Jackie Burke Unplugged

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There's a killer book excerpt in the new Golf Digest featuring Jackie Burke's thoughts on the Ryder Cup, but since it's not linked, here's Burke talking to Jim McCabe about his PGA Championship win and other topics.

He has been around the game for nearly all 83 years of his life, which is why when he speaks, people listen. Burke has a passion for the game, particularly for great amateur play, but he cares little for some aspects that shape the landscape. He's fearful that a player on a practice range somewhere is going to get seriously hurt by a teaching device what with all the ropes and metal, and he feels pity for what they've done to the club professional's job description.

``He's got to worry about carts and shirts and the hypotenuse of a triangle," said Burke.

As for the phenomenon called Tiger Woods, Burke said it isn't a mystery.

``He's the only one who understands how to play the game, how to make shots," said Burke. ``The other guys? They're all out there plumb-bobbing the world, worrying about their launch angle and their ball speed. But Woods is like the great pool player -- he doesn't see the cue, doesn't see the ball, he just sees the whole game."

"Almost unbecoming of a professional"

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Erik Leijon in the Montreal Mirror interviews John Daly about his new wine label and his book. This is beautiful:

M: When your book came out, the PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem talked to you. What did he say?

JD: Well, it was just one of those things that went back and forth. HarperCollins wanted everything [about Daly’s drinking, gambling etc.], in which the facts are right, and the PGA tour didn’t, so it went back and forth eight or nine times. Tim Finchem said, “This is almost unbecoming of a professional.” I said, “My life is unbecoming of a professional, Tim.” And he said, “Well it wasn’t like the Tour was going to sell it,” but next thing you know it’s in the display of every PGA Tour store, so he must be okay with it.

"Champions 08222306"

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ogaball.jpgE. Michael Johnson and Mike Stachura reveal a few new specifics about the Ohio Golf Association Champions Tournament ball, which will be used Aug. 22-23 at Windy Knoll.

According to Alan Fadel, a member of the OGA's board of governors, the ball was submitted for USGA approval earlier this year. "We were told it was on the [conforming] list in June," he said. "In fact, I believe it may have been used on [a pro tour] this year."

Still, some of the ball's particulars -- including who makes it -- remain a mystery. The ball, which sports "OGA" as its logo and has "CHAMPIONS 08222306" (the tournament and its dates) as its sidestamp, is not listed as such, meaning it is on the conforming list under a manufacturer's brand name.

Fadel would not reveal the manufacturer, but said the ball is "a three-piece, very high-spin, very low-compression" model. And although the OGA has been consistent in saying it is a "uniform" ball as opposed to a "short" ball, Fadel confirmed the OGA ball is six to seven yards shorter off the driver, five yards shorter off the irons and some 20 yards shorter on drives into the wind for players with swing speeds in the 100-110 miles-per-hour range, where most of the event's participants fall.
This is funny... 
The move to a uniform ball may raise eyebrows,

only if you are looking at a 207 drive at waterlogged Newport as a barometer for distance's impact on the game...

but that the OGA is taking this step isn't surprising. The association has a decided maverick streak, having declared a local rule in the early 1980s allowing players to tap down spike marks, leading to a falling out with the USGA. The OGA also was the first U.S. association to ban metal spikes.

"This is not the OGA trying to act contentiously," Wall said. "[But] if it becomes a discussion point for all of golf, then so be it."

As much as I'd like to know what kind of ball it is, the OGA has wisely decided to keep it secret.

They have nothing to gain by revealing the manufacturer and instead make it clear that they are more concerned with the results of their studies, instead of introducing a new ball to golf.

Still, it would be nice to know in case others wanted to, you know, try out the ball.

Reader Blue Blazer awakened from a long slumber to wonder if the balls pictured above came from an overseas company residing in a country where they have no room to keep lengthening courses. He also thought the dimple pattern resembled something from the old Slazenger or Maxfli lines.

Anyone recognize the dimples by looking at the photos?

Either way, we should know soon, since it's inevitable that a tournament contestant or media member will send off a sample to a manufacturer that can do a quick ID autopsy.

