Week In Review, March 4-11: Ohio GA On The Ball

Another wild week in golf, kicked off by news that Torrey Pines has been put up as collateral.

At Doral, Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks talked about flogging and why perhaps it works, though they also left out a few reasons too. Tiger's won with some eye-opening flog numbers, prompting reader Greg to note that the "Johnny Miller ford 'flogging' was barfworthy."

Carolyn Bivens spoke to Golf World's Ryan Herrington and as usual, sounded ridiculous talking about "brand consistency" and other nonsense. Reader NRH summed the Bivens era best: The early returns show: "Resignation of a by the book, but well-liked 18 year veteran tournament official.The Wie and Annika-Creamer rulings controversies. Picking a fight with the AP in the name of 'protecting the brand.' The joke of the women's world rankings debut. Excitement over being included in the Oscars goodie bag...Wow, does this mean I care about the LPGA? Hey, at least their club selection is more in line with the average Joe."

We also saw the future of the LPGA attending Oscar parties, prompting reader Pete to comment: "LPGA = Divas hitting Drivers. Why don't we see Tiger and the fellas at the Oscars? Oh yeah, that's right. Because they're athletes not dress-up dolls."

MacDuff weighed in with his analysis of a possible FedEx Cup points list through Doral, and it definitely rewards those who play frequently (and great play).

On the subject of FedEx, it was noted here that you will notice the name "PGA Tour" disappearing and FedEx Cup replacing it next year. Big K said, "I just hope the 'FedEx Reliability Zone' does not become an integral part of golf broadcasts. I was pretty sick of that graphic by the end of the Doral tournament. I can't wait for the Cialis 'Knock it Stiff' shot of the day..."

George Peper continued to atone for editorial sins, and we readers are the beneficiaries. Well I'm enjoying his columns, anyway. Reader R.A.C. noted that "isn't there more than a twinge of irony in providing the 10 over-rated, in the same breath as confessing his sins???"  And about that overrated list of Peper's, reader Hank noted that "As far as TCC being overrated because its a "composite" course used only for majors. Well, that's not true. It is played many times during the year with all tee times full."

Speaking of awards, the GWAA handed out its usual awards. You can read my third place finisher, and Golfweek has posted Brad Klein's 1st place winner here.

Speaking of Klein and awards, the Golfweek rankings were posted this week, with Cypress Point finally overtaking Pine Valley as No. 1 (not that I think it's unworthy of the top spot, but Pine Valley's recent elimination of sandy waste areas in favor of turf is alarming).

The big story of the week was written by Jim Achenbach (but first revealed by Lorne Rubenstein in December). The Ohio Golf Association is going to try a reduced flight ball in a special invitational event this summer.

Reader Dan D'Arrigo wrote, "I think the OGA is taking a proactive approach to protecting the integrity of the game. In my thirty years of playing golf I have seen the game change dramatically and I am convinced that some of the changes have not been for the best long term interest of the game."

And Brett commented, "Ohio has figured it out. Why pay millions upon millions of dollars to stretch out existing golf courses, to then find your drive has ended up in the same fairway location as it did 8 years ago, and you still have the same club into that green as before? Instead of spending boo-kooos of dollars, their going to go back to a golf ball that makes total sense from a dollar and "sense" point of view. Way to go, BIG O!"

Week In Review, Feb. 26-March 4: Crack In The Code

John Huggan kindly spent a few minutes fielding intense questions for edition No. 2 of Taking Aim.

Geoff Ogilvy won the match play, but once again La Costa's design proved itself to be the most boring arena imaginable for match play, prompting me to regurgitate complaints about the lack of a "match play" course to host the event. And Ned Ludd wondered, "Wouldn't it be cool if the Golf Channel was able to telecast the Crump Cup? Match play at PVGC with the top ranked mid-amatuers would be great viewing."

But we learned new details about the future site of the WGC match play, including how much The Gallery is paying to host the event. That information provided an interesting contrast to the situation at Innisbrook, which is paid to host a Tour event.

Commissioner Tim Finchem talked to the media on Sunday at La Costa, and as always, offered several new terms and roundabout ways of making a simple answer sound, well, not simple.

Talk of the FedEx Cup and the effort to come up with a point system prompted Sean Murphy to point out that "Every race on the schedule is worth the same amount of NASCAR points. There are no "unimportant" races. I love this NASCAR philosophy. Damn, these guys have to put in their time, which allows their fans to actually get to see them more often, in order to receive the Big PAY-OFF."

