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PGA Tour The Players Championship

2009-05-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

The premier event "The Players Championship", formerly known as the Tournament Players Championship was extablished in 1974 and is owned and directed by the PGA Tour. The tournament is deemed to be the most important tournament outside of the four golf majors - Masters Tournament by the Augusta National Golf Club, U.S. Open by the USGA, the British Open by the R&A, and PGA Championship the PGA of America.

The Players Championship had been scheduled on the second Sunday of May which happens to be Mother's Day with the rescheduling in 2007.

The event was first played at Atlanta Country Club in Marietta in
1974, at Georgia before moving to the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas in 1975, and at Inverrary Country Club in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1976. In 1977, the event was played at at Sawgrass Country Club's Oceanside Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Currently, The Players Championship has been played on the Stadium Course at the "Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass" since 1982. The par-3 at No. 17 known as "the Island Green" or "the TPC Sawgrass' signature hole" is considered to be one of the hard-hitting golf courses in America.

Mulled over as the "Fifth Major", (altho still not an official major status) The Players Championship offers the highest prize fund in PGA golf tournament giving away $8 million from 2004 to 2006, and $9.5 million in 2008.

PGA Tour The Players Championship Winners

The Players Championship
2009 Henrik Stenson, Sweden - 276
2008 Sergio García, Spain - 283
2007 Phil Mickelson, United States - 277
2006 Stephen Ames, Trinidad and Tobago/Canada - 274
2005 Fred Funk, United States - 279
2004 Adam Scott, Australia - 276
2003 Davis Love III (2), United States - 271
2002 Craig Perks, New Zealand - 280
2001 Tiger Woods, United States - 274
2000 Hal Sutton (2), United States - 278
1999 David Duval, United States - 285
1998 Justin Leonard, United States -278
1997 Steve Elkington (2), Australia - 272
1996 Fred Couples (2), United States - 270
1995 Lee Janzen, United States - 283
1994 Greg Norman, Australia - 264
1993 Nick Price, Zimbabwe - 270
1992 Davis Love III (1), United States - 273
1991 Steve Elkington (1), Australia - 276
1990 Jodie Mudd, United States - 278
1989 Tom Kite, United States - 279
1988 Mark McCumber, United States - 273

Tournament Players Championship
1987 Sandy Lyle, Scotland - 274
1986 John Mahaffey, United States - 275
1985 Calvin Peete, United States - 274
1984 Fred Couples (1), United States - 277
1983 Hal Sutton (1), United States - 283
1982 Jerry Pate, United States - 280
1981 Raymond Floyd, United States - 285
1980 Lee Trevino, United States - 278
1979 Lanny Wadkins, United States - 283
1978 Jack Nicklaus (3), United States - 289
1977 Mark Hayes, United States - 289
1976 Jack Nicklaus (2), United States - 269
1975 Al Geiberger, United States - 270
1974 Jack Nicklaus (1), United States - 272

PGA Tour Quail Hollow Championship

2009-04-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Quail Hollow Championship, previously known as the Wachovia Championship in 2003 is sponsored by the Wells Fargo, which purchased Wachovia in 2008. The tour was established 2003 and has been played in the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina during early May. It has attracted some of the best players not only because of its prize money but also because of its notorious name for being one of the toughest holes in the PGA Tour.

PGA Tour Quail Hollow Championship Winners

Wachovia Championship
2009 - Sean O'Hair, United States 277
2008 - Anthony Kim, United States - 272
2007 - Tiger Woods, United States - 275
2006 - Jim Furyk, United States - 276
2005 - Vijay Singh, Fiji - 276
2004 - Joey Sindelar, United States - 277
2003 - David Toms, United States - 278

PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans

2009-04-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans, established in 1938, is played yearly in New Orleans, Louisiana where the Zurich Financial Services is the main sponsor of the event. The tour was played at New Orleans City Park from 1938 to 1962, Lakewood Country Club from 1963 to 1988, English Turn Golf & Country Club from 1989 to 2004 ,TPC of Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana in 2005, then back to English Turn G&CC in 2006 because of the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to the TPC, but then again it returned in 2007.

PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans Winners

2009 Jerry Kelly, United states
2008 Andrés Romero, Argentina
2007 Nick Watney, United states
2006 Chris Couch, United states
2005 Tim Petrovic, United states

HP Classic of New Orleans
2004 Vijay Singh, Fiji
2003 Steve Flesch, United states

Compaq Classic of New Orleans
2002 K.J. Choi, S.Korea
2001 David Toms, United states
2000 Carlos Franco, Paraguay
1999 Carlos Franco, Paraguay

Freeport-McDermott Classic
1998 Lee Westwood, England
1997 Brad Faxon, United states
1996 Scott McCarron, United states

Freeport-McMoRan Classic
1995 Davis Love III
1994 Ben Crenshaw

Freeport-McMoRan Golf Classic
1993 Mike Standly, United states
1992 Chip Beck, United states

USF&G Classic
1991 Ian Woosnam, Wales
1990 David Frost, S.Africa
1989 Tim Simpson, United states
1988 Chip Beck, United states
1987 Ben Crenshaw, United states
1986 Calvin Peete, United states
1985 Seve Ballesteros, Spain
1984 Bob Eastwood, United states
1983 Bill Rogers, United states
1982 Scott Hoch, United states

USF&G New Orleans Open
1981 Tom Watson, United states

Greater New Orleans Open
1980 Tom Watson, United states

First NBC New Orleans Open
1979 Hubert Green, United states
1978 Lon Hinkle, United states
1977 Jim Simons, United states
1976 Larry Ziegler, United states
1975 Billy Casper, United states

Greater New Orleans Open
1974 Lee Trevino, United states
1973 Jack Nicklaus, United states
1972 Gary Player, S.Africa

Greater New Orleans Open Invitational
1971 Frank Beard, United states
1970 Miller Barber, United states
1969 Larry Hinson, United states
1968 George Archer, United states
1967 George Knudson, Canada
1966 Frank Beard, United states
1965 Dick Mayer, United states
1964 Mason Rudolph, United states
1963 Bo Wininger, United states
1962 Bo Wininger, United states
1961 Doug Sandervs, United states
1960 Dow Finsterwald, United states
1959 Bill Collins, United states
1958 Billy Casper, United states
1949–1957 No tournament

New Orleans Open
1948 Bob Hamilton, United states
1947 No tournamentv
1946 Byron Nelson, United states
1945 Byron Nelson, United states
1944 Sam Byrd, United states
1943 No tournament, United states
1942 Lloyd Mangrum, United states
1941 Henry Picard, United states
1940 Jimmy Demaret, United states
1939 Henry Picard, Engalnd

Crescent City Open
1938 Harry Cooper

PGA Tour Masters Tournament

2009-04-20T03:41:00.000-07:00

Horton Smith of the US was the first Masters winner, and who won again in 1936. Angel Cabrera of Argentina won in the latest 2009 tour against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell. Tiger Woods made a record of being the youngest winner (21 years old) of the Masters when he won the tour in 1997. Jack Nicklaus is another Masters winner. He won the tour six times in 1986, 1975, 1972, 1966, 1965, and 1963. Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods have each won four; Demaret, Gary Player, Sam Snead and Nick Faldo have three; while Phil Mickelson, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and Tom Watson all won the Masters twice.

The PGA Tour Masters Tournament established in 1934 is currently played in Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, USA. It is one of the four major championships in professional golf and the first acknowledged major golf championship of the year since it is played always on the second Sunday of April. Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones, designer of the Augusta National Golf club started the event and currently an official money event on the PGA Tour, the PGA European Tour, and the Japan Golf Tour. SInce it is an invitational tour, its field is smaller compared to other major events. The event starts with the first 36 holes played in groups of three on teh first two days, so players are reduced.

What's unique with this event is the famous "green sport coat" worn by the winner. This tradition began in 1949 with Sam Snead. What happens here is that the winner of the preceding year's tour puts the jacket on the new winner at the end of the event. Aside from the total prize money and the green coat, several awards are given to exemplary golfers namely:

a. crystal vase - for the daily lowest score
b. large crystal bowl - for a hole-in-one or a double eagle
c. a pair of crystal goblets - for an eagle
d. Gold Medal - for the winner
e. Silver Masters trophy (with their names engraved on it - for the winner
f. Silver Medal - for the runner up

