Europeans Cut US Ryder Lead

'News is a punch in the gut' for golf's summer TV ratings

(NEWSER) - It will be a brave new world for televised golf with Tiger Woods out of commission for the summer and fall, and it's not a future networks want to be living in, Golf.com notes. "Let's be realistic here: This news is a punch in the gut," says CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz. Other players get their chance at glory—but audiences will be limited. More»

Crowd lifts Lefty as Woods slumps in return to competition

(AP) - Phil Mickelson, already a fan favorite and now the sentimental pick with his wife and mother battling breast cancer, won his third Masters today, shooting a 5-under 67 to pull away for a 3-stroke win over Lee Westwood. Tiger Woods, the week's sideshow in his return to competition, had an uneven day that ended with a 3-under 69 and a tie for fourth with KJ Choi at 11-under 277, 4 strokes behind Mickelson. Anthony Kim finished third. More»

Woods' injury absence has let rivals get closer, and he won't return until Feb.

(NEWSER) - Tiger Woods may be the most dominant golfer alive, but his place atop the world rankings is far from secure, Reuters reports. After his incredible US Open victory in June, Woods held a commanding lead over No. 2 Phil Mickelson, but he’s seen that lead dwindle as he recovers from surgery—and he won’t play again until at least February. More»

(AP) - The Americans have built their biggest opening-day lead at the Ryder Cup in nearly 3 decades, losing only one match today to go up 5 1/2-2 1/2 over defending champion Europe, the AP reports. Justin Leonard and Ryder Cup rookie Hunter Mahan won both their matches. Phil Mickelson teamed with another rookie, Anthony Kim, to halve a morning match and win a full point in the afternoon. More»

Nice moment for Poulter, but No.1 golfer still has no successor

(NEWSER) - Ian Poulter's hole in one in yesterday's opening round was impressive, but that doesn't bring him to the level of golf's unassailable leader. Tiger Woods, though he's sitting four shots back of the leaders after the first day of the Augusta Masters, is still unquestionably the world's best golfer. The New York Times wonders who his successor might eventually be. More»