The presenters of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando brag that there are “10 miles of aisles” at the world’s largest golf exposition and I’ve got the sore feet and legs to verify it.
I always promise myself that I will get “sensible” footwear that will ease the pain. This year, it was a new pair of Champion sneakers. They were just the latest version of senseless footwear. The next time I see a bunion, it had better be the first fairway of Ballybunion Golf Club in Ireland.
Pardon my digression. The 2008 fad was interchangeable shafts. If you’re going to be playing in the wind and want to keep your drives low install the shaft that will lower the trajectory. If you want to hit it high, install the shaft that will hit it high. Sounds simple and probably works.
Here’s the rub. That $300 - $400 driver just became an $800 driver. The truth is these companies are having problems selling drivers for $250 in the current economic throes. Good luck selling an $800 gimmick.
This higher lower thing got me thinking about a round I played at the aforementioned Ballybunion Golf Club. I was playing with a local member named Eoin McRee. It was a typical day at Ballybunion. The wind was blowing off the ocean in double digit miles per hour with some very strong gusts. As we made our way through the dunes, I noticed that Eoin was masterfully managing the trajectory of every shot without any noticeable change in ball position and setup.
Finally, I asked him how he did it. “Well Jack,” he said the smoothest Irish brogue, “when I wants to hit it high, I t’ink high. When I wants to hit it low, I t’ink low. That’s all and off we go.”
I can guarantee you that that little pearl of wisdom didn’t cost $400 and he didn’t have to change a shaft.
During the show, the biggest buzz was the infamous Golfweek cover featuring a noose. The cover drew more attention than many of the products. The noose was in reference to The Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman and her “and lynch him” remark in response to a remark made by broadcast partner Nick Faldo. It wasn’t taken that way, by a large segment of the populace.
The result was that editor Dave Seanor was fired over the ensuing furor. The truth is, he was thrown under the bus and then backed up upon. In their apology in the next issue, it was admitted that senior management never checked the cover before it went to print. I’ve worked for newspapers and magazines and someone in senior management dropped the ball and Seanor paid.
Having said that, in retrospect Seanor used bad judgment in a legitimate effort to stimulate dialog between white golfers and golfers of color. This is needed not just in golf, but in all walks of life. Unfortunately, when you’re in the editor’s chair you’re extremely vulnerable when you make a judgmental error—as Seanor found out.
For years, no attention was paid to golf tees. In fact, there was only one full time golf tee manufacturer and it was a company in Maine and they didn’t want any publicity at all. They must have gone out of business because there were more types of tees on display than ever before. I’m sorry, but I’m not buying into tee technology. I’m also not buying into a plastic tee that is spring loaded so when you hit your drive, the top half of the tee bends, but doesn’t break. I may not buy into it, but someone is.
The best of the dumbest has to be Fairway Flags. These little orange pieces of cloth are the best. The theory behind the Fairway Flags is that if you spot what may be a lost ball, you put the cloth over, or near it. They claim that it speeds up play. How about, “hey Harry, your ball is over here.” They also recommend their use if a player in an adjoining hole launches one in your fairway or rough, you can leave the Fairway Flag so he can easily find his ball.
I’ve got a problem with this one. How is the Wildman going to know what the hell that orange piece of cloth is? You might just as well leave a few dollar bills next to the ball. The Fairway Flag website doesn’t give an exact price; buy says they are priced “under $5.” Right and this other golfer is going to hunt you down to give you back your fairway flag.
Bartender that’s enough for one day. Pour me another if you will and this time make it a Bullshot—that’s Jaegermeister and Red Bull. That should raise my energy level.
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Favortism for Tilghman?
The Golf Channel suspended golf telecast anchor Kelly Tilghman for two weeks and it was for something she said during the telecast of the season opening Mercedes Benz Tournament of Champions.
Trying to be glib, Tilghman attempted to finish a comment made by analyst Nick Faldo who said referring to the younger players on the PGA Tour, “to take him on, maybe they should just gang up for a while.”
“Lynch him in a back alley,” chirped Tilghman.
Chances are Tilghman would like to have those words back although most people believe we have gotten past lynching black people in this country. At least I hope we have.
While electronic media types have been falling all over themselves to downplay the seriousness of these comments, the question comes to mind, where were these people when Ben Wright was canned—not suspended by CBS? AND it wasn’t for something he said on air.
Wright was talking with a freelance reporter prior to the LPGA McDonalds Championship. Thinking that he was giving background material instead of an interview, Wright explained the problems the LPGA was having attracting corporate sponsorship. He opined that there was a preconceived notion in corporate America that the predominant sexual ladies orientation on the ladies tour wasn’t hetero. He also retold an old story first told by Joanne Carner about the anatomic choice a female golfer has to make when addressing a golf ball. Perhaps, he should have clearly cited Carner.
The story first appeared in the Wilmington (DE) News-Journal and then exploded in a mushroom cloud that buried Wright’s career. None of the networks would even look at Wright, never mind hire him. A man of keen insight who would let the facts get in the way of a good story and move on to another was fired for telling the truth. At the time, that was the thought process of corporate America and if the writer didn’t understand the dry British humor, shame on her.
Wright never said anything off key on the air and told the truth off it. He was fired. Tilghman made an incredibly insensitive remark on air and everyone’s trying to laugh it off.
Do I think Tilghman should be fired? Probably not. Then again, I really don’t believe Wright should have been fired. However, it did set a precedent of sorts and in a more literal sense, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If the automobile industry was run like the golf industry, a new car wouldn’t last a month.
Sonartec has been one of the rapidly rising stars in the business and one of the key reasons is Jim Uno. About five years ago, Uno, who was in charge of marketing and operations, reported that he foresaw hybrid sales growing by as much as 400 percent over the next few years.
