While the PGA Tour was playing its season finale down in Florida, which was won by Trinidad-born Stephen Ames, Tiger Woods was “down under,” rallying to win the Australian Masters on Sunday after a temper tantrum, which saw him bounce his driver into the gallery as he fell into a tie for the lead Saturday.
The victory gives Woods a title on every continent on which major golf is played and brings his worldwide total to 82 wins.
He had not played in the Australian event in more than a decade, but vowed to not wait that long to return for a try at a second Gold Jacket. (Greg Norman has five of them.)
Ames collected nearly $900,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network title, while Woods joked that his mother already had spent his $270,000 winner’s check shopping locally as he worked.
Worry not for Tiger, as tournament sponsors paid him $3 million just for showing up. Appearance fees strictly are prohibited on the PGA Tour but are commonplace around the rest of the globe.
So, Tiger jetted to Australia for (a) completing the circuit of wins on every continent; (b) earning his 82nd title; (c) his mother to go shopping; or (d) because not even a billionaire can pass up $3 million for just showing up.
Whatcha’ think?
Santa Fe Boys
The varsity Indians have yet to be beaten by a Class 4A team this season. Most recently, they notched a top 10 finish among 27 (mostly 5A) teams competing in the Pearland High tournament at Southwyck.
Daniel Wilkerson, who carded a 75 last week at Wilderness Trails, played from the “tips” and battled tough winds for an 82 and a top ten individual performance.
The Indians travel to Battleground on Dec. 4-5, where the field will include a tough 4A rival in the form of the Friendswood Mustangs.
Meanwhile, the Santa Fe junior varsity squad warmed up the Battleground course by placing second in the Deer Park Fall Tournament last week.
Payton Johnson (79) won the individual title, and teammate Billy Burns (81) claimed the bronze medal.
Thanksgiving ace
Penny Perez won’t just be talking turkey this Thanksgiving. Perez achieved perfection with a swing of a wedge at the 118 yard seventh hole at Bayou Golf Club on Nov. 5.
Witnessing the feat were David Groves, Tom Martin, Marcus Perez and Charlie Campbell.
Set ’em up, Joe! This round is on Penny!
Galveston Country Club Ladies
Liz Steege led the way Nov. 12 earning low gross in the LGA playday.
Carole Merritt was low net for the day in addition to using the fewest putts to complete the round (tied with Nancy Mafrige).
Third quarter LGA “ringer” winners were Jackie Fluke and Cathy Knecht.
I’ll let you know exactly what that means after I attend the LGA Christmas party Dec. 10. Where I come from, the term “ringer” sometimes results in brandished tongues — if not swords!
LPGA Last Word
Today and Wednesday, you can take your camera to the Houstonian Golf and Country Club and get photos of — and with — the 120 top LPGA players, all in town for the Tour Championship.
Starting Thursday, no more cameras on the course, but you can still enjoy great weather and great golf for $30 (or buy tickets online for $20).
But you won’t get to see Michelle Wie garner her first win as a professional. She’s in the field and still in rarefied air after winning during the weekend in Guadalajara.
Catch full-field action Thursday and Friday. After Friday’s round and again on Saturday, the field will be reduced, with only the top thirty vying for the title Sunday.
