The Olympic torch took a lap through Rory McIlroy's hometown of Hollywood, Northern Island, early this morning. 

An omen for the World No. 2?  Maybe not. 

But hundreds of pros and top-level amateurs are hoping for something to get them to the Olympic Club for this year's U.S. Open, now just a week and a half away, as Sectional Qualifying tournaments tee off across the country.   

Among the hopefuls is Chris Stein, head pro at the Olympic Club, who wishes to log some serious overtime next week.

Stein, 49, is playing in today’s Bay Area qualifier for a chance to compete in the national championship on his home track, according to the San Francisco Examiner. He's made it this far once before, falling just short of making the ’85 Open at Oakland Hills. Today, he's hoping for a couple of member's bounces:

“Knowing you’ve got a chance — 36 holes from possibly playing in the U.S. Open that you’re the head professional at, it’s quite a thrill,” Stein said. “You don’t get this chance very much in your lifetime.”

But in vying for one of six coveted slots into the U.S. Open at his home course on June 14-17 of a 129-player sectional field, Stein is employing a “we’ll see what happens on Monday” attitude.

He enters today’s contest nursing a bulging disk and nerve issues he sustained while playing in a tourney in early March. But despite his lumps, the local pro is looking to swing smart and often.

“I’m going to go out there and give it my best shot and just hope that I can stay calm, and play well enough to possibly do it,” he said.”

For more storylines from today’s qualifying, head over to the USGA’s website for a list of the big names still angling for a spot in the Open. Of note: giants of yore Davis Love III and David Duval; little giant of yore Fred Funk; past champ Lee Janzen; and Casey Martin, who if\s hoping to get back to the site of the 1998 U.S. Open, where he famously competed following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized the use of carts on the PGA Tour for players with medical disabilities. (For more on Martin, check out Bob Harig at ESPN.com)

Cleveland Browns QB wears orange to follow Fowler at Memorial

Cleveland Browns rookie QB Brandon Weeden put on a different uniform to follow fellow Oklahoma State Cowboy Rickie Fowler play his final round at the Memorial. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Weeden watched Fowler play his way into contention Saturday in his civilian clothes, but decided to show up Sunday in full regalia, making a pit stop en route to Muirfield to get Fowler’s look. That oh-so-orange look:

Weeden … bought his orange shirt, orange pants and white belt at Golf Galaxy on Sunday morning. After following Fowler in normal attire Saturday, he decided to step it up a notch . . . or 20. He looked like Fowler's stunt double.

"I wanted to give him support," Weeden said. "But he had to bring the hat for me. They didn't have any hats."

Turnabout is fair play. Fowler's photo on Twitter shows him in an Oklahoma State football jersey walking behind former Cowboys receiver Justin Blackmon. While Fowler was drawing unwanted attention for a round that included two birdies, five pars, eight bogeys and three double bogeys, Weeden walked the course, drawing his own looks from the gallery. A first-round draft pick who could glow in the dark? Yeah, people saw him.

"It's probably a bad idea to wear this getup, I guess," Weeden said with a smile.

The Fowlerites needed the levity, as their golfing idol finished five shots higher than in any of his previous PGA Tour rounds. Fowler, for his part, said Weeden's sartorial choices didn't jinx him.

"No, no, all on me today," Fowler said. "He can pull it off. He's just a lot bigger than me."

While Weeden looked like Fowler, Fowler played a lot like Weeden, firing off an 84, his highest round as a pro.

Doc Rivers takes notes from Tiger

Doc Rivers was going to watch Tiger Woods finish on Sunday, Eastern Conference Finals be damned. According to Yahoo’s Devil Ball Golf, the Celtic’s head coach rolled in late to Game 4 against the Miami Heat because wanted to see the end of the Memorial, just like the rest of us:

"It was unbelievable," Rivers said before the start of Game 4.

"Oh, yeah, I was watching. I was trying to leave my house to get here, and it delayed me for a couple of minutes, but that's fine. That's really cool."

