ESPN

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (4:21 PM)

Aloha! Once again, as the third round unfolds from Kapalua, stay tuned to The Show as we answer all your questions about the Mercedes Championships and the upcoming golf season. See you at 7 p.m. ET!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:00 PM)

Hello from beautiful Maui and welcome back to The Show. We'll be coming to you live for the next three-and-a-half hours with players, writers and analysts, so let's get right to chat!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:02 PM)

Big things going on in the third round right now as Lucas Glover has just made a hole-in-one on the 8th hole with a 5-iron from 203 yards! Not only does Glover jump into a share of third place, one shot behind leaders Sergio Garcia and Stuart Appleby, he also wins a brand new Mercedes CLS 55 AMG, which retails for $87,375!!!

Doug:Goldsboro,NC

With all the wind at the Mercedes. I'd like to know the rule. If you remove your mark but haven't addressed your ball to putt and the wind moves your ball. What is the rule?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:04 PM)

Doug, I'd have to check the rulebook, but I believe if the player has not addressed his ball yet and it moves, he may replace with no penalty. It's a valid question, because there's a chance something like this could happen over the weekend.

Stu (Connecticut)

Jason Gore working on the Phoenix weekend forecast... 80 Thursday, 80 Friday, same over the weekend. A little overwhelmed or what?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:05 PM)

Stu, I think Gore was playing on pure adrenaline over the last six months of last season. Is he a good player? Of course, but he may come down to Earth for a bit before he reaches such lofty heights again. That said, even when shooting 80-80, the big guy looks like he's still having fun out there.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Do you believe Olin Browne's decision to have his son on the bag will detrimentally afect him coming down the stretch this weekend?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:06 PM)

Not at all. Olin wouldn't put him on the bag if he didn't trust him. Besides, I saw the two of them on the practice green just two hours ago and he liked as professional as any caddie out there.

Michael (Charlotte, NC)

Mark Rolfing said on a certain unmentioned TV channel's pre-game show that Davis Love III is poised for a prime year with a strong back, a strong workout program (as opposed to a back rehab program), and a strong game. Do you think that Davis could reach 2003 form again? Let's all remember the rainbows over Winged Foot. I really think that Davis has the potential (and should) win Augusta. Could that be within reach this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:09 PM)

I'm not buying it. Perhaps I'm too quick to give up on some of the older players -- I thought Fred Couples was done a few years ago and he won; I thought Kenny Perry was getting there too, and he won a lot. Well, I happen to think Davis is on the downside of his career. He still hits the ball a long way and knows how to maneuver his way around a golf course, so he can contend at any major (and yes, we'll see that rainbow many, many times as we get closer to June), but I don't think he'll have the same consistency that he's shown in the past.

James (San Diego, CA)

Can ol' Stuart really pull off a third straight Mercedes? What is it about this course that causes him to play so well?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:11 PM)

He's certainly got a great shot to do it. Appleby is sneaky long -- I saw him play in a Presidents Cup match that included Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh and Stuart flew it by them on more than one occasion. He was a bit worried that the old greens he had 'mastered' weren't around anymore, but it doesn't seem to be affecting him too adversely.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Considering the wind and the sheer difficulty of the course, do you believe Appleby is poised for third consecutive win?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:13 PM)

He's got plenty of competition. And great players, too. Garcia is tied for the lead, with Glover, Furyk, Campbell and Toms one shot further back. I predicted a Campbell victory before the week, so I'll stick with him, but Appleby could very well pull it out.

Ryan Westfield MA

Why didnt tiger participate in this event

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:15 PM)

Ryan, after playing five events in five weeks during the supposed 'offseason' Tiger felt he needed some rest before making his PGA Tour season debut. Unlike in other sports, golfers are independent contractors, so they are indeed allowed to pick and choose their own schedule.

Ryan (Salt Lake)

What should Michael Campell have done to avoid the problem that he is facing in not being able to play on the PGA tour for more than a few events for the next few years? Is there anything that he can do to play more in the states?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:17 PM)

Well, he could have avoided this problem by playing in the minimum 15 events a few years back. Instead, for some reason, he played in 14 and WD'd from the 15th. He may be able to get some sponsor's exemptions and play in up to seven more events (he can already play in the Mercedes, all four majors and all WGC events), but I would think he'll continue to ply his craft on the Euro Tour instead.

