Donald-Howell top contenders at World Cup; Venturi recovering from heart surgery

Luke Donald will partner with David Howell this week at the World Cup in Barbados, the last event of the World Golf Championships season. Donald has an exceptional record in team golf, going 5-1-1 in his two Ryder Cup appearances. He has also had success with Howell, the pair finishing tied for second at last year’s World Cup …

Ken Venturi, a former U.S. Open champion, is currently recovering from heart surgery. Venturi, 76, underwent surgery on Friday after complaining of chest pains a day earlier. He is expected to have a full recovery …

Ron Sirak, executive editor of Golf World, picked Michelle Wie as a contender for the 2006 PGA Tour most disappointing player of the year award, though she is not a member of the tour. Wie entered three PGA Tour events in 2006, failing to make the cut at all of them.