, take a five-year vacation. Or maybe 10.
Friday, May 29
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Texas A&M, Arkansas to vie for NCAA title
It will be Arkansas clashing with Texas A&M Saturday morning at Inverness Club to decide the 2009 NCAA championship.
Spread the wealth
Golf needs more clubs like Wentworth and Foxhills.
An NCAA Championship for the ages
This NCAA Men’s Championship will be remembered mainly because it’s the first to implement the stroke-play/match-play format. But will it be the last? Considering the palpable drama and unbelievable finishes, Sean Martin doesn’t think it will be.
Emotions run high in NCAA match play
The NCAA golf committee added match play to its championship to hopefully stir excitment and emotion; what it got out of Georgia vs. Oklahoma State – Round 1, Match 1, 7 o’clock Friday morning start – may never be duplicated.
Woods to return at Memorial after break
Tiger Woods is returning to the Memorial, where he is a three-time winner. He has skipped the tournament two of the last three years because of family matters and knee surgery.
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Love sweats out British Open spot
Davis Love III will play in his 23rd British Open in a row this summer, but it didn’t come easy. Love made the cut on the number Monday at a 36-hole International Final Qualifying event. Jeff Rude was there.
Campbell WDs at Colonial with calf injury
Masters runner-up Chad Campbell has withdrawn from the Crowne Plaza Invitational with a calf injury three weeks before the next major.
Stricker sets midway record at Colonial
With the wind hardly blowing and greens pillow-soft, Steve Stricker followed an opening-round 63 with another Friday morning, giving him the 36-hole record and a comfortable lead at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
Marucci talks Walker Cup
Brian Harman said yesterday he wasn’t going to turn pro because he wanted to make the Walker Cup.
Thursday, May 28
Trojans charge into match play
The player with the unenviable task of filling in for Jamie Lovemark led USC’s third-round charge at the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship.
Kim spurs Wolverines to match play
Even when things started to look really good for the previously overlooked, 43rd-ranked Michigan Wolverines Thursday afternoon at the NCAA Championship, things actually didn’t look so good.
Hill’s NCAA title tops brilliant year
Matt Hill smiled and enjoyed all the attention, the congratulations, and the interviews that go along with being the NCAA champion.
Singh one off lead at Crowne Plaza
Vijay Singh stopped playing at the Colonial Country Club when Annika Sorenstam showed up in 2003. He’s finally back – and among the leaders.
Cancer caught early, says Mickelson
Phil Mickelson has been told by doctors that they believe his wife’s breast cancer was caught early. Mickelson wrote on his Web site that he and wife, Amy, are “anxiously” awaiting the results of several tests. His return to the PGA Tour is still unknown.
Jerry West to direct Tour’s LA event
As a player and an executive, basketball great Jerry West built championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, he’s using that experience for a new mission: As executive director of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera, he’s determined to make the LA stop one of the Tour’s best.
Wednesday, May 27
Hullender wins Legendary Senior Am
Bob Hullender birdied the third hole of a playoff with Spencer Sappington to win the Super Senior division (ages 65 and over) of the Legendary Senior Amateur Classic at Auburn University Club in Auburn, Ala.
Aggies on the move at NCAAs
Texas A&M’s Conrad Shindler “ran around like an idiot” when he made his first ace during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship. A day later, his team made a run up the leaderboard at Inverness.
Hill keeps rolling at Inverness
N.C. State sophomore Matt Hill underrated? Don’t tell that to Ron Balicki. Hill, who has won six times this season, is in the hunt at the NCAA Championship at Inverness.
European idol
There is only one real story in this week’s European Open. How will Ireland’s Shane Lowry do in his professional debut?
Now No. 3, Casey eyes Colonial title
Paul Casey arrived at the Crowne Plaza Invitational a bit overwhelmed.
Commentary: Hate to be Rude: Think positive
Absence doesn’t just make the heart grow fonder. It jettisons fear. It erases pain like an Etch A Sketch. In the case of golf, it seduces you back.
Another Fowler in college golf
Brian Harman said yesterday he wasn’t going to turn pro because he wanted to make the Walker Cup.
Tuesday, May 26
Sabbatini carries a few TaylorMade exceptions
Byron Nelson winner Rory Sabbatini is a TaylorMade staff player and carries TaylorMade clubs – except for a distinctive 61-degree wedge from the Japanese company Fourteen and an Adams 20-degree hybrid.
Time travel: Welcome to Inverness
Inverness is a club steeped in history, and the venerable track is serving as host of the NCAA Championship this week. Ron Balicki has a message for the players: Upset about your round? Read the letter from Nicklaus or admire the Byron Nelson wall.
Dick’s cites golf industry for tough 1Q
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported “the golf business was particularly weak” during a first quarter in which it witnessed its net income decline 4.3 percent.
Notes: Ishikawa counting on majors
Ryo Ishikawa didn’t come close to qualifying for the U.S. Open, missing by five shots in a qualifier in Japan. The 17-year-old sensation still has not secured a spot in the British Open at Turnberry.
Titans colliding for national title
If a golf course is measured by its ability to identify the best players, then Inverness Club had the most successful day during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship.
Monday, May 25
Winner's Circle: May 18-24, 2009
Rory Sabbatini's TaylorMades helped him grab a win at the HP Byron Nelson.
Will Wrong Ron ever be right?
He’s been picking teams to win the NCAA Championship for over 20 years. In that time, Ron Balicki has picked correctly just three times. After all, you can’t spell “wrong” without R-O-N. Will Wrong Ron be right this year?
