THE PLAYERS: Wednesday
PGATOUR.COM's staff is on the scene at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Here's our live coverage of the comings and goings during Wednesday's final practice for THE PLAYERS Championship (all times ET).
WRAPPING UP PRACTICE (6:30 p.m.): The golf course, driving range and practice green were completely empty save for one man as the final day of practice came to an end. Padraig Harrington, who is Europe's version of Vijay Singh when it comes to hard work, was still on the putting green, working on his stroke under the watful eye of Dr. Bob Rotella. That's the second time this week he's been the last, or one of the last players to leave the course. Harrington was twice a runner-up here, but hasn't finished in the top 50 in any of the last four years. Clearly hard work isn't his problem. -- Brian Wacker
RESULTS FROM THE CADDIE COMPETITION (5:50 p.m.): Every year as players make their way through the par-3 17th during the Wednesday practice rounds, caddies take part in a little competition, hitting shots after their employers take their own swings. And while Tiger Woods might be the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world, his caddie, Steve Williams, proved he wasn't No. 1, at least in this competition. That honor went to Garath Lord, who carries for Robert Karlsson.
Lord his his tee shot to 6 feet, 1 inch, more than 2 feet closer that Zach Johnson's caddie, Damon Green, who was second. As for Woods' caddie, Williams hit his shot in the water (scroll down for a picture). Below are the rest of the caddie results. -- Brian Wacker
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41 HONORED (5:25 p.m.): Given former President George H.W. Bush's connection to golf, he was without question worthy of the PGA TOUR's Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received in what can only be called an extremely patriotic ceremony that took place at the 18th green here a few minutes ago.
Fans turned out in large numbers to see the former President, who was accompanied down the fairway, which was lined with naval personnel as part of Military Appreciation Day, by Master at Arms First Class and CNIC Sailor of the Year Larry Thomas. Joining the festivities were PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and a number of other TOUR officials.
During the playing of the anthem, the former President sang along and immediately following was military jet flyover by squadron 111 from Naval Station Key West resulted in a thunderous roar from above and cheers from the crowd.
Admiral Joe Kernan, commander of the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet, which earlier this week was performing large-scale exercises off the coast, gave a heartfelt thanks to golf and then joked that whenever the former President plays golf that his opponent should have the understanding that his handicap should be whatever it needs to be in order to win.
"The great thing about golf is you get a stroke when you play with anyone. They're not as generous as they used to be, though," former President Bush joked. "It used to be 'that's a good one Mr. President, put it in your pocket.' It's different now."
The event's emcee, NBC's Dan Hicks, who will call the action on television later this week, wrapped things up by pointing out how quick the former President's pace of play was for this event and that he could probably get in 9 or 18 holes and that Tiger & Co., was gone. -- Brian Wacker
GOYDOS ON SAWGRASS (4:00 p.m.): One of the questions being asked to a lot of players this week is if they had to describe this course in one word, what would it be.
Some of the responses so far: Interesting (Phil Mickelson), tricky (Tiger Woods) and exciting (Padraig Harrington). Wednesday, Paul Goydos added to that -- "surprising," he said.
"There's reachable par-5s," Goydos continued. " And it's a par-72, not a par-70, which we're getting used to in major championships, yet double digits under par is going to be really, really good depending on the weather.
"This golf course is going to have a lot of birdies and eagles, but it's going to have a lot more doubles or triples than your average TOUR event, too."
Goydos should know. Last year's tournament is remembered as much for Sergio Garcia's victory as it is Goydos' difficult loss when he found the water on the par-3 17th.
"It's good to come back -- 99 percent of last year was very positive," said Goydos, who, despite such a difficult loss here last year, still did appearances afterward, including on the popular ESPN show Pardon the Interruption. "My game is probably in about the same place it was coming into last year, which isn't very good. My game tends to show up unannounced, and hopefully it will show up unannounced again this week." -- Brian Wacker
PORCH TALK (3:15 p.m.): The place to be Wednesday afternoon was the front porch of the clubhouse where everyone was dropping by to chat. And stay out of the heat.
