- There still is no timeline to the return of Tiger Woods, who said he was doing some chipping and putting, but has yet to make a full swing with a golf club. If he hasn't started that process yet, I would think the target of The Open Championship may be in serious jeopardy. It may be for the best, however - I would rather see Tiger return at 100% than see him rush to action, be sloppy, and risk further injury.
- Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki called off their engagement this week. I wish both the best going forward.
- A couple of women are throwing away our misconceptions about age in professional sports. Earlier this week, Lucy Li, 11, became the youngest person to ever qualify for the US Women's Open, beating out Lexi Thompson's old record, who was 12 when she first qualified for the Open. A few days later, Laura Davies, at age 50, qualified for this year's Open, as well. One of these stories would have been impressive enough, but both of them occurring within days of each other shows just how inclusive the game of golf is, and how the game is advancing in a way where age is no longer a barrier in competition. While most people are just now hearing about Lucy Li, it is important to note that she didn't come out of nowhere. She won her age group's Drive, Pitch & Putt competition at Augusta National this year, and was the youngest player in history to make it to match play at the Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
-This is great to hear - the purse for the US Women's Open will be increasing this year from $3.25 million to $4 million, according to GolfDigest.com. The USGA has not officially confirmed the purse for the two Opens, but most are treating this story as true, which is a great sign for the women's game. A few years ago, money was hard to come by in the women's game, with fewer and fewer tournaments to play in, sponsors leaving the Tour, and the purses being minuscule. I have talked over and over again about the job Mike Whan has done on the LPGA Tour, but credit also goes to the ladies on Tour, who have remained strong through some tough times and have played such good golf that it has brought interest back into the game.
- Speaking of LPGA sponsors, Rolex, which has been a part of the LPGA since 1980, signed a contract extension through 2023. This keeps Rolex on as the official sponsor of the women's world golf rankings, as well as the Rolex First Time Winners, something unique to the LPGA where first time winner's are honored at the end of the season and given a brand new Rolex watch.
- Sergio Garcia withdrew from the BMW PGA Championship, the premier event on the European Tour this week with a knee injury. Sergio claims he will be alright come the US Open, but it is something to keep an eye out for. Sergio joins a long list of big name players hampered in some way with injuries this season.
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