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Written by Head Nut
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 01:54 |
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THIS is why we get up at 1:00 AM
The Open Championship at St. Andrews. My wife believes that I am "bonkers." Our dog (Tessie the Wonder Dog) barked for 15 minutes straight when I got out of bed at 1:00 AM PDT. They're both "Wankers." I am enjoying a ring-side seat to history in spectacular HD on my big-screen. Sleep be damned, for the next four days, I will gladly visit sleep deprivation land to witness The Open Championship and the magic inspired by the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St. Andrews.
By 2:00 AM, the storylines began to unfold, begging the question; "Do you believe in magic?" A svelte John Daly, looking slightly peculiar in his blue paisley slacks from LoudMouth Golf and pink shirt, made the turn towards the inward nine at six-under-par. His front-nine score of 31 bested his 1995 best nine score by 2 strokes. His '95 performance led to a playoff victory and his second Major Championship. So far, Daly is two-clear of the field, sporting -7 thru 12 holes.
The rain is failing along with the temperatures and the wind is conspicuously absent. The conditions promise to grow worse and worse as the day goes by, giving the feeling that the lowest scores will come from the morning pairings. Even with his magical play through 13, one has to acknowledge the nagging little voice in the head reminding us that Daly is notable for long drives and HUGE numbers. In my heart, I am rooting for Daly to go the distance because I do believe in magic.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 15 July 2010 02:47 |
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Written by Head Nut
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Sunday, 20 June 2010 15:20 |
3:20 PM PST The U.S. Open In Real Time
Golf continues to provide opportunities for some of the most talented golfers in the world to look like weekend hackers.
I thought the Memphis Meltdown last week in the St. Jude was the worst I'd seen since Jean VanDeVelde became his own trivia answer. I was so wrong.
I just watched Dustin Johnson go freefall in the U.S. Open. Johnson dropped six (6) strokes to par in three (3) holes. He made it look easy. He made it look "normal." It was anything but normal. A Tour caliber player just doesn't go triple, double, bogey unless there are some extreme weather conditions, like a hurricane or an earthquake. Johnson did it all by himself. I hurt for him.
We weekend golfers are fully used to going +3, +2, +1, we just don't see the Big Boys do it. In some weird way it brings us closer to the guys who are "stupid long" and have ridiculous skill on a golf course. Dustin Johnson will be around for a long time. Time heals all wounds and his are no exception. He will win a Major or two. His "meltdown" will become golfing lore. To borrow from the movie Tin Cup; "...why, it's historic!"
Now, somebody tell Johnny Miller that the Dude's name isn't Dustin Hoffman!
HN
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Last Updated on Sunday, 20 June 2010 15:38 |
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Written by Head Nut
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Friday, 18 June 2010 07:03 |
June 18
The U.S. Open has one round in-the-books. A case of the 24-Hour flu allowed me to see most of the first round and it was a peach!
The course is firm and very fast. The greens are giving the pros fits without being unfair. Watch for the grinders to be atop the leader board as long as the weather holds. Wind and rain could change everything dramatically.
Some notables will not make the cut.
Tiger is a hair from brilliance or disaster. He will rise or fall but either way it must be exhausting to play on-the-edge.
Nobody told some of the young guys that they can't win so there's the wild-card.
What do you all think of Day 1?
HN |
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Written by Head Nut
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Monday, 31 May 2010 10:46 |
and it isn't Tiger!
Like so many others, I have been a bit disinterested in the PGA Tour this year. I love golf and usually watch every moment I can of every PGA telecast and a healthy dose of The Golf Channel. That hasn't been the case this year. In a reflective moment I think I might know why.
Having recently moved into a smaller home, I was trying to figure out how to put all my golf memorabilia into a quarter of the space it once occupied. No easy task, so each item is carefully scrutinized. The "3S Formula" is faithfully applied;save-it, sell-it or s_ _ t-can-it! One item which sits waiting for a verdict got me thinking about why I am so indifferent about the 2010 PGA Tour.
The item is a beautifully framed picture of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer at Augusta for The King's final competitive round. I can't get over the pure joy on both of their faces as they embraced. Real honest passion for the Game, after decades of play, and for leaving the Game better than they found it. It moves me. It shows exactly what is missing from the 2010 Tour. Charisma. Palmer has it. Nicklaus has it. They each allowed fans to drink deeply of their charisma.
Look at the picture:
In your wildest dreams, would you ever see Lefty and Tiger in such an embrace? I doubt it. Oh, they will win majors and eclipse records set by the Immortals but never would we see what Palmer and Nicklaus have given so often to so many. Indeed, in some crazy way, Jack and Arnie are our friends.
It isn't Tiger missing from the Tour. My vote goes to charisma and if there was ever a great time for somebody on Tour to find some it would be now!
May "The Secret" be with you.
HN #0001
We're ALL Nuts about GOLF!
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Last Updated on Monday, 31 May 2010 11:40 |
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Written by Head Nut
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Wednesday, 07 April 2010 13:19 |
The Masters at Augusta National rings in the REAL beginning of the 2010 Golf Season
If it is true that the Masters Tournament doesn't really begin until the back-nine on Sunday, then it must also be true that the real golf season doesn't begin until the Par-3 Tournament at Augusta on Wednesday. It was a pleasant surprise to flip on the television and find the annual short-course event televised. The massive crowds lining Augusta's Par-3 Course, applauding all the great shots and laughing aloud with the players and their families at the not-so-great shots has to excite the most jaded fan.
The day was not for grinding out a tough par. The day was full of playfulness and thankfulness. This day was for autographs from living Legends and future Legends. a day where the crowd can award a mulligan to the King. It is a day that can turn back time to allow the fans to recall Palmer, Nicklaus and Player in their prime. The adoring fans still held their breath on #9 when Palmer's birdie putt seemed to roll forever before finding the hole some 50 feet away. The fist pump that followed was more reminiscent of the King in his prime than the 80-year-old Icon he is today.
The absense of Tiger Woods is no surprise. Tiger does not participate in the Par-3 Tournament. What a shame, especially given Tiger's current image troubles. He missed a good time but he was not missed.
The table is now officially set for the 2010 Masters Tournament. At 7:40 am EDT, The King and the Golden Bear, Palmer and Nicklaus will knock the ceremonial drives and the greatest golf tournament in the world will begin. |
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