From the Fringe

My fantasy leagues are ruining my joy of watching golf.  Oh sure, everything would be great if I could pick the winners each week, but I'm in the same pattern I get in every year...the first week I do great, then comes the slow and painful decent down the leader board, never to be seen again.

I battle the urge to pick my favorite players and instead I study stats, streaks, and past tournament performance.  Usually I end up with a little of both in my final selections, but I'm usually picking the wrong guys in each category. 

This past week as brutal.  I have picked Ernie Els in every event he's played in this year because I believed with my whole heart that he will win in 2010.  So far he's gotten me nothing.  In an attempt to change my luck and avoid another disappointing week, I called in my brother to give some advice.  Not on the squad was Els.  My heart was torn, but after all of these weeks, I was almost relieved that JP let me off the hook.  Maybe this is my week!

I get a glimpse of the leader board on Saturday and almost choke on my popcorn chicken.  I don't have to tell you who's leading.  By Sunday I played the "if only" scenario in my head about a thousand times.  I could barely watch.   I finally convinced myself that I may be personally responsible for this win because I didn't pick him...maybe I have been the jinx all along!! (just let me believe that, okay?)

Of course I'm thrilled for the Big Easy - mostly because he's a great guy, and partly because I had another 2010 prediction come true!  But that doesn't erase the fact that I could have gotten back into contention on my fantasy picks if I would have hung on to Els for one more week...oh the frustration!

Remember a few weeks back when Cameron Beckman won the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico?  I was going to pick him!  He grew up in Minnesota so that is enough reason to pick him, right?  But of course I looked at stats (Cut, Cut, T80) and decided there were better choices.  I remember looking at the results online and talking back to my monitor - why?  WHY?

For this year's Match Play, four of us did the bracket.  Wins were worth more as you got deeper into the weekend and I was feeling confident.  First round, I get 24 of 32 right!!  I'm thrilled!  But in looking closer, 2 of my final 4 were already out.  Whoops.  By the round of 16 I had 2 guys left...with 8 guys still in hunt, I had none of them.  I found myself completely uninterested in the finals because I had no one left to root for.

Knowing how terrible I've been in fantasy golf, why in the world am I subjecting myself to this weekly torture?

Fantasy golf is a great way to stay connected with golf pals, especially if you're in the off-season for half of the year.  Last year I loved my weekly talk with my brother as we made our team picks.  Our league dissolved this year, and I miss talking golf with him.  It's fun making connections with different people and a little trash talking is always enjoyable.  

The goofy thing is, even though I stink it up week after week, by Monday morning I get that feeling that this week I'm going pick the right guys!!  I guess that's eternal optimist in me.  And, hey, I haven't been ALL bad!

If you don't mind, I'd like to skip down memory lane for just one more moment...

I'm remembering a little challenge I had a few years ago - WGC Match Play - my choice...Tiger or the rest of the field.  Had I been a Tiger fanatic, the decision would be a no brainer, but I struggled with the choice because it forced me to root against everyone else I liked more than TW...I tried to negotiate a few more players, but no deal.  It was one guy or 63. 

After serious deliberation I went with Tiger (even though my math brain said take 63!)...and if you remember, Tiger almost went out in the first round!  But he clawed his way back and won...and won, and won, and won, and won, and WON!!  It was weird rooting for Tiger that week, but I did.  

And now that we know Tiger will be back at the Masters, there will be some serious contemplating to do!  Will he be ready to win right out of the gate?  He's shown us in the past that he can, but I'm not sure. 

I'm determined to get at least one winner this season (Steve Stricker's win this year was in Pre-Season and didn't count!).  Can it be done?  For my sanity, I hope so.

Forgoing stats and past performance I went all heart this week.   Who should you put your money on at the Transitions Championship, you ask? 

Over at http://www.kerplookee.com/ I have taken Steve Stricker, Kenny Perry, Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink, Brandt Snedeker, Tom Lehman, Charles Howell III, and JB Holmes.   

Come on team!!!  This could be my week!

In last week's post, Sam Johnson talked about the 10 best golf courses in the world and in the US, and it was full of good information.  I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know a thing about the Pine Valley Golf Course...which has been ranked number 1 for several years.  After a bit of searching I now know why...it's a private facility, has really not ever been used for professional golf events, and only guests of members can play.  I googled the price and it's no where to be found.

On http://www.wikipedia.com/ it says there are 1,300 men only members world-wide.  I'm guessing I'm not friends with any of them.  And, it also said that women can play on Sundays.  How nice. 

So, while this course may have some of the best challenges that golf can provide, it really means nothing to me if I can't ever play it...or if I could I definitely couldn't afford it.

So the question becomes...what makes a golf course great for me?

Tops for me is affordability.  Since the majority of my golf budget is my yearly season pass at my home course (and I feel like I need to get my money's worth), I only have limited time and dollars for a some golf road trips during the year.  So price is always a factor when I choose to play.

I'm willing to play a decent 9-hole track or a municipal course if it means I can play more!  A few years ago a took a trip to Kentucky and played 3 very nice courses for under $40...one, Mineral Mound, was practically empty and had some fantastic views.  This girl is always looking for a great deal!

But there are a few courses in my neck of the woods that I hope to get to once a year which are in the $80-$120 range. 

So the next question that pops into my mind is...what will make me fork over more cash to play a golf course? 

I appreciate a "playable" course.  I'm not a fan of courses that have several holes that require carries over hazards with no bailout areas.  I enjoy some "risk reward" holes, but I want there to be options.

I enjoy scenery.  Elevation changes often provide interesting views and perspectives on holes.  I love tree lined courses that allow you hit out of them if needed.  Well maintained water hazards and bunkers can catch my eye, even if I don't like the idea of being in them.  I also love to look down at a fairway and noticing the mowing patterns.

Bring on the GPS!  Having not yet invested in a hand-held GPS, I especially appreciate courses that have carts with GPS.  A bonus is also clearly visible yardage markers in the fairways...and I'm crazy about yardages in sprinkler heads.

This won't mean much to most, but in Minnesota there some courses that are clay based, and that makes it more of a challenge to take divots or to get under the ball.  A few nice courses I play have a nice sand base and divots almost come too easy!  It takes me a few holes to get used to it, but hitting down and not worrying about breaking my wrist is a nice treat sometimes.

Great greens.  I'm a sucker for a nice large green with subtle breaks.  Some courses have gone to circus greens that have so many levels and breaks that you're almost guaranteed a 3-putt (or more!) if you're not close to the pin.  These are no fun, and they slow up play!

Speaking of slow play, I appreciate courses that have rangers...who actually keep pace of play going.  At one course we like to play, a jammed tee sheet is common and it's nice that you know someone is keeping track of groups.

I also like courses that have a snack place at the turn.  You can grab a bottle of water or a hot dog and not lose your place on the course.  No beverage cart is definitely not a deal breaker for me, but I appreciate it when they let us know we should stock up if we won't be seeing one.

I appreciate a nice collar around the greens...I don't believe that players should be "in jail" with deep thick grass that close to the green...that should be left to the professionals.

And there's something special about golf courses that make the most of the land they are on.  Lakes, rocks, trees, and streams that are showcased remind me of our connection with nature.

Bonuses include a nice clubhouse with a restaurant (where I can have a victory meal!), a well stocked pro-shop (with a sale rack or two!), Coca-cola products, free range balls, coupons, and great rate on a re-play.

My 2010 Minnesota golf course wish list includes:  The Classic at Madden's, The Legend & The Quarry at Giant's Ridge, The Wilderness, and one of my favorites, Silver Bay Golf Course.  We're also looking at a trip to Wisconsin, too - the Hayward area has some nice courses I hope to see, too.  I would also be willing to preview Whistling Straits if anyone wanted to pony up the green fee!!

Oh heavens.  I just felt my forehead and I definitely have golf fever! 

I remember it like it was yesterday...a note came in my inbox from the super cool Tees2Greens Webmaster inviting me to have my own blog right here at T2G.  A spot in the internet world where I can share my love for golf to my heart's content...how could I pass up an opportunity like that??!!  I'm sure he didn't know it, but that note meant more to me than I can explain. 

When I found the Tees2Greens web site a few years ago I was excited to find a place to learn about golf, but also to share my passion, thoughts, and opinions on the game.  It was a nice then, but it has evolved into an awesome place to find all kinds of great golf related information!! 

I remember reading Sam Johnson's blog for the first time - and honestly wondering, who the heck is this guy?!! (Phil's man boobs - a classic!!)  He is funny, thoughtful, and not afraid to tell you what he thinks.  I look forward to finding out what's on his mind each and every week.

