Now, Let's talk some Golf!

[Dazed_and_Confused]

On those TX courses, it's always a good thing to drag hme back to the clubhouose, or else... ;D

[ronjor]

What a way to go!! ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "What a way to go!! ;D" }-
Yeah - in this case see Law #11 above... ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "On those TX courses, it's always a good thing to drag hme back to the clubhouose, or else... ;D" }-

From the USGA Rules of Golf.... this is the closest thing I could find that applies to your sun-bleached, rather boney golfer:

6-8. Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play
a. When Permitted

The player must not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point (see Rules 2-5 and 34-3); or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "From the USGA Rules of Golf.... this is the closest thing I could find that applies to your sun-bleached, rather boney golfer:

6-8. Discontinuance of Play; Resumption of Play
a. When Permitted

The player must not discontinue play unless:
(i) the Committee has suspended play;
(ii) he believes there is danger from lightning;
(iii) he is seeking a decision from the Committee on a doubtful or disputed point (see Rules 2-5 and 34-3); or
(iv) there is some other good reason such as sudden illness. " }-

What's the rule on watering greens during play?? :D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "What's the rule on watering greens during play?? :D" }-

Well, I didn't find a direct answer, but I'm sure the USGA Rules Committee invoked Rule 25-1 (Abnormal Ground Condition) when they allowed the watering of the dying green in that recent U.S. Open. ;)

Here's a ruling that's probably of interest down in Texas, where spittin' is a way of life.... ;D ;D

Q. What is the status of saliva?
A. In equity (Rule 1-4), saliva may be treated as either an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1) or a loose impediment (Rule 23-1), at the option of the player.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Well, I didn't find a direct answer, but I'm sure the USGA Rules Committee invoked Rule 25-1 (Abnormal Ground Condition) when they allowed the watering of the dying green in that recent U.S. Open. ;)

Here's a ruling that's probably of interest down in Texas, where spittin' is a way of life.... ;D ;D

Q. What is the status of saliva?
A. In equity (Rule 1-4), saliva may be treated as either an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1) or a loose impediment (Rule 23-1), at the option of the player." }-

Does that cover plugs of tobacco too?? While we are at it, do cow chips fall under these rules?? ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Does that cover plugs of tobacco too?? While we are at it, do cow chips fall under these rules?? ;D" }-

1) Yup.

2) I think Daisey posted a sign covering that contingency. :-\

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "1) Yup.

2) I think Daisey posted a sign covering that contingency. :-\" }-


Memory! Just one the things failing these days!! 8)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Memory! Just one the things failing these days!! 8)" }-

Plugs of Tobacco! Are we talking Baseball again? Is there anything Texans do these days without chewing that stuff? Oh, on second thought, don't answer that...

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Plugs of Tobacco! Are we talking Baseball again? Is there anything Texans do these days without chewing that stuff? Oh, on second thought, don't answer that..." }-

Miss Daisey, may I suggest a vacation? ;D It will get rid of those rough edges.
8)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Miss Daisey, may I suggest a vacation? ;D It will get rid of those rough edges.
8)" }-

Amen to that! May I just add that dealing with kids can be more frustrating than golf. I do need a vacation! Whatever happened to that Wilder's BBQ?

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "From the USGA Rules of Golf.... this is the closest thing I could find that applies to your sun-bleached, rather boney golfer." }-

SSG - That was hilarious ( I must say that today I know exactly how that fella feels)! And the funny part is just what Ron alluded to - the USGA probably would penalize this guy for delay of play after watering the green to facilitate his putting experience.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Plugs of Tobacco! Are we talking Baseball again?" }-


Nope...now way Jose...not ME. I only have to get spanked once! ;D ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Sorry. I just hate baseball. But I would never go to those extremes... :D

[ronjor]

The Natural Laws of Golf

THE NATURAL LAWS OF GOLF

1. If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.

2. The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% mental.

3. Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actually the beginning of the next group of three.

4. When you look up, causing an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.

5. Any change works for a maximum of three holes - - or at a minimum of not at all.

6. No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.

7. Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind during your swing.

8. When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit one more club or two more balls.

9. If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still putting out, you have two options: you can immediately shank a lay-up, or you can wait until the green is clear and top a ball halfway there.

10. The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.

11. The inevitable result of any golf lesson is the instant elimination of the one critical unconscious motion that allowed you to compensate for all of your many other errors.

12. If it ain't broke, try changing your grip.

13. Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie.

14. Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.

15. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent's luck.

16. It's surprisingly easy to hole a 50-foot putt when you lie 8.

17. Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.

18. Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.

19. It's not a gimme if you're still away.

20. The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.

21. There are two kinds of bounces: unfair bounces, and bounces just the way you meant to play it.

22. You can hit a 2-acre fairway 10% of the time, and a 2-inch branch
90% of the time.

23. Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.

24. If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to lay up just short of a water hazard.

25. To calculate the speed of a player's downswing, multiply the speed of his backswing by his handicap. Example: backswing 20 mph, handicap 15, downswing 300mph.

26. There are two things you can learn by stopping your backswing at the top and checking the position of your hands: how many hands you have, and which one is wearing the glove.

27. Hazards attract; fairways repel.

28. You can put "draw" on the ball, you can put "fade" on the ball, but no golfer can put "straight" on the ball.

29. A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.

30. If there is a ball in the fringe and a ball in the bunker, your ball is in the bunker.

31. If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.

32. Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "
THE NATURAL LAWS OF GOLF
" }-

33. A tree is 85% air....and your ball will NEVER go through it. :(

[ssgtmax]

Max & his 3 playing partners were playing there regular Saturday round of golf. They had reached the 7th green, which was adjacent to a fairly busy street.

