Weather on Tour an Inconvenient Truth

The weather seemed horrible last summer, didn't it? Some would say it was even worse throughout the winter. So far, spring has shown us more of the same... From the US Open to the Canadian Open, rain has poured on golfers like never before.

Off the top of my head, I can think of only a few events that were not meaningfully affected by weather during the last twelve months. The Viking Classic, for example, never even got off the ground! Feel free to correct me, but it certainly seems like the worst weather we've seen on tour in a generation!

Case in point, just last week the Bay Hill Invitational was forced to stretch play well into Monday, after thunderstorms and rain forced a stop on Sunday.





In Europe, the rain has been pouring just as much on tournaments - a condition that has been compounded by cold weather. You will only rarely see a European Tour event that doesn't air footage of players wearing full rain gear and/or cold weather wind shirts, playing under a grey sky.





But, the cold has certainly not been limited to Europe. The Southern United States has been hit with brutal weather as well. Canadian "snowbirds", who usually head South during the winter, in order to avoid the cold (and to play golf, of course) were greeted with frigid temperatures last October as far south as Miami - and it really never improved. One friend called it the worst winter he's ever seen - and he's seen a few...

I can certainly confirm that, when I spent time in Florida this past January, I was waking to frost on the ground in Orlando and needed to wear heavy clothing when I travelled to Miami (for the Dolphins vs Steelers game). In fact, I didn't play a single round of golf while I was there, despite spending a few days at Doral... still incredible to me.

Moreover, courses all over the South have suffered from the bad weather. One has only to watch the Haney Project on television to see the patchiness. In fact, I'm told by avid golfers that the Southern US is littered with blotchy fairways and damaged greens.

What really struck me was that, with only a few months before the Masters, these photos were taken of a snow-covered Augusta National golf course. I don't know how often THAT happens, but it can't be a regular occurrence. Luckily, the geniuses that maintain the grounds (to those extraordinary standards) already have the place in immaculate condition for the Masters.

The point is, the oddity of weather conditions this year is undeniable.




So it is that, as the saying goes, "when it rains it pours!" This image of a snow-covered course in Georgia is really nothing more than a snapshot of a sport that has struggled to keep its head above water all year, in weather but in other ways too.

Fighting a financial crisis that threatens the viability of some tournaments and with its biggest star rocked by personal scandal, the last thing professional golf needs now is to find itself at the mercy of mother nature week after week.

I'm not an environmentalist by any stretch. I certainly try to respect the environment, but generally I don't support the Gore notion of man-made weather and I don't subscribe to the enviro-cult of "think Green". But, as a friend said recently: "man, you gotta wonder!?"

Call it El Nino, or blame it on an unhealthy attachment to fossil fuels - something is very wrong in the sky this year and it makes the likelihood of five consecutive days of nice weather seem unreasonable to expect!

The PGA Tour requires tournaments to be played over almost a full week. Its really that simple. Forget the gate receipts, sponsors pay a small ransom for the pro-ams that are played in the days before the actual tournament. These events raise huge sums of money for charities, but they also fulfill basic requirements of sponsors, who are asking more from golfers and of tournaments as a return on their considerable investment.

While it is trivial to the final result, these peripheral events are actually the backbone of how the PGA pays its players and how the sport remains viable.

As it pertains to the actual tournament, Thursday and Friday are played with large fields of players trying to make the cut. As is often the case when bad weather hits a tournament early-on (as was the case at Bethpage), it can cause panic. If nothing else, it kills the flow of an otherwise perfectly planned event, especially when weather cuts time in half (or worse). It may become a bit easier to manage the field after the cut has been made, but then you also fight a worse enemy - the loss of public interest.

In fact, I don't know anyone who likes to watch golfers play in the pouring rain, even at the Open Championship in Britain (where it always rains). Part of the appeal is the natural beauty of the course and the aesthetics that surrounds the game. If a beautiful sunny picture paints a thousand words, then a wet grey picture paints only one word... blah!

I'm sure that ratings are directly impacted by weather, if anyone cares to check. But, the impact on fan interest is far worse when a tournament can't finish on time. How many people watched the conclusion of the Bay Hill Invitational, after the finish was pushed into Monday morning? Whatever the exact answer, it was most likely less than a third of the audience that would have watched on Sunday. The cost of that is immeasurable.

When golf is in a fight for relevancy, the return of Ernie Els as a legitimate powerhouse and his dogfight with Kevin Na was an important event to showcase. It would have been a good shot in the arm, had it played itself out during prime weekend television coverage... Not so much, when aired on Monday morning.