Berger wins FCWT National title
Daniel Berger shot 3-under 69 Monday to win the FCWT National Championship at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Feng wins Thunderbird in playoff
Yueer Cindy Feng blew a late lead to lose the Annika Invitational in January, but prevailed in a two-hole playoff to win the Thunderbird International Junior on May 25. In the boys’ division, Daniel Lee capped off his record-setting week in style.
Meadow runs away with IJGT title
Stephanie Meadow shot a final-round 2-under 69 at the IJGT Tournament of Champions to cruise to an eight-shot victory. The Ireland native made six birdies on the final day. Mexico’s Rodolfo Cazaubon held on for a one-shot victory in the boys’ division.
Justice rules at The Greenbrier
It’s official: West Virginia coal magnate Jim Justice has outmaneuvered Marriott Corp., the world’s largest hotel operator, for control of The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
Jarrett to be replaced as Houston coach
The University of Houston will have a new coach in 2009-10.
UCLA battles its way to NCAAs
To the casual observer, when the NCAA Men’s Championship begins Tuesday, seeing UCLA among the 30 teams at Inverness Golf Club wouldn’t be much of surprise.
NCAA Championship: Team-by-team
A closer look at the 30-team field for the NCAA Championship, which starts May 26 at Inverness Club in Toldeo, Ohio.
Dynamic Brands expands its portfolio
Dynamic Brands, parent company of golf brands including Bag Boy, Slotline and AMF, has acquired the assets of ForeFront Holdings LLC.
U.S. golfer population declines in 2008
The golfer population in the U.S. declined to 28.6 million in 2008, down 3 percent from 29.5 million in 2007, according to the National Golf Foundation’s annual participation study.
Daly to return to PGA Tour in Memphis
John Daly’s suspension on the PGA Tour is over, and the two-time major champion plans to return in three weeks for the St. Jude Championship and U.S. Open qualifying.
Monday Scramble: Fan-atics
The Monday Scramble would like to give a big high five to the fans who get creative at PGA Tour events. Because “Get in the hole!” is getting old, we came up with things to yell at your next tournament.
Playoff ace gets Hanson into U.S. Open
Peter Hanson earned a trip to the U.S. Open by making a hole-in-one on the second playoff hole at Sunningdale to grab the 11th and final spot in a European qualifier Monday.
Sabbatini slams door at Byron Nelson
Rory Sabbatini didn’t need more than 68 strokes through four round at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. He closed with 64 Sunday at TPC Four Seasons and set the 72-hole tournament scoring record.
Fantasy Aces: Crowne Plaza
Golfweek’s Fantasy Aces really only have one piece of advice for you this week: Pick the Englishman, Brian Davis. As one Ace says, he’s ‘hotter than Fort Worth asphalt in August.’
Player of the Week: Yueer Cindy Feng
Feng won AJGA Thunderbird in a playoff.
Golfweek’s Best Municipal Courses
Of all of the terminology specific to golf, perhaps no term has changed in perception over the years as much as “muni.”
Caesarea reopens in Israel
Caesarea Golf Club, the only 18-hole course in Israel, reopened earlier this month after a redesign overseen by Pete Dye.
Sunday, May 24
Tseng edges Kang for Corning title
Yani Tseng breathed a big sigh of relief. All those runner-up finishes became a distant memory with one missed putt.
Scorching Lee goes low in desert
Break one record, and you’re doing something right. Break two, and you can’t be stopped. Daniel Lee shot a blistering 9-under 63 at the Thunderbird Junior on Sunday, breaking 18-hole and 36-hole records in the process. He leads by six.
Sonoma St. wins NCAA D-II title
Sonoma (Calif.) State started the final round of the NCAA Division II Men’s Championship nine shots out of the lead, but shot a final-round 291 to tie Cal St.-San Bernadino, then won a playoff to claim its first national championship in the program’s history and the third in school history.
Daly wears pink to support Mickelson
John Daly wore bright pink trousers during Sunday’s final round of the BMW PGA Championship in a gesture of support for Phil Mickelson’s wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Toms squeaks into U.S. and British
David Toms missed the cut at the Byron Nelson Championship but made it into the next two majors.
2009 Hogan Award
The other night I was at Colonial Country Club for the presentation of the Hogan Award, which I hope many of you go to see live right here on golfweek.com.
Saturday, May 23
Miyazato shoots 62, ties Corning lead
Hee-Won Han proved a prophet. Four years ago, Han shot 10 under in the third round of the LPGA Corning Classic and figured that feat was likely to be duplicated Saturday given the near-ideal condition of the Corning Country Club course.
Red-hot Lee takes Thunderbird lead
Daniel Lee went low to the tune of a 7-under 65 in the first round of the Thunderbird Junior on Saturday. But he wasn’t alone. Two others are one shot back at 6-under. In the girls division, Luz Alejandra Cangrejo leads by two after a 69.
Sabbatini, Mallinger tied atop Nelson
Rory Sabbatini and John Mallinger are set to play another round together as leaders at the Byron Nelson Championship.
Friday, May 22
Icher pulls away to take Corning lead
Karine Icher isn’t used to this. She would be happy to make it a habit.
Clarke offers support to Mickelson
Darren Clarke, who lost his wife to breast cancer in 2006, reached out to Phil Mickelson after the player’s wife was diagnosed with the same condition.
Devils deliver: ASU wins NCAA title
Purdue’s Maria Hernandez shot a 1-under 71 Friday for a one-stroke victory in the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship, and Arizona State beat UCLA by eight shots for its seventh team title.
Turnstile Publishing
Founded in 1990, Turnstile Publishing Co. specializes in high-end magazines and Web sites for active and affluent audiences. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Turnstile publishes five magazines and directs the operations of eight related Web sites. The flagship of Turnstile Publishing is Golfweek magazine, which was launched in 1975 and purchased by Turnstile in 1990. Turnstile also has a corporate division dedicated to custom publishing partnerships that span many different industries.