Headquarters received a report from their new sales guru that hybrids were a passing fad and would be non-existent in two years and that the company should amp up in fairway woods. The powers that be went with the fairway woods.
In 2004, Todd Hamilton won the British Open at Royal Troon in playoff over Ernie Els by pulling off incredible short game miracles using the Sonartec hybrid in ways no one ever thought it could be used.
Short term this was great for Sonartec, but eventually it became their downfall. With so much tied up in fairway woods, it became extremely difficult to meet the hybrid demand, so an investor was sought. In walked a Canadian businessman named Peter Pocklington with a promise of guaranteed cash to help out Sonartec. Someone might have done due diligence before they signed on the dotted line.
Pocklington had bled the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL so dry, that they were forced to trade their biggest asset, Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings to bail them out. He had pulled a bait and switch on the people at another promising golf company, Golf Gear. They’re not promising anything anymore. Thus far, Sonartec claims that Pocklington hasn’t financially lived up to the contract. They shouldn’t worry though, he’s seized control and they’re powerless anyway.
While this was going on, they formed another company, Trion-Z, a combination of magnets and minerals that emit negative ions in a bracelet or a necklace. Last year, under the direction of Uno, Trion-Z did $4.4 million in sales and because the product is worn by so many top athletes in all sports, the growth is expected to continue—maybe.
The former brain trust at Sonartec seeing their business life pass before their eyes jumped over to Trion-Z and are trying to displace Uno as the CEO. Hopefully, someone at the mother ship in Japan will figure out the equation, Uno = success, other guys = oops.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The PGA Merchandise Show comes to Orlando, FL January 17-19. As usual success and failure will hang in the balance for some companies during those three days.
For a few years, there was a cause to question the relevance of the show as the larger companies backed out. Apparently, the show has weathered the storm because some of the better known companies have started to come back. It’s a win—win situation for everyone connected with the industry—even white-haired writers with curly mustaches.
It will be interesting to see what new gimmicks and technologies will be on the market to tempt the golfer. We’ll file a report following the show.
Bartender, please pour me a double Red Bull if you will. I’m trying to build a reserve of energy for three days walking the floor of the Orange County Convention Center.
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Trying to be glib, Tilghman attempted to finish a comment made by analyst Nick Faldo who said referring to the younger players on the PGA Tour, “to take him on, maybe they should just gang up for a while.”
“Lynch him in a back alley,” chirped Tilghman.
Chances are Tilghman would like to have those words back although most people believe we have gotten past lynching black people in this country. At least I hope we have.
While electronic media types have been falling all over themselves to downplay the seriousness of these comments, the question comes to mind, where were these people when Ben Wright was canned—not suspended by CBS? AND it wasn’t for something he said on air.
Wright was talking with a freelance reporter prior to the LPGA McDonalds Championship. Thinking that he was giving background material instead of an interview, Wright explained the problems the LPGA was having attracting corporate sponsorship. He opined that there was a preconceived notion in corporate America that the predominant sexual ladies orientation on the ladies tour wasn’t hetero. He also retold an old story first told by Joanne Carner about the anatomic choice a female golfer has to make when addressing a golf ball. Perhaps, he should have clearly cited Carner.
The story first appeared in the Wilmington (DE) News-Journal and then exploded in a mushroom cloud that buried Wright’s career. None of the networks would even look at Wright, never mind hire him. A man of keen insight who would let the facts get in the way of a good story and move on to another was fired for telling the truth. At the time, that was the thought process of corporate America and if the writer didn’t understand the dry British humor, shame on her.
Wright never said anything off key on the air and told the truth off it. He was fired. Tilghman made an incredibly insensitive remark on air and everyone’s trying to laugh it off.
Do I think Tilghman should be fired? Probably not. Then again, I really don’t believe Wright should have been fired. However, it did set a precedent of sorts and in a more literal sense, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
If the automobile industry was run like the golf industry, a new car wouldn’t last a month.
Sonartec has been one of the rapidly rising stars in the business and one of the key reasons is Jim Uno. About five years ago, Uno, who was in charge of marketing and operations, reported that he foresaw hybrid sales growing by as much as 400 percent over the next few years.
Headquarters received a report from their new sales guru that hybrids were a passing fad and would be non-existent in two years and that the company should amp up in fairway woods. The powers that be went with the fairway woods.
In 2004, Todd Hamilton won the British Open at Royal Troon in playoff over Ernie Els by pulling off incredible short game miracles using the Sonartec hybrid in ways no one ever thought it could be used.
Short term this was great for Sonartec, but eventually it became their downfall. With so much tied up in fairway woods, it became extremely difficult to meet the hybrid demand, so an investor was sought. In walked a Canadian businessman named Peter Pocklington with a promise of guaranteed cash to help out Sonartec. Someone might have done due diligence before they signed on the dotted line.
Pocklington had bled the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL so dry, that they were forced to trade their biggest asset, Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings to bail them out. He had pulled a bait and switch on the people at another promising golf company, Golf Gear. They’re not promising anything anymore. Thus far, Sonartec claims that Pocklington hasn’t financially lived up to the contract. They shouldn’t worry though, he’s seized control and they’re powerless anyway.
While this was going on, they formed another company, Trion-Z, a combination of magnets and minerals that emit negative ions in a bracelet or a necklace. Last year, under the direction of Uno, Trion-Z did $4.4 million in sales and because the product is worn by so many top athletes in all sports, the growth is expected to continue—maybe.
The former brain trust at Sonartec seeing their business life pass before their eyes jumped over to Trion-Z and are trying to displace Uno as the CEO. Hopefully, someone at the mother ship in Japan will figure out the equation, Uno = success, other guys = oops.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The PGA Merchandise Show comes to Orlando, FL January 17-19. As usual success and failure will hang in the balance for some companies during those three days.
