The World Golf League announces that it has entered into an agreement with Convergence Film & Television of Orlando, Fla. to produce its upcoming reality-based television series.

Kemper Golf adds the AlmostGolf ball, off-course training ball, to its distribution HOT list for 2005.

World Golf Hospitality offers a limited number of premium hotel accommodations at the Westin Hotel Southfield, located just minutes from Ryder Cup host Oakland Hills Country Club.

Columbia ParCar Corp. announces the addition of Matthew Gumz as its technical support specialist.

A year ago this week Phil Mickelson was in Toledo, Ohio, auditioning for a one-time pitching appearance with the Class Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Then a 21-time winner on the PGA Tour, Mickelson appeared to be harboring deep-seated dreams of someday becoming a 20-game winner in the major leagues.

Meanwhile, his dreams of winning a major championship in his chosen profession appeared to be slipping away.

What's happened since then has been a lesson in focus and the application of effort for those whose talents are fit for a world-class stage.

By sharpening his golf swing under the tutelage of his longtime coach Rick Smith, tidying up his short game with the help of Dave Pelz, and adhering to a control-based game plan, Mickelson won the Masters and had two near misses in the U.S. Open and British Open. Other than Ernie Els, Mickelson was the only player to record top-10 finishes in all four majors this year.

Mickelson worked assiduously on his game and fitness in the off-season, but more important than hard work was smart work, and of paramount importance has been his commitment to focusing on goals. It's no surprise that as Lefty has pared his ancillary pursuits (for instance, he no longer pilots his own plane) to concentrate on family and career, he has enjoyed a stellar season that could result in his first Vardon Trophy for lowest stroke average on tour an honor that Tiger Woods has reserved for himself the last five years.

Els also seems to understand the value of singular focus, vowing at the WGC-NEC Invitational to get back to work immediately in preparation for the 2005 season and the Masters that Mickelson snatched from his grasp this year. That was a reassuring declaration by the Big Easy, who shows an increasing interest in the winemaking business a time-consuming business.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with alternate pursuits. Jack Nicklaus is the prototype multi-tasker, juggling family, business and leisure while conquering the world. The key is prioritizing something Woods did so well in racking up eight major titles in his first six years as a pro. Not that Woods has suddenly lost his focus as he prepares for marriage and new personal horizons, but sometimes an adjustment period is necessary, and Woods certainly has been adjusting to not only a new life, but also new swing.

Great players have talent, that's undeniable. They also have desire to be great, but striving for greatness is more taxing than any of us regular mortals can know. It takes great commitment to raise the bar, and only a slight misstep to slide backwards.

That's what Phil Mickelson taught is in going from a Mud Hens uniform to a green jacket.