Can President's Cup Save Pro Golf in Canada?

Hello. It was announced today Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player will be captains again in the 2007 President's Cup, to be held at Royal Montreal.
Let's hope this announcement, and the buildup to the event, will spark interest in professional golf. So far the evidence pro golf in Canada is going downhill is tough to refute.
Let's start with the CPGA Tournament. The last two years it's been played at Whistle Bear in the Kitchener area. I haven't played it yet, but from what I hear it's a nice course. Apparently it was very well attended. It was part of the Nationwide Tour. A Canadian, Jon Mills, won the event, and is now on the PGA Tour. It's the 2nd oldest professional tournament in Canada. The winner's list is impressive. I watched Ray Floyd win at Westmount in Kitchener (too) many years ago.
Guess what? There's no tournament this year. What happened? I'm not sure, but after reading scoregolf.com, it appears the Nationwide Tour arrangement wasn't satisfactory to all parties. Then the sponsors pulled out. The rest is history.
And then there's the Canadian Open, still sponsorless with just over 3 months to go. I've laboured on this event long enough. All I can say RCGA is get moving, or else!
So what has been happening? Well, all I can say is golf maybe has missed the mark when it comes to its market. Many companies want to target 18-34 year old males. Golf just can't do it as well as other sports, because of the time and money involved.
Case in point - I've just booked a tee time for my brother and I on Royal Hoot, one of the Osprey Valley courses, for 8:30am Saturday. I booked it today, Wednesday. I gathered from my conversation with the "bookie" I could've had any morning time I wanted on either the Royal Hoot or Royal Toot courses. I probably could've fit in to the Heathlands course too.
It's going to be a $200+ day for us because that's what the green fees are. If we want to eat/drink of course it will be more. Plus an hour drive round trip. This on top of the fact I've prepaid membership fees at North Halton.
Are my brother and I happy to do it? You bet. But we have significant others who golf, and want us to do it. And we have some money. Could we do it all the time? Absolutely not! Can 18-34 year old males? Not the majority of them.
Pro golf in Canada has to take a real long hard look at itself. Otherwise, we may only have our memories of it.

Regards,
Steve

"Judge TV" Should Not Be Used in Golf

Hello. After a very busy Sunday, I turned on the Fedex St Jude Classic. Unfortunately the lasting image I took was not from Jeff Maggert's fine play. It was from an incident in the final pairing on the 14th hole.
Tom Pernice Jr had just missed his par putt, and was standing over his bogey putt. His putter appeared to touch the ball forward slightly, then the ball went back to its original position. He sunk the putt. He went on to finish 2nd alone, ahead of 3rd by two, behind Maggert by 3.
A couple of holes later, a rules official came to Pernice and playing partner Tim Herron. He informed Pernice of the "incident" and said after watching it a few times he didn't think there was a violation. Pernice and Herron both said in their opinions there was no foul. Probably because it didn't affect Pernice's position, nothing further was done, and I saw no mention of it on pgatour.com or thegolfchannel.com.
I think this is the way it should be. Golf should not be at the mercy of "Judge TV". Players ultimately judge themselves, and their playing partners. Officials are there to clarify rule interpretations. That should be it.
Why not take advantage of technology? Because in golf's case there could have been 10 rule infractions on Sunday, 9 of which may have occurred out of camera range. Pernice and others should not have "additional help" interpretting the rules just because they're close to the lead.
Let the players and on-course officials police themselves, and put "Judge TV" on the shelf.

Regards,
Steve

Great Strides and My Daughter Are Another Hit

Hello. Our family had the honour of participating in the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Sunday at the Toronto Zoo. The lovely weather was matched by the enthusiasm of volunteers and participants. It was a wonderful event as usual. Many thanks to everyone involved in pulling off this huge effort.
What can all of us who have family members with CF say to the rest who donate their time and money? It's a very humbling event for me. I can see firsthand how much people care, even if their loved ones are not affected by this cruel disease. To know everyone in the Toronto Zoo that day has raised at least $25 to attend is remarkable. I'm going to give the organizers a chance to recover from a very busy time (May is CF Month) before asking for the total amount raised.
My kids had a ball. Max and Ruby of Treehouse TV entertained us. The animals were out in force. There was a lovely lunch put on by all the generous sponsors. My daughter loved the camel ride. Everything went really well.
Sunday afternoon was my daughter's piano recital in a church. There were about 100 people watching as she played. After I asked her if she was nervous. She said no. I'm very envious. When I was her age, I would've been very tense. She has now sung a solo at our church, played the piano in front of her whole school in the school's version of "American Idol", and done this recital. I hope she continues to do these things without getting nervous forever.

Regards,
Steve

The Quickest Way to Better Golf (Literally)

Hello. I get asked the following in different ways, but it always has a similar meaning:

Steve, you've never had a golf lesson, you play very quickly, you're short, fat, bald, poor, old, short, fat...how come you play so well?

The answer is in the question above.
Have you ever thought about how complicated brushing your teeth is? I once wrote down all the steps, then tried brushing while reading the list step by step. I could hardly get the brush in my mouth. I almost took an eye out!
Would you believe you take the same amount of time (within a second) to brush your teeth? My wife timed me one week. Amazing, huh?
The point is, we all have a natural rythym we do things like brushing our teeth. If we can golf in this natural rythym, doesn't it follow we'll do just as well as we do brushing our teeth?
When it comes to brushing, eating, etc, I'm very fast. Same way when I golf. I don't take a lot of time, because if I start thinking, I create doubt, which results in disaster.
Now some of you are saying Jim Furyk, Bernhard Langer and Jack Nicklaus have all won more majors than I have. No argument there. All I can say is playing slow seems to be their natural rythym. If you have a naturally slow rythym, keep it during your shots, and walk briskly between your shots.
To most of you, I would say based on observation you play too slow. If you stand over the ball for more than 3 seconds without moving, you won't hit consistent shots. If it takes you more than 30 seconds to align yourself to the target, you cannot become a great golfer unless you have the concentration of the men mentioned above. And if you have that kind of concentration, you're probably on your way to being on TV. If not, then I have two words of advice...speed up! Make your swing like when you brush your teeth, and you'll be a much better player.

