Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
The letters started arriving last week, 15 to 20 a day, but one was particularly meaningful to Todd Hamilton.
The British Open champion noticed that it didn't have a return address, only a West Palm Beach postmark. Inside was a note written on an oversized index card.
It was from Jack Nicklaus, a three-time Open Championship winner, congratulating Hamilton on his playoff victory over Ernie Els.
"Growing up, he was an idol of mine," said Hamilton, 38, who two weeks later is still trying to comprehend what he accomplished. "And he had taken the time to send me a hand-written letter."
Hamilton returns to competition today at the International outside of Denver, but it will be awhile before the glow dims. It has been quite a ride since his victory at Royal Troon, including a visit to New York, where he read a top 10 list for David Letterman on the Late Show.
Among the things Hamilton has done is watch a tape of the final round of the British Open, which he said he was more nervous watching than playing. And he has showed off the Claret Jug at various courses around the Dallas area where he lives.
"I take it into the pro shop and say, "Hey guys, can you hold on to it? They get a kick out of it and I enjoy seeing it," Hamilton said. "To me, it's like the Stanley Cup. It's probably the most recognizable trophy in golf."
Hamilton said he never felt intimidated playing against Els during the final round of the Open or the ensuing four-hole playoff.
But he did admit that he felt he had lost when he bogeyed the 72nd hole and Els stood over a 10-foot birdie putt for the victory. But when Els missed, Hamilton believed he had an excellent chance in the playoff.
"He looked very dejected (after he missed the putt)," Hamilton said. "His mannerisms. I might not have had the advantage in the playoff, but I felt like I had a better chance than I should have had."
COACHING CHANGE: For the past two years, Gary Gilchrist saw Michelle Wie transform from a raw 12-year-old with enormous length into a teenager who is contending in LPGA major championships. One day, he sees her winning on the PGA Tour. But he won't see it as her coach.
Gilchrist recently left his position as the director of instruction at the David Leadbetter Academy, where he recruited such stars at Wie and Paula Creamer, one of the top-ranked amateurs in the country.
He has taken a new job at the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, S.C., meaning Leadbetter has taken over as Wie's top instructor.
"I won't be coaching her, but we'll stay friends and she'll definitely be one of the best in the world," Gilchrist said. "At the end of the day, I'm a golf coach. Players will always come in and out of our lives. I wish them all the best."
Gilchrist said Wie's father, B.J. Wie, wanted the news out so it would not be a distraction at next week's U.S. Women's Amateur in Erie, Pa.
"I've recruited kids over the years, taught them and trained them," said Gilchrist, who was at the Bradenton facility for 10 years. "Michelle Wie was no different. Once I recruited this world-class player, it was a matter of time before David would get involved.
"He is one of the greatest teachers of all time. There is no way I can compete with David Leadbetter. I was an employee of IMG and David. I've done my job."
GOOSEN OUT: U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen withdrew from this week's International due to a bruised hip suffered last week in a water scooter accident. His status for next week's PGA Championship is uncertain.
Goosen's ability to defend his title at the Chrysler Championship in October will likely remain in question, too. His wife, Tracy, is expecting a baby in early November and will give birth in London, according to Goosen's agent.
LOCALLY: Gulfport's Kyle McCarthy qualified Tuesday for the U.S. Amateur, winning the last spot in a playoff at a qualifier in Hobe Sound. He advances to the event that begins Aug. 16 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamoroneck, N.Y. Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, also qualified at an event in Orlando. St. Petersburg's Michael Barbosa is an alternate. ... The Chrysler Championship, Oct. 28-31 at the Westin Innisbrook Resort, is in need of volunteers for the PGA Tour tournament. Visit www.chryslerchampionship.com or call 727-942-5566.
The tournament is also offering discounts on packages that include parking. The special prices end next week.
Information from other news organizations was used in this report.