Molinari Brothers Win OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup

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Congratulatory messages are flooding the fan sites: "CAMPIONI DEL MONDO!" ... "Vivissime congratulazioni!!! Seguo attraverso i miei nipoti tutti i vostri successi." ... "Che emozione!!! Grazie fratelloni!" ... "Mamma mia che vittoria!!!Fantastici!!!Siete Grandissimi!!!" ... "VITTORIA DEI FRATELLI!"

What that all means, basically, is "congratulations and thank you"... but it sounds much sexier in Italian.

A couple of days ago I expressed a desire to see two brothers from Turin win the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup ...and the marvelous Molinari Brothers did just that, finishing at 29 under and earning $875,000 each, in a tournament that featured two rounds of better ball and two of alternate shot. This made them the first pair of brothers and the first Italians ever to win the World Cup title.

It seemed like a long shot back on Friday. The Irish team was on fire with Rory McIlroy and Graham McDowell playing perfectly together, and going into the final round it looked like Ireland was edging towards the title.

Defending champion Sweden was a force to be reckoned with as well. Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson put up a valiant fight throughout, finishing tied for second with Ireland, just one shot behind the winning brothers, at 28 under.


Fourth place (and the GGD Best Golf Pants Award) went to England's team of Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher. Japan's Ryuji Imada and Hiroyuki Fujita rounded out the top five, while Americans Nick Watney and John Merrick had the best round of the day yesterday... a 10-under 62... that gave them a sixth-place tie at 20 under... and showed the spectators what could have been.

The OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup is a special tournament, providing a taste of what golf in the Olympics will be like by bringing to life the game's global side. On that note, be sure to read PGA Tour writer Laura Livsey's engaging profile of the Pakistan team and their experience this year at Mission Hills.

Now let me get over to the Molinari brothers' Facebook pages and add my own message of congratulazioni.
Photos: Getty Images - ✿

The Tiger Woods Incident Meets The Dubai Debt Crisis

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Two highly reported events took place during Thanksgiving week 2009, that have shaken the confidence of many.

On November 25, 2009, the government of Dubai announced that investment company, Dubai World, intended " to ask all providers of financing to Dubai World and its subsidiary Nakheel, to 'standstill' and extend maturities until at least 30 May 2010". ~ Just as glimmers of renewed confidence were pointing towards the beginning of a global recovery, this surprise move to delay payments caused deep concerns... well beyond the once-glittering Arabian Gulf nation. Fear spread across world financial markets of a dreaded double-dip recession. Or worse.

On November 27, 2009, the world's top golfer, was was taken to the hospital after an early morning car accident near his home. Tiger Woods had driven his SUV into a fire hydrant, then into a neighbor's tree. ~ Legions of golf-bloggers-slash-content-creators joined forces with their pop-culture-slash-gossip-news equivalents to "report the story". Most spun it as a presumed domestic dispute, brought on by allegations of the once-irreproachable golfer's infidelities... with a woman described as a "New York City party girl". Forlorn fans responded with comments like, "Tiger, say it isn't so".

And with those two events, a couple of cherished illusions died.

Tiger Woods, no matter the outcome of the investigation, will never be seen as perfect again... which is as it should be, because no one is, was or ever will be perfect... but it's also sad because as humans, especially as golfers, we want to believe perfect is possible and for quite a while Tiger Woods allowed us to think it was.

And Dubai... where lush emerald fairways transformed austere sections of sand-swept desert into verdant golf oases, and glimmering skyscrapers sprung up by the dozens. In the end it turned out to be a gamble that didn't pay off and revealed itself as the mirage we should have known it was all along. Because places like Dubai, the way we wanted it to be, are in fact, unsustainable.

That Tiger Woods is deeply connected with Dubai isn't surprising. One of the country's goals has been to become the ultimate golf destination for visitors from around the world. During the boom years Dubai had the resources to attract top golfers and golf architects. Wonderful courses were built and Tiger Woods was rightfully selected to design and represent what would be the jewel in Dubai's sparkling golf course crown, The Tiger Woods Dubai Golf Course and Community. The project is owned by a conglomerate of oil production companies and was officially launched in August 2008. However the initial plan for a Woods-designed golf course surrounded by 22 "palaces"‚ 75 "mansions"‚ 100 "luxury villas" and a high-end hotel has been in a holding pattern since June. This most recent development doesn't bode well for a timely end to that hold.

The possibility that the Tiger Woods incident... whatever it actually was... could, in some way, be connected to stresses brought on by Dubai's financial crisis has been mentioned, though the "mistress angle" has largely drowned it out. "Mistress angles" tend to have that effect on news stories.

In the end, we'll all adapt to life-with-more-realistic-expectations, and ultimately, that's a good thing. However, when I found this video earlier today, I've got to admit it made me want to go back to that time... a few days ago... when perfect men and a desert swathed in sustainable, green opulence still seemed possible. And yes, of course I cried.