Thursday, May 21
Park, Icher lead in Corning with 64s
Hee Young Park knows first-hand that practice isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
Connelly enjoying ride at NCAAs
Central Florida’s Stephanie Connelly got a Harley-Davidson as a graduation present. Now she has a chance to ride home with an NCAA title, only 40 miles from her hometown.
Kang brings confidence to Grayhawk
The Thunderbird Invitational will feature one of the strongest fields of the year, and Jeffrey Kang is well aware of that. However, at No. 10 in Golfweek’s rankings, Kang is no slouch and could come from behind to make a run at Grayhawk Golf Club.
Coaching rumors bloom in spring
It’s that time of the year, when all the off-course talk is for the most part centered around the coaching changes about to take place.
USC’s Lovemark to turn pro
Jamie Lovemark will not return to USC in the fall for his senior season and intends to turn professional, USC head coach Chris Zambri told Golfweek Thursday.
Commentary: Connellly enjoying ride at NCAAs
Central Florida’s Stephanie Connelly got a Harley-Davidson as a graduation present. Now she has a chance to ride home with an NCAA title, only 40 miles from her hometown. Connelly is in fifth place with one round remaining at Caves Valley.
Song, USC primed for national titles
The top three teams in Golfweek’s college rankings are in the top 3 entering the final round of the NCAA Women’s Championship. Jennifer Song, along with her Trojans, lead the field heading into Friday. But can they topple ASU and UCLA?
Nitties, Duke lead tight pack at Nelson
Fun-loving PGA Tour rookie James Nitties can get serious, too.
Callaway reports flawed Tour i balls
Callaway Golf announced May 21 that “less than 1 percent” of its Tour i golf balls have exceeded the 1.620-ounce weight limitation that is imposed on all golf balls. A heavier ball has the potential to fly and roll farther.
Nice shot!
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – If you’re thirsty for a root beer this evening at Caves Valley, put it on Courtney Harter’s tab.
Wednesday, May 20
Toy Box: Sabbatini's setup wins Byron Nelson
Byron Nelson winner Rory Sabbatini is a TaylorMade staff player and carries TaylorMade clubs – except for a distinctive 61-degree wedge from the Japanese company Fourteen and an Adams 20-degree hybrid. Sabbatini also carries a 19-degree R9 5-wood. The choice of a 19-degree fairway wood and 20-degree hybrid does not create an overlap, because fairway woods almost always fly higher and farther than hybrids.
Numbers game
Check out teams’ odds at the Men’s Championship.
Balicki gives odds for NCAA Championships
Charting this year’s teams and their odds to win the NCAA Men’s Division I Championship, to be held May 26-30 at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
Giuliani’s suit against Duke hits snag
Andrew Giuliani’s lawsuit against Duke University has been recommended by a federal magistrate for dismissal.
Commentary: Uribe’s passion ignites NCAAs
Sure, UCLA’s Maria Jose Uribe is capable of good golf. Maybe that’s why she fired a 6-under 66 in Round 2 of the NCAA Championship to take the individual lead. But Uribe does so much more in her native Colombia. Beth Ann Baldry lets us in.
Battle never ends for Trojans
USC is in a familiar position. The Trojans are second to UCLA at the NCAA Championship, and they’re “tired of it,” says sophomore Lizette Salas. Winless this season, USC has finished second five times and is trying to rectify that by defending their national title.
Mickelson WDs as wife faces cancer
Phil Mickelson was gearing up for his favorite time of year, working his way toward Bethpage Black and another crack at the U.S. Open before a New York gallery that treats him like a rock star.
Golfsmith acquires MacGregor Golf
MacGregor’s 112-year run as an independent brand came to end as it was sold to Golfsmith. The deal was confirmed by Greg Norman, who had served as MacGregor’s chairman. Signs pointing to a sale were plenty, none more telling than Norman joining TaylorMade’s staff.
Mocs’ foreign flavor pays off
Some coaches are criticized for recruiting abroad. Chattanooga’s Colette Murray didn’t have a choice, writes Beth Ann Baldry. Emma de Groot (pictured) and the 2-year-old Mocs are already in the NCAA Championship.
Uribe’s passion ignites NCAAs
Sure, UCLA’s Maria Jose Uribe is capable of good golf. Maybe that’s why she fired a 6-under 66 in Round 2 of the NCAA Championship to take the individual lead. But Uribe does so much more in her native Colombia. Beth Ann Baldry lets us in.
Commentary: Hate to be Rude: 'Last call Lance'
Lance Ten Broeck continues to get raves for apparently becoming the first person to play and caddie in the same tournament last week at the Valero Texas Open.
Good company
Amateur enjoys time with Bush, golf greats.
ASU struggles early at NCAAs
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Just watched Arizona State, UCLA and Denver play the 396-yard par-4 first, their 10th hole of the second round of the NCAA Women’s Championship. It’s a beautiful hole. From the elevated tee box, the hole drops steeply to a generous fairway. The green is perched on a rise with a bunker guarding the left front of the surface.
Tuesday, May 19
Baldry: Mocs’ foreign flavor pays off
Some coaches are criticized for recruiting abroad. Chattanooga’s Colette Murray didn’t have a choice. Emma de Groot and the 2-year-old Mocs are already in the NCAA Championship.
Denver’s dream run continues
Denver took the first-round lead Tuesday at the NCAA Women’s Championship, then hoped the Denver Nuggets could upset the Lakers. Coach Sammie Chergo and her team are trying to pull an upset of their own this week, writes Dan Mirocha.
