Golf News

Like all sports, golf has also been invaded by women and it has been great for them. If there’s a Tiger Woods then there are also famous women in the world of golf.

Annika Sorenstam

Annika is the daughter of retired IBM executive Tom and her mother Gunilla. She was born in Sweden on October 9, 1970. She started playing golf at the age of 12. Annika Sorenstam is one of the top female golfers in the world and probably one of the most dominant. She has made history in a lot of ways and has rewritten the Ladies European Tour and LPGA record books. She has also won countless events and awards. With all her achievements, she has changed women’s golf forever.

Mickey Wright

Mary Kathryn “Mickey” Wright was born in San Diego, California. She also started playing golf at the young age of 12 and was destined for greatness with all her achievements in the juniors. She started being a pro in 1955 when she joined the LPGA and it took her a year to win her first tour event. She won three times each in 1957, 1958, 1959 and in 1960, she won 5 times. She was so famous that by 1961 she already had a tournament named after her which she also won.

A love for the game

Playing a game for profit will not get you to the top but pure love for the game could make you the top golfer in the world.

Tiger Wood is probably the world’s most popular golfer. Many say that he is also the best. His star in the golf world has risen so high--his stature is now iconic, to say the least.

Basic biographic details

Tiger Woods was born on December 30, 1975. He has won several golf championships and enjoys being ranked as the world’s number one golfer today. Woods began playing golf as a two-year old. At 15, he became the youngest US Junior Amateur Champion. Everything else is history.

Key achievements

Tiger Woods holds the distinction of having won 14 major professional golf championships and 71 PGA tours. He is also the youngest golfer to win a Grand Slam in his career. He is admired for having won 50 tournaments fast and at a very young age.

Current news on Tiger Woods

Woods is currently in the news for having survived a car accident inside his gated community. He has been released from the hospital. Earlier in 2009, he returned to playing golf after an eight-month layoff.

Oh man, I can no longer wait before Annika Sorenstam pulls out a starter on Karrie Webb, and on the still hopeful Michelle Wie for the Women's British Open! The ball started rolling in Royal Lytham fields and the icing of today's season? Two great women, who have won elite major titles, and a teen runner-up, will battle for the lead. If Tiger Woods had an incredible finish for his England stint, these girls will surely give each other a hell of a competition. There are no underdogs and heroes, since they're all capable of stealing the prestiged golf trophy.

Seems like Annika Sorenstam and Tiger Woods are having a little fun with their scorecards. They're racing for the most number of wins, almost taunting each other who gets to be on top. By any chance, this might be number 11 for Sorenstam, if ever she steers ahead in the British Open. It's great motivation for the Swedish professional. Besides, she really needs to win and tie the deal with Woods. But never fret, Sorenstam's reigning like a golf goddess for the last 6 years!

After crushing the dream of the young Michelle Wie, I wonder if Karrie Webb can be all the more ferocious with her swing. She failed last year and won only twice since 2002, but after a superb turnaround in the Kraft Nabisco Championship and the Evian Masters, she's looking good to finally face Annika Sorenstam. The Australian golf champ is rehearsing some of her spins and boosting her mental game. While she steps up with her game, all she can do is trust her instincts to back up her first tee.

Michelle Wie is not giving up on the dream. The 16-year-old wannabe champ feels that she's closer to conquering her first LPGA title match. After all, she almost played better than Karrie Webb in the Evian Masters match. She was impressive for the last 18 months but obviously, Wie's tired of being a runner-up for too long! Will the Bristish Open be dominated by major title holders or will the title slip to the hands of a first-timer? We'll have to see how Michelle Wie will take her chances of winning the match!

Michael Jordan and Larry Bird may be off the hoop but there's definitely no early retirement blues for veteran golf players on the green. Today, the 46-year-old Corey Pavin proved that experience is the best legacy for a professional golf tour. On high with his mental game and agile with his power swing, Pavin leads the U.S. Bank Chamionship Open in Milwaukee. He even had to wait more than 28 hours to tee off the second round, but what a smashing play for his delay! Who says smashing is only for young and famous music artists?

