June 29, 2009 Table Of Contents
GOLF PLUS
Even a week of rain, an uprising by the fans and a Monday finish couldn't disguise one simple fact—the USGA did a masterly job at Bethpage
On second thought, the USGA did the right thing
For Johnny & Co., the show went on, and on, and on
Bethpage smethpage—I'll take a tee time at an elite private club every time
By Evan Rothman
LEADING OFF
Inside: THE WEEK IN SPORTS
With a top-heavy, injury-depleted lineup, the Mets have been struggling—yet October is still within reach
By Ted Keith
By Joe Sheehan
By Seth Davis
After a breakout sophomore season, guard Talor (Bubby) Battle aims to prove that Penn State is a hoops school too
By Luke Winn
The Islanders should draft bedrock prospect John Tavares, but other teams can improve by trading top talent
By Sarah Kwak
U.S. OPEN
Unruffled by rain delays, a soggy course, weird tee times and a half-dozen late challenges from big names and fellow no-names, soft-spoken Lucas Glover calmly won the U.S. Open
By Damon Hack
BASEBALL
Joe Mauer Will Serenely, Politely Crush You
The Odds Are Stacked against Him, but Here's Why the Twins Catcher's Pursuit of .400 Could Be Different: a Singular Swing that Brings Bat and Ball Together in Perfect Harmony
By Tom Verducci
There's no doubt Joe Mauer has the talent to make a run at Ted Williams's mark, but will he be blessed with the necessary luck?
By Joe Sheehan
SOCCER
Against first-round competition even stiffer than they'll see at next year's World Cup, the U.S. men showed their worst side, then their best, in South Africa
By Grant Wahl
NASCAR
Read his face: Fussy Mark Martin is winning races, chasing the elusive Cup title, and—best of all—he's enjoying the ride
THE STORY OF AN ATHLETE'S SINGULAR GESTURE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE. CAREFUL, THOUGH, IT WILL MAKE YOU CRY
By Thomas Lake
Point After
By Phil Taylor
Departments
Had it with soaked greens and eternal games? Blame it on the rain
An Iowa high schooler follows his best friend's perfect game with a no-no
By Joe Lemire
Rafael Nadal's physically taxing style of play is starting to catch up with him
Richard Linklater profiles Texas' energetic baseball coach
By Mark Bechtel
What smart fans should do this week
He stars in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, opening on June 24
As told to Sarah Kwak
By Dan Patrick
SI's fearless NFL expert opines on all the latest news, buzz and inside information. This is just a taste of what you'll get in King's Monday Morning Quarterback.
By Peter King