The Mighty Molinari Brothers Shine at Mission Hills

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McDowell and McIlroy have held onto the lead... and the Swedes have been superlative... but imagine how awesome it must feel to be a Molinari brother right now.

Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, representing Italy together for the third year in a row, are just four shots off the lead in third place, going into round three of the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup. ~ The brothers are at 14 under, one shot behind defending Champions Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson and four behind the Impressive Irish leaders.

No matter how things turn out over the next couple of days though, the Molinari family will have reason to celebrate the 2009 season as a stellar one for both brothers.

The "little brother", 27 year old Francesco, recently broke into the ranks of the world's top 50 for the first time, after seven top ten finishes 2009, including second place in both Hong Kong and Portugal. He also made a more-than-respectable showing at the three majors he played in. The US Open T27, The Open Championship T13 and The PGA Championship T10.

For Edoardo... the senior Molinari brother at 28... 2009 was a comeback year. 2005 was the year he became the first continental European to win a U.S. Amateur Championship, and thus qualifying to play in the U.S. Open and British Open, as well as the Masters, where his caddy was none other than lil' bro, Francesco. A stellar 2007 on the Challenge Tour was followed by an injury-plagued 2008 on the European Tour. Returning to the Challenge Tour in 2009 he picked up the Piemonte Open, The Kazakhstan Open and the Italian Federation Cup. By then he had topped the Challenge Tour money list and made his way back to the Euro Tour for 2010. Then, last week in Japan he won the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, just for good measure.

So you see what I mean by the magic of being a Molinari right now. Having your brother living his golf dreams alongside you while you're living your own... then competing for your country together... has to be the most incredible kind of awesome. Though there's a definite competition between the two brothers they clearly get along... as evidenced by their stellar teamwork over these the last couple of days. Well see what the weekend rounds bring.

But, I think it'd be pretty special to see a pair of brothers holding the trophy on Sunday morning.










Photos: Getty Images - ✿

My Arnold Palmer Turkey - Happy Thanksgiving

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What am I thankful for this year?

Well basically, I'm thankful for you. ~ Thanks for reading Golf Girl's Diary... Thanks for commenting too. I love to hear your feedback and suggestions.

If you happen to be looking for a last minute Turkey recipe, I invented this one in early fall and we'll be using it tomorrow.

It's based on the refreshing cocktail inspired by the legendary golfer. The turkey is steeped in a marinade consisting of unsweetened tea and lemonade plus a couple of herbs and spices.

The Arnold Palmer Turkey

Ingredients
Arnold Palmer Marinade:
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 cups of unsweetened tea
2 cups of lemonade
8 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
8 sprigs fresh rosemary
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
Coarsely ground black pepper

Instructions
1. Combine all marinade ingredients in disposable aluminum roasting pan, large enough to hold the turkey and to allow the marinade to rise high enough to coat about half the turkey. Rinse turkey well and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight, turning turkey several times to evenly marinate.
2. Preheat oven to 450F.
3. Remove turkey from marinade and place in a roasting pan. Strain marinade, reserving solids and liquid. Stuff solids into the cavity of turkey. Pour liquid around turkey in pan. Roast 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350F and continue roasting, basting turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 180F on a meat thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Let turkey stand 10 minutes before carving. It's amazingly delicious.
Enjoy!

Bored Girlfriend Takes Revenge With Golf Club

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We play golf with a guy whose girlfriend is extremely jealous of his golf.

I'll inevitably spy him whispering sheepishly into his cell phone several times during our round, and he'll never join the rest of us at the 19th hole. ~ That is unless said lady-friend is there waiting (impatiently) at the bar when we arrive... at which point her errant partner is often taken aside for "a talk" ...and we automatically count him out of our foursome for the next couple of weeks.

In the clip below the situation is somewhat different, however a bored girlfriend and a golf club are involved. And the victim is an innocent Xbox.


H/T: The Frisky

News Flash: Golf Guys are Hotter Than Porn Stars

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Not that I know what a porn star looks like... but from what I've heard.

Anyway, just about any lady who follows golf knows that today's golfers are very often certifiably hot. ~ But it seems that many non-golf girls have been unaware of this.

Nerd girls for example. Until recently they apparently still pictured something like the Three Stooges when they thought of male golfers. Or maybe they remembered that overbearing friend of their Dad's who told really bad jokes while wearing crazy plaid pants and a goofy looking beret. Admittedly, it's not easy to get that kind of picture out of your mind once it's there.

Now however, the secret is out. And when it comes to perceived hotness, suddenly golf guys are right up there with... porn stars.

Whatever that implies.

Layers & Leggings - Creative Cold Weather Golf Options

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Have you noticed that every few years someone tries to bring leggings back?

Well, I have. I've also noticed that each time they appear... controversy inevitably erupts. ~ The look is definitely debatable... always a wee-bit dodgy.

There are myriad ways to wear leggings, and the fact that they conform so closely to the contours of the body makes them perfect for layering. But not everyone likes (or looks good in) the same kind of layers. And that's where much of the controversy comes in.

