For the first time in five years, I'm not at Augusta National for the Masters. As I watch the TV coverage and see photos, I think about all the great moments I had a chance to see in person during my four years of being there.
Today's Par 3 contest was a perfect example. Seeing the golfers and their kids is one of the special events that makes the Masters the premier golf event in the world. It's a truly special place, one that I hope to see again.
Like most people, I look forward to seeing what takes place. While I am excited about it, I'm also a little sad that I'm not there to soak it in in person.

Persistence paid off for Oxnard native prior to today's first round of the Buick Invitational. Stankowski was eighth on the alternates list, but instead of leaving town on Wednesday night like most of the guys on the list, Stankowski stayed. His patience and persistence were rewarded as a spot opened up, allowing him to get in the field.
Still trying to battle back from a wrist injury to the form that made him a regular on Tour earlier this decade, Stankowski was 3 over after nine holes while playing Torrey Pines' very tough south course, site of the 2008 US Open. WIth his entry, there are now three Ventura County golfers in the field: Stankowski, Charlie Wi and Corey Pavin.

Vijay Singh has caught fire on the back nine, making three birdies in his first five holes to take a 1 sht lead over Jim Furyk. At the same time, Anthony Kim has shot himself in the foot on back to back holes. Kim made double bogey on the par-4, 14th and then stepped up and knocked the ball in the water on the par-3, 15th. If he's going to win, he's going to need a miracle over the last few holes.
The weather turned out great again, giving the tournament a boost after a tough start to the week weather wise,
Lost in the final round shuffle may be Luke Donald's 6-under 66. It was too late for him this week, but it should give him confidence for the coming season.

The first group is about to tee off, meaning the last group with Anthony Kim and Jim Furyk is about an hour and a half from starting. I like Kim's chances to finish what he started yesterday and win the tournament.
His game is just getting better and more importantly his confidence and command of himself is growing by leaps and bounds.
Of the guys chasing, I like Vijay's chances. He is a guy who knows how to post a number on the final day and he has played here a lot more than the other guys at the top of the board.
I think it will be a good day of golf. The tournament certainly does not have the same kind of buzz without Tiger playing, but even with that it's been solid, with big names like Furyk, Villegas and Kim giving fans some fun golf to watch.

Not Tiger, but his daughter Sam, accompanied by her grandmother Kultida Woods. The littlest Woods came in to see the large inflatable Santa that stands nears the entrance to the media center. Now 18 months, she seemed very content to hang out with Granny. And don't worry that she was crashing the media center, Sam had her proper photo credential that gives her access to the media complex.
As for the golf, KJ Choi and Hunter Mahan have both caught first round leader Jim Furyk at 4 under. Viajy Singh is 3 under and Fred Couples is 3 under for the day, under for the tournament.
Without Tiger, crowds are down, making it nice for those here to get a good look at the golfers who are competing.

After two brutal days of weather, the first round of the Chevron World Challenge has been greeted by sun and better temperatures.
Early on, Hunter Mahan, and Jim Furyk share the lead at 2 under. A bunch of players, including Luke Donald, and Camilo Villegas are at 1 under.
It will be curious to see what kind of crowds are drawn without Tiger in the field. The media center, which was packed with reporters yesterday when Tiger held his press conference, is now a lot less crowded, which I like more.
Even without Tiger it should be a good event, and pretty competitive.

Judging by the turnout for his press conference this afternoon at Sherwood Country Club, there's little doubt that Tiger is the absolute center of the golf world.
While there are only a handful of reporters in most of the interviews, the room for Tiger was packed to overflow capacity. Guys like Tim Rosaforte from NBC and Golf World, representatives from media outlets like the New York Times and USA Today are here, and it's primarily because of Tiger. With Tiger not playing this week, most of the press folks won't be here after today.
As for what was said, Tiger fielded mostly questions about his health. He is on schedule for full recovery and has actually started hitting some full shots with his wedges and high clubs. I would not be surprised if he makes a run at trying to play the Buick Invitational in early February.
He only briefly touched on the controversy caused by caddie Steve Williams with his comments about Phil Mickelson. Tiger said he talked with both Williams and Mickelson and the issue is over. He also said Stevie will be on his bag when he returns.
Tiger is probably glad he's not playing this week with all the cold, but it should make for an interesting four days.

The first weekend practice of the 2008 training camp has brought a huge amount of crowds. After an opening practice where they wore just shorts and helmets, the team is in full pads for the start of two-a-day practices.
As usual, one of the last players on the field for this morning's opening practice was Terrell Owens, who was greeted by chants of TO, TO, TO.
While news off the field dominated day 1, the release of wide receiver Terry Glenn, today figures to be more news from the field. Star quarterback Tony Romo did not speak to the media yesterday but is scheduled to talk with us today, so we'll get the scoop on his goals for this season and his next meeting with girlfriend Jessica Simpson.

We're less than two hours before the start of today's 188-hole playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate to decide the U.S. Open. Among the questions that will soon be answered:
How much does Tiger have left playing on a very bad knee?
Will Rocco still have the magic?
Can Rocco handle the pressure of going head to head with golf's best player?
Most "expert" feel Tiger will walk off with the prize and it'd hard to agrue otherwise. But if he's going to do that, he will need to win it with solid play because Rocco will not hand it to him.
I picked Tiger before the start and I will stick by it, but either way it's going to be a great story

The rest of the field is playing into Tiger's hands. Woods played a less than spectacular front nine at 2 over, yet he is one off the lead held by Lee Westwood. Westwood could be up by several more strokes had he been able to make a putt. If you let Tiger hang, like Saturday, he usually makes something happen.
Sometimes you have to wonder about people. As Westwood and Tiger reached the fourth green, an older lady in the stands started feeling feint, so people called for a doctor. As people were screaming to try and get her help, a guy in the front row of the stands was screaming -- for people to sit down so he could see Tiger putt. It was one of the most insensitive things I have ever seen at a golf tournament. I made me sick.