In golf, after a major championship, the drop-off in interest is like the day following New Year's.

The MCI Heritage Classic, however, did not disappoint the golf faithful as Stewart Cink captured the title. While Cink did not win the coveted Green Jacket, he managed to get his hands on the red flannel jacket that the winner receives.

Cink is most notably remembered for failing to convert on an 18-inch putt at the 2001 U.S. Open that would have placed him in a playoff. That disaster has taken its toll on Cink as he saw his game head south. Ted Purdy held the lead comfortably heading into the final round, but managed to squander it.

The striking manner in which Cink rallied back is something just short of a miracle. Cink fired a 7-under, 64, and covered the nine shot deficit in extra holes. The overtime of golf is a sudden-death match between the tied players.

Cink and Purdy needed five holes to determine the victor. Despite some controversy, Cink prevailed as Purdy lost his confidence. Golf can turn ugly in a matter of minutes, just as it can easily happen in the Lakers' locker room. Cink has come a long way since his fall at Southern Hills. As any great athlete does, he seemed to rise above the darkness and prevail in higher altitudes.

Ernie Els, who finished second in the Masters, finished in third place at the MCI Heritage Classic. He is talented, but he must win more to be in truly elite company. Els is near the top of almost every tournament he tees up in but not many will remember who finished second or third.

The Tiger Woods watch brings us to the beautiful scenery of Fort Bragg, N.C. Mr. Woods trained with the Army post as he revisited the footsteps his father took long ago. For starters, Woods trained with various Army units, fired weapons and jumped out of planes.

After the completion of his training, Woods then held a junior golf clinic as well as holding a skills exhibition for many fine soldiers. Hopefully Tiger will fine-tune his game as he searches desperately for a win.

The Western Open individuals will sleep much easier over the next few weeks due to Mr. Woods' committment to play in the tournament. The defending champion will take on the field as he tries to detain his fourth title at Cog Hill Golf & C.C.