Jason Sobel

  (10:31 AM)

In honor of Henrik Stenson, I am currently chatting in my underwear. Let's get going ...

Steiny (NYC)

Is Geoff Ogilvy a true challenger to Tiger Woods?

Jason Sobel

  (10:33 AM)

I hate the notion of a "challenger" for Woods. I mean, if we're just going by OWGR points, then sure -- at fourth, Ogilvy is "challenging" for No. 1. If we're going by all-time records, it's not even close. Last year, Phil Mickelson pointed out that he could win 30 more PGA Tour events and 10 more majors -- and still not reach Tiger's numbers! Can Ogilvy win events with Woods in the field? Absolutely, he's done so four times already, which is more than a lot of guys. But if you're asking whether he can simply be a better player, I don't think so. But it's hardly a knock on Ogilvy.

Mike Grand Forks, ND

Do you think lefty will keep playing as well as yesterday or level off a bit?

Jason Sobel

  (10:36 AM)

This is nothing against Mickelson, but anytime a guy chips in three times there's a little good fortune involved. It's tough to sustain such output over the course of 18 holes. The fact remains, if he doesn't hit more greens in reg, it's going to come back to bite him. Of course, we could also look at it as Mickelson didn't hit it great and is in the lead. If he improves today, better things could happen.

The Mass Hacker

If Tiger (or anyone in the group sitting around even par) wants to win this thing, what number do they need to put up today?

Jason Sobel

  (10:38 AM)

It doesn't have to be too low. At some point in the next three days, these guys will need to post a 65 or 66, but a 68 for TW or anyone else at 1-under or even should keep the title well within reach going into the weekend.

Mike (Chicago)

If an LPGA Tour member did the same thing Stenson did yesterday, what do you think the reaction/penalty would be?

Jason Sobel

  (10:39 AM)

Great question -- and one that was actually discussed here in the media center yesterday. I honestly have no idea. I'm guessing there'd be less backlash going Brandi Chastain-style than totally topless, but I couldn't even start to speculate on the penalty. Then again, for as attention-starved as the LPGA is, maybe it wouldn't be the worst idea...

Brian (Boston MA)

Speaking of Stenson do think there should be minium dress code? I have no problem of taking the shoes and socks off and rolling up the pants. But taking off the pants (i know thats been done before) and then the shirt too.... Maybe a little much....

Jason Sobel

  (10:42 AM)

I'd just like to know where the line is drawn. What happens if the next guy doesn't want to get his underwear dirty, too? Can he go fully nude? And really, Stenson is a guy who has a pretty good clothing deal - can't he afford to lose a shirt or at least get it dry-cleaned later on?

Chris (Virginia Beach, Va)

You are obviously a huge fan of Tiger. Don't you think that gets in the way of objective journalism and covering the sport? CFB announcers won't even pick a winner of a game they're covering.

Jason Sobel

  (10:46 AM)

Whoa. Slow down, Chris. I'm not a "fan" of anyone out here. Do I write about Tiger a lot? Absolutely. Do I write about how good he is? Yes. But that's part of being objective -- I look at what he's done and write about it. There's no favoritism involved, but the coverage is there because the guy is the most popular athlete on the planet; he deserves to be covered. As for picking winners ... I've never had a problem with that. My (usually wrong) opinion has no effect whatsoever on the outcome and provides fodder for us to discuss in the blog and chats.

Benjamin (Jersey City, NJ)

Would you agree that Tiger "played" better than Phil yesterday, but that Phil simply "scored" better? The fairways-hit and greens-hit stats were identical, although I believe that Tiger's misses were less dramatic. He just couldn't get putts (or chips) to fall.

Jason Sobel

  (10:48 AM)

Nah, I wouldn't say that. I mean, chipping in and making putts is part of "playing." Perhaps TW hit the ball as well as Phil, but Mickelson's short game saved him six fewer strokes than Tiger.

Samuel (Springfield VA)

Do you think Phil Mickelson will ever have a break out season? He has all the talent in the world but seems to lack something.

Jason Sobel

  (10:51 AM)

Um, really? Seriously? You don't think Phil Mickelson, one of the top 2-3 players in the game for the past 10-12 years, has had a "break out" season yet? C'mon, man. This is a guy with 35 career wins and three major championships. Look, he's not Tiger Woods -- never will be. But Phil is going to go down as one of the top 20-25 players in the history of the game. He could retire tomorrow and not "lack something" in his career.

Sergio G.

So, how's my quest for #1 in the world looking?

Jason Sobel

  (10:54 AM)

Not so good right now. After an even-par opening round, you are in a share of 54th place. Of course, this quest for No. 1 shouldn't be taken as solely a mission for this week alone. It's more of a long-term goal, so don't think a 72 totally kills your chances by any means.

Kanyon (Huntington,WV)

I already see what's happening with Tiger now in golf but i just don't see what's for him to prove if he does everything. I am not putting tiger down but there will be probably nothing for him to prove in about 20-25 years from now. So who's going to be Mr.Number 1 when Tiger leaves?

Jason Sobel

  (10:58 AM)

He'll be motivated by history. Once he reaches 19 majors, he'll want to put the record even further out of reach for the "next Tiger Woods." And I really believe that if he's still playing well in 15 years and beyond, he'll look at Jack's win at Augusta at age 46 and Julius Boros' win at age 48 -- the oldest to claim a major -- and see these as renewed goals. He may not play 15-20 events every year, but I see TW competing at majors for as long as he can. As for No. 1 when he leaves ... if I knew that, I'd be in Vegas. Could be Sergio, could be Rory McIlroy, could be Ryo Ishikawa. Hell, it could be Charlie Axel Woods. That's a long way off.

Duncan (Atlanta)

So what's your prediction for Tiger's score today?

Jason Sobel

  (10:59 AM)

Said it already -- I think he's got a 66 or 67 in him. Then again, I'm often wrong, so take that with more than a few grains of salt.

Jason Sobel

  (11:00 AM)

OK, thanks for the questions. Let's get back to the blog, where you can follow along with all the action throughout the entire day ...