This Week at WorldGolf.com: Jan. 25, 2006

PGA Tour ignores Hollywood lessons

Nicollete Sheridan and Michael Bolton created the biggest buzz at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Fans were enraptured by Sheridan's see-through white tank top that featured headlights (no bra) and her laid-back attitude (she asked a 60-year-old guy to watch her beer for her, then applauded him for drinking it when she dallied on return).

So what did the Desperate Housewives star and the cheesy love song crooner do at completion of their round (Bolton golfed, Sheridan swooned)?

They stood around and talked to the press. Even the US Weekly magazine press that they obviously viewed as leaches, but which in truth were as fawning as kids looking at dolphins.

"What does it feel like to be back together?" the US Weekly girl breathlessly asked Bolton and Sheridan, who'd apparently broken up for a while.

"I don't know," Bolton said, turning to Sheridan. "How does it feel?"

The easy listening mega millionaire and the prime time soap opera actress then kissed, setting off a tornado of flashbulbs.

"Oh, sealed with a kiss," the US Weekly "reporter" cooed. Heck, she practically fainted with delight.

And those are questions 10 times tougher than most pro golfers face.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and new Executive Vice President Ty Votaw should have studied this moment. Of course, that would have required Finchem or Votaw to actually attend the tournament. It was only the Bob Hope after all. A tournament shuffled off to the Golf Channel in the new TV deal.

If Finchem or Votaw had been paying attention, though, they would have seen the difference between their tour and an industry that actually draws mainstream headlines.

Bolton and Sheridan create excitement when there really is none. If you think about it, this is a not-so-talented pop star with a blonde who's really not as attractive as several of the younger women in the crowd (Nicollette Sheridan's seen better days).

Somehow the PGA Tour manages to do the opposite. It turns the interesting into the mundane. David Duval - one of the most fascinating figures in sports - racewalks reporters to the parking lot. Phil Mickelson picks apart every question for a hint of controversy. The so-called People's Champion sounds like Dick Cheney at reports of a switch to a driver with a longer shaft.

"I've heard that," Mickelson said. "It's a rumor I've heard."

So is it true?

"I'm neither going to confirm or deny that," Mickelson said, smiling.

This is about the time you want Nicollette Sheridan to slap Phil in the face with her headlights. Sure, Mickelson took some serious heat for his last equipment switch. And even more for ripping on Tiger Woods' Nike gear.

But you know what, that's good for golf. Just like an old blonde and an old pop star smooching is good for the entertainment industry.

Golf better find some way to make itself more compelling to the masses. If it wasn't for the Michael Boltons, Roger Clemens, Samuel L. Jacksons and George Lopezs at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, no one in the Palm Springs valley may have shown up.

As it was, once the celebrities finished play on Saturday and the real golfers took center stage on Sunday, the interest dropped along with the lines.

Can someone in spikes act like a star around here?

As always, WorldGolf.com welcomes your comments.

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