Don't Be Shocked If Dufner Tees Off Early Saturday

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Nice use of Twitter by Jason Dufner to lobby for a shortened Northwestern Mutual World Challenge so that the famous Auburn grad can watch the team he spoke to earlier this year play in the SEC Championship game.

And nice use of Twitter by Tiger Woods to quickly shoot down Dufner's request for an Auburn-shortened 36-hole event.

PGATour.com with all the details.

Bad news for Duf: cold temperatures make frost delays almost inevitable this week. That's not stopping him from an onslaught, later Tweeting a cryptic warning that Saturday at Sherwood could be a "Caddyshack Saturday."

Videos: Norman, Coore Talk Design On Morning Drive

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Look, I had some free time today and try as I might, I just couldn't bring myself to transcribe the various ridiculous statements by full-time vinter and part-time golf architect Greg Norman.

If you must, you can watch him talk signature holes, sustainability and his devotion to nature here, here and here, you too can feel the pain.

Or, if you'd like to hear from someone who practices what he preaches, here are the Bill Coore segments here, here and here.

Tuesday's show includes segments with Jim Urbina and Rees Jones.

Golf Australia Boss Already Prepping Big 2014 Checks!

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From Glenn Jackson in the Sydney Morning Herald following Rory McIlroy's thrilling win over Adam Scott at picturesque Royal Sydney:

Golf Australia boss Stephen Pitt says he'll break the bank to lure Scott and McIlroy back next year. ''People want to see their heroes and role models and it really drives the game forward,'' said Pitt.

''Scott's win at Augusta created such a huge global platform for him to speak and he spoke so eloquently about Australia and golf and that's so valuable for Australia as a nation.

''He's exciting to watch, a good looking, eloquent young man that's captivated the sporting audience. I think he's now considered to be the most likeable sporting person in the country.''
McIlroy said he hoped to return next year. ''I always try to come back and defend where I've won,'' he said.

Note to Adam and Rory: the event moves to twice-redesigned-by-Jack-Nicklaus-The-Australian. Hold out for the big bucks!

Adam & Rory Set For Australian Open Weekend Duel

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After a second round 65 at Royal Sydney Rory McIlroy has moved to within two shots of leader Adam Scott, reports Martin Blake.

Scott is making his final start of 2013 and attempting to win the Australian triple crown after capturing the Australian Masters and Australian PGA.

Also of note: U.S. Amateur semi-finalist Brady Watt is tied for fifth at six-under par and 15-year-old Ryan Ruffels, who was discussed on this week's State of the Game, also made the cut. Mike Clayton reports on Ruffels' impressive second round 68.

State Of The Game 32: Australia 2013 In Review

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We recorded this week's State of the Game just a few hours before Adam Scott played one of the more amazing rounds of the year--62 at Royal Sydney with six birdies to start, four to finish--but we talk with Mike Clayton about his impressive play at the even more impressive Royal Melbourne.

Other topics covered include Royal Melbourne's design and setup, Rory McIlroy's game as seen up close by Clayton and 15-year-old amateur Ryan Ruffels.

As usual you can access all episodes here on the State of the Game webpage, or on iTunes.

Or for this week's episode you can download the mp3 here or, subscribe/listen on iTunes. Or here: