The golf press corps received a somewhat disturbing email this afternoon from PGA Tour Executive Vice President of Communications & International Affairs:  (continue reading…)

Dude, where's my game?

After watching playing partner Rickie Fowler take 80 strokes on Friday, Lee Westwood posted an 11-over 81 in the third round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Westwood, who hasn’t been playing his best in the past month, declined comment to reporters, but he spoke out on Twitter and had a craic at himself: (continue reading…)

Gore already liked Twitter, but now he really loves it

Don’t ever underestimate the power of social media — you know, I try to explain that to skeptics, who don’t understand, because you have to join and experience Twitter (and at least follow people, you don’t have to actually tweet) to grasp the concept and its awesomeness. Here now, we have a perfect example of a success story, facilitated by social media.

On Thursday the Northern Trust Open, which is held at Riviera Country Club, February 14-19, announced it had granted Jason Gore a sponsor’s exemption for the event, thanks largely to the Twitter campaign launched by Eric Magidson, a fan who struck up conversation with Gore at the Nationwide Tour’s Boise Open last year. (continue reading…)

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and I’ll bet it was better than mine, where I spent keeling over in pain Thursday afternoon and then the rest of the weekend lying in bed (I was disappointed I didn’t really get to eat my favorite meal of the year), but thankfully, I’ve recovered (finally).

Earlier this week our editors asked the SI Golf Group for submissions to the annual “What We’re Thankful For” gallery.  Well, I’d just been chatting with Steve Elkington, so first thing that came to mind was Elk’s funny tweets and cartoons, so I replied “I’m thankful Elk joined Twitter.”  (continue reading…)

Tweeting/live-blogging at the PGA Championship to provide fans with prime coverage

The Australian press checked out the PGA Tour media regulations for the upcoming Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, and let’s just say they weren’t big fans. Their complaints resonate with what the American golf media has challenged since the rules haven’t been altered appropriately in a world where so many people rely on social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for their sports updates from on-site reporters. (continue reading…)

Back in March my friend and WUP’s head researcher, Intern Kevin, introduced me to Steve Elkington’s website, Secret in the Dirt. I finally checked it out after weeks of hearing him rave about the hysterical and legendary videos. Turned out Intern Kevin was right — the content was unique and interesting (some more than others, but depends on what you’re looking for), and I couldn’t believe this was the first I’d heard of it. (continue reading…)

Bubba wasn't a fan of the crowds in France

Look who’s back from France and tweeting up a storm, apologizing for his antics at the French Open — Bubba Watson, of course. (continue reading…)

On the eve of Tiger Jam ’11, Tiger Woods took to Twitter from somewhere in Las Vegas (keep your eye out!) and answered selected questions from fans. Writer extraordinaire (Bill Simmons has hired her already for his new site) and my former college roommate (shameless name-drop) Katie Baker chimed in, “@TigerWoods if you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?” I know what you’re thinking — how can anyone describe themselves in one word? That’s the point. She’s mocking his one-word answers. (continue reading…)

*Update: I had to take down the photo of me and Ellie because apparently I’m violating PGA Tour media rights. Sadly, I’ve just been informed that I can’t post pictures from practice days, either! I’ve explained to the Tour that it’s a disservice to you guys, the readers, who are also PGA Tour fans.

In the spirit of my “Behind the Scenes” post, I’m starting another weekly feature that’s similar. You see, once the tournament starts, I catch some random bits and funny stuff happens that isn’t quite worthy of a standalone post, so I figure the solution is to compile them into a longer one at the end of the week. I’m still trying to think of a meme for the feature — suggestions welcome! — but “Tidbits From Inside the Ropes” will have to do for now. Enjoy!

*I forgot to include an amusing exchange from Wednesday. I was with my colleague Farrell Evans and we ran into Stephen Ames. Farrell says, “Hey Amesy, I saw your coach yesterday.” Ames looks at him with a completely straight (albeit goofy) face and deadpans, “Oh yeah, Tiger’s coach?” Then, as if on cue, we all start cracking up. Later that afternoon, I walked past Sean Foley and Ames, who were headed to the range. I jokingly said to Ames, “Ah, I see you found Tiger’s coach!” He playfully pretended he was going to push me into the practice bunker. He’s a beauty.

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When I approached Stewart Cink after his round at the Transitions Championship and asked him about the Twitter incident, he looked genuinely confused. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” said Cink. “What did it say? It could have been hacked because I didn’t send any (tweets) by accident.”

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