Buying or Selling the Top Rumors in Golf

Dustin Johnson admitted this week that he and Paulina Gretzky are a couple.
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Rumors can be fun, entertaining and downright ridiculous, too.

But there are times when rumors are just precursors to the truth emerging.

Professional golf is no different from any other walk of life in that regard.

Need an example?

How about a few weeks ago in Hawaii when the rumors began circulating about Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky being an item. When questioned about it, Johnson didn’t confirm or deny.

But then this week, we saw confirmation through a picture thanks to Big League Sports. Where there's smoke, there’s fire, right?

Here are five rumors that are either bubbling near the surface or are still not quite there yet.

Tiger Dating Lindsey Vonn

Word has it that Tiger Woods is dating Lindsey Vonn.
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The words "Tiger" and "dating" next to each other in a sentence just lead to all sorts of possibilities.

We’ve heard Tiger is an athlete on and off the course and that one of the endeavors he enjoys is skiing.

That could certainly lead to a possible connection with elite skier Lindsey Vonn, according to Hollywood Life.

Skiing could be an iffy activity for a golfer, especially a 37-year-old whose body has endured a long career.

Conclusion: Buying

Jason Dufner Going European

Is Jason Dufner contemplating going to Europe?
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After playing a couple of events in the desert in January, Jason Dufner said joining the European Tour was a possibility for him, according to SuperSport.

Wonder why a guy who won twice, finished second twice and won $4.8 million would want to make the move?

Playing occasionally, including the Open Championship, has been something the best players have done for years.

The man is a superstar in progress on the PGA Tour.

Conclusion: Not Buying

5 Weeks off for Practice?

Really Rory, five weeks off after missing cut?
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Rory McIlroy, the Irish prince who would be king of golf, missed the cut and disappeared. According to the National, He might not be seen again until Feb. 24, when the World Golf Championship-Match Play will be held in Arizona.

It’s hard to even type that the break is for rest purposes since his appearance in Abu Dhabi was his first of the season.

How could a guy breaking in a brand-new set of clubs play one week, miss the cut and then sit for five more?

Conclusion: Not Buying

Phil Not Up to Par

Phil Mickelson has been struggling a lot on the golf course.
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Every time in recent months that Phil Mickelson has been asked about his health, he’s downplayed his battle with psoriatic arthritis.

And he’s definitely out there swinging, but he’s making too many swings.

Some of those are downright confounding, as Mickelson is wont to do.

Conclusion: Not Buying

Anchored Putting Rule

The end is near for Keegan Bradley and his anchored putting stroke.
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When the United States Golf Association and Royal & Ancient announced the proposed ban on anchored putting strokes, golf’s ruling bodies said there would be a 90-day period during which pro and con opinions could be voiced.

They didn’t say those comments would change the proposed rule, but left that door open.

Word is that it's only a matter of time at this point, as in when the rule will be enacted. It could be in 2016 or as early as next year.

It’s a done deal.

The only question is whether it will be imposed next year or if it will wait until 2016 as originally stated.

Conclusion: Not Buying