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Cybergolf is thrilled to have a special place where visitors can now find guest writers. Two noted authors, George Fuller and Tony Dear, help us inaugurate this section with some of their finest work. As seen in their bios, both gentlemen have considerable experience in golf and travel writing and impart a wealth of knowledge. Look for more evocative and entertaining pieces from these expert scribes in the months ahead.
by Steve Habel
Seeding of the Greg Norman-designed AT&T Oaks Course at the TPC San Antonio is well underway and projected to be finished by the end of the summer. The TPC San Antonio also announced the hiring of Tom Lively to the position of golf course superintendent for the project's two courses, a role in which he will oversee all agronomy for the highly anticipated 36-hole facility.
by Blaine Newnham
For me, the best three or four hours of sports on television each year is the final day of the British Open. I'm up at 6 a.m. on the West Coast, hoping for wind and rain across the Firth of Forth, or Clyde. I don't want to see perfect conditions or perfect swings. The script is Shakespeare, not Hollywood.
For me, the best three or four hours of sports on television each year is the final day of the British Open. I'm up at 6 a.m. on the West Coast, hoping for wind and rain across the Firth of Forth, or Clyde. I don't want to see perfect conditions or perfect swings. The script is Shakespeare, not Hollywood.
by Jay Flemma
In 1961 a storm out of the pages of the Apocalypse swept through Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, reducing the tented village to wreckage and wreaking havoc on golf shots. Battling for the lead on the final day of the Open Championship, Arnold Palmer's drive on the 15th hole sliced wildly in the maelstrom, finally settling in the deep rough at the base of a vertical grassy bank about 150 yards from the green. With the gallery watching in stunned disbelief, he slashed a 6-iron from a lie that called for a sand wedge. Slicing through like a scythe felling wheat, his hosel wrapped in grass, Palmer muscled the ball onto the green, saved par, and went on to win the Open. Astounded, Open Championship officials embedded a plaque at the site of the historic shot.
In 1961 a storm out of the pages of the Apocalypse swept through Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, reducing the tented village to wreckage and wreaking havoc on golf shots. Battling for the lead on the final day of the Open Championship, Arnold Palmer's drive on the 15th hole sliced wildly in the maelstrom, finally settling in the deep rough at the base of a vertical grassy bank about 150 yards from the green. With the gallery watching in stunned disbelief, he slashed a 6-iron from a lie that called for a sand wedge. Slicing through like a scythe felling wheat, his hosel wrapped in grass, Palmer muscled the ball onto the green, saved par, and went on to win the Open. Astounded, Open Championship officials embedded a plaque at the site of the historic shot.
by Steve Habel
With portions of its coastline underwater, and thousands of its populous still without homes and the services most Americans take for granted after point-blank hits from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, it would have been easy for the government of Louisiana to put golf - and the pursuit of all recreational activities - on the back burner.
by Jay Flemma
All I wanted was a frozen coffee and to watch a little golf. Instead, I got crushed, mushed, crammed, jammed, mangled, tangled, beaned and sardined by what could have passed for the second coming of every tribe of Visigoths that ever invaded Rome, Nome or the River Somme. That's what happened when, quite by accident, I walked headfirst into the heaving sea of humanity following the so-called "dream pairing" of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and their straight-man, Adam Scott, on Friday at this year's U.S. Open.
All I wanted was a frozen coffee and to watch a little golf. Instead, I got crushed, mushed, crammed, jammed, mangled, tangled, beaned and sardined by what could have passed for the second coming of every tribe of Visigoths that ever invaded Rome, Nome or the River Somme. That's what happened when, quite by accident, I walked headfirst into the heaving sea of humanity following the so-called "dream pairing" of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and their straight-man, Adam Scott, on Friday at this year's U.S. Open.
by Jay Flemma
Picture a wintry classroom in New England, 13 small desks in an oval around Mr. Litwin, my British Literature teacher. Eight-foot fluorescent tubes burn their cold white light overhead. Dusty blackboards line the walls. All eyes fixed on Mr. Litwin and a respectful hush descended. We were waiting and he was ready with a challenge.
Picture a wintry classroom in New England, 13 small desks in an oval around Mr. Litwin, my British Literature teacher. Eight-foot fluorescent tubes burn their cold white light overhead. Dusty blackboards line the walls. All eyes fixed on Mr. Litwin and a respectful hush descended. We were waiting and he was ready with a challenge.
by Jay Flemma
Mike Boyko played drums in sold-out arenas and rock clubs around the World. He has a world-class resume for a musician, playing with Two Skinnee J's, Ram Jam's Howie Blauvelt, John Waite and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. As a musician, Mike performed on the same bill as Outkast, Ludacris, Jurassic 5, Incubus and 311. As the drummer of the UK pop-rock band FAT, he toured with such bands as Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind and Sugar Ray. Now, Mike is putting his drumming prowess to good use: he's helping golfers lower their handicaps with his "Tempo in Motion" music downloads.
Mike Boyko played drums in sold-out arenas and rock clubs around the World. He has a world-class resume for a musician, playing with Two Skinnee J's, Ram Jam's Howie Blauvelt, John Waite and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. As a musician, Mike performed on the same bill as Outkast, Ludacris, Jurassic 5, Incubus and 311. As the drummer of the UK pop-rock band FAT, he toured with such bands as Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind and Sugar Ray. Now, Mike is putting his drumming prowess to good use: he's helping golfers lower their handicaps with his "Tempo in Motion" music downloads.
by Jay Flemma
Editor's Note: Jay wrote this piece in real time, while watching the U.S. Open last weekend. Over the course of the piece there are references to events as they happened.
Editor's Note: Jay wrote this piece in real time, while watching the U.S. Open last weekend. Over the course of the piece there are references to events as they happened.
by Blaine Newnham
The FAM is history, a week of media types playing golf around Lake Tahoe finished. They wanted us to get the feel of the diversity of desert golf one day and mountain golf the next, of the misplaced urban energy during a stop in the old railroad town of Truckee and the blessed lack of same in the Mohawk Valley of California's Plumas County.
The FAM is history, a week of media types playing golf around Lake Tahoe finished. They wanted us to get the feel of the diversity of desert golf one day and mountain golf the next, of the misplaced urban energy during a stop in the old railroad town of Truckee and the blessed lack of same in the Mohawk Valley of California's Plumas County.
by Jay Flemma
At the 2005, 2006, and 2007 U.S. Opens, the chaotic twists and turns of the greens at Pinehurst, Winged Foot and Oakmont were Tiger Woods's undoing. "I had plenty of 8-10 foot putts, but they had three feet of break. You're not going to make those all the time," he said after his final putt at Oakmont veered away, sealing his defeat. At Southern Hills's PGA Championship, a mere two months later, Woods played to the flat places on the greens, where he had straight-in putts. "I rolled in the straighter putts even though they were a bit longer," he remarked after hoisting his fourth Wanamaker Trophy.
At the 2005, 2006, and 2007 U.S. Opens, the chaotic twists and turns of the greens at Pinehurst, Winged Foot and Oakmont were Tiger Woods's undoing. "I had plenty of 8-10 foot putts, but they had three feet of break. You're not going to make those all the time," he said after his final putt at Oakmont veered away, sealing his defeat. At Southern Hills's PGA Championship, a mere two months later, Woods played to the flat places on the greens, where he had straight-in putts. "I rolled in the straighter putts even though they were a bit longer," he remarked after hoisting his fourth Wanamaker Trophy.
by Blaine Newnham
What do you talk about on a golf media trip? Golf, of course. During the six-day trip around Lake Tahoe, we talked about the guy who paid $100 to get his golf bag from Denver to Reno on United Airlines. He'll pay the same amount to get it back. As he understood it, there would be no charge if it were the only bag he checked. Presuming it didn't weigh more than 50 pounds.
by Jay Flemma
Ozzie Smith hasn't stopped smiling all weekend at the Pro Sports Team Challenge All-star golf shootout. His exuberant love of life, golf, and people has been a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the golf tournament and social events with camaraderie, excitement, and laughs, inspiring players, organizers and fans alike. "Since we retired from our respective sports, there's been a competitive void in our lives," he explained with a hint of sad reminiscence. The nostalgic moment passed, quickly and the broad grin returned again. "Athletes never lose their competitive fire" he said with a laugh, "and this competition, where we get to re-unite and play golf for our favorite charities, is a chance for us to give back to those less fortunate, compete against one another once more, and get close to our fans. We're nothing without them."
Ozzie Smith hasn't stopped smiling all weekend at the Pro Sports Team Challenge All-star golf shootout. His exuberant love of life, golf, and people has been a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the golf tournament and social events with camaraderie, excitement, and laughs, inspiring players, organizers and fans alike. "Since we retired from our respective sports, there's been a competitive void in our lives," he explained with a hint of sad reminiscence. The nostalgic moment passed, quickly and the broad grin returned again. "Athletes never lose their competitive fire" he said with a laugh, "and this competition, where we get to re-unite and play golf for our favorite charities, is a chance for us to give back to those less fortunate, compete against one another once more, and get close to our fans. We're nothing without them."
by Jay Flemma
The sky was golf ball-white, sending caddies and spotters scrambling over the fabled kikuyu of Torrey Pines South Course to see where balls might have landed. Patrons in shirtsleeves shivered, drank bitter, watery coffee, and huddled near the clubhouse, venturing onto the course in small groups. Players were in long sleeves from leaden-slate sunrise to granite-grey sunset on Tuesday. In the typical "June Gloom," as it's known locally, it was a day more akin to February at the Buick rather than the U.S. Open in high summer.
