Credit Tiger Woods for rise of so many young stars, Rickie Fowler says

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The rise of so many young stars is directly attributable to Tiger Woods’ own meteoric rise, according to Rickie Fowler. “There’s no question that all the guys around my age and guys that are coming up…they’d be lying if they said they weren’t motivated by what Tiger was doing,” Fowler said in this story by Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic. “One of the tournaments I remember most is him winning the 1997 Masters…I just turned nine and that was right at the time where I was dreaming of playing on the PGA Tour. Most of the guys around my age, whether they’re a bit older or younger, he had the same effect on them.”

Donald Trump’s presidential run is threatening his golf empire as a result of controversial statements he’s made, James Corrigan of the Telegraph writes. “Trump’s golf portfolio is an important part of his dynasty. He values his 17 courses, which includes the Doonbeg club on the west coast of Ireland, to be worth approximately £1.25 billion, meaning – again by his own estimations – they form almost a quarter of his total assets. With a multi-billion dollar development in Dubai also now in doubt, Trump’s golfing empire could be crumbling.”

Laura Baugh, 60, has had an interesting life to say the least, from LPGA glamour girl to alcoholism that nearly took her life to four marriages and seven kids. Now she’s a teaching pro at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Gary Smits of the Florida Times-Union interviews her about her journey.