Golf Digest Search Results

Keegan Bradley gets last laugh on Jason Dufner with first-round 60

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:11:00 GMT

The ongoing (friendly) battle between Keegan Bradley and Jason Dufner heated up this week, first with some Twitter banter and then with a head-to-head showdown during the first round of the HP Byron Nelson Championship where, as the third man in the group, Matt Kuchar was forced to mediate.

As far as we can tell, the rivalry dates back to the 2011 PGA Championship, when Bradley defeated Dufner in a three-hole aggregate playoff at Atlanta Athletic Club. It gained traction thanks to Dufner's consistent and creative teasing of Bradley's love of Boston sports, and Bradley's success in making the act of Dufnering a national phenomenon. Keegan poked fun at Dufner during Monday night's Bruins game with this tweet, followed by Dufner's dry reply.

Bradley's record on the PGA Tour certainly trumps that of Dufner, a fact that was reinforced by Bradley's first-round 10-under 60 to Dufner's even-par 70. With that 10-shot whooping, Bradley got Dufner back for this Thursday morning prank that Bradley shared via his Instagram account.

Emptying Keegan's bag? Really, Duf Daddy? You can do better than that.

What makes Bradley's 60 in Dufner's company all the more sweet (at least for Bradley fans) is that he outdrove Duf by an average of 14.9 yards. As most golfers know, the best way to settle a friendly dispute is with a long drive contest. Dufner hit it past Bradley only once (on the 1st hole, their 10th), and proceeded to hole out from 129 yards for eagle, so there's a little consolation for the expressionless one. But Bradley hit it past Dufner by 27 yards on the seventh hole (320 to 293) and 34 yards on the 12th (307 to 273). That hurts. So does the 10-shot beat down. Sorry Dufner fans, chalk another one up for Keegan.

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Vijay's case against the PGA Tour isn't as ludicrous as you think

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:48:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

By now you know that Vijay Singh has filed suit against the PGA Tour. Yes, he's suing the organization that let him off the hook after admittedly using a banned substance, the organization that has made him rich and the same organization that named him Player of the Year in 2004. How could he do such a thing?

Singh greets fans during the practice round at The Players Championship. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Forget about Singh's past: the cheating allegations, the unfriendly manner with which he's been known to treat playing partners, the often rude avoidance of the media. Is it possible that the tour acted carelessly because Singh's reputation wasn't worth saving? Singh and his lawyers apparently think so, and the case they've leveled has some compelling elements. Despite the public ridicule the lawsuit has created, Singh's lawyers actually make a few strong points.

• Aside from his cantankerous reputation, Vijay is commonly recognized as the hardest working player on tour. As the lawsuit points out, Singh currently holds the record for most wins after the age of 40. Yes, his negative reputation has only been reinforced by the lawsuit, but his reputation as the hardest working range rat on tour has weakened.

• Paragraphs 12 and 13 of the lawsuit explain the tour's willingness to rely on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for proper testing of banned substances, and to impose action based on the results of that testing, without the slightest effort to verify the accuracy of that information. The tour did not hesitate to suspend Singh and thus left him to deal with the wrath of what the lawyer's claim was baseless action by the tour.

• After the Sports Illustrated story (in which Singh admitted to using deer-antler spray) ran, Vijay provided the Tour with a urine sample (that tested negatively) and a supply of deer-antler spray that the Tour could test. After having the spray tested by UCLA, the tour found no evidence that the spray contained enough IGF-1 to warrant its banning. Furthermore, the tour withheld Singh's earnings during the proposed suspension and alerted Singh that the choice to appeal his suspension would require him to forfeit those earnings, even though he was allowed to continue competing during the appeal process.

• The tour received the results of UCLA's testing on February 14 and, on the same day, sent a letter to Singh notifying him of his violation. Five days later, the Tour notified Singh of his suspension. The timeline of the tour's decision-making process is unclear, but by either deciding on a suspension without proper information about the spray, or by leveling the suspension after finding out about the contents of the spray, the tour seems to have acted preemptively.

• The lawsuit includes a section titled "The Truth about IGF-1" which summarizes UCLA's findings and might be the most interesting aspect of the document. Singh's lawyers point out the biological inactivity of IGF-1 in deer-antler spray in an effort to downplay its effectiveness. They also compare the effect of IGF-1 in the spray to the effect of pouring a shot of bourbon into a pool, then taking a shot of the pool water.