• Charlie Epps, Angel Cabrera's coach, was still grinning over Cabrera's Masters win. He'd just finished working with his star pupil, who is back down to earth and, Epps reports, is playing well going into the weekend.
• President George H.W. Bush, who will be honored tonight with the Lifetime Achievement Award, hopped in a car with son -- and former Florida governor Jeb Bush -- escaping the 90-plus degree temperatures and a morning of watching golf to head back to the hotel and rest before the ceremony.
• Shell Houston Open tournament director Steve Timms and his defending champion Paul Casey discussing the finishing holes at the Tournament Course at Redstone. And the greens here at Sawgrass.
• Casey laughing that his caddie Craig Connelly hit inside him at the 17th hole during the annual caddie event and was wearing him out about it.
And overheard near the 18th green a couple of hours ago: A middle-aged woman asking a group of kids if they knew where Tiger Woods was on the course. Their response: "He might be eating lunch, but played this morning and we think he left." They were correct in part. He did play early and left the course. We don't know about lunch. -- Melanie Hauser
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McILROY'S FIRST PLAYERS (2:00 p.m.): Rory McIlroy is experiencing a lot of firsts this year -- first win (in Dubai), first Masters, first PLAYERS Championship. Actually, McIlroy is one of 18 players playing this tournament for the first time. That's not to say McIlroy hasn't seen the course before. Like countless other teenagers, McIlroy likes video games and he's played this course on Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2009 plenty of times before. "I shot 54 here on the game," McIlroy said Wednesday.
The game, which also features McIlRoy (he plays as himself, not Tiger), is incredibly realistic in course set up, green contours and pretty much every detail you could think of. Of course winning here in your first trip is a lot easier said than done. Only three players -- Jack Nicklaus, Craig Perks and Hal Sutton -- have ever won this tournament in their first attempt. -- Brian Wacker
BUSH ON SITE (12:55 p.m.): Former President George H.W. Bush just arrived at TPC Sawgrass, where he'll be receiving the PGA TOUR's Lifetime Achievement Award today at 5 p.m. during a "Military Tribute" on the 18th hole.
Bush arrived in a caravan of black Chevy Suburbans and was accompanied by secret service and local police in front of the clubhouse, where Corey Pavin got an introduction. "I don't want to approach too quickly," joked Pavin as he made his way toward Bush.
After a quick introduction, former President Bush asked how Pavin is hitting it. "Alright, I'm getting older," Pavin said. "I know how that goes," responded Bush, who will turn 85 in July.
After a few minutes, Bush, who has been hampered by a bad back of late, was whisked away on a caravan of golf carts.
Today's The tribute is part of THE PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day, which offers free admission to all active-duty and retired members of U.S. Armed Forces. The tribute is also open to the public (Wednesday tournament ticket holders). Bush will officially receive the award from PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem during a private reception tonight. You can read more about Bush being honored by clicking here. -- Brian Wacker
O'HAIR TRYING TO STAY ENERGIZED (12:30 p.m.): Sean O'Hair has had plenty of text messages and voicemails in the 60 hours or so since he won the Quail Hollow Championship Sunday evening.
The talented 26-year-old outlasted a stellar field that included Tiger Woods, who finished fourth, and Phil Mickelson, who tied for fifth, to claim his third PGA TOUR victory. The win was particularly sweet since it came in just his second start after he squandered a five-stroke lead to Woods on the final day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.
"Obviously it was an exciting week last week," O'Hair said. "I hit the ball fantastic and was just one of those weeks that I think everything kind of went my way a little bit. On the weekend I played really solid, so it was nice to close it out, especially so soon after Bay Hill, so it was nice.
"It's been hard to return everybody's phone calls, but it's been a lot of fun. Not feeling so great right now. I think I got some allergies from Sunday, but my game feels fantastic. I hit some balls yesterday and I'm still hitting the ball really nicely and the game feels great.
"Right now I'm just mainly focused on trying to stay energized and healthy for the week."
