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Wilson defends Jemsek family

Mark Wilson admitted it's been tough for him to hear his fellow pros criticize his home course this week.

“It hurts a little because (Cog Hill owner) Frank Jemsek is such a nice man,” said Wilson, who won the Sony Open and the Phoenix Open earlier this year. “The Jemsek family has done so much for public golf here in Chicago, and all my neighbors come out here and play all these courses. Cog Hill is one course that everybody knows around here in Chicago.

“To have the pros maybe not like it, it doesn't hurt my feelings really ... it's just that there's more to Cog Hill than just a one-week golf tournament.”

On the bubble:

A strong performance at Cog Hill by Jim Furyk is a must for him to stay comfortably ensconsed on this year's President's Cup team.

The points system ends this week and Furyk is just hanging on — he's currently ninth of ten.

He's off to a good start after shooting an opening-round 68, good for a tie for fifth place.

“Why is it important to me? I think it's an honor to play for your country,” Furyk said. “I've played on a bunch of teams, both Ryder Cup and President's Cup, and I cherish those memories.

“My mind is not willing to give that up yet because I enjoy them so much.”

Reconciliation?

Phil Mickelson said if the chance arose to have a face-to-face with Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek, he'd do it.

“You know, I feel like the Jemsek family has meant a lot to golf, and there's a lot of families that have meant a lot to the game, and I feel like as a player I would owe it to them to at least answer questions that they may have.”

Who's No. 1?

In this topsy-turvy season, it's going to be difficult to figure out the favorite for Player of the Year.

“Right now, in my opinion, it's hard to argue against Luke Donald; he's played so well all year,” said current playoff points leader Webb Simpson. “Keegan Bradley has won a major and another tournament ...”

What about Simpson's chances?

“I think I've got to earn my way there,” he said. “I need to play really well this week and next week to still be in the mix.”