Smokin' Joe's Blog!

Updated: 8/17/09

Get ready world golf is taking a big step in becoming even bigger.  First there was the announcement that golf will be recommended as a sport for the 2016 games then the shot heard round the world as YE Yang went man to man with Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship at Hazeltine and became the first Asia born golfer to win a major.  Two very significant events that will push golf to the spotlight of the world. 

Contrary to what the NFL will tell you the number one sport in the world is soccer.  But this past weekend golf took on a whole new dimension with a 37 year old south Korean lifting the Wanamaker Trophy and grinning ear to ear as the 2009 PGA Champion.  Yang did the unbelievable -- he beat Tiger Woods at his own game.  Impressive drives, dramatic shots, breath taking aggressiveness and key putts.  Yang shot a final round -2 under 70 and beat Tiger on Sunday by 5 strokes in a made for TV finale.  CBS had the be loving every moment of this show.

The four majors of 2009 are in the history book and Tigers name is not attached to any of them.  A warning to all the pro's planning on playing in the 2010 majors -- this tiger is mad, hungry and thirsty for the taste of victory.  Time will pass and before you know it the magic of spring will awaken with the gates of Augusta National opening the competition for the Masters.  I for one would not be surprised to see the golf history books of 2010 have only one name next to the four majors -- Tiger Woods.

Tune in the Smokin Joe’s Driving Range this Saturday at 7 am on Sports Radio 610 as Dr. David Cook -- author of the book Golf’s sacred journey -- 7 days at the links of Utopia will be stopping by and we’ll have more information on the free tickets for the Administaff Small Business Classic at the Woodlands TPC this October. 

Updated: 8/13/09

They are off the tee box at the final major for 2009 – the PGA Championship at Hazeltine National in Minnesota.  There are so many questions about this final major that any avid golfer is spinning in delight with the drama that will unfold over the next four days.  Can Tiger win 3 tournaments in a row?  Can Tiger win a major in 2009?  How will Phil do?  Will an unknown like Rich Beem rise up and win the championship?  Questions and more questions that make the sport of golf so great especially during a final when the drama sucks in all sports fans, even the remotest of golf fans.

There is something about the drama of the best individuals in the world competing over four days to determine one champion – no questions asked – at the end of the tournament one individual will be holding the Wanamaker Trophy.   Over the years, Hazeltine has offered up some great golf memories and been the course has been tweaked to provide even greater challenges.  The big course question this year is whether or not they will move the tees up on #14 and challenge the pro’s to drive the green?  The risk/reward segment is huge and could be a defining moment in the tournament. 

The PGA Championship is under way, a perfect time to sit back and watch the pro’s do their thing.  Tune in Saturday morning at 7 am as we discuss the progress of the Championship – who’s in and who’s out after the cut and who do we think will win?  Plus John Cannon from the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama and Bryan Nagle from the Administaff Small Business Classic will be stopping by the driving range.  Grip it – rip it and play golf. 


Updated: 7/27/09

The game of golf is a funny sport.  You get into a rhythm playing your favorite course and feel like you are on top of the game.  Then take a road trip to new course and all of a sudden the rhythm is gone and you feel like you have never played before.  One more proof on how good the pro’s really are.  They arrive in town on Monday for three days to prep and get to know a golf course then tee it up for the big bucks.  With only three days of getting to know the course these guys and girls then go out and shoot 4 to 6 under par each day – truly amazing.  So the underlying lesson in this conversation is that to really improve your game add some variety to the courses that you play on a regular basis.  If that is not an option,  play the different tee boxes at your favorite course – even the red tees – to provide different lengths, set up and challenges.  You need rhythm with your swing but variety with your challenge.

Last Saturday we had a special guest on the Smokin Joe’s Driving Range with 1st Tee participant Tezira Abe joining us to chat about her upcoming trip to Pebble Beach to compete in the Wal-Mart First Tee Champions Tournament over the Labor Day Weekend.  Tezira is a 15 year old young lady with a one handicap.  This is her second trip to Pebble Beach representing the Houston First Tee program and we could not ask for a better candidate.  Hats off to Diane Overstreet with the Houston Golf Association for her time, vision and work in making the Houston First Tee program one of the best in the nation.  If you want your children to learn the game of golf, check out the First Tee Program – it is definitely worth the time.

Tune in this week to the Smokin Joe’s Driving Range as we chat with Chip Pursur with the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama where he oversees the golf at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham.   If you are not familiar with the Alabama Robert Trent Jones Trail this will definitely get you excited and thinking about your next golf trip. 

Have a great week and remember to squeeze it easy.


Updated: 7/20/09

Thirty-two years ago it was the battle in the sun at Turnberry that went into the archives of golf history.  Two giants in the world of golf – Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus – going head to head in battle, shot for shot in competition and an emotional roller coaster for all in attendance an watching on TV.  Watson beat Nicklaus on a day that Jack said was one of his all time greatest rounds of golf. 