Leggings are here again this season, in a big way. The footless tights are finding their way off the American Apparel billboards where they've been provocatively presented on the beautiful young bodies of barely legal hipster chicks for several years now. This fall all kinds of legging styles are marching onto city streets and into suburban neighborhoods... and they don't always end up on perfect bodies. Which can be problematic.

And what about when leggings venture onto golf courses as they did this past weekend at the rain-soaked LPGA Tour Championship? Anna Nordqvist - who won the much delayed tournament today with a stellar 65 - sported a "layered w/leggings" look a couple of times during those blustery days in TX... to decidedly mixed reviews.

Now let it be said that Anna is tall and well proportioned, and any criticism of her outfits certainly can't be blamed on her physique. Personally, I loved the looks, however before the last players were off the The Houstonian's lush fairways, I had received an email with observations that were... less than glowing: ~ "Watching Miyazato and Nordqvist - both look like they could be wearing a body stocking, or at least leggings, with a wrap around skirt. This just looks silly to me...especially when they don't even go all the way to the ankles !!"

OK...I haven't seen Ai Miyazato's version of the look yet but I have a feeling I'll like it as I tend to like most of what she wears.

At first I attributed my friend's unfavorable impressions on his steadfast respect for golf's traditions. He's that type of guy. But when I started asking around I realized that many... if not most... men hate the "layered w/leggings" look.

Take my husband for example. Recently, when I attempted to affect a look similar to one that Korean golfer Jeong Jang wore (above) a couple of years ago, Nick told me I looked... get this... "clownish". Which, of course, I absolutely didn't! After all, what does he know? GolfWeek's awesome Ashleigh Korzack cited Anna's outfit as a "Look of the Week". ~ Then on Facebook I found dozens of groups that dealt with the pros and cons of leggings... and that's where I became convinced that "legging lust" and "legging loathing" are largely Mars/Venus-based reactions.



So I like the look and I think it's a great way to get creative with your golf outfit on a chilly day, but what's your opinion of leggings on a golf course ...on the ladies of the LPGA and/or on reacreational golfers? And what about layering like Anna did with the adorable (IMHO) Puma skirts? What do you think? Awesome, acceptable or a categoric no?
Photos: Getty Images ✿

Buyer Declares Golf Glove a Bargain at $350,000

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"a fairly good discount"

Those were the actual words used by Hoffman Ma to describe the price he paid over the weekend for a single golf glove ...and by the way, when you add in taxes and fees it'll come to $420,000.

Surprising? Not really, when the glove in question is the one Michael Jackson wore on his left hand the when he premiered his iconic moonwalk.

The "rhinestone-studded, modified golf glove" from Michael Jackson's performance on Motown's 25th anniversary TV special was part of a collection of MJ memorabilia sold at auction over the past several days in New York.

The buyer is CEO of Ponte 16, a hotel/casino resort complex in Macau. It doesn't look like he'll be showing it off on the golf course however. Mr. Ma announced it would become part of the hotel's "King of Pop Collection".

And that's probably for the best, all those stones would surely have a negative effect on one's grip.
Photo: Julien's Auctions/AP ✿

Sherri Steinhauer Wins Legends Tour's First Major

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It was Sherri Steinhauer's first Legends Tour event... and it was the Legends Tour's first major. Joe Smith wrote an account of the action for Tampabay.com.

Today, with a second round 70, to finish with a 3 under par 141, Ms. Steinhauer won The Legends Tour Open Championship and took home a $50,000 winner's check.

For those who don't know, the Legends Tour is the official senior tour of the LPGA. It has over 100 members, among them some of the greatest female golfers of all time, including nine LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame members. Its players have captured an impressive 625 LPGA Tour victories and 65 major championships. In its seven seasons, the Legends Tour has awarded more than $7 million in prize money and donated more than $8.8 million to charity.

This weekend's event was a 36-hole stroke play tournament, sanctioned by The Legends Tour and featuring two days of competition, a pro-am, and a number of community outreach programs, like children’s and women’s golf clinics.

Over the last couple of days I've done quite a bit of reading about the Legends Tour... the players and the events... and I've come away with the distinct impression that these would be some ultra-fun and exciting tournaments to attend. The stellar cast of players emphasize competition... which sort of goes without saying since these are some of the most competitive ladies golf has ever known... but they also appear to put a premium on fun, a commodity that can sometimes be in short supply at golf tournaments.

Coming up next: The Handa Cup, an international competition pitting Senior Women Golfers from the United States against an International Team of Senior Women, a lot like the President’s Cup. Sherry Tabb wrote an informative piece about it last month in her blog, Ladies on the Tee. This year's Handa Cup will be played December 5th-6th at Slammer & Squire at World Golf Village, St. Augustine, FL.

I probably won't make it to that awesome event, but do hope to catch up with the Legends Tour in 2010, and if so, I'll definitely bring you a first-hand account.

