Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!

Tiger in an accident. Tiger accused of infidelity. Tiger trying to save his marriage. Tiger getting a divorce. Tiger's new party girl girlfriend. Tiger out for injury. Tiger and Caddie Split. Tiger returns for Bridgestone. Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!

While the prior year was a big one for Tiger Woods being in the media; he's had another kind of media frenzy this year. He started playing and slowly getting back into contention and then had to miss several events due to an achilles injury and his knee not being up to par (no pun intended). He has announced he will return for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Augl 11-14th.

Then just recently, he split with longtime caddie and friend Steve Williams. We all know that they were in each other's weddings, and the friendship "was" a strong one. Steve had been with Tiger for 12 years. He stood by Tiger waiting out the past 2 years through the scandal of infidelity and injury and then without any warning to Williams, he was called into a meeting at AT&T National to get the news he was being let go. The hardest thing for Steve about this split, was as he says "the timing". I'm sure in addition to timing, will be the $1 million a year pay for the duties of caddying.

While the norm is $1,000-1500/week plus 5% cut when their player finishes out of the top 10, a 7% cut with a top ten finish and 10% of a "winner's" paycheck; there could be different contracts worked out such as what Tiger and Steve had.  The downfall from the normal payment guideline per se, is when a player misses the cut, so does the players caddy. To say there aren't some bitter feelings for Steve about his dismissal, would be saying he won't miss the money. Since that split, Williams has been caddying for Adam Scott. One thing is for sure, Steve will land on his feet. He's a great guy and a talented caddy, who is extremely loyal to say the least.

Tiger has filled the job with a longtime friend of his since his younger childhood days, Byron  Bell. Byron just happens to also be the president of Tiger's golf course design company. The perfect pair matchup for WCG-Bridgestone, would be Adam Scott/Steve Williams with Tiger Woods/Byron Bell. I for one, would be anxious to see if Tiger offers Williams any respect on or off the course at Firestone. After all, he hasn't thus far. Williams has not spoken to Tiger since that mtg called at AT&T National.

It's safe to say, that no one is indispensable. Whether on a professional level in golf or in a board room, there's always someone ready and waiting to take your job!

I hope that Steve Williams has a successful time, while looping for Adam Scott. Wherever Steve lands permanently, that player will be lucky to have him!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls............

Happy Birthday @Ouchieee

I would be remiss to not mention a special friend whom I met through Twitter and then finally met at the LPGA StateFarm Classic about 14 months ago. MaryAnn is a GOLF NUT! She is on a travel league every other friday and then 2 others (on tuesday and thursday). She takes on the duties of scheduler for the Makray ladies golf leagues in the northern suburbs of Chicago. She has the kindest of hearts and would do anything for a friend. Not only can she play golf, but she is the season #1 on our Fantasy Golf Team as well. Here are a couple pics of her with two of her favorite LPGA players, Karen Stupples and Christina Kim from the Kraft Nabisco earlier this year in sunny California!

So, I wish her the grandest of days today, on her Birthday! May you enjoy your day MaryAnn and many good blessings flow to you my Friend!

Happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Di

Richoh Women's British Open

Well, it's now right around 10 pm at Carnoustie and the 2nd round of the Ricoh Women's British Open is in the books. Caroline Masson sits in first place with rounds of 68 & 65. She currently leads the tournament at -11. Caroline carded a bogey free round today and dropped in 7 birdies!

In second place are Meena Lee & Inbee Park at 10 under, followed by Se Ri Pak, Na Yeon Choi and Dewi Claire Schreefel at -8. Inbee had a record tying career low 64 on friday, as did Hall of Famer Se Ri Pak, marking the low round of the championship thus far!

World's #1 Yani Tseng had a much better round today carding a 66 to go to -7. Her first round 71 had everyone wondering if she's put too much pressure on herself to continue that level of play. I don't think so. Everyone is going to have some tourneys that are just off. The best players in the sport can have a day that is trying to get even one birdie. That's golf. Yani has been pretty darn consistent in her level of play. It's no difference that someone like Tiger Woods who gets so many wins but then doesn't finish in the top 10. Today, Yani grabbed an eagle, 6 birdies and 2 bogeys. Her driving distance today was up her 1st round by 16 yards. She had fewer putts, and hit more fairways. Yani has the one thing that many don't when she's on the course; she can stay very relaxed and focused on what she needs to do. Can she grab another win at Carnoustie, I say yes. If anyone can, Yani can. She has a maturity when she steps on the course that surpasses some of those nearly double her age. I believe  saturday and sunday are going to be very interesting to watch her climb even further up the leader board and stand a great chance at defending her title!