We've witnessed a tearful Tiger Woods giving a British Open tribute to his father and I'm definitely expecting the same sob ending for the golf veteran Corey Pavin. After winning the U.S. Open in 1995, he pulled up a surprise almost a decade later, when he made a lowest-record tie with Tiger Woods for the first 36 holes on the PGA Tour. It can only get more exciting after he shot a 6-under 64 and took a 15-under 125 lead on the third round. Even a bogey didn't get in his play, though he missed 12 fairways. Pavin made history with his tour scoreboard for 9 holes, hitting a 26 on the par-34.

What's it going to be for Jason Bohn? He's torn between the British Open and the U.S. Bank Championship! Though British Open is one of his favorite majors, he had to defend his U.S. BC title and miss the tour. Threatened by Pavin, he finished second after shooting a 65 and a 64 on the second round, placing him 11-under on his tour record. Should he win another championship tilt, he will be faced with the same dilemma next year. Unfortunately, the British Open will start the same weekend as the US Bank Championship for 2007. The final outcome of this tour will actually be a deal breaker for Bohn.

Victory is elusive for this hopeful teen player! Although we're all rooting for Michelle Wie to win her first professional title and be the youngest golfer to win an LPGA Tour, sorry folks but it isn't just her time. After the 11th hole, the 6-foot Hawaiian golfer was too damn close to answering her prayers with a two-shot lead until her bogey on the 13th hole. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old Australian, Karrie Webb, readily stepped in and snagged a win for the Evian Masters in France. Michelle Wie failed to launch a professional career-breaking win.

Three in a row for Karrie Webb! She's the first woman to hit triple victory after nailing three events this season. She was one shot ahead from Wie and Laura Davies, shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round of Evian Masters with a smashing finale of 16-under 272 for the tournament. Stealing and protecting a lead was never easy for Webb. When she landed a tee shot on the fairway, she had a moment's hesitation whether or not she'll attack on the green or switch a hybrid for a wedge. In the end, she decided to protect her two-shot lead and par was enough to ensure her Evian Masters victory. Karrie Webb is certainly in full-swing after winning the Evian Masters, Kraft Nabisco Championship and the Michelob Ultra Open.

The 13th hole had its curse on Michelle Wie. Michelle Wie made a fantastic spin on her play and even tied with Webb after scoring an eagle on the par-5 ninth. On the 11th hole, Karrie Webb hit a bogey while Wie made a two-shot lead with a birdie. It was damn close if not for a bogey on the 13th hole. She finally mastered her tee shot but failed on her putter. She struggled to catch up with Webb but it was too late. Despite a stiff neck, Michelle Wie's playing good most of the day and though she wasn't able to snag a win, it's the closest she's ever been. She's made a lot of improvement if not for the unlucky 13, she might be savoring an elusive title victory.

Flap and yap because you missed a putt? You've hit long irons and set the ball on green. You're actually playing real fine only you can't set your mind on the seemingly impervious hole. You're not the only golfer who's all anxious by that teasing putt, even golf champ Michael Campbell struggles with his putting problem. Sometimes when the goal is near, that is when you're crucially tested. Will you hold out or give up the play? That's the intriguing question of a golf player's mind and soul. You know exactly that golf is a mental game right? Then put your mind into it and conquer that elusive putt.

Jos Vanstiphout comes to the rescue of former U.S. Open 2005 king, Michael Campbell. Apparently, the New Zealand golf champ is in dire need of a Belgian sports psychologist. For psychiatric therapy? Maybe not. According to Campbell, he might be playing too much of a technical game that he needs to face the mental side of things. Why not, if Jos is behind the mental precision of Ernie Els, Paul McGinley and Dane Thomas Bjorn. I imagine how disappointed Campbell must be after lagging behind 16 points from Woods in the British Open. He's hitting the green, but when it comes to putting, he sucks real bad!

"Boy, put your mind into it." These are the captivating words of this mighty golfer's father, Earl Woods. He passed away two months ago but his son Tiger Woods continued to mourn and agonize over the death. By winning the British Open, he paid tribute to the great loss of a golf coach and a great dad. Earl must be smiling from up above after his boy had finally gone past his sorrowful yearning. It was a relief to see a champ without a smirk of arrogance and pride, but someone trickled with tears. It's one of the rare moments when triumph can be oh-so sweet especially for a loving father. Earl had been stricken with cancer.