Regards,
Steve

Will This Be Tiger's Last Full Year?

Hello. Speculation continues as to when Tiger Woods will return to the PGA Tour. The thinking is if he wants to get the rust off prior to the US Open, he'll play next week in the Memorial, Jack Nicklaus' tournament in Dublin Ohio. If so, he has until Friday to enter. Tiger does not like to enter prior to the deadline, because that way fans may think he's coming, and buy tickets.
Of course, the other possibility is Tiger could skip the Memorial, and even the US Open, as he grieves the loss of his father Earl.
Personally, I believe Tiger will play the US Open. And I think if Jack wants him at the Memorial, he should offer to honour Earl Woods next year for sure, and maybe even this year if it's still possible. I think it would be a fitting gesture.
The question now becomes, how has Tiger's desire changed since his father's passing? Does he want to keep going through the tour travel grind, which wears on him like no other?
I think this could be Tiger's last full year on the PGA Tour, for the following reasons:

1. There's nothing left to prove. If Tiger were to retire today, many, including me, would consider him the greatest player of all time. In checking some of my favourite players' careers, many of them went out while still in their prime (Orr, Bossy, Lemieux the first time). In essence, that is what Bobby Jones did, at the same age.
2. There's only one significant record left to break - Nicklaus' 18 professional majors. Tiger's whole schedule has been built around the majors. He could still play in them, and not many other tournaments. He's good enough that he could still win even if he only played a few(<>
3. Tiger's already shortened season. He skipped the Mercedes Championship this year, meaning he didn't play until February. He's already said he doesn't like playing after the NFL starts, which is proved by his lack of appearances after Labour Day. It would be even less next year. Which brings me to...
4. The Fedex Cup. I don't know the exact format, but I believe it requires players to play 4-5 weeks in a row. Tiger hasn't done this in years. For someone who is focused on the majors, the Fedex Cup is anti-climatic
5. The Ryder Cup/President's Cup. Tiger of course is a shoe-in to play in it as long as he wants. His desire to have more control (he wanted to be a Ryder Cup co-captain/player in 2004) could result in him disappearing if that wish is not granted. After all, why should Tiger be in a no-win, team format for no money?
6. Appearance fees. Tiger can command millions of dollars holding corporate outings, and playing on other tours because they have appearance fees (yet another reason the Canadian Open should be on the European Tour). He couldmake way more money doing that than being on the PGA. He could follow in Walter Hagen's shoes. Hagen played many money matches in his day because he could make more than what the tour offered.
7. Privacy. I think Tiger craves it. I know I would if a camera was counting my nostril hairs when I opened the front door.
8. Charity. Tiger could focus on his charitable contributions. Well done, by the way, pairing with Ernie Els for the Friendship Cup. 8 juniors from the US and South Africa (4 boys and 4 girls ages 15-18 on each team) will play matches alternating countries each year. He'd have more time, and more money.
9. Fatherhood. If Tiger wants to be a dad (he hasn't told me yet), I think he will throw himself into it the way his parents did.

Because of the above I believe we may be seeing the last of Tiger Woods as a regular PGA Tour player. Enjoy 2006 because who knows what will happen next year.

Regards,

Steve

Unsung Golf Heroes

Hello. Prior to last Sunday, I'd never heard the name Scott Steele. Now I've found out he's been around for 20 years.
Who is he? Well on Sunday he was the winning caddie carrying Tim Herron's bag. And in 1987 he was carrying Larry Mize's bag when Mize made one of the great shots in majors playoff history, chipping in on the 11th hole at Augusta to beat Greg Norman.
Caddies are a very important part of the pro game. Yet most toll in anonymity. In fact, prior to Steele, I could probably only name a couple. Steve Williams, of course, is envied by all caddies. If he's been getting 10% of Tiger's win money, he'll have more career money than many players. Williams' predecessor was "Fluff" Cowan, who recovered nicely by carrying Jim Furyk's bag.
Do you know who "Fluff"'s predecessor was on Furyk's bag? None other than Steve Duplantis Jr, whom I've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm good friends with Steve Duplantis Sr., so I've kept track of Jr's career. After Furyk, Jr went to caddy for Rich Beem. When Beem won the Kemper Open for his first pro victory, Jr got a lot of the credit, and rightfully so. A good caddie can make a difference of at least one shot a round, which is a big difference in the pro game.
Jr then went with Brian Gay and Daniel Chopra, and is now on the LPGA.
Is it a tough life? You bet! Next to none of the caddies have endorsements. They're out checking yardages, keeping track of clubs, tee times, practice areas, etc. And they're totally helpless when their player gets over the ball to hit it. I'm sure they say a lot of silent prayers, mixed in with muffled curses.
Staying upbeat must be tough. When your player asks you what he's got to work on, you're unfortunately not allowed to say, "Forget practicing. You're just no good". He's got to pump his player up. As Herron said after his Colonial win, Scott Steele believed in Tim Herron more than Tim Herron believed in Tim Herron. That takes a special quality.
And don't forget the travel. Going across the continent, dependent on someone else's schedule. Knowing if you miss a round or week due to illness or a kid's birthday, you not only miss out on a potential big pay day, but also may get replaced if the new caddie is prefered by the player.
Could I do it? I have done it in the past for our pro and top amateurs from the club I belonged to. I think I have the skill set to succeed. But the things surrounding it would take their toll on me. I'd have to be unattached to even consider it, and even then I'd probably say no.
Let's here it for the caddies! May your players win as often as possible.

