Nobody cares about the Pro Bowl. NFL officials, tired of hearing those six words and seeing the TV ratings to prove it, are shaking things up this year. By moving the league’s all-star game up a few weeks to now – 7 days before the Super Bowl – they’re hoping the country’s football media frenzy will give the much-maligned Pro Bowl a much-needed shot in the arm.

But it wasn’t just the post-championship time slot that kept fans away. Want to know what’s REALLY wrong with the Pro Bowl? Lack of Competition. Back in the day, the Pro Bowl offered players two big bonuses: a free trip to Hawaii and an extra game’s paycheck. Today’s players are paid too much for either of those things to matter, and when you add in the risk of injury, the stars that don’t back out end up playing a game that only vaguely resembles the high-octane affairs we see on a regular Sunday.

Now add to that the fact that this new earlier date means the 14 players fans picked from the two best teams in the league aren’t playing. Next, factor in the list of players who won’t or can’t play because of injury: Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Larry Fitzgerald, Charles Woodson… and the rosters start lookin’ even lighter.

It’s not just football. Both the NBA and the MLB’s all-star games get upstaged by the Slam Dunk Contest and Home Run Derby. Heck, baseball even resorted to using their game to decide home-field advantage in the World Series but viewers still aren’t tuning in.

I guess that’s one more reason why I love the PGA Tour so much. Most tourneys are like an all-star game. Sure, injuries or other issues (*cough* Tiger *cough*) might keep some names out, but chances are you’re gonna see some big stars battlin’ it out on almost every Sunday afternoon for a good chunk of the year.

~Scratch

PS: OK, your turn! Tell me why I’m wrong or back me up by leaving a comment. Can’t wait to hear from you…

One of my favorite golf quotes comes from sportswriter Grantland Rice, who said, “Eighteen holes of match or medal play will teach you more about your foe than will 18 years of dealing with him across a desk.” And golf still enjoys a reputation as being a great place to take care of business. In fact, I just recently came across this question on one of my favorite golf blogs, GolfRewind.com: Has golf helped your career?

I think that we have all heard the cliche “business is conducted on the golf course.” My question is, have you ever experienced this? Have you ever received a promotion? Landed a contract? Or impressed your superiors with your golf game. Does that cliche ring true? Or is it something that exists only in print?

Do you have any personal experience with business golf? Good or bad, why not share your story with the rest of the Rock Heads by leaving a comment down below!

~Scratch

PS: Golf etiquette is a big deal to most players, but can basically be boiled down to these three bullet points:

1. Keep It Safe
2. Maintain Pace
3. Be Kind To The Course

Business golf etiquette adds a whole new set of wrinkles to the situation, however. Brush up on your business golf rules by checking out the ten easy tips in this video:

The water-logged Bob Hope Classic wasn’t much to watch this weekend, but it came down to the wire on the Champions Tour as Tom Watson birdied the last two holes to beat Fred Couples by one stroke at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship. The tourney was the first of the year for the over-50 crowd, and if the rest are like this one golf fans are in for a heckuva year!

Watson took home just over $300K, while Couples earned about $200K for his 21-under par second place (that’s NOT a typo). Watson’s win also makes him the 13th oldest person to win on the tour. The record is currently held by Mike Fetchick for his 63 yr old win, at the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International.

How often do YOU watch the Champions Tour? I’ll admit I’m usually more concerned with the young bucks on the PGA Tour, but I was surprised by the excitement and excellent skill on display this weekend in Hawaii. This Caveman might have to make the effort to catch the older guys a bit more often!

~Scratch

BONUS: Just for kicks I went through and pulled together a few fun stats for the Champions Tour. Let me know if you like what you see and if I hear from enough supporters I’ll add more coverage of the Champions Tour to my to-do list!

Youngest Winner: Bobby Wadkins (50 years, 10 days) at the 2001 Lightpath Long Island Classic

Youngest to Shoot Their Age (or better): 61 yr old Walter Morgan, 60 strokes at the 2002 AT&T Canada Senior Open Championship.

Oldest Person to Shoot Their Age (or better): 85 yr old Harold “Jug” McSpaden, shot 81 strokes at the ’94 PGA Seniors Championship.

