Y.E. Yang, the Giant Slayer

photo credit: Brian J. McDermott   Spectators stood in disbelief and shock as they watched Y.E. Yang, a feisty South Korean, sink a 15 foot putt on the 18th hole to win the 2009 PGA Championship and defeat golf’s giant, Tiger Woods.  No-one expected the 110th ranked player in the world, to take down Tiger Woods, but take him down he did.

Tiger led the tournament on each day of play, however, in the span of an hour during the final round, Y.E. Yang showed the world of sports that, yes, Tiger Woods was beatable.  Y.E. Yang played a flawless final round and although he disappointed a lot of Tiger fans, won the respect of millions of golf fans all over the world.  He proved that no-one is invincible.

PGA Contributions

photo credit: Shayan (USA)   The golf industry is a vital part of American society.  It benefits society as much or even more-so than any other sport in the Nation.  There are over 28,000 men and women PGA professionals in the US., who all play a significant role in the future of golf.

The golf industry in the United States has a $195 billion dollar impact on the US. economy.  It is responsible for 2 million jobs in all aspects of the industry and has a total wage income of $61 billion.  Golf courses are responsible, either directly or indirectly, for preserving green space, also producing habitat for wildlife.  Best of all, the golf industry is responsible for raising over $3.5 billion annually for charitable causes.  Learn more about the PGA at www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.

The Shark at the Masters

photo credit: Ted Van Pelt   After 7 long years, Greg Norman returns to the Masters in 2009.  His 3rd place finish, at age 53, in the 2008 British Open, earned him a place in the starting line-up.  Norman is obviously no stranger to Augusta National and the Masters.  

His first Masters appearance was in 1981 at age 26 when he finished 4th.  Since then he’s come as close to winning as you can get.  In a 1987 playoff, Larry Mize chipped in on the par 4 eleventh hole from a distance of 140 ft.  In 1996, after a record tying 63 in the first round he leads by six going into the final round when he shoots 78 and loses to Nick Faldo.

Can the 54 yr. old Australian make the greatest Masters comeback ever?  Don’t be surprised if he does.

2009 Masters

photo credit: SD Dirk   The 2009 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club proves to be one of the most exciting in the long tournament’s history. 

Tiger Woods returns, after a long rehab from knee surgery.  With hard charging Padraig Harrington, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Sergio Garcia on the heels of Tiger, it should make for a great event.  Don’t rule out the newest edition to the PGA Tour, Rory McClroy, the 19 year old Irishman who, some say, could be a formidable challenge to Woods.

This year, all eyes will be on Tiger but when it’s all said and done, maybe a new star will be born and it just might be the “kid from Ireland.”  Oh, and by the way, don’t count Phil Mickelson out just yet !

The Red Hot Kenny Perry

photo credit: danperry.com   Kenny Perry, the 49 year old PGA Tour player has not cooled off since the Ryder Cup Matches in the fall of 2008.  On Sunday Feb.1, 2008, Perry won the FBR Open on the third playoff hole against Charley Hoffman.  “The playoff was ugly,” he said.  “We were hitting it everywhere, having to scramble from all over the place.”  After making a 25 ft. putt on the third playoff hole, Perry walked away the winner with a 14 under par 270.

After playing in 22 FBR Open Championships, Perry claimed the trophy and became the oldest player to win in Scottsdale.  This is win number 13 for Perry who claims he would like to win at least 20 tournaments before leaving the PGA Tour.

Doldrums Without Tiger

photo credit: mandj98   Since Tiger Woods has been absent on the PGA Tour, tournament attendance and television ratings have dropped substantially.  There has never been a time when one man meant so much to the sport.  Everyone agrees that he is the world’s best golfer but should the game itself be in jeopardy without his presence?

The game was much different in the 1960s when Palmer, Nicklaus and Player were the rage.  The PGA Tour was permeated with colorful characters like Tommy Bolt, Lee Trevino, Tony Lema, Julias Boros and the list goes on.  Where has all the charisma gone, where are the jokesters, the story-tellers, the fan please-rs?

Until PGA Tour Players wise up and stop being so boring, the only thing fans will continue to get excited about is Tiger’s machismo fist-pumps!

Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational

photo credit: jmd41280   Michael Jordan will be the playing host of this year’s celebrity tournament at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.  The course is adjacent to the beautiful Atlantis Resort where tournament participants can enjoy the Dolphin Cay interaction and education center and Aquaventure water park at Atlantis.  Resort activities also include a gambling casino.

The charity tournament benefits children with life-threatening medical conditions and has raised a total of $4 million to date.  There will also be a $200,000 purse to be divided among the contestants for their favorite charity.    

This years event will include such superstars as Wayne Gretzky, Derek Jeter, Angie Everhart, John McEnroe, Ahmad Rashad, Boris Becker, Don Cheadle and John Elway.  For tounament information check out http://mjcigolf.com/.  For Atlantis Resort rates: www.atlantis.com.

Arnold Palmer Center For Golf History

photo credit: cliff1066   With a brand new renovation of the USGA Golf Museum in Far Hills, N.J., the USGA decided to name a new wing after one of golf’s greatest players, Arnold Palmer.  The new Museum took 5 years to construct at a cost of $20 million.  It is 33,000 sq. ft. and will include archives that recount the past 100 years of golf history.  The building will accomodate at least 40 more years of growth for the Museum.

The Palmer Center, is a modern two story wing of which nearly a third is devoted to exhibit space, with the remainder a research center and archives.  Between the two structures there are more than 2000 artifacts on display.  Learn more about the Museum at www.usgamuseum.com.

Lee Trevino Merry Mex

photo credit: gary.hisanaga   Lee Trevino started golf late in life. During duty in the U.S. Army, Trevino began playing golf. Once discharged he took a job with a local driving range in El Paso, Texas, his hometown. Trevino hit an average of 1000 balls per day even with bleeding hands.

In his prime, Trevino was one of the most popular players, ever, on the PGA Tour. Always ready to sign autographs and give interviews (even during play), Trevino was golf’s master of ceremonies. Trevino roused cheering fans with his mastery at “working” the ball. Lee Trevino’s trademark was a band-aid which he consistently wore on his right forearm. When asked why he wore it his reply was “I wore it to cover the name of my x wife!”

Arnold Palmer

photo credit: cliff1066   Arnold Palmer took the world of golf by storm in the late 1950s and early 60s. Back then TV was in it’s infancy and McDonalds was breaking the world record with over 1 million hamburgers sold. Baseball, not football, was considered “America’s Sport” and golf was just “no big deal.” Palmer changed all of that.

With his charismatic personality and playing ability, Arnie captured the hearts of America and catapulted himself and the game of golf into the national limelight. It’s hard to say what it was about him that brought out admiration and love from the fans. Perhaps it was his come-from-behind victories (one after another) or maybe it was his idiosyncrosies that drew you to him. Arny was just a good old fashioned American sports hero and that’s the way we like’em.

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