Jra (Seattle, WA)

What is the buzz on new equipment this year on tour?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:19 PM)

Golf Digest just released its 'Hot List' for 2006. While I haven't pored over all the rankings, I know that Nike's new SasQuatch driver tested very well. All the Nike pros who are using it (including Carl Pettersson, who joined us in The Show on Thursday) say it's the best driver they've ever had in the bag.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Who do you believe is ready to have a breakout year this season?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:20 PM)

All depends on what you mean by 'breakout year.' Tim Clark, Ben Crane and Geoff Ogilvy are all very solid pros who could become superstars. And I think Aaron Baddeley, Bo Van Pelt and Justin Rose will each claim their first win.

Ryan (Salt Lake)

What would have to happen for a PGA event to happen in Utah?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:21 PM)

Well, there are going to be a lot of changes to the '07 Tour schedule, but I'm pretty sure nothing in Utah has been or will be discussed. Sorry, Ryan.

Jesse (Virginia)

Can David Duval return to form to reach the top 30 on the money list this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:23 PM)

Top-30 might be too lofty a goal for Duval this year. I think he'd take top-125 and run with it if he could. Will it happen? I think he'll be close, could be one of the biggest end-of-season storylines on Tour.

James (San Diego, CA)

Zach Johnson had a solid second year last year. Do you think he will have continued success this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:24 PM)

Absolutely. Zach joined us in The Show on Thursday and he sounds very psyched for the upcoming season. He's also excited that it's a Ryder Cup year -- I know that's one of his goals, so he'll be trying hard to collect Ryder points to make it onto the team.

tpc11lv (las vegas)

Of the young guns on tour who do you think is the 1st to win a major?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:25 PM)

Depends what you mean by young guns, but I'll take that to be players in their 20s. Of them, Sean O'Hair, Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia and Geoff Ogilvy all have a chance, but I guess I'd put my money on Adam Scott. That said, I'm not sure any of them are ready to win a big one.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Will Ryan Moore fulfill the hype this season or fade out like alleged young guns of the past

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:27 PM)

Moore is the real deal. He'll be as good as advertised. In fact, Golf World picked him in its top-30 of player rankings for '06. He's got all the tools and obviously knows how to win, which is a big intangible out here on Tour.

James (San Diego, CA)

How do you think the vetrans of the Tour will fare this year? Guys like Lee Janzen who depend on the short game so much, but don't have huge length.

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:29 PM)

Well, there are a lot of veterans out there. As far as Janzen in particular, I think you're right about his lack of length off the tee. I hate the fact that players have to be big bombers these days in order to succeed on Tour. I wish there were more courses like HarbourTown and Colonial, tight tracks where shotmaking is imperative.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Do you think the short hitters on tour will soon become obsolete against the longer courses and hitters?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:30 PM)

A great short hitter will always outplay an average long hitter. But if you put a great short hitter up against a great long hitter, the long hitter will score better most of the time. There are a few venues on Tour where short guys can still succeed, but they are becoming few and far between.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

In your mind, who is truly the greatest player in the world right now?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:34 PM)

Well, in my mind -- and in the minds of just about every other person around -- Tiger Woods is undoubtedly the best player in the world. The race for No. 2 is a close one between Singh, Els, Mickelson and Goosen, but Woods is head ans shoulders above them all.

jimbob (cambridge, ma)

The camera shots on tv are terrible.I can't see the lay of the hole, when the ball's in the air all we see is sky and clouds and when it hits green or fairway we get a shot of ball in grass with no context. This is horrible and not worth watching.

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:36 PM)

It's not the camera shots. It's just that the sun is so bright out here and there are so many white puffy clouds, that's it's so hard to pick up the ball. I've had a tough time picking up the ball in the sky all week, even when I'm standing right behind the player who hit it.

James (San Diego, CA)

Phil seems to do well in the West Coast Swing, then fade away afterwards. Will this be true again this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:41 PM)

Well, you're right about the first part. He always seems to fare well at events like the Bob Hope, Pebble Beach, Buick Invitational and FBR Open. Last year, he won twice on the East Coast, too, but only once from April and beyond. If he wants to contend for POY, he'll need more late-season wins.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

On ESPN.com, some analysts stated that Vijay could be the biggest upset of the year because of his putting troubles, do you see this coming true?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:42 PM)

I believe my colleague Bob Harig wrote that and I tend to agree with him, albeit for other reasons, too. Singh will turn 43 next month, he's played a ton of golf over the last 20 years and that could be taking a toll on his body. And yes, he does have that balky putter. If he had putted better last year, he could have had at least two more wins.

