Hope this newsletter finds you well… There are a bunch of things to talk about so we’ll get right to it…
Random Thoughts...
US Open – We’re a week away and the pairings are out. How much do I want Tiger to play? The amount doubled when I saw that he was playing with Phil Mickelson on Thursday and Friday. How much have we all wanted to see the best two players of our generation paired together at a course they both love? So the question arises: will Tiger play? I might be standing alone on this side of the issue, but I still wonder if Tiger will participate. I have no factual evidence to my question, just a number of different factors that bring me to this possible conclusion.
-
At the media day for his tournament at Congressional, Tiger gave all the right answers, but they just did not seem right to me. There was a noticeable limp in his walk.
-
Tiger has stated that he has yet to walk 18 holes.
-
Earlier this week, Hank Haney, on the Golf Channel, said Tiger’s “swing” was progressing on schedule.
-
Yesterday, Tiger played 18 at Torrey using a cart.
-
Finally, I do not believe that Tiger would play in an event that he did not feel he was capable of winning or at least competing in.
No one other than those inside know the real truth about Tiger’s recovery. I want him to play, but not at the possibility that we do not see him again the rest of the year. I am also not interested in Tiger “trying” to play. Just like each of you, I want the showdown. I want it next week and for the next 5 years. Let’s see what happens.
More US Open – How cool to see Texas A&M student and Coppell High School graduate Conrad Schindler on the bag of Open Champion Todd Hamilton for the last two weeks? Now, I’m not sure if Todd paid Conrad with money, but he certainly did pay him with time as Todd then caddied for Conrad as he tried to qualify for the US Open. Imagine, a major champion carrying a bag for 36 holes in one day… WOW. Another big wow goes to Bob Tway; the major winner chose to not play in the US Open and instead carried the bag of his son Kevin, a student at OSU. These are the great stories of our Championship.
More US Open – For the 18th time, Davis Love III will play. If I picked one player that so many thought would be “one of the greats” who never quite made that level, it would be Love. While his game is probably not in a place to contend, I am glad he took the time to qualify.
Congressional – One of the advantages to hosting The Golfers Home on ESPN radio is the media day invitations I receive. I don’t go to many, I can’t really afford the money or the time, but Congressional is one of the courses I’ve always wanted to play. It was worth everything. Living in the west coast, playing traditional, tree-lined courses did not happen often; Congressional is the best I have ever played. There are about 3 of us in the media that will play from the tips. Last year at Oakmont, the hardest course I have ever played, was beyond a test. Congressional, while not as hard, is a wonderful, fantastically beautiful walk the park. It will be interesting to see where Tiger moves his tournament over the next couple of years while Congressional moves into a major mode.
Olympics – I have not written about this topic because my original feelings were so strongly opposed to the idea. I do not see how golf as an Olympic sport will help the growth of the game. My biggest question deals with seeing our best players moving further away from the PGA Tour. Think about it… Tiger, Phil and a number of others are already down to playing 4 or 5 tour events a year. What will this do? What will the tour have to offer them to get them to compete in the Olympics’? I would love to see golf in the grandest event of all, but I want them to use our finest Amateur athletes.
Question of the Week – Will you take the time to watch the MacDonald’s LPGA Championship? This week is the best of the best women in golf. Annika continues her farewell tour trying to win another major and keep the headlines. Lorena Ochoa is going for her 7th victory in just 10 events and her third consecutive major. Add to that Paula Creamer (third on the 2008 money list), Suzann Pettersen and a large list of Asian women just dying to win this LPGA Championship and it begs our attention. Let me know what you think.
Horseshoe Bay – We only have three spots left for our first getaway of 2008. Play unlimited golf and stay at one of Marriott’s great resorts. 3 days, 2 nights and so much more. The price is absolutely unbelievable, 50% below the normal rates… hope you will join us.
Have a great weekend of golf. See you next Tuesday at the Hooter’s Tee It Up tournament!