Chicago Dream 18

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SI has posted the text to the Chicago Dream 18 that I compiled with the help of a great panel. It's only available to subscribers and Gil Hanse's map is not up, but I'll get it scanned in the next few days and post it.

But you can check out the results of an informal survey filled out by the panel on the best of Chicago golf. It's a web-exclusive deal.

"Wanted: caddie. Pay: great. Thick skin a must. Eventual termination: certain."

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p1_wiecaddie.jpgSI's E.M. Swift files a web-exclusive on the Michelle Wie caddie cavalcade, starting off with this from Juli Inkster (who used to employ pro jock Greg Johnston):
 "It would have been nice to get a phone call from the [Wie] family, saying this is what we're thinking of doing," Inkster told me after she took the first-round lead at the Women's British Open last week with a 66. "I'd had Greg for 11 years. It's not like I was some rookie.

"But that's not the way they [the Wies] do things. Instead they gave him a take-it-or-leave-it in the middle of my season, right before the Solheim Cup. I don't blame him. He's got kids to think about. But that didn't sit well."

Johnston was looking after his future, and there wasn't a caddie on the LPGA tour who wouldn't have done exactly the same thing. This despite the fact that the Wies had already gone through nine caddies between 2003 and '05, when Michelle was an amateur, and that "every time she misses a green, it's the caddie's fault -- except when Dad's on the bag," as one experienced caddie told me at last year's Women's British.
Wow, nine caddies, plus Johnson makes 10. Only two more to catch Spinal Tap's rumored dozen!

Here's the part about where Johnston lost his gig.
I was outside the scorer's trailer at Royal Lytham and St. Anne's last week when Wie got word that she'd been penalized two strokes for grounding her club in a sand trap during the second round. She had accidentally brushed away a clump of moss that was resting behind her ball during her backswing, a transgression that TV cameras clearly showed.

Johnston had told her she couldn't move the impediment, but Wie's parents, father B.J. and mother Bo, were visibly angry as they pulled their 16-year-old daughter aside to get her version of what had happened.

It was a tense scene. Wie's two bodyguards, dressed in Nike golf shirts, were rude and aggressive while keeping photographers and TV cameramen from filming the meeting -- never mind that it was taking place in a mixed zone where interviews routinely were conducted. Michelle was near tears. She hadn't known the rule. She thought if she just continued her swing, there was no violation.

Johnston should have known then and there that his days were numbered.

Detroit Tiger?

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Vartan Kupelian spent a few too many days in the hot Flint sun last week, because he's proposing that Detroit find a way to build the first ever Tiger Woods design to replace the "too easy" Warwick Hills. Oh and he wants to pair Tiger up with Tom Doak.

Apparently Vartan is trying to make enemies in IMG Design Services, Inc. 

Wie Cans Another Looper

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According to Doug Ferguson, she's fired Greg Johnston, making it number four (not including B.J.). She's almost gone through as many drummers as Spinal Tap. Of course, the fictional band had their drummer blow up and disappear. Johnston will resurface.

Love the quote from the PR guy at, no joke, the "Ken Sunshine" agency:

"Greg Johnston's hard work and dedication made him a great partner for Michelle, as he would be for any other golfer," Wie's spokesperson Jesse Derris of the Ken Sunshine agency said in a statement released on Tuesday. "His departure comes as part of Michelle's maturation as a golfer, part of which is learning from many different bright golf minds. We wish Greg the best, and are sure he will have a long and successful career."

Mickelson's "Exhaustive" Medinah Search

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Ed Sherman reports on Phil Mickelson's quest to find some semblance of design character at Medinah. Accompanying Phil were his caddy, dad and of course, senior advisor to The People's Champion, Dave Pelz.

"They broke down every green complex," [Medinah Head Pro Mike] Scully said. "They looked at every possible putt, and every possible chip or bunker shot. Then he practiced those shots. He studies it hard. It was very impressive."

 

SI "First Person" : Natalie Cooks In a Prom Dress

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015732550.jpgSI.com features this tough give-and-take session with Natalie Gulbis and supplements this historic coverage with a photo gallery of Gulbis posing in a mobile home kitchen. Not exactly Walter Iooss Jr. Best of the Swimsuit Issue here.

