Inbee Park wins North Texas Shootout

Inbee Park wins North Texas Shootout










Michael Eldridge, The Sports Xchange April 28, 2013 8:40 PMThe SportsXchange



IRVING, Texas -- World No. 1 Inbee Park shot a 4-under 67 to move past Carlota Ciganda in the final round to win the inaugural LPGA North Texas Shootout by a stroke at Las Colinas Country Club on Sunday.

Ciganda, the leader to begin the day and searching for her first career win, led Park by two strokes after 10 holes Sunday and still led by a stroke until the par-4 15th. Ciganda's second shot bounced off the right side of the green and into the water to open the door for Park. Ciganda had to settle for a double bogey 6, giving the lead to Park, who recorded a par.

Park finished with a bogey-free round to win her third tournament of the year.

"Today, coming into the final round, I was two shots back, and I didn't really think about winning so much," Park said. "The front nine I was given a lot of birdie chances out there, and nothing seemed to be going in, so I was a little bit frustrated."

Park and Ciganda each hit toward the green on their second shots at the par-5 18th with Park leading by a stroke. Ciganda's ran beyond the green while Park was just short, but closer to the pin. Park would match Ciganda's birdie with a 4-foot putt to claim the championship. Ciganda finished with a 1-under 70 in her final round.

"Overall, I'm happy," Ciganda said. "I played under par but it was a shame on the 14th and 15th holes. I think I played good golf on the week. I played great yesterday but Inbee played awesome golf. That's why she is the No.1 player in the world."

Park's day opened with a birdie on the par-4 first before adding another on the eighth. She began the back nine with a birdie on the 10th and then cruised through the remaining holes mistake-free.

"I was just trying to be really patient out there, and finally a couple dropped for me at the end," Park said.

Ciganda had a chance to get a shot back on a birdie attempt on the 16th with a 15-foot putt. Her fast-paced strike went just inside the left lip of the hole but rolled out.

Suzann Pettersen made the biggest charge in the final round. Pettersen entered the day tied for ninth at 5-under but a she finished at 10-under overall after at 66 in the final round.

Pettersen's day began with three consecutive birdies on the second, third and fourth holes before adding another on the seventh. Pettersen gave a shot back on the par-3 11th with a bogey but rallied to close with a birdie on holes 15 and 18.

"I got off to a pretty good star," Pettersen said. "I played very good. Made one bogey, hit maybe the wrong club on the par-3 and just didn't hit a good bunker shot. After two days I thought 10-under would be a pretty good job, and I got to the number, but knowing that I maybe left a few out there in early rounds."

Hee Young Park made a run of her own to move into the top five of the North Texas Shootout.

H.Y. Park posted a 3-under front nine with birdies on the fourth and seventh before dropping three consecutive birdies from the ninth to the 11th. Park continued her run with back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 to close out with a 7-under 64 and finish 9-under overall and in sole possession of fourth.

Caroline Masson continued to struggle in the fourth round. The first- and second-round leader had trouble with the opening hole for the second day in a row. After posting a double bogey on the first on Saturday, the German opened her final round with a bogey.

Masson bogeyed the 11th before her second double bogey of the tournament on 12. Masson closed with back-to-back bogeys on the 16th and 17th for a 4-over 75 final round. She finished 5-under and a tie for 15th.

Notes: Jee Young Lee entered the final hole in a tie for 15th. However, after hitting her drive out of bounds twice, Lee finished with a 10 to drop back to even overall... Inbee Park's first-place finish marked her fourth top-10 showing in 2013, and her third win of the year... Hee Young Park shot a day-best 7-under 64 to finish in a tie for fourth with So Yeon Ryu.

Lateral Hazard: Emotionally charged Billy Horschel gives life to Zurich Classic with antics, play

Lateral Hazard: Emotionally charged Billy Horschel gives life to Zurich Classic with antics, play











Brian Murphy April 28, 2013 10:13 PMYahoo Sports





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Billy Horschel reacts after making a putt for birdie on the 18th hole Sunday. (Getty)
Last year at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, the uber-mellow Jason Dufner registered his first career win and showed us all just how implacable, stoic and detached a human being can be from his environment.





This year at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, the human adrenaline surge that is Billy Horschel registered his first career win, and showed us all how PSYCHED and FIRED UP and WOOOOO!! I JUST WON!!! a player can be in the moment.

Horschel may stop fist-pumping by Wednesday.

If you added up Dufner and Horschel, and divided by two, I think you’d come out with the average of a normal human being’s emotional range.

[Watch: Billy Horschel delivers priceless reaction after winning Zurich Classic]

And how much fun was that to see? In this post-Masters, pre-Players Championship stretch of golf, it helps to see potential stars born, especially ones that pile up birdies as frequently as visceral exhortations. Horschel leads the entire Tour in birdies (his 220 top Jimmy Walker’s 189), and tore off six in a row on Sunday in his sweet final-round 64, looking as on fire raining home putts as Steph Curry draining 3-pointers for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoffs.

None was finer than Horschel’s 72nd hole work on the par-5 18th at TPC Louisiana, when he was actively engaged in hand-to-hand combat with D.A. Points for the win. Remember, Points clipped Horschel by a stroke in Houston last month. While that stung, it signaled Horschel as a comer, part of three consecutive top-10s for the hot 26-year-old. So Horschel owed Points one. Probably the mere sight of the ‘LEGO’ belt buckle worn by Points had Horschel ready to chew nails.




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Billy Horschel moves to shake hands with D.A. Points after Horschel's win. (AP)



A couple of things were at work: One, Horschel was in a bit of trouble 27 feet from the hole, while Points was six feet from the hole, and Horschel was barely clinging to a one-stroke lead. Two, the omnipresent PGA Tour weather delay had added to Horschel’s body tension, with the weather siren blowing when the two players were in the 18th fairway (!) for about a 40-minute delay.

(By the way, enough with the weather on the PGA Tour. It’s damn near apocalyptic. The whole scene down in NOLA felt that way, with the gators at TPC Louisiana reportedly crawling around the golf course, and play halted one day for a swarm of bees on the course. It’s like they were filming the sequel to ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ on Tim Finchem’s dime.)

Anyway, back to the 18th green. Horschel needed a big one to fall and when his golf ball traversed 27 feet exactly, expiring in the cup for the birdie that clinched the win, well, his reaction was one of the year’s best – filled with whoops and hollers and happiness, over and over.

[Watch: Louis Oosthuizen hits 500-yard drive … with help of cart path]

It all makes for an easy metaphor, since Horschel has been charging like a thoroughbred all year. He currently holds the longest cuts-made streak on Tour (23) and his 2013 had been filled with everything but a win: tie-10th at the Humana Challenge; tie-11th in Phoenix; the runner-up in Houston to Points; a tie-3rd in Texas; a tie-9th at Harbour Town.

The scarlet letter on Horschel’s game was ‘S’ for Sunday. He toted the Tour’s 108th-ranked Sunday scoring average into the final round in Louisiana, and as if to prove it wasn’t a fluke, had recently wrote down ‘74’ on his card after Sunday’s round at Harbour Town last week, when he had a chance to win. Could this Florida Gator close it out, finally, in front of a bunch of real live gators?