Fast forward to 2009 and the history books have been rattled open again by an icon in golf – Tom Watson.  This 59 year old Kansas City kid did what no one thought was possible – he took on Father Time and he won.  Stewart Cink may be holding the Claret Jug, but for millions  of senior golfer around the world Tom Watson gave us four days of inspiration, hope, fun and memories.   He jumped into the bunker of sand called time and hit one stiff at the British Open.  What were the odds of Tom Watson teeing it up on Thursday and making it to the first tee on Saturday – improbable.  What were the odds of Tom Watson making it to the final group on Sunday – impossible.  If you took either of those bets you are counting your money today. 

I for one feel refreshed by the feat of Tom Watson at the British Open this past weekend.  He showed game plan, emotion, humility and appreciation  for the game of golf and the British fans.  He didn’t hit 310 yard drives nor did he boast that he truly is one of the best with 5 British Open championships and 3 Senior British Open Championships.  Everyone expected the gas tank to run out – none of us thought it would end up on the last hole with a five foot putt that he had made look so problematic for three days.   The four hole playoff was over quickly and tears formed for what could have been.   But ever gracious Watson praised Stewart Cink, the golf course, the fans and most importantly the game itself.  This is the recipe of a champion.

Fast forward to October 2009 at the Woodlands TPC for the Small Business Classic and two icons of golf will be teeing it up.  Fred Couples will be making his debut on the Champions Tour and for the first time Tom Watson will be joining the competition.  Two great reasons for all Houstonians to plan now to be part of the audience at the Small Business Classic – this will be one for the history books.

I’ll see you on the radio this Saturday at 7 am on Sports Radio 610 when we open the Smokin Joe’s Driving Range for our weekly hour of golf updates, interviews, music and fun.  Till then squeeze it easy and have a good one.

Updated: 7/6/09

Is it rude for the host of a party to grab to be the center of attention for the entire event?  If you are Tiger Woods and you are the host of the AT&T Championships at Congressional, absolutely not.  In fact he should be showered with praise and given a standing ovation.

Playing golf as the country celebrates the birth of freedom for the USA takes on a whole new perspective when Tiger Woods is throwing the party.  The over-whelming theme at Congressional is God Bless America loud and clear.  Anyone associated with the Armed Services had a free pass for the entire tournament.  Children were welcomed with open arms and without any need for tickets.  Professional golfers took dead aim at dangerous pen placements marked with the American flag.  Patriotism never looked so good.

But our host was not done by a long shot.  He rounded up one of the best fields outside of a major or the Shell Houston Open for a weeklong bring it on competition.  The boys did not disappoint.  Look at the leader board -- VJ, Furyk, Kim, Mahan, Glover and the host.  Even the final day took special ambiance as the Tiger was in the final group with young buck Anthony Kim and CBS TV was drooling with excitement.  Just look at the stories that unraveled.

Hunter Mahan goes out early and gets into the clubhouse with the first noticeable lead -- by the way he tied the course record by shooting a lights out 62 and getting on the leader board at 12 under.  Even Tiger was trailing the tournament at the time Mahan's score was posted.

VJ showed glimpes of brillance with a final round 66, but his achilles tendon -- putting gave out on him one more time.

Lucas Glover keep the US Open pace going by getting to 7 under but the fourth day, second tournamemt in a row since the US Open and numerable media interviews took their tool on the last round with even par score.

Anthony Kim showed up but forgot to bring his A game for the biggest golf and TV opportunity in his lifetime.  Head to head against Tiger Woods on national TV -- no excuses allowed.  He responded with an early birdie to go one up on Tiger and it was downhill from there.  if they gave medals for losing the grip on your club Kim was the winner by far.  (Second place would have to go to the slow motion camera that caught his driver doing the most amazing dance as it left Kim's hands.)

At the end of the day the number 1 golfer in the world and arguably in history accepted the winners trophy.  But this party host threw one of the best 4th of July bashes I've seen and the standing ovation at the end of the day is well deserved.

Couple of notes;

Sign up for the Sports Radio 610 Golf Tournament benefitting the First Tee of Houston -- July 15th at Blackhorse.  This is going to be a great day on the golf course.

You can now connect with me on Twitter at SmokinJoeHou -- join me as in creating the best driving range group in the world.
 

Updated: 6/25/09

Commitment is just one word in the golf dictionary but it’s one of the most important words there is.  You will hear the word used  constantly by golf analysts, teachers and pros in that they commit to the shot or that they are committed to the read of their caddy.   But the best use of the word is to honor, to live up to your commitment and this week we are seeing a first class example of commitment.  2009 US Open Champion Luke Glover has been a media star since capturing the championship mid-day Monday.   Yet there he was Wednesday for the Pro-Am at the Travelers Championship living up to the commitment he made prior to wearing the title of US Open Champion.   That commitment will continue as he will also make the next three tournaments he scheduled prior to stepping up as the newest member to an elite fraternity of men in the world of golf.   Commitment – one of the best personality traits and individual can have.

