Sports: Golf

Washington Post staff writer Leonard Shapiro was online Wednesday, June 8, at 1 p.m. ET to chat about golf, including the Booz Allen golf tournament.

A transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Leonard Shapiro will join the discussion shortly. Thank you for staying tuned.

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Albany, N.Y.: With all the discussion about steroids in baseball, Olympic sports, etc., I have seen lots of discussion of how Annika has built herself up but no suggestion that she is using steroids. Has this issue been examined and dismissed or does the media want to avoid this potentially hot issue?

Leonard Shapiro:

You're right. Annika hasn't been asked about steroids to my knowledge, though I truly doubt she'd be involved. She trains the way Tiger trains, many hours, lots of weights. I believe it's body by lifting, not from steroids.

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Frederick, Md.: Who's the better clutch player, Annika or Tiger?

Leonard Shapiro:

Take your pick. We've seen both make so many big putts, key shots, why bother to choose. Better to enjoy them both.

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Washington 20008: Leonard, thanks for taking my question: Who do you think will finish in the Top 5 in the tournament this weekend?

Leonard Shapiro:

I think Els is hungry to win on the tour this season. I'll take ernie, mickelson, singh, diMarco and adam scott in that order

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Newark, Del.: Lenny,

As great as the golf course might be, has the USGA ever held a major in such a remote place as they are this week in Havre De Grace?

LPGA players might not be as pampered as their male counterparts (let along MLB or NBA players), but are they actually staying near the course or driving in every day from Baltimore?

I just can't believe, as someone who grew up in rural Northeast Maryland, that something so big is happening in our backyard.

Leonard Shapiro:

First of all the USGA has nothing to do with the McDonald's LPGA Championship. It's run by the LPGA itself, with McDonalds having a big say in this site. The USGA has had events in very remote places. I remember covering a U.S. Women's Open a few years ago in West Point, Miss., the hottest place on the planet, but great catfish eating, as well. There are some hotels within a 10-15 mile radius of the course, and I assume that's where players are staying. In addition to the Baltimore and Maryland market, they're also trying to attract people from Delaware, where the old McDonalds LPGA was held.

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Rockville, Md.: Is there anyone more dominant in their sport than Annika Sorenstam? I believe I heard on PTI that she has come in 1st or 2nd place in 100 of her 235 tour events! That's unbelievable! If she wins the Grand Slam this year, do you think she might then see the men's tour as the next challenge? I mean what else could she possibly achieve in the LPGA?

Leonard Shapiro:

Her record really is astounding and yes, she's the most dominant woman ever to play the game. Even if she does win the slam, I think she'll continue to play lpga exclusively. She likes to win, and she's aiming for 88 career victories, the record.

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Washington, D.C.: My cousin, James Driscoll, was listed as being in the Booz Allen field as of two days ago, but his name appears to have been replaced by Woody Austen in the pairing list. I'm trying to find out if he withdrew (possibly because he just qualified for the Open on Monday and maybe wanted to go down to Pinehurst early?) or if there is some kind mix-up in the pairings list. Maybe you have the scoop on withdrawals, thanks.

Leonard Shapiro:

I believe driscoll was the second alternate because of his spot out of Q school, but he is now in the field officially. I saw him have that great first round at The Masters a few years ago. He's got a great future.

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Columbia, Md.: How do you think the LPGA players will rate Bulle Rock?

Leonard Shapiro:

Never having played there, I really can't say, but everyone who has says it will be a very difficult test. I believe that's what Annika said in the paper today.

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Durham, N.C.: Do you think that Tiger Woods won't come to the Booz Allen Classic because of his endorsement deal with a technology rival, namely Accenture?

Leonard Shapiro:

I don't think tiger's sponsorship deal has anything to do with no coming. The event is played the week before the Open. Tiger never plays the week before any major. Next year, it's the week after the Open, and I'll predict right now he won't play next year here, either.

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washingtonpost.com: The LPGA's Major Force (Post, June 8)

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Ashburn, Va.: Hi Len - I've read lots of articles (today included) recently regarding the future of renovations at Avenel and where the tournament will be held down the road - 2007 most frequently. It's been mentioned, but do you think there is any chance it would come out to my neighborhood and be held at Lansdowne?

Leonard Shapiro:

That course has been mentioned in the past. Next year it's at avenel, and they'll be looking for a place in 2007 when renovations are being done to avenel. Lansdowne is on their short list, though I also know they'd love another shot at Congressional. Not sure how that will play with the members here. That's always a very big if.

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The winner's circle: Leonard, the Kemper Open/Booz Allen Classic is pretty notorious for awarding the grand prize to a relative unknown on tour. It doesn't hurt that the field is usually made up of many unknowns. Obviously this week is different because of the timing and the course. We'd expect someone like Ernie to come in and compete, Phil, Vijay, all the regulars. How about a darkhorse though? How often does a Top 10 player win the week before the Open? Who do you have as your unknown that might take the prize this year? I'm thinking Kevin Na could have a nice week, and maybe a Hunter Mahan or Harrison Frazar - a new kid on tour in other words.

Leonard Shapiro:

With all the big-time talent in this field, I expect a top 10 player to win. Howe about Jeff Maggert as a longshot, because he almost won the Open here in '97. Other guys I like--sean O'Hair, Geoff Ogilvy and Zach Johnson.

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Anonymous: How much do you get to interact/talk with the players? Do you know any of them well?

Leonard Shapiro:

Players are available and accessible at the driving range, putting green and locker room. They also bring in three or four guys a day--tofday it's sergio, dimarco and goosen--to the press tent. After 14 years covering golf, I've gotten to know a number of players, and that always helps any reporter.

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Washington, D.C.: Can you describe what it's like to be out there during all of the golf action? How did you get into your career? Thank you!;

Leonard Shapiro:

The great perk for golf writers is to be inside the ropes, not having to contend with three and four deep crowds. I've witnessed some amazing things over the years because of that access, many of them at Avenel and Congressional. As for my career, I've been at the Post 36 years, covering just about everything, serving as an editor, staff writer and columnist. I've loved golf since I started caddying as a kid on Long Island--$5 a bag, $10 for a double loop, no tip but a free lunch. I play the game when my balky back allows, never got better than a 16 handicap but love the game, and lover writing about the game. It also keeps me sane for when I have to go back and cover the NFL.

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washingtonpost.com: That concludes the discussion with Leonard Shapiro. Thank you for joining him today.

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