Maybe Doc took some pointers from Tiger’s comeback: his Celtics evened up their series at 2-2 with a 93-91 OT win late Sunday night. Who cares if the boss is late, anyway?

Tweet of the Day:

We are all believers, apparently.

Tiger is the man

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) June 4, 2012

Here is the video of Tiger Woods's dramatic chip-in for birdie on the 16th hole in the final round of the Memorial. Woods went on to win by two shots and tie Jack Nicklaus with 73 career PGA Tour victories.

Golf Magazine's Mike Walker and Steve Beslow live blogged the second round of the Memorial Tournament. 

LEADERBOARD | PHOTOS

Mobile users, to enter the blog, cut and paste this link: http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=launchblog&altcast_code=6f9e964609

LEADERBOARD | PHOTOS

Newly minted Masters champ Bubba Watson is a lot of things -- fantastic golfer, new father, proud owner of one of the most renowned redneck cars in history, and savvy social media manipulator. In fact, Bubba is so adept at social media that a recent story on CNET actually breaks down his techniques and lists five key lessons anyone can take from the new Maters champion: 

1. Success in real life translates into success in social media. After Bubba won the Masters and did his tour of various media outlets he gained around 70,000 additional followers. Becuase of the way he carries himself, as well as the success he's had recently, he's become that much more interesting to people who use social media.

2. Practice makes perfect. Just like the game of golf, success in social media takes work. Since September of 2009, Bubba has posted nearly 40,000 tweets.

3. Connect with your followers often. Bubba doesn't just tweet his own thoughts, he also reads and responds in kind as much as possible. If you look at his tweets you'll see alot of him simply saying "thanks," to his followers. It might not be much, but it indicates that he cares and is listening. 

4. Be on more than one network. Yes, Bubba kills it on Twitter, but he also has his tweets published on his own website, maintains a Facebook page, and has his own YouTube account with more than 50 videos available. 

5. Be yourself. Bubba routinely tweets about his personal life, his family, and his interest in religion. Regardless of whether or not you think people like or agree with your interests, phoniness is pretty easy to detect. 

Tweet of the Day

Anyone that is writing a tourney preview for the Valero Texas Open deserves a very serious, and instant, raise.

— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) April 17, 2012

Sports Illustrated's Farrell Evans will blog the first round of the 2011 Memorial, beginning at 2 p.m Eastern.

Leaderboard | News | Course Profile

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Jack Nicklaus recently got a phone call from Tiger Woods, in which the former number one player in the world said he wouldn't be able to compete in this year's Memorial Tournament. Although he's still the biggest draw in golf, and this is now the third time in the last six years that Tiger won't play in Jack's tourney, The Golden Bear evidently wasn't too disappointed by the news. Instead, he gave Tiger some advice:

"What I told him is the same thing I've told him numerous times before," Nicklaus said. "I said, 'Tiger, nobody wants their records broken. But I don't want you not to be healthy and not be able to play and give it your best shot.' "I said, 'I wish you well. I hope you get healthy, I hope you go play, I hope you do well, and if you break my records, that's fine, I want to be there to congratulate you.'"

Regarding his ongoing health problems, Tiger indicated that he intends to strengthen his leg as soon as he's able and is aiming for a return at the U.S. Open at Congressional, though he won't make any guarantees.

"I'd much rather take it slow and see how I progress, take it on a week-to-week basis," Woods said. "That's kind of where I'm at right now, and it's hard to look at it beyond that. I've had four surgeries on (the knee). I'm sure down the road (playing on) it may be more difficult, but hopefully I'll be in a cart by then on the senior tour. Between now and then, I should be pretty good."

