It was about this time last year that 49er Paul Goydos was introducing the world to Long Beach sports and his “49er Dirtbags” hat.

One year later, fellow ‘Niner John Mallinger, 29, is only one-stroke back at the Players Championship at T.P.C.

and ready to make a run at the title.

Click here for a great story from the New York Times on the tournament, Mallinger, and Goydos.  Make sure you read to the end, and make sure you come back this weekend.  I’m pretty sure we’ll be talking more about Mallinger over the next few days.