sports - juli 2009

Brewers strong through first half

THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS finish the first half of the regular baseball season this month, looking like they could be destined for a berth in post season play.

New Brewer manager Ken Macha’s starting pitchers and relievers have had good and bad days, but the strong offensive lineup has been heating up. This month fans will get their first chance to see the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals.

Fans are assured every Brewers home game will be played, thanks to the retractable roof of Miller Park, considered among the top stadiums in major league baseball.

Attendance at Miller Park again is set to surpass 3 million, with many games officially sold out. Brewer tickets may be purchased at the Miller Park Box Office or online at www.brewers.com. If listed as sold out, be sure to check www.theticketking.com.

Home games this month:
July 1 vs. New York Mets, 1:05 p.m.
July 7 vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 7:05 p.m.
July 8 vs. St. Louis, 7:05 p.m.
July 9 vs. St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.
July 10 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:05 p.m.
July 11 vs. Los Angeles, 6:05 p.m..
July 12 vs. Los Angeles, 1:05 p.m.
July 24 vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:05 p.m.
July 25 vs. Atlanta, 6:05 p.m.
July 26 vs. Atlanta, 1:05 p.m.
July 27 vs. Washington Nationals, 6:05 p.m.
July 28 vs. Washington, 7:05 p.m.
July 29 vs. Washington, 7:05 p.m.
July 30 vs. Washington, 1:05 p.m.

Tour veterans set to play U.S. Bank Championship

MILWAUKEE’S annual stop on the PGA tournament circuit this month offers golfers a chance to get an up-close look at some of the most successful U.S. and international golfers.

Formerly known as the Greater Milwaukee Open, the U.S. Bank Championship is one of few PGA stops to be played on a public course, Milwaukee County’s Brown Deer Golf Course.

The 42nd edition of the tournament will be the last for sponsor U.S. Bank. Activities begin July 13, but the pros tee off for the money July 15, with the final round scheduled for Sunday, July 19.

Returning to the tournament this year is popular Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly. Joining him will be Rich Beem, Mark Brooks, Shaun Micheel and Bob Tway, all past winners of the PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major championships. Also returning to play will be Corey Pavin, U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2010 and a two time winner of the Milwaukee tournament.

In recent years, the tournament has been played on the same week as the British Open, limiting participation by some of the leading pros in the US and around the world. But the Milwaukee tournament has a storied history, hosting some legendary names in the sport.

The first Milwaukee tournament at North Shore Country Club in 1968 was won by Dave Stockton. The tournament shifted to Tripoli Golf Club in 1971 and to Tuckaway Country Club in 1973. Sam Snead was runner-up in the 1968, as was Gary Player in 1969. Jack Nicklaus was 1985 runner-up and Greg Norman took home the 1989 title.

The tourney moved to Brown Deer in 1994 and two years later Tiger Woods made his pro debut here.