The Hometown Boy, The Cinderella Story

Hello. Congrats to Scott Verplank of Dallas for winning the Byron Nelson yesterday. Verplank considers this tourney his fifth major.
This season is shaping up to be similar to 2006, when many of the winners were either first-timers or vets seeking to remain in the show. Verplank fits in to the latter category, as this was his first win since the 2001 Canadian Open. While he was on last year's Ryder Cup team, Verplank's best days seemed to be behind him prior to this past week's performance.
The same questions now flow through my mind. Why was this field so weak? Why aren't other non-winners trying to cash in? Where have all the cowboys gone?
I can't understand why some events like this one are ignored by the big guns. If I'm looking for a win, I've got this tourney and the Canadian Open marked on my calendar. The fields are thin, thereby increasing the odds. And now that a winner gets into the Masters, why not play in it?
For many of the media darlings, they don't need to win anymore because they make so much money. Why bother practicing or playing when the money keeps rolling in? Do exhibitions for guaranteed money instead. It's easier.
Congrats again Scott!

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa and Bentley Are #1

Hello. Congrats to Lorena Ochoa for making it to #1. It was inevitable, especially after Annika Sorenstam suffered a back injury.
After meeting another champion, Lisa Bentley, on Saturday, I can honestly say Lisa and Lorena are cut from the same cloth. Humble, kind, as likable as ice cream, yet driven, determined, focused.
How do they do it? How do they keep their feet on the ground while achieving such lofty heights? My thinking is they do celebrate their goals when they occur, but they are looking ahead to their next goal. For Lorena Ochoa, it's winning her first major. For Lisa Bentley, it's winning her first world Ironman triathlon. Their other accomplishments, while great in themselves, are stepping stones on a loonger journey.
That does amaze me, the same way people get all over Tiger Woods for "letting" Zach Johnson win the Masters. Tiger did no such thing. And remember for most players, finishing 2nd in the Masters once is their career accomplishment.
Maybe that is the whole point, that champions set higher goals, and don't stop until they're achieved. And by not stopping, they are already champions.

Regards,
Steve

A Spiritual Experience

Hello. Today I managed to play my 2nd round of the year. I went to Alton Ontario to play the Osprey Valley Heathlands course, onw of the topo courses in Ontario and all of Canada.
What made it a spiritual experience? I teed off at 10am. I was the first person to play that course. And for the first 11 holes, I was the only human being on the course. I was laughing so hard the first 3 holes I could hardly concentrate. What a change it was from my previous years at a private club, where there were lotteries and slow play everywhere.
The Heathlands course is a great test of golf. I played very well today, but every time I missed a fairway I was in big trouble. Because I was in no hurry, I played two balls. I shot 73 and 74. I was so relaxed it was easy making nice swings and strokes.
What was also great about today was how the course, a links style, looked in the cloudy conditions. It just felt like golf the way it's played in Scotland. The scenery was spectacular.
And how can you go wrong when you can take your time, talk to the staff on the course, and play in 3.5 hours? And only pay a spring rate? I would've payed double to get the same experience.
If you want to go somewhere just for the golf, Osprey Valley is the place.

Regards,
Steve

Lisa Bentley A True Champion II

Hello. I still can't stop thinking about Lisa Bentley. She is a truly remarkable person, who just happens to be a 10-time Ironman Traithlon champion. When I replay her speech in my mind, it's hard to believe it comes from someone who has cystic fibrosis, a life-shortening disease. She refers to it as a gift, because it made her more aware of how precious life really is. Incredible attitude.
So why is it that a Lisa Bentley can excel at a sport with a disease that should handicap her, while someone perfectly healthy cannot even complete a race? What makes Lisa supass her healthier opposition? Would she be as good if she didn't have CF? Or would she be better? No one can say for sure, but it may be the former. If so, it says a lot for the power of the mind.
Golfers of course have always known about mind power. There have been some days, like tomorrow, when I've gone onto the course ready to kill it, and have shot a disasterous score. Then there are days like June 8th, 2004, when I've been wondering why I haven't yet broken 76 yet in the season, only to go shoot 68, my lowest par-72 course score ever.
If you want to improve in all areas, start in your mind.