Reader Macduff came up with a fairly simple points system and his own Top 70 through the WGC Match Play can be viewed here.

While the "Where's the Balance" thread set a new record for posts, Titleist's anonymous commentary calling out the Orlando Sentinel's Steve Elling and his "biased" take on technology led to this commentary by Ryan Ballangee. He followed up with a 19th Hole Golf Show interview with Elling.

And Elling rebutted the anonymous commentary in his weekly golf column, prompting Smolmania to note: "The media's starting to get on board. The question becomes, will the public?"

Speaking of bias against acting for the good of the game, Elling's in elite company. The King spoke out about distance this week. Surely the LA Times has been added to the "biased" list of publications daring to report the comments of a golfing legend who clearly regrets his stance on the ERC driver.

Golf World's Jaime Diaz looked at flogging, bringing the worst kept secret to a mainstream magazine from one of the game's top writers. The secret is really out, and when people look at the cause (distance, bad course setup), will they consider proper remedies?

Crankpot, apparently not content with posting on his own equipment manufacturer sponsored blog, gave us an insight into how the growing minority will be trying to shape the debate: "This - and almost every other article like it - ASSUMES that technology is the sole and driving (pardon the pun) reason behind increases in driving distance in some sort of self-justifying loop. Technology caused the boom in driving distatnce because of technology. Real logic doesn't work that way."
 
On a lighter note, Carolyn Bivens continued her push to make past LPGA commissioners look brilliant with her latest marketing nonsense.

And in the big story of the week that will continue to be discussed for the next month, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer criticized changes to Augusta National. Reader Steve wrote, "Before the changes, I always regarded AN as the 'ultimate members course' capable of having a major tournament without alterations or the growing of rough."

A spokesman for Hootie Johnson said that "Mr. Johnson has no opinion about their comments. Every past champion is entitled to his point of view." That prompted reader RThompson to write "Listening to Jack and Arnold, and becoming more and more educated by your blog Geoff, it would now seem inevitable that Chris [DiMarco] start experimenting with some of those Vijay length drivers, and soon."

And GeorgeM said, "Hootie should know better. This was not 'every past champion'. These are ANGC members and multiple winners of their little invitational."

Finally, Mark Brown, an important modern day writer whose founding of Links Magazine helped paved the way for someone like me to learn about architecture and write about it, passed away this week. Brad Klein offered this remembrance. 

Weeks In Review: Feb. 12-25: Nissan Week

With L.A. Open in progress I was unable to do a week in review, so here's just some of what has been posted the last two weeks.

We learned that pro-technology Acushnet is seeking a patent for a reduced flight ball, prompting reader Jonathan Cummings to ask "why in the world is this so hard? Developing a shorter ball is child's play from a technical standpoint."

Frank Hannigan analyzed the Jim Vernon speech that made many manufacturer lawyers salivate.

I obtained another exclusive transcript of those wacky PGA Tour Policy Board meetings.

David Fay's recent comments questioning the importance of governing the game for elite players elicited this from reader JPB: "The answer is the USGA governs for all players. Golf has gotten to this point because there have been rules on equipment, rules on amateur status, and a sense of etiquette and sportsmanship. Pro golf has profited because of these things, and so has the USGA. The answer is not to abandon the rules and tradition, but to celebrate them and strengthen them. Pro golf can thrive, as can amateur and recreational play."

Speaking of the USGA, they debuted a super cool new search engine this week, though reader MacDuff reminded us that it's not quite so cool for those using dial-up.

News of The Country Club's interest in the 2013 U.S. Open prompted Ned Ludd to say the USGA shoudl forget the Composite Course and "combine the Clyde and Squirrel in their entireties into one 14000 yard course. Will make for some really weird doglegs, but we are assured it will identify the best flogger...er...I mean golfer. Gas up the jet, Walter, we're goin' to Beantown!"

The Nissan Open at Riviera was kicked off with a look at the most recent course meddling, name at the 3rd, 9th and 12th holes.

I offered up daily reports from Riviera. Here they are should you want to relive this great moment in blogging history. Vol 1, Vol 2 (which included the J.B. Holmes press conference where he talked about how he doesn't work out), Vol 3, Vol 4, Vol 5, Vol 6, Vol 7 and the wrap up.