Obviously, there isn't much anyone can do about it, except maybe hope for the sun to shine and for a break in the trend to emerge SOON. But, weather does what weather wants. I'm going to hope for the best at the Masters, but I'm planning for the worst and bringing a sweater and some rain gear. Better yet, I'll buy something green at the gift shop!

Weather, as Al Gore put it, is just an inconvenient truth...

Michelle Wie and the Crazy rules of Golf!

Now listen... I know that there is a flood of tweets and blog commentary that is squarely against Michelle Wie in this case. I also understand that she has been in trouble with rules violations before, but COME ON!?

When does common sense and fairness in golf prevail over the minor vicissitudes of play! Do we want the best player to win tournaments, or do we want some meaningless judgement to decide the winner?

This is much like the moronic rule that would see a player disqualified from a tournament for not properly signing their scorecard - in purple ink, while hopping on one leg and chanting to the scented candle on the score keepers desk, right after Boo Weekley has added your score up all wrong, of course! ...or something like that.

Sometimes, wrong is wrong and sometimes wrong is just... well, not such a big deal. I have enough stress from yelling at football officials and hockey officials without having to worry about Golf!!!

Having said this, here is a link to a more learned opinion than mine. http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2010/03/the-rule-guys-take-on-wies-penalty.html

The #1 Ball Launches "Ball Fitter"

Ever wonder if you should use a hard ball for distance, or a softer ball for touch around the greens? Perhaps something in between? Do you need more spin or less? As our friends at Titleist point out, the only thing every hole has in common is your ball. So, to help you decide what type of ball you need for your game, they have launched a new interactive ball fitting tool.

Every hole on a course may have its own characteristics, so we play every hole using a different combination of clubs and a variety of shots. More importantly, golfers at different levels and different ages will approach the game quite differently.

A scratch golfer will not play a hole quite like someone with a 20 handicap, so the priority in a ball's characteristics would certainly be quite different. As such, it may be the most important tool in your bag.

For example, I play a Titleist Pro V1 90% of the time, because it helps most with my short game. Drive for show, putt for dough, as they say. I also prefer the feel of that ball against the face of my Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport II putter. The exception is when a course is wet, or if playing in Canada in the spring when the greens are softer. Then, I can get away with a harder ball to take advantage of the longer drives and still attack the pin.

All this to say that despite the fact that we get caught starring like deer in headlights at this year's new drivers, new iron sets, wedges and putters, we are guilty of buying used balls and/or whatever is on sale.

Despite growing competition from a number of manufacturers (there are new and improved designs at Srixon and Bridgestone to name just two), the Titleist Pro V1 remains the most popular ball on tour, because of its "feel" around the greens. Subject of a technical redesign last year, the new grooves rule on tour has put more emphasis on spin.

The question is, what ball is right for you as a golfer? Titleist has launched a new ball fitting tool. Give it a try and see what you find: http://www.titleist.com/ballfitting/

Long Bombers - Volume 1 - Bubba Watson

Did Bubba become king of the PGA long drivers BECAUSE of his name? You almost have to wonder... chicken/egg, egg/chicken?? Whatever the case may be, this man has the perfect name to match his prodigious length off the tee. Anyone who can bomb a ball as far as Bubba Watson should, from this day forward, be referred to as "a Bubba!"

Maybe we'll take it to a vote some day.

With his trademark pink shafts, this PING man has been at the top of the tour (give or take one spot) for longest average driving distance since 2006. Before that, he held the undisputed title at the Nationwide Tour in 2005 as well. His distance is legendary and he has been known to bomb balls well over 400 yards on a consistent basis! If courses allowed for it by design, Watson's average would probably skyrocket.

I first took serious notice of Bubba Watson, after an article appeared in Golf Digest, which described the struggles Watson experiences trying to stay focused throughout an entire round, due to the slow pace of play on the PGA tour. Watson has an active mind, which makes it hard for him to remain in the moment when play drags on, as it often does. This may explain how, sometimes from a position of relative strength, Watson will sometimes make unexplained unforced errors. I share that trait and it instantly made me sympathetic to him...

Whatever his issues, Bubba Watson is exceptional - especially from a statistical point of view. Despite using a driver with 6.5 degrees of loft, he launches the ball at a stunning 16 degree angle, which is several degrees more than the tour average. He also manages to do this with a very low spin rate and a club head speed of over 120 miles per hour. This allows Bubba Watson the ability to rocket balls at just under 200 miles/hr. No kidding! The numbers are staggering, frankly.

