A message to all non-golfers; in the spirit of Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza please don’t buy me golf balls with pictures of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Technically, I suppose they are okay to hit; I just hate it when someone is helping me look for my ball and I have to admit, “Yes, it’s the one with the Rocky The Flying Squirrel.”
Also, don’t buy me that golf clock with the hour and minute hands made from the golfers arms. No one wants to look at a clock and see a cartoon golfer in some strange swing position at around ten after two in the afternoon. If I want to see a bad swing I’ll look in the mirror.
Please don’t buy me clever head covers with animal heads or cartoon creatures. I’m not Tiger Woods and I certainly don’t want anyone to think that I think I might be remotely good enough to use the same head cover. How good do you have to be to have a tiger head cover? I don’t know, but a lot better than me.
While we are at it, please don’t buy me one of those skin-tight Tiger Woods mock-turtle necks either. The next time I want to feel that bad about my body I’ll get a full-length mirror in the shower. I don’t know where you’re from, but in my foursome saggy man-breasts are not in style.
Never buy me one of those all-in-one golf tools. You know the kind that fix divots, mark your ball, clean your spikes and stamps your name on your balls all at the same time. Nothing in life should be required to perform so many tasks. I mark my ball with a coin, I clean my spikes with the wire brush on the bottom of the ball washer and I identify my ball with a felt-tip pin.
And please, please don’t buy me golf clothing such as knickers, argyle sweaters or socks, or hats with “I’d Rather Be Golfing” written across the front. Actually anything that says, “I’d Rather Be Golfing” on it anywhere is a no, no.
Never buy me anything that says, “As Seen On TV” on the package.
And never buy me golf lessons from a guy with the first name “Ace.” Stick with Butch and Hank. Randy Smith would be nice, too.
Whatever you do, don’t ever buy me a book on golf fitness, and God forbid a membership in a gym. If I were remotely interested in exercise I wouldn’t be playing golf. I understand that walking a golf course is a great way to get exercise, and that for the most part, the joy of walking the course has been lost in our busy life style. However, I get enough of the “joy of walking” fetching beer from the refrigerator.
Here are a few more things not to buy me: The WOW PUTTER with a compass, level, measuring tape, etc. For someone who has lost countless bets because of bad putting, this is not remotely funny.
Nudie tees are one more distraction I don’t need, and besides the tees have no head, which kind of freaks me out.
No one needs or wants a talking head cover for any reason, at any time. If someone gives you this gift they are trying to tell you that they are not your friend. If your wife gives this to you then you may want to consider surveillance.
Ceramic chip and dip plates (get it, chip and dip?) are not funny and worst of all they are not appetizing so why mess up two sports (golf and eating) with them.
Lastly, whatever you do, never buy me the POTTY PUTTER for any reason.
Happy Holidays.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tis' The Season... Somewhere
Perhaps not where you live, but in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii the golf season begins in 20 days with the Mercedes-Benz Championship.
Now I ask you, with the temperature falling, the wind blowing, the snow snowing and Santa still working the department stores, shouldn't we be talking BCS Bowls, what's wrong with Eli Manning, the two Tim's, Tebow & Duncan, and the return of American Gladiators to network television?
Am I crazy, or didn't Tiger just win the "Cup" last week and Zack Johnson the Masters a couple of weeks ago and wasn't it only last month that Angel Cabrera won the U.S. Open?
They say that the older you get the faster time goes by and that maybe true, but holy mackerel, the season just finished. All I can say is that it's a good thing that Hawaii is Hawaii, otherwise they couldn't fill a foursome. But I guess that's the point, Hawaii is Hawaii, and, if you're one of the lucky ones who can afford to tee it up in Maui then I guess the season can't start too soon.
On the other hand, if you've had one more turkey sandwich than you should have, shoveled snow until thought you were going to die, heard more Christmas music than you can stand, you may need January and February just to get over the holidays. In the meantime, turn on the tube, put up your feet, open a fresh bag of chips and imagine that you're Tony Romo, who, in addition to being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, is also dating Jessica Simpson and most importantly is a scratch golfer. Nobody said that life was fair.
And, if you're the kind of guy that needs a plan, listed below is the entire 2008 season, which comes to 6,500 hours of television viewing. Thank God for the remote control.
Jan. 4-7_Mercedes-Benz Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Plantation Course at Kapalua_Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Jan. 11-14_Sony Open in Hawaii_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Waialae CC_Honolulu, Hawaii
Jan. 17-21_Bob Hope Chrysler Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_The Classic Club_Palm Desert, California _PGA West (Palmer Course)_La Quinta, California _La Quinta CC_La Quinta, California _Bermuda Dunes CC_Bermuda Dunes, California
Jan. 25-28_Buick Invitational_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Torrey Pines _San Diego, California
FBR Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC Scottsdale_Scottsdale, Arizona
Feb. 8-11_AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Pebble Beach Golf Links_Pebble Beach, California _Poppy Hills_Pebble Beach, California _Spyglass Hill GC_Pebble Beach, California
Feb. 15-18_Nissan Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Riviera CC_Pacific Palisades, California
Feb. 22-25_Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $3,500,000_El Camaleon_Riviera Maya, Mex
Feb. 21-25_World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000_The Gallery at Dove Mountain_Tucson, Arizona
March 1-4_The Honda Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_PGA National Champion Course_Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
March 8-11_PODS Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,300,000_Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead_Palm Harbor, Florida
March 15-18_Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Bay Hill Club & Lodge_Orlando, Florida
