The Undaunted Duffer

2006-11-20T15:51:00.000-05:00

Yeoman of the Year is better fit than Rookie of the Year

So I was just on the PGA Tour website, where you as a golf enthusiast can cast your vote on who should be named player of the year, comeback player of the year, rookie of the year and so on.

I guess it goes without saying that Tiger will no doubt get the player of the year nod, but my disappointment runs deep with the Tour’s selection of possible rookie of the year candidates. They are as follows: Eric Axley, J.B. Holmes, Trevor Immelman, Troy Matteson, and Camilo Villegas. But where in blue blazes is Charley Hoffman’s? At least throw the man a bone for God’s sake!

Each guy is player, no bones about it. I give them all the credit they deserve. However, should winning an event automatically place you in contention for rookie of the year? Yes, I know Villegas did not win an event, came close twice with two 2nd place finishes as well as a solo 3rd so he’s the exception to this short but sweet list.

I guess I have to give some guff here pertaining to Eric Axley who made 16 cuts all year, while getting the ax the other 13 weeks he was out. True he won the Valero Texas Open, but what else can this guy throw down? He had 2 top 10’s and 4 top 25 finishes. Impressive in the large scale sure, but rookie of the year honors? I don’t think so.

Next comes J.B. Holmes. 1st on tour in eagles, (19 total) and 2nd in driving distance, averaging 318.8 yards off the tee box most impressive in its own right. However, his position on the leader board at the end of the day on Sunday is somewhat lackluster. True, he did win the FBR Open, but he only had 1 other top ten and only had 4 top 25’s. I know everyone likes to talk about his long ball, but again, in the grand scheme of things, not rookie of the year worthy.

Troy Matteson waited till the last five weeks of the season to make something happen. He chalked up the proverbial “W” at the FRYS.com open, and had 4 top 10 finishes all in 5 consecutive weeks. However, he saw the bottom half of the cut line 14 times.

Given the choices I have, the best candidate for rookie of the year would have to go to the South African Trevor Immelman. The Southie had 8 top 10’s including a win at the Cialis Western Open, and 15 top 25’s. He was in the money for 19 events and was cut only 5 times and he sits at 4th in tour scoring average. By far, a better candidate than those previously mentioned.

Now comes the Duffers’ observation. I believe that the definition of any top shelf golfer is competitive consistency. So I am completely appalled that my main man Charley Hoffman did not even make the candidate list for Rookie of the year. No, Hoffman did not get a win in the 2006 season, either did his Nationwide buddy Camilo Villegas, but Hoffman still grinded it out for 21 weeks, and found the money. He had 5 top 10’s and 10 top 25 finishes. He was only cut 8 times and finished the year at 10th in driving distance and 28th in putting.

So my rookie of the year pick is Trevor Immelman.

My Yeoman of the year is Charley Hoffman.

Suggestions?

2006-11-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

Today in Golf History:

On this date in 1917, South African Bobby Locke was born. Locke won four British open titles. (1949, 1950, 1952, 1957)

2006-11-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

Today in Golf History

On this date in 1959, potentially named comeback player of the year and assistant Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin was birthed.

2006-11-14T12:44:00.000-05:00

Today in Golf History

On this date in 1888, the first U.S. golf club was founded in Yonkers New York. It was aptly named St. Andrew’s.

2006-11-09T16:34:00.000-05:00

The Grey Goose Group Lays a Mean Egg!

I’ve come to a conclusion as of late.

The hosts/co-hosts and/or moderators, whatever you fancy to call them, are a band of blowhards and simpletons. I appreciate the attempts they make to create a buzz amongst the golfing community, however they do it with very little gusto or invigoration.

On the other hand, Steve Duemig looks as if he’s going to “stroke out” whenever he tries to make a point. The veins in his neck and head protrude so greatly, it’s as if he’s passing a stone. So I got to give him props for that. Risking your health to try and make a point should never go unnoticed.

Look for more to come concerning this trio of trumpeters as they pronounce the gospel of golf.

2006-11-09T16:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to David Duval!

On this date in 1971, good ol' Double D was birthed.

2006-07-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

G.R.I.P. THIS!

Greetings and Salutations to all you duffers, shanksters and unbridled enthusiasts of the game of Golf!

It’s been awhile since I have last made contact with the outside world. I apologize for that, but my newly found addictions have been keeping me quite sedated, confused and busy.

A few weeks ago, I received a package from Rob Blumberg, president of Golf Research In Play, a.k.a. G.R.I.P. As many of you probably have seen, GRIP and its president are making some headlines across the Golfing Blogosphere.

Though their product line is limited to putters, wedges and hybrids, this fact does not restrict the quality and craftsmanship of their products. As I had mentioned before, I received a package a few weeks ago from GRIP, its contents contained an agreeably fashioned and designed 4 iron hybrid.

I’ve taken my time to review this club for a couple of reasons, the first being that the weather here in the great city of Cleveland has been less than exemplary. The second reason is that I wanted to play a couple of rounds with it before I could really write a solid overall review of the club.

To put it simply, I’m impressed. I’m not just saying that because I got the thing for free either. Off the tee box and off the fairway, this hybrid sets up very nicely. The shafts that these clubs come equipped with are Uni-flex High Modulus Graphite Shafts. The beauty with these babies is that they feature a mid-to-low kick point that helps me get the ball airborne easily. The minimal amount of torque in each shaft is pretty sweet as well, in that it prevents the club from twisting, turning and doing the hokey pokey during my complete swing sequence.

Moving further down the club, we see GRIP keeping up with the Jones’, in that their hybrids come equipped with removable weights that allows right-to-left ball flight for right-handed golfers and a smooth left-to-right ball flight for lefties. If you’re having a problem with hooking shots, no matter what your dexterity is, just switch the weights around for a straighter ball flight.

All in all, G.R.I.P. is on the right track when it comes to hybrid technology. The club sets up nicely, it swings smoothly, and most importantly, I’m placing this ball where I want it, 200+ yards down the fairway.

Now all I got to do is figure out a way to have them send me a putter.

2006-06-14T10:36:00.000-05:00

USGA Doesn't Pass Up Wind

Well I’ll be a monkeys’ uncle, (and in the Darwinian world of thought, I guess I am,) the USGA must have taken what I had to say about Herbert Warren Wind a few entries back to heart. Check this article out.

Granted, it’s no induction to the Hall of Fame, but it’s an honor nonetheless.

Big thanks to the USGA.

Not that I really had anything to do with it though.

2006-05-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

Today in Golf History

On this date in 1870, Harry Vardon was born in Grouville, Jersey on the Channel Islands. Vardon is best known for winning 6 British Open titles between the years of 1896 to 1914. He is also known for making the “Vardon Grip” popular. Harry Vardon passed away on March 20, 1937 leaving behind one of Golf’s greatest legacies.

2006-05-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

A big Happy Birthday goes out to Francis Ouimet, who was born on this day in 1893. Ouimet was the winner of the 1913 US Open as well as the 1914 and 1931 US Amateurs.

2006-05-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

Duval Sees Weekend

Much love goes out to David Duval this Friday afternoon as it looks like he will be seeing the weekend at Quail Hollow. Currently sitting at 1 under, 9 back from the leader Bo Van Pelt. This will be the first time Duval has seen Saturday/Sunday action since the Nissan Classic in mid February where he finished T45th.

Good Luck David!

2006-05-04T11:19:00.000-05:00

Herbert Warren Wind
A Call For Induction

Part II of II

Enter 1957, a year that would yield one of golf’s most prolific educational volumes. “Five-Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf”, was a three part collaboration. Ben Hogan provided the content and the final say over the text, Anthony Ravielli provided the intricate depiction of Hogan’s swing, and Herbert Warren Wind brought it all together. Putting down words the only way he knew how, with gusto. The book was an absolute disaster at the time of its release. The disappointing sales could have stemmed from the fact that the book itself, before being publishing, was dissected into five parts and published piece meal in Sports Illustrated. It would take roughly two decades for the book to gain mass appreciation and lead thousands of upstarts down the road to better golf.

It was the April of 1958 at Augusta National when Herbert Warren Wind watched Arnold Palmer come out victorious on Sunday with -4 when he coined the term Amen Corner after Palmer’s splendid play on the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes. The term came to Wind afterwards, while he had remembering an old spiritual jazz record he had once bought during his college days called “Shoutin’ in the Amen Corner.” In my opinion, a term such as this, to describe three holes such as these, can only be derived from a source of spiritual distinction.

However, Herb’s life at Sports Illustrated would only last for six years. He grew embittered and stale and always felt confined due to the strict deadlines. Often, he was sent on wild goose chases across the globe, only to view a portion of his entire story in print.

He returned to the New Yorker in 1960 where he would stay until his retirement in 1990. Now back at home, the New Yorker renewed Herb’s sense of worth, writing profile pieces on politicians, social figures, athletes, and of course, Golf.

The 1960’s not only brought Wind back to writing for the New Yorker, but it also let him spread his wings a bit and branch out into a different medium, television. For two years, Herb worked as a producer for Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, often scripting the commentary used for the course description and the players bios as well.

Although his life in television was short lived, Herb always found solace in writing about the grand old game of Golf. Throughout his career, he penned his name to 14 volumes related to the subject, and a countless number of articles describing weekend warriors at their best, and sometimes, even those who may not have been.

Not often found in the press tents during his hey days of journalistic ingenuity, Herb would stalk the players on their own turf, keeping his keen eye for description peeled for those who he deemed noteworthy. His graceful writing style didn’t just tell you what took place on any given day, but painted a picture so complete that the reader would have autonomous sensory perception.

Not easily mistaken for someone else while in the hunt for a story, Herb’s distinguishing characteristics on the course were omnipresent. Always wearing a tie, tweed jacket and carrying his walking stick, Herb exemplified panache, no matter what the temperature was.

In 1995, the USGA presented Herbert Warren Wind with the Bob Jones Award, an award that has been presented annually since 1955. The honor itself is bestowed upon those who demonstrate and maintain the highest degree of sportsmanship, spirit, and attitude towards the game of Golf and its competitors in the manner in which only Bobby Jones knew how.

Herbert Warren Wind passed away on May 30, 2005. When he left us, it was the end of a great era. It is my belief that he should be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame for his great number of contributions to the game of Golf and his impact on the craft of writing prose.

2006-05-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

Today in Golf History

On this date, May 3rd, 1891 Muirfield Golf Course, home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers first opens for play.

How about that!

2006-04-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

Herbert Warren Wind
A Call For Induction

Part I of II

The name Herbert Warren Wind serves up images of golf mysticism, descriptive lore, and a genuine love for the game of golf. It has been 11 months since Wind passed away due to a struggling bout with pneumonia, but his name, his work, and his unique perspective of golf will forever be remembered.

Herbert Warren Wind was born in Brockton Massachusetts on August 11, 1916. Herb’s father, Max Wind, was one of the many fine, upstanding professionals in Brockton who contributed to one of the cities most profitable exports, shoes. Which, at this point in time were all primarily made of leather.

Herb began to take an early interest in the game of golf at the age of seven, where he could be found practicing at the Thorny Lea Golf Club with his father.

Not much has been made of Wind’s up-bringing up until his enrolment into Yale University in 1933 where he stayed and eventually graduated in 1937. He soon set sail over The Pond and enrolled at the University of Cambridge where he performed his graduate work in English. It is during this time in Wind’s life that he would be forever changed. Two things happened to him while saying in the United Kingdom.

The first experience was meeting Bernard Darwin, the definitive author of golf at the time. Darwin was the grandson of the (r)evolutionary thinker Charles Darwin. As with natural selection, golf deviates very little, survival of the fittest is the mantra we abide by.
The second epiphany was more like a string of occurrences. By residing in the United Kingdom, Wind was now able to play some of Western Europe’s greatest courses, which he of course did. Later in his life, he wrote about them in his articles, informing those of us in the Unites States that golf was very much alive and well in Europe.

Once graduate work was complete, Herb came home to America where he was hired on for his first stint as a reporter for the New Yorker in 1948. Herb was versatile. He was often assigned to profile the ongoing changes in the New York social scenes as they related to theatres, operas and concerts. These assignments often took Herb far from the tree lined fairways of the botanical vistas we see on a week to week basis. His love for golf however at this time in his life goes without question.

His method was quite simple. Sit down, and write. And when I say write, I mean write. Herbert Warren Wind wrote every published word down on nothing but yellow legal pads. Draft after draft, the man was a methodical machine-like creator of timeless prose.

On August 16, 1954, Wind took a gamble in with his career. He left the New Yorker and started work at an un-established, brand new upstart magazine called Sports Illustrated. One of the founding editors of the magazine, Herb fostered its slow growth into the Baby Booming era when economic prosperity reigned, and television was king. With these two factors in place, sports were no longer sports, they were pastimes.