These legendary ladies get far too little media coverage.

Dubai Golf - Lee Westwood Wins, Rory McIlroy Reacts

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Whatever it was, it worked.

Lee Westwood referred yesterday to a special something he was (or wasn't) doing that was giving him an edge... and an extra jolt of confidence, "There's nothing too secretive or illegal I'm doing, but why talk about it? It's of nobody's importance apart from Billy (his caddie Billy Foster) and mine."

His X-Factor... that's what we called it... still hasn't been revealed, however with Mr. Westwood not only winning, but winning in spectacular fashion, the secret is sure to be much sought after. A course record breaking 64 today, and a total of 23-under 265 translates into a win for Westwood not only at the Dubai World Championship, but also in The Race to Dubai. That means $1.25 million for the tournament win and $1.5 million for the Race (Order of Merit) win.

For a guy who's had some ups and downs since the turn of the century the double win must have felt pretty awesome. The newly crowned champion celebrated by doing some strange things with the two whimsical trophies he was awarded.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who came to the emirates with a Race to Dubai lead, fell short on his goal: to become the youngest player to win the top European prize since Seve Ballesteros won the order of merit at 19 in 1976.

At one point the youngster's frustration got the better of him and he smashed his club into an advertising sign which must have been fun to watch. Rory ultimately finished six shots behind Lee Westwood in third, with Ross McGowan taking second.

Update: Westwood's Secret Revealed.

Guardian.co.uk reports - He had promised to reveal some secrets of his performance if he won, but smiled and stated: “The secret was that there was no secret.

“It was making everybody else think I had a secret when I didn’t really.

“The big turnaround in confidence was catching Billy (his caddie Billy Foster) at the beach party on Tuesday.

“He’d probably just had enough Heineken to tell me what he really thought. He said I’d been paying too much attention to the other people around me.

“He said ’You’ve been out here 16 years, that’s longer than all three of them put together (McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher were the only players left in the race to be number one) and you’ve won 30 times, which is more than them put together.'

“It’s a terrible word to use because I hate it, but he said ’You’ve got to bully them’. That’s why I’ve been confident all week.”

Photo: Getty Images/Karim Sahib ✿

Golf Season's Last Major is LPGA Legends Tour's First

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The Island Course at the gorgeous Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL, was the setting today for the first round of the last major of the 2009 golf season.

The field at the inaugural LPGA Legends Open Championship includes no less than five World Golf Hall of Famers, competing with dozens of other legendary LPGA players for a $300,000 purse in The Legends Tour's first ever major championship. Today's round ended in a three way tie for first place.

These ladies have some great stories and TampaBay.com's Joe Smith tells a number of them. Also, follow the tournament... and the Tour... online and get to know the amazing personalities and record-breaking skills of the LPGA Legends.

Lee Westwood's X Factor - Dubai World Championship

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An "X factor" is an unknown element that sets an athlete... or an actor, entertainer, business executive, etc... apart. (It's also a wildly popular, American Idol-inspired TV show involving Simon Cowell, but that's not what we're talking about here.)

Lee Westwood spoke of his own X Factor today, after an awesome 66 at the Dubai World Championship today. He was oozing brimming with confidence... so much so that some called it cockiness. The feeling, he explained, harkened back to just before the the turn of the century... which is the last time he feels he was playing really well.

He's got a two shot lead going into the final round which means he could well win the tournament ...and grab the $1,250,000 prize in the Race to Dubai. His confidence (cockiness... whatever) was probably given a boost by the late round meltdown of Race nemesis Rory McIlroy who bogied the last three holes today, which gives credence to Greg Norman's desire to create the toughest finish in golf at his Dubai Earth Course.

The X Factor thing came up when Mr. Westwood referred to a secret battle plan he had devised with his caddy... then refused to reveal any details. Many are undoubtedly hoping he'll be more revealing when/if he pulls off tomorrow's win.
Photo: Getty Images/Ross Kinnaird ✿

Lacoste Leads - The Iconic Brand's New Momentum

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Few, if any, apparel brands have a history as extraordinary and inspiring as that of Lacoste.

It began with the company's founder, back in the first half of the 20th century.

A champion tennis player, Rene Lacoste was also an innovator. It could be said that he transformed the way the world dressed when he invented the polo shirt. Prior to its appearance, men wore long sleeved starched shirts made of classical woven fabric...even on tennis courts and golf courses! When Monsieur Lacoste decided to put a cute little crocodile logo on the outside of the garment, that was another first. And it led to a procession of polo ponies, pumas and playboy bunnies... as well as the collective logo-lust that pervades all stylish societies today.

The Lacoste passion for golf is also tied to the family's history, Rene's wife, Simone de la Chaume was a golf champion as was their daughter, Catherine, who won the US Women's Open when she was a 22 year old amateur playing in just her third professional tournament. She remains the only amateur to have ever accomplished this.

