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Palmer Or Woods?

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When you talk to golfers from my generation (boomers), there are plenty of opinions on the best professional player of all time. I wanted to take this further and consider the question, “Who has given back to the modern game the most, Palmer or Woods?”

I will define “giving back” by what each player did to promote it, bring people to it and how much they gave of themselves to the fans. I know whom I would choose.

First, let’s run a comparison. Palmer emerged on the scene in an era after Hogan, Nelson and Snead. While Ben and Sam continued to play, Byron was satisfied biding his time tending to his ranch. Palmer was the new kid on the block, a chiseled specimen from western Pennsylvania that made swings some referred to as “a drunk trying to fit a key in a door”. There was plenty of movement but the powerful lash and helicopter finish brought out a myriad of fans that swung the club in the same fashion. They just didn’t get the same results.

Debate all of his attributes but the thing about Palmer was how he engaged with his fans. When he looked at his gallery they believed he was looking directly at them. He’d nod or acknowledge people in his own way. He wanted you there. He was about to take you on a journey that guaranteed thrilling shots crafted with bravado. Palmer may not have won but his army knew he wouldn’t have done as well if they hadn’t been with him.

On the opposite end of the spectrum sits Woods, one of the games greatest players at the turn of the century. Argue it anyway you like but in my opinion he did win the modern Grand Slam. He hit shots no one else could conceive. When a putt had to fall, it fell. He willed the ball into the hole. In a similar fashion Tiger walked into a period of golf history looking for the next icon (Nicklaus).

However Woods played in his own controlled world. Of course the media attention differed significantly from both time periods. Perhaps that is what necessitated Tiger’s steely demeanor. During his run from 2000 – ’08 he kept everyone out of his world. That worked until the 2009 Thanksgiving Day Massacre.

While that is another story, the fact is Woods never felt like he needed anyone. The galleries were more of an inconvenience rather than an asset. He never looks at a spectator, he look through them. I never saw him signing autographs for hours. Oh he might give a kids clinic but he’s not touchy/feely. His concentration is admirable and perhaps the best the game has ever seen.   Yet in no way does he connect with people like Palmer. He chooses not to.

Both players have brought people to the game for different reasons. Tiger’s followers are looking for that “I am Tiger Woods” mystique. They want to be great. They want to beat the hell out of someone.

Palmer’s crowd just wants to play. They want to have the chance to hit that one miracle shot in the same way Arnie did. If it doesn’t happen today they figure they’ll get a chance at it tomorrow. They play knowing if they hit that “one shot” it doesn’t matter if their score totals 98. They’re the ones sitting around the 19th hole buying rounds. The King would approve

Debate the question all you want. Cross over generations if you like. There is no correct answer, just varying opinions. Yet if you look at history, it’s doubtful Tiger and the players of his generation would have it as good as they do without Palmer. Likewise Palmer benefitted from Snead, Hogan and Nelson. Pay it forward. That has always been the game’s mantra. Tiger still has plenty of opportunities. I hope he takes them.

Restoration, The German and Plenty of Heart

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The 2014 U.S. Open is in the books.  When one looks back on the results plenty of conclusions will be made.  “It wasn’t much of a tournament.”, “Blowout.”, “Americans falter.”  Add whatever comments you wish but the real story is that Martin Kaymer played some of the best golf a U.S. Open has ever witnessed.  Not since Tiger’s domination at Pebble Beach in 2000 has anyone taken control of a major championship so handily.

Coming off his Player’s Championship victory, the handsome German quietly displayed golfing skills suited to the restored Pinehurst #2 layout.  Only three players finished under par.  Ricky Fowler, he of the plus fours on Thursday and Erik Compton, the man with more hearts than Cupid, finished at -1, eight shots behind Kaymer.  The only major winner within earshot was 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley who shot 67 on Sunday.  That stellar round allowed him to finish tied for fourth, ten shots back.  World #1 Adam Scott grabbed a ninth place finish at +2.  If you were hoping for a weekend shootout in the North Carolina sandhills, Kaymer’s back-to-back 65’s on Thursday and Friday pretty much sealed the runaway.  All he had to do was avoid food poisoning and a traffic accident.

