Bad news...good news: Cambo misses cut again...Annika designs her first North American Golf Course

After watching Michael Campbell play the last 3 holes in the 2nd round at the New Zealand Open this AM, I'm not surprised he missed the cut, but I am sad for him. He seems like such a gentleman. You never hear him bad mouth anyone. Such a shame...

But what was interesting was listening to the commentary of Julian Tutt on the Golf Channel - he kept saying how great Cambo's swing was. Even as he missed the green short on the par 3 16th, he and his cohort on the air kept saying how great his swing is...how can that be? How can a swing be so great, but you miss so many fairways and greens? I wonder if Campbell has a mental or course management problem. It seems more about his head than his hands...

Of course, everyone has an opinion (especially bloggers like me :)), but it is very strange that he continues to miss cuts. I do hope he comes back next year with more confidence because his current state of mind cannot be helping.

BTW...did you hear that Annika is designing a course in beautiful British Columbia! Yes! Even though she hasn’t played the full Canadian Open in the past six years, she is working with course architect Thomas McBroom to build The Golf Club at Red Mountain, a 7,071-yard par-71 course at Rossland, B.C.

Her course will be part of a complex at the Red Mountain resort, surrounded by 450 homes and featuring a spa and conference centre, plus a 12acre golf academy. The club will break ground in 2009 and has not set an opening date yet.

For our non-Canadian friends who are trying to figure out where this is in relation to the US of A, this resort is situated in southeastern British Columbia, 3 hours north of Spokane, Washington. From spring to fall, the resort is a prime destination for world-class hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. In fact...Skiing magazine recently named Red Mountain Resort one of the "Top 25 Resorts in North America"

I know I'm going to check it out when it's open...hope to see you there!

Golfgal

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Cambo misses the cut, again

The Dominion Post
01 Dec 2007

WHAT’S happened to Cambo? Nobody knows for sure, but everyone has an opinion on Michael Campbell. The Kiwi No 1 bowed out of the New Zealand Open two days ahead of schedule yesterday, and it didn’t take long for his latest perceived failure to become...read more...

Tech Tags: The Dominion Post newspaper Sport

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Sorenstam to design golf course in B.C.
BY MASON LEVINSON
Ottawa Citizen
30 Nov 2007

Annika Sorenstam is designing a golf course in Canada, the first in North America that she’ll plan from scratch as the 10-time major tournament winner looks toward life after professional golf. Sorenstam, who hasn’t played the full Canadian Open in...read more...

Tech Tags: Ottawa Citizen newspaper Sports

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Young Jason has his eyes on the Tiger

Oh dear...does someone feel like me that this young man has just dug his own grave? It's one thing to privately wish for the impossible - it's another thing to publicly state such a naive dream.

Jason Day is a good player - nooo question. I watched him on the Nationwide Tour and I really enjoyed watching him play. He's an up and comer, no bout adout it (I had wine at lunch today - :)). But he's got a very long way to go (along with dozens of other up and comers) before he can publicly throw the gauntlet like that.

I hope Tiger doesn't give young Jason "the eye of the Tiger" the next time he sees him in a locker room. Be kind, Tiger...he's just a young cub and as the good book says, "He knows not what he does..."

Golfgal

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Young Jason has his eyes on the Tiger

Townsville Bulletin
29 Nov 2007

RISINGAustralian golf star Jason Day has put world No. 1 Tiger Woods on notice, declaring: ‘‘I’m sure I can take him down’’. Not that Woods would be shaking in his Nike shoes. But it says a lot about the confidence of the 20-yearold Queenslander who... read more...

Tech Tags: Townsville Bulletin newspaper Sport

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Tiger joins the hunt in Dubai, but at what price?

Well, I guess we'll start to see more of this...Tiger's schedule trickling out over the next while. But I think we've learned not to start packing our bags to attend his events as he can decide on a whim not to compete if his "extra-curricular" activities interfere or make him too tired to play.
Am I bitter? No...I just sound that way :) - Actually I'm just sad that we're seeing less and less of him these days...

I wonder if Tiger's being paid to play this event. It seems that the prize money in tournaments isn't really the draw much anymore. I guess he's decided to play because of his course over there (some political correctness perhaps??), but I still wonder if he's getting a fee just to show up. We know Phil was paid $2M to play the HSBC event just a few weeks ago and he called it a "chance to practice his new Callaways" - Imagine...a $2M practice round - ridiculous!

