Caddie changes
Steve Stricker showed up at Congressional with a new caddie, saying longtime friend Tom Mitchell decided to take a break to spend more time with his young family. Stricker picked up Jimmie Johnson, who previously worked for Nick Price and most recently was on the bag for Charles Howell III.

Johnson, however, is still auditioning. Stricker said he might try a couple of other caddies the rest of the year, and he already knows one who will work for him at the PGA Championship — his wife, Nicki.

She was his caddie when he won the Kemper Open for his first PGA Tour victory in 1996, and continued to work for him until they had their first child in 1998.

“She’s fired up and excited to do it again, and I’m excited to have her out here,” Stricker said.

Meanwhile, Ernie Els has fired J.P. Fitzgerald and has gone back to Ricci Roberts, the caddie who worked for him when he won all three of his majors. This is at least the third time Roberts has been rejoined the South African.

“We’ve obviously got a long and successful track record together — one of the best in the business, in fact,” Els said. “Hopefully, there are many more wins to come.”

Congressional future
The board of directors at Congressional Country Club has recommended a three-year contract to host the AT&T National starting in 2012, with an option for three more years that will take it to 2017, The Washington Post reported.

It still requires approval from the full membership, but tournament host Tiger Woods liked the development.

“I want our golf tournament to be there for perpetuity,” Woods said. “It is an unbelievable golf course, and in our nation’s capitol, on our nation’s birthday. The stars couldn’t get aligned even more than what it is. Hopefully, we can keep it there.”

Divots
Stacy Lewis signed an endorsement contract Tuesday with Mizuno, the only American woman paid to play its clubs. ... Lorena Ochoa has joined Golf Digest as a playing editor, a deal that includes her contributions to Golf Digest and Golf For Women magazines. She will provide instruction and feature content. ... Hazeltine will be stretched to over 7,700 yards when the PGA Championship returns there next year. Among the holes that have lengthened are No. 12, which can play as long as 545 yards as a par 4.

Stat of the week
Seven of Kenny Perry’s 11 victories have come at three tournaments — three times at the Memorial, twice each at the Buick Open and Colonial.

Final word
“You’re up against an absolute freak and that’s tough. But at the same time, he’s making us so much money it’s a joke. We can only be thankful for the way he’s played the game.”
— Robert Allenby on playing in the Tiger Woods era.