2009 Northern Trust Photo Caption Fun, Vol. 1: Phil Confronts Marty!

I was the lone (impartial) witness to this heated encounter--as you can tell by the intense stare down from Phil Mickelson--between renowned white belt wearer Phil and his top critic, Golf Digest fashion guru Marty Hackel following Saturday's third round.

It went something like this:

Phil: Marty, Bones tells me you were critical of my white belt.

Marty (gesturing wildly): Love the belt! I just think you should wear white shoes with it.

Phil: Oh that would be way over the top!

From there it spiraled with no-on-the-white-belt votes from Jim Mackay and Butch Harmon, who were supervising the rare post-round ball striking session. (Yes, he was hitting balls after a 62.) Mickelson then explained to Hackel where the white belt concept came from, and if I shared the story (A) you'd never in a million years believe what he said and (B) it would violate the writer-player driving range off-the-record agreement that I'm sure I signed off when I autographed my PGA Tour media regulations form.

But naturally, you are welcome to offer your fictional versions of this encounter. Tastefully, of course.

Nice Column On Rocco...

...By Bill Dwyre in the L.A. Times, writing about Rocco's determination to play Riviera this week and about his incredible start.

Thursday, Mediate teed off quietly, walked slowly around the Riviera course while managing a one-under-oar 70. Friday, he walked it again and turned in a three-under 68.

The good news, for Mediate, is that he made the cut at four under and will play two more rounds today and Sunday.

The bad news, for his physical therapist and surgeon, is that Mediate made the cut and will play two more rounds today and Sunday.

Only 18 days ago, after he dragged the knee around the Sunday round of the FBR Open in Scottsdale on Feb. 1, Mediate had surgery done by Dr. Tom Knapp of the Santa Monica Orthopedic Group. Immediately thereafter, his physical therapist, Cindy Hilfman, took over.

The goal was to get him ready to play at Riviera, his "favorite track," according to Hilfman.

Asked Friday what it would have taken to keep him out of this tournament, Mediate said, "Death."

Greetings From L.A., Cut Day This And That

Just another warm, sunny day with Junior Chamber of Commerce weather at Riviera.

Question: will we still get these glorious days when PGA Tour Championship Management takes over operations from the Junior Chamber?

Crowds were larger Friday, though still not nearly the size or exuding the energy level of past Friday afternoons. Players continued to respond with excellent play despite firming greens and a little afternoon wind. Phil Mickelson suffered from the usual post-incredible-round blues, posting a 72 and struggling most of the way. Still, he's only three back heading into the weekend with a nicely stocked leaderboard.Mickelson blasts out of the bunker on 11 and knocks it three feet even though a shutter went off way early and turned Bones into Stevie for just a second (click to enlarge)

The sponsor exemptions played admirably but not well enough for the weekend. Sifford exemptee Vincent Johnson impressed many, Pepperdine's Jason Gore is positioned for a nice check, and most observers feel Ryo Ishikawa has a ways to go in the course management department. In other words, he's no Rory McIlroy. ;)

Friday's "Where's Marty Hackel When You Need Him?" Award Winner (click to enlarge)I bounced around the course and took in a variety of groups, mostly hovering near the 10th hole when possible. Naturally it did not disappoint even with more guys laying-up today, but they still don't seem to want to lay-up left, meaning there were still plenty of things just won't see anywhere else in golf. Look for a juicy hole location Saturday to spice things up even more.

It was great seeing Peter Kostis, CBS analyst, former Titleist something-or-other and overall fan of all things this website, reunited with a Titleist bag while shooting some segment that most will TiVo right on by.Love the Titleist bag Peter! (click image to enlarge)

A strange, you-had-to-be-there highlight of the day came while watching Johnson Wagner in the trees off No. 13, asking marshals to fuss with ropes, lemonade stands, pretzel cards and anything but the trees themselves. After a host of requests for the team of marshals on No. 13 and changing his mind on where to pitch out, Wagner finally decided on a simple chip out (therefore rendering all previous requests pointless).

After the shot he smiled sheepishly, blushed and said "So sorry" to the devoted volunteers. They of course said they were happy to oblige, but it was just one of those nice little gestures you don't see enough of from today's pro: an acknowledgement of the men and women in green who make the tournament a reality. 

Phil To Marty Hackel: How About That Contrast!