The strengths of the lawsuit do not change the fact that, above all else, Singh admitted to taking a substance that was banned by the PGA Tour. The Tour's Anti-Doping program treats admission of use the same as a positive drug test, meaning Singh has a huge hurdle to clear before this case can gain traction. As in most lawsuits, there are significant barriers that the plaintiff must overcome (the tour's bylaws include language that protects against legal action from members on tour decisions), however, Singh and his lawyers have created a compelling case that's worthy of attention and could have a lasting impact on the Tour's drug-testing policy and procedures.

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The book on Pete Dye

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

Island dreams: Pete Dye at TPC Sawgrass during construction. Photo courtesy Ken. E. May

Famous course architect and World Golf Hall of Fame member Pete Dye has released a new edition of his autobiography, Bury Me In A Pot Bunker. Written with Mark Shaw, it depicts the creation of 25 classic Dye designs, including TPC Sawgrass Stadium, Harbour Town, Whistling Straits and The Ocean Course at Kiawah.

Available on Amazon.com in paperback ($17) or for the Kindle ($9), the book is rich with insight on course design and, with stunning photography, includes a collection of humorous phrases -- or "Dye-isms" -- often spoken by the legendary architect. Although low scores on Dye's layouts are notoriously elusive, Dye isn't shy about sharing his secrets. "If players pay attention," he says, "they can outthink me or any designer who's trying to hoodwink them into attempting the difficult, gambling shot."

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Flex Appeal: There's a shaft for that

Derek Evers — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:08:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler Getting shafted: Answer eight questions about your game, and this app will make suggestions. The complexity of custom-shaft options has been a source of confusion for decades, but a new app makes...

Samuel L. Jackson names his pick for the best celebrity golfer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:42:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

During a recent drive to the golf course, golf fanatic Samuel L. Jackson was accosted by a TMZ crew and asked who the best celebrity golfer is. To those who don't follow golf tournaments for a living, his answer may come as a surprise. But for us in the Golf Digest/Golf World Office, Jackson hit the nail right on the head with his response.

"Kenny G," he said without hesitation.

Yes, Kenny G, the 56-year-old saxophonist, is the best celebrity golfer. In 2006, he was ranked first on our list of the Top 100 musician golfers and carried a handicap index of 0.6.

Kenny G is a regular participant in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and, with partner Phil Mickelson, shared the Pro-Am title with Tiger Woods and Jerry Chang in 2001. Not bad for a saxophonist competing against a field of players sporting bloated handicaps.

While he's certainly got game, it's hard to say how many PGA Tour players are fans of Kenny G's music. Without even being asked, longtime caddie Kip Henley (currently on Brian Gay's bag) provided a little insight today via Twitter:

It's okay, Kip. The tickets were for your wife, right?

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Video: Ex-ballplayer gives golf lesson during TV segment

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:55:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

The fact that professional baseball players enjoy playing golf certainly isn't breaking news. But when MLB Network analysts take the time during a taping of a show to display their affection for golf, we love it!

Kevin Millar, former big leaguer and current co-host alongside Chris Rose of the MLB Network show "Intentional Talk", recently took a brief lesson with Golf Channel's Michael Breed at Manhattan Woods Golf Club in Nyack, NY, and was eager to show off what he learned. (Of less importance is the sound Millar's shoulder makes when he takes the club back at 0:24. Ouch.)

Based on Millar's demonstration, he seems to have a pretty good understanding of the swing. He also must be a serious golfer to have "hit balls for two hours in 38 degree misting rain."

Making sure your hips beat your shoulders to the ball is a great tip for golfers of any skill level. Proper hip movement prevents a lot of swing problems and is the foundation of a good, repeatable swing. Thanks for the free lesson, Kevin. Cowboy Up!

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The Art Of Winning

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:55:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

Masters Jack: Nicklaus winning at Augusta National in '65.

Perhaps the greatest feat in golf -- Jack Nicklaus' 18 majors -- is recognized through 18 original paintings from golf specialist Walt Spitzmiller. Spitzmiller spent eight years making the originals (which will be available for purchase at a later date). He also created a leather-bound portfolio of 18-by-24-inch versions of the paintings, with text from former Golf Digest Senior Editor Don Wade highlighting each tournament.

Only 100 copies of the collector's item portfolio -- signed by Spitzmiller and Nicklaus -- have been made, and each is numbered: Nos. 1-18 and 100 are priced at $7,500 and Nos. 19-99 are going for $5,000. To learn more about Jack's Majors Portfolio, visit jacksmajors.com.

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Golf World Monday: Masters field gets set

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:01:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

The conclusion of the Shell Houston Open meant the finalizing of the Masters field (except for the spot saved for the winner of this week's Valero Texas Open, provided he is not already invited).

