Lady of the Links

Celebrate the Women in Our (Golfing) Lives

2011-10-13T09:48:00.005-04:00

My grandma came into this world swinging.

Maggie Lough was born during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. The doctor told her mother he’d be back the next day to sign Maggie’s death certificate. The puny infant wouldn’t make it.

Obviously she did, because here I sit.

Maggie died in April after winning many more battles along the way. She survived the Depression. She raised three children with no money. She lived 20 years with just one kidney after losing the other to cancer.

She was also an avid golfer. She and my dad share one thing the rest of the family does not: they both have a hole in one. I’ve known for a while, but didn’t have any details, until her funeral.

My dad gave a very moving eulogy. Friends and family were invited to stand and share their memories with Maggie. A very frail woman stood, with assistance, and said she was playing golf with my grandma when Maggie aced a par three. My grandma was too short to see it, so her friend had to break the news she wouldn’t need her putter on that hole.

It was November in Indiana, the month most Midwest golfers store their clubs for the winter. And my grandmother hit a hole in one. No doubt it took her a full driver to get there.

I write this because she’s a woman who isn’t famous or well-known, but she should still be remembered and celebrated. Neighbors and friends remember her for cutting coupons and wrapping up leftovers during financial hardships. I remember her wearing hats to church, the interesting advice she’d send me via two-page letters, and the sass and strength she passed onto me that I desperately try to call my own.

Most importantly to this blog, she should be remembered as a great golfer. She likely doesn't hold any records or has won any Tournaments, but we should honor the women before us who were devoted to the game, but whose influence may not be palpable to the greater world of golf.

Our golf game thrives because of them.

Who Needs Marriage? / Time Magazine draws an example in golf

2010-12-06T21:26:00.003-05:00

Perusing the end aisle magazine racks at the grocery store, a headline caught my eye.

"Who Needs Marriage?"

Oh, that Time Magazine, so clever. They reeled me in.

The article, by Belinda Luscombe, shares results from a study that covered an array of topics including cohabitation, the ideal and average age of marriage, how education is linked to marriage, wealth disparity between married and unmarried couples, a burgeoning $40 billion wedding industry, children out of wedlock, and more. Much of the results aren't surprising:

- Average age of married couples has gone up roughly a year a decade
- 2/3 of people in their 20's were married in 1960; in 2008 that number had shrunk to 26%
- 70% of people have been married at least once (based on the 2010 Census)

So what does this have to do with golf?

A section of the article is also dedicated to the changing trend of what partners look for in one another. The celebrity example they use? Greg Norman and ex-wife Chris Evert.

Luscombe suggests the couple "had many of the classic hallmarks of modern partnerships." Both are of equal success, interests, and attractiveness ("sporty and blond"), had previous relationships, were older, and had known one another for a while. Luscombe writes that these similarities are typical among modern couples.

Also typical? Divorce. Looks like Time picked the right model modern couple after all.

Read the entire Time article here: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2031962,00.html

Learn a Little More About Jeff Overton

2010-12-05T21:56:00.004-05:00

I love the Outside the Ropes features pgatour.com tapes about players. I highly recommend viewing some of the videos from time to time, for a laugh and insight. I've learned a couple things watching: training tools that are easy to keep in your bag, the usefulness of lead tape, and the importance of routine and tradition in your golf game.

Today I came across Jeff Overton's spotlight, and being the good Hoosier I am, wanted to share:

http://www.pgatour.com/video/r/features/outside_the_ropes/2010/09/06/feat_otr_overton_dotcom262.pgatour/index.html

"There was no playbook to the situation in front of us."

2010-11-28T19:33:00.004-05:00

In case you missed it last week, an honest interview with Tiger's agent at IMG, Mark Steinberg. A highlight:

Darren: Does it seem like a year has gone by?
Steinberg: It seems like a hell of a lot longer than a year.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/40351896

Lady's March Madness Withdraw / some dumb predictions about Monday's Ryder Cup matches

2010-10-03T23:18:00.004-04:00

Here are some amateur predictions for the final session of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Many other, more reliable and smarter predictions out there, but let's call this Lady's March Madness bracket withdraw.

1st Match
Lee Westwood vs. Steve Stricker
Victor: Westwood, 4 and 3
Why: Although it's a losing record, Westwood has more singles experience under his belt. And he surprised me (and probably most) coming off his recent injury hiatus by playing solid golf. I just don't see Steve holding up against such a power house tomorrow.

2nd Match
Rory McIlroy vs. Stewart Cink
Victor: Cink, 3 and 2
Why: The U.S. needs the veteran players to step up and score an early point, and I think that's Cink. And his sole singles win was in Europe in 2006, playing against another young star, Sergio Garcia.

3rd Match
Luke Donald vs. Jim Furyk
Victor: Luke Donald, 2 and 1
Why: I think this was a smart pairing, but when I think of coverage I've caught this weekend, I'm overwhelmed with Luke Donald's stroke. He's going to put an exclamation point on what he's already proven this week: "I may be a captain's pick, but I deserve to be here!"

4th Match
Martin Kaymer vs. Dustin Johnson
Victor: Halved
Why: I can't get on board with either of them. Kaymer is robotic when he gets going, but really hasn't this Cup. And although D.J. is one of the worst performing Americans, we all know it's in there somewhere. I expect a sometimes good, but mostly ugly match, with neither pulling out a victory.

5th Match
Ian Poulter vs. Matt Kuchar
Victor: Halved
Why: Jason Sobel wrote what I had been thinking when I read the pairings, and something I had in mind when Watson was in the same group as Poulter: "Interesting dichotomy in personalities here, with the calm Kuchar squaring off against the fiery Poulter. Good matchup for the U.S. side, as the Brit's energetic gestures won't rattle the confident rookie." Kutchar is the better golfer, but Poulter devours the adrenalin associated with this event. Tough call.

