Did You Miss the Cut?

The party at TPC Scottsdales 16th hole never stops, except for those who miss the cut or miss the point, and there were plenty of both during a week that featured the first public comments by Tiger Woods since Black Friday and a brave first step for a Tour favorite.

Made Cut

Chris Smith. The Tour veteran returned to work last week in Mexico eight months after the death of his wife in a car crash. Forget results because the scorecard couldnt begin to touch how meaningful this first step was for Smith.

Its great to be back out here but this might be my only chance to play this year. Ive got way too much to do at home to worry about playing golf, Smith told Golf Channels Jerry Foltz.

Smith, an original in a game often dominated by the status quo, once reasoned that most other sports assign numbers to players so why not golf? Smith took 15, while good friend Jerry Kelly opted for 13. Wed like to suggest a new number for the part-time player, full-time father No. 1.

The free market. If the populace is prone to vote with their pocket books than consider last weeks Allianz Championship the ultimate market correction.

Officials at the Champions Tour event made general admission free, a risky move that resulted in a spike in attendance, from about 9,000 on Friday last year to nearly 16,000 last week, and concession sales that doubled over 2009.

By comparison, Northern Trust Open officials upped the ante for walk-up tickets by $20, from $30 and $50, and felt the pinch at the gate. Which brings to mind the old campaign slogan for President Bill Clinton: Its the economy stupid.

Pastels. We normally leave the fashion to those with better credentials, that is to say anyone that doesnt buy their coats off-the-rack, but Ian Poulters Tour breakthrough last week in Tucson was the perfect combination of style and substance.

Were not suggesting a Sunday leaderboard should resemble a catwalk, but a little color say something between John Dalys Loudmouth pants and Steve Strickers muted earth tones couldnt hurt.

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Did You Miss the Cut?