The forums at T2G have been a great place to banter and share information.  If you've read there at all, you know I can chatter on about all kinds of golf things...especially golf shopping!  Although I do have to say my favorite thing to do is post a good Top 10 list every once in awhile. 

A few years ago I especially enjoyed a little fantasy golf competition against Golf Addict.  For the record, I won. (Thanks in large part to Steve Stricker!)  Golf Addict was also one to speak his mind (it must be a Texas thing), and he always had great advice on equipment and golf courses...oh and golf attire.  I miss him.

I'm still happy to talk golf with one of my favorite people I've never met - 2Putt!  I'm so glad he stumbled upon this little part of the world and is able to stop by to chat.  He's got great insight, a passion for the game, and some valuable experience on what it's like to get new clubs!  AND, I think he even watched some curling in the Olympics!

I am especially grateful to my friends and family who stop by and read my golf thoughts (Hi Mom!).  So much of what golf means to me is because of all of the fantastic golf pals I am lucky enough to get to play with.   Some people look at Tiger Woods as a golf hero...but many of my golf heroes are people I have the honor of playing with...because, to me, it's not about celebrity, it's about the challenge, the drive to improve, and the willingness to be an ambassador of the game.

I love golf because it challenges us to contain the worst of us and at the same time strives to bring out the best in us.  The course provides the stage where we get to perform, but sometimes we're lucky enough just to be in the audience to see the beauty of nature or triumphs of our playing partners.  It also has this magic way of creating bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime. 

Getting the chance to write my thoughts and knowing that a few friends stop by to read is like someone handing me a present every week...some weeks I might vent, and other times I'm sharing my enthusiasm for something or someone.  But you can bank on knowing that whatever you might find here comes from my heart.

We're still a few months away from courses opening in Minnesota, but I can already feel the first symptoms of golf fever.  I'm trying desperately to hold to my vow of no golf purchases this off-season, but every time I open an email from a golf retailer I feel myself getting weaker.  You know I'm a sucker for a sale!  But if I stay strong for another month I will have enough to cover my golf budget for my trip to Nashville in April.  I can't wait to swing a club!

I'm already excited about the chance to take a few road trips with favorite golf pals and to play my yearly match at our spring work conference (undefeated in 8 years by the way!).  But I think I'm most looking forward to that first day on my home course...it's probably going to be soggy, but my Footjoy's are ready!

And we are less than 40 days and counting to my favorite golf week of the year...Masters week!!  Despite the elephant in the room, whether Tiger will tee it up at Augusta or not, "a tradition unlike any other" will be on my computer at work and on my TV all weekend.  Sunday is just me and the Masters...and maybe some snacks.   I am intoxicated by the beauty and it never fails to tell a great golf story every year.

The last few years have left some of my favorite players just outside of victory's grasp, and once again I'm hopeful that a green jacket will be placed on the shoulders of any one of several Tour players I admire.  I know it's early to make predictions, but I've always thought Steve Stricker looked good in green!  The Masters never fails to make me smile, and I always think of Turko.

If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading!  And if you ever want to talk golf, leave a comment, post in the forums, or drop me a note...you know I might share a thought or two...or ten. 

And, very special thanks to Tees2Greens for the gift that keeps on giving...I'm beyond grateful.

Happy Almost Spring everybody!

They say confession is good for the soul, so in an effort to do some soul cleaning, I've decided to sweep out some of the last remnants of my recent curious interest in Tiger Woods.

Unless you live under a rock or a snow drift, you've heard all about the thirteen and a half minute "statement" by Tiger Woods.  It's been everywhere, broadcast all over the world, followed up by analysis by everyone from crisis management experts, to media gurus, to well, folks like you and me.

Except for the lack of tears, Sam Johnson seemed to hit the nail on the head with his prediction...or at least that's what I've heard.  It's been 6 days and I have yet to watch it.  I've seen clips and sound bites (because they were everywhere last weekend), and I've read several opinions about it, but that investment of just short of 15 minutes hasn't taken priority and I don't think it will (I had curling to watch!).  Just like with the movie Titanic, when asked about the Tiger Woods statement, I will be one of the few on earth that will say, "I haven't seen it".

If I had thought that Tiger's admissions and apologies were meant for me, I probably would have made the time to hear what he had to say.  But the fact is, none of this was for me...or for the average golf fan...directly anyway.  He apologized to specific people, namely his wife and family, and I don't doubt for a second that he truly is sorry.  Like I said before, confession is good for the soul.

What is interesting to me is that the whole thing seems like sort of a slight of hand - I'm not sure anyone really got what they wanted...but I think it worked.  Those from the general public who felt Tiger owed us all an apology didn't get it (whether they were entitled to one is a whole other story)...it seems he spoke at us, but not to us.  He did publically acknowledge his regrets and mistakes to those directly in his life, which I'm sure he has already done in private.  And then he took a few moments to throw a few jabs, sneaking in a little disgust with the rumors and stories.  Based on what I've read from other people, I'm half surprised that he didn't finish it all by saying "Am I done now?".

It is my humble opinion that Tiger knew he had to do this, but he wasn't going to give anyone the satisfaction of thinking they forced him to do anything...so it was all an illusion of sorts - say the right things to make everyone think that they are all getting what they want but hoping that they follow the act and not the words.

He knew he just needed to get it over with.  If he had chosen to stay quiet the questions would have followed him everywhere.  It doesn't matter if this was "none of our business", this wasn't going to go away.  Tiger and his people knew that.  They also knew that once you put it out there, the whole speculation game is over and it doesn't take long before someone else's controversy will fill the headlines...welcome to Damage Control 101.

I'm not really sure I buy the whole theory that people like to put others up on a pedestal only to see them knocked down (I personally think it's the people that never wanted to see them up there in the first place that are the ones taking the swings), but I do believe that even as fickle as humanity can be, many people have compassion for the emotionally bruised and battered.  By Tiger acknowledging his infidelity and admitting that he thought he was bigger than the rules (or something like that), he showed a vulnerability and honesty that will no doubt draw some people's sympathy and cause them to champion his "recovery". 

Tiger "the brand", also needed to be pulled out from under the bus.  When some sponsors actually separated themselves from Tiger was when I realized this whole mess couldn't just be swept under the rug.  It made me wonder if those with a lot of dollars and time still invested in TW may also be feeling some of the effects of "guilt by association"...I imagine they are.  I believe that Tiger felt he owed it to them to redirect the focus back on him and offer thanks for their support.  Sponsors who may have once appeared to be supporting the "adulterer" have been let off the hook and are perceived as an innocent bystander.  Way to take one for the team, Tiger.

I'm just glad it's over now.  I would imagine there are "Tiger Watch" websites and clocks ticking with how much time is left until we see him on a golf course again.  We've heard Doral, and I hope that's right.  Just like this "statement", once he plays his first event after his "leave of absence" I imagine things will start to get back to normal.  Even if you're not a Tiger fanatic, like me, I think you have to admit that when he's playing, professional golf gets a shot in the arm.

Many have said that regardless of what he said last Friday, the true measure of Tiger Woods will be in his actions.  Unfortunately for him, from this point on, that means both on and off the golf course whether he (or we) likes it or not.  I guess that is the price of fame and public opinion.  The golf media will also be tested...will they be able to keep the focus on golf or will they try to eblow back into his non-golf world...my guess is, if they try it won't be pretty. 

My final confession is that even though I feel like I can look beyond the current debates and "analysis" of Tiger, if at some point there was a book from someone inside Tiger's camp that explained how this all went on for so long completely under the radar, I'd have to read it...it's the one thing that completely baffles me...how was it possible in a world of cell phone cameras, video cameras, and twitter, that Tiger wasn't exposed years ago?  And how did he or whoever convince all of these women not to talk?

I guess maybe I'll always be a little curious on the "how", but I can honestly say that I hope the next thing I read about Tiger is when we will see him on the course again.

Now, go back to the home page and read Sam's post this week if you haven't already...it's good stuff!!

As I stepped outside at the end of my work day I was greeted by a bright sun and an unusually warm breeze on my cheeks...it honestly felt like golf weather!!  The thermometer in my car said 46 degrees...almost twice as warm as the last time I hit golf balls.  It was a welcome surprise.  Of course it's only February and we've got our share of snow, but for a few moments I let my mind wander and I thought about swinging my driver.  Then I called a favorite golf pal and asked if he wanted to go golfing.  It was great to talk because in the off-season it can get much too long in between visits with golf friends.