PGA Tour Masters Tournament Winners

2009 Ángel Cabrera Argentina
2008 Trevor Immelman South Africa
2007 Zach Johnson United States
2006 Phil Mickelson United States
2005 Tiger Woods United States
2004 Phil Mickelson United States
2003 Mike Weir Canada
2002 Tiger Woods United States
2001 Tiger Woods United States
2000 Vijay Singh Fiji
1999 José María Olazábal Spain
1998 Mark O'Meara United States
1997 Tiger Woods United States
1996 Nick Faldo England
1995 Ben Crenshaw United States
1994 José María Olazábal Spain
1993 Bernhard Langer Germany
1992 Fred Couples United States
1991 Ian Woosnam Wales
1990 Nick Faldo England
1989 Nick Faldo England
1988 Sandy Lyle Scotland
1987 Larry Mize United States
1986 Jack Nicklaus United States
1985 Bernhard Langer West Germany
1984 Ben Crenshaw United States
1983 Seve Ballesteros Spain
1982 Craig Stadler United States
1981 Tom Watson United States
1980 Seve Ballesteros Spain
1979 Fuzzy Zoeller United States
1978 Gary Player South Africa
1977 Tom Watson United States
1976 Raymond Floyd United States
1975 Jack Nicklaus United States
1974 Gary Player South Africa
1973 Tommy Aaron United States
1972 Jack Nicklaus United States
1971 Charles Coody United States
1970 Billy Casper United States
1969 George Archer United States
1968 Bob Goalby United States
1967 Gay Brewer United States
1966 Jack Nicklaus United States
1965 Jack Nicklaus United States
1964 Arnold Palmer United States
1963 Jack Nicklaus United States
1962 Arnold Palmer United States
1961 Gary Player South Africa
1960 Arnold Palmer United States
1959 Art Wall, Jr. United States
1958 Arnold Palmer United States
1957 Doug Ford United States
1956 Jack Burke, Jr. United States
1955 Cary Middlecoff United States
1954 Sam Snead United States
1953 Ben Hogan United States
1952 Sam Snead United States
1951 Ben Hogan United States
1950 Jimmy Demaret United States
1949 Sam Snead United States
1948 Claude Harmon United States
1947 Jimmy Demaret United States
1946 Herman Keiser United States
1943-45: Cancelled (World War II)
1942 Byron Nelson United States
1941 Craig Wood United States
1940 Jimmy Demaret United States
1939 Ralph Guldahl United States
1938 Henry Picard United States
1937 Byron Nelson United States
1936 Horton Smith United States
1935 Gene Sarazen United States
1934 Horton Smith United States

PGA Tour Shell Houston Open

2009-04-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Shell Houston Open had its beginnings in 1922 as the Houston Professional Golf where George Bowden was declared the winner. The tour is now played at Redstone Golf Club, Humble, Texas and currently played in April.

The event is sponsored by Shell and the Houston Golf Association and was played in different courses - River Oaks Country Club in 1946, Memorial Park Golf Course in 1947, Forest Country Club in 1949, BraeBurn Country Club in 1950, back again at Memorial Park from 1951 to 1963, Sharpstown Country Club from 1964 to 1965, Champions Golf Club from 1966 to 1971, Westwood Country Club in 1972, Quail Valley Country Club in Missouri City, Texas in 1973, Woodlands Country Club, Texas from 1975 to 1984, the TPC at The Woodlands from 1985 to 2002, and now in its current location at Redstone Golf Club.

PGA Tour Shell Houston Open Winners

Shell Houston Open
2009 Paul Casey - England
2008 Johnson Wagner - United States
2007 Adam Scott - Australia
2006 Stuart Appleby - Australia
2005 Vijay Singh - Fiji
2004 Vijay Singh - Fiji
2003 Fred Couples - United States
2002 Vijay Singh - Fiji
2001 Hal Sutton - United States
2000 Robert Allenby - Australia
1999 Stuart Appleby - Australia
1998 David Duval - United States
1997 Phil Blackmar - United States
1996 Mark Brooks - United States
1995 Payne Stewart - United States
1994 Mike Heinen - United States
1993 Jim McGovern - United States
1992 Fred Funk - United States

Independent Insurance Agent Open
1991 Fulton Allem - South Africa
1990 Tony Sills - United States
1989 Mike Sullivan - United States
1988 Curtis Strange - United States

Big "I" Houston Open
1987 Jay Haas - United States

Houston Open
1986 Curtis Strange - United States
1985 Raymond Floyd - United States

Houston Coca-Cola Open
1984 Corey Pavin - United States
1983 David Graham - Australia

Michelob-Houston Open
1982 Ed Sneed - United States
1981 Ron Streck - United States
1980 Curtis Strange - United States

Houston Open
1979 Wayne Levi - United States
1978 Gary Player - South Africa
1977 Gene Littler - United States
1976 Lee Elder - United States
1975 Bruce Crampton - Australia
1974 Dave Hill - United States
1973 Bruce Crampton - Australia
1972 Bruce Devlin - Australia

Houston Champions International
1971 Hubert Green - United States
1970 Gibby Gilbert - United States
1969 No tournament - club hosted the 1969 U.S. Open
1968 Roberto De Vicenzo - Argentina
1967 Frank Beard - United States
1966 Arnold Palmer - United States

Houston Classic
1965 Bobby Nichols - United States
1964 Mike Souchak - United States
1963 Bob Charles - New Zealand
1962 Bobby Nichols - United States
1961 Jay Hebert - United States
1960 Bill Collins - United States
1959 Jack Burke, Jr. - United States

Houston Open
1958 Ed Oliver - United States
1957 Arnold Palmer - United States
1956 Ted Kroll - United States
1955 Mike Souchak - United States
1954 Dave Douglas - United States
1953 Cary Middlecoff - United States
1952 Jack Burke, Jr. - United States
1951 Marty Furgol - United States
1950 Cary Middlecoff - United States
1949 Johnny Palmer - United States
1948 No tournament
1947 Bobby Locke - South Africa
1946 Byron Nelson - United States
1939–45 No tournament
1938 Harold "Jug" McSpaden - United States
1937 Harry Cooper - United States
1933–36 No tournament
1932 Clarence Clark - United States
1931 No tournament
1930 Al Espinosa - United States
1925–29 No tournament
1924 Joe Kirkwood, Sr. - Australia

Houston Invitational
1923 Joe Kirkwood, Sr. - Australia

Houston Professional Golf
1922 George Bowden

PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational

2009-04-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational, played at Bay Hill Club and Lodge every March, begun its evolution in 1966 as Florida Citrus Open Invitational played at Rio Pinar Golf Club on the East side of Orlando. The tournament’s name was later changed into Bay Hill Citrus Classic in 1979 and finally became Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2007 originating from Mr. Arnold Palmer, the owner of the private golf resort in Orlando, Florida where the event is played – the Bay Hill Club and Lodge. The game is played in stroke format where only the first 70 players on the previous year's money-list are certainly invited.

Tiger Woods got the record of winning the event in four straight years, from 2000 to 2003, as well as the 2008 and 2009 tournaments both with birdie putts on the final hole. Loren Roberts also won the Invitational in two straight years, 1994 – 1995. Other pros worthy to be mentioned are Gary Koch and Jerry Heard who both won the tournament twice - 1977, 1984, and 1972, 1974 respectively.

PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational WINNERS

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard
2009 Tiger Woods, United States - 275
2008 Tiger Woods, United States - 270
2007 Vijay Singh, Fiji - 272

Bay Hill Invitational presented by MasterCard
2006 Rod Pampling, Australia - 274
2005 Kenny Perry, United States - 276
2004 Chad Campbell, United States - 270

Bay Hill Invitational presented by Cooper Tires
2003 Tiger Woods, United States - 269
2002 Tiger Woods, United States - 275

Bay Hill Invitational
2001 Tiger Woods, United States - 273
2000 Tiger Woods, United States - 270
1999 Tim Herron, United States - 274
1998 Ernie Els, South Africa - 274
1997 Phil Mickelson, United States - 272
1996 Paul Goydos, United States - 275

Nestle Invitational
1995 Loren Roberts, United States -272
1994 Loren Roberts, United States - 275
1993 Ben Crenshaw, United States - 280
1992 Fred Couples, United States - 269
1991 Andrew Magee, United States - 203*
1990 Robert Gamez, United States - 274
1989 Tom Kite, United States - 278

Hertz Bay Hill Classic
1988 Paul Azinger, United States - 271
1987 Payne Stewart, United States - 264
1986 Dan Forsman, United States - 202*
1985 Fuzzy Zoeller, United States - 275

Bay Hill Classic
1984 Gary Koch, United States - 272
1983 Mike Nicolette, United States - 283
1982 Tom Kite, United States - 278
1981 Andy Bean, United States - 266
1980 Dave Eichelberger, United States - 279

Bay Hill Citrus Classic
1979 Bob Byman, United States - 278

Florida Citrus Open
1978 Mac McLendon, United States - 271
1977 Gary Koch, United States - 274
1976 Hale Irwin, United States - 270
1975 Lee Trevino, United States - 276
1974 Jerry Heard, United States - 273
1973 Buddy Allin, United States - 265
1972 Jerry Heard, United States - 276

Florida Citrus Invitational
1971 Arnold Palmer, United States - 270
1970 Bob Lunn, United States - 271

Florida Citrus Open Invitational
1969 Ken Still, United States - 278
1968 Dan Sikes, United States - 274
1967 Julius Boros, United States - 274
1966 Lionel Hebert, United States - 279

PGA Tour Transitions Championship

2009-04-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

The 2009 PGA Tour Transitions Championship was held in Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club (Copperhead Course), in Tampa Bay, Florida. It is a men's professional golf tournament annually played along with the WGC-American Express Championship on September 13-16, 2001 but was cancelled due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The tournament was instituted in 2000 as the Tampa Bay Classic where the Chrysler Corporation was the title sponsor from 2003 to 2006. The the PODS Group of Clearwater, Florida announced its six-year sponsorship agreement on January 24, 2007, but later withdrew after the 2008 event. Fortunately, the Transitions Optical, Inc. on June 4, 2008 became the new title sponsor.