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa is #1 In My Books

Hello. There are a lot of headlines in golf today. Tim Herron's first win in 7 years. Annika Sorenstam missing a cut, then having a triple bogey meltdown yesterday. Karrie Webb winning twice, including a major, after 3 years of no victories. Michelle Wie set to play 36 holes on June 5th that could make history.
There's one though that seems to be getting lost in the shuffle.
Lorena Ochoa is arguably the best woman golfer in the world right now. In my books she is.
Ochoa has finished either 1st or 2nd in her last 6 tournaments. That's amazing! She's leading the money list, the only one besides Webb to win twice on the LPGA this year. Ochoa and Webb are over $300,000 ahead of Christie Kerr, which on the LPGA is a couple of wins, so a huge gap. Ochoa is just over $600,000 ahead of Annika, how is at #7. She's way ahead of Paula Creamer, the other player besides Sorenstam who was supposed to be #1.
Ochoa now has 5 wins, but could've easily had 7, the two others being majors. At last year's US Women's Open, she was tied for the lead, and well ahead of the leaders, when she stood on the difficult 18th hole. Unfortunately she hit arguably the worst drive of her career. If she would've parred that hole, she probably would've won the tourney, as she would've posted a number the leaders would've been hard pressed to match.
The other near miss was this year's Kraft Nabisco. Ochoa had a difficult day, and found herself needing eagle to force a playoff. She hit a great 2nd shot to the island green, then rolled in an 8 footer to tie Webb. A poor third shot on the 18th in the playoff resulted in a par that was bested by Webb's birdie.
What I like about Ochoa is her demeanor. I saw her being interviewed after her US Women's Open collapse. She was the ultimate professional. Many players would've told the press to get lost, or taken some time to recover before facing TV. She was a champion on that day that made one bad swing. I could see her maturity. She is the real deal.
With all the talk about Webb and Sorenstam playing like the Hall of Famers they are, and with Wie, Natalie Gulbis, Creamer and Morgan Pressel about to realize their potential, Lorena Ochoa has become the player to beat. Mexico should be proud of their first golf superstar. We could be seeing the start of a new #1 player in the world's rein.

Regards,
Steve

Colonial's Field Woes

Hello. Bob Casper, son of golf great Billy Casper, writes for si.com. His topic was how next year the Byron Nelson Championship will be moved to April, and the Colonial will still be in May, so players will not be able to stay in one house or hotel for 2 weeks and play both tournaments.
Well, Bob, the following names (in money list order) played the Byron Nelson, then skipped Colonial:

Geoff Ogilvy
Vijay Singh
Luke Donald
Trevor Immelman
Adam Scott
Tim Clark
Scott Verplank
J.B. Holmes

The gentlemen mentioned above are in the top 25 of the PGA money list. Here are the ones that did the "Nelson, skip Colonial" from the World Golf Ranking top 25 (not already mentioned above):

Ernie Els
Sergio Garcia

Why didn't these guys play both tournaments? Singh probably won't play Colonial again after his 2003 comments about Annika Sorenstam's participation. What of the rest? Why couldn't they stay a week longer, and support this event? The purses are about the same ($6.2 Million for the Nelson, $6 Million for the Colonial). Why the big difference?
If I'm a PGA player, I'd feel obligated to play both. I'd consider it offensive to not go in both. Maybe this mindset makes me a dinosaur, I don't know.
The Colonial people have to be baffled as to why the gentlemen above aren't coming. And I heard in a Golf Channel interview that Mastercard will no longer be the title sponsor after this year. They're doing what Bell is doing with the Canadian Open, just becoming a minority sponsor.
As an aside, the Canadian Open purse is $5 Million this year. Why would the top guys come to another country for that small a purse if they aren't going to Colonial for a million dollars more? Get on the ball Canadian Open! Only 3.5 more months to go. What, no title sponsor yet? Surely you jest. You guys are hurting BIG TIME!
Anyway, my theory of Colonial's woes may be the thing they're the most proud of - the golf course. Apparently some players shy away from it because it's a "shotmaker's course". It's not long relatively speaking, and it's got lots of mature trees. Not exactly what today's crop of players are excited about. They prefer to bomb it out there into the wide open fields.
Should the Colonial change courses? Increase the purse? Cater to the players more? Pack it in? Tough questions indeed.
All I can say is my heart goes out to them. And if you find the answer, Colonial, please let the Canadian Open know what it is. Thanks.

Regards,
Steve

Michelle Wie Has Broken The "Grass Ceiling"

Hello. Last night I watched "The Grey Goose 19th Hole" on The Golf Channel. For some reason, much of the "discussion" between Vince Cellini, Bob Valvano and Steve Duemig centred on Michelle Wie. Here are the topics that were discussed, and my reaction:

1) Players (male and female) are upset Michelle Wie is getting exemptions on the European and PGA Tours.

