November

1
Despite finishing fifth at the Tour championship in Pinehurst, N.C. , Fred Couples clinches PGA Player of the Year honors, his second consecutive Vardon Trophy (for best scoring average) and the money title, with $1,344,188.... Willie Mtolo, who until May had been unable to compete outside his native South Africa because of sanctions against apartheid, wins the New York City Marathon in 2:09:29. Lisa Ondieki of Australia , the women's champion, finishes in 2:24:40, setting a course record.

They Said It
Carol James, alter her husband. University of Washington football coach Don James , was injured on the sideline: "It's easier to replace a husband than a linebacker at this time of the season."

2
Having reconsidered his decision to return to the NBA amid concerns voiced by fellow players, including Utah 's Karl Malone , Magic Johnson re-retires.

3
L.A. Dodger first baseman Eric Karros , who hit .257 with 20 homers and 88 RBIs, is named National League Rookie of the Year.

They Said It
Bob Ford , of the " Philadelphia Inquirer ," after leaden-legged veteran center Mark Eaton of the Utah Jazz was injured jumping for a ball: "Now, why would he go and try that after all these years."

5
After 30 games played over a two-month span, Bobby Fischer gets the elusive 10th win needed for victor over Boris Spassky and the $3.35 million prize in their exhibition series.

7
No. 1-ranked Washington loses 16-3 to Arizona , its first defeat in 23 games.

10
Major league baseball owners vote to keep the Giants in San Francisco , again dashing St. Petersburg 's hopes of bringing baseball to the Tampa Bay area.

They Said It
Michael Jordan , on why he majored in geography: "I knew I would be going places, and I just wanted to know where I was when I got there."

11
Chicago Cub pitcher Greg Maddux , who had a 20-11 record with a 2.18 ERA, is named the National League Cy Young Award winner.