The second week of Caveman Golf Trivia has come to a close. Thank you all for playing! For those Rock Heads who are scorin’ at home, here are all the questions and their answers:

What player is awarded the Vardon Trophy each year?
Answer: Best scoring average
Facebook: Hal Friedman (1st), Eric Herzing, Todd Vincent, Tim Arnold, Jim Volz, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: N/A

What is the only Grand Slam event played on foreign soil?
Answer: The British Open (The Open Championship)
Facebook: Eric Herzing (1st), Jon Milliard, Tim Arnold, Scott Holcombe, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: doug_stanley (1st-a), mrkbrwn (1st-b), kingsummers2

What is the only Major played in April?
Answer: The Masters
Facebook: Hal Friedman (1st), Adarsh Vakharia, Hussein Roshdy, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: Mrkbrwn (1st), kingsummers2

What’s the minimum age a golfer must be to play on the Senior PGA Tour?
Answer: 50
Facebook: Keith Rogers (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: Kingsummers2 (1st), Fhlawyer, mrkbrwn

What Golf Course has given its 17th hole the nick name the “Road Hole?”
Answer: The Old Course at St Andrews
Facebook: Blake Hagwood (1st), Marc Zucarelli, Mel Krewall, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: FH lawyer (1st) Mike Deichmiller, mrkbrwn, kingsummers2

Where did the first clubhouse in America open, and when?
Answer: Shinnecock Hills in Southhampton, NY in 1892
Facebook: Jay Becher (1st)
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

What was the course that Tom Watson won his U.S Open at in 1982?
Answer: Pebble Beach
Facebook: Marc Zuzarelli (1st), Kevin Hurt, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

Where did Bobby Jones cap of his Grand Slam with a win in the U.S. Amateur?
Answer: Merion Country Club
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk (1st)
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

What is Arnold Palmer’s home course? Hint: his Father was the pro at the club.
Answer: The Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, PA
Facebook: Keith Rogers (1st), Matthew Whitty, Marc C Zucarelli, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: addicted2golf (1st), grantwgates, mrkbrwn, kingsummers2

In what branch of the military did the “general” of Arnie’s Army serve?
Answer: Arnold Palmer served 3 years in the Coast Guard
Facebook: Keith Rogers (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: N/A

Which course’s 7th hole is the shortest hole in history of the Majors? How long is it?
Answer: Pebble beach, 106 yards
Facebook: Eric Herzing(1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: westerngolf (1st)

Where did Arnold Palmer play his college golf?
Answer: Wake Forest
Facebook: Keith Rogers (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter:marksaccaro (1st), flagstick, mrkbrwn

What was Palmer’s last win on the regular PGA Tour?
Answer: 1973 Bob Hope Classic
Facebook: Keith Rogers (1st)
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

What year was Arnold Palmer Honored by Sports Illustrated as its Sportsman of the Year?
Answer: 1960
Facebook: Eric Herzing (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

What course was the site of Palmer’s only U.S Open Victory?
Answer: Cherry Hill Country Club in Denver, CO
Facebook: Eric Herzing (1st), Michael Wilson, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

Who said it? “Most People Retire to play golf and fish. I do that now.”
Answer: Julius Boros
Facebook: Mark Rhodes(1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: Jpalapoli (1st), Jeffryreed, Matthewwhitty, Mrkbrwn

Who said it? “I did my best but chasing Nicklaus is like chasing a walking record book.”
Answer: Tom Weiskopf
Facebook: John Hawk (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: mrkbrwn (1st)

Who said it? “Anytime a golfer hits a ball perfectly straight with a big club, it is, in my view, a fluke.”
Answer: Jack Nicklaus
Facebook: Tanner Gross (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: Jpalapoli (1st), fhlawyer, mrkbrwn

Who said it? “Bad sausage and five bogeys will give you a stomach ache every time.”
Answer: Miller Barber
Facebook: Tim Arnold (1st), Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: Mrkbrwn (1st)

Who said it? “The difference between me and an amateur is that I’m not afraid to screw up.”
Answer: Fuzzy Zoeller
Facebook: Tim Arnold (1st), Shawn M Ruggieri, Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: WillSalaz (1st)