6th Match
Ross Fisher vs. Jeff Overton
Victor: Ross Fisher, 2 and 1
Why: You know what fact I like? Jeff Overton winning both his singles matches at the 2005 Walker Cup, one of them 5 and 4. Alas, Ross Fisher is playing great golf, and it's hard to ignore his consistency.

7th Match
Miguel Angel Jimenez vs. Bubba Watson
Victor: Bubba Watson, 3 and 2
Why: Yes, I am biased against that mane Jimenez is sporting. But this isn't Shear Genius. And I don't think there is anyone more thankful to be at the Ryder Cup than Bubba Watson. If he's more aggressive on the greens, and hits some fairways, I think he'll have the energy to bring this home.

8th Match
Francesco Molinari vs. Tiger Woods
Victor: Tiger, 2 and 1
Why: I don't know. All evidence points the contrary, and I'm usually the first to raise my hand and acknowledge Tiger's lack of a solid, consistent golf game right now. But he's been due a long time. Might as well cash it in tomorrow.

9th Match
Edoardo Molinari vs. Rickie Fowler
Victor: Rickie Fowler, 1 up
Why: This is a toughy. Neither shout total confidence. I'll go ahead and admit I probably made this call because I am a card carrying member of the Rickie Fowler Fan Club.

10th Match
Peter Hanson vs. Phil Mickelson
Victor: Hanson, 3 and 2
Why: I want to scream, "It has to come together for Phil!" And maybe it will. But I think he's done for the season. Ending on Monday doesn't help the cause. Here's one match I hope I'm really wrong about.

11th Match
Padraig Harrington vs. Zach Johnson
Victor: Johnson, 2 and 1
Why: I think Padraig will give Zach a run for his money, and with some memorable moments, but in the end I see Zach sticking this through. He's a level headed player, and I think that will be extra valuable after this long, drawn out event.

12th Match
Graeme McDowell vs. Hunter Mahan
Victor: McDowell, 1 up
Why: I love Hunter Mahan's swing. But sweet baby Jesus if there is a problem, it's his putting, and I worry McDowell will take advantage of him like a date on prom night. As long as the McMaster doesn't get McGreedy like when he went for the green and dumped it in the pond, I think he'll squeak this by. ANND my grandmother's maiden name is McDowell, so I gotta support the family.

Final tally: Europe 15 1/2, United States 12 1/2

Oops. Well, better luck in 2012. I'll see ya there.

Follow the Money Trail / sponsorship dollars come from the same money tree

2010-09-13T22:21:00.005-04:00

In a former life, I raised money for a political candidate. One of the first and most important lessons I learned: if someone has given a contribution once, they're the most likely to give again. It makes sense, but asking someone who has already written a large check to write another one seems to go against nature.

One look down the schedule of all the professional golf tours and it seems someone else caught on to this important fund-raising rule, too.

Kraft Nabisco sponsors the LPGA's first major of the year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship. They're also a presenting sponsor on the Nationwide Tour, the Albertsons Boise Open Presented by Kraft. Michelob seems to have tapped into their key demographic by becoming the official beer of the LPGA, PGA and Champions Tours before dumping money into the Hooters Tour. AT&T is the title sponsor of two PGA Tour events: AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the AT&T National.

A handful of other names also ring a bell: Sony, RBC, Accenture, RICOH, Samsung.

That's because they've invested money in a tournament and also its players. You've seen the logos splashed all over bags, collared shirts and hats. It seems the sweet spot for these companies is professional golf and the millions who watch, play and buy it.

Of course, there are many reasons why a company would choose to invest in an event. LPGA commissioner Mike Wahn established several pro-business mantras on day one of his reign. Wahn believes that a strong partnership ensures the financially invested party gets what they want and need out of the deal, not just a cookie cutter sponsorship. Some companies are looking for pure hospitality, thanking their biggest clients or best employees, or entertaining potential business. These sponsorships come in the form of a hospitality tent, Pro-Am spots, or other luxury spectator experiences. Other groups want their logo displayed and televised. EVERYWHERE. Every inch of the golf course is up for "sale" in exchange for sponsorship dollars. Even the port-a-potties.

I imagine Nationwide took all this under consideration before announcing its switch from the title sponsor of the PGA Tour's developmental tour to the presenting sponsor of the Memorial on the PGA Tour. Nationwide's exit does leave big shoes to fill, but the move makes sense for the Columbus, Ohio-based company. And that's what sponsors should be asking themselves: what makes sense for us?

In another example of professional golf politics is the Wachovia Championship. The tournament became the Quail Hollow Championship when Wachovia took Troubled Asset Relief Program funds, or when they were "bailed out" by the federal government. Keeping the Wachovia name front and center would have been a losing battle with the public. One has nothing to do with the other, but it doesn't look good to ask for a bail out and then throw back dirty martinis at the Grey Goose Lounge. Of course, the 2011 event will be renamed the Wells Fargo Championship, changed for the parent company that swallowed Wachovia.

It's hard to emotionally part with Nationwide as the Tour's sponsor because the name is so perfect. But based on the power of re-solicitation, the developmental tour could find its next sugar daddy from a current (or previous) sponsor.

The Kraft Tour? No. The Michelob Ultra Tour? That's closer.

But it's hard to top the Hooters Tour, or easily the best tournament name out there: The Buffalo Run Casino Classic presented by the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

And so the bet continues...

2010-08-12T11:41:00.000-04:00

Here are four players, not currently in the top eight and therefore not automatically on the Ryder Cup team, that I think could beat Tiger Woods this week:
Bo Van Pelt -- good guy from Indiana, actually played against my brother a couple times in high school
Sean O'Hair
Dustin Johnson
Ryan Moore

Here are four players, not currently in the top eight and therefore not automatically on the Ryder Cup team, that I would pick for the Ryder Cup team:
Rickie Fowler
Sean O'Hair
Dustin Johnson
Stewart Cink -- you must think I'm crazy, but this is a young and somewhat inexperienced team thus far. I was a little more experienced blood, and who better to play in Europe than the 2009 (British) Open Champion?