Fantasy Aces: Byron Nelson
Ian Poulter: This guy simply doesn’t take weeks off. By that, I mean when he shows up, he’s ready to play, and he was in the hunt at the Nelson two years ago.
Palmer receives Byron Nelson Prize
Arnold Palmer called it a “great thrill” to accept an award bearing Byron Nelson’s name
Next step
Nakheel representatives visiting the United Kingdom this week are in for a reality check if they’re hoping golf projects instigated by Leisurecorp are going to offer respite from the company’s financial struggles.
Notes: Mickelson’s DVD a big seller
What started as a “fun project” to share his wizardry with the short game has gone beyond Phil Mickelson's expectations.
Lowry’s win doesn’t guarantee success
So much about Shane Lowry’s victory in the Irish Open was surprising.
Sights and sounds
After walking all 18 holes this afternoon at Caves Valley all I can say is that I am glad the weather could not be better.
An odd test
When I was walking along the leaderboard off of No. 18, I stopped to joke with Alison Whitaker of Duke.
A joke with Georgia
I have always joked with Georgia’s Mallory Hetzel that she should be a poker player.
Local girl in the mix at NCAAs
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The second ball in the air this morning for the first round of the NCAA Championship was struck by local girl Stephanie Connelly. The Central Florida senior, who just graduated two weeks ago, grew up about 40 minutes from Caves Valley in Pasadena, Md., and had a sizable gallery on the first tee that included family and friends.
Media friendly at Caves Valley
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The media room at Caves Valley is in a large indoor hitting bay at the far end of the driving range.
Monday, May 18
Dick’s renews Champions Tour event
Dick’s Sporting Goods announced May 18 it has renewed as title sponsor of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open through 2012 on the Champions Tour.
Winner's Circle: May 11-17, 2009
Zach Johnson was victorious at the Valero Texas Open thanks, in part, to his SeeMore putter.
SeeMore putter helps Johnson to victory
Valero Texas Open champion Zach Johnson won his fifth PGA Tour event in 26 months with his third different SeeMore putter.
Hagestad, Rah win Scott Robertson
Stewart Hagestad, of Newport Beach, Calif., shot a final-round 74 to win the Scott Robertson Memorial May 17 at Roanoke (Va.) Country Club.
Monday Scramble: How to celebrate a win
Some Irish items of note from the week that was – so listen up lads.
Golfweek’s Best deals: TPC Sawgrass
If you want to play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, you normally can expect to shell out upward of four bills (including the forecaddie fee), which makes it seem like you’re adding insult to injury when you inevitably dump a sleeve of Pro V1s into the pond at No. 17.
Baldry: And your women’s winners are...
Beth Ann Baldry likes to look smart. That’s why she’s picking Arizona State to win the NCAA Championship. Too obvious for you? Freshman Carlota Ciganda (pictured) and the Sun Devils don’t mind.
Player of the Week: Bethany Wu
Wu won AJGA Preseason Junior by nine.
Player of the Week: Jane Rah
Rah won Scott Robertson Memorial by four.
Klein on Design: No. 16 at Canterbury
This 1922 design makes brilliant use of the glacially formed moraine topography, nowhere with greater effect and drama than on this long, unreachable (in two) par 5.
Tony George: Life in the fast lane
Tony George can be forgiven for being in a hurry. As CEO of family-run Indianapolis Motor Speedway, speed is in his blood.
Spotlight group at NCAAs
EN ROUTE TO BALTIMORE – My featured grouping for Round 1 at the NCAA Women’s Championship: UCLA, Denver, Arizona State, which go off from 12:30 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Tuesday at Caves Valley. Playing with two powerhouses, the Pioneers can prove early if they’ve got enough pop to produce.
Sunday, May 17
Oh wins second LPGA title at Sybase
Ji Young Oh shot 2-under 70 and benefited from a couple of mistakes by Suzann Pettersen on the back nine to capture the $2 million Sybase Classic on Sunday by four shots.
Oglethorpe takes home D-III men's title
The Oglethorpe University men's golf team won the first national championship of any Oglethorpe sports team on May 16 when they claimed a four-shot victory over La Verne at the Division III Men's Golf Championship.
Arseneault left off Cavs’ NCAA lineup
Jennie Arseneault will end her career at Virginia on the sidelines. The All-ACC selection wlll not be at Caves Valley for the NCAA Championship. The senior was left out of Virginia’s NCAA regional lineup last week, too, after struggling with her swing over the past month.
Ragan, Ludvigson resign from Oklahoma
The coaches of the Oklahoma men’s and women’s golf teams have both resigned.
NCAA Women’s Championship preview
Shine your shoes and tuck in your shirt, the NCAA Women’s Championship kicks off Tuesday at Caves Valley. Golfweek.com gives you everything you’ll need to know about the national championship.
Johnson defends Texas Open title
Zach Johnson successfully defended his Texas Open title, winning a sudden-death playoff with an unlikely contender.
Saturday, May 16
Super Sunday set at Sybase Classic
Suzann Pettersen and Ji Young Oh seemingly won’t have to worry about three-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa making a run at them in the final round of the Sybase Classic.
Central: Bruins win; Hill earns medalist
North Carolina State’s Matt Hill made a major statement in the player-of-the-year race as he hung on for a one-shot victory in the NCAA Men’s Central Regional.
Southwest: Horschel powers UF to win
Florida senior Billy Horschel shot 3-under 68 in the final round of the NCAA Southwest Regional to power the Gators to a two-shot win over Texas Tech. Horschel finished second individually at 1-over 214.
South Central: Cowboys, Tway roll at Kartsen Creek
Building a 14-shot lead after two rounds, Oklahoma State put it on cruise control Saturday to win the NCAA South Central Regional at Karsten Creek.
