NCAA Final Four About To Heat Up

Hello. If you are a CBS shareholder, you are one happy camper. This Saturday you will have two of the finest games anyone could've picked at the start of the NCAA Basketball tournament, followed by an extremely hyped up final.
First game is Florida vs UCLA in a rematch of last year's final. Will Florida prevail again? Or will UCLA get revenge? And how many shots will we see of Yannick Noah, father of Joakim Noah, in the stands? Several I'm sure.
The next game has even more star power as Ohio State takes on Georgetown. John Thompson III, son of John Thompson II, takes his father's role as coach of Georgetown. Patrick Ewing Jr, son of Patrick Ewing, takes his father's place wearing #33 for his old school. And Jerimiah Rivers will have his father, former NBAer Doc Rivers, watching. By the way, Ohio State was only ranked #1 for much of the season.
Could it really get any better? Two #1 seeds and two #2 seeds. No one outside of Kansas and North Carolina are upset they're not there instead.
Let the games begin! I'm picking Georgetown over Florida Monday.

Regards,
Steve

LPGA Gets ready for Kraft Nabisco

Hello. The LPGA season gets its first major of the year going tomorrow, and already the storylines are going strong. Will Karrie Webb win? Will Lorena Ochoa break through with her first major and an even bigger claim on the best LPGA Tour player? Will Annika rebound? Will Natalie Gulbis improve on her performance last year, when she missed the playoffs by one shot? Is Paula Creamer back in top form? Is a Korean ready to claim the title?
The LPGA has a chance to shine this week. I hope it takes it. The tournament is not getting the TV time it deserves (ESPN2 Thrusday thru Saturday, CBS on Sunday). Obviously CBS is more interested in the NCAA Basketball tournament. And when The Golf Channel has to cover an also-ran PGA event, it's unfortunate they can't switch to this one. No one even knows there's a PGA event on this week.
What will it take to make the LPGA a top item? I'm not sure. I don't think you could have a better field of players than the LPGA has now. There are vets and youngsters with immense talent. They play a lot more than their PGA counterparts, and they're more recognizable. It's really their time to come through with the goods. Let's hope this week, which no longer conflicts with the PGA's Players Championship, takes them to a new level.
My pick? Lorena Ochoa.
Good luck ladies!

Regards,
Steve

Tiger Defends Both Titles

Hello. Congrats to Tiger Woods for defending both of his titles last week. Tiger won the WGC-CA Championships at Doral. This tournament was a combination of the Ford Doral tournament and the WGC Championship. Woods won both last year.
Woods is now 13 of 24 in WGC events. Imagine! He is more dominate in these events than in majors. And they're supposed to have better fields, even though they're smaller (only 73 this past week). All the top names were there, yet Woods prevailed easily, shooting a 1-over par 73 the last day. So much for long lasting problems from his final round at Bay Hill.
In fact, Woods winning easily is so taken for granted now it's becoming more of a surprise if he doesn't perform, like at Bay Hill. And other stories, such as Sergio Garcia spitting into the 13th hole Saturday (Spitgate?) become bigger than what they ordinarily would be. By the way Sergio, what were you thinking? And why didn't you or your caddie put a towel in the hole to clean up?
It's hard to believe someone could win as regularly on the PGA as Woods has. Prior to Tiger, I had always heard how drained players were after a win, and how they weren't expecting to win again. Tiger has changed that mindset, however only he and Vijay Singh seem to have figured out how to do it consistently.
All the best at the Masters Tiger!

