Michael Arkush
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Michael Arkush
Michael Arkush, a former associate editor of Golf World magazine, has written for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post. He has written nine books, including The Last Season with Phil Jackson and Getting Up and Down, the autobiography of Ken Venturi. His newest book, The Fight of the Century, is about the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier duel in 1971.Send Michael a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast. |
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The good, bad and ugly from San Francisco October 11, 2009
From Tiger Woods to Adam Scott, the Presidents Cup had its share of heroes and failures.
Woods and Stricker are perfect fit October 10, 2009
Tiger Woods has finally found the perfect partner in team play, and his name is Steve Stricker.
Levity at the right time from Leonard October 9, 2009
Justin Leonard followed one great performance with another, helping the U.S. notch a crucial point Friday.
Scott validates his selection as captain's pick October 8, 2009
With clutch play at the Presidents Cup, Adam Scott helped the International squad secure a very important point.
Miyazato's mistake into the lake September 20, 2009
With an unwise approach to the final hole, Ai Miyazato lost the Samsung World Championship by a stroke.
A distracted, yet determined Ochoa September 19, 2009
Lorena Ochoa won’t win this week, but she remains determined to rediscover the game that has eluded her in 2009.
Someone call rewrite for the FedEx Cup playoffs September 11, 2009
The less-than-captivating FedEx Cup playoffs need a total overhaul, not merely another round of tweaking.
Pressure is squarely on Tiger at Hazeltine August 15, 2009
A lot is at stake for Tiger Woods, who is trying to avoid missing out on a major for the first time since 2004.
A letter to the Golfing Gods August 10, 2009
They have let us down in the first three majors, but this week's PGA gives them one last chance to do it right.
Major challenge ahead for Woods August 2, 2009
Winning the Buick Open was impressive, but Tiger Woods must win the PGA to salvage his season.
An opening for Woods July 20, 2009
Tiger Woods' absence from last weekend at Turnberry could turn out to be the best thing for him and the game.
Watson hands golf gods a mulligan July 16, 2009
Tom Watson's opening 65 at Turnberry gave the British Open a shot at a storybook finish.
Eighteen holes with Jerry West June 30, 2009
On NBA draft day, Jerry West played a round at Riviera and reflected on his passions for hoops and golf.
In the end, Pens were more composed May 13, 2009
Home ice meant little to Ovechkin & Co. as the turnover-happy Capitals bowed out in Game 7.
American idols in the desert April 5, 2009
Brittany Lincicome's victory at the LPGA major in Palm Springs provides a big boost for Americans in women's golf.
A wobbly Wie in the desert April 4, 2009
With her second consecutive 81, Michelle Wie remains a long way from fulfilling her promise.
Let the Masters hype begin March 20, 2009
Only three weeks before the first tee shot, the excitement is quickly building for this year's Masters.
Tiger or no Tiger, golf rules March 5, 2009
The return of Tiger Woods has revived interest in golf but also awakened misguided skeptics.
It's a blunderful, wonderful life for Lefty February 22, 2009
Sunday at Riviera was typical Phil Mickelson – filled with brilliance and blunders.
Couples comes and conquers February 21, 2009
At age 49, Fred Couples turned in another brilliant round at the course he adores.
No time to waste for Lefty January 13, 2009
Phil Mickelson will be 39 in June and needs to prove he can win a major after his meltdown at Winged Foot.
’08 golf stories: All about Tiger December 29, 2008
Tiger Woods' dramatics and subsequent absence defined the 2008 golf season.
Tiger talks, fills great void December 17, 2008
Tiger Woods didn't hit a single shot but there's reason to celebrate his long-awaited return to the game.
The tables turn for Vranesh December 8, 2008
One year after waiting tables, Brian Vranesh has fulfilled his longtime dream of joining the PGA Tour.
High anxiety at Q-school December 7, 2008
With one round to go at Q-school, many of the bigger names have a chance to secure their card.
PGA's best and worst of 2008 October 3, 2008
The performance by Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines stands out, but the 2008 season was marked by several other highs and lows.
The right man for the Ryder job September 21, 2008
U.S. captain Paul Azinger has won a major but a victory by his team Sunday could become his biggest triumph yet.
Exciting duo steps up for U.S. September 19, 2008
The team of Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim could be the winning combination that the U.S. has been searching for to win the Ryder Cup.
Yankees fans bathe in fond Stadium memories September 18, 2008
Memories are rekindled and stories retold this week during the final pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium.