Four More Reasons Tiger Shouldn't Be Picked for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team

2010-08-11T22:25:00.004-04:00

1. Tiger is so morose these days -- What do you first think of when I say the 2008 Ryder Cup? For me, it's a double fist pump, mouth gaping Hunter Mahan after draining an important putt for Team America (er after those comments about being "slaves" competition week, ops). Tiger is the champion of the fist pump, and maybe has a trademark on the double fist pump. If he shines, his energy could be contagious for the team. If he sucks, he could drag everyone down with him. In flames.

2. He's a bad teammate -- I'll skip past the most important team he's failed (his marriage), and move onto the Presidents Cup and the Ryder Cup. You know what I remember from the 2009 Presidents Cup? Steve Sticker carrying partner Tiger Woods. With five Ryder Cup appearances under his belt, Tiger has a 10-13-2 record, winning just 11 of 25 possible points. Doesn't exactly scream success.

3. The team doesn't need him -- Woods missed the 2008 Ryder Cup in lieu of his knee surgery that benched him the rest of the 2008 season. And guess what? The Americans destroyed the Europeans anyway. Tiger who?

4. He doesn't have anything to play for -- So Pavin picks Tiger and he's outstanding. Does that mean "he's back?" Sure, he could be a hero and drain a putt at the 11th hour to claim victory against a heavyweight European team. But it still means he's gone the year without a solo victory. And he's dangerously close to losing his #1 ranking. Would a good Ryder Cup performance change the hearts and minds of fans? Would it silence the critics? Would he find peace within himself? What's he playing for at this point? I don't think he knows, which means he probably won't suit up and hit the course with any sort of motivation. Even his famous competitive fire has extinguished from his eyes. I think only a win on his own will prove he's at the level he was before. Or he might never be there again.

Michelle Wie Makes the Big Time / LPGA star harassed by TMZ outside the airport

2010-08-10T10:23:00.002-04:00

Last night, I happen to be flipping through the eight channels I have in my new apartment when a TMZ promo came on. The next segment included an awkward run-in with Michelle Wie. Not being one to read In Touch, watch TMZ, or visit perezhilton.com (honest), I decided to shelve the eye rolling and stay tuned.

The pop culture muckrakers -- who film and snap pictures of everything from celebrities (and pseudo celebrities) working out to taking a smoke break -- caught Michelle Wie leaving an airport and put a camera in her face. The genius behind the lens asked if she weren't a golf superstar, what would she be doing? A confused Wie, who was essentially ambushed, stayed silent even as the filmmaker asked if she would be doing math, or perhaps playing the cello?

The editor (or whoever was in charge of the TMZ team meeting during the episode) buried is head at the ignorance of the camera man, but should we really expect anything else from TMZ? Asian stereotypes are just the tip of the iceberg.

The brief encounter concluded with Michelle taking the whole ordeal in stride. She politely walked away, sort of smiling, and I think mostly puzzled.

I can't find the clip online yet, but am happy to pass it along when I do.

Apparently TMZ considers Michelle Wie enough of a celebrity to harass her outside an airport, catapulting her to a league that includes The Hoff's cheeseburger breakdown, Mel Gibson's Darth Vader-like voicemails to his ex, and Lindsay Lohan's final fingernail message to the judge (hint: starts with an 'f' and ends with a 'you').

Now Michelle knows she's made it.

The Closer / Na Yeon Choi's lead foot, Lexi's silencer, Evian quickies

2010-07-25T19:40:00.006-04:00

If there is such a thing as closers in golf, Na Yeon Choi is it.

Choi drew attention at the Women's U.S. Open when she shot a final round 66, catapulting her from a week low T-50 after the first round to finish in a tie for second. And again this week at the Evian Masters, Choi fired a final round-low 66 (Suzann Pettersen also shot 66 Sunday) to finish in a three-way tie for second.

Although Choi remained in contention all week in France, never dipping lower than T-6 at the conclusion of play each day, her ability to step on the gas as a last stitch effort is impressive.

The Closer may not be the best nickname (I really don't like Kyra Sedgwick's accent on that show), but she's giving the leaders quite a scare these (Sun)days. Several players put pressure on Paula at the Open on Sunday (at least early on), but I'm sure watching Choi's red number climb higher kept Creamer in check for the rest of the round. If there is anything Paul Goydos' 59 taught us the same week, it's that once you're in the zone, the only thing stopping you is you.

What about Superman, able to leap stacked leaderboards in a single bound?

I'll stop. Save me from myself.

**************
Teen Queen
She may have missed the cut at her professional debut in Atlantic City, but ever since, Alexis Thompson has been on a run that should be silencing critics.

The teen phenom finished T-10 at the U.S. Open (her first as a professional, but fourth overall) and an impressive tied for second at Evian. She's proven she can compete, now she has to prove she can win.

**************
Quickies
Morgan Pressel's good year continued with a 54-hole lead and eventual three-way tie for second...
Suzann Pettersen collected her eighth top 10 finish in another "so close yet so far" conclusion...
Paula Creamer's Open mojo wore off as the major champion finished a disappointing T-37...
Michelle Wie tried again to miss the cut by shooting a 77 on Friday (enter sympathy for the heat stroke earlier in the week, although she seemed to rebound fine with a 68 Thursday)...
And Christina Kim's "warm" streak came to a close when she actually did miss the cut by shooting 74-76.