As Max addressed his ball & readied himself to putt, a rather long line of cars with headlights on came driving by. The lead car was obviously a hearse. Immediately Max stepped back from his ball & doffed his ballcap.

Ron said, "What the hell's goin' on, Max?"

Max replied, "We were married 35 years....it's the least I could do."
;D ::) ;D ::)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

So you had her buried on the golf course so you could visit her on Sundays withouht having to miss out on a round? ;D ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "So you had her buried on the golf course so you could visit her on Sundays withouht having to miss out on a round? ;D ;D" }-

It was the sensitive, proper thing to do. ;) ::)

BTW, we could have a heckuva finish in the Brit Open tomorrow.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Yes. Tiger is stalking...

[ronjor]

Looks like a Texas resident and an Oklahoma grad won the British Open.

Congratulations!

http://golfnews.thecabin.net/bios/bio1528.shtml

[bigc73542]

Texas and oklahoma in the right mix work real well ;D ;)

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Looks like a Texas resident and an Oklahoma grad won the British Open.
" }-

We'll forgive him the 2 qualifiers & a say, "Oooooo-rahhhhh!" for the win. He really held up well under the pressure of some great players chompin' @ his heels. ;) 8)

[ronjor]

I have to say, he earned his stripes over time. Know what I mean Sarge? ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I have to say, he earned his stripes over time. Know what I mean Sarge? ;D" }-
Yes he did. I kept waiting for him to crack, and he amazed me. Tiger couldn't make a putt today.

[ronjor]

Tiger has other things on his mind these days.

Elin Nordegren

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Tiger has other things on his mind these days.

Elin Nordegren" }-

Yowwwwzaaaa....

BTW, what's that "sand trap" forming toward the back of Tiger's head? That's how it starts (I should know!); then it turns into a big beach. :-\ :-\

[ronjor]

PGA schedule.

http://tinyurl.com/63trv

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Tiger has other things on his mind these days.

Elin Nordegren" }-
A lot of the players are married, and it doesn't seem to affect them. I guess he needs to better separate his "job" and his private life. :-\

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "A lot of the players are married, and it doesn't seem to affect them. I guess he needs to better separate his "job" and his private life. :-\" }-

Daisey, that may not be the problem at all. I just threw that up as a possibilty.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Daisey, that may not be the problem at all. I just threw that up as a possibilty." }-
Sounds like a very good guess. :)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Lots of Tiger discussion going on sports-talk TV today. Everybody has their opinion, and some agree with your assessment above. Others think he needs to hire his old coach back.

[ronjor]

Once you get famous and the money starts coming in, you are not as hungry as you were before.

He may need his old coach.

After he won his first Masters the way he did, I thought it was over for everyone else.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "He may need his old coach.

After he won his first Masters the way he did, I thought it was over for everyone else." }-

Tiger & Butch Harmon, the old coach, have begun to smooch & make up. They need each other....without a doubt. Big egos got in the way of their friendship and coach/pupil relationship. Tiger is notorious for not liking his "employees" (caddy, coach, whoever) getting too much attention. He's also flat out stubborn, as most great performers are.

Tiger has been and always will be measured against an impossible standard: himself. The run he had beginning with that '97 Masters and continuing with the unmatched 4 consecutive major wins in 2000-2001 (setting scoring records along the way) may not be seen again in our lifetimes. We became "spoiled" as fans, expecting the miraculous every time out. Even the greatest of all, Jack Nicklaus, had his slumps. Golf is humbling even to the very best.

Tiger may be in what for him is a mini-slump, but rest assured that EVERY other golfer out there still fears him when he tees it up.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: " Big egos got in the way of their friendship and coach/pupil relationship. Tiger is notorious for not liking his "employees" (caddy, coach, whoever) getting too much attention. He's also flat out stubborn, as most great performers are." }-
Well, his ego is going to be his downfall. I once thought he would catch Jack, but now I don't think so. IMO, Jack is the best golfer to ever play the game.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "IMO, Jack is the best golfer to ever play the game." }-

Without question - his record speaks for itself. The question will be, "How long can Tiger keep the 'fire in the belly' desire it takes to achieve career greatness?" Already, money is no consideration for him. Plus, his competition saw the handwriting on the wall and improved their games nearly to his level. Jack won his last major (the Masters) @ age 46, giving him 18 as a pro. I really don't see Tiger playing @ that age....but I could be wrong. He's still got 10 to go to catch Jack, not to mention a potful of regular Tour victories to catch up.

The important thing is that it will be great fun for us golf fans to go along for the ride.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "...Plus, his competition saw the handwriting on the wall and improved their games nearly to his level. " }-
I've thought about that, but I'm not sure I agree. The year he won his first Masters his game was at a level that I don't think anyone has reached. I think he has just fallen back.

But then the stats will tell the story. The average number of greens in regulation, the average number of putts per hole, and the average driving distance for all pros on tour should answer the question. :D I may have to do some digging...

[Dazed_and_Confused]

OK. Here we go. 2004 vs 2000 selected PGA tour stats (http://www.pgatour.com/stats/r).