Ryders of the Storm September 18, 2008
Even with six rookies and no Tiger Woods, there are five reasons why the United States will regain the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999.
Wie wobbles home August 1, 2008
After a respectable 30 holes, Michelle Wie staggers again, falling short of her goal to make the cut.
A star is born July 24, 2008
With two victories in his second season on tour, Anthony Kim is well on his way to an outstanding pro career.
Out of the Woods July 9, 2008
The prolonged absence of Tiger Woods offers golf fans a great opportunity to follow numerous other compelling stories.
A new leader of the pack July 2, 2008
For the time being, at least, veterans Kenny Perry and Stewart Cink are battling for the top spot in the rankings.
Creamer, Lewis falter but learn major lessons June 29, 2008
Despite their final-round collapse, Paula Creamer and Stacy Lewis will be back many times in the hunt for major titles.
Remarkable recovery June 28, 2008
Stacy Lewis, who wore a brace on her back for seven years, has a real chance of winning the U.S. Women's Open.
Wie still at crossroads June 27, 2008
Michelle Wie has rebounded from last year's disaster, but the 18-year-old still is a long way from fulfilling her potential.
Pink Panther learns to chill out June 26, 2008
With a relaxed attitude and an improved putter, Paula Creamer has an excellent chance to claim her first major title.
A battle in Minnesota June 25, 2008
Lorena Ochoa is the favorite at the U.S. Women's Open but there are a bunch of others ready for the challenge.
Tiger delivers best performance yet June 16, 2008
Tiger Woods captures what could be his most storied major victory to date at the U.S. Open.
Fans deprived with Open playoff format June 15, 2008
The Tiger Woods-Rocco Mediate playoff for the U.S. Open title is destined to be anticlimactic because the format favors TV, not fans.
Westwood, Mediate in good company June 14, 2008
Lee Westwood and Rocco Mediate have battled back from tough setbacks to find themselves within reach of Tiger Woods – and a major.
Scott's putter doesn't sing June 13, 2008
Locked in a threesome with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott played well – until he putted.
Tiger, Phil do battle at Torrey Pines June 12, 2008
It wasn't Tiger vs. Phil on Thursday. It was Tiger and Phil vs. themselves and the U.S. Open layout.
Lefty's time June 11, 2008
After a series of narrow defeats, San Diego native Phil Mickelson will finally capture his long-overdue crown.
Anticipated duel ends up a dud June 8, 2008
An Annika Sorenstam-Lorena Ochoa showdown failed to occur Sunday. Maybe Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will deliver.
Kane follows own path June 6, 2008
Lorie Kane proves she can still compete at 43, even against heavyweights like Ochoa and Sorenstam.
Nothing to lose May 27, 2008
If Tiger Woods somehow prevails at Torrey Pines next month, he'll receive more praise than ever.
Unfinished business May 27, 2008
Bobby Clampett is trying to get his game in shape for the Champions Tour in 2010.
Tiger's chief challengers May 23, 2008
The real rival to Tiger Woods will come from the talented group of players in their 20s.
Garcia makes a big move May 14, 2008
With his impressive victory in Florida, Sergio Garcia shows that he may finally achieve his potential.
New Garcia finally emerges May 11, 2008
Sergio Garcia breaks through at The Players Championship, beating Paul Goydos in a playoff.
Oldies still goodies at TPC May 9, 2008
Experience trumps youth at the Players Championship, with 47-year-old Kenny Perry leading the way.
O'Hair shakes off last year's demons May 8, 2008
Sean O'Hair exhibits poise and experience a year after his aggressive move drenched his game.
Little right with Lefty May 6, 2008
Phil Mickelson falls to tenth in this week's rankings after failing to contend at the Wachovia Championship.
Great Scott April 29, 2008
With his victory at the Byron Nelson tournament, Adam Scott joins the rankings in fourth position.
Coming up short April 22, 2008
Twentysomethings Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott top the early list of this year's most disappointing players.
Making his case April 16, 2008
Trevor Immelman's impressive triumph at Augusta vaults him all the way to third place in the rankings.
Tiger couldn't maintain roar at Masters April 13, 2008
"I learned my lesson with the press. I'm not going to say anything." So said Tiger after his Slam dreams crumbled.
Immelman, Snedeker unmoved April 12, 2008
Moving Day pressure didn't faze Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker, who again will tee off last on Sunday.