There were lots of rounds in the 60's today compared to yesterday. The ones that moved up today, moved tremendously. Take Jiyai Shin for example, she started today in a T90 and finished in a T23. A favorite of mine Karen Stupples did the same, starting in a T75 and finishing in a T38. Karen has become the "Queen of Eagles" via her friendly fans on Twitter, and rightfully so. Karen carded an eagle on #6 today (which she took par on yesterday). She also had 4 birdies and 1 double bogey to grab a 68. What you may not know, is that Karen is the 2004 Champion of the Richoh Women's British Open!

Linda Wessberg of Sweeden started today in a T62 and finished in a T12 after carding 8 (yes eight) birdies accompanied by 2 bogeys. I believe this gal is going to to be within the top 5 after Saturday's round and one to watch on Sunday! Also watch Sophie Giquel-Bettan, who jumped into a T12 after starting in a T30. I think this gal has some great play ahead of her this weekend! Also climbing were Suzann Pettersen, Michelle Wie, Janice Moodie and Jimin Kang to name a few.

Some ladies that took a bit of a fall down the leader board, were Angela Stanford who got off to a great start yesterday, but today had 2 double bogeys, 1 bogey and 5 birdies to snag a 72. Ueda Momoko started in a tie for 7th place and dropped to a T18 by days end.

Three time winner here, Kari Webb finished her 2nd round at 71, to place her into a 15 player tie for 23rd. While she won in '95, '97 and 2002, she's going to have to tame the course and get some birds if not eagles going tomorrow if she hopes to be in any kind of contention on Sunday. She is a phenomenal player and has it within her, but can she stick it out while being behind the leader by 8 strokes? Only time will tell.

Now, your History lesson of the day.......
How many of you knew that this is the first time the Ricoh Women's British Open is being played at the prestigious links course at Carnoustie Golf Links. While Carnoustie hosted "The Open Championship" on 7 different occasions, it is the first time for the ladies. It is said that the course is in it's best playing condition it's ever been in. Designed by Alan Robertson of St. Andrews, James Braid redesigned the Championship Course in 1926. Finally, the last 3 holes were

The Evian Masters July 21-24th

While Laura Davies, Helen Alfredsson and Annika Sorenstam are among two-time winners of the Evian Masters, this year Jiyai Shin will hope to make that list as the defending Champion. Both Laura and Annika each won their 2 titles with a year in between however, Helen Afredsson made history while winning her 2nd title 10 years after her first one in 1998! 

Just how the field of 111 is determined:

The players that are eligible to play consist of the following: The Top Ten finishers from the 2010 Evian Masters, the #1 on the Money List for the KLPGA, JLPGA, LPGA, ALPGA and LET for the year prior to the tourney, winners of the 2011 Kraft Nabisco, 2011 LPGA Championship by Wegman's and the 2011 US Women's Open. Additionally, the 2010 Ricoh Women's British Open, All active LPGA Hall of Fame members, All past Evian Masters champs, winners of all Official LPGA tourneys from the 2010 Evian Masters through to this week, Winners of all Official LET tourneys of the same time frame and 10 Wild Cards. If this doesn't fill the field with the above determining factors, it will be filled by Players from the Rolex Women's World Rankings.

The current Players list is available via this link;  111 Players for 2011 Evian Masters . 

While Jiyai Shin started several strokes behind Morgan Pressel in last years final round at the Evian Masters, she held tightly to the goal of "making no mistakes". She also played this just 6 weeks following her emergency appendectomy that made her withdraw from the LPGA StateFarm Classic in Springfield, IL. With 4 players waiting in the club house, Jiyai had the confidence and skill to sink her birdie putt on #18 to prevent a playoff. She recalls seeing the leaderboard on hole 17 and knew what she needed to do and did it! 

