Come together

DIVOTS

The season-opening event of the Champions Tour (for the over 50s) saw history being made as six members of the Hall of Fame teed-off in Hawaii at the MasterCard Championship.

Sponsor's exemptions ensured golf's big three of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, as well as, Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin and Tom Watson.

It could be the last time they are in a field together, with Palmer turning 74 in September and playing fewer events than ever. Nicklaus (64), Player (68), Trevino (64) and Irwin (58) are also scaling back their schedules. Watson at 54 is the youngest.

A signed picture of the six together was also auctioned to raise funds for charity. By the way, the tournament was won by Fuzzy Zoeller, while the legends finished thus: Nicklaus (6th), Irwin (T19th), Watson (33rd), Player (T34), Trevino (36th) and Palmer (39th) in a field of 39.

Birdies for the brave

Phil Mickelson, often given the dubious honour of being one of those star players who has never won a Major, started off the 2004 season with a bang.

Mickelson, who ended a 19-month winless period with the title at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, has embarked on a very interesting project for the year.

Apart from targeting a Major this year, he has also pledged $100 for every birdie that he makes during the year in a programme called "Birdies for the Brave". He will also donate $500 for every eagle he makes.

In his first tournament of 2004, he made 37 birdies and no eagles. The money goes to a charity for children of Special Operations personnel killed in operational and training missions.

Aussies on top

Australians picked up three of the four spots available from Australasian segment of the British Open International Qualifying tournament.

At the Kingston Heath Club in Melbourne, Adam Le Vesconte led the qualifiers with a two round total of six-under 138. The other finding a berth at the 2004 British Open were Australians Andrew Buckle (138), Brendan Jones (141) and Englishman Matthew Hazelden (141).

-Bogeyman