Els calls Poulter's Wentworth criticism, 'Craziness'

The controversy over Ernie Els' redesign of the famed Wentworth West course continued this weekend as Ian Poulter told the press the course was "unfair," and not "fun." As Wentworth is the venue for one of the European Tour's biggest events, The BMW PGA Championship, the remarks got quite a bit of notice and The Big Easy was none too pleased, saying the comments were "damaging," to the event. He also said he took the criticism personally:

"It's difficult not to, especially when it's coming out of left field. A guy double-bogeys the last hole [because] he doesn't hit the right shot, and then he blames the golf course for his bad shots," he said."I don't take that lightly. We'll have a word when it's suitable, when he's calmed down a little bit. He's done a lot of damage to the flagship event. He's a Ryder Cup player, and to come out with things like that is uncalled for. He should think twice when he does that."

Els went on to point out that the top two players in the world, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald finished at the top of the leaderboard, dispelling the idea that the course was somehow unfair. In regard to whether or not there would be further refinements to the course, Els made it clear he was still a bit miffed at Poulter's comments:

"We'll take stock," he said when asked if there would be any further changes. "But instead of [players] getting on a stage and talking to the world, come up with constructive criticism and we will listen. I'm not going to take this craziness. It's uncalled for."

15 things Tiger must do to break Jack's record

We're all wondering these days if Tiger will ever again be a significant factor on the PGA Tour, let alone break Jack Nicklaus' majors record. Between his personal travails and recurring injuries, it's tough to see how he could realistically challenge The Golden Bear's mark, but Jim Mancari of The Bleacher Report evidently thinks he can and came up with 15 keys for Tiger's comeback. Here they are, with my personal thoughts as well.

1. DON'T PANIC - Agreed. Tiger is still relatively young as golfers go, and as an elite athlete and borderline golf savant, there's no reason to do anything rash yet.

2. OVERLOOK GOLF'S YOUTH MOVEMENT - Agreed, though it won't be easy. Gone are the days when Tiger could out-distance or intimidate the likes of Tom Kite, David Love III, or even Sergio Garcia. Today's young guns are talented and nonplussed by Tiger's aura.

3. FEWER RISKY SHOTS - Agreed, though that won't be easy, either. I've always felt that Tiger could dominate in any era with any equipment, due to his talent, work ethic and competitive toughness. It's time for him to embrace the fact that he can't hit superman shots at will anymore. It would be smart for him to try to rely a bit more on finesse.

4. USE CAUTION WITH THE DRIVER - Agreed. Until he gets his driver swing back he should go to the 3-wood more often. He's still long enough to get away with it and it would help his confidence.

5. KEEP MEDIA INTERACTION TO A MINIMUM - An understandable idea, but hard to agree with. Tiger needs to be more available, not less. He's the biggest draw in the game and has to do what he can to stay in contact with the fans.

6. GET HEALTHY - 'nough said.

7. TRUST HIS SWING - Agreed. Tiger needs to find a way to stop thinking so technically about his swing and just play golf. This is easy to say and probably a lot harder for him to do, but it's an obvious must.

8. MAKE SOME PUTTS - When Tiger was dominating the game, most casual fans were thrilled by his powerful driving and amazing stinger, but it was his outrageous short game that did most of the damage. He needs to get it back if he's ever going to win more majors.

9. ALTER HIS OVERALL GAME - This is a bit redundant after pointing out that he needs to play fewer risky shots and use caution with his driver, but it's still a valid point. Tiger will need to tighten up his approach shots and wedge game if he wants to beat Jack.

10. GET AS MUCH PRACTICE AS POSSIBLE, WITHOUT OVERDOING IT - A tough one for sure. Ben Hogan played and practiced less after his car accident, but he was in much worse shape than Tiger. As a player who has thrived on work, Tiger's going to have a hard time taking it easy while still playing his best.

11. FORGET ABOUT HIS CLOUDED PAST - Agreed, though it's hard to believe at this point that Tiger's marital transgressions are affecting his golf game.

12. LOSE THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDE - This is tricky because many ultra-competitive people have a hard time toning down the intensity and still being successful. I don't mind when Tiger curses or throws clubs, as long as he's playing well and winning.

13. REGAIN CONFIDENCE - Yes, this would be a good thing.

14. WIN A MAJOR SOON - Seems obvious, but it is important. If he can't end his drought in the next year or so, it's possible he might never be able to do it.