The Sunday 64 spoke as emphatically as one of Horschel’s fist pumps or war whoops. Not a bad weekend, either, considering he shot 66 on Saturday. Horschel has a buzz about him, a Keegan Bradley-like intensity that makes for fun watching. Even his ride in a golf cart is enjoyable, as he opted to go ‘Ben Hur’ on the back of the cart that carried him away during the weather delay on 18, hardly the look of a stressed-out player.

[Related: Watch Horschel's highlights from New Orleans]

After the win, he hugged darn near everyone in sight, got a congratulatory tweet from fellow Gator Tim Tebow and is now a player you should think about when it comes to this fall’s President’s Cup team.

This is who Horschel is. In his days as a decorated amateur, Horschel’s in-your-face emotion spurred a young Rory McIlroy to uncharacteristically woof back in a tense Walker Cup match. McIlroy got him that time, and felt good about it. Years later, Horschel’s battle cries are saying: I’m still here, and this may only be the start of something good.

SCORECARD OF THE WEEK

67-70-67-67 – 13-under 271, Inbee Park, winner, LPGA North Texas Shootout, Las Colinas Country Club, Irving, Texas.

Remember when Stacy Lewis took over the No. 1 spot in the women’s golf world rankings last month, and American golf fans stood proud for Old Glory here in the U.S. of A.? Lewis was a great story, overcoming scoliosis and a fused spine and was a dynamite player to have atop the world rankings.

Yeah. Not so much anymore.

It’s not Lewis’ fault. She’s still good. She just has to live in Inbee Park’s world.

Inbee Park is a baller, and backed up her Kraft Nabisco major from three weeks ago with a birdie on the 72nd hole in Texas for a one-stroke victory – her third win of the year, and fifth in her last 18 starts.

She’s No. 1, and with that many wins in that few starts, who does this 24-year-old think she is, Tiger Woods? Oh, wait. She has a major in the last five years. Never mind.

BROADCAST MOMENT OF THE WEEK

“He’s either being chased by an alligator, or he’s taking the slow play warnings to extremes.” – Nick Faldo on CBS, commenting on TV shot of 14-year-old Guan Tianlang running to catch up with his playing group on Sunday.

There’s that 14-year-old kid from China again! And you thought he was just a one-trick pony: show up at the Masters, make a cut and disappear from your lives forever.

Not so fast. Haven’t you heard about kids today, doing everything faster than we used to?

Good news is, despite Faldo’s riff, Guan was not assessed a slow-play penalty this week. Even better news is, the kid made another cut. He’s 2-for-2 on the PGA Tour. He hasn’t had a 15th birthday party yet.

[Also: Guan Tianlang, 14, makes second cut in a row at the Zurich Classic]

A 77-74 weekend slowed his roll a little bit, and he finished 71st of the 71 players to make the cut. Then again, he was one of 71 players to make the cut. Half a world away from home. In a place with different food, language, beds and TV shows. Wait, what am I saying? The kid is 14, and no 14-year-old kid watches TV; they stream whatever they want on their phone. If I could figure out how to do that, I would. Maybe I’ll ask Guan Tianlang.






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Spectators and at least one marshal were startled when an alligator roamed the course Sunday. (AP)There are, of course, skeptics who wonder what the rush is, why a 14-year-old kid from China needs to spend all this time in the States chasing what, exactly. He’s playing as an amateur, so it’s not money. Glory? Greatness? Resume builders for his freshman year ‘What I Did With My Summer’ essay back home in high school?



And how long he can continue to thread the needle of competing on this level while playing with an enormous distance disadvantage is yet to be seen. Guan was hitting 3-woods into holes when his playing partners were hitting mid-irons. Mike Weir ranks 185th of 185 players on Tour in driving distance at 269.5 yards, and he’s Dustin Johnson compared to this kid.

Guan will play in a U.S. Open qualifier, and we shall see what the kid has up his sleeve for us next.

MULLIGAN OF THE WEEK

D.A. Points wasn’t kidding around when he won Houston last month. It was the first D.A. Points sighting in over a year, and after he received all the necessary plaudits and praise – remember how he used his mother’s putter to win? – we all moved on to the Masters and Adam Scott and 14-year-old Chinese kids.

But since hooking up with new swing coach Gary Gilchrist, Points is fired up, and ready to wear the ‘LEGO’ belt buckle for the foreseeable future on a TV near you.

A 66-68-70 start in New Orleans landed Points alongside Horschel in the penultimate grouping, two shots behind third-round leader Lucas Glover. By the time Points and Horschel reached the 71st hole, it was theirs for the taking. Horschel had a one-shot lead and hit a strong tee shot, leaving him 20 feet for bird. He’d make par.

[Watch: Three-legged alligator crosses fairway at Zurich Classic]

But Points’ tee shot? Ouch. He fanned it, and never had a chance at birdie. He missed the green entirely to the right, and actually had to pull of a delicate and luscious chip shot to save par.

Point is, the drama was set up for Points to stick it close on 17, inside of Horschel and ramp up the adrenaline. His missed green sort of killed his momentum, and he couldn’t have been happy with the swing he made.

So, in an effort to make an already-entertaining Zurich Classic even more so, let’s go back to the 17th tee box, remind Points to take dead aim and . . . give that man a mulligan!

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

It’s on to Quail Hollow, and for those of us obsessed with Rory McIlroy’s golf game (raising hand), we’re all excited. Rors is lined up to play the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, and there’s history here. He won in 2010 with that final-round 62, and lost in a playoff last year to Rickie Fowler (with D.A. Points in that playoff, too.)

So for a kid who’s scuffling along in 2013, looking to gorilla dunk on all the haters who have wondered what happened to his game (raising hand), here’s a perfect chance for McIlroy to turn the ignition on his golf season.

He’ll have company – 10 of the world’s top 25 are playing, including Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson. No Tiger Woods, though. Rumor is, he doesn’t like the greens at Quail Hollow. Also, he was photographed attending Michael Jordan’s wedding this past weekend, so he’s got other things going on.

After all, partying with M.J. is not exactly the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ when playing tournament golf within the next week.

Course Source: Pine Needles Lodge, Pinehurst Resort

Course Source: Pine Needles Lodge, Pinehurst Resort










Tom LaMarre, The Sports Xchange April 29, 2013 2:30 AMThe SportsXchange


IN THE PUBLIC EYE: Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.

THE LAYOUT: Only a 10-minute drive from the famed Pinehurst Resort, Pine Needles -- which hosted the 2007 U.S. Women's Open won by Cristie Kerr -- is a Donald Ross masterpiece in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

Although it is located at a resort, the course is open to the public.

The course was renovated in 2005 under the direction of Arizona-based designer John Fought to make it more closely resemble the course that opened in 1928. Tee boxes were lengthened, greens and bunkers were restored to their original sizes and positions, and native turf grasses were re-established.

Pine Needles, which plays to a par of 71, has been lengthened by about 300 yards to a total of 7,015 yards.

You can take a lesson from famed instructor Peggy Kirk Bell, whose family has been a presence at the resort for three generations. Bell now owns the resort. Also on the teaching staff is Donna Andrews, winner of six events on the LPGA Tour, including the 1994 Nabisco Dinah Shore, and Pat McGowan, who was Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour in 1968.