Which PGA Tour player receives the Palmer Trophy?
Answer: Highest money earner for the year
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk (1st), Tim Arnold, Michael Wilson
Twitter: N/A

How many consecutive years did Arnold Palmer win at least one PGA Tour event?
Answer: 17
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk(1st), Tim Arnold, Michael Wilson
Twitter:N/A

What year did the PGA Championship switch from match play to stroke play?
Answer: 1958
Facebook:Tim Arnold (1st), Mike Matosziuk, Michael Wilson
Twitter: Doug _Stanley (1st)

What college did Lee Trevino attend?
Answer: He didn’t attend any college
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk (1st), Michael Wilson, Alex Vallianos
Twitter: Jpalopoli (1st)

Who won the 1943 US Open?
Answer: No one – it was canceled that year due to WWII
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk (1st), Michael Wilson
Twitter:Doug_stanley (1st)

Congrats to mrkbrwn (twitter) and Mike Matosziuk (Facebook) for winning the trivia contests this week with scores of 55 and 43, respectively. Remember you get 5 points for having the first correct answer, but can also gain points just by having the correct answer! Weekly winners receive $10 gift certificates to RockBottomGolf.com.

If I haven’t heard from you yet, why not come & play with me and the rest of the Rock Heads this week? Questions are posted between 2 and 4 pm EST on both Facebook and Twitter. To keep things fair, you can only win once per contest per month.

Also Mike Matosziuk took this weeks High score on my golfin’ game with a score of 7800! Congrats again Mike. But Jason Marsham still holds the high score for the month with 9400! Can anyone beat that?

~Scratch

So after a shaky start I’m sittin’ slightly less than pretty at 2-6 so far for the NFL Playoffs. But this weekend brings both the AFC and NFC Championship Games as well as a couple more chances at redemption for this Caveman!

In the AFC, the New York Jets and their shut-down defense lead by CB Darrelle Revis have their work cut out for them again, facing the high-octane Indianapolis Colts offense lead by QB Peyton Manning. Figure those two kind of factor each other out and this game becomes all about how many points the Colts D let Mark Sanchez and the Jets put on the board. New York’s got momentum, but I just can’t see them sealing the deal their first Super Bowl trip since 1969 in Indy’s new dome. Scratch’s pick: Indianapolis Colts

Meanwhile, the NFC title game promises to be a barn-burner. This will be the first time New Orleans and the Superdome have hosted a conference championship, and you can bet that the place is gonna be rockin’ when the Saints host the Minnesota Vikings. The smart money says this will be a shoot out between Brett Favre and Drew Brees. Both teams racked up more than 30 points per game this year, and if anyone can cut through the crowd noise it’s the veteran Favre. But Brees has been a man on a mission since the pre-season, too, plus with his defense and Reggie Bush on his side this Caveman can’t see a reason to vote against ‘em. Scratch’s pick: New Orleans Saints

Alright Rock Heads, you have my picks. Now I want yours! Get your picks on the record in the comments down below, or just let me know where I went wrong this week. And what do you think about the Pro Bowl being held BEFORE the Super Bowl this year?

~Scratch

Have you ever been sure your opponent took 6 strokes, but he calls out “Four!” on the way to the next tee? Or seen his drive land in the rough stuff, only to somehow be a few inches onto the fairway for his next shot? This Caveman hesitates to call anyone a cheater, but you might want to check out Golf Magic’s Guide to Spotting a Golf Cheat! You’ll find a few of my favorite tips below:

Moving the coin

Watch how the cheat marks the position of the ball on the green.

Invariably they will use a big coin, like a 50p or inch-diameter foreign currency, carefully sliding the coin as far as possible under the ball. When replaced, the distance between ball and coin will be at least an inch nearer the hole or slightly to the side to avoid a spike mark or blemish on the green.

Occasionally they will surreptitiously toss another coin a few inches, or even feet, nearer the hole (depending on the length of putt they face) and ignore the original marker to give themselves a closer putt.

Watch, too when a marker in an opponent’s putting line goes down nearer the hole when measured a putter head’s length – the angle changes when replaced and the cheat steals an inch or two.