I've said this before, and I still believe it - if you're against Michelle Wie getting a sponsor's exemption, you're against sponsor's exemptions period. No one would ever say that. Would anyone say anything if "Mike Wie" were a promising junior golfer, having almost made 2 PGA Tour cuts, and shooting under par? I doubt it.
Sponsors are trying to make money. Michelle Wie draws extra fans. More fans mean more money

2) Players (female) are upset Michelle Wie is getting a US Women's Open exemption

What I can't figure out is, why didn't Wie get an exemption for finishing 2nd in last year's LPGA Championship? Or for finishing tied for 3rd in the Kraft Nabisco Championship in March? What do you have to do to get exempt? I feel this process should be reviewed

3) People (male and female) are wondering why Wie isn't sticking to the LPGA Tour

Well, she can only play about 8 events I believe (definitely < 10 events) because she isn't an LPGA Tour member. A better question is why isn't she an LPGA Tour member? Because she's not 18? If so, it's a rule that should be amended to handle Wie's situation. As someone who was able to play hockey with older teams growing up, I do not like this type of age discrimination. If someone young has proven they can play at that level, then they should be allowed to move up. After all, it's not like Wie is doing something dangerous, like voting or driving a car.

4) A fan emailed in saying the LPGA Tour could suffer if Wie becomes a PGA Tour member, and would suffer big-time if Wie were to win a PGA Tour event. Then the sponsors wouldn't be showcasing "the best women golfers in the world". People would claim the LPGA is just a minor tour, like the Canadian or Nationwide Tour, and not a major tour.

Michelle Wie has always had her sights set high. She wants to be among the best golfers in the world, no matter what the gender. She has, as a result, broken the "grass ceiling". She has exposed the LPGA for what it is to her, just a development tour. Again, I have no issue with this. I don't think the LPGA should be the highest a woman can go. If it were up to me, golf would be like society, where men and women compete for the same jobs. There would be no need for an LPGA. Bravo Michelle for doing what you're doing.

5) Steve Duemig (not a huge Wie fan) says if Wie qualifies for the men's US Open, he'll wear something embarassing. He doesn't believe she will be one of the top-25 in a field of 120, because most of those players are going to be PGA Tour players.

I could say this isn't much of a change, Steve, as everything you and I wear doesn't exactly look GQ because of our physical characteristics. However, as much as I want to see Michelle qualify, I don't want to see what Mr. Duemig ends up wearing. I do think Michelle could qualify if a) she really wants it, and doesn't give up if things go bad and b) if PGA Tour players don't want it, and do give up if things go bad.

6) Steve Duemig (not a huge Wie fan) guarantees Michelle Wie will never win a PGA Tour event.

I could've made the same prediction of Bobby Wadkins and Steve Melnyk. Both were fine golfers (Melnyk a US Amateur champ, Wadkins the younger brother of Lanny Wadkins) who never broke through. It takes a lot of things going your way to win - just ask Davis Love, or Chris DiMarco, who haven't won a PGA event in years.
And I would've predicted Ben Curtis, Ian Leggatt (who I played with once) and Garrett Willis never would've won a PGA event. And I would've been wrong.
I think Michelle Wie could reach a level where she's a top-10 contender. I think that would break Mr Duemig's guarantee. And yes, here's hoping Wie does win some day.

No matter what happens in early June, it will be an interesting time.

Regards,
Steve

Why Wouldn't You Want Wetterich as Champ?

Hello. Rick Arnett at si.com had an interesting column re Brett Wetterich's Byron Nelson Championship victory Sunday. According to Arnett, the tournament organizers and the media would've rather had Adam Scott win. They would probably be able to get more media attention and guarantee Scott's return next year if he had won. The fact Wetterich won his first tournament Sunday means it's a tougher sell. People won't remember it as much.
Why isn't Wetterich a big story? He hits the ball a mile. He's leading the PGA Tour in par 5 stroke average. This win is his 3rd top 10 in a row. He's playing for his brother, who passed away 3 years ago. What's not to like about this guy as your champ?
The reason why is we, the general public, didn't know any of the above until this past week. Where was the media a couple of weeks ago, when he had his 2nd straight top-10? Looking for the easy story, like wondering when Tiger comes back on Tour, or Tiger bungee-jumping in New Zealand, or Tiger's caddie getting married.
No wonder the fans only show in bunches at the course and on TV when Tiger, Phil, Daly and Wie play. That's all we ever read about. Aren't there a lot of great stories on all the tours? Isn't Brett Wetterich an impressive story, working countless hours, facing adversity for years to finally achieve his moment in the sun? How special is it for him to now be exempt for 2 years, plus have a birth in the PGA Championship? How has his life changed?
These are the stories I want to read. I want to know who these guys are. I want in-depth reporting. I want to know what guys like Wetterich did that pushed them to the top. I want to read about this as opposed to why Tiger isn't playing.
Of course, it's tough to pick someone not named Wie, Sorenstam, Woods, Daly or Mickelson to write about that's going to be "hot". I say pick someone you (the general media) haven't written about, like the leading putter, or longest driver, or the sand save master, or the player who has improved the most in that category, or the one who has declined the most in a category, whoever they may be. Let's have some new types of stories mixed in with the usual Wie and Woods watches. If I had the resources, I'd do it myself.
Let's have some fresh reporting. Let's be able to say we knew Brett Wetterich before he won.