Ryan (Salt Lake)

Does Tiger have any ambitions as a course designer?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:44 PM)

I haven't heard of him designing any courses yet, but it seems all the great players (Nicklaus, Palmer) have got into the course design business. Even guys like Fred Couples and Davis Love have started that, too. It may take another 10 years for Tiger to get into this, but I'd be pretty sure it's something that would interest him.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Ever since the birth of Phil's third child it seems that he is spending less and less time with golf and more with them, which any parent can understand, but in the coming years will this have a serious adverse affect on his game and his ranking?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:46 PM)

Nah, not really. Mickelson played in 21 events last year, which is only two fewer than he averaged over the previous five seasons before that. Two fewer starts shouldn't be enough to have much of an affect on his ranking.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Barring a Duval size self implosion, is there any plausible way for TIger to lose his number 1 ranking this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:49 PM)

I don't think so. But then again, at this time in 2004, I would have said the same thing and Vijay had taken the No. 1 ranking by September of that year, so you never know...

James (San Diego, CA)

On the tour, who has the most attractive wife?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:50 PM)

I'll leave my personal feelings aside on this one. Sports Illustrated has asked this question of players in its annual player poll and Elin Woods, Tabitha Furyk and Sonya Toms are often near the top of the list.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Do you think any tournaments will be able to compare to this level fo difficulty due to the weather and new greens?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:55 PM)

Last year, the U.S. Open was the toughest tournament, scoring-wise, as Michael Campbell shot even-par to win. The Canadian Open was the toughest of the non-majors, as Mark Calcavecchia shot 5-under to win. This year's Mercedes could be right there with them. I'll have have an entry for our new golf blog after play is completed today on how this event will stand up against those on the rest of the schedule.

Jim (Virginia)

Who do you think will win each major this year and why?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:57 PM)

Jim, you're putting me on the spot and I reserve the right to change my mind at any time...but for now I'm saying Retief Goosen at The Masters (cool under pressure), Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open (loves the NYC boisterous galleries), David Howell at the British Open (unknown, underrated player at an unknown, underrated course) and Tim Clark at the PGA (he's got to win one sometime, why not then?). Those are my picks for now, feel free to steal them and use as your own in the office golf pool.

Becky (Virginia)

Will Michelle Wie make the cut next week at the Sony Open?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (7:59 PM)

Another question putting me on the spot for a prediction. I actually haven't thought about it too much yet, Becky. I'm leaning towards saying that yes, she will. I'll have my definitive answer (as well as ESPN.com's other experts) in Monday's Fact or Fiction piece.

Becky (Farmington, Connecticut )

What's the deal with Lucas Glover - every time I look at a leaderboard, he's on it - where did he come from?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:01 PM)

Two questions in a row from a different Becky...what a coincidence. Glover played his college golf at Clemson. He's a good solid player who broke through for a win last year at Disney. Prior to that, many players on Tour thought he was one of the best players around to have not won an event yet.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

What international player will make the most impact on the PGA Tour this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:03 PM)

I guess Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen would be obvious choices. Perhaps you're looking for a new player. Go with either David Howell, a top Euro Tour player who will play 15-20 PGA Tour events this year, or Trevor Immelman, a South African who will play full-time in the U.S. for the first time this year.

James (San Diego, CA)

Kevin Stadler showed up on the leaderboard last year (made some noise at Torrey Pines), does he have hope for a solid PGA tour career?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:05 PM)

At some point, but not anytime soon. After being DQ'd while he was in contention late in the season for having a club in his bag that had been altered (kind of a silly rule), Stadler did not earn enough money to keep his card. He'll have to work his way back through the Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour sponsor's exemptions.

Rick (London Ontario)

Stuart Appleby was 19th in driving last year -- good, but 15 yards behind the leaders. Yet it seems as if every week he hits the ball way down where no one else goes. Is he the longest hitter? Does he hold back most of the time? Does he miss the fairway on long-drive holes?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:07 PM)

Very observant of you, Rick. I've seen Appleby play in person many times and he's as long as anyone out there. You're right about the driving accuracy though. He ranked 155th in driving accuracy last season, so even though he hits it a long way, he's got to keep it straighter more often. Seems to be a recurring theme for a lot of the top players.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Greatest player of all time?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:10 PM)

Jack Nicklaus. He has the most majors. Hogan, Jones, Woods, Nelson, Sarazen, Snead, Palmer, Player, Morriss, Demaret and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting can round out the top 10 or 20, but I'm going with Jack as No. 1.