The story of the week had to center on Compton, a player who has been on and off the tour struggling at times to find his game.  His well documented battle with heart disease as well as two heart transplants has defined much of his career.  But he insisted on Sunday after he finished that he was a player who had survived two transplants, not a two-time heart recipient who could play.  Twist the semantics anyway you’d like, Compton is a gritty competitor that may have found the switch to carry on his solid play.  Sure, Tour events often demand double-digit under par scores but the confidence gained by Compton bodes well for the near future.  He’ll be exempt into the next three majors, the highlight revolving around a drive up Magnolia Lane.

The shot of the week came down to the final put on the final green.  Some might say there were other more notable shots but Kaymer’s determination was on display until the end.  He was engaged from his opening tee shot on Thursday to his twelve foot par par on the 72nd hole.  Sure you can mention Senior Tour Member Kenny Perry’s eagle two out of the “restored area” on 14, Zach Johnson’s hole-in-one at #9 on Sunday or Kaymer’s Saturday approach to #18 which gave him a much needed birdie.  In the end it was the pride displayed in finishing off his week.  He could’ve taken six whacks at the putt and still won by two.  Maybe it was a touch on the shoulder from 1999 Champion Payne Stewart encouraging Kaymer to finish his victory off in style, a lil’ Payne karma.  Whatever it was, the smooth swinging German is now the best player in the game.

The event also marked the last time NBC will be televising the U.S. Open.  As they bid golf fans farewell, Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller looked back on twenty years of televised memories.  Their emotions were evident.  They would miss America’s grandest golf stage dearly.  Now its up to Fox Sports to get out of the way and let the players script the story for 2015.  Hopefully Joe Buck and Greg Norman can hold their tongues a bit.

So with two majors down and two to go the Tiger-less season marches on towards the Ryder Cup.  Who will step up at Royal Liverpool?  Who will grab the Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla?  Who will challenge Herr Kaymer?  We will have to wait and see.

While there were several highlights from Pinehurst the past week in an odd way Martin Kaymer wasn’t a part of them.  Television commentators agreed his performance overshadowed what McIlroy did at Congressional in 2011.  They were right.  Highlights capture single moments.  Kaymer’s play encompassed every second, every shot he was executing.  He produced a full-feature blockbuster that left all of the other players at the popcorn stand.  Now he can go on and add the sequel.  I’ll be watching.

Not So Elementary, Captain Watson

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I was watching the Golf Channel the other morning as I am prone to do when I want to avoid the national news feeds covering the “disaster du jour”. At least with the GC news is a lil’ more upbeat.

In recent weeks a balding man in his fifties has joined the telecast. I didn’t recognize him until his name was displayed during a segment he was analyzing. Jim Gallagher Jr. is now adding his take to the GC’s coverage of tour events. During his tenure on tour Gallagher was a decent player, winning seven professional events, five of those on the PGA Tour. He also was a member of the 1993 Ryder Cup team and the 1994 Presidents Cup squad. He doesn’t look like he did back in the mid-nineties, which is why his presence threw me for a loop.

One of the topics of discussion this day focused on Tom Watson’s captaincy of this year’s Ryder Cup team. The last time Watson served as captain Gallagher played for the Hall of Famer at the Belfry, an event the US team won. Gallagher predicted Watson would have a strong influence over his team when they compete at Gleneagles, Scotland later this fall.

One of the stories Gallagher told about his former captain revolved around a comment Watson made as they arrived in England for the 1993 matches. Watson told his team, “They may have invented the game, but we’ve perfected it.” Gallagher said the statement ignited a fire within the team.

Naturally captains, coaches, managers and the like use well-phrased quotes to create a spark with their teams. Perhaps Watson’s comment worked as the US went on to a 15-13 victory over their European opponents. Yet did he really mean what he said? Has America perfected the game? In many ways it has not.

While I could cite several instances where this is not necessarily true, I will refer to two cases where the Scots might just be a bit more “familiar” with the game.

I’ve visited Scotland on one occasion. It was on a golf trip with three close friends. I loved the country, its quirks, the people and its links. The one noticeable difference with the Scots is they are more apt to engage in matches, be they foursome or four-ball. In America medal score is more important than a match, even if a match is also proposed on the first tee. When players come into the clubhouse at the conclusion of their round here are the two responses likely to be heard:

America – “What did ya shoot?”

Scotland – “Oo won yer match?”