March 22-25_World Golf Championships-CA Championship_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000
Doral Golf Resort & Spa_Miami, Florida
March 29-April 1_Shell Houston Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Redstone GC Tournament Course_Humble, Texas
April 5-8_Masters Tournament #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Augusta National GC_Augusta, Georgia
April 12-15_Verizon Heritage_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,400,000_Harbour Town Golf Links_Hilton Head, South Carolina
April 19-22_Zurich Classic of New Orleans_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,100,000_TPC Louisiana_Avondale, Louisiana
April 26-29_EDS Byron Nelson Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,300,000_TPC Four Seasons Resort_Irving, Texas _Cottonwood Valley GC_Irving, Texas
May 3-6_Wachovia Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,300,000_Quail Hollow CC_Charlotte, North Carolina
May 10-13_THE PLAYERS Championship_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $9,000,000_TPC Sawgrass_Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida_Phil Mickelson
AT&T Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,400,000_TPC Sugarloaf_Duluth, Georgia
May 24-27_Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Colonial CC_Ft. Worth, Texas
May 31-June 3_the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Muirfield Village GC_Dublin, Ohio
June 7-10_Stanford St. Jude Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC Southwind_Memphis, Tennessee
June 14-17_U.S. Open Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Oakmont CC_Oakmont, Pennsylvania
June 21-24_Travelers Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC River Highlands_Cromwell, Connecticut
June 28-July 1_Buick Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $4,900,000_Warwick Hills G&CC_Grand Blanc, Michigan
July 5-8_AT&T National_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Congressional Country Club_Bethesda, Maryland
July 12-15_John Deere Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $4,100,000_TPC Deere Run_Silvis, Illinois
July 19-22_U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $4,000,000_Brown Deer Park GC_Milwaukee, Wisconsin__July 19-22_British Open Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $8,637,720_Carnoustie GC_Angus, UK
July 26-29_Canadian Open presented by Franklin Templeton Investments_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_Angus Glen GC - North Course_Markham, Ontario, Can_Jim Furyk_XM 146/GOLF/CBS_Aug. 2-5_Reno-Tahoe Open_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $3,000,000_Montreux G&CC_Reno, Nevada
Aug. 2-5_World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000_Firestone CC (South Course)_Akron, Ohio
Aug. 9-12_PGA Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Southern Hills CC_Tulsa, Oklahoma
Aug. 16-19_Wyndham Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_Forest Oaks CC_Greensboro, North Carolina
Aug. 23-26_The Barclays_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_Westchester CC_Harrison, New York
Aug. 31-Sep. 3_Deutsche Bank Championship_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_TPC Boston_Norton, Massachusetts
Sep. 6-9_BMW Championship_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_Cog Hill G&CC_Lemont, Illinois
Sep. 13-16_THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_East Lake GC_Atlanta, Georgia
Sep. 20-23_Turning Stone Resort Championship_Purse: $6,000,000_Atunyote Golf Club_Verona, New York
Sep. 27-30_Viking Classic_Purse: $3,500,000_Annandale GC_Madison, Mississippi
Sep. 27-30_The Presidents Cup_The Royal Montreal Golf Club_Montreal, Quebec, Can
Oct. 4-7_Valero Texas Open_Purse: $4,500,000_LaCantera GC_San Antonio, Texas
Oct. 11-14_Frys.com Open benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children_Purse: $4,000,000_TPC Summerlin_TPC Canyons_Las Vegas, Nevada
Oct. 18-21_Fry's Electronics Open_Purse: $5,000,000_Grayhawk Golf Club - Raptor_Scottsdale, Arizona
Oct. 25-28_Ginn sur Mer Classic at Tesoro_Purse: $4,500,000_Tesoro Club_Port St. Lucie, Florida
Nov. 1-4_Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart_Purse: $4,600,000_Magnolia GC_Lake Buena Vista, Florida _Palm GC_Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Nov. 5-5_ADT Skills Challenge #_Purse: $800,000 *_Fairmont Turnberry Isle_Aventura, Florida
Nov. 12-13_Wendy's 3 Tour Challenge #_Purse: $1,000,000 *_Lake Las Vegas Resort_Henderson, Nevada
Nov. 22-25_OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup #_Purse: $5,000,000 *_Mission Hills GC - Olazabal_Shenzen, Chi
Nov. 24-25_LG SKINS GAME #_Purse: $1,000,000 *_Celebrity Course_Indian Wells, California
Nov. 28-Dec. 3_PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament_Purse: $1,057,500 *_Crooked Cat Course_Winter Garden, Florida _Panther Lake Course_Winter Garden, Florida
Dec. 7-9_Merrill Lynch Shootout #_Purse: $2,800,000 *_Tiburon GC_Naples, Florida
Dec. 13-16_Target World Challenge #_Purse: $5,750,000 *_Sherwood CC_Thousand Oaks, California
* Unofficial money, # Not PGA TOUR co-sponsored
Now I ask you, with the temperature falling, the wind blowing, the snow snowing and Santa still working the department stores, shouldn't we be talking BCS Bowls, what's wrong with Eli Manning, the two Tim's, Tebow & Duncan, and the return of American Gladiators to network television?
Am I crazy, or didn't Tiger just win the "Cup" last week and Zack Johnson the Masters a couple of weeks ago and wasn't it only last month that Angel Cabrera won the U.S. Open?
They say that the older you get the faster time goes by and that maybe true, but holy mackerel, the season just finished. All I can say is that it's a good thing that Hawaii is Hawaii, otherwise they couldn't fill a foursome. But I guess that's the point, Hawaii is Hawaii, and, if you're one of the lucky ones who can afford to tee it up in Maui then I guess the season can't start too soon.
On the other hand, if you've had one more turkey sandwich than you should have, shoveled snow until thought you were going to die, heard more Christmas music than you can stand, you may need January and February just to get over the holidays. In the meantime, turn on the tube, put up your feet, open a fresh bag of chips and imagine that you're Tony Romo, who, in addition to being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, is also dating Jessica Simpson and most importantly is a scratch golfer. Nobody said that life was fair.
And, if you're the kind of guy that needs a plan, listed below is the entire 2008 season, which comes to 6,500 hours of television viewing. Thank God for the remote control.