Average Driving Distance: 286 vs 273
Top Driving Distance: 312 vs 301 (Tiger improved as well)
Greens in Regulation: 64.3 vs. 65.83

[snowbound]

I'm not a golfer, but here's some interesting facts,

http://www.golfincostarica.com/golfing_feats.htm



snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I'm not a golfer, but here's some interesting facts,

http://www.golfincostarica.com/golfing_feats.htm



snowbound" }-
Interesting facts, Snowbound. Did you see the beautiful pics of Costa Rica? I might just have to become a more serious player! :D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "The year he won his first Masters his game was at a level that I don't think anyone has reached. " }-

I'd contend that he reached his peak performance in shooting 12 under to win the U.S. Open by 15 shots @ Pebble Beach in 2000. U.S. Open courses are arguably the toughest they play all year, and he lapped the field. Tom Kite finished 2nd (12 shots back) when Tiger set the Augusta record @ -18. After the tournament Kite said, "I won my flight." Funny line.... ;D ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I'd contend that he reached his peak performance in shooting 12 under to win the U.S. Open by 15 shots @ Pebble Beach in 2000. U.S. Open courses are arguably the toughest they play all year, and he lapped the field. Tom Kite finished 2nd (12 shots back) when Tiger set the Augusta record @ -18. After the tournament Kite said, "I won my flight." Funny line.... ;D ;D" }-
Yeah, those were some exciting times. I never thought they would disappear so quickly. I think as he grows older and matures, he'll care more about his legacy and aspire to once again achieve that same level of play.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

As you would expect a week after a major tournament, once again the "nobodies" are battling it out this week. US Bank Championship? What kind of name is that for a golf tournament?? Every week it's some kind of championship. The word "championship" is now meaningless! ::)

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "As you would expect a week after a major tournament, once again the "nobodies" are battling it out this week. US Bank Championship? What kind of name is that for a golf tournament?? Every week it's some kind of championship. The word "championship" is now meaningless! ::)" }-

It is like naming football bowl games "The FedEx Orange Bowl".

One thing to remember is US Bank makes it possible to make more money on the tour. Right?
:)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "One thing to remember is US Bank makes it possible to make more money on the tour. Right?
:)" }-
Apparently not enough. Not enough to bring in the big guns! ;D

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Apparently not enough. Not enough to bring in the big guns! ;D" }-


Some of those guys may be the next big guns. 8) Just for the sake of argument.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

That's very likely. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "US Bank Championship? What kind of name is that for a golf tournament??" }-

....as in what's so "classic" about the John Deere Classic? Or the almost oxymoronic First Annual Whoop-Dee-Doo Open, which is not yet "annual" and probably not exactly "open". We have word inflation, hyperbole run amok. Everything is impossibly "bigger & better". I'm reminded that my nephew's high school graduation 3 years ago included 9 "valedictorians". We're Number One!....all of us. :-\

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "....as in what's so "classic" about the John Deere Classic? Or the almost oxymoronic First Annual Whoop-Dee-Doo Open, which is not yet "annual" and probably not exactly "open". We have word inflation, hyperbole run amok. Everything is impossibly "bigger & better". I'm reminded that my nephew's high school graduation 3 years ago included 9 "valedictorians". We're Number One!....all of us. :-\" }-
Precisely my point. Before long every tournament will be considered a "Major". ::)

[ssgtmax]

Singh soars & Tiger lurks :lurking: today....

Buick Open scoreboard (http://www.golfweb.com/scoring/leaderboard/r)

[ronjor]

Vijay Singh is one of the most consistent golfers of the day.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Vijay Singh is one of the most consistent golfers of the day." }-

Agreed. Probably because he practices way more than most.... ;)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

...and Tiger still only three strokes back. I guess I'll have to watch tomorrow.

When was the last time you saw John Daly near the top of the leader board on a weekend? Give that man a beer!! ;D

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "...and Tiger still only three strokes back. I guess I'll have to watch tomorrow.

When was the last time you saw John Daly near the top of the leader board on a weekend? Give that man a beer!! ;D" }-


Ahem! John Daly and beer don't mix well. 8)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Ahem! John Daly and beer don't mix well. 8)" }-
Oh. Well in that case, it would really make for a remarkable finish! ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "...and Tiger still only three strokes back. I guess I'll have to watch tomorrow. " }-

GR8-lookin' leaderboard. Could be a fun finish.


-{ Quote: " When was the last time you saw John Daly near the top of the leader board on a weekend? Give that man a beer!! ;D" }-

Uh....might I suggest a Slim Fast instead? ;) Daly must like the word Buick. I think his last late lead was when he won @ the Buick Invitational in San Diego earlier this year.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Daly must like the word Buick. I think his last late lead was when he won @ the Buick Invitational in San Diego earlier this year." }-Really! I was unaware that he had led (not to mention won) a tournament in years. Maybe Tiger should give him a call and get some pointers on how to make a comeback! ;D

Edit: But then again, they might be playing together tomorrow...

[ronjor]

http://www.johndaly.com/

[Dazed_and_Confused]

http://www.tigerwoods.com/splash/splash.sps

[ssgtmax]

Man, the Big Boys shot the lights out this weekend. But Vijay & Daly looked like me on that final hole....in need of a chain saw for their 2nd shots! ;D ;D
http://www.stihlusa.com/graphics/chainsaws/MS210C.gif

[Dazed_and_Confused]

No kidding! ;D How about that shot out of a bush at the British Open in the final round by the big South African?