The sky was golf ball-white, sending caddies and spotters scrambling over the fabled kikuyu of Torrey Pines South Course to see where balls might have landed. Patrons in shirtsleeves shivered, drank bitter, watery coffee, and huddled near the clubhouse, venturing onto the course in small groups. Players were in long sleeves from leaden-slate sunrise to granite-grey sunset on Tuesday. In the typical "June Gloom," as it's known locally, it was a day more akin to February at the Buick rather than the U.S. Open in high summer.
by Blaine Newnham
So this Fam trip, or media tour, isn't just about playing one great golf course after another. We had a choice one afternoon whether we wanted to play Coyote Moon, in the mountains near Lake Tahoe, or do something to improve your game. Coyote Moon is spectacular. My golf game isn't.
by Blaine Newnham
Back to blogging after a round at Edgewood Tahoe, the well-known and nearly stately course in Stateline, Nev., home of the annual summer celebrity tournament that makes everyone who plays the game appreciate that they've got a better swing than Charles Barkley.
Back to blogging after a round at Edgewood Tahoe, the well-known and nearly stately course in Stateline, Nev., home of the annual summer celebrity tournament that makes everyone who plays the game appreciate that they've got a better swing than Charles Barkley.
by Jay Flemma
Sunrise made the golf course emerge as if from a dream. One by one the stars winked out in the West and, with a stretch, a yawn and a slow unfolding of her legs from bed, the sun gradually gave a streak of pale, watery light that crested the wrinkled brow of the Pinto Mountains in Palm Springs, Calif. As they have since Genesis, the broad, rugged, rumpled shoulders of the hills reached from the floor of the dusty plain below and lifted the sun into the sky so she could greet 17 altruistic professional athletes as they begin their quest to change the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.
Sunrise made the golf course emerge as if from a dream. One by one the stars winked out in the West and, with a stretch, a yawn and a slow unfolding of her legs from bed, the sun gradually gave a streak of pale, watery light that crested the wrinkled brow of the Pinto Mountains in Palm Springs, Calif. As they have since Genesis, the broad, rugged, rumpled shoulders of the hills reached from the floor of the dusty plain below and lifted the sun into the sky so she could greet 17 altruistic professional athletes as they begin their quest to change the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.
Reviewed by Jay Flemma
Dear Dan: I just finished your new book, "The Franchise Babe," and wanted to congratulate you, to tell you how many times I howled in delight while reading it and to wish you all the best with it. It's hysterical and my God is it true to life. By good luck, I had recently finished "Slim and None," and was getting ready to do a book review for that when the e-mail announcement for "The Franchise Babe" arrived in my inbox. The timing was perfect. I decided to review both and compare them side-by-side.
by Blaine Newnham
Here you are, on a golf media trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe, and the first two courses you visit have the indelible hand of John Harbottle, the architect from Tacoma, Wash., who seems to understand better than anyone the concept of translating links golf to the American desert - even though he grew up with rain and trees.
Here you are, on a golf media trip to Reno and Lake Tahoe, and the first two courses you visit have the indelible hand of John Harbottle, the architect from Tacoma, Wash., who seems to understand better than anyone the concept of translating links golf to the American desert - even though he grew up with rain and trees.
by Jay Flemma
We all know that Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (Bob to his friends) is one of the greatest names in golf course design. But did you know he's also an accomplished poet? With an education from Harvard and Stanford, you can bet he couldn't avoid classical literature. Moreover, Jones has a broad and deep fount for inspiration that draws on T.S. Eliot and Percy Bysshe Shelley, a vivid imagination, vibrant vocabulary and years of world travel.
We all know that Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (Bob to his friends) is one of the greatest names in golf course design. But did you know he's also an accomplished poet? With an education from Harvard and Stanford, you can bet he couldn't avoid classical literature. Moreover, Jones has a broad and deep fount for inspiration that draws on T.S. Eliot and Percy Bysshe Shelley, a vivid imagination, vibrant vocabulary and years of world travel.
by Blaine Newnham
Editor's Note: Over the next week or so Cybergolf contributor Blaine Newnham will be a providing running travelogue while he visits the many golf courses in the Reno area. Here's his first installment.
by Steve Habel
There is something oddly familiar about the Seagrove Beach community on the Emerald Coast of the Sunshine State - even if you've never been there, it seems like a town stored in your memory bank.
by Jay Flemma
There is an enormous difference between golf and competitive golf. Bogey golfers may think that 20-footer on No. 18 they sank to take $20 off their lunkhead golf buddy at Bushwood Country Club, or that crisp iron shot they hit during the Duff Brewery Scramble at Meatball Meadows will prepare them for the big pressure, big money moment.
There is an enormous difference between golf and competitive golf. Bogey golfers may think that 20-footer on No. 18 they sank to take $20 off their lunkhead golf buddy at Bushwood Country Club, or that crisp iron shot they hit during the Duff Brewery Scramble at Meatball Meadows will prepare them for the big pressure, big money moment.
Ernie Els blasted the famed island green on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, saying it should be "blown up" after he carded a triple-bogey six that took him out of contention during the 2008 Players Championship. "It's not an appropriate hole for a championship like this," the 'Big Easy' said. Then he took a deep breath, half-apologized and admitted he had "chunked" his shot with a wedge, but reiterated that he still didn't like the hole.
by Jay Flemma
A little guy's enormous heart and easy-going nature helped him fill some of the biggest shoes in golf history Sunday as Ohio native Mike Kelley won twice in match play to capture the 98th Walter J. Travis Invitational tournament. After defeating Kevin Hammer 2-up in the semifinals in the morning round, Kelley overcame a two-hole deficit early, then rallied after losing a two-hole lead late to edge Joe Saladino 2&1 in the final.
A little guy's enormous heart and easy-going nature helped him fill some of the biggest shoes in golf history Sunday as Ohio native Mike Kelley won twice in match play to capture the 98th Walter J. Travis Invitational tournament. After defeating Kevin Hammer 2-up in the semifinals in the morning round, Kelley overcame a two-hole deficit early, then rallied after losing a two-hole lead late to edge Joe Saladino 2&1 in the final.
by Jay Flemma
A granite-grey sky stretches from horizon to horizon across the Long Island sky on this morning, but for 130 golfers and the membership of Garden City Golf Club, today is Christmas Day, as bright, cheerful, and filled with promise as the grandest holiday. "Welcome to Friday at the Travis," beams one green-jacketed member of the club in greeting as players file into the clubhouse to begin the 98th playing of the Walter J. Travis Invitational, greater New York City's premiere amateur golf event. Varying replies, of "Thank you, its great to be here," come in reply from grateful golfers and happy patrons.
by Blaine Newnham
Looking over the construction of the fourth course at Bandon Dunes, Mike Keiser, the owner, was asked, "Why?"
by Bob Spiwak
I tend to travel a lot to play golf. For years, my vehicles have been old Volkswagens and a sporty Datsun fastback coupe. These suffice for another golfer and me. A third person can be squeezed into the VWs, sharing the back seat with a bag of clubs. The Datsun is strictly a two-seater.
by Jay Flemma
One of golf's most graceful traditions takes place this weekend. Far from any television towers, gallery stands and the latest, greatest waterfall ever built on a golf course, but far closer to the egalitarian spirit of the game as envisioned by her stewards, fabled Garden City Golf Club will host the 98th Walter J. Travis Invitational, a major amateur tournament of national and historic significance.
by Joel Zuckerman
Since this is the week of the Players Championship, the PGA Tour's so-called "fifth major" that starts Thursday at TPC Sawgrass, it's appropriate that we get a glimpse of Pete Dye and his family, the folks responsible for this cutting-edge course that set the world of golf architecture on its ear. Writer Joel Zuckerman, an expert on the Dyes after writing "Pete Dye: Golf Courses - 50 Years of Visionary Design," gives us some perspective on the amazingly productive family.
Since this is the week of the Players Championship, the PGA Tour's so-called "fifth major" that starts Thursday at TPC Sawgrass, it's appropriate that we get a glimpse of Pete Dye and his family, the folks responsible for this cutting-edge course that set the world of golf architecture on its ear. Writer Joel Zuckerman, an expert on the Dyes after writing "Pete Dye: Golf Courses - 50 Years of Visionary Design," gives us some perspective on the amazingly productive family.
by Jay Flemma
People always ask me what the first rule is in evaluating a golf course. The answer is somewhat altruistic: judge a course on its value to the game of golf, not on what it cost to attain. The owners of Reynolds Plantation may have known this as they planned the fifth course at their idyllic Georgia resort; they simply told the architect, "Give us something different." They already had courses by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, and Bob Cupp. They weren't pipe dreaming of hosting a PGA Tour event. They weren't interested in bragging rights from magazine rankings. They wanted a unique course. They wisely selected Jim Engh.
by Jay Flemma
I love when Tom Belton calls me, because he has a good idea every time. Sometimes he picks my brain for legal analysis of the confluence of sports and intellectual property over the Internet. Sometimes he asks me the writer's view of a new wrinkle he has for competitive team golf formats. Most importantly, every time he calls, he has a groundbreaking vision for promoting team golf and empowering golf fans in America. With his track record of success, it's no wonder both the pro golf industry and the major sports networks are listening.