2006-04-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

A big shout out Happy Birthday goes out to Lee Westwood today. Lee, who was born in 1973 turns 33 today. So if you have a chance, send him an e-mail or whatever, let him know he has not yet been forgotten. (If you're in to that sympathetic/heart warming kind of thing)

Lee has amassed two top tens thus far in 2006, finishing 5th at both The Nissan and at Bay Hill. Unfortunately, he has been less than stellar overseas, where he splits his time by also playing on the European Tour.

Also, Lee was a Ryder Cupper twice, playing on the 97' and '99 European teams.

Happy B-Day Lee!

2006-04-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

The Open Championship Jinx ?
(So Scandalous Just to Mention)

I’m not sure if anyone has noticed, but Todd Hamilton hasn’t been in the mix to much as of late. Leading up to this weeks’ Shell Houston Open, Hammy has played in 11 events so far in ‘06, but has only seen the weekend twice.

The 2005 season, in comparison to 2006, was somewhat better, although Hamilton still didn’t crack the top 10 all year long and finished 134 on the money list.

Hamilton fired up the leader board during his rookie year on the PGA Tour in 2004 after he finished T16 at the ’03 Q-School. Winning twice in ’04, Hamilton secured victories at both the Honda Classic and The British Open where he conquered Ernie “Big Easy” Els in a playoff at Royal Troon Golf Club. To add more prestige to the year, at age 38, Hamilton was named PGA Tour rookie of the year.

Before this stellar performance in 2004, Hamilton was a journeyman, playing on the Japan Tour, the Asian Tour, the Nationwide Tour and even a short stint on the Canadian tour. Before his Cinderella ’04 season began, Hamilton’s constant grinding and wandering about the globe wherever his game could take him led him to pick up 14 wins outside of the PGA Tour.

So what the hell happened?

I say The Open Championship is cursed for some individuals. Blasphemous I know, but how else can you explain Hamilton’s dissent into obscurity?

Well, wait……

Anybody remember David Duval? I say that light heartedly of course, but even to this day, it still pains me to look at his tourney results. He won The Open in 2001 and capped the year off by finishing 8th on the money list, but followed up with a so-so 2002 season only cracking the top ten twice and finishing 80th in the money. Then, the walls came crumbling down in 2003, when Double-D only made 4 cuts total for the entire year. Such has been the case ever since.

So, what the hell happened?

Still not satisfied…..

What about 2003 winner, Ben Curtis, who I still have strong faith in, since we both went to the same college. GO KENT STATE!

But still, was he just a flash-in-the-pan player that weekend over there? He has yet to impress the golfing public as I see it, and is in danger of never re-emerging.

Plus, he needs a new endorsement deal; his NFL contract is so lame in my opinion.

So……What the Hell Happened?

Could it be a jinx?

Is it all just mental?

Are these three players already washed up after winning the Claret Jug?

2006-04-20T07:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

A grandiose, old school Happy Birthday goes out to Young Tom Morris who was born on this day, April 20th 1851. Young Tom is remembered as one of golf’s greatest competitors by winning 4 British Opens before his untimely death on Christmas day in 1875.

Godspeed Young Tom, You Rule!

2006-04-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

Foam at the Mouth
by Lowering your Golf Scores!

Here's How:

A few weeks back, I had mentioned that I had broken 100 for the very first time at a course near my house called Bunker Hill Golf Course. It was a splendid day to say the least. With three of my buddies with me, the four of us had a great time.

Leading up to and throughout my round, I wanted to try out a few products that I had recently received. The first was called Gorilla Gold. Now, I had heard of this product before, and had even seen it at the Cleveland Golf Show back in February, but had never before tried it.

Gorilla Gold is an extremely tacky cloth that you can use to rub on your golf grips, your hands or even your glove to add some more adhesion and confidence to your swing. The product comes in a re-sealable plastic bag that keeps the cloth tacky for up to 6 weeks and sometimes beyond. It can also be used for baseball, tennis, football, and a million other applications where grippin’ and/or rippin’ come into play.

I had let my friends try it on that fateful day when my Duffer score was met and they were immediately impressed by the results as was I. Each time since, my friends have asked to use it. The only obstacle you may have to overcome is putting the cloth back in the bag after it has been on your hands.

Overall, a great product, and a cheap one to boot over at the Savvy Golfer!

The second product that I have used recently has been on the market for quite some time now. The Brush-T system is a collection of several different tees at various lengths which consists of a plastic base that you insert into the ground and plastic bristles which support the ball. The reason why you have an assortment of sizes is because the club and the club head size dictate the correct Brush-T to use.

The plastic bristles that the ball sits on at address offers less resistance than compared to a traditional wooden tee which hopefully translates into increased yardage off the tee box. Also, the Brush-T system is unique in regards to its packaging. To prevent these bristles from falling off or getting frayed, each Brush-T comes with its own small plastic case to store it in.

All in all, the Brush-T is a great product, especially for beginners who are looking for that added confidence off the tee.

I used a third product to prepare me for my personal best of 94, and that product was the BirdieBall. The BirdieBall is another creation that has been around for awhile. It works great if you have an average sized back yard or a school yard nearby.

The BirdieBall is a revolutionary device which allows the golfer to swing freely and without worry at an object but without the concern of possibly breaking a window. The beauty of the BirdieBall is that it maxes out at 40 yards.

Furthermore, the BirdieBall will follow the same flight path as a regular ball that you may hit on the course or at the range, just to a certain distance. A true benefit lies in that it gives you some great feedback by telling you if you are slicing or hooking.

These three products are great items to enhance your game. All of which can be found at The Savvy Golfer, at very competitive prices.

2006-04-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

Quite the Assault on Augusta

So the Masters has reached its denouement, and Phil Michelson sits atop golf’s most coveted leader board. Quite a feeling of accomplishment for Lefty I’m sure, but I’m stuck eating a hefty helping of humble pie. No way did I think Phil could have turned out another win this year at Augusta, especially after last weeks’ performance at Sugarloaf.

It’s quite the occasion on several fronts for Michelson. The first benchmark, and perhaps the most publicized happening was his ability to win the week before the Masters at Sugarloaf, then winning the Masters itself this past Sunday. Only Sandy Lyle in 1988, Art Wall in 1959 and Ralph Guldhal in 1939 were able to accomplish this feat.

Secondly, Michelson now has two consecutive Majors under his belt. Can he carry this momentum over? I try not to make those kinds of predictions. I fear for my sanity and my fantasy golf team.

Thirdly, throughout the week, he caused quite a stir by packing some serious heat in his bag in the form of two drivers. Never before had a competitor done this, maybe now more pros will take notice.

Finally, Michelson has to be feeling ridiculously confident about his game. His short game is firmly in place, where he can really capitalize more so now that he is able to get the ball further down the fairway with his choice of driver.

Some speculated that he may have “peaked” too early leading up to the Masters, but Phil remained steadfast stating that Sugarloaf was the key preparatory tournament for his fight at Augusta.

All this talk about Phil is making me dizzy!

Let’s talk some Tim Clark.

Tim Clark, as I’ve stated before, is without a doubt a standout player in all regards. I believe this will be his breakout year where he will be winning some big tournaments. Although currently his status on the PGA Tour is winless, he has won three times on the European Tour and twice on the Buy.com Tour, now the Nationwide.

Of the nine tournaments he has played here in the states, Clark has finished in the top 15 four times and after his 2nd place finish at the Masters, thanks to an awesome hole out from the front right bunker on 18, he sits at 19th on the money list.

An awesome event to say the least, I hope all of you were able to watch!

2006-03-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday Folks!
(Gearing up for the weekend action)

I know a lot of folks are looking forward to next weeks’ Masters, but let us not forget about this weeks’ action which we are ankle deep in right now. (To use some Van de Velde imagery)

I know that being the week right before The Masters, a lot of pros are busy tuning up their game at Augusta National, but some faithful few Masters bound invitees have decided to take some swings at Sugarloaf this weekend in the BellSouth Classic.

I’m taking Padraig Harrington all the way. He’s on my fantasy team this week, and I think he’ll stick the pin all weekend long.

The European Tour is having at the Algarve Open where Big Break IV winner Paul Holtby is making his debut. (Sitting +5 T140 after Day 1)

Fresh off a win last week, Jean Van de Velde, The Frenchie, who has been having an ongoing issue with some gender issues regarding the world of golf hopes to go back-to-back.

Unfortunately for the Frenchman, upon review of the leader board after day 1 competition, it looks as though he’ll have a better chance of being issued an LPGA Tour card rather than winning on Sunday.

I know this is late, but I’m picking Paul Lawrie or Charl Schwartzel to come out on top.

The ladies of the LPGA tour are all vying for a Major Championship at the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills this weekend.

Annika Sorenstam, I’m sure, is hoping to hoist her 10th major trophy over her head on Sunday after all the divots have settled. Of course, this will be no easy task. With a great looking field, (literally and figuratively) Annika has some serious work ahead of her. Creamer, Gulbis, Wie, Webb, Miyazato, Pressel, and a contingent of Kims aren’t going to just give it away.

I’m marking Creamer down with the “W” and Pressel and Wie finishing top 5.

2006-03-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

Hello Again!

Good Souls,

I hope that this message finds you all well. The chilly winter months are pretty much past me here in Cleveland. But, of course, Mother Nature never makes a promise.

In any event, I hope to fall back into the golf blogging fold and start posting on a regular basis once again.

While I’ve been absent, I’ve noticed a few fellows have fallen by the wayside and a few have popped up in their place. I’ve made some additions and deletions on the side bar if you want to check them out.

Well, the hoopla has already been in full swing for sometime now and Masters Week is less than 5 days away. I can smell the majestic connotations in the air, and I’m hundreds of miles from Augusta.

The recent changes to the course have caused some corpses to turn over in their graves, while the living supporters of the renovations are defending the changes stating that it will foster a more competitive tournament.

Let me just say this one thing. Adding a few trees and moving a couple tee boxes back twenty or thirty yards is hardly a renovation.

I’m sick of reading about how courses are going through these huge renovations when all that is really happening is the addition of some more yardage. I know that it’s an undertaking to do, but c’mon! Sooner or later, airplane pilots are going to get runways and fairways confused.

In any event, what’s the Masters without trying to make a few predictions? Over at The Sand Trap, the staff has made some choices as to who is going to finish on top, who’s going to be the biggest disappointment, who or what will make the biggest surprise and who could be the dark horse in the field.

I’d love to hear your predictions.

2006-02-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

A Few Tidbits, Nubs and Points of No Interest

I Loathe Rory Sabatini

The guy is an ass and a schmuck. I can’t stand his attitude or his unpleasant demeanor. I guess it all stems back to what he did to Ben Crane last year. That shows me what kind of character the guy has. I don’t like him, despite his sweet looking pants.

What the F@#!, Michele Wie is number 3?
(How long have I been Comatose?)

I’m all for the women golfers of the world to be identified by a number. I’m a man, I’ve been putting this process to work since I hit puberty. But when you put an overrated, adolescent teenager who’s looking for her next payday at the number 3 slot, something is critically wrong. The chick still hasn’t won anything. I don’t know how Rolex is putting together these figures, but they should apply my method of numbering instead.

Accenture Match Play

Lets hope the little kitty cat feels better this week. He’ll need all the strength he can muster. The field is meticulously crafted with nothing but the best of what the world of golf can provide. I know this because my fantasy golf team for the Chrysler Classic of Tucson blows. (I’m hanging on to the idea that Justin Rose will make things happen.)

I’m picking three possibilities for the Accenture event: DiMarco, Goosen and Henrik Stenson (Yeah, that’s right. The swinging Swede is going to be making some noise. Don’t be a hater.)

Big Break V Better Give Me a Break

If Nikki DiSanto does not get kicked off tonight, I’m going to have a mental breakdown. Plus, I will be forced to designate all the other women who are on that show as “scrubs” and not worthy to even carry my bag because they are unable to get this crazy nut job off the show.

The Lame Golf Show Extravaganza

Not as good as I thought it would be. Read all about it here.

2006-02-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

Good Souls,

I know that I have not written anything in quite a while and for that I apologize. I have taken a little bit of a hiatus from the busy hustle and bustle of the golf blogging grind. I don’t know if it’s the weather here in Cleveland or what, but I got a bad case of “the Cabin Fever”. The driving range you see is nice and all, but it just isn’t tripping my trigger at this moment in time.

I need to get on the course damn it!

This weekend, the Cleveland IX Center will be hosting its annual golf show. Me and some buddies will be visiting and making some purchases without a doubt. Also, Jason Zuback and Brian Pavlet of Power Golf fame will be there for some demos.

I will give you all an update next week and let you know if I’ve been cured of my little case of the winter time blues after attending this most anticipated event.