For a few years, there was a cause to question the relevance of the show as the larger companies backed out. Apparently, the show has weathered the storm because some of the better known companies have started to come back. It’s a win—win situation for everyone connected with the industry—even white-haired writers with curly mustaches.
It will be interesting to see what new gimmicks and technologies will be on the market to tempt the golfer. We’ll file a report following the show.
Bartender, please pour me a double Red Bull if you will. I’m trying to build a reserve of energy for three days walking the floor of the Orange County Convention Center.
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tis the season to be jolly - NOT!
Ah, tis the season to be jolly! Forget about it. I might look like St. Nick, but that’s where it ends. Sorry, but with all that’s been happening lately, it’s a cynic’s civil duty to get all over these tidbits.
Word out of David Ledbetter’s academy in Florida is that Michele Wie will NOT play in any men’s events in 2008 with the exception of an Asian tournament late in the year. Did someone beat her parents with a smart stick, or something? It certainly looks that way.
It will be interesting to see if she has in fact lost her game or if her rapid decline was injury driven. This will be big year for Ms. Wie. Can she seriously compete with the best the LPGA has to offer? We’ve seen glimpses of enormous talent and we’ve seen glimpses of a 10-cent head as well.
Her success or failure will be critical for the LPGA as well. Annika Sorenstam is going for her last hurrah before she marries in 2009. There are questions as she’s setting up to morph into the business world. Her injury status and focus have to be questioned. While Lorena Ochoa is a fine player, there isn’t a lot of magnetism there.
The LPGA is in need of a true rivalry of the Mickelson/Woods level. The potential is there. Morgan Pressel, who can really play, has been openly critical of the advantages handed Wie by all of golf’s governing bodies. At the top of her list is the USGA who hands Wie US Women’s Open exemptions as if they’re a birthright. This could be interesting. Don’t think for a minute that most of the players will fight not to be beaten by Wie. No one likes a spoiled brat and that’s the perception Wie will have to overcome.
A half century ago, Americans thought that Republican Harold Stassen was stubborn when he ran (unsuccessfully) for president nine straight times. Nope. Stassen was just persistent. Stubborn has been John Daly’s refusal to seek help stopping the total erosion of his game. Now, it appears that a light has come on and there’s someone home. Recently, Daly enlisted the help of Butch Harmon formerly of the Tiger Woods and presently the Phil Mickelson coaching box.
If Harmon can capture the Daly’s flailing action and mold it into an effective swing, more people will visit him in Las Vegas than travel to Lourdes for a quick cure.
For the record, Butch isn’t going to try to cut down on the length of Daly’s swing, but he feels he has to reposition Daly’s hands at the top to provide a better angle of attack through impact. He will not touch Daly’s short game as he feels it’s one of the best in golf.
Daly admits to a stubborn streak in the past and realizes where it’s left him. The truth is, as popular; as he is, he can live just so long on sponsor’s exemptions. The time has come to earn them. It might also be advisable that when he receives an invitation that he refrain from withdrawing at the warp speed he’s used in the past few years. That wears a little thin after a while.
Congratulations to Chris Evert Lloyd Mills and Greg Norman who recently announced their wedding engagement. For some of us, it’s still too early to accept cute, little Chrissie Evert in the role of “The Other Woman.” It’s tough to find out that we were victimized by a powerful PR campaign.
Chris now adds a swashbuckling raconteur to her list that includes a doubles specialist (Lloyd) and a professional skier (Mills). Let’s hope that she doesn’t buy into the “third time never fails” garbage and shows up in the same dress for her third waltz down the aisle.
This should be an interesting pairing. She almost always won on Sunday and he—not so much.
Rather than raid the Greg Norman Estates vineyards for yet another bottle of merlot, bartender, in keeping with the spirit of the season, pour me another bowl of wassail with just a touch more of cinnamon, please.
Have a merry and a happy.
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Word out of David Ledbetter’s academy in Florida is that Michele Wie will NOT play in any men’s events in 2008 with the exception of an Asian tournament late in the year. Did someone beat her parents with a smart stick, or something? It certainly looks that way.
It will be interesting to see if she has in fact lost her game or if her rapid decline was injury driven. This will be big year for Ms. Wie. Can she seriously compete with the best the LPGA has to offer? We’ve seen glimpses of enormous talent and we’ve seen glimpses of a 10-cent head as well.
Her success or failure will be critical for the LPGA as well. Annika Sorenstam is going for her last hurrah before she marries in 2009. There are questions as she’s setting up to morph into the business world. Her injury status and focus have to be questioned. While Lorena Ochoa is a fine player, there isn’t a lot of magnetism there.
The LPGA is in need of a true rivalry of the Mickelson/Woods level. The potential is there. Morgan Pressel, who can really play, has been openly critical of the advantages handed Wie by all of golf’s governing bodies. At the top of her list is the USGA who hands Wie US Women’s Open exemptions as if they’re a birthright. This could be interesting. Don’t think for a minute that most of the players will fight not to be beaten by Wie. No one likes a spoiled brat and that’s the perception Wie will have to overcome.
A half century ago, Americans thought that Republican Harold Stassen was stubborn when he ran (unsuccessfully) for president nine straight times. Nope. Stassen was just persistent. Stubborn has been John Daly’s refusal to seek help stopping the total erosion of his game. Now, it appears that a light has come on and there’s someone home. Recently, Daly enlisted the help of Butch Harmon formerly of the Tiger Woods and presently the Phil Mickelson coaching box.
If Harmon can capture the Daly’s flailing action and mold it into an effective swing, more people will visit him in Las Vegas than travel to Lourdes for a quick cure.
