Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 31st, 2104

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Today please allow me a little local flavor, in my home state. Crawford's sports business person of the year for 2014 is Chris McGowan, President and CEO of Portland Trail Blazers.

McGowan is innovative, thinks of the fan experience in the highest regard and communicates greatly with his customers. At 40 years of age, his future is unlimited, whether it be in Portland, or another great sports area. Congrats to Chris McGowan, Crawford's sports business person of the year for 2014.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 30th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops

As of today, on the secondary market 2015 Rose Bowl tickets are selling for right around $215.00. That is a decrease from a week past, when prices were at around $275.00.

The $215.00 price is the lowest price in five years for a Rose Bowl ticket on the secondary market, which that price will more than likely go lower come game time.

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Golf Daily, For December 28th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

PGA Tour---- Every Sunday, we will be pleased to give you Crawford's PGA Tour power rankings. This debut today is how I see the PGA Tour as we start 2015 in just less than a week. Of course power rankings are always controversial, subject to change, but hopefully entertaining.

If you are new to Crawford's power rankings, they are world famous and you can also follow professional and college basketball power rankings weekly at http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Here we go, first ever PGA Tour and we always do things in 9s, out of respect for the awesome game of golf.

1. Bubba Watson
2. Jordan Spieth
3. Rory
4. Adam Scott
5. Rickie Fowler
6. Billy Horschel
8. Justin Rose
9. Jimmy Walker

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 28th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops

Michigan has become the second state to pass legislation to prevent student/athletes from unionizing at public universities. Ohio was the first.

This legislation comes on the heels of a vote last April by the Northwestern football players to possibly unionize. Of course, Northwestern is a private university.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com (covering all levels of college and pro basketball)

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

In April of 2014, Northwestern Mutual agreed to a six year deal to become the presenting sponsor of the Rose Bowl. It is estimated that Northwest Mutual will be paying close to $26 million per year, for the extent of the contract.

Of course with so much exposure for the Rose Bowl this year, the deal could pay off big time for Northwestern Mutual, who has 350 offices spread throughout the United States.

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Golf Daily, For December 26th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---- on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Golf Majors----Pretty simple question for all you great readers. These guys are due to win a major, do you think they will 2015? Please comment in section below.

Tiger Woods
Billy Horschel
Rickie Fowler
Jimmy Walker
Jordan Spieth

more of Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 26th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The Lakers and the Chicago Bulls still have star power on TV. Their game last night on TNT, was highest rated Christmas night game ever, even though Kobe Bryant did not play for the Lakers.

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 25th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management-- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz and kcsportsmgmt

If you are a New York Knicks fan,  of which there are many, you have paid a lot over the years to see a bad team for the most part.

Courtside season price for ticket in 1996---- $41,000

Courtside season price for ticket in 2014-----$155,000

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 21st, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twtter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

ESPN has a 12 year deal to broadcast the College Football Playoff, starting in 2015, which they paid close to $7.3 billion to acquire.

So, they have secured 15 official sponsors for this year's coverage. The goal obviously down the road is to make a sponsorship for these games, as valuable as a Super Bowl ad. Probably will not happen, but the landscape constantly changes in the sports business arena.

email Gregory at crawssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory's blogs, http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 20th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops

Perhaps Florida State fans do not like traveling across country and Oregon fans are saving their money for a possible national championship game, but 2015 Rose Bowl tickets are selling on the secondary market for much less than the 2014 game and attendance will be down from the 2014 game almost certainly.

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 19th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops

In 1987, Miami University became the first university in the country to sign an exclusive deal with a sports company for apparel and shoes. That company was Nike. In August of 2015 Miami's present contract with Nike is set to expire, in what could be an end to a 27 year partnership.

At present both Under Armour and Adidas have offers on the table to Miami, of which Nike has the opportunity to match.

more of Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 18th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

We all know sports is a billion dollar business, of which a big part of that is college football. With that said, is Jim Harbaugh worth $8 million per year, if he becomes the new head coach of Michigan football?

He may be, he might not be. All Big Ten schools have plenty of money, but with Michigan selling out every game, are they overspending here?

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 14th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops

The most financially rich Conference, the Big Ten wants to add to its presence on the East Coast in a bigger way. At present the Conference is securing signage inside and outside of Madison Square Garden, in addition it announced recently that the Conference's basketball tournament will be held in the Garden in 2018.

The Big Ten is well run, its TV network is successful and it is in great financial shape, but continues outside of the box moves.

more of Gregory's blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 7th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford ------- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz

Here is the bonus money which will be paid to the coaches who made the final four football playoff.

Saban--- $200,000
Helfrich---- $175,000
Meyer----- $150,000
Fisher----- $ 75,000

The average American worker makes $48,000 per year.

More Gregory's blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For December 6th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Will this new football league gain traction? The Experimental Football League (FXFL) just completed their first ever six week season. The games were shown on ESPS3 and the league has also gained a big national sponsor in NIVEA Men.

For the record, 5 percent of the players in the FXFL became members of active NFL rosters or practice squads. Bottom line here, football is as popular as ever.

Gregory's other blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 30th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The greatest golfer of all time, is going big into the food and restaurant business. The Nicklaus Companies will soon have eateries in airports called "Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grills" as well as selected food products in grocery outlets.

Many of the components will have a charitable arm to them, as Jack Nicklaus continues to expand his vast empire.

more Gregory's blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory--- crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 29th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Happy Birthday today to Vin Scully, the greatest broadcaster of all time. There is no broadcaster in history that is more associated with their team than Scully is with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On the sports biz side Scully's long association with the team, also means big time and loyal sponsors on the radio side, knowing Scully is as popular as ever.

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU GREAT READERS:

The Detroit Lions first started playing on every Thanksgiving Day at home in 1934 and the Dallas Cowboys did the same in 1966. Both teams felt it would be great marketing for their teams at the time.

Is it time for a change? Would you like to see different NFL teams and mix it up on a rotation basis, as the NBA does with Christmas Day games?

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

other Gregory blogs, http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 26th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

We will soon get the final stats for 2014, when it comes to retail sales of college licensed merchandise. In 2014, that figure was $4.6 billion, with the leader in sales for the ninth straight year being Texas.

Now several schools are amping things up, by getting into the trading card business of their present and former athletes.

other Gregory's blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 24th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The perception of athletes worldwide, it not always good. Perhaps this website will change that perception and tells us all, how giving athletes are with their time and money, as well as many others in the sports business. Check it out:  www.athletesgive.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 23rd, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Today Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, asks a simple question of all readers. Do you agree with Adam Silver and Mark Cuban, that sports betting should be legalized and controlled in the United States? Please answer in comment section below and thank you.

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 22nd, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops

It truly is safe to say, that San Diego State is getting more than money's worth with Steve Fisher as their men's basketball coach.

Fisher at present is making under $1 million per year, yet he has taken his teams to the NCAA tournament 5 straight years and has a overall winning percentage while at the Aztecs of .786. The guy truly is a hall of fame coach.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory's blogs--- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 16th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

When Kobe Bryant arrived on the scene for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997, the team's value was somewhere around $250 million. Although the Lakers are not for sale at present, if they were to be sold in 2014, that sale price would exceed $2 billion for sure.

Much can be said about Kobe Bryant, but there is no disputing he has been a big part of the Laker's biggest valuation rise in NBA history.

more Gregory's blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

On Sunday night, 9:30 pm, PST, be sure to listen to the Portland Metro Small College Hoops Show, http://tobtr.com/s/7018343

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 15th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz @wchoops

Adam Silver has not wasted one second on the business side, since taking over as Commissioner of the NBA last February.