I will say this though; the Black Label has been quite a comfort through this trying time of year.

Have a Great Presidents Day,

The Undaunted Duffer

2006-02-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

A Change of View:
Collegiate Golf Gets a Visit

With the spring season soon approaching the Erie shores of Northeast Ohio, I can’t help but think about the upcoming golf season. I’ve been practicing my chipping and putting quite frequently for the past few months in my basement by utilizing makeshift targets. Also, I’ve been hitting up the range as well, trying tirelessly to maintain my duffer like form.

All this is mere tripe in regards to the current, large scale happenings which are now taking place. The PGA Tour is in full swing, along with the Champions, Nationwide, and European Tours, with at least two golf tournaments being televised every week. I take this for granted during the late spring and summer months, forgetting about the off season when televised golf is something of a rare commodity.

These tours are all very well fine and dandy, providing great entertainment to the golfing masses week in and week out, especially this past weekend. I love em’. But, I can’t help but think about the untapped smorgasbord of golfing talent currently being refined and worked; no, not the Hooters Tour. I’m talking about college golf here folks.

I’ve never been a big fan of college sports. Call me a commie, call me a heathen, get the rope and string me up, but college sports never really turned me on. That is, until I caught the Walker Cup matches last year. Since then, I’ve broken out the speculum, gave myself a glance and now I’m trying to expound my attitude toward collegiate athletics. Mainly golf though. Baby steps people, baby steps.

The Golf Channel does what it can with its show College Central which is hosted by Megan West and Steve Burkowski. The show gives us a weeks worth of recap of all the college tourneys and some speckled stories highlighting some top Universities and their players. But is once a week enough?

Just to let you know, my new attitude is already paying off. While doing some personal investigation, I found the web pages for the Palmer Cup and the Porter Cup. I would probably have never known about these amateur tournaments before when my bitter and hostile mentality was in the way.

From here on out, I’m going to keep an open mind, College Golf Highlights and stories will be something I’ll have to keep myself updated on.

By the way, check out the final round scores for the Ping Arizona Intercollegiate tournament.

2006-01-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

Around the Green and some Misc.

The weekend has come to a close and to the winner goes the spoils, to the conquered, the agony of defeat and the possible questioning of ones worth. Maybe it’s not all that drab.

The Buick Invitational was something of a phenomenal performance by all parties involved at the end of the day. Even though I was only able to catch the last hour and a half due to personal obligations, the golf gods did me a solid by sending the Buick into sudden death. Upon entering his first tournament for the 2006 season, Tiger Woods came out the winner, topping Jose Maria Olazabal and the 30 year old rookie from Australia, Nathan Green.

I was really pulling for the former crematorium worker, hoping he would pull one out this weekend. Finishing 18th on the Nationwide tour money list in 2005, Nathan Green has played in two PGA Tour events thus far in 2006. Both entries were well worth the trip. He finished 5th at the Sony Open a couple of weeks ago, and now a 2nd place finish at the Buick Invitational. His tremendous play as of late puts the Aussie at 6th place on the money list with $652,800, leading the rookie class so far.

Hopefully, his finish on the 18th, the first playoff hole at Torrey Pines, will not be a thorn in his side. After rocketing his second shot from the fairway into the grandstands, he got relief and found himself at roughly 30 feet from the cup. With an elevated dance floor and not too much green to work with, plus the added pressure of competing with two of the worlds best (Woods and Olazabal), Mr. Green flubbed. His ball landed just shy of the green and still in the thickly ruff. Okay, so now we’re looking at his fourth shot. He’s got to make something happen.

The pressure got to him on stroke number 4, that’s the only answer I have. Green just didn’t make good contact and only advanced his rock a few inches, still keeping his ball in the nasty stuff. He eventually ventured out of the thick and putted out for a 6. His weekend was over.

Can the man shake the experience?

If we never made a mistake, how would we learn? He’ll be back, and he’ll be firing on all cylinders.

Of Further Notable Note:

Henrik Stenson redeemed himself by winning the Qatar Masters.

Loren Roberts is off to an awesome year by winning back-to-back Tourneys, last week at the MasterCard Championship and this past weekend at the Turtle Bay Championship.

Tripp Isenhour showed that he was the “Man of Panama” this past weekend by winning for the first time on the Nationwide Tour since 2003.

2006-01-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

Speak Up and Articulate
Or Sit There and Flatulate (?)

I’m going to be on the level with all of you. I’m getting severly pumped up for this coming weekend. Not to mention the entire ‘06 season. Four different tournaments are right around the bend, all of which are looking like superb competitions.

First, you have the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. The course where Tiger Woods is defending one of his “W’s” from last year, and trying to win for a fourth time on the coveted course. It will be no easy task though. He’s got some steep competition this weekend. Chad Campbell is coming off of two consecutive stellar weeks of play both at the Sony Open and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic where he won last week. Then you throw in some of this years hottest new prospects, i.e. Bubba Watson, Charlie Warren, and Camilo Villegas. And don’t you go forgetting about Jesper Parneviks’ sumptuous performance last week either. Finally, you throw some John Daly and some Phil Mickelson into the mix and you have one hell of a golf tournament. Yes in deedy, I will be watching.

Then, on the other side of the globe you have the Qatar Masters taking place at the Doha Golf Club. This weekend, Big Ern will be playing the role of defending champion. Much like Tiger, The Big Easy will have to lay some serious smack down if he wants to go back-to-back. On the prowl and hungry as a heard of African Widabeasts, Henrik Stenson, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Ricardo Gonzalez and Thongchai Jaidee all have something to prove after putting out some quality performances last week at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Championship but just coming up shy of Chris DiMarco.

Now, we circumnavigate the globe once again and we find ourselves at the Turtle Bay Resort for the Championship of the same name in Kahuku, Hawaii where the Boss of the Moss, Loren Roberts is fresh off his victory from last weeks MasterCard Championship. Hale Irwin, the defending champion, has played the Champions Tour like a nuclear sub commander. Steady and sound. Amassing 44 wins since he joined the tour in 1995, Irwin has been a force to be reckoned with. But as we saw last year, anything and anyone can come up with some mighty low numbers. This weekend, Jay Haas, Tom Watson, Dana Quigley and Loren Roberts are all going to be doing their best to give Hale a little Hell in Hawaii. Personally, I’m pulling for the Walrus, Craig Stadler, who came up winless in 2005.

Finally, we come to the Nationwide Tours’ first event of the season, the Movistar Panama Championship at the Panama Golf Club. After losing its top 21 prime time, super star caliber players to the PGA Tour a couple months ago, the ‘06 Nationwide season is wide open for the picking. It doesn’t look like too much of a cake walk though. Some seriously pissed off veterans have found a renewed focus: to get their asses back to the big boys table and make some serious cabbage. Briny Baird, Notah Begay and Matt Kuchar are just three former PGA Tour card holders with this determination. In the chase too is Ryan Armour, Ricky Barnes, Scott Hend and Hunter Haas who are all looking to make a name for themselves this year as well.

In closing, I’ve listed a lot of names to look for this weekend as well as for the rest of the season. Some may fare well, and some may turn out to be not worth a can of SPAM. I can understand if you think my rumblings sound like a flatulent passing ass, nevertheless, at least I’m making a sound.

Let me hear your choices for the ‘06 season.

2006-01-24T12:12:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, (With Rush Limbaugh Gusto)

I don’t know if you give a flying fig or not, but I wanted you, my dedicated readers, all three of you to know that for the past couple of weeks I have been temporarily filling in for Cody Thrasher (Thrash Talk) at the Sand Trap.

If you want the undaunted opinion concerning the new PGA Tour television deal or a little insight concerning the grotesque business practices of the Upper Deck trading card company, you may be interested.

2006-01-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

DiMarco Guns Down
The Swinging Swede

Sunday morning at The Abu Dhabi Championship had all the makings of a balls to the wall slobber knocker between some of the worlds best. Chris DiMarco and two time European Tour winner Henrik Stenson of Sweden had the honor of being the last group of the day while Sergio Garcia, Ricardo Gonzalez, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Colin Montgomerie were all in the hunt for a winners check of $333,170. But between you and I, I’m kicking myself for not buying Chris DiMarco stock on Thursday morning.

The win at the inaugural event marks DiMarco’s first since the 2002 Phoenix Open. It’s hard to believe that such a stellar player has gone looking for the well for four years, come close so many times, but still come up dry.

All that changed this past Sunday afternoon as Chris DiMarco’s thirst was finally quenched by edging out The Swede during the final round of play at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It looked as if we were going to see a serious battle between these two, especially after Stenson holed out a bunker shot at 11 to make birdie and tie DiMarco for the lead. However, Stenson’s brilliance was short lived as DiMarco answered right back with a birdie of his own to reclaim "Head of the Pack" status and accumulate some fiery gusto to which he held onto for the remainder of the round. Even with a personal best of 62 on Saturday, The Swinging Swedes’ momentum couldn’t stand and deliver during his final round of play.

This tournament was perhaps some of the greatest golf I’ve seen from Chris DiMarco thus far, with the ‘05 Presidents Cup and ‘05 Masters not far behind.

With his wife Amy on the bag for all four rounds, I have no doubt that she was a great encouragement for the former Gator. Chris read all his own putts and yardages without the assistance of his matrimonial caddy.

For interviews and a recap, check out the broadcast at the European Tour website.

2006-01-19T15:22:00.000-05:00

The Daly Planet’s a Hoot!

So I watched The Daly Planet yesterday evening, and…… Well……..Hmmmmmmmmmm? I’m not so sure if I’m hip to it or not. I have a feeling that it will grow on me though.

Episode Numero Uno focused on Big John heading up to our neighbor to the north, Canada. Niagara Falls to be more precise. You see, last August, The Lion, as he is dubbed, went on a promotional blitzkrieg in Canada’s number one tourist destination in order to drum up some big cheese dollars for his newest of business ventures, Thundering Waters Golf Club. The track was a collaboration between Daly and Canadian Golf Course architect Bo Danoff.

In order to bleed some pockets for his newest endeavor, The Lion staged a miraculous feat of man versus nature by trying to drive a golf ball across the mighty Niagara Falls chasm.

Twenty balls off a staged tee box were driven with Lions strength, but to no avail. The mighty J.D. had fallen short on all accounts. But he sure put on one hell of a show nonetheless.

In fact, the Hooters’ girls of Niagara Falls followed J.D. throughout the days’ activities to show their support for the Big Hitter. Yes in deed, these Wenches of Wings were dressed from head to toe in their voluptuous signature attire for the duration of the episode.

This media event was staged in early August of 2005. However, since then, John Daly has decided to no longer proceed with any further endorsement deals with the Hooters Empire at his wife’s request.

To summarize the episode, Daly filmed some commercials, attempted to hit a few golf balls over the Falls and hung out with some Hooters girls, all while smoking a bunch of cigarettes and drinking diet coke. At the end of a long day, he climbed into his limousine for the airport. Where, upon his arrival, his jet was awaiting to whisk him back home.

What a life in deed!

Will I continue to watch? But of course, it's John Daly Baby!

2006-01-18T15:37:00.000-05:00

A few projections from your Undaunted Duffer

I know I’m a Johnny-come-lately in regards to the Bob Hope Classic, but hey…

First things first, I’m going to be watching the young bloods this weekend at the Hope: Bill Haas, Sean O’Hair, Ben Crane and J.B. Holmes. Also, I’m going to predict strong finishes from Olin Browne and David Duval. That’s right, he’s getting that confidence back, and we’ll see it all out their on the course this weekend.

The Women’s World Cup will be decisively decided by the ladies of the United States. Although Japan will make a few powerful maneuvers.

The Abu Dhabi Championship is playing host to a plethora of superb players this weekend. I don’t even have the testicular fortitude to deliver a prediction. All I’m going to say is: Colin Montgomerie, Thongchai Jaidee, Jyoti Randhawa and John Daly. That’s in no particular order. Furthermore, Deep Bucket and David Howell. And that’s all I have to say about that.

If you’re not up to snuff on Abu Dhabi, check out my two part profile on the emirate.

All the links you need to keep abreast of these tournaments and more are located on the sidebar. Enjoy!

2006-01-16T07:37:00.000-05:00

Toms and his Ticker Prevail
While Campbell Turns to Soup
And Bubba Bombs Away

Going into the final round on Sunday, David Toms and Chad Campbell were tied for the lead, and it looked as if it was going to be a duel between the two in the Aloha State. Unfortunately for Chad Campbell, that hope was a misconception. David Toms put together a stellar round of 65 on Sunday to blow by Mr. Campbell who finished with a lackluster 70, only posting one birdie on his entire 4th round.

To be honest with all of you, I was pulling for Campbell. This guy has talent, but when it was time to put on his game face Sunday afternoon, he just didn’t have the war paint.

