Andrew's World, Vol. III

Well the Florida Swing is over and what a exciting four weeks it has been! First Ernie Els returns to the winner circle, then Sean O'Hair triumphs, and Eldrick drills a 24 footer on the 72 hole to win Bay Hill. Then we get to see Geoff Ogilvy win at Doral holding off Vijay, Furyk, Goose, and King Tiger, and add a second World Golf Championship trophy to his mantle.

The Tavistock Cup has really become a big deal to the PGA Tour. The Golf Channel televises the interclub 4-ball matches between Isleworth and Lake Nona. The roster of players participating in this event is impressive. Some of the best European touring pros and of course Mr. Woods.

I would like to share a story with you I recently read in the magazine section of the New York Times about two African American sisters from Bradenton, Florida. Ginger and Robbi Howard are 13 and 12 respectively, and are considered two of the best junior prospects in the United States. Ginger has won a astounding 83 tournaments and Robbi who plays left handed, has 62 trophies in her collection. Their father sacrifices all of his time and money in the pursuit of his daughter's dream of playing on the LPGA Tour. You can check out these very talented prodigies at gingerandrobbi.com.

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) celebrates its 30 anniversary in 2008, as the premiere junior golf circuit in the country. The inaugural event, called the Rolex Tournaments of Champions, was held at Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill Florida. The roster of players who competed included future touring pros: Mark Brooks, Andrew Magee, Jim Gallagher Jr, Mark Calcavecchia, and Jodie Mudd. The final round featured the same exact pin positions of the Jackie Gleason, held earlier at Inverrary that year and won by Jack Nicklaus who closed with 5 birdies. Willie Wood took the AJGA title shooting an impressive 69, good for a four shot victory.

The following players scare me when they take their hats off, Stewart Cink, Brendan Pappas, Steve Flesch and Jonathon Byrd. Not to be too critical but a sunburned face and a ghostly white chrome dome really is very disturbing. I wonder if those guys wear their hats when they are at home?

In a 360 degree turn lets discuss the hirsute members of the tour, who sadly only count one pro amongst their ranks, Charley Hoffman. Remember days of yester-year when a few touring pros favored the look of long hair? Here is my top 5 all time list of the longest hair to grace our beloved Tour: Emlyn Aubrey, Bill Glasson, Nolan Henke, Pat Bates, and David Peoples.

Question: Are they actually going to play the Skins Game this year and will you watch? I will not because the concept is tired,un-inspiring, and just plain tedious. Last years snorefest featured bland Brett Wetterich, snide Stephen Ames, Milquetoast Zach Johnson, and Fred Couples who never seems to have another commitment around Thanksgiving. The novelty of the skins game lays in the promise of making upwards of a years salary in a two day event. Now that our heroes are making millons and are flying around the world in private jets, the charm of the Skins Game is long gone. If the tour is interested in reviving this format, they need to create some controversy. Remember when Tom Watson accused Gary Player of cheating and they had a vicious argument? I want to see hostile pairings featuring guys who do not like each other. Bring back Tiger but pit him against Rory Sabbatini, Ian Poulter, and Greg Norman. I want to see Tiger play against guys who do not like him and are jealous of his success!

Do you read the money list like a broker would the stock market? I do and here is the list of 3 pros who led the bottom of tour money for 2007: Jerry Smith, Jim Rutledge, and Jacob Van Zyl. Smith played in 19 events and made $63,335 in official money for the year. To put this in perspective, 58 year old Tom Watson played in only 2 events last year and made 64,350. So Jerry, I hope you have a better year in '08.

Well golf fans it has been fun and hope you have learned a few more useless facts ,and enjoy the Zurich Classic this week!