[ssgtmax]

With so many big names missing and with a goofball scoring system that creates confusing/boring golf, this week's Colorado stop on the PGA Tour is a dud. :(

Jes my opinion.... 8)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "With so many big names missing and with a goofball scoring system that creates confusing/boring golf, this week's Colorado stop on the PGA Tour is a dud. :( Jes my opinion.... 8)" }-Agreed, SSG. The only tournaments I'll watch for that reason are the majors. Too much other stuff to do, anyway! :D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Am I reading this right? Did this weekend's winner have a score of 31 OVER PAR?? :o :o ???

[ronjor]

I think those are points. Besides, what's wrong with 31 over par? ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Am I reading this right? Did this weekend's winner have a score of 31 OVER PAR?? :o :o ???" }-

This explains the goofball scoring system far better than I could....


THE MODIFIED STABLEFORD SCORING SYSTEM
By Peter Kostis

Well, here we are again. That time of the year when "plus is good!" on the PGA TOUR. That means the Modified Stableford scoring system at The INTERNATIONAL in Castle Pines, Colorado.

For one week a year it's not just low score wins; it's HOW you get low that's the story. A double eagle is worth eight points, an eagle is five points. You get two points for a birdie, ZERO for a par... that's how you gain points. But you can also lose points! A bogey is -1, while a double bogey or worse is -3 points.

How does this format affect play? Well, it's supposed to reward aggressive play. If you make 18 straight pars, you get zero, zip, nada. But if you make nine birdies and nine bogeys and shoot the same score in medal play, you're rewarded with a score of +9 points: 9x2=18 for the birdies, minus 9x1=9 pts for the bogeys. It's really quite simple - make birdies, avoid doubles or worse, and you'll end up with positive points. Remember: plus is good!

Ronjour is absolutely right....what's wrong with 31 over par? Sounds quite normal to me. :-\ :-\

[ronjor]

I guess they get bored on the Tour and have to do something different.
Must be a tough life.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "I guess they get bored on the Tour and have to do something different.
Must be a tough life." }-

I don't know the TV ratings for this colossal bore, but I suspect only the true golf-nutty viewer tunes it in for more than 5 minutes. ::)

[ronjor]

The play commentators get to me these days. All the chit chat they come up with is amazing. Pleeze!

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "The play commentators get to me these days. All the chit chat they come up with is amazing. Pleeze!" }-

Gary McCord & David Feherty (CBS?) are often hilarious. Both once played the game @ a high level (in fact, McCord still does well on the Geezer Tour), but both also keep it in proper perspective & know how to poke fun @ the players & themselves. Very knowledgeable & very funny - good combo. :D

[ssgtmax]

Looks like the pros are gonna be dealing with a 7,514-yd monster in the PGA tournament that begins Thursday:

Whistling Straits (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pga9aug09,1,1557748.story?coll=la-headlines-sports) :o

[ronjor]

BugMeNot won't work on the link you provided. :D



another link (http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/gdc/tourcentral/tournament.asp?tour=PGA&id=34)

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "BugMeNot won't work on the link you provided. :D



By Thomas Bonk, Times Staff Writer


KOHLER, Wis. — When he was at Whistling Straits not too long ago, Shaun Micheel played a practice round and then met with Herb Kohler, who had the place built, and learned that there will be 4,400 volunteers for this week's PGA Championship.

Micheel, who is the defending champion, said he had just shot par in his practice round.







He paused for effect.

"A 77."

Then Micheel had something else on his mind.

"I'd like to know the 4,400 volunteers so I can hire them to come and look for my golf balls."

Chances are that won't be enough.

When the 86th PGA Championship begins Thursday, there is a very good chance that the world of professional golf will be in for a rude awakening, all because of Whistling Straits — the least known major championship venue in years and possibly one of the most difficult.

Since it measures 7,514 yards, it's already going to be the longest course to ever play host to a major, but distance is only part of the story here. Few players have seen it, played it or know much about it. This place should have a curtain around it, to be pulled open right when the pros show up.

There haven't been many previews, such as Micheel's. For that reason, it won't be easy to figure out who has the advantage this week on the layout that was built to mirror an Irish links course with huge sand dunes, pot bunkers and fairways of gnarly fescue.

Tiger Woods said there is a certain buzz surrounding Whistling Straits.

"It's sort of a mystery, isn't it, because so few guys have played it," he said. "It's not something everybody is familiar with, and for that reason, there's a little suspense."

Also, maybe something like fear.

The course itself is one thing, its history is another. The area on which the course was built was flat and an illegal dumpsite. It was leased to the Army more than 50 years ago and later purchased by Wisconsin Electric Power Co., as a possible site for a nuclear power plant.

As far as pedigrees go, there can't be much more potentially dangerous stuff than that. The golfers are going to have their own problems with Pete Dye's design. Hired by Kohler to produce something like either Ballybunion or Royal Portrush, Dye had more than 170,000 dump-truck loads of sand spread around the place, laid out 1,400 bunkers (some of them tiny), set up a bunch of blind tee shots, then waited for the wind to blow and see how hard it could get.

There are some, such as Woods, who figure that the winning score could be well over par, which is 72 for a round, if there is a lot of wind … or even a little wind.

"We just don't know what to expect," he said. "But I'm pretty sure nobody really does."

CBS broadcaster Bobby Clampett, who played Whistling Straits in June, said the only way a player could get any kind of edge would be to play at least 20 practice rounds. Of course, nobody's going to have more than a couple this week.