The 2009 US Open is in the history books – so let’s look back at what we got from Bethpage this year. 

·         We got a strong dose of courage as Phil Mickelson fought the demons of breast cancer and came for the fifth time a runner up at the US Open.

·         We got determination from Rick Barnes to show the world that the talent everyone bragged that he had was indeed there.

·         We got fight from David Duval as he showed the form that was once the #1 golfer in the world and the hope that it’s back to stay.

·         We got inspiration from Nick Taylor the young amateur that finished tied for 36th overall.

·         We got a kick out of seeing Rocco Mediate starting off like he was still at Torrey Pines battling Tiger.

·         We got tired of seeing Tiger fighting to stay alive all over the course.

ut most importantly we got one more moment with Dick Harmon – the teacher and mentor for Lucas Glover prior to his untimely departure from this world.  Hearing his name, seeing his photo and having a US Open trophy raised in his honor was priceless. 

The 2009 US Open is history.  So now it’s time to tune up for the driving range show this Saturday on Sports Radio 610 with our guest Greg Martin – caddy for 25 years for Dan Forsman and author of the book, “Caddy Confidential”.    Smokin Joe is also going techno – sign up to be part of the range rats at Facebook and Twitter by searching Smokin Joe and clicking in  – come on and be part of the fastest growing golf group in Houston. 

I will see you Saturday at 7 am on the Sports Radio 610 dial – tell everyone in your foursome.


Updated: 6/22/09

Okay admit it – how many of you called in with the dreaded Bethpage Flu today?   You know the systems; Monday morning, empty house, sofa is wide open and the 2009 US Open due to weather has live TV coverage of the final round.  I know I was tempted but then modern technology offered relief via www.nbcsports.com live video coverage that I can watch from the comforts of my office space.  You gotta love the internet.

Speaking of the US Open – we won’t know the winner till later today and even possibly tomorrow.  But one winner has stood out – the grounds crew at Bethpage Park.  Any normal golf course in the world would have waved the white flag to mother nature and called it a day.  But working around the clock miracles this group of landscapers, mowers and water experts kept the US Open in play.  Yes there were big gaps in play and some could argue that the winner with have asterisk beside their name because this was not a normal US Open.  Baloney, the weather is part of the conditions and it takes a great player to have the patience and game to win the championship.  Do you think the fellows across the pond would be cursing the weather during the British Open?  Absolutely not!  They probably would have played through the wind, rain and mud.  It’s part of the game.

Now the leader board – how many dramas do you want?  Ricky Barnes – collegiate all star with so much game that never materialized in the lead, David Duval the former #1 player in the world that has been on a journey to Oz has found the yellow brick road back to a major leader board, Phil Mickelson with the demons of breast cancer dancing in his head and then amateur Nick Taylor putting in a respectable tournament and hanging on by the fingernails.  This is what the US Open is all about.  Excitement, drama, unknown and the game of golf.

Speaking on behalf of the entire medical profession – be very careful with the Bethpage Flu.  If you think you have any systems at all – please head home, hit the sofa and turn on the live broadcast of the US Open.  Depending on today’s result you may need to stay home tomorrow for the playoff. 

Updated: 6/15/09

The US Open week is officially here and one last contestant has made the field – Brian Gay wins the St. Jude in much the same fashion as his win at the Verizon at Harbor Town – a runaway to become a two time winner on the tour for 2009.  That incredible accomplishment punches his ticket for the US Open. 

How fitting that the US Open is the same week as Father’s Day.  It’s a week of dream making, male bounding and unbelievable golf.  To be able to watch this incredible week of competition and celebrate the awesome element of life called fatherhood is the best.  My own plans are to tune on the Tube with my son and cheer on the competition.  We will also hit the links and play our own imaginary US Open between the two of us.  It will be our version of the Mediate vs. Woods show down at Torrey Pines.

But what is really cool is the  experience  our own Captain Mickey from the Outdoor show will be living out.   As I type away  on this blog update he is walking Bethpage with his brother as they watch Shawn Stefani – the captain’s nephew and his brother’s son – compete in the 2009 US Open.  Shawn made it to Bethpage via the grueling qualifying rounds and is now living the dream.  So as you get comfortable on the sofa this Thursday – keep and eye out for Shawn and definitely keep all the good luck charms turned on for this young man and family member of Sports Radio 610. 

I’ll be back blogging on Thursday as the US Open tees off.  In the mean time, keep it in the middle and putt for dough at on the golf course.