Among those who locked up spots in the World Ranking's top 50 was Henrik Stenson, whose final-round 66 earned him a T-2 at Houston, where he needed to finish no worse than solo 13th. Fredrik Jacobson and Richard Sterne have also earned trips to Augusta, despite neither having played last week.

Narrowly missing out on a spot was Augusta native Charles Howell II, who needed to finish fifth in Houston but finished T-10, with middle rounds of 72-70 hurting his cause.

Marcel Siem, who won the European Tour's Trophee Hassan II, temporarily sat inside the top 50 (at No. 49) but was edged by the finishes of Stenson and Russell Henley. The latter shot 68 Sunday in Houston, where a T-45 landed him No. 50 on the ranking, .0251 points ahead of Siem.

Former U.S. Open champ Geoff Ogilvy, who began his week at No. 50, missed the cut in Texas, dropped outside the magic number and withdrew from this week's San Antonio event after playing 10 of the last 11 weeks.

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A Q&A with Morning Drive host and Tiger Woods' buddy Ahmad Rashad

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:37:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler

Ahmad Rashad is a former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver who played a total of 10 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Cardinals. Upon retirement, Rashad began a successful career in sports broadcasting. Now, he can be seen daily on Golf Channel's morning show, Morning Drive.

Rashad has befriended some of the most famous athletes and celebrities in the world throughout his career, and regularly plays golf with two of his closest friends, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. How connected is he? We asked Rashad who he'd most like to play golf with that he hasn't already. He was stumped.

Ahmad Rashad at the 2005 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Photo: A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

You were once an NFL star. Then you became an NBA analyst, and now, all of a sudden, you're on Golf Channel. What has allowed you to make the transition from sport to sport so easily?

I first got into this business when I was still playing for the Vikings. I worked at a CBS affiliate and did football, baseball, girls' high school basketball -- everything. I wanted to be able to do any sport; that was always the challenge. Having been a football player, most viewers associated me with just that. It was tough to go from football to basketball, but what really helped was that my show, Inside Stuff, was personality driven. I was recognized by players and fans as someone who not only had a passion for the game, but was somewhat knowledgeable about it.

Getting into golf was another change. I readily took this challenge knowing I had to approach it the same way I did my other jobs. It's all about the personalities and the people. NBC producer Dick Ebersol always taught me that if you can show the fans what the players are like -- and get the fans interested in them -- then they're more likely to watch. I've always taken that approach.

You've been friends with Tiger Woods for a long time and have played a lot of golf with him. How did the relationship begin, and how has it evolved?

Tiger Woods has been one of my best friends for 25 years. I first met Tiger at an event I was hosting in Chicago; he was getting an award. Tiger's father Earl knew about me and introduced me to his son. We stayed in contact and eventually started spending a lot of time playing golf and talking. We both ended up living in Jupiter, Fla., and now we spend a lot of time together, playing a lot of golf. I get a lot of insight into the tour and the players through Tiger.

So what's it like down there in Jupiter? Where do you play most of your golf?

I'm a member at the Bear's Club and Old Palm. My neighbors now are Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Keegan Bradley -- these are guys I play golf with on a regular basis. I'm an OK golfer and to have a chance to play with these guys regularly is unbelievable. Rory McIlroy lives around the corner. Here I am just now entering the golf world, and one weekend I play with Tiger and Rory. I don't know how you do better homework than that.

When you play golf with Tiger and these other guys, do they give you any tips on your swing?

I only get tips if I ask. It's never a teaching lesson. But the difference with Tiger is that I practice with him. We'll spend the whole day practicing and not play a hole. But when I'm with Keegan or Luke or some of the other guys, we're just out playing. We're having a great time in each other's company. I'm telling funny stories from ages ago and they're telling me stuff about golf. They're my good friends who I enjoy spending four hours with laughing and having a great time.

Related: The NFL's Top Gridiron Golfers

Do you feel pressure when you're playing with them?

I put the pressure on them! They're the best in the world but if they give me enough strokes, they really have to play well to beat me. They never want to lose so they're not giving me putts. Keegan tells me I'm a human ATM machine. That's how serious he is about beating me. I said to him the other day, "You know, I'm the only guy you've beaten in weeks."

It's not about the money, he just loves to take my money. Same with Michael [Jordan]. These guys are really prepared to take our money. We give them a lot of heat, too. If a guy hasn't won on tour in a while, Michael will tell them, "You know, you might as well stay here and play me all week."

You say you're not that great of a golfer, but for some reason, I doubt that.