For me simple is better. While we all want to achieve our best scores, why not just enjoy a match victory or toast the winners for the day? In the Ryder Cup matches nobody really cares what the players shoot. Some go low, others struggle but in the end water tends to seek its own level – the matches are competitive duels. It’s all about the matches and gathering points.

The second example of Scottish know-it-all has to do with color, particularly the color of their links courses. In America it is becoming mandatory that courses be kept emerald green regardless of turf condition. On most US layouts watering practices keep fairways damp, approaches spongy, and encourage cross-pollination of fairway turf into rough areas. Our courses might be green but as compared to their Scottish counterparts they can’t compare. America’s game is played through the air. In the game’s birthplace the game can be plated along the ground, in the air or any combination of the two. This phenomenon leads me to ask one question – where have all the shotmakers gone? There don’t seem to be as many around as in the old days.

American golf has produced smashers and crashers where high launch angles and distance is all that matters. Perfecting the game? I believe we’ve taken away from it. Mr. Watson’s motivational quip seems to be out of place coming from a 5-time winner of the Open Championship. I’d like to think Watson perfected his game by winning those five championships and discovering the infinite number of ways golf can be played. Hopefully that message is relayed to his squad when they embark from their plane after it lands on Scottish soil in September.

While there is much to enjoy with golf in our country we don’t need to display an attitude that “our” game is more perfect than “theirs”. Both are very different and one is not necessarily better than the other. They are unique and all players should experience the two. This fall I’m looking forward to watching competitive matches on firm, muted-colored linksland. I won’t be searching for scores in the 60’s; rather 15-13 will do just fine. I’ll be rooting for Watson’s bunch to post the 15 on Sunday. For me that will be perfection indeed.

The Rest Of The (Erin Hills) Story

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Many of you may remember Paul Harvey, the syndicated storyteller gracing the radio airwaves of yesteryear. Whenever I caught Mr. Harvey on my dial I perked up my ears, ready for the informal history lesson that was to follow. His distinctive voice grabbed me as he eventually would conclude with his famous signature, “and now you know the rest of the story”. Usually the person he spoke about was well known but Paul would add some wrinkle that jogged your memory causing you to think — I didn’t know that! His delivery flowed like homemade gravy over a hot turkey sandwich. Once you heard his voice, you couldn’t change stations.

I always loved the story behind the story, the ones journalists often overlook. In tribute to Mr. Harvey, I’d like to pen my own “and now you know….”. It involves a dream tarnished by “too many cooks in the kitchen”. It is an in-depth look at a forgotten man who simply wanted to bring a natural golf experience to others – Bob Lang.

Bob made his fortune in Waukesha County through a number of different businesses ranging from commercial real estate to greeting cards and candles as well as a graphics company. In 2004 he embarked on a twenty-three million dollar project to redevelop a majority of downtown Delafield, WI by adding office and retail space plus an upscale lodging property. A few years later several acres of land became available north of Delafield on which a golf course would be constructed. Three men, renowned architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan, his assistant Dana Fry, and Golf Digest Architectural Editor Ron Whitten were brought in to sculpt the layout. However it quickly became apparent there simply were too many differing ideas on what the course should be. Bob footed the bill for all their ideas, a process that ultimately derailed his dream.

I believe what began as an attempt to deliver a quality, affordable golf experience developed into a grandiose scheme to bring competitions of the United States Golf Association to Wisconsin. In the process Bob got run over by a Brinks truck.

At the time Erin Hills was awarded the USGA Mens Amateur in 2008, Milwaukee resident and former USGA Vice President Jim Reinhart knew the Midwest needed a bona fide US Open site. Chicago had failed in the USGA’s eyes with Olympia Fields Country Club hosting the 2003 event. Herb Kohler’s alliance with the PGA of America at Whistling Straits and the USGA at Blackwolf Run proved an interesting balancing act, but it seemed unlikely after the USGA Women’s Open in 2012 the USGA would knock on Herb’s doorstep again. Sensing an opening, Reinhart, Hurdzan, Fry and Whitten doggedly pursued a USGA Open bid for Erin Hills, perhaps for their own interests.