Smokin Joe


Updated: 6/9/09

He’s back and looking unbeatable!  Tiger Woods came alive at Jack’s tournament shooting a final round 65 to win the Memorial for the 4th time.  Classic woods with incredible iron shots into the greens and the usual number of dramatic putts.  But it was his drives off the tee that was most respected – straight down the middle and long.  No army golf in Dublin this past weekend.  Classic Woods and his 67th win has the markings of indicating that he will pick up his 15th major trophy at Bethpage on Father’s Day 2009.  I think the conversation going into the US Open is who will take second place?

Speaking of being back – two more important players mark their return to the PGA.  John Daly is off suspension, back from the European Tour, 60 pounds lighter and the ultimate winner in the bad pants open on the PGA tour.  Phil Mickelson returns from a roller coaster ride of a lifetime facing the news that his wife Amy is fighting the beast known as breast cancer.  Both players return to action in Memphis for the St. Jude’s Classic and their return comes at a time that both the players and the PGA Tour need each other.  Hopefully, the PGA Tour will see a demon less Daly and will help provide the motivation for the Mickelson family to stand tall and take on their ugly enemy with a nation of supporters.

Three players all on different roads in life brought together over competition with a small with ball on the best manicured parks in the country.  A simple game that dumbfounds thousands of each weekend from coast to coast and around the world.  But it’s this simple game that unites all of us in the best fraternity in the world, it’s called GOLF.  


Updated: 6/1/09

You gotta wear pink was the theme of the day at Colonial Country Club on Saturday and the outpouring of support was everywhere.  Pink in honor of every woman in the world that dreads the two ugliest words in the human vocabulary – “breast cancer”.  Pink to show courage and determination in the fight against this dreaded disease.  Pink to tell Amy and Phil Mickelson we do care. 

What other sport has the charity effort, foundation and player dedication that golf has to our everyday lives?  None!  Every golf tournament is charity based and almost every player has a foundation or is personally involved with a charity close to their personal inspirations.  The PGA Tour has raised over $1.4 billion for charity in the last 71 years.  Not bad for a pro sports organization built on independent contractors. 

Pink out was a success and the Colonial was one for the history books.  Tim Clark is still winless in 184 tries and over $12.5 million in winnings – amazing that this guy is so good but can’t close the deal.  Steve Marino’s time has not come yet – but the clock is ticking and I predict that before the end of the year he will earn his ticket to the Master’s.  Steve Stricker win’s his 5th PGA event and does it by grinding out every shot, including the 3 ½ foot birdie putt on the 2nd playoff hole to win.  It’s been a tough year for Steve with near hits in Palm Springs and LA, but this time he made good and now has a new sport jacket in the closet.

The countdown to the US Open begins with a tiger sighting at the course that Jack built – The Memorial. 


Updated 5/26/09

Some people will say that golf is life, but in reality life is so much bigger.  This past week we rode the rollercoaster of life through the world of golf.  Rory Sabbatini put on a spectacular four days of competitive golf winning the prestigious Byron Nelson in Dallas.  But it was the activities off the course that set the world stage in proper perspective.

Last week we found out that Amy Mickelson is in the battle of life with the ugly beast called breast cancer.  This is the wonderful wife of Phil Mickelson and mother of his three children and a huge icon among PGA Tour wives and players for her charity work and friendliness.  The entire golf world was caught off guard as Phil has withdrawn for competitive golf to be with his wife and family in this huge battle for life.   This doesn’t happen to golfers especially Phil – but it does.  Breast cancer is ugly and attacks women of all ages, ethnics, beliefs, shapes and sizes.  It is a disease that continues to inflict pain into families around the world as it strikes down the foundation of family – the mother. 

The PGA did not take the news like a triple bogey, but rather like an all important eagle putt that gets the adrenalin pumping and the competitive fires blazing on full throttle.  Messages of encouragement, prayers and support came in from around the world to the Mickelson family.  Not one individual stood by silently during the Byron Nelson as every single player wore pink ribbons not just for Amy Mickelson but as a rally call for everyone to stand up and help fight this unfathomable monster.  On Sunday – Rory went pink for the tournament just as John Daly wore pink pants thousands of miles away in the final round of the European PGA Championships – they had different results on the golf course but the same hardcore message to the Mickelson’s and the world to have hope and fight against Breast Cancer.

The final reality was dealt during the post tournament news conference with champion Rory Sabbatini and he disclosed the pain he was suffering as a dear friend was in the battle of cancer as well.  The tears flowed as he described a buddy that stood tall at 6’2” and 220 pounds was now an 85 pound weakling with more fight than Mike Tyson in his prime.   It’s tough but it’s good to see our champions shed tears of reality and bring home the message that every minute of the day is priceless. 