Regards,
Steve

Lisa Bentley A True Champion

Hello. It was a night I tried not to get too excited about. Lisa Bentley and I had never met, but I was already a big fan. Lisa has cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-shortening disease. At an age that many CF patients never reach, Lisa has not only survived, but thrived. She is a 10-time Ironman Triathlon champion, and a legend in the CF world. The question was, what was she like as a person?
After meeting her and listening to her speak, I'm almost speechless. Lisa Bentley is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. She made me feel inadequate, both as an athlete and as a human being, and I mean that as a compliment. There are so many things I learned about how to be a champion, how to carry yourself, how to battle adversity. She's just such a remarkable individual, who thinks of things that we "ordinary" people consider impossible as routine, or overwhelming problems as just curveballs.
How do champions do it? I really don't know. I guess the same way golfers win tournaments - with patience. Knowing a setback will pass, because it always has before. Knowing you will win the race because you've done so several times in rehearsal. Knowing everyone's a champion within because you see parts of you in everyone, even if it may be difficult to see them at times.
If you ever get the chance to meet Lisa Bentley, all I can say is watch her every moment and learn. And in the meantime, please click on her URL at the top of this page.

Regards,
Steve

Cold Enough For You?

Hello. Are we having fun yet?
Today, April 19th, I awoke to frost on the ground. It may hit double digits today. May.
I golfed on April 2nd. It was the warmest day we've had in April. Even it wasn't that warm relatively speaking.
I've had next to no desire to golf since that date. Only a few have. Attendance is quite low. And it's understandable, since it's been colder than early January.
Yesterday was my first day of training for my new part time job. I'm going to be a marshall (the official job is play coordinator) at a local course. It involves riding around in a cart all day. Neat huh? Having said that, my teeth were chattering at the end. I should've had gloves and multiple layers on. It was darn cold!
Public courses in particular have to be hurting so far. They've probably lost over a thousand rounds. People aren't going to pony up big green fees when they can't feel their hands.
Private club members probably aren't feeling too hot either. It's tough to justify your membership when your course may not even be open. It may get them rethinking their status.
There is a call for warm weather soon. Here's hoping it happens soon!

Regards,
Steve

Strange and Green Make The Hall Of Fame

Hello. Congrats to Curtis Strange and Hubert Green for being selected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Both men have waited a long time to get in. I feel Strange in particular finally got his due. And while Green may not be the first person many would've thought of, his record is worthy.
While it's been great to see what Tiger has done the past 10 years, there is something missing from the Tour - worthy opponents who won't wilt under the pressure. Strange and Green both had something lacking in many of today's players - guts! In spite of the fact neither had a classic swing, they were both there when the chips were down. And while they both have bad memories of the Masters (Green missing a short putt to tie Gary Player, Strange hitting it in the water on 13 and 15), they were always ready to take anyone on, especially head to head.
When Zach Johnson came through in the Masters, it kinda reminded me of how players like Strange and Green would've handled a more talented opponent. They would've said, "OK, I'm going to play my best, and you'll have to play your best to beat me. Otherwise, I'm going to win". So many guys now prior to Johnson seem to be thinking of ways not to lose instead of ways to win. They may want to read the Strange and Green bios at the World Golf Hall of Fame to get an idea of what a winning attitude is.
Congrats Curtis and Hubert!