GENERAL MANAGER, DIRECTOR OF GOLF: Graham Gilmore.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Michael Campbell of New Zealand set up camp at the Pine Needles Lodge the week before the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst with his Florida-based instructor Jonathan Yarwood, who refined Campbell's chipping and putting strokes for the inverted saucer greens at Pinehurst.

After Campbell's remarkable victory at Pinehurst on the No. 2 course, perhaps' Ross' most famous layout, the winner returned to celebrate on Sunday night at the "In the Rough" Lounge at Pine Needles.

Pine Needles boasts an exceptional set of par 3s, three of them from elevated tees, so choosing the correct club is a must. The 145-yard third, the signature hole and shortest on the course, is the most picturesque, requiring a tee shot over a lake and wetlands area to a green that slopes dramatically from back to front.

The sixth hole, a 459-yard par 4, might be the best on the course. You hit your tee shot up to the fairway, and long hitters can catch the downslope atop the knoll to get an extra 30 yards of roll. The approach plays downhill to the green.

As part of the 2005 renovation, the 14th and 15th holes, perhaps the best on the back nine, have reverted to their original shot values. No. 14 is a daunting 454-yard par 4, followed by the 530-yard par-5 15th.

OTHER COURSES IN THE AREA: Pine Needles' sister property next door, the Mid Pines Inn, boasts another Ross classic, Mid Pines Golf Club. Of course, a few miles down the road is Pinehurst Resort and Club, with eight courses, including the prized No. 2 course.

Also in the neighborhood are the Mid South Club in Pinehurst, designed by Arnold Palmer; Legacy Golf Club in Aberdeen, designed by Jack Nicklaus II and host of the 2000 Women's U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship; National Golf Club in Pinehurst, designed by Jack Nicklaus; and Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, an innovative course designed by Mike Strantz.

Others worth a look are the Pit Golf Links, Talamore Golf Club, Little River Farm and Pinewild Country Club.

WHERE TO STAY: The Carolina Hotel is a National Historical Landmark in the center of Pinehurst that has been offering exquisite service to go with Southern charm since 1901.

Four U.S. presidents have stayed at the Holly Inn in Pinehurst, which opened its doors in 1895.

The Manor Inn has been one of Arnold Palmer's favorite hangouts since he visited Pinehurst with his father as a boy.

In addition to Pine Needles Lodge and the Mid Pines Inn, other quality accommodations may be found at Amble Inn Acres Bed and Breakfast in Vass, the Blacksmith Inn in Carthage, Hyland Hills Resort in Southern Pines and the Old Buggy Inn in Carthage.

ON THE WEB: www.pineneedles-midpines.com




THE LAST RESORT: Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C.

THE LAYOUT: There are eight championship courses at Pinehurst, one of the finest golf resorts in the world, four designed by architectural giant Donald Ross.

The others were designed by George and Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Dan and Ellis Maples.

Pinehurst No. 2, of course, is Ross' masterpiece -- which has been recognized since its opening in 1907 as one of the most challenging layouts in the world. It plays to 7,252 yards from the tips, with a par of 72, and has a 75.9 USGA rating with a slope of 138.

No. 2 has been the site of more big-time championships than any other course in the United States, and it was the host the 2005 U.S. Open, in which Michael Campbell of New Zealand held off Tiger Woods to win by two strokes.

The United States Golf Association will stage the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst No. 2 on consecutive weeks in June 2014, the first time a course will host national championships on consecutive weeks.

DIRECTOR OF GOLF: Chad Campbell (not the one who plays on the PGA Tour).

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: The beauty of the No. 2 course belies the difficulty, with the subtlety of Ross' design coming into view only after the golfer lands in a strategically placed bunker or has his ball trickle off one of the crowned greens.

However, the course is playable for even the weekend golfer because the fairways are wide and forgiving.

Make your birdie or par on the easier third and fourth holes, because the diabolical fifth, a 483-yard par 4, and sixth, a 225-yard par 3, await with as punishing a one-two punch as golf can provide.

No. 14, at 471 yards to a green with trouble everywhere, is considered to be among the best two-shot holes in America.

Many a duffer has stood on the 18th green and tried to see if he could sink the same 15-foot putt the late Payne Stewart drained to beat Phil Mickelson and win the 1999 U.S. Open.

A statue of Stewart in his fist-pumping pose after sinking the putt overlooks the 18th green.

Ben Hogan won for the first time as a pro on No. 2, beating Sam Snead by three strokes in the 1940 North and South Championship.

OTHER COURSES IN THE AREA: If you don't get enough golf at Pinehurst, there is plenty nearby in the Sandhills of North Carolina to keep even the golf-aholic busy all day, seven days a week.

Ross also designed gems at Pine Needles Lodge and Mid Pines Inn, both in neighboring Southern Pines.

Others in the neighborhood are the Mid South Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, in Pinehurst; Legacy Golf Club in Aberdeen, designed by Jack Nicklaus II and host of the 2000 Women's U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship; National Golf Club in Pinehurst, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, an innovative course designed by Mike Strantz.

Others worth a look are the Pit Golf Links, Talamore Golf Club, Little River Farm and Pinewild Country Club.

WHERE TO STAY: The Carolina Hotel is a National Historical Landmark in the center of Pinehurst that has been offering exquisite service to go with Southern charm since 1901.

Four U.S. presidents have stayed at the Holly Inn in Pinehurst, which opened its doors in 1895.

The Manor Inn has been one of Arnold Palmer's favorite hangouts since he visited Pinehurst with his father as a boy.

Other quality accommodations may be found at Pine Needles Lodge in Southern Hills, Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club in Southern Pines, Amble Inn Acres Bed and Breakfast in Vass, the Blacksmith Inn in Carthage, Hyland Hills Resort in Southern Pines and the Old Buggy Inn in Carthage.

ON THE WEB: www.pinehurst.com

2013 Senior PGA Championship parking, road closure and spectator information

2013 Senior PGA Championship parking, road closure and spectator information











PGA.COM May 17, 2013 3:53 PM

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ST. LOUIS -- The PGA of America today announced new and important information for spectators planning to attend the 74th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, which will be contested starting next week, May 21-26, at Bellerive Country Club. The most important information is listed below, and additional information can be found at spga2013.com and in the Senior PGA Championship spectator guide. PARKING General public parking for spectators attending the Championship will be located at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights. Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Main Entrance is also included. You do not need to have a ticket to utilize this parking lot.

ROAD CLOSURESRoads surrounding Bellerive will be closed daily during the Championship and will only be accessible with the appropriate access credential. From Tuesday, May 21st -- Sunday, May 26th, from 6 AM -- 8 PM each day, the following will be in effect: -- MoDOT will close Ladue Road to through traffic from Mason Road to Highway 141. Westbound Ladue Rd traffic will be routed south on Mason Rd. -- St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic will close Mason Road from Ladue Road to West Walling Drive. -- Note: Only vehicles with proper hang-tags, school buses, Metro buses, US Postal Service vehicles, and emergency vehicles will be allowed to travel within this area. Local service and delivery vehicles will be allowed.

