Faldo on The Golf Channel? Hot, even without 'Zinger

Hot

	Nick, why do you look so dour? You made the hot list this week! Stan Badz/WireImage
	MAILBAG Alan Shipnuck will periodically answer questions from SI.com users in his mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

1. VJ
Thirty wins since turning 30, the second man to cross $50 million in career earning, the almost-44-year-old Vijay Singh just keeps coming. If he putts all year like he did at the Mercedes, he will easily re-establish himself as the second-best player in golf.

2. The Golf Channel
The little network that could kicked off its 15-year deal with a surprisingly seamless series of telecasts, highlighted by some flashy new technology and great chemistry among the announcers. And personally, the Hot List would tune in to listen to Nick Faldo read the phone book.

3. Willlie Mac
Virtually unknown coming in to the Mercedes despite a cheap win at the Reno-Tahoe, Will MacKenzie stole the show with his goofy charm and passionate play. If there's an upside to a starless field, it's that guys like this get the chance to shine.

4. The Plantation Course
Is there a more rollicking track anywhere in the world? Wild shot values, insane winds and breathtaking vistas makes for a truly memorable host course.

5. Adam Scott
As usual, he made some early Sunday bogies to take the pressure off, but a solo second is a strong way to kick off what is supposed to be a breakthrough year.

Not

1. Tiger 'n Phil
I know they're independent contractors and beholden only to their own selfish whims, but the new condensed schedule was created largely with them in mind and it was huge embarrassment to the Tour for golf's only superstars to blow off the Mercedes. Once in a great while you gotta take one for the team, and this was the week.

2. Money
In golf's new world order it's points that really matter. Sunday night I asked Adam Scott which he was more excited about, 2,700 FedEx Cup points or half a million dollars. He said, in all earnestness, "Points is how we keep score now." Jeez, these guys are good.

3. Sam Snead
The Slammer's record of 17 wins as a fortysomething was broken by the indestructible Singh. It also looks more inevitable than ever that Woods will shatter Snead's record of 82 career victories. And I won't even mention the U.S. Open ...

4. Paul Azinger
He was a great wingman for Faldo on ABC, but the Mercedes was proof enough that the droll Englishman won't miss Zing in the least. At least Nasty Nick remembered to wish his old partner a happy birthday. Cheer up, Zinger -- only three more years 'til the Senior tour!

5. Michelle Wie
Just thought I'd get a jump on the inevitable Wie-bashing ...