Regards,
Steve

Ochoa Stumbles In The Stretch

Hello. Lorena Ochoa is unfortunately having a tough time closing the deal. Just one win away from taking over the #1 world ranking from an injured Annika Sorenstam, Ochoa was 6 over par on her last 6 holes Sunday, enabling Brittany Lincicone to emerge with the Ginn title.
When combined with some bad weekend holes in the Kraft Nabisco, and no major wins to date, it would seem Lorena has a mental block about taking that final step. Needless to say it's understandable. Phil Mickelson in particular had the same issue before overcoming it. Only Tiger Woods seems to have avoided the issue professionally.
As someone who also experienced it at a much lower level, I can empathize. I unfortunately only overcame it once. How? In a word, patience. When I was one down in the match play final, and faced a 6 footer to halve the 15th hole, I just went through my normal routine, instead of thinking about the circumstances. A miss probably would've guaranteed defeat. I made it, then won the next two holes for a 2 and 1 victory.
Ochoa has said the right things in the press, about being patient enough to wait for the #1 ranking to occur. It could happen this month, or early May if she plays normally. I'm sure she will realize patience is the answer.
Good luck Lorena!

Regards,
Steve

Johnson's Win Similar To Mike Weir

Hello. Zach Johnson's Masters win has conjured up some "Zach who?" reaction. So much so that on David Letterman's Top 10 list Johnson himself said "Even I've never heard of me!".
If memory serves, people were saying the same thing 4 eyars ago about the Masters champion. His name was Mike Weir. And while he was already a superstar in Canada, he wasn't known well in the US.
Weir's 2003 season was a bit different in that the Masters was win #3 of a career year. Weir was in the hunt for Player of the Year honours, but did not finish strong. It remains to be seen how Johnson's year concludes.
What is also interesting about both players is they are not long hitters. They challenged Augusta's par 5s with their wedges and succeeded. In 2003 the course was so wet no one could reach the par 5s. This year the greens were so firm no one could stay on the par 5s.
Will Johnson use this win and his Ryder Cup win to become a golf superstar? Or will he become another Mike Weir, who seems to be on his way to being just another PGA Tour player, good enough to keep his card, but never to win another tournament? Only time will tell.

Regards,
Steve

Thanks For The Howard Feedback

Hello. FYI I got some feedback re Glenn Howard. Many thanks!
This individual grew up with Glenn and Russ Howard in the Midland area. Their kindness in working with curlers of all levels was mentioned, along with their kindness and sense of humour.
I last saw Glenn in November at the Masters of Curling event in Waterloo, which he eventually won. And I can honestly say you'll never meet a nicer person. He was still the same guy I knew in university. And in case you think winning this world championship changed him, remember he's already won 2 worlds with Russ. In fact, he never mentioned to me he won 3 university curling titles in a row when we were there.
I've never met Russ, but I know Glenn never resented being in Russ' shadow. While I'm sure he's glad to finally not have to answer anymore questions about Russ, he was just as happy winning as a third, arguably the best third of all-time.
Glenn Howard was a world champion long before he won it curling. A first class individual all the way.

Regards,
Steve

Leafs Are The Flagship Franchise

Hello. There's been much made as the NHL playoffs are about to start about the Leafs' reaction as an organization to missing the playoffs. Some players and management expressed concern over the result, but most were hoping to return.
Dave Perkins mentioned in a very well thestar.com article the ownership should be the ones to blame. Larry Tanenbaum heads this group, and is referred to in the article as someone who should be more focused on winning instead of pouring concrete. Richard Peddie should also sway his focus away from growing the Leaf brand. More money should be spent on scouting, etc instead of marketing.
While I agree with these things, they're not going to happen. Why? Because of what I read between the lines in John Ferguson Jr (JFJ)'s comment about being one point short of their goal.
What was that goal? To earn and extra $2+ million dollars for every home playoff game. Just think, free money! With no salaries to pay! And lots of fans buying team flags for their cars and front yards! And jerseys, home and away! And cereal, diapers and anything else with a Leaf logo.
That is the goal of a great business. And the Leafs are a great business. That's why every one wants to be a part of it. The heck with Lord Stanley. Make money!