TICKETS Tickets are still available by clicking here or by calling 800-PGA-GOLF (742-4653). Tickets will also be available daily at the Will Call/admissions trailer -- located at the main entrance to the Championship across the street from the Kirk of the Hills Church. As a reminder, attendees do not need a ticket to board the shuttle buses from Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (Week of May 20) Gate HoursMonday: Closed to Public Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:00 AM -- 7:00 PM Thursday & Friday: 6:45 AM -- 8:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 6:30 AM -- 6:00 PM Public Shuttle Hours Monday: Closed to Public Tuesday & Wednesday: 6:45 AM -- 8:00 PM Thursday & Friday: 6:30 AM -- 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM -- 7:00PM Tuesday, May 21: Pro-Am/Practice Rounds Pro-Am playing times: 9:00 AM -- 2:00 PM Contestant Practice Round playing times: 2:00 PM -- 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 22: Practice Rounds Playing times: 7:00 AM -- 7:00 PM Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24: First and Second Round Starting on both Hole #1 and Hole #10 (groups of three) Morning starting times: 7:15 AM -- 9:20 AM* Afternoon starting times: 12:30 PM -- 2:30 PM* Completion of rounds: 7:30 PM* * Subject to change. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26: Third and Final Round All players starting on Hole #1 (groups of two) Starting times: 7:00 AM -- 12:51 PM Completion of rounds: 5:00 PM* * Subject to change

MOBILE DEVICE POLICY Those wishing to use their mobile devices will be asked to adjust the volume setting to "silent" or "vibrate" while at the Championship. -- Guests may accept or make phone calls in designated areas throughout the golf course, primarily near concession stands. -- Digital messaging and checking data is allowed on the golf course. -- Mobile device camera use is NOT permitted during the Championship Rounds. -- No video recording will be permitted at any time during Championship Week. Spectators attempting to use their mobile device in unauthorized areas or in ways not sanctioned will be asked to surrender the device and pick it up at a designated location after they depart the golf course.

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOMETo ensure that all attendees enjoy a safe, enjoyable experience at the Championship, the items listed below are strictly prohibited on the grounds of Bellerive Country Club. All bags will be searched upon entering the Championship. -- Personal electronics such as hand-held games, radios, televisions, iPods, iPads, etc. -- All oversized chairs with wide arm rests (small, portable/folding chairs are permitted). -- Bags larger than 10" x 10" x 10" in their natural state. -- Backpacks of any size. -- Prohibited bags will not be accepted/stored at Bellerive Country Club. -- Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit). -- Coolers, ladders, milk crates, signs, posters, banners, dogs and other pets. -- Food and beverages (including alcoholic beverages). -- Other items deemed unlawful or dangerous by Championship Security personnel, at their sole discretion. Please leave all prohibited items in your vehicle as they will not be permitted at the Championship.

DIRECTIONS TO PGA PARKING (VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER) From the North (Chicago) -- Take I-55 South to Exit 20B -- Merge onto I-270 West toward Kansas City -- Continue on I-270 South -- Take Exit 20A-20B to merge onto I-70 W toward Kansas City -- Take Exit 231A for Maryland Heights Expressway -- Merge onto MO-141/141/Maryland Heights Expressway -- Turn right onto Riverport Drive -- Follow PGA Public Parking signage to the entrance of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater From the East (Metro East -- Illinois) -- Take I-64/40 West -- Continue on I-64/40 West -- Take exit 25A-25B for I-270 S/I-270 N toward Memphis/Chicago -- Take exit 20A-20B to merge onto I-70 W toward Kansas City -- Take exit 231A for Maryland Heights Expressway -- Merge onto MO-141/141/Maryland Heights Expressway -- Turn right onto Riverport Drive -- Follow PGA Public Parking signage to the entrance of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater From the West (Kansas City) -- Take I-70 East -- Follow I-70 over Missouri River -- Take exit 231A for Earth City Expressway S -- Turn right onto Riverport Drive -- Follow PGA Public Parking signage to the entrance of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater From the South (Memphis) -- Take I-55 North to Exit 196 -- Merge onto I-270 North -- Take exit 20A-20B to merge onto I-70 W toward Kansas City -- Take exit 231A for Maryland Heights Expressway -- Merge onto MO-141/141/Maryland Heights Expressway -- Turn right onto Riverport Drive -- Follow PGA Public Parking signage to the entrance of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater About the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid Begun in 1937 on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club, the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid is the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf. The Championship brings together both the legends of the game and the newest members of senior professional golf to new audiences throughout the United States. Follow the 2013 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid on Twitter (@2013SeniorPGA) and Facebook. The 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid will take place at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Mich. About The PGA of America Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf. About KitchenAid Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Over 90 years later, the KitchenAid brand now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand visit www.KitchenAid.com. About PGA REACH PGA REACH was created to utilize the upcoming PGA of America Championships at Bellerive Country Club as a catalyst to "Improve Lives Through Golf" and will focus on the areas of Recreation, Education, Awareness, Community, and Health. PGA REACH will work with existing organizations that are already positively affecting the lives of young men and women in our community by extending their capabilities and impact, making additional time, talent and financial resources available to them. The collaborative and focused activities of these groups will have a significant influence on youth in the St. Louis area.

About Bellerive Country ClubOpened in 1897, Bellerive Country Club has a 100-year history of hosting spectator and championship golf. With the 2013 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, Bellerive will become only the third club in the United States to host all four traveling men's professional major championships: PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open. Bellerive will also host the 100th PGA Championship in August 2018.

How to Qualify for the U.S. Open in 5 Easy Steps

How to Qualify for the U.S. Open in 5 Easy Steps











Ryan Ballengee May 17, 2013 6:19 PM


COMMENTARY | Your chances of qualifying for the U.S. Open are pretty slim.



The USGA reported 9,860 players ponied up to go through the process that can include local and sectional qualifying -- in total, a gauntlet of up to 54 holes offering less than 1 percent
of entrants a berth in the national championship.





A year ago, I tried to qualify for the Open. It began as a quest to learn how to play muscleback irons, but eventually developed into a journey to see just how far my much improved game could take me.



I failed miserably in my local qualifier. I shot 87. After a par at my first hole, almost every tee shot after that was a disaster. However, I learned a lot that day, playing alongside a contestant that nearly earned a spot in sectionals, as well as covering Golf's Longest Day for Golf Channel in Columbus, Ohio, after the Memorial Tournament.



With local qualifying having ended May 16 and sectionals on June 3, I wanted to share my top five lessons from the experience for the trimmed field of hopefuls.



1. Play a practice round or two



I know it sounds obvious, but scheduling and actually playing a practice round or two at your qualifying site is a great idea. Developing a comfort level with the course takes some pressure out of the experience and saves you the embarrassment of flailing your arms around every time a putt doesn't move like you expect. The expletives -- both the silent and very audible varieties -- dissipate when you know what's coming.



Playing a practice round also means that you might actually be committed enough to do well in qualifying. Don't be like and try to qualify after flying back from covering The Players Championship. Learning by osmosis didn't work sleeping on my textbooks in college and they definitely didn't work watching Matt Kuchar and Tiger Woods for four days. Take a day off of work to give yourself a chance.