The latest proposal by Silver is that he would like  to have widespread legalization of sports betting across the United States, unheard by any commissioner of any sport.

As a sports fan, do like this proposal, or is it bad news?

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory's blogs http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 14th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Is this a good idea, or just more about college basketball is out of control in some phases. All done legally, Kentucky invited over 90 professional scouts to a practice in October. Of course the Wildcats always have plenty of talent on their roster who will play at next level.

Is this brilliant marketing by John Calipari or as a sports fan do you oppose it?

more Gregory's blogs: http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 13th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Taco Bell will giving 500 tickets to each school that is playing in the College Football Playoff, to be distributed to undergraduate students at the four different teams that will make the playoffs.

No word on how these students will find transportation to the games.

email Gregory at crawfordssortsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory's blogs---- http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 8th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---@wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

One of the best basketball analysts in the country, has filed to trademark two of his key phrases. Bill Raftery, wants to trademark his "Onions" and "With A Kiss" phases, so no one else can use them.

This is an interesting move and more power to Raftery for doing so.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

other Gregory blogs, gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For November 2nd, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

When Dave Brandon resigned this past week under pressure as the Michigan athletic director, rather than being fired, it meant he will be paid in installments $3 million, as compared $4.6 million if he would have been fired.

Brandon's contract was to have run through June of 2018 for the Wolverines. Of course, now a "national search" is on for his successor.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory Crawford's blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 31st, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The University of North Carolina is obviously concerned about its future and its image, in wake of the academic investigation that has rocked the school and its athletic department over courses that were taken by students,  not to be considered good academics.

Up to now, UNC has paid the public relations firm Edelman, which happens to be the largest PR firm in the world, just over $782,000 to protect its image and beyond.

Seems like a lot of money, what is your opinion on this issue?

email Gregory at crawssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59, For October 29th, 2104

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

We all know college athletics is a big huge economic business. The "old, new" buzz word coming back to college athletics is "school spirit". Many schools are discouraged and disappointed by the lack of student attendance and students leaving games in droves early.

Some solutions are better technology in arenas and stadiums to allow more social media interaction. As well, some old ideas are coming back including free food for students and at TCU, student leaders standing on ladders to encourage in- game participation by the student body.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 28th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

In 2013, shortly after Alabama won the national football championship, The Crimson Tide Foundation purchased the 8,700 square foot home that Nick Saban has lived in since 2007 for $3.1 million. The big story here is that the Foundation purchase allows for Saban to live in the home free of charge and also pays the property taxes for as long as Saban wants.

While this is a common practice among schools for college presidents, it rarely happens for the football coach. Saban is a huge figure in Alabama and Alabama football.

email Greg at crawssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory Crawford's blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management

The demand for tickets in Cleveland and beyond for the Cavaliers, has caused the team to go to a lottery system for single game tickets. If you sign up in November, you can qualify to win the lottery for the month of December.

The average Cleveland Cavalier single game ticket on the secondary market at present is 331.00, compared to last year when that figure was $68.00. Welcome to Cleveland, Lebron James and Kevin Love.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

more Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 26th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

Arizona State University is terminating its multimedia agreement with IMG College. The present agreement is for football, men's and women's basketball and baseball.

IMG College presents the games on radio for ASU and ASU is claiming they have been damaged by the lack of presence in the Las Vegas and Southern California markets.

This dispute, will more than likely wind up in the courts, as big money is involved.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

other Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 25th, 2104

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @crawssportsbiz @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Before Peyton Manning arrived in Denver for the 2011 season, in 2010 on the secondary market, the average cost of a Denver Bronco ticket was $121.00.  That cost in 2014 has risen to $337.00. The lowest priced suite at Bronco home games is now at $25,000.00.

email Gregory at crawfordssportsbiz@gmail.com

other Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 12th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The Big Ten has become the first major college conference to guarantee 4 year scholarships for its athletes. Currently the Big Ten supplies $200 million in financial aid to over 9,500 athletes in 42 sports.

Previously scholarships had to be renewed at the end of each school year.

More blogs by Gregory Crawford:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds For October 11th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twtter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Sebastain Vettel, world driving champion, is close to becoming the world's highest paid athlete, with his new 3 year deal with Ferrari which will pay him $80 million per year. Vettel previously had a sponsorship deal with Red Bull. Who would have thought the highest paid athlete in the world world would come from auto racing ?

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Golf Daily, For October 5th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst----on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Mickelson vs Watson---One of the many great things about being a United States citizen is we for the most part have freedom of speech. But those freedom of speech rules seem to change when it comes to sports.

Everyone is so careful not to step on toes in sports and basically not tell the truth sometimes when it comes to opponents, or other coaches or teams. We all want the truth in everything we do, but yet in sports we seem to get all over people when it comes to a competitor telling the truth.

To many people all of sudden Phil Mickelson is a villain because he got up in front of the world and told the truth about problems at the Ryder Cup. In fairness, Tom Watson I am sure told the truth about how he handled the team and his captaincy. If Watson told the team behind closed doors they stunk at times, he was absolutely correct. Mickelson was also correct in alluding to the fact Watson made some bad selections in who he chose to play on the first two days of the Ryder Cup.

Golf needs more people telling the truth, in every aspect, whether it be the condition of a course, the game is too slow, golfers on the professional level are too spoiled and the game has been horribly marketed.

Golf is the greatest game on earth, you can play it from age to 2 to 110 and have a great time doing so. Let's let the truth flow and it would make the game of golf even better.

Gregory Crawford's blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Please listen to the CO Golf Show tonight, midnight, 11.10 and 9 with David Ogrin. To listen: http://tobtr.com/s/6877539 on blog talk radio.

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 5th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management--- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Everyone loves a winner. On the secondary market, the average ticket price for the Kansas City Royals home playoff games has risen to $487.00. That is 10 times greater than the Royals regular season price of $48.00 per ticket. Hard to predict what the price would be if the Royals make the World Series, which is not out of the question. The last playoff appearance by Kansas City came 29 years past.

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For October 4th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Athletic departments are continuing to be concerned about lower attendance figures in college football, of which the decline started in 2009. Many schools have either turned too or are turning to The Disney Institute, the developmental arm of the Walt Disney Company. Disney does the customer service experience 365 days a year, often every well, college football does the customer service experience at best 6 times per year. College football teams wants their customer experience to get better, some schools that have used Disney are TCU, Arizona State and Auburn.

More Gregory Crawford Blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 18th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

For first time in four years, participation in high school football for the 2013-14 season increased. During the football season, over 1 million boys played 11 man football and at the same time 1,775 girls played high school football per the National Federation of High School Sports.

Obviously concussion injuries are on everyone's mind, but obviously at the same it appears to have not slowed down participation on the high school level in football.

Gregory Crawford's other blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Golf Daily, For September 28th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Ryder Cup----Tonight at midnight, 11,10 and 9 PDT, we will break down the Ryder Cup big time on CO Golf Show, with a true expert David Ogrin, who knows all about Ryder Cups being a past assistant captain and also knows all the players. To listen, http://tobtr.com/s/6851529. So much to discuss and break down, the show will be wild and for sure knowing Ogrin, controversial.

Captains---Already the talk has begun about Captains for 2016, especially on the United States side. Many players are calling for Paul Azinger to return as Captain, after he led the U.S. to victory in 2008, the last win for America in the Ryder Cup.

I disagree, I said from day one that Tom Watson should not be Captain in 2014, nothing against his skill level, but he already had a chance. The United States should never have a Captain repeat as Watson did. There are just too many great golfers and human beings who deserve a chance to be Captain.

So how would this be in 2016 for Captains. Johnny Miller vs. Nick Faldo. It would be great for golf, which always needs a shot in the arm as these two could talk about it for two years on TV and it would really be CBS vs. NBC, as the two top golf analysts on TV going head to head.