So now the question for you is what will you do about it?  Will you take a moment and make sure your wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend have been checked for breast cancer?  Will you pick up the phone and call the Susan Komen Foundation and see what help they need?  Will you take a moment to hug your mom, wife, sister, daughter and friend and let them know how special they are?  Life is priceless and through the Byron Nelson this past weekend we had a great reminder how special it really is. 


Updated 5/19/09

The Texas three step is one step into the history books.  The Valero Texas Open started the Lone Star Dance off with fireworks on the La Cantera Resort course with birdies, eagles and a playoff.  Everything you could throw in a get down bar room brawl was written into the script in one of the state’s best cities for Tex Mex and hospitality.

Let’s start off with Paul Goydos on top of the leader board.  The man that caught the everyday golfer attention with the 2008 Players Championship was back in contention.  We all cheer for Paul – the regular single father of two who has battled emotional roller coasters his entire life and as he will tell you – I button my top button on my shirt so it won’t fall off since I have no shoulders.  The way he walks the course, shows his emotions and just gets it done needs a storybook ending.  Unfortunately it was a Smokin Joe chip shot that cost him a shot at the playoff.  Hopefully the winners circle will be in Goydos near future.

Flashback to the days of pinpoint iron shots and going low to a record 59 and you can hear the crowds screaming for David Duval.  Am I the only one hoping for a return to form of the former #1 player in the world.  San Antonio provide the backdrop for high hopes as David had it to -8 at one time, but the demon shots are still alive and holding back the once great golfer.  Sadly the glimmer of hopes slid away with final rounds of 72 and 71 to finish at -2.  Our hopes live for another tournament.

Journeyman James Driscoll put up a fight to get into the clubhouse with a lead of-14 but had to endure a long wait to see if it would hold up.  What would you do for over an hour sitting around hearing the gallery cheers of celebration and moans of disappointment?  Glancing at the TV to see Goydos go to -15 with two holes left and Zack Johnson lurking at -14 with you.  Sitting in the clubhouse with the lead must be the Webster definition of slow play.  The nerves, anxiety, adrenalin all rushing through you at the same time.  The wait was worth it as Goydos stumbled and Zack came in tied with Driscoll for a playoff.

Playoffs – the stress must be huge.  Here’s a young guy hoping to break into the small fraternity of brothers called tournament winners battling a Masters Champion.  Driscoll did nothing wrong, Johnson proved why he is a Masters Champion with a 2nd shot within 10 feet for a birdie.  After missing oh so close birdies on 17 and 18 during regular play you knew this putt would not be short and it wasn’t.  straight in and straight down four inches for a  win. 

San Antonio can be proud of kicking off the Texas Swing on the PGA tour with class and drama.  Now the caravan heads to Dallas for the tradition rich Nelson and Colonial to finish high stepping across Texas.  Next year the Valero Texas Open heads to the new TPC Course in San Antonio and the beginning of new traditions in the Lone Star State.


Updated 5/11/09

What a great day to catch up on some needed zzz’s and the Players Championship provide the perfect snooze button for it this weekend.  No fireworks, no tiger, no Phil and no excitement.  The only thing that had any adrenalin pumping was Cejka’s gum chewing.  What happened?

Updated: 5/7/09

Who decided that there were four majors?  What credentials were required to be a major?  Why are the British Open and US Open majors but the Australian Open and Spanish Open are left on the outside looking in?  Who decides if the Player Championship is the fifth major?

The answer is complex -- there's the golf courses, the history, the players, the time of the year when the tournament is played and the fans.  But the real answer to what makes a major is the competition and the tradition.  The masters -- where all past champions gather for a special dinner and are invited to play, the British Open is played on the courses where the game of golf began, the US Open is the ultimate challenge in the world and the PGA is the final challenge among members of the fraternity of golf professionalism. 

So what could make the Players Championship the fifth major?  Time.  Joining the exclusive group of immortal golf tournaments is not done in a year or a decade.  But it takes time for all the elements to come together.  The course is of major quality and the 17th hole one of the most dynamic golf holes in the world and in tournament golf.  The competition is as strong a field as any major.  The championship bloodline is rich with names like Woods, Couples, Nicklaus, Floyd, Trevino, Norman, Mickelson and Love. The fans have made the 17th hole the dynamo that it is with applause for effort, moans for tragedy, groans for broken dreams and cheers for the once in a lifetime shot.

Welcome to the Player Championship weekend the new major.  Yes, after 35 years of competition the time has come and the work fulfilled and this is truly the fifth most exciting golf tournament in the world.  Sit back and enjoy the tradition.

Updated: 5/1/09

I was looking for the phone number of a contact I needed to call and stumbled across an acquaintance that I had not seen or talked to in years.  Immediately memories of good conversations and good times flooded my thoughts and I had the mixed feelings of wanting to reach out to the individual at that very moment and also a feeling of guilt – why had a gap developed between our communication?  Did something happen?  Did time fly by and my own needs create the gap? 

