Yet, Scottsdale storylines aside, the real 'Cut Line' action was unfolding back east at the Orange County Convention Center. Welcome to the PGA Merchandise Show edition of the 'Cut Line.'
MADE CUT
Two of our favorite Tour reps lauded the r9 for its versatility and ease of use and it must be pointed out that neither rep works for the Southern California manufacturer. High praise in an ultra-competitive market.
Last Monday at the Bob Hope Classic Pat Perez was the first player in the TaylorMade truck and received the first r9 on Tour; 90 holes later he was hoisting his first Tour title.
The 420cc head allows eight different face angle settings and three adjustable weights allow for optimal ball flight. It is, as one Tour rep said, a tinkerer's dream. We would, however, suggest a warning: 'Not for the indecisive.'
The line features golf shirts and outerwear. No word yet on if Weekley is going to coordinate something to match those matching tartan jackets he has won the past two years at in Hilton Head.
MADE CUT ' DID NOT FINISH (MDF)
Word is Sorenstam sent all the fragrances from her collection for analysis and the chemist concocted an eau de parfum to match her tastes. 'Ms. 59' did offer plenty of tweaks before she went with the final scent.
'The first one, wow. It was like a teen-ager's apple smell or something,' Sorenstam said complete with yuck face. 'It took a couple of times.'
At least that's what the sign said above the Swing String's booth. There was a crowd five deep around the Swing String booth, which means it must be a winner. Of course, the horde may have had something to do with Kara Monaco, the 2006 Playmate of the Year who was in the booth signing autographs.
MISSED CUT
* Teach-n-Towel: Golf towels with footprints for proper putting, chipping, driving and iron shots. When they produce a towel with the proper foot placement for the Chi Chi Rodriguez sword dance, then they will have something.
* Reinventing the wheel: In the Show guide there are a number golf tee companies listed. One offering claimed to add 10 yards to a player's drive, while another guaranteed straighter shots. We're all for technological advancements, but sometimes it's neither the hammer nor the nail.
Mickelson has slipped to fourth in the Official World Ranking and is quickly coming up on the one-year anniversary of his Northern Trust Open victory, which will further erode his ranking total. Golf needs an on-form Mickelson almost as much as it needs a healthy Tiger Woods.
One word ' Bethpage.
Email your thoughts to Rex Hoggard
Related Links: