By Chris Onorato

ALBANY – The biggest name dominating the sport of golf in the Capital Area, or anywhere else for that matter, is still Tiger Woods.

Nearly a month after Woods’ first public statement, Joe Steranka, the PGA of America’s CEO, was in Albany for a meeting regarding the Economy of Golf in New York State. We asked him about the world’s number one player. Specifically, about Woods’ words since the car accident the Friday after Thanksgiving which uncovered some dirty details of his personal life and about when Steranka thought Woods might return to the game.

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By John Craig

Locally, capitalareagolf spoke with three public relations professionals – Mark Bardack, Megan Baker and Mark Grimm – who watched Woods’ statement.

Mark Bardack with Ed Lewi Associates in Clifton Park:

“It was a start for him. I think he did sound, to a degree, contrite,” Bardack said. “I think he said the right words…at the end of the day, I don’t like that he didn’t take any questions.

“He would have taken a lot of air out of the bubble if he took a few questions,” said Bardack, who is a former reporter and producer at WRGB-TV, Channel 6.

He liked the fact that Woods didn’t use this statement, covered live by television networks, to announce his return to golf. But, Bardack said Woods knows who he is and he owes more than just a stated apology to his fans and those that cover him on a weekly basis.

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By John Craig

“I am sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior that I engaged in.”

So said Tiger Woods during his 13 1/2 minute prepared statement Friday morning from PGA Tour Headquarters in Ponta Vedra Beach, Florida at the TPC Sawgrass.

“I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did,” said Woods. “I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am sorry.”

Woods apologized for cheating on his wife, Elin, who was not in the room set aside for this statement. He also apologized to people for “the pain” his actions caused and said he wasn’t sure when he would return to competitive golf, but did not rule out this season.

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As the golf season winds down here in the Capital Area, the Northeastern New York PGA Section has announced its playing awards and incoming directors for the new season. Read the rest of this entry »

Oneida Nation Homelands - The 2010 Turning Stone Resort Championship will be played the week of August 2-8 as part of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup season. Read the rest of this entry »

AVERILL PARK – With the leaves coming down, how many people sweep their feet to find a ball not in the fairway? Most of us. Read the rest of this entry »

VERONA – Even though the Turning Stone Resort Championship ended in nice, crisp, autumnal conditions, the grounds are still soggy and muddy. Not 2009 U.S. Open Bethpage mud, but mud nonetheless.  Lift, clean and place remained in effect Monday morning for the playoff between Vaughn Taylor, 33, and Matt Kuchar, 31. A good, early morning crowd on hand, and live coverage on Golf Channel at 8:30am. Read the rest of this entry »

VERONA — Vaughn Taylor can thank his putter for getting him to the playoff. Taylor took just 25 putts on Sunday, going 3-for-3 in the 10-15 foot range and 13-for-15 inside of 10 feet. Taylor ranks 16th on the PGA Tour in putting average. Read the rest of this entry »

VERONA – There was “edge of your toes” type stuff from four of the final five groups at Atunyote Golf Club at the Turning Stone Resort Championship, with more golf to be played. Read the rest of this entry »

You are invited to view John’s photo album: 2009 TSR Candids