15 - MAKE A STRONG SHOWING AT THE U.S. OPEN - Not so important to me. He's still wearing a boot on his injured leg and there's no reason to push it now. As badly as the sport needs him back, I'd rather see Tiger skip the Open and get himself 100 percent healthy.

Tweet of the Day:

@stewartcink: Well it sounds like today's the day the Thrashers officially announce the move to Winnipeg. Long distance relationships rarely work out.

There was a time when winning a major was every pro golfer's dream, but it seems those days have gone by the wayside as a number of players including Jason Day, Boo Weekley, Fredrik Jacobson and Brett Wetterich decided to take a pass on U.S. Open qualifying. Nathan Green's take on the importance of competing in the tournament, as reported by geoffshackelford.com, seems to indicate that maybe some players don't see our national championship as a whole lot of fun: 

"I'm really not that interested in playing it," Green said. "I'd rather sit home on the couch and watch soccer than beat my head against a brick wall for four days."

A veteran Tour caddie summed it up best: "Let's face it, it proves some of these guys make too much money." 

Jim Nantz, Bette Midler, upstage Rose's win at Memorial 

This year's Memorial Tournament had some great storylines, including Rickie Barnes shooting 62 in the third round, rookie sensation Rickie Fowler leading for 48 holes and Justin Rose carding a final round 66 to capture his first PGA Tour victory. But for those who watched the TV coverage, the biggest story might be Jim Nantz reaching a new level on the corn-o-meter with an impromptu recitation of Bette Midler's The Rose. Here are Midler's/Nantz' exact words: 

This is the putt that wrapped it up. And what's that Bette Midler song? How does that go? Think about his journey here. When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long ... Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose

In case you missed it: 

The bottom line: Jim, stop it. 

Mickelson tunes up his game in preparation for Pebble

We all know the U.S. Open's notoriously tough setups typically favor players who keep the ball in the fairway and hit a lot of greens. Hale Irwin, Ben Hogan, Tom Kite, and Jim Furyk come to mind. Phil Mickelson obviously has never been this type of player, as illustrated by his now infamous blowup on the 72nd hole at Winged Foot in the '06 Open. However, Phil fans will take solace in knowing that Lefty used the recent Memorial Tournament to practice some high-percentage shots he's developed specifically for this year's Open. Here's one that's sure to come in handy on Sunday at Pebble: 

Hank Haney might not be on Team Tiger anymore, but Tiger Woods isn't replacing his ex-coach's ideas.

After his round of 72 and T19 finish at the Memorial on Sunday, Woods said he was pleased with his ability to shape the ball, but that he still needed to work on his tee shots and he would continue to follow Haney's swing ideas. Last month, Haney resigned as Woods's swing coach after six years working with the World No. 1.

Q. But what are you going back to? What's the model?

TIGER WOODS: Just working with what I was doing with Hank, for sure.

Q. Same stuff you did with Hank?

TIGER WOODS: Absolutely.

Woods said he needs to be able to hit the ball both ways, a right-to-left draw and a left-to-right fade, to have a chance to win the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, which begins in less than two weeks. Woods will not play in this week's Tour stop, the St. Jude's Classic in Memphis, Tenn.

"[Pebble Beach] a shot-making golf course," Woods said. "You have to hit the ball well there because the greens are so small. I mean, they rival Hilton Head in size, and then also they have so much more pitch."

How close is Woods to regaining his form? Woods said he's more than halfway back, but not by much.

Q. Where would you put yourself in the progression you're on right now? Are you over 50 percent of the way to being back?

TIGER WOODS: Definitely, absolutely. Absolutely.

Q. 60? 70? 80?

TIGER WOODS: More the first part.

In other Tiger news, ESPN's injury expert Stephania Bell files a helpful report on Woods' neck injury, which she said didn't appear to cause him discomfort at the Memorial.

How to Win the Ryder Cup and Influence People

USA Today's Steve DiMeglio talks with 2008 Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger about Cracking the Code, The Winning Ryder Cup Strategy: Make It Work for You, Zinger's book about his successful Ryder Cup captaincy and the lessons it holds for executives.

