ESPN

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (6:30 PM)

Aloha from the beautiful Kapalua Resort on the island of Maui! Welcome to The Show, live from the first PGA Tour event of the season, the winners-only Mercedes Championships.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (6:30 PM)

While you enjoy ESPN's telecast of the tournament, log on to speak with your favorite players, instructors, announcers and golf writers about the Mercedes, the upcoming 2005 season or just life in general.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (6:31 PM)

Starting at 7 p.m. ET, we'll be joined by several guests, including Hank Haney, Dean of Instruction, ESPN Golf Schools and Golf Digest teaching professional (7:30 p.m. ET); Golf World senior writer John Hawkins; ESPN.com's own Bob Harig; and PGA Tour veteran Justin Leonard (10 p.m. ET).

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (6:31 PM)

Along the way, we'll have plenty of surprises and special visitors, so get your comments and questions ready and stay with us throughout the telecast.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (6:53 PM)

The 2005 PGA Tour season is officially underway. Even if you're buried in a foot of snow, there's no time like the present to start chatting about golf. Let the questions begin ...

Noah in Seattle

Looking forward to Sergio having a big start (and a big year). He's played well in the last 3 tourneys in 2004. What are his odds this tournament?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:00 PM)

Sergio's gotten a ton of pub all week as people have been predicting he'll be the next player to win his first major. Not only is he primed for a huge season, the guy doesn't turn 25 until this Sunday. A win is certainly possible ... and could be a heck of a birthday present.

Jacob V (Bethesda, MD)

I've read alot recently about young, up and coming players. Especially about young, up and coming players from Europe and Austrailia. What about here in the USA? Who's your pick to be the next young American to shine?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:03 PM)

There's a bunch of guys here this week. Zach Johnson and Ryan Palmer have "shined" already, but their starpower could burn a little brighter with another win or two in '05. Another guy to look out for: Ted Purdy. He came oh-so-close twice last season and looks as if he's on the verge of being a legit top-20 player.

Chad, Waterford, MI

If Tiger wins this week at the Mercedes, will it be enough for him to overtake the number one spot in the world rankings or does it depend on how Vijay finishes as well?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:05 PM)

And so much for the non-Tiger questions ... nope, Tiger can't overtake Vijay with a win this week, nor for a while. His one-win '04 season vs. Singh's nine-win year will sting for a while -- and its repercussions will be felt in their World Ranking.

Brandon Cincinnati, OH

What are Tiger's chances heading into this weeks Mercedes Championship?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:09 PM)

Really, really, really, really good. Typically, the Mercedes isn't an event that yields a surprise winner, so that eliminates about half the field. Count out a few guys like Els, who hasn't been practicing much recently (although, can you ever really count out Els?), and you're left to choose from a group that includes Tiger, Sergio, Retief, Vijay and a small handful of others. Couple that with Tiger's committment to his new swing and I think he'll be right there on Sunday.

BO, Bithlo, FL

Vijay's got no chance

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:10 PM)

Bo, did you happen to sleep through last season? Vijay's got a terrific chance every single time he tees it up -- including this week.

Andrew, DC

With all this talk about Vijay, Tiger, Ernie, etc...I was wondering which lesser followed players might have a big year?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:14 PM)

I'll take this as a Who's next in line to break into the top 10?-type of question. Zach Johnson has a solid game. Luke Donald will be right there. And I really like Paul Casey, who made some controversial comments at November's World Cup, but still won that week (with Donald) amid a media firestorm. Casey is committed to playing more tour events this year and I think he'll win a couple of times.

Hannah (NYC via Blitzburgh)

Can I finally expect Rocco Mediate to perform well or will his back hinder him once again?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:17 PM)

Hannah, I think we'd all like to see Rocco back to his old ways. Supposedly, he's healthy again. He's using a one-time exemption as one of the top-50 all-time money leaders to have full status on tour this year. If Rocco can somehow win a tournament and play well throughout the year, we could be looking at the Comeback Player of the Year come December.