I love when Tom Belton calls me, because he has a good idea every time. Sometimes he picks my brain for legal analysis of the confluence of sports and intellectual property over the Internet. Sometimes he asks me the writer's view of a new wrinkle he has for competitive team golf formats. Most importantly, every time he calls, he has a groundbreaking vision for promoting team golf and empowering golf fans in America. With his track record of success, it's no wonder both the pro golf industry and the major sports networks are listening.
by Jay Flemma
It's old school, to be sure; but then again, I'm all about old school. Living just 20 minutes from Bethpage State Park's world-famous Black Course is sweet seduction, like a long, torrid welcoming kiss "hello" from a beautiful woman. Many quick pre-dawn drives have gotten me prime weekend tee times - sometimes even with a partner. Arrive before daybreak, secure a mid-morning tee time on the Black, retreat to the breakfast room for cereal, toast, bacon, coffee and a newspaper, then hit balls before approaching the starter with the fine, wide, satisfied smile of a veteran who knows he's up.
by Blaine Newnham
Could it be 16 years since the first tip to Ireland to play golf, when the guys were all turning 50 and we decided it was now or never? Indeed it has been that long. We would go again, in 1999, but since then have been chased away by the price and the pomp.
Could it be 16 years since the first tip to Ireland to play golf, when the guys were all turning 50 and we decided it was now or never? Indeed it has been that long. We would go again, in 1999, but since then have been chased away by the price and the pomp.
by Tony Dear
A freak late-winter storm that dumped 10 inches of snow on Kentucky's Valhalla Golf Club in the second week of March may have delayed preparations for this September's Ryder Cup matches slightly but was, according to superintendent Mark Wilson, a blessing in disguise. "The reduced traffic won't hurt," he said two days after the unseasonal depression hit, "and to be honest, I've always regarded snow as the poor man's fertilizer."
A freak late-winter storm that dumped 10 inches of snow on Kentucky's Valhalla Golf Club in the second week of March may have delayed preparations for this September's Ryder Cup matches slightly but was, according to superintendent Mark Wilson, a blessing in disguise. "The reduced traffic won't hurt," he said two days after the unseasonal depression hit, "and to be honest, I've always regarded snow as the poor man's fertilizer."
by Jay Flemma
Like the bright promise of a new dawn, the Masters Tournament awakens golf in the hearts of the whole sports world. Yes, ardent golfers watch the Mercedes-Benz Invitational in Hawaii to abate January's chill, and some fans may pay attention to the California swing. But only the magical Masters banishes winter from our minds, brings forth flowers from the frozen ground, and stirs our souls for golf to take root and bloom another year.
Like the bright promise of a new dawn, the Masters Tournament awakens golf in the hearts of the whole sports world. Yes, ardent golfers watch the Mercedes-Benz Invitational in Hawaii to abate January's chill, and some fans may pay attention to the California swing. But only the magical Masters banishes winter from our minds, brings forth flowers from the frozen ground, and stirs our souls for golf to take root and bloom another year.
by Joel Zuckerman
It was Thanksgiving Weekend, 1969, and none other than his eminence, Arnold Palmer, won the inaugural event at the then brand-new Harbour Town Golf Links, in what was originally called the Heritage Classic.
It was Thanksgiving Weekend, 1969, and none other than his eminence, Arnold Palmer, won the inaugural event at the then brand-new Harbour Town Golf Links, in what was originally called the Heritage Classic.
by Bob Spiwak
There will be a new face at Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course in 2008. Having arrived late last year, Cory Pickeral will assume the title director of golf. Not to worry, Von Smith will remain the head pro. In Pickeral's words, Smith is, "the face of Bear Mountain Ranch." The course and neighboring homes are located south of - and over a thousand feet above - Lake Chelan in north-central Washington.
There will be a new face at Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course in 2008. Having arrived late last year, Cory Pickeral will assume the title director of golf. Not to worry, Von Smith will remain the head pro. In Pickeral's words, Smith is, "the face of Bear Mountain Ranch." The course and neighboring homes are located south of - and over a thousand feet above - Lake Chelan in north-central Washington.
by Bruce Babbitt
There's much to do in Melbourne besides golf. There is the Melbourne Cricket Grounds where, as part of a tour, one is allowed to stand on the hallowed grass - just not for too long. The Museum of Cricket is like a more compact version of baseball's Cooperstown with art, tapestries, cricket bats and memorabilia dating back to the 1830s when it was founded by four Aussies who contributed about 10 pounds Sterling to buy the material on display.
David Wood, a regular contributor to Cybergolf, has released his new book. "Around the World in Eighty Rounds" is now on sale in bookstores and on Amazon.
by Bruce Babbitt
Melbourne was the first capital of Australia and has been traditionally considered more "British" and refined than the New South Wales' capital of Sydney. The difference may be whether or not the region was settled by convicts, as was much of Australia.
by Bruce Babbitt
The flight, which included going from Seattle to San Francisco to hook up with Qantas, to Sydney and thence to Adelaide, is 18 hours. The SFO-Sydney leg is not as bad as I feared, even in economy as I had an empty middle seat. The other seat on my row was occupied by a young lady from Seattle who was off to Notre Dame University in Perth. Since her mother is Australian, the cost, including two trips a year to and from Seattle, is less than her UW tuition.
by David Wood
Okay, so I wouldn't know a Spotted Sandpiper (artitis macularia) from a Roseate Spoonbill (Andea alba). However, as a traveling golfer (linkus crazius I know an exciting golf destination when I find one. Named for the noted 19th century naturist and bird lover, John James Audubon, the Audubon Golf Trail of Louisiana combines excellent, nature-friendly courses with pocketbook-friendly green fees - a delightful one-two punch. After a recent golf trip there, I may have discovered my inner ornithologist. Was that a Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) that just watched me (sandtrapus ineptus) take three shots to get out of that bunker?
by Blaine Newnham
So when is enough enough? I'll never forget the ultra marathoner - folks who run as far as 100 miles in one race - talking about his addiction to his sport. "We're all just an injury away from being on drugs, serious drugs," he said, creating the image of a pulled hamstring giving way to heroin.
by Chris Kretz
Last January, I entered my essay in the Golf Digest/U.S. Open contest, explaining in 100 words or less why I feel I could break 100 at Torrey Pines this June. My essay simply stated how I grew up on a golf course and have a number of club pros, course owners and instructors in my family tree. With all this golf in my bloodline, I decided to become an artist.
Last January, I entered my essay in the Golf Digest/U.S. Open contest, explaining in 100 words or less why I feel I could break 100 at Torrey Pines this June. My essay simply stated how I grew up on a golf course and have a number of club pros, course owners and instructors in my family tree. With all this golf in my bloodline, I decided to become an artist.
by Jay Flemma
Cybergolf's Jay Flemma attended yesterday's Senate Hearings featuring baseball star Roger Clemens. Though the session focused on potential abusers of steroids and human-growth hormones in Major League Baseball, it also sounded a warning for all athletes - professional or amateur - in all sports. Here's Jay's take on the historic day, and how it ultimately might affect golf.
by Marcus King
The opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China were spectacular! We awoke that morning, donned our red, white and blue Team USA outfits, and hopped on the decked-out tour buses to head for the stadium. It was a blistering hot and humid day - 95 degrees with 95% humidity - and our nylon suits stuck to us like glue, especially since we were also wearing a bucket hat to complete the ensemble. But the cool relief of the air-conditioned coaches was welcomed with a chorus of "ahhhhhhhhs." Our buses were escorted by Chinese police and, in fact, our entire 20-plus-mile route was controlled such that traffic stopped like we were in a presidential motorcade. We almost felt bad that we were inconveniencing the citizens with all of the security road closures, but we were buoyed by their flag-waving and effervescent friendliness along the route.
by Blaine Newnham
The mystique of Ben Hogan surrounds our golf club today. We play a game called "Hogans," where you receive a point on a hole only if you hit the fairway, hit the green, and make par or better. A Hogan.
The mystique of Ben Hogan surrounds our golf club today. We play a game called "Hogans," where you receive a point on a hole only if you hit the fairway, hit the green, and make par or better. A Hogan.
by Jay Flemma
I wasn't ready for the 2007 U.S. Open to be about golf, love and sponge cake, so heart had skipped several beats from the time I had spotted her long flowing, radiant blond hair. The touch of her hand could have calmed the nutjob president of Iran. Her long coltish legs folded and unfolded in a graceful ballet. When she smiled, she lit up the golf course.
