The Last Heritage Classic...Before It Gets A New Sponsor?

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I've read a lot of doom-and-gloom stories about the potential that this is the last Heritage Classic at Harbour Town and after reading Ron Green Jr.'s take, it sure sounds like efforts are being made and companies are flirting with signing on. And because you longimte readers know I'm always an optimist on these things, this sure sounds positive to me:
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"They just have zero fear, which is perhaps the greatest difference between the kiddie corps of today and those of the previous era."

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Steve Elling mines a topic that has been severely undertouched by the golf media: why are there so many more talented and mature young players than ever before? Lots of interesting food for thought, though the role of technology is not delved into. Still, I found this part with David Leadbetter reminding us of those who didn't make it just as interesting:
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Dustin Johnson, Caddie To (Finally) Split

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Shocking to believe after the PGA debacle and a near missed tee time in LA, but Dustin Johnson and caddie Bobby Brown have decided to spend less time with each other, reports Tim Rosaforte.

In a move that comes as a surprise, Brown and Johnson have split up. Brown, who is dating the sister of Johnson's girlfriend, initiated the dialogue and both have agreed it's better to move on. They started working together in the middle of Johnson's 2008 rookie season and have been together for four victories, including two AT&T National Pro-Ams and the 2010 BMW Championship.

"This is part of the game and we both understand that," Brown said Tuesday.

Johnson, a native of Myrtle Beach, S.C., is not playing in this week's Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C. David Winkle, Johnson's agent, said the breakup was "mutual," adding, "I guess only time will tell if their break proves to be temporary or permanent."

Post Na-16 Analysis: "Validation that they're finally offering a major-league course as a foundation for growth."

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That's Richard Oliver's claim after Kevin Na's 16 went viral and brought great publicity to the Valero Open.

For tournament officials, who have long worked to position the Texas Open as a major-league event, it was validation that they're finally offering a major-league course as a foundation for growth.

For Valero Energy Corp., entering the final year of its title sponsorship deal, it was a welcome, unexpected spotlight for its brand — and perhaps a talking point for pending negotiations.
"We thought from the very beginning that this course was designed to test the best players," Tony Piazzi, head of Golf San Antonio, said Saturday of the Greg Norman-designed AT&T Oaks. "I think you're seeing that."

Friday offered another stark example when a brutal north wind raked the 7,435-yard layout, turning holes built specifically to accommodate seasonal south winds into maddening and often unfair challenges.

When the average scores soared to the highest levels against par in three seasons on the PGA Tour, it was a seismic development that officials hope will resonate with players not on site this week.

Uh, yes it will! Not in the way you probably hope.

The message: The Texas Open is no longer being decided on the pitch-and-putt Resort Course at La Cantera. These days, at AT&T Oaks, there just might be pain.

Judging by your comments and based on the tendencies of PGA Tour players to avoid courses that make them look or feel like fools, I'm guessing Oliver's suggestion will not be reinforced by an improved field next year.

Regarding the incredible coverage of Na's 16 (front page NY Times, Sportscenter acknowledging the PGA Tour, Jumbotron screenings at baseball games), this week's SI Confidential has an amusing rundown capped off by a beautiful comebacker from Van Sickle.