Rory McIlroy has a tough week at the U.S. Open, and his wedge paid the price.
McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open champion, has been in a slump for much of the season. En route to a 14-over finish for the tournament Sunday, McIlroy lost his second shot into the creek that protects the 11th green at Merion Golf Club. After the water ball, McIlroy's psyche wasn't the only thing bent out of shape.
President Obama is in Northern Ireland this week for the G8 summit and like any golfer visiting the linksland, he wishes he could have brought his sticks, according to the USA Today.
"I am unhappy that I will not get a few rounds in while I'm here," Obama said.
Northern Ireland is home to Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, both among the top 20 golf courses in the world, according to Golf Magazine. In addition to hosting world-class courses, Northern Ireland also breeds world-class golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke. Obama, who took a weekend golf trip with Tiger Woods earlier this year, has a standing invitation for a lesson with McIlroy, he said in Belfast.
"I did meet Rory McIlroy last year, and Rory offered to get my swing 'sorted' -- which was a polite way of saying, 'Mr. President, you need help.'"
Photo: President Obama plays golf at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland in May (Getty Images).
We rarely get to see the lighter side of Tiger Woods. When we do, it's awesome.
At last night's U.S. Open Champions Dinner, Tiger was caught flicking fellow Nike compadre Rory McIlroy's ear, much to the delight/surprise of last year's champ Webb Simpson.
Did a tousle of Rory's hair follow?
(Photo: Darren Carroll / USGA)
Adam Scott is the 2013 Masters champ, but he won't even get second-banana status during the first and second round of this week's U.S. Open, when Scott, the No. 3-ranked player in the world plays with No. 1 Tiger Woods and No. 2 Rory McIlroy.
"I'm probably the third wheel this week as well," Scott said at Merion on Monday. "That's why I'm No. 3 in the world, otherwise I wouldn't be the third wheel.
The hype surrounding this power trio shouldn't bother Scott, however. He was part of an even more-hyped group at the 2008 U.S. Open when he played with Woods and Phil Mickelson.
"Remembering back to Torrey Pines, the hype was enormous around that pairing. Obviously with Tiger and Phil, it was so much to talk about with it being Phil's hometown and Tiger dominating at Torrey for years," Scott said. "And it was a great pairing. It was an experience that I'll never forget. I've never seen that many people on a Thursday morning on the first tee. It was a great atmosphere. I think they've done it a fair few times since, but that was certainly a big pairing."
The Scott-Woods-McIlroy group tees off at 1:14 p.m. on Thursday.
Here are some other highlights from Scott's press conference:
On his early scouting trips to Merion:
"It turns out that coming up a few weeks ago was really quite valuable for me. I've had three full rounds and that's taken my time trying to figure everything out. I think I've got a pretty good idea where I'm going to try to go. Obviously with it being a little soft it becomes a little more simple than what it was. The ball is just going to stop where it lands. So if you're accurate you'll be fine."
On playing in his first major since winning the Masters:
"I can't lie to you, I do feel a lot better coming here, even discussing that kind of thing. It's a good feeling to come here to know that I've achieved that. I've got my first Major. And my sights are definitely set on trying to win more. But it is a nice feeling. I'm looking forward to seeing how I feel playing for the first time in a Major after having won, to see if there's less pressure or if up I'm going to put more pressure on myself, I don't really know."
On playing with Tiger:
"His form is pretty good. He's won four times this year, so he's all right. I'm not too worried about his form.
Yeah, it will be a fun week, absolutely, some energy and electricity, playing with him at any time there always is. And given the hype around this grouping and being a major there's going to be it's going to be an intense couple of days.
But essentially that's what we're playing for. That's a pairing you'd hope for on Sunday, also, because if you don't enjoy that kind of stuff it's going to be tough for you to have success out here because at some point if you're playing well and winning a tournament you're going to have to try and beat him. And that's what you want to be out here for. That's why you spend the hours and test yourself. And I'm looking forward to that Thursday, Friday."
Photo: Adam Scott talks to the media at Merion on Monday morning (AP).
The U.S. Open always provides interesting pairings for their opening rounds. This year is no exception.
The USGA announced via Twitter that the world's top-three players will be paired for the first and second round of the Open. Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott will tee off together at 1:14 p.m. Thursday afternoon and again the following morning at 7:44 a.m.
As usual, Tiger's group is the focus. Last year, Tiger was paired with Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson to kick off the 2012 Open. Woods finished the first round tied for second after shooting a 1-under 69. Mickelson fired an opening round 76, and Bubba shot a 78 en route to missing the cut. The USGA had some fun last year, pairing Carl Pettersson, Charl Schwartzel, Charles Howell III together as well grouping K.J. Choi, Y.E. Yang, K.T. Kim for the first two rounds.