PGA Tour Transitions Championship Winners

Transitions Championship
2009 Retief Goosen - 276

PODS Championship
2008 Sean O'Hair - 280
2007 Mark Calcavecchia - 274

Chrysler Championship
2006 K.J. Choi - 271
2005 Carl Pettersson - 275
2004 Vijay Singh - 266
2003 Retief Goosen - 272

Tampa Bay Classic presented by Buick
2002 K.J. Choi - 267

Tampa Bay Classic
2001 No tournament (September 11, 2001 terrorist attack)
2000 John Huston - 271

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PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open

2009-04-13T04:05:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open was the first PGA Tour tournament to be held in Puerto Rico that was officially played for the first time on the PGA Tour from March 20 to March 23, 2008. The event is played in stroke play with a purse of $3,500,000. It is also an alternate tournament to the WGC-CA Championship played at the Trump International Golf Club Puerto Rico previously known as the Coco Beach Golf & Country Club.

The event presented by Banco Popular is played by 132 PGA golfers aiming for the huge prize money plus 250 FedExCup points.
The tournament will see 132 PGA golfers battle it out for prize money totaling

PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open Winners

2009 Michael Bradley United States
2008 Greg Kraft United States

GOLF COURSE FACTS:
1. Location: Trump International Golf Club, Río Grande, Puerto Rico
2. Established: 2008
3. Designer: Tom Kite
4. Par: 72
5. Format Stroke play
6. Purse $3,500,000

PGA Tour WGC-CA Championship

2009-04-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour WGC-CA Championship, one of the three annual World Golf Championships tournaments intended for male professional golfers, is organized by the International Federation of PGA Tours. The event was known as the WGC-American Express Championship from 1999 to 2006 officilaly played at different locations in the USA and Europe, but permanently settled in the Doral Country Club in Doral, Fla.

The game is played in the stroke play format with over 72 holes consisting of:
1. Top 50 players from the Official World Golf Rankings; and
b. Top players from member tours' money lists or orders of merit coming from the:
a. Top 30 PGA Tour FedEx Cup list,
b. Top 20 European Tour, and
c. Top 3 each from Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, and Sunshine Tour

PGA Tour WGC-CA Championship Winners

2009 Phil Mickelson United States
2008 Geoff Ogilvy Australia
2007 Tiger Woods United States
2006 Tiger Woods United States
2005 Tiger Woods United States
2004 Ernie Els South Africa
2003 Tiger Woods United States
2002 Tiger Woods United States
2001 Cancelled due to September 11 attacks
2000 Mike Weir Canada
1999 Tiger Woods United States

PGA Tour The Honda Classic

2009-04-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour The Honda Classic, which is always played in Florida since the early 1970s, was founded in 1972 and was hosted by the great comedian and actor Jackie Gleason. The event was popular as the Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic during its beginnings, American Motors Inverrary Classic in 1981, and Honda since 1982.

PGA Tour Honda Classic Golf Courses:
1972-83 - Inverrary Golf Club, Lauderhill, Florida
1984-91 - TPC at Eagle Trace, Coral Springs, Florida
1992-95 - Weston Hills Golf and Country Club, Weston, Florida
1996 - TPC at Eagle Trace, Coral Springs, Florida
1997-2002 -TPC at Heron Bay, Coral Springs, Florida
2003-06 - Country Club at Mirasol, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
2007-09 - PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

PGA Tour The Honda Classic Winners

Honda Classic
2009 Yang Yong-eun South Korea
2008 Ernie Els South Africa
2007 Mark Wilson United States
2006 Luke Donald England
2005 Pádraig Harrington Ireland
2004 Todd Hamilton United States
2003 Justin Leonard United States
2002 Matt Kuchar United States
2001 Jesper Parnevik Sweden
2000 Dudley Hart United States
1999 Vijay Singh Fiji
1998 Mark Calcavecchia United States
1997 Stuart Appleby Australia
1996 Tim Herron United States
1995 Mark O'Meara United States
1994 Nick Price Zimbabwe
1993 Fred Couples United States
1992 Corey Pavin United States
1991 Steve Pate United States
1990 John Huston United States
1989 Blaine McCallister United States
1988 Joey Sindelar United States
1987 Mark Calcavecchia United States
1986 Kenny Knox United States
1985 Curtis Strange United States
1984 Bruce Lietzke United States

Honda Inverrary Classic
1983 Johnny Miller United States
1982 Hale Irwin United States

American Motors Inverrary Classic
1981 Tom Kite United States

Jackie Gleason-Inverrary Classic
1980 Johnny Miller United States
1979 Larry Nelson United States
1978 Jack Nicklaus United States
1977 Jack Nicklaus United States
1976 No tournament. Instead, the Inverrary Golf Club hosted The Players Championship
1975 Bob Murphy United States
1974 Leonard Thompson United States

Jackie Gleason Inverrary-National Airlines Classic
1973 Lee Trevino United States

Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic
1972 Tom Weiskopf United States

PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic

2009-04-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya is the first PGA TOUR event to ever be played outside of the United States and Canada in February 2007, that is in Mexico. The tour event was the the richest golf tournament in Mexico in 2008 with the prize fund was US$3.5 million with US$630,000 for the first prize.

As the tournament enters its third year, the Mayakoba Golf Classic continues to prove itself as one of the finest events in the PGA Tour having 132 PGA TOUR Professionals compete at El Camaleón Golf Club, Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México.

PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya Wiiners

2009 Mark Wilson United States
2008 Brian Gay United States
2007 Fred Funk United States

PGA Tour WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship

2009-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship is a descendant of the 1995-98 32-man match play event, the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf. It was inaugurated in 1999 and hosted since then by La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California (except in 2001 - it was hosted by the Metropolitan Golf Club, Victoria, Australia).

The yearly World Golf Championships event for male professional golfers is sponsored by and named after a consulting firm, the Accenture. The single-elimination match play event is not played at stroke play, but rather at 18-hole match play matches (golfer rank #1 vs golfer rank #64; golfer Rank #2 vs golfer rank #63; and so forth.

The game begins with a field of 64 golfers coming from the Official World Golf Rankings until two golfers remain for the 36-hole championship match and will win the Walter Hagen Cup and a prize money (2009 - $1.4 million). The last two golfers on the final day will play a 36-hole championship match for the 2st and 2nd third places while the other 2 semifinal golfers will play for the 3rd and 4th places.

PGA Tour WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship Winners

WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship
2009 - Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)
2008 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2007 - Henrik Stenson (Sweden)

2006Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)
2005David Toms (United States)
2004 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2003 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2002 - Kevin Sutherland (United States)
2001 - Steve Stricker (United States)

WGC-Andersen Consulting Match Play Championship
2000 - Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland)
1999 - Jeff Maggert (United States)

PGA Tour Northern Trust Open

2009-04-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour Northern Trust Open is originally known as the Los Angeles Open from its humble beginnings in 1926 until 1970, was changed into Nissan Los Angeles Open in 1989 until 1994, and eventualy became Nissan Open in 1995 until 2007. The tournament has been played at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California.

Courses that Hosted the Northern Trust Open:

1. 1926 - Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, California
2. 1927 - El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California
3. 1928 - Wilshire Country Club, Los Angeles, California
4. 1929-30 - Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades
5. 1931-33 - Wilshire and Hillcrest Country Club
6. 1934-36 - Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, California
7. 1937-39 - Griffith Park
8. 1940 - Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, California
9. 1941 - Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades
10. 1942 - Hillcrest Country Club
11. 1944 - Wilshire Country Club
12. 1945-53 - Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades
13. 1954 - Fox Hills Country Club (now in Culver City, California)
14. 1955 - Inglewood Country Club in Inglewood, California
15. 1956-72 - Rancho Park Golf Course
16. 1968 - Brookside Golf Course, Pasadena, California
17. 1973 - Riviera CC
18. 2009 - Pacific Palisades, California

PGA Tour Northern Trust Open Winners

Northern Trust Open
2009 Phil Mickelson
2008 Phil Mickelson

Nissan Open
2007 Charles Howell III
2006 Rory Sabbatini
2005 Adam Scott
2004 Mike Weir
2003 Mike Weir
2002 Len Mattiace
2001 Robert Allenby
2000 Kirk Triplett
1999 Ernie Els
1998 Billy Mayfair
1997 Nick Faldo
1996 Craig Stadler
1995 Corey Pavin

Nissan Los Angeles Open
1994 Corey Pavin
1993 Tom Kite
1992 Fred Couples
1991 Ted Schulz
1990 Fred Couples
1989 Mark Calcavecchia

Los Angeles Open Presented by Nissan
1988 Chip Beck
1987 T.C. Chen

Los Angeles Open
1986 Doug Tewell
1985 Lanny Wadkins
1984 David Edwards

Glen Campbell-Los Angeles Open
1983 Gil Morgan
1982 Tom Watson
1981 Johnny Miller
1980 Tom Watson
1979 Lanny Wadkins
1978 Gil Morgan
1977 Tom Purtzer
1976 Hale Irwin
1975 Pat Fitzsimons
1974 Dave Stockton
1973 Rod Funseth
1972 George Archer
1971 Bob Lunn