Jan. 4-7_Mercedes-Benz Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Plantation Course at Kapalua_Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Jan. 11-14_Sony Open in Hawaii_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Waialae CC_Honolulu, Hawaii
Jan. 17-21_Bob Hope Chrysler Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_The Classic Club_Palm Desert, California _PGA West (Palmer Course)_La Quinta, California _La Quinta CC_La Quinta, California _Bermuda Dunes CC_Bermuda Dunes, California
Jan. 25-28_Buick Invitational_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Torrey Pines _San Diego, California
FBR Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC Scottsdale_Scottsdale, Arizona
Feb. 8-11_AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Pebble Beach Golf Links_Pebble Beach, California _Poppy Hills_Pebble Beach, California _Spyglass Hill GC_Pebble Beach, California
Feb. 15-18_Nissan Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,200,000_Riviera CC_Pacific Palisades, California
Feb. 22-25_Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $3,500,000_El Camaleon_Riviera Maya, Mex
Feb. 21-25_World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000_The Gallery at Dove Mountain_Tucson, Arizona
March 1-4_The Honda Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_PGA National Champion Course_Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
March 8-11_PODS Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,300,000_Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead_Palm Harbor, Florida
March 15-18_Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Bay Hill Club & Lodge_Orlando, Florida
March 22-25_World Golf Championships-CA Championship_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000
Doral Golf Resort & Spa_Miami, Florida
March 29-April 1_Shell Houston Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,500,000_Redstone GC Tournament Course_Humble, Texas
April 5-8_Masters Tournament #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Augusta National GC_Augusta, Georgia
April 12-15_Verizon Heritage_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,400,000_Harbour Town Golf Links_Hilton Head, South Carolina
April 19-22_Zurich Classic of New Orleans_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,100,000_TPC Louisiana_Avondale, Louisiana
April 26-29_EDS Byron Nelson Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,300,000_TPC Four Seasons Resort_Irving, Texas _Cottonwood Valley GC_Irving, Texas
May 3-6_Wachovia Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,300,000_Quail Hollow CC_Charlotte, North Carolina
May 10-13_THE PLAYERS Championship_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $9,000,000_TPC Sawgrass_Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida_Phil Mickelson
AT&T Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,400,000_TPC Sugarloaf_Duluth, Georgia
May 24-27_Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Colonial CC_Ft. Worth, Texas
May 31-June 3_the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Muirfield Village GC_Dublin, Ohio
June 7-10_Stanford St. Jude Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC Southwind_Memphis, Tennessee
June 14-17_U.S. Open Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Oakmont CC_Oakmont, Pennsylvania
June 21-24_Travelers Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_TPC River Highlands_Cromwell, Connecticut
June 28-July 1_Buick Open_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $4,900,000_Warwick Hills G&CC_Grand Blanc, Michigan
July 5-8_AT&T National_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $6,000,000_Congressional Country Club_Bethesda, Maryland
July 12-15_John Deere Classic_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $4,100,000_TPC Deere Run_Silvis, Illinois
July 19-22_U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $4,000,000_Brown Deer Park GC_Milwaukee, Wisconsin__July 19-22_British Open Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $8,637,720_Carnoustie GC_Angus, UK
July 26-29_Canadian Open presented by Franklin Templeton Investments_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_Angus Glen GC - North Course_Markham, Ontario, Can_Jim Furyk_XM 146/GOLF/CBS_Aug. 2-5_Reno-Tahoe Open_FedExCup Points: 12,500_Purse: $3,000,000_Montreux G&CC_Reno, Nevada
Aug. 2-5_World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational_FedExCup Points: 26,250_Purse: $8,000,000_Firestone CC (South Course)_Akron, Ohio
Aug. 9-12_PGA Championship #_FedExCup Points: 27,500_Purse: $7,000,000_Southern Hills CC_Tulsa, Oklahoma
Aug. 16-19_Wyndham Championship_FedExCup Points: 25,000_Purse: $5,000,000_Forest Oaks CC_Greensboro, North Carolina
Aug. 23-26_The Barclays_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_Westchester CC_Harrison, New York
Aug. 31-Sep. 3_Deutsche Bank Championship_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_TPC Boston_Norton, Massachusetts
Sep. 6-9_BMW Championship_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_Cog Hill G&CC_Lemont, Illinois
Sep. 13-16_THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola_FedExCup Points: 50,000_Purse: $7,000,000_East Lake GC_Atlanta, Georgia
Sep. 20-23_Turning Stone Resort Championship_Purse: $6,000,000_Atunyote Golf Club_Verona, New York
Sep. 27-30_Viking Classic_Purse: $3,500,000_Annandale GC_Madison, Mississippi
Sep. 27-30_The Presidents Cup_The Royal Montreal Golf Club_Montreal, Quebec, Can
Oct. 4-7_Valero Texas Open_Purse: $4,500,000_LaCantera GC_San Antonio, Texas
Oct. 11-14_Frys.com Open benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children_Purse: $4,000,000_TPC Summerlin_TPC Canyons_Las Vegas, Nevada
Oct. 18-21_Fry's Electronics Open_Purse: $5,000,000_Grayhawk Golf Club - Raptor_Scottsdale, Arizona
Oct. 25-28_Ginn sur Mer Classic at Tesoro_Purse: $4,500,000_Tesoro Club_Port St. Lucie, Florida
Nov. 1-4_Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart_Purse: $4,600,000_Magnolia GC_Lake Buena Vista, Florida _Palm GC_Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Nov. 5-5_ADT Skills Challenge #_Purse: $800,000 *_Fairmont Turnberry Isle_Aventura, Florida
Nov. 12-13_Wendy's 3 Tour Challenge #_Purse: $1,000,000 *_Lake Las Vegas Resort_Henderson, Nevada
Nov. 22-25_OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup #_Purse: $5,000,000 *_Mission Hills GC - Olazabal_Shenzen, Chi
Nov. 24-25_LG SKINS GAME #_Purse: $1,000,000 *_Celebrity Course_Indian Wells, California
Nov. 28-Dec. 3_PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament_Purse: $1,057,500 *_Crooked Cat Course_Winter Garden, Florida _Panther Lake Course_Winter Garden, Florida
Dec. 7-9_Merrill Lynch Shootout #_Purse: $2,800,000 *_Tiburon GC_Naples, Florida
Dec. 13-16_Target World Challenge #_Purse: $5,750,000 *_Sherwood CC_Thousand Oaks, California
* Unofficial money, # Not PGA TOUR co-sponsored
Tiger Makes It Three In A Row And Nine Of Eleven
To tell the truth, you would have been shocked if Tiger didn't win, so to the surprise of absolutely no one, Tiger is the 2007 Player Of The Year.