Regards,
Steve

Lanny's Theory (and Mine)

Hello. Lanny Wadkins, CBS golf analyst, was asked where all the American golfers in their 20s are when the winners are announced. Now that Tiger Woods is 30, the number of wins for the twentysomethings is very low. Players like Charles Howell III, Matt Kuchar and Ricky Barnes are unable to convert their talents to the top stage. Why is this so?
Lanny replied that today's breed of golfer coming out of the college programs are more like robots than golfers. They spend more time practicing than playing. They practice making "perfect" shots, not intentionally hooking or slicing or low or high shots. Because of this, Wadkins claims, the US pros are unfamiliar with what to do when conditions are less than ideal. Their European counterparts, meanwhile, are turning pro at a younger age, and travelling all over the world, facing adversity at every turn. Sounds like Michelle Wie, huh (by the way, congratulations Michelle on winning your 18 hole qualifier. Good luck in the sectionals!)?
I like this theory for a lot of reasons. I've always believed the range is for technique only. Learning to golf, and score low, can only be learned on the course, when faced with adversity. Only there can you learn to play in different situations.
What strikes me as odd, especially now that Doug Flutie has just announced his retirement, is the young pros have an NFL-mindset - think out each situation to its logical conclusion, follow the playbook, don't improvise. Flutie spent a lot of time on the bench because he didn't "fit in" with the game plan his coaches had ingrained into the team.
Well, the "little quarterback who couldn't" ended up playing for 23 years as a pro, with lots of success, especially in the CFL. Meanwhile, a lot of QBs deemed "better" than Flutie because they were "prototypes" (tall, pocket passers) ended up with much shorter careers.
My theory is the junior programs and individual tournaments have to reward low gross scores more than they do. In other words, forget about handicaps.
Why? Because if low gross gets first prize, and low net gets 2nd prize, there isn't as much incentive for a player to improve. Usually low net is won by a higher handicapper, so players may be getting a mixed message. Rather than going all out to improve, they may be tempted to stay at a higher handicap to finish 2nd. Guess which one requires less effort?
If handicapping is deemed essential for a tournament, make low net prizes start at the middle of the pack instead of 2nd. Give out prizes for finishing low, instead of being above average.
In summary, let the golfers enjoy their time out on the course, and learn the innovative, creative side of the game, a la John Daly. And teach them that low gross is WAY better than low net. Maybe that will get them on TV faster.

Regards,
Steve

"Wie" Are Hoping to Qualify

Hello. Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day. We went to Sick Kids hospital Friday. Everything went fine. In fact, we got to cut out some of their medication. That's the best present any of us can hope for.
Michelle Wie is in the headlines today, because she's trying to qualify for the Men's US Open. She plays 18 holes today in her native Hawaii. If she's one of the 3 lowest (she was 2nd alternate, which I'm guessing is about 5th, last year), she would move onto sectional qualifying.
And according to thegolfchannel.com, Wie has accepted an invitation to play in the European Masters in September, a European Tour men's event.
I'm a big Michelle Wie fan. When I was her age, I shot under par scores twice at my home course, obviously easier than TV courses. No external pressure. No expectations. To do what she's already done at such a young age in a huge media fishbowl is incredible.
Still, some are saying she's behind schedule. Where's the first LPGA win? Where were the other junior and amateur titles to go with her US Women's Public Links Championship at age 13? Why hasn't she made a cut at a PGA Tour event?
In fact, Mercer Baggs of thegolfchannel.com writes Wie SHOULD make the US Open via the qualifying route this year. Against top male amateurs and male pros, some of who are on the PGA Tour, but are not exempt.
Have we lost touch with reality here?
I'm really hoping Michelle Wie makes it. But if she was Mike Wie, would anyone give her a chance? Would anyone know "he" was in the field? Or care?
If Mr. Baggs had written that column 5 years ago about anyone junior age, male or female, with any degree of professional or amateur experience, he would've been laughed at. He never would've written it.
To suggest anyone is a lock to make it through any type of qualifying process is absurd. Anything can happen in a round of golf. Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen have had big final round collapses lately. If either of them were in a one day qualifier, I would expect them to get through, but it wouldn't shock me if they didn't. Look at how many current and former PGA Tour players wilt under Q-school pressure each year.
Don't get me wrong. I think Michelle Wie has an excellent chance to advance. I hope she does. But if she doesn't, will she deserve the criticism she'd receive from many circles? Will anyone else who made it through to the quarter finals of last year's US Men's Public Links Championship (as Wie did) get similar abuse?
I don't mind the path Wie has taken to this point. She's arguably the hottest, most talked about golfer right now, and certainly today. But let's give her a chance, and temper our criticisms. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day.
Still, wouldn't it be exciting? Just thinking about it is enough for me. If it happens it will be gravy.

Regards,
Steve

"The Code" Part 3 (of 3)

Hello. Augusta is not alone in following "the code". Two other sports have their own examples.
In hockey "the code" is if you touch my teammate illegally, or cause him an injury, we're going to get you. Instead of increasing the penalties (or enforcing them. The match penalty for "intent to injure" caries a multi-game suspension, but is rarely called), "the code" of hockey prevails. This code "justifies" the Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident. Moore had injured Markus Naslund a few weeks before on a play with no penalty. Moore did fight someone before Bertuzzi got a hold of him, and won. In Bertuzzi's/Vancouver's mind, "the code" dictated another attack on Moore. We know the result.
As I remember Cam Cole writing at the time, players would rather have a chance to injure someone than have that same person sit out multiple games. It's one argument that I'm finding no argument for. It's one of the reasons I've been able to live without NHL hockey since the lockout, even though I practically lived hockey for almost all my life.
"The code" prevents players from speaking out against the violence. A secret ballot may win a movement for violence to be greatly reduced - no more fighting, ejection for stick infractions, etc. But players en masse would never say it, because of "the code". One who did, Mike Bossy, was labelled a chicken by many. Another, Bobby Hull, wasn't, because he was strong as an ox.
The other current example is the baseball steriod scandal. The players Jose Canseco fingered could've all said "Yes, we did steroids. It wasn't illegal. We had to do it to be in the majors, because it's too competitive otherwise". Instead Canseco is viewed as a villian because he broke "the code", and Mark McGwire is cheered by the majors for practicing "the code" of silence.
Baseball has an all-American image to preserve. "The code" keeps it intact. Breaking "the code" could have serious legal ramifications, like no more anti-trust law exemption.
"The code" is seen as a sign of honour. Unfortunately it's a sign of extinction. The more "codes" there are out there, the more the recipe for long-term disaster exists. If you know of any codes in your life, I encourage you to have them at least altered.

