That awkward moment when...you aren't sure if he is trying to hold hands

No, I’m not talking about the Bob Hope Classic the Humana Challenge in Palm Springs, California.

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, the top-two players in the world, both committed to kicking off their 2013 season on the other side of the world at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in the Middle East January 17-20, according to the tournament’s official website (and numerous other media outlets). (continue reading…)

Where in the world is Jim Justice?!?

U.S. Open champ Webb Simpson, the only top-ranked player in contention on Sunday, fizzled on the back nine at the Old White and shot 40. Simpson, who led by two going into the final round, bogeyed four of the last six holes to drop to 11-under and a tie for 7th. What the heck happened? My guess is the pressure of winning quickly after his first major victory got to him. Happens to the best of ‘em.

Nationwide Tour Web.com Tour grad Ted Potter Jr. beat Troy Kelly on the third playoff hole, making a four-footer for birdie on No. 18. Now I always root for the underdog, so it was cool to see two relative unknowns go to head-to-head, not to mention Kelly is a fellow Washington native (and when I was 13 in ’96, he was 17 and I remember thinking he was like Tiger Woods because, well, he was older and definitely one of the top players in WJGA). (continue reading…)

Good job, good effort!

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the star attractions of The Jim Justice Show, will not be playing this weekend at the Old White. However, they are still walking away with heavy pockets. Greenbrier owner and tournament chairman paid Woods and Mickelson appearance fees to add the event to their schedule. In fact, Woods reportedly will earn a larger paycheck than the eventual winner (at least $1.5 million) and Phil will take home about the same ($1 million), according to CBSSports.com’s Steve Elling. (continue reading…)

Tiger will pocket approximately $1.5 million for his mere presence this week.

The practice of paying large sums of money (“cash-money,” or rather “Benjamins”) to high-profile players in exchange for their cooperation in granting your tournament – whether it be the Oil-Rich Emirate Open or the Isolated Authoritarian Regime of East Asia Invitational – a glimpse of their luminous selves, is common practice on most of the world’s tours. (continue reading…)

Tiger headed for the desert

News hit the wires early this morning that Tiger Woods will make his 2012 debut at the Abu Dhabi Championship held Jan. 26-29, according to tournament organizers. What’s the catch? Well, it conflicts with his regular season-opener, the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where Tiger’s obviously had some success. (continue reading…)