It’s apparent the reasons for such a pursuit. Golf course construction projects in this country have been on a steady decline. With Hurdzan, Fry and Whitten being awarded the opportunity to host a major championship, it certainly would bolster their resume. Plus Ron Whitten always wanted to be a golf course architect but his timing couldn’t have been worse. He grew up in an architectural age featuring prominent names like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, plus newcomers Tom Weiskopf and Ben Crenshaw. The field simply was too crowded to break into by hanging a shingle on the back of a Cat D8 bulldozer. Whitten instead had to settle for transcribing his thoughts on the pages of Golf Digest rather than digging in the dirt

Finally, Jim Reinhart wanted to be the known as the man responsible for bringing the USGA’s flagship event to Wisconsin. He capitalized on the opportunity and delivered. His legacy within USGA had been secured. Naturally the USGA appointed him as the General Chairman for the event. In the end the fight for “King of Erin Hills” came down to four men and their own personal agendas. Mission accomplished; Wisconsin would host the United States Golf Association’s premier event in 2017. But what about Bob?

While it’s obvious Bob did not originally intend for his course to grow into a financial liability or even the site of a national championship, the economic downturn in 2008 threatened his ability to keep the property. Add the input from the four amigos regarding course renovations and upgrades, these costly decisions ultimately forced a sale of Erin Hills to Andy Ziegler, co-founder of Artisan Partners LLC, a Milwaukee based investment company. Reinhart and Ziegler were acquaintances. You can interpret that relationship the way you want. It has the appearance of a financial better-ball team ganging up on one player. Bob just wanted a course to welcome golfers of all abilities in a unique natural setting with the only major events involving tales spun at the end of a round over a few pints of Guinness. His vision was one of a “journey” as he called it. Sadly that journey came to an unfortunate end.

One of the puzzling aspects of this financial process is why the USGA didn’t offer to fund any of the renovations Lang was encouraged to do in order to attract a championship. It was well documented the USGA contributed heartily to the renovations at Bethpage Black in order to conduct their first truly “public course” Open. Such a gesture most likely would have allowed Lang to maintain ownership of his course. But is this what Reinhart and the USGA wanted? In the end it didn’t appear that way.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bob Lang as well as Andy Ziegler during visits to Erin Hills. The first day I met Bob he was moving dirt with a shovel near the new eighth tee. Years ago I met Andy Ziegler on the patio behind the clubhouse as he, the Director of Golf and another companion were sharing a drink. The contrast in personalities of these two men couldn’t be more different. Bob wanted to shape things through his hands. Andy looked like a man preferring to delegate through the use of his pockets.

I’ve heard it said when it comes to bringing championship golf to Wisconsin, Herb Kohler was a visionary. Likewise I’m almost sure Andy Ziegler will receive similar accolades when the US Open arrives at Erin Hills in 2017. Jim Reinhart also will share a significant portion of the spotlight. Believe what you want, but the visionary responsible for Erin Hills was Bob Lang. His initial efforts painted the canvass that will host this championship.

It’s easy to possess vision when you have a company manufacturing toilets and generators or perhaps an investment firm. I don’t know how deep Mr. Ziegler’s pockets are but they appear substantial. He made a commitment of maintaining the heritage of Erin Hills and brought it to the national stage. Several upgrades to the property have been undertaken over the last few years. Design changes have made the layout better. I commend him for his decision to assume ownership of this outstanding course. Undoubtedly he will ensure the facility offers an upscale experience with greens fees that resemble a monthly car payment. You can decide if that is a good for the game or not.

All of this begs the question what might have been if upon groundbreaking the chosen architects had been a different bunch and Jim Reinhart hadn’t used his USGA pull to push Bob into financial chaos. But as we all know, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money. Did that happen here? Certainly it did. Articles have been written depicting Lang as an overzealous owner whose only quest was to deliver a major championship to the Dairy State at any cost. I disagree. Bob was more concerned with every day golfers. The cornerstone of the original clubhouse was inscribed with the following message — “Dedicated to all golfers who share a passion for the game.” It appears he simply got in over his head trying to appease too many others. He got caught up in a US Open feeding frenzy.

A man with a shovel in his hands and a dream in his mind is what brought Erin Hills to fruition. If you attend the US Open in 2017 be sure to say thank you to Robert Lang. It’s unlikely you’ll see or recognize him should he be on the grounds. Just say it to yourself as you walk the scenic expansive beauty this man developed years ago. Even better, if you have the chance to play the course one day, realize it all came about through Bob’s efforts. You will gain the proper appreciation for his vision. It should never be forgotten. Some might say Robert Lang’s dream died. Rather, it is very much alive and always will be for those who know….. the rest of the story.