In announcing the award, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive."
In 2007, Tiger won an incredible seven times, including the PGA Championship, his 13th major, and the inaugural FedExCup.
And, if there is any room left in the trophy case, he also snatched up the Arnold Palmer Award for the eighth time as the leading money winner, earning a whopping $10,867,052 and his eighth Byron Nelson Trophy for leading the TOUR in scoring average as his 67.79 mark equaled the lowest average in TOUR history.
This guy may have a future in this game.
On the Nationwide Tour Nick Flanagan was named the Player of the Year. And because the PGA is not one to waste words, they used the exact same ones to congratulate Nick. Let's see, how did that go? Oh yeah, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive," the Commissioner said once again.
Flanagan, a fellow from down under, became the first international player to earn Player Of The Year honors on the Nationwide Tour. Wasting no time at all, he won three times in only 17 starts and earned an automatic promotion to the big Tour; and despite spending a big part of his year on the PGA TOUR, Flanagan still finished third on the Nationwide Tour money list with $369,951.
He was selected over a field that included Richard Johnson and Roland Thatcher, both of whom won twice in 2007.
Not as predictable as Tiger, but still an odds-on favorite, Jay Haas was named the Player Of The Year by his fellow competitors on the Champions Tour. And no one was surprised when Tim Finchem said once again, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive."
Jay was voted as the Player of the Year on the Champions Tour for the second consecutive season following a nifty four-win campaign and 18 top-ten finishes in 27 Tournaments. Like Tiger, he also collected the Arnold Palmer Award as the Tour's leading money winner, taking home a cool $2,581,001.
And, as if to announce that he has no intention of getting old, Haas said that he has had seasons where he played better. "I've had a lot of people ask me that, if I thought this is the best I've ever played, and I will say that I've been pretty consistent and I feel probably as confident as I've ever felt playing in my career," he said. "But I guess I'll stop short of saying it's the best golf I've ever played.
"I have been very consistent, I will admit that. But I don't know, I guess I don't think so much about it. It's hard to compare eras, and you know, I was able to win tournaments on the PGA TOUR, and so I guess I would have to say that I was playing well then when I won tournaments.
"Now, could I go out and win a tournament out there? I don't know if I can. I guess I won't find out. I'm having the time of my life here, and I think I'm done with that."
Jay won out over fellow competitors Brad Bryant, R.W. Eaks, Loren Roberts and the cuddly Denis Watson.
Our guy, D. A. Weibring, had a terrific year as well, finishing fourth in scoring average at 69.98, seventh in driving accuracy at 76.57%, eighth in greens in regulations at 71.95, and forth in all-around play at 124. D.A. also finished fifth on the money list with $1,557,622.
Way to go guys.
In announcing the award, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive."
In 2007, Tiger won an incredible seven times, including the PGA Championship, his 13th major, and the inaugural FedExCup.
And, if there is any room left in the trophy case, he also snatched up the Arnold Palmer Award for the eighth time as the leading money winner, earning a whopping $10,867,052 and his eighth Byron Nelson Trophy for leading the TOUR in scoring average as his 67.79 mark equaled the lowest average in TOUR history.
This guy may have a future in this game.
On the Nationwide Tour Nick Flanagan was named the Player of the Year. And because the PGA is not one to waste words, they used the exact same ones to congratulate Nick. Let's see, how did that go? Oh yeah, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive," the Commissioner said once again.
Flanagan, a fellow from down under, became the first international player to earn Player Of The Year honors on the Nationwide Tour. Wasting no time at all, he won three times in only 17 starts and earned an automatic promotion to the big Tour; and despite spending a big part of his year on the PGA TOUR, Flanagan still finished third on the Nationwide Tour money list with $369,951.
He was selected over a field that included Richard Johnson and Roland Thatcher, both of whom won twice in 2007.
Not as predictable as Tiger, but still an odds-on favorite, Jay Haas was named the Player Of The Year by his fellow competitors on the Champions Tour. And no one was surprised when Tim Finchem said once again, "To earn the respect of your peers is the highest honor you can receive."
Jay was voted as the Player of the Year on the Champions Tour for the second consecutive season following a nifty four-win campaign and 18 top-ten finishes in 27 Tournaments. Like Tiger, he also collected the Arnold Palmer Award as the Tour's leading money winner, taking home a cool $2,581,001.
And, as if to announce that he has no intention of getting old, Haas said that he has had seasons where he played better. "I've had a lot of people ask me that, if I thought this is the best I've ever played, and I will say that I've been pretty consistent and I feel probably as confident as I've ever felt playing in my career," he said. "But I guess I'll stop short of saying it's the best golf I've ever played.
"I have been very consistent, I will admit that. But I don't know, I guess I don't think so much about it. It's hard to compare eras, and you know, I was able to win tournaments on the PGA TOUR, and so I guess I would have to say that I was playing well then when I won tournaments.
"Now, could I go out and win a tournament out there? I don't know if I can. I guess I won't find out. I'm having the time of my life here, and I think I'm done with that."
Jay won out over fellow competitors Brad Bryant, R.W. Eaks, Loren Roberts and the cuddly Denis Watson.
Our guy, D. A. Weibring, had a terrific year as well, finishing fourth in scoring average at 69.98, seventh in driving accuracy at 76.57%, eighth in greens in regulations at 71.95, and forth in all-around play at 124. D.A. also finished fifth on the money list with $1,557,622.
Way to go guys.
Friday, December 7, 2007
26 Dreams And Even More Nightmares
A couple of months ago Colt Knost had the world by the ass. The U.S. Amateur and U.S. Public Links Amateur champion, riding high on an impressive Walker Cup victory had just turned down his automatic invitation to the Masters. Today, Colt Knost is out of a job. Not only did he fail to grab the prize PGA Card, by finishing 85th at Q-School he was two shots shy of earning Nationwide status.