Hawkeyes’ charge lands NCAA berth
Two years ago, the Iowa men’s team was ranked 152nd in the country. Now the Hawkeyes are headed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Championship.
Northeast: ’Bama wins; Clemson out
Alabama made up five shots in the final round of the NCAA Northeast Regional to overtake Tennessee and win the program’s first regional title.
West: Ducks surprise field once again
Last year, Oregon almost pulled off an incredible upset by nearly winning the NCAA West Regional as the 16th seed. This year, again with a seed outside the number of allocated spots, Oregon turned more heads with another runner-up finish.
Johnson grabs Texas Open lead with 60
Defending champion Zach Johnson matched the La Cantera course record with a 10-under 60 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead in the suspended third round of the rain-soaked Texas Open.
Broadcaster, PGA champ Rosburg dies
Bob Rosburg, who won the 1959 PGA Championship and spent three decades with ABC Sports as a pioneer in on-course reporting, has died. He was 82.
Friday, May 15
Southwest: Longhorns lasso the lead
Texas – powered by a 2-under 69 from Lance Lopez – grabbed the second-round lead at the NCAA Men’s Southwest Regional.
Lincicome powers ahead at Sybase
Less than six months ago, Brittany Lincicome had a long sit-down with her parents and talked about the possibility of taking a year off from golf.
Uihlein pacing Cowboys at home
The Oklahoma winds finally kicked into motion and Oklahoma State rode it to a commanding lead Friday after two rounds at the NCAA South Central Regional at Karsten Creek Golf Club.
Huge Southeast rush for 49ers
Charlotte’s Corey Nagy and Stefan Wiedergruen are inseparable, both in the lunchroom and on the leaderboard.
Northeast: 'Bama bounces back
Alabama rebounded from a disappointing first round to post a tournament-best 1-over 285 in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Northeast Regional and finish the day in second place.
West: New Mexico looking for rally
Postseason is a time when teams hope to be playing their best golf. That’s the case for Arizona State, which has posted eight of 10 individual rounds under par, and maintains the lead Friday at the NCAA West Regional.
Central: Georgia Tech stumbles in rain
Georgia Tech fell from second to a tie for sixth midway through the second round of the NCAA Central Regional.
Goydos in command at Texas Open
Paul Goydos remembered hitting one mediocre shot Friday in the Texas Open, but not any bad ones.
Thursday, May 14
Sorenstam expecting girl in the fall
Annika Sorenstam is having a girl, the retired former LPGA star made the announcement Thursday.
Campbell going to Big South in 2011
Campbell is heading back to the Big South Conference, the university announced Thursday.
Southwest: Texas Tech takes big lead
The five top seeds at the NCAA Men’s Southwest Regional were all within the top 5 at the end of first-round play.
Alfredsson lights up Sybase with 62
Lorena Ochoa is going to have to stage one of the biggest comebacks of her career to win a fourth consecutive Sybase Classic.
Heavyweights stumble in Southeast
As Georgia senior Adam Mitchell approached RedTail Golf Club’s 18th hole, one of his teammates yelled, “Hurry up, Mitch, and tap it in.”
Cowboys can’t pull away on Day 1
It was hardly a surprise that Oklahoma State was leading the 13-team field Thursday after the opening round of the NCAA South Central Regional Championship.
West: ASU on point at Lake Merced
Arizona State golf fans could possibly compare this season to riding a roller coaster for the first time: You just don’t know what’s coming next.
Don’t mess with Leonard in Texas
Paul Goydos made eight birdies before his final drive sailed into a fairway bunker, blemishing what was almost an unmatched start at the Texas Open.
Florida flop
The cloud over Sunshine State’s women’s teams.
Northeast: Clemson starts slow
Top-seeded Clemson struggled to 26-over 310 Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Northeast Regional.
Volvo pulls sponsorship of Asian event
Asia’s top golf tour has canceled its season-ending tournament in Thailand after Volvo pulled its sponsorship.
Wednesday, May 13
Who’s had the best spring?
Which team is playing the best this spring? It turns out, the same team that is ranked No. 1 now and at the end of the fall season - Georgia.
Wie: I can still win men’s event
Six years since gaining national attention as a 13-year-old golfing phenomenon, Michelle Wie still seeks that first win on the LPGA and dreams of beating the boys on that other pro golf circuit.
Fantasy Aces: Valero Texas Open
Zach Johnson: When it comes to the Texas Open, he’s the sheriff, packing six top-10s in his holster, including a victory that got his career back on track just a year and a half ago.
Paddy blames slump on swing changes
Padraig Harrington has a ready explanation for his poor performance this year: He has been tinkering with his swing as he seeks to improve on his success of 2008, when he won the British Open and the PGA Championship.
O’Connor selected for Hall of Fame
Christy O’Connor of Ireland has been selected for the World Golf Hall of Fame for his 24 victories on the European Tour and his 10 appearances in the Ryder Cup.
PGA Tour charity donations decline
The PGA Tour estimates its donations to charity will decline by as much as 14 percent this year, the result of an economic downturn that is affecting everything from sponsors to hospitality sales.
Texas Open eyes bigger status
Zach Johnson is the defending champion at the Valero Texas Open, though he doesn’t know much about its reputation.
Debate club
Proof that The Players is still one of the best.
Tuesday, May 12
Surprise!
Expect the unexpected at NCAA regionals.
Europe adds captain’s pick for Ryder Cup
Europe has changed its criteria for making the Ryder Cup team, giving Colin Montgomerie three captain’s picks and taking only four players from a points list based on world rankings.