Despite the obvious focus on distance when talking about Bubba Watson, we would surely be remiss not to point out that there is much more to his game than length. Perhaps what sets him apart from most other so-called bombers, is his ability to dramatically shape his shots in any direction. If you can call it that, his "usual" ball flight is high, but his signature shot is a very low fade that Watson calls a "dink cut" (don't ask me why?!) He has also been known to play a number of spectacular hooks and outright slices as well, when called upon to do so.

With a Chi Chi Rodriguez like talent, Watson exhibits a "feel" for shots that is all but lost on tour, especially as the focus of equipment makers and golf teachers has moved away from the type of homegrown improvised swing that Watson has mastered. Indeed, as Watson himself explained in that Golf Digest interview, he has never taken lessons, or had a golf coach. Like other virtuosos with unusual swings (like Jim Furyk), Bubba Watson grooved his own swing path and found a way to make the golf ball do spectacular things.

This should stand as somewhat of a lesson to the golf establishment. Today's young golfers tend to emanate from golf schools, summer camps and junior teaching programs that have shifted the emphasis away from feel toward an almost zealous quest for technical perfection. As such, the sport is generating many golfers with very repeatable swings, but who are far too mechanical and who often lack the ability to improvise. Like classic golfers of old, Bubba Watson works the course from all angles and in any kind of difficult condition.

In such a technically driven environment, Bobby Jones would probably have been criticized for having too much lower body movement, for using too much hands and for bringing the club back well past parallel. These are all the same things you'll hear commentators point out about Bubba Watson. But, the proof is in the pudding...

As we start the 2010 season, Bubba's game seems sharp and we would not be surprised if he claimed his first victory soon. Only a few months in, Watson has two top 5 finishes and is on pace to triple his earnings. As he has always done, Watson is finding a way to figure it out on his own.

Off the course, Bubba Watson can often be found on Twitter, posting a picture or two and blasting one or two words in response to friends or fans. Despite his reputation for having a short fuse and a lack of patience, one quickly realizes that Watson is a kind and charitable guy, who also takes great pride in his deep Christian faith. Bubba has also been known to have a bit of a sense of humor, as you can see at http://bit.ly/bro5QY

At 6'3", Bubba Watson is a tall man, but not quite as tall as his beautiful wife Angie, who stands a few inches taller than him. Angie is an accomplished athlete herself, having played professional basketball and maintaining a single-digit golf handicap. She describes Bubba as being "amazingly talented in almost anything he tries".

The more I learn about Bubba Watson, the more that comes as no surprise...

Exemptions! First Sam Saunders, Now Another Black Eye for the PGA

We at Golf Grooves have been critical of exemptions granted on the basis of nepotism to Arnold Palmer's grandson, while veterans like Duval, DiMarco and Daly get bumped from tournaments.  Now, Finchem is accused of showing a bias for Elkington, as he sends out a memo to tournaments on his behalf.  Will this cost Finchem his job?  Maybe it should...

Check out this link - I simply could not have written it any better!  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100323/ap_on_sp_go_ne/glf_finchem_memo

Frustration! Some Days it is Hard to be a Fan!

Some days, I just want to quit following golf altogether! I don't even think its worth mentioning that I am sick and tired of being subjected to the Tiger saga, day after day after day after day - for far too long already. Every minute of every event and every Golf Channel segment seems to focus on it. Every XM and Sirius radio host goes on and on about it. It is unbearable! It boggles my mind how they just can't understand that people are saturated and sick of it! This isn't to say that Tiger Woods has no fans, or that I particularly dislike him. I recognize him as being the best golfer and I wish him nothing but the best. But, please shut up about it... at least until he actually plays a round in a tournament!

In fact, the only break we ever seem to get is when the programing switches to John Daly's reality show, or the Hank Haney Project (when Hank isn't plugging the fact that he's Tiger's coach, of course).

Having said that, the new Hank Haney project is not very good... Hank may be a great coach, but Charles Barkley made up for what Haney lacked in on-screen energy during the last version of the show. I can't blame Hank, because who could have known that Ray Romano would be so impossible to like? This guy is not funny at all - a bit of a wet noodle so far, actually. You can almost feel the frustration Hank has toward the guy. All I can say is: "Hey Ray, shut up and listen to Hank, you neurotic man!" Argh!

So, at best I may tune in for the last show, to see if Haney actually manages to help Ray more than he "didn't" help Chuck, but I doubt I will.

If you ask me, the only compelling program on the Golf Channel so far this year has been "Being John Daly". In fact, the whole premise appealed to me, when I first heard about it through Daly himself. Finally, the Golf Channel would be giving golf fans something to get behind! One of the most popular golfers of all time is taking meaningful steps to turn things around and regain his place as an elite golfer. Sounds like a great theme for a show!