I checked my fantasy golf standings and realized that I lost all of the ground I had made up after the big Steve Stricker win last week.  Over at Kerplookee I totally whiffed on my predictions - being the only person not to choose Dustin Johnson.  Whoops!  I'm also way down on on the standing after one week.  This week we've got all of the players who aren' t in the WGC match play, which means you've got quite a few guys you may have never heard of. 

One guy I have heard of is Erik Compton - he is playing in Mexico this week and I went out on a big limb and put him on my dark horse list - Go Erik!!  I also went a little "old school" and added Steve Elkington...it would be great to see him with a strong finish.  I also decided on David Duval, we'll see if he can ride the wave of his success at Pebble Beach last week. 

Speaking of Pebble Beach, I was able to watch a little golf this weekend in between cartoons with my 19-month old nieces.  I loved it when Bill Murray took an inflatable chair from someone in the gallery.  But Pebble wasn't without its pain...watching Molder and Goydos make some high scores was tough to watch.

A few of us have put a little wager on the WGC this week - and I've already found out that I'm horrible at picking the upsets!  And of course my winner is none other than Steve Stricker!  But I see as I type this he needs to make it through the first round!  (all square through 16) 

Well, my brain isn't totally full of golf...it's Olympic curling time and I am rooting for Team USA!!  The teams are struggling, but I'm hopeful that we'll put some wins up in the next few days.  It's an unofficial fact that a lot of curlers are also golfers, so all golfers should be watching some curling!

I'm also beginning my planning for a trip to Nashville in April - the golf clubs are coming with, so I need to find some good (and reasonable) places to play.  Feel free to share any Nashville/Southwest Kentucky area golf ideas you have!

Well, time to watch more curling...and to regroup and root for my players that made it through the first round of the WGC.  GO Steve Stricker!!

Update:  Steve Stricker LOST in round 1 of the WGC...oy.  My bracket is crippled in 2 of the 4 groups.  Besides Stricker, I had Kenny Perry going to the final 4-ouch.  Now my only hope is Ernie Els making it to the finals!!  Men's Curling...LOST in an extra end - ouch.  Team Erickson also lost in curling last night...ouch.  Wednesday was a rough day for me!

Update #2:  My WGC bracket is in critial condition.  I have only 1 guy left to make it to the final 4.  And neither of my final 2 guys are still in it...I'm completely out in 2 brackets (DANG you Ernie Els!!!).  This is not looking good!  USA curling - still doesn't have a win...my heart can't take many more tight matches we end up losing.  Team Erickson, though, finally broke through with a curling win last night.  And how about Erik Compton!  -4 on day one in Mexico!  Things are looking up!!

Can you picture the smile on my face?  I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I'm a little bit giddy about seeing Steve Stricker hoisting the trophy at the Northern Trust Open (and seeing the "What's in Steve Stricker's Bag"!!). 

As I gave him a standing ovation in my living room Sunday afternoon, I couldn't help but think back to some of the commentary, or lack of commentary, about arguably the nicest guy on the PGA Tour at the end of last year.  For those that didn't pay attention, Steve Stricker had a GREAT 2009 season!

Three PGA Tour wins (the Crowne Plaza @ Colonial, the John Deere Classic, and the Deutsche Bank Championship), second on the PGA Tour money list, third on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) (with a few weeks at #2!), a fantastic performance at the President's Cup, and a nice win at the Shark Shootout in November (wth fellow Wisconsinite Jerry Kelly).  Here's a guy that deserves to be called an A-lister!

As it happens each year, golf writers and bloggers give us their annual "year in review"...I wondered, with a little excitement, what people would say about Stricker.  I realize most folks maybe don't adore Stricks like I do, but humble, kind, and talented guy with a wedge (and even more talented with a putter!) had a noteworthy season! 

To my utter shock, I found that most of the year-end reviews I read made no mention of the Wisconsin native and University of Illinois graduate who made a great run at the FedEx Cup and earned over $6.3 million dollars.  WHAT???

Matthew Adams, who posts articles here on Tees2Greens, was the guy that tipped me over the edge.  Most of what he touched on were highlights for me (although I could have done without the "Tiger count" of victories, yeah we get that already), but when I got to the end and saw nothing resembling Steve or Stricker, I was irked.

My mood did not improve as I went out on the web and read a few more 2009 summaries.  Watson?  Yes, the Open was memorable.  Kenny Perry?  Agreed...victory snatched away.  Phil?  A great end to the season.  The "young guns"?  Um, a little more bark than bite for me so far.  YE Yang?  Yep, I'll go with the David and Goliath analogy.  And finally, Tiger, 6 wins and loss at the PGA...and then Thanksgiving?  Uh huh, he's definitely a newsmaker.

Yes, all of those things were interesting, but there's still plenty of room for Stricker!!  How could he get passed over again and again?

There was still hope...I figured at least Sam Johnson might give him a line or two, but noooo... 

I shared my irritation with him regarding the Stricker omission, and here was his response, "I don't hate Steve Stricker, I just never think about him.  For some reason I'm always surprised when I look up and he's close to the top of the leader board."  Oh yeah, and he gave him "The Almost Award".

ACK! 

But then it hit me...people of character, humility, and honor find their strength not in the fluff of accolades or headlines, but in the depths of struggle and the reward for perseverance.  Steve Stricker has experienced both and is a better golfer because of it...in fact, he's one of the BEST golfers because of it.

Steve Stricker doesn't need me to defend him or his game, and I'm pretty sure being on anyone's Top Ten lists is of little consequence to him, so I will officially pack away my bitterness that he was not given enough credit for his accomplishments in 2009. 

But since I'm here, I might as well take a few moments to let you know that besides a great 2009 season, he has come out in 2010 with 3 starts and 3 top 10 finishes (including the win this past Sunday!).  AND he has reclaimed the #2 spot on the OWGR!!  He's a Titliest guy (with several UST Shafts!) and looks really good in his FootJoys. 

Stricker turned pro in 1990 after a successful college golf career.  He still goes back to the University of Illinois and does a fund raising event for the golf program.  He also helps raise money for worthy causes in his home state of Wisconsin.

In 2005, Stricker hit the low point of his career, landing at 337^th on the OWGR and not qualifying at Q-school that December.  He decided then to rebuild his golf swing and through sheer will and dedication came through in 2006 with 10 top-25 finishes in 17 starts and moved up to 63^rd on the OWGR.

And then in 2007 he built on that success and ended the season ranked 4^th in the world.  He was honored with Comeback Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007.  In 2008, Stricker dropped to the 17^th ranked player in the world, but still earned over $2.4 million.

With 5 top 10 finishes in his first 11 starts in 2009, Stricker came through with the first of 3 wins at Colonial in May, and he's been riding that wave ever since.  And I have loved every moment of it!

There is always a seat on the Steve Stricker fan bus, so feel free to jump on board!!  And if you're looking for him, check the top of the leader board. 

I have been thinking a lot about spirit lately...it's popped up in my world recently and now it's been bouncing around in my head.  What I have been realizing is the word spirit has a lot of different meanings when you start to think about it.  I looked up spirit in the dictionary and found over 15 definitions!   WOW!

Spirit first popped into my brain as I was thinking about the upcoming winter Olympics.  As a curler, I'm very excited about following the men's and women's curling teams compete for gold in Vancouver.  These athletes are folks who embody the phrase Olympic Spirit.  These men and women (many who are from Minnesota!) took their passion for the sport and sacrificed time from their jobs and families to represent the United States on a global level.  What an honor!  I know curling means little or nothing to most people in the US, but for those of us who have it in our blood, there is an enthusiasm percolating as we get closer to competition time.  I hope everyone can capture a little Olympic spirit as the countdown to Vancouver draws near.

I ran into spirit again as I have been reading about the uproar regarding the Ping Eye 2 wedge debate and Phil Mickelson.  I'll admit I haven't really followed this story that much, but what I think is going on is that due to a loophole that resulted from a lawsuit many years ago, the Ping Eye 2 irons are still "legal" on tour even though they do not conform to the new groove standards set for 2010.

Just like the Tiger "controversy", it seems like everyone and their brother has an opinion on whether bringing back some old school Pings is right or not.  I have read from more than one person that even though it is perfectly legal to use these clubs, Phil (or anyone else for that matter) using Ping wedges is going against "the spirit of the rule"...and that is tantamount to cheating.