‘Race’ ends for Leisurecorp’s Spencer
David Spencer, the architect behind Leisurecorp’s partnership with the PGA European Tour and the season-ending ‘Race to Dubai,’ is out as chief executive. Nakheel, Leisurecorp’s parent company, said it will continue ‘golf business as usual.’
Ishikawa invited to PGA Championship
Japanese golfer Ryo Ishikawa has received a special invitation to play in the PGA Championship.
Commentary: Hate to be Rude: Easy on Haney
Tiger Woods had just completed his eighth-place finish at The Players when I received an email from the latest basher of Woods’ instructor, Hank Haney. The message was that Haney is “destroying a great golf swing.”
Fashion Fairway: LPGA's Fashionistas
Paula $ Anna: Two of the LPGA's hottest fashionistas were dazzling fans with their stylish trends last week at the Sybase Classic.
Monday, May 11
Crash landing
Despite high ratings, NBC tanks its Players coverage.
Wie confirms Women’s British entry
Michelle Wie will play at the Women’s British Open this summer.
Winner's Circle: May 4-10, 2009
Henrik Stenson's Yes! putter and Callaway driver helped snag him a win at TPC Sawgrass.
Stenson's Yes! Putter leads to win at the Players.
Henrik Stenson and his Yes! putter, Donna, burned up the greens at TPC Sawgrass.
Fairway Fashion: Weekend wrap-up
Check out the weekend wrap-up from TPC Sawgrass and other fairways around the country...
Golfweek’s Best deals: Sea Pines Resort
A morning round at Harbour Town will run you $225. A better option is Sea Pines’ Early Birdie Golf Package.
W.Va. man lays claim to Greenbrier
A showdown could be looming over control of The Greenbrier.
LPGA: Riding out the storm
At least 11 of the LPGA's 16 U.S. events, excluding majors, are without naming sponsors or have title contracts that expire by year's end. That means nearly 40 percent of next year's potential schedule is cloaked in uncertainty.
Special report: The LPGA’s chief
Commissioner Carolyn Bivens arguably is one of the most misunderstood figures in golf, victimized mostly for setting a frenzied pace of change that has left many bewildered. And that’s not likely to change anytime soon. She’s driven to make the LPGA a model 21st-century sports organization.
Arthur Hills layout opens in Mexico
While growing up here in the capital of Baja, Luis Cano recalls hearing of at least a half dozen plans to develop a narrow spit of land just across the Bay of La Paz. But El Mogote, as the peninsula is known to locals, was still barren when Cano, now a prominent Baja developer, bought it in 2001.
Sunday, May 10
Kerr wins second Michelob Ultra title
Cristie Kerr emerged from a four-way tie for the lead with a birdie on the 15th hole Sunday and won her second Michelob Ultra Open with a 16-under 286.
Feherty under fire for magazine article
CBS Sports golf analyst David Feherty came under sharp criticism Saturday for a joke he wrote in a Dallas magazine article that suggested American soldiers would be just as likely to knock off House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Harry Reid as they would Osama bin Laden.
Feherty apologizes for magazine joke
CBS Sports golf analyst David Feherty apologized Sunday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for a morbid joke that went bad in a Dallas magazine.
Notes: Tiger says he’ll fix faulty swing
After playing consecutive tournaments for the first time in more than a year, Tiger Woods’ left knee felt just fine. His swing, though, wasn’t quite right.
Cejka collapses in final round of Players
Alex Cejka began the final round of The Players Championship with the largest 54-hole lead in the tournament’s 36-year history.
Child’s play: Stenson wins Players
On a day that saw even Tiger Woods get rattled, Henrik Stenson shot a bogey-free 66 to win the Players Championship by four shots over Ian Poulter. Woods played in the final group, but never contended.
Saturday, May 9
Wright, Kerr sprint ahead at Michelob
Lindsey Wright can’t remember the last time she played in the final grouping in a golf tournament, but she sounds eager to tackle the challenge.
Central: Uribe, UCLA defend their titles
UCLA women’s head coach Carrie Forsyth can find plenty of positives in her team’s trip to Columbus, Ohio, starting with the Bruins’ 19-shot victory in the Central Regional.
East: Pioneers pave way with title
How many teams play Ultimate Frisbee to prepare for a golf tournament? Denver did and now they’re the East Regional champs. That light attitude could now carry them to a national title. Who else is heading to the Big Dance? Dan Mirocha has the story.
West: Ciganda, ASU dominate in Tempe
Arizona State won by 19 shots on its home course, while Carlota Ciganda followed her Pac-10 victory with another win.
Cejka takes five-shot lead at Players
Tiger Woods didn’t have his best in the third round of the Players, but he still managed to slip into the final pairing on Sunday with leader Alex Cejka. Cejka will carry a five-shot lead over Woods and five others at TPC Sawgrass.
Made for TV
Natalie Gulbis' TV success is good for the LPGA.
Cejka faces big challenge at TPC
Now a gut check for the Czech. The Players leader, Alex Cejka, plays with Tiger Woods in the final group Sunday. That imposing shadow has made plenty of others shrink and disappear.
UNC, Austin heading to NCAA finals
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Great to see North Carolina coach Sally Austin get one more hurrah. Her Tar Heels advance to the national championship Saturday at the East Regional. Austin will retire at the end of the season after 16 years in Chapel Hill.
Heading home
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Stephanie Connelly is heading home for the NCAA Championship.
The life of an Ivy Leaguer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Even though Susannah Aboff didn’t advance to the national championship (she was playing as an individual at the East Regional), the Princeton senior did have something to look forward to.
Friday, May 8
Ochoa leads Michelob; Wie six back
A week off did nothing to slow Lorena Ochoa down, and a month away from the game found Lindsey Wright in the same groove she was in before a vacation.