Taking a free drop

Always remember the immortal words of R&A Rules chief David Rickman: “a drop must be taken at the nearest point of relief, not the nicest point of relief.”

Staked trees allow a free drop within one club length of the ‘nearest’ point of relief from the obstruction but invariably, the cheat wants full advantage from the situation.

For example a drive off the tee is hooked into a plantation of staked young trees on the left of the fairway and finishes within inches of the right-hand side of a staked sappling. The cheat would automatically deem the clear, fairway side to be the dropping area on the right of the tree. However, chances are that left of the tree is the nearest point from which a full swing and unimpared stance can be taken – then one club length from there, no nearer the hole.

Watch too, that the ball is dropped from shoulder height – not knee level to affect a better lie.

Improving your lie

Look out for the casual nudge of the ball with the toe cap in the rough – known in the trade as the ‘leather wedge’. Another trick is to casually press down the grass behind the ball with sole of the club or the foot, for a cleaner impact.

Point of entry

A ball played into a water hazard is a one stroke penalty but the next shot must be played keeping the point of entry between the hole and the point from which the next shot is to be played.

The cheat will tend to steal a few yards to the right or left to allow play over the narrowest stretch of water possible – if at all!

Tapping down spike marks

Only pitch marks and old holes can be repaired or loose impediments removed on a green. The cheat will nonchalantly declare spike marks on the line of a putt fair game and if challenged will look incredulous but never guilty.

Changing a score

Cheats rarely have good memories – especially when it comes to scoring. They will claim a four when taking five or six shots or dismiss an air shot as a practice swing.

Suspects should be watched carefully when you know they have miscounted. If they persist, simply refuse to sign their card.

Read the full article at Golf Magic.

Have YOU had to deal with cheaters, or maybe you’ve “stretched the rules” and want to come clean about your own cheats? Heck, maybe you want to brag about your fail-safe cheatin’ techniques! I’m all ears & want to hear ‘em in the comments below….

~Scratch

Bonus: Mike Adams teaches you how to cheat at golf!

Thank you all for playing golf trivia last week! As promised here are the questions and correct answers as well as who scored the points for the questions. Want to get in on the action? Become a Fan on Facebook or start Following RBG on Twitter and keep an eye out for the next question!

7 people have won the SBS Championship back to back. Name 4 of them.
Answer: Ogilvy (2009-10), Stuart Appleby (2004-05-06), Lanny Wadkins (1982-83), Tom Watson (1979-80), Arnold Palmer (1965-66), Jack Nicklaus (1963-64) and Gene Littler (1955-56-57)
Facebook: Jen Luedke
Twitter: N/A

How many times did Ben Hogan win The Masters?
Answer: Twice: 1951 & 53
Facebook: Zach Rizzuto
Twitter: N/A

Whose double bogey on the final hole on the 1961 Masters turned a one-stroke win into a one-stroke loss for him?
Answer: Arnold Palmer
Facebook: Zach Rizzuto
Twitter: N/A

In 1968 he became the 1st golfer to play four sub-70 rounds at a U.S. Open. Who was he?
Answer: Lee Trevino
Facebook: Matthew Stevens
Twitter: N/A

What Open Championship was the first to be televised nationally?
Answer: The first nationally televised golf tournament was the Tam O’Shanter World Championship in ’53, and was broadcast by ABC. The 1954 U.S. Open at Baltusrol GC, won by Ed Furgol, however, marked the first Open Championship to be nationally televised.
Facebook: Zach Rizzuto
Twitter: N/A

When was the first golf ball hit into space, and who hit it?
Answer: Alan Shepherd, February 6th, 1971
Facebook: Wendi Stegville (year and who); Zach Rizzuto (date)
Twitter: mrkbrwn

Who is the golfer who ended Jack Nicklaus’s bid for the 1972 Grand Slam by winning the British Open?
Answer: Lee Trevino
Facebook: Zach Rizzuto
Twitter: N/A

Who finished second at his first major in the United States when he was 19, at the 1999 PGA Championship?
Answer: Sergio Garcia
Facebook: Jim Wasson
Twitter: bunchosmittys