I've written about Lacoste many times over the past couple of years sometimes in relation to the amazing professional golfers they sponsor, like Lorena Ochoa and Cristie Kerr, other times it was one of their awesome and innovative campaignes or unique environmental efforts. I've always been impressed by the way this brand honors past traditions while creating the trends of the future.

Well, once again Lacoste is breaking new ground. The company has announced it'll be trying a pure digital approach for its latest American advertising campaign, dispensing with all print ads, and spending the entirety of their 12 million ad dollar budget on-line ...and voila, Lacoste's new Momentum: a visually stunning new ad campaign created by Euro RSCG 4D New York.

It's built around LacosteMomentum where shoppers build their own Lacoste wardrobes and blend them into their own kaleidoscopic music video mash-ups to share with friends on social networking sites like facebook, Pandora, polyvore and Hulu.

The winter 2009 collection, by the way, is gorgeous. So I'm looking forward to creating some Momentum of my own this weekend.

Tiger Woods' Ten Best Golf Shirts of 2009

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If past years are any indication, a number of publications will soon be bringing you Tiger's Ten Best Golf Shots of 2009.

However, despite the fact that Tiger Woods wears hundreds of shirts each season, there's never... as far as I know... been a feature on Tiger Woods' Ten Best Golf... Shirts. That is until now.
























Those presented above are my choices, and what I'd like to know is which of them do you think is the all around best? Or perhaps I missed one that's even better. Let me know what you think, and we'll start a new tradition: Golf Girl's annual Tiger Woods Shirt of the Year Award.

I'm sure Nike won't mind.

Photos: Getty Images ✿

Michelle Wie Wins - Wie Warriors Celebrate

I've always been a huge Michelle Wie fan... Always.

Over the years curmudgeons and critics called us the "Wie Warriors". We who believed that Michelle would soon prevail were accused us of being in denial... Which really wasn't a problem in my case because I actually liked the Wie Warrior label and knew I wasn't denying anything.

The haters sometimes called themselves purists, and maintained that Ms. Wie... because of her unconventional career path... would never learn to win and would be relegated to the role of also-ran in men's tournaments. They blamed her parents... and others... but mainly her parents.

When asked about her parents today her response was definitive and delightful:

"Yeah, I think it's just so awesome, seeing them on the 18th green and hugging them. You know, we have been through a lot as a family, and it's just so great that they are here to share my highs and to keep me up from the lows, as well. But you know, I have to thank my family: Nike and Omega and my sponsors, and IMG and my friends and my fan base and everyone. They all feel like my family. We all have been through a lot, even through my lowest point, they have always been there for me. They have always supported me, and you know, I just feel so grateful for my family, which includes everyone, my sponsors, my friends, and my management company and my fans. So I'm just lucky to have such a great family."

For me, seeing the photos of Michelle Wie's parents, B.J. and Bo, celebrating with their daughter made her awesome win all the more awesome.

Dubai-Bound: France's Greg Bourdy Wins in Hong Kong

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He held his own against a roaring Rory McIlroy to win the USB Hong Kong Open... and in doing so, secured a place a the table in Dubai.

The win was Gregory Bourdy’s third on the European Tour, making him the first French man to win three tournaments in consecutive years.

I first got to know Mr. Bourdy in April of 2008 when I wrote about his victory at the European Tour's Portuguese Open.

I played golf for the first time in France a few years ago, and though it's not often associated with the game, golf's popularity is growing and there are a number of French players making their marks in international tournaments. In fact, the Hong Kong Open leaderboard featured another Frenchman in prominent position as Raphael Jacquelin sharing the number five spot with with Ian Poulter. And, down in Australia where Tiger Woods held court at the Australian Masters, Francois Delamontagne finished T3 with American Jason Dufner. Thomas Levet won the Open de España in April, and a couple of weeks ago finished in the top ten at the Barclays Singapore Open.

As for Rory McIlroy, his third place finish in Hong Kong put him right back on top of the European Money List and front runner in The Race to Dubai.

Photo: Getty Images/Anthony Dickson ✿

Cristie Kerr ★ Michelle Wie - Share Lead into Sunday

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"There are now 11 golfers within 5 shots of the lead. All of a sudden, it's looking like pretty equal odds that we could have a career 1st-time winner (Wie, SH Kim, Lang, McPherson), a seasonal 1st-time winner (Creamer, Pressel), or a repeat winner (Shin, Kerr, Tseng, IK Kim, Pettersen) at the '09 LOI when all is said and done."

That's how the Constructivist summed up the possibilities at the end of third round of the 2009 Lorena Ochoa Invitational yesterday. His blog, Mostly Harmless, is a must-read blog for LPGA fans, particularly those who care to look at the bigger picture.

There's no shortage of storylines at Guadalajara Country Club this weekend with compelling possibilities spread across the impressive leaderboard and the Rolex Player of the Year award tantalizingly within reach for several players. A win here would have its own special significance for each of the players, and whoever does come out on top will have a late season victory... and the accompanying confidence boost... to take into 2010.