Will we see the Champagne on Jiyai again this year? One thing is for sure, she's going to give it her all as she so routinely does. While it will be her goal, she will simply play as well as she can and worry about sinking putts when she has the chance. 

Televised scheduling of this year's Evian Masters is via the Golf Channel; Thursday and Friday from 6:30-8:30 pm ET and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00 pm ET. 

Crisite Kerr will be hot on her heels this week, to further her chase for regaining the World's #1 Player spot. Cristie sits 2nd on the Rolex Rankings, right behind worlds #1 Yani Tseng. Jiyai is in 4th place behind Suzann Pettersen who holds 3rd. 

While she has a nearly double lead in the US Solheim Points list, she is followed by; Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Stacy Lewis, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Julie Inkster and Christina Kim.

After this tourney, the ladies will be off to Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland for the Ricoh Women's British Open July 28th-31st.

Scoring via the LPGA website can be found here; Real Time Scoring . You can watch live via computer at Evian Masters TV . 

The Evian Masters also has an iPhone & iPad App, which you can use to follow along live! 

And, follow via Twitter; @EvianMasters .

With so many new Rookie's on tour, this year's Evian Masters could produce a new 1st Time Winner. Don't count out our veterans, Cristie Kerr and Karen Stupples. Cristie is always focused and intent on one thing....WINNING! England's Karen Stupples has been warming up her newest Wilson irons and finished in a tie for 15th at The Women's Open last week in Colorado Springs, where So Yeon Ryu won a playoff against Hee Kyung Seo. Cristie finished in 3rd place, with Angela Stanford taking 4th and Mika Miyazato rounding out the 5th position.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........

2011 Open Championship; who will finish strong Sunday?

The coveted Claret

Sandwhich, Kent, England is the home of this week's 2011 Open Championship and has hosted 13 Open Championships in it's history. The last being in 2003, when Ben Curtis took home the Claret after playing in his first Major as a rookie.

While saturday's weather was a bit harsh, it didn't keep Tom Watson or Trevor Immelman from being the biggest movers on Saturday. They are both tied in 25th place going into the final round tomorrow after moving up 20 positions. Some surprising players missing the cut were Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell and Matt Kuchar. 

On the other hand, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler were moving up today. Each capturing 2 birdies in difficult conditions; Dustin sits in 2nd place at -4 and Rickie in a tie with Thomas Bjorn for 3rd. 

Northern Irelander Darren Clarke currently sits in 1st place at -5, one stroke ahead of DJ. Darren has fired all 3 rounds in the 60's, with a 68,68, & 69 respectively. He has stated to win this tourney, would be the ultimate dream. Today, he fired off 3 birdies but had 2 bogeys to hold him back from a projected round of 65. His 2nd round carded a double bogey but also had an eagle on the #7 par 5. From his first round to today's, he has been consistent with his birdies also trying to keep a lid on the bogeys, with only 2 today. Will he be able to control the nerves and keep his consistency Sunday? He will be paired with Dustin Johnson, who shot a 68 today.

Dustin Johnson has held on firing a 68 for his last 2 rounds. Today, he captured 6 birdies and had 4 bogeys. His 2nd round consisted of only 1 bogey and 3 birdies. Can he be consistent and have another round like his 2nd? I will say that if he can limit his round to only 1 bogey and have at least 4-5 birdies, he will take 1st or 2nd place. 

Another young gun to watch on Sunday, is Rickie Fowler. While a natural on motocross (if you've seen his PUMA motocross golf commercial), Saturday's conditions proved to be just as challenging, with wind and rain that flipped umbrellas inside out. Rickie has carded rounds of 70, 70 and 68. To fire a 68 in today's condition boasts well for his play this week. This young American shows that he has the endurance and the talent to play with the best. While he may have struggled a bit this year being consistent with his low rounds from tourney to tourney, I expect to see Rickie card a top 5 finish on Sunday! Saturday scoring shows he held his bogeys to 2, while also having 4 birdies. Oh, and check out those gloves keeping his hands warm and dry! 