Skins Game postponed for 2009
The Skins Game, a Thanksgiving weekend tradition for nearly three decades, became golf’s latest victim of the economic downturn when organizers said it would be postponed this year with no guarantees it would return.
Ochoa scorching through Michelob
Lorena Ochoa is threatening to turn the Michelob Ultra Open into a runaway in another of her annual dominating runs.
West: Texas feeling at home in Tempe
Texas might be the best No. 17 seed the tournament has seen since the start of NCAA regional competition in 1993. The Longhorns certainly aren’t just happy to here.
Central: Red-hot Bruins continue to roll
UCLA continues to cruise in defense of its Central Regional title as the Bruins posted a 2-over 290 in the second round and lengthened their lead over Purdue to 10 shots.
East: Auburn on ropes after Day 2
Auburn is in a fight for its postseason lives at the East Regional. Despite stellar play from junior Candance Schepperle, the Tigers are in 12th place after two rounds and six shot outside of the top 8. Dan Mirocha reports.
Cejka's harrowing tale
When you’ve survived a daring escape from communist rule as a 9-year-old, the treacherous 17th hole at the Players Championship is child’s play.
'Shamateurism'
The R&A is on the right track by looking at revamping the rules of amateur status. The amateur-status rules are a bit of a joke.
Notes: Tour drug tested Woods twice
Tiger Woods said Thursday he has been tested twice for drugs under the PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy, including one time when he wasn’t even playing.
‘Little Red Book’ author dead at 77
Edwin “Bud” Shrake, an author and journalist who co-authored the best-selling golf book “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book,” has died. He was 77.
Cejka charges to lead at Players
Alex Cejka shot 5-under 67 and opened a two-shot lead over Ian Poulter after Round 2 of the Players Championship. Cejka, who’s been battling recent injuries, is a surprise leader. Tiger Woods shot 2-under 69 and is seven shots behind Cejka.
Notes: Couples holds Prez Cup meeting
Listening to Fred Couples talk about his first meeting with potential U.S. players for the Presidents Cup team gave some insight into how different he will be as a captain.
Welcome to The Look
Hi Golfweekers! It's Ashley Davis and Ashleigh Korzack and we'd like to welcome you to our new blog on Golfweek.com!
UNC's Austin hoping for one more day
GAINESVILLE, Fla. –North Carolina coach Sally Austin is doing her best to concentrate on golf. But knowing Saturday could be her last day coaching the Tar Heels has been weighing on her mind.
Thursday, May 7
SBS new sponsor of PGA Tour opener
The PGA Tour added its first new title sponsor since the economic meltdown May 7 and shored up its season opener in Kapalua by announcing a 10-year deal with Korea-based SBS International.
West: San Jose State chasing leader ASU
While Arizona St. raced out to a 15-shot lead, San Jose State faltered in the first round of the West Regional and is in a tie for 13th.
Central: UCLA storms to lead in defense
The Bruins shot 4-under 284 Thursday at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course to take an 11-shot lead after the first round of the NCAA Division I Women’s Central Regional.
Arseneault confident in Cavs at NCAAs
Virginia senior Jennie Arseneault just wants what’s best for her team. That’s why she and coach Kim Lewellen decided it would be best for the All-ACC first-teamer to sit out of the Cavaliers’ lineup at the NCAA Women’s East Regional.
Unsung Pirates sail to East lead
No one gave the East Carolina women a chance entering the East Regional except East Carolina. Spurred by two, 2-under 68s from Ana Maria Puche and Abby Bools, the 43rd-ranked Pirates surprised several big names Thursday. Dan Mirocha has the scoop.
Rookies ready for TPC’s tough finish
The Players Championship has its own version of a Super Bowl media day.
Golfweek’s Best Tour Courses
It’s unlikely that the most rabid Red Sox fan will ever get a chance to knock a 95-mph heater off the Green Monster. Nor is there much chance of the most ardent Cheesehead throwing a game-winning touchdown at Lambeau Field.
For a father
Brad Adamonis gave his father a gift at Sawgrass.
Amanda and Oprah
So, who’s speaking at Duke's commencement address?
Florida not off to good start at home
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Any hope Florida had of getting of to a good start at home for the East Regional was squashed Thursday. The 11th-seeded Gators shot 25-over par and are tied for 14th.
Three finalists named for Hogan Award
Indiana’s Jorge Campillo, Oklahoma State’s Rickie Fowler and Clemson’s Kyle Stanley have been named finalists for the Ben Hogan Award.
Denver having a blast at East Regional
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The loosest team at the East Regional has to be Denver.
Nice digs at UF
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Not saying I had it rough last year at the Women’s East Regional at the University of Georgia, but the event set its media area up in a storage room at the course’s driving range. I shared a desk with a bucket of range balls.
Wednesday, May 6
Lopez, Rankin weigh in on Wie hype
When LPGA administrators and players gathered last weekend in Virginia, one of the most-discussed topics was ways for all the players to help draw more fans to their game by being more visible outside the ropes.
Cavs enter NCAAs without Arseneault
Virginia senior All-ACC selection Jennie Arseneault did not make the trip with the Cavaliers to Gainesville, Fla., for what coach Kim Lewellen says was a mutual decision.
A Tiger forever
Auburn’s Mike Griffin exits as a champion.
Europe adds captain’s pick for Ryder Cup
Europe has changed its criteria for making the Ryder Cup team, giving Colin Montgomerie three captain’s picks and taking only four players from a points list based on world rankings.
Goydos continues to juggle emotions
Paul Goydos has dreaded his return to The Players Championship more than any other tournament.
Golf course smoking bans anger golfers
For the cigar-smoking golfer, 18 holes and a stogie rank with peanut butter and jelly or gin and tonic among life’s ideal combinations.
