Ed. note: I started writing this post before Rosaforte’s article with the breaking news was published.

Watson saluting the fans at St. Andrews at The Open in '10 (it was quite poignant)

If you woke up this morning and thought David Toms or Larry Nelson or anyone else not named Tom Watson were the favorites to be tapped as the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, you may have changed your mind by now.

While the PGA of America won’t make an official announcement until Thursday at 8:30am EST on The Today Show (under the radar, per usual), industry insiders are putting their money on five-time Open Champ Tom Watson, who captained the last American team to win on foreign soil in ’93. Phrases like the PGA is “thinking outside the box” or “shaking it up” have been tossed around by respected journalists. (continue reading…)

Toms in action at at the Olympic Club in June.

David Toms is one of the most successful American golfers of his generation. He’s collected 13 PGA Tour victories, including the 2001 PGA Championship; played on three Ryder Cup teams; and, over a career spanning nearly 25 years, amassed a little under $40million in prize money.

And yet, if he’s named on Thursday as Davis Love’s successor to the Ryder Cup captaincy, there remains a sense the decision will have owed more to his inoffensiveness and political good fortune than golfing pedigree. (continue reading…)

After a very long hiatus, welcome (back) to this special edition of Balls in the Air, where I size up my Fantasy Golf picks of the week, featuring guys to watch (or not), and interesting story lines and tidbits from behind the scenes.

The usual poker-faced Dufner reacts with extra gusto on the 72nd hole in Dallas

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been OVER A YEAR since I last did a “Balls in the Air” post. I started to neglect Fantasy Golf, and when you’re on tour every week, there’s more work (obviously) than sitting at in my apartment behind my computer.

By the way, I started to get the shakes yesterday (Wednesday). It’s the first time this season that I’ve missed TWO CONSECUTIVE Tour stops. I’m sure everyone out there is missing me oh-so-dearly! Don’t worry, I’m fine, I hear the first few days of the shakes are bad, but if I can get through Friday, I’ll be OK. (continue reading…)

Phil and Toms, a story of disparate rounds

Some notes and highlights from the second round of the Humana Challenge…

(continue reading…)

Camilo put a belly putter in play...I know, I know -- what belly?! /ba-dum-ching

Some notes and highlights from the first round of the Bob Hope Classic the Humana Challenge… (continue reading…)

Lefty makes his debut

I was confused for a moment when I glanced up at Golf Channel’s re-airing of the 2004 Masters — the one where Phil Mickelson finally won that ever-elusive major. For a moment, I thought it was Golf Central showing highlights from today’s round…because aside from a few minor details (back then he had a “Ford” logo on his left breast instead of “Barclays,” and he’s wearing light slacks instead of black).

Otherwise, same visor and black polo. Except the one from eight years ago fit better. I mean, it’s like “Hey, Phil, 2004 called and they want their size L shirt back…” (continue reading…)

Thanks for believing in me! I love you, man!

As 2011 has ended and the 2012 season officially starts tomorrow, we’re (still) taking an obligatory look at the winners and losers of 2011. First, we reviewed the best shots. Then, we cringed through the greatest meltdowns. We also checked out some players who were considered overachievers. Next, we took a gander at those who had the most disappointing seasons, along with the most notable Tiger moments.

To cap off a look back at an incredible 2011, we’ll go through some of the best feel-good stories — which is my personal favorite because believe it or not, I’m a huge sucker for sap (I just don’t like to admit to it usually). Here we go in no particular order… (continue reading…)

The conditions at Royal Melbourne on Friday in the second session of the Presidents Cup were rather tough, to say the least. So the last thing any player — whether the Internationals or the Americans — wants is an unruly fan who probably had a few too many Fosters (yes, I realize Aussies don’t actually drink Fosters). Unfortunately, Hunter Mahan feel victim to a heckler that yelled in his backswing on his approach to the 16th green. (continue reading…)

Toms: professional and charitable

David Toms added another accolade to his revival season — the 44-year-old and ’01 PGA champion has snagged his 13th PGA Tour victory at Colonial and notched seven top tens — on Tuesday at East Lake, site of this week’s Tour Championship.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced Toms as the recipient of the 2011 Payne Stewart Award. Via the press release: (continue reading…)

The daunting 18th hole, also dubbed "worst hole in golf" by some of the players, but Keegan and the Duff conquered it. Meanwhile, the rest of the field will have to seek therapy to recover from the mental trauma and nightmares!

My customary post-major (and WGC) hangover is kicking in right on schedule! Good news is those thrilling contrived PLAYOFFS start next week. Oh, can you feel the magic of the obscene $10 million prize to the winner?? Almost, right? Bad news is the Masters isn’t for another seven- to-eight months!

Well, I’ve found the best way to get over withdrawals is to take a look back through pictures and some closing words. Here we go! (continue reading…)