January 2009 Archives

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a tax on golf, among other things. A Web site opposing this plan A Web site opposing this plan was launched and you can read more here. Also, here's a story on the proposed taxes from the Associated Press.

Anthony Kim is back from the shoulder injury that caused him to withdraw from the Bob Hope Classic. He's not on the commitment list to play at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera next month, although he has until Feb. 13 to decide if he wants to play in it.
He'll play at the FBR Open this week. Here's the transcript of his news conference from Arizona:

David Berganio Jr. of Sylmar is in third place in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, three shots behind leader Pat Perez. Berganio bogeyed the 18th hole but still shot 64. He shot 63 the previous day and is 17-under par for the tournament. It's been quite a start for the 40-year-old Berganio, who has battled back problems the last few years but appears to be back on track.

Andy Goldfarb, 61, of Sherman Oaks aced the 15th hole at the Palmer Private course at PGA West in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic today. Keep reading to hear more about Goldfarb's unlikely ace and the $100,000 Sentient Jet prize.

Just three of the world's top-25 ranked players are here at the 50th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Anthony Kim is ranked eighth and would've been the top player in the field, but he withdrew today because of a shoulder injury. Steve Stricker, ranked 16th, is the top player in the field, along with Justin Leonard (23rd) and Mike Weir (24th).

As you probably know, Tiger Woods was on a grand stage today speaking at Barack Obama's inauguration. His appearance can't hurt the PGA Tour, which surely will lose some sponsors in this economic downturn, either.
``I thought it was terrific,'' PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said during a recent interview at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta. ``I'm delighted they spent some time together afterward. It's just another indication of the persona of Tiger Woods transcending the game of golf. He's so much more than a golf. Before the inauguration, they used to say (Woods) was the most recognizable guy on the planet. I'm not so sure about that anymore with Obama being president. He's certainly the most recognized athlete. To have the opportunity with that audience to reaffirm his focus - which was recognizing men and women in uniform - I was very pleased for the game and happy for him.''

Paul Goydos has taken a leave of absence from the PGA Tour following the sudden death of his ex-wife, Wendy, early Saturday morning. Goydos was returning from Honolulu - where he missed the cut at the Sony Open - on Saturday when he learned of her death. He has balance life as a professional golfer in addition to being a single dad as he's had full custody of his daughters, Courtney and Chelsea.
Here is the release from Goydos' management team, Blue Giraffe Sports.
"We are deeply saddened to disclose that Wendy Goydos, ex-wife of PGA TOUR professional Paul Goydos and the mother to his children, Courtney and Chelsea, passed away suddenly early Saturday morning. The details of Ms. Goydos's passing are not immediately available.
Paul, Courtney and Chelsea, are extremely thankful for the tremendous outpouring of condolences and support, and asked that people continue to allow them to deal with this tragedy in a private manner. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family would like donations be made to The National Headache Foundation at 1-888-NHF-5552 or www.headaches.org in Ms. Goydos's name.
Because Paul's number one priority has always been his daughters, he will be taking a temporary leave of absence from PGA Tour to appropriately deal with all family matters.''

Anthony Kim, the former Studio City resident, withdrew from the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic this morning due to a sore left shoulder. He experienced discomfort in the shoulder while practicing Monday.
``I'm very disappointed to have to miss the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, especially considering it's played in Palm Springs, where I live and had so many friends and family coming to watch,'' Kim said. ``We don't consider my shoulder to be anything too serious, and I don't expect to miss extended time, but it is important to be cautious with it at this early stage in the season.''

We all figured Tiger Woods would return from reconstrucitve knee surgery by the Masters in April. But the Associated Press has reported he could returnnext month, and here's the story that ran on espn.com.

Arnold Palmer is hosting the 50th anniversary of the Bob Hope Classic. Here's the transcript from Palmer, the five-time Bob Hope Classic champion, who's always generous with his time. Here's the transcript from this morning's call:

Arnold Palmer had a conference call to discuss his role as the host of the Bob Hope Classic later this month. Here's what he had to say on Tiger's hiatus and what he thinks other PGA Tour players need to do in his absence.
``First of all, I see Tiger occasionally here (in Florida),'' Palmer said. ``He's working very hard. How it will affect his golf, laying off as long as he has, it's difficult to say. I certainly expect he'll come on strong and be the great player he has been in the past. I don't think there's much question about that.
``I know if I was there playing and competing, I'd put forth a greater effort to be a top player (while Woods is out). If you're a great player, you're going to have to fess up to play him and do something about it. These guys are so good. I expect some of them are going to challenge him, and I think it will be good for the game.''