Riviera Country Club will host the U.S. Amateur Aug. 14-20, the USGA will announce in a press conference today at the course in Pacific Palisades. Here's the story on why this is a this is a big deal.

The 15th Annual Pal Golf Tournament, presented by Aera Energy, is June 8 at Olivas. The event raised more than $30,000 for local youth activities and after-school programs. A hole-in-one will get you a new BMW or other prizes.
For more information on how to sign up, go to the the Ventura Police Activities League web site.

The Desert Classic Charities and Humana Challenge - the PGA Tour stop in Palm Desert - donated a record $2 million-plus to the Coachella Valley charities. It's the biggest donation from the golf tournament formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic in its 53-year history.
The full release about this record-breaking donation follows:

Bill Haas made a 43-foot birdie putt on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff to beat Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.

Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley each made birdie putts on No. 18 to force a three-way playoff with Bill Haas at the NTO.

Keegan Bradley pulled his approach shot to No. 13 to the left, winding up halfway down the steep embankment adjacent to the green.

His flop shot barely reached the level of the green and the ball backed up against the rough. He missed his par putt from there and dropped a shot back of Phil Mickelson.

Bill Haas briefly took the lead, but then made three consecutive 5s on his scorecard, a par at the 11th followed by bogeys on Nos. 12 and 13, to fall back.

That left Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, who were tied for the lead to start the round, back in first at 8 under.

Phil Mickelson bogeys Nos. 8 and 9 to drop out of the lead he had held since the first round.

Bill Haas shot a 2-under 33 on the front nine and added a birdie on the short, par-4 10th to move into sole possession of first at 8 under.

Mickelson, Jonathan Byrd and Keegan Bradley are tied for second. Bradley birdied Nos. 7 and 9 to offset some early bogeys and get back to even par for his round.

Phil Mickelson bogeys No. 8 with a three-putt from 30 feet, then drives into a fairway bunker on No. 9.

He's at 8 under, one stroke ahead of Bill Haas and Jonathan Byrd.

Are you a fan of Phil Mickelson?
If so, why?
Is it because you're left-handed? Or because he always goes for the flag?
Let's start a discussion ...