"A lot of people are going to show up and realize they should have been playing this golf course all summer long," Micheel said.

And what a wonderful start there is at Whistling Strait — a 491-yard par four with bunkers and sand dunes down the left side, deep rough down the right side and a green protected by bunkers.

At No. 2, a 593-yard par five, you have to keep the ball to the left side of the fairway so you don't have a blind second shot.

There's much more fun to come. The 11th is 618 yards long. Watch the second shot because you have to avoid the "sand box," a bunker on the left that comes out to meet you all the way from the green — about 100 yards. The green is small and elevated.

"I've never seen a course this demanding off the tee because a lot of the holes you are shooting into areas you can't even see where the ball is going to land," Clampett said.

The 18th hole — called "Dyeabolical," by the way — is a 500-yard par-four played into the prevailing wind. Here's the right way to play it: Drive down the left side to carry sand dunes and bunkers about 270 yards out. That leaves you a downhill mid-iron approach to a green that's tilted like a pinball machine and has more humps than a convention of camels.

Micheel said five over par or six over par could win, even without wind. The prevailing breeze is from the south or southwest, but it wouldn't be unusual for some wind to fly off Lake Michigan and change everything.

Eight of the holes are on the Lake Michigan coastline, and all 18 have views of the lake. And for the rest of the week, the golf world may have views of some very troubled players trying to make sense of a very difficult Whistling Straits, perhaps wondering if that lake would be the right place to store their clubs.

[ronjor]

This should be a good one. Tough course.

Whistling Straits (http://golf.about.com/library/slideshows/blwhistlingstraits_straits1.htm)

[ssgtmax]

"Four of the 10 par-fours at Whistling Straits measure at least 493 yards and three of the four par-fives are long-distance numbers — the 593-yard No. 2, the 598-yard No. 5 and the 618-yard 11th."

Those 7 holes would require 2 new categories to accommodate me: par 4¾ & par 6.... ::) ;D

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: ""Four of the 10 par-fours at Whistling Straits measure at least 493 yards and three of the four par-fives are long-distance numbers — the 593-yard No. 2, the 598-yard No. 5 and the 618-yard 11th."

Those 7 holes would require 2 new categories to accommodate me: par 4¾ & par 6.... ::) ;D" }-


And maybe some diving gear just in case! 8)

[ssgtmax]

Think this threesome is going to draw a crowd Thursday & Friday @ the PGA Tournament?

Vijay, Tiger & Daly tee it up beginning @ 8:20 AM Central Time tomorrow. 8)

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Think this threesome is going to draw a crowd Thursday & Friday @ the PGA Tournament?

Vijay, Tiger & Daly tee it up beginning @ 8:20 AM Central Time tomorrow. 8)" }-


That will be interesting. What a group for a best ball!!

[dog]

A little golf joke: Play it as it Lays


Bill and Ralph, both of equal ability, decide to have a round together and "play it as it lays" on all shots. Both hit their tee shots on the par-5 No.1 hole down the middle and about 260. They drive up for the second shot, and the Bill hits his shot down the middle for an easy approach. But Ralph slices his over the trees and it ends up in the cart path of the adjoining hole.

"Guess I get a free drop from the cart path," he says. "Oh no," says Bill, "We agreed. Play it as it lays." So Ralph drives Bill up to his ball in front of the green, drops him off and drives over to his ball on the cart path. Bill watches in amusement as sparks shower down from the practice swings of his opponent, then, in amazement as a perfectly struck shot lands on the green and roles to within 3 ft. of the pin. Ralph drives back to the green.

Bill says, "Great shot back there! What club did you use?" Ralph responds, "Your six iron."

[ssgtmax]

Whistling Straits....1,100+ sand traps. I wouldn't have enough time left in my life to finish 18 holes there! ::) ::)

[ronjor]

Tiger is in a big slump. What happened??

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Tiger is in a big slump. What happened??" }-

He hit the ball too many times. ;D ;D

[ronjor]

Thanks Sarge. I needed that!! ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: ""Four of the 10 par-fours at Whistling Straits measure at least 493 yards and three of the four par-fives are long-distance numbers — the 593-yard No. 2, the 598-yard No. 5 and the 618-yard 11th."" }-
Looking forward to some high scores! :D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Looking forward to some high scores! :D" }-

Then you'd better pray for wind, back tees & tougher pin placements tomorrow. Da boys shot the lights out today. I was kinda shocked! :o

[ssgtmax]

Stuart Appleby (and caddy) musta set some kind of record for penalty stroke humiliation in that hazard (waste area) yesterday. FOUR strokes added to his scorecard. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! >:( >:( >:(

[Dazed_and_Confused]

I understand that Tiger barely made the cut. I see he's now only 10 strokes back. Can he make a run for the win today? :-\

[Marja]

Hi All!

