Golf World's 2006 Newsmakers

I know, I vowed never to complain about another list ever again. But Golf World's top 25 newsmakers of 2006 isn't as much a list as it is well, okay it's a list. And I think the warm fall went to the heads of the folks in Wilton.

Here are my gripes, because, you know, it really matters in the big scheme of life.

No. 24 Torrey Pines - actually, this was a great and surprising addition, setting up nicely what may become a huge story in 2007. (That is, the lousy state of affairs at the 2008 U.S. Open site, starting with questions about course conditions.)

No. 23 Drug testing - Fine, leave it out of the top 20 even though you, Golf World did a stellar job last fall looking into this and Tiger made a bold statement that humiliated the Commissioner and further undermined his credibility. Okay, this is probably where it belongs until you see...

No. 22 Super seniors - Jay Haas and Loren Roberts dominating the Champions Tour?  Top 100 maybe. But top 25? This is the Rich Harvest Links of Golf World's list. They're allowed one I guess.

No. 21 Hoylake's surprise - This was a surprise only because of Ron Whitten's misfire review.

No. 20 Hootie's departure - Come on, the man deserves top 10 status. His turbulent tenure certainly warrants a higher spot than...

No. 18 John Daly -  A divorce, a reality show and losing his card does not make this newsworthy. This is simply another year in the life our favorite country crooner!

No. 14 The New TV Deal - Again, this one probably should rank a little higher considering what a huge story it was and will continue to be thanks to the FedEx Cup. This little bit from Stu Schneider's write up caught my eye:

TGC's hiring of Nick Faldo made positive headlines, but the "Why The Golf Channel?" questions still surround the contract, as do other rumors, including the existence of an "out clause" that the tour could exercise at some point.

Well, that would certainly make the 15-year commitment look less ridiculous.

And finally, the ultimate you have to be kidding me...

No. 11 Camillo Villegas

No. 10 Bomb and Gouge crowd

Guys and gals, did we make this list up in February? Villegas didn't win a tournament, Holmes disappeared after CBS crowned him the second coming of Christ and Bubba had a nice year. But Top 10?

Hey, at least the final 9 were spot on.