Defiant to the end, Phil Mickelson appeared Friday in his all black, white belt/hat ensemble that just weeks ago drew an all caps "DO NOT HAVE CONTRAST" observation from intrepid Golf Digest fashion guru Marty Hackel. I say the white belt does a wonderful job bringing out his upper arm-tan lines. Frankly, more offensive than the white belt may be the mariachi polo.

Greetings From LA, It's-75-And-There-Are-More-People-At-Most-Nationwide-Events-Edition

Let's get the important stuff out of the way on what was an otherwise slow news day: media dining has taken a considerable leap this year. I know you were worried.

After years of mystery meats on beds of kikuyu cream sauces, the vaunted Riviera chef's best creations have made their way to our little hanger between the first and second fairways. Today's superb Butternut Squash soup topped yesterday's Chicken Gumbo, something I never could have imagined.

In less important news, the golf was splendid. Unfortunately few were there to see it.Ernie Els on Thursday (click to enlarge)

The players took advantage of breathtaking 75 degree weather and no wind to light up Riviera. The course setup saw only 3 hole locations four paces from the edge and just five-five pacers. The rest were all sixes and sevens, a far cry from recent years when threes and fours dominated and round 1 never came close to finishing. Pace of play was still wretched Thursday, but most afternoon groups got around in under five hours, allowing the near completion of first round play.

More disturbing for the future of the event was the Nationwide-like feel to the day. Even with amazing weather fans are staying away. And while the economy is in part to blame for the dearth of spectators, I would also chalk the low attendance to increased ticket prices ($30) and the disappearance of the various ticket giveaways that brought such great crowds out in year's past (test drive a Nissan, spent $25 on Vons groceries, etc...). Hopefully PGA Tour Championship Management will consider bringing back some of these fan friendly issues next year when they take over, but from what I've seen with things like the 18th hole scoreboard and the overall obsession with trying to make the event more upscale via sterile signage, I'm not optimistic.

Perfect day, great pairing, no fans (click to enlarge)I trailed the Ogilvy-Els-Imada threesome and by the time they reached the 17th hole, there were about 100 people around. It was 4:30 and delightful out. Just a shame.

In pressing fashion news, Ryan Moore won the day's prize for strangest shoes (I'm sparing you the rest of the outfit details). So are these actually sold or did he have Softspikes specially installed? If the latter, that's impressive.Ryan Moore's shoes (click to enlarge)

In Ryo news, I followed the young lad for a few holes and he certainly has a nice game. Even more impressive, he handles all of the hoopla gracefully. Keep in mind that he's dealing with photographers who were seen clicking away at his image on the press-room televisions. These people are disturbed!

Ryo's entourage snapping away as he tees off No. 12 (click to enlarge)In 10th hole news (where they desperately need a grandstand), there was the usual mix of birdies and bizarro bogies, with all sort of strange plays and a few more lay ups left!). After his 63, I asked Phil Mickelson about his approach to the 10th. He's pretty high on his strategic approach...

Q. Back on No. 10, where are you trying to hit it off the tee? What is your actual strategy there from the tee?

PHIL MICKELSON: You know, I've played that hole very effectively the last couple of years, and have played it under par and bettered the field average and I would rather not say what I'm trying to do there. (Laughter).

Kostis Says Mickelson Clearly Didn't Put Enough Off Season Time In; Phil Posts 63

The analyst offered this CBS press release perspective on Mickelson's game before Phil torched Riviera with a first round 63.

The only thing consistent about Mickelson’s game right now is his inconsistency. Clearly he didn’t put enough time in preparing in the off-season. It seems like he would have found some answers. He is changing equipment almost weekly and it’s hard to really develop your golf swing when you always have different sets of iron and clubs in the bag. You need to pick something and stick with it…

Greetings From L.A., Pro-Am Edition

Skies cleared to make for a beautiful pro-am day. Normally I try to take cover on pro-am days since the media center is right in the firing lines. Today I spent some time on the range to watch a few players I don't normally get the chance to observe.

Early on, I witnessed a true first: fifty or so Japanese media members watching Ryo Ishikawa hit balls. And not just watching, but they were glued to every shot. Some were even making notes. Yes, notes of a driving range session. And when he moved to the side tee to work out of the practice bunker, the herd followed. Truly a different world!

Chopra (click to enlarge)Daniel Chopra spent a good 15 minutes trying to hit lob wedges over the range fence before finally giving up. Judging by the state of his, uh, highlights, I think his time would have been better spent at one of L.A.'s finer salons.