2. Don't get intimidated by who's in the field



At the sectional level, the odds are that there will be a number of PGA Tour and Web.com Tour pros in the field. Many may blend in the background at their day job -- after all, they're not good enough to be exempt from qualifying -- but they sure stand out in this setting. The staff bag. The clearly put-together attire. A caddie. Those traits are easy to spot when the only people in the gallery are parents and friends of other competitors, namely the ones without a job.



Pros are people just like you and me, however. They're outstanding players, but they get nervous, too. They want to be shoved into qualifying as much as an NFL team wants Tim Tebow. If you've made it to sectionals, the pros have no special powers that you don't.



3. Get a good night's sleep beforehand



A qualifying day is a long one. Though the local qualifying is just 18 holes, the round can easily drag on past five hours. Tack on an extra 18 for the sectionals, and the day feels like you're attached to a polygraph machine for 15 hours, asked constantly if you're sure you are who you say you are.



Getting seven or eight hours of sleep will give you enough pep in your step to make it through the day. Whether you qualify or not, seven or eight beers will help you get through the night after it's all over.



4. Bring an extra pair of socks and shoes



To get the whole field through 36 holes of sectional qualifying at each site, the action begins early. In a lot of places, that means dew on the grass that will almost assuredly find its way through your supposedly waterproof shoes and absorbed by your socks.



By the end of your morning round, your feet will be shriveled, if not your confidence from how you played. Either way, change your socks and shoes for the second round. It'll keep your dogs from barking. Besides, there's no need for a massive blister to be your parting gift in the event you don't make it.



5. Wear sunscreen



Who am I, an utter loser, to tell you to succeed at what I couldn't do? When I thought about that, I immediately thought of the Baz Luhrmann song, inspired by a 1997 piece written by reporter Mary Schmich.



"The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience," Schmich wrote.



On a long, hot June day, it's good advice.



Ryan Ballengee is a Washington, D.C.-based golf writer. His work has appeared on multiple digital outlets, including NBC Sports and Golf Channel. Follow him on Twitter @RyanBallengee.

Rory McIlroy’s Management Shift Is Best for the Long Term

Rory McIlroy’s Management Shift Is Best for the Long Term
Reports Confirm That World No. 2 Is Dumping Horizon for His Own Start-up











Chris Chaney May 17, 2013 6:43 PM




COMMENTARY | Rory McIlroy just wants something that fits.

From his new Nike clubs and threads to his public relations roller coaster, 2013 has been a bit rough on the 24-year-old Northern Irishman, both o
n the course and off.



A dubious start to the year began with a missed cut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and was compounded by McIlroy's walk-off at the Honda Classic two months later. McIlroy's schoolboy charm and flawless motion through the ball endeared him to golf nuts, media and everyone in-between.

Finally, it seemed, there was a world-class talent with a down-to-earth, likable personality; somebody kids could look up to as a true role model in all aspects of his life.

But everything wasn't as simple as McIlroy was making it look.

Golf is hard, and not even McIlroy was immune to its difficulty as we found out at the 2011 Masters when McIlroy imploded on the back nine at Augusta National. Still under the wing of International Sports Management's Andrew "Chubby" Chandler, the man by whom he was represented since he turned pro in 2007, McIlroy gave one of the best mea culpas in recent memory. McIlroy stood up to the fire admirably as he answered every question with poise and candor following his final-round 80, presumably at the urging of his agent and ISM's PR staff.

Two short months later amid a flurry of doubt and predictions of scar tissue build up, McIlroy scorched Congressional Country Club as well as the field to win the 2011 U.S. Open by eight shots. His folly at Augusta now chalked up to growing pains, McIlroy was back on track to becoming the next big thing in professional golf.

And yet, McIlroy wasn't happy with his representation.

A burgeoning star, those close to McIlroy were not surprised when he chose to leave ISM to join Horizon Sports Management in 2011. Horizon was a Dublin-based agency nowhere near the size or stature of ISM, boasting a modest stable of capable athletes that included McIlroy's close friend Graeme McDowell.

While assumptions were made of McDowell wooing his younger compatriot for the agency, more promising theories were asserted that McIlroy was not receiving the attention he required from the larger, more encompassing ISM group.

Chandler, a former professional golfer himself, was much closer with older clients and friends Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, giving them more time and attention than his up-and-coming star, McIlroy.

Horizon presented a more tight-knit company that had McIlroy and his growing brand atop its priority list. Connor Ridge and Colin Morrissey, the co-founders of the then six-year-old management group took the reigns to McIlroy's affairs.

From a business perspective, what Horizon has done for McIlroy in the past 18 months has been nothing short of impressive. McIlroy, under Horizon, has inked deals most notably with Nike, Omega and Bose, while still keeping logos off of his golf bag. His mostly logo-less bag (with the exception of Santander Bank, a deal rolled over from his time with ISM) has allowed McIlroy to capitalize locally and publicly with his "6 Bags Project," an endeavor that benefits a different local charity at each tournament he plays in.

Once again, despite the prestige, good will and dollar amounts his latest management group has brought upon McIlroy, the Ulsterman has chosen to part ways for greener pastures.

This time, instead of jumping on with a young group in its infancy, Rory is conceiving the group himself. The Associated Press reported that McIlroy will start his own management group that includes his father, Gerry, and other close friends and associates.

Following the model of other successful family-oriented superstars such as Lionel Messi, Roger Federer and Adam Scott, McIlroy will surround himself with those who have his best interests and brand goals as not only among their top priorities, but also as their only priority.

The makeup of the inner circle that McIlroy surrounds himself with will be interesting to note. The business experience and acumen necessary to manage a top-tier talent requires the ability to walk a fine line between brand growth and over-extension of the client. His new group will have to find the balance between marketability and performance that allows McIlroy to continue to perform as one of the best players in the world.

While there is no doubt that Horizon, and ISM before it, had McIlroy's best interest at heart, there is no better luxury than having the people that you know the best and trust the most in charge of your career, brand and, eventually, legacy.

McIlroy will have that luxury going forward and for the affable kid from Norn Iron, it can only mean good things for his brand and his golf game.

Chris Chaney is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based sportswriter. He has written for multiple outlets including WrongFairway.com, Hoopville.com, The Cincinnati (OH) Enquirer and The Clermont (OH) Sun.

Follow him on Twitter @Wrong_Fairway.

Three PGA Professionals within five of lead

Three PGA Professionals within five of lead











PGA.COM May 24, 2013 10:43 PM


By Bob Denney, The PGA of America

TOWN & COUNTRY, Mo. - PGA club professionals Jeff Coston, Mark Mielke and Sonny Skinner took varying routes over feisty Bellerive Country Club Friday to keep their rounds intact and find themselves within five strokes of the lead following the second round of the 74th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid.

The trio was part of a 10-player logjam in eighth place, at 2-under-par 140, on a mild day that appeared ripe for scoring in the most historic and prestigious event in senior golf. Overall, five PGA club professionals from a 42-player delegation made the 36-hole cut of 4-over-par 146.

