On The Green

Tiger Wins 19-Hole Playoff

Is this the USGA’s finest moment? It is hard to see how the association could have had a better few days for its championship that ended Monday with Tiger Woods holding off Rocco Mediate in a stunning 19-hole playoff. USGA Chief Business Officer Pete Bevacqua appears on Fox Business this morning and says the organization will "finalize the numbers over the next few days, but we have a feeling that it will probably be our biggest Open in terms of revenue, corporate hospitality (and) merchandise sales." Yesterday’s playoff draws a reported 21,558, but some estimate the fan count closer to 25,000, easily the most ever for a Monday playoff. Meanwhile, NBC earns a solid 7.6/20 overnight Nielsen rating for its 2:00-4:45pm ET broadcast of the theatrics, up 90.0% from the last such playoff in '01. Also, in light of the result, expect to see far more fans sign up with Buick's promo offering one winner a chance to play 18 holes at Torrey Pines with Tiger serving as caddie.

Nickel and Dimed
Sonics lawyers seem to get the better of Seattle Mayor in day one of trial, exposing city’s plan of bleeding dry ownership.

Taking the High Road 
Columbia Sportswear inks three-year deal to title sponsor cycling team in time for Tour de France.

His Father's Son 
Hank Steinbrenner pushes for institution of DH in NL after Wang is injured in Houston. 

Changing Game Plans 
Specter letting SpyGate go, now plans to study taxpayer financing of NFL stadiums. 

Sole Of The Matter 
Patriot Place taking shape as Reebok will open first-ever sporting goods store in Foxboro.

Cutting Through Red Tape
IOC makes progress with BOCOG on broadcasters' concerns over Beijing security measures. 

Star Search 
Bobcats select Premier Partnerships to identify regional, national sponsorship opportunities.