FedEx Cup---Now as I have been saying for a long time, the FedEx Cup champion should be on the United States Ryder Cup team as an automatic choice. Billy Horschel who won this year's FedEx Cup was at the time the playing the best golf of anyone in the world, yet he stayed home, not having enough qualifying points and not being a Captain's pick.

With at least a week in between the Ryder Cup and the Tour Championship which determines the FexEx champion, the Captains' picks should always be after the Tour Championship. You want your best players in the Ryder Cup and for sure the United States did not have their best players on the team, especially without Horschel.

More Gregory Crawford's blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

The Ryder Cup is not only a huge sporting event, but a huge economic boost to Scotland and a great advertisement for Scotland. The Ryder Cup will be viewed worldwide by over 500 million people, in 183 countries. Estimated value to Scotland's economy, $200 million for the week. The economic benefit of golf is often overlooked.

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 25th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

The U of Houston, which opened their new $125 million dollar football stadium this year, has also recently announced a naming rights partner for the stadium, Texas Dow Credit Union. The deal is 10 years, at $15 million, making it the third highest stadium naming rights deal in college behind Fresno State and Illinois.

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz For September 22nd, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Several schools now have deals with Masik Collegiate Fragrances to be their official cologne. In most cases a 1.7 ounce bottle of Masik Collegiate Fragrances sells for $39.50 and it is unknown how much each school gets dollar wise out of a cologne bottle sale. Schools are getting more creative in ways to find additional sponsorship dollars all the time.

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 20th, 2104

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

For both fans and prospective athletes, facilities are what it is all about when it comes to college athletics. In the last 18 months, half of the teams in the ACC have either completed or started upgrades to their football stadiums, which include expanded seating, more premium seating, luxury boxes and expanded in-house technology for social media. The race to have the best facilities is not stopping anytime soon in college athletics.

More Gregory Crawford blogs:

http://gregcrawfordbasketball.blogspot.com

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 16th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management ---- on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Since 2009, student attendance at college football games has dropped each year, sometimes dramatically in some stadiums. That is why Texas A&M is relishing the fact that their recent September 9th home game with Lamar drew a record NCAA student attendance mark for football of 38,800. The drop in student attendance has been attributed to many things, including higher ticket prices, more games on TV for students to stay home and watch and lack of technology in some stadiums, allowing less ability for social media, including texting and tweeting.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 15th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Being associated with Notre Dame, has never hurt anyone, including Under Armour. Starting in 2014, Under Armour signed a 10 year, $100 million plus deal with Notre Dame to be their exclusive suppliers of uniforms and shoes, for all of Notre Dame's 26 sports teams. Already this year, for the first time ever, Under Armour has moved ahead Adidas and into second place, behind Nike,  in the United States sports apparel and shoe market, with 2014 earnings already at $1.2 billion and rising.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 14th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

How did bad did Terrance Pegula want to own the Buffalo Bills? Per the Crawford's Sports Biz Index, the value of the Bills was $924 million. Pegula's winning bid this past week was $1.4 billion, 38 percent greater than the second highest bid by Jon Bon Jovi, of $1.05 billion. Welcome to the world of overbidding to buy sports teams, but also a world where often overbidding still often makes you money in the long run.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 12th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

30 years ago today, Michael Jordan signed his first contract with the Chicago Bulls, for less than $1 million per year. As a retired super star, today Jordan still garners over $80 million per year as an endorser of products, which ranks him number one in the world as an athlete endorser.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 10th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Roughly 42 percent of the NFL's fan base is comprised of women. It will be interesting to see if women run away from the NFL after the Ray Rice incident? Of course,  the NFL will probably not lose any sponsors over it, or suite holders, but I think they will see a loss of women in their fan base after everyone seeing the horrible video and results. Now your turn to sound off.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 9th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

In a recent survey of 136 college athletic directors, 84 percent said they either plan or improve, enhance or bring new athletic facilities to their universities/colleges. The major reasons given were not only to attract more fans, but also attract more incoming students and present students, who always want more amenities at any school, including the ability to use social media.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 8th, 2104

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---on twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt @crawssportsbiz

In case you missed it on Saturday, USC athletic director Pat Haden overstepped his role, by going down on the field and challenging the officials during the game between his Trojans and Stanford. The big sports business question today is, will Haden be removed from the Football Playoff Selection Committee, which will choose college football's Final Four this year, the first year of a playoff. Many are calling for him to be removed, because of his actions of Saturday.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For September 7th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management @kcsportsmgmt @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

David Ogrin----So much to discuss with David Ogrin tonight on the CO Golf Show, which will air at 9,10,11 and midnight, depending on your time zone. To listen, http://tobtr.com/s/6776093. We have got the Tour Championship coming up, The Evian for the LPGA and lots of Ryder Cup talk, not to mention a great tip each week from David, one of America's great golf instructors and a guy who knows how to win on the PGA Tour.

Billy Horschel---What a great win and actually a dominating win for Billy Horschel at the BMW Championship. It did get a little disturbing all the talk from last week, when Horschel put it in the water on the 18th hole. People forget he had to birdie the hole to even get in a playoff, it was not like he was leading and blew a 2-stroke lead. Some people need to get real, not hype something that needs not to be hyped about players in golf blowing it big time..

Fast Play---Horschel win was great for another reason. It certainly appears to me that professional golfers are not playing faster, they are slowing up, especially on the LPGA Tour. It is always great to see an extremely fast player like Horschel win a big event. Remember, you do not have to run around the golf course. You always need to have fun and the same time if you are playing 9-holes, try to play in two hours or less, double that for 18-holes.

Always remember, we can help your golf course in many ways at Kiyokawa Crawford  Sports Management, http://kiyokawacrawfordsportsmanagement.weebly.com please contact us and we are glad to discuss any golf matter with you after you look at our many services on our website. Thank you.

Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 7th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management @wchoops @crawssportsbiz @kcsportsmgmt

Note-----Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds with be posted right here, 7 days a week, on Crawford's Golf Daily. A valued reader suggested this, saying golf fans, are also big time sports business fans. You will also see plenty of golf news here as well, most days of the week.

The University of Colorado has committed $155 million for an overhaul of their football stadium. Being a member of the Pac-12,  the Buffs need to keep up with facilities, thus the commitment to improve the football stadium. In the 2013-14 school year, Colorado football showed a surplus of $11 million, while overall the athletic department had a deficit of $8 million.

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Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds, For September 6th, 2014

Note: Starting today, September 6th,  Crawford's Sports Biz 59 Seconds will become a daily part of Crawford's Golf Daily.  This actually was a suggestion of a great reader, who said golf fans love sports business and I agree. So each day you can not only get great golf information from this site, but you be able to read a pertinent fact about sports business in 59 seconds or less. Thanks for reading, as always.

The average viewership of the for the opening NFL game on Thursday night between the Packers and Seahawks was 26.9 million viewers. That figure is a 7 percent increase from the 2013 opening night game between the Ravens and Broncos. Interesting comparison, the final game of the 2013 world series was on average watched by 19.2 million viewers.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For September 1st, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management @wchoops @crawssportsbiz and @kcsportsmgmt

Portland Classic----It was good week for the Portland Classic, presented by Cambia Health Solutions on the LPGA Tour.

While the crowds were not what they use to be at the tournament, the Sunday crowd was excellent. The weather all week was great and of course per usual, Columbia Edgewater was in superb golfing condition for the best women golfers in the world.

Now for the future. No one wants to have to wait until the spring to decide if the Portland Classic will return. It is hoped that Cambia and other potential sponsors will make quick decision to return and it sure appears that way, so the event can be official, before the LPGA schedule is announced for 2015.

