Candadian Open Not the Top Story in Golf - or the 2nd 3rd or 4th?

Why is it that the Canadian Open is not a story that people are interested in. It is a national open championship. There are more than a few good players in the field. A good international presence in the field as well. Why is it?

Both Yahoo Sports and The Golf Channel have any news on the Open as the 4th or 5th golf story in their headlines. That is pretty far down the list. The upcoming field at the Buick is more of a story. The Senior British is more of a story (you can kind of understand with the whole Watson thing going on). The LPGA Evian masters is getting more coverage. Even Wie's quest for a spot on the Solheim team is getting better real estate on Golf Channel's website... Why the hatred? Maybe because it is too close the the Open Championship?

I like the event and wish it would get some better attention from the fans... which is what controls the media coverage...

LPGA Should Be Called Mexico Ladies Golf Tour?

Four events in Mexico because of one player? I know they are following the money but is that a bit much? Maybe not. It is Mexico and not South Korea. Lorena Ochoa has opened the door to 4 events that wouldn't exist and millions in revenue for the tour and its players. The rest of the tour should be thanking her.

In addition I have played some great courses in Mexico down in Cabo San Lucas! Some of the best courses I have played or seen.

here is the official release:
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., July 21, 2009 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Sports Management Group s.a. de C.V. (SMG) announced today that they have signed a two-year agreement in principle to conduct the Acapulco LPGA Classic starting in 2010. The event, slated to be held next spring at Tres Vidas Golf Club on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Acapulco, will be a standard-eligibility, 72-hole tournament featuring a $1.3 million purse.

“LPGA golf continues to generate significant fan interest in Mexico, and we're pleased to work with a partner who understands the value and benefits that our golfers offer,” said LPGA Acting Commissioner Marty Evans. “Acapulco is one of the world's premier destination cities, attractive not only to national fans but those who love to travel to watch LPGA Tour at its best.”

Designed by Robert von Hagge, part of the von Hagge, Smelek & Baril Texas design firm, the club is considered one of the country's top venues. With five holes touching the Pacific Ocean, the championship course features emerald Tifdwart greens and Bermuda-carpeted fairways.

“We are extremely excited and proud that Mexico and Tres Vidas Acapulco will be hosting the players of the LPGA in 2010 and 2011,” said Tournament Chairman Alvaro Escobar of SMG. “We believe this new partnership will be in place for many years to come.”

“I'm thrilled that our great country will host an LPGA Tour event in Acapulco, an absolutely beautiful city with a great reputation for hosting top sporting events,” said Lorena Ochoa, the LPGA Tour's No. 1 player and resident of Mexico. “I'm certain our players will love the facility and the atmosphere, and we'll put on a great show for the fans.”

The LPGA will announce its full 2010 schedule during the LPGA Tour Championship, including dates, in mid-November. The Acapulco event brings to 14 the number of tournaments currently finalized to be on the 2010 LPGA Tour. Discussions with another 15 events on the 2009 LPGA Tour calendar continue, as do talks with entities interested in new events for 2010. The 2009 LPGA Tour calendar features 28 Official Money tournaments totaling nearly $50 million in prize money.

“The LPGA executive team and Board all are committed to securing the very best 2010 calendar possible for LPGA players, fans, partners and our other stakeholders,” said Evans. “We've lost half a dozen tournaments this year for a variety of reasons, primarily due to the dramatic effect that the recession has had on the real estate, tourism and financial sectors. However, we are confident that the tournaments and title sponsors who have reaped the benefits of working with the LPGA in the past will continue to realize the value that we bring to their businesses and communities.”

Stewart Cink - Hero or Villain?

I have to admit that I was rooting for Tom Watson since Thursday and was on pins and needles for that last put, knowing that putting is not his strong suit. If Watson could have putted better, who knows how many more majors he might have won, but he didn't. He didn't put well the one time he had to all tournament this time either.

That leaves us with Stewart Cink. The 2009 Open Champion. So is he a Hero or Villain? Funny enough, after the drives on 17, I knew Stewart was going to win. He had the mojo and that last putt on 18 stole all of Watson's mojo away. I am sure that Watson was the gallery favorite and that Cink is just a guy that many of the Europeans saw the last few years in Rider Cup action. Cink has been right there as a top contender for many years now and it actually has surprised me that he hasn't one more often and in bigger tournaments. I was sad after Watson's ball was found on 17 in the playoff but shortly there after I began to feel good again. Cink was one of the players I wanted to cheer for. He is one of the guys that have a big game and have come up just short several times. Then he hit a great drive off 18 and an incredible second shot to setup a birdie butt to slam the door.

There was not mistaking that Cink was the champion this year. He didn't have it handed to him. He earned it. He didn't steal it from Watson. Remember, he birdied the last who with 18 footer that he knew was going in before he putted it. Cink is the Hero! He didn't get caught up in Watson's comeaback. He was focused and saw his opportunity and seized it.

Congratulations Stewart Cink. You are the 2009 Open Champion!