For the record, Butch isn’t going to try to cut down on the length of Daly’s swing, but he feels he has to reposition Daly’s hands at the top to provide a better angle of attack through impact. He will not touch Daly’s short game as he feels it’s one of the best in golf.
Daly admits to a stubborn streak in the past and realizes where it’s left him. The truth is, as popular; as he is, he can live just so long on sponsor’s exemptions. The time has come to earn them. It might also be advisable that when he receives an invitation that he refrain from withdrawing at the warp speed he’s used in the past few years. That wears a little thin after a while.
Congratulations to Chris Evert Lloyd Mills and Greg Norman who recently announced their wedding engagement. For some of us, it’s still too early to accept cute, little Chrissie Evert in the role of “The Other Woman.” It’s tough to find out that we were victimized by a powerful PR campaign.
Chris now adds a swashbuckling raconteur to her list that includes a doubles specialist (Lloyd) and a professional skier (Mills). Let’s hope that she doesn’t buy into the “third time never fails” garbage and shows up in the same dress for her third waltz down the aisle.
This should be an interesting pairing. She almost always won on Sunday and he—not so much.
Rather than raid the Greg Norman Estates vineyards for yet another bottle of merlot, bartender, in keeping with the spirit of the season, pour me another bowl of wassail with just a touch more of cinnamon, please.
Have a merry and a happy.
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Thursday, December 13, 2007
They finally got it!
It pains me to say this, but it appears that under the stewardship of Billy Payne, Chairman of the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club, the good ole boys just might leapfrog the USGA blowhards in bringing the game into the 21st century.
Sure they’re still stuffed shirts, but they just may get it—that golf is not in good shape and they’re willing to do something about it.
On Dec. 6, Payne announced the beginning of a long-term plan to use the Masters brand to expand the game of golf on an international basis. The first move is that beginning in 2008 every accredited patron (I hate that reference) can bring a child age 8 to 16 with them on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday free of charge. It’s a simple idea, but brilliant at the same time.
Think of it. Now Mom and Dad can share the experience of watching the greatest tournament in golf with the kids without having a remote in their hands. They’ll see the beauty first hand; experience the sounds and smells together. I daresay after four days of walking Augusta two things will happen to those kids. First, they’ll be tired because of an endless range of some of the steepest hills in golf (the 18th has to be seen in person to be believed). Second, you’ll have kids that will just have to try to play golf. All the cartoon messages and TV commercials in the world urging kids to play golf couldn’t compare to the effect of the opportunity Augusta National has presented.
Payne then backed up this landmark plan with another.
One of the traditions of the Masters has always been the Wednesday Par 3 Tournament. Everyone has heard about it—how the winner never wins the real deal (he never has). Yes, everyone has heard about it, but few have ever seen it. This year the Masters is opening another door and will allow ESPN to broadcast it.
Payne was quoted as saying “You don’t have to be an avid golfer to root for a hole-in-one.” He’s right, but just about anyone can get into watching players having their kids caddie for them and having fun joking around with the fans (sorry—patrons). If it looks like fun instead of a pressure-packed death march, there are probably a few couch potatoes who might get their butts to a golf course to see what it’s like.
The cynic in me says that they’re just trying to burn extra cash that’s endangering their non-profit status. That may very well be true, but at least they’re using their power to promote the game in very real ways. Regardless of their possible ulterior motive, I applaud their initial steps in giving back to the game.
From time to time, Augusta National and the USGA have seemed to be interchangeable, but the Georgia gang has separated themselves now. The USGA is left to suffer through the throes of misery of the Donald Driver reign. He has certainly left his mark on golf’s governing body in the U.S. Some would call it a scar.
The USGA has been teetering on the edge of losing their non-prof status as well. They have too much money. Instead of spending wisely, Driver started his own inquisition all but eliminating certain departments in the organization. Cutting overhead coupled with a little accounting hocus – pocus and the bottom line is served. Of course he sank the morale in Far Hills deeper than the Titanic. The Titanic was raised. Who knows about the USGA’s morale?
As I just read over the above paragraphs, I had a spasmodic shiver. You know the kind you have when you swallow something that tastes absolutely vile. After all these years, it’s happened. I’m applauding the people who run the Masters—and not just with one hand. YECCH!
I’ve got to right this ship. Okay, one semi-quick story.
It was 1983 and my first Masters. I was writing for the Boston Herald and I was to focus on an amateur named Jim Hallet from Cape Cod who qualified from the 1982 U.S. Amateur. 1983 was also the first year players could bring their own caddies and didn't have to use Augusta National caddies.
Well, the Boston Herald was a Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid at the time and the more controversial the story, the better the editors liked it.
It occurred to me that a story about the first white caddie in the Masters might have merit. As luck would have it, the first non-Augusta National caddie to sign in was Jack Tosone, Hallet’s caddie ands also from Cape Cod. I had a double-edge story. It was controversial with a local angle.
I wrote the story for Wednesday’s paper and they put it on the back page (just below the Red Sox story of course). I thought nothing of it and went on with my week.
As I was entering the media center Friday morning, an older gent wearing the club’s green jacket and white bucket hat with the Masters logo stopped me. “Are you Jack O'Leary, the writer from Boston?” he demanded.
I told him I was. He then vociferously questioned my news judgment. “Did you write that story about the caddie? And do you REALLY think that was a newsworthy event?” he said with a rising voice and poking his bony finger into my chest.
I assured him that I had too much respect for newspaper space to ruin it with a non-story. He then rustled up all the righteous indignity he could muster. “You will leave the running of Augusta National to Augusta National, sir!” he stammered and strutted off probably to jump into a bourbon and branch water.
