Golf Channel Bias

photo credit: linein   I’m tired of the hoopla about Tiger Woods on the Golf Channel?  I’m worn-out watching Tiger re-runs, Tiger interviews, Tiger commercials.  I’ve had it with the commentators on the Golf Channel making excuses for a man they hardly know.  I’m exhausted hearing about Tiger being the “greatest of all time.” 

During the recent PGA Championship, Y.E. Yang, 110th in the world standings, beat Woods.  A Golf Channel commentator stated ”was it that Tiger lost it himself or did Yang actually beat him?”  I had a need to destroy my TV.

Yang used the same psychology against Woods, that Woods uses against his opponents:  Unshakable confidence, along with a calm demeanor which would not allow intimidation by Woods.  In the end, it wasn’t the physical that beat Woods, it was the mental.  I was spared from another Tiger Woods fist pumping demonstration !

Long Ball Hitters

photo credit: Triple Tri   I always get a kick out of the player enthralled at his own ability to hit the ball a long way.  Ok, he crushes a 300 yard drive, to him, placement is irrelevant.  He is definitely the Alpha member of the group but so what!  Who really cares?  The real question is whether he can score.  Hitting the long ball is meaningless unless it results in low scores.

Let’s face it though, its fun to watch someone hit shots like Mighty Joe Young (gorilla movie character).  Those slow climbers that seem to hang forever.  In a scramble, having a long ball hitter on your team is like manna from heaven.  

Could it be a hidden jealousy that makes us want to crush our shots like ”long ball Charlie?”  I think it could be just that.

Undeserved Praise

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale   Why do some players feel as if they need to give you a compliment after, what you feel, is a mediocre golf shot?  I’ve got a golfing buddy like that.  No matter what type of shot I hit, it’s followed by “nice shot.”  I know he means well but too many “nice shots” can be agitating to some, me included.

Don’t get me wrong, I like to be congratulated but ONLY when it is deserving and not until.  I’m there to play golf.  I enjoy having a laugh or two or smoking a good cigar and that’s as far as it goes.

Golf is what you make of it.  Playing golf to me, is a challenge, always has been.  I enjoy the competition but how do you tell your best friend, “enough already?”

Golf Bets

photo credit: SarahMcD ॐ   There is something thrilling about making a bet, even if its a simple three dollar Nassau.  Its not just a matter of beating your opponent/s, its knowing that you played well enough to do so.

What gripes me is when someone says, “I’ll pay you next time.”  They have the money, it’s just that by paying, they are admitting to defeat and they don’t want to give you that satisfaction.  They defeat you, even though they have just been defeated!

Solve the problem (if there is one) by collecting all bets prior to the round. . . no pay, no play!

A good friend of mine still owes me a dozen Dunlop golf balls from a bet we made in 1972!  Are Dunlop balls still being made?

We’re Not Here to Party !

photo credit: Slo White   I go nuts when the course starter decides to include a stranger in our threesome.  For what golf courses charge, I ought to be able to play with whoever I want.  Why should I be forced to play with a complete stranger with an unknown skill level?  Now don’t get me wrong, I genuinely like people, I just take my golf very seriously that’s all.

For four or five hours now,  we’re stuck with a party animal and chronic talker.  Half the time is spent looking for his lost balls.  Have I really just paid $150. in green fees for this ?

Golf courses should cease this policy and just let us play with who we want to play with!  Amen.

Unrepaired Ball Marks

photo credit: drklops   There is nothing more frustrating than having your putt knocked off line by an unrepaired ball mark.  Every once in a while one will “get by” and there goes an extra stroke.  The four foot area that encircles the cup is the most abused area on the entire course.

If it takes only seconds to repair a ball mark then why are so many left unrepaired?  It could be ignorance but in most cases its laziness.  Every player should have a repair tool in their pocket and know how to use it correctly. 

Using the repair tool properly is done by inserting it vertically, on the perimeter of the divot, and pushing forward towards the middle, doing so, will close the hole from the edges inward.  In this manner the divot will be unoticable and completely level.