I've had to ponder this accusation for awhile, but what it comes down to to me is that no player has any real advantage against another because every player can get their hands on some Ping Eye 2's if they really wanted to (call me if you need some!!).  Had it been that there were only 2 sets left in the world and Phil had one of them, well, I might reconsider my support if he chose to use them, but since that's not the case, I don't think anyone has the right to call him a cheater.  As for going against the "spirit of the rule", I'm torn...it's clear these clubs don't conform, so it does seem that if the loophole is used the intent is to not follow the original rule.  So while I don't think Phil is a cheater, I do wonder about his motivation to use clubs that wouldn't normally pass the muster.

Just yesterday I read a short article about a former hockey player who lives in Minnesota.  He was on the Olympic hockey team that was coined "the miracle on ice" in Lake Placid against the Russians. The part of the article that caught my attention was when he explained why he gave up hockey not long after the Olympics.  Back then, playing professional hockey was not nearly as lucrative as it is now.  He had a passion and spirit for the game, but it was pretty clear it might not be able pay the bills, especially if he got hurt.  He wondered what path he might have taken if the salaries were like they are now back then.

Sometimes I find myself thinking that all of the money that is thrown at the stars on the golf course (and in all sports) has in some ways suffocated the spirit that lies at the root of doing something we love.   

Have the scales tipped so much that Tour Players can't see how much, we, the fans, would love just to share in the spirit of the game with them?  Is golf really a job to them and not a joy?

Has technology become so important that we've lost what "feel" and instinct is?  Have we become slaves to grooves, shafts, GPS's,  Pro-V's, and titanium?  When I think of spirit in golf my brain immediately goes to Seve - the instinct, the creativeness, the feel that he had didn't come from technology, but from passion.  I wish we had more Seve's.

Golf seems to be in a funk right now and I think we need some spirit to bust out and remind us why we love this game.  Let's forget about grooves and loopholes, cheating and money, and focus on the feeling that comes with hitting the perfect shot...or the sound of a golf ball finding its way to the bottom of the cup...or getting to spend the day with great friends...or enjoying the challenge that is always waiting for us on the first tee.

One of the things I love most about golf is that every time we play we have the opportunity to quench and revitalize our spirit.  And since I won't be finding a club in my hands for a few months still, I hope those that are able will take my spirit with them the next time they find themselves on the golf course.   Go find your spirit!

I've been pondering the state of the professional golf world lately.  I'm hardly an economist, but it's hard not to notice that tough financial decisions are being made every day...from Fortune 500 companies to you and me.  I'm eating out less, keeping my thermostat a little lower, and trying really hard not to buy new golf shoes (unless it's a REALLY good deal!).

I did not realize that the Bob Hope Classic has been without a title sponsor since last year.  According to an article I read here - they do have platinum sponsors and other contributors, but you won't find a sponsor name in the title - it's now the Bob Hope Classic (sans Chrysler).  And according to tournament officials, they have a nest egg available to have this year's event run without any noticeable changes.  

But how long can they last?  If you look at the field, the top ranked player on the OWGR in the field this week is number 37, Mike Weir.  Whoa.  Now, for me, just like the SBS, I can find hours of entertainment regardless of who is in the field, but it's hard to deny that big names mean more exposure, more fans, and more money.

You can read any number of articles and analyses of why the Bob Hope tournament is struggling and what it needs to consider in order to survive.  Strikes against it include, being a 5-day event, the Pro-Am format (aka LONG rounds), some questionable course choices, the date, and unpredictable weather.  The combination of celebrity and golf doesn't seem to carry that same appeal as it did a generation or two ago.  I think that's too bad, but I guess we have to remember that for professional golfers, each week is a job...and just competing in a regular event, without the parties and pro-ams the entire week, is a big investment of time.

A few weeks ago Sam Johnson wrote about the long seasons in most sports.  My response to his lamenting was that as long as there are sponsors willing to invest in golf tournaments, why complain? 

As much as it pains me to admit it, maybe Sam's idea is something the PGA Tour needs to explore.  Is the beginning of the year starting to resemble the Fall Series where we see more marquee players choose to take time off or head over to play overseas (for some serious appearance money)?  Do the "journeyman" Tour players need these events, or could the money invested in "less popular" events be better served in other ways?  I don't know.

What I do know is, from a fan standpoint, I wish there could be professional events in every state so that more golf fans could experience professional golf live and in person.  Minnesota hosting the PGA Championship last year, and the US Women's Open in 2008, was an amazing gift.  I am already counting the days until the Ryder Cup is here in 2016!!! 

But again, I realize you need a great course, a great market...and money, to make any tournament work.  And now is hardly the time to hope for new money to be popping up to support golf.   But a girl can still dream, right?

But before we go slashing a few weeks off of each end of the season, I think we need to remember that the other thing that every tournament does, whether it's a Major or a fall series event, is inject a lot of economic spirit into the communities they are in.  And of course we can't forget the incredible charitable impact each tournament produces.

Regardless of whether or not A-list players are in the field, it seems to me that every tournament matters in some way.  Maybe it's up to us to change our way of thinking and appreciate the players who are willing to travel to all corners of our country to play in events that will make a difference to a lot of people that will never pick up a club during that week.

There is some good golf news in our troubling economy.  Sea Island, Georgia, is the newest location for a PGA Tour event!  The RSM McGladrey Classic has been added to the Fall Series this October.  Davis Love and Zach Johnson have already committed and will be involved in the event...some great names to have around that late in the season!  Maybe not all hope is lost yet.

I know golf is entertainment and lots of fans just want to see the best players in the world wow us each week.  But the fact is, the best players don't have to play every week, and the draw to play outside of the US seems to be attracting more of the players we'd love to see at events like the Bob Hope Classic.  It's hard to blame them.  But rather than keeping golf on shelf, maybe it would be fun to get to know some of the players that might fall behind the shadows of our favorite golf stars.  Heck, there's even a Sam in the field this week!

I hope the Hope will be around for a long time to come...but I guess only time...and the economy, will tell.

I'm excited that Matt Kuchar and Brandt Snedeker will be playing the Hope this week - I hope they got the memo that they are in my 2010 predictions this year...it would be great to mark one off in January!!  For those of you that can, I hope you enjoy PGA Tour golf this week...remember, ALL these guys are good.

I can't tell you how much fun I had watching golf last weekend, even if it was just for one day.  I headed down to the Twin Cities last weekend to visit my brother and his family, and along with that came a big screen TV and the Golf Channel (if it's possible to be in love with a big screen TV I definitely am!)!  I watched a re-run of part of Friday's round and then got to see Saturday's round later that evening.  Hawaii is a beautiful place!

The Golf Channel gets its share of criticism, from its general programming to its announcing staff, but I was so grateful to get to see golf on TV I barely paid attention to what has become so annoying to many who watch the GC on a regular basis...well, almost.

One thing that does sort of bother me is how little actual golf we get to watch in a broadcast.  In a limited field event, such as the SBS last week, there were only 28 players...you'd think we'd get to see everyone at least once!  It makes total sense to follow the leaders, but I've got to wonder how many total minutes are wasted as we watch players conversing with their caddies or looking over a shot.  How about zipping over to a camera placed at one of the finishing holes so we can see a favorite player that might be slightly down the leader board? (yes, I'm talking about Steve Stricker!)

And then there was the "Hawaii Fald - O" tips (oy!) that came up on the screen on certain shots.  Seriously, awful.  They ranged from elementary to nonsense.  Yeah, I get that if I have an uphill lie I need to measure my true yardage...but in the spots I saw he never explained what that meant.  Either give us helpful tips or just show us more golf! 

I was also annoyed that they only showed about 5 people on the leader board when it came up...okay, there were only 28 guys, and over half of them were in the hunt, so how about going through the entire leader board a few times an hour please.

Don't get me wrong, I loved getting to watch golf, but it sure would be nice to get to see more of it during the telecast.

And let me put a plug in for the http://www.pgatour.com/ Shot Tracker leader board.  When I got home on Sunday I was sans Golf Channel, so I had to rely on the internet to "see" the finish and try to calculate how my fantasy teams were doing.  If you are not doing any kind of fantasy golf, you should!!  It definitely adds a different element to watching and cheering.  Darn that Sabbatini for having a 63 on Sunday - he cost me a sleeve of golf balls!  Well, Sabbatini and Lucas Glover.  I saw the wheels coming off for Glover on Saturday, but couldn't risk benching him.  Did Glover not realize that just an Even par round would have won it for me?  He is definitely on probation on my fantasy squads right now.

And speaking of Sabbatini, I will admit that I'm not a fan.  His brash personality is not appealing to me in the least.  But I was faced with the challenge of deciding if I should put him on my fantasy rosters this week (he is getting a lot of buzz this year).  Do I pick the guys I'm fans of to show my loyalty, or do I force myself to root for someone I don't care for in order to improve my fantasy team standings?