Los Angeles Open
1970 Billy Casper
1969 Charlie Sifford
1968 Billy Casper
1967 Arnold Palmer
1966 Arnold Palmer
1965 Paul Harney
1964 Paul Harney
1963 Arnold Palmer
1962 Phil Rodgers
1961 Bob Goalby
1960 Dow Finsterwald
1959 Ken Venturi
1958 Frank Stranahan
1957 Doug Ford
1956 Lloyd Mangrum
1955 Gene Littler
1954 Fred Wampler
1953 Lloyd Mangrum
1952 Tommy Bolt
1951 Lloyd Mangrum
1950 Sam Snead
1949 Lloyd Mangrum
1948 Ben Hogan
1947 Ben Hogan
1946 Byron Nelson
1945 Sam Snead
1944 Harold "Jug" McSpaden
1943 No tournament
1942 Ben Hogan
1941 Johnny Bulla
1940 Lawson Little
1939 Jimmy Demaret
1938 Jimmy Thomson
1937 Harry Cooper
1936 Jimmy Hines
1935 Vic Ghezzi
1934 Macdonald Smith
1933 Craig Wood
1932 Macdonald Smith
1931 Ed Dudley
1930 Denny Shute
1929 Macdonald Smith
1928 Macdonald Smith
1927 Bobby Cruickshank
1926 Harry Cooper

PGA Tour AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

2009-03-31T08:21:00.001-07:00

The PGA Tour AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, originally known as the Bing Crosby National Pro-Amateur dating back to the 1930’s, is a 72-hole PGA TOUR golf championship held on three different courses - Pebble Beach Golf Links, Poppy Hills Golf Course and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

The tournament restricts the players allowing only professionals to compete in the individual competition part of the tournament. The amateurs are allowed but only in the pro-amateur team competition. The game starts with 180 professionals and 180 amateurs paired for a 60 2-man teams each day held at the local Pebble Beach.

PGA Tour AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Winners

AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
* 2009 Dustin Johnson United States
* 2008 Steve Lowery United States
* 2007 Phil Mickelson United States
* 2006 Arron Oberholser United States
* 2005 Phil Mickelson United States
* 2004 Vijay Singh Fiji
* 2003 Davis Love III United States
* 2002 Matt Gogel United States
* 2001 Davis Love III United States
* 2000 Tiger Woods United States
* 1999 Payne Stewart United States
* 1998 Phil Mickelson United States
* 1997 Mark O'Meara United States
* 1996 Tournament cancelled due to weather
* 1995 Peter Jacobsen United States
* 1994 Johnny Miller United States
* 1993 Brett Ogle Australia
* 1992 Mark O'Meara United States
* 1991 Paul Azinger United States
* 1990 Mark O'Meara United States
* 1989 Mark O'Meara United States
* 1988 Steve Jones United States
* 1987 Johnny Miller United States
* 1986 Fuzzy Zoeller United States

Bing Crosby National Pro-Am
* 1985 Mark O'Meara United States
* 1984 Hale Irwin United States
* 1983 om Kite United States
* 1982 Jim Simons United States
* 1981 John Cook United States
* 1980 George Burns United States
* 1979 Lon Hinkle United States
* 1978 Tom Watson United States
* 1977 Tom Watson United States
* 1976 Ben Crenshaw United States
* 1975 Gene Littler United States
* 1974 Johnny Miller United States
* 1973 Jack Nicklaus United States
* 1972 Jack Nicklaus United States
* 1971 Tom Shaw United States
* 1970 Bert Yancey United States
* 1969 George Archer United States
* 1968 Johnny Pott United States
* 1967 Jack Nicklaus United States
* 1966 Don Massengale United States
* 1965 Bruce Crampton Australia
* 1964 Tony Lema United States
* 1963 Billy Casper United States
* 1962 Doug Ford United States
* 1961 ob Rosburg United States
* 1960 Ken Venturi United States
* 1959 Art Wall, Jr. United States

Bing Crosby National Pro-Am Golf Championship
* 1958 Billy Casper United States
* 1957 Jay Hebert United States
* 1956 Cary Middlecoff United States

Bing Crosby Pro-Am Invitational
* 1955 Cary Middlecoff United States
* 1954 E.J. "Dutch" Harrison United States
* 1953 Lloyd Mangrum United States

Bing Crosby Pro-Am
* 1952 Jimmy Demaret United States
* 1951 Byron Nelson United States
* 1950 Jack Burke, Jr., Dave Douglas, Smiley Quick, Sam Snead (tie) United States
* 1949 Ben Hogan United States
* 1948 Lloyd Mangrum United States
* 1947 George Fazio, Ed Furgol (tie) United States
* 1943-46 No tournament
* 1942 John Dawson (amateur) United States
* 1941 Sam Snead United States
* 1940 Ed Oliver United States
* 1939 E.J. "Dutch" Harrison United States
* 1938 Sam Snead United States
* 1937 Sam Snead United States

PGA Tour AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Trivia

1. The first place check was for $500 and was won by Sam Snead.
2. The tournament was nicknamed "the Crosby Clambake" in 1937.
3. Mark O'Meara won the AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am five times (1985, 1989-90, 1992, 1997).
4. Sam Snead won the AT T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am four times (1937, 1938, 1941, 1950-tie).
5. Jack Nicklaus (1967, 1972, 1973), Johnny Miller (1974, 1987, 1994), Phil Mickelson (1998, 2005, 2007) won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am three times.

PGA Tour Buick Invitational

2009-03-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

The famous PGA Tour Buick Invitational, originally known as the San Diego Open, is the fifth event on the 2009 PGA Tour calendar and played in the San Diego, California area (West Coast Swing) since 1952 in the first part of the Tour season. The tournament is also well-remembered for having Andy Williams, a celebrated singer-actor, as a celebrity host in most of its competition.

These are the list of courses where Buick Invitational was played:
(1952–53) San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista, California
(1954) Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California
(1955,1957-61) Mission Valley Country Club in San Diego, California
(1956) Singing Hills Country Club in El Cajon, California
(1962-1963, 1965-67) Stardust Country Club, originally Mission Valley CC (and now is known as Riverwalk Golf Club)
(1964) Rancho Bernardo Country Club (now Rancho Bernardo Inn) in San Diego, California
(1968 - present) Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California

PGA Tour Buick Invitational Winners:

Buick Invitational
2009 Nick Watney United States 277
2008 Tiger Woods United States 269
2007 Tiger Woods United States 273
2006 Tiger Woods United States 278
2005 Tiger Woods United States 272
2004 John Daly United States 278
2003 Tiger Woods United States 272
2002 José María Olazábal Spain 275
2001 Phil Mickelson United States 269
2000 Phil Mickelson United States 270
1999 Tiger Woods United States 266
1998 Scott Simpson United States 204*
1997 Mark O'Meara United States 275
1996 Davis Love United States 269

Buick Invitational of California
1995 Peter Jacobsen United States 269
1994 Craig Stadler United States 268
1993 Phil Mickelson United States 278
1992 Steve Pate United States 200*

Shearson Lehman Brothers Open
1991 Jay Don Blake United States 268

Shearson Lehman Hutton Open
1990 Dan ForsmanUnited States 275
1989 Greg Twiggs United States 271

Shearson Lehman Hutton Andy Williams Open
1988 Steve Pate United States 269

Shearson Lehman Brothers Andy Williams Open
1987 George BurnsUnited States 266
1986 Bob Tway United States 204*

Isuzu-Andy Williams San Diego Open
1985 Woody Blackburn United States 269
1984 Gary Koch United States 272
1983 Gary Hallberg United States 271

Wickes-Andy Williams San Diego Open
1982 Johnny Miller United States 270
1981 Bruce Lietzke United States 278

Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational
1980 Tom Watson United States 275
1979 Fuzzy Zoeller United States 282
1978 Jay Haas United States 278
1977 Tom Watson United States 269
1976 J. C. Snead United States 272
1975 J. C. Snead United States 279
1974 Bobby Nichols United States 275
1973 Bob Dickson United States 278
1972 Paul Harney United States 275
1971 George Archer United States 272
1970 Pete Brown United States 275
1969 Jack Nicklaus United States 284
1968 Tom Weiskopf United States 273

San Diego Open Invitational
1967 Bob Goalby United States 269
1966 Billy Casper United States 268
1965 Wes Ellis United States 267
1964 Art Wall, Jr. United States 274
1963 Gary Player South Africa 270
1962 Tommy Jacobs United States 277
1961 Arnold Palmer United States 271
1960 Mike Souchak United States 269
1959 Marty Furgol United States 274
1958 No tournament - moved from November to January
1957 Arnold Palmer United States 271

Convair-San Diego Open
1956 Bob Rosburg United States 270
1955 Tommy Bolt United States 274

San Diego Open
1954 Gene Littler (a) United States 274
1953 Tommy Bolt United States 274
1952 Ted Kroll United States 276
1930-51 No tournament
1929 Leo Diegel United States 282
1928 No tournament
1927 Leo Diegel United States 214^

• (a) - amateur
• * rain-shortened to 54 holes
• ^ scheduled 54 holes

PGA Tour FBR Open

2009-03-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour FBR Open was originaly known as the Arizona Open, but historically known as Phoenix Open before Friedman Billings Ramsey became the title sponsor in 2004. The golf tournament has been played at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) of Scottsdale, Arizona since 1987 where it gathers tons of high-spirited fans particularly in the par-3 No. 16, the "one big party" hole with an "Amphitheatre" atmosphere. Why is this hole very popular? The 16th hole is considered very easy by the PGA's standards. And so, with students from the nearby Arizona State University, poor shots receive boos while good shots are applauded loudly.