Minds do play weird tricks. They make us believe that a red cape is soaring from the sky, but it's only Superman and the Hollywood camera tricks. Like golfing, you believe that you have the stance of Tiger Woods and is about to swing like Ernie Els but at the last minute your arms decide to bungle up the whole play! You may not have the perfect mindset for a putt after all. So why don't you try hypnosis? Rehearse your grooves in your mind several times, so that when it comes to hitting the putt, your brain cells will cooperate with your body muscles. Your brain knows all your move, you just need to reinforce and impose the mood.

This was the first time his father, Earl, was not around to share the winning moment. But Tiger Woods did step up to his mental game, something that his father would have been proud to see. It is another career Liverpool highlight not for The Beatles but for Woods after winning the British Open. He plotted his way into the hole with physical mastery and mindful precision. Spectators saw how Tiger shifted from the broken son to the cunning, thoughtful and confident athlete. Of the 10 major titles, this one is between Woods and his mind wandering off from the pain of losing the most important person in his life.

According to Hank Haney, it was all of Tiger's decision to deliver, with patience and impact. He hit long irons to avoid bunker and long grass. His eager opponents advanced past him before he finally hit better shots into the greens. With his sturdy conviction and intuition, Tiger's short and straight strategy produced a power play in the field. And here's what the records have to say: He made a score of 18-under par, was consistent from Friday to Sunday as one of the tournament leaders, and hit 86% fairways and 81% greens in regulation making him second best in the tournament. Woods had a bulletproof final round 67 and was tied for best score on Sunday. Definitely, a good pick of maneuver from the Tiger!

Rosie O Donell is definitely not the only one who's capable of a bad, nasty joke. Even life knows how to play with its dubious tricks. Just after winning and becoming the world's number one, David Duval hits the rock bottom of life and his golf career. He used to be a champion of the British Open, but today, he's working just as hard as any golfers on the green. If he's dominating the tours before, now, he's teetering on the edge of extinction. What else is there for David Duval? Only his family and frenzy for golf. In the end, even Tiger Woods will soon relinquish the throne, fade, and go away with his tournament trophies and championship stakes, but the heart of a true golfer will surpass even the stormiest weather of life.

David Duval sucks real bad on the golf fields. I can't imagine a former master to be a mediocre. He hits low points and swings with feeble intensity. But do you know that he's actually aching while losing? He has a series of back problems and injuries. And because of his physical constraints, he had to miss a PGA championship and quit in the middle of the game. A steroid pack and codeine may be a quick dash of relief for his bursitis in the left shoulder, but it cannot fix or remedy an ailing golf tilt. He also suffers from a hurting back and wrist, which makes his swing a total disaster. If Duval used to pivot like a ballerina, well now, he's reversing his move like an amateur. Whether injury will sound like a more decent excuse for losing or not, it still hinders a powerful play even of the best golfer on tour.

He enjoys hitting with his club and controlling the ball. Yup, he's a golfer but according to David Duval, he's definitely not a celebrity. He loves the cheering crowd, the touts, and the lavish endorsement deals. But golf is not just a lucrative career but a passionate hobby. He may lose for all he cares but he'll continue playing. He's still happy to have the unwavering support of his family even after hitting the all-time low of his career. He's no exception. There really comes a time when man is faced with the horror of an unbearable tragedy, but it also serves as a perfect moment to learn the value of priorities. In a sudden turn of events, you'll know who and what's important after all the traumatic drama. And for Duval, he'll always stand still no longer as a winner but as a real man.

Recent sport news says that Danny Green, who is from Jackson, Tennessee, swipes the prestigious golf range of Pacific Northwest Golf Association during its 105th annual tournament that was held in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 15. 49-year old Danny Green has once again defended his title in the name of golf and has added another distinguished award in his golfing career, making his young opponents gladly look up to him as their inspiration.

Green is now considered as golf's oldest player since Harry Givan achieved his 5th PNGA Men's Amateur crown in 1961. There are also other 3 players who have won the title in the past twelve years. This includes Nick Flanagan, Jeff Quinney, and Tiger Woods. They have also gained the US Amateur Championship title. Green, after winning the game, says that he does not expect to play in the 2007 golf tournament.