O'Hair comes to TPC Sawgrass as one of the favorites. He actually took the lead into the final round of the 2007 PLAYERS but saw it evaporate in a quadruple bogey at the 17th hole on Sunday. -- Helen Ross
MICKELSON AND TEBOW (12:00 p.m.): Phil Mickelson was at the range early this morning with caddie Jim MacKay, but as is his usual routine, he headed off-site to play a practice round ... with University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.
Tebow, who went to nearby Nease High School, joined Mickelson at Timuquana Country Club, a private course in Jacksonville where Bob Duval was the former head pro and where son David Duval grew up playing as a kid.
Mickelson and Tebow had planned to have an impromptu long-drive competition here Tuesday morning, but their schedules wouldn't work out. Tebow, though more known for football, grew up playing a lot of golf and has a pretty good game. -- Brian Wacker
MOORE TRUCKING ALONG (11:50 a.m.): When it comes to fashion, it's normally guys like Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and -- most recently -- John Daly who get noticed on the course. But Ryan Moore, who is still looking for his first win on TOUR, has been setting his own fashion trend this season. He introduced the shirt-vest combo a few months ago and today is sporting his signature Castro hat and what look like Converse shoes. -- Ceri Mobley
MORE ON SNEDEKER'S INJURY (11:30 a.m.): Brandt Snedeker has had to withdraw from THE PLAYERS Championship due to a cracked rib.
According to his agent, Jimmy Johnston, Snedeker injured his rib at the Masters. "I don't know if he hit a root or what," Johnston said.
Snedeker played the Verizon Heritage the following week, but has been home in Nashville, Tenn., nursing the injury -- which Johnston called "minimal" in the weeks since. Johnston said the 2007 Rookie of the Year was "borderline" for THE PLAYERS but didn't want to rush his return.
"The pain's gone," Johnston said. "He was hoping to play this week. ... He's going to work with (instructor) Todd Anderson and (fitness guru) Randy Myers next week at Sea Island. ... Then he's coming back for the (HP Byron) Nelson (Championship) and five in a row.
Snedeker was replaced in THE PLAYERS field by Jason Dufner. Rookie Webb Simpson is now the first alternate. -- Helen Ross
SIMILAR SINGHS (11:10 a.m.): Jeev Milkha Singh is taking a leaf out of the other Singh's book. Vijay is well known for using gadgets to work on his game, and Jeev is out on the range swinging a dummy club that whistles as he moves. -- Ceri Mobley
KLAUK ON FAMILIAR TERRITORY (11:00 a.m.): Jeff Klauk grew up on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and has played it 1,000 times. But this week is the first time he's played it as part of THE PLAYERS Championship field.
"I'm just going to play the golf course the same way I always did and have fun," Klauk said. "... I've played the golf course with all the stands and stuff up around, but with definitely not all the people around during a practice round."
Klauk's father, Fred Klauk, was the longtime superintendent at TPC Sawgrass before retiring after last year's event. Jeff, who first played the Stadium Course at age 10, used to worked on the maintenance staff -- part of the punishment, he said, after getting a speeding ticket in high school.
With 1,000 rounds under his belt, might Jeff Klauk have an advantage over the rest of the field this week?
"From familiarity-wise, yeah, I think I definitely have an advantage," he said, "but I've never played it under these fast conditions which they're going to be.
"This golf course changes so much. Even from last week to this week -- two weeks ago when I played, it's changed a lot, and it's going to change a lot from yesterday to tomorrow. An advantage, maybe a little bit, but experience-wise, no -- some of the regular guys have got it."
TIGER FINISHES UP (9:45 a.m.): Tiger just finished a not-so-spectacular day of ballstriking, having hooked his tee shot at 18 badly and into the water, causing him to bark at himself to stop flipping his hands over. His next shot found the fairway, but his approach came up short, barely making the front of the green. Woods didn't seem too concerned, however, and as he made his way off the course he signed several autographs for fans lining the ropes. -- Brian Wacker
CADDIES GET THEIR SHOT (9:25 a.m.): On the 16th, we had our first hospitality building hit when Tiger's second shot went left and bounced off the hospitality building left of the green. Ar the famous par-3 17th, there's an annual caddie competition.