Regards,
Steve

"The Code" Part 2 (of 3)

Hello. Yesterday I said Augusta would have to change its code or die. How can I make such an outrageous claim? After all, isn't the Masters "a tradition like no other"? Isn't it the highest ranked golf telecast every year?
The reason I made this claim is my assertion the Augusta membership is a collective. It acts as one entity. If that entity was a person, I would say it most represents John Daly.
Daly is extremely popular. However he has basic issues, similar to Augusta. "The code" Daly and Augusta each has prevents them from changing. And if both don't change, they will face issues.
Daly's shortcomings are obvious. He's a compulsive gambler and an alcoholic. Either one is a serious issue. Both can be lethal. Daly has to curtail both these problems or else.
Augusta's issues are more subtle, but just as serious. If Augusta continues to live in the past about who it lets in, who the media are, how the media act, etc, the Masters will no longer be the tournament it once was.
How do I know? Well, everyone my age (44) and younger has grown up in a much different climate than previous generations. We've known women as colleagues in the workplace, and equals in many activities, including golf. We've been taught the dangers of smoking at an early age. We didn't live through the Great Depression or World War II.
What does this mean? When this incident happened at the club I used to belong to, the reaction was very extreme, and age was a big factor.
The clubhouse used to have a pro shop and club storage as part of the main structure. It was decided to make it a separate building. The former pro shop and storage area were made into two lounges.
One was made the Men's Lounge, the other the Mixed Lounge.
To be fair, the membership was 75% men, 25% women. The average age was approximately 52. Many of those people did not have an issue with this arrangement.
I was outraged. I wrote a scathing letter and showed it to a friend. He wisely told me to rip it up, and do a silent protest. I decided to not go in the Men's Lounge. Instead I stayed in the Mixed Lounge. I also didn't communicate at all with the Board president, who had championed this arangement. As I was someone who was there all the time, and known by most as a good golfer, it made a statement.
What I found is I enjoyed the company of the people in the Mixed Lounge quite a bit. And I didn't miss the Men's Lounge people at all. When I did golf with people (and I did play with a lot of different people) I asked to sit in the Mixed Lounge afterwards. None complained.
I estimate about 20 guys never talked to me again. Not coincidently, they were the 20 I didn't want to talk to.
To make a long story short, tensions got so bad the Board decided after one year to change the lounges to a smoking lounge and a non-smoking lounge.
When did this happen? 1995. It was so out of touch with society that it had to happen. It was inevitable.
That's what will happen at Augusta if "the code" doesn't change. The people my age and younger won't accept these situations. If the current older Augusta members take them in, there will be change. If they don't, they'll die off, and there will be change again.
Now is the time to change "the code" Augusta. Do so in your own way, sublty, discreetly. But do it. Please.

Regards,
Steve

Don't Break The Code (Part 1 of 3)

Hello. Here's part 1 of 3 on maintaining something I call "the code". This code is unwritten, yet it is followed as if it were cast in stone.
Let me preface part 1 (today) by saying I love watching the Masters golf tournament. There have been many memorable golf events at Augusta. It always is on just as I'm getting primed to play golf here. The scenery is wonderful. I have never been close to attending the Masters. I don't know anyone who's a member. I have next to no chance of attending it ever as a patron or a guest. I've never met anyone who has played there, member or PGA Tour pro.
It was announced that "Hootie" Johnson stepped down as Chairman of Augusta National. His successor is Billy Payne, the head organizer of the 1996 Olympic Games which were in Atlanta.
It is said Hootie will be remembered for his stance against Martha Burk, the feminist who challenged Johnson to allow women to become Augusta members. Women have been allowed to play Augusta, but only as guests. There has never been a woman member, there isn't one today, and according to Johnson, there never will be one.
Mr. Payne said he has no plans to get in a dialogue with Ms. Burk re women members, because he says everyone's position is the same on the issue.
The above describes "the code" of Augusta for the following reasons:

1. "Hootie" resigning is irrelevant. The Augusta membership position is not necessarily Hootie's position, and vice versa. If anyone thinks Hootie alone ran Augusta with an iron fist, listening to no one else, they are naive.
2. Billy being the new chairman is irrelevant. This man may be the least qualified of the membership to be in the position. While I don't know the member's names, the fact 1996 Atlanta was arguably the worst organized Olympics ever makes me think I'm safe in that assumption. If anyone thinks Billy alone will run Augusta with an iron fist, listening to no one else, they are naive.

If anyone thought anything would change with this appointment, especially women becoming members, they are naive. "The code" dictates a collective agreement on such matters. Augusta is its own entity, running strictly by "the code". Individuals saying anything against Augusta (see Jack Whittaker and Gary McCord as examples) are exiled.

If you took each Augusta member individually, and promised to be Roddy McDowell silent about their answer, many would say they have no issue with women being members. However, "the code" says no Augusta member can say something like that, because their membership would be terminated. At best in public a member will say "no comment".

To come out publicly in favour of women members would go against the entire tradition of Augusta and "the code". If it is ever done, it will probably be done privately, for a year or more, before the media finds out. Since now the spotlight is not as bright as it was 3.5 years ago, maybe there will be a movement to invite women to consider being members. However, if the media will signal the first woman member as a victory for human rights, it won't happen.

"The code" is all about saving face. If the Augusta collective is going to be embarassed by CBS on Masters telecasts, print media or anyone else, it won't do anything to change, and probably stonewall its attacker.