Woods was also paired with Scott and Mickelson in 2008 at Torrey Pines. At that time, Woods still had former caddie Steve Williams on the bag. Five years later, Williams will be handing clubs to his new client, Adam Scott.
Rory's excited about the possibilities.
Decent group for the first 2 rounds at Merion I see....
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) June 7, 2013
Here's the full list of tee times and pairings, released Friday afternoon by the USGA:
(All times Eastern)
1. 1 6:45 a.m. KRESGE, C.; TAMBELLINI, R.; TBD
2. 11 7:00 a.m. WATSON, B.; JOHNSON, D.; COLSAERTS, N.
3. 1 6:56 a.m. TBD; UEDA, Y.; PARRY, J.
4. 11 7:11 a.m. MICKELSON, P.; STRICKER, S.; BRADLEY, K.
5. 1 7:07 a.m. WATNEY, N.; HANSON, P.; MAHAN, H.
6. 11 7:22 a.m. KUCHAR, M.; ROSE, J.; SNEDEKER, B.
7. 1 7:18 a.m. GLOVER, L.; CASEY, P.; HAAS, B.
8. 11 7:33 a.m. OOSTHUIZEN, L.; SCHWARTZEL, C.; CLARK, T.
9. 1 7:29 a.m. BADDELEY, A.; SABBATINI, R.; LINGMERTH, D.
10. 11 7:44 a.m. GARCIA, S.; CINK, S.; HARRINGTON, P.
11. 1 7:40 a.m. COETZEE, G.; LAIRD, M.; SIEM, M.
12. 11 7:55 a.m. POULTER, I.; DUFNER, J.; WEEKLEY, B.
13. 1 7:51 a.m. KELLY, J.; HOFFMAN, C.; HUH, J.
14. 11 8:06 a.m. FOWLER, R.; MANASSERO, M.; DAY, J.
15. 1 8:02 a.m. STENSON, H.; MOORE, R.; GARRIGUS, R.
16. 11 8:17 a.m. YANG, Y.; JACOBSON, F.; FUJITA, H.
17. 1 8:13 a.m. TBD; KHAN, S.; POTTER JR., T.
18. 11 8:28 a.m. STALLINGS, S.; PETERSON, J.; KARLSSON, R.
19. 1 8:24 a.m. STEFANI, S.; KIM, M. (a); THOMPSON, N.
20. 11 8:39 a.m. BLAKE, J.; JOBE, B.; CAMPBELL, M.
21. 1 8:35 a.m. DOAK, C.; SVOBODA, A.; LABELLE II, G.
22. 11 8:50 a.m. HEARN, D.; TBD; VAN ZYL, J.
23. 1 8:46 a.m. SUTHERLAND, K.; WEIBRING, M.; HUTCHISON, R.
24. 11 9:01 a.m. PHELAN, K. (a); COLLINS, W.; TBD
25. 1 8:57 a.m. MCELYEA, C. (a); NELSON, R.; HAHN, J.
26. 11 9:12 a.m. PAN, C. (a); HUGHES, M.; SISK, G.
27. 1 12:30 p.m. TOMS, D.; CLARKE, D.; OLAZABAL, J.
28. 11 12:45 p.m. HICKS, J.; HOWELL, D.; STUARD, B.
29. 1 12:41 p.m. OGILVY, G.; CABRERA, A.; LAWRIE, P.
30. 11 12:56 p.m. STEELE, B.; GOYA, E.; HEDBLOM, P.
31. 1 12:52 p.m. DONALD, L.; WESTWOOD, L.; KAYMER, M.
32. 11 1:07 p.m. LEISHMAN, M.; SENDEN, J.; FRASER, M.
33. 1 1:03 p.m. FURYK, J.; MCDOWELL, G.; JOHNSON, Z.
34. 11 1:18 p.m. LANGLEY, S.; WILLIAMS, C. (a); HOFFMANN, M.
35. 1 1:14 p.m. WOODS, T.; MCILROY, R.; SCOTT, A.
36. 11 1:29 p.m. THOMPSON, M.; WEAVER, M. (a); WITTENBERG, C.
37. 1 1:25 p.m. JAIDEE, T.; FDEZ-CASTANO, G.; OLESEN, T.
38. 11 1:40 p.m. CHOI, K.; MOLINARI, F.; PETTERSSON, C.
39. 1 1:36 p.m. SIMPSON, W.; FOX, S. (a); ELS, E.
40. 11 1:51 p.m. PIERCY, S.; CHAPPELL, K.; DONALDSON, J.
41. 1 1:47 p.m. TBD; OGILVIE, J.; GUTHRIE, L.
42. 11 2:02 p.m. VAN PELT, B.; STREELMAN, K.; POINTS, D.
43. 1 1:58 p.m. TEATER, J.; TSUKADA, Y.; PEPPERELL, E.