 

 

Youth, Strength, & Questionable Decision Making

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As I avoided another cold spring Saturday last weekend, I repaired to my rocker and flipped on the Heritage at venerable Harbour Town.  Watching today’s players trying to fit shots between the narrow fairways is a refreshing change from the bombing runs usually found on Tour.  It is an AP (Advanced Placement) exam of sorts with the winner having to successfully “place” a variety of shots.

The weather Saturday down on the coast was a bit “blowy”.  Players fought the conditions inside the tree lined fairways until they caught sight of Calibogue Sound at the 16th green.  The last two holes, the par-3 17th and the exposed 18th, presented challenges with an imposing north wind.  Those finishing hole played right into the teeth of that wind.

Nicholas Thompson came to his fifty-fourth hole in contention at -6.  Better known as Lexi Thompson’s big brother, he had a chance to get his round in the house, get his head together for a run on Sunday and solidify his current standing on Tour. From 196 yards to the hole into a twenty mph breeze Thompson chose a six-iron.

Many who are familiar with the 18th at Harbour Town know that short is not a good option for one’s second shot.  Of course that is precisely where Thompson’s ball landed.  He gouged his third short of the green, hit an indifferent fourth twenty feet past the hole and the oil was leaking.  Somehow he managed to coax the putt in for bogey but the damage had been done.  The poor decision on club selection doomed his Sunday.

No doubt Thompson is a strong player.  His whip-saw swing generates plenty of speed.  Yet when I see others playing strong hybrids into the same hole, I have to wonder what the young man was thinking?

Young players only get so many chances.  The ones that  break through manage their games and their decision making wisely.  Thompson’s choice of club was foolish.  His caddie should have stopped the process.  A five iron gets him on the putting surface with a solid par or potential birdie.  He was lucky to make bogie.  He finished his round at -5.

The next day Thompson’s 72 sent him south on the leaderboard as Matt Kuchar grabbed the championship.  Yes, the young man cashed a triple-figure check, but he needed more.  You see, while I consider him young, he has passed into the thirty-something realm.

A professional since 2005, Thompson is getting squeezed.  The older Kuchar’s of the PGA Tour are still winning and the Jordan Spieth’s are coming on.  He’s caught in this game-within-a-game scenario and as the calendar pages fly by, Mr. Thompson will realize every opportunity is crucial for furthering his fledgling career.  He needs a win and wins aren’t easy to capture in this shark tank. The decision making he displayed last Saturday will make his journey to the winner’s circle a bit longer.  Hopefully he’ll engage in a better thought process to capitalize on his other talents.  I’m rooting for him to break through and capture his first title.

 

 

Big Time Bubba

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The first of golf’s 2014 major championships is in the books.  The recipient of a Masters victory receives “the green jacket”.  The jacket comes with two sleeves.  Bubba Watson now has two Masters wins to match those sleeves.  Maybe the jacket fits a bit better now when he puts it on.

It wasn’t an exciting tournament but it had all the makings of self-destruction normally seen on the back nine of Augusta National.  Watson tried to derail his hopes a bit when he hit a fantasy drive at 13 and a delusional second to 15 most leaders would have never considered.  But Bubba isn’t like most who play this game.

Placing golf somewhere around fifth on his life list of priorities, the 2014 champion doesn’t really care what others think and he certainly isn’t going to take suggestions lightly.  He is far and away his own man — on and off the golf course.  Perhaps he’s not in the mold of a Hogan, Nicklaus, the other Watson or even Tiger but that’s OK.  He’s happy with who he is, even if the viewing public would prefer to see someone a bit more conventional.

While most might say it was an easy win considering he had to beat a twenty year-old, a Swede and The Most Interesting Fifty Year-Old in Golf, it was far from it.  The National was blessed with a perfect weather week allowing the course to play fast and firm as it challenged contestants on every aspect. There were marvelous plays (Kuchar @ 15 on Saturday), rookie mistakes  (Spith’s dunk at 12 on Sunday) and bad bounces (McIlroy on 13 Friday), but in the end it came down to Watson managing his nerves around Amen Corner on Sunday afternoon.  He kept any charges at bay, the only notable one coming Saturday with Jimenez’s 66.  Young Spieth garnered some hope with his early flourish on Sunday, but his allotment of luck ran out on the eighth green.  The fourth round was a tale of two nines and Bubba played the most important one better.

