Fourget Me Not

IN SIX starts since early April, Rory Sabbatini (below) has been one of the hottest players on Tour, with a tie for second at the Masters and ties for third at the Nelson and the Wachovia. Still, Sabbatini has received the most attention for what many saw as a swipe he took at Tiger Woods. After the two were matched in the final round of the Wachovia, which Woods won, the always blunt Sabbatini noted that Woods had not hit the ball that well, adding that he "liked the new Tiger." Told of the comments, Woods quipped that he had won as many events this year (three) as Sabbatini had won in his career.

So after Sabbatini put a cherry on his sizzling six-start run by winning the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial with a 15-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole, he was looking to have a little fun. "Somebody might let Tiger know he needs to win another one," Sabbatini said, before quickly adding, "I'm kidding, of course."

Sabbatini, who shot a 14-under 266 to get into the playoff with Jim Furyk and Bernhard Langer, is used to controversy, as he and his equally feisty wife, Amy, have had public spats with Paul Casey, Ben Crane and Nick Faldo in the last two years. "I'd prefer to be known as a four-time winner who is getting ready to win some more," Sabbatini said on Sunday, although it's hard to believe he meant it as he flashed one of his huge belt buckles, showed off one of the 12 bright-red ITALIAN STALLION�T-shirts that Amy brought out on Sunday and headed off to a Mexican-themed bar, where he planned to shave the head of his caddie, Kevin Fasbender, fulfilling a bet made earlier this year. In other words, it was just another boring night with Rory.

? NICK FALDO announced his assistant captains for the 2008 Ryder Cup, and they were as notable for who was left out as for who was chosen. Paul McGinley and Jos� Mar�a Olaz�bal got the nod, which is a bit odd since each is still playing well and would seem to have a good chance to make the team. Meanwhile, two Cup stalwarts who are considered likely future captains, Sandy Lyle and Colin Montgomerie, were passed over. Faldo would only talk about whom he chose but may have inadvertently given a clue as to why he skipped his two former rivals while simultaneously giving them a jab. "It is very important that they have a good rapport with the whole tour," Faldo said of his assistants. "They are both well-seasoned players as well as being very well-liked and respected."

? WITH THE British Open returning to Carnoustie, Jean van de Velde has been swamped by interview requests--reportedly 300 and counting--so his agent is considering only those for which van de Velde will be paid. The price he quoted one American media outlet? A tidy $300,000. That's how you can be a loser and a winner at the same time.

? SUGGESTED WOODS BABY NAME OF THE WEEK Roar E.

? For Alan Shipnuck's Hot List, go to GOLF.com.