I wasn't ready for the 2007 U.S. Open to be about golf, love and sponge cake, so heart had skipped several beats from the time I had spotted her long flowing, radiant blond hair. The touch of her hand could have calmed the nutjob president of Iran. Her long coltish legs folded and unfolded in a graceful ballet. When she smiled, she lit up the golf course.
by Marcus King
Editor's Note: In this installment by Marcus King, a PGA professional who's the general manager of Sand Point Country Club in Seattle, he describes mustering up his Special Olympics golf squad in Seattle and flying - via Los Angeles - thousands of miles to Shanghai, China, for the 2007 Special Olympics World Games.
Editor's Note: In this installment by Marcus King, a PGA professional who's the general manager of Sand Point Country Club in Seattle, he describes mustering up his Special Olympics golf squad in Seattle and flying - via Los Angeles - thousands of miles to Shanghai, China, for the 2007 Special Olympics World Games.
by Jay Flemma
Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter were singing about love in the song ¡°When the Hunter Gets captured by the Game¡±, but the concept applies in golf as well. For even though golf¡¯s greatest names come loaded for bear as they hunt for one of the game¡¯s most coveted pelts, at the U.S. Open it¡¯s the players who come away bloodied as the golf course cuts a terrible swath through them like buckshot.
Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter were singing about love in the song ¡°When the Hunter Gets captured by the Game¡±, but the concept applies in golf as well. For even though golf¡¯s greatest names come loaded for bear as they hunt for one of the game¡¯s most coveted pelts, at the U.S. Open it¡¯s the players who come away bloodied as the golf course cuts a terrible swath through them like buckshot.
by Jay Flemma
He drinks, he smokes, he gambles, he's beyond overweight, he has a devil-may-care attitude and yes, once again, John Daly is lurking at the top of the PGA Championship leaderboard after the first round at Southern Hills Country Club. Looking as frumpy as ever, Daly fired a sparkling 3-under 67 over the 7,131 yard par-70 Perry Maxwell layout to trail only Englishman Graeme Storm, who leads after a scintillating 5-under 65. Daly struck early and often, going out in 32 and then shooting even par the rest of the day. His round featured a single blemish, a bogey at the 507-yard sixteenth hole, ironically the longest par-4 in major championship history.
He drinks, he smokes, he gambles, he's beyond overweight, he has a devil-may-care attitude and yes, once again, John Daly is lurking at the top of the PGA Championship leaderboard after the first round at Southern Hills Country Club. Looking as frumpy as ever, Daly fired a sparkling 3-under 67 over the 7,131 yard par-70 Perry Maxwell layout to trail only Englishman Graeme Storm, who leads after a scintillating 5-under 65. Daly struck early and often, going out in 32 and then shooting even par the rest of the day. His round featured a single blemish, a bogey at the 507-yard sixteenth hole, ironically the longest par-4 in major championship history.
by David Wood
Oozing Southern charm and building first-rate locales to play an ancient game created by old Scottish shepherds, Alabama has moved into the upper echelon of golf destinations.
by Marcus King
The "Team of Destiny" dominated the 2006 Summer Games. The athletes performed not only well, but consistently, which was our ultimate goal. We had taught them the skills to succeed as well as the skills to cope with the inevitable momentary failures inherent in the game of golf. They really bought into the whole aspect of golf being a "game of managed mis-hits," and their behavior reflected our team philosophy: "Gracious in victory as well as defeat."
by Marcus King
Jackie and I assembled our Fairwood Flyers team of 10 athletes and our golf professionals as well: head professional Rick Larson and assistant professionals Joey Reibel and Karen Rooth. The Special Olympics golf season - like all sport seasons - are defined precisely. Because of insurance coverage, we had to be careful to meet with the athletes only during the specified season.
Jackie and I assembled our Fairwood Flyers team of 10 athletes and our golf professionals as well: head professional Rick Larson and assistant professionals Joey Reibel and Karen Rooth. The Special Olympics golf season - like all sport seasons - are defined precisely. Because of insurance coverage, we had to be careful to meet with the athletes only during the specified season.
by David Wood
With all due respect to golf's birthplace in Scotland's Kingdom of Fife, California's majestic Monterey Peninsula, the golf wonderland of New Zealand, and magical Kaua'i with its beguiling ocean-view courses, a new locale on the globe has politely barged into that lofty group of the world's top golf destinations. That locale is the entire state of Alabama. That's right Alabama! The land of Southern hospitality, moon pies, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Bear Bryant, and slow-cooked barbeque is now the top golf destination in the United States! There I said it. It needed to be said.
by Marcus King
I began my Special Olympics odyssey back in 1995 when fellow PGA golf professional Pete Guzzo, then the head pro at Jefferson Park Golf Course, asked if I would help out with an event at Fort Lewis. I did and ended up having a great time. I got to know some of the athletes heading to the Special Olympics World Games in Connecticut that year. I also attended a PGA seminar on golf instruction for special-needs populations, which was taught by the legendary Conrad Rehling, and from then on my Special Olympics flame was lit.
I began my Special Olympics odyssey back in 1995 when fellow PGA golf professional Pete Guzzo, then the head pro at Jefferson Park Golf Course, asked if I would help out with an event at Fort Lewis. I did and ended up having a great time. I got to know some of the athletes heading to the Special Olympics World Games in Connecticut that year. I also attended a PGA seminar on golf instruction for special-needs populations, which was taught by the legendary Conrad Rehling, and from then on my Special Olympics flame was lit.
by Jay Flemma
In 2005, Golf Digest's Ron Whitten famously asked, "Is Tom Fazio good for golf?" But Whitten wasn't the only one with that question. In his piece Whitten noted, "Golf's leading designer is beloved by many, yet his courses have lifted expectations - and costs - to troubling levels." He went on to say that Fazio's strategy-light, budget-bursting designs should not be the enduring standard for golf design into the future. "Hope not," wrote Whitten, "if you're one who believes that golf should still be a test of thought and skill rather than just a walk on the beach where you never get sand in your shoes."
In 2005, Golf Digest's Ron Whitten famously asked, "Is Tom Fazio good for golf?" But Whitten wasn't the only one with that question. In his piece Whitten noted, "Golf's leading designer is beloved by many, yet his courses have lifted expectations - and costs - to troubling levels." He went on to say that Fazio's strategy-light, budget-bursting designs should not be the enduring standard for golf design into the future. "Hope not," wrote Whitten, "if you're one who believes that golf should still be a test of thought and skill rather than just a walk on the beach where you never get sand in your shoes."
by Steve Habel
The under-construction project at the TPC San Antonio in the northern suburbs of the Alamo City keeps getting its share of news lately, the most recent of which came last week when Greg Norman paid a visit and addressed the media in a quick and controlled interview session. Norman, also called the "Great White Shark," spent the morning touring the course he is designing with the PGA Tour's Sergio Garcia. The Norman-Garcia track could be ready for play in early 2009, with a second 18-hole layout - a Pete Dye-Bruce Lietzke collaboration - set to debut later that fall.
by Tony Dear
The idea of Americans vacationing in Vietnam once sounded like a bad idea and the combination of golf and Vietnam seemed an unlikely mix. So how about Americans vacationing in Vietnam AND playing golf there? Too absurd for words, right? But the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail opened six months ago, and Americans are loving it.
The idea of Americans vacationing in Vietnam once sounded like a bad idea and the combination of golf and Vietnam seemed an unlikely mix. So how about Americans vacationing in Vietnam AND playing golf there? Too absurd for words, right? But the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail opened six months ago, and Americans are loving it.
by Dave Castleberry
I've been asked this question a lot, and as a golf professional, its one I'll undoubtedly be asked countless more times. Most often, the inquiry comes from a young mother or father whose toddler recently picked up a 9-iron and showed great joy in thrashing around the backyard chasing a little white ball. When the little Tasmanian devil is asked if he enjoys golf, he'll answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and take another wild chop.
I've been asked this question a lot, and as a golf professional, its one I'll undoubtedly be asked countless more times. Most often, the inquiry comes from a young mother or father whose toddler recently picked up a 9-iron and showed great joy in thrashing around the backyard chasing a little white ball. When the little Tasmanian devil is asked if he enjoys golf, he'll answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and take another wild chop.
by Jay Flemma
As we stood waiting for what we could see of the first fairway to clear, our fivesome was spread out over three different tee boxes. Gilligan (a 1.7 index) and the Skipper (6) will have their hands full from the tips. I'll be playing one set down with Kevin Sniffen, about 6,600 yards. Eschewing the far forward tees, Mrs. Howell opts for one set back, roughly 5,800 yards in length.
by Steve Habel
There was a Bear sighting Sunday in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, in mid-October. But this one wasn't looking for honey or rummaging through a campsite - he was trying to bring something even more special to an area already teeming with memorable golf courses and upper-crush housing developments.