In case you've lived on Mars since the 1990, you should already know that John Daly has more talent than most other golfers combined. I've been told as much by people who have seen him play many times from inside the ropes and who know the sport better than I do. Having said that, Daly's lifestyle has often been in the way of his career and he has slipped a very long way, so the journey back to the winner's circle is promising to be a long and interesting ride. Hence the idea for the show, undoubtedly.

After three episodes, I can report that it has been even better than anticipated.

At a time when the LPGA is struggling to keep sponsors, at a time when the PGA has a number of contracts to renew, at a time when sponsors want more interaction with players, and a time when golf fans are begging for a reason to watch golf, John Daly is a draw... He attracts viewers and he bends over backwards for sponsors, he sells merchandise and he sells tickets.

So what does the PGA establishment do? You bet!!! After three consecutive cuts made and real signs that John Daly's game is starting to come around, tournaments stop inviting him! The exemptions dry up. It is the ultimate cosmic joke, isn't it?! Daly isn't part of the Tavistock Cup of course, and obviously doesn't qualify for the Masters this year. Add to that the fact that Arnold Palmer didn't invite him and the Shell Houston Open also did not grant him an exemption and we won't be seeing Daly play in any event for a month, maybe more.

Perhaps I'm just being morose, because I feel bad for Daly who is really working hard. But, knowing what I know, I have no desire to watch golf at all. In particular, I refuse to watch Arnold Palmer's Invitational.

As I have said before, the many exemptions given to Arnold's grandson Sam Saunders (to a growing number of tournaments), at a time when veterans like John Daly, David Duval, Rocco Mediate, Steve Elkington, Chris DiMarco and others are all in need of exemptions, makes me resentful. The fact that nobody at any golf media outlet has had the courage to say a damn thing about it is shameful.

But rather than beat a dead dog any more, I just feel like turning the channel. Maybe I'll catch a little hockey, or maybe bowling for dollars. I have my passes to the Masters, of course, and will be there to walk Augusta National, but until then I'm not sure I want anything to do with this sport for a while.

I will undoubtedly feel better in the morning, but tonight... I don't feel like a fan of golf at all.

Life Hasn't Always Been Easy for the Big Easy

With a brilliant display of golf and a final round of 66, Ernie Els hoisted a PGA trophy for the first time in two years, as he won the WGC this March at Doral. In the best form we've seen from Els in years, he left no question that his game is perfectly grooved for the upcoming 2010 season and, more specifically, for next month's Masters. Already with 17 wins on the PGA Tour and more than 60 victories worldwide, Els has been a prolific winner and a true force to be reckoned with for the best part of two decades.

But, despite much success as an athlete (Els was also a champion tennis player and accomplished at every sport he played as a youth), there is no question that life has not always been easy for the Big Easy.

Since a major knee injury interrupted his career in 2006, Els has struggled to regain the form that made him one of the world's best golfers. All things considered, ACL surgery was small potatoes, when compared to the shock suffered when son Ben was born with Autism. Now 7 years old, Ben was fortunate to be born to parents who are driven and strong... The Els family has been dedicated to raising money and awareness of/for autism ever since.

It is a wonder that Ernie has been able to remain a solid family man, father, advocate for Autism and champion golfer for all these years. With that in mind, it is no wonder that he remains one of golf's most admired men and beloved characters.

As the clock ticks down to the Masters, we can't help but hope that Els will be able to bring his unique blend of power and finesse to that venue. It will be an added bonus for fans to watch as Ernie takes on his arch rival Tiger Woods.

It is not a mystery that there is absolutely no love lost between Ernie and Tiger. The two have exchanged barbs several times over the years. Recently, for example, Els called Woods selfish, while Woods previously accused Els of not working hard enough to recover fully from his knee injury.

At a time when golf needs a shot in the arm, a renewed rivalry between two of golf's giants would be a welcome turn of events.

Who is YOUR Favorite Golfer and Why?

I thought it might be fun to hear from YOU... the true golf fans. We all have our favorite golfers; men and/or women we admire either for their skill, their flair, their entertainment value, or for other less obvious reasons. Clic on the link and take a minute to tell us who your favorite is and why...

When Slow and Steady Wins the Race

I love it when a good guy wins.

But, don't let the quiet demeanor fool you, Jim Furyk is out to win, week in and week out. A well rounded athlete, who also played some pretty good basketball in his younger days, his professional golf record reads as one of the most consistent and second only to Tiger Woods. The number of top ten finishes speaks for itself. A perennial $4 million dollar winner (or more) every year, including a $7 million dollar peak in 2006, Furyk deserves his spot as one of the best golfers of his generation.