I have to agree with the article in the Australian which questions strongly that the money is getting out of hand in golf. Did you know that the PGA tour produced 99 millionaires this year — and the European Tour’s season-ending tournament in Dubai will boast $US10m in prize money, the richest event in history.

The skins game with it's 1 million dollar purse couldn't get any of the top players interested.

And let's not even mention the pathetic purses the women compete for...that's just sad. I wonder how many LPGA players became millionaries this year...not many

The LPGA Tour rolled out an intereeting statistic this year, keeping track of how much a player would have earned by finishing at even par (Eve N. Par) in all official events.
Eve N. Par would have finished with $605,121 to finish at No. 24 on the LPGA money list.

Apply that to the PGA Tour and the statistics get skewed, because Eve N. Par would have won the Masters and the U.S. Open. Total earnings would have been $4,650,492 to finish at No. 5 on the PGA Tour money list, playing in 43 tournaments.

Oh well...on to a cute story...I just read in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that ESPN had a long interview with former NBA star Charles Barkley during the first half of the Southern California-Arizona State game last week. Bob Davie later reported that during the interview, Woods sent this text message to his friend Barkley: "Shut up so I can watch the game."

You may recall Tiger impersonating Charles' golf swing, but in case you missed it...here's Charles' (if you can stand to watch it :))


and here's Tiger's impersonation of Charles' swing...



Gotta be good friends to get away with all that trash talking, eh?

Golfgal


Tiger to be back in the hunt
Staff Report
Gulf News
28 Nov 2007

Dubai World No 1 Tiger Woods has confirmed his return to the Dubai Desert Classic, to be held at the Emirates Golf Club from January 29 to February 3. The 2006 Classic champion is still working out his 2008 schedule, but has already committed to play...read more...

Tech Tags: Gulf News newspaper Sport

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Why $1m is not enough to get the world’s best out of bed
Robert Lusetich Indian Wells
The Australian
27 Nov 2007

ON one benign hole at a pretty resort course in the California desert yesterday, Stephen Ames won almost three times the money that Australian Masters champion Aaron Baddeley earned after toiling through 76 holes at Huntingdale. ‘‘ It’s not quite the... read more...

Tech Tags: The Australian newspaper Sport

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The only drug in golf is golf itself!

If you're a corporate executive of a company, you've got to read this...if you're a women who thinks golf is for men, you've got to read this...and if you're just a Joe-blow golfer, you'll enjoy it too. In India..golf is finally getting its place in society as a business tool, a women's avenue to escape the "anti-kitty" crowd and a non-intimidating "stress-buster" game for the average business person.

WHAT???...okay...Golf is a fabulous business tool (I agree, and so does Mr. Business Golf, who teaches us how to use golf as a tool to better perform in business), and it's a great tool for women to break out of the mold and network with friends and fellow golfers (male or female)...but to say that golf is a non-intimidating stress-buster game, is just too ridiculous for words. There is nothing...absolutely nothing more stressful and intimidating than golf - nothing!! Nada.....nothing...no way...no how!!!!

Golf is THE most stressful and intimidating sport in the whole world BECAUSE you play against yourself. How many times have you heard celebrities and the world's best golfers say that they "need to get out of their own way". There's a good reason for that...Golf is the biggest challenge you will ever personally face in the arena of sport. Ask the greatest sports figures of their time...Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordon ... the world's best athletes perhaps that ever lived, except in golf... and they'll tell you that golf is a cruel master and one that we'll gladly lay down our egos to play again and again and again...just because...it's more addictive than alcohol and drugs...

It's almost ironic that golf is introducing drug testing into the sport, because golf IS a drug - an addictive and cruel drug that keeps us coming back again and again to rid our demons of past slices, hooks and, dare I say, sh__ks to prove that we are worthy.

ha ha...I had to share this story from India's Economics Times because it proves that we still haven't learned...In golf, like in casinos...the only winner, is the "house/course".

But in the infamous words of Oliver Twist, let us say together..."Please Sir, can I have some more???"

Hit me... :)

Golfgal

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The patter of tiny paws... meet Tiger Woods Jnr

I bet you were expecting cute pics of Sam, right? Does this look like Sam?

I sure hope not - haha...but his dad's still Tiger Woods.

How cute is this "golf cub", eh? I just had to blog it. I wonder if the human Tiger Woods knows about the big, almost extinct kitty, Tiger Woods, named after him.

