GOLF
Masters invitations go out; one spot left Thanks to a 5-foot par putt on the final hole in the Zurich Classic that he thought was only worth money, Peter Lonard was added to the Masters field Monday by squeezing into the top 50 in the world ranking.
The Zurich Classic in New Orleans, where Lonard was the sole runner-up, was the final tournament for players not already eligible to qualify for the Masters through the world ranking.
Had Lonard missed, he would have tied for second with Tim Wilkinson and moved up only to No. 53.
Justin Leonard and Martin Kaymer also joined the field at Augusta National, although they were well inside the top 50. They were among eight players who earned a Masters invitation in the first three months of the 2008 season, either through the world ranking or by winning a full-strength PGA Tour event.
The Masters (April 10-13) now has 93 players expected to compete, with one more spot available to the winner of the Shell Houston Open if he is not already eligible. Among those still not eligible is Davis Love III, whose 70 consecutive majors is the longest streak among active players.
OLYMPICS
Colorado Springs approves $53M deal Colorado Springs approved a $53 million deal Monday aimed at enticing the U.S. Olympic Committee to keep its headquarters and training center in the city for at least 25 years.
The USOC has been a fixture in Colorado Springs for nearly 30 years and has been considering options to relocate because of aging facilities.
The City Council voted 7-1 for the proposal, which must be agreed to by the USOC. The proposal will give the USOC a new headquarters, renovations to an existing building and 158 new housing units for athletes at the Olympic Training Center.
