Will Trump Doral Be More Democratic This Time Around?

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The rank-and-file felt discriminated against in Gil Hanse's Blue Monster makeover. Even Brandt Snedeker's caddy threw a hissyfit for the ages over the apparent bias in the design toward those who could hit it a long way, so this year the course will sport a few narrowed landing areas for the longer hitters which match the driving zones of those less fortunate.

Rex Hoggard at GolfChannel.com talked to a few players and Hanse about the changes.

“I felt bad for Gil because he was getting criticized for the redesign, and just said, ‘Here’s the objective view of what I’m seeing and why guys are upset,’” Snedeker said. “Just so it’s more playable and fair for guys who hit it my length. There were times when I was hitting into a fairway that was 12 yards wide, while some of the longer guys are hitting into fairways that were 35 yards wide.

“I understand that length is an advantage but it shouldn’t be a determining factor to the golf tournament, and it seemed like last year length was the overriding factor on who was going to win.”

None of it may matter as Doug Ferguson elaborates in explaining the scenarios facing Doral should a new title sponsor not be found. Though interestingly the PGA Tour has scouted other Miami venues.

If a new sponsor doesn't want to be at Trump Doral, there are not many other options in Miami with the property that can handle size of a World Golf Championship. The tour has looked at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, a strong public course that once hosted a senior event. But with only one road to the course, that might not be practical.

Forward Press: Doral Week On Edge!

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A normal week of Doral intrigue might include Donald Trump spat with his Blue Monster neighbors. But the presumptive Republican nominee is busy with Super Tuesday, with only plans to roll in Sunday for a low profile appearance at the WGC Cadillac.

But this is The Donald, and between his spats with the PGA Tour brass, the expiration of Cadillac's role, player perception of a Blue Monster bias and pre-Masters pressure building, the week seems ripe for something happening like we've never seen. I explain the many dynamics in play in this week's GolfDigest.com Forward Press, along with a preview of the best LPGA field yet as that tour preps for its first major.

We discussed the Doral week issues on Morning Drive:

Video: Don't Mess With The Birds, Chesson

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Got to love the fight in this little guy when he was jokingly harrassed by Chesson Hadley, round one of the Honda Classic. 

In other animal news, Sergio (understandably) looked more concerned with an alligator than his recovery shot.

Forward Press: Goodbye West Coast, Hello Animal-Branded Golf!

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Another wonderful West Coast Swing has ended--the best ever!--and now we move to Florida.

Get ready for our Bear Trap, Blue Monster and Snake Pit drinking games! My column here on the risks and rewards of cozying up to branded knicknames as your course identity.

I didn't know about it, but Golf.com launched a new live talk show today. You can check it out here.