Get JT In The FedEx Cup Now!

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It was disappointing that the usually uber-hip SI/Golf.com Confidential failed to note that Justin Timberlake put on another stellar event, albeit one that will go largely unnoticed on the moribund fall schedule. This is not exactly a newsflash, but considering how the PGA Tour schedule is taking hits and the game's demographics are skewing gray, it's becoming obvious the tour needs to get the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open onto the West Coast Swing ASAP.

Timberlake hasn't been shy about his hopes for the event, and it seems the tour is noticing.

According to the PGA Tour's Rick George, as quoted in a story by Steve Carp, there is hope for moving out of the fall:

"I think the Shriners have done a great job of building and growing the tournament, and I know their desire to be part of the FedEx Cup," George said. "It can't happen in 2010, but there will be opportunities in 2011, and should a date become available and the time works, we would consider a change for Las Vegas."

The tour does seem to be bracing everyone for major changes in 2011 when several expired deals impact the schedule, but believe it or not, I continue to hear that there are folks in the world of golf who are uncomfortable with Timberlake, all because they can't get that earthshattering flash of nipple that they never actually saw during the 2004 Super Bowl.

Example 237,891 of golf taking itself way too seriously.

Timberlake is in the second year of a five-year deal he inked to host the golf tournament in Vegas, but the tour needs to figure out a way to keep him as enthusiastic as he once again was in presenting the event. What better way to do that than to make a 2011 spring date a top priority?

This year's event again included his charity concert with some of the hippest acts in music and coverage at places like MTV.com and People.com (which also featured a story on JT's mom doing hospitality duties for tour wives this week, obviously a campaign for sainthood). 

No, I know that it's not Huey Lewis and Clay Walker breaking out in a duet to serenade Kevin James, but when a concert tied to a PGA Tour event is drawing Taylor Swift, Timbaland and Alicia Keyes, it can only do wonders for golf's cool factor. So would fully embracing Timberlake's energetic attempts to make the Las Vegas event a marquee event on the PGA Tour.

"A great way to enhance the game, make it cool again and bring back some of the interest among younger people is to make golf the greenest sport in an environmental sense."

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Reading Roger Schiffman's November Golf Digest interview with Tom Friedman, I couldn't help but think that (A) Friedman absolutely hits a home run, and (B) how too many folks in golf will pinch their necks as his insights fly right over their heads, all because they can't understand why the model for golf they crafted is unsustainable and, as Friedman notes, will not sit with the coveted 18-34 year olds.
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“While I feel like the comments published were taken out of context..." **

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This PGA Tour-issued Robert Allenby statement hasn't been sitting too well since he's essentially claiming he was misquoted. Since this release is coming from PGA Tour headquarters, they are indirectly endorsing the implication that the golf media in some way stretched the truth. However, after a little research I've learned from those present that the comments were documented by four reporters, one who confirmed that he has the conversation on tape.
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“While I feel like the comments published were taken out of context, I did call Anthony to apologize for anything that I said or inferred that could possibly portray Anthony as anything less than a professional of the highest caliber."

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The PGA Tour issued this release from Rick George, Anthony Kim and Robert Allenby that risks further fanning the flames after Sunday's comments and inevitably will lead to more scrutiny of Kim's behavior. (However, this unbylined ESPN.com account quotes Fred Couples as saying Kim was "crushed" by the remarks and from Couples' perspective, Kim was on good behavior all week.) Anyway, the statement:

Statement from the PGA TOUR regarding Anthony Kim and Robert Allenby, post-Presidents Cup, including quotes from Kim and Allenby

October 14, 2009

“Robert Allenby and Anthony Kim were both part of a fantastic week at The Presidents Cup in San Francisco, representing the U.S. and International Teams, respectively, with utmost professionalism, competitive spirit and good sportsmanship.  Concerning the reports published after the fact with unfortunate comments attributed to Robert regarding Anthony, we understand that both players have since spoken and have put the incident behind them.  We wish them both the best as they play out the remainder of their 2009 schedules.” – PGA TOUR Executive Vice President & Chief of Operations Rick George

Was that as good for you all as it was for me?

“Robert and I have spoken about the comments he made after the final day of competition, and I’ve accepted his apology.  We are both moving on, and I don’t have anything more to say about the issue.  I had a great experience at my first Presidents Cup and look forward to competing in many more international team competitions for my country.” – Anthony Kim

“While I feel like the comments published were taken out of context, I did call Anthony to apologize for anything that I said or inferred that could possibly portray Anthony as anything less than a professional of the highest caliber.  He was a key member of the U.S. Team last week and a formidable opponent on Sunday when we faced each other in singles competition.  I am glad we had the chance to speak and clear the air.” – Robert Allenby

Oh I'm sure it was the highlight of your year.

Can you imagine how many of these clarification statements the PGA Tour would have to issue of they ran the Ryder Cup?