Mickelson must convert April 11, 2008
With Tiger Woods well off the pace, Phil Mickelson must capitalize on the chance to win his fourth major title.
Tiger, field can't run away with Masters April 10, 2008
Augusta isn't allowing anyone to run away, including Tiger. Even the young guns have a true shot.
Man in motion April 9, 2008
Gary Player, 72, will establish a new record this week by competing in his 51st Masters.
Major marks April 6, 2008
The LPGA's first major of the year produced its share of winning performances and some that missed the mark.
Coronation or confirmation? April 5, 2008
Lorena Ochoa let the field in the door after Saturday's third round. Can she shake off demons past to close the deal at Mission Hills?
Pressel acts her age April 4, 2008
Morgan Pressel doesn't keep her emotions in check like so many of her older colleagues.
Park plots comeback April 3, 2008
After hitting rock bottom, Grace Park finally acknowledges her talent and is setting her sights on No. 1.
Ochoa's to lose April 2, 2008
Lorena Ochoa is the clear favorite to win this week in Palm Springs, and build upon what might turn out to be her best year yet.
Singh continues to impress March 26, 2008
Although he failed to win again, Vijay Singh is showing signs he'll be a factor at Augusta.
Dear Byron: March 24, 2008
After witnessing Tiger Woods' bid for a sixth straight win, Michael Arkush writes a letter to golfing legend Byron Nelson.
Same old Chi Chi March 19, 2008
Chi Chi Rodriguez, 72, doesn't play much these days but still cares passionately about the game that changed his life.
Lefty falls to third March 18, 2008
Failing to crack the top 15 for his second straight tournament pushes Phil Mickelson to an unaccustomed spot – third place.
The final hurdle March 11, 2008
Stewart Cink is playing the best golf of his career. He just needs to figure out how to close the deal.
An Easy rise March 4, 2008
With his first U.S. triumph since '04, Ernie Els served notice that he's far from done as an elite player.
Leonard, Cink move up February 26, 2008
Justin Leonard and Stewart Cink continued their solid play, which is good news for the U.S. chances in the Ryder Cup.
Back on track February 19, 2008
Phil Mickelson's victory at Riviera gives him a great boost heading into the spring.
Kim looks to avoid sophomore jinx February 14, 2008
Anthony Kim has young talent and a pretty swing, but does he have a great future?
Everyone gags in golf -- except Tiger February 10, 2008
Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson fell apart at Pebble Beach. Those meltdowns seem to happen to everyone but Tiger.
His Day will come February 9, 2008
Jason Day wants to be the guy who eventually dethrones Tiger Woods. He's in contention at Pebble Beach.
A Tadd difficult February 8, 2008
Tadd Fujikawa, who shot an 81 Friday, is finding that being a pro at 17 isn't easy.
Shark would rather swim with Evert February 7, 2008
Greg Norman shows flashes of his former self, but is content to be Mr. Chris Evert, not Mr. PGA.
Status quo February 5, 2008
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson prove once again why they belong at the top of the power rankings.
Walking a new path January 30, 2008
As Oregon's golf coach, Casey Martin is helping others attain the dream he pursued for a decade.
Rory edges closer to Tiger January 29, 2008
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson maintain their grip on the top two spots, while Rory Sabbatini jumps to third after his solid showing at the Buick.
The surprising Trahan January 22, 2008
With his final-round rally in Palm Springs, D.J. Trahan is the highest-ranked newcomer in this week's list.
Golfweek editor speaks out after firing January 18, 2008
Dave Seanor, replaced by Golfweek, talks about this week's controversial cover and the fallout.
Choi's big climb January 14, 2008
With his wire-to-wire triumph in Hawaii, K.J. Choi makes the biggest move in this week's rankings.
Still the man January 7, 2008
Tiger Woods begins 2008 in the same position as always, the top spot in the Power Rankings.
New Year's golf resolutions December 29, 2007
Yahoo! Sports presents New Year's resolutions for the top personalities in the game.
Taking stock December 6, 2007
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem talks about the Fed-Ex Cup, the new drug policy and the state of technology.
Freddy's back November 23, 2007
Fred Couples talks about his game and his back as he prepares for this weekend's Skins Game.
Giving Ochoa her due November 19, 2007
Lorena Ochoa is the best women's golfer on the planet. Too bad so few people know it.
Getting ready for the "Fight of the Century" October 31, 2007
An excerpt from the new book "Fight of the Century" looks back at Ali and Frazier's training.
