Tiger Woods (Finally) Goes Into Golf’s Hall Of Fame

The long overdue induction of Tiger Woods into the World Golf Hall Of Fame is upon us.

It will happen Wednesday evening on the eve of the 2022 Players Championship.

If you break down the incredible resume/playing record of Eldrick Tont Woods, aka Tiger, he’s basically got enough stuff on there to get about a half-dozen players into the Hall Of Fame.

Before Woods steps to the podium at PGA Tour headquarters, site of the Wednesday evening ceremony, Woods will be presented by his 14-year-old daughter, Sam Alexis.  She attends the exclusive Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, same school where all of the Jack Nicklaus children attended.  She’s on the Benjamin varsity soccer team.

Woods is one of the seven professional golfers who have been honored with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom.  The others are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Charlie Sifford, Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias..

Others being inducted in this class with Woods include former PGA Tour commish Tim Finchem.  LPGA Tour great Susie Maxwell and Marion Hollins, former Women’s U.S. Amateur champion who will be honored posthumously.

Judy Rankins will present Maxwell and Davis Love III will be the presenter for Finchem.

Host for the evening will be David Feherty.

Jay Monahan Tap Dances Around Mickelson Questions:

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan (aka The Sheriff Of Nottingham) took to the press room Tuesday at The Players and of course, he was asked about the Phil Mickelson situation.

Is Phil Mickelson suspended from the PGA Tour?

Of course The Sheriff was adamant about repeating that the Tour has a long-standing policy of not commenting on possible player suspension.  However, Monahan was firm in his declaration that Lefty will have to answer for his Saudi-loving deeds.

“​​He stepped away on his own accord, and he’s asked for time,” Monahan said. “He’s been given that time. We don’t comment on disciplinary matters, potential matters or actual matters. But every player is accountable for their actions out here.”

Monahan said he has not talked to Mickelson since Alan Shipnuck wrote about Mickelson’s dealings with the Saudis and their proposed golf league.

The Sheriff also indicated that he won’t be placing any phone calls to Lefty any time soon.

“The ball is in his court,” Monahan said. “He has said that he’s stepping away and he wants time for reflection. That’s something that I and we are going to respect and honor.  When he’s ready to come back to the PGA Tour, we’re going to have that conversation. That’s a conversation I look forward to.”

In his official “statement” following the Shipnuck wind-storm, Mickelson basically apologized to the Saudis but failed to apologize to Monahan or to the PGA Tour itself.

DogLegNews stands by its belief that Mickelson has, indeed, been suspended by the PGA Tour.

Kevin Na Out At Players (And For Good Reason):

You won’t see Kevin Na battling the elements this week at The Players.  And he has a good reason.

Na withdrew with this simple statement:  “I decided to WD from the the Players Championship we are expecting our 3rd child this week!”

Taylor Moore replaced Na in the field.  He’ll be making his first start in the prestigious event.  Moore is in his first full season on tour and enters the week 68th in the FedEx Cup standings.  Moore was originally in the field when it was first announced on Friday afternoon, but moved back to first alternate when Henrik Stenson was added late on Friday.

Moore then got more bad news when he was pushed down to second alternate on Sunday when Ryan Brehm earned an 11th hour spot in the field with his win in Puerto Rico, knocking Hayden Buckley out. Buckley got back in when Bryson DeChambeau withdrew on Sunday night.

Players Championship Top Five Money Breakdown:

First:  $3.6 million

Second:  $2.18 million

Third:   $1.38 million

Fourth:  $980,000

Fifth:  $820,000

Last place (64th and 65th)  $43,000