Golfgal

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The patter of tiny paws... meet Tiger Woods Jnr

The Mail on Sunday
25 Nov 2007

HE may be small but this little big cat has some huge hopes resting on him. Conservationists believe the tiny South China Tiger cub could help to save his species from extinction. He was born on Friday to a pair of zoo tigers from China which had... read more...

Tech Tags: The Mail on Sunday newspaper News

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It wasn't a Boo Boo that let Scotland win the Omega World Cup

What a great ending to a fabulous tournament! I just love team play in golf, which is why I wish so much that golf was an olympic sport (but that's another rant...).

Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum played wonderful golf and the day was full of great shots and amazing saves, but in the end the mighty Monty and the youngster Marc Warren (who covered Monty's back more than once) took the cup, fair and square.

It was funny watching the four of them during the playoffs...no doubt the stars were Monty and Weekley as they both have a flamboyant style that comes across on TV so well. Warren and Slocum were almost non-descript...hardly moved a facial muscle...virtually unflappable and hardly noticable, except for their marvelous play. Silent but deadly I guess.

I was actually hoping for South Africa as I am a big fan of Goosen and Immelman is a cutie :), but once they were out of contention, I had a hard time picking a favorite. The playoff was both tough to watch and fun to watch. I wanted them both to win.

Speaking of cuties, I swear Raphael Jacquelin should go into movies - what a handsome man he is! When he smiled, my new HDTV just lit up! Okay...so if you guys can drool over Natalie Gulbis, you have to give me Jacquelin :)

Back to golf...is it just me, or is Monty getting monsterous? I think that boy is too happy in love...marriage (pending marriage, I should say) seems to be affecting his weight. You know what they say...get married and gain 10 lbs. My goodness, he looks like he's gained 20 pounds this year. Time for some exercise, Monty, if you want to keep competing with those flat bellies.

Speaking of flat bellies...didn't you just love Poulter and Rose's matching outfits all week? Hey...as they say..."It's better to look good than to be good."

Golfgal

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Bravehearts break their duck

Bangkok Post
26 Nov 2007

Mission Hills, China — Bravehearts Scotland won their first World Cup title in dramatic fashion yesterday, beating tournament frontrunners the United States at the third play-off hole. Eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie and young gun... read more...

Tech Tags: Bangkok Post newspaper Sports

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Boo in China

I have been waiting to hear what the Chinese think of Mr. Boo Weekley, but so far, it's been really quiet on the air about his charms :) Maybe the announcers don't really know him yet - but I have no doubt they will. Ha ha...he's such a character. I hear he was up a tree hunting deer when the call came in on his cell inviting him to this event.

I'm sure he's struggling big time finding Boo-friendly food too. Although, by the looks of him, he could lose a few pounds. And what's with his cheeks? Is that tabacci in there? I am sure happy this isn't a baseball game - we'd be watching him spit between every shot.

Golfgal

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Americans stay out in front
JOHN CREAN
Bangkok Post
25 Nov 2007

TheUnited States pairing of Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum continued their good form yesterday to take a slender one-stroke lead into the final day of the Omega World Cup here. On a difficult day for scoring with tricky pin placements and a swirling... read more...

Tech Tags: Bangkok Post newspaper Sports

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Tiger, The Modest

A 155 foot Yacht ...

A 16,500 square foot palace in Dubai...and now...a "modest" 10,000 square foot home in Florida...to replace:

Modest...yeah...that's Tiger alright - Mr. Modesty :)

What next? How about a Gulfstream B550 jet - only $59.5M - a steal!

Am I jealous? Actually, as hard as it is to believe...I'm not. Give me a 1,200 square foot 2 bedroom condo on the water in the most beautiful city in the world (Vancouver) and I'm a happy camper (make that golfgal). Okay...maybe I'm jealous of his golf game, but not of his money and fame.

I have a wonderful life and I get to look at this everyday...

And I get all the privacy in the world. Now, the only thing I wish is the freedom to play golf everyday. But other than that...I have it all!

When I see the "cost of wealth", I say..."Nope...not for me". I bet Elin can't step out of her home without body guards and paparazzi chasing her down the street. Calling your mega yacht "Privacy" doesn't make it so.

If this makes Tiger and Elin happy, then great, I'm happy for them - as long as they planted (or replanted) lots of trees when they bulldozed the place. I'd hate to think one of my fave golfers wasn't "green". We have a hard enough time justifying golf courses in this climate conscious world (I still struggle a bit with that...but that's another post...)