Going back, the tournament began in 1932 as the Phoenix Open util 1933, but was discontinued and resumed in 1935. However, for three years the event halted but thanks to the enthusiastic golfer Bob Goldwater, Sr. who talked into his fellow Thunderbirds (a recognized civic organization in Phoenix) to continue running the event, and the rest was history.

PGA Tour FBR Open Winners:

FBR Open
2009 Kenny Perry United States 270
2008 J. B. Holmes United States 270
2007 Aaron Baddeley Australia 263
2006 J. B. Holmes United States 263
2005 Phil Mickelson United States 267
2004 Jonathan Kaye United States 266

Phoenix Open
2003 Vijay Singh Fiji 261
2002 Chris DiMarco United States 267
2001 Mark Calcavecchia United States 256
2000 Tom Lehman United States 270
1999 Rocco Mediate United States 273
1998 Jesper Parnevik Sweden 269
1997 Steve Jones United States 258
1996 Phil Mickelson United States 269
1995 Vijay Singh Fiji 269
1994 Bill Glasson United States 268
1993 Lee Janzen United States 273
1992 Mark Calcavecchia United States 264
1991 Nolan Henke United States 268
1990 Tommy Armour III United States 267
1989 Mark Calcavecchia United States 263
1988 Sandy Lyle Scotland 269
1987 Paul Azinger United States 268
1986 Hal Sutton United States 267
1985 Calvin Peete United States 270
1984 Tom Purtzer United States 268
1983 Bob Gilder United States 271
1982 Lanny Wadkins United States 263
1981 David Graham Australia 268
1980 Jeff Mitchell United States 272
1979 Ben Crenshaw United States 199*
1978 Miller Barber United States 272
1977 Jerry Pate United States 277
1976 Bob Gilder nited States 268
1975 Johnny Miller United States 260
1974 Johnny Miller United States 271
1973 Bruce Crampton Australia 268
1972 Homero Blancas United States 273

Phoenix Open Invitational
1971 Miller Barber United States 261
1970 Dale Douglass United States 271
1969 Gene Littler United States 263
1968 George KnudsonCanada272
1967 Julius Boros United States 272
1966 Dudley Wysong United States 278
1965 Rod Funseth United States 274
1964 Jack Nicklaus United States 271
1963 Arnold Palmer United States 273
1962 Arnold Palmer United States 269
1961 Arnold Palmer United States 270
1960 Jack Fleck United States 273
1959 Gene Littler United States 268
1958 Ken Venturi United States 274
1957 Billy Casper United States 271

Phoenix Open
1956 Cary Middlecoff United States 276
1955 Gene Littler United States 275
1954 Ed Furgol United States 272
1953 Lloyd Mangrum United States 272
1952 Lloyd Mangrum United States 274
1951 Lew Worsham United States 272

Ben Hogan Open
1950 Jimmy Demaret United States 269

Phoenix Open
1949 Jimmy Demaret United States 278
1948 Bobby Locke South Africa 268
1947 Ben Hogan United States 270
1946 Ben Hogan United States 273
1945 Byron Nelson United States 274
1944 Harold "Jug" McSpaden United States 273
1943 No tournament
1942 No tournament - hosted Western Open
1941 No tournament - hosted Western Open
1940 Ed Oliver United States 205^
1939 Byron Nelson United States 198^
1936-38 No tournament
1935 Ky Laffoon United States 281
1934 No tournament

Arizona Open
1933 Harry Cooper United States 281
1932 Ralph Guldahl United States 285

* rain-shortened to 54 holes
^ scheduled 54 holes

PGA Tour Bob Hope Classic

2009-03-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

The Bob Hope Classic is part of the pga Tour's early season professional golf tournament played every January in California's Coachella Valley, and is also part of the Tour's FedEx Cup competition. This tournement features a unique "celebrity pro-am competitio," and a five daily 18-hole rounds of competition vs. the Tour standard of four rounds.

The event was first played as the Thunderbird Invitational held in Palm Springs from 1954 to 1959 and later evolved as the Palm Springs Golf Classic in 1960. Considered unique among PGA events, the tournament is played over five days and in four different courses. The name Bob Hope, believed to be Hollywood's greatest golfer, was incoporated in 1965 and eventually became the tournament's Chairman of the Board.

Another unique feature of the Bob hope classic is the "Classic Girls," consist of three girls (Hope, Chrysler, & Classic) who make pre-tournament appearances, and are always around on all the activities during the tournament week. This Classic tradition of having a Classic Queen which dated back during the 1960s was developed by a former public relations director Cliff Brown with the purpose of promoting the new tuornament.

PGA Tour Bob Hope Classic Winners:

Bob Hope Classic
2009 Pat Perez United States 327

Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
2008 D. J. Trahan United States 334
2007 Charley Hoffman United States 343
2006 Chad Campbell United States 335
2005 Justin Leonard United States 332
2004 Phil Mickelson United States 330
2003 Mike Weir Canada 330
2002 Phil Mickelson United States 330
2001 Joe Durant United States 324
2000 Jesper Parnevik Sweden 331
1999 David Duval United States 334
1998 Fred Couples United States 332
1997 John Cook United States 327
1996 Mark Brooks United States 337
1995 Kenny Perry United States 335
1994 Scott Hoch United States 334
1993 Tom Kite United States 325
1992 John Cook United States336
1991 Corey Pavin United States 331
1990 Peter Jacobsen United States 339
1989 Steve Jones United States 343
1988 Jay Haas United States 338
1987 Corey Pavin United States 341
1986 Donnie Hammond United States 335

Bob Hope Classic
1985 Lanny Wadkins United States 333
1984 John Mahaffey United States 340

Bob Hope Desert Classic
1983 Keith Fergus United States 335
1982 Ed Fiori United States 335
1981 Bruce Lietzke United States 335
1980 Craig Stadler United States 343
1979 John Mahaffey United States 343
1978 Bill Rogers United States 339
1977 Rik Massengale United States 337
1976 Johnny Miller United States 344
1975 Johnny Miller United States 339
1974 Hubert Green United States 341
1973 Arnold Palmer United States 343
1972 Bob Rosburg United States 344
1971 Arnold Palmer United States 342
1970 Bruce Devlin Australia 339
1969 Billy Casper United States 345
1968 Arnold Palmer United States 348
1967 Tom Nieporte United States 349
1966 Doug Sanders United States 349
1965 Billy Casper United States 348

Palm Springs Golf Classic
1964 Tommy Jacobs United States 353
1963 Jack Nicklaus United States 345
1962 Arnold Palmer United States 342
1961 Billy Maxwell United States 345

Palm Springs Desert Golf Classic
1960 Arnold Palmer United States338

PGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii

2009-02-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

Sony Open in Hawaii, which was previously known as the Hawaiian Open, dates back to 1965, was named as the United Airlines Hawaiian Open from 1992 to 1998, and the Sony Open in Hawaii from 1999 onwards with Sony as the major sponsor.

This professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour is part of the FedEx Cup Series which has been held at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii ever since the event was played in 1965. The second tournament on the PGA Tour's schedule is either held on january or february.

PGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii Winners:

Sony Open
2009 Zach Johnson United States 265
2008 K.J. Choi South Korea 266
2007 Paul Goydos United States 266
2006 David Toms United States 261
2005 Vijay Singh Fiji 269
2004 Ernie Els South Africa 262
2003 Ernie Els South Africa 264
2002 Jerry Kelly United States 266
2001 Brad Faxon United States 260
2000 Paul Azinger United States 261
1999 Jeff Sluman United States 271

United Airlines Hawaiian Open
1998 John Huston United States 260
1997 Paul Stankowski United States 271
1996 Jim Furyk United States 277
1995 John Morse United States 269
1994 Brett Ogle Australia 269
1993 Howard Twitty United States 269
1992 John Cook United States 265

United Hawaiian Open
1991 Lanny Wadkins United States 270

Hawaiian Open
1990 David Ishii United States 279
1989 Gene Sauers United States 197
1988 Lanny Wadkins United States 271
1987 Corey Pavin United States 270
1986 Corey Pavin United States 272
1985 Mark O'Meara United States 267
1984 Jack Renner United States 271
1983 Isao Aoki Japan 268
1982 Wayne Levi United States 277
1981 Hale Irwin United States 265
1980 Andy Bean United States 266
1979 Hubert Green United States 267
1978 Hubert Green United States 274
1977 Bruce Lietzke United States 273
1976 Ben Crenshaw United States 270
1975 Gary Groh United States 274
1974 Jack Nicklaus United States 271
1973 John Schlee United States 273
1972 Grier Jones United States 274
1971 Tom Shaw United States 273
1969 Bruce Crampton Australia 274
1968 Lee Trevino United States 272
1967 Dudley Wysong United States 284
1966 Ted Makalena United States 271 -
1965 Gay Brewer United States 281

Previous incarnations recognized by PGA Tour.
1948 Cary Middlecoff United States 274
1947 E.J. "Dutch" Harrison United States 275
1929 Craig Wood United States 289
1928 Bill Mehlhorn United States 291

PGA Tour Mercedes-Benz Championship

2009-02-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

The Mercedes-Benz Championship, debuted as the Tournament of Champions, is the opening event of golf's PGA Tour season, and dates back to 1953. The title sponsor in 1994 was Mercedes-Benz and later became the Mercedes-Benz Championship in 2007. Its current location is in Kapalua, Hawaii, but the event was first played in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953 until 1968, at the Desert Inn Country Club through 1966, at Stardust Country Club from 1967 to 1968, and then stayed at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California in the next 30 years.