For a fun read... and the ungarnished perspective of a student who arrived in Guadalajara for the first round via a seven hour bus ride from Mexico City... check out Drew Haciendo Trabajo a slice-of-life blog by an adventurous American studying in Mexico.

The players tee off for what promises to be an exciting final round in just a few hours. For pairings and tee times I once again direct you to Mostly Harmless.

Photo: Getty Images, Sports Illustrated Collection/Darren Carroll ✿

Golfer's Elbow and/or Blogger's Elbow... Hurts !

It seems I have one or the other... and whichever it is, it's a real pain in the... elbow.

I've been unable to post for over 24 hours. You see yesterday morning I had a cortisone injection... which subsequently led to something they call Cortisone Flare and that = ouch X 10!

As it happens there's a lot of good golf happening right now too... with Tiger on the trail in Australia, Rickie Fowler on a roller coaster at Disney and Lorena Ochoa hosting the LPGA elite in Mexico.

I hope to be back in full writing/golf mode tomorrow... because I intend to do both this weekend. Injured elbow not withstanding.

Golf Girl's Diary Supports "The Girl Effect"

The Girl Effect. The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society... are not to be underestimated.




The Girl Effect

Tiger Woods Stalked by Golfballerazzi in Australia

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We know Australia is famous for its unique species.

One such rare creature came out of the Melbourne woodwork recently to greet Tiger Woods: The Golfballerazzi. Seen here in its natural habitat, which is any course where the world's number one golfer might be found.

The Golfballerazzi stalks Mr. Woods' errant golf balls, and when he catches one in a vulnerable position, he'll pounce. And snap a photo. An extreme close-up. Of Tiger's golf ball.

H/T Devil Ball Golf

Of Portable Putting Greens and Topless Tap-ins

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This is just too awesome not to share.

When I first encountered it earlier today at Charles Boyer's Me and Old Man Par I knew it was going to be a... big story. You see Charles rarely touches on fashion, preferring to write engaging features on golf course architecture, golf history or the pro tour news. ~ When Charles writes about apparel, you've got to assume it's something special

Then I discovered that it had made Stephanie Wei's prestigious Dumbest Golf Gadget column. So that was it...and without further ado, I present the Nice Cup In Bra:

Cristie Kerr Leads LPGA to a 3-Tour Challenge Win

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At the 2009 Wendy’s 3-Tour Challenge, the LPGA team was clearly the most photogenic. ~ After all, the team consisted of Cristie Kerr, Natalie Gulbis and Suzanne Pettersen... and you just don't get much more photogenic than than.

Well it turns out they were also the best golfers yesterday, as Ms. Kerr's 4-under 32 led the ultra-blonde team to a combined 6 under on the final nine holes. That resulted in a win of $300,000... which along with their $100,000 purse from the opening nine, allowed the women to claim the title.

The event took place at Rio Secco Golf Course, overlooking the Las Vegas skyline. and the photogenic threesome was competing against some pretty stellar male competition: Stewart Cink, Fred Couples and Bubba Watson made up the PGA Tour team and and the Champions Tour team consisted of Fred Funk, Jay Haas and Nick Price.

The biggest names in golf have played in the Wendy's Three Tour Challenge over it's 18 year history: Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Phil Mickelson and Nancy Lopez...to name just a few... and the event has raised nearly $30 million for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge will air nationally on ABC on December 19th and 20th on ABC.

Watching the girls beat the boys? Sounds like must see tv to me.

Photo: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS / Daniel Gluskoter ✿

New Tiger Woods Residence Gets Mixed Reviews

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Granted the place is still under construction, however judging from current appearances, this modest abode is far more likely to grace the pages of Golf Digest than Architectural Digest.

It's the first look most have gotten at the future Jupiter Island home of the Woods family, and in its current state it's hard not to agree with The Palm Beach Post's Jose Lambiet when he describes 9,700 square ft. structure as looking like "a cross between and Motel 6 and a beach side nursing home".

According to Mr. Lambiet's sources the project is actually being overseen by Mrs. Woods. Which sort of makes sense as the gorgeous Elin Nordegren is Swedish, and contemporary Swedish design tends to be quite... minimalist. Think: IKEA. See what I mean? It makes sense.

The thing is, once the landscaping is done and that big, old, dusty parking lot has been transformed into a fabulous pool/spa surrounded by a lush green lawn... perhaps featuring a pristine putting green... it'll surely look splendid.

By this time next year I wouldn't be surprised to see it on the cover of Architectural Digest.

Check out Jose Lambiet's Page 2 Live for additional photos.

Kingston Heath Golf Fans Catch a (glimpse of) Tiger

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Practicing today at Melbourne's Kingston Heath Golf Course, Tiger Woods wore a lime green shirt and an easy smile. He signed autographs and thanked the Australian fans for their kindness... and for their understanding of the game of golf.