Golfgal

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Tiger Woods razes estate to build new mega- home’
BY TOM LEONARD
The Vancouver Sun
21 Nov 2007

NEW YORK — Two years after buying a $ 46- million Florida waterfront estate, Tiger Woods has bulldozed virtually everything to make way for an executive “ mega- home.” Woods, the world’s highest earning sportsman, snapped up 10 immaculately appointed... read more...

Tech Tags: The Vancouver Sun newspaper Off The Front

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Why wait for the empty nest - golf now and often!

I just had to share this article by a frustrated golfer who is waiting for the "empty nest" to truly enjoy his passion - golf.

As much as I feel his pain, there is an easy cure to his problem. Get your girls out playing golf with you! Bribe them with putting contests like our friends do. It works and it creates quality time for you and your family. That's just one idea, but there are lots of ways to get kids involved in golf - The First Tee is a fabulous organization.

I'm not sure why so many men (not all, but many) actually see golf as something to escape the family, rather than an opportunity to spend quality time with the family.

Just think...if you and your wife played, she'd be off with her golfing friends and you'd be off with yours and sometimes you'd be playing together - how cool is that! You could watch the golf channel together and plan romantic getaways at golf resorts. You'll think you've died and gone to heaven.

And if you can get the kids interested, you wouldn't have to fight every year over where to spend your summer vacation.

Think outside the "all male foursome" box and get creative. Isn't playing with your family better than not playing at all? If it's not...then you really do have a problem and it's not about golf at all!

Golfgal

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Counting down the days until tee-time
DYLAN JONES
Live Night & Day
18 Nov 2007

Golf is ruining my life, and not in the way you might think. Golf is ruining my life because it is killing my social life, making it difficult for me to bond in the way a man really needs to bond. Already this year I have had to turn down at least four... read more...

Tech Tags: Live Night & Day newspaper Front Page

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Ian Poulter trousers $364,250 at Dunlop Phoenix and leaps into top 20

Although I was very happy with watching the European Tour's Hong Kong Open this weekend and even more excited about the LPGA's ADT Championship, I was disappointed that we didn't get to see some of the world's greats tee it up in Japan.

Perhaps The Golf Channel will air it later like they did with Singapore - let's hope so. I'd love to see the outfits Ian Poulter was wearing in Miyazaki. The picture in the newspaper looked pretty tame, but I expect that's because it's only black and white.

I didn't realize this would bring him into the top 20...nicely done! BTW...here's the current list in case you're interested...

1 Tiger Woods 21.87 pts
2 Phil Mickelson 9.65
3 Jim Furyk 7.33
4 Steve Stricker 7.02
5 Ernie Els 6.80
6 Adam Scott 6.28
7 Padraig Harrington 6.14
8 Justin Rose 6.01
9 Vijay Singh 5.67
10 KJ Choi 5.54
11 Rory Sabbatini 5.49
12 Sergio Garcia 5.29
13 Geoff Ogilvy 5.23
14 Angel Cabrera 4.89
15 Zach Johnson 4.63
16 Henrik Stenson 4.47
17 Luke Donald 4.42
18 Aaron Baddeley 3.80
19 Niclas Fasth 3.72
20 Ian Poulter 3.66

I'll keep searching for pics of Poulter's outfits and share them if I find any. Always good to stay on top of golf fashion (gives me ideas for those unexpected golfguy Xmas gifts :)).

Golfgal

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THAT’S A POULT FROM THE BLUE
By Dale Rankin sport@dailyrecord.co.uk
Daily Record
19 Nov 2007

IAN POULTER trousered �250,000 after sinking a 40foot putt he was only trying to get near the hole to avoid three-putting. The wonder stroke enabled him to achieve his first tournament triumph of the year – the Dunlop Phoenix at Miyazaki in... read more...

Related:
NOW POULTER AIMS TO DO A POD

Tech Tags: Daily Record newspaper News

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The Karlsson Krash

I'm sitting here watching Loren Ochoa make yet another birdie to take a 4 stroke lead over the field in the ADT Championship finals (I love this format!) and am still dumbfounded by Robert Karlsson's crash and burn on the last hole of a tournament that appeared to be his before the day began. I guess I shouldn't assume Lorena will win given her 4 shot lead, given Karlsson had that same advantage starting his final round as well (I thought I'd share with you yesterday's Bangkok Post with all the coverage they gave from ADT, Hong Kong and Poulter in Japan because today's papers haven't given much coverage to golf yet).