On the other hand, Todd Demsey, a former NCAA champion and amateur teammate of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, shot an impressive 8-under 64 to earn one of 26 full-exempt cards next year in the big leagues. Like Knost, Demsey was a phenomenon winning the NCAA title at Arizona State in 1993. He was teammates with Woods at the World Amateur Team Championship in 1994, and played alongside Justin Leonard in the Walker Cup. He also had the world by the ass.
But things changes. Hampered by injuries, Demsey spent only one year on the PGA Tour, then it was off to the Nationwide Tour to try and earn a second chance at the big times. In 2002, after feeling unusual pressure in his left sinus, Demsey decided to have it checked out. Unbelievably, Doctors found a tumor behind his left sinus going into his brain.
Suddenly, earning a PGA Card didn’t seem very important. It took two operations to remove the tumor, and all seemed fine until earlier this year when doctors discovered that the tumor has returned. Although Doctors believe it is benign, he will have an MRI next week to decide whether to treat it with radiation.
With a brand new PGA Card in his pocket, Demsey smiled and said, "They don't think it's going to be too much recovery time, probably just a week or so. Hopefully, I can get it done in the next week or two." That’s good news because Demsey expects to take his new PGA Card out for a spin at the Sony Open in Honolulu in January.
Other noteworthy PGA Cards went to old pro Frank Lickliter III, who won the whole thing with a whopping 29 under. Colorful Duffy Waldorf also secured his card, as did Carlos Franco with a 15 under and the semi-famous Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey the first Big Break guy to do anything.
The heart attack cards went to David Lutterus, John Merrick and Bob Sowards who tied for the last card at 14 under par. Merrick and Sowards birdied the last hole to secure their cards while Greg Chalmers and Miguel Angel Carballo bogeyed the last hole to lose theirs. Life is hard and sometimes golf is as well.
Guys you may have heard of such as Harrison Frazar finished 12 under along with Skip Kindall and Grant Waite who were 10 under par, however all three left without a card. Esteban Toledo, who took more than 10 years to get his first card, finished in 62 place. The sons of famous fathers didn’t fare well either as Hunter Haas finished 85th and Gibbie Gilbert III 93rd. The old warhorse Steve Pate finished 141st and the once bright star Tommy Tolles could do no better than 147th.
Only the top 25 and ties were destined to have their dreams come true. The next 53 were granted Nationwide Tour exemption and the rest received limited Nationwide status whatever that means. Of those who finished, Spike McRoy, who shot 14 over, had the dubious honor of finishing last. However, it should be noted that by the second round eight guys had enough and picked up their ball and went home.
Colt Knost will have to go back to the drawing board.
On the other hand, Todd Demsey, a former NCAA champion and amateur teammate of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, shot an impressive 8-under 64 to earn one of 26 full-exempt cards next year in the big leagues. Like Knost, Demsey was a phenomenon winning the NCAA title at Arizona State in 1993. He was teammates with Woods at the World Amateur Team Championship in 1994, and played alongside Justin Leonard in the Walker Cup. He also had the world by the ass.
But things changes. Hampered by injuries, Demsey spent only one year on the PGA Tour, then it was off to the Nationwide Tour to try and earn a second chance at the big times. In 2002, after feeling unusual pressure in his left sinus, Demsey decided to have it checked out. Unbelievably, Doctors found a tumor behind his left sinus going into his brain.
Suddenly, earning a PGA Card didn’t seem very important. It took two operations to remove the tumor, and all seemed fine until earlier this year when doctors discovered that the tumor has returned. Although Doctors believe it is benign, he will have an MRI next week to decide whether to treat it with radiation.
With a brand new PGA Card in his pocket, Demsey smiled and said, "They don't think it's going to be too much recovery time, probably just a week or so. Hopefully, I can get it done in the next week or two." That’s good news because Demsey expects to take his new PGA Card out for a spin at the Sony Open in Honolulu in January.
Other noteworthy PGA Cards went to old pro Frank Lickliter III, who won the whole thing with a whopping 29 under. Colorful Duffy Waldorf also secured his card, as did Carlos Franco with a 15 under and the semi-famous Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey the first Big Break guy to do anything.
The heart attack cards went to David Lutterus, John Merrick and Bob Sowards who tied for the last card at 14 under par. Merrick and Sowards birdied the last hole to secure their cards while Greg Chalmers and Miguel Angel Carballo bogeyed the last hole to lose theirs. Life is hard and sometimes golf is as well.
Guys you may have heard of such as Harrison Frazar finished 12 under along with Skip Kindall and Grant Waite who were 10 under par, however all three left without a card. Esteban Toledo, who took more than 10 years to get his first card, finished in 62 place. The sons of famous fathers didn’t fare well either as Hunter Haas finished 85th and Gibbie Gilbert III 93rd. The old warhorse Steve Pate finished 141st and the once bright star Tommy Tolles could do no better than 147th.
Only the top 25 and ties were destined to have their dreams come true. The next 53 were granted Nationwide Tour exemption and the rest received limited Nationwide status whatever that means. Of those who finished, Spike McRoy, who shot 14 over, had the dubious honor of finishing last. However, it should be noted that by the second round eight guys had enough and picked up their ball and went home.
Colt Knost will have to go back to the drawing board.
The Science And Witchcraft Of Golf Balls
As with everything else in golf, most golfers have a favorite brand of golf balls. Whether or not this preference is based on sound scientific reasoning is doubtful because of the one word that applies to every aspect of golf. Can you guess what that word is?
The magic word in golf is feel; but like the untrustworthy moonlight that flatters your blind date, you can’t always depend on feel… or at least not mine. Sometimes my “feel” is based on one swing on one hole. Sometimes my “feel” is based on what someone told me. And, because I have a tiny little brain, sometimes my “feel” is based on something I read in a golf article like this.
At one time or another, I have played with every golf ball on the market for every reason imaginable. Some were gifts, some were cheap, some were the only thing available, and some were used in a never-ending, not so scientific, quest for the elusive long-ball.
