Nicklaus To Be Honorary Starter at Masters

Guess who is going to join Arnold Palmer as an honorary starter at The Masters? None other than six-time champion Jack Nicklaus. Officials at Augusta National announced Monday that Nicklaus accepted their invitation to join Palmer in hitting a ceremonial first drive at the 2001 Masters. "I have always had great respect for Arnold and his legacy at the Masters, and I did not, in any way, want to infringe on the opportunity for Arnold to have and enjoy this Masters tradition for himself," Nicklaus said in a statement released Monday by Augusta National Golf Club. "He is so deserving of this honor, and thus I felt it was his time, not mine. Recently, I was invited by both Augusta National and Arnold to join him on the first tee, and because he enthusiastically supported the invitation, it became an easy decision for me." Nicklaus, who won the 1986 Masters at the age of 46, last competed in the tournament in 2005.

Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Wally Armstrong.

Wie Impressive at Solheim Cup

Mr. Fairway has not been Michelle Wie’s biggest fan, mostly because she hasn’t won anything and, in his opinion, had become a caricature of herself by playing in men’s PGA Tour events, firing agents and caddies, and being controlled by her sponsors and domineering parents. But after watching her gutsy performance in the Solheim Cup, he was impressed by her game, her attitude and her presence on the course. Wie, a captain’s pick by Beth Daniel, has the best record for the victorious U.S. team at 3-0-1. She hit booming drives and actually made some key putts. It will be interesting to see if her performance helps her win her first LPGA event in the near future. Speaking of the Solheim Cup, Christina Kim needs to put a cork in her mouth. Although she was 3-1-0, Kim, more than any other American, was the most obnoxious player leading cheers and trying to get the galleries fired up. She hit some great shots but she also hit a bunch of stinkers that left Mr. Fairway underwhelmed. Tone it down next time around, Christina, or you won’t be taken seriously.

Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Sally Little.

Tiger's 8-Iron Magic

Tiger Woods once again proved he is no mortal and that his challengers are. After Woods, tailing Padraig Harrington by a shot at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, hit a 182-yard 8-iron to six inches on the 16th hole, the defending PGA champion hit a lob wedge into the greenside pond and made a triple bogey. Tournament over. Who hits 182-yard 8-irons? Woods cruised home to victory, his fourth of the year, second in a row, and 70th of all time, leaving behind only Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. The win also was his seventh victory in the WGC tournament played at the Firestone Country Club, the most any PGA pro has won at one venue. Coincidentally, the win comes a week before the last major championship of the year and presents Woods with his last chance to cap off another stunning season.

Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Phil Tataurangi.