A very merry Christmas from everyone here at Bellinghamgolfer.com. I hope Santa doesn't break the shafts of your new Burner 2.0s and Diablo Octanes as he comes sliding down the chimney tonight.

On Thursday, stories about the men likely to captain the US and European Ryder Cup teams at Medinah CC in 2012 suddenly appeared all over the internet. It wasn't clear exactly what had prompted all the speculation as the European Ryder Cup Committee won't be announcing its man until January 18th, and the PGA of America hasn't even set a date for introducing Corey Pavin's successor (plus, there isn't much speculation anyway - José María Olazábal will lead the Europeans while Davis Love III plots a plan to win the Cup back for the US). Still, nothing should get in the way of a good story, especially if it might very well be true.

Apologies, it's been a while since Christmas Gift Ideas 3 appeared. I've been in Scottsdale, AZ where I played three superb courses under cloudless skies with the needle touching 75 degrees every day (would you believe me if I said it was a business trip?)

Former Bellingham High School standout, Jessi Gebhardt, is struggling after three rounds of the LPGA Tour Final Qualifying Tournament (LPGA QSchool) being held at LPGA International in Florida.