I like to watch, but, don't play, tho my husband does some. Don't mean to but in but: this reminded me of your thread, Dazed. Found it with a whole bunch of golf posters, art, etc. By the way, I agree about Tiger, but, others are on the horizon, we will see if he can rein his ego in enough to get back with his coach and secure his legacy! The competition gets younger, wiser faster, he better look up from the tee once in a while!:)

Cheers!Marja8)

[ssgtmax]

Looked to me like the golf course won today! ;)

[ronjor]

VJ will be there, hanging tough.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

I heard there was a 3-person playoff, with Vijay taking the gold. Sorry I missed it... :'(

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "I heard there was a 3-person playoff, with Vijay taking the gold." }-

Yep, his only birdie of the day was on the 2nd playoff hole. Gotta give him credit for hangin' in there, though. He coulda bagged it after shooting 76 in regulation. His 200+-yd tee shot on the par 3 #17 (the 2nd playoff hole) was a beauty. Led to the birdie. The very best hit shots like that under pressure. ;)

What's really kool now is that Vijay & Ernie are chompin' @ Tigger's heals in the battle for the #1 world ranking. Eldrick's been on the throne for almost 6½ years. It's time he felt some heat!! :o

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "What's really kool now is that Vijay & Ernie are chompin' @ Tigger's heals in the battle for the #1 world ranking. Eldrick's been on the throne for almost 6½ years. It's time he felt some heat!! :o" }-
Agreed. Maybe that will get Tiger motivated. ;)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Looks ties for second place. He's improving. I guess he's getting tired of being embarrased by "inferior" players.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Looks ties for second place. He's improving. I guess he's getting tired of being embarrased by "inferior" players." }-

It's a game of relentless pressure from so many other good players. One little "hiccup" in your swing and half the field zooms by in a heartbeat. Kinda like big-time auto racing in that respect. Even with his "B-" game, Eldrick has frequently been competitive. David Duval is proof of what can happen when one's game truly goes south. Tigger will always be measured against that impossible run he had in 1999-2001.

BTW, the PGA & TV networks are watching him closely. Negotiations begin in '05 for the contract renewal in '06. Tigger's impact on that cannot be overstated.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Here we go again. Tiger is making another run. But can he keep it up for another couple of days???

[ronjor]

Tiger is no longer number one.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/content/html/homepages/home_YAHOO.htm

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Tiger is no longer number one.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/content/html/homepages/home_YAHOO.htm" }-
Yeah, I heard about that today. Maybe a wake-up call?

[ronjor]

Maybe he should take a break for a while. Or maybe we expect too much.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Maybe he should take a break for a while. Or maybe we expect too much." }-
...or maybe both. ;)

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Tiger is no longer number one.

http://sports.yahoo.golfserv.com/content/html/homepages/home_YAHOO.htm" }-

Supposedly he's not no.1 with his fiance anymore either.

I heard on the radio today, they have split.

His game may improve, who knows! ;)



snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I heard on the radio today, they have split." }-
Yes, that should improve his game. Do you think that maybe she got rid of him because of her displeasure with his recent performance? ;D

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Yes, that should improve his game. Do you think that maybe she got rid of him because of her displeasure with his recent performance? ;D" }-

Which one? :P :D ;D



snowbound

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "His game may improve, who knows!" }-

There will be others-- 8) It will interesting to see if his game does improve.

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "There will be others-- 8) It will interesting to see if his game does improve." }-

Their lining up already. ;)


snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Weren't they engaged to be married?

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Do you think that maybe she got rid of him because of her displeasure with his recent performance? ;D" }-

Performance on the course....or with her? :o ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "Performance on the course....or with her? :o ;D" }-
Both are grounds for divorce. 8)

[snowbound]

Canadian open starts tommorrow.

I live mere minutes away from the course they're playing at, the Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario.

At least VJ is showing up. Tiger hasn't been here for 3 years. Last time he was though he won the whole thing. 8)


snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Good move, Snowy. Change the subject quickly. ;D


-{ Quote: "Canadian open starts tommorrow.

I live mere minutes away from the course they're playing at, the Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario.

At least VJ is showing up. Tiger hasn't been here for 3 years. Last time he was though he won the whole thing. 8)


snowbound" }-Wouldn't that piss her off if he were to win. :o


Edit: By the way, be sure to tell him D&C said hi. :)

[ronjor]

I'm sure being behind VJ will inspire him a bit.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "I'm sure being behind VJ will inspire him a bit." }-
True. And there are a lot of other prospects in the crowd. Maybe he will be doing a little window shopping.

Oh. Got to go. I wonder what tickets are selling for from here to Ontario? ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Canadian open starts tommorrow.
snowbound" }-

Oh, I thought they said the Canadian Club Open. :P


http://www.canadianclubwhisky.com/Images/bottle-sidebar.jpg

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Good move, Snowy. Change the subject quickly. ;D" }-

err, aaahh must stick to my duties.:D ;) ;D

-{ Quote: "Edit: By the way, be sure to tell him D&C said hi. :)" }-

If he does show up i'll tell him what a great gal u are. ;) ;D 8)



snowbound

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Oh, I thought they said the Canadian Club Open. :P


http://www.canadianclubwhisky.com/Images/bottle-sidebar.jpg" }-


Oh, u know our fine liquors up here do u? ;)



snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "If he does show up i'll tell him what a great gal u are." }-
And low maintenance, too. Not that he can't afford more. ;)

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "And low maintenance, too. Not that he can't afford more. ;)" }-
:D :D :D

Maybe Tiger can keep his mind on his game now instead of his Swedish lessons.;)


snowbound

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Oh, u know our fine liquors up here do u? ;)
snowbound" }-

Yeah, even the odd way you Canadians & Scots spelly whiskey without the e. ;)

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Yeah, even the odd way you Canadians & Scots spelly whiskey without the e. ;)" }-

We always like to be a little different than our American cousins.;) ;D


snowbound

[ssgtmax]

Tiger's ex-blondie must have been sent a draft copy of the pre-nuptial agreement.
http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage12/1.gif

[ronjor]

Buck Owens of course.

