BERNARD DAILY: TIGER WOODS BACK ON BACK SURGEON’S SLAB—Jason Day blitzing Conway Farms—So far, no good for US Solheim Cuppers—BEER & PIZZA
By Ben Alberstadt (@BenAlberstadt; [email protected])
Welcome to a brunch edition of the Daily.
ANOTHER BACK SURGERY FOR TIGER WOODS...from a statement on his website: “Tiger Woods, a 14-time major champion and winner of more than 100 events worldwide, announced Friday that he has undergone a second successful microdiscectomy surgery on his back. The first was done March 31, 2014.”
“The surgery was performed late Wednesday in Park City, Utah, by neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich. Dr. Rich also performed the initial operation.
‘"Tiger Woods underwent a microdiscectomy late on Sept. 16 at Park City Medical Center," Dr. Rich said. "With the upcoming offseason, the decision was made to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve. The microsurgery was a complete success, and he was discharged Thursday night."
"This is certainly disappointing, but I'm a fighter," Woods said. "I've been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will."
“Although a full recovery is expected, Tiger will be unable to play in the Frys.com Open, Bridgestone America's Golf Cup presented by Value in Mexico City and the Hero World Challenge at Albany in the Bahamas.”
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Jason Day record-tyingly at BMW: He sank that final putt on the par-5 18th to shoot a second-round 63. His 18-under 124 total gave him a five-shot lead over Daniel Berger and Brendon Todd at the BMW Championship’s halfway point. He also tied the TOUR’s 36-hole scoring record. Pat Perez (2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic) and David Toms (2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational) also shot 124 in a tournament’s first two rounds. (MORE)
Stenson dealing with hand issue but playing well: It was not all sunshine and light for the Swede; Stenson almost withdrew through four holes when the lunate bone in his right hand started to bother him as he was repairing a pitch mark on the 12th green (his third).
The bone has been an issue for Stenson in the past, starting in 2013 during the Race to Dubai. If not for physio assistance on the 13th hole on Friday, Stenson may have been on the way back to his home in Orlando.
“It locked up a little bit on me and started giving me some pain out there, so it was good that the physio could come out and give it a little shake, and that actually released it,” Stenson said of the wrist issue. “I made eight birdies from there on, so it can't be that bad.” (MORE)
BEER AND PIZZA FOR THE PRESS: In celebration of his hole-in-one Thursday in the storm-delayed first round of the BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club, world No. 2 Jordan Spieth sent 20 deep dish pizzas from Giordano’s and eight cases of assorted Shiner beers to the media center. He also sent 10 deep dish pizzas to volunteers. (MORE)
FIRST DAY, NOW SCOTT: “Former world number one Adam Scott, influenced more by his new home base than his homeland, will skip the Australian PGA Championship in December to compete instead in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.” (MORE
FRIDAY 65, A LITTLE PROGRESS FOR MCILROY: Rory McIlroy shot 65 Friday and wasn’t thrilled about it. That’s a sign of progress for the world No. 1. Despite another pedestrian day on the greens, McIlroy moved onto the first page of the leaderboard here at the BMW Championship. The only problem? He’s still nine shots off the lead (and in a tie for eighth) heading into the weekend. (MORE)
Another lawsuit for DJ and former advisor: “Dustin Johnson expanded his legal proceedings this week involving a $3 million loan he made last year to a former financial advisor…Johnson, who is playing this week’s BMW Championship, filed a second lawsuit on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Georgia against Tony Adams and his firm, Alliance of Financial Professionals (AFP).”
“In the suit, Johnson claims Adams, a Georgia-based accountant, and AFP breached their fiduciary duty, committing professional negligence and malpractice.” (MORE)
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Feverish Fahrbring leads in Italy: “Jens Fahrbring overcame illness to fire a stunning 64 and take a share of the lead after the second round of the 72° OPEN D'ITALIA presented by DAMIANI…The Swede won the D+D REAL Czech Challenge in May on the Challenge Tour but had missed the cut in all four of his European Tour events so far this year.”
“He looked very much like he belonged on Friday, though, as he picked up shots on the 11th and 12th before giving one back on the 13th but further gains on the 14th, 16th and 17th saw him turn in 32. More birdies followed on the first, second and sixth, and a four on the ninth moved him into a share of the lead with Lucas Bjerregaard.” (MORE)
SOLHEIM CUP: HULL helps continue European dominance of U.S. teams: “Another remarkable display by teenager Charley Hull and a wonder shot from Carlota Ciganda were the highlights of a rain-marred first day as Europe snatched a 4-2 lead over the U.S. at the Solheim Cup on Friday.”
“Hull, who stole the show as a 17-year-old when Europe won the biennial event for the second edition in a row in Colorado two years ago, won both her matches at the St Leon-Rot Golf Club to spearhead her team's push for a hat-trick of victories.” (MORE).
FROM THE SOCIAL SPHERE: JASON DAY on Twitter: “Been fun so far @BMWchamps but 36 holes still to go. Hoping to keep going low this weekend!”
RULES OF THE GAME: From the USGA’s Decisions in the Rules of Golf
4-1/5: Adhesive Bandage or Tape Applied to Clubhead to Reduce Glare or for Protection
Q. May a player put an adhesive bandage or tape on the clubhead to reduce glare or to protect the club from being damaged?
A. An adhesive bandage or tape added to the clubhead is considered an external attachment, rendering the club non-conforming (see Appendix II, Rule 1a but see also Decision 4-1/4). However, material attached to the clubhead that does not affect the performance of the club and is semi-permanent, durable, not easily removable and conforms to the shape of the clubhead may be permitted by exception, but an adhesive bandage or tape does not fall under that exception because such items are temporary in nature and easily removable.
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