Front Nine At The Lakes, A Photo Gallery

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The front nine at The Lakes doesn't get the respect it deserves because of the grand scale of the back nine and generally sad perception that great golf must be on a large, sharply undulating scale.

The first plays with water on the left--certainly not ideal--before crossing under a road and traversing back and forth on beautiful terrain. The holes are separated by sandy areas which look old and full of character despite having been unveiled less than two years ago.

The greens are large and bold, with a plethora of great hole locations and only a couple that struck me as not being of great interest. The tee complexes sit in the ground beautifully and offer plenty of options, as well as a model for "proper" tees. Little splashes of sand and scrub make the blend in beautifully, but never get in the way of setting up the hole.

But mostly, the front has the appearance of being a fun, challenging nine with a solid variety of holes if you can look past some of the routing constraints. Hopefully these images help supplement the television coverage starting Wednesday night at 11 p.m. ET. (Click on the photos page to see captions.)

Scenes From The Lakes Practice Round

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A few scenes from The Lakes, where spectators are respectful but definitely getting a front row seat. In this case, a Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy practice round on the front nine before a nasty thunderstorm later in the afternoon.

I'll have more to say and show you regarding the course (it blew me away), but in the meantime just a few shots. Note the number of tour bags on trollies! That won't continue during the tournament proper, but still fun to see.

 

Tiger And Stevie Summit Concluded; Tiger's Assured Stevie's Not A Racist

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Because of electrical difficulties my Qantas flight was late and I subsequently missed Tiger's Emirates Australian Open presser (the Golf Gods looking out for me?), but Dennis Passa and many others were there to report on Tiger's first public appearance since Stevie Williams uttered his regrettable words.
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Q&A With Darius Oliver, Part 1

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Darius Oliver has authored three of my favorite reference books, most notably the stunning Planet Golf and Planet Golf USA books, the product of five years seeing and playing courses across the globe, studying more than 900 layouts in 45 countries. He is currently the architecture editor of Australian Golf Digest magazine, operator of the Planet Golf website and a design consultant.
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Statement From Adam Scott Re: Stevie

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Issued by the Australian Open folks:

STATEMENT FROM ADAM SCOTT

I take this opportunity to address the comments that were made by my caddy, Steve Williams, at the Annual Caddy Awards Dinner this week in Shanghai, and the subsequent media reporting.

I want it made very clear that I do not support nor condone racism. I believe there is absolutely no room for racial discrimination in any walk of life, including the game of golf.

I have discussed this matter directly with Steve and he understands and supports my view on this subject. I also accept Steve's apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments.

On behalf of my team, I apologize personally to everyone that was offended by the reported comments. Please accept this apology so we can all move on.

I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.

Stevie Case Closed, Say Commissioners Who Do Not Comment On Disciplinary Matters

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So, let me get this straight. The PGA Tour does not comment on disciplinary matters, which was reaffirmed yesterday in the Steve Williams matter. Today, the PGA Tour and European Tour Commissioners Tim Finchem and George O'Grady issue a statementsaying "We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again."

Iain Carter reports on the rest, which sounds like teachers scolding 5th graders:

Their statement added: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.

"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.

"We are aware he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed and we will have no further comment."

Doug Ferguson says Adam Scott was shown the statement after his 73 Sunday and is not concerned the story will linger.

The following week is the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where Scott and Woods - or is that Williams and Woods? - could face each other in any of the four days of competition.

Scott tried to deflect speculation that he could be walking into a frenzy Down Under.

"Hopefully, it's just for my good play rather than anything else. I don't think there's a story going forward," he said, adding that "the matter has been put to bed and I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."