Perhaps the best performance on Sunday was that of Rory Sabbatini. The South African finished with 8 birdies and 10 pars on his final round, finishing tied for second with Campbell. I’ll give this South African some props for a job well done, but I think he’s still a crapper for what he pulled last year at the Booz Allen Classic with Ben Crane.

In any event, that’s all prologue.

Four of the top ten finishers at the Sony Open were rookies! Now that’s some good stuff. It would have been five, but Shane Bertch, who has made the PGA Tour twice before this season, started his final round with a trio of bogies on holes 2, 3, and 4 and just couldn’t really recover. He finished T13th.

Nonetheless, we had J.B. Holmes, a 2005 Walker Cupper and Medalist in Q-School finishing 10th, Charles “Charlie” Warren a two time Nationwide winner in 2005 and PGA member in 1999 finishing tied for 7th, Nathan Green, the former crematorium worker from Australia finishing 5th and my rookie of the year prediction, Bubba “21st Place” Watson finishing 4th.

Bubba, who I had first written about on 12/11/05, started preparing for the 2006 season early in Australia where he had some great finishes, 25th at the AU PGA, 14th at the AU Open and a spectacular 2nd at the Australian Masters.

Looking at Bubba’s stats for the weekend, you’d think that he was slighted in the end, and that he should have won just based on his numbers. He averaged 336 yards off the tee (1st in the field), he was tied for 2nd in greens in regulation (75%) and tied for 7th in putts per green in regulation (1.70). Then again, it isn’t too hard to get your ball on the green when your ripping your drive all the way down the fairway.

Keep an eye on this guy from Bagdad, this Floridian is bombing fairways.

(*Note: Bagdad is a city in Florida. Bubba Watson, to my knowledge, has never made any reference that he is or has been associated with the city of Baghdad, which is located in the country of Iraq. So, if the CIA or any other government agency is monitoring this blog, please note my notation. Thank You.)

**Special Duffers Note: Michelle Wie failed to make the cut at the Sony Open. The novelty is wearing thin. Although she did finish with a nice second round of 68.

***David Duval finished T31st, that’s all I’m saying. I don’t want to jinx the man. God knows……

2006-01-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

Abu Dhabi is Stylin’ and Profilin’
Part II of II

The Championship Edition

The Abu Dhabi Championship is less than a week away, and I’m soiled in anticipation. For some reason, I have been really getting excited over the European Tour as of late. I apologize that I really have not commented on the Mercedes Championships or the Sony Open these past two weeks.

In any event, the European Tour along with a few of their PGA Tour counterparts will be descending into the emirate of Abu Dhabi within a weeks time to get geared up for the inaugural event of the Abu Dhabi Championship which is taking place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 19th -22nd.

The course itself was designed by Peter Harradine, a renowned Swiss golf course architect, who started groundwork on the course in 1992. Harradine has also designed several other courses in nearby emirate of Dubai as well.

The field includes 112 EU players along with 8 invitees. Even some of the PGA tours’ standout players will be foregoing the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic next weekend in order to attend this new tournament. Vijay Singh, Chris DiMarco, John Daly (who is making his first trip to the Middle East), Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter all top the list of competitors who will be mounting campaigns to capture this new title for the first time. With total purse of $2 million U.S. on the line, it promises to be a strong tournament.

Luckily, for all the players who are in attendance, they will be shacked up in some rather ritzy digs at the 7star Emirates Palace Hotel. That’s right, you read it correctly, 7stars. And you thought 5stars was fancy.

IMG, the impenetrable world leader in sports and lifestyle management, referred to as “The Man” by all the other sports management firms, was hired by the emirates’ department of tourism to manage and stage the event. To IMG, this championship is just another walk in the park, practically. You see, IMG is not just a sports management firm with over 2,200 people on staff in over 25 countries. It also has a T.V. division which happens to be the largest independent distributor of televised sports. Putting on golf events for 4 decades now, IMG currently has over 20 professional golf tournaments in ten different countries which they are solely responsible for.

The director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Mr. Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi voiced his anticipation by stating, “We are delighted to have IMG as our partners in the organization of the Championship and we believe that the international publicity that the Championship will generate will be a vital step in establishing Abu Dhabi as a top class international golfing resort.”

2006-01-11T16:15:00.000-05:00

Abu Dhabi is Stylin’ and Profilin’

Part I of II

“Have you ever heard of Abu Dhabi?” You may receive several misleading answers if you’ve asked this question. Answers like, “I can’t eat spicy foods.” Or, “He works at the Quick Stop at the corner of my street.” Maybe you’ll even hear “That music is too loud and noisy for my taste. I don’t know how those hipsters can listen to it.”

Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates. On January 19th, the European Tour along with several big name PGA tour players will be part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Championship, an event that will without a doubt capture the attention of millions.

Many Americans know very little about this burgeoning piece of real estate in the Middle East known as Abu Dhabi. As mentioned, it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven separate emirates, all working together in order to establish themselves as global players in a plethora of worldwide industries. And it’s working!

Even though the wealth that the UAE has is directly derived form the export of Black Gold, (Oil) it has systematically decided to venture into other markets such as entertainment, tourism, transportation and communications. In fact, British tourists alone brought in $74 million last year from just June to August. That’s not too shabby.

Geographically speaking, all the above mentioned is made possible due to the fact that the UAE is perfectly situated. It has become the Hub of International travel for those venturing to Europe, the Far East, southern parts of India as well as all of Africa.

Also, sitting on top of an ass load of oil doesn’t hurt either.

To give you a brief history lesson, Abu Dhabi’s landscape was first used all the way back during the 3rd millennium B.C., when your typical everyday folk were busy herding animals, fishing for sustenance and nomading around. (Caution, the term nomading is not a real word. Use is sparingly.)

Its present day history really began in the late 18th century when both Abu Dhabi and Dubai were united under a tribal confederation named the Bani Yas. Not long to last, the Bani Yas branches in each territory parted ways in the 19th century.

As Abu Dhabi entered the 20th century, the territory maintained their way of living the good old fashioned way, camel herding. Not to be outdone, farmers in soon realized that the nearby oases of Al Ain and Liwa were superb breeding grounds for vegetable and date (the fruit) production. Also, during primarily the summer months, many would fish and dive for pearls off the coast of Abu Dhabi City.

Oil didn’t really come into the fold until around 1958 when it was first discovered. The cabbage (money) didn’t start pouring in overnight though, and in fact, it really didn’t have too much of a major impact at first. This was due to the fact that the ruler at this time, Sheikh Shakbut, wasn’t sure if the money would keep rolling in, so he decided to save it and not invest it into the territory.

This conservative approach did not last long. Shakbut’s brother, Sheik Zayed, soon to be named Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, took the reins away from his brother on August 6, 1966 with a little help from his friends, the British. Who, by the way, were occupying the entire region at this time. Zayed, before being appointed, envisioned reinvesting this newly found wealth back into the territory rather than socking it away. Ah, a visionary!

Two years later, in 1968, the British government announced that they would fully withdraw from the Gulf region by 1971. Upon this news, the second year rookie/leader Zayed turned into a roving diplomat around all the emirates, vying for unification within the region.
On December 2, 1971, the day finally came. The United Arab Emirates celebrated their first day of Independence from Britain.

Those British sure did get around.

Currently, the head of state of the UAE is President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan who is also the shaykh a.k.a. Head Honcho of Abu Dhabi since 11/4/2004.
The prime minister is Shaykh Maktum ibn Rashid al-Makrum he also moonlights as the shaykh of Dubai.

The government also consists of 21 ministers and one deputy prime minister. Furthermore, the UAE has a national assembly called the Federal National Council which is made up of 40 members, all of whom are from the seven emirates. It is the council’s job to put through or reject new laws and also suggest amendments.
So much for brief, sorry.

It’s quite interesting though, that the two most powerful people in the UAE government, President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan and Prime Minister Shaykh Maktum ibn Rashid al-Makrum are also leaders of the two emirates that now host international golfing events, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

I wonder what their handicaps are.

2006-01-08T13:06:00.000-05:00

Euros Win the Royal,
But the Asians still Rocked

Well, the Royal Trophy has reached its denouement and the European led Seve Ballesteros team came out victorious, barely (9 to 7). Enjoy the $60,635,962.37 baht. After day 1 competition though, it looked as though the European team would have a transient days work on Sunday, but that was everything but the case this morning.

I watched the Golf Channel’s coverage of the event and I was pretty impressed by the level of play at which the Asian team competed. Although two of the Asian teams heavy hitters lost their singles matches (Jaidee and Randhawa), it was the surprising play by the rest of the Asian party on day 2 that really stood out. Of the 8 total singles matches today, only 3 European players came out victorious. (Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson) I think that’s some pretty good golf.

Although I would love to regurgitate the hole by hole analysis like so many news outlets do, I’m going to take a different road.

The Royal Trophy, I believe, is yet another friendly but resolute “Guess who’s coming to dinner?” announcement to the entire world of Golf that Asian players are here to stay. People have said it over and over for years now, but this past weekends’ event, the growing popularity of the game in the Asian regions and a countless number of courses in development are all sure reason why any golf enthusiast should keep an eye on these gifted players, I know I will.

2006-01-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

It’s Gonna’ Rock in Bangkok
(I Had to Rhyme, Sorry)

Are you griping about the Mercedes Championship this weekend being a low profile tournament because Tiger, Phil, Ernie and Retief aren't going to be there? If you are, wake up! It’s still Golf damn it! But if you can’t stand to stomach the beautiful vistas of Kapalua Golf Club in Maui because you’re stuck in a frigid wasteland that is currently producing more rain than snow like I am, let me turn you on to something else.

The Royal Trophy is soon approaching, and all interested folks should leer toward Amata Spring Country Club in beautiful Bangkok Thailand. This inaugural event, which pins a Seve Ballesteros led European team, against the Asian counterparts of the East, which is captained by Masahiro Kuramoto, is sure to be one of great importance to the Asian Golfing constituency who don’t usually have the opportunity to cheer for their home bred professionals in this type of match play format.

The Royal Trophy is a sanctioned event by the European, Japan and Asian tours. The show is scheduled to begin on the 7th and end on the 8th (That’s this weekend for those of you who don’t have a calendar). The two days of competition will include foursomes, four-ball and singles matches. At the end of the day on Sunday, one lucky team will be splitting $1.5 million (U.S.) or $1,236,597.19 Euros or $60,635,962.37 baht.

Damn. I sure would hate to have to count all that baht. All the same, it’s sure to be a humdinger of a tournament.

The European team is made up of some oldies but goodies along with some fresh flavor. Thomas Bjorn, Nick Faldo, who happens to be both a captains pick and also out of a broadcasting job at ABC after the impending season, Kenneth Ferrie, David Howell, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley, Henrik Stenson and Ian Woosnam, who was the second captains pick.

To the “every once in a while” Golf viewer/reader the Asian team has a few names that aren’t going to chime a gong, but nevertheless, these guys can play, and play well might I add. Thaworn Wiratchant, Thongchai Jaidee (both products of Thailand) and Jyoti Randhawa rounded out the top three spots on the Asian Tours’ Order of Merit for 2005. Yasuharo Imano, Keiichiro Fukabori, Hun Suk-ho, with Arjun Atwal and Zhang Lian-wei, who were both captains picks, round out the remainder of the team.

The Golf Channel will be broadcasting the event on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m-12 noon. I’ll be watching, as I usually am.

Prediction: On a limb and a prayer, the Asian team will come out victorious.

2005-12-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Good People,

I just want to wish all of you a Happy New Year.

Words of Advise:
When you're out and about this evening,
Don't drink and Drive. You may hit a bump and spill your beer.

-The Undaunted Duffer

2005-12-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

Holidays and Handicaps

Greetings! I bring you good tidings and sincere hopes that you all had a marvelously stupendous holiday. If you don’t celebrate a traditional form of the yuletide season, I can only hope that you at least downed a pint or two or maybe even three to really give the “Big Day” it’s just due.

In any event, my holiday was a pleasant one. I got some stuff, I ate some stuff and talked with people who I ordinarily only see a few times a year.

During my holiday binge, my interest was peaked (Don’t ask me why) concerning a subject that I really had no interest in pursuing before. I feel as though I am quite the “Gump” just by bring up the fact that I don’t have one, but I researched what exactly is involved in regards to figuring out a persons’ official Golf handicap.

Let me tell you something, I was in no way, shape or form ready for what awaited me. Mathematical calculations, key terminology, top notch technological applications that span the globe and all sorts of exceptions, differentials and controls. Luckily, I came across a few resources that I found helpful in my pursuit of knowledge.

Below, are the couple of resources that I found. I am in no shape to give you an explanation myself.

Recently, I added a link on the sidebar under my Misc. Potpourri section. Brent Kelley is all about golf. His FAQ piece concerning handicapping was a great help in my struggle to get a handle on this most difficult of subjects.