Regards,
Steve

Scott Comes Through in Worlds

Hello. Congrats to Kelly Scott and Team Canada for winning at the world championships Sunday in Japan.
It's been quite a ride for this team the last two years. 2 Canadian Titles, a gold and bronze at worlds, and a runer-up in the Olympic Trails. They are the early favourites to win at the 2009 Olympic Trials.
I think they could be the next dominant Canadian ladies team. While there are some good ones, this team seems to have it all. Scott has to be the nicest skip on the planet. I can't imagine anyone being upset playing with her. Schraeder is the complete package. She can throw it all. Simmons and Carter are a super front end. Their coach, Gerry Richard, Schraeder's dad, is a champion in his own right.
So what can derail a team like this? It's hard to say. Look at Randy Ferbey, or Kevin Martin, or Colleen Jones. Their days of going to a Canadian championship as the overwhelming favourite are over, even though it could be argued they should be just as good as before. Little things on and off the ice can cause that edge to disappear.
Congrats on a great season ladies!

Regards,
Steve

Scott Stil Undefeated, Sweden Going Home

Hello. Here are my Good, Bad and Ugly for the women's world championships:

The Good
1. Canada - Kelly Scott is undefeated. Way to go!
2. Denmark - Very good performance for this country. Excellent future
3. Scotland - Solid 8-3
4. US - McCormack could be a factor in the playoffs
5. Switzerland - Winning record where they should've been
6. China - 5-6 for a country still learning is excellent

The Bad
1. Germany - Veteran skip should've faired better than 4-7
2. Japan - 4-7 for host country doesn't cut it
3. Russia - This young lady ahs a lot of experience, was supposed to make playoffs
4. Czech Republic - Big win against Sweden highlights otherwise poor performance

The Ugly
1. Italy - Didn't follow up Torino momentum
2. Sweden - Losing a must win game against the Czechs to miss the playoffs? Big disappointment

Regards,
Steve

Scott Going Strong at Worlds

Hello. Congrats to Kelly Scott's rink for being 10-0 so far as of this writing at the world championships in Japan. Needless to say, she is on a roll. With only 1 game left, Team Canada is assured of first place in the playoffs. Canada beat 2nd place Denmark 8-1 very early this morning to clinch first.
I saw this year at the Scotties that Kelly Scott's team has learned how to win. They gained valuable Olympic Trails experience losing to Shannon Kleibrink in the final, and valuable worlds experience getting 3rd place last year behind Sweden and the US. They look like they could repeat Colleen Jones' team's run of multiple Scotties in a row, and become the early 2010 favourites. They seemed to have matured as a team, and are still young enough and hungry enough to maintain this run.
What shocks me so much about these playoffs is Sweden. They looked unbeatable to me last year in the Olympics and worlds. Right now they are out of the playoff picture, and need to win their last two games and get some help from Scotland losing two games or the US losing one game to get in.
All the best Team Canada!

Regards,
Steve

Singh On A Roll

Hello. Congrats to Vijay Singh for winning at Bay Hill. His -9 score on a toughened course in windy conditions was excellent. And if you beat Tiger Woods by 9 shots in a round you must be on the right track!
The question now becomes, does Singh have what it takes to give Tiger a run at Augusta? I'd say based on past Augusta performances he and Mickelson are the only ones who can compete with Tiger there. And since both Tiger and Phil are slumping at the moment, it could be Vijay's time.
If nothing else, this win should convince everyone Singh is still dedicated to winning. Look at his putting alone. Vijay has won with putters of every length. Cross-handed grip. Regular grip. No one works harder at improving. I saw his dryland routine. I got tired just watching.
Since Vijay is just a bit younger than me, he's gotten a free ride from the press. He's already beaten Sam Snead's record for most wins for someone 40+. No one expects much out of him since he had his career year in 2004. He can relax a lot more than Tiger since the media spotlight is not on him.
Can Vijay keep going? I wouldn't bet against him.

