Green Reading

It's a sad day

Wednesday was a sad day for PGA Tour rookie and Myrtle Beach resident Dustin Johnson, a sad day for anyone who ever came into contact with his grandmother, Carole Jones of North Myrtle Beach, and a sad day for anyone who roots for and cares about good people. Jones died Wednesday morning as a result of complications from back surgery, undoubtedly leaving a void in the lives of anyone who knew her. Jones was as pleasant and positive a person as you would ever want to meet.
I last spoke to her after Dustin finished the second round of the Verizon Heritage in Hilton Head Island, and she walked holes alongside Dustin with friends and family. She seemed as vibrant as ever, and of course had a smile on her face despite Dustin's struggles on the course that day. I assume she slept with a smile.
It was a shock to me that she passed considering how energetic she was just a few weeks ago. One of Jones' friends called Wednesday afternoon to relay the news, and said her back surgery two weeks ago in Raleigh, N.C., was elective, there were some sort of complications and she had been in intensive care since.
Jones was proud of her grandson and his accomplishments, as well she should have been, considering she was largely responsible for them. Jones helped fund Dustin's junior and amateur careers, and even traveled with him _ just the two of them _ to some events. Their bond remained strong, as they regularly met for dinner on Wednesdays throughout Johnson's college career. Her support and love were instrumental in guiding Dustin to the career he’s now enjoying.
Dustin is scheduled to play beginning Thursday at the AT&T Classic in Duluth, Ga., in honor of Carole. `I told him she would want him to play, so he's going to give it a try,’’ said Dustin's father and Carole's son, Scott.
Scott said that in keeping with implicit instructions in Carole's will, there not be any services. There will instead be a celebration of her life in the near future. Considering the happiness with which she lived, it should be one heck of a celebration.
Some people are missed more than others because of what they give and mean to the people in their lives, and I can assure you Carole Jones will be missed immeasurably.

Annika out

It's hard to imagine Annika Sorenstam won't cringe next year every time she watches an LPGA Tour event or sees a highlight from one. All the work she put into rehab following her neck injury last year was supposedly to get back to the top of the women's golf world. And last week, when she won by seven shots and went head to head with No. 1 Lorena Ochoa, she certainly looked like someone who was ready to regain the No. 1 ranking.
She's only 37, and it sure didn't look like she has lost any of her competitive desire. You would have to assume that was the driving force behind her rehab work. And for the first time since Karrie Webb was at the top of her game close to a decade ago, Sorenstam has someone to push her in Ochoa, who has won five times this year to Sorenstam's three. The anticipated duel between Sorenstam and Ochoa over the next couple years was going to be the most intriguing story on the LPGA Tour. Stepping away and allowing others to dominate a sport she has ruled for a decade with 72 wins and 10 majors, and could still rule, will have to pull at her on almost a daily basis next year.

Tiger's chasers

Sergio Garcia's seventh win on the PGA Tour _ and his biggest at that with his victory Sunday in The Players Championship _ continues a trend this year that bodes well for the future of the PGA Tour. Garcia is 28, and he's the ninth player in his 20s to win this year, already surpassing the seven who won in 2007.
Other young potential stars who have won in the past month include Adam Scott and Anthony Kim, a couple players who should win several more titles in the coming years. It's highly unlikely that any one player will challenge the dominance of Tiger Woods in the next decade, assuming Woods remains relatively healthy. But as a group, the young rising stars on the tour can do it collectively. They can attempt to challenge Woods by trading off victories.
The game's established stars have had their shot at Woods, and have generally had the will beaten out of them. These players include Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, and the list goes on and on. But some of the young players haven't been beaten enough to cower, yet. As a group they may be able to slow the Tiger Express. At least more than their predecessors have done in the past decade.