The course is the star at The Players
Even with the strongest field in golf, The Players Championship is among the few tournaments where the biggest star is the golf course. The Stadium Course on the TPC Sawgrass has a personality all its own.
Woods vexed by putter at Players
Tiger Woods shot 1-under 71 in the first round of the Players Championship and is six shots off the early lead. He said it was the highest round he could’ve shot, considering how well he hit the ball. He had 31 putts in his round.
Who’s had the best spring?
Using the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings, and only results from spring tournaments, we list the top women’s teams.
A quiet success
LPGA commish Bivens plays rare pro-am round.
Commentary: Hate to be Rude: Sergio's slump
Defending champion Sergio Garcia is in such a slump that about the only time we remember seeing him this year was when he was whining about Augusta National under the big tree at the Masters.
On point
Victory No. 2 will come soon for Lucas Glover.
Arseneault not with Cavs for regionals
Spoke with Viriginia coach Kim Lewellen today after finding out senior Jennie Arseneault will not be with the Cavs at the East Regional.
Tuesday, May 5
Notes: Kelly defends British Open decision
Jerry Kelly considers the British Open his favorite major championship of the year.
In-depth: Women’s regionals
Hold on to your visors and grab your trusty lob wedge, the postseason is here. Golfweek.com breaks down each of the women’s regionals.
Ga. Tech’s Heppler signs 5-year extension
Georgia Tech head men’s coach Bruce Heppler has signed a new five-year contract, which will begin when his current deal expires in June 2010, director of athletics Dan Radakovich announced Tuesday.
Five players named Nelson finalists
The Golf Coaches Association of America has announced the finalists for the 2009 Byron Nelson Award presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon, in cooperation with the Four Seasons Resort and Club Las Colinas and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.
Monday, May 4
British Open returning to Muirfield in ’13
The British Open will return in 2013 to Muirfield, the links course on Scotland’s east coast where golf’s oldest championship has been played for more than a century.
Trump buys Lowes Island Club
Donald Trump expanded his golf holdings to the nation’s capital with his acquisition of Lowes Island Club.
Fantasy Aces: Players Championship
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one wondering who to pick for their fantasy team this week. Phil Mickelson appears puzzled as well. The world’s best are gathered at TPC Sawgrass, leaving fantasy players with plenty of choices. We’re here to help.
Rounds played in March nearly flat
The volume of rounds played in the U.S. was nearly flat at -0.2 percent in March compared with the same month a year ago, according to an industry report.
Klein on Design: No. 17 at Sawgrass
Nowhere in golf does a single little hole exercise such a tight grip on golfers.
Auburn men’s coach Griffin steps aside
Mike Griffin is resigning after 25 years as men’s golf coach at Auburn but will remain as director of golf, the university announced May 4.
Longtime Tour sponsors renew deals
Liberty Mutual reupped its sponsorship commitment to the Champions Tour’s Legends of Golf through 2014 and Delta Airlines extended its designation as the official airline of the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour through 2010.
Sunday, May 3
LPGA Summit: Part rally, part business
The sagging economy and its role in the shrinking LPGA schedule prompted a mandatory meeting of players and officials.
Vindication: O’Hair wins Quail Hollow
Standing on the 18th tee, Sean O’Hair asked his caddie where he stood in the Quail Hollow Championship and got word that he had a one-shot lead.
Ballesteros makes public appearance
Golfing great Seve Ballesteros made his first public appearance Sunday since undergoing four separate surgeries to remove a cancerous brain tumor.
Woods: ‘I need to get more consistent’
When Tiger Woods shot a 30 on the front nine in a seven-under 65 in the opening round of the Quail Hollow Championship, he appeared poised to dominate on a tough course with a major-like feel.
Illinois wins first Big Ten title since ’88
The last time Illinois won the Big Ten Conference Championship, three players on its current squad had none yet been born.
Saturday, May 2
Notes: Hope of Tiger-Lefty match fizzles
After their electric pairing and surged up the leaderboard on the final day of the Masters, Woods and Phil Mickelson were poised for a similar finish at Quail Hollow heading into the weekend.
Can Tiger pull off Sunday comeback?
Tiger Woods dropped out of the lead with late bogeys for the second straight day, leaving former Masters champion Zach Johnson with a two-shot advantage Saturday heading into the final round of the Quail Hollow Championship.
TCU wins Mountain West title in playoff
Texas Christian University won its first conference title in four years Saturday in playoff over San Diego State at the Mountain West Conference Championship.
Kent State dominates MAC Championship
Despite going 20 shots worse in the fourth round than the third round, Kent State cruised to the Mid-American Conference Championship Saturday at Brickyard Crossing.
Friday, May 1
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Tiger loses lead after shaky finish
Bubba Watson overpowered Quail Hollow and wound up with a perfect day — he tied a course record with a 30 on the front nine, shot 7-under 65 to share the lead, and doesn’t have to play with Tiger Woods.
Notes: Watson can’t focus, still has lead
Bubba Watson shot 30 on the front nine on Friday en route to a 7-under 65 and a share of the lead.
Lee makes his first cut as a professional
U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee earned his first paycheck Friday when he made three tough pars down the stretch for a 3-under 69 that put him closer to the leaders than the cut line in the Quail Hollow Championship.
Enoch remembered
The Royal Lytham & St. Annes flag flew at half-staff when competitors teed off Friday in the 44th edition of the Lytham Trophy. The flag was lowered out of respect for 19-year-old Ben Enoch, who died April 30 in a car accident on his way to a practice round for the Lytham Trophy.
Uncharted
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is glad to play in May.
Wild ride
Phil the Thrill living up to billing.
