Beem On Euros: "They want to win any tournament, but they really want to win the big ones."

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John Huggan profiles Rich Beem, who has a lot to say about life on the European Tour (playing off his major championship win exemption) compared with the PGA Tour. This was interesting:

“In the US we sometimes lose sight of what is important. There’s a lot of ‘flash’ over there right now. Wins are what really count though. And major wins count even more. Ask anyone how many events Jack Nicklaus won and not many will know. Ask how many majors he has and almost everyone knows. I would hope that the young kids on the PGA Tour think that way too, because it’s very evident to me that their counterparts over here think of nothing else. They want to win any tournament, but they really want to win the big ones.”

Rory's Weekend Of Practice Takes Him...To Paris

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After his second round 79, Rory pledged to be banging balls this weekend, with several in the UK writing force suggesting he would be practicing at Wentworth instead of jetting off to be with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki. And while Rory did hit a bucket or two Saturday, that was the extent of the reigning U.S. Open champion's attempts to regain his form.
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Els To Make "European Tour Benevolent Trust" Donation For "Intemperate Language"

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Colonel O'Grady speaks today after Ernie's outburst Saturday. Thanks to BBC's Iain Carter for tweeting the statement:

European Tour Statement Re: Ernie Els' Remarks

European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady said: "Ernie Els asked to see me this morning and apologized for his intemperate language following the conclusion of his round yesterday. He stated that he had already apologised to all the individuals concerned and offered a substantial donation to The European Tour Benevolent Trust, which I accepted. The European Tour now consider this matter closed."

More On Harbottle's Career

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Todd Miles expands on his initial report about the sudden passing of golf architect John Harbottle.

One of his last renovation projects was underway at the course where he grew up – Tacoma Country and Golf Club, which flew the American flag at half-staff Friday in his honor.

Along with Tacoma course superintendent Joel Kachmack, Harbottle came up with a design to significantly alter bunkering, giving it a jagged-shaped, fescue-lined, classic-style look. The first phase has just been completed.

Harbottle was at another work site this week, and set to return home Thursday in time to sit on a First Tee of South Puget Sound board meeting Friday.

Apparently he was waiting for a layover flight at Los Angeles International Airport, and complained about pain in his neck and shoulder, Tacoma Country and Golf Club’s Friend said.

He went over to be worked on at a nearby chair massage and spa business in the airport terminal. Shortly after sitting down, he abruptly died. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Our Prayers Answered: Kevin Na's Uncontrollable Pre-Shot Drama Miraculously Disappears

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I think this means I need to go back and pull up some of the sob stories about this horrible disease that latched itself onto young Kevin Na in a cruel twist of fate. You know, the one he had no control over.

Because miracle of all miracles, Richard Durrett reports that Na played like his normal (slow) self Thursday at Colonial, instead of the offensive and rude wacko that overtook Na's body at the Players.

Na shot even-par 70 on Thursday, his first competitive round since that Sunday at Sawgrass. And considering he was 2 over after five holes here, Na was pleased he managed to get those two strokes back by the time his round finished.

His plodding play at The Players made pace of play a hot topic in the golf world. As soon as that tournament ended, Na vowed to do something about it.

"That was the only thought I had," Na said Thursday. "It wasn't about, 'Oh I need to go work or I need to get rest.' It was, 'I need to change this and this is all I'm going to do and all I'm going to think about and I'm going to get it done.' I'm actually surprised at how quickly I'm doing this."

Na's new routine has no waggles and takes little time. He takes one practice swing when he's at the ball, then puts the club behind the ball, looks at the target, sets his feet, and when he feels comfortable -- and it didn't take him long to feel comfortable Thursday -- he takes the club back and hits the ball.

Praise Our Savior, Dale Lynch!