Phil Mickelson will compete in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship today despite missing yesterday's pre-tournament pro-am. PGA Tour rules state that a player missing a pro-am is automatically disqualified from the tournament, except for "extenuating circumstances".Mickelson had planned to fly into town in his private jet late Tuesday night from nearby Little Rock, Arkansas, roughly a one-hour flight, in time for his 7am pro-am tee time, but the Dallas Love Field airport was closed due to severe thunderstorms.
This year's Open at Carnoustie will take place on the longest course in the event's history at 7,421 yards. The Scottish links will play 60 yards longer than in 1999, when high scoring led to it being dubbed 'Car-Nasty'. However, officials hope the anticipated good weather and reduced rough will lead to a fairer test this July. Royal and Ancient chief Peter Dawson said: "We're not seeking carnage. We're seeking an arena where the players can display their skills to best effect." The course will be just 24 yards shorter than Augusta was for the Masters last month and only 140 yards shy of the major record, set by Medinah at last year's USPGA Championship.
Padraig Harrington has revealed that he had surgery three weeks ago to remove a skin cancer spot on his forehead. Harrington spoke about the operation after firing a 66 to take the first-round lead at the Wachovia Championship in North Carolina. "I had about a square inch of skin taken out with some roots and all that sort of stuff," said the Dubliner. "It was only a sun spot. I'm told it's like the third form of skin cancer. It was not a melanoma."
Michelle Wie will not compete in any men's tournaments in the near future, says her coach David Leadbetter. The 17-year-old American has struggled in the men's events she has played and Leadbetter feels she needs to establish herself on the women's tour first. "My feeling is if she plays week in and week out on the LPGA, she would win eight or nine times a year," he said.
