Golf FanHouse

Tiger Woods Tied for Lead at HSBC

Shane Bacon — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: European Tour

Tiger Woods plays golf all over the world, all the time, and tends not to discriminate when trophies come his way in different languages. Unfortunately, none of those trophies Woods holds are covered in Mandarin, but that could change if Tiger keeps it up at the HSBC Champions.

After two rounds in Shanghai, Tiger can't stop shooting 67s, and with a birdie on his final hole on Friday, Woods is tied for the lead at 10-under with first-round leader and fellow countryman Nick Watney.

Watney, ranked 32nd in the world, followed up his course record 64 on Thursday with a 2-under 70 to tie Woods and will be paired with Tiger on Saturday with a list of impressive golfers chasing, including 2007 HSBC champion Phil Mickelson, who is 9-under, just one shot back.

Golf.com: HSBC Round 2 Photo Gallery

Tiger Woods Tied for Lead at HSBC originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Watney Leads American-Friendly HSBC

Shane Bacon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: European Tour

If you didn't know any better when checking the leaderboard of the HSBC Champions, you'd think it was just another PGA Tour event. Unfortunately, it's not, but with all the American flags hibernating near the top, five of the top-12 to be exact, you'd think this tournament was being held in the States, not in Shanghai, China.

Nick Watney, an American, set the course record at Sheshan International Golf Club on Thursday with a 8-under 64, but near his heels are a few well known names, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, playing in this event together for the first time.

Golf.com: HSBC Round 1 Photo Gallery

Watney Leads American-Friendly HSBC originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tiger and Phil Continue to Grow Golf

Shane Bacon — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: European Tour

If you can look past, for a moment, the fact that both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are multi-millionaires, playing the same game and hording appearance fees most of us won't accumulate in our lifetime, the two are practically polar opposites.

Tiger was a Stanford Cardinal to Phil's Arizona State Sun Devil. Tiger's right-handed to Phil's southpaw. Tiger's black to Phi's white. Tiger is known as a closer to Phil's (sometimes misconceived) choker.

The thing we can all agree on with Tiger and Phil is what they've done for the game of golf, none more apparent than their appearance together this week at the HSBC Champions, in Shanghai, China, a event that kicked off in 2005 and is now drawing the type of talent reserved for major championships and events hosted by past legends.

Tiger and Phil Continue to Grow Golf originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

FanHouse Chats With The Golf Channel's Rich Lerner

Shane Bacon — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, Golf Odds and Ends

Every sports fan has a little bit of a photographic memory. They remember images of their favorite players or incredible moments. The Joe Carter home run leap. The concluding seconds of the Miracle on Ice. Michael Jordan's final shot against the Jazz in 1997.

In golf, one year stands out for images that will forever be burned in our skull. That year was ten years ago, in 1999. You had the David Duval eagle putt for 59 drop as his yellow Tommy Hilfiger shirt came untucked and a rare first pump ensued. Sergio Garcia closing his eyes to hit a shot from behind a tree at Medinah, only to run down the fairway as it somehow found its way on the putting surface, scissor kick and all. Payne Stewart's statuesque image when the winning putt dropped at Pinehurst. Jean Van de Velde, hands on his hips, standing in the Barry Burn at Carnoustie, pants rolled up, making the most famous triple-bogey in the history of golf. Any and all images from that Sunday at Brookline, when the Americans stormed back to beat the Europeans at the Ryder Cup.

GolfChannel.com decided to put all these in writing in something they're calling "Project '99", and had some of their most talented voices jot down what they remembered from the event personally. Rich Lerner, who has been with The Golf Channel since 1997, chatted with FanHouse about the Van de Velde collapse, amongst other things. Click away for a little trip back in time.

FanHouse Chats With The Golf Channel's Rich Lerner originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Real Problem With the LPGA

Shane Bacon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: LPGA

It's golf's offseason, which doesn't really mean much for fans and players alike except there aren't any majors, and the competition dwindles. It also gives media and players a chance to reflect on the bigger picture. Players evaluate their years and see what could be improved, promising to work on that before next year rolls out. Media has the opportunity to hand out awards, evaluate certain tours and find flaws in those tours.

That is where this concept came up, about the LPGA and their struggle to gain identity. You could argue that women's golf is the second most important female sport, behind tennis, but it still seems that women's golf has struggled this decade to resonate with sports fans, even some golf fans. Annika Sorenstam had moments where she became a story bigger than golf, but most of that dealt with a missed cut and a skirt, the latter being more of a Fred Funk prank than anything.

The Real Problem With the LPGA originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's Worth the Wait for Lanny Wadkins

Mick Elliott — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Champions Tour

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Lanny Wadkins wanted to make one thing absolutely clear. "It's great to be here," he said.