Coston, a 57-year-old PGA teaching professional at Semiahmoo Golf Resort in Blaine, Wash., made his sixth appearance in the Championship and turned in a 2-under-par 69. He flashed some of the form he displayed in 2007, when he tied for 19th at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. But this time, he said, things were different.

"It's different, totally different. I'm in better shape, "said Coston, who made his third cut in the Championship. "It is not the same. Golf is not the same; you know what I mean? I am just enjoying the experience and playing golf; nothing bigger than that." Coston collected five birdies to offset three bogeys.

"I have played in this Championship regularly, and it's really nice of The PGA of America that they give us a chance, for club professionals to play in this tournament," Coston said. "I played the tour and I have had my golf academy up at Semiahmoo for 19 years now. So, I haven't played full-time in 19 years, but it's fun to get the opportunity to test yourself."

Sonny Skinner of Sylvester, Ga., the reigning Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year, who opened the Championship Thursday with a sterling 67, struggled to hold his round together. He came in with a 73, a scrambling round that featured three of his four bogeys on the back nine to go with birdies on the fifth and 17th holes.


"I'm just scrambling too much," said a visibly frustrated Skinner, 52, the PGA head professional at River Pointe Golf Club in Albany, Ga. "I'm not hitting the ball as well as I would like, and didn't putt as well. I'm a little disappointed today. I felt like I could possibly get it going a little better. I just ran out of steam on the back nine."

Mielke, the 50-year-old PGA head professional at Mill River Club in Oyster Bay, N.Y., turned in a five-birdie/five-bogey 71 in his debut appearance.

"It is awesome to be in contention on a weekend," said Mielke. "It's great! It's something that you don't come here saying, 'Hey, I would like to make the cut.' And then you get up the board, and you say, 'Hey, I want to play better than making the cut. So, it's real exciting. But it's a thrill for a club professional to be hanging with these guys."

Rounding out the five PGA club professionals making the weekend's 36-hole finale were Championship rookies Don Berry of Rogers, Minn., who had a 69 to land at 141; and St. Louis native Bob Gaus, who came in with a 74 for 145.

Berry, the PGA head professional at Edinburgh USA Golf Club in Brooklyn Park, Minn., overcame a slow start. Beginning play on the back nine, Berry bogeyed the 10th and 12th holes before hitting his approach to the 18th green within a foot of the hole. That sparked him to finish 3 under par the rest of the way.

"I love the course, it fits my eye," said Berry. "Yesterday, I played well but didn't get a whole lot out of the round. Today, I worked hard but ended up with a better finish. It's really cool to be here and see the great players in the locker room. I got to play a practice round with U.S. Open champions Tom Kite and Andy North. That was a lot of fun."

Gaus, 52, the PGA teaching professional at Tower Tee Golf Center in St. Louis, had the most experience at Bellerive among those making the cut. He used that course knowledge to his advantage.

"I played really well the whole way, both days, didn't do anything stupid, no double bogeys," said Gaus. "I felt pretty comfortable for once in one of these things. So we'll see what happens."

By the numbers: Second round

By the numbers: Second round











PGA.COM May 24, 2013 11:31 PM

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View gallery
Jay Haas is one of only two past champions in the top 10 after 36 holes. (Montana Pritchard/The PGA …


By T.J. Auclair, PGA.com Interactive Producer

80: The number of players that made the cut in the 74th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, which fell at 4-over-par 146.

5: The number of PGA Club Professionals -- out of the 40 who started on Thursday -- to make the 36-hole cut. Those players are: Jeff Coston (2 under), Mark Mielke (2 under), Sonny Skinner (2 under), Don Berry (1 under) and Bob Gaus (3 over).

2: The number of past Senior PGA Champions (Jay Haas,Tom Watson) who are in the top 10 through 36 holes. Haas is currently tied for fourth at 4 under and Watson is tied for eighth at 2 under.

3.561: The scoring average on the 213-yard, par-3 sixth hole Friday, which played as the most difficult in Round 2.


3.574: The scoring average on the 248-yard, par-4 11th hole Friday, which played as the easiest in Round 2.

66: Or, 5 under par, the lowest score recorded in Friday's second round by both Kenny Perry and fellow Kentuckian Russ Cochran.

87: The number of spots Scott Hoch and Bob Tway moved up the leaderboard in Round 2, the biggest moves of the day. Hoch fired a 4-under 67 and went from a tie for 124th after Thursday's first round to a tie for 37th. Tway had the identical impressive turnaround.

104: Number of spots Larry Mize dropped on the leaderboard Friday after his second-round 82.

12: The difference in number of strokes between Bernhard Langer's opening round of 8-over-par 79 and second round of 4-under 67. The bounceback was remarkable for the man who has been the best player on the Champions Tour in 2013, and was just enough to make the cut on the number at 4 over.

0: The number of Champions Tour events and major championships that PGA Club Professional Bud Lintelman had played in before getting into the field this week as an alternate. Lintelman got his spot when Steve Elkington withdrew due to a migraine. Though he missed the cut, Lintelman will never forget this week -- with Elkington's withdrawal, Lintelman was paired with Tom Watson and Peter Jacobsen for the first two rounds.

Perry and Cochran thrive on Kentucky comfort

Perry and Cochran thrive on Kentucky comfort











PGA.COM May 25, 2013 3:38 PM

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View gallery
"It's incredible," said Kenny Perry when asked what it was like for two guys who played junior golf …


By T.J. Auclair, PGA.com Interactive Producer

ST. LOUIS - Kenny Perry and Russ Cochran have known each other and played golf together since they were kids growing up in Kentucky.

Decades later, the pair who count one another as great friends, share the halfway lead at 7-under 135 in the 74th Senior PGA Championship presented KitchenAid after playing the first two rounds in the same group along with Dan Forsman.

The duo is two shots clear of Kiyoshi Murota and three ahead of Duffy Waldorf, Jay Haas and Loren Roberts.

The outstanding play shouldn't come as much of a surprise when you consider the comfort-level between Perry and Cochran, which might be second only to the Bryant brothers - Bart and Brad - of the players in the field at Bellerive.

Perry, 52, and Cochran, 54, matched each other pretty much shot-for-shot over the first two rounds with identical scores of 69-66 each day.

"It's incredible," said Perry when asked what it was like for two guys who played junior golf together to be tied for the lead in the Senior PGA Championship. "It really is. We got a huge gallery out there. Paducah, Kentucky, is not too far from here, it's probably a three-hour drive at the most. I've actually got friends here from Franklin where I'm from, I only spent four years at Paducah, so I went to high school there only. But I know a lot of people there. And it is neat. It's neat when you got a childhood. We've shared a lot of laughs and a lot of good times."

Perry said that since Cochran is a few years older, he was always the player that Perry worked hard to emulate.

"Russ is kind of the guy I always looked up to," Perry said. "I was a freshman at Lone Oak High School when he was a junior there at St. Mary's there in Paducah, Kentucky. Russell was the man. He was the guy that ... he was the big guy on campus as you would say. And he was one of the big reasons why I got as good as I did. I got better, because I tried to aspire to be a lot like Russ."