Roy (Daytona Beach)

Should we be expecting a repeat at the masters for Phil?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:19 PM)

I don't think you can ever expect a major win from anyone. But Phil's got as good a shot at it as anybody. His game also should fare well at Pinehurst (as we saw in '99) and Baltusrol, which will play like a U.S. Open-type course.

Roy (Daytona Beach)

How will British Open suprise winner Hamilton do this year?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:20 PM)

While most people had never heard of Hamilton before last year, he's a proven winner around the world and won't be a fluke. He's 39 years old and knows what it takes to win. I think one win (albeit not a major) and a top-30 on the money list wouldn't be out of the question for Todd.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:22 PM)

Hey folks -- Hank Haney, Dean of Instruction, ESPN Golf Schools and Golf Digest teaching professional will be joining us in 10 minutes. Get your questions ready! Hank will answer the top three later on ESPN's telecast of the Mercedes Championship.

Worcester, MA

Its snowing, I'm going to need a neon ball to play...

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:24 PM)

But at least you won't put one in the water hazard.

Vince (Philadelphia,PA)

I think Adam Scott is going to make a good run this year, he is young and has all the qualities to win on the pro tour, forget Ernie, Vijay, Tiger and Phil, Adam Scott may take the tour by storm this year.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:26 PM)

He very well may. Scott has a picture-perfect swing and a short game to match (thanks to some lessons Greg Norman gave him years ago). Remember though: guys like Scott and Garcia are still young. They each have another 20 years-plus on tour ahead of them -- plenty of time to win a whole bunch of majors.

Matt (Canada)

How will Mike Weir do this season and what do you think of his chances at the four majors this year.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:30 PM)

What are the chances of a Canadian golf fan asking about Mike Weir? Matt, I think he's kind of gotten lost in the shuffle with the Big Five (Tiger, Vijay, Ernie, Retief and Phil) getting so much pub, as well as youngsters Sergio and Scott. Weir is as solid as they come. I can see a second Masters win this year (though the former champions may not like the caribou dinner again in '06). But the real question is can he finally break through and win the big one? Meaning, of course, the Canadian Open? He lost in extra holes to Singh last year; perhaps he finally comes through in '05.

Cathy (Woodstock,On)

How do you think David Duval will make out this year? Will he still struggle to make top 10"s.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:32 PM)

Cathy, I think Duval will improve the more he plays, maybe even finish in the top-50 or so on the money list this year. Can he win? He might be a year away, but if he does, it'll be a late-season event where he could sneak in with a lesser field.

Lon Nunley Mesa AZ Las Sendas

Good luck Mark Hensby. The Nunely's

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:36 PM)

He's -2 through 14 holes right now...right in the thick of things.

Travis (Alexandria, VA)

With the new season opon us, and the new point system to determin the Ryder Cup, will the United States be able to field a team that can compete?

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:40 PM)

I think the U.S. always fields a team that competes; it just doesn't happen to win very much these days. The new points system is overdue and should be considered a good thing, but it won't work wonders. For the most part, it's still the same team. If I remember correctly, I think Fred Funk would have been bumped by Steve Flesch had these rules been in effect in '04. Not much of a difference in my book.

Hannah (NYC via Blitzburgh)

Does Stuart Appleby have what it takes to finish top 10? It seems like he is always on the cusp looking in....

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:43 PM)

Hannah, you're right. He's always close, but never quite there, finishing 13th last year after winning the Mercedes. He lost the Bay Hill last year after shooting a final-round 76; a two-win season would have been huge. He has a hip injury this week and almost didn't show, so I wouldn't expect a whole lot. He also plays a lot in Australia during the winter months, which could tire him out late in the PGA Tour season.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (7:45 PM)

Joining us now is Hank Haney, Dean of Instruction, ESPN Golf Schools and Golf Digest teaching professional. Hank is working on ESPN's telecast of the Mercedes Championships throughout the week. He will answer any questions you have about your swing or that of a PGA Tour player.