Trevor Immelman came to the range and no one seemed to know, care or even recognized the Masters champion. Pretty strange. That said, watching his beautiful swing next to that of Jeev Milkha Singh provided quite the contrast.

Jeev Singh at the top of his unique backswing (clck to enlarge)Singh must have the strangest swing for a great player. I had hoped to interview him but he seemed determined to hit about 300 balls and you can only stand and watch someone that laid off at the top so long.

I watched Vijay Singh and he didn't seem the least bit bothered by the Stanford Financial situation, so hopefully his money was invested elsewhere.

And finally, my major quest of the day ended with good news: Stuart Appleby is not, contrary to what I've heard, a complete jerk to his pro-am partners. In fact, I can report that he not only spoke to them, but signed autographs for young boys and even posed for a photo, patiently waiting while a young Wang took way too many shots and way too much time trying to frame the image. Appleby displayed great patience and dispelled most of the myths about his pro-am demeaner with the GeoffShackelford.com staff.

"I always say if it was built before 1960, there's a good chance I'm going to like it."

Jim Furyk, killing any chance he had for the ASGCA's Donald Ross Award, talking Wednesday at the Loss-of-Trust Open about Riviera and classic architecture in general.

I always say if it was built before 1960, there's a good chance I'm going to like it. If it was built after 1990, there's probably a pretty good chance I won't. It doesn't always hold true, but it's a good rule of thumb.

Minorities Pave Way For Anthony Kim To Skip L.A. Open

Daniel Wexler looks at the progressive nature of the event formerly known as the L.A. Open, while Doug Ferguson notes the power of IMG the interesting early season scheduling by the next great PGA Tour hope, Anthony Kim.

Anthony Kim grew up in Los Angeles and spent his last few years of high school in the Palm Springs area. But the West Coast swing will end without Kim at either of the PGA Tour stops in his hometowns.

He missed the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic with a shoulder injury, leaving Mark Calcavecchia to quip, "Has he heard of Advil?"

More peculiar is how Kim could miss the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. Instead, he is playing on the European tour for the second straight week, this time at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia.

Kim has played only twice on the PGA Tour this year, tying for second in Kapalua and missing the cut in Phoenix.

Update on 2009-02-18 18:00 by Geoff

But at least AK got to stay in Australia this week, unlike his caddy.

Greetings From LA: Quiet Tuesday Edition

Riviera took another rain beating overnight and seemed pretty saturated this morning, but by midday was drying out. I even spotted some of Matt Morton's dedicated crew out mowing fairways, an encouraging sign that things are too water logged.

I walked with a few players and listened in on some driving range chatter, all the while noticing that Vijay Singh was constantly on his cell phone. I'm going to guess those weren't fun calls. 

My best attempt at a Borat thumbs up needs work (click to enlarge)Fun for me was getting my photo taken next to the Titleist truck, something I did just for my vast Fairhaven readership, which looks a little thin these days based on Google Analytics.

I also forgot how boring it can be listening to golf pros talk about shafts, lofts, lies and other minutae. At least they're passionate about something! We certainly know it's not golf architecture.

Anyone not have a camera in Ryo's gallery? (click to enlarge)Fans were in such short supply that teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa's gallery was dominated by photographers and television crews (see lousy iphone image, left). After briefly catching a glimpse of the young lad who sported banana yellow slacks he picked up at a Tom Weiskopf garage sale, I was thrilled to hear he joined up for back nine play with two giants of the game. He covered this in his afternoon press conference:

Q. I believe you played a practice round today with Chris DiMarco and J.J. Henry. How did that come about, and did they give you any advice or words of wisdom?

RYO ISHIKAWA: Both players are so kind to give advice like, you know, the pin positions last year or something like that. So every single hole, those two players gave me some advice.

I wanted to play the PGA TOUR since I was young, and it's kind of like a dream playing with those superstar players. So, it's like a dream.

I think that's the first time superstar has been used to describe J.J. Henry, but you have to love the respect he's paying his elders.

Speaking of respecting elders, John Strege filed this enjoyable summary of Ryo's news conference

Greetings From L.A. Annual Monday 10th Hole Report

I toured Riviera today and as always it seems to have handled the rain well thanks in part to George Thomas and Billy Bell's ingenious surface drainage.