Boy, that was sad to watch! But given his behavior the last few holes, I guess I shouldn't have been all that surprised. I bet he took a drink between every shot (I know what that dry, constricting throat feels like). You could see he was feeling the pressure. And then being "on the clock" and losing patience more than once with the crowd could not have been good for his focus or game either. But I felt so bad for him.

Now, don't get me wrong...I really like Miguel Angel Jimenez (one of my faves) and was thrilled that he won, but I bet he didn't want to win it that way (although he wouldn't turn it down). I bet KJ Choi was kicking himself for hitting driver off the tee and blowing the last hole (reminded me of a Mickelson play). If he'd played it safer (I would suggest smarter), he'd have been in a playoff.

Now Paula just birdied the 7th hole and Natalie landed in the drink, recovering with a fabulous bogey. Back to the excitement - don't you just love this game!? :)

Golfgal

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Bangkok Post
18 Nov 2007

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I'll be back! says Annika

It was a sad day for Annika and all her fans on Friday when she narrowly missed being one of the semi final group of 16 at the ADT Championship. I felt so bad watching her. She's been my favorite for many years and a fabulous role model for golfers everywhere - both men and women.

It must be difficult to watch the youngsters pass you by. In business, age = experience and typically promotions up the corporate ladder, but in golf, age is your enemy. Sure, you can still golf, but it's so much harder to keep on top of the leaderboard. For winners, that must be very hard to accept, but accept you must.

I saw that she and Mike McGee have postponed their wedding to 2009 so she can take one last run at being number 1.



I wonder if this is a good idea....I am confident she'll win again, just as I am with Julie Inkster, but I think the numero uno spot is over for Annika. The competition is just too stiff with Lorena and the other young guns showing they've got the stuff to win - and win often.

I think Annika should keep competing for sure, but not at the expense of her personal life. I'd like to see her get married, have kids (if she wants them) and enjoy her new passions such as her foundation, academy, clothing line and blog (have you seen it?).

You'll always be number 1 with fans like me, Annika. I hope this year won't make you postpone your personal happiness for the elusive #1 spot again. Is it really worth it? You have so much more to look forward to...

Golfgal

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McIlroy too busy for date with Tiger

Wow...someone said NO to Tiger and it no other than the young up and comer....Rory McIlroy.

I'm impresed. Here's a kid with his head on straight and not feeling the pressure to move too fast, too soon.

Mr. and Mrs. Wie...take note...Young McIlroy is going to be a star golfer and he's doing it the right way - not rushing into events until he's ready - something you and Michelle have never learned.

I applaud him and the parents who raised him.

Well done Rory!

Golfgal

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McIlroy too busy for date with Tiger
Bernie McGuire
Irish Independent
15 Nov 2007

RORY MCILROY cited the importance of sticking rigidly to his new full season playing schedule as his reason for politely declining an invitation to compete next month in the Tiger Woods hosted Target World Challenge in Los Angeles. Woods has invited... read more...

Tech Tags: Irish Independent newspaper Front Page

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Punkered for the "new" golfing audience

Boy....do I feel out of touch! Did you know about this magazine called: GolfPunk?

It feels like a tabloid with it's so called "Bunker Babes" section and then adds some serious golf news and interviews with our fave players (mostly from Europe of course).

Well, I'm not sure how I feel about this site yet, but I'll definitely be "checking it out". You just never know what you might find - one golfer's treasure is another golfer's trash I guess.

Watch out Golf Digest!

Cheers
Golfgal

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Punkered!

Finweek English Edition
15 Nov 2007

THANKS TO ON-FIELD sledging, match fixing, drug abuse and drunkenness cricket is no longer the game for gentlemen. That leaves us with golf. But (gasp!) even that last bastion of civilised sporting behaviour is under threat – from a new magazine with... read more...

Tech Tags: Finweek English Edition newspaper ADVERTISING & MARKETING

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Married to Tiger - No thanks.

Not sure how I missed this (see bikini-clad babe below), but did you read that Mrs. Tiger Woods (Elin Nordegren) topped a poll of the sexiest sporting "other halves" on the planet? Another #1 for the World's Best I guess. She even beat out Posh Beckham who only came 46th.

When I saw this article and the one about Tiger not attending Sam's baptism, I started to think about what it must be like to be married to Tiger. Money, fame, a man with a great bod, more money...hmm...I wonder....