In its 43rd year, the Portland Classic is a special sporting event and means a lot to the Portland/SW Oregon area. It appears everyone is one the right track, let's just hope they make the final station.

Crawford's Golf Daily----Starting this week, the main focus of Crawford's Golf Daily will be on the business side of golf and promoting the game. It is easy to find scores and stories on golfers, but in talking to many of you readers, you would like to see more in this blog about the business side of golf and your wishes will be granted from here on out.  So if you have a tournament you are thinking about doing for next year for charity, we will be glad to promote it right here.

Oregon Turfgrass Foundation----Speaking of tournaments, there is still openings for players in the Oregon Turfgrass Foundation's annual tournament at Royal Oaks Country Club on September 8th, with a 12:30 start. It was recently announced that Leupold & Stevens will become the title sponsor for the tournament. To sign up or if you would like more information, please go to www.oregonturfgrassfoundation.org

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For August 24th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management---@wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

LPGA---- This coming week marks the 43rd edition of the LPGA coming to Portland, Oregon. It is always an exciting time in the Oregon/SW Washington sports scene.

The tournament will have a new name this year, the Portland Classic, present by Cambia Solutions, after a great 17 year run as Safeway being the title sponsor. But like life, things in sports do change. The tournament this year will have a big Portland, Oregon feel, with a large wellness tent and plenty of Portland's world famous food carts out on the course for the pleasure of the galleries.

One thing that will not change. This tournament is run so well each year by Tournament Golf Foundation, with its mostly volunteer group and the site for the tournament, Columbia Edgewater is one of the best conditioned courses in all the world.

If you want to attend a great sporting event, get out to North Portland this week and soak it all in. And you will be happy to know, this tournament will continue to support local charities, with over $17 million given to now, more to come.

Where Did They Go----You always wonder what happens to great golfers, some who have won and some have had the potential to win. Many players come to mind, but a couple to think about are Retief Goosen and Rory Sabbatini? Goosen has won plenty, but sure has faded as of late and Sabbatini has yet to provide us with the excitement, we all thought he was capable of doing.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For August 18th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management @wchoops and @kcsportsmgmt

59 Again----The weekend saw lots of great golf, exciting as it gets. Should anyone ever shoot a 59, golf's equivalent of a no-hitter, they seem to have trouble backing it up the next day.

On Saturday it was Kevin Sutherland, shooting a 59, missing a six-footer on the 18th hole for a 58. It was the first time on the Champions Tour for someone shooting a 59, a 58 would have been the first time ever in competitive golf. Per usual, it was tough for Sutherland to come back, as on Sunday he scored a 74.

What else is new, in the same tournament Bernhard Langer finished with a 66 and wins again. It seems now you really have to consider Langer for the European Ryder Cup team.

Good-Bye Rochester----What a way to end a 38 year run for the LPGA in Rochester, New York, with the Wegman's LPGA Championship, the great Inbee Park winning in a playoff. Next year this tournament moves to the New York City area, combining the LPGA and PGA of America to present a championship. It is great for the PGA of America to get involved with women's golf, it probably is not great for the wonderful golfing city of Rochester to lose a golf tournament they have supported for many years. I would have to think Rochester will be back in the LPGA rotation really soon.

Portland, Oregon---The Portland, Oregon metro area will see a great run of golf in the next two weeks, with the Web.com WinCo Foods Portland Open being played at the world famous Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club all this week and 43rd edition of the Portland Classic on the LPGA Tour taking place at the iconic Columbia Edgewater the 25th to 31st. Portland and the state of Oregon have proven over and over they love golf and are willing to support top events.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For August 16th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management, on twitter @wchoops and @kcsportsmgmt

2014 Ryder Cup---While all the talk about this year's Ryder Cup has been on who will Captain Tom Watson pick to fill out his 12 man roster, it really should be noted, can the European team leave 57 year old Bernhard Langer off the their team ? Langer might not be the best player in golf right now, Rory is for sure, but Langer has been the more dominate player in golf this season, playing on the Champions Tour and winning four events, two majors and just over $2.3 million, with plenty of the golfing season left to go on his Tour.

Senior Ryder Cup---It appears almost certain oow that there will be Senior Ryder Cup every two years, with the first year taking place place in the United States in 2015. Nothing against seniors, I am one myself, but do we really need this? It takes away from the "real" Ryder Cup and golf needs really special majors, like last week's PGA Championship, not more majors. A great alternative, add one player to both the European and American team from the Champions Tour each year of the event. Those selections would be really exciting and controversial each time.

Champions Tour----Statistical proof that the Champions Tour which is having a banner year, has not been good to everyone. Two multiple winners in past years of the four majors, Hal Sutton and Larry Nelson, are having awful years in 2015 on the Champions Tour.

Sutton has played in 12 events on the Champions Tour this year and won a paltry, $63,037 and Nelson in sevent events has won $36,084.

Of course these two guys have had wonderful golf careers and no one should feel sorry for them at all. The average yearly salary for workers in the United States is just over $44,000.

Jim Furyk----One of the greatest golfers of all time, Jim Furyk is having some major trouble as of late holding leads in golf tournaments. Seven straight times now after holding the 54 lead in an event, he has failed to win the event. Frustrating for him  and a pretty remarkable statistic.

BWC Golf Tournament----This is a story which has sadness, but at the same time, things you do like to hear about people and how giving we are as a society.

Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon, which just happens to be my alma mater, each year is the site of a BWC Golf Tournament and tailgater during Homecoming Week.

While every  college hosts many special events during their homecoming weeks, the BWC has had a great run of 27 years and growing.

While many individuals make the BWC a special event, the two driving forces behind the success from Day One have been Steve Lathrop and Gil Hargreaves. This past July Gil passed away, shockingly and unexpectedly. Sad news for so many people.

But the BWC has turned the sadness into something pretty special. They will continue to be big financial supporters of an alumni scholarship in Gil's name, which will continue to grow up to $4,000.00.

Even more special, the BWC has now started their own scholarship in honor of Gil, "Leave No Wildcat Behind", of which they will contribute at least $300.00 towards an individual to come to the BWC, who might not be able to make it to the BWC tournament for various reasons. A creative and extremely thoughtful idea, by some really special people. (For those who read this around the world, Wildcats is the nickname of Linfield College).

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For August 11th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--- COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management  On twitter @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Rory---- It was big time finish and win for Rory and his 4th major. The question now should be asked, can Rory break Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, or perhaps will he break the 20 majors won by Tiger Woods. Of course I personally think when he is done, Jordan Spieth will hold all golf records. What do you think, comments are welcome in Crawford's Golf Daily.

Rickie---Rickie Fowler had another wonderful tournament, finishing third in the PGA Championship. By doing so,  he did make history, becoming only the 3rd player in golf's great history to finish in the top 5 in the same year, of all 4 majors. Of course it is pretty easy to figure out the other two players, who have done it twice----Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Woods.

Portland Classic--- What a tough break for the Portland Classic and its management group Tournament Golf Foundation. With the finger injury to Michelle Wie, she will not be playing in Portland, during the tournament which runs August 28th-31st. Even without Wie, who has been in Portland every year, the field is still strong and without question this event is one of Oregon's premier sporting events.

PGA Championship---I did not like the way the PGA finished. It was bizarre to say the least. No, not the fact Rory won, but the fact that Rory wanted to play in with Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler on the 18th hole, with darkness setting end, so Rory would not have had to come back on Monday. I did not like the idea of letting Rory "hit up" after Mickelson and Rory reached the 18th fairway.

It just did not seem right, considering a major championship. If they had to come back on Monday, so what. This is major golf, with so much on the line. What are your thoughts?

