In Palm Springs, Larry Bohannan notes new numbers released by Public Policy Polling show that Phil Mickelson "is the most popular golfer among fans" in the sport over Tiger Woods. Mickelson "was named as the favorite" by 38% of those polled, compared to 17% for Woods. Perhaps "more surprising is that none of today's top young stars ... even comes close" to Mickelson or Woods. Jordan Spieth pulled in just 9% of the vote, with Rory McIlroy was at 8%, Jason Day was at 7% and Rickie Fowler was at 5%. The poll was conducted prior to Day's win last weekend at The Players (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 5/18).
YOUTH MOVEMENT: In Virginia, Dave Johnson noted the average age of winners this year on the LPGA "is younger than 22 years old," and of the "nine different winners on the tour this year, none have been older than 23." Top LPGA money winner Lydia Ko "just turned 19 three weeks ago," and of the top 10 money earners on the tour, "three are teenagers." Golfer Brittany Lincicome said, "These last couple of years have seen young players that win consistently, like each week. It seems to be happening every week. ... It speaks to how great the LPGA Tour is and how we’re influencing young women to get into the game. Young people keep coming out and killing it" (Hampton Roads DAILY PRESS, 5/15).
CARRYING THE TORCH: In Virginia, David Teel writes golf's return to the Olympics "makes perfect sense," given the Games' "fascination with history." Few sports "can match golf's heritage and, in its modern form, international scope." The "cool part of the Olympic format is how it creates opportunity" for lesser-known golfers such as Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg and Paraguay's Julieta Granada, who are Nos. 76 and 94 in the world ranking. Paraguay Olympic officials last week asked Granada to "carry the nation's flag" during the Opening Ceremony. Granada and Lindberg's "enthusiasm for Rio is audible," and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan "believes it's universal among his players, noticing a 'buzz' whenever he attends a tournament" (Hampton Roads DAILY PRESS, 5/18).