Where am I going with this thought process?  An old friend is beginning to appear on the golf radar screen.  Yes, John Daly sightings are becoming a regular occurrence and this weekend he’s teeing it up on the European Tour in Spain.  Yes, that John Daly that is like the old friend that I have not seen or heard from in years.  Only this was a friendship that with John had way too many conflicts to make it fun anymore.  But as his name resurfaces it’s the memories of the introductory massive drives and 18th hole fist pumps as he won the 1991 PGA Championship or the dramatic 1994 British Open win that we remember.   How many times did you turn on the TV to see John Daly and be amazed at the towering drives and jealous of the beautiful touch around the green?  How many of us were part of the thousands that followed every step John took at the Shell Houston Open?  How many of us were cheering for Daly in the Shell Houston Open playoff versus Singh and felt a body blow when his drive went in the water?

John Daly has resurfaced minus 60 pounds, new swing and new attitude on the European Tour.  His welcome back to the PGA Tour has to wait till June 11th with the St. Jude Classic in Memphis, but I have a feeling that the everyday Joe golf fan has the date circled and a tremendous amount of hope that the golf talent of John  Daly returns to America where he belongs.  I know we have all been burned over and over again with his demons.  How many chances do you give a guy?  In my golf world I’m on the Daly band wagon and cheering every drive, chip and putt.  My hope is to see another Daly – Woods playoff that goes on and on and on.  Could you imagine the crowds?  What about the media?  It would be the perfect final chapters for Daly’s career on the PGA Tour – head to head with Woods over the next 10 years in every major event and tournament that they enter.  This would be the biggest boost the game of golf could ever imagine.

Welcome home John Daly – now let’s grip it and rip it!

Updated: 4/20/09

After the storm comes the calm.  Two days of Houston monsoon rains can be extremely frustrating for a golf addict.  There is only so many times of rolling the white wonder across the hardwood floor green to finally grow old and non-interesting.  CBS did its best to provide the  ultimate fix, but how interesting is it to follow a tournament where the leader is in a zone all his own and wins by 10 strokes.  You try to forget about Brian Gay and make the battle for 2nd place the excitement – but that doesn’t work.

The answer to the storms came through a great new program implemented by Redstone Golf – Golf for Grads.  An inaugural program launched in conjunction with Rice University to introduce the game of golf, golf course etiquette and the opportunity of business on the course to Rice students.  The old saying – if you build it  they will come is alive and well.  The program facilitator, Kim Phillips set the program up and soon had 23 students interested in the camaraderie of golf and the opportunity to learn what this game is all about.  The program started in January and ended yesterday with a nine hole scramble tournament on the Redstone Tournament course.  How does this fix one golf addicts need for a driver/wedge/putter fix?  The invitation to be a mentor in the program paid off with being paired with four Rice colleagues for a day on the course.

What a day and what a course.  Remnants of the Shell Houston Open were evident in various forms on bleacher dismantling and the course was in perfect shape.  Every blade of grass was perfectly combed and the variety of green colors was everywhere.  The greens rolled with no bumps and excellent speed.  The picture perfect weather made for an incredible day.  Did I mention camaraderie?  The Smokin Joe team consisted of golf newcomers Natalie and Kellen – both contributed with accurate putts and some high pressure chips.  Rounding out the team was Will and Charles – one a member of the great Rice football team of 2008 and the other a Sean O’Hair look alike and not a bad five iron player under pressure.  We chatted, we laughed, we talked about the future and we played golf.  Pure uninterrupted golf on the most beautiful course you could have asked for.  Absolutely amazing how a golf course gets besieged with over 8 inches of water but was in perfect shape for our afternoon walk. 

Kim was waiting for the results which we handed in a respectable 3 over par.  But the true results was a golf fix and an afternoon with four amazing fine individuals.  The future of golf is going to be great.


Updated: 4/16/09

I’m in a golfers hangover – the 2009 Masters is in the history book and my golf rush has left me worn out.  What can replace the excitement of Phil’s record tying front nine 30 or the charge that Tiger kicked in on the back nine?  What TV golf telecast is going to duplicate the beauty of Augusta National?  What tournament will keep me sitting on the edge of the sofa watching three pro golfers scramble to survive a playoff?

What is in the golfers medicine cabinet to provide relief from this dreaded morning after let down?  Have no fear the Verizon Heritage teed off this morning from the historic Harbour Town Golf Links at Hilton Head with the famous lighthouse providing a beacon for all TV golf viewers to find a haven for their competitive thirst.  The field is strong with Furyk, Zack, Love, Leonard and two time defending champion Boo Weekly taking a stand on the tee box and greens.  Accuracy is the key to this tournament and the finishing hole provides the drama. 