Let Augusta handle its issues internally. That is the only way "the code" will be rewritten. And it must be rewritten, because otherwise "the code" will bring Augusta to its knees eventually as the rest of the world changes.

Regards,

Steve

Lessons To Be Learned From Wachovia

Hello. Well, the computer's still up, so it's time to review last week's tournament, the Wachovia Championship held in Charlotte, NC.
Dave Hodge gave the tournament a "thumbs down" on tsn.ca for his 'TSN The Reporters' show. Among things Hodge didn't like were "Oscar-style gift bags", director's chairs and a food tent at the driving range, and the new cars the players get to drive for a week.
Dave Hodge is my broadcasting hero. I was shattered when he was booted off of Hockey Night in Canada, only to finally recover when I met Ron McLean, a great guy.
Dave, I couldn't disagree with you more.
This tournament is only 4 years old. It's played in a golf oasis, between the Masters and US Open (quick, name two other tournaments in this time period. Time's up!). And yet it had a field other tournaments (especially the Canadian Open) only dream about. 4 of the Big 5 were there. Tiger would've been if his father hadn't passed away. Apparently Quail Hollow is an excellent course, but the things mentioned above are big factors.
So is the pro-am. The Wachovia only allows two amateurs to play with a pro, instead of the usual 4+. My Canadian Open pro-am participant friends tell me it's a 6+ hour round, something players named and not named Tiger don't enjoy.
There are valuable lessons to be learned here. The most important is this: the players are the show. Do what you have to do to get them to enjoy coming to your event, and they will come. If you don't, they'll give you "I've got a headache" excuses.
Is everybody happy with this arrangement? Absolutely not. As a fundraiser, I'm all for raising as much money as possible at a pro-am. I also think pros should feel obligated to play different stops each year.
The thing is, those points of view are not reality. And if the "lesser" tournaments, including the Canadian Open, don't catch on, they will be complaining about why their field isn't strong.
The above points are all things the Canadian Open could be doing to strengthen their field. They could also approach the European Tour about having the Canadian Open count for both the PGA and European Tour money lists and Ryder Cup/President's Cup points. And jack the purse up to $10 million US. And lots of other things to get a great field.
The Wachovia has proven there are no excuses. Get to work Canadian Open. September will be here too soon.

Regards,
Steve

Charity Event a Success

Hello. The computer's going to get fixed Monday, so I'm entering tonight in case it's unavailable.
We had a great time Friday. It stayed dry, which was a nice bonus. The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) golf tournament was well-run as usual (thanks Adrianne, Christine and Danielle, see you Friday!). I'll be very curious to see how much was raised for CF research.
Angus Glen did its routinely brilliant job of hosting our event. I got a chance to talk to both Kevin Thistle and Michelle. Kevin's brother passed away at age 33 in 1994. He goes above and beyond for our charity, which is very much appreciated.
It was interesting to hear what has chanced in the past 12 years. Kevin's brother was taking 100 pills a day; my kids take 4 pills before each meal. His brother had to have percussion therapy (pounding on different parts of the torso) to attempt to loosen the mucus lining his lungs; my daughter uses a pep mask that expands the lungs from the inside to free the mucus more efficiently.
Many CF parents were given false hopes when the CF gene was discovered in 1989. They wanted the scientists to predict how many more years it would be before a cure was found. Apparently 1999 was mentioned, although I heard it third hand. The parents' false hopes were dashed when this date has came and went. I empathize with their frustration.
Are we any closer to finding a cure? I honestly don't know. I haven't really looked in the last 3 years because I expect a cure will not be found. I hope a cure is found. We are doing our fundraising to see that hope to reality. However, it's really all up to my wife and I to keep our kids as happy as possible.
One thing I do know is our kids are starting out with a much more advanced treatment than Kevin's brother did. Even if nothing else were to change, they should live longer.
Thanks to everyone for supporting this golf tournament. To make a further donation, please go to the cystic fibrosis link on this page.

Regards,
Steve

A Wonderful Experience

Hello. Whenever I think of what it would be like to be single again, with less responsibilities, I remember the special times you can only have with your own children.
Last night has joined those special times. My son, daughter and I went mingolfing, something they really enjoy. This time was different, however, because they had their own putters. We were given some junior clubs from a friend to test-drive. It was great watching their excitement at having their own clubs.
After that, we went to the driving range for their first time hitting balls. We took turns, from youngest to oldest. I was pleasantly surprised at how often they made contact with their first swing. And one time my daughter hit the ball over the "cliff", her term for the end of the grass tee block, some 40 yards ahead of the mats we were hitting from.
Throughout it all they were very encouraging of each other, and respectful of the other driving range participants. Needless to say, I was proud.
On the walk back to the car, my son carried the bag using the harness. He managed to have 2 inches of clearance. I'll have to remember that when he eventually looks down at me.
I asked them if they wanted to buy the clubs. They said yes, and asked when we could go again. Needless to say, I was thrilled they wanted to keep hitting balls. Hopefully it will lead to a lifetime of enjoyment.
Tomorrow is the CF charity golf tournament. It will be good to play with my wife and my brother. I don't get enough opportunities to do so. No matter how we do, it will be great to enjoy our afternoon together and raise money for our favourite charity.
Have a nice weekend!

