Q: I personally have come to the conclusion that Tiger is the best golfer ever. My questions are: What was Jack Nicklaus’ longest consecutive win streak? And what was Bobby Jones’ longest consecutive win streak? Thanks for your time.
— Ronald Rizor, Ann Arbor, Mich.

A: Only eight times in PGA Tour history has a golfer won at least four tournaments in a row, and three of those streaks belong to Tiger Woods (a seven, a six, and a five). Two were established by Ben Hogan (six, four), one by Jack Burke, Jr. (four), and the other two are owned by Byron Nelson (11, which is the record, and a four). As for those winning three in a row, that has happened 26 times, including once by Jack Nicklaus, who in 1975 won at Doral, Hilton Head and the Masters. Bobby Jones presents a different case, since as an amateur he played less frequently than the pros and his competitions featured a combination of exhibitions and match-play formats. Still, it’s hard to overlook the impressive way with which he ended his career, winning six straight to walk away in a legendary manner. Jones in 1930 won the Southeastern Open in Augusta, Ga., then the Golf Illustrated Gold Vase in England, followed by triumphs in each of the four majors (British Amateur, British Open, U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur) to capture the fabled Grand Slam.

Q: Why don’t PGA golfers take the flagstick out to get their ball after making and eagle or a chip-in?
— Mark Vives, Germantown, Tenn.

A: Mark, it’s not something I ever thought of until you mentioned it, but certainly it seems that players do indeed simply reach in and retrieve the ball without pulling the flagstick. My guess is they find it easier than trying to balance the flagstick and their club in one hand while using the other one to fetch the ball. They could also be afraid of pulling the flagstick and having their ball pop out and roll into someone’s line, which would create needless footsteps where you don’t want them. I’d like to tell you why I proceed in the manner you describe, but I’ve never had the chance to experience such a thrill.

Q: During the telecast, Tiger Woods missed a putt, then clearly scraped the green with his putter, apparently upset with the grain. Johnny even commented on it. Why was Tiger not disqualified for breaking the rules?
—David van Nostrand, Oldsmar, Fla.

A: While I’m not sure which specific incident you’re referring to, David, there was a memorable occasion during the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst when Woods missed a putt on the ninth green in Round 2 and angrily swiped his putter and made contact with the green. After tapping in, Woods made an attempt to repair the damage and championship officials were questioned later. Indeed, in Section I of the Rules of Golf the topic of etiquette is discussed and how players “should avoid causing damage to the course . . . by hitting the head of a club into the ground.” Rule 33-7 allows for an official to disqualify a competitor if “a serious breach” of etiquette takes place, but at Pinehurst Tom Meeks responded to questions by saying Woods’ actions, while falling short of the desired etiquette, were in no way “a serious breach.” My guess is, the same opinion would have held true in whatever incident you’re referring to.

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