We learned about Ernie Els' bizarre trip to Hawaii in between the match play and Nissan, prompting some interesting remarks from you all.

At the Nissan, Rory Sabbatini nearly created the early frontrunner for wacky story of the year by deciding to change irons before the final round.

My Nissan Notes column for Golfobserver.com looked at the effort by Mrs. Sabbatini, the 10th hole and other assorted bits from the event. I also looked at the 12th hole courtesy of ShotLink.

Steve Elling looked at the USGA's rough plans for Winged Foot.

And I followed up with some photos of two holes that will not feature the new "tiered" rough.

Just as things were seemingly going well for the LPGA Tour, they decided to pick a fight with the media, a move which Robert Thompson summed up nicely when he said, "I don't have any sense of why the LPGA, at this critical stage in its development, would wade into a copyright issue that it can't win. AP brings coverage of its events to all those papers in small and mid-sized cities through the U.S. and Canada -- why mess with that? I suspect this has something to do with Bivens' background in advertising and the general disdain that many in advertising have for the editorial side of the equation."

We learned that Cog Hill is going to be Rees-tored soon, prompting Smolmania to write: "My only fear about this whole process is the horror stories which have been documented about Torrey Pines. It seems that many (most?) long-time players don't enjoy the renovations to the South Course, and now we've got Mr. Jones in charge of our local gem. I hope that in the search for acceptance by the USGA -and isn't that a scary concept - that Joe Lee and Joe Jemsek's goal of a country club quality public course doesn't go by the wayside."

I made my usual plea for the stymie to appear in a big time match play event and was met with the usual jaded responses. Where's your sense of fun?

And finally, things in golf got back to normal with a  commentary from someone at Titleist about the evil media, prompting Sean Murphy to share an interesting perspective on the golf ball and the transition to a power game that you won't want to miss.

Week In Review, Feb 5-11: J.B. and Jim

The week started off with a look at the election of Walter Driver to the USGA presidency and his inaugural Q&A.  Driver's annual meeting address was posted online, with the new USGA prez taking the opportunity to talk a whole lot about himself, prompting Ned Ludd to wonder "if President Oversized Driver has ever invited the parking attendant in the bottom of his building to a friendly round, or even to wash his hands with the Pine Valley Soap."

That didn't stop Jim Achenbach from declaring Driver a man of the people because of his speech (which included an introduction from Arnold Palmer (the jet fuel tab on that must have been pretty high if he came from the desert!).

Speaking of jet fuel, many of you jaded cynics wrote in to predict that Walter Driver and Fred Ridley used the USGA jet card to transport themselves to the AT&T pro-am, where they are playing to inspect Pebble Beach for the 2010 U.S. Open. Naturally, I'm sure they flew commercial.

The real USGA highlight came later in the week with the posting of Jim Vernon's annual meeting speech on equipment and where his committee stands with its research. The address was a landmark moment for a group that has in recent years struggled to take a stand, and now appears to be laying the ground work for a monumental decision. Stay tuned...

J.B. Holmes became this week's next great American hope with his stunning win at Scottsdale. On Saturday he displayed Spackler-esque distance, hitting an 8-iron from 198.

The inkslingers of America jumped on his bandwagon, already forgetting boring ole Bubba Watson (who they realized is not exactly the world's greatest interview). Holmes is working on his graduate degree in flogging at the young age of 23, and while Crankpot chimed in to point out that he lead the field in putting, Tom G reminded us that "Putts/GIR is a somewhat misleading stat. If you are hitting a wedge into every hole, the chances are greater that you will be closer to the hole for your birdie putt than the guy hitting 5-iron in there."

J.B.'s post round talk mentioned his 4 iron from 257 and his 3-wood into 17, prompting reader Jay to ask, "Are we entering an era where we say “what a shot!” even on a drive??"  This story on the flogging at Scottsdale suggested that the hard and fast fairways were the cause of Holmes' drives, and then went on to contradict itself repeatedly.

The Tour driving distance average jumped 2 yards but figures to take a hit this week at Pebble where most of the bombers are not playing and where the fog rolled in Friday.

I wondered if the Tour is on board with the USGA in case of a lawsuit, while reader NRH brought up a good question that hopefully someone can help answer: "wondering if any other visitors to this site with a knowledge of the law and restraint of trade precedent could inform us as to how such a case would likely turn out (beyond who has the best/most expensive attorneys of course)."

