So I really wanted to go on one of my rants today. I wanted to get frustrated about the fact that, once again, the media is shoving Tiger (the third place finisher) down our throats, instead of taking a good story such as Robert Rock (the actual winner of the tournament) and running with that.
Here’s a guy who has been a European pro for over 13 years now, with only 1 win under his belt. But he outplayed both Tiger and Rory (the almost completely unmentioned second place finisher), as well as the rest of the field, to take his second. Instead…it was the same old, same old.
But rather than go that direction, I want to get some opinions on another matter. This matter is, I’m sure, not new to many golf fans. But for someone like me who doesn’t follow the tour, I can’t seem to wrap my head around it. It’s the whole appearance fee thing. I know this doesn’t take place on the American tour. But paying an appearance fee is how they get some names to come out to a tournament such as the Abu Dhabi Championship. I don’t know about you, but I have a slight problem with this.
For me anyway, it cheapens the tournament. The way I perceive it is, a golfer is looking at this tournament with no real interest in playing. But then they offer him money just to show up, so now he’ll play? I’m sorry, but that sounds like crap to me. It sounds to me like you’re running a b.s. tournament and you need to do anything you can to get people to pay attention. Is this an exhibition or is a legit tournament? Well, if you have to pay players just to show up…you tell me.
But, at the same time, I look at if from the other side. Is it a good idea? Would it get more of the tour stars to participate in more tournaments? Would some of these smaller tournaments get more attention?
Let’s face it – if the PGA Tour isn’t going to implement an actual season full of tournaments that matter toward some type of a real playoff system, all leading to a season ending champion, then maybe the pay-to-play system is the way to go. I hate the idea considering these players already have sponsorships, endorsements and the opportunity to win good money on the tour stops, but if that’s how they can make the PGA Tour a little more exciting, then maybe that’s also worthy of some consideration.
Swing ’til you’re happy!
It’s Not The Clubs, It’s The Player.
What a huge, steaming pile of hypocritical bull excrement! I hear that statement a lot and it always made me wonder. I mean, I’m pretty sure if you give a pro a starter set he or she will still shoot well. My issue is the whole up selling when it comes to buying clubs. I also understand the sales people need to make a living too…but to what extent?
You never see a golf club ad or commercial showcasing it’s bottom of the barrel clubs. It’s always the pro they sponsor smashing the ball into outer space because they are swinging the newest product. Then there are some of the golf pro’s that sell clubs out of their shops. Try to tell them you want to take up the game and are looking for an inexpensive set.
The next thing you know this guy has you trying out different clubs and measuring you for a custom set. I thought “it’s not the clubs, it’s the player…” Yeah but their answer to that is “You can grow into these clubs.” What the f%$# does that mean? I bought a nice set a few years ago with the whole “growing into them” theory and guess what…I still suck. Grow into them…I got something to grow into them.
What I want to see is a tour pro walking down the fairway while his caddy is carrying his bag full of old rusty clubs because…”It’s not the clubs.” That would be the best to see Tiger bust out a 3-wood with duct tape on it or even Rory have an old tube sock as a head cover. Nonetheless, whether your clubs cost $100 or $1000 just get out there and have fun.
Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!
Life Without Golf
Okay, so maybe I’ve been overdoing this whole ” I had surgery, poor me, and can’t golf” thing for the past few months. Hey, take it easy…it was heart surgery for Pete’s sake. In all reality, the violins have run their course. No more sad music for me. Yes, golf was out of the equation for the last few months but now…it’s game on.
Hurricane Irene, better yet Tropical Storm Irene, ruined my chances last weekend but this weekend the weather looks clear. It’s time to wreak havoc on the ol’ track. I can’t believe I’m actually going to get out there and play! Although, as silly as it may sound, I’m a little nervous about it. It’s like my first time, again.
The whole summer without golf had me thinking; what if golf never existed? What would fill that void? Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Sammy Snead, Jack Nicklaus all the way to Greg Norman, Freddy Couples, Phil Mickelson, Tiger and Rory (and every other pro for that matter) would be ordinary people. Unless they excelled in other areas.
Our website would be www.____stinks.com. That would really stink! Perhaps the word “golf” would join the ranks of the other four letter words we hack’s abuse. “Get the golf outta here!” I don’t know…that just doesn’t seem to cut it. It doesn’t flow. “Ah golf, in the drink again!” Nope, definitely doesn’t work as an expletive.
What would 30 million golfers do? “Hey honey, me and the guys are going to take a 4 and a half hour walk…be back by noon.” Just think, golf tournaments would be a bunch of people wandering around outside in a field getting drunk…wait a minute…that is a golf tournament!
See you out there…
Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!
Golf’s Virtual Sticks And Stones
Composure as defined by the dictionary means “the state of being calm and in control of oneself.”
As a pro golfer, composure should be a part of your mental and physical being. Nothing bothers me more than someone who has been blessed with success but acts like a 3rd grader.
Recently, Rory McIlroy and golf analyst/commentator Jay Townsend got into a heated little tit for tat via Twitter. Apparently, McIlroy’s round at the Irish Open wasn’t up to par (sorry). Before I get into it, here’s what went down:
Townsend tweeted “McIlroy’s course management was shocking…” “It was some of the worst I have ever seen beyond -10 boys’ golf competition,”
McIlroy retaliated with “Shut up…you’re a commentator and failed golfer, your opinion means nothing.”
What the f$#@ is wrong with you two?!?! First of all, a tweet argument is just as bad as a text fight with your significant other…fexting if you will. Secondly, you are professionals and represent a select few that can play golf or commentate on it to earn a living. And a substantial living at that.
The only reason I’m writing about this is because golf doesn’t need any negative attention. Like it or not Rory, you are role model now to a lot of kids. I understand you are still young but if you are big enough to win the US Open, you should be big enough to act like a champion.
Just my $0.02…
Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!