The Mercedes-Benz Championship is usually limited to 35 or so players, and without replacement if one player decides to drop out. It is open only to golfers who won a tour event during the previous season.

PGA Tour Mercedes-Benz Championship Winners:

Mercedes-Benz Championship
2009 Geoff Ogilvy Australia 268
2008 Daniel Chopra Sweden 274
2007 Vijay Singh Fiji 278

Mercedes Championships
2006 Stuart Appleby Australia 284
2005 Stuart Appleby Australia 271
2004 Stuart Appleby Australia 270
2003 Ernie Els South Africa 261
2002 Sergio García Spain 274
2001 Jim Furyk United States 274
2000 Tiger Woods United States 276
1999 David Duval United States 266
1998 Phil Mickelson United States 271
1997 Tiger Woods United States 202
1996 Mark O'Meara United States 271
1995 Steve Elkington Australia 278
1994 Phil Mickelson United States 276

Infiniti Tournament of Champions
1993 Davis Love III United States 272
1992 Steve Elkington Australia 279
1991 Tom Kite United States 272

MONY Tournament of Champions
1990 Paul Azinger United States 272
1989 Steve Jones United States 279
1988 Steve Pate United States 202
1987 Mac O'Grady United States 278
1986 Calvin Peete United States 267
1985 Tom Kite United States 275
1984 Tom Watson United States 274
1983 Lanny Wadkins United States 280
1982 Lanny Wadkins United States 280
1981 Lee Trevino United States 273
1980 Tom Watson United States 276
1979 Tom Watson United States 275
1978 Gary Player South Africa 281
1977 Jack Nicklaus United States 281
1976 Don January United States 277
1975 Al Geiberger United States 277

Tournament of Champions
1974 Johnny Miller United States 280
1973 Jack Nicklaus United States 276
1972 Bobby Mitchell United States 280
1971 Jack Nicklaus United States 279
1970 Frank Beard United States 273
1969 Gary Player South Africa 284
1968 Don January United States 276
1967 Frank Beard United States 278
1966 Arnold Palmer United States 283
1965 Arnold Palmer United States 277
1964 Jack Nicklaus United States 279
1963 Jack Nicklaus United States 273
1962 Arnold Palmer United States 276
1961 Sam Snead United States 273
1960 Jerry Barber United States 268
1959 Mike Souchak United States 281
1958 Stan Leonard Canada 275
1957 Gene Littler United States 285
1956 Gene Littler United States 281
1955 Gene Littler United States 280
1954 Art Wall, Jr. United States 278
1953 Al Besselink United States 280

2009 PGA Tour winners

2009-02-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

July 13-19 U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee - Brown Deer Park
2009 - (ongoing)
2008 - Richard S. Johnson (Sweden)

July 13-19 The Open Championship - Turnberry
2009 - (ongoing)
2008 - Pádraig Harrington (Ireland)

July 6-12 John Deere Classic - TPC Deere Run
2009 - Steve Stricker (United States)
2008 - Kenny Perry (United States)

June 29 - July 5 AT&T National - Congressional C.C.
2009 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2008 - Anthony Kim (United States)

June 22-28 Travelers Championship - River Highlands
2009 - Kenny Perry (United States)
2008 - Stewart Cink (United States)

June 15-21 U.S. Open - Bethpage Black
2009 - Lucas Glover (United States)
2008 - Tiger Woods (United States)

June 8-14 Stanford St. Jude Championship - TPC Southwind
2009 - Brian Gay (United States)
2008 - Justin Leonard (United States)

June 1-7 The Memorial - Muirfield Village G.C.
2009 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2008 - Kenny Perry (United States)

May 25-31 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial - Colonial C.C.
2009 - Steve Stricker (United States)
2008 - Phil Mickelson (United States)

May 18-24 HP Byron Nelson Championship - TPC Four Seasons Resort
2009 - Rory Sabbatini (S. African)
2008 - Adam Scott (Australia)

May 11-17 Valero Texas Open - La Cantera G.C.
2009 - Zach Johnson (United States)
2008 - Zach Johnson (United States)

May 4-10 THE PLAYERS Championship - TPC Sawgrass
2009 - Henrik Stenson (Sweden)
2008 - Sergio García (Spain)

April 27- May 3 Wachovia Championship - Quail Hollow Club
2009 - Sean O'Hair (United States)
2008 - Anthony Kim (United States)

April 20-26 Zurich Classic of New Orleans - TPC Louisiana
2009 - Jerry Kelly (United States)
2008 - Andrés Romero (Argentina)

April 13-19 Verizon Heritage - Harbour Town Golf Links
2009 - Brian Gay (United States)
2008 - Boo Weekley (United States)

April 6-12 The Masters - Augusta National
2009 - Ángel Cabrera (Argentina)
2008 - Trevor Immelman (South Africa)

March 30- April 5 Shell Houston Open - Redstone G.C.
2009 - Paul Casey (England)
2008 - Johnson Wagner (United States)

March 23-29 Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by MasterCard - Bay Hill G.C. and Lodge
2009 - Tiger Woods (United States)
2008 - Tiger Woods (United States)

March 16-22 Transitions Championship - Innisbrook/Copperhead
2009 - Retief Goosen (S. AFrica)
2008 - Sean O'Hair (US)

March 9-15 Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular - Trump International
2009 - Michael Bradley (US)
2008 - Greg Kraft (US)

March 9-15 WGC-CA Championship - Doral Golf Resort and Spa
2009 - Phil Mickelson (US)
2008 - Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)

March 2-8 The Honda Classic - PGA National
2009 - Yang Yong-eun (S.Korea)
2008 - Ernie Els (S. Africa)

Feb. 23 - March 1 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya - Camaleon
2009 - Mark Wilson (US)
2008 - Brian Gay (US)

Feb. 23 - March 1 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship - Dove Mountain
2009 - Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)
2008 - Tiger Woods (US)

Feb. 16-22 Northern Trust Open - Riviera C.C.
2009 - Phil Mickelson (US)
2008 - Phil Mickelson (US)

Feb. 9-15 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am - Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Poppy Hills
2009 - Dustin Johnson (US)
2008 - Vijay Singh (Fiji)

Feb. 2-8 Buick Invitational - Torrey Pines G.C.
2009 - Nick Watney (US)
2008 - Tiger Woods (US)

Jan. 26 - Feb. 1 FBR Open - Scottsdale
2009 - Kenny Perry (US)
2008 - Phil Mickelson (US)

Jan. 19-25 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - West, Bermuda Dunes
2009 - Pat Perez (US)
2008 - D.J. Trahan (US)

Jan. 12-18 Sony Open - Hawaii Waialae C.C.
2009 - Zach Johnson (US)
2008 - K.J. Choi (South Korea)

Jan. 5-11 Mercedes-Benz Championship - Plantation Course at Kapalua
2009 - Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)
2008 - Daniel Chopra (Sweden)

2009 PGA Tour weekly list of tournaments

2009-02-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

Jan. 5-11 Mercedes-Benz Championship - Plantation Course at Kapalua
Jan. 12-18 Sony Open - Hawaii Waialae C.C.
Jan. 19-25 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - West, Bermuda Dunes
Jan. 26 - Feb. 1 FBR Open - Scottsdale

Feb. 2-8 Buick Invitational - Torrey Pines G.C.
Feb. 9-15 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am - Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Poppy Hills
Feb. 16-22 Northern Trust Open - Riviera C.C.
Feb. 23 - March 1 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship - Dove Mountain
Feb. 23 - March 1 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya - Camaleon

March 2-8 The Honda Classic - PGA National
March 9-15 WGC-CA Championship - Doral Golf Resort and Spa
March 9-15 Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular - Trump International
March 16-22 Transitions Championship - Innisbrook/Copperhead
March 23-29 Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by MasterCard - Bay Hill G.C. and Lodge
March 30- April 5 Shell Houston Open - Redstone G.C.

April 6-12 The Masters - Augusta National
April 13-19 Verizon Heritage - Harbour Town Golf Links
April 20-26 Zurich Classic of New Orleans - TPC Louisiana
April 27- May 3 Wachovia Championship - Quail Hollow Club

May 4-10 THE PLAYERS Championship - TPC Sawgrass
May 11-17 Valero Texas Open - La Cantera G.C.
May 18-24 HP Byron Nelson Championship - TPC Four Seasons Resort
May 25-31 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial - Colonial C.C.

June 1-7 The Memorial - Muirfield Village G.C.
June 8-14 Stanford St. Jude Championship - TPC Southwind
June 15-21 U.S. Open - Bethpage Black
June 22-28 Travelers Championship - River Highlands
June 29 - July 5 AT&T National - Congressional C.C.