The USGA also has an online manual which is completely free and contains any information you could possibly need regarding official handicaps.

Using this newly discovered information, I dabbled with some numbers and applied some calculations to arrive at a ballpark figure for myself. Although I would love to shame myself to the entire world, it is with great humility and a touch of grace that I will, for the time being, decline to share such information.

In any event, ladies and gentlemen, if you are already an authority on the subject, my hat is off to you.

2005-12-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

Is T-Woody Global Golf?
Are Pigs Taking to the Sky?
Should I be Concerned?

I just read this article that was posted on the Golf Channel’s web site. In it, this guy, who is strangely named Associated Press, makes several poignant and valid remarks. The whole gist of the piece is that professional Golfers, Domestics and Imports, need to travel abroad in order to promote the game of golf on a global scale.

Mr. Press also points out that there are some players who currently reside on the PGA Tour roster, who have already “Paid their Dues” and traveled world class style in order to get their playing time in and build up their resumes. This is all fine and heart warming.

"I'm sure the world golf population would like to see more guys travel, but as long as one guy travels, that's all we need. Golf around the world is Tiger Woods." As quoted by Thomas Bjorn.

HOW F-ING WEAK IS THAT STATEMENT?

First of all, Tiger Woods is not “Golf around the world”. He’s a good player, he can be exciting to watch, he sure as hell has the money to play around the world, but there is a plethora of other players I’d rather watch play golf and I hope you all feel the same too.

I don’t see T-Woody as the ideal definition of American Golf Ambassador. And I pray to the golf gods themselves that Mr. Woods doesn’t think so either. No one man or woman (I try not to discriminate) can carry that honor or burden, depending on how you want to look at the situation at hand.

The International players of today have the fortitude to create some serious quakes on a global scale in the coming years. Even more so than what they are currently putting out. This is mostly because these guys and ladies (I try not to discriminate) get their asses out of their hemispheres and play Golf. They’re Golfers damnit! That’s what they’re supposed to do anyway. Right? These globe trotting travelers are playing in different climates, different altitudes, they’re playing on all types of course layouts and getting a hell of a lot of competitive golf under their belts in the process.

In decades past, before airline travel was a means of habitual transportation, professional golfers, and their wives usually, drove to Golf tournaments. Yes, they would actually drive themselves. Fifty, sixty years ago, players didn’t have big huge paydays or ridiculously exaggerated endorsement deals like they have today. After hours of driving, these players of the Golden Era grinded it out every week in tournament play. Now, I know J.D. and D. Love III have the motor coaches which equate to the same amount of money as Peru’s Gross Domestic Product, but that’s not my point.

My point is, I think the true essence of competitive Golf is falling off of the American players’ radar. Some players can be so hung up on the dollars it’s ridiculous. The PGA Tour offers some monstrously sized purses compared to the EU, Asian or the Australasian tours. With the new impending shorter season format slated for 2007, the Tour is going to be throwing even more money at the “situation”. Which, in turn, does open up more dates for players to travel abroad, but will they?

In any event, thanks to Mr. Associated Press, that’s how I see it. Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar.

As for the rest of you, please let me know if I sound like an ass. (Just curious)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to examining Christie Kerr and her miraculous trophy. What a prize! That thing’s mounted on her mantle for sure.

2005-12-20T14:18:00.000-05:00

Good Souls,

It seems that there is to be an absence of competitive Golf this forth coming weekend. I have listed in my “Loops of the Week” sidebar the 5 domestic courses that I would most like to play instead. So, if anyone out their can hook me up, it’d be much appreciated.

In any event, historically and significantly speaking, the 5 courses that I have chosen all have their own just place in American Golf lore. Of course there are 100 other courses that I would love to play too, but these 5 always seem to get stuck in my head.

I wonder why?

You’ll notice a little old school flavor with one of my choices, Oakhurst.

Enjoy, and let me know if you’ve played any of them and what you think.

Hit the Sticks in ‘06!
The Undaunted Duffer

2005-12-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

Number 4 bests Number 5 for Number 1
at the SA Open, while Number 20 finds 9th

This past weekend was a rather hectic one. Shopping, shopping and drinking. So, you’ll have to excuse me for not scribbling anything in a few days.

There is only one thing I care to address in this post, and that is the South African Airlines Open. It turned out to be a real snap crackle pop all over my pants type of tournament. The Goose and the Big Easy went toe to toe through all 18 holes of their final loop around Fancourt Links on Sunday. The last few holes were to say the least, remarkable golf.

The nail really sank into the coffin on 17, when Retief holed out his chip from about 20 feet out for birdie to take a one stroke lead. The 18th was next, a nice little par 5, with 549 yards of lumps and humps stretching down the fairway. Both men’s drives were monstrous, but Ernie’s 2nd was what took the cake.

With his sweet and easy swing, Mr. Els shaped his shot perfectly. He landed his white rock just perfectly on the intimidating mound that stands guard at the front right side of the green. It fed slowly down to the hole.

With just the right touch, Els was putting for eagle and the win. The only business that needed to be addressed was a delicate 6 footer. As he stood over his putt, I couldn’t do anything but hope out loud. The Big Easy stroked his putt, only to see one hell of a rim job. Both men eventually made birdie, with the Goose earning the “W”.

Goosen commented that he’s going to be taking off the next 6 weeks for some R & R before teeing it up in Dubai in February. Good call my man. Take a load off and get ready for the 2006 season.

Big Ern on the other hand has been showing a little gusto-tude as of late with his stellar play in the past three weeks. Winning last week and coming in a closer than hell second this week, the Big Easy is on track for a record season.

My man Timmy C (Tim Clark) finished 9th, +2 for the tourney. Can you believe that action? The fourth round did some serious damage.

2005-12-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

A "Little" Bit of Communism Can Go a Long Way
(Don't Be Scared To Read The Below)

A few days ago, I wrote a letter to the MediaGuru himself complimenting and congratulating him on a job well done. You see, he has had his blog up and running for 1 year now, and it’s looking fabulous.

In any event, with all accolades aside, I began to address the question he asked from his post. The Guru wanted some feedback regarding the Google ads that he has been running. The man gets a few pennies each time one of his visitors gets click happy and starts to “window” shop. That’s all very well and good, and I applaud him for his capitalist efforts, but the only thing is, he still hasn’t seen any cash yet.

Google has it set up, that they won’t cut a check until you have $100 accumulated in your bankroll. Luckily, the Guru is almost there. So pay him a visit and put him over the top if you can.

But that’s not what this is all about. That whole thing about waiting till you have $100 saved is a little wacky if you ask me. You could be waiting years for crying out loud. I really think they should lower the $100 amount. This brings me to what I really wanted to address today.

Golf Bloggers Of The World Unite!

That’s right, I’m calling for Unionization baby! You read me correctly. Just imagine the possibilities. The Golf and advertising industry would be changed forever. Who better than us? United, we’d be a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with on a global scale.

I welcome your thoughts, comments and concerns.

Note to the Reader: If you don’t hear from me soon, chances are I’ve been Hoffa’d. Dig up any football field end zones or newly laid highways in the Cleveland/Columbus area to locate my remains.

2005-12-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION!
The Weekends’ Biggest Players
Seem To Carry Even Bigger Monikers

What a weekend, let me just tell ya’. Great tournaments great courses and even greater players. Where do I even start?

Well, there are two big stories which concluded well before I even woke up Sunday morning. I’m referring to the Dunhill Championship as well as the AU Masters. Both tournaments hosted a great weekend of Golf.

First things first, congrats goes out to Big Ern for winning the Dunhill. Who’d of thunk it? He’s back ladies and gentlemen. The Dunhill was Els’ first official tournament back since going into hibernation this past July after the British Open in order to have surgery on his knee. Fortunately for us, he’s all rehabbed and ready to go. He’ll be hoisting a title of “Major” proportions in 2006 no doubt. The Big Easy has found new focus and determinism, a lot of rejuvenated health and his family life, as he says, is back in full swing. The only thing holding him back now is Father Time.

Switching continents, did anybody catch the AU Masters results? Robert Allenby, who has been looping around his home base for the past few weeks with a fiery case of unbridled gusto-tude toward Australian golf courses, came away with yet another AU Major to add to his shelf. The Aussie is the first man to hold all three AU titles in the same year. The Triumvirate of Triumphs will without a doubt go down as one of the greatest achievements in Australian golf lore.

The event also showcased the exploits of a recent 2005 Nationwide Tour grad, Bubba “Golden Child” Watson, who finished 2nd to Allenby, by falling just short on the first playoff hole Sunday morning. Bubba received his PGA tour card vis-à-vis Jason Gore’s battlefield promotion which took place towards the end of the season. By Gore automatically being promoted, it freed up an extra card for some lucky soul on the Nationwide Tour.

“21st Place”, as I sometimes like refer to him as, has been no slouch around town himself in the Land Down Under. (Sorry, I couldn’t pass up a Men at Work reference) Last week, Mr. Watson placed 25th at the AU PGA Championship, and a week before that, Watson placed 14th at the AU Open. I see a good trend here. He’s getting himself out there, throwin’ his game down, and running the gauntlet against some of the worlds biggest heavies. Next year, no bones about it, Bubba’s gunna’ make some waves on the PGA tour.

Heed my warning comrades, I am no expert. My pick(s) for this past weeks’ Target World Challenge didn’t quite work out as well as planned. Two of my three picks , Montgomery (14th) and Howell (11th) did not come very close to my predicted “top 6”. However, Darren Clarke did hold the lead for a short while, only to fall two shots shy of the winner Luke Donald and settle for a 2nd place finish. Also, I guess I’m not too upset, I didn’t vie for Tiger in this tournament. Who, might I add, ended up slightly further down the rabbit hole than any of my picks at a beleaguered 15th place. Time for a vacation my good man. Take a break.

2005-12-08T12:03:00.000-05:00

Duffers, Beware of Top-Drawer Syndrome

There’s a reason why I call myself a “Duffer”. It’s because I, in all honestly, am not a good golfer. I lack some of the fundamental skills which are needed in order to become a good golfer. These skills that I need to work on are not acquired through purchasing high end clubs.

So, pardon my bravado, but I just can’t seem to give a damn about “the next greatest thing in golf equipment” right now. I know that there is a plethora of people out their chewing at the bit and soiling their pants over the newest driver, hybrid club or putter this side of the Mississippi, but for some reason, at this stage in my game, I don’t see the benefit of dropping a few hundred bucks on a club.

Personally, you could compare what’s in my bag to a potluck smorgasbord. I got a Taylor Made Driver (300Ti), Tommy Armour 3 wood, CallawayX16’s 2-SW, but I don’t use the 2 and 3 irons. Instead I use a Hogan 3iron Hybrid. I have a Hogan 56 degree wedge, a Mizuno lob and a PING Anser putter all the while playing with either a Maxfli Noodle or Titleist DT SoLo ball.

Granted, I have paid a few hundred dollars to get where I am now, but I don’t think I’ve gone overboard like some people that I know. The only club in my bag that I bought new was my 3 wood, which I bought at a discount when I worked at Dicks Sporting goods.

For some reason, I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a new driver or set of irons. I’m still trying to get used to playing, (and trying to play well might I add), with the ones I have now for Pete’s sake. By the way, I am fortunate enough to have an uncle who gave me his Callaway irons after he decided they weren’t up to his standard of play.

In any event, as I digress, tis the season for the next best thing in golf. Whether it’s balls, gloves, hats, bags or clubs, my only advise to the duffer next door is don’t get wrapped up in the hype. Pay what you feel comfortable paying and for that matter, what you feel comfortable playing with.

If you just bought a set of clubs this year, last year or the year before that, chances are you don’t need a new set. Unless of course you’re my friend, the Toking Bandit, who tends to chuck his clubs at anything and everything on the course after a blown shot. (We’re trying to work through his course management and anger issues. It’s a tender process.)

Now, I know that the big ticket items promise to have you reaping the rewards of low scores and possibly a few extra saw bucks you can pick up from your playing partners throughout a round, but if you don’t understand why the club is so pricey to begin with, chances are you don’t need it.

That’s my perspective anyway.

2005-12-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

Now I’m Felling Gusto Fabulous!
(What’s the Deal?)

Before I make any predictions for the impending Target World Challenge or any other tournament for that matter, I like to mellow out, take a few deep breaths and really focus on who exactly is in the event. I never like to pick one solidifying victor because, as we all know, golf is an individual sport, and the field, no matter what the tournament, is usually of ample size and depth.

On the other hand, this weekends’ “challenge” at Sherwood promises to be an ass in the seat, six pack at my side with some chips and dip kind of tournament. 16 of the worlds most undaunted pros are showing up and that doesn’t even include Cabrera, Singh and Daly whom each had to back out due to various personal reasons.