I was later apprised that in the not too distant past, a special member committee would go to where I was staying, pack up my things, arrange for a limo and change my flight itinerary to return to Boston that day. I escaped that, but I had experienced the well-known wrath of Augusta National. It’s a different place. I’m glad to see a gentler humble side as expressed on Dec. 6th.
Here’s the curse of age. Just when being a kid could get me into the Masters, I look like one of those USGA old farts—complete with the dandruff on the shoulders of my blue blazer. Unfair I say!
Bartender! Another bourbon and branch water if you please and let’s raised a glass to the kinder, gentler and dare I say avant garde membership of Augusta National. Well done!
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Sure they’re still stuffed shirts, but they just may get it—that golf is not in good shape and they’re willing to do something about it.
On Dec. 6, Payne announced the beginning of a long-term plan to use the Masters brand to expand the game of golf on an international basis. The first move is that beginning in 2008 every accredited patron (I hate that reference) can bring a child age 8 to 16 with them on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday free of charge. It’s a simple idea, but brilliant at the same time.
Think of it. Now Mom and Dad can share the experience of watching the greatest tournament in golf with the kids without having a remote in their hands. They’ll see the beauty first hand; experience the sounds and smells together. I daresay after four days of walking Augusta two things will happen to those kids. First, they’ll be tired because of an endless range of some of the steepest hills in golf (the 18th has to be seen in person to be believed). Second, you’ll have kids that will just have to try to play golf. All the cartoon messages and TV commercials in the world urging kids to play golf couldn’t compare to the effect of the opportunity Augusta National has presented.
Payne then backed up this landmark plan with another.
One of the traditions of the Masters has always been the Wednesday Par 3 Tournament. Everyone has heard about it—how the winner never wins the real deal (he never has). Yes, everyone has heard about it, but few have ever seen it. This year the Masters is opening another door and will allow ESPN to broadcast it.
Payne was quoted as saying “You don’t have to be an avid golfer to root for a hole-in-one.” He’s right, but just about anyone can get into watching players having their kids caddie for them and having fun joking around with the fans (sorry—patrons). If it looks like fun instead of a pressure-packed death march, there are probably a few couch potatoes who might get their butts to a golf course to see what it’s like.
The cynic in me says that they’re just trying to burn extra cash that’s endangering their non-profit status. That may very well be true, but at least they’re using their power to promote the game in very real ways. Regardless of their possible ulterior motive, I applaud their initial steps in giving back to the game.
From time to time, Augusta National and the USGA have seemed to be interchangeable, but the Georgia gang has separated themselves now. The USGA is left to suffer through the throes of misery of the Donald Driver reign. He has certainly left his mark on golf’s governing body in the U.S. Some would call it a scar.
The USGA has been teetering on the edge of losing their non-prof status as well. They have too much money. Instead of spending wisely, Driver started his own inquisition all but eliminating certain departments in the organization. Cutting overhead coupled with a little accounting hocus – pocus and the bottom line is served. Of course he sank the morale in Far Hills deeper than the Titanic. The Titanic was raised. Who knows about the USGA’s morale?
As I just read over the above paragraphs, I had a spasmodic shiver. You know the kind you have when you swallow something that tastes absolutely vile. After all these years, it’s happened. I’m applauding the people who run the Masters—and not just with one hand. YECCH!
I’ve got to right this ship. Okay, one semi-quick story.
It was 1983 and my first Masters. I was writing for the Boston Herald and I was to focus on an amateur named Jim Hallet from Cape Cod who qualified from the 1982 U.S. Amateur. 1983 was also the first year players could bring their own caddies and didn't have to use Augusta National caddies.
Well, the Boston Herald was a Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid at the time and the more controversial the story, the better the editors liked it.
It occurred to me that a story about the first white caddie in the Masters might have merit. As luck would have it, the first non-Augusta National caddie to sign in was Jack Tosone, Hallet’s caddie ands also from Cape Cod. I had a double-edge story. It was controversial with a local angle.
I wrote the story for Wednesday’s paper and they put it on the back page (just below the Red Sox story of course). I thought nothing of it and went on with my week.
As I was entering the media center Friday morning, an older gent wearing the club’s green jacket and white bucket hat with the Masters logo stopped me. “Are you Jack O'Leary, the writer from Boston?” he demanded.
I told him I was. He then vociferously questioned my news judgment. “Did you write that story about the caddie? And do you REALLY think that was a newsworthy event?” he said with a rising voice and poking his bony finger into my chest.
I assured him that I had too much respect for newspaper space to ruin it with a non-story. He then rustled up all the righteous indignity he could muster. “You will leave the running of Augusta National to Augusta National, sir!” he stammered and strutted off probably to jump into a bourbon and branch water.
I was later apprised that in the not too distant past, a special member committee would go to where I was staying, pack up my things, arrange for a limo and change my flight itinerary to return to Boston that day. I escaped that, but I had experienced the well-known wrath of Augusta National. It’s a different place. I’m glad to see a gentler humble side as expressed on Dec. 6th.
Here’s the curse of age. Just when being a kid could get me into the Masters, I look like one of those USGA old farts—complete with the dandruff on the shoulders of my blue blazer. Unfair I say!
Bartender! Another bourbon and branch water if you please and let’s raised a glass to the kinder, gentler and dare I say avant garde membership of Augusta National. Well done!
See you on the first tee,
Jack
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Playing the game faster - better?
The last time we met, I mentioned a few ideas that the common man has brought up that would make them play more golf, or in some cases, take up the game. Here are a few things they mentioned.
Time. This has been a common complaint for awhile. In today’s society, the thought of spending four to five hours on any one activity is unacceptable. Personally, I’ve always believed that a certain commitment is necessary if you’re going to be a participant. However, since I’m in a small minority on this issue, there are options.
