Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004 | 9:45 a.m.
Adam Candee covers golf for the Sun. Reach him at (702) 259-4085 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We'll start out by admitting this idea is about as long of a shot as the ones that Vijay Singh bombs down the middle of the fairway.
But because the logistics now work and the man is golf's biggest story at the moment, why not at least throw out the idea that Singh could play in this year's Michelin Championship at Las Vegas? Tournament director Charlie Baron sounded intrigued by the idea Monday afternoon, but admitted that he did not expect it to become reality.
In an event without Tiger Woods and low on obvious reasons for fan interest, though, even the remote possibility of Singh hitting the desert becomes particularly intriguing.
Singh pulled out on Monday from playing this week's American Express Championship in Ireland, a tournament that will keep many of Europe's big names from coming to Las Vegas next weekend. His Florida home damaged by hurricanes, Singh chose to stay with his family and collect his life instead of crossing the Atlantic.
Here's where it very selfishly gets interesting to Las Vegas: Singh committed to play in the Dunhill Cup in Europe right after the American Express, and the PGA tour comes to the Southeast for three consecutive weeks after its stop in Las Vegas.
As Singh chases the $10 million earnings mark for 2004, there is a chance -- albeit a slim one -- that he could choose to play here. It would be a pretty solid opportunity to win his sixth event in his past seven tries. Heck, even Phil Mickelson, the biggest name in the field, is no lock to show up now after withdrawing from the American Express for "personal reasons."
Singh went off at 12-1 in the PGA Championship and at 4-1 in last week's 84 Lumber Classic, and against the Las Vegas field, those odds might go even lower for the scoring festival that is the Michelin.
Back in the more realistic world, Singh already locked up player of the year honors and might want to spend two weeks at home before having the next few events come right to him. But if the rust might be annoying at a time when Singh is as hot as he is now, there is an argument to be made for playing here.
It's at least interesting to think about for a golf weekend that already goes head-to-head for attention with college and pro football, as well as the baseball playoffs.
The clinic is open to all children at no charge and no pre-registration is required. Riley and Blake will cover fundamentals of the game.
The list of the silent and inflated guests of honor: Bib the Michelin Man; Gladius from the Gladiators; Hey Reb from UNLV; Pit Boss from Las Vegas Motor Speedway; The Duke from the Wranglers; Deputy Drip from the Southern Nevada Water Authority; and Summerlin Sam.
The contest, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha and The Golf Channel, is open to kids ages 7 to 14 and will consist of two drives, three chips and two putts. Further details of the scoring can be found online at thegolfchannel.com, where registration forms are also available.
Registration is limited to the first 250 forms received. Forms are also available at Boulder Creek or by calling 294-6534.
Prizes will be awarded to the top five drivers, chippers and putters in each age group, as well as to the first, second and third-ranked players for combined performance. Age groups are: 7-8, 9-10; 11-12; and 13-14.
Winners from the event will be eligible for regional competition, and regional winners will advance to a national championship.
Entry fee is $65 and includes range play and an awards barbecue. The format will be a four-person scramble.
For more information, contact Bob Murray at 229-4903 or by email at rmurray@ lasvegasnevada.gov. Registration deadline is Dec. 10.
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