PGA in Portland, Oregon----Louisville is a great sports town and for certain deserves to be the rotation for the PGA for many years to come, as it will be. But what about the Northwest, which has not seen a PGA Championship, since 1998 when the great event was held at the wonderful Sahalee Country Club outside of Seattle.

Weather for Portland, Oregon and Seattle, during last week's PGA? Perfect---with no chance of any rain or weather delays, as it typically is in the month of August. Baffling, why the PGA has not returned to the Pacific Northwest in 16 years.

WinCo Foods Portland Open---Speaking of great golf, if you are in the Portland, Oregon area the week of August 18th-24th, you should plan to attend the WinCo Foods Portland, Open, part of the Web.com Tour.

This outstanding event will played at the legendary Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, on the private Witch Hollow Course. You will not only see great golf, but what a wonderful course to walk and view the tournament. Stay right here for some great coverage of this tournament, as well as the following week the Portland Classic.

For all your golf needs, especially increasing revenue and play at your course, visit, http://kiyokawacrawfordsportsmanagement.weebly.com. We are here to help.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For August 2nd, 2014

By Gregory Crawford, COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management @wchoops @kcsportsmgmt

Slow Play---Slow play is one of the most talked about events in all of golf. Some people think it is a huge problem, other people just think the subject is overrated. How do you feel about it?

I would love your comments below, which would be read by many on the subject.

1. Do you feel it is a problem, or overrated?

2. What is a course you have played that enforces slow play measures?

3. Share your ideas on how we can speed up play if necessary.

4. I think every course should have clocks on the course, these certainly help and make people think about their pace of play, how about you?

5. All comments are more than welcome.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For July 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---COO of Kiyokakwa Crawford Sports Management and TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst ----- on twitter @wchoops and @kcsportsmgmt

LPGA----Tomorrow, I will once again have the honor of playing in the annual "Big Swing", which is the media day for the annual LPGA stop in Portland, Oregon, which will take place this year August 25th-31st at the world famous Columbia Edgewater CC in North Portland.

The Portland stop is really popular each year because of the area's great weather, the superb condition of the golf course and last, but not least the management group for the tournament, Tournament Golf Foundation (TGF).

TGF has been doing this for 43 years, as Portland is the longest running non-major on the LPGA Tour. Later this week, we will be giving you more detail about TGF, as they never can get enough credit for the job they do in bringing golf to Oregon/SW Washington, not only golf, but perhaps Oregon's greatest continual sporting event.

LPGA---Speaking of the LPGA it is one of the hottest sports properties in the world right now, being run superbly by its commissioner Mike Whan. But with success sometimes comes growth confusion. This week's International event, will eventually be good for golf, but when the TV crew has constant trouble explaining the format, there is work to be done. At least I watch and care, but this event has some real potential, once everyone is able to figure out a complicated scoring system.

David Ogrin---- Just in case you have not listened to the CO Golf Show, tonight would be a great night to start. David Ogrin is a great golf analysis who brings a perspective to the show that is unmatched anywhere in the golf media. To listen tonight at 9:00 PDT or midnight EDT, the link is and it changes each week, http://tobtr.com/s/6725017.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For July 20th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Radio and Print Golf Analysis and COO of Kiyokawa Crawford Sports Management, http://kiyokawacrawfordsportsmanagement.weebly.com  twitter @wchoops and @crawssportsbiz

The Open----With the completion of another Open, it really is hard to believe that Sergio Garcia is now on a 15 year drought without winning a major championship and that Tiger Woods is on a six year drought with no major titles.

It is also hard to believe that Rickie Fowler does not win more tournaments. He is one athlete today that everyone can root for, no questions asked. Fowler conducts himself in a manner we can all appreciate and especially the fact he has a long history of honoring the game of golf and its strong traditions. We also in fairness have to brace ourselves that he might always going to be a top flight player, but perhaps not the super star that we all can hope he might still become someday.

Tiger Woods--- The talk has begun in earnest. Should Tiger Woods be on the 2014 United States Ryder Cup team. Of course the added steam to this question is that Ryder Cup Captain Tom Watson and Tiger have always had a frosty relationship, even though it is often denied.

My retort on this. There is no way you can leave Tiger Woods off of the Ryder Cup team. He has to be on that team, as does Phil Mickelson. I am sorry, but it will probably leave some even more deserving players off the team, but deal with it. Woods and Mickelson deserve to be there, no questions asked.

Every Sunday night at 9,10,11 and midnight in all time zones, please listen to the CO Golf Show, with David Ogrin and Gregory Crawford, to listen on Sunday night, July 20th, http://tobtr.com/s/6593163

Crawford's Golf Daily, For July 6th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf  Analyst  twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Fred Meyer Challenge--- I am proud to call the state of Oregon my birthplace and my continued residence. Oregon is a small state, heck even as much as the Portland, Oregon area is growing, we still have only basketball and soccer as our major league sports.

But during the period of 1986-2002, oh did we have the major leagues in Portland every August. In 1986, professional golfer and Oregon native Peter Jacobsen along with his team of people brought us the Fred Meyer Challenge and not even arguably for many it was the state of Oregon's greatest sporting event ever and continues to be.

The two-man best ball format featured these players over the years, the greatest group of athletes ever assembled in the state. How about being able to watch,

Jack Nicklaus
Arnold Palmer
Gary Player
Ben Crenshaw
Greg Norman
Tom Kite
John Cook
John Daly
Lanny Wadkins
Payne Stewart
Paul Azinger
John Cook
Mark O'Meara
Curtis Strange

Even if you despise golf, you have to respect the fact that with so many major champions in the Fred Meyer Challenge field, it quite easily could be Oregon's greatest sporting event ever. I vote for it, number 1. How about you? Please comment in the comment section so everyone can read your great thoughts.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For July 5th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst  twitter@wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Attention Golf Community---We can get along, so can we all just play the right set of tees, please.

Last week on four separate golf courses, I intently observed four different groups who in no way should have been playing the championship tees, but chose to do so. Several members of each group were not able to hit their tee ball past the forward tees.

All of us who love golf need to take some responsibility---- from the individual golfer, to the pro shop, to the starters, to other golfers on the course. Get on the right set of tees for your game. Heck, it is not even one bit embarrassing to play the forward tees, they are not reserved for anyone actually, men or women.

Golf needs to be fun, not torture. And if you think you are really good, you probably are not as good as you think. Don't let your ego get in the way of having fun and making golf a great experience for everyone.

Starting today, get on the right set of tees for the way you play. If you are not sure, there is no two-stroke penalty for asking.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For June 29th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---Print, TV and Radio Golf Analyst  twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

CO Golf Show----Please listen tonight and Sunday night to one of the best golf shows on the radio. The link to listen tonight to the CO Golf Show at 9:00 pm, PDT is http://tobtr.com/s/6510891. David Ogrin is the star of the show and has plenty of strong opinions, you do not wish to miss.

Charity Golf---If you do a tournament anywhere in the world for charitable reasons and you would like to publicize it ahead of time, please just email us at kiyokawacrawford@gmail.com and we will put it in Crawford's Golf Daily for you.

Growing The Game----Much has been talked about in golf regarding growing the game, most of the talk centers around present golfers. But how about the people who don't play the game and getting them to start playing.

Great ideas are always welcome in the comment section below and greatly appreciated.

Great Golf Courses----If you have played a great golf course as of late and want everyone to know about it, please put your review in the comment section as well. I am especially looking for golf courses that give great customer service.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For June 28th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst   twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Gigi Stoll---- In case this missed it the last two weeks, shame on you. We are seeing a golf star in the state of Oregon develop even further with her ability to win tournaments.

