World Golf Headlines June 18th, 2008
Predator Ridge sinks teeth into Skins golfers
For six holes at the Telus World Skins Game on Monday, Mike Weir, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Camilo Villegas and Colin Montgomerie were the gang that couldn't shoot straight.
This supposed fab fivesome combined for just one birdie over the opening six holes at the Predator Ridge Golf Resort, which they collectively made look more difficult than Torrey Pines South.
Errant drives sailed deep into the rough (hitting at least a couple of startled spectators who lined the sun-splashed fairways), approach shots missed greens and chips rolled 20 feet by pins.
10-year-old golf prodigy Allisen Corpuz shoots 88 at Publinx
Ten-year-old Allisen Corpuz of Kapolei, Hawaii, shot a 15-over-par 88 in the second round of the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship on Tuesday.
Her two-day total of 169 was nine strokes over the 160 cut for the 64 golfers advancing to match play, but it was sensational for a girl who stands a mere 5-feet tall and weighs in at 111 pounds.
"It was nice," the shy, soft-spoken golfer with the long ponytail said of her debut in national championship golf."
In the first round Monday at the par-73 Erin Hills Golf Course, she became the youngest player to compete in a U.S. Golf Association championship at the age of 10 years, three months. She swiped the honour from another golfing phenom from Hawaii, Michelle Wie, who in 2000 was 10 years, nine months when she played in the same tournament.
Annika Sorenstam to become ambassador for the USGA
Annika Sorenstam will play in her final U.S. Women's Open next week at Interlachen, but her involvement with the U.S. Golf Association won't end there. The three-time champion will become a USGA ambassador, involved in the Rules of Golf and with programs to grow the game.
"Annika has earned a rare place in golf's history, and we are very privileged to bring her aboard the USGA," president Jim Vernon said.
Sorenstam made a brief appearance at Torrey Pines, coming to the U.S. Open for corporate work with Lexus. She will be hard to miss at Interlachen, even for those who don't attend the U.S. Women's Open.
Her first round will be streamed live on the tournament's website (www.uswomensopen.com), the first time that has happened in women's golf. Fans on the Internet will be able to see every shot from Sorenstam and her two other playing partners (Paula Creamer is expected to be one of them) during the first round.
PGA and Golf Channel announce multi-year agreement, one-hour specials
The PGA of America and Golf Channel announced a multi-year agreement that will feature a series of five one-hour specials, prime time coverage of The PGA Professional National Championship, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf clinic, pre- and post-event news conference coverage at the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup and public service announcements that promote PGA Professionals, Play Golf America among a wide range of Association business and membership opportunities.
"The PGA of America is pleased to continue its partnership with Golf Channel, the voice of the game on air and a loyal supporter of the PGA Professional," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "As our Association continues its efforts to bring new players to the game, we join Golf Channel and its talented staff in promoting PGA Professionals as the experts in the game and the business of golf."
PGA Tour crosses country for Travelers Championship in Hartford
The Travelers Championship returns to TPC River Highlands this week as Hunter Mahan defends his title.
Mahan earned his elusive first PGA Tour win a year ago when he triumphed over Jay Williamson in a playoff at the Travelers Championship. Mahan made a birdie on the first extra hole to capture the title.
Mahan opened with an 8-under 62 and closed with a 5-under 65 that helped him to victory in a season that eventually led to his inclusion on his first U.S. Presidents Cup team.
A year ago, Jay Williamson turned in his best PGA Tour finish when, playing on a sponsor's exemption as a non-PGA Tour member, he tied Hunter Mahan through 72 holes before falling in a one-hole playoff. Williamson and Justin Rose were the only players in the field to record four sub-70 rounds at the par-70 TPC River Highlands.
AFTER 14 MAJORS AND 65 PGA WINS, WOODS CALLS THIS HIS 'BEST EVER'
Hank Haney's lower lip was quivering as he spoke. The emotion was obvious in his eyes.
More than anyone else in Tiger Woods' tight circle of confidants, Haney, as Woods' coach, understood the pain and the doubt that accompanied the world's top golfer in his incredible journey to a 19-hole playoff victory over Rocco Mediate yesterday in the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
"He's so tough ... the amount of pain he played in this week, the lack of preparation ... " Haney was saying, his voice cracking softly. "This is his greatest win. I know he feels the same way."
To pick out a greatest in Woods' triumphs among his 14 major titles and 65 PGA Tour victories is like choosing a favorite "Seinfeld" episode. It's all shades of brilliance, but The Man himself was there to dispel any doubt.
"This is probably the best ever," Woods said.