John Huggan slammed the Tour for not handling the World Golf Championships better, in a week when everyone finally noticed that the 2007 WGC's are all scheduled to be played in the U.S.

Tiger Woods reminded us that he's a traditionalist at heart, shooting down the notion that distance measuring devices should be allowed in pro golf. As usual a debate broke out on this hot-button issue and in light of that, I started a thread on the question of skill and these devices.

Jim Nugent of Golfweek made the LOL funny claim that Tiger could play in the NFL to assuage his advertisers prove that the equipment must not be regulated.

Gary Van Sickle's latest column elicited quite a bit of discussion on the issue of shorts on the PGA Tour, with The Duke questioning a photo caption including Tiger in shorts: "Letting players wear shorts might get marquee players like Tiger Woods to enter more tournaments."

I looked at the USGA's latest attempt to prevent flogging, and it seems they are going about it about as badly as you can imagine.

And if you don't to read all of this stuff, I appeared on Ryan Ballengee's excellent 19th Hole Golf Show to discuss most of these topics. The show also includes a chat with Frank Thomas about his recent survey.

Week In Review, Jan 29-Feb 4: A Bit of Everything

John Huggan kicked off the week by chatting with R&A secretary Peter Dawson, who elaborated on the R&A's interest in square grooves, prompting reader Smolmania to write: "Do they really think that my 64 degree Dave Pelz wedge is a danger to the game? Or, is it the fact that at age 48 I can now hit my driver 30 yards further in the air than I could at age 35? It's the balls you dopes!"

There was also a story of Dawson traveling to Turnberry soon to help make changes to the storied Open venue, causing Ned Ludd to ask for a minor rewrite of Mike Aitken's story.

Huggan also looked at the future of the European Tour and the state of the PGA Tour, leading to an interesting discussion and post from the Big K.

We tried to figure out Peter Kostis's comments during the Buick final round telecast. There was also this week's driving distance watch and a look at Tiger's flogging at Torrey Pines.

I had some fun looking at the player-architect comments made while visiting their Dubai designs, and reader Jay offered memories of life in Dubai.

News of the Walker Cuppers at the White House prompted a mild college athletics dispute to break out.

Speaking of non-stories, there was the uh "news" that Riviera has requested the 2009 Presidents Cup, but based on the quotes from the PGA Tour rep, this isn't something they are taking seriously.

A story on the lack of regulation in bowling prompted some great insights from reader Al.

Thanks to reader Chris for helping me find Tiger's fascinating remarks about the demise of shotmaking. They appeared in a Jaime Diaz Golf Digest story.

Another week and more thoughts on the PGA Tour schedule, this time the reality hit home that there isn't much "World" in the World Golf Championships.

I thought reader Pete offered a cool, though logistically difficult idea to spice things up: "Make it like the America's Cup in sailing. The year's winner gets to select a host course in his country for one of next year's events. Even more exciting, let the winner pick a course anywhere in the world to have one of the events. Limitations: a pre-set course list to choose from, and you can't choose a course for which you were involved with the design. Now, THAT's got some zip to it. Ernie Els wins, and we're off to South Africa for a tourney! How's that for excitement? Best of all: With only a year's notice, the courses could only be mangled so much, and would not get US Open-ified."

On USGA Jetgate, I wrote about the ramifications of this, Golf World ran a note acknowleding this site's report and I posed questions for those attending the annual meeting, though the follow ups from readers were much better than mine.

Jim Achenbach's Golfweek story on two sets of rules raised a few questions on this end, but it doesn't mean we are not grateful for Achenbach's passion on the issue (and willingness to take chances).

Week In Review, Jan 22-28: USGA Jet Use

The week kicked off with the first exclusive to this site and ended with a pair of notable contributions.

Scrutinized was the USGA's use of private jet travel for its president (and controlled by the sitting president). The first follow up looked at the cost based on published estimates, another highlighted the comments of USGA Executive Director David Fay, while we wrapped up the quest for details with a firm no from USGA spokesman Marty Parkes.

More interesting than my musings were reader comments, which are viewable here and here, and which would seem to indicate that the USGA has an image problem.

Former USGA Executive Director Frank Hannigan wrote to this site and raised many issues that will be analyzed next week (I know, you can't wait).

