NBC's Stephanie Gosk examined the relationship between golf and PRESIDENT TRUMP, who is the latest in a line of "presidents passionate about the game." Gosk: "Professional golfers who've played with Trump say he's actually good." Golfer FRED FUNK said, "He's probably the best sitting president ever to play." Gosk noted Golf Digest "ranked him the best golfing president in history. His handicap is in the single digits, although some question if it's legitimate" ("Sunday Today," NBC, 12/31). Meanwhile, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel noted Trump on Christmas night tweeted the holiday was fun, but he was headed "back to work." After sending the tweet, Trump proceeded to play golf seven days in a row. Kimmel: "It was like his version of Hanukkah. The golf was supposed to only last for a day, but instead it lasted the whole week. It was a miracle” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 1/2).
MAKE HEALTHY GREAT AGAIN: A new book by DANICA PATRICK, titled "PRETTY INTENSE," promotes a healthy lifestyle. Patrick said of the book, "I want there to be a healthier relationship with food and fitness from the norm which is healthy food tastes bad, working out sucks and is boring" ("Power Lunch," CNBC, 1/2).
PHOTO FINISH: The photographer who called fighter CRIS CYBORG a man on Instagram will "no longer be credentialed at UFC events." UFC issued a statement that said it was "aware and troubled" about a social media post from MARK ARAGON, who served as HOLLY HOLM's photographer at UFC 219, and "won't issue Aragon a media pass to future events" (MMAJUNKIE.com, 1/2).
NAMES: Authorities said that "three men have been arrested for breaking into the home" of NASCAR team Owner RICHARD CHILDRESS on Dec. 18. Childress, who was at home with his wife, "grabbed his gun and fired at the intruders, who fled" (AP, 1/2)....JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE's new album will be released "timed to his appearance in Minneapolis next month for the Super Bowl LII half-time show." The album, which will be called "MAN OF THE WOODS," will arrive Feb. 2, just two days before the game (STARTRIBUNE.com, 1/2)....MIKE TYSON last month "broke ground on a 40-acre cannabis operation in the quiet desert of California City." Half of the acreage will feature a "cutting-edge extraction facility, a 'Tyson Cultivation School,' an edible factory and a hydro-feed plant and supply store" (SFCHRONICLE.com, 1/2)....ESPN basketball analyst JAY WILLIAMS "popped the question" to his girlfriend NIKKI BONACORSI on New Year's Eve (NYPOST.com, 1/2)....JORDAN SPIETH yesterday confirmed that he “proposed to longtime girlfriend ANNIE VERRET.” The couple has been “dating since they were in high school" (AP, 1/2).
IN MEMORY: Former Penn State AD JIM TARMAN died Sunday in State College, Pa., at the age of 89. Tarman spent 11 years as PSU AD and “helped in the transition of women’s athletics to the NCAA.” He also "became known" for his co-hosting duties on “TV Quarterbacks” from ’67-82 and his work as an analyst on the PSU football radio network from ’71-79 (PHILLY.com, 1/2)....Late broadcaster DICK ENBERG’s family will hold a “Celebration of Life” to honor Enberg’s life achievements on March 10 at Petco Park (THE DAILY).