Regards,
Steve

Johnson Comes Through In Masters

Hello. Admit it, you knew it all along. Zach Johnson was going to mount his usual great finish, shoot 69 on a very tough course and fly by the leaders into Masters history.
I'll admit I 'knew' that Tiger Woods was going to finish lower than Stuart Appleby, and that no one behind Tiger would play better than him, so he'd win. I think Tiger 'knew' that too, and probably figured 72 would be good enough. And in most cases it would've been. However it wasn't on Sunday because at least 2 players (Johnson and Retief Goosen) believed rounds in the 60s could be shot at Augusta. And they went ahead and did it.
Johnson's strategy, particularly on the par 5s, was excellent. He hit wedge into every one, and birdied 11 of 16. on any hole where he was hitting more than wedge, he was hitting it low, and letting it run up to the hole. While other players were trying to stop the ball close to the hole, and having it bounce elsewhere, Johnson was landing it far from the hole and letting it roll to its destination.
What was also great is how Johnson kept his cool. This guy obviously learned a lot at the Ryder Cup last fall. He believed he could win, and played that way.
Congrats Zach for a well-deserved victory!

Regards,
Steve

Howard Kills World Field

Hello. My apologies for being away last week.
Well, my University of Waterloo golf team buddy Glenn Howard came through big time. If anyone ever doubted how good he or anyone else on his team is, this week should put that to rest. Of the many amazing stats Team Howard compiled in winning the world championships, two stand out:

1. The team (at every position) averaged 90+% for the week. Mike Harris said it best - it's a great game if every player did that for one game! Doing it as your average mark is unbelievable. To show how far curling has come along, Al Hackner was thought to be tremendous in the '85 Worlds curling 80%.
2. The team did not allow a steal the whole week. No steals! I'd be happy to do that for a game. To be in a position where you cannot take at least one point is unheard of. That means your front end in particular has to be setting up the ends so there are no roadblocks for your skip when he has last rock.

What more can I say Glenn? Congrats on a tremendous championship performance.

Regards,

Steve

Florida In Exclusive Company

Hello. Congrats to the University of Florida Gators for winning their second consecutive NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. They're the first to do it since 1991-92, and the first ever to do it with the same starting 5 players consecutively. They also achieved a rare triple by winning the NCAA Football title in January against Ohio State.
As an unfortunate sidenote, Ohio State achieved the rare feat of losing the football and basketball titles in the same year.
I thought Georgetown would've given Florida a better run, since I thought they had better big men to take on Florida's squad. While I didn't see how Ohio State beat Georgetown, they obviously could not do the same thing to Florida. Too much depth and too many big men nullified Greg Oden and crew.
So where does Florida go from here? They still have 4 juniors who could come back. Whether they will is another story. If they do, they will certainly be ranked as favourites for the 3-peat. Whatever they decide to do, may they have success doing it.
Congrats again!

Regards,
Steve

Howard On a Roll At Worlds

Hello. Congrats to my former University of Waterloo Golf Team teammate, Glenn Howard, for dominating the Ford Men's World Championships so far. Howard's rink beat Switzerland 8-2 this morning to climb to 4-0. Finland, Denmark and Sweden have been their other victims. All were highly regarded, yet Team Canada has disposed of them relatively easily.
At this point I would be shocked if Howard lost a game, let alone the event. Now that curling is an Olympic sport, it seems like many teams are starting over, and still learning how to play as a team in preparation for 2010. This seems to allow Canada to have an advantage, as the depth of curling teams means there will always be at least one team peeking in any one year. That seems to be the case with Kelly Scott and Glenn Howard. As dominant as Scott was in Japan, Howard may be even more so in Edmonton.
So will Howard win it all? He should and I know he knows it. Of course anything can happen.
What I'm hoping will happen tonight vs Korea is that Steve Bice gets to play. Steve filled in for Brent Laing in the Ontario finals on 3 hours notice and has stayed with the team ever since. What a great story it would be in what should otherwise be a blowout.
All the best Glenn!

Regards,
Steve