Johnson, Lincecum, Revis, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---After Dustin Johnson's humiliating mental gaffe on the eighteenth hole "bunker" at Whistling Straits, a gaffe that cost him a chance to win the PGA Championship, he has solidified his name in golf infamy.

---It's not as if Johnson's mistake was inexplicable. Quite the opposite, in fact. That "bunker" on the eighteenth hole didn't really look like anything resembling an actual bunker, so it is understandable to see why Johnson made that mistake. However, the rules were posted clearly and recited clearly to all the golfers at Whistling Straits. As a pro, Johnson should have known better.

---2010 has been a disastrous year for Johnson. First, he crumbled under the pressure at Pebble Beach with an epic collapse at the U.S. Open. Then, he was burned by a mental error on the Whistling Straits 18th that will be remembered forever.

---But, Johnson should be applauded for his classiness. It has been an undeniably rough year for him, but he speaks with an admirable sense of humility and maturity. Here's hoping he makes a full comeback and wins a Major in the near future.

---The guy who has to be feeling lost in the shuffle right now is the guy who actually won the PGA Championship, Martin Kaymer. Unfortunately for Martin, he is about the fifth-most compelling story of the weekend.

---As for Tiger, he showed major strides of improvement over the weekend in Wisconsin. If I'm Cory Pavin, I am definitely selecting Tiger for the Ryder Cup. Without hesitation.

---Overall, a tremendous weekend of golf at Whistling Straits. By far the most exciting PGA major of the year, and one of the most thrilling sports events of the year.

---On to baseball now, where the struggles of Tim Lincecum has me somewhat depressed.

---Number 55 still shows flashes of brilliance on occasion, but his second-straight flop of a start, against the first-place Padres in a huge game, suggest that he has lost a step. I still love Timmy, and I desperately hope that he returns to form down the stretch to help lead my beloved Giants to the playoffs. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried about The Freak.

---Meanwhile, the freakin' Padres continue to annoy the hell out of me. I keep waiting for Bud Black's team to fade, but they just keep on winning. Damn you, Adrian Gonzalez, Miguel Tejada, and Matt Latos! Have a slump, please!!!

---This is the time of year that reminds us why baseball is so awesome. Very few things in sports match the excitement of a tense pennant race, a fact that was evident in last week's Reds-Cardinals brawl. In the wake of the violent, bench-clearing kerfuffle, many people were OUTRAGED! This isn't the type of example we want to be sending to our children!!! Well, sorry folks, but I loved every moment of it.

---Look, do we want to teach our kids to use physical force against the opposition? Of course not. But it was downright exhilarating and refreshing to see Brandon Phillips, Yadier Molina, Dusty Baker, Tony LaRussa, and the gang mix it up. This is pennant-race baseball at its finest.

---Football is fast approaching, and one NFL team with championship aspirations is holding it's collective breath as one of their stars remains unsigned. If the Jets want to contend for a Super Bowl, they must sign Darrelle Revis, A.S.A.P.

---Revis is one of the premier defensive stars in the league, and he is crucial to the success of Rex Ryan's team. Thus, Jets management must swallow their pride and give Revis his money.

---Shameless personal plug: Look for my football preview, college and pro, coming to a computer near you in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

---I'll end this edition of Random Observations with a brand new segment, called "Hero of the Week". This recurring segment will honor a figure in sports whom I feel deserves to be recognized and applauded. This week, the hero is the great Charles Barkley. Kudos to Sir Charles for being outspoken in his criticism of LeBron James. Following LeBron's stupid tweet in which he attempted to intimidate his critics, Sir Charles gave James a much-deserved verbal smackdown. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: There is nobody better than the great Charles Barkley.