CBS will fill the screen with the beauty of Hilton Head, competition of the field and the sounds of McCord, Feherty, Faldo and hometown favorite Nantz adding the adjectives and adverbs of excitement.  No it’s not the Master’s or Augusta.  But it is the PGA and your weekend will be filled with birdies, pars and drama.   Do you think Weekly can pull off the trifecta?  Will Love win and become eligible for the 2010 Master’s?  Will Zack put another southern PGA win notch on his belt?  Will an unknown step up and make a name for himself?   Only the weekend will tell.

I think I’m starting to feel better all ready.



Updated: 4/11/09

Put it in the history books with an exclamation point!  The 2009 Masters provided everything possible and then more.  Steven Spielberg could not have scripted the final day any better than what we got.  Two icons of golf – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson being matched together with an unreal challenge of making up 7 shots and hoping that the leaders would falter.   Let the battle begin!

Thank you Houston weather for getting it right this time with the monsoon rains at noon making the perfect setting for a coach afternoon in front of the HD TV locked into CBS Masters coverage.  The action began immediately with tiger and Phil getting birds on the 2nd hole.  Then Phil entered the zone – hitting darts into the greens and finding the unbelievable shot from the woods on #7 setting the stage for a record tying 30 (-6 under on the front nine).  Tiger was deadly quiet making huge par putts and staying in the hunt till he let out a huge roar with an eagle on #8.  Both players making the turn within striking distance of the leaders and the thoughts of something special were becoming reality.

Perry, Campbell and Cabrera were battling it out but the stage was Phil and Tiger.  Could the two of them catch and pass 11 under and sit down in Butler Cabin waiting for the three amigos to come on in.  The drama grew as our two fearless heavyweights entered Amen Corner with hunger in their eyes.  Phil’s nightmare exploded at #12 – the famous par 3 with the devilish Rae’s Creek slowly rolling by in front of the green.   Tiger tees off first and is sitting pretty on the green and one begins to beg Phil to hit is tight.  Never had a chance as Phil’s nine iron shot hits the bank and the bottom of Rae’s Creek – from knocking on the lead to a double bogey frustration.

The dream was still alive though with plenty of golf left.  Now it was Tiger’s turn with a birdies on 13 and 15 to pull within 2 strokes of the lead.  #16 were Jack made a historic tee shot in `86 and Tiger produced the perfect TV spot for Nike with his incredible chip shot was wide open for the spectacular this Sunday afternoon.  Tiger nails it and walks off 16 at 10 under par and tied with Phil going to the 17 tee box.  Was there any other golfers to even think about?  This was the classic with two of the best battling it out in what Faldo compared to Ali versus Frazier event. 

Dreams are created and dreams are shattered.  Tiger bogeys the last two holes to end the quest for the Grand Slam in 2009.  Phil hung in till 18 to close with a bogey and end one incredible day at Augusta National. 

But the fireworks were not over as the Perry, Cabrera and Campbell picked up the pace and took this tournament to another level.  With the Tiger and Phil show done for the day, this threesome attacked the back nine.  Perry started with and incredible birdie from the fringe on #12.   Cabrera and Campbell did not shy away but kept the pressure on for the entire afternoon.  It was Kenny Perry’s tournament to win after an amazing birdie on the #16th hole to take a two stroke lead into the #17th.  The dreaded 17th that bit Tiger’s grand slam in the butt did the same thing to Perry – bogey bogey finish setting up a three player playoff. 

Playoff – the first hole looked like a comedy.  Crazy shots off the trees, in the bunkers and short had everyone in disbelief.  Didn’t one of these three players want a green jacket in their wardrobe?  Campbell answered the question first by missing a 5 footer and exiting the playoff stage door left.  Perry and Cabrera headed to the 10th tee box and a battle of the nerves.  Two drives down the middle with Perry up first for a routine shot into the green.  No – it’s a Smokin Joe hook to the left of the green and under an Augusta bush.  Cabrera quietly hit his 2nd shot to within 20 feet and sat back to see what Perry would do next and wonder if the green jacket would fit.  One long chip and two Cabrera putts and the battle was finished.  The first Argentina native to win the Masters and US Open – quite the accomplishment. 

One for the record books – the 2009 Masters.   Now we sit back and wait for the US Open at Bethpage – what drama is in store for us this June? 

 
Updated: 4/10/09

Augusta, Georgia home of the fountain of youth!  I want some of the water they are serving at the Masters as age was turned back an Father Time teased us with dreams of a potential fantastic weekend.  What a sight to see Larry Mize hitting irons within striking distince and finishing the day at 5 under.  But the story gets event better.  It was 1987 when Larry Mize hit that magical sand shot that won the Masters and once again denied Greg Norman of a green jacket.

