College football is my day job. I cover Northwestern and write about the Big Ten, especially if the word "expansion" is involved. I also follow Northwestern hoops, assist K.C. Johnson on the Bulls beat and cover golf. I write the "18 holes with ... " column, in which I describe the experience of playing a top course with a celebrity. (Feel free to hate me.) I've also reported from the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship and BMW Championship for two years running.

Born and raised in the college football mecca of Manhattan in New York City, I graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism in 1994. After stints at the New York Daily News and Sports Illustrated, I joined the Trib in '96. I've covered Notre Dame, the White Sox, the Cubs (Oh, how I miss Sammy) and written a sports media column. I appear on the Big Ten Network's "Big Ten Football and Beyond" show and pinch-hit on WSCR-AM 670's "Danny Mac Show." I vote for the Heisman Trophy and -- much to David Kaplan's chagrin -- the Baseball Hall of fame. My wife, daughter and I live in Lakeview.

There are few things I like doing more than whacking a softball or a golf ball. I've also been known to splash the occasional poker chip. And if "The Simpsons," "Mad Men" or "Modern Family" is on, I just might be watching.

'Drama, comedy and tragedy' at Merion 6/19/2013
Greens get the best of Tribune's golf writer ARDMORE, Pa. – When I won the media lottery to play Merion the day after the U.S. Open, I didn’t know whether to accept congratulations or condolences.        

Donald just one of the casualties at Merion 6/17/2013
Northwestern alumnus now 0-for-40 in majors after brutal opening stretch ARDMORE, Pa. — Here's what Luke Donald has:        

Garcia, Woods can't get anything going 6/16/2013
Spaniard cards a 10 on No. 15, and Tiger's putting is a problem ARDMORE, Pa. — Sergio Garcia was signing golf balls by the scoring tent Saturday when someone told him he had been requested by the media.        

U.S. Open preparation paying off for Donald 6/15/2013
Northwestern grad sees dividends in first two rounds from work on distance control ARDMORE, Pa. — Last week at his home course, Conway Farms in Lake Forest, Ill., Luke Donald got up from his lunch table after spotting Bulls big man Nazr Mohammed.        

Mickelson travels long way to top of leaderboard 6/14/2013
Steps off red-eye flight from San Diego and into first-round lead at Merion ARDMORE, Pa. — Golf's version of "Manny being Manny" is "Phil being Phil."