Irwin isn't coasting into retirement October 29, 2007
The Champions Tour's greatest player shows why he earned that title with a gritty weekend in Sonoma.
Lost luster October 27, 2007
The Champions Tour lacks glamour and excitement because the best players choose not to participate.
Weir-Woods battle lights up crowd September 30, 2007
The contest between Mike Weir and Tiger Woods made the final day of the Presidents Cup memorable.
No-spin zone September 29, 2007
The Internationals are still hopeful after Saturday's Presidents Cup slaughter despite their deficit.
Dive time September 28, 2007
Woody Austin took a dive for the team and helped keep the U.S. from getting soaked against the Internationals.
Pressure's on for Weir, eh September 27, 2007
The hopes of a nation are on Mike Weir's shoulders in the Presidents Cup.
PGA Tour's best and worst of '07 September 18, 2007
With the FedEx Cup playoffs complete, it's time to hand out end-of-the-season awards for 2007.
PGA power rankings September 17, 2007
Sergio Garcia, Stewart Cink and Tim Clark crack the list, trailing Tiger Woods, of course.
Pinpointing Tiger's prime time September 16, 2007
The only peer Tiger Woods seems to have today is the Tiger of the past. And even that's debatable.
Tour battle is for second place September 15, 2007
Woody Austin might talk the talk, but it's Tiger Woods who walks the walk.
Chasing Tiger September 14, 2007
Phil Mickelson's rebound at the Tour Championship is notable, but not enough to escape from Tiger Woods' shadow.
A swing and a miss September 12, 2007
Do players think the FedEx Cup is fully legitimate if the winner isn't Player of the Year?
Endangered species September 11, 2007
Mark Calcavecchia's refreshing openness should liven up the final Fedex Cup weekend.
PGA Power Rankings September 10, 2007
Tiger Woods should once again be the PGA Tour's Player of the Year.
Stricker gives Tiger company near the top August 27, 2007
Steve Stricker ended his drought and made a leap in the power rankings.
The PGA Tour's perfect playoffs August 22, 2007
A three-week postseason ending in a four-day match play between the final 16 players.
PGA Championship: Winners and losers August 12, 2007
Tiger wasn't the only winner at Southern Hills, but there were plenty of losers.
Somewhere over the rainbow August 9, 2007
Davis Love III is running out of chances to put a major dent in his unfulfilled potential.
Q&A with Natalie Gulbis July 30, 2007
The LPGA pro talked about her first tour victory at the Evian Masters in France.
Nothing for granted July 5, 2007
BETHESDA, Md. – Healthy and winning days are behind Notah Begay III, but it's not stopping his comeback attempt.
Mind games July 1, 2007
Cristie Kerr won her first major at the U.S. Open while Lorena Ochoa came up short again.
Gulbis gets it June 30, 2007
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Natalie Gulbis is no Anna Kournikova. For starters, she'll win a tournament some day.
Major issues June 28, 2007
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – Lorena Ochoa is the world's No. 1 golfer. But until she wins a major, there will be whispers.
Challenging Tiger June 17, 2007
Tiger Woods' incredible dominance is being challenged by unlikely opponents.
Reaching for the stars June 16, 2007
OAKMONT, Pa. – Aaron Baddeley and Justin Rose, both just 26, have put themselves in position to make their mark on the world stage.
A promise unfulfilled June 15, 2007
OAKMONT, Pa. – Sergio Garcia almost had Tiger by the tail at the 1999 PGA Championship, but he's failed to mount a major challenge since.
Brand recognition June 14, 2007
OAKMONT, Pa. – Phil Mickelson has an amazing ability for always coming up with another way to win people over.
LPGA Championship winners and losers June 10, 2007
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – Aside from champion Suzann Pettersen, who won and who lost at Bulle Rock.
Another shot at life June 9, 2007
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – When Reilley Rankin has a bad day on the golf course, she only needs to remember that it's a day she almost never had.
Out of sight June 8, 2007
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – Annika Sorenstam is quite possibly the greatest player in the history of women's golf. So why is she being overshadowed?
Wie step forward June 7, 2007
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – Michelle Wie fought to regain her respectability with a courageous round at the LPGA Championship on Thursday.
Ten years and counting April 2, 2007
Tiger Woods' historic 1997 Masters win was supposed to pave the way for other black golfers on the PGA tour, but it hasn't.
Handicapping the Masters April 2, 2007
Here are the top 25 contenders to win the Masters and the odds for them to put on the green jacket.
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