Chris (Danville, PA)

Looking ahead to the Masters, is the continued addition in length at Augusta in your opinion a good thing for a course that already has a storied history?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:12 PM)

Chris, in all honesty, I don't like it. This lengthening of courses was once thought of as 'Tiger-proofing' but it's more like 'Tiger-aiding.' All the folks at Augusta National are doing is helping the elite players who hit the ball a long way. I'd rather see the course shorter, with wicked greens and some trickier rough, meaning the best ball-striker and putter over the course of the week would win the event.

mike pave (palm springs)

I hope to see Jason Gore play better. He was terrific in 05, It's nice to see new young faces on the tour. Especially like his broad smile and great personality.

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:15 PM)

He's a superstar, Mike, both on and off the course. The PGA Tour would take 50 more players just like him, if they could. He's struggling this week, but I think Gore will be a guy who always runs hot and cold. Rather than a consistent top-10 finisher, I think he could miss 8 straight cuts, then win twice in a row -- he's that type of guy.

Cathy (Woodstock On)

Does Nick O'Hern plan to play full time on the pga tour this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:18 PM)

Yes, I believe so. He was a Special Temporary Member a year ago, but like Trevor Immelman, he was offered a Tour exemption by way of his berth on the Presidents Cup team last year and I think he accepted that offer. Nice to see another lefty on Tour; he could battle Weir and Flesch for the title of No. 2 southpaw.

Danny (nj)

Does David Duval play with his glasses on? If so, why?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:18 PM)

He's always worn dark sunglasses because his eyes are very sensitive to sunlight.

Chris (Danville, PA)

I don't know how most people on Tour feel about team competition, but I for one love watching the Ryder Cup and the President Cup as of late has been great. Do you think these competitions give golf more excitement and a turn away from individual achievements?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:22 PM)

Absolutely. The Ryder Cup may be second to only the Masters in terms of fan interest this season. And the Presidents Cup continues to grow every two years. For the most part, sports fans are more interested in rooting for teams over individual players and these competitions give fans a chance to do just that when watching golf.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Who's your pick to win this weekend?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:24 PM)

I said Michael Campbell would win before the event started, so I'm sticking with him. Right now he trails Stuart Appleby by one shot. Sergio Garcia is also one back.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

How come Americans can be very lacadaisical when it comes to internation team events excluding the ryder cup?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:31 PM)

Well, excluding the Ryder Cup, the only other international team event is the Presidents Cup, where the Americans were anything but lackadaisical this past year at RTJ. They displayed more emotion than any U.S. team since Brookline in '99.

Chris (Danville, PA)

Do you think the integration of a point system will make the long haul of the PGA season more interesting to watch on a weekly basis?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:33 PM)

I do. Fans love stats and rankings. This point system will be a new way for golf fans to keep track of their favorite players. I'm still wary of how the point system will work, however. Though details haven't been ironed out, I could see it becoming something like the BCS standings, where people don't know who or what to root for until it actually happens and the points are calculated. I hope that's not the case.

James (San Diego, CA)

What can you predict for Tiger Woods this season? Does he look poised to have a dominating year... or just another ho hum season?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:37 PM)

He'll be somewhere between ho-hum and dominating. I could see a season very similar to that of '05, when he won six events and two majors.

matt (Jonesboro arkansas)

wut was ur emotional moment

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:39 PM)

From last season, there were two. Tiger Woods winning the Masters and choking up afterwards when dedicating the win to his father was a big one. And the camaraderie shown by the U.S. Presidents Cup team -- and their emotional victory -- was another.

Chris (Danville, PA)

I've been fortunate enough to have been to the Mercedes and played on the Plantation Course (not easy!), from your experience so far what has jumped out at you as being the best part of the trip besides the weather and scenery?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:43 PM)

Besides the weather and the scenery? Well, those are Nos. 1 and 1A, definitely. But I'll give a plug to the Ritz-Carlton, too. Just a fantastic resort. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Maui. First-class all the way. Makes a business trip seem more like a vacation. Oh, and the mai-tais aren't bad, either. But honestly, I just like being out here on Tour, covering the players again. I know the 'offseason' was less than two months long, but it's great to be out here.