Wadkins was seated on a stage at the World Golf Village on Monday, or on top of the world. Definitely one of the two, and as far as Wadkins is concerned, the views are identical.

With his name now in the Golf Hall of Fame, Wadkins has finally fulfilled something that was long overdue.

Wadkins -- along with Irishman Christy O'Connor, Sr., Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal and former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower -- was being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

That was the good news. The bad was that it had taken Wadkins 14 years to get the call.

Golf.com: Wadkins Initial Frustration

It's Worth the Wait for Lanny Wadkins originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Doug Barron Becomes First PGA Tour Player to Fail Drug Test

Shane Bacon — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: PGA

Doug Barron has been suspended for a full year after failing a drug test, becoming the first PGA Tour player to fail such a test since the tour instituted their drug policy in July 2008.

Barron may not fit the mold of the normal athlete to fail drug testing, but in golf, he seems like the perfect culprit. The 40-year-old Barron has been a professional golfer since 1992, playing in 238 career PGA Tour tournaments and 110 career Nationwide Tour events.

On Monday, Barron issued an apology in a statement through the tour.

Doug Barron Becomes First PGA Tour Player to Fail Drug Test originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Loss of Leg Won't Stop Army Vet From Being a Champion

Mick Elliott — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:05:00 EST

Filed under: FanHouse Exclusive, Champions Tour

TAMPA, Fla. -- The two men had met for the first time only a handful of hours earlier on a warm December morning last year while standing in the clubhouse at TPC Tampa Bay before a Birdies for the Brave charity golf event.

Donny Alston and Brad Bryant. Brad and Donny.

Alston, an assistant club professional at a public course about 45 miles away, called the chance visit with the Champions Tour player "a hoot.'' Making it even better, Andy Bean, another senior tour star, had been there, too.

Loss of Leg Won't Stop Army Vet From Being a Champion originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sindelar Suffered Pulmonary Embolism

FanHouse Newswire — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:41:00 EST

Filed under: Champions Tour

SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- Joey Sindelar remained hospitalized Sunday after having a pulmonary embolism during the third round of the Charles Schwab Cup Championships.

The Champions Tour said Sindelar's condition had improved but doctors at Sonoma Valley Hospital wanted to keep the 51-year-old for further observation.

Sindelar Suffered Pulmonary Embolism originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fisher Beats Kim at World Match Play

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: European Tour

CASARES, Spain (AP) -- Ross Fisher beat Anthony Kim 4 and 3 on Sunday to win the 36-hole World Match Play Championship final.

Fisher eagled the 22nd hole and birdied the next to take a 3-up lead at the Finca Cortesin golf course. Kim won the next hole before missing short putts at the next two, then squandering several chances to win holes down the stretch.

"Fortunately the putter finally got a little bit hot," said Fisher, who became the fourth Englishman to win the event. "It was slow to get going but when I needed some crucial putts, there were some really good putts I holed today."

Fisher never trailed his American opponent as the first 18 holes were played in cool, overcast conditions. The sun finally came out in the afternoon.

Fisher Beats Kim at World Match Play originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Viking Classic Officially Canceled

FanHouse Newswire — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: PGA

MADISON, Miss. -- PGA Tour officials canceled the weather-stricken Viking Classic on Saturday because of unplayable course conditions.

There will be no makeup date and players will move on to the final event of the season, the Children's Miracle Network Classic on Nov. 12-15 in Orlando, Fla.

Annandale Golf Club received 1.75 inches of rain overnight Friday and Saturday, completely soaking an already marginal course that had areas of standing water and large tracts of mud.

Madison has received more than 20 inches of rain in the last six weeks.

Viking Classic Officially Canceled originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Anthony Kim Crushes Robert Allenby at World Match Play

Shane Bacon — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: European Tour

So much for Robert Allenby taking advantage of a rested Anthony Kim. Playing for the first time since the Presidents Cup -- where Allenby bashed Kim for partying too much and being a loose cannon and compared him to John Daly, even though the American smoked the Australian in the singles matches -- Kim again took Allenby down in Spain.

This time, it was at the Volvo Match Play Championships, and Kim won 5 and 4 on Saturday in the 36-hole semifinals match, giving Kim ownership over Allenby in both matches this season.

How did Kim take down Allenby? Well, just as you'd expect from the confident American.

Anthony Kim Crushes Robert Allenby at World Match Play originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Anthony Kim and Robert Allenby to Play in World Match Play Semifinals

Shane Bacon — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: PGA

In a rematch that is sure to disappoint bar owners in Caseras, Spain, Anthony Kim and Robert Allenby are set to square off in the World Match Play Semifinals on Saturday, giving us a much-needed golf treat during the offseason.