July 6-12 John Deere Classic - TPC Deere Run
July 13-19 The Open Championship - Turnberry
July 13-19 U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee - Brown Deer Park
July 20-26 RBC Canadian Open - Glen Abbey G.C.
July 27 - Aug. 2 Buick Open - Warwick Hills

Aug. 3-9 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational - Firestone South
Aug. 3-9 Legends Reno Tahoe Open - Montreux G& C.C.
Aug. 10-16 PGA Championship - Hazeltine National
Aug. 17-23 Wyndham Championship - Sedgefield C.C.
Aug. 24-30 The Barclays - Liberty National
Aug. 31 - Sept. 7 Deutsche Bank Championship - TPC Boston

Sept. 7-13 BMW Championship - Cog Hill G.C.
Sept. 21-27 THE TOUR Championship pres. by Coca-Cola - East Lake G.C.
Sept. 28-Oct. 4 Turning Stone Resort Championship - Atunyote G.C.

Oct. 5-11 The Presidents Cup - Harding Park G.C.
Oct. 12-18 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open - TPC Summerlin
Oct. 19-25 Frys.com Open - Grayhawk G.C.
Oct. 26-Nov. 1 Viking Classic - Annandale G.C.

Nov. 2-8 TBD
Nov. 9-15 Children's Miracle Network Classic - Walt Disney World Resort

Christmas on the GOlf...

2008-12-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

It’s futile to think that Christmas is just a mere tradition of the gift-giving endeavor. Christmas is more than that. It’s not only a gift-giving bonanza but also a celebration of the nativity story. With the smell of balsam and the twinkling lights, festive gatherings and midnight masses, many people opt to make purchases as early as summer or early fall to avoid the holiday rush. Buying a gift can be easy but for some a little hard but you know what your children wants - a new bike, ski-goggles, a digital camera, a refractor telescope, and so on. How about the tiger-fan over there? Then you’re thinking! For this reason, you need a speck of imagination and the right resources. Here’s our top five Christmas gifts for your dear golfer.

5 Gift him personalized golf accessories like golf tees, ball markers, or divot repairers marked with his initials or motto. These accessories are always in need and they come in sets that are relatively low-priced. Pick up a golf book at your local book store or buy him a whole collection of golf movies like the phenomenal “Happy Gilmore,” or “"Bobby Jones - Stroke of Genius." Remember, anything is possible.

4 A certificate for golf lessons at the local professional is a wonderful gift idea. He would love to hear an expert opinion about his swings. Find out what lesson your dear golfer would want to have so you can arrange with the trainer. If not, get him Training Aids which includes practice videos from professional golfers, swing trainers, practice balls, and the likes.

3 Bring your golfer to his favorite course or the one that he’s been dying to play in and pay a couple of rounds. Play as a couple and present a magnetic bracelet before he’s up to hit another ball. Then after the game, under the starry, starry sky reminisce the good old days with a Dom Perignon 1999 or Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2002.

2 Purchase golf game tickets for him and see the Chevron World Challenge presented by Bank of America together this coming December 18-21 at Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, California live!! See the PGA schedule for a list of upcoming golf tournaments.

1 Well, we are on the last of the top 5 list and here comes the ultimate gift for your golfer – CLUBS and GOLF BALLS. Believe or not golf clubs and golf balls are still the best gift that your golfer could ever receive this holiday season. A golf club may soon be needing replacement and golf balls usually get lost. But before you hit the buy-button, be sure to know the type of clubs or balls your golfer prefers.

There is a wide variety of gifts for your dear golfer out there. Even if you think he already has them, all golf gifts are the best gifts especially if they are from his loved ones concerned about making his game special and remarkable.

The Physics of a “Perfect” Swing

2008-12-01T04:44:00.001-08:00

Much has been contributed by science in golf industry in terms of scientific innovations answering our queries regarding golf ball in relation to its dimple pattern, core technology, power transfer design, and so on. It must be noted that a single golf swing involves thousands of muscle movements that takes place in a little less than a second from start to finish. However, achieving the highest energy transfer or velocity that could result in farther and accurate ball flight does not only come from choosing the best ball in the market or buying the golf balls that PGA pros are using but it also depends on the synchronization and proper sequence with precise timing of a swing movement.

Science has shown that a difference in the velocity, weather condition, golfer’s age, flexibility, strength and mental sharpness, and so on can affect swing dynamics. A golf ball struck ¼” too high or too low will soar high up and eventually will result in landing off the target. Positioning the clubface ½ degree less than square to the ball causes the ball to travel a much shorter distance. High winds
can affect a golfer’s target distance influencing high trajectory shots however, turning to lower trajectory shots may hurdle the shot-stopping accuracy of the ball. Bad posture is also a nuisance to achieving a “perfect golf swing.

A typical or a perfect golf swing calls for power or energy formula that will generate the highest club-head speed at the moment of impact. The power or energy required to swing, according to Ted Jorgensen the author of The Physics of Golf, does not only come from the 32 pounds of muscles that releases two horsepower of energy spawned by the arms and shoulders but it also must be obtained from the legs, buttocks, back and abdomen. As mentioned earlier, the synchronization and proper sequential of force movements from the larger muscle groups into the smaller muscles have to be fluidly achieved so as not to interfere as the increase-in-speed transpires. This acceleration process through the succession of muscle movements stimulates the so-called golf-swing power.

The golf swing power is an exceptionally challenging task to commit to muscle memory. To iron down the muscle contraction and bring it to “chill out” in order to preserve the transfer momentum from muscle to muscle sounds uncontainable for novice players. As the golfer prepares to strike the ball, the mechanics of the backswing and downswing, and the dynamics of collision which roughly lasts 0.0005 seconds materialize and this very short time frame for energy and momentum transfer allows only a small percentage of energy to be shifted to the ball at the moment of impact.

The sequence of movements of the left arm pulling the golf club toward the ball and the shoulders, hips, and legs pushing the body and club toward the ball is a picture of a golfer’s downswing. This energy momentum in downswing yields club-head velocity so, the highest possible club-head velocity at the moment of impact can be achieved when a golfer has a well-timed ironed transfer of energy or momentum.

The synchronization of the movements of shoulders, arms and wrists and the club through the wrist is easier said done. But Tiger Woods doesn’t seem to have a difficulty in this area. The momentum transfer process occurs as his legs and hips drive forward while the lower body starts the “whip action.” These movements deliver optimal momentum and energy transfer that comes from correct proper linear (legs and hips drive forward) and angular (the upper body unwinds) alignment.

In order to achieve maximal ball strike, a smooth constant acceleration must be achieved with proper timing of the muscle movements, not too soon and not too late, in order to pull off more momentum. However, misunderstanding the concept of body mechanics and optimal acceleration must be done with greatest accuracy. A golfer with a jerky swing motion might exert less power in a short time which results in balance problems.

Both science and physics have shown the right way to a “perfect” swing. The models calculated and demonstrated might be viewed as mechanical, easy to execute, or difficult to apply but with the unique differences of differing golfers, we can conclude that the key to having a “powerful” swing is to put on “as much force as possible within an accuracy of striking the zone of highest energy transfer called the sweet spot.” Balance and accuracy from the backswing to the downswing must be properly observed in order to avoid ball flight dynamics error. Executing proper backswing with proper concept of weight shift to the downswing will lead to improvement changes in the yards travel by your golf ball as well as increase in the club-head/ball impact speed.

Remembering the complex movements of muscles for the golf swing is helpful in achieving a successful golf swing practice. If ever you have a misplaced shot, do not be disappointed. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Golf swing will occur as a natural process as motor learning and visualization become more coordinated. Having positive emotions while on the greens brings a golfer to a state called. “the zone.” “The zone” is described as possessing the confidence and the relaxation of the brain and its learned muscle memory in order to perform a skill without interruptions that may cause erratic movements. Having this mental confidence and relaxation while preparing a smooth shot, that is well-timed and adheres to the mechanics and fluidity of a golf swing, is considered a plus factor in beating a fairly equally skilled opponent.

Golf Ball Care: Why Clean Your Golf balls?

2008-11-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

Golf balls are equipped with airborne characteristics like the compression factors, dimples, spin, speed, and balance. Golf balls can get inevitably dirty, muddy, end up scuffed or marked with felt-tip pens. All these accumulated and unwanted stuff can alter the engineered characteristics of your ball. A corrupt ball can not fly straight, affect the fairway landing, or might get out of bounds. Keeping your golf ball clean is not only aesthetically pleasing to a golfer’s eye but helps one to avoid the negative effect on a ball’s airborne characteristics. Whether your golf balls are branded, used balls, from second-hand shop, or found while patrolling the golf courses, they need to be cleaned up just like new. Make the most out of your golf balls and tidy them up for a better and beautiful game.

Considering which golf ball cleaner to buy might be a little frustrating because there are a lot of professional cleaning materials to take advantage of in the market. ball cleaners vary from smaller to more affordable ones, and from professional sized to made-to-fit-on-your belt cleaners. But of course, these are cheaper alternative se to these expensive cleaners. You might as well consider a highly inexpensive “bucket of hot soapy water”. A golfer’s decision on what method to use in cleaning his golf balls might be influenced by his financial preferences and time restrictions. Let’s start cleaning with these straightforward and effortless steps.