Regards,
Steve

Strauss Canada Cup Missing Some Things

Hello. Congrats to Jennifer Jones and Randy Ferbey for winning the Strauss Canada Cup this weekend. I only saw the women's final, so I cannot comment on all the action. However, Jones looked very solid beating Cathy King.
Some things I noticed:

1. Was it just me, or was the ice poor for the 2nd event in a row? It's unfortunate because the ice has been so good in recent years. Poor ice now sticks out like a sore thumb.
2. Mike Harris, I missed you! Joan McCusker was left to die by herself with a cold. If the Jones game had gone an extra end, she may not have made it. Mr. Whitman, you of decades of curling broadcasting experience, where were you to fill in the gaps? Did you not want to reveal how little you know?
3. Speaking of people MIA, where were Glenn Howard and Kelly Scott? Scott was of course in Japan for the start of the women's world championships. Howard was taking a break after winning the Brier. Unfortunate for Strauss that the reigning top teams are absent, but it revealed how deep curling is in Canada by the field. Maybe some rescheduling is in order.

Regards,

Steve

Tiger Tour On The Horizon?

Hello. While the PGA Tour players should be elated there will be an event to replace the International tournament that folded earlier this year, that's not the case. Some players are very critical of Tiger's new Washington event because it plans on being an invitational. Instead of seeing it as 100-120 more starts, they see it as 30-50 fewer starts. Maybe they're right on that perspective.
What this situation (and Gary Van Sickle's article on si.com) has done is convince me Tiger Woods could start his own tour (Tiger Tour sounds nice). It could have the tournaments he is in only, about 20 a year. It could run parellel to the PGA Tour. And it could include the majors and Dubai and the other non-PGA Tour events he plays in, since they aren't run by the PGA Tour anyway.
Would this work? You bet! The TV money would be outrageous. Imagine having a tour where Tiger is guaranteed to play every event. It would become the elite tour, relagating the PGA to secondary status. The fields could be smaller, with no cuts, so each player would get guaranteed money. Players from all tours could choose to play in these events if they wanted to (and they were high enough in the World Rankings), and who wouldn't want to? Of course, that may make them unwelcome on their own tours, but it may be worth the risk for the elite players.
Also, if you're an existing tournament, wouldn't you want your event to be on the Tiger Tour? Your ratings and attendance would probably be double over the "new" PGA, sans Tiger. The only tournament that wouldn't hop over to the Tiger Tour would be the Players Championship, because it's run by the PGA Tour. And tell me they wouldn't let Tiger play in it even if he started the Tiger Tour. If Tiger was refused, he probably wouldn't care, since he's won it before.
The rank and file PGA Tour player probably wouldn't like it. However, it would force them to play better so they could achieve Tiger Tour status.
If I were Tiger, I would seriously consider it. No Fedex Cup or Ryder Cup or President's Cup to worry about. No need to hear fans and sponsors complaining about your absence. And every event benefitting your foundation. Sounds like a nice present for the man that has everything.

Regards,
Steve

NHLPA In A Pickle

Hello. Woe is the NHLPA. The past two years have not been kind. After calling the NHL's bluff, then finding out they weren't bluffing, the players decided to take a deal that they said they would never take. They fired Bob Goodenow and replaced him with Ted Saskin, who had in essence been running the show ever since Goodenow's wait it out tactics had been rejected by the rank and file.
What followed were allegations Saskin was not hired properly, followed by the latest email privacy breach claims. As a result, Saskin has been suspended with pay indefinitely. Now it just seems to be a question of how the NHLPA will transition to a new leader.
The question I have is, what has the NHLPA been doing for its members over the years? There's been no mandatory face protection, which could've been grandfathered in like helmets were. When Steve Moore was attacked by Todd Bertuzzi, the union came to Bertuzzi's aid, but not Moore's. And the latest lockout was poorly orchestrated to say the least.
Could the players have faired as well, or even better, without the NHLPA? I'm no union expert, but I can't imagine how it could be worse. The main thing that has helped the players over the years has been the agents, not the union.
It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next year. As someone who has always supported the players, I think they can only go up from here.