In other news, David Davies joined the technophobic agenda crowd while Chris Lewis looked at the future of the game and wasn't wild about what he saw.

Bill Kratzert talked to Garry Smits about the repercussions of the Tour TV deal and its 2007 departure from ESPN.

Again, reader comments were very interesting on Taylor Made's use of michellewiegolf.com. Thanks again to reader Tuco for the heads up, and to all of the readers who helped out this week. I couldn't do it without your help.

My latest Golfdom column arrived just in time for the PGA Show. The hate mail has slowed...for now.

Tiger Woods talked about the changes to Augusta National and offered some wisdom about setting up the course when its wet.

And finally, there were so many great comments this week on various posts (thanks for the contributions, please keep it up), but I'd hate to not recognize the input of touring professional Sean Murphy.  He commented on Jeff Rude's story, where Murphy was mentioned (and constructively criticized).

Week In Review Jan 15-21: '07 Schedule Fallout

It was a week of firsts here. Record traffic with 25,000 hits and yes, I have included Google Adsense in the lefthand column so that I could better understand how Google makes so much money. Despite many people kindly clicking on the ads, revenue to date might cover a Frapuccino...tall.

Also debuting was the Taking Aim interview with Stu Schneider of Golf World. I've already warned several writers (and I'm hoping a few Tour players) that I'm going to be IM'ing soon.

While we're on the firsts front, we learned that Roman soldiers may have invented golf, not the Chinese or the Dutch or even Donald Trump.

Jim Achenbach followed up his Golfweek prediction that the USGA would roll back the ball this year with an online column fleshing out the same topic.

There was bad news for muni's hosting big time events (besides the fact that they probably need to add another 500 yards of length because the guys are working out so much), at Harding Park and Torrey Pines.

The Tour TV deal and 2007 schedule news continued to be the big story, led by the growing sense of shock over the 15-year commitment to The Golf Channel. John Hawkins touched on the ESPN issue.

Paul Azinger was the only player to issue particularly strong comments. He also says we can look forward to unfiltered commentary from him this year.

The tournaments themselves reacted to the TV deal in several articles. And writers looked at the deal, starting with Thomas Boswell, who blasted the handling of the TPC Avenel event in the Washington Post.

Frank Hannigan's Golfobserver.com column was great fun (as always), while Scott Michaux made a subtle but important point about a Masters-related impact of the deal.

Robert Bell looked at how Greensboro got a better date and revealed some interesting details.

I considered the signals this backward step should (but won't) send to the Tour about course setup, pace of play and the power game.  Several looked at winners and losers, including Gary Van Sickle, Ed Sherman and Steve Elling.

Doug Ferguson analyzed whether the little guy would get squeezed in the new deal, while Lorne Rubenstein looked at the Canadian Open's fate.

Golf World's Ron Sirak called the new TV deal "pure magic" and suggested that the Tour may have intentionally run off ABC while Rex Hoggard talked to tournament directors and questioned the length of the contract with The Golf Channel.

In other Tour news, Ty Votaw joined the Tour and took on a most ironic job title.  We (well, I) continued to look at the driving distance numbers. And we may have to create a Bubba Watson watch, now that the Nationwide distance king is on the PGA Tour.

Speaking of Bubba, we learned that the entire power game is really why golf is in the situation it is in thanks to Tim Rosaforte.

So many good comments from readers this week. Not sure where to start, but here goes:

Mark Smolens on the Achenbach ball post: "Until the non-governing bodies of the game step up, the Bubba Watsons of the new age are going to continue to make golf courses look silly. I know that people like CB McDonald were making these very same protestations of doom many years ago, but it's now becoming reality."

Pete the Luddite on the same thread: "When did tennis "jump the shark" or start to die in terms of viewership and popularity? When guys like Phillipousis (spp?) started winning with the cannon-speed serves and no other fundamental game elements. Tennis bacame a boring, for TV at least, sport where the server bombed it, the receiver lunged, and you moved to the next point. Who cares about golf when it's: blast it as far as possible (Hi, Vijay!), then pull out one of your 5 wedges to flip it onto the green. There's no need for players to focus on true shotmaking anymore."