Maybe, Green is planning to enjoy his ordinary life with his family. After all, Green is not getting any younger. I think he should rest from his career as he has accomplished so much already. I also suggest for him to take a travel tour anywhere his wife wants. Or, spend some of his money in the casino. Nah, Just kidding! What I mean is he can do anything he wants because of his big winnings in golf, so why not enjoy life's great pleasures?

We've seen "The Big Wiesy" playing easy on the big green but always short on WIEnning the PGA Tour. Although she's given golf a great deal of her charm and skill, WIE'll it be enough to grab that 2006 John Deere Classic and make it for the final WIEn? I've seen her play and I dare say "Give this teenage star some time and she'll push Annika Sorenstam to early retirement." Her only problem is a solid finish which is a rather common dilemma among golf goddesses in the tour. But just a lucky break, and perhaps more lavish experience, and she'll be able to master the victory spin in time. Besides, don't you forget that Michelle Wie is only 17. We'll have to wait a couple of months before she becomes an official member of the LPGA Tour.

The 2006 John Deere Classic is a make or break scheme for Michelle Wie. We'll have to see if she'll make a debut as a winner just months before her 18th birthday. The tournament is now on its 35th edition as an official event for the PGA Tour. But watch out because it's hard to get sleazy with John Deere-y. Even if you lead past the third round, you can't guarantee your victor's destiny. You have to be a long-hitter, which is a plus for the 6'1" American-Korean Wie. The hype in this particular play is that it has a successful yield for first-time victories like Sean O' Hair and Mark Hensby. I'm particularly excited this year for Wie. Whether she'll have the knack to seize the match or she'll be knocked out with lack of considerable experience? I've seen her turn a bogey into a WIEn and in John Deere Classic, you can't predict an easy spin for sure.

The golf ball is round and the grass is green. Just when you thought you had the streak of luck to win, even a champion's swing can't surely push the ball to one pathetic hole. Miss a shot and you'll either go for the goal or you'll end up with nothing at all. It was fascinating to see how Trevor Immelman turned the bogey into winning and Tiger Woods into losing the title for the PGA Western Open.

The South African nipped the golf Tiger right in the bud after he birdied the 18th hole. Immelman only needed to par the 18th, but his smashing birdie placed him two strokes ahead from eager opponents, Woods and Goggin. He was exhilarated to come back and make up for his rough start.

A bad shot at the wrong time, Tiger Woods wasn't able to catch up and steal the lead even with every ounce of golf spirit left. The Tiger even flailed out a birdie, a 23-putt at Number 16. He swayed an arm of relief and the crowd cheered, but Immelman could only grin knowing that he's still meant for the victory spin.

Life is sweet when you give the Tiger his loser's feat. Trevor Immelman is next in line to South African golf legends such as Gary Player and Ernie Elsman. Immelman's flight to triumph includes 1996 Junior PGA Championship, 1998 US Public Lnks, and a second place for the 1997 US Junior Amateur. He also finished 56th in the 1999 Masters and fifth in the 2005 Augusta. Immelman or Woods? Who's more ferocious in the league?

In a recent HSBC Women's World Match Play Championship, the tournament showcased not only the solid winning streak of Annika Sorenstam, but also the charms of the persistent Michelle Wie. Although it wasn't a clean start for Wie, she managed to win and later turned the tables from bogeys to an advanced match with Christina Kim. Both golfers were excited to play face-to-face, mano-a-mano!

Let's diss the pillow fights, they're professionals. Wie even perked with delight when she learned that she'll be competing with Christina Kim. She may also have to compete with the crowd, but I'm sure she'll lure her way into it. Kim versus Wie? Now, that's what I call a head-on collision!

Sorry for Kim's fans, but I'm waging my bets on Wie. Even as a young golfer she's proven enough that she can take on the game and steal the lead anytime. In her latest match, I saw how flexible she can be after missing those two shots. And for me, that will be a tight clutch for glory and victory. After all, you can't always smash with a perfect win! Even Wie can miss a few shots.

When there's Wie in the match, hold on tight to that club because she's on her way to shake the records of other golfers in her league. So Sorenstam, watch out! Hold on to your title as long as you can because Wie is coming for a duel.