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:47 PM)

Hello everyone, glad to be with you. Hank

Jeff (Chicago)

Where do we send questions for Hank Haney. I have a baaad habit, I can't stop sliding and it leads to pull hooks and bad contact.

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:50 PM)

Jeff, your pull hooks are probably caused from the golf club coming too much from the inside in the downswing. Try to feel that your club is angled more left at the top of your swing so that you can get it out in front of you more in the downswing. Also, feel your hips turn to start the downswing and make sure you finish all the way in the throughswing.

Wade Edington Lubbock, TX

How can I get more backspin on my wedges?

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:52 PM)

Buy new wedges every 6 months and use a golf ball that spins a lot is the best way other than hitting a perfect shot to impact backspin on wedge shots.

Chad, ATlanta

Hank:How can I increase distance in my driver? I am 6'2", but I only average 225 to 230 off of the tee. I shoot in the low 90's, but I don't score well b/c I have a mid-iron while my foursome uses a wedge.Thanks,Chad

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:56 PM)

Chad, all most every golfer wants more distance. Here are the things that you can work on to get more distance. First, try to increase the speed of your swing, too many golfers have the misconception that they swing too fast and the reality is that they swing too slow. Second, lengthen your swing anyway that you can, more turn, more wrist cock, more arm swing. Thirdly, if you slice, you must fix the slice by getting your swing less upright and more rounded. Other than those things make sure you use a driver that has been made in the last couple of years, the newer ones are definitely longer.

Bill (Fort Worth)

Hank,Since the left wrist ( for right handers) controls the club face. Can I play with a bowed or a cupped wrist? Tiger's wrist is flat, but the Bear's was slightly cupped.Thanks,B

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:57 PM)

Bill, it is always better to have your left wrist as close to flat at the top of your swing as you can.

Rick, Torrance, CA

My question is for Hank Haney. A lot of people were critical last year of Hank's teaching into Tiger's golf swing. First question - what specific areas is he working with Tiger on? Second, does Hank's theory of the golf swing change depending on whom he's helping? Ex. - Tiger as opposed to Mark O'Meara.

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (7:59 PM)

Rick, you are definitely right, I have taken a lot of heat over my work with Tiger. The good news is the worst is definitely over, Tiger has won his last 2 events and he is on his way to a great year.

eddie brazil

Mr Haneywhat's a good swing tought to start the downswing?i get to quick sometimes and come over the top

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:01 PM)

Usually when someone comes over the top at the start of the downswing it is because they take the club too much to the inside in the backswing rather than being to quick. Worry less about your speed and more about the correctness of your swing plane.

Bill DelPrince (Ashtabula, Ohio)

I have a question for Hank, I am currently a 10 hdcp. this question or in my case, problem. It has to do with my chipping around the greens. I have no problems chipping with a good lie,or with a lot of grass under my ball, fluffy lie, but when I chip off tight lies I tend to double hit my chip shots- also known as by my friends as a T.C. Chen. My question is what causes this problem, and how can I correct it?

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:03 PM)

Bill, it sounds like you have a case of the short game yips. Unfortunately, there is no easy cure for that, but I would definitely recommend using the shot that Todd Hamilton used to win the British Open as much as you can. Other than that look for my articles in Golf Digest on the yips and they will help you.

Ray Rentler - Pittsburgh, PA

What was so bad about Tiger's old swing that he felt he needed to go a different direction? He was winning 50% of the tournaments he entered! Can you imagine Barry Bonds telling everyone that he needs to rebuild his swing so he can hit 72 Home Runs next season? It doesn't make sense and this whole story smells of arrogance.