Regards,
Steve

Ross Dismissal a Blessing for RCGA

Hello. Stephen Ross, executive director of the RCGA, was packaged off after 30 years of service. While the RCGA can claim some victories under Ross' direction, there were many failures, most notably the Canadian Open.
Ross' years of service coincide nicely with my first visit to the Canadian Open. It was 1977 at Glen Abbey. I was a teenager going on practice day. Every top player of the era you could name (Nicklaus, Player, Kite, Crenshaw, Trevino et al) were there, as were Bar, Nelford and Halderson representing Canada. Those Canadian players were part of the free junior clinic. Jack Nicklaus designed the course, which was state of the art at the time. I played it that year, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now what does Canada have? A lousy field, playing on a lousy date, on a "players think it's lousy" course (although I've never played Angus Glen North, so I can't say what it's like), for a lousy purse. It personally makes me sick to my stomach to see what's happened. Yet until this dismissal, all I heard was how well things were going.
If the MADD Canada and Canadian Curling Association experiences are anything to base opinions on, it's this - a non-profit organization receiving public funds cannot be above criticism. It also cannot hide things from the public. This dismissal shows the RCGA is going in a different direction. I say bravo!

Regards,
Steve

Howard Comes Through

Hello. Congrats to Glenn Howard and Team Ontario for winning the Brier. Howard overcame a 5-3 deficit after 5 ends to defeat Brad Gushue 10-6.
It was a clutch team performance. Craig Savill is the best lead in the game now in my opinion. When reviewing Team Howard's ends, it always seems Savill gets the ball rolling, and gives the team the advantage. Anyone want to reverse Russ Howard's Free Guard Zone invention? It certainly makes the lead's job so critical.
Brent Laing is the only player on Team Howard who has to become more consistent. He can make great shots, but also some bad ones. He'll have to be on to get that world championship.
Richard Hart is excellent at third. While he talks a bit too much for my liking, obviously the chemistry works for this team. Richard can really get his shooter in play.
And what more can I say about my fellow former University of Waterloo golf team member? Glenn, I know how happy you are to have achieved this as a skip. Talk about taking a huge monkey off your back. At one point I thought you'd change your name to "Brother Glenn", because that's all anyone in the media ever referred to you as. Way to go! Now no one can keep you in Russ' shadow any longer.
Here's the most amazing thing about Glenn. In the now 9 Briers he's been in, Glenn has been to the finals 7 times. 7 times! That's quite an accomplishment.
All the best in Edmonton!

Regards,
Steve

Brier Heating Up Towards Playoff Friday

Hello. Another interesting day at the Brier. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly update:

The Good
1. Ontario - Two wins, although they weren't stellar last night.\
2. Manitoba - Comfortable in 2nd
3. Alberta - Still questioning strategy sometimes. Not sure what will happen in big games
4. Newfoundland/Labrador - Hot team improving every game
5. Saskatchewan - Loss to PEI last night could be costly
6. Territories - Reversed slide against Nova Scotia. Ont, Sask provides tough day
7. Northern Ontario - Hanging in, but same tough schedule as Territories

The Bad
1. BC - this team needs mental help
2. PEI - Won last night, but not a good performance
3. Quebec - Bigs wins, but too many bad losses

The Ugly
1. Nova Scotia - First experience not a good one
2. New Brunswick - Week to forget

Regards,
Steve

Problems On and Off Brier Ice

Hello. More of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly for the Brier:

The Good
1. Ontario - Now in first alone
2. Manitoba - Being destroyed this morning casts some doubt, but still strong
3. Alberta - 3 wins in a row gets them controlling their playoff destiny
4. Newfoundland/Labrador - 4 wins in a row have them back in business
5. Saskatchewan - Big win over Manitoba has them in the hunt
6. Territories - Played relatively well last night and still got beat. Big day needed today

The Bad
1. Northern Ontario - Gave back Newfoundland game after having it handed to them
2. BC - Strategy session needed
3. Quebec - Disappointing after province won last year