This is an amazing fact, when you consider that Furyk is not particularly long off the tee, nor is he recognized as "the best" in any specific category. The thing is... he does nothing poorly.

I had the chance to see it for myself, when Jim won the Canadian Open for the second time in 2007. I followed him from hole to hole on Sunday and marvelled at how deadly accurate he was. He was embroiled in a close battle versus arch rival Vijay Singh (then at his peak). The cool, slow and unemotional course management and razor sharp execution reminded me of surgery. In fact, if Freddie Couples has always reminded me of a smooth lawyer, Jim Furyk has always come across as a guy who could have been a surgeon.

Always on the right side of every fairway, approaching every pin from the smart side, good putts that always have a chance and are almost never left short. The man just seems intelligent and cool in the face of everything. Consistency is Jim Furyk's trademark...

Sure, nobody will ever mistake Jim Furyk for Ian Poulter. He will never be very flamboyant, but he works the course and grinds out every stroke. He may never give you a fist pump or get excited and spike his hat, nor will you see him throw his putter or utter a profanity.

A client of mine once gave me a big turtle carved out of jade as a gift. At first, I was not sure what to make of it. This lovely Asian lady explained that the turtle is revered in Chinese culture, for its dogged determination and tireless work. "How strong is a turtle, that it always carries a heavy burden on its back, but never complains nor congratulates itself?" Isn't that Jim Furyk through and through?

Like it has been said so many times before, slow and steady wins the race...

One of my Favorite Images - The Islesworth Bull

Hard to Watch - Even Harder to Understand

Although I suspect that certain people enjoy watching Tiger Woods suffer, I find it tough to see someone of that stature fall so far. Maybe Tiger Woods needed to be knocked off his pedestal, but it is hard to understand how anyone could enjoy seeing a man surrounded by so much self-inflicted grief.

Tiger Woods "the golfer" is an exceptional, almost mystical figure. We have witnessed all the glory and the dominance. With his ability, obvious since he was only a child, Tiger Woods will still certainly be remembered as the best golfer of all time.

Tiger Woods "the man" however is still a mess. His life is a series of question marks and frankly the interview today is just further proof of that.

Part of me wishes I could still "like" Tiger Woods, but I find it almost impossible. He just isn't my type of guy. This isn't about whether or not he is flawed, because I recognize that we are all flawed in some way - even people with extraordinary talent in one way lack in some other way. As I have written before, I can disregard almost any past transgressions to anyone who seems genuine and grounded. I have never felt that from Tiger. I can't relate...

Then, there is the lingering feeling that this is all a big show. I have had media training. I know the techniques that consultants teach people who are faced with questions and I understand the process that allows someone like Tiger Woods to deal with uncomfortable media situations. As such, I recognized that most of the answers seemed prepared again during his interview today. Tiger appeared well rehearsed and his repetitive theme sounded heavily scripted.

Having said that, Tiger Woods faced some serious questions - questions he is not really obliged to answer. Whether you accept answers such as "it was all in the police report", or believe anything he had to say for that matter, it must be gut wrenching for a man like Tiger Woods to face the world in this particular light. The word "humbled" comes to mind...

The stark reality is that Tiger has lost more than just a few lucrative sponsors. And, though we are often quick to judge, we must remember that HE is the one who lives with the loss of tremendous public support and respect, he is the one who has become the late-night punch line, he is the one who must face his wife, face his mother, face his friends, and face the world to a certain extent, while wearing his sins across his chest.

So, even if I am not prepared to "like" Tiger Woods, I am also no longer willing to persecute him. As Frank Nobilo said, we can not canonize him for having done this interview, but we can accept that these are steps that he is taking to begin rehabilitating his career and his life.

As he returns to competitive golf, the backlash is really only just beginning. The tough part is not behind him - not by a long shot. It will be interesting to see if Tiger Woods can behave with the utmost grace now, in the face of the unspeakable rudeness he will almost surely encounter.

That is but part of the price he will pay for having had all his flaws publicly exposed.

John Daly: Extreme Makeover - Golf Edition

What a difference a year makes! At this time last year, people were wondering what had become of John Daly. Missing in action for months by that point, the big blond golfer (known to his friends simply as "Lion") had not played a round in any American tournament during the last months of the previous season, or the first two months of that new season. Worse, he didn't appear to be scheduled to play anywhere. His website seemed all but abandoned; his personal message on it had not been updated in a long while and all the news being written about him seemed bad. Still without a tour card and playing mostly in Europe, more than one person had surmised that the two-time major champion had reached the end of his career.