1. Slightly dirty golf balls can be cleaned by putting them in the dishwasher or washing machine. Throw in really dirty golf balls with crushed peanut or almond shells in a concrete mixer and allow spinning for a while.
2. Golf balls that are partially covered with mold or algae can be tough. Soaking these balls in golf ball cleaners with oxalic acid, or applying undiluted bleach, ammonia, or white vinegar can get the gunk off your ball. Denture tablets are also good golf ball cleaners.

So Why Clean Your Balls?
Dirty golf balls can be lost and difficult to pick up in flight. Clean golf balls are bright white or bright clear color. Clean golf balls are bright and easy to locate as it flies through the air. The bright white color of a clean golf ball reflects more light, and appears bigger and prominent against the blue sky and lush trees. But if your golf balls are colored with neon shades, clean colored golf balls makes them show up like the sun in some places. In addition, clean golf balls soar faster, and farther. Allowing the golf course scrubbing stations to clean your beloved branded golf balls might as well be an option. You wouldn’t want to appear cheap if you just fished them out from a pond after a game, so cleaning them to stay shiny and new is a must to gain the hushed up performance of these dirt-loaded balls.

What makes a golf ball “Illegal”?

2008-11-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

Golf equipment in the past 50 years has improved and undergone a tremendous technical revolution due to the latest golf technology. The huge changes in the capabilities of these equipments threaten the golf courses to extend. Widening of golf courses is not the problem but the main focus here is the issue on golf course real estate that is becoming more costly than before. With this, the United States Golf Association (USGA), which is the governing organization for golf in the United States, appoints performance limits on approved golf equipments to regulate the changing golf technology especially on golf balls.

USGA formulated golf ball specifications concerning weight, size, spherical symmetry, initial velocity, and overall distance standard. The Rules governing the five is defined by the R&A/USGA, Appendices III.

1. Weight - must not weigh more than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93gm)
2. Size - a diameter of not less than 1.680 inches (42.67mm); weight does not exceed 1.620 ounces
3. Spherical Symmetry - symmetrically spherical in shape
4. Initial Velocity - not be greater than 250 feet (75 m) per second (255 feet [76.5 m] per second maximum)
5. Overall Distance Standard – must not be more than 280 yards (256 m)

All golf balls are tested and subject to approval by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association. If golf balls do not conform to regulations or exceed to these specifications and generally have different performance characteristics like soaring too high, they are considered “illegal golf balls.” These illegal golf balls are banned by the USGA. However, they are still generally used by the public because of the believed greater distance, and improvement these balls can bring.

There are a lot of illegal golf balls in the market. These illegal golf balls are a bit smaller in diameter, a little heavier in weight, and with a core engineered for maximum velocity, and soar with extra 20 to 25 yards off the tee, but do not break off or spin in the air. Professional golfers do not recommend these golf balls for the main reason that they do not develop and improve a golfer’s game instead they give a false sense of distance attributed not to the golfer’s ability but to the ball itself.

Cayman Desperado is an example of an illegal golf ball. Its core is designed to soar at maximum velocity and there is an estimated gain of 20 to 25 yards off the tee. You also have The "A" Ball, Fireball, Cayman Pirate, and The Hot One. These balls are designed and engineered not to spin back or stop, just soar far.

You may want to try playing with all the illegal balls offered in the market but just remember the feeling of accomplishment does not suffice the natural way o f learning how to improve our play within the established rules.

Should Golf be in the Olympics?

2008-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

"The game's administrators and top professional players are uniting behind Olympic golf. The prospect of winning a gold medal will enhance golf's competitive landscape and at the same time, Olympic golf will really help to grow the game. Golf is commercially strong and will bring a huge fan base to the Olympic Games. It is the biggest sport not currently represented at the games and has irresistible Olympic credentials." - Peter Dawson, the Chief Executive of R&A

Two golf events (men's individual and team tournaments) were celebrated in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France where Margaret Ives Abbot from Chicago won the nine hole golf tournament and became the first ever female Olympic Champion. Plans for the inclusion of golf, along with rugby, baseball, softball, karate, roller sports and squash in the 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in whichever of the four finalist - Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro,and Tokyo will win in the bidding that was officially launched last May 16, 2007, is now a source of contention.

"Golf is one of the global games out there, one of the top five in the world...so why not include it?" The Great White shark, Greg Norman quoted.

There are 28 sports in the Olympics but there was no golf. It has been a century since golf was included in the Olympics so the golf's leading bodies are attempting to win golf and eventually have the sport lined up and included in the 2016 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee will officially announce the two sports out of seven in October 2009.

But what is the point of including it in the Olympics?? Golf has already reached its international popularity already. What for?

"...in countries where golf isn't so developed, it could grow the game tremendously," says David B. Fay, executive director of the USGA and joint secretary of the International Golf Federation, the body that deals directly with the IOC.

As the Representatives of the International Federation presented the case, several key points were laid out - "world wide participation and diversity, golf's economic and charitable impact, and its commitment to the youth of the world." The continued growth of these three areas in golf has been significantly, to such a degree, influencing the germaneness and attraction of the Olympic Games.

The seven sports will have a second presentation to the IOC Executive Board in June with the final result in October.

Golf in the 2016 Olympics

2008-11-14T21:11:00.001-08:00

GOLF ETIQUETTE

2008-11-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Golf is a leisure-time activity which promotes and propagates international cooperation. It has been played ever since and it is of much importance to observe the rules of etiquette to simplify and enhance the game and not to require strict formalities or convey a complicated play especially to those who are new to the game. Therefore, strict adherence to the game must be observed just like a routine practice to:

speed up the play,
play better and enjoy the game more, and
maintain the good condition of the golf course.

In maintaining the Golf atmosphere be considerate and courteous to all people in the golf course. All players, newbie pro have one thing in mind when it comes to playing golf – play at their best. Concentration is needed in preparing to play golf so, stand out of any line in play and remain quiet when another player is playing a shot. Distractions like loud talking or shouting due to hitting unsatisfactory shots, using offensive language when complaining are examples of unacceptable behaviors that will absolutely distract players from your group or distant areas.

Take care of the Golf Course. Every player has a part in maintaining the beauty of the golf course so, it is important NOT to discard any litter on the course. Instead, keep candy wrappers or anything in your pocket. Place your golf bag in the cart to one side of the putting green nearest to the next tee. All motorized and hand carts must stay on the cart ways, away from the greens and off the teeing grounds. Stand away from any hole and do not step or stand at the edge of the hole when playing the ball. Do not to stand in any line of play. See to it that you, even your shadow does not get in the way of another players line. Also, walk carefully on the putting green so as not to mar the surface. Follow the procedure when marking or replacing the ball’s position to its original position by marking the lifting the ball only when requested to do so using a small coin or marker. But if the marker is not in your line of putt, move the marker to the spot measured out. Lift the ball out of the hole with your hand after putting out. Twisting the putter blade to retrieve the ball can mar or cause damage to the walls or edges of the hole. Be careful not to take the divots. Replace them and press firmly in place. Do not drop or throw the flagstick after removing it on the hole, instead lay it down. Remember to press back the grass around to a level surface so as not to leave ball marks on the putting green. The same is true after leaving a bunker. Leave everything in good condition or better just as when you entered it.

Callaway Golf vs Acushnet Golf Ball Patent Dispute Settled?

2008-11-13T01:47:00.000-08:00

"We are very pleased with today's decision which will stop the sale of these infringing Pro V1 golf balls,” Callaway Golf’s Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, Steve McCracken said.

Pro V1 golf balls will be allowed to be used until the end of 2008. The United States District Court in Wilmington, Delaware ruled for a permanent injunction effective no later than Jan. 1 granting Callaway Golf's request to halt sales of Acushnet Co.’s Pro V1 golf balls and overruled Acushnet's request to overturn the jury's verdict last December 2007 regarding the validity of Callaway Golf’s four patents and Acushnet's Titleist Pro V1 golf balls.

Going back, Callaway Golf sued the Titleist Pro V1 line of golf balls manufactured by Acushnet Company, which was introduced in 2000, in June 2007 over golf ball patent dispute. Titleist Pro V1 is based on more than 70 of Acushnet own patents, Acushnet argued. However, Callaway insisted that its patents resulted "in performance that had previously eluded the industry and revolutionized the game."

Acushnet, a division of Deerfield, Ill.-based Fortune Brands Inc., announced that it will file an appeal regarding the Court's ruling saying the golf balls are outside the patents in question due to the converted production of the these balls. The company’s executive vice president, corporate and legal Joe Nauman firmly believed that the ruling will have no adverse impact on Acushnet's ability to supply Pro V1 to its customers. He further stated that the golf ball in question have been under “converted production” last September2008. The existing Pro V1 models are definitely “outside of the patents in question,” he added. Their unwavering expectation in having all their claims of the four patents in question underlies on the fact that “the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued final office actions which have determined these patents to be invalid." He also announced that there will be new and improved Titleist Pro V1 products in the first quarter of 2009 which are all out of the patents question.

Callaway Golf Company (Callaway Golf) based in Carlsbad, California specializes in golf and the manufacture of golf equipment, woods, irons, wedges, putters, golf balls, apparel, footwear, timepieces and accessories. Their market products are the Odyssey putter brand which was acquired in 1997, the Top-Flite, Strata and Ben Hogan golf brands.

Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands is a golf equipment manufacturer whose primary brands major golf brands are Titleist, FootJoy, Scotty Cameron, Cobra and Pinnacle.