Who was the first president of the Augusta National CC?
Answer: Bobby Jones was the first president. He co-founded Augusta with Cliff Roberts who became the club’s first chairman.
Facebook: Mike Matosziuk
Twitter: N/A

Who was the only golfer to win the U.S. Open twice during the 1970’s?
Answer: Hale Irwin
Facebook: Tim Arnold
Twitter: Ipv6freely

Who chipped in on the 17th at Pebble Beach, allowing him to beat Jack Nicklaus in a U.S. Open? And which Open was it?
Answer: Tom Watson, 1982
Facebook: Mark Verrilli
Twitter: Doug_Stanley

Which golfer was given the nickname “Champagne” when he said he would set the press up with bubbly instead of beer if he won the O.C. Open?
Answer: Tony Lema
Facebook: Keith Rogers
Twitter: MN Golf Gal

Who competed in 22 U.S. Opens before actually winning the title for the first time in the 80′s?
Answer: Raymond Floyd
Facebook: Rick Wright
Twitter: compgolfassn

Who was the first to earn 2 million in his career?
Answer: Jack Nicklaus
Facebook: Brian Abercrombie
twitter : N/A

Who was the first to earn 1 billion?
Answer: Tiger Woods
Facebook: Mark Staben
Twitter: ipv6freely

Which hole did Gene Sarazen double-eagle during the 1935 Masters?
Answer: The 15th
Facebook: Butch Larroche
Twitter: N/A

Tiger’s margin of victory in the 2000 U.S. Open?
Answer: 15 strokes
Facebook: Jordan Padilla
Twitter: ipv6freely

How many career PGA Tour victories did Sam Snead have?
Answer: 82
Facebook: Tim Arnold
Twitter: osubeaverfan

In 1924 he won the British Open and the PGA Championship, a feat unmatched for 70 years. Who did this? And then who matched it 70 years later?
Answer: Walter Hagen, Nick Price
facebook: Zach Rizzuto
twitter: N/A

How old was Jack Nicklaus when he became the oldest person to win the Masters in 1986?
Answer: 46
Facebook: Eric Herzing
Twitter: TrevorBentz

How many British Opens did Jack Nicklaus win? What years?
Answer: He won the British Open 3 times in ‘66, ’70, ’78.
facebook: Robert Ayre
Twitter: doug_stanley

What PA course was the site of his first victory as a pro, the 1962 US Open.
Answer: Oakmont CC.
facebook: Zach Rizzuto
Twitter: doug_stanley

Who did he beat in a playoff for the title?
Answer: Arnold Palmer
facebook: Zach Rizzuto
twitter: doug_stanley

What was Jack Nicklaus’s golfin’ nickname
Answer: The Golden Bear
facebook: Blake Hagwood
twitter: compgolfassn

After doing the tally, Zach Rizzuto won for the players on Facebook with 8 correct first answers, and doug_stanley won on Twitter with 4. Congrats Doug and Zach, you’ve each won $10 worth of Caveman Cash good towards your next purchase at RockBottomGolf.com!

Not bad for the first week, but keep in mind this is a work in progress so here’s one change to the scoring for this week: the first person to answer correctly gets 5 points, and everyone with a correct answer gets 1 point. Person with the highest amount of points at the end of the week wins! So whether you catch the question right away or come across it late, be sure to answer if you know it because you’ll still get at least one point.

Congrats are also in order for the highest score on my Caveman Golfin’ Game: Jason Marsham’s score of 9400 took it this time! Be sure to play again next weekend, but remember you can only win once per challenge per month!