It was not until he was finally spotted in Augusta GA, signing autographs outside the Masters, that anyone knew what had become of him. As it turns out, despite what seemed like many reasons to quit, John Daly had done just the opposite. He was working behind the scenes to rebuild his career and reshape much of his life. This was not just some minor tweaking either... This was Extreme Makeover - Golf Edition!

As usual, much of the press written about his appearance in Augusta was negative. I laugh now as I recall how few of the mainstream writers commented on the fact that John Daly looked years younger and more physically fit than he had been in years. Few also mentioned that thousands of fans were lined-up for a chance to meet one of the most popular golfers of all times. As usual, the media's focus was on his troubles - rehashed over and over.

But despite the usual press, last April was a good time for John, because it marked the public re-emergence of the NEW Lion, in many ways. Looking at him today, almost one full year later, the transformation has been fantastic and worthy of more than only a passing mention in a story about his past. Since the mainstream media can't seem to do it right, I thought I might try.

You see, I have no interest in revisiting the past, like so many who have written about John Daly. I am more concerned about the the present and the future. Suffice it to say that John Daly has lived a full life and one that has not always been easy - especially on himself.

It is plain to see however that, through his recent actions, John Daly realizes more than anyone else that it is time to fish or cut bait.

So, one year later, John Daly has lost well over 100 lbs, he has signed deals with several new business partners and sponsors and, perhaps most importantly, has started to play much better golf. His deal with clothing manufacturer Loudmouth has served the added purpose of providing him with a unique and unmistakable style.

Much of this transformation and his quest to earn his tour card, is being documented in the new reality television series "Being John Daly", which airs on the Golf Channel, Tuesday nights. It is worth watching. I have enjoyed the first few episodes tremendously.

But, despite his efforts, Daly is fighting more than just himself in this attempt at redemption. The years of controversy have left scars, some that are not healing as well as others.

Money issues still exist and probably weigh on his mind more than he lets on. Despite having tremendous earning power, things aren't what they used to be just yet.

Certain members of the press are not interested in the idea of a "new" John Daly. He has been dogged - if not hounded - by a group of writers including Steve Elling of CBS Sports, who seem to have an agenda to besmirch Daly as often and as viciously as possible. Of course, there's plenty of history there, but he is clearly still a target of the press.

Of course, John has also had to fight the establishment - the stiff shirts of golf - who are not always willing to forgive and forget. He is not always invited to tournaments anymore, despite their having profited greatly for decades from John Daly's tremendous ability to draw fans and sell tickets. While he was at the top of his game, they clamored and lined up to ask him to attend and paid him appearance fees to help sell tickets and attract sponsors - but not so much now that he needs them.

Nonetheless, through thick and thin, John Daly has remained a warm, deep feeling, and tremendously charitable guy, who has done a great deal for the PGA Tour, for its sponsors and charities. That alone is reason enough to stand behind him and cheer him on.

The Future of Golf

Anyone wondering or worried about the future of golf need look no further than Rickie Fowler to know that things are looking up. Not since Sergio Garcia has any young up-and-comer shown such natural ability and not since John Daly has any rookie so quickly captured the hearts of young golf fans.

Like Tiger Woods, Fowler's appeal extends far beyond the "usual" golf fan. He has the look, he has the panache, but unlike others before him, he also has the game to round out the package. Sure, there have been many other young guns with many of the same necessary ingredients at one time or another. Most went on to fizzle and none ever lived-up to lofty expectations. Anthony Kim, Justin Rose and Rickie Barnes come to mind. While they are all good golfers, none has ever given Tiger Woods much to worry about. But Fowler has something more - an intangible. Fowler has a level head and a steady demeanor that is impressive, especially in a game that rewards mental toughness and cold blood.

If Tiger Woods can credit much of his own success to his legendary mental toughness, then being able to play each stroke with consistency and focus is what will either make or break Fowler. When I asked Rickie Fowler (via Twitter) how he manages to keep it together on Sunday, especially when the pressure is very intense, he quickly responded: "I just remind myself that I've hit that shot a thousand times and it helps keep me in the moment." The simplicity of his answer and the common sense of the approach is an example of why this guy may soon become a premiere golfer on tour.

Moreover, Fowler may become one of the biggest money-making machines the PGA Tour has ever seen. As Fowler likes to say before he starts every round, "ITS GO TIME!" While Tiger Woods faltered, Rickie Fowler stealthily stepped into the spotlight and is now busy winning the hearts of young golf fans, who are eager for someone of their own generation to follow. The Puma gear, the cool hats over his long hair, and the aw-chucks attitude all help set him apart from the crowd and to make him a sponsor's dream. He is truly unique in golf, he stands out in several ways among a group often criticized for being clone-like. He represents what some hope will be the "next" generation of North American golfer.