I've Got A Tiger By The Tail
Buck Owens & Harlan Howard

I've Got A Tiger By The Tail, it's plain to see;
I won't be much when you get thru' with me.
Well,I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale.
Looks like I've Got A Tiger By The Tail.

Well, I thought the day I met you, you were meek as a lamb;
Just the kind to fit my dreams and plans.
But now, the pace we're livin' takes the wind from my sail
And it looks like I've Got A Tiger By The Tail.

I've Got A Tiger By The Tail, it's plain to see;
I won't be much when you get thru' with me.
Well,I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale.
Looks like I've Got A Tiger By The Tail.

Well, ev'ry night you drag me where the bright lights are found; There ain't no way to slow
you down
I'm about as helpless as a leaf in a gale;
And it looks like I've Got A Tiger By The Tail.

I've Got A Tiger By The Tail, it's plain to see;
I won't be much when you get thru' with me.
Well,I'm a losing weight and a turnin' mighty pale.
Looks like I've Got A Tiger By The Tail.

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Buck Owens of course.

" }-

2Funny. I'll drive over to the Crystal Palace on Buck Owens Blvd this evening & tell ol' Buck that you said hello.

[ronjor]

Tell him "Howdy". I 'preciate that!

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Vijay seems to be running away with the top honors. He's in contention for the win again! And where's Tiger??? I've always heard "the light that burns the brightest burns only half as long". "Half" may be an overstatement. ::)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

How about that Vijay? :o

[ronjor]

Best in the world at this time.

[slammer_JvA]

I hardly know anything about golf, so I have a little Question:

How can it be that the last posting in this thread is from the 13th of september, while there was something going in the last three days that, so I understand, in popularity compares to Daviscup in tennis? Namely;

The Ryder Cup, a battle between the best players from the U.S.A vs. those of Europe.

Could it perhaps be because....

Europe has won this cup again (and to be more specific: fourth time in a row!!) ;D

( Where are you now, Tiger Woods? ;D I wonder if they'd still dare to call 'us' underdogs next time, hahaha:P )

CONGRATS LADS!
CHEERS

:P ;D ;D ;D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "I hardly know anything about golf, so I have a little Question:

How can it be that the last posting in this thread is from the 13th of september, while there was something going in the last three days that, so I understand, in popularity compares to Daviscup in tennis? Namely;

The Ryder Cup, a battle between the best players from the U.S.A vs. those of Europe.

CONGRATS LADS!
CHEERS

:P ;D ;D ;D

" }-


Well, I think it was Vince Lombardi who once said, "Winning isn't everything, but it's way ahead of whatever's in 2nd place." Winners in American sports are the children of everyone; losers are orphans.

And frankly, "team golf" is a bit of an oxymoron to most Americans. Golf is generally perceived here as the bastion of the individual player challenging other individuals. Western gunslingers shooting it out @ high noon. Tiger Woods made a blunt assessment when asked by reporters about his Ryder Cup record: "Who among you can quote me Jack Nicklaus's record in Cup matches?" No one could answer.

Finally, Ryder Cup matches on TV are often as exciting as watching soccer - i.e., all the drama of watching grass grow.

None of which takes anything away from the Euros' win this weekend. They kicked our guys' butts fair & square :-\ ....and have done so on a consistent basis for a decade. We either get a lot better, or we WILL get a lot more embarrassed. ;D

[Cochise]

Tiger! Tiger! Burning bright,
Monty snuffed your flickerin' light,
Opponents maybe 'Slip and Sliders'
But we're the smoothest 'Easy Ryders'......
From start to finish saw us coastin'
Sorry if it sounds like boastin'
But didn't they just get a roastin'..... ;D ;D



Cochise, 8)

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Sorry if it sounds like boastin'" }-

It's true I fear, lost our shirts

everywhere but The British Open! ;D ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

I've never watched a single hole of a Ryder Cup. In my opinion, it's just another tournament. SSG makes a good point. Golf is an individual sport. But congrats to the Brits anyway. ;)

[slammer_JvA]

-{ Quote: " Golf is an individual sport. " }-
Could well be the reason why I hardly ever watch it... imho life is about TEAMwork, and that's why I like team-sports better (especially soccer-which, to me is NOT like watching grass growing!)
But hey; respect.

It's a nice thing people are different, otherwise it would be a very dull world :)

regards,
slammer

[slammer_JvA]

-{ Quote: "Tiger! Tiger! Burning bright,
Monty snuffed your flickerin' light,
Opponents maybe 'Slip and Sliders'
But we're the smoothest 'Easy Ryders'......
From start to finish saw us coastin'
Sorry if it sounds like boastin'
But didn't they just get a roastin'..... ;D ;D

Cochise, 8)" }-
Great poem, Cochise!;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Well, it appears earlier rumors were premature. Tiger is now one lucky fella. And she's not doing too bad either. Maybe now he can get back to concentrating on his swing. ;D

[ronjor]

Vijay has the answer.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/latest/story/0,4390,276611,00.html

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Well, it appears earlier rumors were premature. Tiger is now one lucky fella. And she's not doing too bad either. Maybe now he can get back to concentrating on his swing. ;D" }-

A 675-page prenuptial agreement.... ;D ;D 8)

[ssgtmax]