My handicap is 3. I always have to play the back tees with these guys. But here's where Tiger gets me -- rather than playing the back tees, he'll play one step off the back tee box. So if the hole is 460, we're playing it from 490. He's hitting 7 iron into the green and I'm hitting 3 wood. But when you play with great players it's on you to keep up. You can't be hacking balls in the bushes. That puts a little pressure on me. I'm a strong 3, I'm comfortable with that. I just love the game.

What else do these guys do on a regular basis to really challenge themselves?

I see Luke [Donald] in the morning hitting balls on the range, and I'll go back out at night and he's still hitting balls. I'll go play another 18 and he's still there. Same with Rory. Sun up to sun down, just bangin' balls. The next day, Luke's on the putting green for hours. People don't understand the work that goes into it. Then I think, when I was a receiver I caught millions of balls! That's the same approach Michael had to basketball: practice as hard as possible. You don't become great by thinking you're great. Working gives you all the confidence in the world.

Related: Deron Williams Interview

Let's talk about the gig on Morning Drive. It must take quite a toll on you with the hours and preparation. How are you handling that, and how do you like being a golf analyst?

Here's the thing: I'm not and will never be a golf analyst. We have guys on the show that are former pro golfers. They analyze. I try to ask the questions that the fan at home would ask. I can analyze the mental approach to the game, but I can't analyze swings or any of that. And I don't try to.

I'm just lucky to have a ringside seat to watch the best in the world. I played with Tiger and Rory last week and it didn't hit me that I was playing with the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked golfers in the world until halfway through the round. Tiger was giving me ten shots and I was just trying hard to beat him.

What is the relationship between Rory and Tiger like?

When they first met, it was one of the most beautiful things to see because of the mutual respect they have for each other's accomplishments. But they still are very competitive with each other. That's what happens in sports. When I first started playing in the NFL, I wanted to play against the best cornerbacks in the league. I really wanted the guys that were a little old. I was young and strong and respected them but wanted to compete against them. That's the way it is with Rory and Tiger. They respect each other, but they both would like to be in a situation where they're competing in a major. It wasn't a love fest, just a respectful encounter. They are wonderful friends. It really was a beautiful thing to see.

What do you make of this rivalry talk?

You can't create rivalries -- they have to develop on their own. We won't see a Tiger-Rory rivalry until it really happens. Rivalries come from one guy winning half the time and the other guy winning half the time. Rory's got a handful of wins and Tiger's got seventy-six. That's not a rivalry. But Tiger knows he needs something like that. When a young guy comes on, you want to go after him. That's the beauty of sport.

Where do you see Tiger's career heading? Does he break Jack Nicklaus' record?

I think Tiger, for the first time in a lot of years, is healthy. He doesn't have those swing woes he was having last year. I think he's really in a great space right now. I think he wins a major this year. I think he breaks Jack's record. It's inevitable. He's played so many years with injuries and has gone through some swing changes. Those are gone now. He's the best he's been in years and he's such a positive guy. He's the closest thing to Michael -- confidence wise -- that I've met.

He puts the work in and that's where the cockiness, the positivity, come from. It's not something you just wake up and you have. It's something that you develop over years.

I've played with him so many times, but there isn't a round where he doesn't dazzle me at least seven or eight times. He'll hit shots than I never even thought about. It's unbelievable! I know how much he wants it. I covered Michael, and Tiger's the same way. Everyday they go out to prove how good they are to themselves.

I know Michael is one of the greatest trash talkers in all of sports, but besides him, who is the best on the golf course?

Tiger. Definitely. He can really needle. But he can get needled too. It takes a lot of talent to trash talk. It's funny because I played a game where all we did was trash talk. And I didn't understand it because all they were doing was waking me up. You wouldn't know it, but Keegan Bradley is a great trash talker.

Now I know I stumped you earlier, but there has to be someone that you are dying to play golf with.

You know, there is. Lee Westwood keeps challenging me. I really want a piece of him after all that talk. He just moved to the neighborhood. But he's only going to give me two shots a side. I might as well just give him the money.

I've played some golf with Michelle Wie, and she's great. I'd like to play with some of the other girls on the LPGA, especially Stacy Lewis. Man, I'm just lucky to be where I am. It's amazing the opportunities I've had, just to be around a game I'm so passionate about. I'm really lucky.

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It's a cover-up

Derek Evers — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:25:00 GMT

By Brendan Mohler Sticker shock: Is that a driver or are you just happy to see me?As color and customization flood golf, Club Crown has taken the trend to another level. Its $40 decals...