The man described by Chinese journalists as cold-blooded and grave had clearly shaken off the Shanghai blues. Today he warmly heaped praise on everything from the local population's appreciation of a good golf shot to the Kingston Heath bunkers.

A crowd of thousands was on hand when Mr. Woods arrived at the course several hours ago for his nine hole practice round, on a sweltering, early summer day. Later during a press conference he briefly addressed his less-than-stellar Sunday in Shanghai as, "...one of those things where you just go ahead and move on." Fortunately it looks like Tiger has done just that and the organizers of this tournament have amped up security and in an attempt to avoid the cellphone-camera madness that some say marred the Shanghai Champions they've instituted a course-wide ban on cellphones and cameras. Which we all know won't deter golf bloggers whose credentials didn't come through everyone, but will surely eliminate some of the superfluous shutterbugs, and... one hopes... keep Tiger happy.



BTW - Be sure to follow @AussieMasters on Twitter for all the latest Australian Masters news & updates!

Upper photograph: William West/ Getty Images, Lower photograph:via Golf365 ✿

Phil Mickelson : China's Awesome New Boyfriend

"He's been like the new boyfriend meeting the potential in-laws for the first time all week long."

That's how BBC Sports Iain Carter described the demeanor of Phil Mickelson,
- the 2009 HSBC Champions winner - during a week that culminated in his victory yesterday at Shanghai's Sheshan International Golf Club.

Not only did he perform brilliantly on the golf course... fending off numerous challenges right up to the end... he also made a concerted and continual effort to engage the massive local population... an audience that few argue will be crucial to the growth of golf going forward.

With his famous smile and relaxed-but-respectful banter, Mr. Mickelson did at times seem like a smitten admirer intent on making a positive impression... and his efforts clearly paid off, allowing the Chinese press to create a dramatic storyline based on the classic affable-challenger-defeats-aloof-champion theme. Lefty was cast as the affable one and given the endearing Chinese nickname, "Lao Mi".

Yesterday, everything fell into place to bring that theme to life... and lead to the desired conclusion. World Number One Tiger Woods, in the "aloof champion" role, got off to a dubious start and became taciturn, introspective and dour... which is totally normal, BTW. It's what many of us US fans call "Tiger getting into the zone".

We admire this steely show of determination along with the recovery and eventual victory that almost inevitably follows.

It was a far different story in Shanghai however. Unlike many Western golf fans, the Chinese fans didn't appreciate "the zone"... and though there were glimmers of hope, the full recovery and victory never came. Meanwhile Lao Mi valiantly fought off challenges by the likes of Ernie Els, Ryan Moore and Rory McIlroy and emerged the winner, thus delighting China's nascent golf fan base and setting the stage for dramatic and popular golf events in China's future. The outcome, despite what one may think of the protagonist, was certainly ultra-good for the game.

I know some find Phil Mickelson phony, plastic and FIGJAMish. In fact, I have my own admitedly lame personal reasons for not being a Phil fan, but, to continue with Mr. Carter's Meet the Parents analogy, it looks like Mom and Dad approve.

Photographs : Getty Images ✿

Ryo Style - Ishikawa Awesomeness at HSBC Champions

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He's T8 on the leaderboard going into the final round at the HSBC Champions, and that, by any measure, is impressive. ~ But when you consider that the field includes the world's best... and when you remember that Ryo Ishikawa just turned 18 it becomes particularly notable.

However, it's the kid's whimsical fashion sense that is once again winning me over. Yesterday the uber-stylish Yonex golf guy wore pink. In his own inimitable way.

Live coverage of the HSBC Champions final round begins at 10:00PM (ET) on the Golf Channel, and with a Woods-Mickelson duel on the menu the excitement level is going to be way high. Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to that... and of course I can't wait to see what Ryo's wearing.

And... PGATour.com is asking, Ryo vs Rory: Who's the most promising? As of this moment it looks like the consensus is that it's Ryo by just a bit.
















Ryo Ishikawa Photographs : Scott Halleran/Getty Images ✿

HSBC Champions - Lady Luck & Liang Wen-Chong

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"I tried my best but lady luck eluded me"

That's what Liang Wen-Chong said last week at the Barclays Singapore Open. As you probably remember, Mr. Liang finished just one shot behind winner Ian Poulter after a particularly valiant final round charge.

The record breaking Chinese player is decidedly the hometown hero this week at the HSBC Champions and certainly hoping that the elusive Lady Luck appreciates that fact.
As China's highest ranked golfer and the only one currently in the top 100 in the World Golf Rankings, Liang Wen-Chong is in a pretty awesome position.

August 2007 Liang became the first golfer from the People's Republic of China to play in the PGA Championship, and in July 2008, the first to make the cut at a major, The Open Championship at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club. He was also the first Chinese golfer to pass the million dollar mark in earnings.