Now all of the writers and magazines will be spinning their predictions for Bubba’s future.  On Sunday evening the Golf Channel already picked him as one of the favorites at Pinehurst.  While that may have been an immediate thought on their minds, it had to be the furthest on Watson’s.  Frankly I don’t know how he looks at his golfing future.  Something tells me he’s pretty well set right now and if he wanted to, he could retire with his family and watch his son grow up.  He has other priorities.

Each time a major roles around fans and media try to cast the champion into a category.  Palmer was charismatic, Nicklaus dominant, Seve flamboyant, and Phil a family man.  Now everyone is attempting to fit Bubba into one of professional golf’s molds.  It’s tough to put a square peg in a round hole.  I think it’s best to let Bubba be Bubba, admire his unique ability and accept the fact golf is slowly escaping the musty traditions and history of the past.  Pink drivers, orange slacks, and knobby-looking boat shoes are now part of the PGA Tour.  So to is a 30 yard slice.  Go get ’em Bubba. You’ve hit the big time whether you know it or not.

 

 

 

Palmer A Cheater?

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Most golf fans aren’t aware of the events surrounding the 1958 Masters.  Many of them may not have been born.  It involved two rising stars on the PGA Tour, the twelfth hole at Augusta National and a ruling that somewhat resembled Tiger Wood’s proceedings from 2013.  The stories have been written.  Mr. Venturi has passed away while details of the day waft on the subtle spring breezes filtering through the Georgia pines.

In the winter of 1985 I evaded the Chicago winter and my assistant duties at Westmoreland CC and headed to South Florida.  A fellow assistant, Tim Eaton, was now the head professional at Eagle Creek CC.  The private club community was under the ownership of the Maxxam Company.  Mr. Ken Venturi was in charge of the day-to-day operations of the new facility.  Tim invited me to join the his staff that winter.

The new club operated out of a few manufactured home structures pieced together to create a sales office and clubhouse.  It wasn’t elaborate but it worked as the club recruited new members.  Larry Packard designed a wonderful layout through palmettos and lowlands.  The wildlife was often scary with snakes and alligators roaming the grounds.  The best times were late in the day when play slowed, the sun fell westward and Mr. V and the golf staff would sit around a table with a few beers.  The conversations were memorable.

Naturally the ’58 Masters arrived on the table one day.  Venturi, usually full of bravado, talked softly about his disappointment during that tournament.  He felt it had been taken away from him.  The ruling with Palmer involved an imbedded ball near the twelfth green.  Playing his original ball, Palmer made five.  However before going to the thirteenth tee he claimed he was going to play a “second ball”, with which he made three.  Normally a second ball is played concurrently.  Here it was done after the fact, a procedure that infuriated Venturi and subsequently knocked him off his game. The rules officials deliberated as Palmer played the par five thirteenth, which he eagled.  By the time the twosome reached the fifteenth hole, Bob Jones arrived with the Committee’s decision. They granted Palmer his second ball three at the twelfth.  The rest is Masters history.

During that riveting conversation, I felt the disappointment in Mr. V’s voice.  Given a chance to win any major championship, his choice would have been the Masters.  His two mentors, Hogan and Nelson had done it.  The chance to return to the club each year as a Masters Champion would have suited Venturi well.  Yet it wasn’t to be.

At no time during our conversation did I hear the word “cheater” come up.  There were four of us at the table that afternoon.  No other members were in the clubhouse.  It was a private, intimate setting. Hearing one of the game’s best players tell his side of the story was something I’ll never forget. While he didn’t call Palmer a cheater, you could tell there was a coolness between the two.  Venturi claimed in later interviews he never used the term.  I can validate he did not mention it during our conversation.  Yet there were other feelings expressed at the table that evening, some expressed, some implied, that will remain with me and the other three.  No one, except the three of us need to know those thoughts.  It’s the way Mr. V would have wanted it.  We owe him that for sharing a poignant piece of his life with us.

