December 03, 2002

GOLF BEAT: WEEK OF NOV. 25 - DEC. 1

The world of golf remains fixated on the Augusta National men-only story. The New York Times has yet another story in today’s paper about the controversy. Today’s news has to do with the first resignation of an Augusta member in protest of the club’s policy. But some are questioning the Times' almost bizarre fixation on this story. Indeed, a recent Newsweek article says that the paper’s Augusta coverage is causing significant internal turmoil: "The Masters coverage is so overheated, one staffer says, that executive editor Howell Raines is ‘in danger of losing the building.’"

On the lighter side of the Augusta controversy, SI’s Rick Reilly takes a look into the future, and reports on the aftermath of next year’s Masters: "Now that the fire is out, the riot has been quelled, the paramedics are gone, the jails are locked down and the National Guard is in control, I have to say that the 2003 Masters was an absolute Hootie. Wouldn't you?"

Other stories making golf news:

• Old timer Mark O’Meara wins the Skins Game, beating the likes of Woods, Mickelson, and Couples.
• The Australian PGA ends in an unprecedented tie, which some, including Greg Norman, call an embarrassment to Australian golf.
• Suzy Whaley became the first person to qualify for a PGA Tour event by winning a local tournament (although she was playing from shorter tees). Whaley explains why she has chosen to play in next year’s Greater Hartford Open.

posted by jmpeterson to golf at 01:20 PM - 3 comments