The last few years these Monday walks have given me the displeasure of reporting bizarre changes to the masterful 10th hole. Because, you know, it has always been such weak hole on an otherwise great course!

I'm pleased to report the restoration of the short grass area taken away and bemoaned about ad nauseum here and here!The restored short grass area includes a new swale that may collect balls, and therefore divots. (Click to enlarge)

Apparently there is a fear that this short grass next to the green encourages players to recklessly drive through the green into the area in front of the 11th tee, where they then face a terrifying wedge shot back. I blame that approach of players in recent years more on the ball than the hole itself. And even though the Shotlink data proved otherwise with regard to the impact of short grass, this area has been re-graded with a sea of newly installed mounds (not as horrible as it sounds, but not great either) and a new swale installed next to the green.

While it is true that players essentially treat the hole like a long par-3 now compared to just four years ago (thank you USGA and R&A!), I'm not sure if the various tinkering here really has made things more strategically interesting. But again, that's not the club's fault, that's a governing body issue.New mounds to penalize agressive drives blend in as well as can be expected. (click to enlarge)

This newly graded short grass area and swale is retaining water. But that's not a big deal. Though I'm guessing if water is collecting there, something else will too. Hint: they're little, white, dimpled and usually when PGA Tour players hit them, the boys tend to leave divots (yes, even next to a green). So we'll see if that becomes a problem this week. (The old short grass area on No. 10 was more gradual in slope, so balls finished in a variety of locations.)

Another change of the welcomed variety involves the 11th tee, where Ted Robinson's old propped-up monstrosity has been eliminated and a nice tee at grade constructed, with some needed length also added to the hole.

As for second year sponsor Northern Trust, there isn't much difference in the setup and the tournament remains a pretty uninspired operation compared to most PGA Tour events. The media tent is larger in response to an onslaught of Japanese media requests this year, while the spray painted Northern Trust logo off the tenth tee is infinitely tackier than last year thanks to the dark green backdrop added (see photo).The dark green paint strengthens the Northern Trust brand. (click to enlarge)

And despite my pleas, the pivotal 18th hole scoreboard remains missing.

Last year the old school manually-operated scoreboard was eliminated to make room for a dignitary seating area, but this year the seating is not present yet fans will still be deprived of following the leaders as they make their way to the great 18th.

I know, I know. They have the electronic board to remind them every five minutes who the host pro is and how the FedEx Cup race is playing out...I guess I just like the added touch of watching a number get changed and for players to come face to face with their situation as they make one of golf's great walks.

The 18th with scoreboard and without:

2006 with the old manual leaderboard greeting players and entertaining waiting fans (click to enlarge)

And 2009... (click to enlarge)

"What were the Northern Trust people thinking?"

In this week's potboiler, the SI/Golf Mag/golf.com/Entertainment Weekly/Time Inc. boys kick around the state of the LPGA Tour, Michelle Wie's game and the AT&T. They also talk about this week's event at Riviera, with Jim Herre planting this seed when the talk turned to Ryo Ishikawa:

I can't believe Ryo won't be joined by Rory McIlroy, who will be spending his week at the Titleist Performance Center in Carlsbad instead of at the Riv. What were the Northern Trust people thinking?

Van Sickle: Yeah, Rory has already proven he's the real deal. Bonehead move of the year was Northern Trust turning down Rory's request for a sponsor's exemption this week. He's ranked top 20 in the world. Not sure what the story is there. Free Rory.

Morfit: Agreed that was a major brain cramp, and it'll come back to bite 'em. The pros don't forget a thing like that. (Then again, post-exemption loyalty only goes so far, considering Tiger's recent record in Milwaukee.)

Shipnuck: Sponsors' exemptions are almost always used to repay burnt-out old pros who have, ahem, supported the tourney through the years. It would be nice if more were invested on promising youngsters, but sponsors would rather have a recognizable name who will come to a cocktail party and perform.

Van Sickle: Mike Van Sickle and I agree with Shipwreck. Billy Andrade doesn't sell any tickets for you.

For the record, Northern Trust's sponsor's invites are Ricky Barnes, Oliver Wilson, Shigeki Maruyama, Jeev Singh, Bryce Molder, Graeme McDowell and Vincent Johnson (Sifford exemption).