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:06 PM)

Ray, I have never met a less arrogant champion than Tiger Woods, you are a little mistaken on that one. Quite simply, Tiger wants to be the best that he can be and he will never stop trying to improve, that is the essence of Tiger Woods.

Connie:Marysville,WA

You see pro's with some head movement on the backswing. How do you do this without swaying?

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:10 PM)

Connie, it is not that bad to have a little head movement. I will give you some more thoughts on this later on the telecast.

Larry (Oneonta, AL)

Mr. HaneyI get the club back too far in my backswing. Do you have any suggetions or drills for shortening the backswing?

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:13 PM)

Larry, starting the downswing earlier is the best way to shorten a long backswing. I will show you how to do this and other things that will help shorten your swing later on the telecast.

Daniel W (Indianapolis In)

I have a tendency to get the club at the top of the swing to point across the line, what can I do to get the club pointing more towards the left? Thanks

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:16 PM)

Daniel, your mistake of crossing the line at the top of your swing is common with golfers that hook the ball. Later in the telecast I will show you how to get your left arm to rotate correctly to the top so that you can stop crossing the line.

Hank Haney, ESPN Golf Schools

  (8:17 PM)

Thanks everyone for the questions, it was great being with you, I will see you again tomorrow night.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (8:18 PM)

Folks, thanks for all of the instruction questions. You can catch Hank back in The Show tomorrow night and later on the ESPN telecast, showing some of the tips that he gave here today. Now let's switch it back to questions about the PGA Tour for Golf World senior writer John Hawkins.

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:23 PM)

Hey, I'm John Hawkins. I cover the PGA Tour and write for Golf World....I also do news and notes for ESPN News. Fire away if you have any questions.

Hannah (NYC via Blitzburgh)

Mr Hawkins, how do you feel about Franklin Langham this year? He's brief flashes in the pan of a spark of a good game, but can he pull it all together and finally win a big one?

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:24 PM)

Langham is an excellent putter, the strength of his game, which is great weapon to have out here. Win a big one? How about a couple of little ones first.

Shaun McSweeney (Gold Coast, Australia)

Hi, I was wondering if any of the major professional golfers will be coming down to Australia sometime at the end of the year to play in one of our major tournments like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els or Phil Mickelson

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:27 PM)

Els is your best bet; it's highly unlikely Woods will be back anytime soon. Australia's pro-golf scene seems to be going through some financial issues at the present time. It certainly can't afford Tiger's $2 million-plus show-up fee.

Patrick (Florence, MS)

Mr Hawkins, do u think Phil Mickelson has a legitimate shot at repeating at the Masters? And do u, like everyone else I know, think that Tiger's gonna retake no 1 in the world?

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:29 PM)

Mickelson has a chance to win every tournament he enters. That said, the Masters is ideal for for style of play -- aggressive despite the recent "refinements," and his right-to-left shot is a cut (easier to control) than a right-hander's draw.If he starts well, or close to as well as he did in '03, he's a top-five favorite. That short game can erase a lot of mistakes at Augusta National, and he's not afraid of the pressure, that's for sure.

Heath (Atlanta)

Which swing change was Tiger's most drastic- 1998's or 2004's?

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:30 PM)

I still think 1998 changes were far more substantial. The '04 modifications are more "philosophical." You probably wanted Haney to answer this one, but I can tell you. Tiger made major alterations throughout 1998.One reason these "changes" are taking longer is because he's not winning tournaments, if you know what I mean.

Greg - Seattle, WA

Stewart Cink has been missing putts. Wondering if the reason why is because his eyeline is significantly inside his target line? I always match my eye line and target line/ball line.

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:31 PM)

Cink led the tour in putting last year and is widely regarded as one of the better putters on the tour. He's not missing that many; he's four under thru 14 holes today.

Cathy (Woodstock,On)

Do you think that Peter Lonard's success in Australia will carry over onto the PGA tour this year?