It's an entertaining read, but I wish we got to hear more about this exchange:

Has 2010 USA captain Corey Pavin reached out to you?

No, not yet. He did text me and wanted a copy of the book. I know he's talked to tons of people but he hasn't asked me anything yet. That's fine. He doesn't need me to be a successful captain. He doesn't need me at all. He'll be fine. There have been some captains who have micro-managed everything and lost. There have been captains who were drunk every night and won. There is no blueprint on winning.

We've had Ryder Cup captains who were drunk every night?!?! Could I get a follow-up question, please?

Stay observations

Some items we noticed while wondering if a Celtics-Lakes Game 7, the World Cup and the opening round of the 2010 U.S. Open would be the greatest TV sports day ever.

Stewart Cink's charity tournament is kinkier than you might imagine. (Via Ryan Ballangee's Waggle Room)

Legendary golf writer Dan Jenkins says Woods's comeback is a joke compared to Ben Hogan's career after his car accident. "Hogan won six majors after his accident," Jenkins said. "If Tiger Woods tops that, the good news is, I'll be dead and won't see it." (Via GeoffShackelford.com)

If Golden Tee makes a game for the iPhone, we might finally break down and buy one. (Via The Chicago Sun-Times)

DUBLIN, Ohio -- Tiger Woods shot a perfectly respectable 3-under 69 in the third round of the Memorial on Saturday, but he may have felt like he was standing still.

That's because playing partner Ricky Barnes put up a 10-under 62, just one off the course record.

"I got off to a great start," said Barnes, who birdied two of his first three holes, holed a wedge for eagle from 108 yards on the par-5 11th hole, and did not make a bogey. "I think I made about a 35-footer on the first hole. Probably would have run eight, nine feet by, and hit dead center and went in."

Barnes's 62 was among the best rounds ever shot on Tour by a player grouped with Woods.

• Jim Furyk fired a 62 while paired with Woods at Doral in 1998. (Woods shot 69.)

• Paul Goydos had a 62 while playing with Woods in the first round of the '99 Byron Nelson, when Woods shot 61.

"I hadn't played with [Woods] since Olympia Fields," Barnes said, alluding to the 2003 U.S. Open. "We were talking about that."

Back then Barnes was the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, and he carded respectable scores of 71-71 against Tiger's 70-66. (Jim Furyk won the tournament. Barnes tied for 59th, Woods tied for 20th.)

Barnes was paired with Woods for the first two rounds of the '03 Masters, too, and outscored Woods 69-76 in the first round. Woods beat Barnes 73-74 in round two, and the world number one Woods ended up finishing in a tie for 20th place, a shot ahead of Barnes, the amateur from the University of Arizona.

It's been a sometimes rocky professional career for Barnes, 29, whose wristband is inscribed with the words, "Never give up." The runner-up at the 2009 U.S. Open with David Duval and Phil Mickelson, he has fought a hook for much of his career. The shot doomed his chances of winning the Open at Bethpage Black last summer, and he admitted he got away with a few bad drives Saturday at Muirfield Village.

"I had them on the right holes," he said.

Dustin Johnson, the third member of the Barnes-Woods group, shot 73 despite driving the green on the 363-yard, par-4 14th hole. 

Barnes beat his career low round, a 64 in Vegas in 2003, and went from 3-under and 10 shots off the lead to 13-under and only three behind leader Rickie Fowler. 

"Hard work," Barnes said, explaining his resurgence just under two weeks away from the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. "You know, patience is definitely a key. I had doubts. I think everyone gets humbled by this game."

Among other adaptations he's made as a pro, Barnes uses "the claw" putting grip, with which he coaxed in a testy four-footer for his 62nd stroke of the day.

Woods, 34, smiled as he gave Barnes a warm handshake after the round, but did not stop to talk to media or sign autographs on his way to the locker room.

"I'm done," he told a Tour official.