Lucas Glover is going to have to have several birdies on Sunday, if he is to have a Top Ten finish. He was not able to grab any birdies today and carded 3 bogeys. Suffice it to say, that is not going to be enough on Sunday, when the weather is looking for more showers and wind. The only difference expected, is that it is suppose to be a couple of degrees warmer with a high of 70. 

I will go on the record stating that if Dustin can have another day like today, he will have a shot at the Claret Jug. I predict Davis Love III will move up the ladder and have a top 5 finish, if not taking 2nd place. And for Darren Clarke, if he can hold on; I think a 3rd or 4th place finish is in store for him. I wish all the guys the best on Sunday as I predict a continuously changing scoreboard right down to the last hole.

I will leave you with a picture of Rickie's motocross inspired golf cart. Now that's combing his love of two sports! 

 

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........

It's here, the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run!

The John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run is here! This DA Weibring course design certainly has the memorable holes with dramatic views, just as they strived for! I have had the opportunity to play this course several times, with it being "in my own backyard" per se. The course is a Par 71 and plays 7,157 yards. The purse this week is $4.5 million. Steve Stricker is the defending "back to back" Champion of this great tourney. Can he make history and make it a 3rd? He loves the course and can drive down from his home in Wisconsin with his family for a great week of golf; which suits him well as the past 2 years have shown.

You can find the Field List via this link; JDClassic Field List . You can also download the John Deere Classic App, which is fantastic and will take you to each and every hole! This is available to both iPhone users and Android-based users. Of course for those Twitter fans, follow @JDClassic . The headquarters of John Deere is located in the adjoining city of Moline, IL. Also known to many as the "Quad Cities".

 One great thing that the John Deere Classic has done, is the Birdies for Charity Program. You can make a pledge for each birdie made during the tournament. The winning guess will win a green 2011 Chevy Camaro. Of course there is a tie-breaker should more than one person guess correctly. Last year $4.34 million was raised for participating non-profit organizations. Last year, 2,010 birdies were made at the 2010 JDClassic. That in itself is unbelievable given the 2010/2,010! 163 people made the correct choice, who then participated in a drawing for the win.

A bit of History: There are several adjoining cities that make this area a place to be enjoyed by all. The mighty Mississippi River separates IL from Iowa here in the Quad Cities. So, a couple minute drive across the Interstate 74 bridge and you're in Davenport, IA home of the Bix 7 race that has runners from across the world. Also, known in the area is RAGBRAI which stands for Register's annual great bicycle ride across Iowa. Lance Armstrong has participated in at least one leg of this historical bicycle ride for the past several years. This year, Davenport Iowa will be the final arrival for the riders, where they will dip their tires in the Mississippi River to signify completion of the challenge.

Whether or not Steve Stricker makes history, is unknown. But what is known, is that great golf will be enjoyed by thousands! Televised coverage will be via the Golf Channel from 2:00-5:00 PM CST for the first 2 rounds, followed by CBS coverage for rounds 3 & 4 from 2:00-5:00 PM CST. You can follow Live Scoring  if you're away from a t.v. or just want to watch the whole field while away from a scoreboard this week.

Hydrate yourselves if heading out into the July heat, with plenty of water. Keep in mind that Alcohol dehydrates you and could make heat induced illnesses hit you harder and faster. There is alot of shade on the course with the trees, so grab yourself a spot to regroup when needed. Sunblock and fluids (preferably water), will be the key to having a safe and enjoyable time this week if on the grounds!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls............

The U.S. Women's Open begins tomorrow!

First of all, here's a little note about this event; The US Women's Open is not LPGA co-sponsored. It is conducted by the USGA. This week's Open is a Major Championship and is one of the longest running events on the LPGA Tour. It is the 7th Championship the USGA has staged here. The course design is by Donald Ross & Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It plays 7,047 yards and is a par 71. Sitting only 15 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport, it is easily accessible. And, just 90 minutes north, is the Denver International Airport.

The ladies will be playing The Broadmoor East Course for this week's Open, which is the 66th U.S. Women's Open. The Broadmoor Resort has been awarded the 5-Star Award for the 50th consequtive year! From my tweets with some of the golfers and Ann Cain, also known as @TFJgolfgirl . The rooms are said to be spectacular and the beds heavenly. The pictures are amazing, if you take the time to look on the The Broadmoor site!

