Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2009: Country-By-Country Winners


Singapore (December 21): Following are the top-five place-getters in each of the 14 country-by-country categories in the 2009 Asian Golf Monthly Awards.

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Finchem's Video Rallying Call To PGA Tour Members


Orlando (December 19): PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem emailed a private video message to players and agents on Friday morning, discussing what to expect in 2010 as the Tour copes with Tiger Woods’ absence and a poor economy. The nine-minute video, a copy of which was obtained by Golfweek, appeared to have been filmed in the locker room at TPC Sawgrass. It was divided into three segments: 'Business Update', '2010 Season' and 'Tiger's Absence'. The video echoed many of the positive statements that Finchem made in Thursday’s news conference, but there were signs that despite his optimistic front, there are challenges ahead for the Tour.

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US PGA Tour Commissioner Finchem Glosses Over Woods Situation


Orlando (December 18): Rough seas? Treacherous riptides? Uncharted waters? Yes, sir, it’s all of that for the world’s most recognised sports icon, Tiger Woods, and his yacht: 'Privacy'. Though seemingly not for PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem. You get the feeling that he’s at the helm of the SS Good Ship Lollipop. After a 27-minute opening statement and a 19-minute question-and-answer session, Finchem’s first public comments since Woods’ private life exploded into the public theatre following a November 27 car accident outside his home were certainly upbeat. Forget that the constant barrage of Woods’ infidelities and sordid lifestyle has seen his favourable rating with the public drop like Anchorage temperatures in December, it also has draped a black cloud over the entire PGA Tour.

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Tiger's Favourable Rating Plummets In Wake Of Scandal


Orlando (December 16): Tiger Woods' image continues to take a battering - according to a selection of polls in his native United States. In the latest USA Today/Gallup poll, Woods' 'favourable' rating dropped to 33 per cent from 85 per cent in June 2005. His 'unfavourable' rating surged to 57 per cent from eight per cent. Meanwhile, Reuters news agency reported that a Washington Post-ABC News poll found more than four in 10 Americans hold an unfavourable view of Woods and more than a third believe companies should not continue to use Woods to endorse their products.

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Another Blow For Tiger As Accenture Ends Sponsorship Deal


Orlando (December 14): Another one bites the dust. Tiger Woods was last night reflecting on global consulting firm Accenture PLC's decision to end its relationship with him, the latest twist in the saga that has shaken the golfing world. In a statement issued on Sunday, Accenture said: “After careful consideration and analysis, the company has determined that he is no longer the right representative for its advertising. It wishes only the best for Tiger Woods and his family.” Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent at IMG, said: “Accenture has made a decision to not continue with their sponsorship. We are disappointed but respect their decision.” The PGA Tour said it would have no comment.

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Woods Confirms 'Indefinite Break' From Golf


Orlando (December 12): Don't expect to see Tiger Woods back on the golf course any time soon. In the latest development in the saga concerning the world's number one golfer, Woods has confirmed that he'll be taking an indefinite break from the game as he attempts to patch up his marriage. In a statement released on his website, Woods said: "After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person."

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