Please don’t tell me a Scramble is an option. We’ve all played in scrambles that have seemed to be interminable. The main reason is that the strategy discussed among the team, make the meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff look like an office water cooler discussion. Forget the scramble.
A viable option is a Shamble. This is where the team selects the best drive and plays their owan ball through the hole with a double bogey maximum. There’s only one team decision and the lesser-skilled players will be playing from a better position than usual. Trust me on this—a Shamble is quicker than a Scramble by a lot.
A better option is a true round of Alternate Shot. A few years ago, I had the thrill of playing Royal Dornoch. There were just two of us walking (another way to speed up the game). We were played through by a foursome playing Alternate Shot. Their precision was incredible. The two players who holed out on the green would immediately proceed down the fairway while their partners hit their drives. While the drivers would immediately proceed towards the green, the other pair would hit the second shot. There were always two people in motion.
When we finished our round, we asked the club secretary about that foursome. We were told that they play every day at lunchtime and are back at their job in the village in an hour and a half.
Somewhere along the way, Ready Golf has become Rude Golf. Truthfully, I’m surprised someone hasn’t been killed playing Ready Golf. For some reason, golfers who choose this path think if they can run to their ball first, they can just hit it is on a course to disaster. I’ve seen more near-misses because the hitter hasn’t visually accounted for the rest of the group. I’d rather see the golfer away be prepared when the time comes.
One other idea that would have merit in a civil society would have every golfer be issued a time card. It’s punched on the first tee and the 18th green and you’re charged by the hour. Unfortunately, if one group is playing behind a slower group; mayhem may ensue.
Equipment. Golf is one of the few industries regulated by a non-profit organization that caters to one to two percent of its membership. I’m talking about the USGAs regulation of equipment. Hey, I’m all for maintaining the skill level of the game, but right now it’s not totally in the best interest of the game. Why not give the players who really need it the most, the novice and high handicappers, the real game-improvement equipment. Trust me; the stuff these engineers can produce goes way beyond the clubs, shafts and balls now available. Then make certain criteria. If you achieve a certain skill level, the level of game-improvement equipment is dialed back; but only if the golfer wishes to attain a legitimate handicap and compete in a tournament. Give the golfer the option.
Mr. Bartender, would you mind pouring me another tall, ice cold draught beer. Please use that high tech mug that keeps the suds at the optimum temperature from first sip to the last. It’s time to vacate the soap box for another week.
If anyone has an idea how to make the game more viable for more people. Please let us know and we’ll give your idea a trial balloon.
See you on the first tee.
Jack
Time. This has been a common complaint for awhile. In today’s society, the thought of spending four to five hours on any one activity is unacceptable. Personally, I’ve always believed that a certain commitment is necessary if you’re going to be a participant. However, since I’m in a small minority on this issue, there are options.
Please don’t tell me a Scramble is an option. We’ve all played in scrambles that have seemed to be interminable. The main reason is that the strategy discussed among the team, make the meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff look like an office water cooler discussion. Forget the scramble.
A viable option is a Shamble. This is where the team selects the best drive and plays their owan ball through the hole with a double bogey maximum. There’s only one team decision and the lesser-skilled players will be playing from a better position than usual. Trust me on this—a Shamble is quicker than a Scramble by a lot.
A better option is a true round of Alternate Shot. A few years ago, I had the thrill of playing Royal Dornoch. There were just two of us walking (another way to speed up the game). We were played through by a foursome playing Alternate Shot. Their precision was incredible. The two players who holed out on the green would immediately proceed down the fairway while their partners hit their drives. While the drivers would immediately proceed towards the green, the other pair would hit the second shot. There were always two people in motion.
When we finished our round, we asked the club secretary about that foursome. We were told that they play every day at lunchtime and are back at their job in the village in an hour and a half.
Somewhere along the way, Ready Golf has become Rude Golf. Truthfully, I’m surprised someone hasn’t been killed playing Ready Golf. For some reason, golfers who choose this path think if they can run to their ball first, they can just hit it is on a course to disaster. I’ve seen more near-misses because the hitter hasn’t visually accounted for the rest of the group. I’d rather see the golfer away be prepared when the time comes.
One other idea that would have merit in a civil society would have every golfer be issued a time card. It’s punched on the first tee and the 18th green and you’re charged by the hour. Unfortunately, if one group is playing behind a slower group; mayhem may ensue.
Equipment. Golf is one of the few industries regulated by a non-profit organization that caters to one to two percent of its membership. I’m talking about the USGAs regulation of equipment. Hey, I’m all for maintaining the skill level of the game, but right now it’s not totally in the best interest of the game. Why not give the players who really need it the most, the novice and high handicappers, the real game-improvement equipment. Trust me; the stuff these engineers can produce goes way beyond the clubs, shafts and balls now available. Then make certain criteria. If you achieve a certain skill level, the level of game-improvement equipment is dialed back; but only if the golfer wishes to attain a legitimate handicap and compete in a tournament. Give the golfer the option.
Mr. Bartender, would you mind pouring me another tall, ice cold draught beer. Please use that high tech mug that keeps the suds at the optimum temperature from first sip to the last. It’s time to vacate the soap box for another week.
If anyone has an idea how to make the game more viable for more people. Please let us know and we’ll give your idea a trial balloon.
See you on the first tee.
Jack
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
No Golf 20/20 Conference
It will hardly be noticed by the golf public next weekend, but for the first time since 2000, the World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremonies won’t be preceded by the Golf 20/20 Conference. Instead there will be a Board of Directors meeting where decisions will be made concerning the future of this tremendous undertaking.
For those of you who have never heard of Golf 20/20, it is an undertaking in which the world golf organizations, the golf club manufacturers, course and club owners and developers and the media collaborate in trying to find ways to preserve and grow the game and industry of golf. They’ve been at it for a full six years and while there have been some seemingly worthwhile programs; these efforts have been punctuated by seemingly interminable wheel spinning.
