Glancing at early-season results, one – or at least one hailing from Canada – has to be pretty optimistic with the performance of the Canucks to date.

Between Mike Weir, Stephen Ames and rookie Graham DeLaet, the trio has made six of eight cuts with one top-six and an additional four top-25 showings.

Chris Baryla, on the other hand, has struggled early in his freshman season, missing the weekend in all three starts.

From the department of brutal honesty, Stephen Ames – never one short on words - opened with a 68 at Riviera but withdrew, thanks to the miserable conditions.

“I play golf for fun, not for money. This is not fun,” Ames said.

***

Just wondering what all the whining is about when it comes to Lefty and a handful of others finding a loophole and using the PING Eye-2 wedges (well, Lefty until last week anyway). Most players are looking for any competitive edge, where one swing can make the difference between missing the cut and, well, that month-long vacation in Aruba.

Mickelson is playing fair and within in the rules. If he wasn’t, what he is doing would result in a DQ.

Then again, some players just aren’t happy unless they’re crying about something.

Don’t believe us? You’d be amazed how many players go storming in to speak to the tournament director if they aren’t in the one of the lead six or seven groups of the draw. Of course, the answer is always the same. Want a better tee time? Make more birdies.

***

Geez, what will Tom Watson do for an encore? Just wondering.

***

Speaking of Mickelson, good news for arteries but bad news for drunk guys everywhere. No longer will you be able to stagger into a Waffle House in the wee hours after shutting down (or getting tossed out of) the local watering hole in the hopes of seeing Phil Mickelson as you send your cholesterol count through the roof.

Turns out Lefty pulled the plug (and likely saved his heart a tremendous beating in the process) on a deal that would have seen him acquire more than a 100 Waffle Houses.

Somewhere, kid Rock is shedding a tear. And, likely, throwing a punch.