Hey J.D., put some ice on it!

In any event, I’m selecting three players who will all finish somewhere in the top 6. They are Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and David Howell. Yeah, that’s right! I didn’t pick Tiger! Draw your own conclusions and make your own assumptions. Also, if you didn’t notice, my 3 picks are all of imported birth.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

I’m feeling a little gusto-fabulous tonight, please excuse my exuberance, for I fear that the approaching holidays may be affecting my mental capacity. This, plus that fact that I haven’t hit a golf ball in several weeks could be the reason for my disturbing arrangement of vernacular as well as my loose construction of un-sounding lingo.

2005-12-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

Holy Smokes to Holy Hell

Yeah, so Furyk caught me by surprise this weekend at the Nedbank. The guy wasn’t even on my F-ing radar. So, Kudos to the wiry native of West Chester, PA for his chip in birdie on the second playoff hole in South Africa this past Sunday. Both my picks, The Goose and Adam Scott had good showings, but the fury of Furyk could not be tamed this past weekend.

Damn, he cost me $10 too.

Furyk, you owe me $10!

Then you have Monty. Holy smokes! Did you see this guy on day 4? He must have eaten a whole chicken, wore his lucky socks or rubbed a buddah's belly, something had to of happened. Don’t get me wrong, he played beautifully throughout the tournament. He held the lead then lost it only to get it back again. But c’mon? Kingston with the dub on 18, Loar with the one over on the 18th as well and then you have Simon Yates with the triple bogey on 14 and then the bogey on 16.

Did anyone see Yates’ calamity on 14? First of all, he had the local pro tending his bag. (Questionable) His tee shot ends up in a drainage ditch, doesn’t take the drop, and only advances the ball a short distance for his second, then skulls it across the green, it was like watching a train wreck. Needless to say, he was doneski after that hole.

I honestly felt bad for the guy, and that made me want to watch even more. You hate to see a player self destruct like that being so close to the lead, but you just can’t help but watch more intently. Isn’t that the reason why we watch sports to begin with? We like to see the struggle. We want to see who is going to overcome the odds and either be victorious, or fall on their asses.
So, a big fat congrats goes out to all those who were victorious this past weekend. Jim Furyk at the Nedbank Challenge, Colin Montgomerie at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Robert Allenby at the Australian PGA championship, the Langers’ at the father son tourney and Ai Miyazato for pretty much spanking the competition at Q-school by 12 strokes.

This chick has it. She’ll win on the LPGA tour next year without a doubt. I have a feeling about these things. Although, that feeling can sometimes be misinterpreted as bad gas, but we’ll see.

2005-12-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

Where O’ Where has my Rebel Gone?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I have just one concerning the Rebel Bloggers’ portrait on the Travel Golf website: Charisma. I can tell this spicy bastard has bite, but he has been curiously estranged from his TG family since the end of August. What has happened to the fearless Rebel who has always told it like it was, but with such gusto.

“Actually, he's just a boob.” the Rebel wrote concerning Sean O’Hairs’ father Marc O'Hair on August 9th. Or, this juicy tid-bit concerning Lefty and his sister, “I love Phil Mickelson. He's a great golfer. He's classy. Hell, his sister even looks hot.” And finally, his parting words of wisdom before the Rebel went into hiding, “SI's Jay Mohr is not a fan of golf. He says our fine sport is a waste of time, frustrating, caters to has-beens and is more frustrating than a lap dance.”

Charisma. With a little bit of panache thrown into the mix. That’s who The Rebel Blogger is. His absence from Travel Golf has been noted.

In any event, I can just imagine him now. Sitting on some tropical beach somewhere in the Caribbean, being waited on by scantily clothed hula girls wearing nothing more than a couple of coconut shells and a hula skirt. Or, there is always the alternative. His social security check isn’t cutting the mustard and he’s engulfed in his newly found position at his local Wal-Mart greeting the price savvy customers of the 21st century.

Whatever the case may be, there in no doubt in my mind that whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it with style and golf is not to far from his mind.

Cheers to you, The Rebel Blogger!

2005-12-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

A Little Concern for the Ladies

I may be a Johnny-Come-Lately concerning this subject, but as of late, this issue has been weighing on my mind. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to be getting a little “real” for a short time.

A few weeks ago, I watched the Natalie Gulbis show. I thought to myself, okay, she’s hot, she a damn good golfer and she’s only 22 all the while building a business empire. So I watched the show, and I couldn’t believe how big of a role her father plays in her day-to-day life. (I posted about it a few weeks ago initially.)

Anyways, that got me thinking. With all the hoop-la surrounding the up and coming ladies of the LPGA tour: Morgan Pressel, Michele Wie, Ai Miyazato and others; what role will their parents/guardians play in their professional lives? At times, these parents act as coaches, caddies, business managers, spokespersons etc… I can imagine that the role of parent can sometimes get skewed while both the flashing bulbs of our daily rags fight for position and the pleads of multi-million dollar sporting good conglomerates try to push their way to the top of the pecking order, trying to hitch a ride on the next money train coming down the pike.

What is this obsession of growing up ahead of schedule? I went through it. I’m sure all of you did too. Isn’t that one of the jobs a parent has? To keep you from growing up too quickly and self destructing? I don’t really know for sure, I’m not a parent. But I have them, 3 in fact. (Product of a true, standardized American family) And they knew my limits when I was younger and I’m doing alright so far.

The parents of these young ladies know best I’m sure, and maybe these standouts are ready to compete at the top level full time and be in the spotlight, cope with the pressures, the sponsors, the defeats, traveling and missing cuts on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis.

Do I think these women; including Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis (Just to name a couple) should have gone to college first? Absolutely. Are they great assets to the LPGA tour? Sure. Are they going to ever regret not playing collegiate Golf? Perhaps sometime down the line.

But what this article really boils down to is: these ladies will never really get a true sense of what it feels like to grow into being an adult. Instead, they are or have been thrown into adulthood prematurely by their entourage of suits, parents and supporters. The same can be said for child stars in movies and television.

Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to watching these women play golf. I know they will do great things for the sport, but I’m concerned what they’ll do to themselves in the process.

2005-11-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

Time to Celebrate!
(Just one more reason)

Just in case you are aware or not, today, November 30th happens to be St. Andrew’s Day. So make sure you celebrate the patron saint of Scotland accordingly. Hit the range and throw back a few pints of your most cherished lager and thank the man or woman upstairs.
(I try not to discriminate)

2005-11-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

12 Big Dogs on the Prowl in South Africa

Dear Readers,

I would like to offer my humblest apologies for the absence of any articles for the past week or so.

To start off, I just want to wish The Big Easy good luck this week at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa. He will be mounting his comeback season starting this Thursday at an event that I have dubbed, “The contest that I’d give my right testicle to attend.”

Let me just address the “Challenge Season” for a moment. I don’t know what all of you think, but to me, these events are where it’s at. The only thing that is missing is the proper recognition that these events so rightly deserve. Hell, I hadn’t even heard of The Nedbank Golf Challenge until I read about it today. Anyways, before I show any more of my ignorance I’ll progress.

These events offer the players a chance to try out new equipment, set their focus for the impending season, build up confidence, add some extra cash to their more than likely, already fat pockets and allow even more spectators to see their favorite golfers in action.

In any event, the winner will be leaving South Africa this weekend with $1.2 million and with this field that will be no easy task. 12 solid players duking it out at, I kid you not, the Gary Player Country Club. Wouldn’t it be great to have a damn Country Club named after you?

Anyways, the field looks good, Ernie is back in action and the course looks superb. The only thing that chaps my ass is that there is no television coverage.

Prediction: Adam Scott gets the “W” with the Goose just falling short.

2005-11-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
And to all:
Keep on Giving.

Especially to your Golf game.

2005-11-23T21:19:00.000-05:00

The Duffers’ Anthology of Putting:
How to Putt Well and Make Your Friends Cry
Part II

After further research into my annals of Golf resources. I have found a few more games and drills to use on your local practice greens or even in your own backyard if you are so lucky. Periodically, I will hope to add to this collection as I see fit.

Short, Long, In (GOLF MAGAZINE, Nov. 2005 p.146)

The Basics: Their are 3 “rounds”. You and an opponent putt one ball per round.. The object is to have your first ball stop just short of the cup, the second is to finish just long and have the third one drop into the cup.

The SHORT round: Standing 30 feet from the hole, you and an opponent putt your first ball. The object is to get the ball closest to the cup without it falling. Shortest and closest to the hole gets one point.

The LONG round: Still thirty feet away, aim towards a different target on the practice green. The goal is to have your ball end up just long of the hole. The person whose ball is just beyond the hole and still closest to the cup wins one point.

The IN round: From the same distance, putt towards a different target again. Now sink your putt. If you do, that’s a point. If you both miss, that one point carries over to the next time you reach the IN round. Continue this drill until one of you reach 21.

Quarters (GOLF MAGAZINE, Nov. 2005 p.147)

On the practice green with an opponent, drop one quarter on the ground. From 5 feet away, you and your opponent have 10 balls. Each time you hit the quarter with a putt, add 25 cents to your total. After each of you finish putting all ten balls, total up each of your winnings. Whoever has the most change, wins. Whoever wins, gets ALL the change.

*Note: By putting to a quarter in practice, the hole will look bigger when the real money is on the line.

**Note: I hope you know that you can play this game for more than a quarter.

Going On A Bender (GOLF MAGAZINE, September 2005 p.76)

Goal: Putting to a target other than the hole.

“Increase your putting confidence by placing a tee on the edge of the hole at 5 o’clock for right-to-left breakers and at 7 o’clock for left-to-right breakers. Try to putt around the tee so the break feeds the ball to the hole.” This drill will force you to look at targets other than the hole, which is necessary when you have a nasty looking undulating green.

Keeping Yourself Soothed (Golf Digest, June 2005 p.323)

My buddy, The Toking Bandit, has been trying something new this past year on the course. He has been listening to his ipod while playing his rounds. He has improved in my opinion, but he tends to disagree. But you don’t have to take my word for it though. Jim Gregory, a Golf Digest Schools instructor will tell you the same thing.

“I like practice putting with music playing in my headphones. It clears my mind, improves my sense of tempo and filters out other distractions around the practice green.”

The Gimme
By: Martin Levac Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Setup:

On the practice green. Place one tee 5 steps from the hole for the tee off line. Place another tee 1 step past the hole for the OB line. Area from hole to OB is the Gimme area. The Gimme area can be defined as a half circle around the hole with additional tees on each side of the hole, everything outside this area is OB. Any distance can be used as long as a 5-to-1 ratio is kept.

Rules:

Each player plays an equal number of balls off the tee line (1, 2 or 3 or whatever). Once a player has played his balls, he counts his points and picks up his balls. A round ends when each player has played all his balls. A new round starts with the previous round's highest scoring player and so forth. Play as many rounds as required for a game to be won.

A game is won when, after all players played the last round, a player has scored the most points with a set number of balls (10 balls a game, for example) or when a player reaches a set number of points (21 points a game, for example). Tied game playoff is played with rounds of a single ball each tied player until a winner is determined. Any ball that doesn't reach the hole is out and cannot be second-putted, it can also be removed so it doesn't interfere with other balls yet to be played as well as balls still in play.

Any ball OB is out and cannot be second-putted, it can also be removed so it doesn't interfere with other balls yet to be played as well as balls still in play. Any ball in Gimme area is in play and can be second-putted, it can be marked so it doesn't interfere with other balls yet to be played as well as balls still in play. Any ball that doesn't drop on second putt is out, it can be removed blah blah. A ball reaches the hole when it completely reaches the hole. A ball is OB when it is completely OB.

No mulligan>See scoring on putts that don't reach the hole.
Second putt allowed only on Gimme.
First putt lip out counts as Gimme no matter where it ends up.
No third putt allowed. Ever.

Scoring:
+2 pts First putt hole out.
+1 pt Second putt hole out.
-1 pt First putt doesn't reach hole>No second putt allowed.
0 pt any other putt.

For example. In one 3-ball round, a player can score a maximum of 6 points with three first-putts that hole out or a minimum of -3 points with three first-putts that don't reach the hole.

Scoring logic:

First putt hole out is best>To par: Birdie.
Gimme putt hole out is second best>To par: Par.
First putt OB had a chance to hole out but didn't stay within gimme distance>No point>No second putt allowed.
First putt short>It's been said that 100% of putts that end up short have 0% chance to drop. As a result, they do not deserve to be conceded. No second putt allowed. You lose 1 point. Wuss!

The general idea of this putting drill is to reward distance control and accuracy while having fun. It's also a good way to practice making par or better on a GIR. You can play by yourself, it's good practice anyway.

2005-11-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

PGA and Digest Sitting in a Tree…….
(Does it really Matter?)