Being an old golfgal, I've been through a few relationships in my time and one thing I know for sure..."It's not what's important to you that matters in a relationship, but what's important to your partner/spouse." If you remember this and practice it, the relationship will flourish. If you do only what's important to you, then troubles will brew and eventually love will die.

So when I saw Tiger didn't go to the baptism because:

"As a Buddhist, it wasn’t so important to him so they agreed to do their own thing."

...the red lights went off for me. As much as he likes to tell people that his family is more important to him than anything else, this latest behavior of choosing a sponsor event over his child's baptism (which really meant a lot to his wife) doesn't jive with that sentiment. Sure they are still in love - they are newlyweds. But that self-centred "you do your thing and I'll do mine" attitude kills love - not all at one, but one little piece at at time...

Sooo...I think I like my life just the way it is with a wonderful golfguy who likes to play golf with me, hang out with me, cook and entertainment with me and pays attention to what's important to me, even when it's really not important to him. It's not that we don't do things apart. We both have very active lives outside the relationship, but what does matter is our attitude towards each other.

We're not rich and we're not young and we certainly don't have Tiger/Elin bodies, but we're very happy and focused on what's really important in our lives - each other's needs over our own. It took a while (and a few other broken relationships) to get here, but I think we've found the secret. I hope Tiger finds it too before it's too late.

Now...I'll get of my soapbox :)

Golfgal

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So why wasn’t Tiger at his baby’s baptism?
From David Gardner IN LOS ANGELES
Daily Express Weekend
14 Oct 2007

TIGER WOODS faced questions over his marriage to model Elin Nordegren last night after skipping his daughter’s christening. Just a fortnight after he pledged to take the rest of the year off to be with his family, Woods was at a charity function in...read more...

Tech Tags: Daily Express Weekend newspaper News

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Daily Star
22 Oct 2007

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The Cream(er) rises to the top

I found it a sad as I searched through over 500 newspapers to discover that the only story about Paula Creamer "creaming the field" was the same wire story across all the sport pages around the world. Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson's pathetic play made headlines everywhere. Sigh...such is the state of women's golf.

My golfguy and I love watching the women (I guess he's either in touch with his femine side OR he's just a really good judge of great golf). Either way, he's a wonderful partner because he doesn't watch women's golf because I love it or for the short skorts - he loves to watch great golf, period!

As we watched the final round, we were comparing Natalie Gulbis with Paula Creamer from all angles. They are both good golfers and beautiful young women, but Paula appears much more wholesome than Natalie with her pink panther brand. As much as Natalie's "people" say Natalie is trying to be the American girl next door, I think Paula has her beat, skirts down!

Anwway...we'll keep watching and promoting women's golf and hopefully someday, the top prize will start to match their talent and not insult them with a $150K first prize purse - how pathetic!

Golfgal

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Creamer, in the pink, wins by 8

Miami Herald
12 Nov 2007

MOBILE, Ala. — The Pink Panther won in style. Paula Creamer, complete with pink outfit, hat and ball, ran away with the Tournament of Champions on Sunday, winning by eight strokes. ‘‘All of my other tournaments that I won have been with the white... read more...

Tech Tags: Miami Herald newspaper SPORTS&BUSINESS

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Mickelson victory under a cloud after slow-play dispute

If you watched this weekend's HSBC Champions final, you probably spent the last hour going..."Did you see that!" more than once.

A flop shot on the putting service - give me a break. There was no need for that shot, and no one will convince me that it was 'the only shot' he could make. It was high risk and, frankly, I enjoyed watching the ball roll down the hill. Reminded me of Wingfoot...you take an unnessary risk and you reap the rewards.

And what about pace of play...I hate slow play. But what I hate more is when the rules are stretched beyond reason to pacify "star athletes", regardless of which sport we're talking about. Sorry...rules are rules and I'd love to see a referee bold enough to slap some of the primadona's upside the head with a slow play penalty.

But I guess Andy McFee just didn't have the guts to issue Phil a second warning which would have seen the world No2 docked one shot. I guess he felt sorry for Phil, given he already had 6 penalties that round.

A final round of 76 wins the championship...still makes me want to say.."Did you see that!?"

Golfgal

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Mickelson victory under a cloud after slow-play dispute
By Bernie McGuire in Shanghai
Sport
12 Nov 2007

PHIL MICKELSON yesterday captured his second win outside the United States, but only after a controversial decision by senior referee Andy McFee not to issue him a second warning for slow play which would have seen the world No2 docked one... read more...