Oh, my word....no WONDER Tigger has been so distracted the last couple of years. :o I'm surprised he still comes to the golf course! ;) Meet his new missus, Elin Nordegren:

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "Oh, my word....no WONDER Tigger has been so distracted the last couple of years. :o I'm surprised he still comes to the golf course! ;) Meet his new missus, Elin Nordegren:" }-
Hello :D
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

id like to play a round with her ;) ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "...id like to play a round with her..." }-
She's probably not a very good golfer, if that's what your referring to. ;D

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "She's probably not a very good golfer, if that's what your referring to. ;D" }-
i dont know what you mean. i like golf :) well i do now :-X

[Dazed_and_Confused]

I guess we're going to have to close this thread for the Winter. Not much action these days. I wonder what Tiger is doing for excitement now? ??? 8)

[ronjor]

He is having a tough time right now. :D

http://cbs4.com/newslocal/topstoriesmia_story_309165038.html

[bigbuck]

::) ::) ::) ::) ::)

[bigbuck]

:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

[bigbuck]

Wow!
Nanotech golf ball corrects its own flight! Link (http://news.com.com/Nanotech+golf+ball+corrects+its+own+flight/2100-1041_3-5460505.html?tag=nefd.ac)

[ronjor]

Nanotech assumes you can tee off with the ball. Wonder if they make a ball that works with brainwaves? :D

[ssgtmax]

-{ Quote: "Wow!
Nanotech golf ball corrects its own flight! Link (http://news.com.com/Nanotech+golf+ball+corrects+its+own+flight/2100-1041_3-5460505.html?tag=nefd.ac)" }-

I would settle for a golf ball that floats. ;D

And why is it that trees, which are 85% air, always knock my ball in one of the following places/directions:

1) O.B. >:(
2) In the rough
3) In a hazard
4) Straight back toward me :-\
5) Into that parallel universe where the ball can't be found :lurking:

[bigbuck]

-{ Quote: "I would settle for a golf ball that floats. ;D

And why is it that trees, which are 85% air, always knock my ball in one of the following places/directions:

1) O.B. >:(
2) In the rough
3) In a hazard
4) Straight back toward me :-\
5) Into that parallel universe where the ball can't be found :lurking:" }- Maybe the ball in post #394 is for you Max.....It may swim!
;D ;D ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Did anyone see that tee shot Vjay made on (I believe it was) the 18th last weekend? WOW! :o After he hits the ball which is hugging the edge of the fairway, the talking heads say it's heading right for the bunker. As it turns out, he clears it by 50 yds!! Must have ate his Wheaties that morning.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Tiger comes back to beat Phil today. Looking forward to the Masters! :)

[ronjor]

April seventh.

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/schedule

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Yes, April 7th. Wish I could be there. Always a beautiful course. I need to hire their groundskeepers to do my lawn.

[snowbound]

I'm not a golfer but just had a talk with my mom on the phone and all she went on about was the Masters and her hero Tiger Woods.

Guess he can add another Green Jacket to his closet. 8)



snowbound

[ronjor]

That's four jackets so far. Close match.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

How about that shot on the 16th green. Wow! :o I watched all of today's action, and a great show it was. After Tiger's performance on Day 1, I'm impressed that he had the strength to come back.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "How about that shot on the 16th green. Wow! :o I watched all of today's action, and a great show it was. After Tiger's performance on Day 1, I'm impressed that he had the strength to come back." }-

He willed the ball into the cup on that putt. :) They really make Golf look easy.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Tiger almost pulls another one out.... :o

[ronjor]

Hi Daisey.

He still doesn't look like he used to on the course. That was a tough course for everybody.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Hello Ron!

On the radio I heard there is yet another amateur that has an even more impressive amateur career/record than Tiger had. Didn't get his name. Maybe he will give Tiger a run for his money

[snowbound]

Interview with Tiger after his win today at the British Open,

http://golfserv.foxsports.com/gdc/news/article.asp?id=34051


snowbound

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Good match. Tiger is impressive. Sorry Collin couldn't win it for the home team. :-\

[GolfSideShow]

John Daly vs Niagara falls!

John Daly will attempt to hit a golf ball from one country to another at Niagara falls Canada in mere moments,

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050802/1008953.asp

He will get 20 chances to hit the ball across the falls and onto Goat Island in New York State.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

How did Tiger go from almost missing the cut on Friday, to two strokes behind after Sunday's round? Unbelieveable. :o

[ronjor]

A few chokers in the bunch! ;D

[Dazed_and_Confused]

-{ Quote: "A few chokers in the bunch! ;D" }-

Sounds like more than a few. ;)

[ronjor]

Mickelson Chips His Way to Another Major

Yahoo (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050815/ap_on_sp_go_su/glf_pga_championship)

[ronjor]

Mickelson is doing it again at The Masters.

[Dazed_and_Confused]

Yep. Tiger had a number of chances, and uncharacteristically blew them.

[ronjor]

Fred Couples had some chances also. The greens are killers. Very fast.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "HOYLAKE, England (AP) -- Tiger Woods bottled up his emotions when he buried his father in May. Even as he stalked the brown, baked links of the British Open on Sunday, his steely focus never wavered.

Until he tapped in his final putt.

That gave him his third claret jug, his 11th major championship, but the first victory he couldn't share with Pops. " }-
British Open (http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-britishopen&prov=ap&type=lgns)

[Dazed_and_Confused]

My favorite part of the tourny was Thursday when he beat up on Faldo. ;D