I called Tournament Director Tom Pulchinski for comment on the McIlroy situation as well as to discuss the likelihood that this is the final year the event will be managed by the L.A. Junior Chamber of Commerce before being turned over to PGA Tour Championship Management (ith the Junior Chamber still receiving the event's charitable contributions). The call was not returned.

Finally, A Reason To Play L.A.!

The chance to play Riviera before its George Thomas design is completely gone? That's nothing compared with the Northern Trust Open's new player perk for helping with those 90-minute drives back to the hotel room east of the course that you should never have booked.

Mercedes-Benz Named Official Car Sponsor of Northern Trust Open
Two-year agreement includes Mercedes-Benz 2010 GLK 350 as hole-in-one car at 14th hole

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., January 27, 2009 – Mercedes-Benz has been named Official Car Sponsor of the Northern Trust Open. Under terms of the two-year agreement, Mercedes-Benz will provide a hole-in-one vehicle at the 14th hole each year and hand over the keys to a new Mercedes-Benz courtesy car for every player to drive during the tournament. For 2009 the all-new Mercedes-Benz 2010 GLK 350 will be the hole-in-one vehicle and the players will be driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles consisting of a variety of BlueTEC clean diesels, S-Class sedans, and GLK SUV’s.

“We are delighted to establish this partnership with Mercedes-Benz,” said Northern Trust Open Tournament Director Tom Pulchinski. “Mercedes-Benz has a wonderful reputation for building outstanding motor vehicles and its brand is a perfect fit with the rich history of the Northern Trust Open.”

Ishikawa Collecting Exemptions By The Day **

Doug Ferguson reports on the third (and biggest-The Masters) exemption this week for 17-year-old Japanese prodigy Ryo Ishikawa. In reading over his bio, I couldn't help but wonder if he really was the right person to kick off the Northern Trust Open's Sifford exemption.

First his bio:

Ishikawa, the youngest player to crack the top 100 in the world ranking, already is at No. 60 and might have been able to qualify on his own depending on he played over the next two months. He is the highest-ranked player to receive the foreign invitation since Shingo Katayama was No. 58 in 2005.

Known as the “Shy Prince” in Japan for his unassuming demeanor, Ishikawa made history two years ago when he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup on the Japan Golf Tour, becoming the youngest player to win on one of the six major tours around the world.

He turned pro last year and won the mynavi ABC Championship to go along with six top 10s and ranking No. 5 on Japan’s money list.

According to the AP story, Sifford had this to say about the new annual exemption in his name:

"It's something that should have been done a long time ago," Sifford said in a telephone interview. "This is a wonderful thing. It will give someone a chance."

And the story notes this about the exemption:

While the PGA TOUR this year features players from 19 countries, it has taken a step backward with U.S. minorities, particularly blacks. Tiger Woods is the only member with African-American heritage, but he joined the TOUR years after the success of black players such as Lee Elder, Calvin Peete, Jim Dent and Jim Thorpe.

Tim O'Neal has made it as far as the Nationwide Tour, while Kevin Hall, who is deaf also, has played the PGA TOUR on an occasional sponsor's exemption. Hall won a Hooters Tour event last year.

Sifford attributed to the lack of black PGA TOUR members in part on the high cost to play, and the need for corporate support. Even so, he said the exemption for the Northern Trust Open can only help.

I'm guessing it won't be long before Sifford (and rightfully so) questions how Ishikawa fits into the concept he is lending his name to.

Update on 2009-01-23 21:01 by Geoff

**I have checked with the good folks at Brener-Zwikel, PR gurus for the Northern Trust Open and they report the Izikawa exemption is NOT the Sifford exemption, but instead a Commissioner's exemption.

"Get some goodwill in the bank while you can."

Okay, I know Rory McIlroy is the second coming and all, but I think Derek Lawrenson is getting a bit carried away here:

The Los Angeles Open must have some field next month if they cannot find a spot for Rory McIlroy (right).

As of last week, the Ulsterman was still waiting on a reply to a request for a sponsor's invitation.

Memo to the organisers: in a couple of years, you'll be begging him to turn up. Get some goodwill in the bank while you can.

First, there probably aren't more than 100 people in the greater Los Angeles area who could pick young Rory out of a lineup. He's not exactly going to put people on the grassy hill above 18.

Second, let's say he becomes the golfing God that the British and Irish press is predicting. Do we really think that based on the behavior of the modern day professional, there is any longer a connection between favors down for a player when they become successful?