Okay, this has been another issue that has made an appearance on my plate for the past few days. I was debating whether or not to address this issue or not, much like Duvals’ first round lead at the Phoenix on Thursday (which he blew), but I felt compelled as…. Wait…., I want to make sure I have the wording right……., “A self-styled people's journalist” so named by Travel Golf’s Managing Editor Mark Nessmith. First, I want to thank Mr. Nessmith for such an honorary title. A title that I earned all the while not even having to attend a fancy shmancy college. I am truly humbled.

Now, if you haven’t taken a close look at a few blogs in the past couple of days, their is this big hub-a-baloo going on over the done deal partnership between Golf Digest and the PGA tour. If you want more details concerning this matter, I suggest you check out Tim McDonalds’ article because he did a bang up job reporting on it. (He’s paid by the way.) Frankly, I really couldn’t give a fat ass about the issue.

In any event, I’m sad to report, Tim McDonalds’ article, according to some, didn’t quite cut the mustard. You see, it is apparently my duty as a non paid “self-styled people's journalist”, to report, comment, notate, mention, criticize, jibba-jabba and expound on such issues even though I could care less about them.

You see, I am not a paid journalist. I have never worked in any media field. I write about pretty much whatever I want. I choose to write about Golf, beer, and maybe some other manly vices that I shall keep under wraps for the time being. Anyways, to be honest, this whole ordeal with the PGA and Golf Digest getting into bed with one another plays what role in my life? I feel that I’m a discerning student of Golf. Even an adult for that matter. So I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to differentiate between what’s truth and honesty and what’s bullshit.

And if the PGA goes down the crapper? Well, that’s Tim Finchems’ baggage.

SO THERE, I WROTE ABOUT THE ISSUE ANYWAYS.

HAPPY?

2005-11-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

The Duffers' Anthology of Putting

Ladies and gentlemen of the golfing community, as of late, I have plunged myself knee deep into the vast cavernous resources that reside in my private golfing library to give you “THE” definitive collection of putting games and drills for all your practice and competitive desires. Unfulfilled with my librarial collection, I began pulling ideas from various sites on the internet to aid in my research. Below are just a few competitive games that I found in which one could make a little extra cash before their round:

Round the Clock
Bullseye!
Zone Ball
Hole out Relay
Crack Putters Open (My favorite)
Horseshoes (2nd)
Twenty-One

I’ve played several of these with my comrades on the practice greens before our rounds and I believe that I am a better putter for it.

Now that you maybe looked at a few of the games and drills found on-line, the descriptions below come from my periodical interests:

Tiger’s Drills:
Plant two tees 3 feet from the hole in the ground on the practice green just wider than the putter head itself. Stoke the putter through this “gate” Tiger won’t quit till he sinks 100 in a row. (Golf Digest Nov. 2005 p.44)
Using 6 balls and again 3 feet out, hit 12 putts with your right hand only, then 6 with both hands. Don’t stop till you drain the Benjamin. (Golf Digest Nov. 2005 p.44)

Stewart Cinks’ Ritual:
Use your driver to measure the approximate difference from the cup. Place two tees in the ground at both ends of the Big Dogs’ grip. (Roughly 3 and 4 feet respectively) Use this process to create four separate stations surrounding the cup (8 tees total) Using one ball, try to make three rotations by sinking your putt at each tee. Good Luck! (Golf Digest Dec. 2005 p.120)

Around the World: (Golf Magazine Nov. 2005 p.147)
The object is to putt around the edge of the practice green between the flags and the fringe in the fewest strokes possible.
Step 1: Place a tee in the ground between a flag and the fringe. This is your starting point. It is also the finish line.
Step 2: Using one ball apiece, you and your competitors’ task is to putt outside the boundary between the practice green flags and the fringe that surrounds the practice green. If you cross the boundary, you must putt your ball back into play. Now if you putt off the practice green, place the ball where it initially crossed the fringe and putt back into play. Oh yeah, each mistake is a one stroke penalty.
Step 3: Make one trip “Around the World” while trying to stay within the legal area and end where you began. Fewest strokes wins the game and hopefully some cabbage. (Not the vegetable.)

So there you go, as I find more games and drills I will make sure that I pass them on to you. There are still more resources that I have yet to explore. If you have any putting games of your own to report, please let me know so that I can add them to "The Duffers’ Anthology of Putting: How to putt well and make your friends cry."

Note to Reader: When I mention my “library”, you should know that I am referring to the stacks of periodicals located in my bathroom.

2005-11-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wait! What? Who did you say?

Excuse me? Did I read this correctly? You know, I wasn’t going to comment on it, but then I thought about it and I decided that I had to. Ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure to inform you that none other than David Duval currently has the lead after the first round of the Dunlop Phoenix Open.

Please, change your shorts and compose yourself before further reading…………

Duval finished his first round at the Phoenix Country Club in Miyazaki, Japan at -6 today, one stroke ahead of the sweet little kitten whose currently ranked number 1 in the world.

Now, let me make myself perfectly clear. I am in no way predicting a “W” here for
Mr.Duval. In order to do that, I’d have to be under the spell of a multitude of controlled substances. Not that I wouldn’t mind seeing the guy win, but…..c’mon. Nevertheless, it is great to see that Double D is out there playing a solid round of golf against some serious talent.

2005-11-16T16:06:00.000-05:00

That’s Some Gulbis!

I spent thirty minutes of my most precious time last night watching the Natalie Gulbis show. I have mixed emotions about the whole ordeal. On one hand, she’s a real fine looking young lady and a brilliant golfer, on the other hand, her dad’s a loud mouthed ass. Good luck to the guy who wants to date her. The guy seems like the real deal power dad who’s not going to let his little girl do anything without his approval. If you noticed last night, he referred to Natalie’s house as his own. It’d be interesting to know who exactly is in control of her finances.

To further reveal the fact that Natalie’s dad is a despot on her life, I couldn’t believe some of the negative comments he was shooting in her direction as she was playing. She claims she wouldn’t have it any other way, she’s got thick skin yada, yada, yada, but c’mon. Could he be the reason why she hasn’t won a tournament yet? She’s certainly proved that she’s capable of winning. If her dad isn't the reason what is?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not a father, nor am I a woman. But something just didn’t sit right with me concerning their father-daughter relationship. Granted, we saw the majority of his comments being made to others in the gallery, but I’m sure he lets her have it on the practice range as well as during practice rounds.

Nevertheless, I did think it was cool to see her training session with Butch Harmon. I’d kill for some of the golf memorabilia that guy has in his office. Next weeks episode looks pretty spicy, so I’ll have to stay tuned of course.

2005-11-13T19:16:00.000-05:00

Is The Deep Bucket All Out Of Balls?

Maybe it’s something in the air tonight, maybe it’s just the murmuring drivel that I’m hearing on the Golf Channel or maybe I’m starting to see the future: I don’t really know for sure. I pray to the Golf gods that I’m dead wrong, but Vijay “Deep Bucket” Singhs’ playing as of late has been somewhat of a let down. I know, I know, I’m probably jumping the gun here. It’s the end of the official season and the man probably needs a break or he’s just plain tired. Nevertheless his play as of late worries me. Two back -to-back cuts, a poor performance at the Presidents Cup and although he played undaunted through the HSBC, I didn’t feel the Vijayesque gusto.

Could this unsettling play be related to the unfortunate Ping-Pong incident that took place this past summer? I’d hate to see one of my favorite players nose dive after a table tennis injury. An injury that took him out of commission for the NEC Invitational. An event that I was fortunate enough to attend, and Deep Buckets’ absence is so noted on my all time let down list. I even shed a couple tears.

To be real though, the man lives, breathes, eats and poops golf, playing 30 tournaments alone on the PGA tour this past season and placing 2nd on the money list while Tiger and Phil played only 21 tournaments a piece.

So I can see how a decline at the tail end of the season could happen, but nevertheless, I want to see Vijay back on top. That is until Ernie comes back, but that’s a whole different ulcer of worry altogether.

Could this unsettling play carry over to the 2006 season? I hope not.

What’s your take?

Note to the reader: I have dubbed Mr. Singh as “Deep Bucket” for his pre and post round activities on the driving range where he tirelessly perfects his craft.

2005-11-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

The “Mustached Cheese Man”
Leaves The Field Moldy By 6 Strokes

He played one hell of a tournament this past weekend all the while showing all of us duffers, amateurs and professionals alike that you can in fact appreciate with age. Beating out the tours top thirty minus one this past weekend, Bart Bryant executed a superb four days of solid Golf around the historic grounds of the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta Georgia.

The man demonstrated this past year that he’s no schlub around any golf course the PGA threw at him by finishing 9th on the money list for 2005 with a cool $3.2 million in earnings.

Bart is yet another fine product of the “Don’t mess with Texas” state. He’s in good company with the likes of such greats as Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite just to name a few. Does Mr. Bryants’ future hold such great name recognition? I think it already does. A journeyman for the past 20 years on the “You name the professional tour/tournament” list, Bart is definitely a grinder, (not the sandwich of course). Whatever they’re putting in the water down their in the Lone Star State, keep doing it, it seems to be working.

Now that the Cheese Man has come out firing on all cylinders this past year, what does his future hold one may query? Ryder Cup? Presidents Cup? A major or two to add to his list of accomplishments perhaps?

In any event, I’d like to congratulate Mr. Bryant on a job well done, and wish him an early Happy Birthday. (November 18, 1962)

2005-11-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

“Dubai, It’s Not Just A Desolate Sand Ridden Spot On A Map Anymore!”

For the past few years, a small oasis in the Middle East called Dubai has been growing at a remarkable pace. Only twenty-five years ago, a good amount of its inhabitants were nothing more than nomadic Bedouin Shepard’s who wandered the sandy dunes from one day to the next tending to their flocks. That all quickly changed once the reserves of Black Gold or Texas Tea (whichever you prefer) were discovered and taped into like a full keg at a frat party.

Now, Dubai is blossoming into an economic juggernaut whose main ambition as of late is tourism amongst other things. The small oasis in the desert has become quite the playground for those who can afford it. Currently, Dubai has either completed or is in the midst of completing a number of massive construction projects estimated to be in the $30 billion dollar neighborhood.

What’s so wonderful about Dubai you may ask? Well, just ask Donald Trump. For the first time in his robust career, he’s lending his name and resources to at least three of Dubai’s building projects in the soon to come future. Now that Trump has his name written in the sands of Dubai, what’s next on his itinerary? Perhaps Trump Middle Eastern Golf Course? Who knows? Nevertheless, if Trump does decide to make a foray into the golf course business in Dubai, he’ll have some vigorous competition.

This desert oasis is home to several world class golf courses such as the Emirates Golf Club, the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club designed by Thomas Bjorn, the Arabian Ranches Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker Finch and the Dubai Festival City Al Bandi Golf Resort which was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Also, the Nad Al Sheba Club, which is my pick because the entire course is lit up under flood lights until midnight. The Sheba also hosts the Dubai World Cup which is the worlds’ richest horse race. Next year it will take place on March 6, offering a purse of $6 million.

Perhaps the one course that gets the most ink as of late is The Mongomerie Dubai which opened in 2003. I’ll give you one guess who aided in the design of this beauty……Awwwww, what gave it away? In fact, the course is quite the jewel. Co-designed with Desmond Muirhead, this course can brag that it is the “Full Monty”, boasting 14 lakes, 72 bunkers and the worlds’ largest green. The contoured par three 13th plays host to a massive 58,000 square-feet of undulating dance floor. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Traditional? Maybe not as much as some would hope, but Dubai is striving to create courses similar to those of the United States in hopes to draw in more tourist dollars.

For the past 16 years, Dubai has been the home of the Dubai Desert Classic. Recently, this contest of balls, sticks and wits has been the topic of many news outlets mainly because two of its announced competitors are the best golfers in their own right. Tiger Woods, the worlds’ number one player and also Colin Montgomerie, number one on the order of Merit overseas. Monty sure has been making waves on both tours this past year as has Tiger. No word on Ernie Els making an appearance as he is rehabbing his knee but the Big Easy has won the tournament three times thus far and he has until February 2nd when the tournament starts at Emirates Golf Club.

The total prize money this year has soared to $2.4 million, with $400K going to the victor. Since 2000, the prize money for this tournament has risen sharply by $733K. I know what you may be thinking, $400K for a “W” is a mere pittance to us domestics but it’s a pretty decent size compared to other tournament totals on the European schedule.

Dubai. Say it with me. Duuuuuubaiiiiiii. It just rolls off your tongue doesn’t it? I’ll be watching in early February to see how it all plays out.