The 2010 Open Championship / Lady's pick for the 150th anniversary

2010-07-14T16:06:00.005-04:00

In a former post, I listed the 2010 Open Championship as one thing I looked forward to in 2010, and despite my surprise it's mid July already, it's here.

The 139th Open Championship is being played at the Old Course at St. Andrews. No more a fitting place. And if we learned anything from last year, magic is in the air at the Open Championship; anything could happen.

But I'll go ahead and try to pick possible winners for the fun of it.

Lady's pick: Tiger Woods

It's time for Tiger to shine again.

Woods is my pick for the 2010 (British) Open Championship.

I don't have much to throw behind it. Apparently neither does he since he changed putters the week before the event to help with the slower greens at St. Andrews. I think switching putters has a placebo effect, and is more of a mental confidence boost than anything else.

However, he is still (one of) the best in the world, and it's been a while since he's proven it. We've all seen this level of perfection in athletes. Even if he doesn't care about world rankings, or public praise, he needs to satisfy himself with a victory. Maybe being across the pond will provide a bit of a break from the rest of his hectic life (though his showing at a Pro-Am in Ireland didn't prove that true).

In short, I think he'll really be gunning for a win at the Old Course. It's an historic year for the tournament, and I don't think Tiger wants anyone else winning the 150th anniversary Open Championship.

Lady's dark horse pick: Ryan Moore

So this dark horse pick started during the Masters with my dad. In giving me a breakdown of one round he said, "There were two hole-in-ones today, one was some British guy with funny clothes." He was incorrect about the nationality, but I knew he was talking about Ryan Moore (cue funny clothes).

Moore nearly won the AT&T National after eight straight one-putts during the final round (holy cow!). Talk about clutch. Sure the greens may be slower at St. Andrews, but I will take that stat to the bank anywhere. Moore is also 30th on Tour for greens in regulation at just over 68 percent. His track record at the Open may not be strong (T-42 in 2007 for his only start), but he's a confident player. He could pull it off. Why not?

Open Book / notes from the 2010 U.S. Women's Open

2010-07-11T16:08:00.001-04:00

Slow Play -- It took Cristie Kerr's foursome (rounded out by Yani Tseng and Anna Nordqvist) THREE HOURS to play their first nine holes on Friday. The women are notorious for being slow, and I imagine these greens are causing many more marked putts inside two feet than normal. Mike Davis, the USGA director of rules, aimed to have groups of three finishing in 4 hours and 34 minutes. Instead, the average round on Friday was 5.5 hours. That's roughly 18.3 minutes a hole, which may seem reasonable for a par five, but is at least eight minutes slower than it should take to play a par three. Or the 260 yard par four 17th both Suzann Pettersen and Paula Creamer successfully drove in the second round. Yikes.

Where did all these people come from? These crowds are awesome, and encouraging.

Kay Cockerill, Girl Power! -- Between the second and third round yesterday, a Golf Channel sportscaster asked Kay Cockerill (on site at Oakmont) about the "fairness" of Mike Davis' call to roll the greens in order to speed them up. Kay was not havin' it. She fired back, remarking she hadn't heard anyone complaining. Because this is a major. And this Oakmont. And NO ONE would even dare talk about the fairness of the course if it were the men. You go, girl.

An interesting take on Paula's thumb -- I'm not a doctor, professional golfer, trainer, or expert in about anything. But someone made a comment to me recently that the American players differ from many others in that they get down on the ball and take huge divots. Other players sweep the ball, taking less grass. If true, no wonder Paula has problems with her thumb. The shocks a body experiences by taking that much of the Earth each time must be damaging.

Kelli Shean -- I won't recap what every other news outlet has reported in length, but want to acknowledge her feel good story. She fell away after the first round, but what a great experience for her and a fun anecdote for the 2010 Open.

Michelle Wie -- Is playing terrible golf. It may be a while before we see another win from her.

What could have been -- I could write pages about how easily this major could be turned upside down. If Lexi Thompson had fewer three-putts, she'd be in stronger contention. If Suzann Pettersen's putting didn't go into the toilet early in the final round, she'd be clipping at Paula's heals (she's hit over 80% of the greens in regulation this week!). If Paula hadn't made so many lengthy, detrimental par putts, she'd easily be out of the red. If Cristie Kerr had avoided her three doubles in the third round, she'd be six shots better the final day, and at least at one point, just one shot off the lead. Shoulda. Woulda. Coulda.

American Woman -- Lots of talk about how great it would be for an American to win. And if not, I dare to ask? Is it not as good for women's golf? Does it take away from the great accomplishments of American players this week and in the past? At this point, I think everyone needs to get on board with support women's golf. Because although the crowds this week are encouraging, women's golf needs every ounce of support it can muster, from all corners of the world.

A not-so-live report from the AT&T National

2010-07-04T22:24:00.003-04:00

I was there, but obviously not (media) credentialed. So here's the postmortem coverage of my brief weekend at the AT&T National.

Funkiest Pre-Shot Routine Award: Jason Dufner. I'm going to go ahead and also give him Most Awesome Name in the Field Award. There is a lot of wrist snapping back and forth at address, maybe six or seven times. Addressing the ball that long makes me nervous, but Duf apparently needs a reminder that involves his wrists. Perhaps to help square the club face at impact. Don't tee habits make you wonder why?

Pin a Rose on Justin's Nose: If you'll remember my trip to the AT&T last year (I'm sure everyone does), I spent some time on the range watching Justin Rose beat balls. He was practicing his follow through, getting through the ball at impact and swinging out to the target. If memory serves, David Feherty said JR was focusing on that element in his swing this week. Just(in) goes to show you: sometimes it takes a year to get part of your swing corrected.

Sub-par: Jeff Overton was the only player this week to shoot four rounds in the 60's. Quite the feat considering the cut was at three over and only four other players had three rounds in the 60's. Lady has a particular affection for Mr. Overton because he's a fellow Indiana University alumni. Go Hoosiers!