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:33 PM)

Lonard is an interesting guy. Some "experts" thought big things would come from him in the U.S. in 2003, but he cooled off as quickly as he got noticed. Good player, perhaps not as good a putter as some of the top-level guys, but he's plenty capable of winning on the PGA Tour. He's a guy who could put together a multiple-win season and none of us regulars would be surprised.

Brian L. (Anaheim, CA)

At this Very early stage of the Mercedes Championship, who do you think is looking like the best out their and most likely to play well through the next 3rds?

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:35 PM)

If the wind continues not to blow, anybody can win this thing. Winning score may get near 20 under....If it does blow, you're looking at guys like Els, Garcia, Singh, Woods -- players who can control their ballflight on command and avoid bogeys with their putter.I personally think Els will factor by the end of th week. But hell, I've been wrong plenty of times before.

Greg - Seattle, WA

He just bogeyed. If he hadnt missed a about 4 short putts he could be higher in the leaderboard. Go look at the tape and focus on his short putts.

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:36 PM)

You have no idea how difficult a four-footer can be on these greens, my man. Have a great day.

Oshawa, Ontario

would like to see other players besides always Tiger Woods. I know Mike Weir is playing but you never see anyone but Woods.

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:37 PM)

An age-old complaint. Woods drives ratings. Networks love ratings. You can always watch a re-run on Nickelodeon.

Tony Sumter S. C.

Dear John, I love your colums in golf world .Keep It up. Tony

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:38 PM)

Check's in the mail, my friend.

Golf World's John Hawkins

  (8:40 PM)

Thanks for the chat. Talk to you tomorrow,JH

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (8:43 PM)

Keep the questions coming here in The Show! Next up is ESPN.com's Bob Harig and Rod Pampling, winner of the 2004 International will join us at the top of the hour!

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (8:48 PM)

Folks, Rod Pampling now joins us in The Show. Fire away your questions for Rod!

Rod Pampling

  (8:50 PM)

Nice to be here. Any questions, please ask?

Grant (Stevens Point, WI)

Here in Wisconsin, it's hard to keep in shape over the winter months. What type of things can i do to keep in shape over the winter?

Rod Pampling

  (8:52 PM)

Go to the gym!

Josh (Miami)

Hey Rod, I'm an Australia and proud of how successful the Australian Golfers were last season, How well do u think they'll go this year and how high up the rankings will Adam Scott climb?

Rod Pampling

  (8:56 PM)

He'll stay in the top-10 in the world, but just to move anywhere in there is tough.

duncan (darwin australia)

Rod, my father says he played in a pro am with you several years ago at a course in Brisbane Australia. I think he says the course was Wantima. Do you ever recall playing there? If so i imagine that you would have been hitting 3 or 4 irons of most tees and wedges to the greens as the course is pretty short??

Rod Pampling

  (8:59 PM)

I remember playing there, but I don't remember who I played with. It was a short, very hard golf course.

Steven Fesler (Charleston SC)

Hey Rod, how will Couples do this year?

Rod Pampling

  (9:01 PM)

Totally depends on how his back holds up. He's a great player and if his back holds up he can win a tournament -- he still plays great.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:06 PM)

Where does your chip-in on 17 at The International rank in the best shots you've ever hit?

Rod Pampling

  (9:07 PM)

Obviously, it's the #1 because that was the defining moment in the golf tournament, which led to my first win on the U.S. tour.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:08 PM)

How was the course playing today?

Rod Pampling

  (9:09 PM)

Very fair, there was no wind, so the course was there for the taking. I just didn't take much.

Laszlo (Munich Germany)

I got pretty angry about that chip in because my fellow german Alex Cejka didnt win... but hey! That is what you have to do... :) no hard feelings! Congrats Rod!

Rod Pampling

  (9:10 PM)

He's a friend of mine as well. Unfortunately, it went in against him. That's golf, I suppose, isn't it? I'm sure he'll pay me back one day.

duncan (darwin australia)

When you played in Australia over the summer did you have the same caddy that you use on the US tour? How do you guys go about selecting a caddy??

