Hard to believe Christmas is less than three weeks away and hurtling towards us at a frightening speed. So here, without further ado, is a list of what the following prominent people and organizations in golf need on their gift wish list for the 2005 season:
TIGER WOODS: A season-long driving accuracy percentage of 60 percent or better. The rest will take care of itself.
PHIL MICKELSON: Even more time with Dave Pelz and Rick Smith.
DAVID DUVAL: A clear-cut vision, in his own mind, of how to solve the dilemma of every tour pro: Balancing family and golf.
ERNIE ELS: Better luck in the majors.
THE USGA: Light at the end of the tunnel in the growing debate over technology vs. tradition.
TOM LEHMAN: The emergence of a young gun.
THE LPGA: Paula Creamer vs. Michelle Wie.
THE PGA OF AMERICA: The right person to replace Jim Awtrey.
THE PGA TOUR: A line around the block of eager, monied title sponsors.
THE R&A: A rainbow over the Swilcan Bridge when Jack Nicklaus crosses it for the last time in competition Friday, July 15.
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: Full recognition, in all circles, for being the dominant player she is.
DAVID GOSSETT: Two straight rounds in the 60s.
FRED COUPLES: More silliness.
DAVIS LOVE III: Another major.
CASEY MARTIN: A cure.
JACK NICKLAUS: A fast start at the Masters.
VIJAY SINGH: A good book.
HOOTIE JOHNSON: Narrower fairways, longer rough and faster greens at the Masters. Not added length.
COLIN MONTGOMERIE: A win in the States and appointment as captain for the European Ryder Cup squad in 2006.
MARTHA BURK: A new cause after Augusta National extends membership to a woman.
CAROL SEMPLE THOMPSON: Membership at Augusta National.
JOHNNY MILLER: A lifetime contract at NBC.
RICKY BARNES: One hot week.
HANK KUEHNE: The same.
THE WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME: Better attendance by its members at the induction ceremonies.
BILL MURRAY: A return to Pebble.
JAY HAAS: A final round pairing in the last group with his son.
CARLOS FRANCO: A bucket of golf balls.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON: Extra helpings, but no more seconds.
PAUL CASEY: A spin doctor.
PETER LONARD: Continued momentum.
KEVIN NA: Another syllable.
VIRADA NIRAPATHPONGPORN: A few less.
JEAN VAN DE VELDE: A comeback.
CHRIS RILEY: Some slack from his critics.
MIKE WEIR: A Canadian Open.
PEBBLE BEACH: A ceiling on greens fees.
TOM DOAK: The perfect piece of land.
SIGN BOY: Residuals.
THE GAME OF GOLF: Continued good health.
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