Unnecessary Temper Tantrum of the Week Award: Michael Letzig, who heaved his iron 20 yards after hitting a poor shot from a fairway bunker. You need to relax, Mike. The game will get you once in a while. Deal with it in a more mature manner.

Wedge Wise: Aronimink played short for Tour standards, and wedge play was crucial. Those who came out on top were controlling their wedges from 80-120 yards with tremendous ease. And making putts that, although sometimes short in distance, were slick.

Everyone Loves the Local Boy: A good group that still didn't get very many followers despite local appeal was the Glover/O'Hair pairing Saturday. There were lots of cheers for Aronimink member and nearby West Chester native O'Hair throughout the week. But this does highlight a point I made last year: you can watch last year's U.S. Open champion play golf from 15 feet away at a tournament like this. There is a lot to learn from that close.

The New Digs: I don't need to say much, other than to reiterate what has been already reported: Aronimink is gorgeous.

The Tiger Report: Not much to say since I was unwilling to fight my way to the rope line and therefore didn't see much of the guy. Other than to say people L-O-V-E this man. I'm a little taken aback about how warm (unbelievably loud, long, and kind) a reception he gets on the course. I don't think he quite understands or appreciates the importance of being surrounded by people who love him unconditionally, especially on that scale. Thousands were supporting him. I'm guessing this event isn't atypical, either.

Golf's Major Memories / what makes a career memorable?

2010-04-19T22:12:00.003-04:00

During the Masters pre-Thursday round media mayhem, a quote from Padraig Harrington caught my eye.

“In the end of the day, my whole career is now, after winning three majors, is going to be judged on majors."

Fascinating assertion. Is it true?

Before his scandal(s), the world of golf was obsessed with whether or not Tiger would break Jack's record for most majors won in a career. And guess what? It's still speculated everywhere.

Tiger aside (since this Tiger v. Jack thing won't go away anytime soon), will the best players in the world be remembered or forgotten because of the number of major victories?

Do you know which female golfer has the most major titles? Patty Berg with 14. Annika is on there, but T-4 with 10.

Can you answer me this: who has more majors, Gary Player or Sam Snead? Byron Nelson or Lee Trevino? Did you know Nick Faldo has won twice as many majors as regular Tour events in the U.S.?

Majors are major for a reason. They test the skill and wit of the best players in the world. And many fail to make the cut.

The 2010 Masters was incredible, no one can deny it. And people all over the world sat glued to their TV's as 59-year-old Tom Watson did the unthinkable and almost won The (British) Open Championship.

So maybe Padraig is half right. Many players will be remembered by their major victories, but it won't be how many or few. We hold in our minds and our hearts the stories at the majors, for winners and losers alike. Payne Stewart pumping his fist on one leg after draining a putt to win the 1999 U.S. Open, just months before he died. Greg Norman's epic blow at the 1996 Masters, and Phil's ability to close the deal this year at Augusta.

Numbers don't create a memory, but emotions do.

Friday at the Masters / a couple things that may go somewhat unnoticed

2010-04-09T21:29:00.003-04:00

Angel's last prayer -- Last year's Masters champion Angel Cabrera had to birdie 18 to make the cut. He made a lengthy putt to do it, finishing just on the cut line.

The other Ricky -- Sadly, in roughly six months, Ricky Fowler has become THE Ricky on tour. But he's not at the Masters. Ricky Barnes is, however, for the first time since 2003. And he's six under. Will he keep low through the weekend and finish what he couldn't at the U.S. Open last year?

Fair ways for AK -- He may be T-3, but the guy can't hit a fairway. Last count, he was second to last in the field this week. Apparently, it doesn't matter.

Missed cuts -- These poor fellows have missed the cut but probably shouldn't have: Tim Clark, Ryo Ishikawa, Bernard Langer, Padraig Harrington, Brian Gay (on this list because he's my dark horse), Justin Leonard, Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Stewart Cink, and Jim Furyk. Yes, other names can be added, but this is my list, dang it. Vijay and Paul Casey aren't on here because they've recently had health problems, for example.

Pimento Cheese Sandwiches -- Apparently they're good, or something. This beloved breakfast, lunch, and dinner option may not be reported by the mainstream media, but Twitter has been lit up by sportswriters and their pimento cheese sandwich prose (Jason Sobel even posted a picture of one).

Lady's Masters Picks / even though I know nothing about how to pick 'em

2010-04-08T09:14:00.004-04:00

What do I know about predicting tournament champions? Absolutely nothing. Most is just a feeling. Regardless, here are my picks for the Masters.

Lady's Pick: Steve Stricker

Steve Stricker is easily one of the best players in the world without a major (yes, I know, Sergio Garcia). The guy is solid, and seems to have done it all BUT win a major. Stricker won three times last year, carried partner Tiger Woods at the President's Cup, has made the cut at all seven starts this year, and won the Northern Trust Open in February. So what's left? Sure, he may not have the greatest Masters track record to boost his confidence, but he did finish T6 in 2009. If there is a time in his career to play his best golf at a major, it's now.

Lady's Dark Horse Pick: Brian Gay

It's Brian Gay's first Masters! He turned pro 16 years ago! His mom is from a town 40 miles from Augusta where he lived for five years! Need I go on? Brian Gay had a more than respectable 2009 with two wins and enough top finishes to bank over $3 million. This year he's been in the top 25 five times, getting a slow but steady start. Sure, he had never played Augusta until a month ago, but you have to love his reasoning: he wanted to earn the privilege. This has feel good story written all over it. Maybe it's the NCAA men's basketball championship hangover. I'm looking for someone to finish what Butler started.