Rod Pampling

  (9:11 PM)

He is the same caddy. If you're compatible with each other and you trust the decisions he's making, that generally makes a good combination.

chad (atlanta)

Hi Rod:Congrats on your vin last year. What are you working on in your game this year?

Rod Pampling

  (9:13 PM)

Thanks. Same as I always do -- posture, and not dropping my left shoulder on the takeaway.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:14 PM)

Where's your favorite stop on the PGA Tour?

Rod Pampling

  (9:14 PM)

Pretty obvious answer to theat one -- The International, of course.

duncan (darwin australia)

Rod, onto more important issues.... What chance do you give Queensland in the State of Origin this year???

Rod Pampling

  (9:16 PM)

Every chance. Of course they'll win! There's no question.

Rod Pampling

  (9:16 PM)

Thanks for the questions, we'll catch you next time.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:17 PM)

Coming up next in The Show is the one and only Joey Sindelar, winner of the 2004 Wachovia Championship. Start firing away your questions for Joey!!!

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:28 PM)

Joey Sindelar will be here in just a few minutes. Send in some questions for Joey about being back at the Mercedes, winning the Wachovia or about life in general in Horseheads, NY.

Joey Sindelar

  (9:33 PM)

Hello, and I want to let you know it's just as cool here as it looks on TV! We probably have a little less snow than they have Horseheads, NY today!

Fred (Mahwah NJ)

Joey, my TV has a blue spot in one corner that just wont go away. what can it be?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:35 PM)

Fred, you're giving me way more credit than I deserve, but it sounds like you might have a magnetic field interfering with your picture, but I could be double-bogeying this answer.

chad (atlanta)

hi joey: why did you decide to play at ohio state versus a warmer weather university?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:37 PM)

Chad, great question. Ohio State was south for me! I wanted a great golf experience, but I also wanted to be close to home. In the end, John Cook's arrival a year ahead of me laid the groundwork for a great team. Also, fabulous course, grat coach, great city.

Chris Adams (Lake Forest)

What types of drills are there for keeping on plane and keeping good tempo?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:39 PM)

There's a cool device that I give huge credit to for continuing my career. It's called the Right Angle, easily available, fool-proof, helps your backswing be in the perfect place.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:40 PM)

Joey, how did Horseheads get its name anyway?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:42 PM)

As General Sullivan was leading his troops through central NY state, many of the horses became sick and had to be slaughtered. Soon afterwards, others collected the horses' skulls and lined the pathways leading into the settlement of Fairport, which inspired the nqame change to Horseheads.

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:43 PM)

So Joey, we hear you've played some golf with ESPN's own Chris Berman. When should we expect to see him out on tour?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:45 PM)

Is he senior tour eligible yet? When we first played golf, he could curve it around third base and land it in right field, slaying people's snacks on the way. Now it's a small fade that definitely allows him the chance for several pars and a couple of birdies every round.

Steven Fesler (Charleston SC)

Joey I think you have a fantastic swing, what are some drills you do to work on ball srtiking?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:49 PM)

I'm a huge believer in extension towards the target. I love the concept of placing a second ball 18 inches in front of the first ball and trying to hit them both. To me, I love the golf swing to go towards the intended target rather than left as many teachers teach. Also, I love to keep the speed of the golf swing at 100 percent well past impact. NO DECEL!

Ed (Simsbury, CT)

Joey: During your long winless streak, did you ever think about quitting the PGA Tour?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:51 PM)

No. Even though I wasn't winning, I was staying in the top-125, hanging onto a pretty cool job! Also, my absence from winning was more about the short game, the ball-striking was always solid so I always felt like I had a chance. Little did I know that my thinking was backwards -- a great short game week produced my win.