As most will recall, Paula Creamer defeated Na Yeon Choi and Suzann Pettersen by four strokes last year, with a -3, 281. While only her final round was in the 60's (69), she started with a +1 on her first day and had respective rounds of 70 for days #2 & #3. Will she be able to defend her title this week in Colorado Springs?

If so, she's going to have to stop Yani Tseng who has been on a hot streak as of late! Also a sure contender is Cristie Kerr. Yani already has 8 wins with 4 of those being Majors on the LPGA Tour. I firmly believe she will break Annika's record of 10 Majors in the upcoming 1 or 2 seasons. While only 22 years old, she has alot of golf ahead of her! She is focused and stays as calm as anyone I've ever seen on the golf course. She is always a joy to talk to and believes in being accessible to her fans as well. Yes, you heard it here first; Yani will win this week's Open.

As always, you can follow Live Scoring via this link, LIVE SCORING . You can also follow the US Women's Open via Twitter at @2011womensopen .Televised coverage will be from 5:00-9:00 PM ET for rounds 1 & 2 on ESPN2. The 3rd & 4th round coverage will be from 3:00-6:00 PM ET on NBC.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..................

In The Memory of Caylee

What this day should be about, was finding Justice for Caylee! My heart aches for that poor little girl whose life was cut short by a mother who chose partying over her daughter. A little girl who would just now be getting ready for kindergarten. A little girl who had a smile that lit up a room. A little girl who was so dearly loved by her grandparents, uncle and family. A little girl who was innocent and trusted her mother unfortunately. A little girl who did NOT deserve to be taken from this world at all, and especially in the horrendous and disposing way that occurred.

While I watched with anticipation once I heard the jury reached a Verdict; I was on the edge of my seat. I was praying that justice would prevail. I was hoping for a guilty verdict. While alot of analysts also felt that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Casey was not only a liar, but a murderer; I had belief in our Justice System.

As a person of these United States, we must rely on our judicial system. I am having a hard time doing so today, the day Casey was found not guilty. When the court madam read the first verdict of not guilty, I said to myself "ok, she will be found guilty of the next". I felt anger sitting in front of the tv. Then, the 2nd count was not guilty and I was in disbelief. The 3rd and last count was read and I felt sick to my stomach. Casey cried and sobbed NOW, after she didn't do so when her precious little girl was missing and then confirmed dead. Where were the tears then Casey? America cried them for Caylee!

Casey's parents George and Cindy, abruptly arose from their seats and left the courtroom without any expression. No celebration for Casey, the daughter that made allegations against her own father who would have traded places in jail for her if he could. Her own mother lied and committed perjury on the stand to try and prove she made some of the searches on the computer even though it was shown she could not have. Then, there's Krystal H. or "River Cruz", who also proved she committed perjury. This woman only decided to "change her story" after her sister met with the media. She found out what a good juicy story would pay and the next day, called the national enquirer and sold a story about an alleged affair with George, for $4,000.

What truly amazes me, is the fact that this jury found Casey not guilty. When forensic experts testify and DNA samples prove that little Caylee's body was decomposing in Casey's trunk, how can you find her not guilty of 1 of 3 counts. How? It was proven that Casey researched chloroform and neck breaking and spleen injury, etc. We're talking about proven facts. The jury wasn't from the area. They were chosen when the Defense claimed Casey couldn't get a fair trial. Ha, fair trial, seriously? This was all but fair for Caylee!

While this is my opinion only, I wish not to argue the facts with anyone. I will simply pray for the day that Casey has to face judgement in a higher court. That is, if Casey has much of a life after being released. I personally think she was safer in jail. She doesn't have the mentality to figure out that most know she's guilty, even if this jury failed. She committed a despicable, horrendous act of murder. Maybe someone in jail will get to her before Thursday's sentencing, maybe not. She is likely "protected" from the main population unfortunately. So, if she walks after being granted time served thursday, which is a good probability; she will have no more protection. It's in GOD's hands now, or should I say Satans because that's where Casey will end up whether it's next week, next year or 1 decade or several decades from now. Justice will someday be served.

GOD BLESS YOU CAYLEE, RIP little girl, you are NOT forgotten!