Dylan (Missouri)

Will Sergios putting be any better this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:44 PM)

Yes -- because it can't get any worse. He ranked in the bottom 10 in both putting average and putts per round last season. I know he worked on his putting a lot in the offseason, so you've got to think it'll improve.

Ryan (Salt Lake)

Do you think that Sergio would be more popular in the states if it were not for his enthusiasm during the Ryder Cup?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:45 PM)

That's certainly part of it, Ryan. But I think the bigger part is that he hasn't won a major championship yet. Fans everywhere like to root for the winners and until Sergio wins a major or two on U.S. soil, he may not be a true superstar.

Dylan(Missouri)

How will Ryan Moore fair this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:47 PM)

He's got all the tools and all the talent. He almost won last year in his brief few months as a pro, so winning in '06 certainly isn't out of the question. We'll see if the long schedule takes its toll on him -- 25-30 events is a lot.

Danny (nj)

Wouldn't a US open tennis style golf tournament be good for the sport? I think that would be a better format than inviting the women to play against the men!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:49 PM)

Danny, check out the Accenture Match Play Championship next month. The top 64 players in the world playing in match-play format, with brackets just like the NCAA tournament. Perhaps that is more of what you're looking for.

Dylan(Missouri)

How come we arent on the show, how come its football?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:51 PM)

We're in what's called the Mini-Show, I believe. It's what happens when there's too many good sporting events going on and we want to chat about all of them.

Danny (nj)

Technology changes everything. What kind of future changes do you predict for the sport?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (8:59 PM)

I keep hearing that technological changes are plateauing right now, with drivers as big as they can get and balls flying as far as they can make them. Perhaps the biggest change in professional golf in the next 10-20 years will be if more courses go back to shorter, tighter traditional layouts. I know the trend right now is going away from that, but I really think it could happen at some point.

Walter (Oregon)

I may have missed it, but what players will be chatting with us tonight?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:01 PM)

Good question, Walter. We're 'efforting' guests as they say in the business. I've heard rumors that Justin Leonard and/or Lucas Glover (who won a car for his hole-in-one earlier today) may join us later, but cannot confirm just yet. Stay tuned and I'll be sure to give you all plenty of heads up to get your questions in before any players arrive.

Rick (San Diego)

Do you think that the PGA Tour is in a major decline because most of the top players play like they are half asleep and never acknowledge the crowds.

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:03 PM)

Absolutely not. That's a silly statement. Is the NFL in decline because QBs don't wave to the crowd after a completion? Is MLB in decline because players don't sign autographs in between innings? These players are competing at a top level and focused on their game; crowds should acknowledge them for that, not whether they wave to them or not.

Dylan (Missouri)

Do you think America will win the Ryder Cup this year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:04 PM)

Well, the team has a 50/50 chance. I'm going to abstain from giving my prediction until the rosters are formed in August -- never know who could make these teams.

Dean (Oregon)

Was that Shigeki Maruyama's brother (Daisuke, I think) who made it out of Q School? If so, what do you know about him and his game?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:10 PM)

I don't believe they are brothers, actually. Haven't seen Daisuke Maruyama play too much, but he finished T-7 at Q School and he's been on the Japan Tour for the past five years, competing with some very good players over there, so he should be ready for competition on the U.S. tour.

Jimmy (North carolina)

what has happened to Jesper ?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:12 PM)

He actually played OK last year, making the cut in 17 of 24 events, but he just never had that big money-maker, with only two top-10s all year. The way the money distribution is set up, one great week is a lot better than 10 decent weeks. Unfortunately for Parnevik, he had the latter.

Charles (Virginia)

Is this finally the year of Sergio Garcia?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:13 PM)

I don't think so. That putter of his isn't nearly good enough to win a major right now. Although his ball-striking in '05 was better than ever (he led the Tour in GIR), his putting was worse than ever. Until he figures out how to roll the rock, he'll struggle at the big ones.

Dylan (Missouri)

What new clubs are coming out in the next couple of months?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:14 PM)

Dylan, you'd have to consult Golf Digest's 'Hot List' issue that just came out (or take a look at GolfDigest.com) for the whole rundown, b ut the one club I keep hearing a lot about is the Nike SasQuatch driver. Every Nike player who has it in their bag right now has said it's the best driver they've ever hit.

