State Of PGA Presser Draws A Whopping Two Questions

Of course, you cynics are thinking that this speaks to the irrelevance of an organization that overpays its leadership and former leadership (ex-CEO at $300k four years after stepping down!), stuffs millions away in its coffers and takes the fourth of four majors to miserable climates.

Or it could have been the numbing opening remarks from PGA of America president Allen Wronowski. Wow, even Tim Finchem doesn't rally kill that hard.

Glory's Last Shot (Again) For Jerry Pate

Doug Ferguson makes a strong case that the PGA of America has hit a new low with its mysterious exemption for Jerry Pate, who is making his “farewell to golf” this week...again.

This is ceremonial golf at its worst. The 57-year-old Pate confirmed as much Sunday when he finished the 3M Championship in Minnesota on the Champions Tour, where he tied for 73rd.

“I’m not going there with high expectations about my golf game as far as being competitive in the field,” Pate said. “But I’m going there for the enjoyment of just seeing old friends and playing the golf course.”

Paul Goydos, who shot 59 on the PGA Tour last year, is the first alternate. A little bit farther down the list is Chad Campbell, who tied for fifth last month in the British Open at Royal St. George’s.

But think of the gate, Doug!

What seems out of place with this invitation is that the PGA already gave one to Pate the last time it was in Atlanta.
That was 10 years ago.

“There are a few times in the history of the championship that we’ve looked at players who have won majors connected with a certain venue,” said PGA chief executive Joe Steranka.

But a former U.S. Open champion who already was given a chance to soak up the memories 10 years ago? For a major that promotes the strongest field in golf, that was a weak decision.

Stevie Vows To Stop Talking About Tiger; Admits Rage Spilled "Over The Top"

After sleeping on his post round WGC Bridgestone comments, former Tiger looper Steve Williams tells Robert Lusetich that he was a "bit over the top" and that he had "a lot of anger" and "it all came out."

There was also this pledge which ought to last about two days:

“I said what I said but I’m not going to say any more about Tiger,” he said.

Well, until the book, right?

Cameron Morfit thinks Stevie has already said enough. And while I think he gives Williams a little too much credit, the point is sound: the Williams rage over his firing for "disloyalty" speaks to a sadder story: Tiger hasn't changed a bit.

He's saying Woods is unchanged, and after all the swing changes, portfolio damage, apologies and promises to become a better man, that's the biggest disappointment of all.

This seems like a good place to admit I don't know Woods, I never have, and I probably never will. Behind closed doors he might have changed. But it doesn't look like it from here, and not from where Williams sits, either.