In other words, no bathing suit shots (in case you were on the fence about hitting the link.)

Thanks to Pete the Luddite for this.

Norman Itching To Play Champions Tour, To Make Return At The International

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Actually, he just likes the milkshakes and I'm sure he'll be teeing it up in his first non-senior major at the Jeld-Wen in a few weeks. Oh wait, that's a major! Hard to keep track.

Speaking of the Champions Tour, check out John Hawkins' take on the ratings deprived Tour that once used to be popular when it didn't care about catering to 18-34 year olds and was called the Senior Tour.

Without Special Access...

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Here is the San Diego Union Tribune's Nick Canepa on Phil's latest photo op charitable foundation event.

Meanwhile, thanks to reader Chuck for the head's up on the latest infomercial debuting Saturday on CBS, and hopefully not coming to a DVD anytime soon. From PGATour.com:

Humble in nature and quick to deflect praise and attention, Mickelson himself would point to the personal and professional support network that has helped him achieve his lofty status. “The People’s Champion” will talk with each of the people who have played such a pivotal role in his success story.

Amy Mickelson. Phil’s dedication to his game is perhaps equaled only by the dedication to their charitable foundation. We’ll find out where their energies have been most pointedly directed and which charities the foundation will target throughout 2006.

Rick Smith and Dave Pelz. Both of these men have helped shape the game that has developed into the most complete on the PGA TOUR. We’ll watch one of their many practice sessions and study the unique approach to refining Phil’s world class skills.

We'll also see the two legendary teachers fight for the co-pilot's seat when Phil takes the wheel of his jet as cameras roll.
Just making sure you were still reading.
Jim McKay. Balancing the dynamics of a relationship that is both personal and professional is never easy. No one can argue with these results. “Bones” has been by Phil’s side for 15 years, sharing the joy and the pain. We’ll watch and listen as they work together in their office; the range.

Steve Loy. Phil’s former golf coach at Arizona State was on the bag in Tucson in 1991; the first of 29 PGA TOUR victories. He’ll offer a first hand account of the two-decade progression from college freshman to two-time Masters champion, and for the first time ever, will take off his sunglasses as cameras roll.
Again, just wanted to see if you were reading. Because now you have to read carefully. 

Without any special access, “The People’s Champion” will also document, in a behind-the-scenes style, the week of the U.S. Open as Mickelson chases his third consecutive major championship at Winged Foot Golf Club amid the electrified atmosphere that can only be generated by his passionate New York fans.

That's right, they are touting the fact that they did NOT get special access! Gee, makes you just want to run to the TiVo!

Interspersed within the show will also be footage and interviews already gathered, describing Phil’s introduction to the game in Southern California. We’ll hear stories from Phil, his dad and those in the San Diego area who saw his enormous potential at a very young age.

Produced by PGA TOUR Productions, “Phil Mickelson, The People’s Champion” airs Sat., Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports.

See, the PGA Tour doesn't consult Mark Steinberg on everything they do.

MacDuff's Post Buick FedEx Cup Points

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fedexcuplogo.jpgWell Tiger is starting to make MacDuff wonder about awarding points equally from week to week, and wonders if an average points per event system my work better? Frankly, I doubt a system that leaves David Duval out of the top 144 despite his all around great play and contributions to humanity.