In the last two weeks, Gigi Stoll has won both the Oregon Amateur and the 84th Bob Norquist Oregon Junior Amateur.

At present there is not a better amateur golfer in the state of Oregon than Gigi Stoll on either men or women's side.

Stoll will finish her senior year at Beaverton High School in 2014-15 and then head to play golf for the Arizona Wildcats in the Pac-12.

It is obvious that Stoll is learning how to finish off players in match-play, either in a close match or the occasional blow out.

The interesting scenario here is if Stoll chooses at some point to join the LPGA Tour, will she become the best golfer ever on the women's side to come out of the state of Oregon. She has the track record so far to become very good and it is great that she has chosen the college route rather than just going out directly to the LPGA Tour as many players choose to do.

At this point it would seem automatic that Stoll will be given a spot in the LPGA's annual Portland stop at the end of August, which will give fans a chance to see this so talented young player.

Gigi Stoll----a name we should all be watching for the future when it comes to the game of golf.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For June 15th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst  twitter---@wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Happy Father's Day---- Like so many, my father was just great. He died way too soon, at the age of 60,  but the short time I had with him, was just wonderful each and everyday.

The times playing golf were memorable, even though my father did not take up the game until the age of 55, but actually played it quite well, for someone starting that late.

Just as  importantly, at the age of 10, he told me get out there and find a job, of which I did on a golf course, a great golf course, Eastmoreland Golf Course.

It led me to loving the game, a game in which close to 90 percent of friends come from, yes the great game of golf. It has taught me honor and how to respect other people. It also has allowed me to play with some very special people, who are friends on the course and off.

So, Dad, it has been 41 years since we have been able to celebrate with you for Father's Day, but at the same time, we celebrate your life everyday and am so honored you took the time to lead me to the great game of golf.

Please share your memories about your father and golf, in the comment section below.

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Every Sunday night, the CO Golf Show at midnight, 11, 10 and 9:00 pm, on the west coast. With David Ogrin, please listen tonight, link to listen, http://tobtr.com/s/6456677

Crawford's Golf Daily, For June 14th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford--TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst  twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

NBC Saying Good-Bye---- On this Father's Day weekend, it will be sad to see the NBC golf crew televise their last men's U.S. Open golf event for the USGA, perhaps for the next 50 years.

It was announced within the last year that Fox Sports has secured the exclusive rights to televise all USGA championships for the next 15 years. Ironically their first ever golf telecast will be the 2015 U.S. Open to be played at Chambers Bay, just outside of Tacoma, Washington.

We should never forget the work of Dan Hicks, Johnny Miller, Roger Maltbie, Gary Koch and Mark Rolfing for NBC.

Actually I prefer Nick Faldo to Johnny Miller as an analyst, but  Miller is iconic and needs to always have a presence in golf. Hicks at present is the best golf commentator in the business and one can never argue with the work of Koch, Maltbie and Rolfing, the most consistent people on the crew in the last 15 years.

So thank you NBC, best to Fox Sports and their new crew of Joe Buck and Greg Norman.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, June 8th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst  twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

U.S. Open----An exciting week of golf coming up with the U.S. Open being played at Pinehurst for the first time since 1999 and with virtually no rough. But in place of that rough will be sandy areas, with lots of native grasses and possibly even tougher conditions that if it were the typical U.S. Open rough.

Who do you think will win the tournament? Please list your choice in the comment section below this blog. Some players to watch are obviously all the "young guns", but at the same time you would have to think it might be time for Matt Kuchar or Jim Furyk. Actually, I am going with Jordan Spieth, who at 20 has it all to be a super-star and at the same time win this event.

It for sure will be an interesting week, with lots of drama and also a big tip of the hat to NBC, who will be broadcasting their last U.S. Open for at least the next 15 years, as starting in 2015 the USGA has awarded their TV rights to Fox Sports, who will have in the booth Joe Buck and Greg Norman. No match for Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks, but what you see is what you get.

Paul Azinger----Do not look now, but Paul Azinger is making his mark in golf as an instructor. The often outspoken golf star, has been working with Jessica Korda, who recently won in Alabama on the LPGA Tour and flying under the radar, he is working with Web.com player Vince India, who recently fired a 61 in the U.S. Open qualifier.

For sure the "Zinger" will put a little zing in teaching.

PGA Championship----Today, I start a grass roots movement to bring the PGA Championship, the fourth major each year to Oregon. And why not? We need a major championship in my home state and the PGA is a perfect fit for Oregon, with our great August weather.

The last time the PGA Championship was held in the Northwest was at Sahalee Country Club in 1998, when the tournament was won by Vijay.

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Every Sunday night on blog talk radio, at 9,10,11 and midnight in all time zones, be sure to listen to the David Ogrin on CO Golf Show, there is no golf show around like this one, as Ogrin has so much insider information.

Crawford's Golf Daily, For May 31st 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst   twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Crawford's Golf Daily starting May 31st will be published everyday except Tuesday and will not only have features,  news, notes and opinion, but each day will contain segments on how to grow the game of golf, the game we all love and respect.

Jack Nicklaus---It is interesting to note that Jack Nicklaus' longest streak of not missing a cut was 105 tournaments and it was stopped in 1976 of at all places, Pinehurst.

LPGA----It is so nice to see that the LPGA stop will return to Portland again in 2014, for the 42nd consecutive year. The tournament will be played at Columbia Edgewater and will be presented by the Cambia Group. Hats off to tall the members of Tournament Golf Foundation for getting this done.

U.S. Open--- An idea I have thrown out for years, why not starting in 2022, have the U.S. Open played in all 50 states. Would be easy to do, especially with 50 years of planning. It would be great for golf and beyond.

If you have ever wanted to build a 3-hole, 6-hole, 9-hole or 12-hole golf course, please contact us and we can make it happen with our award winning design team and marketing team. http://kiyokawacrawfordsportsmanagement.weebly.com , email kiyokawacrawford@gmail.com

Do not forget every Sunday night, CO Golf Show, with David Ogrin, midnight on east coast, 9:00 pm on west coast. To listen this Sunday, the link is http://tobtr.com/s/6400557

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Crawford's Golf Daily, May 24th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst---- twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Colin Montgomerie----Sunday sets up big time for the 75th PGA Senior Championship, in Benton Harbor Michigan.

Is it time for Colin Montgomerie to win an individual event on United State soil. It truly is hard to believe that as good of a player as is Montgomerie, he has never won a major championship, let alone any single player event in the United States.

Adding more drama to the final round on Sunday, will be the fact that Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer were often at odds in Saturday round over the slow play of Langer. The two will once again be paired together on the final day tomorrow and each day they have been paired together. Sunday starts with Montgomerie having a one shot lead.

Gary Koch----Of course we are so use to seeing Johnny Miller in the lead analyst chair on NBC golf coverage. But hardly a beat is miss when Gary Koch fills in for that role, as he is doing this weekend at the Senior PGA Championship.

While Koch is not as controversial as Miller, he is also not afraid to throw out some very important opinions and so important for an analyst, if you listen to him you are for sure going to learn a lot about golf.

Koch just might be the most underrated golf journalist on TV, he deserves a lot of credit for his work.

Do not forget, every Sunday night on blog talk radio, Gregory Crawford teams up with David Ogrin to give you so much insight into golf. Join the listeners to the CO Golf Show at 9,10,11 and midnight eastern time, every Sunday night.

Crawford's Golf Daily, May 18th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst ---twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Sunday Night----Every Sunday night please join me and David Ogrin for the CO Golf Show on blog talk radio. The link to listen for the Sunday night show of May 18th is http://tobtr.com/s/6344045.