Watney's caddie hit it well right and into the water, while Furyk's caddie, Fluff Cowan, went Steve Williams also came up wet. Cowan and Williams are both solid golfers in their own right, but having to hit the green after carrying the bag all morning was a tough task. Meanwhile Woods, Furyk and Watney all found the green. -- Brian Wacker
NO. 15 FAIRWAY (8:50 a.m.): On the 15th, Tiger underclubbed himself on his approach shot from the middle of the fairway and then when he clubbed up, he hit it a little long toward the back of the green. So far, the threesome of Woods, Jim Furyk and Nick Watney has spent a lot of time putting, hitting multiple shots to a mock up, presumably to where they expect to see the hole locations throughout the week. -- Brian Wacker
BIRDIE FOR WOODS (8:35 a.m.): On the difficult 14th hole, Tiger laid back of the tree on the right side of the fairway off the tee, but hit his approach off the back right side of the green. One of those following Woods today is Golf Digest photographer J.D. Cuban, who often shoots Woods when he plays.
The magazine deployed him here this week to shoot, among other things, action shots of Woods that they will use for future instruction stories. Woods just drew his first big cheer of the day, chipping in from off the green. Yesterday, he holed one from 115 yards out on the fourth fairway. -- Brian Wacker
MORE JAGS (8:14 a.m.): Yesterday, Jacksonville Jaguars Rashean Mathis and Scott Starks were out following Tiger Woods. Today, Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew and defensive tackle Derek Landry are out following Woods. They're not quite the golf fanatics that Mathis is, but both started playing a couple of years ago and jumped at the chances to see Woods play in person for the first time. "It's just amazing to see him in person," Jones-Drew said. "He's unbelievable." -- Brian Wacker
HEADING TO NO. 12 (7:51 a.m.): Woods and Furyk also practiced chipping up from the shaved areas around the green -- an area where players will be sure to be hitting from when going for the green in two. Among the topics Woods and Watney chatted about as they walked to No. 12: Northern California vs. Southern California sports. Watney is from Fresno, while Woods is from outside L.A. -- Brian Wacker
WILD DRIVING (7:44 a.m.): So much for hitting it perfect. On No. 11, Tiger hit three balls off the tee, having hit his first two well left. His next shot landed on the right side and he waited for the green to clear on the par-5 before hitting 3-wood pin high and just off the green to the right in the bunker.
One noticeable difference in today's round compared to yesterday's: a lot more people are out early to follow Woods. That includes photographers from the media. Every shot Tiger hits is followed by a machine-gun like sound of the shutterbugs. -- Brian Wacker
SCOTT ALSO OFF EARLY (7:28 a.m.): It's only a practice round, but Tiger looked sharp right from the start this morning, hitting his approach from the right side of the fairway pin high to about 10 feet. Playing on No. 11 just ahead of Woods was Adam Scott, whose caddie Tony Navarro was apparently misinformed on where Scott's ball landed in the right trees adjacent to Woods. -- Brian Wacker
TIGER PLAYING WITH WATNEY, FURYK (7:04 a.m.): There was no driver testing for Tiger on the range this morning, the way there was yesterday, but it was as quick a warm-up session for the world No. 1, who headed to the 10th tee to play the back nine with Nick Watney. The two played the front yesterday.
They were joined on the 10th tee by Furyk, who is seeking his his PLAYERS title after 15 years of trying. Furyk, who has lived nearby for most of his PGA TOUR career, finished tied for third here in 2006 for his best showing at TPC Sawgrass. -- Brian Wacker
TIGER ON THE RANGE (6:47 a.m.): Another day, another dawn patrol for Tiger Woods. Caddie Steve Williams was on the range about the same time as yesterday, waiting for his employer to make his way down, which he did a few minutes later. Among the other early risers were Jim Furyk, who was already well into his routine.
Phil Mickelson also made an early appearance on the range with caddie Jim MacKay already waiting for him. No white belt for Mickelson today. -- Brian Wacker
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