There was a Bear sighting Sunday in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, in mid-October. But this one wasn't looking for honey or rummaging through a campsite - he was trying to bring something even more special to an area already teeming with memorable golf courses and upper-crush housing developments.
by Jay Flemma
Part 1 of Jay's trip to New Mexico and Black Mesa Golf Club likened the experience of flying there to a scene from Gilligan's Island. His second installment gets into the details of the Black Mesa experience and draws upon his vast storehouse of musical knowledge.
by Jay Flemma
Forget "release the hounds" or "release the gnats" (if you believe Yankee fans; they think that's what happened against the Cleveland Indians this year). No, Eddie Peck is telling his greenskeeper to release the Velociraptors. Normally the mildest-mannered guy ever, Peck loves laying out the nooses at his grassy gallows of a golf course. He once had a hole location cut off the green in the fringe.
Reviewed by Jay Flemma
Although I only have time to name a few, I love Jeff Shelley for a million reasons. First, he's honest, hard-working and loves golf to the marrow of his bones. Second, he's the best kind of editor; he hardly touches anything I write. Finally, and just as importantly, when he writes a piece, it's accurate, informative and interesting. Over his long career, Jeff, now the editorial director for Cybergolf and www.golfconstructionnews.com, has discovered some of the most fascinating pieces of golf history.
Although I only have time to name a few, I love Jeff Shelley for a million reasons. First, he's honest, hard-working and loves golf to the marrow of his bones. Second, he's the best kind of editor; he hardly touches anything I write. Finally, and just as importantly, when he writes a piece, it's accurate, informative and interesting. Over his long career, Jeff, now the editorial director for Cybergolf and www.golfconstructionnews.com, has discovered some of the most fascinating pieces of golf history.
by Jay Flemma
With proper care, some things get better with age. A fine wine rounds out its edges and develops interestingly complex flavors. Older cigars are smoother and more balanced, providing a mellow, civilized smoke. The beauty of a woman becomes refined. She turns from being merely comely to elegant, alluring and timeless. The critical ingredient is care. Handled poorly or unwisely, the wine turns to sour grapes, the cigar degenerates to stale leaves, the woman becomes wrinkled and bitter.
With proper care, some things get better with age. A fine wine rounds out its edges and develops interestingly complex flavors. Older cigars are smoother and more balanced, providing a mellow, civilized smoke. The beauty of a woman becomes refined. She turns from being merely comely to elegant, alluring and timeless. The critical ingredient is care. Handled poorly or unwisely, the wine turns to sour grapes, the cigar degenerates to stale leaves, the woman becomes wrinkled and bitter.
by Dave Castleberry
Lo the practice green: An area of closely mown grass containing six to nine holes and those cute miniature pins sticking out of them. Every course has at least one, as do a lot of driving ranges and practice facilities. If we could all get ourselves to spend more time there we would assuredly become much better golfers. And yet, most of us trudge off to the driving range to work on getting rid of our hooks, slices and dreaded shanks (oops, I didn't mean to write that word out loud).
Lo the practice green: An area of closely mown grass containing six to nine holes and those cute miniature pins sticking out of them. Every course has at least one, as do a lot of driving ranges and practice facilities. If we could all get ourselves to spend more time there we would assuredly become much better golfers. And yet, most of us trudge off to the driving range to work on getting rid of our hooks, slices and dreaded shanks (oops, I didn't mean to write that word out loud).
by Steve Habel
When it comes time to go to work, Cypress Bend head professional Ken Rams doesn't turn on the radio or television for the local traffic slowdowns. He instead checks for the speed and direction of the wind and the temperature in remote Many, a town located on the west side of the liquid line that separates Louisiana and Texas.
by Jay Flemma
Can you tell golf course architect Kelly Blake Moran is a Texan? He may not wear a 10-gallon hat, but boy is he proud of the Lone Star State. Call him Amarillo Slim in a wind shirt.
Can you tell golf course architect Kelly Blake Moran is a Texan? He may not wear a 10-gallon hat, but boy is he proud of the Lone Star State. Call him Amarillo Slim in a wind shirt.
by Dave Castleberry
Aerification, overseeding and topdressing - it's that time of the year again. To some golfers, it's the pits. It doesn't matter what part of the country you live in, we all have to endure these routine maintenance practices at some point.
Aerification, overseeding and topdressing - it's that time of the year again. To some golfers, it's the pits. It doesn't matter what part of the country you live in, we all have to endure these routine maintenance practices at some point.
by Jay Flemma
Stephen Kay isn't just a golf course architect; he's also a professor of golf course design and construction, lecturing regularly at universities, conferences, and even the New York State Bar Association. Ron Whitten is one of the pre-eminent golf course architecture critics. When the two get together, it's as though Aristotle and Plato were back at their old haunts in Athens discussing "The Poetic."
Stephen Kay isn't just a golf course architect; he's also a professor of golf course design and construction, lecturing regularly at universities, conferences, and even the New York State Bar Association. Ron Whitten is one of the pre-eminent golf course architecture critics. When the two get together, it's as though Aristotle and Plato were back at their old haunts in Athens discussing "The Poetic."
by Dave Castleberry
In my many years as a golf professional, I've come across many folks who wish to become better golfers. Well, I have some bad news, if you're anything like 99% of the rest of the world, it's not going to happen - you're stuck where you are.
In my many years as a golf professional, I've come across many folks who wish to become better golfers. Well, I have some bad news, if you're anything like 99% of the rest of the world, it's not going to happen - you're stuck where you are.
by Steve Habel
There is no easy way to get to the Cypress Bend Resort on the westernmost middle edge of Louisiana. But it is that remoteness - and isolation - that makes this resort and its challenging golf course worth the trouble in getting there.
by Bob Spiwak
Golfers, like many others are collectors. They collect old clubs, balls, bag tags, autographs and of course, photos.
by Billy Bondaruk
I once heard a wonderful story about the famed actor Sir Lawrence Olivier. He had been cast in the part of Hamlet at a famous theater in Oxford, England. Olivier was known for his dedication of studying a character such that he would become the character.
I once heard a wonderful story about the famed actor Sir Lawrence Olivier. He had been cast in the part of Hamlet at a famous theater in Oxford, England. Olivier was known for his dedication of studying a character such that he would become the character.
by Tony Dear
Two things occurred to me as I watched last weekend's record-setting seven-man play-off at the Boeing Classic. The first (how come this sort of thing doesn't happen more often?) is a question that has bothered me for years. Okay, seven players tying for the lead after 72 holes may be a tad unusual, but with fields of 75-plus golfers and the difference in average score between the top 20 less than one and a half shots a round, you'd (well, you might not actually, but I certainly do) expect a playoff involving two or three players every week, or at least every other week.
Two things occurred to me as I watched last weekend's record-setting seven-man play-off at the Boeing Classic. The first (how come this sort of thing doesn't happen more often?) is a question that has bothered me for years. Okay, seven players tying for the lead after 72 holes may be a tad unusual, but with fields of 75-plus golfers and the difference in average score between the top 20 less than one and a half shots a round, you'd (well, you might not actually, but I certainly do) expect a playoff involving two or three players every week, or at least every other week.
by David Wood
As a traveling golfer who has invested steadily in green fees rather than a healthy Roth IRA, I've played about half of the world's 100 top-rated courses and usually eight or so of the top 10 - depending on the yearly rankings.
by David Wood
Move over potatoes, golf is well on the way to surpassing what Idaho is famous for. Eight courses are members of the Idaho Golf Trail including the golfing heaven of Circling Raven and the immaculate Coeur d'Alene Resort - with its famed island green - providing the "don't miss" northern end of the loop. Now, southern Idaho sports two first-rate courses as well - Osprey Meadows at the Tamarack Resort near Donnelly and Whitetail Club and Resort in McCall - which both demand a visit from the discerning traveling golfer. Osprey Meadows all by itself is worth immediately hopping on the next plane, train, bus, or automobile to Idaho with golf clubs in tow as the Robert Trent Jones Jr./Bruce Charlton layout is flat-out as good as it gets.
by Jay Flemma
Cybergolf's Jay Flemma returns to Tulsa to watch Tiger Woods successful quest for his 13th major title at the PGA Championship in Tulsa. He also takes a peek at one Woody Austin, the unheralded journeyman golf pro who made things interesting on Sunday.
Cybergolf's Jay Flemma returns to Tulsa to watch Tiger Woods successful quest for his 13th major title at the PGA Championship in Tulsa. He also takes a peek at one Woody Austin, the unheralded journeyman golf pro who made things interesting on Sunday.
by Jay Flemma
Instead of staying around to watch Tiger Woods' march to another Wanamaker Trophy presentation, Cybergolf's Jay Flemma took a detour from Tulsa to visit a Perry Maxwell shrine.
by Jay Flemma
As promised, here is the second installment by Cybergolf's Jay Flemma of the recently completed PGA Championship at Southern Hills. The second round was highlighted by Tiger Woods' 63, a major-tying score that not only could have been a record-breaking 62 save for a lipped-out putt on the 18th hole, but it deflated the rest of the field's morale.
