Hits Keep Coming

Avid golfer and 10-handicapper Oscar De La Hoya (below) hung up his gloves last week and is now headed for the pro-am and celebrity golf circuit. His first such event was the 1999 Bob Hope, in which he was paired with David Duval the week DD shot a 59. Duval's deathless observation to the Golden Boy at the start of their round: "I'm not used to having this many women in my gallery."... Verizon Heritage winner Brian Gay is the Tour's iron man. He's made 303 starts since 2000, more than anyone else. With two wins in his last 37 tries he's finally turning some of that iron into gold.... Tim Wilkinson tied for sixth at Harbour Town, but he might do better if he turned around. Like Phil Mickelson, Wilkinson is a natural righty who plays lefthanded, and two years ago a GOLF PLUS correspondent looked on as the Kiwi shot a one-over 73 using only a three-wood, a five-iron and a putter—while playing righthanded.... After 39 starts Nick Price finally won on the Champions tour (Outback Steakhouse, nine-under 204). The wait is surprising because the only thing that held Price back on the big Tour was that he putted like a senior.... The Nationwide tour's Brendon Todd set a record when he aced the 147-yard 17th at the Athens Regional Foundation Classic two days in a row. Even more amazing, he finished 50th.... Stat of the week: As of Monday, Stewart Cink had 65,272 followers on Twitter. Don't know what that is? Google it. Don't know what Google is? Ask a 10-year-old.... Marquette senior Mike Van Sickle, son of SI senior writer Gary, is a semifinalist for the Hogan Award. GOLF PLUS demands DNA testing.

PHOTO

CHARLES BAUS/ICON SMI (DE LA HOYA)