Tim (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Joey: What is your favorite hole at Kapalua? Is there one we should pay particular attention to this week?

Joey Sindelar

  (9:53 PM)

It has to be #18. We don't ever see a hole like this on the tour. 663 -- and reachable! When the tradewinds are blowing (downwind right to left), eagle is definitely a possibility.

Joey Sindelar

  (9:54 PM)

Hey everybody, thanks for supporting us on the PGA Tour. We love hearing from you. Hope to see you in your city. Mahalo!

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (9:56 PM)

Thanks, Joey. Let's keep those questions coming for eight-time PGA Tour champion Justin Leonard, who will be with us momentarily.

Justin Leonard

  (10:03 PM)

I wish I was in Hawaii right now. Not only because of the weather here in Dallas, but because that is a special tournament to be in. I've had a great offseason and this should be a great year, should be a lot of fun.

Jeff (Cincinnati, OH)

What major championship this year do you think sets up for you the best for your next major win?

Justin Leonard

  (10:04 PM)

Probably the U.S. Open. Pinehurst is one of my favorite golf courses in the world. I played well there in '99 and it's a place I look forward to playing.

Jason (Little Rock)

Justin, I am a big "Hogan" club fan. Are you still using "Ben Hogan" clubs? With the start of a new year, any new clubs find their way into your bag?

Justin Leonard

  (10:05 PM)

I'm not playing my old clubs anymore. I signed on with Nike from head-to-toe -- golf clubs, driver, golf ball and I'm very excited about it. I haven't been this excited about my equipment or my game in so long and I have Nike to thank for that.

Steve(Scottsdale, Az)

Justin I've always been a fan and have enjoyed watching you when you have been in town for the Phoenix/FBR....are you planning on coming this year?

Justin Leonard

  (10:06 PM)

Absolutely. I would not miss the FBR Open -- one of the best stops on tour.

Bobby (Terre Haute)

Do you believe that Nike can catopult your game to where it has been in the past from what equipment you were using before?

Justin Leonard

  (10:08 PM)

I believe with Nike I can surpass my past performance. To e with a company that is so passionate about sports, about athletes and the game of golf can only benefit a player like me. I'm really excited about the next few years and I can't wait until the Buick in two weeks to show off my new toys.

Russ- Baltimore, MD

Justin, was a great Rose Bowl game wasn't it? Hook 'em Horns!

Justin Leonard

  (10:10 PM)

It was nice to see Mack Brown win a game as big as the Rose Bowl. You have to give them credit for a great season and the future looks bright. Hook 'Em right back at ya!

Mike (Los Angeles)

Justin, I have always loved watching you play throughout the years. I hope you have a great year but I have one question. What is your top goal for this year?

Justin Leonard

  (10:11 PM)

I have a lot of goals this year, but one in particular that I want to work on is really being ready to play mentally and physically each and every week. That is something I've struggled with in the past.

Conor (Waco, Texas)

Justin, what is a good course in the Dallas area that will hone a beginning golfer's skills?

Justin Leonard

  (10:12 PM)

I grew up playing a lot of junior tournaments at Tenison Park. I think it's a great place to learn the game. After all, Lee Trevino honed his skills there as a junior as well.

Jeff (West Des Moines, IA)

Hey Justin, what tournament are you looking forward to this year the most? and also which major tournament will be the toughest challenge this season?

Justin Leonard

  (10:14 PM)

The tournament I look forward to the most is the next one I'm playing. After not playing for two months competitively, I'm very excited about starting the year. The toughest tournament I may play will be the Masters because my wife is due with our second child just two weeks later.

Adam (Omaha, Nebraska)

Hey Justin, big fan. I was wondering where the Presidents Cup ranks on your list of goals, and how much you and other players look forward to it, on the off years of the Ryder Cup.

Justin Leonard

  (10:15 PM)

Making the Presidents Cup team is always a goal of mine, however it's not an immediate goal so I have to focus each week on playing well and hopefully make the team.