I debated for a few days.  One thought that came to my mind was a message from none other than 2Putt...I had posted on my Facebook page that I was rooting for the Dallas Cowboys a few Sundays ago because a win by them meant a bye week for the Minnesota Vikings.  2Putt scolded me - he was utterly disappointed that I would root for someone like "the Cowboys" - it shouldn't matter what it meant for my Vikings (I'm remembering something about rooting for Dallas is like swallowing razor blades??).

Then there was the message from my friend Larry...after writing that I was rooting for Matt Kuchar, he responded that I was crazy to root for him because he went from having a decent golf swing to some awful inside out swing.  It has never crossed my mind to root or not root for someone based on their golf swing.  Wait, I take that back.  I am in love with Fred Couple's golf swing!

Anyway, it took me awhile to ponder the criteria for picking my squad for this week's Sony Open.  Do I want to win, or do I want to stand behind my favorite players each week?

If you look at my rosters this week you're going to see Sabbatini on almost all of them...and Stricker on almost none of them (I'm trying to save him for later in Yahoo, and he was really expensive in salary cap).  I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through the weekend if I'm forced to root against my favorite player to get points (or to stop other people from getting points).  I guess the upside is if Sabbatini tanks this week I will definitely have an excuse not to put him on my roster again!  I hope I've made the right decision.

Dallas did end up winning that game and the Vikes got a bye - and with another win by Dallas last weekend, Minnesota will now be seeing them in the Metrodome this weekend.  2Putt will be happy - I am no longer rooting for the Cowboys. 

I'm reminded now of the wise words I give to all of my golf scramble teams...it's not about winning or losing, it's about winning!!

Go Vikings!!

Go Sabbatini!

Well...almost.  GO Steve Stricker and Matt Kuchar!

Enjoy the Sony Open this weekend!

It's Here!!  The 2010 PGA Tour season starts this week!  I realize for some golf fans the PGA season starts with the Masters and ends with the PGA Championship, but after finding an exploded case of Diet Coke with Lime in the back of my car on Monday (yes, it was THAT cold in my garage!), I need the warm thoughts of golf and Hawaii to replace the dread of having to clean out my car...thank goodness there were no golf clubs back there!

And for lots of folks, Fantasy Golf is starting soon, too.  I got a note about a fantasy league that has you pick all of your winners before the season even starts - say WHAT?  That is a tall order...but it reminded me that now is probably a great time to share some predictions for the 2010 PGA Tour season.  I know after last season's somewhat successful predictions I should probably quit while I'm ahead, but heck, this is part of what makes golf fun!

I think the first question on everyone's mind is probably, "when is Tiger coming back"?  My guess is that he'll be back for sure at the Masters, and possibly one or two events before that.

My first predictions...the Majors...the courses are amazing this year and I think that has to play a factor in who is the right winner for each track.  Tiger obviously has to be considered for all of them this year, but I think he'll come through at the British Open (at St. Andrews) for his 1 major in 2010 (but he will have a multiple win season). 

There would be nothing I'd love to see more than Steve Stricker winning a major in '10 (or all 4!!  The Stricker Slam...I like the sound of that!)  And as much as I want it to be at the Masters, I think Stricker will ride the wave of all his Wisconsin fans and take home the Wannamaker Trophy at the PGA Championship being held at Whistling Straits (T2G may need an on course reporter...I'm available!).

Well, that leaves us with the Masters and the US Open...I'm going with Phil Mickelson at the Masters.  I'm feeling a great year for Lefty and I think Augusta has a lot of love for Mickelson.  If not Phil, Kenny Perry will be back to erase the scar from 2009.  Mickelson will win 3 times this year.

I love Pebble Beach, and in US Open conditions, it's going to play tough!  A guy that had to endure a tough season last year is going to reap the benefits in 2010...I see Padraig Harrington coming through for yet another major.  If not Harrington, I think it might be Lee Westwood. 

The Players Championship is another favorite event of mine and I think you might see Tiger taking this one home.  But if still on his "leave of absence" then watch out for Jim Furyk.

I am totally on the Ricky Fowler fan bus, and I think he's going to contend in many tournaments...but alas, I don't think we'll see his first PGA Tour win until 2011.

Matt Kuchar will improve his place on the money list in 2010 - he had a great 24^th place finish in 2009, but with another win this year, and contending in 2 majors, he will be inside the top 20.  Go Matt!!

Also in the winner's circle in 2010 will be Ernie Els...I'm not sure where, but he's ready to win!  Also returning to the podium will be Mike Weir and David Toms.

I hope I was a year early in predicting a great year for Justin Leonard - I see a win in the Texas swing this year!  I had high hopes in 2009 and we just got a marginal year from him.  I also sent some snow down to Texas so he could toughen up this season!

I am predicting that Anthony Kim will not win on tour this year.  Prove me wrong AK!

Young guns, McIlory and Ishikawa will come close but will be beat out by tour veterans like Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson. 

Jerry Kelly will win the Kodak Challenge.

Surprise bright spots will be Vaughn Taylor and Brandt Snedeker.  And the "other Lefty" who will have a great 2010 is Bubba Watson...he will be at the SBS in 2011 after a win this season.

Okay!  There you have it...my 2010 predictions - feel free to use them all! (if they don't come true I was just tricking you!)  Or better yet, let me know some of your predictions!

Hmmm...  one more bonus prediction - winner of the SBS this week?  Oh, you know it, Steve Stricker!!

 Happy 2010 & Happy New PGA Tour Season!!

PS...are you looking for a free Fantasy Golf Game?  Check out http://www.kerplookee.com/  

It's the 2^nd Annual Chipshot Awards!!  A panel distinguished judges (me) have thought long and hard about the following categories and is giving a tip of the hat to some people, places, and things in the golf world that I happen to think are pretty darn cool. Without further ado...

Favorite Golf Web Site other than Tees2Greens which is of course my Favorite!! - www.masters.org

It's a repeat winner from last year!  I was glued to it again this year - coverage of the par-3 tournament and streaming coverage on each day.  I'm remembering back to Masters Sunday - I'm sprawled out on the couch, TV on and my laptop on a chair right by my head so I can watch some of the other players as they followed Phil and Tiger around for awhile.  I had to watch Steve Stricker!!  Overall, great info on the site.

Honorable mention to:  http://www.waggleroom.com/ and http://www.realwomengolf.com/ 

Best Golf Shopping Web Site - www.budgetgolf.net

I picked Budget Golf because I like that they have some really great deals in their weekly email.  They have flat rate shipping and friendly customer service folks.

Honorable mention to http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/  - they are sort of a close-out site, so you might not find the newest of everything, but you can't beat some of their awesome deals.  And I really like that they always have some sort of deal going on - either freebies, free shipping, or discounts on already discounted items.

Best golf TV commercial - Eye of the Tiger

He's back...the http://www.pgatour.com/ commercial with Tiger whistling the classic 80's song and finishing with just a few seconds of the actual song got me fired up for golf every time I saw it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxscSLvvGnY

I found this on Shane Bacon's site - as a fan of the sports center commercials, I couldn't help but like this one, too!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLxKSvkpE1Y&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=DF76BF248A5FC8BF

Best Club Brand - Nike

If you don't check out the "What's in the Bag" (right here on Tees2Greens!), you're missing out on the peek inside all of the winner's golf bags on tour!   My criteria this year started out at looking who won the Majors...Cabrera at the Masters has Ping in his bag; Lucas Glover is a Nike man; Stewart Cink is also a Nike guy; and YE Yang had a great performance using Taylor Made.  Looking at the top 5 players on the money list - of course we know Tiger plays Nike, Steve Stricker carries Titleists (some with UST shafts!), Phil Mickelson is a Callaway guy, and Kenny Perry has his bag full of Taylor Made.  So based on the 2 Major wins...and the number 1 player in the world, Nike gets the award for the 2^nd year in a row.

Rookie of the Year - Marc Leishman

I have to admit that I didn't follow the rookie class as much this year.  I know we picked Webb Simpson on our fantasy team a lot at the beginning of the season, but after looking at the stats, Leishman (from Australia) was the most successful on several fronts - he finished highest on the money list (47^th), making about $500,000 more than the next closest rookie (Simpson).  Leishman also made 18 of 28 cuts and made all the way to the Tour Championship after a nice 2^nd place finish at the BMW.  He looks like a guy to watch in 2010!