Cochran, on the other hand, said it was incredible to watch Perry grow. Like so many in their teenage years, Perry had quite a growth spurt from when Cochran went away for college to just a few years later when he saw Perry again at a college event.


"I got to see all that progression and he kind of turned my head a little bit, to be honest, because when I left him, he was a sophomore to be I guess in high school and then the next time I saw him I think was at a college event in West Virginia maybe or somewhere, Virginia yeah, and he walked across the green and he looks like he does now," Cochran said. "Six-two and a man."

To say Perry blossomed would be an understatement. Over the course of his PGA Tour career, where he still plays part-time, Perry racked up 14 total victories. He was a member of the last U.S.-winning Ryder Cup team at Valhalla in his home state of Kentucky, which is also the place where he lost a playoff in the 1996 PGA Championship. And since joining the Champions Tour in 2010, Perry has two wins.

As the weather gets warmer, it also seems to be the time of year that Perry plays better. On the PGA Tour, the Colonial or the Memorial have always been held right around Memorial Day weekend. Perry won the Colonial twice and the Memorial three times.

"I always played better in the summer in the heat and humidity, which we didn't really have today," said Perry. "I wore my sweater all day today. We had a north wind yesterday, so it's been a funny spring. But in the pro-am, it was very warm and humid and hot. So hopefully it will work its way back in that direction. I always played better in the heat. Colonial I played great, yeah, I've always enjoyed the heat. I like to sweat a little bit out there."

Cochran, meanwhile, had one win on the PGA Tour in a career that was interrupted by a wrist injury. He's made up for some lost time on the Champions Tour with three victories thus far.

As if their roots and friendship weren't enough to make Perry and Cochran as comfortable as can be on the course together, the way they hit shots is very similar.

Perry, a right-hander, loves to hit a draw. Cochran, a left-hander, likes to hit a fade. Since they stand on opposite sides of the ball, the shot shapes are nearly identical.

"It's funny, I hit a hook and he hits a fade, so our balls are curving the same direction all day too," Perry said. "So we're looking at the same golf shot. And we hit it about the same distance. Our irons are about the same. It's just a matter of who gets the putter hot."

The way things are looking at Bellerive, it seems as though the Kentucky State Championship is breaking out in St. Louis, Mo.

And if that continues over the weekend, you can bet Cochran will be trying like heck to win... but he'll also be pulling hard for his buddy.

"I'm the kind of guy that I'm going to pull for Kenny," Cochran said. "I know Kenny wants to play as hard as he can. And I like to play as hard as I can. But I truthfully do pull for Kenny. And I always have."

From wicker baskets to Yul Brynner, Merion Golf Club endures to host another U.S. Open

From wicker baskets to Yul Brynner, Merion Golf Club endures to host another U.S. Open











Eric Adelson June 11, 2013 11:28 AMYahoo Sports






View gallery.

The infamous wicker baskets of Merion Golf Club. (AP)
ARDMORE, Pa. – The most mysterious woman in the golf world will take her turn in the spotlight this week. (No, not Lindsey Vonn.) Her impact will be front and center, clear to millions of people, and yet even the folks at the U.S. Open have no idea who she is.



"I've been at this job for 12 years," says Andy Mutch, curator at Merion Golf Club, site of this weekend's 113th U.S. Open. "And I don't know."

The anonymous woman is in charge of making the famous wicker baskets at the top of the flagsticks here. A member of the grounds crew did the job until 1980, and since then it's been her. The baskets are taken down after every round to keep them from being stolen, which is ironic considering legend has it that the baskets were modeled after staffs European shepherds used to keep their lunch away from the animals. Mutch jokes the reason for the secrecy has some parallels there.

"Maybe she doesn't want to be bombarded with golf fans who want a wicker basket in their basement or man cave," he suggests.

The baskets and their mysterious maker are just one nugget in a gold mine of history at Merion, located 10 miles east of downtown Philadelphia. If these links could speak, they could tell stories involving everyone from Bobby Jones to Lee Trevino to Yul Brynner. Augusta National might be the most famous golf course in America, but Merion could be the most fascinating.

[Related: Old school Merion to provide new U.S. Open test]

How fascinating? Well, the host of this year's second leg of golf's grand slam is actually where the term "grand slam" was coined. In 1930, Jones won the U.S. Amateur here after claiming titles at the British Amateur, British Open, and U.S. Open. An Atlanta journalist named O.B. Keeler called it a "grand slam" and the name has now been around longer than its tie to the Amateur events Jones won.

"It's one of the most important events that's ever happened in golf," Mutch says.

Jones had his coming out party here in 1916, at the age of 14, when he took the golf world by storm with his electric play and his third-rail temper. Mutch says Jones went around the course screaming, cussing and "helicoptering" clubs. That kind of behavior would get any player ostracized from the golf community today, let alone a teenager, but back then the notable scribes of the time, no less than Grantland Rice, basically gave the kid a pass. Mutch describes Jones as a "total embarrassment," yet says the crowds ate it up. "They absolutely loved him," he says. "It's Philadelphia, remember?"

Jones' play sent a ripple throughout the nation. Eight years later, he'd come back here and win the U.S. Amateur.

Tiger Woods rocked the sports world by winning the Masters at 21 in 1997, but Jones' play at Merion made him arguably the greatest child prodigy in sports history. When he won the "grand slam" in 1930, the course was so crowded that players needed police escorts to each tee. He retired only a few months later, at age 28.





View gallery.

A plaque commemorates Ben Hogan's 1-iron on the 18th hole at Merion. (AP)Incredibly, Jones' achievements may not be the most amazing in the course's history. That honor probably belongs to Ben Hogan, who came back from a near-fatal bus collision to win here in 1950. Doctors were unsure Hogan would ever walk again, and 16 months later he was here, forcing a playoff despite serious pain. The photo of his 1-iron approach on 18 (his 36th hole of that day) is one of the most famous in the sport's lore.



As if that wasn't enough Open legend, Trevino beat Jack Nicklaus here in 1971, despite missing a par putt in the final round when a boy fell out of a tree. The next day, Trevino threw a rubber snake at Nicklaus before beating the much longer hitter in the playoff.

All this history, dating back more than a century, brings to mind the obvious question: Why hasn't the U.S. Open been held here since 1981? The course is at the doorstep of one of America's great cities, so close to Philadelphia that countless residents have taken the 30-minute train ride to play here after work. Merion has hosted 18 USGA championships, an incredible number. "It's had the highest level of competition," Mutch says. "At every level of golf they have held a championship. I'm not sure any other club in America can say that."

So why has Merion waited so long?

That brings us to Yul Brynner.

The Russian-born actor known for his role as the King of Siam was in town for a stint in "The King and I" and he requested a remote, quiet spot where he could stay. His agent put him up in a house here, on Golf House Road, as the Open was starting. Instead of getting peace and quiet, he got a mob of fans outside his window.

"Word got out that Brynner took it out on his people as if he were the King of Siam punishing the lowly members of his court," jokes former USGA director David Fay in a recent Golf Digest interview.

