Bottom Lines

WORLD RANKING: Since its inception in 1986, only three Americans—Fred Couples, Tom Lehman and Tiger Woods—have made it to the top.

1998 U.S. OPEN: Thinking of going to San Francisco? If you don't already have tickets for Olympic, you're too late. The tournament's sold out.

GOLF GEEKS: A company advertising for computer programmers in InformationWeek doesn't boast of cutting-edge technology, but instead pictures a golfer and brags that 24 courses are near the office.

COLIN MONTGOMERIE: On how Seve Ballesteros will do as Ryder Cup captain: "If he doesn't play, he'll be great."

LEE TREVINO: He's been winless since November 1996. "My health is good," he says. "It's my game that's sick."

IRELAND: The Emerald Isle may host the 2005 Ryder Cup. But is there an Irish player who can make the team?

GROWTH: With golf being oh-so-hip, it must have the fastest-growing equipment sales, right? Nope, fishing (6.9% growth; golf, 5.4%) is growing even faster.

NIKE TOUR: Go figure. The entry fee on the Nike circuit is $250, but only $100 on the regular Tour.