1    Furyk    25112.5        16
2    Mickelson    23734        16
3    Singh    23321.87        17
4    Gf. Ogilvy    20012.5        14
5    Pettersson    19983.33        17
6    Glover    18591.66        14
7    Cink    18246.33        15
8    Weir    18209.37        16
9    Pernice    18075        14
10    Bohn    17938.33        17
11    B. Quigley    17625        14
12    T.Woods    17584.37        9
13    Verplank    17425        15
14    A.Scott    17325        12
15    Donald    17176.87        12
16    Z.Johnson    17125        15
17    Immelman    17112.5        12
18    Funk    16637.5        18
19    Appleby    16437.5        13
20    Pampling    16397.5        16
21    Van Pelt    16340        18
22    Toms    16196.87        11
23    Senden    15900        14
24    C.Campbell    15737.5        14
25    Gay    15675        16
26    Jerry Kelly    15625        13
27    Mayfair    15329.16        16
28    Vn Taylor    15075        14
29    Sabbatini    14829.16        13
30    Oberholser    14712.5        14
31    Choi    14656.25        14
32    Sluman    14650        18
33    Goosen    14350        11
34    T.Clark    14335        14
35    D.Wilson    14231.25        15
36    Olazabal    14187.5        11
37    Austin    14187.5        17
38    Ames    14037.5        11
39    Allenby    13925        12
40    Hoffman    13800        15
41    N.Green    13771.25        16
42    Chopra    13633.07        15
43    Villegas    13500        14
44    J.Ogilvie    13396.78        14
45    Imada    13142.5        15
46    Crane    13060        13
47    Els    13040        12
48    Sean O'Hair    12749.5        14
49    JJ Henry    12687.5        11
50    Warren    12541.66        15
51    Harrington    12450        10
T52    S. Maruyama    12450        12
T52    Rollins    12450        12
54    Branshaw    12433.33        14
55    Purdy    12375        12
56    Flesch    12243.21        18
57    Kenny Perry    12212.5        13
58    Slocum    12062.5        13
59    Love III    12050        12
60    Palmer    11954.16        14
61    Watney    11935.71        14
62    Bertsch    11731.25        16
63    Wetterich    11525        10
64    Stricker    11375        10
65    Pavin    11362.5        10
66    Herron    11247.5        12
67    RS Johnson    11230        11
68    Lehman    11075        11
69    Bryant    10944.5        12
70    Rose    10891.66        13
71    Garcia    10887.5        9
72    Hart    10830        12
73    Leonard    10820.83        12
74    Barlow    10787.5        13
75    Parnevik    10767.5        12
76    Lonard    10610.71        13
77    Micheel    10512.5        11
78    Leaney    10300        11
79    Andrade    10182.5        11
80    Lickliter II    10150        12
81    Jobe    10067.5        12
82    Poulter    10062.5        10
83    Dickerson    9991.07        14
84    DiMarco    9909.37        10
85    Waldorf    9862.5        13
86    G. Owen    9850        10
87    Mahan    9837.5        14
88    Curtis    9762.5        12
89    Gove    9750        10
90    Lowery    9725        12
91    Maggert    9700        10
92    F.Jacobson    9675        10
93    JB Holmes    9658.33        10
94    Estes    9650        12
95    D. Howell    9587.5        8
96    Sindelar    9487.5        13
97    Azinger    9450        12
98    Br.Davis    9342.5        11
99    Beem    9318.75        11
100    Baird    9305        10
101    Gronberg    9200        11
102    Howell III    9187.5        14
103    Sutherland    9137.5        13
104    D.Maruyama    8766.07        11
105    Bub Watson    8700        9
106    Goggin    8600.25        7
107    Kent Jones    8600        11
108    Cook    8575        10
109    Gore    8503.57        8
110    Couples    8437.5        10
111    J.Smith    8425        12
112    Durant    8368.75        15
113    Calcavecchia    8321.66        16
114    B. Haas    8262.5        11
115    O'Hern    8200        6
116    Faxon    8150        11
117    Fischer    8137.5        12
118    Franco    8112.5        9
119    Frazar    8087.5        10
120    Olin Browne    8025        14
121    Overton    8003.57        13
122    Kaye    7900        11
123    Kendall    7873.21        10
124    Cabrera    7862.5        7
125    M.Wilson    7852.5        10
126    Bjornstad    7742.5        11
127    Armour III    7687.5        9
128    Atwal    7575        9
129    Geiberger    7506.25        12
130    Trahan    7400        8
131    Triplett    7208.33        9
132    Langer    7079.16        9
133    Baddeley    6962.5        8
134    JL Lewis    6937.5        11
135    J.Byrd    6862.5        5
136    Barron    6606.25        9
137    Gamez    6537.5        11
138    K. Cox    6466.66        8
139    Pat Perez    6350        8
140    Stankowski    6315.5        11
141    Ridings    6312.5        11
142    S.Jones    6280        11
143    Bob May    6187.5        7
144    Westwood    6150        6