A roundup of the week’s hottest stories in golf for Monday, May 2, 2016 …
Is Tiger Woods nearing a return to the PGA Tour?
After golf’s most polarizing figure made headlines two weeks ago in a revealing piece by ESPN.com’s Wright Thompson, Tiger is back on the front page for a different reason. Woods officially registered for the U.S. Open at Oakmont (June 16-19) last week, and also reportedly booked housing accommodations in Ohio for the Memorial Tournament, which begins on June 2.
The 14-time major champion also teed it up twice – first for an exhibition at Bluejack National (Tiger’s first domestic course design), and then at his foundation’s annual #TigerJam fundraiser in Las Vegas.
“Feels good to hit it solid again.”
–@TigerWoods | #TigerJam @TWFoundation pic.twitter.com/ZpvkNgcHRK— Mike Antolini (@TWFAnto) April 29, 2016
The Zurich Classic
The Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana was shortened to a 54-hole Monday finish due to relentless rain. Monday finished in a three-man sudden-death playoff, with Brian Stuard (15 under) securing his first career victory in dramatic fashion over Jamie Lovemark and Ben An. With the win, Stuard also earned a spot in the 2017 Masters.
Breaking: Brian Stuard wins Zurich Classic – see the WITB from Callaway Golf:
Two Apex hybrids?
All 14 Callaway clubs Brian Stuard used to win the @Zurich_Classic: https://t.co/vNVFsHc2zo pic.twitter.com/aq4ZfjWp3q
— Callaway Golf (@CallawayGolf) May 2, 2016
Volunteers of America Texas Shootout
Twenty-three-year-old Jenny Shin (14 under) posted a 4-under 67 Sunday to collect her first LPGA Tour victory at Las Colinas. The 2006 U.S. Junior champion outlasted former Big Break star, Gerina Piller, for a two-shot win.
Game of Moans: Web.com Tour Edition
Cody Gribble’s heartbreak on the 72nd hole led to a T-2 finish at the United Leasing & Finance Championship.
Absolutely brutal.
Cody Gribble finishes one back. https://t.co/KXKN9NTJvS
— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) May 1, 2016
Happy 50th, John Daly!
Golf’s most famous bad boy turned 50 years old on April 28, making “Long John” eligible for the Champions Tour. The two-time major champion will make his Champions debut this week at the Insperity Invitational in Texas. Daly had this to say about a bet he recalls making, but never shaking on, with Fuzzy Zoeller:
“Fuzzy said, ‘I got 150 grand you’re never going to make it to 50’ … So I won’t hold him up to it. I’ll just have him give me a free bottle of his vodka.”
Read more about JD’s birthday bet over on USAToday.
Golf Gaffes
An Ohio woman gave new meaning to driving into a lateral hazard when she crashed her car into a pond on Yankee Trace Golf Course Sunday morning.
Like Father, Like Son
John Daly’s son celebrated his father’s birthday by taking a trick out of the old man’s bag. This time, instead of a beer can or David Feherty’s mouth, Little John elected for a Coke bottle.
Like father, like son. LJ (Little John Daly) has a birthday message for @PGA_JohnDaly (H/T coach #ErnieFairles) pic.twitter.com/DR3M05Ls07
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 28, 2016
Extras!
Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Smylie Kaufman enjoy #SB2K16
#SB2K16 @JordanSpieth @JustinThomas34 @SmylieKaufman10 appreciate the support @Casamigos pic.twitter.com/R1drwspfXH
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) April 20, 2016
Smylie Kaufman also had some hotel hallway lessons this week…
Got to do what you got do when the weather is bad. Hotel hallway lessons. #dewsweeperlife @dewsweepergolf pic.twitter.com/3hhCF78614
— Smylie Kaufman (@SmylieKaufman10) April 30, 2016
Be sure to check back here at the GolfTEC Scramble again next Monday for our latest weekly edition of The Links!