The Big K came clean about watching the Big Break and I admire him for it. We should support him: "I for one wish everyone would cease and desist on the 'Big Break' jokes. I know, I know, but I kinda like the show. To me, golf is about performing under pressure, whatever that pressure is: a $2 nassau or your best round ever or just that approach shot on the hole you always seem to screw up. That's why I don't watch a tournament when someone is six strokes ahead with 5 to go. No mind-racing, stomach wilting, vision-blurring pressure (OK, that's what happens to me). OK, I admit the show is presented in melodramatic fashion. But that is why man invented the digital video recorder.  OK, I feel better. My secret is out."

Hey, I TiVo'd John Daly's show...while we're in the confessing mood.

Finally on the DC schedule, uh, shift, Jonathon and Mike M's comments were insightful too. Actually the whole thread with the help of sodface, njmike and Smolens is fun.

Thanks for the comments, look forward to more. 

Week In Review Jan 8-14: New TV Deal

John Huggan got the week off to a wonderful start with his Sunday column looking at the 2006 season and beyond.

Charles Howell likened Augusta National to Torrey Pines and struggled to say nice things about the redo. But he never said anything negative either. Oh just read the post.

We had our first driving distance watch and dispelled the myth that Kapalua has been artificially inflating the averages.

The college coaches signed up a third distance measuring device corporate sponsor, making them about the only body in golf pushing the devices for competition.

Lawrence Donegan introduced us to Steve Otto, R&A ball scientist who had some interesting things to say about the "miracle ball" concept that was widely denied to exist.

Meanwhile Peter Dawson insisted again that the distance issue has plateaued and nothing has changed over the last three years, ignoring evidence to the contrary.

But of course the big news of the week came from Ponte Vedra where Tim Finchem announced a new TV deal and his press conference raised more questions than it answered. On Friday afternoon (hmmm...someone else releases bad news then...) the Tour released its 2007 schedule with some stunning changes. More on that this week. Look for writers in towns that lost events to rip the Tour, and writers in towns saved by the bell to praise Finchem's streamlining.

I'm offering a major award to the first golf writer to actually contemplate whether the PGA Tour's "product" was less appealing to networks because of influences such as the Tour's anti-birdie approach to setup, slow play or the power game.

The early round-ups indicated the golf media thinks the 15-year deal is pretty impressive, all things considered (though they won't consider what those things are that are dragging the game down). Even Larry Bohannan was positive despite the dreadful deal the Bob Hope Classic is receiving.

We offered this flashback looking at comments following the last TV deal.

And finally, the SF Chronicle revealed the stunning budget overruns at Harding Park.

Comment of the week comes from Ned Ludd, commenting on Donald Trump's planned entry into the uh, Scottish marketplace: The warm welcome by the locals sounds like something from the movie "Local Hero"; play the chap for all the money they can. Doubt the ending will be as good.

Big points for citing one of my all time favorites Ned! Local Hero that is, not Donald Trump. 

Week In Review Jan 1-7: ABC Out

A lot of bloggers recap the week and I'm not really sure why. Therefore, I'm joining the week-in-review club.

Besides looking back at posts from the week, I'll sometimes highlight discussion threads and user comments of the week (just in case you missed them). 

Which reminds me, I've started a thread on the Discuss Tournaments page about Kapalua and the new look greens. Curious what you all think.

Since Sunday:

• Lonard and Campbell had some interesting comments about the Mercedes no-shows.
  
• I previewed the year in tournament courses while Steve Elling looked at possible stories for 2006.
  
• Stu Schneider had the first scoop on the TV deal. The big news of the wee was not pretty for fans or the Tour: ABC is out.  Others weighed in. I asked a question.  John Steinbreder reported later in the week that ESPN had walked away from the negotiating table. And Larry Bohannon wrote what many are sensing: that ego is may be getting in the way of common sense.
• Jerry Potter interviewed Tim Finchem, who had little of interest to say, though he did slip on the subject of the USGA "experimenting" with rolled back balls. 
  
• I rambled on about lack of truly thrilling do-or-die situations in golf that leads to thought provoking Monday-morning quarterbacking.
• And Dan G. started a thread on what people are watching this year.
  

There were plenty of fine reader comments this week, highlighted by this from Mark Smolens on the news that the Tour was cutting its purse subsidies by 12%:

So the Western Golf Association, whose entire reason for existence is to provide college educations for kids who caddy, is supposed to come up with an additional 12% for its purse? Kinda makes that Drive for a Billion seem like nothing more than words doesn't it?