Gifts for golfers that sometimes money can't buy

Gifts for golfers that sometimes money can't buy

If the story of “A Christmas Carol” teaches us anything, it’s that the holidays are a good time to do a little self-examination and maybe change a few things we’d really like to change about ourselves

That’s probably as true in golf as it is in any other aspect of life. I’m certainly not suggesting that three ghosts need to visit Tiger Woods this week to help him straighten out his life, but than again, I can’t imagine that would hurt, either.

So, in a world where some of golf’s biggest names and tournament need something other than a sweater and a dozen balls for Christmas, here are a few intangibles I’d like to put under a few people’s trees this weekend.

Tiger Woods: A normal life. I mean, as normal as a life as he can possible have. Something a little more normal than the last 10 years, or the last 12 months, for that matter.

Phil Mickelson: Health. Health for him, health for his wife, health for his mother. everything else Mickelson wants or needs should come if he and his wife are healthy.

Mike Whan: The commissioner of the LPGA needs, well, just about all the good fortune he can get. Or maybe just a major championship win from Michelle Wie.

Michelle Wie: A major championship win.

The Kraft Nabisco Championship: A win by Michelle Wie. And some smart, aggressive company to come in and take over from Kraft, which never really seemed to embrace the idea of sponsoring a women’s golf tournament.

The Bob Hope Classic: Speaking of sponsorship, the Hope needs a five-year deal with some company that recognizes the hospitality potential of the event and its pro-am. Also, a little looser grip on his history and tradition, something that might help insure the future of PGA Tour golf in the desert.

Rickie Fowler: His first tour win, finally. And a slightly less electric shade of orange to wear on Sundays.

Dustin Johnson: A personal rules officials to help him recognize a bunker when he’s in one. And a personal on-course marshal to help him get all those people out of the bunker only he is supposed to be in.

Lorena Ochoa: A little time to herself. And then a return to the LPGA.

Jiyai Shin: Some recognition in this country that she is smart, personable and happens to be the No. 1 ranking player in women’s golf.

Anthony Kim: The La Quinta High School graduate needs a healthy thumb, a little earlier curfew and a major championship win.

Nicole Castrale: The former Palm Desert High School star is coming off a fourth shoulder surgery. A fast start to secure he exemption on the LPGA would be a perfect gift.

-Larry Bohannan