44. 11 2:13 p.m. GRACE, B.; BAE, S.; HENLEY, R.
45. 1 2:09 p.m. LOAR, E.; MADSEN, M.; HWANG, J.
46. 11 2:24 p.m. MATSUYAMA, H.; HORSCHEL, B.; SPIETH, J.
47. 1 2:20 p.m. HOMA, M. (a); KNOX, R.; BETTENCOURT, M.
48. 11 2:35 p.m. GOGGIN, M.; ALKER, S.; PRESNELL, A.
49. 1 2:31 p.m. HADWIN, A.; NIEPORTE, J.; HERMAN, J.
50. 11 2:46 p.m. HARMON, M.; HALL, G. (a); KIM, B.
51. 1 2:42 p.m. BROWN, B.; MURRAY, G. (a); SMITH, J.
52. 11 2:57 p.m. FISCHER, Z.; SULLIVAN, R.; CRICK, B.
(Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods is the No. 1-ranked player in golf again, but he hasn’t been able to reclaim his spot at the top of Sports Illustrated’s annual “Fortunate 50” ranking of the highest earners in sports because he lost more than $20,000,000 in endorsements last year.
Woods had been No. 1 on the list since its inception in 2004 until last year, when he finished third behind boxer Floyd Mayweather and Woods’ old rival Phil Mickelson. In 2013, the resurgent Woods has overtaken Mickelson but is now fifth on the list, with an estimated $40,839,027 in income. Mayweather remains No. 1, followed by LeBron James, Drew Brees and Kobe Bryant. SI determines income solely through salary, winnings, bonuses and endorsements based on players’ associations, tour records, online databases and media reports. (Golf earnings are from July 1, 2012 through April 21, 2013.)
Here’s the SI breakdown of Woods’ income:
No. 5: Tiger Woods
Salary/Winnings: $7,839,027
Endorsements: $33,000,000
Total: $40,839,027
Tiger is back -- he earned more than anyone on Tour over the past 12 months -- but sponsors have been slower to return. Woods’s current deals are with Nike, EA, Rolex, Kowa (a heat rub), Fuse Science, Upper Deck and NetJets. In the past two years various lists have put Tiger’s portfolio in the $50 million range; don’t believe them. Marketing experts say that even $33 million is generous, but no one really knows how much his deal with Nike is worth. (The best estimates put it at $20 million per year.) And now that Nike is using him in TV ads again (with the ascendant Rory McIlroy), you can bet the Swoosh sees fresh value in its biggest golf star. Phil Mickelson makes more in endorsements, but the 37-year-old Woods made double on the links.
Despite playing much better, Woods lost more than $20 million in endorsement than the previous year. (In 2012, Woods earned $54.5 million in endorsement income, according to SI.) Mickelson, whose play has been uneven, still made more money off the course than Woods.
Here’s SI’s breakdown of Mickelson’s income:
No. 6: Phil Mickelson
Salary/Winnings: $3,528,000
Endorsements: $36,000,000
Total: $39,528,000
In golf (and tennis), more than in other sports, endorsement contracts are heavily rankings-based and full of performance bonuses. At 42, Mickelson isn’t winning as much, but he’s still a sponsor’s dream because of his likability. In an ad for arthritis medicine Enbrel (for which he likely earns $7 million a year), he’s decked out in sponsorships: KPMG on his visor, Barclays on the chest of his polo, Callaway on the sleeve.
Rory McIlroy, the third pillar of golf’s latest Big Three, was listed in the International 20, not the Fortunate 50, but his earnings would have easily placed him in the top 10.
No. 7: Rory McIlroy
Total: $33,336,796
The widely reported Nike deal is bringing McIlroy at least $20 million a year, but it’s also likely a rankings-based contract, full of many bonuses that Rory hasn’t earned so far. Nike took a huge, long-term gamble on him that doesn’t yet look so wise, but he’s got quite a while to prove himself worthy. And to be third in the world among active golfers for endorsement earnings, at age 23, that’s pretty impressive. Other brands that all came calling in the very recent months include Bose and Omega watches.
Woods, Mickelson and McIlroy were the only professional golfers to crack the Fortunate 50 (or the International 20); however, Brandt Snedeker, winner of the $10 million FedEx Cup in 2012, was listed as a "Future Fortunate."
Photo: Tiger Woods celebrates winning the 2013 Players Championship, a victory worth $1,710,000 (Getty Images).
He still hasn’t decided, but he remains pro-choice.
We’re talking, of course, about Rory McIlroy, and the awkward situation that awaits him when golf returns to the Olympics at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The prospect of playing for Olympic gold has raised a sticky question for the Northern Irishman: will he represent Great Britain or Ireland in the Games?
No matter which colors he flies, he’s bound to cause a stir.
