Spontaneity sparked some Golf news in '05 (AP) Updated: 2005-12-28 09:10
Some of the biggest news in golf came from spontaneous moments.
Jack Nicklaus was on his way home from a design project in Spain when
he stopped in London for a brief chat with the media. He was asked about the
British Open at St. Andrews, and Nicklaus said it would be his final major
championship. And this time, he meant it.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem was walking to the clubhouse during the
finals of the Match Play Championship when he was asked an innocuous question
about the future at La Costa Resort, which always seems to be under water. Out
of the blue, he tipped his hand about massive changes in store for golf.
"We're looking at a lot of different things in the schedule," he said. "It's
time to take a look at a number of parts of the schedule to see if we can make
it more compelling."
Golf is always full of surprises, especially outside the ropes. Here are some
other moments that went beyond birdies and bogeys, green jackets and pink
skirts:
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It is not unusual for players to help each other with tips, whether on the
range or during a practice round.
Michael Campbell was playing with Vijay Singh at Pinehurst No. 2 early in the
week of the U.S. Open when they got to the 15th hole. Campbell sought the advice
of a three-time major champion on how to play the bunker shot.
"He told me to get your hands ahead of the ball and hit a floaty, running
shot," Campbell said. "It pops out and high and floats, so there's no check
spin."
On the last day of the tournament, Campbell had a two-shot lead when he hit
into the bunker on No. 15. Using the tip from Singh, he blasted out to 6 feet to
save par, the pivotal shot in his first major title.
Campbell did not see Singh again until they were at St. Andrews for the
British Open. As they passed each other on the range, Campbell smiled and said,
"Hey, thanks for the tip."
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