The Shark is back and drinking from the same water fountain as he posts a 2 under 70 adding to the drama of what could happen.  Do the golf gawds have a plan laid out that provides the ultimate drama one could dream of for Sunday?  Could Greg Norman and Larry Mize be coming down the back nine in a head to head battle?  Could on shot be the loudest shot heard at the Masters?

No.  Thursday is the day of dreamers and fun.  But reality is the foundation of Augusta National Golf Course and three more days of competition, weather challenges, greens drying out and getting faster will awaken all dreamers from their fantasies.  look at the leader board from Thursday;

Texans Chad Campbell started with 5 straight birdies -- Masters record -- and settled on top of the leader board at 7 under.

Jim Furyk, past US Open winner and one of the tours best iron players, in at 6 under
Kenny Perry and Sean O'Hair -- consistent tour players and winners -- quietly sitting a 4 under
Padriag Harrington -- going for a 3rd major win in a row -- sitting at 3 under
Beware, there is a cat loose among the azaleas and hills of Augusta National.  Tiger is in at 2 under with a round that could easily been at 4 or 5 under.  The swing and the focus in the eyes tell the story.  Tiger smells blood and its wearing a green blazer.  I have the feeling that the Sunday drama will have the usual suspect -- Tiger Woods -- front and center.

Signs of the future stood tall.  Expect a big day for three teenagers -- Rory McIlroy, Ryo Ishikawa and Danny Lee are sitting comfortable and the opening day jitters have been addressed.  The swings are magical, there are no fears and this threesome will answer the bell and set the trend of what to expect for years to come.  i see all three making the cut -- which I think will come in at even par or one under -- and one of the them will make some noise on Sunday.

Day two at the Masters -- make sure to take a sip from the fountain of youth.

Updated: 4/9/09

It’s here!  Yes – The Masters is the new Christmas for me.  The anticipation begins with the thirty day countdown to the Shell Houston Open and then the emotions run rampant with Masters fever.  Last night I sat in awe as a fellow roller hockey spectator shared his experience of actually going to Mecca in 2008 for two days of practice rounds and the memorable par 3 tournament.  His description used words like beautiful, awesome, unbelievable, lush, green, friendly and once in a lifetime. 

Our conversation moved on to this year’s par 3 tournament and how the goosebump factor hit a #10 on the scale of sensation as the ESPN broadcast opened with the perfect threesome – Player, Palmer and Nicklaus teeing off on the first hole.  These our my heros and memories are in living color of the countless battles between these three legends – they represent 13 green jackets!  ESPN was great following all three tee shots on to the green and then the magic as Jack rolls in a birdie putt.  Legends don’t disappoint they give you glimpses of what once was as Jack birdies the 2nd hole and all of a sudden is 2 under after two holes – oh my goodness is this magic in a bottle, pinch me as the memories of the historic putt in 1986 that lead to his last green jacket flood my brainwaves, who could forget the putter being raised over his head as his caddy/son ran for a congratulatory bear hug.

The par 3 tournament was filled with excitement – Greg Norman acing the 6th hole and his caddy/wife Chris Everett giving him the Norman huge and kiss, Faldo missing a putt long by 3 inches and walking up to the putt and appearing to slap the putt across the green in disgust – but no, he hit if perfectly as it went up the green/stopped/hesitated/started going backwards and falling into the hole!  There was Gary Player hitting a tee shot into the water, dropping a second ball and putting it in the hole for a par 3!  But most importantly there were the children participating in the par 3 tournament – caddying, hitting shots for their famous fathers, autographer seekers and then there is little Riley Morris.   A new Fuzzy tradition as he once again picked Riley from the thousands of youngsters to take his turn on the green and putt for him.  Riley didn’t disappoint as she swings the putter on the last hole and nails it.  The crowd goes nuts, Fuzzy stands amazed and Riley has the look of what’s the big deal. 

The Masters stands heads and shoulders above the three other majors for being first, full of tradition, filled with natures best, field of the top competitors from around the world with the best fans from the around world watching in person and on TV.  Arnold Palmer hit the first drive signaling the start of the 2009 Masters.  The Houston weatherman is predicting rain – great – the Masters is the only golf I need for the next four days.



Updated: 4/8/09

It’s 24 hours from the opening ceremonies for the Master's.  Arnold Palmer and his army will launch the first shot off the box on the first hole signaling the start of the 2009 Masters.  Ian Woosnam, Chez Reavie and Briny Baird will then step up as the first group on the tee box.  Do you think there will be any goosebumps and bundled nerves walking up to that tee box.  I don't care how many professional tournaments you've teed it up in, this is the Masters and this threesome is following the King and the opening ceremony with thousands of fans surrounding the hole while millions tune in to the TV, sattelite radio and internet to catch action.  It’s got to be nerve wracking.