As you probably remember, Kim and Allenby played against each other at the Presidents Cup earlier this month during the Sunday singles matches, with Kim defeating Allenby 5 and 3, only to have the Australian rip Kim for partying the night before their match.

Anthony Kim and Robert Allenby to Play in World Match Play Semifinals originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Callaway Implies That Golf > Sex

Will Brinson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST

by Will Brinson

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

As Jay Busbee pointed out, there's no real way to answer the whole "Do you like golf or sex better?" question without getting a phone call from the old superiors. And really, it depends on how good you are, doesn't it? Or who's in your foursome.

Regardless though, Callaway Golf (my preferred playing partner, thanks for asking!) and their new advertising campaign is plowing through any notion of discretion and answering the question for you with a reasonably risque but very well done commercial. Video after the jump (which couldn't possibly be considered NSFW unless you work at a nursery school or the Nike compound or something).

Callaway Implies That Golf > Sex originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Big Challenge for New LPGA Boss

Mick Elliott — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: LPGA

It's not as if Michael Whan does not know what he's getting into.

Before being introduced Wednesday as the new LPGA commissioner, Whan, 44, served as North American vice-president/general manager of TaylorMade Golf. According to the LPGA's announcement, his business unit represented more than 70 percent of the company's worldwide sales and profit.

And prior to working at TaylorMade Whan spent time with Wilson Sporting Goods managing all aspects of the company's golf ball and glove business. He even brings experience heading Wilson's marketing department, two manufacturing facilities and the Research & Development division.

So what's a smart guy like Whan doing getting himself into a mess like this?

Big Challenge for New LPGA Boss originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

$10,000 Putt Left an Inch Short

Shane Bacon — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

You've heard it before, but there is one rule on eagle putts -- you never leave them short. That should also be a rule for someone trying to hole a putt worth $10,000, as Jay Busbee at Devil Ball Golf found.

Bruce Gietzen, a news anchor for an ABC affiliate in Waco,Texas, was the only qualifier at a tournament to get a chance at the $10,000 putt, measured off about 60 feet or so from the cup.

Gietzen stroked the putt, anxiously awaited the fate, and as it's rolling you almost think the thing is going to drop dead center. How close was it to dropping? Video after the jump ...

$10,000 Putt Left an Inch Short originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Steve Carell Signs on Reilly Golf Movie

Shane Bacon — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Golf Odds and Ends

Rick Reilly has had some big hits with his novels, along with the occasional dud (Slo Mo). As a golf fan, "Missing Links" and the follow-up, "Shanks for Nothing" were fun reads about a the every day municipal golf course and all the crazy stereotypes that embodies such a place (drunk, hustler, 6-pack girl, etc.).

Hollywood appears to like the book so much, they're making it into a movie, and now Steve Carell has signed on to star in the film.

(Warner Bros.) has acquired "Missing Links," a golf comedy based on a novel from ESPN's Rick Reilly, with Carell loosely attached to star as a golfer angling for a better place to play.

Carell will produce via his Carousel Prods banner, while the company's Vance DeGeneres and Charlie Hartsock are on board as exec producers. Bobby Cohen ("Revolutionary Road") is also producing.

Steve Carell Signs on Reilly Golf Movie originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Whan Named LPGA Commissioner

FanHouse Newswire — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: LPGA

NEW YORK (AP) -- The LPGA Tour has picked Michael Whan to be its new commissioner, turning to a former marketing executive in golf and hockey equipment to rebuild the tour's relationships with sponsors.

Whan previously worked for TaylorMade and Wilson golf companies and most recently was president of Mission-Itech Hockey.

"I was that crazy high school kid cutting greens at 5:30 in the morning so he could play free golf in the afternoon and caddying on Sundays," Whan said Wednesday, during an introductory news conference at Madison Square Garden.

Whan Named LPGA Commissioner originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Rickie Fowler Earning His Stripes on Tour At Breakneck Speed

Mick Elliott — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: PGA

Rickie Fowler is two weeks into his PGA Tour career and by anybody's yard stick -- even one belonging to the guy with the big yacht -- things are going exceptionally well.

Fowler, only months removed from his sophomore year at Oklahoma State where he was the top-ranked player in both college and amateur golf, made his PGA Tour pro debut two weeks ago in Las Vegas by finishing seventh in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. On Sunday in Scottsdale, Ariz., he tied for second in the Frys.com Open, losing to Troy Matteson in a three-way playoff.

That means Fowler, playing on a pair of sponsor's exemptions, has made $553,700 in two tournament appearances. Not bad for a 20 year old.

Rickie Fowler Earning His Stripes on Tour At Breakneck Speed originally appeared on Golf FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.