Frankly, I don’t know how to test a golf ball. I have tried playing a round at my home course using the fairway landmarks that I know, but because I am so inconsistent I can fly any ball almost any distance, and if gaining an extra 10-yards is considered a big deal, then my bladed five-iron is the perfect scientific measuring stick.
What exactly is feel, anyway? Are some people born with it, while others will never have it? Can it be learned, developed, bottled and resold by Butch Harmon, David Ledbetter and Hank Haney?
I have seen remarkable examples of feel. Jim Furyk knew when the clubmaker added one extra layer of tape under his grip, and he would not allow the shaft manufacturer to changes the graphics on the shaft because it changed the weight five-grams (five-grams is what a post-it note weighs). On the other hand, Fred Couples seems to be able to play with any old set of clubs. I’ve known professional golfer who didn’t know their swing weight, and then there were guys like Ben Hogan who knew everything about his clubs and yours.
Here are the few things that I think I know about golf balls. Spin equals lift. Lift helps you attain optimum launch angle. However, if your ball spins too much it will balloon and you will lose distance. The more club-head speed you have the less spin is required to obtain optimum launch angle. That’s why Tiger can hit a one-iron as high as you and I hit a five-iron. It’s artillery practice and the bigger your cannon the longer and higher your cannon ball will fly.
Spin is also the father and mother of the hook and slice. The more the ball spins off center, the more hook or slice you will have. In these cases, the problem is with the swing not the ball, but if you can’t fix the swing perhaps you had better change balls.
Here’s a revelation; you can play the correct ball and still not strike it very well. Sometimes (most of the time with me), it is the Indian and not the arrows. Which for me means that confidence is the most important aspect of “feel”, and if you feel more confident with a fifty dollar a dozen ball than a fifteen dollar a dozen ball, you should go with whatever you feel confident about. That reminds me of the story of the guy who, after hitting three brand new ProV1s into the water hazard, was asked by his playing partner, “Why don’t you use an old ball?” to which he answered, “I never had one.”
I personally abide by the $10 rule, which states that you should never lose more than $10 worth of golf balls on any single hole.
Here’s what Brandon Sowell of Bridgestone Golf has to say on the subject: “For the industry as a whole, it’s fairly evident that solid-core golf ball technology and three-piece urethane cover construction have had the biggest impact. Seamless Cover Technology allows players to experience unparalleled flight consistency, regardless of whether they strike the ball on the equator or on one of the poles.
“The biggest mistake that I’ve seen is that the average golfer doesn’t always buy the best ball to maximize their game. Some may choose a model based on what their friends use or what guys on Tour are playing. Another mistake we see is that the ones who do choose a ball based on their swing only look at swing speed. In order to get the best ball for your game, it’s important to look at the total equation. For instance, launch angle and the optimal spin rate should also be a consideration for golfers. Every golfer should be fit on a launch monitor to find out what ball is best for them.”
So I guess a launch monitor is the answer to my question about how to test golf balls. Now all I need is someone to loan me the money to buy ten different sleeves of golf balls.
You’re right, there is no cure for cheap.
The magic word in golf is feel; but like the untrustworthy moonlight that flatters your blind date, you can’t always depend on feel… or at least not mine. Sometimes my “feel” is based on one swing on one hole. Sometimes my “feel” is based on what someone told me. And, because I have a tiny little brain, sometimes my “feel” is based on something I read in a golf article like this.
At one time or another, I have played with every golf ball on the market for every reason imaginable. Some were gifts, some were cheap, some were the only thing available, and some were used in a never-ending, not so scientific, quest for the elusive long-ball.
Frankly, I don’t know how to test a golf ball. I have tried playing a round at my home course using the fairway landmarks that I know, but because I am so inconsistent I can fly any ball almost any distance, and if gaining an extra 10-yards is considered a big deal, then my bladed five-iron is the perfect scientific measuring stick.
What exactly is feel, anyway? Are some people born with it, while others will never have it? Can it be learned, developed, bottled and resold by Butch Harmon, David Ledbetter and Hank Haney?
I have seen remarkable examples of feel. Jim Furyk knew when the clubmaker added one extra layer of tape under his grip, and he would not allow the shaft manufacturer to changes the graphics on the shaft because it changed the weight five-grams (five-grams is what a post-it note weighs). On the other hand, Fred Couples seems to be able to play with any old set of clubs. I’ve known professional golfer who didn’t know their swing weight, and then there were guys like Ben Hogan who knew everything about his clubs and yours.
Here are the few things that I think I know about golf balls. Spin equals lift. Lift helps you attain optimum launch angle. However, if your ball spins too much it will balloon and you will lose distance. The more club-head speed you have the less spin is required to obtain optimum launch angle. That’s why Tiger can hit a one-iron as high as you and I hit a five-iron. It’s artillery practice and the bigger your cannon the longer and higher your cannon ball will fly.
Spin is also the father and mother of the hook and slice. The more the ball spins off center, the more hook or slice you will have. In these cases, the problem is with the swing not the ball, but if you can’t fix the swing perhaps you had better change balls.
Here’s a revelation; you can play the correct ball and still not strike it very well. Sometimes (most of the time with me), it is the Indian and not the arrows. Which for me means that confidence is the most important aspect of “feel”, and if you feel more confident with a fifty dollar a dozen ball than a fifteen dollar a dozen ball, you should go with whatever you feel confident about. That reminds me of the story of the guy who, after hitting three brand new ProV1s into the water hazard, was asked by his playing partner, “Why don’t you use an old ball?” to which he answered, “I never had one.”
I personally abide by the $10 rule, which states that you should never lose more than $10 worth of golf balls on any single hole.
Here’s what Brandon Sowell of Bridgestone Golf has to say on the subject: “For the industry as a whole, it’s fairly evident that solid-core golf ball technology and three-piece urethane cover construction have had the biggest impact. Seamless Cover Technology allows players to experience unparalleled flight consistency, regardless of whether they strike the ball on the equator or on one of the poles.