The Ugly
1. Nova Scotia - This team can't hold up prior team's performances
2. PEI - Playing against each other on the island won't cut it
3. New Brunswick - Finally got first win, the rest is brutal
4. THE ICE - Major factor in all games. Can't blame the weather.
5. THE CROWDS (or lack thereof) - Certainly not supported here like the West

Regards,
Steve

Ice, Strategy Making Brier Unpredictable

Hello. The ice at the Brier seems to be breaking down during games. As a result, teams seem to be able to steal easier than scoring with hammer. In other words, they are playing like I do! However, for many of them it's a strategy change, which they're having trouble adjusting to. Here are my Good, Bad and Ugly for the Brier:

The Good
1. Manitoba - One short draw away from being perfect. My pick to win right now
2. Ontario - Not hitting all cylinders right now. Blowing big leads. Could be trouble
3. Territories - What can I say? A remarkable performance. Hope they make playoffs
4. Alberta - John Morris playing great, but strategy calls are bothering me
5. Saskatchewan - Same as Alberta.

The Bad
1. BC - A mystery they're at 3-2. Looked brutal every time I've seen them
2. Newfoundland/Labrador - Not showing any Olympic form yet. Maybe win vs Sask will help
3. Quebec - Couldn't adapt to ice last night. They need me as a coach
4. Nova Scotia - Brier inexperience showing
5. Northern Ontario - Big win vs Alberta but incosistent otherwise

The Ugly
1. PEI - Combining two teams into one hasn't helped. They have to travel more or something
2. New Brunswick - Both men's and ladies teams have fallen big time.

Regards,
Steve

Jack Makes Two Good Points

Hello. Congrats to Mark Wilson for wining a 4-man playoff this morning against Boo Weekley (the Jeopardy answer to what do Toronto Maple Leaf fans do), Jose Coceros and Camilo Villegas.
Wilson may not have been the people's choice to win of those 4. Villegas is certainly a hit with the ladies. And Weekley is a hit with anyone wanting more characters in the game.
These two, and Villegas in particular, could be suffering from what Jack Nicklaus mentioned in an interview with Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller.
Jack says there's one of two possible differences between this era and his era. Either Tiger is miles ahead of the rest of the field, or the field is so deep that guys don't get a chance to win that often. If the 2nd theory is true, then someone like Villegas who has pressure to fulfill his enormous potential doesn't get a lot of chances to experience what a playoff or a lead feels like. As a result, when he gets there, he knows he'd better capitalize or else he may not get another chance for a few months. This adds more pressure, which then causes him to miss a 4-foot par putt on the 2nd playoff hole, and end his chances.
Personally, I think both of Jack's theories are true. I think Tiger is miles ahead of everyone, and there are no legit challengers because they have few opportunities to win. And unless someone does what Vijay Singh did in 2004, neither of those things are going to change.

Regards,
Steve

Honda Where It Should Be

Hello. I've always thought the Honda Classic should've been the first stop on the Florida portion of the PGA Tour. In the past, Doral (now a WGC event) followed the WGC Match Play championship. Many players found it tough to play in the WGC Match Play, then fly to Florida the next week. Because the Honda has always gotten a weaker field, the big guns get a chance to rest after the Match Play. Of course, for some players, they already got a big rest after losing early.
In fact, there is now somewhat of a lull in the schedule. The Honda is followed by the PODS Championship, formerly the Tampa Chrysler that was played in the fall. This historically has been a lesser event as well. These two events will probably be skipped by the very top players, because Bay Hill and Doral (now Arnold Palmer and WGC CA Championship) follow. Then another lesser event, the Shell Houston Open, followed by the Masters.
I like these lesser events being fitted in this way. The top players are only going to play 20-25 events. This is a reality, so the schedule should reflect it. While every event (including my personal whipping post, the Canadian Open) would like to think they're the best event going, it's just not the way it is. Even tournaments like The Memorial, which used to be a big deal, now are on a lower tier thanks to WGC events.
Congrats PGA Tour on getting this part of the schedule correct.

Regards,
Steve