As promised, here is the second installment by Cybergolf's Jay Flemma of the recently completed PGA Championship at Southern Hills. The second round was highlighted by Tiger Woods' 63, a major-tying score that not only could have been a record-breaking 62 save for a lipped-out putt on the 18th hole, but it deflated the rest of the field's morale.
by Jay Flemma
He's 12-3 in Potomac Cup play, and played in the U.S. Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Public Links. He shot a mind-boggling 7-under par over 12 holes in his singles match last year to lambaste Maryland's Brad Hankey 7 & 6 from the same tees the pros played two weeks later in the PGA Tour's 84 Lumber Classic. That virtuoso performance earned him the nickname "The Freak." Now, Vance Welch's move across the Potomac River to Maryland and subsequent membership on the Maryland Potomac Cup squad has Team Virginia seeing red.
He's 12-3 in Potomac Cup play, and played in the U.S. Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Public Links. He shot a mind-boggling 7-under par over 12 holes in his singles match last year to lambaste Maryland's Brad Hankey 7 & 6 from the same tees the pros played two weeks later in the PGA Tour's 84 Lumber Classic. That virtuoso performance earned him the nickname "The Freak." Now, Vance Welch's move across the Potomac River to Maryland and subsequent membership on the Maryland Potomac Cup squad has Team Virginia seeing red.
by Jay Flemma
Cybergolf's Jay Flemma just returned to his home in New York City following a week spent at Southern Hills Country Club covering the PGA Championship. Here are some of Jay's thoughts on what transpired in Tulsa.
by Jay Flemma
What is it about major championships in Tulsa that brings out the heavy artillery?
by Jay Flemma
If not for a staggering sequence of events, John Daly would never have even been playing at the 1991 PGA Championship, let alone winning the event like a bolt out of the blue. After seeing his huge drives and brilliant short game, it was the patrons and fellow players who were thunderstruck.
If not for a staggering sequence of events, John Daly would never have even been playing at the 1991 PGA Championship, let alone winning the event like a bolt out of the blue. After seeing his huge drives and brilliant short game, it was the patrons and fellow players who were thunderstruck.
Cybergolf's Jay Flemma is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the PGA Championship this week. Here's Jay's first report from Southern Hills.
by Jay Flemma
Chris Clouser, author of "The Midwest Associate," may have compiled the most comprehensive synopsis of Perry Maxwell's body of work as a golf course architect. "Actually, Maxwell is misunderstood by many people," he notes with a hint of regret in his voice. "For example, he wasn't Mackenzie's associate, he was his partner." Clouser goes on to explain that, during their period of collaboration (1924-35), "Mackenzie would get the contracts, then they would collaborate n the design. Then Maxwell finished everything." History reflects this arrangement at such famous places as Crystal Downs and the University of Michigan Golf Course, but did you know they also did Oklahoma City Country Club and Melrose Country Club in Pennsylvania?
Chris Clouser, author of "The Midwest Associate," may have compiled the most comprehensive synopsis of Perry Maxwell's body of work as a golf course architect. "Actually, Maxwell is misunderstood by many people," he notes with a hint of regret in his voice. "For example, he wasn't Mackenzie's associate, he was his partner." Clouser goes on to explain that, during their period of collaboration (1924-35), "Mackenzie would get the contracts, then they would collaborate n the design. Then Maxwell finished everything." History reflects this arrangement at such famous places as Crystal Downs and the University of Michigan Golf Course, but did you know they also did Oklahoma City Country Club and Melrose Country Club in Pennsylvania?
Reviewed by Jay Flemma
As I packed up my gear to leave Oakmont after the 2007 U.S. Open, Rand Jerris of the USGA called me over. To my delight, he presented me with a copy of his book, "Golf's Golden Age," a survey of the great players of Bobby Jones' era. I'm still touched by his thinking of me. Beside it being a good example of the adage I live by - if good people like your work, you must be doing something right - the book has proven to be an invaluable resource for information on players, courses and tournaments from many generations ago.
As I packed up my gear to leave Oakmont after the 2007 U.S. Open, Rand Jerris of the USGA called me over. To my delight, he presented me with a copy of his book, "Golf's Golden Age," a survey of the great players of Bobby Jones' era. I'm still touched by his thinking of me. Beside it being a good example of the adage I live by - if good people like your work, you must be doing something right - the book has proven to be an invaluable resource for information on players, courses and tournaments from many generations ago.
by Jay Flemma
Ask any golfer to list the private masterpieces he or she would love to play before dying and you'll get many similar answers. Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills, Winged Foot, Oakmont, Cypress Point, Pine Valley and Merion top most people's lists. Fans of golf course architecture will add such gems as Sand Hills, Friar's Head, Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course) and Crystal Downs. Yet casual fans and architecture experts alike almost uniformly overlook Southern Hills in Tulsa.
by Bob Spiwak
I wish I could begin this with "it was a dark and stormy . . ." It was not. July 14, 2007, was a hot, humid, sultry, stultifying summer day in north-central Washington, the temperature brushing the 100-degree mark.
I wish I could begin this with "it was a dark and stormy . . ." It was not. July 14, 2007, was a hot, humid, sultry, stultifying summer day in north-central Washington, the temperature brushing the 100-degree mark.
by Jay Flemma
As Sergio Garcia's putt to win the Open Championship in regulation lipped out, an enormous cheer went up from the group of cart boys, starters and golfers that were gathered around the bar of a Maryland daily-fee golf course. It was a disgusting, unprofessional, puerile display. It sickened me to watch and listen, and believe me I let a few people know about it.
As Sergio Garcia's putt to win the Open Championship in regulation lipped out, an enormous cheer went up from the group of cart boys, starters and golfers that were gathered around the bar of a Maryland daily-fee golf course. It was a disgusting, unprofessional, puerile display. It sickened me to watch and listen, and believe me I let a few people know about it.
by Jay Flemma
Even though only two players were under par, the players were bloodied but unbowed as the rainstorm that blew through Wednesday evening at least softened things up so they could have soft enough greens.
Even though only two players were under par, the players were bloodied but unbowed as the rainstorm that blew through Wednesday evening at least softened things up so they could have soft enough greens.
By Bob Spiwak
We're sitting in the sun on the rock-walled, timber-topped, screen-protected patio at Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course near Lake Chelan (rhymes with Bataan), Wash. Below us is the 18th green and to the right is the ninth, a wedge away. Across from me is Von Smith, head pro and director of golf. Von is 54 and I have known him half his life.
We're sitting in the sun on the rock-walled, timber-topped, screen-protected patio at Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course near Lake Chelan (rhymes with Bataan), Wash. Below us is the 18th green and to the right is the ninth, a wedge away. Across from me is Von Smith, head pro and director of golf. Von is 54 and I have known him half his life.
by Jay Flemma
This year, fabled and celebrated Oakmont hosts its eighth U.S. Open and 11th major overall. Although highly regarded as the "hardest member's course" in the country, Oakmont is also a layout that has yielded U.S. Open record lows. So even though we'll hear a great whoop and crash about how the course has to be made easier for the players' visit, history tells us we shouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks.
This year, fabled and celebrated Oakmont hosts its eighth U.S. Open and 11th major overall. Although highly regarded as the "hardest member's course" in the country, Oakmont is also a layout that has yielded U.S. Open record lows. So even though we'll hear a great whoop and crash about how the course has to be made easier for the players' visit, history tells us we shouldn't be surprised to see some fireworks.
by Tony Dear
460cc drivers, stronger players, launch monitors and fairways cut to three-eighths of an inch are all blamed for the extravagant distances some Tour stars are driving it these days. But none receives quite as much stick as the ball. So is it time to roll it back?
460cc drivers, stronger players, launch monitors and fairways cut to three-eighths of an inch are all blamed for the extravagant distances some Tour stars are driving it these days. But none receives quite as much stick as the ball. So is it time to roll it back?
by Jay Flemma
The members of Bulls Bay Golf Club in Awendaw, S.C., are blessed with a privilege unique in the world of golf. They belong to the only private club that Mike Strantz ever designed. Mike's portrait hangs over the staircase in the entrance of the clubhouse and, moreover, his touch is everywhere at the facility. But Bulls Bay is truly unique because the infectious love of the game that Mike had is shared by the members and staff alike. And just like Mike, whether it's Joe Rice, Hootie and the Blowfish, the golf shop staff or the rank and file members, they all realize that it's not what they do for a living that makes them great, it's what they do for others.
The members of Bulls Bay Golf Club in Awendaw, S.C., are blessed with a privilege unique in the world of golf. They belong to the only private club that Mike Strantz ever designed. Mike's portrait hangs over the staircase in the entrance of the clubhouse and, moreover, his touch is everywhere at the facility. But Bulls Bay is truly unique because the infectious love of the game that Mike had is shared by the members and staff alike. And just like Mike, whether it's Joe Rice, Hootie and the Blowfish, the golf shop staff or the rank and file members, they all realize that it's not what they do for a living that makes them great, it's what they do for others.
by Jay Stuller
Marin Country Club, located just north of San Francisco, will begin a $5.6 million golf course renovation in early May under the direction of Tacoma, Wash.-based Architect John Harbottle. The project will include a new irrigation system; drainage upgrades; the reconstruction of all 18 greens, all bunkers and tees, the practice putting green; and a re-grassing of the entire course. From start to finish, the renovation of the 50-year-old course is projected to take nine months.