Comeback Player of the Year - YE Yang

There have been some discussions about Tiger Woods being considered (but him not being interested) for the comeback player award for 2009 after being out with his knee injury...it's tough for me to call someone a comeback player while being the #1 player in the world the entire time!  And to be honest, I'm not even sure what the PGA tour criteria is...I was all for Steve Stricker being lauded with an award, but even I was a little baffled by the comeback award 2 years in a row.  So with that said, my criteria is just based stats and what I was impressed with.  There were several guys who I thought had a much improved year over 2008...Retief Goosen, Jerry Kelly, Matt Kuchar and even Steve Stricker come to mind right away.  But when I looked at the Top 10 on the money list this year and then compared it to last year it was hard not to notice YE Yang - at the end of 2008 he had made just over $460K, was 157^th on the money list, and 480^th in the OWGR...fast forward to 2009 - a Major Champion, 10^th on the money list with around $3.4 million in earnings, and currently 31^st on the OWGR.  He had another win, too, and a total of 4 top 10's in his 19 of 23 cuts made.  But most importantly, Yang held strong and battled to victory against the fiercest competitor in the game.

Best Attendance in 2009 - Brian Davis, 32 events

He didn't beat Nicholas Tompson's 36 events from '08, but Brian Davis, from England, who turned pro in 1994, took the top spot with 32 events this past year.  He made the cut 19 times and earned almost $1.9 million on tour this season, ending up 43^rd on the money list.  His best finish was second place at the Byron Nelson and a T5 at the Players. 

Best Reaction of the Year -Kenny Perry - #16 at the Masters

Or maybe I should say MY reaction to the shot on 16 - I was up and down from the couch several times during the last round of the Masters...I think the first time I got up to cheer was when Campbell made a putt on 12. (It should be noted that I had both Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry on my fantasy team that week and a 1-2 finish would have clinched it for me!!)  But being a big KP fan, I wanted this win for him in the worst way!  What an amazing shot...less than a foot away!  And the did "the walk", too - he knew he hit it good - the crowd was going nuts and he starts marching towards the green...what a great memory!

The Turn Back Time Award - Tom Watson at the British Open

Last year I was writing about Greg Norman's chase at the British Open, and even though I'm a huge Shark Fan, I think Watson one-upped him with his heroic run at Turnberry.  I can't imagine that there were many people that weren't rooting for Watson as he played some inspired golf at the age of 59...it was a thrill to watch...until the dreaded par putt on 18...we've all been there.  I have always been a Stewart Cink fan, but that day I was one of the masses hoping Watson would make this "one for the ages"...and even though he fell short in the playoff, Watson brought us all back in time for a few days.

Best Dressed Award - Tiger Woods

I'm a fan of the classic and I'm a fan of a really nice dress pant on the course...and really, who does it better than Tiger Woods?  He sort of rides the middle between athletic and classic, and it's just the right balance for me - I really like the new striped shirts he had this year and I liked when he mixed it up with his Sunday red.  I know there are people who enjoy the "uniqueness" of John Daly, Ian Poulter, Ryo, or Brian Gay, but just as my last year's winner, Davis Love, was, TW comes out every week looking like the classic golfer.  My kind of look!  Honorable mention to - Steve Stricker (at the Masters especially), and Kenny Perry.

The Peaking Too Early Award - Anthony Kim

AK looked GREAT at the Mercedes and then sort of fell off the map until July.  There was quite a bit of hype surrounding Kim coming off of last year and things didn't quite happen for him in '09.  But don't worry, he's going to be big in 2010 - Sam Johnson thinks so, so it must be true!

Most Disappointing Fantasy Player Award - Nick Watney

My brother and I made huge strides this year!  We did have a little different format from the year before (using Yahoo Golf) so we didn't have to limit ourselves to just 12 players like we had to before.  With the pools of players, there were quite a few options from week to week, and often times it was really more about going with our gut.  Our tendency was that we picked a guy a week too early!  My brother is the king of stats, so he based his choices a lot on tournament history - I was more about streakiness and current stats.  If we had picked Nick in the right weeks, we would have been great, but it seemed each time we put him on the roster he didn't come through.

Favorite Tournament to Watch - The PGA - Live and in Person!

Getting to watch the best players in the world is a treat like no other.  I loved sitting on #16 at Hazeltine and watching players come through for almost 4 hours - and the grandstands on 18 were great, too.  We were only there for the first 2 rounds, but I could feel the pressure and drama on every shot as guys were fighting to make the cut.  It was also amazing to watch the throngs of fans following Tiger and Phil.  Ryder Cup 2016!!!  Of course the best TV tournament of the year was The Masters!!!

The Heart on His Sleeve Award - Phil Mickelson

This year reminded me more than ever that there is something special about being able to feel a connection with a player.  I know he gets trashed by some, but I just can't deny his charisma and willingness to engage the fans on the course each week.  This year, when his family faced cancer scares, he shared his concerns, changed up some priorities, and then showed his fans appreciation by giving them some inspired golf. 

The Golf Passion Award - Christina Kim

If you watched the Solheim Cup at all, you probably saw Christina Kim rallying the crowds, high-fiving fans and rooting on her teammates throughout the week.  I love Christina's passion for the game and she wears it on her sleeve most of the time.  Some might consider it obnoxious, but I happen to think it's great!!  She gets people excited about golf and in golf there's just never enough of that.

Chipshot Player of The Year:  Steve Stricker 

If you know me at all, you saw this one coming a mile away, but what can I say - Steve Stricker showed us that not only does he have passion for the game, and a putting stroke that is golden, but he can win under pressure and still be one of the nicest guys on tour.  A three win season was capped of by some stellar play at the Presidents Cup in San Francisco.  He and Tiger made a great pairing and it was actually really fun to watch Tiger sort of go along for the ride a bit.  Ending up 2^nd on the money list and being ranked #3 in the world is testament to how much Steve has dedicated himself to playing some great golf.  I love that he gets emotional and is always thankful the opportunity he has.  And all I'm looking forward to now is seeing him get is first Major...  Steve Stricker is what golf is all about to me. 

I know the holidays are a time for joy and laughter, but if you're like me and still making that mad scramble (pun intended) to finish your Christmas shopping, the "good cheer" thing is a little harder to come by.  But when you put it golf perspective, at least I can smile a little more.

Keep up with the pace of play.

Where was a ranger when I needed him???  Before I had even hit my first store after work yesterday my frustration level had hit its peak.  If we had been on the golf course, the guy in the maroon Subaru Forrester would have probably been hit into.  He was one of those guys who felt the need to drive 20 in a 30mph and took FOREVER to get going when the car in front of him started moving.  When we missed the first stoplight I yelled and threw my hands in the air (you know this move, don't you?).  Uh oh, this is not starting out well.

I love seeing new golfers on the course...just not in front of me.

Please, people.  If you are not in panic mode like the rest of us and just out "window shopping" or checking out the sales, stay home.  I'm begging you...we're stressed out enough as it is, and if you're not in speed mode it messes it up for the rest of us!

Let faster players go through.

Ever had the experience where the course is hardly full and you and a friend are zipping around and you run into a 4-some of guys who think they own the course?  You get to the next tee while they are still teeing off and they give you "the look" and drive off.  You know "the look"...it's the "I paid to be out here, too, so you're going to have to wait" look...it doesn't matter that we're the only 6 people on the golf course.  I've got a couple gift cards in my hand and the lady in front of me has a cart full of whatever.  She looks at me, then my hand, and unloads her cart without looking at me again.

You always seem to find everyone else's ball but yours.

All I wanted was a little kitchen toy set for my nieces.  8,000 little work benches but no kitchen sets.  Grrr.

I need a ruling.

Where are the rules officials when you need ask a question?  I must have spent 10 minutes in the first store just looking for someone to help me...and of course when I finally found someone they had to go find someone else.  Sigh.

You only get 5 minutes to look for a lost ball.

I incorporated this rule after store one.  If I couldn't find what I was looking for and couldn't find someone to help me in 5 minutes I moved on to the next store.  (this is why I ended up with several gift cards)

Follow the cart signs.

I finally get to second in line in the left turn lane and I'm seeing my freedom.  We get the green arrow and the car in front of me is not moving.  I wait.  Nothing.  I inch up.  She doesn't move.  And then I did something I never do...I honked at her...I thought maybe, just maybe, she was on a cell phone or singing Christmas music and wasn't paying attention to the light.  Still nothing.  The arrow goes away and the mass of cars from the opposite direction start moving and then she pulls out straight ahead...she was in the wrong lane.  And I missed the light.

You are not going to squeeze your ball through that opening in the trees.