It would be pure folly to pull the plug on Golf 20/20; however it would be worse to continue on its present path. Thus far, figures have been produced on how the game and industry has flat lined. Programs have been formulated to enhance the efforts of the First Tee which is good for future of the game.
A program called Link Up 2 Golf that encourages adults to begin playing golf has been incorporated into the PGA of America’s Play Golf America program and has yet to yield noticeable numbers.
Basically, Golf 20/20 has taken note of the lack of country club golfers and not necessarily the grass root golfers. I’ve never seen it and I doubt anyone has ever seen a questionnaire asking what golfers want to see in the game and industry.
Although hardly a scientific poll, I have asked in the course of golf conversation what people would like to see. Here a few general responses.
Cheaper Golf. This has been the most common refrain. People are tired of paying upwards from $50 for a round of golf. Good luck. On a worldwide basis the price of golf is going through the roof. Maintenance costs have escalated, but the real culprit can most often be found in design fees. Tour players turned golf course architects provided a great growth spurt in the game, but enough is enough. Two million dollars will get a developer a great course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, et al. It will also give green fees or membership dues a real boost. Who did you think was going to absorb the cost? The developer? Get real. Just wait until the Tiger Woods designed courses start to pop up at a $20 million design fee. These golfers-turned-designers had a tremendous effect on the growth of the game, but the lingering effects are beginning to stifle it.
The Game is too Difficult. This goes back to the expense of playing the game. Developers are hung up on getting their courses on a “Best” list and this means making it a real challenge with aesthetics thrown in for eye candy. Somewhere along the way, difficulty became synonymous with great. A challenging course must first be fair. If a golfer is rewarded for meeting the challenge with something better than another more difficult challenge, chances are he’ll come back. There are too many courses being built where golfers play once just to say they played there. That’s not a solid base on which to build a game. By the way, these fair courses can be designed and built for less, thus providing an answer to the first problem.
There are a few more ideas that I’ve gleaned during these conversations and we’ll get into them down the road.
Right now, I’d appreciate it if the bartender would pour me another tall, cold draught beer. I might as well go straight for the suds. What did you expect from a guy on a soap box?
See you on the first tee.
Jack
For those of you who have never heard of Golf 20/20, it is an undertaking in which the world golf organizations, the golf club manufacturers, course and club owners and developers and the media collaborate in trying to find ways to preserve and grow the game and industry of golf. They’ve been at it for a full six years and while there have been some seemingly worthwhile programs; these efforts have been punctuated by seemingly interminable wheel spinning.
It would be pure folly to pull the plug on Golf 20/20; however it would be worse to continue on its present path. Thus far, figures have been produced on how the game and industry has flat lined. Programs have been formulated to enhance the efforts of the First Tee which is good for future of the game.
A program called Link Up 2 Golf that encourages adults to begin playing golf has been incorporated into the PGA of America’s Play Golf America program and has yet to yield noticeable numbers.
Basically, Golf 20/20 has taken note of the lack of country club golfers and not necessarily the grass root golfers. I’ve never seen it and I doubt anyone has ever seen a questionnaire asking what golfers want to see in the game and industry.
Although hardly a scientific poll, I have asked in the course of golf conversation what people would like to see. Here a few general responses.
Cheaper Golf. This has been the most common refrain. People are tired of paying upwards from $50 for a round of golf. Good luck. On a worldwide basis the price of golf is going through the roof. Maintenance costs have escalated, but the real culprit can most often be found in design fees. Tour players turned golf course architects provided a great growth spurt in the game, but enough is enough. Two million dollars will get a developer a great course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, et al. It will also give green fees or membership dues a real boost. Who did you think was going to absorb the cost? The developer? Get real. Just wait until the Tiger Woods designed courses start to pop up at a $20 million design fee. These golfers-turned-designers had a tremendous effect on the growth of the game, but the lingering effects are beginning to stifle it.
The Game is too Difficult. This goes back to the expense of playing the game. Developers are hung up on getting their courses on a “Best” list and this means making it a real challenge with aesthetics thrown in for eye candy. Somewhere along the way, difficulty became synonymous with great. A challenging course must first be fair. If a golfer is rewarded for meeting the challenge with something better than another more difficult challenge, chances are he’ll come back. There are too many courses being built where golfers play once just to say they played there. That’s not a solid base on which to build a game. By the way, these fair courses can be designed and built for less, thus providing an answer to the first problem.
There are a few more ideas that I’ve gleaned during these conversations and we’ll get into them down the road.
Right now, I’d appreciate it if the bartender would pour me another tall, cold draught beer. I might as well go straight for the suds. What did you expect from a guy on a soap box?
See you on the first tee.
Jack
Friday, October 26, 2007
The Wonderful World of the Wies
You know what the best thing about the off season is going to be? We won’t have any new episodes of “The Wonderful World of the Wies.” This reality program is wrapping up its fifth season on our golf radar.
“The Wonderful World of the Wies” has taken us from watching with amazement as an absolutely phenomenal golf talent named Michelle has been misled to the point of abuse by dominating, meddlesome and manipulating parents. She went from almost making the cut in PGA Tour events and challenging in LPGA majors to a very amateurish 76.6 scoring average at the age of 18.
Like any successful TV show, the final 2007 episode will leave us hanging until the new season. In the finale, Michelle’s business manager Greg Nared left team Wie making it two managers in two years who couldn’t stand the situation. Teaching guru David Leadbetter hinted he might be next when he was quoted as saying, “it’s like rats leaving a sinking ship.”