Few in the golf business are unaware of China's potential as a golf market. The top players have been talking about little else since they arrived for this tournament. Tiger Woods has spoken of the game's explosive growth and declared in a press conference yesterday that if the government lends its support, there's"...no question China will become a powerhouse in golf". As for Phil Mickelson, he's working on a couple of design projects already, and even creating a series of instructional DVDs dubbed into Mandarin. Each clearly recognizes the value of the developing Chinese golf.

Liang Wen-Chong finished round one of the HSBC Champions in a four-way tie for fifth. If he were to reconnect with the alluring Lady Luck and win it would definitely aid in that development.

Photographs : Getty Images ✿

Cell Phone Shutterbugs Torment Tiger Woods

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It seems they were all over the place... cellphone-equipped golf fans snapping shots of the stars at HSBC Champions. Despite signs that warned against it and marshals monitoring the crowd, the frenzied photogs were not deterred.

Tiger Woods was naturally the most sought-after subject of the day and complained about the ambulatory mass of distraction that pursued him for his entire round, cameras clicking incessantly.

With the world's number one player complaining, it'll be interesting to see how the tournament handles the situation in the coming days.

AP Photograph/Story:Telegraph.co.uk ✿

The Making of Cristie Kerr's VIV Mag Shoot

A behind-the-scenes look at Cristie Kerr's VIV Mag photo shoot... Cristie just takes it all in stride... and looks over-the-top AWEsome!

VIV Magazine - Nov/Dec 2009 - The "Giving Back" Issue ✿

Glamour, Guts & Giving - Cristie Kerr in VIV Magazine

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Cristie Kerr is known by many golf fans for her on-course intensity... the steely, single-minded determination she radiates when she's striding up a long fairway or studying a 20 foot putt.

Then there are those who don't follow golf at all, but who meet up with the LPGA Champion at cultural events and charity galas in Manhattan or Scottsdale... or one of the many places her myriad projects... and passions... take her. Those people see a decidedly more glamorous woman, a woman who is easy-going and articulate... who smiles a lot, and has a great sense of humor.

That these clearly contrasting styles belong to one person is impressive. That Cristie Kerr is so much more than the sum of these two parts... is where it really gets remarkable, and it's exactly why she was such an obvious choice for VIV magazine's November/December "Giving Back" Issue.

For those who don't know VIV, it's an interactive, all-digital bi-monthly lifestyle magazine that covers fashion, fitness, food, travel and other lifestyle topics. The target audience would be active, contemporary women in their 20's, 30's and 40's but the quality ...of the writing, photography, design, platform... is such that a far wider audience would enjoy it as well. The digital magazine concept has never looked or felt so good. And that's coming from someone who is not generally a fan of digital magazines...me.

In this special "giving back" issue Cristie naturally talks about her charity, Birdies for Breast Cancer, and her golf, but she also shares quite a few much more personal stories and observations. Things most people don't know about her...and some may find surprising.

Oh. And her fashion shoot is phenomenal. Really phenomenal. I'll be posting the "making of" video a bit later today. It's fun to watch and if you've only seen Ms. Kerr on the fairway and greens of championship courses, it's a great introduction to the other side of this fascinating, fund-raising golf champion.

VIV Magazine - Nov/Dec 2009 - The "Giving Back" Issue ✿

Golf Rank - Ian Poulter Reaches 15th With his Win

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As you've no doubt heard, despite a decidedly wobbly weekend, awesome Ian Poulter won the Barclays Singapore Open yesterday, and in doing so moved up to a career-best 15th in the World Golf rankings.

The extravagant Englishman - who's been criticized for missing some recent tournaments - showed up in Singapore rested and focused on his goal: "to get close to the world's top 10". ~ Winning in a field that included Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington was a decisive step in the right direction.

The event was not without drama however, and the final round was virtually wire-to-wire. At the 12th hole...after his third bogey... Mr. Poulter found himself a shot behind Graeme McDowell, but he kept his nerve and ultimately prevailed, taking the trophy from China's Liang Wen-chong by a single shot.

Mr. Poulter's penchant for saying (or Tweeting) exactly what's on his mind... along with his ultra flamboyant rather distinctive style... have earned him an army of supporters... a fair share of detractors too. The haters have even created entire forums devoted to Poulter bashing. Forums like the quaint, creatively-entitled Ian Poulter Sucks Forum, a place for anti-fans to take virtual jabs at Ian... and any other players they may be hating at the moment. They leave such poetic comments as:

*Go back to England you pr!ck!
*Poulter is an idiot.
*Poulter is one of the best golfers of our lifetime and Tiger is an over-rated joke.
*Poulter would be the tour d!ck if it weren't for Sergio.
*I love you Ian !!!

Yes... it can be difficult to keep those annoying fans from spoiling the hate fest. Oh well, Ian Poulter probably doesn't have time to read the forums anyway. ~ Right now he's off to the HSBC Champions in China, to join the likes of Tiger Woods (sometimes known as an over-rated joke), and Sergio Garcia, defending champion (and according to IPS, the reigning tour d1ck).

As winter temperatures descend on New England closing down some sections of the golf landscape, that's something to look forward to.