Kohler Ain’t No Joe — But He Could Be

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With the recent announcement of Herb Kohler and Pete Dye bringing another course to the Kohler golf “stables”, Wisconsin will again be the beneficiary of adding to its world class portfolio.  Last fall Mike Keiser announced his intentions to build a new resort south of Wisconsin Rapids with the desire to bring his Bandon Dunes experience to the Midwest.  SentryWorld, the course that started it all, is preparing to opens its doors in August as the Robert Trent Jones layout debuts a needed facelift.  Golf is on comeback in the Dairy State, but is that a good thing?  In some ways, maybe not.

While Wisconsin is blessed with some wonderful courses the majority are out of reach for many players.  Justifying a $400 greens fee/caddy fee to shoot 100+ on Whistling Straits may not be an appealing option for John Q. Public.  It might make a nice anniversary gift or Christmas present from the kids but it’s not likely to be a monthly indulgence.  For most it will be like John Calipari’s Kentucky hoops program — one and done.

When golf officials scratch their heads as to why more players are leaving the game it might be due to the fee structures that have arisen with these new “ultra-courses”.  It’s easy to see why these facilities come to fruition.  Rich people want to play there and they have the bucks to stay a few nights, drink and dine and grab a few $100 embroidered shirts.

Those knowledgable with public golf in the Midwest are familiar with the name Joe Jemsek.  Often considered the patriarch of Chicagoland public golf, Jemsek brought the country club experience to the masses with his facilities.  Most notably St. Andrews and Cog Hill, multi-course establishments where quality comes through in course conditioning and amenities surrounded by a cold beverage and hearty sandwich.  Pine Meadow is another great venue in their collection with a course reminiscent of one you might find in the sandhills of North Carolina.  Each property is affordable and each one features a practice area second to none.

While I realize the Kohler Company focuses on making a profit with their hospitality businesses, I wonder if Herb has done all he can to “make his mark” on the sport.  No doubt his facilities are top-notch but I wonder if he’d consider building a course for the common man.  Structure the fees so others not able to participate in $1600 foursomes could experience play at an internationally recognized facility.  I doubt he sees the benefit of such a gesture, which is what it would be.  An opportunity to give back to a game that has certainly benefitted his multi-billion dollar empire.

I know Herb Kohler.  I like the man.  I also know he doesn’t give anything away.  It’s his nature.  But as he spends the latter stage of his life building his fifth course, it would be admirable if Herb went the extra yard and invited the John Q’s of the sport to play one of his layouts in affordable fashion. Those who come after his passing would remember him for the right reason — a man, like Joe Jemsek, giving back to the game, making it accessible to all.  I can think of a few billion reasons why he should.

 

Hell Hath No Fury….

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Male readers most likely can complete the remainder of the saying in the title of this article.  All of us have our own battle scars resulting from actions deemed inconsiderate by the opposite sex.  Well this is about to take place again on a “Major” golf stage.  In June the USGA will be contesting it’s two elite national championships in North Carolina at the venerable Pinehurst Number 2 layout.  What makes this occasion unique is they will be played back-to-back, boys first.  At the time this decision may have seemed like a great idea but I think it’s going to create “major” controversy.

There are several issues surrounding this decision, some good, some bad. From a logistics standpoint it makes sense to prep the same venue with the infrastructure necessary to host a major championship.  In effect you don’t have to set up for two separate events.  One set of bleachers will house folks watching Rory, Phil, Adam, Tiger and one day later Stacy, Inbee, Michelle and Suzann.  The hospitality tents will have signage flipped but not menus as corporations wine and dine their clients. The transportation and parking will be in place plus NBC will have their wires buried and their blimp ready.  Yes, it all makes perfect sense.

I see potential issues however that are bound to ruffle a few feathers.  First, it’s obvious the USGA has relegated the females players to the role of second class citizens by having them follow their male counterparts immediately after they complete the U.S. Open.  When the men show up at Pinehurst on Monday the grounds will be pristine and the playing conditions ideal from weeks of rest and preparations by the USGA and the grounds crew.  Contrast that to what the women will face on their first day of practice.  You can’t help think they will will feel like they’ve been slighted in some fashion.  Maybe the USGA owes the women an opportunity to play first the next time they come up with this scenario.

