We here at golfstinks obviously like to mix some comedy in with our golf. And as you can see by some of our more recent posts, we like the comedians who mix a bit of golf into their routines – see Robin Williams, George Carlin and Jimmy Fallon with Chris Rock.
However, this past Friday marked the ninth anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest comedians who routinely mixed golf into his comedy – Bob Hope.
But Bob Hope didn’t make fun of the game itself. It was more of a self-depreciating type humor (He once said Titleist offered him a big contract to NOT play their balls), which was funny considering he was an avid golfer and a four handicap at his best.
Mr. Hope worked golf into his comedy routines so much that it became almost expected that a golf club would be in-hand or nearby whenever he could be seen on TV. This included putting with a two-year-old Tiger Woods or playing in a foursome with three presidents.
But it was the golf comedy that leaves us with some of Mr. Hopes most memorable quotes. Quotes including:
“Golf is my real profession. Entertainment is just a sideline. I tell jokes to pay my greens fees.”
“I’ve been playing the game so long that my handicap is in Roman numerals.”
“A photographer kept shooting me every time I swung. I was very flattered until I found out he was from Field and Stream.”
“Arnold Palmer told me how I could cut eight strokes off my score – skip one of the par 3s.”
It’s the non-serious and light-hearted way to which he approached the game that makes Bob Hope a hero in some forms to the average golfer. A true voice to the stinky golfers of the world. Despite his low handicap, Mr. Hope was still able to sum up the game in true stinky golfer fashion with one simple quote:
“I get upset over a bad shot just like anyone else. But it’s silly to let the game get to you. When I miss a shot I just think what a beautiful day it is. And what pure fresh air I’m breathing. Then I take a deep breath. I have to do that. That’s what gives me the strength to break the club.”
It’s quotes like these that give a voice to stinky golfers everywhere. And for that we all have Bob Hope to thank.
Swing ’til you’re happy!