Dreaming Of The Woods V. Chamblee Trial

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At the websites Brandel Chamblee employers GolfChannel.com and golf.com, I had to look hard for a story on Team Tiger's reaction to Chamblee's golf.com column. Granted, the harsh rebuttal statement and comments by Mark Steinberg went out at about 6 pm ET on a Friday, a news window reserved only for USGA Presidency announcements and press releases on Old Course changes.

Eventually I found a (non-front page) story by that wily scribe his ownself, GolfChannel.com Digital. He's the first-born son of The Digitals of Key Biscayne, armed with a J-school degree that prepped him to take stories no one else will write.

And what about Golf.com, which stands to be sued if Steinberg finds a lawyer willing to sue over the insinuation that Tiger is a cheater? No story was posted as of 1 a.m. ET.  Here's guessing the on-call legal minds at Klapp, Lard and Doppleganger took an early weekend.

Now, before Chamblee apologizes or some lawyer advises Tiger that he can't win this battle, I want the folks involved to think about the merits of a televised trial. Planned creatively--scary words in the golf world-- this could be a ratings Godsend. Way better than the PGA Tour wraparound events. (Okay, that's a low bar to set, I know.)

But think of the possibilities. Sean Foley takes the stand to be grilled by Brandel's attorney over the pitch angle of Tiger's hips at impact.

Tiger testifies about how much Brandel's relentless criticism stings, at which point the judge rules with the defense that questions about the stinger are now permissible.

Outside the Jupiter courthouse, Alex Miceli and Nancy Grace host Golf Channel's daily coverage. Hank Haney, Tim Rosaforte and Frank Nobilo are called in to testify and plead the fifth, only to give exclusive post-courtroom interviews to Golf Channel.

What could be more American?

Tiger's Agent On Brandel Chamblee Column: "It's atrocious...I have to give some thought to legal action."

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Bob Harig reports on the statement issued by agent Mark Steinberg and also shares his over-the-phone reaction to Brandel Chamblee's Golf Magazine insinuation that Tiger Woods is cavalier in interpreting the rules of golf.

From the phone interview:

"There's nothing you can call a golfer worse than a cheater," Steinberg said. "This is the most deplorable thing I have seen. I'm not one for hyperbole, but this is absolutely disgusting. Calling him a cheater? I'll be shocked, stunned if something is not done about this. Something has to be done.

"There are certainly things that just don't go without response. It's atrocious. I'm not sure if there isn't legal action to be taken. I have to give some thought to legal action."

Oh now that would that be a great trial!

Internationals Love PGA Going Abroad; Yanks Not So Much?

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When we reached 500 votes, 75% had endorsed a once or twice a decade PGA Championship played abroad, while 25% said no.

An east coast reader who was having trouble sleeping after airing a grievance earlier in the day, noticed that in the early polling that would likely be comprised mostly of international readers, the numbers were even stronger. And then the east coast of America woke up, followed by the west coast, where the PGA hasn't been since 1998.

From that reader noting the shift, though it never was profound enough for the PGA to do anything but continue to strongly consider this. All times ET:

About 4a, first look it was 81 percent yes.

845a: 133 yes, 40 no (77-23 percent)

958a: 181 yes, 62 no (74-26 percent)

1141a: 232 yes, 85 no (73-27 percent)

In the comments division, the pro-America contingent spoke up. However, I didn't see many arguments beyond the xenophobic "America is in the title of the PGA" as a sound reason to keep the PGA locked in place.

Funny, and here as an American I think sharing the championship with other parts of the world when the schedule allows, would only solidify the PGA's place as a major and the PGA Professional as an important figure in the game.