Tech Tags: Sport newspaper Sport

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Sports and Noise - can't have one without the other

I am one of the first to say "shhhh...." when someone is about to tee off or putt, but after reading this article, I'm starting to think that maybe things have gone a bit too far and golfers need to be more like other athletes and learn to play in noise. Yes, turn the cell phones off and don't click a picture until after the golfer has hit the ball, but other than that...let the crowd enjoy themselves.

As this article says...

"Why do new-generation golfers think they are at greater risk of performance error than an Olympic high jumper preparing for take-off on his final jump, with the stadium’s noise ringing in his ears? Gymnasts risk neck and limb in every routine they perform, to the accompaniment of wall-to-wall crowd noise. Compared to these models of stunning athleticism (and composure), golfers are cantering show ponies"

Show ponies? Well, maybe I wouldn't go that far, but we've all seen Monty and Tiger give the evil eye when someone sneezes in the middle of their back swing. I've seen Monty glare when someone politely applauds a putt that he personally didn't think was very good.

Golfers need to chill out...it's a game...your audience is why you get paid the big bucks. So buck up...learn to live with noise and prove to your fans that THEY are what keep you in "green".

Golfgal

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Boo to golfers

The Straits Times
11 Nov 2007

CROWD behaviour at the Singapore Open golf tournament last week came in for some tut-tut from visiting lordships such as Angel Cabrera, the eventual winner, and Phil Mickelson. We say golf hot shots protest too much. They grumble all the time.... read more...

Tech Tags: The Straits Times newspaper Think

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Birdie binge gets Creamer into lead

So I hear it's the end of season (did someone forget to tell Phil Mickelson?), but I have to say I'm enjoying some of the best golf of the "apres golf season".

Watching Paula Creamer birdie 7 holes in a row was amazing. Then seeing the baby walrus, Kevin Stadler take the lead at the HSBC Champions when he almost didn't get his card this year, was just great! Charles likes to brag that he knew that Kevin was going to turn things around - he picked him as one of his "fantasy four" in the Disney tournament even though he'd missed so many cuts in the final season. Funny how that happens - when you least expect it - pow...your game changes (for good or for worse). Expectations...the word in golf that keeps rearing its ugly head - expect too much, you get too little. Don't expect much and then rake in the winnings.

Anyway...I digress...

Both of these tournaments couldn't come at a better time when all I can do is watch golf rather than play it. Yes, it makes me yearn for the course, but if you have to watch golf....this is the golf to watch. I don't even miss Tiger.

And watching Natalie Gulbis in a skort that look more like a bathing suit makes me want to give her a cover up, but she's playing great golf and so I guess that's what I should focus on. I hear her "people" say the "new brand" rumours are all hogwash and I guess this outfit sort of proves it. Charles certainly enjoyed the scenery, but even he admitted that an extra 6 inches on the skirt wouldn't take away from her charm and style.

Speaking of style...Lefty is certainly looking biff these days - nice change - nice clothes - nice bod...I was getting a bit worried as he was really starting to look like an old man (Monty...take note!)

Back to living vicariously through the pros...I hope Ernie picks up his game a bit - I see this AM, he just birdied 17 (only 1 of 3 birdies on that whole so far today).

Golfgal

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Birdie binge gets Creamer into lead
The Associated Press
Seattle Times
09 Nov 2007

MOBILE, Ala. – Paula Creamer birdied the final seven holes for a share of the first-round lead with Meg Mallon on Thursday in the Tournament of Champions, ending Suzann Pettersen’s run at the top of the leaderboard at six rounds. Creamer and Mallon... read more...

Tech Tags: Seattle Times newspaper Sports

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Golfer's Anonymous - HELP!

If anyone would have told me that I had something in common with Alice Cooper, I'd laugh them out of the room, but they would have the last laugh.

I am addicted to golf.

In fact, it's so bad, that I think I need to start attending Golfer's Anonymous meetings to handle the withdrawal of golf due to our winters in Canada. I am already practicing my introduction to the other golfers...

Hello, my name is Golfgal, and I am a golf-aholic.

I was searching the Internet to see if there was actually a GA for me to join, but didn't find anything. I did, however, find a 12 step program posted on SportsFan Magazine, but I wasn't impressed. It's a program to help you stop. Stop!!?!? I don't want to stop - I want a program that lets me play more.

I'll play in almost any weather (you have to if you're going to live up here), but it's the darkness that gets in the way. In fact, I play better in bad weather - bizarre but true.