“The biggest mistake that I’ve seen is that the average golfer doesn’t always buy the best ball to maximize their game. Some may choose a model based on what their friends use or what guys on Tour are playing. Another mistake we see is that the ones who do choose a ball based on their swing only look at swing speed. In order to get the best ball for your game, it’s important to look at the total equation. For instance, launch angle and the optimal spin rate should also be a consideration for golfers. Every golfer should be fit on a launch monitor to find out what ball is best for them.”
So I guess a launch monitor is the answer to my question about how to test golf balls. Now all I need is someone to loan me the money to buy ten different sleeves of golf balls.
You’re right, there is no cure for cheap.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Playing From The Ladies’ Tees
The following story recently appeared in an Australian Newspaper… Transgendered Golfer Makes History… A transgendered woman will make golfing history next month when she tees up for the Australian Women's Open. Never before has a transgendered woman played in a professional women's tournament.
"It's a dream for me -- I've been playing golf since I was eight, but I turned professional only in August last year. So, it's been a long time coming," said 37-year-old Mianne Bagger.
Bagger admitted that while most women on the golf course accepted her sex-change operation, some still found it hard to come to terms with.
"I have made a lot of great girlfriends through golf, but there are some women who find me hard to accept," Bagger said.
"To most people, I am just another one of the girls out there playing."
She said she went through two years of hormone replacement therapy before surgery in 1995.
"There seems to be a misconception in society that one day we (transsexuals) just wake up and think, 'I'm going to have a sex-change today'," she said. "I have always known there was something different about me since I was young -- we are born this way."
A Women's Golf Australia spokesperson said the WGA welcomes Bagger in the tournament and has been following her progress since the 1990s when it formed a policy to allow her to play in, and win, the South Australia amateur championship.
"Mianne has been playing for years in our amateur tournaments where we have no rules against trans-gender players," the spokeswoman said. "There is no reason why she should not continue her golfing career in the professional tournament."
Bagger said she one day hoped to move on from being seen as "the transsexual" golfer.
"My sexuality is just one of the obstacles I am going to have to face," she said. "What people have to realize is that plenty of men and women out there are transsexuals.”
Which begs the question, how many is “plenty”? As a semi-old, white, southern guy I’m not sure what to think of Mianne Bagger. I know so little about the subject that I don’t even know the right questions to ask. I assume that Mianne is not simply trying to find a way to play from the front tees, but frankly anyone who would be crazy enough to have their privates cut off, is also crazy enough want to play from the front tees. Is that insensitive? Sure. Inaccurate? Who knows?
For Mianne sake, I can only hope that she did her homework because history has proven that transgender athletes haven’t done all that well in competition. At least that’s the case for the most famous transgender athlete that I can remember, Renée Richards. In 1975, at the age of forty, Richard Raskind, a renowned eye surgeon and highly ranked amateur tennis player, "died," (so to speak) and Renée Richards was "born," (more or less) in what became the most public and highly scrutinized sex reassignment to date.
Granted, Dr. Renee’ Richards was already forty years old when she/he its began his/her its tennis career, and to most people’s surprise, the six-foot tall, 170 pounds good Doctor wasn’t able to dominate the real ladies. It seems the hormone replacement therapy that is required for changing a person’s sex actually does make you a bit of a wussie… not that there is anything wrong with that.
That started me thinking, which PGA star would make the best female golfer? Would it be the Tigress, or Phillis, or perhaps even K.J. Choi for those who prefer something more exotic? Certainly, Tigress would be the one with the best body and Phillis would be the one with the biggest boobs. One things for sure, it could never be Bubba Watson, or Jason Gore or John Daly because no one wants to look at any one of those guys in those little shorts.
For now, let agree that everyone should keep their own bodies parts and play from the appropriate tees. But, like Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) of Wayne’s World might have said, “Did you ever look at Adam Scott or Trevor Immelman and wonder what they would look like in a dress? Neither did I.”
"It's a dream for me -- I've been playing golf since I was eight, but I turned professional only in August last year. So, it's been a long time coming," said 37-year-old Mianne Bagger.
Bagger admitted that while most women on the golf course accepted her sex-change operation, some still found it hard to come to terms with.
"I have made a lot of great girlfriends through golf, but there are some women who find me hard to accept," Bagger said.
"To most people, I am just another one of the girls out there playing."
She said she went through two years of hormone replacement therapy before surgery in 1995.
"There seems to be a misconception in society that one day we (transsexuals) just wake up and think, 'I'm going to have a sex-change today'," she said. "I have always known there was something different about me since I was young -- we are born this way."
A Women's Golf Australia spokesperson said the WGA welcomes Bagger in the tournament and has been following her progress since the 1990s when it formed a policy to allow her to play in, and win, the South Australia amateur championship.
"Mianne has been playing for years in our amateur tournaments where we have no rules against trans-gender players," the spokeswoman said. "There is no reason why she should not continue her golfing career in the professional tournament."
Bagger said she one day hoped to move on from being seen as "the transsexual" golfer.
"My sexuality is just one of the obstacles I am going to have to face," she said. "What people have to realize is that plenty of men and women out there are transsexuals.”
Which begs the question, how many is “plenty”? As a semi-old, white, southern guy I’m not sure what to think of Mianne Bagger. I know so little about the subject that I don’t even know the right questions to ask. I assume that Mianne is not simply trying to find a way to play from the front tees, but frankly anyone who would be crazy enough to have their privates cut off, is also crazy enough want to play from the front tees. Is that insensitive? Sure. Inaccurate? Who knows?
For Mianne sake, I can only hope that she did her homework because history has proven that transgender athletes haven’t done all that well in competition. At least that’s the case for the most famous transgender athlete that I can remember, Renée Richards. In 1975, at the age of forty, Richard Raskind, a renowned eye surgeon and highly ranked amateur tennis player, "died," (so to speak) and Renée Richards was "born," (more or less) in what became the most public and highly scrutinized sex reassignment to date.
Granted, Dr. Renee’ Richards was already forty years old when she/he its began his/her its tennis career, and to most people’s surprise, the six-foot tall, 170 pounds good Doctor wasn’t able to dominate the real ladies. It seems the hormone replacement therapy that is required for changing a person’s sex actually does make you a bit of a wussie… not that there is anything wrong with that.