Devin (Portland, OR)

Mr. Leonard, what Nike irons will you be playng?

Justin Leonard

  (10:16 PM)

I'm going to be using the Nike forged blade irons -- 3 through lob wedge, the Nike 410 Ignite driver and the Nike T-60 3-wood and 4-wood. Thank you, Devin.

andrew (portland)

does vijay have a personality in person?

Justin Leonard

  (10:17 PM)

Vijay is a very funny guy, even on the golf course. I've always enjoyed being around him. It's unfortunate that his relationship with the media has not been better.

Peter (Orange County, Ca)

Hi Mr. Leonard, are you playing in the Nissan Open next month?

Justin Leonard

  (10:18 PM)

I will be at the Nissan. I'm looking forward to playing at Riviera this year.

Brian(Palm Beach, FLorida)

Justin, What golfer did you look up to as a kid?

Justin Leonard

  (10:20 PM)

I looked up to the guys close to home when I was a kid. Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, I was a big fan of theirs and I studied the game a bit more and became a big fan of Byron Nelson. He is truly a man who we should all try to emulate.

yo

Hey

Justin Leonard

  (10:20 PM)

Hey, Yo!

Michael, Houston

I named my first son Justin, partially because of you and I am a big alum and fan of UT. How old were you when you picked up a golf club? Want to make sure my Justin can try to follow in your footsteps.

Justin Leonard

  (10:21 PM)

Of course I had the plastic clubs as a little one, but graduated to the golf course when I was about six years old because I could hit a golf ball hard enough to break a window at that point.

Steve, Atlanta

Are you and Harrison Frazar still close? How cool was it playing in the final group with him a couple years ago at the Memorial, and do you think he's due to win this year?

Justin Leonard

  (10:23 PM)

Harrison and I are closer than ever. It's always fun to get to play with him, whether at home or on tour. If he doesn't win this year, I'd be very surprised.

Doug, Jersey

What tour player have you had the most fun playing a round with?

Justin Leonard

  (10:24 PM)

I played with Steve Flesch at the Shark Shootout and really enjoyed his company and watching how well he hits the ball.

David (New York,NY)

Did you and Fred Couples go to college together?

Justin Leonard

  (10:26 PM)

Hey David, Freddie's a very good friend of mine, however he's got 13 years on me and we went to different schools! Nice try!

Eric (Dennison,OH)

Every question has been about golf so far. So what do you like to do in your time off?

Justin Leonard

  (10:27 PM)

I just got back from Colorado, skiing for three days. We got up there in the summertime as well, and enjoy fishing and hiking, Other than that, just hanging out with the family.

John, Indianapolis

You're the anchor of my fantasy golf squad. How many wins can we expect from you this year?

Justin Leonard

  (10:28 PM)

I bet you got me cheap after last year! I'm not going to predict any wins, but I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Kevin, Canada

Hello from up North. Justin, aside from the obvious choices (Vijay, Tiger, Ernie, etc.) who do you see having a big year on Tour in 2005? Thanks.

Justin Leonard

  (10:29 PM)

I look for Adam Scott to continue his excellent play and I wouldn't be surprised if Hank Kuehne took his game to a different level this year.

Ryan, Dallas

Watsup Man, I just wanted to let you know you are the bomb and i hope to someday become as great as a golfer as you are

Justin Leonard

  (10:30 PM)

Is the "bomb" still a good thing? Don't tell me that in an airport!

Justin Leonard

  (10:31 PM)

Thanks for the great questions. Sorry I couldn't get to all of 'em, but I've got to get some sleep. See you next time!

ESPN.com golf editor Jason Sobel

  (10:39 PM)

Thanks for all the questions, golf fans. Catch us back here in The Show for Friday's second round from 7-10:30 p.m. ET with plenty more special guests. Aloha and Mahalo from Kapalua. See you tomorrow!