Regards,
Steve

My Sympathies to Earl Woods' Family

Hello. Just out Earl Woods passed away after a long battle with cancer. My deepest sympathies to Earl Woods' family.
Earl Woods had an incredible vision. Could someone learn how to play golf from the time they could walk? If so, would that individual have an advantage that would make them dominant all the way through their lifetime?
In hindsight, it's easy to say the answers to these questions are yes. However, for Earl to think it just over 30 years ago, when Tiger was born, is remarkable.
There were many reasons to think this vision was preposterous. Earl was an African-American, a race that unfortunately wasn't welcome to many clubs in the '70s. Many kids who had learned golf at an early age had burned out due to pressure and unrealistic expectations. And of course there was the expense of green fees, tournament entry fees, coaching fees, equipment, travel, accommodation and college.
Earl and Kultida Woods made many sacrifices through the years. I think what kept them going was they always focused on Tiger being a great person who just happened to be a great golfer, instead of a great golfer.
As a parent, this is the approach I'm trying to take. My daughter, 7, and my son, 4, have never swung a club. Tonight's the first time they will, as friends gave me some US Kids clubs their kids have outgrown. We're first going to minigolf, something they both enjoy, then hit some balls.
Why have I waited, even after knowing Earl and Tiger's story? Because the last thing I want to do is force golf on them. The minigolf has been a great first step. Tonight will be the next one. And besides, to me, as long as I introduce them to golf, I've done my job. If they choose not to golf, that's fine with me. That's true of anything they do.
Earl Woods had some detractors over the years. He said some things that rubbed people the wrong way. But Earl Woods should be remembered as someone who gave his all for his family. And can there be any better way to be remembered?

Regards,
Steve

You Gotta Love Him

Hello. Just heard the latest news flash regarding John Daly. Apparently he's gambled away between $50-60 million over the years. Add this to alcoholism and several divorces, and it's safe to say his social life is more active than the average person's.
Before I go further, let me just say I'm a big John Daly fan. I have been since I first saw him at his big breakout tournament, the 1991 PGA Championship. Believe it or not, we have the same swing! All I can say is we had the same teacher (ourselves) and I'm older, so if anything, he copied me. For some reason though I don't hit it anywhere near as far as him. Obviously I have room for improvement.
Another thing that we do similarly is play golf quickly. We both can't understand why a game a single-digit aged child can understand requires so many adults to take surveys, and study like they're going to a final exam. Here's a ball. There's a hole. Put ball in hole. What's the problem?
Where we aren't similar, though, is off the course. While I don't condone what Daly has done, let's remember a few things:

1) John Daly's sudden rise to fame is even more of a shock than someone winning a lottery, because he's now in a fishbowl being reported on. Daly made almost as big a splash as Tiger, because up to that point no one had ever seen anything like him. I believe he's an important part of modern golf history.

As studies of lottery winners have shown, many of them end up being even worse off than before because they don't know how to manage their money.

2) Would you gamble thousands of dollars if you made millions? While the amount John has blown is high, it's about the same as me blowing $100,000.

3) Would you start/continue drinking if everyone was watching your every move? I'd be tempted, and I haven't drank in 14+ years.

John Daly also has a lot of good points. He gives thousands to charities. He's everyone's friend. He's someone average people can relate too. He's very approachable and friendly. And he's won as many majors as Retief Goosen and Greg Norman, and more than Davis Love, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard. As I saw at the 2000 Bay Hill Invitational, he's very calm when his ball is in a hedge. In short, he's such a good guy you gotta love him. Anyone one who thinks up my favourite song title of all time ("All My Exes are Wearing Rolexes") can't be all bad.
Believe it or not, a guy at my former club (let's call him Joe) was a lot like Daly off the course. Always had a drink in one hand and a smoke in the other. Always able to get away with anything and be forgiven. Never show up for appointments, yet it didn't lower your opinion of him. In short, someone you loved in spite of himself. A free spirit.
Here's to you John. All the best with coping with life in the future.

Regards,
Steve

"He Has No Potential" Part 2

Hello. Well, I saw the first few picks of the NFL Draft Saturday. I was quite interested to see where the 3 main "media picks", Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart and Vince Young, would go. Needless to say, I was quite surprised.
Matt Leinart would've been the first draft pick in 2005. And he goes 10th to Arizona? The Raiders, Packers and Lions were just 3 of many teams who were "quarterback deficient" (or about to be) who passed on him. Amazing! Will he become another Dan Marino, my favourite QB of all time, who was taken 23rd in the 1983 NFL Draft, after being picked 1st in the USFL draft that same year? Or will he become another Ryan Leaf, picked 2nd a few years ago, and now just a footnote? Time will tell. I'm sure Arizona has hope for the first time in a while (ever?), with Leinart and Edgerron James coming to town.
As an aside, how would you like to be part of Leinart's entourage today? Not only did you miss out on a big payday, not being drafted #1, but you also missed out on a cut of last year's payoff? It sounds like Leinart et al now know what an NHL player et all feel like!
Reggie Bush gets taken 2nd after all the hype? Amazing! If you're in Houston, you'd better hope Mario Williams becomes Reggie White or Bruce Smith, and Reggie Bush becomes Billy Sims or Ricky Bell, great backs who had short careers due to injuries. Otherwise, I'm sure Mario will be booed repeatedly. New Orleans must be even happier than Arizona, with Bush and Drew Brees coming into town. Between this story and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans bringing life into town this weekend, it's a good time to forget the despair and hope for a nice 2006 season.
Vince Young to the Titans? Amazing, only because Norm Chow, the Titans offensive coordinator, coached Leinart at USC. If Chow did have input into the Young pick, it doesn't say much about Leinart. If he didn't (as Peter King of si.com suggests), it doesn't say much about Chow. How can you not ask your offensive coordinator with insider info which one will be a better pick?
Again, potential comes into play in the draft. Young and Bush have tons of it. Leinart apparently doesn't, even though his college record is amongst the best ever.
Who will we look back on 10 years from now as the winners and losers of 2006? And how will we refer to Bush, Young and Leinart? Only time will tell.

Regards,
Steve