Getty ImagesMEDINAH, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Tiger Woods of the USA watches from the first fairway during the Singles Matches for The 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 30, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Tiger Woods has made headlines for a variety of things not related to golf the past few months, but that will change next month, says friend Steve Stricker. On Thursday, the Presidents Cup captain told Golf Channel that the 14-time major champ will be at Liberty National for the biennial event as an assistant captain. And even though that still leaves golf fans with no idea of when Woods will actually play again, Stricker sees this as a positive start to his latest comeback.
“It will be good to have him there. Guys are looking forward to it and I know he’s looking forward to it as well,” Stricker told Golf Channel after shooting an opening 74 at the Northern Trust. “He wants to get back in the mix, and I know he’s itching to get back out ..

Andrew RedingtonWESTBURY, NY – AUGUST 24: Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his shot from the 17th tee during round one of The Northern Trust at Glen Oaks Club on August 24, 2017 in Westbury, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. — Ever since Dustin Johnson's stumble down a staircase and subsequent withdrawal from the Masters, we've seen glimpses of his pre-April self. Brief flashes of the guy who won three straight times, took over the No. 1 ranking in the world and did it with ease. On Thursday at The Northern Trust, D.J. made golf look easy again, posting a five-under 65 that has him just one back of leader Russell Henley.
The 2016 U.S. Open champion got off to a slow start, making bogey on the par-3 second at Glen Oaks Club, but quickly bounced back with a birdie at the par-5 third. From there, he played with steady confidence, adding five more birdies and not dropping another shot. After the round, he posed a scary though for the re..

Harry HowRob Oppenheim reacts to a missed putt on the 12th hole during the first round at the 2017 Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club.There are gluttons for punishment, and then there is Rob Oppenheim.
In 2015, the former NCAA D-II champion from Rollins College finished No. 26 on the Web.com Tour money list, one measly spot out of earning a PGA Tour card for the second time in his journeyman career. He earned some redemption, though, when he snuck into the No. 25 spot in the final event of the Web.com Tour Finals Series to earn a PGA Tour card by $101.
In 2016, unable to hold on to his PGA Tour card, Oppenheim went to the Web.com Tour Finals Series again and was No. 26 heading into the Web.com Tour Championship, just $392 out of the 25th spot that would have gotten him back to the big leagues. But Hurriance Mathew rolled through Florida and forced tour officials to cancel the Tour Championship, keeping Oppenheim from getting the chance to move inside the number. (As my colleague like..

Streeter Lecka(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Joaquin Niemann has enjoyed a prosperous 2017. The 18-year-old qualified for the U.S. Open, made the cut at the Greenbrier Classic and won three professional events in his native Chile. Finishing the summer as the No. 1 ranked amateur bestowed another honor: the Mark H. McCormack Medal.
The award, now in it's 11th year of existence and handed out by the USGA and R&A, grants Niemann entry into next year's U.S. Open and Open Championship, so long as he stays amateur. (He's committed to play for the University of South Florida.) Niemann becomes the first player from South America to capture the title.
“Joaquin Niemann has consistently returned impressive results, especially in high-profile events, and the USGA is pleased to see his steady play recognized with the McCormack Medal,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director. “We look forward to watching Joaquin succeed for many years to come.”
Past winners of the M..