~Scratch

So maybe my first round picks failed to make par, but you’re about to see this Caveman do something those TV “experts” won’t: fess up and take my lumps. I came in at a miserable 0-4, but I’m dusting myself off and movin’ on to the next round! Here are my (possibly entirely wrong) picks for Round 2:

Arizona found a way to win one of the best playoff games in recent memory, but their reward is to head into the Superdome and face the New Orleans Saints. The same Saints who steam-rolled their way to 13-0 then took their foot off the pedal to coast into the second season with the top spot in the conference (see also Colts, below). I’m looking for another high-scoring shootout here with a couple QBs who can launch the football in Kurt Warner and Drew Brees. Scratch’s pick: New Orleans Saints

Meanwhile the first team to beat New Olreans this year, the Dallas Cowboys, move on to Minnesota and Mr. Favre. I wasn’t convinced that Dallas QB Tony Romo has turned a corner, but he’s got that huge offensive line in front and Felix Jones behind him, plus a smothering D that’s been on fire lately. This one could go either way, so I’ll back the underdog. Scratch’s pick: Dallas Cowboys

Baltimore bumped off the Patriots only to battle another of the AFC’s elite teams in Indianapolis. We’ll finally see if resting the starters and sacrificing a perfect season pays off for the Colts. Scratch’s pick: Indianapolis Colts

Last but not least we’ve got the Jets facing the AFC West champs, the San Diego Chargers, in this week’s only open-air stadium. The Jets pass defense was the toughest in the league this year, allowing just 8 TDs and only 154 yards a game, while Chargers QB Phillip Rivers put up some great numbers and has a bunch of options to throw to. It’s gonna come down to which side cracks first, and one or two big plays might be enough to win this one. Scratch’s pick: San Diego Chargers

~Scratch

BONUS: My friend and fellow golf blogger MyGolfSpy is looking for a new slogan and willing to reward the writer handsomely, so be sure to check out MyGolfSpy.com’s “The Most Insane Golf Blog Contest Ever!”   And I won’t even ask for a percentage of your winnings when you win!

Even if you always keep your composure on the course & can stay cooler than a bottle straight off the beer cart, I’m sure you’ve had a laugh or two at the legend of the poor golfer who chucked his cart bag into a creek only to realize his car keys were still in it. And I know at least a few of my Rock Heads get mad – I mean, REALLY MAD – when you miss a shot. But besides blowing away any concentration you may have had and maybe ruining the round for your partners, I’m gonna give you one more great reason to restrain yourself the next time you’re about to fling your 5-iron: it could kill you!

According to urban legend site Snopes.com, 16 yr old Jeremy Brenno of Gloversville, NY, was killed when the shaft on his 3 wood broke after slamming in against a bench during a round. A piece bounced back and pierced his heart back in 1994. And no flubbed shot or bad ball is worth that.

Unfortunately Brenno wasn’t the only one to suffer accidental death by a golf club. In 1951, Edward Harrison was playing at Inglewood in Kenmore Washington, when his driver broke and the shaft stabbed him in the groin. The loss of blood was too much and Harrison died on the course.

In 2005, two teens suffered the same fate as both 15-year-old Rafael Naranjo and 12-year-old Chandler Hugh Jackson were killed by broken shafts. Naranjo swung his club at and stuck a fire hydrant, while Jackson simply slipped and fell on a broken club during his round.

What’s your favorite way to vent your frustrations on the course? This Caveman will cop to copious swearing and some gritted teeth, but any more than that seems to do more harm than good. Better to move on and start thinking about your next shot, if you ask me!

~Scratch

Thanks again to Snopes.com for the detective work!

The first PGA Tour tourney of 2010 is in the books! Hopefully you got to watch some of the action from the Plantation course in Maui because despite (or more accurately, because of) Tiger’s absence there was plenty for golf fans to see! Check out the GolfDigest.com Week in Golf Slideshow for some great shots.

At the end of the day Geoff Ogilvy walked away with the trophy after becoming only the 7th player to notch back-to-back victories here. He failed to crack the top ten in 2006 or 2007. Lucas Glover got out of the gate strong and led through 54 holes but posted a final round 76 and ended at T14.

Sean O’Hair played well and finished 4th, but had the dubious distinction of topping the list of total distance of putts made with more than 364 feet. Despite some shaky short-iron play it took an out-of-bounds double-bogey on No. 18 to remove him from contention. See the Full Leaderboard at PGATour.com

~Scratch

PS: No rest for the wicked as the PGA Tour stays in Hawaii for this week’s Sony Open in Honolulu. You’ll want to watch if only to catch Vijay Singh returning to the Tour for the first time since his November knee surgery. He won the event back in 2005.