Let's Roll Up Our Sleeves / a little political consultation for Commissoner Finchem

2010-04-03T16:50:00.004-04:00

I recently caught the PGA Tour commercial supporting the new(er) charity brand "Together, anything's possible." According to Commissioner Tim Finchem, the messaging focuses on all charitable giving, roping in players' personal charities with the Tour's larger giving pool.

This effort comes after a decrease in charitable giving in 2009, down 10-15% from 2008. Charity is vastly important to the Tour, to all Tours, for that matter. I think it's great, and the renewed focus is encouraging.

But watching the commercial, I'm bothered by the stiffness of Commissioner Finchem in his jacket and tie. What people -- who benefit from professional golf's generosity even though they may not be fortunate to play the game -- can relate to that? It reminds me of a stuffy politician. If he had a political consultant, the first thing they would say is, "Take off your jacket, and roll up your sleeves."

So here it is. My political advice for the golfing bureaucrat.

Take a break once in a while from the tailored jackets with brass buttons, silk ties, and mirror-shine shoes. Roll up your sleeves, figuratively and literally. Help plant trees at a playground near a tournament site (I promise it won't negatively associate you with the belief -- or not -- in global warming).

Change has become a toxic word in the political world. Let's put our political differences aside and agree that in this context (bettering a charity program), change is good. So if you're going to make a significant change to better the Tour -- and the world -- let's see it.

Lady's Lesson Learned / five social golf rules-advice-whathaveyous I've faced this season

2010-03-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

After playing a few rounds this year, here are some items I've learned (read, been taught, discovered) along the way that could help you as well:

1. Become your own course architect -- It's okay to create your own par (play a three as a four, four as a five).
You know those holes. Every time you step up to the tee, the anxiety builds as you think about the last time you pulled it left out of bounds, the time before you pushed it right forcing a punch layup around the dogleg, or that one infamous time you four-putted just trying to get the ball up to the second tier.
Play the hole in a way that won't leave you upset and frustrated the rest of the round, thereby making bad decisions that cost strokes. Layup, hit an iron off the tee, or simply pad the par because it's always a challenging hole for you. That way, when you do make the scorecard par, it'll be because you practiced playing the hole rather than trying to block out all the negative memories from it.

2. You don't have to play through -- Don't get pressured into moving through the foursome in front of you because you feel bad waiting on them every shot. This may be a rare example. Most of the time it feels like no one else on the course understands common course courtesy and a four hour round turns into six hours of torture.

But in short, don't feel pressured by other groups. You paid (typically really good money) to play golf. Change your club selection last minute if you need to, read the green, line up your putt, and complete the hole. They should understand waiting on you is part of the deal. If they are playing leisurely, they can leisurely wait until you finish.

3. A golf course is just that, a golf course, not a practice facility -- It's deadly quiet because it's 60 degrees in Florida and people are treating it like a blizzard, there aren't groups around, and you want to knock around a couple balls after finishing the hole, feel free. But when the weather is gorgeous, the course is packed, and your foursome is already playing par fours in 20 minutes, there isn't time to redo the "Oh my Garcia, I can't believe I just missed that no-break eight footer." Move on. You can practice pushing the ball to the right, er, your putting stroke, on the practice green after the round.

4. A golf course is just that, a golf course, not a night club or barn dance (sorry, can't help it, Indiana roots) -- Just dress appropriately for the golf course. If you're not sure its dress code, check their website or call ahead. And women, like all clothes, you should bend, walk, swing, kneel, etc. in your clothes before wearing them on the course. It may not be too short or reveal too much standing in front of the mirror in the dressing room, but on course movement can reveal something quite different (and sometimes, quite disturbing).

5. Play without keeping score once in a while -- Simply put, it's so freeing. I'm extremely competitive, but there is nothing like just knocking the ball around on a beautiful day. You'll discover parts of the course you've never seen before, and maybe a new strategy that could help your competitive game (iron off the tee more often, perhaps). You may even save a friendship (or relationship) when you care more about enjoying the company of your partner and not arguing "obvious" gimmes.

Fantastic Fred / what's in store for Couples at the Masters?

2010-03-29T10:07:00.003-04:00

The guy is good.

Freddie Couples dominated The Cap Cana Championship this weekend, capturing his third Champions Tour victory this year.

In December, I predicted Fred would have a huge year, and it looks like he's already accomplished that feat before April.

April--speaking of which--is better known as the month The Masters takes place. So how will Freddie fare at the first PGA Tour major of the season? He missed the cut last year, so a couple rounds under par would be a vast improvement.

I don't foresee the Champions Tour champ climbing high on the leaderboard at Augusta. Maybe the practice round with Tiger will help him at least make the cut.

The Tiger Woods Affair / a beloved movie parallel

2010-03-25T20:55:00.003-04:00

A bored billionaire stars in the 1999 adaptation of The Thomas Crown Affair, played by Pierce Brosnan. The serial dating bachelor has endless money and whatever he wants. Crown wrecks a "$100,000 boat because he likes the splash." There are no restrictions in his life.

So the Monet lover steals a painting from a gallery in an elaborate scheme, and returns it (cleverly hidden) almost as soon as he's stolen it.

Crown doesn't sell it. He doesn't need the money. He doesn't want the money. He wants to be challenged and feel the rush of doing something he's not certain he can get away with.

Sound familiar?

I'm no psychologist, but I think that's at the heart of Tiger Woods' transgressions (and such). He can get and do whatever he wants (including flying in lovers from around the country, apparently). TW wanted to be challenged by risky behavior. To feel the rush of leading a double life.

Crown has problems with commitment, just one subject he discusses with his therapist (perhaps not unlike Tiger). The discussion goes something like this:

Therapist: "Under what extraordinary circumstances would you allow (a woman to trust you)?"
Crown: "A woman could trust me as long as her interests didn't run contrary to my own."
Therapist: "And society, if it's interests ran contrary to your own?"

Crown just responds with a smirk.