Marin Country Club, located just north of San Francisco, will begin a $5.6 million golf course renovation in early May under the direction of Tacoma, Wash.-based Architect John Harbottle. The project will include a new irrigation system; drainage upgrades; the reconstruction of all 18 greens, all bunkers and tees, the practice putting green; and a re-grassing of the entire course. From start to finish, the renovation of the 50-year-old course is projected to take nine months.
by Duff Rounds
The sad consequence of our playing partner leaving the group got even sadder when his brute of a brother-in-law took his place. That's when our happy little foursome went into a tailspin. Not to be unkind, but you wouldn't want to be caught in a confined space with this hulking descendant of Man - he could suck the oxygen right out of a clubhouse.
The sad consequence of our playing partner leaving the group got even sadder when his brute of a brother-in-law took his place. That's when our happy little foursome went into a tailspin. Not to be unkind, but you wouldn't want to be caught in a confined space with this hulking descendant of Man - he could suck the oxygen right out of a clubhouse.
by Tony Dear
These days, golfers are seeking out every which way to shave another shot from their scorecard. Equipment has certainly helped, as has exercise. Eating and drinking right may not seem as important. But how are you going to swing that shiny new driver at 100 mph if you're loaded up on hot dogs and beer?
These days, golfers are seeking out every which way to shave another shot from their scorecard. Equipment has certainly helped, as has exercise. Eating and drinking right may not seem as important. But how are you going to swing that shiny new driver at 100 mph if you're loaded up on hot dogs and beer?
by Jay Flemma
Lets get something out up front - what you saw last weekend is NOT how "firm and fast" is supposed to play. As a result, we got a U.S. Open instead of a Masters.
by Tony Dear
Notah Begay has been in the doldrums for five years. Now he's back and playing in Europe.
Notah Begay has been in the doldrums for five years. Now he's back and playing in Europe.
by Jay Flemma
Make no mistake: If Michelle Wie had won the Kraft Nabisco this week, we would never have heard the end of it. All the talk about "Lady Tiger" and "making history" and "one of the 100 most important people who shape our world" would have been resurrected and we'd be swimming in hullabaloo, hyperbole and ham-fisted hero worship. But spunky, affable, respectful Morgan Pressel wins and, instead, we have sanity. In fact, Morgan is getting a lot LESS press and respect than she deserves.
Make no mistake: If Michelle Wie had won the Kraft Nabisco this week, we would never have heard the end of it. All the talk about "Lady Tiger" and "making history" and "one of the 100 most important people who shape our world" would have been resurrected and we'd be swimming in hullabaloo, hyperbole and ham-fisted hero worship. But spunky, affable, respectful Morgan Pressel wins and, instead, we have sanity. In fact, Morgan is getting a lot LESS press and respect than she deserves.
by Jay Flemma
Always answer the wake up call, because it might not ring again. That's the lesson Wake Forest avoided learning the hard way at the Hootie at Bulls Bay Collegiate Invitational. The Demon Deacons' golf team squandered a gargantuan lead late before rallying in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff that lasted three extra holes to repeat as tournament champion.
by Jay Flemma
We had a runaway and now it's a war. In the span of a half-hour, Central Florida's nine-shot lead over Florida State and Baylor dwindled to just one, before late birdies swelled the lead back to the four-shot advantage they enjoyed at the start of the day. They finished the day at 10-under. Meanwhile, Wake Forest (6-under) rode a strong performance through the lineup to surge into second place. Baylor got strong rounds from Jeremy Alcorn and Jeremy Frye to ascend into a tie for third with Florida State, who shed five strokes to par over the day. Both teams are at 5-under.
by Jay Flemma
In a zany day at the Hootie at Bulls Bay Collegiate Invitational, unranked Central Florida and Florida State temporarily ran away from the field, while "Titleist" the Bull got loose and scampered around the course to the delight of the patrons.
by Jay Flemma
Charles Dickens wrote in his classic novel "A Tale of Two Cities":
"Sadly, sadly, the sun rose; it rose upon no sadder sight than the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of his own help and his own happiness, sensible of the blight on him, and resigning himself to let it eat him away."
by Robert Ronning
It's a Monday in February, the first practice round of the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship at The Gallery Golf Club, South Course, near Tucson. I'm standing by the putting green, watching a few of the world's 64 top-ranked players when, suddenly, Tiger Woods casually strolls across the practice green.
by Jay Flemma
Golf and rock and roll frequently work well together. Granted, they are not meant to be fused at the hip or married at the altar. Quiet solitude and a relaxing commune with nature are the essential therapeutic attributes of the game.
by J.J. Gowland
Three timely things happened this weekend in the arena of Toronto Golf. An executive of our Royal Canadian Golf Association resigned, and the Toronto Travel and Golf Show and Daylight Savings Time switched the next season into gear. I doubt these happened by coincidence. Perhaps these are all related to time. (Pun intended)
Three timely things happened this weekend in the arena of Toronto Golf. An executive of our Royal Canadian Golf Association resigned, and the Toronto Travel and Golf Show and Daylight Savings Time switched the next season into gear. I doubt these happened by coincidence. Perhaps these are all related to time. (Pun intended)
by Robert Ronning
Was it Socrates who tells us that the unexamined golf swing is not worth living with . . . or was that Jack Nicklaus? Well, whoever it was, for the average golfer it's a haunting reminder to spend more time on the driving range. Alas, for me there's a bizarre distraction which often prevents me from ever getting to the driving range.
Was it Socrates who tells us that the unexamined golf swing is not worth living with . . . or was that Jack Nicklaus? Well, whoever it was, for the average golfer it's a haunting reminder to spend more time on the driving range. Alas, for me there's a bizarre distraction which often prevents me from ever getting to the driving range.
by J. J. Gowland
Read on if you've ever wanted to join a golf forum or an internet discussion site, where you can text-talk about golf. To provide a casual yet informative study of the genre, I searched the web for "golf forums" and was rewarded with over 600,000 websites. Just the number of potential sites that I could visit exhausted me.
Read on if you've ever wanted to join a golf forum or an internet discussion site, where you can text-talk about golf. To provide a casual yet informative study of the genre, I searched the web for "golf forums" and was rewarded with over 600,000 websites. Just the number of potential sites that I could visit exhausted me.
by Bob Spiwak
Anyone who lives in snow country will understand the frustration of looking out the window and seeing a sea of white. Those in the Sun Belt, while empathizing with us in the north just cannot get the helpless feeling, of watching a tourney on the telly and not being able to play.
Anyone who lives in snow country will understand the frustration of looking out the window and seeing a sea of white. Those in the Sun Belt, while empathizing with us in the north just cannot get the helpless feeling, of watching a tourney on the telly and not being able to play.
by Bob Spiwak
My balls are freezing! They are on the porch in two boxes. There are 100 yellow range-stripers and 103 mixed white ones of various condition.
My balls are freezing! They are on the porch in two boxes. There are 100 yellow range-stripers and 103 mixed white ones of various condition.
by Jay Flemma
Tom Wolfe was right, "You can't go home again." Here's what happens when you try.
by David Wood
Back in 1744, in between swills of whiskey and claret, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers came up with the "13 Original Rules of Golf." One need only to look at Rule 2: "Your tee must be on the ground" to know they were consuming mass quantities of liquor. Where else could one tee a ball - on the Space Shuttle?
Back in 1744, in between swills of whiskey and claret, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers came up with the "13 Original Rules of Golf." One need only to look at Rule 2: "Your tee must be on the ground" to know they were consuming mass quantities of liquor. Where else could one tee a ball - on the Space Shuttle?
by J.J. Gowland
The business of this game has become a bit strange. Golf is no longer a sport for the individual. A golfer hardly ever plays alone. Golf has become an entourage sport.
The business of this game has become a bit strange. Golf is no longer a sport for the individual. A golfer hardly ever plays alone. Golf has become an entourage sport.
by David Wood
"Nice shot, Dave! Man that was pure! Would you mind coming over and taking a look at my set-up?"
"Nice shot, Dave! Man that was pure! Would you mind coming over and taking a look at my set-up?"
by Bob Spiwak
If you have not lived in a place where there is a minimum two feet of snow from November to April, you've no idea what real golf withdrawal is. I live in such a place. Each winter I try to keep an area open with the tractor plow, in order to bang balls or BirdieBalls and keep my looping, outside-in, 70-mph swing functional. This year we had a storm that left trees across the drive into the golf course and I cannot get to it to plow.
If you have not lived in a place where there is a minimum two feet of snow from November to April, you've no idea what real golf withdrawal is. I live in such a place. Each winter I try to keep an area open with the tractor plow, in order to bang balls or BirdieBalls and keep my looping, outside-in, 70-mph swing functional. This year we had a storm that left trees across the drive into the golf course and I cannot get to it to plow.
by Kim Harrison
I’ve read many stories about fathers and sons playing golf. The male bonding thing I suppose . . . And I never could understand the whole concept of the game growing up. What was the deal with the tee times? I remember answering the phone for my Dad at a young age and the male caller said, “Tell your Dad our tee time is 7:42.” Didn’t understand it. Why not 7:30? Or 7:45? Or even 8? Like seven minutes mattered. What a bunch of geeks.