Having said all that and perhaps best of all... Rickie Fowler is likable. Those who know him, like commentator Michael Collins, often speak of his excellent character, easy disposition and good nature. At a time when golf's super stars have sour faces and utter four letter words on camera, wouldn't it be great to have a star we can actually like!

The only thing left to do is light up the course, rack up the wins and stare down the current #1 player in the world. This is no small task, but if all golf fans hunger for something, it is a legitimate contender to take on Tiger Woods head to head, week after week. So far, only Vijay was able to do it for any length of time.

Of course, only time will tell if Rickie Fowler really can become golf's next big star. Golf is unkind to those who fall short, but something tells me that Rickie Fowler's star has plenty of shinning to do.

Arnold Palmer's Grandson and the Great Nepotism Debate

There is something to be said for the contribution that Arnold Palmer has made to the game of golf. The son of a grounds keeper, Arnold Palmer climbed his way from the very bottom, with his simple charm and considerable talent, to become the King.

Yet today, Arnold Palmer is stepping over a bunch of common folk, to use his considerable influence and his place among golf's royalty to help blaze an easy trail for his grandson, Sam Saunders. Sam has been granted a number of sponsors' exemptions this season, arguably for no other reason than his grandfather's name. In so doing, he has leapfrogged over many young golfers, who are playing the Nationwide Tour and who do not enjoy such privilege. Several of those youngsters have proven themselves to be worthy of a spot on tour, but don't have the influencial Arnold Palmer in their corner.

Nobody should have to tell Arnold Palmer that the breaks don't come easilly in professional golf. While he was a great player and has always been a wonderful ambassador for the game, I wonder if he has struggled with the ethics of the situation. Has anyone even dared ask him why Sam Saunders deserves to skip over so much of golf's proving ground?

This is not to say that Sam Saunders is not a good golfer. His record suggests that he still has much to learn, but there have been signs to suggest that he has the potential to become a good golfer down the road. That's not really the point. Whether Palmer knows it or even cares, some are deeply offended that he would so shamelessly disregard the struggles of other young golfers, and stand by while his grandson blatantly jumps the queue. Out of respect for Palmer, few would dare bring it up.

In fact, I probably wouldn't have mentioned it myself, if not for public comments made by Palmer. During an XM/Sirius Radio interview, Palmer actually went out of his way to suggest that Saunders was blazing his own trail and doing things his way. As far as I am concerned, that is a slap in the face - as if the average golf fan was not intelligent enough to understand that Sam Saunders is enjoying a VERY special and unique advantage, one that is not bestowed on many.

You see, when Sam Saunders is granted one of his numerous sponsor's exemption, such as to Pebble Beach, Phoenix, Bay Hill, etc., he doesn't only skip over all the amatueurs and Nationwide players who are ahead of him, but he also takes a very valuable spot away from a veteran who is without a card. Names that quickly come to mind include fan favorites John Daly and Chris DiMarco. I will argue that both have done a great deal for the Tour and for the many sponsors and charities on Tour, where Sam Saunders has not. Shouldn't that matter?

Then there's the issue of what fans want to see. When is it wrong to deny the fans the chance to see their favorite veteran players, in order to make room for a relative? In what other sport do you see that? At a time when the tour is suffering through the Tiger Woods drama, the John Daly comeback story is compelling and has been a source of tremendous interest. Case in point, Sam Saunders has bumped Daly out of three events already this year. How can that be good for golf?

Until now, I had always looked at golf as a sort of last bastion of meritocracies in sports. The fact that players have to compete for purses, instead of earning a salary. When we start filling the spots with relatives, what the Hell happens to the field? That something like that is coming from Arnold Palmer makes it even more shameful.

Will Tiger Woods Ruin the Masters

From the first speculation that Tiger was planning a return to golf at either one of the Tavistock Cup, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, or at the Masters in Augusta, my hope has been that he might not choose the Masters as his comeback stage.

I am a Northerner. My ancestors did not have the wherewithal to keep moving South, so my golf season does not usually start until after Masters week. This is golf's version of the Stanley cup, the Superbowl, and the World Series, wrapped into one of the classiest sporting events on the face of the earth.

As I have done before, I'll be in attendance again this year, to walk the hallowed grounds where legends have played the game. If there is such a place, this is where the ghost of Bobby Jones still lives. Every blade of grass, every sandwich wrapped in green, every famous azaelia lined hole - all of it is steeped in history and tradition. But, what will it be like at Augusta National amid the media frenzy?