The parallel (if you're looking for it) is uncanny. Tiger was a clean role model to society. Behind closed (hotel room) doors, Woods himself describes his previous behavior as "disgusting."

Rene Russo plays Catherine Banning, an equally eligible and independent art insurance "bounty hunter." She wins over Crown despite each knowing the truth about the others personal and professional lives.

Late in the movie, Crown asks her to disappear with him in exchange for returning the painting. But she's just walked in on what Banning believes is Crown planning a getaway with another lover.

Banning: "Of all things to take a leap of faith, how could I trust you?"

The details of Elin and Tiger's marriage should stay between them. People can ask the questions, and the Woods can (and should) fully ignore them.

But I can't help but think that Tiger is asking his friends, his fans, and the Tour to take a leap of faith, too.

Merchandise Madness / don't be so quick to name blame

2010-03-21T14:25:00.004-04:00

Remember when I wrote about branding in golf, and Tiger's impact on the Nike brand?

The New York Times posted a story yesterday about retail sales and the perfect storm brewing around the Masters: spring's kickoff to the golf season, the most prestigious (by their account) event in golf, and Tiger's return. I can understand why. Here in Atlantic City, most people don't think much about golf until Masters week.

The article mentions Nike's Victory Red line (which I used as an example in the same blog post). No one is quick to say the line (or other Tiger-related merchandise) has taken a hit since his car accident, sex scandals, and subsequent trips to rehab.

And they shouldn't. Unless there is a very clear, direct correlation between an incident and a massive drop in sales (we're talking a sudden 50% decrease or more), it's impossible to pinpoint an exact explanation for falling numbers.

It's like the stock market. Talking heads everywhere love to show how a typical day for the stock market fares in relation to extraneous activities like federal legislation passing (or not).

The problem is, you have no actual way of knowing why the stock market fluctuates on a day to day basis. There are long term trends, to be sure, but unless you poll buyers, traders, and all other parties involved, it's all speculation.

In terms of Nike, I'm sure the current economic situation isn't helping their sales (as mentioned in the NYT article). Did golf sales go up after partner Michelle Wie won her first LPGA event last year? Stewart Cink won the British Open? Dip when Paul Casey sat out a string of tournaments due to injury?

There are a lot of very brilliant people out there who look at mass amounts of data and sales trends, conduct focus groups, and more, to pick which star athletes they believe will bring them the most profit by using and wearing their gear.

But let's remember the difference between reality and a guess. My guess is that Tiger's troubles aren't doing much damage to Nike, but the reality could be very different.

What Goes Up Must Come Down / our need to keep moving up

2010-03-13T20:43:00.003-05:00

Watching the academy awards last weekend, I couldn't help but notice a pattern. See it? Look up.

Sure, up is in the title of only two films. But both those films were nominated for best picture, a prestigious honor despite the doubling of nominees this year (from five to 10).

It's a subconscious effort, I'm sure. But these days, we're all looking for a reason to, well, keep our head up.

We are a society of binaries. If you're not good you're bad. Hot or cold. Left or right. Up or down. And we all aim to go up.

We want (we need) the stock market to go up. Move up the ladder at work. Clean up the house. Our self worth to go up.

As golfers, are we letting down society by putting out negative 'down' energy into the universe? We're perpetually aiming down. We want our handicaps to go down. Aim down the fairway. Stare down a putt.

Of course we'd rather putt uphill. Get up and down from the sand. Tee up the ball. Trajectory higher up.

But if there is one thing we real golfers do, it's not give up. No matter how many times we want to hang up our clubs. We show up every season ready to tear up the course.

Just don't hold up the group behind you.

A Few Words About Tiger Woods / spend your time on something more worthwhile

2010-02-26T17:29:00.003-05:00

As a PR professional, I would recommend (to Tiger) comments to the public, preferably in the form of an apology. Otherwise, if no laws are broken, the details should be left between the husband and the wife.

It's hard to wrap our minds around. I can get on facebook and enter lots of personal lives: honeymoon kisses, baby sonograms, and romantic getaways abound. These are posted voluntarily. Sure, Tiger Woods has voluntarily allowed the public into some of his family's private lives. But just because I get to see growing baby bumps of classmates I haven't talked to since high school, doesn't mean I expect to be in the delivery room for the final moments of labor.

I'm as fascinated by the Tiger Woods story as you are. But I don't believe anyone but Elin is owed the details of his transgressions.

Instead of worrying about Tiger Woods, go read a book. Play with your kids. Go to church. Or better yet, go play golf.

The Spirit of Golf / what exactly is Phil offending?

2010-01-30T15:36:00.007-05:00

We all, at one time or another, have disobeyed rules and laws.

I remember condemning my dad for not fully stopping at a stop sign on an Indiana county road as an early teen. His response?

"I follow the spirit of the law." No one was around. He wasn't endangering himself, me, or anyone else by not completely stopping. Isn't that the reason for the law?

So when Scott McCarron sounded off about Phil Mickelson violating the "spirit of the rules," I couldn't help but think about how we interpret and use the laws and rules governing our lives, on and off the course.

The USGA (among other ruling bodies) have extensively, over decades, written and rewritten rules to provide consistent, fair play for golfers. Your local professional can make the final decision about relief from a sprinkler head. Tournaments are staffed with rules officials who can be flagged down for consultation.

But what about day-to-day play? Just because it's winter, do you really need to roll the ball when you're playing in dry, 75 degree Florida weather? And are you really following the rules by moving it until you have a perfectly propped lie on top of the grass? Does it at least obey the spirit of the rule? Is that enough?