But of course some guy had to squeeze into a spot right next to me with his Suburban so that I couldn't get my door open!! 

Always tip the beverage cart girl.

The "bagging groceries for tips" is neat fundraiser... and any time saved is worth a few dollars!

Be sure to put your clubs back in the same spot in your bag.

My credit card got quite the workout, and when I'm in panic mode I usually try to put it in my front pocket so I can make my transaction as speedy as possible.  But at store 3 I threw it in my purse with the receipt.  Fast forward to store 4 and I can't find the credit card.  My mind flashes back to the last store (sort of like going back and counting your strokes on the green) and thankfully I remember that I put it in the front pocket.  Lost the time I had made up at the grocery store!

Fix your divots.

It only takes a few seconds to bring your shopping cart to the designated spot, so please, don't leave it in the empty spot next to you so no one can park there.  There is nothing worse than thinking you have found a parking gold mine...only to have to pull back out because of that darn cart!  And any good golfer would take care of another divot, too, so I went and moved the cart even though I had to park somewhere else.

Every once in awhile you get a members bounce.

Just when I had about given up on finding a gift, I went down the wrong aisle by accident and found exactly what I was looking for!  YAY!  THANK YOU to whoever it was that put it in the wrong spot.

It was a tough round yesterday, but I made it!  And the best thing about golfers who love the game is that no matter how bad a round might be you're already looking forward to the next time you get to play.

I wish I could say that I was all set now, but I'm in panic mode for one more day.  I've got the shopping lists ready, and I've got a few back up plans just in case...hopefully I won't have to lay up!

I wish Christmas shopping really WAS like golfing!

I hope you all have a happy and joyous holiday...Merry Christmas!!

I thought it might be a good time to check out how I did on my predictions for the 2009 PGA Tour season.  Back on January 6, 2009 I made the following guesses in italics (see the 2009 Predictions Thread in the forums):

I think I can only improve from my predictions from last year - they were not good -

This is a true story.  I'm awful at making predictions, but there is something fun in getting the chance to guess right every once in awhile!

although Matt Kuchar came close for me! So I'm not giving up on him yet - he will win a tournament in 2009. 

AHA!!!  I got this one right!  Matt wins the Turning Stone Championship this year!!  I've been a fan of Matt ever since I saw him play at the Masters in 1998 as an amateur (he was a sophomore at Georgia Tech at the time).  What I liked most about him was that he chose to finish his college degree instead of turning pro right away.  He has struggled over the past 10 or so years, but 2009 was a great season for him - besides a win, he had 5 top 10 finishes, finished 24^th on the money list (just shy of $2.5 million), made 18 of 24 cuts and is currently sitting 62^nd in the world golf ranking.  Matt also plays Bridgestone clubs.  He will definitely be in my 2010 predictions!  THANK YOU MATT!!

Justin Leonard is going to have a breakout year and win a Major. 

Okay.  I was off on this one.  Justin's year wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either...he finished 30^th on the money list (just over $2.2 million), made 21 cuts in 26 events, but had no wins (although a T2 finish at the Disney should boost his confidence for 2010)...he did have 6 top 10's, including a T8 finish at the British Open, which was my only real chance to make this prediction come true.  He's dropped in the OWGR since 2008 (from 23^rd to 38^th ) but his play at the President's Cup and at the recent Shark Shootout makes me think he's ready to make some moves in 2010!

Greg Norman will make the cut at the Masters and contend on Sunday...but Tiger or Justin Leonard will win. 

Whoops.  Okay, so I bought into the hype...after his great run at the '08 British Open, which gave him an invitation to the 2009 Masters, I really believed he was going to recreate some magic.  He tried to downplay the expectations, but you could tell he wanted a great finish here.  A solid day one got a lot of people excited, but he followed it up with a 77 and a missed cut.  Tiger gave it a great run on Sunday, but a bogey-bogey finish sealed his fate and a T6 finish.  Leonard didn't make the cut (whoops again!).  Overall, this was one of my favorite tournaments to watch - lots of drama, and Kenny Perry almost winning!!  I was glued to my TV and computer all week.  I'm already looking forward to Masters week 2010!

Phil also comes back this year after a ho-hum 2008 - he wins on the west coast swing and again in Texas.  He will also regain his #2 spot on the OWGR.

I'm giving myself the WIN on this one!  He does win on the West Coast swing (Riviera) and he's currently sitting #2 in the OWGR - my Texas win was off, but he did win in Florida, so that's close enough!  Looking at Phil's 2009 stats, he was sort of a feast or famine player this year - he made 15 of 18 cuts, but it was either a win (or 2^nd), or finishing T50 or worse...but his play at the Masters was inspiring, and winning the Tour Championship was icing on his $5.3 million dollar season.  Changes to his putting stroke seemed to be the key to turning things around this year.  Knowing what we know, Phil is going to need a standout 2010 to keep the folks interested in the PGA tour in 2010.

Anthony Kim will win the PGA which is at Hazeltine in Minnesota! 

I blame this all on Sam Johnson - he writes a few posts about Kim and I think he's the greatest thing since macaroni & cheese...after 2009, though, he's got some work to do to get to Mac & Cheese status!  Anthony came out of the gate hot with a T2 finish at the limited field Mercedes, but then didn't post a Top 10 finish until July with a 3^rd place finish at the AT&T National.  He made the cut at the PGA (whish was better than my Masters prediction), but finished T51.  Besides another T3 finish at the Canadian Open, and some good play at the President's Cup, he never really seemed in contention.  I want to see Kim do well - I think he can add some spice to the Tour - now he just needs to get that spice into his game.

I'm also not giving up on Kenny Perry - he will win again this season. (maybe in Hawaii!)

Kenny wins!!  Twice actually - I loved that Kenny was my first prediction to come true in 2009 - Perry won the FBR Open in Scottsdale and that was just the beginning to another career year where he ended up 5^th on the money list (just over $4.4 million) and made 24 of 24 cuts...I LOVE this stat!!  His Masters performance kept me glued to my couch and I loved seeing him at the President's Cup.  He's indicated that he may consider scaling back a bit in 2010 and he has the opportunity to try out the Champions tour in 2010 as well...I'm feeling another PGA tour victory in 2010!!

Retief Goosen is also coming back this year and will contend in at least 2 majors.

I'm calling this one good, too!!  Goosen finished 11^th on the money list (compared to 72^nd in 2008) and made 18 of 20 cuts which included a WIN at the Transitions Championship.  He's 19^th on the OWGR now, too!  Goosen finished T16 at the US Open shooting a final round 74, so he was a factor, and a T5 finish at the British let's me call him a contender in 2 majors!  Yes!

Steve Stricker will also have a dedicated fan this year, but has decided not to put any pressure on him by saying he's going to win (but I think he will!)

A 3 win season for my favorite player!!  Actually, let's make that 4 with a win at the Shark Shootout last weekend.  Another stellar season for Stricker - in contention for the Fed Ex Prize and awesome play at the President's Cup.  I was bummed he missed the cut at the PGA, but he came in under the radar for a great T6 finish at the Masters.  Will 2010 be the season that brings him his first Major?...someone might be predicting that!  Stricks is currently 3^rd on the OWGR and he finished 2^nd on the money list, making just over $6.3 million.  He was also ranked first in Putting for the 2009 season.  I can't wait to see what he has in store for next season.  Way to go Steve!

Tiger wins 4 times this year - including 1 Major...and maybe the match play again this year!  (if not, it will be Ernie Els)

Well, it's not often there's a player you can underestimate, but Tiger posted 6 wins in 17 starts (amazing!), but he bowed out early in the Match Play, losing to Tim Clark in 2^nd round.  Tiger had his chances in all the majors but the British, but he came away with a 2^nd place and 2 T6's.  Once again he proved that on the golf course there is no one better.

HEY - I did WAY better than I thought I had!!  Okay - a few hiccups...and underestimating Tiger, but for the most part, I was good.  I realize a few were no brainers, but this review has made me think that my future may be in fortune telling!  I'm going to take the rest of December to review the 2009 season and then get ready to make my 2010 predictions...although if I were smart, I'd quit right here!  Thanks, PGA Tour, for another great golf season!

I was all set to share my thoughts about the number one golf story on the planet today...you know, the upcoming final stage of the PGA Tour Q-school.  Wait.  What?  Why are you looking at your computer screen with that funny look on your face?

That's not it?    Were you expecting something else?  Oh, yes.  Are you thinking of that Woods guy getting in a little fender bender with a tree and fire hydrant (which has now evolved into the E! True PGA Tour story about Tiger's personal exploits)?  Okay, maybe you're right...and if I were Q-school, I'd be pretty mad at Tiger for being such a headline stealer!

