The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Swing

As you may have seen, golf great Seve Ballesteros passed away way too young in life on May 7. Here’s a look back at the Spanish legend. [Golf.com] 

In yet another indication that South Africans are steadily taking over the professional golf world, Ernie Els (at a young forty-one years of age) has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Els becomes only the second active player to be inducted into the elite club. [ESPN]

Yesterday marked a historic first in American tennis—and not a joyous one: for the first time in 40 years, not a single American man or woman was ranked in the top 10 in singles. A few weeks ago, the RP noted the same trend in professional golf. Here’s the question: does it really matter for the sport or its fans? Let us know! [New York Times]

Summer is coming and it’s time to start thinking about vacation! What could be better than a golf trip to the land where it all started? If nothing else, you can dream, Tiger. Definitely on the RP wish list. [Championship Golf Courses of Great Britain and Ireland]