David Ogrin is a talented golf instructor, assistant golf coach at Texas Lutheran University and multiple winner on the PGA Tour. He brings it every Sunday night at 9,10,11 p.m. and midnight on the east coast.

Phil Mickelson---Maybe the most popular player in all of golf is really struggling in 2014. In 2014, Mickelson has played in 10 tournaments, in which he has missed the cut three times, had to withdraw twice and has ZERO top 10 finishes.

Mickelson will be back in action at the Memorial, FedEx St. Jude Classic and the U.S. Open. Mickelson currently ranks 85th (ouch) in the FedEx Cup standings and eighth in the Ryder Cup points. Could we even stand for one second Phil Mickelson not being on the Ryder Cup team in 2014.

Tom Watson----Crawford's Golf Daily has learned that there is some interest at Fox Sports to adding Tom Watson to their golf announcing team in 2015, the first year of a 15 year contract for Fox to televise exclusively USGA events, of which the first event will be the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.

Watson and Greg Norman on the same telecast could be really interesting and great for golf fans. Both do not hold back on any comments, so the fun would be terrific. Stand-by as always for this one.

Crawford's Golf Daily, May 10th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst  twitter@wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Jordan Spieth----It is going to be a great weekend at the Player's Championship. Martin Kaymer is in the lead starting play, by one stroke over Jordan Spieth.

It will be fun to watch how Spieth handles this. He certainly at 20 years old, is one great talent and my prediction to break all of Jack and Tiger's golf records.

But he needs to start right now on path to stardom, this would be a terrific win for him, against what is always considered the field in golf. Fun, fun times are ahead for this guy, but can he close the deal on Sunday..

Eastmoreland---It is nice to know that a publication that I have so much respect for, Golfweek, has the course where I grew up on, Eastmoreland, ranked as the 45th best municipal golf course in the country. Eastmoreland has the beauty and has the respect of all golfers to be ranked that high.

LPGA In Portland---The big news about the LPGA in Portland is that there is no news at present. Rumors persist that the tournament will soon have a title sponsor, but so far nothing has been announced and it just less than three months until tee time.

It will also be interesting to see if the tournament will be back at Columbia Edgewater, which is also not official at this time and the sponsoring group TGF has no contract with at present.

This is an important issue for many people, as this is the most popular longest running golf event in the Northwest and true treasure, run by a great group Tournament Golf Foundation.

Hopefully we will see some movement on this soon, time is of the essence to get a title sponsor and to get a golf course.

Crawford's Golf Daily, For April 27th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst  On twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Joe Buck and Greg Norman--- As a golf and sports TV fan, were you excited to learn this week that Joe Buck and Greg Norman will be the lead announcers for Fox's USGA golf coverage beginning in 2015. After a long run by NBC, Fox Sports takes over the USGA telecasts in 2015.

Buck of course is great at whatever he does, so it should be smooth for him. As for Norman, it will be interesting to see how he does. Known to be outspoken and telecasting events that are run by a very conservative organization, the United State Golf Association, just how much leeway he gets, will be interesting to watch and hear.

Fox Sports plans to telecast four USGA events in 2015, besides the U.S. Open, the U.S. Men's Amateur, the Senior Open and U.S. Women's Open. Of course their very first telecast will be from Chambers Bay in June of 2015.

What do you think about all of this? Do you like Norman as a choice, or would you rather see someone else doing the work?

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For April 20th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst---twitter @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Michelle Wie---It is obvious we are seeing the true growing up of Michelle Wie. With her win yesterday, we have to expect more during the 2014 LPGA season. I first saw Michelle Wie at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in the 2003 U.S. Women's Open and there was no question about the ability she had, but it was all about how she was going to handle the future.

That was 11 years past, the future has not been the greatest for Wie, but that appears now to be all behind her. Michelle Wie is a classy person, I think the whole world is going to get behind her to be a big time star on the LPGA Tour.

We do have to admit that her thinking at one time of playing on the PGA Tour, might have really messed up her golf swing for a long time, as she had to add distance.

That once again was a bad part of the future, but you would have to think still at the age of 24,  Wie has one bright future ahead of her.

Miguel Angel Jimenez---This guy is a true international sports star. He wins all around the world and today became the 18th player on the Champions Tour to win in their debut on the Tour. The Gwinnett Championship had a great field and Jimenez dominated that field.

Now he has some tough choices to make. Does he stay in the states or go back to Europe to try and make the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

If he does not play regularly on the Champions Tour, it will be a huge loss for golf fans in the United States. The guy is a star, a really true international sports star.

Matt Kuchar---How can you not root for Matt Kuchar, the winner today in the RBC Heritage Classic.

He is a great golfer and class person, who is a certain Hall of Famer down the road. He does need to win a major however and he has to be a strong contender at Pinehurst, where Kuchar one of the great short game players in all of golf can succeed.

Lanny Wadkins---Wadkins in the king of commentators when it comes to learning about golf and strategy. Wadkins once again was at his best this weekend for the Champions Tour event in Georgia.

He tells you just enough, without overdoing it. So the next time he is on a telecast, pay attention, because you sure will learn much from him.

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Crawfords Golf Daily, For April 19th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford---TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Masters Cleanup---- 1. Interesting to note, that six of the last 12 Masters' winners have been left handed. Is it meaningless trivia, or a great statistical fact about one of the world's greatest golf courses.

2. If Bubba wins one more Masters, which he probably will, he will go down with some of the great one namers in the history of sports. Wilt, Russ, Michael, Magic, Pele, Tiger, LeBron and perhaps the biggest one namer of all time Babe.

3. Is Bubba now the favorite to win the U.S. Open, which will be played at the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course ?

4. There is no question, as I have documented many times before, that Jordan Spieth is going to be a big time super star in golf. I often wondered last Saturday, if Spieth would have had a more experienced caddy on the bag, would he not have won. He needed someone at 20 years of age, to cool him down and take charge, as many great caddies can do.

5. Interesting to note that CBS did not show any of the ice damage which took place with the awful February ice storm that hit many parts of Georgia. Not sure with CBS as well, that they realize how much longer they can go with Jim Nantz as their lead announcer. Nantz has gone from boring to totally dull.

6. Nantz's work only enhances more the work of Dan Hicks at NBC on golf. Hicks when you consider every booth talent in golf, is without question the best in the biz right now.

7. Is it about time the Masters' TV coverage went to Turner Broadcasting, a natural move with both great sports entities being in Georgia. CBS has had it way too long and their coverage is getting stale.

8. Overall, it probably was one of the most boring Masters of all time, not even considering the fact Tiger was not there and Phil missed the cut. But the great thing, we will all be watching next April again.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, for April 12th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Bubba---Bubba Watson is really popular with golf fans. He obviously is in great shape as the weekend starts to win his second Masters green jacket in the last three years, winning in dramatic fashion in 2012.

I for one will not be as excited about a Watson win, unless it would be Tom Watson. In my opinion Bubba kind of dissed the game of golf and its fans after winning the Masters in 2012. After his victory, he played very little the rest of year, sighting family reasons. Bubba forgot he was a professional golfer and forgot that he owed it to the fans to get out there and let everyone celebrate his great fete of winning his first major.

I am also a believer in you honor the game of golf. In 2012, Bubba did just the opposite. So Bubba if you win this year, let the fans celebrate with you, by playing more than you did in 2012 following your great victory. It would do wonders to help your image with me and many others, as to how you treat and respect the game of golf.

Future Stars---It is no surprise that  future golf super-stars, Jordan Spieth and Jimmy Walker are in the top ten of the Masters leaderboard heading to the weekend and very easily could win the 2014 Masters.

As I have stated before, I honestly feel at the age of 20 and already a star on the Tour, Spieth will break every record of Nicklaus and Woods, before his career on the Tour is over. He really is that good and will be good for a long time, providing he avoids serious injury.

