David Duval: press conference confessional.

As the last player to win an Open Championship held at Royal Lytham, former world No1 David Duval has assumed the role of unofficial defending champion in Lancashire this week.

Now 40 (can you believe it?), he took to the press room this afternoon for a belated debrief and delivered nothing less than a virtuoso performance from the rostrum. Measured, philosophical and candid: it was less a Q&A than participatory lecture or work of performance art. Like the The Vagina Monologues, but with golf clubs (don’t even question that analogy: it’s airtight). (continue reading…)

Oh no...not now...no, please...uh oh...no...wait...oh, crap.

Thirteen pre-qualifier tournaments, thirteen first-stage events and six second-stage events later, the pool of thousands of golfers hoping to re(earn) their place on the PGA Tour in 2012 has been dwindled down to 173 players, ranging from recent college grads, mini-tour grinders, journeymen, has-beens, major champs, former Tour winners, past Ryder Cup members and guys who had a tough season. All of whom will kick off the grueling six-round, 108-hole marathon at PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament and Stadium courses this morning. At the finish line, the top 25 (and ties) will collect their cards. (continue reading…)

Sheesh, I step away from the computer for a few hours and something actually happens in the Quad Cities. Thank God I have so many vigilant friends that texted and/or emailed me with the breaking news. (LeBron who?) By now, you’ve all probably heard that Paul Goydos posted a mind-blowing 12-under 59 in the first round of the John Deere. But one thing most reports neglected to mention is that the “lift, clean and place” rule was in effect.

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