Chris (Danville, PA)

Do you think the PGA Tour is on the verge of having international players dominate here in the states on a consistant basis?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:18 PM)

One of the great things about the PGA Tour is that it is a worldwide tour and showcases the best from around the world. There will always be some terrific international players, but as long as Woods, Mickelson and Furyk are around, U.S. players will still hold their own.

antonio (california)

What have you heard or think Tiger's plans are for the next six months. Now that he is married do you really think this change has affected him for the better?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:23 PM)

Sure, when he wasn't married in '04 he won one event and no majors. As a married man in '05 he won six events and two majors, so it looks like Elin is having a very nice impact on him.

Luke (IL)

Do you think Stuart Appleby will be able to pull this one out and win for the third year in a row?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:26 PM)

Sure looks like he's got the upper hand. It'll be a good one down the stretch though. Can't wait for primetime (for you East Coasters) golf tomorrow night with a big title on the line.

Josh Dumond (Redmond, WA)

Have you heard of a PGA rookie named Rob Rashell? I followed him early in the season, but it seemed as if he dropped off a bit. Do you know what might have happened?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:29 PM)

Rashell is from your neck of the woods. He went to the University of Washington. Unfortunately, he had a pretty rough rookie season last year, playing in 25 events and earning only $84,391. I'm not sure he has status on any tour this season.

Zach (Dallas)

Who is the best young golfer in Mercedes Championship?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:30 PM)

How young? Geoff Ogilvy is 28 and he's got a ton of game, ready to be a breakout star. If you want someone even younger, then both Lucas Glover and Sean O'Hair are very good players.

Jarrett (Oregon)

Give me your thoughts on Robert Allenby. He seems to have a ton of game, but hasn't really turned the corner like I thought he would. Can he?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:33 PM)

Jarrett, did you happen to catch what Allenby accomplished last month? He won the Australian triple crown -- the Aussie Open, Aussie Masters and Aussie PGA -- becoming the first player to do so. If he can carry that success into this PGA Tour season, he'll be OK.

frank (hongkong)

why dont the pga tour play some tournys over here in asia like the european tour does? big market over here

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:35 PM)

Well, the Tour probably doesn't play in Asia for that very reason -- because the Euro Tour already does. It's not a bad idea though, Asia is a growing market and with travel so easy these days, it wouldn't be that hard to get players to travel there. Maybe we could see a WGC event in Asia sometime in the next few years.

Alex Valdes (Bellevue, WA)

Do you think Paula Creamer will ever play on the PGA men's tour?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:36 PM)

Nope. First of all, she has no desire to play against the men. Secondly, she doesn't hit the ball all that far, even by LPGA standards. If a woman is to succeed on the PGA Tour, she'll need to be a big hitter, like Michelle Wie.

Stuart (Sydney)

I'm a major Cambo fan. Would like to see his good 05 form continue in 06. What are his chances?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:38 PM)

He'll continue to be a top Euro Tour player simply because there seems to be a lack of talent on that tour. Many of the top Euro players are coming to the U.S., leaving Campbell and Monty as the prohibitive favorites on the Euro Tour. He seems to play his best when scores are close to par (like Pinehurst and this week), so that could bode well in the majors.

Josh Dumond (Redmond, WA)

Do you think Michelle Wie will make the PGA Tour cut?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:39 PM)

Next week? I'm still debating, but I think I'm going to say that she will make the cut at the Sony. If not, she'll have plenty of chances on the PGA Tour. If she wants to, she can accept up to seven sponsor's exemptions. Any tournament would be crazy not to invite her.

John (Virginia)

Why do lefties have the prettiest swings in the game?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:40 PM)

I guess it's all a matter of opinion. Personally, I can't think of a prettier swing than that of Ernie Els. Maybe lefties just look better because we see so few of them on Tour.

Jaynew (Long Island)

How many tourneys do you think Tiger will win this year? Phil?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:41 PM)

I really don't think they'll be too far away from what they did last year, meaning six for Tiger and four for Phil -- give or take one or two either way.

Dylan (Missouri)

Like Jason Gore and Sean O'hair who will be the break out players of the year?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:42 PM)

On marketability alone, how about Bubba Watson? He hits the ball a country mile and could be a fan favorite in his rookie season.

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:43 PM)

Ladies and gentlemen... Lucas Glover, fresh off winning a new car for his hole-in-one, will join us soon in The Show!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:44 PM)

As soon as he's done speaking with the press in the interview room, we'll have Lucas right here...so fire away with those questions!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:48 PM)

In case you're wondering, Lucas' new car is a Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG and retails for $87,375.

