Misc.Weekend Reads***

We are constantly reminded that today's players are far better than their predecessors. Fields are deeper than ever. So why does the crack golf media consider so many losses at the World Match Play to be upsets? Or imply that the Toms-DiMarco final lacks cache if "everyone in the field has a chance" every week? (At least, this is according to numerous articles written in recent years by our cheerleading corps who alternately proclaim the "big four" untouchable). The point is, golf is not tennis. The rankings are basically meaningless at this level. And so is most of the prognosticating.

Thankfully, The Scotsman's John Huggan is able to put the purity of match play into perspective , while Art Spander voices a similar tune, defending the finale (before Toms routed DiMarco). Art also has some interesting quotes from the combatants. E specially compared to this AP story that reader John pointed out, which includes this rivetting insight from DiMarco as its lead quote: "Obviously, there's only two of us left. And one of us has to win tomorrow."

Anyway...David Feherty's column on charity golf events has some funny one-liners and some shilling too. Warning, if you're suffering from George Lopez fatigue, stay away. If inane and pointless lists are your thing, Scott Wraight on SI.com follows up a thrilling column on the best swings by ranking the best college golf programs of all time. Try not to laugh when he lists U. of Washington as one of the programs that just missed the top 9. Lorne Rubenstein followed David Duval at the Nissan and offers his observations. And if you missed Richard Hack's outstanding story on Howard Hughes, here's the link again just in case. Oh and don't miss out on your PGA Tour "Drive to a Billion" limited edition pins, now on the ebay auction block.