Ostensibly, the now 18-year old Michelle is off to Stanford to live the life of a college freshman (you know, a real person). Then, in a twisted bit of intrigue, Mom and Dad leave Hawaii (much to the delight of many islanders) and move very close to Michelle’s Palo Alto, CA dorm. Just when you thought the young phenom was going to escape their clutches—THEY’RE BACK!
Now that the Sopranos are off the air, is their any doubt that “The Wonderful World of the Wies” is a mortal lock for multiple Emmys?
News Flash! Greg Norman takes over as Chairman of the Board of MacGregor. After making a sizeable investment in the company to become a large minority owner, Norman engineered a parlay of investors to run former CEO and 51 percent owner, Barry Schneider out of the company. They relieved him of his CEO duties and recently issued a statement that Schneider had left the company to “spend more time with his family and pursue other challenges.” Don’t you just love corporate America? Let’s lay some guilt on the kids for the old man being canned.
Norman refers to this coup as the biggest business deal of his life. That’s mind-boggling when you consider he recently signed over $250 million and a couple of houses in his divorce settlement. As one wag once said, “Why does a divorce cost so much? Because it’s worth it.” In this case it may be. The jury is definitely out on the MacGregor deal.
Just a suggestion, but it might be prudent for the company to lock the doors on their Albany, GA—based company on Sundays. The Chairman has made a few poor decisions on the Lord’s Day, if you know what I mean.
Who is the one person who can bring the Ryder Cup back to our shores? It’s Nick Faldo of course.
Faldo has done yeoman duty in trying to bury the “Nasty Nick” image. His TV work is tremendous, but once he drops his guard, the nastiness comes coursing back.
While captaining the Seve Cup on the European Tour, Faldo called out team member Colin Montgomerie for missing team meetings and said that the often churlish Scot had to be prodded to join his victorious teammates in celebration. Faldo took it one step farther and said that Monty is not a team player.
Hey Nick! In the first paragraph of Golf Team Captain 101, it says don’t piss off your best player. You made the US team’s day. For his entire Ryder Cup career, Monty has transformed himself from a hefty Clark Kent into a chubby Superman every other September. Monty—not you has been the backbone of the Euro’s success. Let’s hope the Earl of Surl festers over these remarks for the next year.
Of course, we could almost see this coming. Paul McGinley, who Faldo had hand picked to be his assistant, quit him in July without public explanation. Keep it up Nick.
Bartender, let me know if Norman expands his Scottish named empire and purchases a Scotch whiskey distillery. Climb up to that top shelf and get me a dram of Malvenie to toast the impending US Ryder Cup victory.
See you on the first tee.
Jack
“The Wonderful World of the Wies” has taken us from watching with amazement as an absolutely phenomenal golf talent named Michelle has been misled to the point of abuse by dominating, meddlesome and manipulating parents. She went from almost making the cut in PGA Tour events and challenging in LPGA majors to a very amateurish 76.6 scoring average at the age of 18.
Like any successful TV show, the final 2007 episode will leave us hanging until the new season. In the finale, Michelle’s business manager Greg Nared left team Wie making it two managers in two years who couldn’t stand the situation. Teaching guru David Leadbetter hinted he might be next when he was quoted as saying, “it’s like rats leaving a sinking ship.”
Ostensibly, the now 18-year old Michelle is off to Stanford to live the life of a college freshman (you know, a real person). Then, in a twisted bit of intrigue, Mom and Dad leave Hawaii (much to the delight of many islanders) and move very close to Michelle’s Palo Alto, CA dorm. Just when you thought the young phenom was going to escape their clutches—THEY’RE BACK!
Now that the Sopranos are off the air, is their any doubt that “The Wonderful World of the Wies” is a mortal lock for multiple Emmys?
News Flash! Greg Norman takes over as Chairman of the Board of MacGregor. After making a sizeable investment in the company to become a large minority owner, Norman engineered a parlay of investors to run former CEO and 51 percent owner, Barry Schneider out of the company. They relieved him of his CEO duties and recently issued a statement that Schneider had left the company to “spend more time with his family and pursue other challenges.” Don’t you just love corporate America? Let’s lay some guilt on the kids for the old man being canned.
Norman refers to this coup as the biggest business deal of his life. That’s mind-boggling when you consider he recently signed over $250 million and a couple of houses in his divorce settlement. As one wag once said, “Why does a divorce cost so much? Because it’s worth it.” In this case it may be. The jury is definitely out on the MacGregor deal.
Just a suggestion, but it might be prudent for the company to lock the doors on their Albany, GA—based company on Sundays. The Chairman has made a few poor decisions on the Lord’s Day, if you know what I mean.
Who is the one person who can bring the Ryder Cup back to our shores? It’s Nick Faldo of course.
Faldo has done yeoman duty in trying to bury the “Nasty Nick” image. His TV work is tremendous, but once he drops his guard, the nastiness comes coursing back.
While captaining the Seve Cup on the European Tour, Faldo called out team member Colin Montgomerie for missing team meetings and said that the often churlish Scot had to be prodded to join his victorious teammates in celebration. Faldo took it one step farther and said that Monty is not a team player.
Hey Nick! In the first paragraph of Golf Team Captain 101, it says don’t piss off your best player. You made the US team’s day. For his entire Ryder Cup career, Monty has transformed himself from a hefty Clark Kent into a chubby Superman every other September. Monty—not you has been the backbone of the Euro’s success. Let’s hope the Earl of Surl festers over these remarks for the next year.
Of course, we could almost see this coming. Paul McGinley, who Faldo had hand picked to be his assistant, quit him in July without public explanation. Keep it up Nick.
Bartender, let me know if Norman expands his Scottish named empire and purchases a Scotch whiskey distillery. Climb up to that top shelf and get me a dram of Malvenie to toast the impending US Ryder Cup victory.
See you on the first tee.
Jack
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