2005-11-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

Next Time You’re At The 19th Hole,
Take A Stumble On The Dark Side

Well, I thought I’d mix it up a little bit this time and write about something that I cherish almost as much as golf. No, not sex. I’m talking about beer damn it! Not just any kind of beer, but dark beer. It is perhaps my most favorite kind of brewski to indulge in I must say. I can’t stand the “light” beers, the “low carb” beers or the Americanized beers that taste more like water than alcohol. I haven’t always been that way though. Back in my high school and college days I’d settle for anything that I could get my hands on or could pay for. That usually meant the Natural Light or Milwaukee’s Best a.k.a. “The Beast.” But as I aged, so has my tastes for the finer things in life.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all in on some good dark beers that you can pick up just about anywhere. Some are little more expensive than others, but you’ll have that.

Note to all readers: All of the below listed brews are best served in a frozen beer glass or mug. A good tip is to wash the mug, and place it immediately into your freezer.

Sam Adams Black Lager
Michelob AmberBock
St. Pauli Girl Special Dark
Shiner Bock

Now these are just a few different kinds of brews to get you started if you haven’t been exposed to the darkside yet. I would also like to note that I never drink while I play golf. But maybe I should start. I’ve been reading and hearing drunkin' slurs that drinking while playing makes you more loose and not so scatter brained.

In any event, if you have any beer varieties that you are particularly fond of, please let me know. I try not to discriminate.

Enjoy!

2005-10-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

Some Page Turners You May Want To Dog-Ear

So I’m knee deep in this book “The Greatest Game Ever Played”and I got to say, it’s pretty damn good. For the past few months now, I’ve been trying to read some good golf books along with my monthly therapeutic intake of golf magazines. I’m not reading books on swing tips or anything like that mind you, just good books about the game of Golf itself. So far, I’ve read:

“Oakhurst : The Birth and Rebirth of America's First Golf Course”by Paula DiPerna, Vikki Keller
“Hogan”By: Curt Sampson
“The Masters : Golf, Money, and Power in Augusta, Georgia” By: Curt Sampson
“Scotland's Gift: How America Discovered Golf” By: Charles Blair Macdonald

So if any of you have any feedback on some page turners, please let me know. Otherwise, if your looking for a good read, try the above mentioned. Please note though, Macdonald’s book is somewhat detailed and in all honesty a bore in some parts, but still a good story of how Golf came to America nonetheless.

Enjoy!

2005-10-26T17:56:00.000-05:00

Broadcast Golf Needs To Get: Gusto-Fabulous

I recently read a post from a fellow blogging compatriot, The Golf Blogger who wrote about the impending PGA negotiations with the fat cats of public and cable television. I understand the point some make when they say that the golf season is quite lengthy, that’s one of the reasons why I love the sport so much, I can watch it practically every week. On the other hand, I can see why some may not agree with the extended season.

I have a feeling that these major network honchos really dropped the ball when they initially signed on for all these tournaments back in 2001 at the height of “Tiger Mania”. How can anyone put so much pressure and so many expectations on one individual? Did they honestly believe that Tiger would be the end all solution for golf? Sure, the sport has peaked thanks very largely in part to Tiger Woods, but c’mon. The sport of golf can never rely on the strength and gumption of just one player. Because sooner or later, every player stumbles. Some players crash.

If I was in Carolyn Bivens’ camp, the commissioner of the LPGA, I would pay close attention to the ensuing talks between the PGA and the television networks. In the coming years, Bivens will have to contend with expected crowds hovering over Michelle Wie and other women who are now on the prowl. Just look at all the attention Michelle received for being disqualified. Imagine if she actually won. But the LPGA tour’s future is bright with several big names log jamming the leader boards week after week. I.e. Creamer, Gulbis, Kim (take you pick) and especially Sorenstam the list goes on.

I believe that broadcast golf needs an awakening. It needs a jump start cocktail of Red Bull, Vodka and Ginseng. I love to watch golf, absolutely, but some of these broadcasters are so lame and dull. Some have the exuberance of a door knob. We need more David Feherty’s and Gary McCord’s running the a

2005-10-20T13:22:00.000-05:00

Panache and Flair at Tommy Bahama Challenge
(And that's just the captains)

Just a little tid bit. I recently learned that the Tommy Bahama Challenge will be taking place on November 8th at the Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona but it will not be aired until Jan 2nd on CBS. First of all, I think this is pretty stupid. I mean, I have to wait almost 2 months before I can watch this thing? I want to know what’s up with the wait. To be honest with you, I missed this past years U.S. victory but am looking forward to the upcoming event for sure.

It looks like it’s going to be a genuinely good match up. The event will be match play, Americans Ben Crane, Ryan Moore, Zack Johnson and Arron Oberholser pitted against Internationals Justin Rose, Tim Clark, Geoff Ogilvy and Kevin Na. I think it will be a grinder all the way through to the end. But, I predict a repeat victory for the Americans, but they will definitely have to earn it. The International team looks pretty strong this year. So file this prediction somewhere handy.

Finally, I guess I’m more or less excited to see David Feherty and Gary McCord have at it while in their captains’ chairs. These two charismatic, overtly boisterous characters captained their respected teams last year, with McCord leading his doughboys to victory over Feherty’s imports thanks to Kevin Na’s approach shot on the first playoff hole. An eventual concession on the 18th green at Grayhawk from Feherty himself gave the obtusely termed “Young Guns” of America their victory. “Young Guns?” Why do we use this term folks? First of all, it was a movie in the early 90’s. Second of all, it just sounds like a really bad porno flick with the absence of females. Let’s try not to use this term anymore, okay? I apologize personally for using it myself. I will never use the term again.

So anyways, I’m looking forward to watching the event two months after it actually airs because it has some great players involved with some spicy captains.

I think the Captain's calling right now.

2005-10-18T12:37:00.000-05:00

No Love, Some Love, Much Love over Michelin
(But it's all spilt milk anyways)

In response to Cody Thrashers’ statement from The Sand Trap that he wouldn’t want to see Dick Trickle win a NASCAR race over Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Tony Stewart; I’d definitely want to see it.

First and foremost, Dick Trickle happens to be that greatest name in all of sports. Personally, I would love to hear the name Dick Trickle proclaimed all over the radio and television as well as plastered all over our daily rags. C’mon, Dick Trickle!

Now that I have my 8thy grade sense of humor past me for the moment, I’m upset for a few reasons concerning this past weeks Michelin Championship.

First and foremost, I didn’t care for the course. Don’t get me wrong, I’d play it if I were invited, or had the ungodly amount of money it costs to join, but I’m not for the desert courses. Nice landscapes, excellent views, but it’s just missing that special touch that we associate with all great courses. I really don’t want to see a whole bunch of cacti or roaming tumbleweeds while I golf. That’s just one duffer’s opinion.

My second disturbance in the force also relates to the course itself. Both Furyk and Short finished at -21. -21 damn it! I’m sure many of you love to watch the birdie fests which take place on courses like this, but I’m one of those guys who love to watch the big dogs struggle. Show me Tiger hacking out of a bush, Singh ankle deep in a pool of water, Furyk having to take a drop to try and stay alive. That’s what I like to see. (1 out of three ain’t bad) Struggle? -21 isn’t a struggle. On the other hand, sudden death this past week at the Michelin was.

Thirdly, on Saturday, I was without golf. I turned on NBC, ABC and CBS and what did I see? College football. Okay, I’ll watch a game here and there, I’m still an American damn it, but where was the Michelin? So I turned on ESPN, the Golf Channel and USA. Still nothing! I did notice however, my cable service did show that USA was supposed to be broadcasting the Michelin, but when I turned to the station, there was a message on the screen which read something to the extent that they were unable to broadcast. Mr. Big Wig and Mr. Head Honcho must have called Mr. Pain in the Ass head of programming and ordered college football all day and no golf. What’s wrong with these people?

Finally, my last disturbance didn’t come from the tournament, but from a fellow blogger at another site, the Sand Trap. Although I enjoy reading Cody Thrasher’s views and opinions, I disagree with him when he implies that no name victories are not exciting. One of the greatest things about golf is the possibility that on any weekend, anyone who qualifies to enter the tournament has a chance to win. Albeit, some don’t have a reasonable chance in hell, but they still have some sliver of hope. Victories like these get me riled up and start my juices flowing. I won’t lie. Not because I always cheer for the underdog, but it lets me know, as a duffer, that anyone can have their day in the sun.

2005-10-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

Daly will rise again

Good Souls,

I apologize, but I have been on vacation for the past several days working tirelessly on my habitual habits. Over this past weekend, I watched as much as I could of the AMEX at Harding Park. I can’t express how upset I was that J.D. didn’t win. To some, he may seem like a passing fad in a realm of substantial, elitist golfers. To me, he’s what everyone else says he is; a professional golfer who common man can relate to. It’s upsetting to me, you know. Here we have this great guy who’s been around the block for years. Went through some ups and downs, we all know what they were, won some tournaments and a couple of majors to boot but lost the AMEX this year by a 3 footer in sudden death against “the greatest golfer who ever lived.”

Then you take Harding Park, a historic golf course located in San Francisco which has been around since 1925 and has played host to a number of tournaments in its primary years. For a while, it had fallen ill due to neglect and lack of substantial monetary contributions which are so necessary for a public course of its magnitude and importance.

Nevertheless, like that damn Phoenix rising from the ashes, Harding Park was transformed with a little help from those who cherish it the most, the people. The entire crusade was spearheaded by Sandy Tatum, a devoted, older disciple of the game who wasn’t to shabby in his hey-day either. Anyways, he and others found the necessary
$16 million (Thanks California, Proposition 12!) to reincarnate Harding Park to a world class public golfing facility.

You may ask, “Oh Undaunted One, what is your point?” My point is young grasshoppers, like Harding Park and the Phoenix before it, John Daly will rise from the ashes of this missed three footer to sit atop the leader board again soon.

All great things are never forgotten, only placed in the memories of those they touched, to be reborn when the time is right.

I’m with you Mr. Daly.

2005-10-04T22:16:00.000-05:00

A little word play concerning a LARGE question.

So I pose this question to you my dear friends. DOES SIZE MATTER? The reason why I ask is because as of recently, I have quit smoking and have noticed that I am in fact eating a whole hell of a lot more. My weight has seemed to have shifted from an uncomfortable realization to an unsavory recognition. Nevertheless, my game has suffered. Is this a transition in mentality or physicality? As students of the game or not, we all know that Golf’s “Upper Echelon” is no stranger to trim and sleek as it is portly and stout. However, the query remains: Does weight gain hinder ones progression in the game of golf?

2005-10-04T00:11:00.000-05:00

What Kind Of Golfer Are You?
(Gibberish written while half in the bag?)

Good Souls,

I have come to a less than thought out conclusion about something as of late. I believe that there are three types of golfers out there. The first variety of golfer is what I call the:

“Holy crap, I can’t believe I can go golfing today golfer.” I’m making this hypothesis because as of recently some of my closest friends have fallen into this category. These men of the links have either just become fathers, recently got married and their wives don’t approve of the greatest game on Earth or they’re just, shall I say but dread the thought, busy.

The next category is what I and many others call the “Avid Golfer” These are folks who try to make a serious effort to at least get out once, twice or three times a week. They even go as far as watching the golf channel and read blogs such as this one. Perhaps even create one. Nevertheless, these folks are enthusiasts, no matter what they shoot.

The final class is what I like to call the “Life Stylist” These people are die hard through and through. They walk and talk the part every day. If they’re alive and breathing, chances are they’re thinking about golf. Not just what tournament is taking place during the upcoming weekend, but if their golf shoes match their sweater vest and tees. Every vacation they take is to a golf resort. They name their children after great golfers, I.e. Arnold, Jack, Ben, Seve? Anyway, these folks burn for the game with every breathe they take.

But, that’s just one duffers’ opinion.

2005-10-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

The Mission Statement
(All good companies, entities and people of substance have one, why can’t I?)

Just so you all understand, this blog is the creation of a golfer gone mad. You see, I am more than just your everyday weekend duffer. I watch, I talk and I live for golf. One can say it has truly taken over. It’s something like a disease really. I should have a tag hanging on my rearview mirror so I can get better parking spots at local malls and grocery stores. My obsession has extended itself all the way down the rabbit hole and now it is looking for new avenues. Furthermore, I will be completely honest to all my readers when I say that I am a true duffer in every sense of the word. I am no where near as good as I should be. My late start in the game and my portly stature dictate a different role for myself in this great game.

My newfound calling is to try to blend in my own sense of style while incorporating characteristics of those whom I admire such as the late great gonzo journalist Hunter H. Thompson as well as some colorful commentary such as Gary McCord as well as trying to add that right touch of panache that only David “Fairway” Feherty can. All this while trying to maintain my own steady stock of dribbling gibberish? Golf Gods, please have mercy. Please keep in mind this blog in new to the game and its creator is a golf addict not a computer junky. Please enjoy and view often.