For those of us poor saps who have to work for a living during daylight hours, it's really hard to even get in some range time at this time of year. Most ranges close at 6 pm and I'm just getting home from work.

The weekends are always crazy now that kids are back in school and they have squash, swimming or some other sport practice, or you have to drive them all over the city to be with friends because no one lives down the street anymore.

Now everyone say....Aaaaahhh...sniff...

OK OK, I guess it's not so bad. I have golf planned for San Diego in February which I'm looking forward to (anyone have recommendations on courses?). And we're trying to sneak in Palm Springs in January....But what do I do until then? That's 2 whole months!

I've tried to substitute one addiction for another...but I've discovered that red wine is no substitute. Unfortunately, it will have to do after work (when I should be on the course), but instead I'm slumped in front of The Golf Channel giving the evil eye to players who whine and complain about having to play too much.

Sigh...tick tick tick...when do we "spring forward"? Maybe I should just hibernate for 4 months.

Golfgal

ps: I found a second article here about other celebrity addictions. After reading it, I don't feel half as pathetic as I did before. Okay, Mick can have his Cricket, but Ronnie Wood - stamp collecting? Bill Wyman - metal detecting?

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Alice’s addiction… to golf

Daily Express
07 Nov 2007

ALICE COOPER is well known for his love of golf but the School’s Out singer reckons the gentle game is far more rock’ n’roll than it seems. “Every guy I know from Lou Reed to Bob Dylan to Neil Young, they all play golf,” he grins. “It’s because they... read more...

Tech Tags: Daily Express newspaper Day & Night

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Daily Mail
25 Oct 2007

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Mickelson Wants Golf to be an Olympic Sport

Well, this was nice to see. Lefty agrees with me and obviously all of you :), that golf is a sport and should be recognized as one by the Olympic Committee.

It was part of the Olympics in 1900 and 1904, but some idiots decided that all that should change and so 103 years later, we're still debating an issue which should be a no-brainer if you ask me.

If curling is a sport, then golf is a sport. Period!

Thanks Lefty for raising the awareness. Perhaps we should get a petition going online. Hey Golf Channel...you have the big bucks now, why not set it up?

Golfgal

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Gulf News
02 Nov 2007

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Ernie "off" after attack from Monty?

Well, I just saw on PGA.com that Ernie missed the cut in Singapore with a 6 over par two round total. I am so sorry to see that. Ernie is one of my favorite players and role models.

I wonder if the criticism he faced from Monty and others had anything to do with his mental game. I feel badly for him because I believe he did what he thought was the right thing to do. I was pretty surprised at how he fought back in the media to the criticism - nothing held back in this story below is there?

It's funny, but I like Ernie because I think he is a nice man - a really nice and kind gentleman. He's the kind of man you'd take home to mom. I like Monty for the opposite reasons - he's an emotional child on the course and obviously in the press room and I find him very entertaining. I like Sergio for the same reasons. They are the kind of men you date and have some fun with, but don't marry and you keep them away from dad! :)

Golfgal

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Els off the pace after criticism
By Austin Peters in Singapore
Sport
02 Nov 2007

ERNIE ELS, who has been criticised by Colin Montgomerie for his decision to skip the Volvo Masters to honour a long-standing arrangement to play in the Barclays Singapore Open, struggled to a 72 in the opening round after suffering a stomach upset on... read more...

Tech Tags: Sport newspaper Golf

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Save UBC Golf Course in Vancouver

For anyone who loves to golf and is in BC (living or visiting), you just have to check out the UBC Golf Course in Vancouver, British Columbia.

It is a wonderful public course and my favorite place to play in Vancouver....and not just for the golf, but the clubhouse, restaurant and staff too. What a wonderful place to spend a Saturday morning!

I will be posting a review on the course soon, but first I need to share with you a very important cause.

"Save the Course" is an informal grass roots organization formed in response to the BC Provincial Government's intention to give the UBC Golf course to the Musqueam First Nation as part of a land claim settlement.

The Provincial Government's plan was negotiated in secret with no community consultation on the part of either the members of the Musqueam First Nation, the residents of the GVRD, or the users of the UBC Golf course.

"Save the Course" believes that there are far better ways to satisfy the Musqueam claim than to lose this precious community asset. I agree!

If want to learn more about this and sign their online petition, please visit Save the Course and click to support the cause.

Also, some very generous people have been funding this cause out of their own pockets. So the next time you win with your buddies on the greens, why not donate your winnings to this very important cause!

Thanks!
Golfgal

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