Thoughts from Augusta

Great leaderboard at Augusta. This is going to be a great two days of golf. I feel fortunate to see it live from the Masters... A few thoughts before the weekend...

1) Whether he means it or not, I think Tiger's new friendly demeanor on the course is a welcome change. If anything, it may actually help his game. Bobby Jones found inner peace, after being a legendary jerk on the course early on. I hope Tiger has changed his stripes for good.

2) I spent a while at John Daly's motorhome today. Picked-up a bunch of Daly gear including his golf bag from Mayakoba... Shagadelic! John and Anna are just good people; warm, friendly and genuine. Daly looks great, frankly... it is just a matter of time until he contends again. You can just tell.

3) Is anyone else thrilled by Freddie Couples playing so well? As fun as the kids are to watch sometimes, I love the veterans! Word is that his back is sore...

4) Lee Westwood has been knocking at the door for a long time. Does he have the finish required to wear a green jacket - only he knows. The Brits are making a bug push these days... even Sandy!

Talk soon!

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.

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.

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.