Associated Press
The golf notebook …
MEDINAH, Ill. ó Davis Love III had to share his big day with Chicagoís beloved Bears.
If he leads the Americans to the Ryder Cup in the fall of 2012, heíll have the whole town to himself.
An emotional and enthusiastic Love was introduced Thursday as the next U.S. captain of the Ryder Cup, then spent the next few hours being feted across Chicago. He was made an honorary member at Medinah Country Club, where the 2012 matches will be played, got a miniature replica of the Stanley Cup, and hobnobbed with Chicagoís sports royalty: Scottie Pippen, Dan Hampton and Ernie Banks.
ěGood luck to you,î Pippen, who teamed with Michael Jordan to win six NBA titles with the Bulls, told Love at an afternoon reception. ěIím looking forward to popping some champagne with you.î
All five of Chicagoís pro teams presented Love with personalized jerseys, and the White Sox threw in a ball from the 2005 World Series. Love also was to be a guest of the Bulls at their game against the Dallas Mavericks later Thursday night.
ěThe whole world is going to be watching what we do here in Chicago,î Love said. ěWhen we get here, when the European team gets here, weíre going to be at least a point ahead because weíre going to have the Chicago fans, the Chicago energy.î
The daylong celebration of Loveís appointment wraps up a week that put the Ryder Cup in the news some 18 months before the next shot is struck. Europe, which won the gold trophy in Wales last October, appointed two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal as its captain Tuesday.
Loveís appointment was hardly a secret, and it was clear heís already working on a plan to reverse the Americansí recent Ryder Cup woes. Europe has won six of the last eight matchups.
Love pledged that a big part of his job will be making sure his players feel as comfortable and prepared as possible.
ěIím a playersí captain,î he said earlier in the day. ěIíll try to get them what they need to be successful. Iím not going to tell the best players in the world how to play golf. Iím not going to read their putts. Iím going to stay out of their way and let them show their talents. I think a good leader knows heís got a great team and just gets them prepared and letís them go play.î
BOB HOPE
LA QUINTA, Calif. ó Gary Woodland shot an 8-under 64 on Friday for a share of the third-round lead at 18 under in the Bob Hope Classic with Jhonattan Vegas.
Vegas maintained his steady play in his fifth PGA Tour event with a 67 at the Silver Rock course. The Venezuelan rookie has a share of the lead for the second straight day in the 90-hole, four-course tournament.
ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates ó Padraig Harrington was disqualified from the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship after he failed to replace a ball that moved a fraction of an inch when he picked up his marker during the opening round.
Phil Mickelson followed his opening 71 with a 70.