"Yeah, it would be slow, but death by typewriter is what the [bleep!] deserves."

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Ron Sirak pays tribute to Dan Jenkins and there is no way you can pass up a column quoting the single greatest lede in the history of literature.

And there was this from Sirak about Jenkins' place in the world of sport:

But even more than his best-selling novels, Jenkins joined journalists Bernard Darwin and Herbert Warren Wind in the WGHOF because he reinvented sports writing. If the late Hunter Thompson gets credit for creating "Gonzo Journalism" -- the art of immersing yourself in a story and making fact read with the entertainment of fiction -- Jenkins is the guy who brought that attitude to sports, although he will hate to have his name mentioned in the same sentence with Thompson. Both blew up the form and invented a new one.

Video: Phil Mickelson's World Golf Hall Of Fame Inductee Case

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You're getting to see Phil's exhibit case just about the same time he did. I got to eavesdrop on his proud parents talking a friend through the cases. These really are the highlight of the Hall of Fame. Having seen past exhibits, I'd say this year's inductees came through with the most impressive donations of memorabilia yet.

Alright, the first three videos, Phil Mickelson, 2012 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee.

Video 1.



Video 2.



Video 3.

 

 

Hall Of Fame Content With Inducting Players In Their Prime

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Garry Smits previews Monday's World Golf Hall of Fame ceremony. I'll be there and internet connection willing, posting some video Tweets along with ceremony Tweets as a stellar cast goes into the Hall.

(DVR alert: the Ceremony is at 6 p.m. ET and televised by Golf Channel at 10 p.m.)

To answer one last time the many people who've asked why Phil is going in now while still in his playing prime, Smits has the answer and the defiant stance from the Hall on its age minimum.

“Careers are going to be extended 10 or 12 years beyond what they used to,” Mickelson said. “I think it would be a good thing for the Hall [age] requirement to go to 50.”

Mickelson offered himself as an example. He recently won his 40th career victory at Pebble Beach, two months after his election to the Hall of Fame was announced.

However, World Golf Hall of Fame chief operating officer Jack Peter said there are no plans to consider increasing the age.

“We’re comfortable with 40 for players on the PGA Tour and International Tour ballots,” he said.

In profiling Mickelson for Phil's hometown San Diego Union Tribune, Tod Leonard writes:

If Tom Brady had five years remaining on his contract, would he be posing for a bust so they could get his hair just right in Canton? Would Derek Jeter be picking out just the perfect piece of lumber to donate for the display case in Cooperstown?

The answer, of course, is no. Premier athletes don’t want to think about honors and accolades when they’re in the prime of their competitive careers, still trying to hold that mental edge over the next great player.

And that’s what has Phil feeling a little perplexed. The San Diegan has all the credentials he needs to enter the Hall; he just doesn’t want to spend too much time patting himself on the back, because he figures there are many tournaments to play, untold titles to be won.

Mike Davis Tabbed Chair Of World Golf Foundation, World Asks: What's The World Golf Foundation?

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It's a collection of older, well-compensated white men who gather and table most if not all of the pressing issues in the game while ensuring their cronies are elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

They do, however, have one heck of a museum in St. Augustine that you every golfer must visit.

Anyway,For Immediate Release...

USGA Executive Director Mike Davis Named 2012 World Golf Foundation Chair                                                                                            
 
St. Augustine, FL (January 11, 2012) – Mike Davis, Executive Director of the United States Golf Association (USGA) has been named Chairman of the World Golf Foundation’s Board of Directors for 2012.  Davis succeeds The European Tour’s Chief Executive, George O’Grady, who served as the 2011 Board Chairman.
 
Davis, who was named USGA Executive Director in March, 2011, has been with the Association for over 21 years.  He joined the organization in April 1990 where he served in various capacities in Rules & Competitions, including as U.S. Open Championship Director and later as Senior Director of Rules & Competitions, until being named Executive Director.

“I am both delighted and honored to assume the Chairman’s role for 2012,” said Davis. “The game of golf continues to be presented with challenges and opportunities around the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Foundation’s Board and the organization’s talented staff to ensure that the Foundation continues to play a leadership role in fostering the health, growth and development of the game.”

“Mike, with decades of experience organizing and managing national championships, will bring a rich perspective as Chair of our Board,” said Steve Mona, Chief Executive Officer of the World Golf Foundation. “His extensive knowledge and leadership in the golf industry will benefit our mission of supporting the growth of the game worldwide.”
 
In addition to Davis and O’Grady, the other World Golf Foundation Executive Committee members are Jim Armstrong, Executive Director of The Masters Tournament; Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A; Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR; Joe Steranka, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of America; and Michael Whan, Commissioner of the LPGA.

What diversity!