My legitimate fear is that Tiger will not be greeted with open arms, instead being confronted with hostility. For as many fans as Tiger Woods still has, there are now a multitude of Tiger-haters, all waiting for a chance to heckle and lash out. It is by virtue of being King of the Hill that people will try to knock him down, especially when he has shown such monumental signs of weakness and personal flaws.

Tiger's caddie, Steve Williams, can threaten to shield his boss all he wants, but he will certainly be no match for the anger that has festered in the hearts of Tiger-haters for these many months. As unimaginable as it may seem at Augusta, this could get messy.

The obvious issue is this: you can't do what Tiger did, from his formerly lofty pedestal, and hope to avoid all forms of flack - even at Augusta National.

I know that several players have agreed with the notion that the Masters is secure enough that Tiger can avoid a free-for-all like what would surely have transpirred at a venue like the Phoenix Open, or the Honda Classic. There, Tiger would have felt the full brunt of the anger.

Nonetheless, my opinion remains that the Tavistock Cup would have provided a great warm-up venue for Woods, while also allowing Tiger-haters their stage to let it all out, to get it over with and to finally vent their collective frustration. It would have been an ideal place for Tiger Woods to answer a few questions at a small venue and to ease the media hunger.

Then, Bay Hill would have been less crazy, as the story would have already played out the week before. We all know how short an attention span we have! Only silence seems to drag this on and on! Furthermore, Bay Hill is a place where Tiger has dominated and could have played with some degree of confidence, while getting comfortable with what surrounds him. Nothing shuts up a critic quite like a sound beating, as Stephen Ames once learned.

At last, Tiger could have walked the course at Augusta in relative peace, amid the most well-behaved crowd on tour. The Masters tournament would have been spared the embarrassment of the media frenzy that is now almost certain, while still retaining all of the upside - most importantly the TV ratings.

All this could have been achieved without forsaking the sacred etiquette and decorum that makes Augusta National so special.

As far as I'm concerned, choosing the Masters to make a comeback was another selfish act by a man who often seems to care mostly about what gratifies him. This may be a bit harsh, at a time when we are being sold on the notion of a reborn Buddhist Tiger Woods, who has spent months reinventing himself. Maybe I just don't buy it, yet.

One doesn't hire Ari because one IS a good person, one hires Ari to help APPEAR to be a good person. There is a distinction...

I certainly look forward to attending the Masters weekend. I will see someone win a green jacket, maybe even Tiger Woods. All I hope is that the event doesn't get lost in the buzz...

I'm interested to know what you think.

Why?

On the heels of a pathetic period of golf reporting, predicated on the media's obsession with the trials and tribulations of Tiger Woods, I was reaching maximum frustration levels as a golf fan. Then the last drop, in a glass already too full, came when CBS golf writer Steve Elling posted two hatchet pieces on the network website.

I won't rehash the stories, but suffice it to say that they were vindictive and startlingly inaccurate attacks on a particular PGA Tour golfer, who I happen to like.


I was angry at Elling for using the considerable forum that was generously provided to him by CBS, to launch obvious personal attacks and to settle scores, rather than to write substantive stories about the PGA Tour. This also made me quickly realize that such a platform could become a powerful tool. Since the media controls the message, the media becomes the message - so I plotted various possible ways to become the anti-golf-media!

I want to be Steve Elling's alter-ego, so-to-speak. I want to take the issues that are discussed in golf publications and in golf media and dissect them. I want to put my spin on things and I intend to use square grooves, if you catch my drift.


A few days ago, official news broke that Tiger Woods was returning to play at the Masters. Media reaction was absurd. XM radio and Sirius Satellite radio read the Woods' team press release no less than a dozen times every hour for two days. My resolve grew and I started setting-up this page, which I now hope will become your first choice as the home of intelligent golf talk.

Reporting and commentary are supposed to be concerned with real issues; the what, the why, the who and the how. Sadly, the golf clic has made it such that a story finds its genesis on one golf writer's desk, then soon becomes gospel, which will be repeated in every other major forum.

So, if I have a dream for this modest endeavour, it is that you find a home here where you will feel comfortable enough to comment on the issues that surround the game of golf. I hope to become a moderator of sorts, to lead an intelligent ongoing discussion that goes far beyond the obvious. Lets change the ridiculously one dimensional coverage at most outlets.

Our success will be measured by the size of our eventual following, of course (which stands at zero as I write this). Who knows, maybe I will look back upon these first few paragraphs in amazement some day...

As they say, nothing ventured - nothing gained.

Welcome!