I’ve read many stories about fathers and sons playing golf. The male bonding thing I suppose . . . And I never could understand the whole concept of the game growing up. What was the deal with the tee times? I remember answering the phone for my Dad at a young age and the male caller said, “Tell your Dad our tee time is 7:42.” Didn’t understand it. Why not 7:30? Or 7:45? Or even 8? Like seven minutes mattered. What a bunch of geeks.
by Jay Flemma
Montego Bay, Jamaica: In the 5 a.m. pre-dawn gloom the Jamaican sea and sky are still welded seamlessly in dark navy blue on the horizon. But already the golfers' rooms are full of light and movement. Soon, the sun will rise and set the sapphire sea aglow, gilding gold upon the water. But to the young PGA pros-to-be, the sun is rising on a great opportunity: the chance to play for flag and country in a warm-up for the PGA Tour and Ryder Cup.
Montego Bay, Jamaica: In the 5 a.m. pre-dawn gloom the Jamaican sea and sky are still welded seamlessly in dark navy blue on the horizon. But already the golfers' rooms are full of light and movement. Soon, the sun will rise and set the sapphire sea aglow, gilding gold upon the water. But to the young PGA pros-to-be, the sun is rising on a great opportunity: the chance to play for flag and country in a warm-up for the PGA Tour and Ryder Cup.
by Jay Flemma
The normally sultry afternoon heat on this Caribbean paradise is softened by a gentle December breeze. Along serene crescents of white sandy beach palm trees dip and sea gulls swerve while local musicians breezily play their life stories in calypso and reggae. But although it is renowned for rastas, island music and hedonistic pleasures, this weekend, no one has time for such diversions.
The normally sultry afternoon heat on this Caribbean paradise is softened by a gentle December breeze. Along serene crescents of white sandy beach palm trees dip and sea gulls swerve while local musicians breezily play their life stories in calypso and reggae. But although it is renowned for rastas, island music and hedonistic pleasures, this weekend, no one has time for such diversions.
by Tony Dear
Many golfers, and therefore some of the major manufacturers, are still largely undecided about multi-material drivers. A handful of successful recent launches, however, including that of the Ping Rapture, may do for composite what the Great Big Bertha did for titanium.
Many golfers, and therefore some of the major manufacturers, are still largely undecided about multi-material drivers. A handful of successful recent launches, however, including that of the Ping Rapture, may do for composite what the Great Big Bertha did for titanium.
by Tony Dear
It was noticeable in the days following Byron Nelson’s death on September 26th, that how many of the hundreds of tributes spoke more of the man than the golfer. Some didn’t even mention the game at all: “The lives of countless Americans were touched by the compassion, dedication and generosity of this great Texan,” said Senator John Cornyn after Congress passed a bill posthumously awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the man who, after winning the 1937 Masters, was dubbed ‘Lord Byron’ by Atlanta sportswriter OB Keeler.
It was noticeable in the days following Byron Nelson’s death on September 26th, that how many of the hundreds of tributes spoke more of the man than the golfer. Some didn’t even mention the game at all: “The lives of countless Americans were touched by the compassion, dedication and generosity of this great Texan,” said Senator John Cornyn after Congress passed a bill posthumously awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the man who, after winning the 1937 Masters, was dubbed ‘Lord Byron’ by Atlanta sportswriter OB Keeler.
by David Wood
I’m willing to bet everything in my meager Roth IRA that about as many people know that Alabama has a scenic shoreline on the Gulf Coast of Mexico as who knows how to spell “Kyrgyzstan” (which has to be one awesome play in Scrabble).
by Tony Dear
In 1994, five years after he had joined his father’s design firm, Jay Morrish & Associates Ltd., Carter Morrish was hired by San Francisco-based developer, Haas and Haynie, to design Saddle Creek, a resort course on a 900-acre tract of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California. Although involved in various aspects of his father’s business, this was young Morrish’s first major design effort and, while the experienced Roy Bechtol with whom Morrish had an ‘informal partnership’ was on hand to offer a few words of wisdom, and his father visited on a couple of occasions to offer his own two cents, this was essentially Carter’s gig.
by Allen Schauffler
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the I.O.C.,
Wake up and smell the Hybrids, folks, it is time to play golf. Time to put this sport back on the Olympic list, to tee it up with the trumpets blaring and the flags flying and the medals-podium looming and nationalism bleeding and braying all over the course. The Olympic credo, “Citius, Altius, Fortius” should be cheerfully expanded to “Citius, Altius, Fortius, Birdius,” or loosely translated: “higher, faster, stronger and who has the balls to go for the 18th green in two with the world watching and a gold medal in the balance?”
by David Wood
by Bob Spiwak
Despite the title, this has not to do with canines, felines, or fashion models. It is about a device called “Birdieball” that has garnered some top honors by the golfing press.
Despite the title, this has not to do with canines, felines, or fashion models. It is about a device called “Birdieball” that has garnered some top honors by the golfing press.
by Jay Flemma
Before he passed away, Mike Strantz and his friends would play a Ryder Cup-style match against his friends from Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. The historical significance of these matches that took place there and at Royal New Kent on alternating years is inestimable.
Before he passed away, Mike Strantz and his friends would play a Ryder Cup-style match against his friends from Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. The historical significance of these matches that took place there and at Royal New Kent on alternating years is inestimable.
by David Wood
Give a golf course architect as talented as Arthur Hills a couple hundred magnificent acres of gently rolling Texas land teeming with native pecan trees and Loblolly pines and, like Mike Tyson vs. Barney Fife, it’s just not a fair fight. We Northern folk tend to think of Texas as one big dust bowl with cows and oil men fighting for arid turf, but the lush Hill Country of Texas between San Antonio and Austin is as sweet a landscape as you find outside of a Monet watercolor. Throw in a maestro like Arthur Hills and you have yourself a heck of a place to play the old Scottish game.
by Jay Flemma
Some years, the courses up for awards are ordinary and open up to little anticipation and fanfare. But not in 2006. This year sees a bumper crop of world-class designs and a dizzying tornado of marketing and corresponding anticipation. Unbelievable amounts of money, time and knowledge were invested in reaching for the brass ring of golf immortality, and there were some excellent efforts.
by David Wood
Call me greedy, but whenever I discover a new golfing Mecca not yet on the radar screen of the traveling golfer I try to keep it to myself. Why would I want to share with others my detective work of finding uncrowded courses . . .
by Jay Flemma
I usually ignore anonymous emails and comments, but this one I received recently brings into sharp relief the terms of a current, vehement debate. It came in response to the assertion I have put forth several times in this website that the winner of the Women’s U.S. Open should get an automatic bid to the U.S. Open or that the winner of the LPGA Championship should get an automatic bid to the PGA Championship. Here it is, in its entirety:
I usually ignore anonymous emails and comments, but this one I received recently brings into sharp relief the terms of a current, vehement debate. It came in response to the assertion I have put forth several times in this website that the winner of the Women’s U.S. Open should get an automatic bid to the U.S. Open or that the winner of the LPGA Championship should get an automatic bid to the PGA Championship. Here it is, in its entirety:
by Jay Flemma
You couldn't cheer because you were crying, you couldn't cry because you were cheering, but both felt heartwarming and overwhelming anyway. In one unforgettable weekend Darren Clarke gave us a golf performance for all time. Gritty, courageous, inspiring, grateful, humble; a broken man held the entire golf world on his back this weekend and we held him up in return.
You couldn't cheer because you were crying, you couldn't cry because you were cheering, but both felt heartwarming and overwhelming anyway. In one unforgettable weekend Darren Clarke gave us a golf performance for all time. Gritty, courageous, inspiring, grateful, humble; a broken man held the entire golf world on his back this weekend and we held him up in return.
by David Wood
At 53 degrees south, below the equator, Punta Arenas – in the heart of Chilean Patagonia – has the unpleasant distinction of having one of the largest holes in the ozone hovering menacingly over its head. I know there are folks who view these silly atmospheric gaps as voodoo science, but those naysayers might want to visit Punta Arenas where there are several weeks each year when school children aren’t allowed out for recess because of the ultraviolet rays shooting down from the deadly sun.
by David Wood
Oh what fun it must have been to be Alister MacKenzie in the 1920s! Having gained fame for his revolutionary natural course designs, Dr. MacKenzie had assembled a worldwide resume like no other in his chosen profession. From his home country of England to points beyond – Scotland, Ireland, the new world of America, New Zealand, and Australia, MacKenzie left a trail of golfing gems in his brilliantly creative wake that he designed from
Oh what fun it must have been to be Alister MacKenzie in the 1920s! Having gained fame for his revolutionary natural course designs, Dr. MacKenzie had assembled a worldwide resume like no other in his chosen profession. From his home country of England to points beyond – Scotland, Ireland, the new world of America, New Zealand, and Australia, MacKenzie left a trail of golfing gems in his brilliantly creative wake that he designed from