In an effort to ease the pressure bearing down on the young star, Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson said last week that he was looking into Olympic regulations that would spare McIroy from making the tough choice.
According to Dawson, the decision might not be McIroy’s after all.
"Because of Rory's history of playing for Ireland at amateur level and at World Cup level there may be a regulation within the Olympic rules which would determine who would he would have to play for," Dawson said. "We are still looking at the matter but under that regulation he could play under Irish colors.”
Though he didn’t specify the regulation, it appeared that Dawson was referring to the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 41, which lays out guidelines for national representation.
According to Paragraph 1 of the rule, a competitor who is a national of two or more countries may choose to represent any one of them. “However,” the rule states, “after having represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the relevant IF, he may not represent another country unless he meets the conditions set forth in paragraph 2.” (More on Paragraph 2 in a minute,)
Based on that language alone, you’d think that Dawson might be right: because McIroy has played for Ireland in the past, he has to play for Ireland in the future.
But not so fast.
Speaking Wednesday from North Carolina, where’s he’s preparing for the Wells Fargo Championship, McIroy said he believes that the choice is still his.
“I mean, I saw I think it's Rule 41 in the IOC states that I still have a choice. It's not like they can take it away from me.”
Which brings us back to Paragraph 2 of Rule 41, which frees a competitor to choose his team provided that at least three years have passed since he last represented a particular nation.
McIlroy last represented a country when he played for Ireland in the 2011 World Cup.
“If you play for a country and then you either change nationality or whatever or if you don't play for that certain country for three years, you still have a choice,” McIlroy said. “I haven't played for anyone, I guess, since 2011, end of 2011 World Cup. Obviously, going into the Olympics that will be five years, so I'll still have a choice.”
It’s a heavy burden, but, for now anyway, McIroy seems willing to bear it.
Then again, as decision time approaches and the pressure mounts upon him, he might change his mind.
In which case we’ll get to see a new Olympic sport: parsing the language of the IOC’s rules.
Photo: Getty Images
We'll charitably call Nike's new Rory McIlroy commercial an "homage" to Tiger Woods bouncing a ball off his wedge in Nike's famous 1999 commercial. The video features McIlroy's Nike stablemates Kyle Stanley, Nick Watney, Suzann Pettersen and Paul Casey, but not Woods, whose absence is conspicuous. Take a look:
Now watch Tiger's 1999 Nike commercial, aka, the greatest sports commercial ever:
Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange took Johnny Miller and Nick Faldo to task for their criticism earlier this year of Rory McIlroy's equipment change from Titleist to Nike, according to Reuters' Tony Jimenez. Miller said that the swtich could cost McIlroy at the 2013 majors and Faldo called it a "dangerous move."
"(Nick) Faldo and (Johnny) Miller have been somewhat critical of it -– they are so far out of line, so out of touch with club manufacturers now. All the clubs these days are top line, top shelf, perfectly fitted for each player. Faldo and Miller caused a stir when there was no reason to."
Strange said he switched clubs multiple times, and each time it took one day to get used to the new equipment.
"I don't think clubs have anything to do with it at all ... switching clubs is no big thing. It's all overblown. I think all the top clubs are virtually identical. Rory's problems are not with his clubs. His troubles of late have been more with the swing than anything else. I love watching Rory play, I love his swing and I don't think it's time to panic or worry too much about him. He's not playing well right now, but he can be explosive overnight and he's proved that."
McIlroy agreed with Strange's assessment that the swoosh on his equipment isn't causing any problems. In his pre-Masters press conference, McIlroy spoke fondly of his new clubs saying, "I feel they're a part of me now."
For what it's worth, Curtis Strange is a member of the Nike player team.
Photo: Curtis Strange at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii in January (Chris Condon/PGA Tour).
Caroline Wozniacki will caddie for boyfriend Rory McIlroy in Wednesday's Par 3 Contest at Augusta National.
The Par 3 Contest is one of the Masters' many storied traditions. Former champions like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as well as current players compete in the nine-hole event played at the club's par-3 course, and players often have their wives, children, friends or parents caddie for them.
Wozniacki revealed on Twitter that she'd be on McIlroy's bag in response to a question from European Tour player Thorbjørn Olesen, who is playing the Masters this week.
@thorbjornolesen yeah I am! Gonna be fun! Are you playing the par 3?
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) April 7, 2013
Wozniacki won't be the first women's professional tennis star to caddie in the Par 3 Contest; Chris Evert was on then-husband Greg Norman's bag on 2009.
And, sorry US Magazine, we're not likely to see Lindsey Vonn caddie for Tiger Woods in the Par 3 Contest. Vonn is recovering from knee surgery following a frightening skiing crash in February. Woods hasn't played the Par 3 since 2003. He has said he will play when his children are old enough to caddie for him. His daughter Sam is now 5 years old.
Photo: Getty Images
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