Augusta National---Everyone loves to talk about Amen Corner at the Masters, but we often forget holes 10 and 11, are so strategic and wonderful par-4 golf holes, with great emphasis on the drive, extremely tough putting surfaces and the fact they can create heavy mental damage on any players, who starts his second nine, especially on Saturday and Sunday at Augusta.

As a golf fan, I would really pay attention to who plays well on these holes, cause that person is more than likely going to be your winner come Sunday evening.

Lexi Thompson---It would be pretty exciting, if Lexi Thompson parlayed her major win last week at the Kraft Nabisco on the LPGA Tour, into four to five more victories this year. No matter how you cut it, the Tour for the most part is dominated by international stars and very few Americans have stepped up to challenge, outside of Stacy Lewis.

Another words, the LPGA is starved for an American super star. Lexi, the golf ball is in your hands at present, let's see what you do with it.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, for April 6th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford----TV, Print and Radio Golf Analyst @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Matt Kuchar----After the stunning loss by Matt Kuchar today in a playoff with Matt Jones at the Shell Houston Open, can you take Kuchar out of one the favorites pack at this week's Masters. I say so, as this was a stunner, after Kuchar has a big lead at times during the tournament and is a seasoned enough veteran to keep that lead.

If you are looking for somewhat of dark horse to win the Masters, go with Jason Day, who always seems to come up big in major championships.

Lexi Thompson---Congrats to the 19 year old star on winning her fourth LPGA title today, this one is the big one, the Kraft Nabisco, the first LPGA major of 2014, with four more to follow.

Thompson now will most certainly take the title as the next women's super star to come along, having won before, but there is just something special about a first major.

Portland Classic----The oldest consecutive non-major championship on the LPGA Tour seems to be in a state of flux at present. The event is to be played on August 28th-31st, but as of today has no title sponsor and no golf course.

There has been some buzz this past week that the world famous group that runs the event, Tournament Golf Foundation is close to getting a sponsor, but everyone is silent at this time. Obviously after getting a sponsor wrapped up the next move it secure a golf course. Last year, the event which for 17 years was known as the Safeway Classic, moved back to Columbia Edgewater. The previous four years, the Safeway Classic was held at the world famous Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, Ghost Creek course.

This is a tremendous event for the state of Oregon/SW Washington sports and it needs stability, needs it quick. Here is hoping for a long term commitment from a title sponsor and at the same time a return to the iconic North Portland, Columbia Edgewater course. Standby, we will be all over this story in the coming weeks.

Every Sunday night you can listen to Gregory Crawford and David Ogrin on the CO Golf Show starting at 9:00 PDT on Blog Talk Radio

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Crawford's Golf Daily, for April 5th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford, TV, Radio and Print Golf Analyst, @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

I am proud to say that I work around women all the time, they will all tell you I am respectful and do not make inappropriate comments ever.

With that said, why is everyone so upset that Paulina Gretzky is going to be on the cover of Golf Digest. Yes, women's golf gets short changed my many, including the media, but the LPGA has never gotten so much attention in years as it got this past week.

You have to look at the bright side, everyone is talking about the LPGA, which needs to happen. I also realize that Paulina Gretzky is not a member of the LPGA, but she has pretty famous father and she is also the fiancee of popular professional golfer Dustin Johnson.

Everyone needs to relax. I did not see the level of upset about three years past when Paula Creamer did a pretty sexy photo shoot for Golfweek.

When I go to an LPGA event, I go to watch the golf and excitement of a terrific sporting event. I have never missed the 43 years of the LPGA event in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. Yes, some men, it is obvious are just out there to watch beauty and bodies. Such is life, it will never end, this great relationship between men and women.

So let's all chill in the golf community. We have a lot bigger issues, like growing the game and making it accessible to women and men. Golf is cool and that is what we should be thinking about. Bring on the Golf Digest cover and forever let's respect the LPGA.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, for March 30th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford, golf analyst @wchoops @crawssportsbiz

Dan Hicks----It is apparent as the years go by that Dan Hicks is rapidly becoming the best golf announcer of all time. His work at NBC is nothing short of sensational, week and week out. Hicks gives you just enough each week, but not too much.

His story telling about Steven Bowditch the winner of the Valero Texas Open this weekend was at times magical. Of course it was quite the compelling story talking about Bowditch's battles with depression and how he has fought hard to overcome those issues.

NBC realizes it and all the rest of the world is starting to realize,  Hicks in the best in the business.

The Masters---One guy who never falls off the map and another guy who has of late, are two players to watch in this year's Masters. Matt Kuchar, Mr. Top Ten certainly has to be one of the favorites. With five top ten finishes already in 2014, Kuchar has the ability and the mental game to win at Augusta.

It should also be noted that Jim Furyk has been playing well as of late. He knows how to win a major championship and is still capable of bringing home the big trophy, even though his play overall in the last couple of years has been "sub par", as compared to what we are accustomed too out of one of the world's best players of all time.

Pacific Northwest---It will not be long now that every golf course in the Pacific Northwest will start to plug their greens. It sometimes is a painful time for all golfers, considering the first plugging of the greens comes usually wants the weather starts to turn good. Keep in mind this is so needed to give all of us golfers great greens all the way into the fall. If you have questions, I am sure your local golf course superintendent will be happy to answer any of them.

PGA Tour---I have often written that not the now retired David Stern was the best commissioner in sports, but instead it is Tim Finchem. The way Finchem has been able to sustain the Tour through the toughest economic period this country has ever gone through and actually grow the Tour is nothing short of sensational. 

Since the formation of the PGA in late 1968, after breaking away from the PGA of Amercia, the PGA Tour has had only three commissioner. Joe Dey (69-74, Deane Beman (74-94) and Finchem from 1994 to present.

Recently the PGA Tour has promoted Jay Monahan to deputy commissioner, much the same way that the NBA promoted Adam Silver to deputy commissioner early on, so that it would be an easy transition become commissioner as he is now. Nothing formal yet, but it sure would appear that Jay Monahan is the heir apparent to Tim Finchem, whenever that happens.

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Crawford's Golf Daily, For March 24th, 2014

By Gregory Crawford, Golf Insider @wchoops @crawssportbiz

Gregory Crawford has been in golf business for 45 years,  both on the business side and media side. He really wants to bring you the best in golf news, six days a week, taking every Tuesday off. This column will always be interactive, so please feel free to comment in the section below.

The New Guys---Are we really seeing the end of the Woods and Mickelson era in golf with all these new great players? I would have to say a strong maybe and want your opinion on the matter.

For my money the greatest new player on the scene is Jordan Speith, followed by Jimmy Walker, Patrick Reed and of course yesterday's winner, Matt Every, a really talented player.

Will Woods and Mickelson win again. Of course they will, but even a better question, will they win big again and will either player win another major. It is doubtful, but not out of the realm of possibility. 

Clubs and Balls----What is your favorite model of clubs and what golf balls do you use on a regular basis if that is the case?

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Crawford's Golf Daily (February 16th, 2014)

By Gregory Crawford, @wchoops and @crawssportsbiz

Beginning, February 21st and each day, this blog will be a great sources for golf news both nationally and locally in Gregory Crawford's home state of Oregon. Gregory has been in golf business for 43 years and he understands what it takes for a writer to make it interesting for readers, especially about golf.

Gregory Crawford was most recently the golf insider for CSNNW.com, but now has created his own, "Crawford Brand when it comes to sports journalism. So do forget, starting February 21st, right here you can gain so much knowledge each and everyday about the world of golf, including some great features from David Ogrin, Bryan Tunstill and Jim Gibbons on lessons and the rules of golf.