Jeremy (Fort Collins,CO)

i just got a honda worth about 5 or 6 grand

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:51 PM)

But you didn't get a hole-in-one at the Mercedes...

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (9:54 PM)

Good questions so far...keep 'em coming...Lucas will be joining us any minute now...

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:02 PM)

Folks, Lucas has just a few more media commitments (guess everyone wants to talk to a guy with a new Mercedes), but he'll be with us shortly...In the meantime, let's keep the golf chat going...I'll be answering your questions...

Bob Ston (Surfers Paradise Australia)

Do you feel as I do that Monty is less of a golfer because as in my opinion he "Hides" in Europe rather than playing regularly on the PGA Tour

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:04 PM)

Not at all. Monty was born in Europe, he lives in Europe and he plays the European Tour. I actually think it's cool that he feels sort of a sense of pride for the part of the world and wants to continue to help golf grow in Europe. Now, if he didn't play in the U.S. majors, you'd be onto something, but he comes here for all the big events, so I don't think you're argument holds much weight.

BRETT (MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA)

Golf seems to be getting more popular, do you see the endorsments to be increasing for golfers?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:06 PM)

Definitely. Because their lives tend to be less scandalous than those of other athletes they are more desirable as long-term endorsers. And because they don't wear helmets that disguise their on-field appearance, they are easily recognizable. It's a good combination.

trudge (ca)

if i played in maui, i would most likely be playing with a sun burn. Is that an issue with the pros?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:07 PM)

I don't think anyone's ever had to WD due to sunburn issues. They use sunblock. And besides, these guys are pretty used to being out in the sun.

John (Silverton, OR)

What are the players saying about the course this week?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:08 PM)

They love the new greens. And they're all talking about how tough it is, especially with the tradewinds blowing so hard. It's a much tougher, but better, setup than in recent years.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

Why are so many PGA Tour players reluctant to play overseas events?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:09 PM)

I don't think they're reluctant at all. They are just trying to fulfill their PGA Tour obligations by playing in the U.S. That said, even guys like Woods, Singh and Daly will play multiple events on the European Tour this season.

Luke (IL)

Do you think Phil can make it three years in a row with a major? If so, which one will he win?

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:11 PM)

If he's going to win, I'll say Winged Foot. The NY crowds love Phil and he feeds off of that, as we saw at Baltusrol. I don't have him winning any of the majors, as per my current predictions, but that could change -- and he is certainly capable.

Jeremy (Fort Collins,CO)

who will be the next tiger woods??

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:11 PM)

Michelle Wie. She's got the same determination, talent and marketability.

Lucas Glover

  (10:16 PM)

Hello. Welcome to the chat, looking forward to your questions.

John ((Ore))

Nice shot Lucas. That's a nice looking car. Must have been a thrill. Tell us about the shot.

Lucas Glover

  (10:17 PM)

It was a 5 iron, from 203 yards. Wind was into our facce and from the left. It was kinda lucky, it was moving pretty fast.

Jim (San Jose)

Want to sell it?

Lucas Glover

  (10:17 PM)

Twice the value, it's yours.

John (Silverton, OR)

Didn't Lucas just get married, too? Quite the run, isn't it?

Lucas Glover

  (10:18 PM)

Yes I did. December 3Rd...nice honeymoon huh.

Andrew (Peoria, IL)

All i got when i got a hole in one was to buy everybody a round

Lucas Glover

  (10:18 PM)

I'm sure I'll be doing that at home.

John (Silverton, OR)

I"m curous to know what Lucas emphasized this offseason in an effort to get better. What part of his game did he target for improvement.

Lucas Glover

  (10:19 PM)

I didn't do a whole lot in the off season. It was a pretty busy couple of months. When I did put in some time I really woked on my putting. Just tried to get it more consistent.

Lucas Glover

  (10:20 PM)

Thanks everyone. Dinner Time!!!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:21 PM)

Thanks, Lucas. And congratulations once again on the new ride!

Jason Sobel, ESPN.com golf editor

  (10:23 PM)

Well, folks, the final pairing is off the course as Stuart Appleby is your third-round leader by two strokes over Michael Campbell. And that's going to do it for our chat as well. Thanks to Lucas Glover for joining us and thanks to all of you for the great questions. Be sure to log on tomorrow as we complete our four days in The Show at the Mercedes Championships during the ESPN telecast, from 7-10 p.m. ET (2-5 p.m. Hawaiian time!)...goodbye and mahalo!!!