When I heard my local news station announcers say the name Tiger Woods last night, I knew this "unfortunate incident" had gone far and beyond any rational reporting standard.   The local news in small-town Minnesota is reporting about a car accident in Florida?  What kind of "news" is this?  Wait, that's right, this isn't "news"...and the car accident isn't even the story anymore.  Nothing like a good character assassination to keep viewers tuned in, huh.

Okay, I'll admit it...I was curious.  The first report I read said he was in "serious condition".  That didn't sound very good at all so I went to one of my favorite sources for golf info, http://www.waggleroom.com/, and soon I was reading a whole different story on the story.  Then came the debate as to whether we have the "right" to know anything about this...and the critique of the media that seemed to be "creating" the story as the went along, mostly because the actual sources for information were not talking.

Which begged the next big question...why wasn't Tiger talking?  If I had a dollar for every message board or blog post that said, "this would be so much better for Tiger if he would just tell us what happened", I think I could go on a really nice golf vacation!   But Tiger is not talking, and without that, we're left with drawing our own conclusions based on what we know (or what we think we know)...and you know what they say when people start to assume...

Now, a few days later, all we seem to be talking about is the alleged sex life of Tiger Woods...and how the legal system works in Florida.  Everyone has "lawyered up"  and Tiger won't be at the event that will benefit his foundation.  (sarcasm alert!) Thank goodness the Florida Highway Patrol charged him with careless driving so we can at least keep some focus on the accident! (end of sarcasm alert)

I've read the speculations, and if anyone cares about my gut feeling, I think some of them are probably not that far from the truth.  Do I want to know why Tiger was leaving his house at 2:30 in the morning and ended up hitting a tree and fire hydrant?  I wish I could say no, but my curiosity makes me look it up every day on the internet.  Yes, I wish he'd just tell us.

But the question is, will knowing what happened really make a difference to me?  From a golf perspective, I've decided it won't.  I have never, and will never, define golf by Tiger Woods....it means SO much more to me than that.  And I'd like to believe that most other golfers feel the same way.

In other "real" golf news... 

Don't forget to follow all of the Q-school action coming up this week - the final stage is set in Florida and field will have to grind through 6 rounds to make it into the top 25 (and ties).  For some, it's what golf dreams are made of...for others, it's trying to hang on for dear life to keep what they have.  There is a lot on the line and some great stories waiting to be told.  I was waiting for Tees2Greens to send me "on assignment", but they probably knew I was busy at work right now.  Right, guys?? 

Here is a great post by Shane Bacon giving some insight on the field of 170 players... http://www.dogschasingcars.com/2009/12/getting-to-know-your-2009-q-school.html

You can follow the scoring online and I think the Golf Channel will have some coverage, too.  You might be surprised by some of the familiar names in the field this week.  Check it out!

The LPGA Q-school is going on, too!  Here is a short article on the event that started today http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=22673&mid=1  and you can follow live scoring here: http://www.real-timescoring.com/LPGA/Leaderboard.asp  The LPGA could use some more fans, so pick some players and root them on!

But the best golf news of the week for me is that I hit golf balls outside on December 1!!  When I glanced at the thermometer in my car on my way home yesterday it said the outside temp was 41 degrees...I decided that if the temp was still at least 40 when I got home it was a sign that I should go hit a few golf balls - 25 miles later and it's still 41!  With clubs still in the car, it was a quick change into some warm clothes and off to the golf course.  I had about 30 minutes of daylight left and I made the most of it.  It's funny how just a few solid swings with the driver is all it took to make me giddy beyond belief. 

I needed this day to remind me that golf, in its truest form, is about player and the golf course...and that's all.  Tiger Woods may be golf, but golf isn't just Tiger Woods.  There are over 200 men and women battling to make golf on the highest professional level their job for the next year...now there's a golf "news" story!  Enjoy Q-school!

We've hit the downward slide into November, and normally we're may-be following Q-school (and if you aren't you should - there are some Great stories there!) - but good heavens, all you have to do is browse some golf news...like Tees2Greens very own Golf International posts...and you'll see some big time golf stories...and it's November!!

First, and what I think was the best news in November, is that Michelle Wie finally broke through and won her first LPGA event at Lorena Ochoa's tournament last week.  It wasn't a slam dunk...she earned it by playing well in the final round and making a fantastic bunker shot on the 72nd hole to set up a birdie and the win.  I saw a blurb on TV where a few players were spraying her with some kind of beverage after sinking her putt.  It struck me that a small gesture like that really means that Michelle has truly been adopted by the LPGA family.  After reading for years that Michelle was considered an outsider or not liked, it great to see that Michelle is finding her own.  I've got to think the Solheim experience was a great stepping stone...both figuratively and literally - I read in her interview transcript that she wore her Solheim Cup shoes in the last round.  Now that is cool.  Do I think Michelle is the "savior" of the LPGA tour?  No, but I think if she can keep this up going into 2010, I think women's golf in the US is going to get a boost.  Congratulations Michelle!!

Tiger and several other high ranked players jet-setting in November has also gotten a lot of press - China, Australia, and now Dubai - and we're seeing Phil and Tiger taking titles in November!  I wonder who is next?  I thought the articles about how China loved Phil and thought Tiger was cold were very interesting - people can say what they want about Phil, but I personally appreciate what an ambassador he is for the game.  The crowds loved Tiger down under, but there were also some grumblings about Tiger thowing a club...do we just accept that because he's, well, Tiger, or can we take a stand and disapprove of that behavior, no matter who it is?  It's too bad Tiger didn't have enough free time to play the longest course on the planet!

I think we also have to make note of the controversy brewing about the PGA Tour Drug Testing - Doug Barron, a journeyman golfer on the PGA and Nationwide tour failed a drug test earlier this year and has been assessed a 1-year suspension.  He apologized and accepted responsibility at first, but now, after a failed injunction to participate in the 2nd round of Q-school, I don't think this story is close to over.  At first, the media made it sound like Barron had been taking a certain drug for a long-time medical condition and failed to ask for a waiver...but now we're finding out he did ask, but the advisory panel denied it - basically saying that he should not need the drugs...huh, an advisory panel is now making medical decisions for golfers?  I think most folks will agree that Barron was not taking drugs to "enhance" his play or to get an unfair advantage - he's just trying to feel as good as normal will allow.  I'm hoping that the PGA Tour will reconsider their decision and realize that this "example" of no tolerance for drug use is not appropriate.

And then there was the news that Rory McIlroy is going to become a member of the PGA tour next year after saying several times earlier in the season he had not intention to...I don't know if that really means we'll be seeing more of him that we already would have, but I think it's great news for golf fans!

And of course there is all of the Q-school action going on...I was happy to see Erik Compton currently sitting at T14 after the first round at the second stage.  There are some great stories on the quest for a PGA Tour card...be sure to read Sam Johnson's post this week and find out about all of the all-stars and young guns that are competing at 6 locations this week.

One person you won't be seeing is Ricky Fowler...he got his card by some great finishes in the Fall Series!!  I think it's going to be fun to see him on tour next year.  Will Jamie Lovemark join him?  We'll have to wait and see.  I was sad to see David Duval fall below the top 125, but I'm sure he'll get plenty of exemptions next year, so it's doubtful that we'll see him at the final stage of Q-school in December.

And don't forget about the Shark Shootout coming up soon!  I'm thinking I read someplace that Greg Norman would not be playing in his own event after having shoulder surgery, but I could be making that up.  But what I do know is that some of my very favorite players will be there!  (Hint...first name starts with an S, followed by STRICKER!!)

Finally, and most importantly, after being inspired by reading that Heather at www.realwomengolf.com is still getting some final rounds in in Ohio, I put my clubs back in my SUV and snuck over to my local course today - I only had about a half hour of daylight and our greens are covered with straw, but I lugged my clubs and a bag of balls over to one of the fairways and hit about 30 shots...it felt SO GOOD!  The best part was, I wasn't out there by myself...on the fairway one over from me there was a dad with 3 young boys hitting golf balls, too - it was great to know that I'm not the only who thought that 46 degrees meant "go hit golf balls"!  I could tell my driver was happy to be on the course, too.

Phew!  That was a lot...and I know I'll think of more after I post this, but I still need to untangle some christmas lights so I'm off to the garage.  Be sure to check in to see what Sam finds out at Q-school - I'm expecting photos of the Minnesota boys in Texas!

November is a great month for golf!