That started me thinking, which PGA star would make the best female golfer? Would it be the Tigress, or Phillis, or perhaps even K.J. Choi for those who prefer something more exotic? Certainly, Tigress would be the one with the best body and Phillis would be the one with the biggest boobs. One things for sure, it could never be Bubba Watson, or Jason Gore or John Daly because no one wants to look at any one of those guys in those little shorts.
For now, let agree that everyone should keep their own bodies parts and play from the appropriate tees. But, like Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) of Wayne’s World might have said, “Did you ever look at Adam Scott or Trevor Immelman and wonder what they would look like in a dress? Neither did I.”
How Much Is A PGA Tour Card Worth?
Lee Trevino once said, “Pressure is playing for ten dollars when you don't have a dime in your pocket.” That may still be true, but getting and keeping a PGA Tour Card will pucker you up as well. More than ever, a PGA Tour Card is an incredibly valuable thing. Based on the fact that it takes almost a million dollars in winnings each year just to keep it, any one of the 125 PGA Tour Cards is worth at least that and a lot more if you are able to hang on to yours.
Consider that Tiger Woods pocketed $10,867,052 in winnings in 2007, Phil Mickelson grabbed another $5,819,988 for his efforts and another five guys made more than $4 million. Now look at career earns where Tiger has already earned $76,579,376, Vijay Singh $54,108,218, Phil Mickelson $45,334,026 and another 75 guys have earned more than $10 million in their careers. As Bunker Hunt once said, “A million here and a million there and pretty soon you’re talking about some serious money.”
Don’t get me wrong I’m not against athletes making big money. As a matter of fact, I think golfers, who are basically independent contractors, actually deserve their winnings. It’s win or go home. Actually, it’s make the cut or go home but that’s splitting hairs.
Now none of this includes endorsements and other stipends that are available. Did you know that Titleist pays every guy on Tour that plays their ball each week, every one of them. Footjoy does the same with gloves and shoes. A few years ago I calculated that anyone who can make the field of a tournament makes at least $2,500 a week playing and wearing the right stuff. The trick is making the field, huh?
There’s a survey taken each week at each event asking every player about clubs (drivers, fairway, irons, hybrids, wedges and putters), shafts (driver, fairway, irons and hybrids), ball, grips, shoes, and underwear. Okay, I made up the part about underwear. From that weekly count club makers, ball guys, and shaft manufactures along with every other golf gadget lives and dies. If the right guy plays your club it’s worth millions. If you lose the right guy you just might lose your job.
The perks at the tournaments aren’t bad either. It starts with a free car for the week, Cadillac, Mercedes and who knows what else. Then there are tickets and luxury boxes just for the asking. You want to see Mavericks play? No problem. You like the Stones? Here’s your backstage pass. And the food and gift packages fill up your locker. As they say, to whom much is given, more is given each week.
It’s a great life, if you’re a great player. It’s a pretty damn good life if you’re a good player come to think of it. When is the last time you hit balls on the range and never had to bend over to put your own ball on the tee? Which reminds me, did you know that Tiger Woods brings his own range balls to each tournament? It’s true, and after the balls are picked up some poor soul has to sort through them and return the Nike balls to Tiger.
Yep, it is good to be the king in any job including sports.
So what’s at stake in this final week of the PGA Tour? What’s on the line at the Nationwide and Q-school in this final week? It’s a king’s ransom; fame and fortune; your picture on a Wheaties box; a date with Britney Spears; hosting Saturday Night Live; a stack of money ten-feet tall; and don’t forget the free golf balls.
Pressure? Maybe just a little.
Consider that Tiger Woods pocketed $10,867,052 in winnings in 2007, Phil Mickelson grabbed another $5,819,988 for his efforts and another five guys made more than $4 million. Now look at career earns where Tiger has already earned $76,579,376, Vijay Singh $54,108,218, Phil Mickelson $45,334,026 and another 75 guys have earned more than $10 million in their careers. As Bunker Hunt once said, “A million here and a million there and pretty soon you’re talking about some serious money.”
Don’t get me wrong I’m not against athletes making big money. As a matter of fact, I think golfers, who are basically independent contractors, actually deserve their winnings. It’s win or go home. Actually, it’s make the cut or go home but that’s splitting hairs.
Now none of this includes endorsements and other stipends that are available. Did you know that Titleist pays every guy on Tour that plays their ball each week, every one of them. Footjoy does the same with gloves and shoes. A few years ago I calculated that anyone who can make the field of a tournament makes at least $2,500 a week playing and wearing the right stuff. The trick is making the field, huh?
There’s a survey taken each week at each event asking every player about clubs (drivers, fairway, irons, hybrids, wedges and putters), shafts (driver, fairway, irons and hybrids), ball, grips, shoes, and underwear. Okay, I made up the part about underwear. From that weekly count club makers, ball guys, and shaft manufactures along with every other golf gadget lives and dies. If the right guy plays your club it’s worth millions. If you lose the right guy you just might lose your job.
The perks at the tournaments aren’t bad either. It starts with a free car for the week, Cadillac, Mercedes and who knows what else. Then there are tickets and luxury boxes just for the asking. You want to see Mavericks play? No problem. You like the Stones? Here’s your backstage pass. And the food and gift packages fill up your locker. As they say, to whom much is given, more is given each week.
It’s a great life, if you’re a great player. It’s a pretty damn good life if you’re a good player come to think of it. When is the last time you hit balls on the range and never had to bend over to put your own ball on the tee? Which reminds me, did you know that Tiger Woods brings his own range balls to each tournament? It’s true, and after the balls are picked up some poor soul has to sort through them and return the Nike balls to Tiger.
Yep, it is good to be the king in any job including sports.
So what’s at stake in this final week of the PGA Tour? What’s on the line at the Nationwide and Q-school in this final week? It’s a king’s ransom; fame and fortune; your picture on a Wheaties box; a date with Britney Spears; hosting Saturday Night Live; a stack of money ten-feet tall; and don’t forget the free golf balls.
Pressure? Maybe just a little.
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