Another consideration will be playing conditions.  Greens and tees shouldn’t be a problem as long as the committee for the mens event doesn’t allow the issue of green speed and dryness to escape them.  Keeping green surfaces smooth, fast and alive in a North Carolina June could be a challenge.  The main issue will be the fairways.  Imagine a week’s worth of sand-filled divots from the men dotting fairways the women will be competing on days later?  That wouldn’t make me happy especially coming off last year’s tournament at Sebonack.  Conditions on the Long Island venue were ideal for the women.  It won’t be the same at Pinehurst.

What could really throw this this two-week garden party off course is a tie at the end of 72 holes for the men.  If that occurs the championship will be decided by an 18 hole playoff on Monday.  How would you like to be a participant in the Women’s Open and have one of your practice days cancelled?  Guys, you know the consequences when something is taken away from a woman.  They aren’t happy.

While the USGA may be more efficient by only having to erect one infrastructure for two events (and also increasing their bottom line), they will “open” themselves to several concerns they may not have properly considered.  The men’s schedule will not be affected.  They will play a groomed course under the best conditions.  In all likelihood by Sunday evening they’ll be long gone from the sandhills.  The women will be left to play a less-than-pristine venue.

As this article was being prepared I called the USGA to ask about the potential of a Monday playoff for the men impacting the practice schedule for the women.  The USGA office in Pinehurst indicated a press release would be forthcoming although a timeline was not definitive.  It seems this possibility will throw a wrench in things.  I can’t see an early morning playoff followed by afternoon practice rounds but that will probably be the only solution.  Television will have a large say in the process. Either way my guess is the women will again be inconvenienced.

Women scorned in Pinehurst?  We’ll find out in June.

 

 

 

The Ultimate Cheater?

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Cheating in golf is not often discussed due to the self-policing nature of the sport and the integrity of the players.  Golf is a game of tradition, playing the ball as it lies and invoking penalties on oneself when no one is watching.  The problem is nowadays everyone is watching.  With events being covered from start to finish virtually all of the action is captured through the lens.  I’m sure the players don’t like having their every move scrutinized in high definition.  The fact is if people think there is no cheating in golf, they are uninformed.  It has taken place on all levels.

There have been the incidents involving players who unknowingly violated the rules.  Craig Stadler kneeling on a towel at Torrey Pines comes to mind. Paul Azinger kicking a rock out of his way as he took his stance while playing a ball from a Doral water hazard is also memorable.  These incidents were unintentional.  Yet the rules were applied and both players were penalized.  

Fans see more of these violations now due to increased camera time.  It doesn’t need to be this way.  Players are in charge of knowing the rules.  If they are unsure about a procedure, there are rules officials available to consult.  Realistically there isn’t any reason for a violation if these two considerations are followed.   

Perhaps the most publicized cheating events involved Bob Toski and Jane Blalock. Toski, a noted teacher, even admitted he cheated in a Senior Tour event.  On the LPGA Tour Blalock was suspended for an alleged incident involving the marking of her golf ball on the greens.  She filed suit against the LPGA and regained her playing privileges but the label had been affixed. Ironically Toski mentored Blalock as she worked to establish herself on the LPGA Tour.  

Last season the most notable rules infraction occurred during the second round of the Masters. Tiger Woods took an illegal drop and compounded that by playing his next shot from a wrong place.  Rather than disqualification, Mr. Woods was assessed a two-stroke penalty and allowed to remain as a participant on the weekend  — a weekend when everyone watches the Masters.  

Did Tiger intentionally break the rule?  I don’t think there was intention but he did make a mess of the process.  What amazes me is officials with the group did not step in to advise Tiger.  Were they intimidated?  Aren’t they supposed to advise players if they see something askew?  I’ve never known the green coats to be shy. The rules committee bent over backwards to keep Mr. Woods around for the weekend.  Ultimately they were the one’s who cheated.  Their actions signaled to all players that it’s OK to amend the rules when it comes to “special circumstances”.   They insulted everyone who plays the game.      

Golf can monitor and control players.  However when rules committees at events, especially major championships choose to interpret rules situations for their gain, it opens a whole new issue.  Who do they report to?  Who oversees their actions?  In this case no one.  The Masters is its own entity.

Last year’s Friday debacle with Mr. Woods pasted a black eye on the game from a club that is supposed to uphold its high standards. Their decision compromised its integrity.  It was a selfish act.  If you ask to identify the ultimate cheater in professional golf the past few years, it isn’t an individual.  It is the Rules Committee at the Masters.