Obviously Brynner's meltdown didn't tip the scales away from Merion, but it was symbolic of an era when majors were moving out of the cozy confines of smaller courses and into the corporate tent era. Merion had always been a brutal test, with its narrow fairways and its spooky bunkers that seem to stare straight back at the golfers as they approach, but it was short (under 7,000 yards) and hemmed in. Only a concerted effort by Fay, Mike Davis, and some club members who bought land near the sixth hole pushed momentum back in favor of Merion returning to the major circuit. Fay told Golf Digest that because of the big broadcast deals in recent years (Thank you, Mr. Woods), "We could afford to take a financial hit every so often."

It's a shame that a visit to this course is considered any type of sacrifice. But holding the Open here would be like having the Super Bowl in Notre Dame Stadium – a delight for traditionalists but not fit for the times. It's a risk, and one made more dicey by the bad weather threatening to make some parts of the course unplayable. Sad but true: returning to Merion might be looked back on as a mistake.

Then again, waking up these echoes by putting Tiger Woods and today's greats on this postage stamp of a course might give this tournament something that might entice even the most hardened mercenaries a reason to come back here soon: serious history.

Tiger Woods stunned during press conference

Tiger Woods stunned during press conference











Eric Adelson June 11, 2013 2:28 PMYahoo Sports



ARDMORE, Pa. – By this point, after all these years, Tiger Woods has heard pretty much every media question imaginable.



Which is why it was so surprising – and fun – to see him stunned into silence during his press conference on Tuesday.

"The U.S. Open is usually one of the most grueling weeks of golf," offered a young woman seated amid the mob in the media tent. "So what would you do off the course in order to be at ease and relax?"




Cheyenne Woods at the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament in 2012. (AP)Not a hard-hitting question, but it came from a member of the media Woods knows quite well: his niece, Cheyenne Woods.



For a brief moment, Tiger was silent amid the chuckles of those in the room who recognized the questioner. Then he broke into a huge grin.

"Didn't expect that," he said.

Then he played along.

"Well, off the course, we have a great crew at the house and we're going to have fun," he began. "Tomorrow, make sure you're – is it 6:30 dinner? Is that all right? Okay. Perfect."

[Related: Tiger Woods still a big favorite to win the U.S. Open]

Cheyenne beamed and fleshed a Cheshire grin even after the press dispersed. Tiger was caught unprepared, and Cheyenne seemed to revel in that.

"I don't think he knew I was going to be at the press conference today," she told a few reporters as she exited. "I think I was the last person he was expecting."

Clearly.

It wasn't the only disarming moment of the press conference. Cheyenne's uncle was also asked (by another reporter) about the legacy of Charlie Sifford, one of the relatively few African-American legends in golf. It was Sifford, now 91, who helped desegregate the sport.

"I know my dad probably wouldn't have picked up the game if it wasn't for what Charlie did," Woods said. "I've always called him my grandpa, the grandpa I never really had. I've gotten to know him through the years and it's been fantastic. We owe a lot to him and all the pioneers that have paved the way for us to be here."

Although that answer came before Cheyenne's question, the two responses nicely linked the most famous golfer in the world with both the past and the future.

Cheyenne Woods, who will be 23 next month, majored in communications at Wake Forest and she is writing for a golf website called Back9Network.com, which is affiliated with USA Today. She qualified for the U.S. Women's Open last year and played in her first LPGA Championship.

She will be covering the entire U.S. Open this week, and apparently she'll get the kind of access every reporter dreams of: dinner on the eve of the U.S. Open with Tiger Woods.

Rainy Merion Could Be Phil Mickelson’s Best Chance at a US Open

Rainy Merion Could Be Phil Mickelson’s Best Chance at a US Open
Five-time Runner Up May Have His Best Chance to Capture His National Championship This Week











Chris Chaney June 11, 2013 3:49 PM




COMMENTARY | For Phil Mickelson, the US Open has always been the one that got away.

Finishing runner-up in his national championship five times, more than anyone else in


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His cl
ose calls at the tournament are well documented beginning with the 1999 Open in which the late Payne Stewart holed a 15-footer to top Mickelson on the 72nd hole. He would go on to finish second again in 2002 at Bethpage, in 2004 at Shinnecock, infamously in 2006 at Winged Foot and most recently, in 2009, again at Bethpage.



Contrary to popular belief, the stringent test of accuracy posed by the US Open has not had much of an adverse effect on the free-swinging Mickelson. Aside from those five runner-ups, Mickelson has finished in the top-10 three other times as well.

A balky putter cost Mickelson the championship in 2004 when he three-putted from five feet to double-bogey the 71st hole, giving Retief Goosen the opening he needed and again in 2009 when he missed key putts on holes 14, 15, 16 and 17 in the final round, leaving an opening for Lucas Glover.

Course management has cooked Mickelson's goose in the past as well, most notably at Winged Foot in 2006 when he inexplicably pulled a driver on the last hole of the championship despite holding a one-stroke lead. Mickelson would go on to blow his tee shot into the merchandise tents and catch an unfavorable "fried egg" lie in the greenside bunker. He made double-bogey, missing out on a playoff with eventual championGeoff Ogilvy by a shot.

All of that is to say if Mickelson could have kept his bearings about him coming down the stretch, he could have won at least two US Opens already.

So, what should make this year any different?

For one, Mickelson is clearly peaking coming into a rain-drenched Merion that doesn't stretch over 7,000 yards. Shooting weekend rounds of 67-65-67 at the FedEx St. Jude Classic last week, Mickelson was striking the ball well with his irons, an important key to succes in US Opens, while also yielding a hot putter.

With the weather not cooperating with the USGA, Merion Golf Club seems vulnerable to a birdie barrage, especially among the longer hitters who will have wedges into nearly half of the greens.

Add to the mix that Mickelson is first on Tour this year in birdies and eighth in strokes gained - putting, and the soon-to-be 43 year old could be looking at his best chance to raise the US Open Trophy since 2009.

"I'm really encouraged with the way I hit my irons," Mickelson said following the St. Jude. "I've got to get the 3-wood in play a little bit more, although next week at Merion distance won't be as critical as at TPC Southwind. I'll be able to hit higher and softer shots."

Those softer shots with will likely come off of wedges from one of the best short-iron players in the history of the game, which translates to more looks at birdie.

Always one to inject a sense intrigue into the biggest weeks of the year, Mickelson not only will keep the driver out of the bag at Merion this week, he won't be back on the tournament grounds until Thursday morning before his 7:11 a.m. tee time.

"I was scheduled to return to San Diego after my 2:30 press conference Tuesday. I came back Monday," Mickelson said in a statement. "My daughter Amanda is speaking at her 8th grade graduation ceremony and I always planned on being here for that, but since it was raining so much Monday and we didn't know if we'd even be able to play a sloppy course, I came home last night to practice in great weather on my range and greens. I'll be ready to go Thursday."

Always one with a flair for the dramatic, the idea of Mickelson hoisting the US Open Trophy on Father's Day after leaving a major championship venue midweek to see his daughter graduate seems so crazy only Phil could pull it off.

Chris Chaney is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based sportswriter. He has written for multiple outlets including WrongFairway.com, Hoopville.com, The Cincinnati (OH) Enquirer and The Clermont (OH) Sun.

Follow him on Twitter @Wrong_Fairway.