Phil's wedges aren't banned by the new grooves rules set by the USGA. Period. (At least thus far.) But McCarron's complaint was about the "spirit" of the rule, meaning Mickelson is taking advantage of a loophole to give himself an advantage when hitting out of certain lies. Based on his comments, McCarron believes the reason (and justification) for the rule is to provide players with a bigger challenge out of tough lies. Grooves (apparently, as best I can understand) have been so conformed to solve players' problems, a wet lie in the rough wouldn't deter a pro from flying the ball past the pin and spinning it back. So clubs that make it easier to hit out of those tough lies challenge the spirit the rule, and even the spirit of the game.

Do the groves on his Ping Eye 2 wedges give Phil an advantage over other players? No. Why? Because all players can use them. Does it give him an advantage over the game of golf? Yes. But according to Phil, his game is not benefiting from the old wedges, so is he really disobeying the spirit of the rule?

We tread into ambiguous territory when we open up interpretation of the rules based on the intent or spirit of them. Ask the Supreme Court. The best we can do is rely on the powers at be to make the final determination; chalk it up as one more side effect of living in a technology-filled world that produces advanced equipment.

Or just hit the ball. It'll go in the hole eventually.

Glove Love / You know what comes between me and my Calvin's, I mean clubs?

2010-01-21T21:16:00.006-05:00

Why do you wear a golf glove?

It's a simple question, generally with a simple answer: to better grip the club.

But that's why grips are made with different cut ribs, grooves, widths, and so on. And why do you wear a glove on only one hand? If you are concerned about grip, shouldn't you wear two gloves? So really, why do YOU wear a glove?

I--like many players without knowing it--am a right-handed golfer who wears a glove on my left hand to stabilize what I deem my more important, right, top hand. I overlap underneath (compared to interlock), and pay special attention to my right hand and the "V" created by my thumb and the left side of my hand just below the knuckle under my pointer finger (you should be able to keep the top half of a broken tee in that crease through your swing).

But I don't use a glove inside 100 yards. For me, wedge play is almost a spiritual experience, one that requires such a soft touch that I don't want anything coming between the club and my hand. I want complete control.

These are all my preferences. You should develop your game so that you're swinging with the three C's: control, comfort, and confidence. Wearing a glove is purely personal preference.

It used to annoy me that I had to buy women's gloves in only pastel colors. I've been wearing men's cadet small gloves for years. Fortunately, women's golf fashion has improved exponentially, and you can find most traditional styles for both men and women.

The softest glove you will ever put on your hand is out right now by FootJoy. The FootJoy Pure Touch is so light and smooth we can't keep them in the shop. They may run a tad big; men's cadet small is too big for me.

And just in time for Valentine's Day, Sassy Golf (www.sassygolf.com) offers a "Hearts" glove with cute heart charms sewn on the glove around the wrist. I bought one for myself, and the glove itself holds up like most other gloves. Sassy Golf has other themes to suit your every sassy mood, including martini glasses and flip flops. It's hard to separate yourself from all the other plaid skirt-wearing players, so take advantage of cute, personal touches like a fun golf glove.

You wear a glove purely for ornamental reasons? Fine. There are no USGA rules against it. Yet

Lady's List Breakout Post / Freddie Couples has a second chance

2009-12-18T12:56:00.003-05:00

All of us in the Lough Family are big Freddie fans.

At the final round of the 2003 US Open at Olympia Fields, my dad, brother and I made our way back to the first tee mid morning to watch Freddie Couples tee off. Apparently, we aren’t good luck. He pulled it left out of bounds en route to a snowman on the first hole. He wasn’t happy. I don’t want to tarnish the laid-back, unflappable image highly regarded by Fred fans, but he had an R rated response to a spectator’s words of encouragement on the way to the second tee.

We still love him. And I’m looking forward to his second wind as a rookie on the Champions Tour.

I’ve read a couple supportive quotes from Couples about the Champions Tour, but I think he might go kicking and screaming. And why wouldn’t he? For a guy with so many back problems, he has a pretty good resume. In 2009, Couples banked over $1 million on the PGA TOUR, finishing third twice and in the top 10 three times. I’m sure he expects more, and his manic make-a-cut, miss-a-cut schedule demonstrates that. He hasn’t had a thunderous victory in a while, but he’s done alright late in his career.

Which brings me to the 2010 season on the Champions Tour. Call it the back injuries. Call it old(er) age. Whatever you call it, it’s time for Freddie to move on. He clearly still has extraordinary talent. I bet the rush of being in contention and the abbreviated event schedule (three rounds instead of four) will serve well for Fred.

At the AT&T National this year, I saw him miss a maybe two footer, something that caught even him off guard because he started to bend down to get his ball out of the cup. I suspect if he stays healthy, and he can keep his focus and strength for three full days, his back problems will be from hoisting trophies, not trying to keep up with the kiddos off the tee.

Lady's List / 10 things I'm looking forward to in 2010

2009-12-09T21:49:00.014-05:00

The following are 10 things I'm looking forward to during the 2010 golf season. I will write a few of these in more detailed, breakout posts in the upcoming days and weeks.

10. The Masters—It doesn't matter what year it is, it's my favorite week of that year (at least since spring breaks disbanded for me).

9. Working on my own game—Okay so no one but me cares about this, but it is something I'm looking forward to in 2010. And turning 25. Don't know what to get me? I like surprises.

8. The effects of the economy—Working in politics, and knowing the challenges Congress faces with the state of the economy, I'm continuously amazed at the type of sponsors the PGA Tour attracts. The Chevron World Challenge, Shell Houston Open, Northern Trust Open, Deutsche Bank Championship--see a pattern? I do. Some financial institutions have already fled, events have undergone a name makeover (e.g. Wachovia Championship became Quail Hollow Championship), and we could see another mass exodus in 2010. I hope courses are still interested in wheelin' and dealin', too. Fifty dollars to drive a cart for four hours? I'll walk.

7. Phil Mickelson—Is 2010 going to be Phil’s year? Will he scoop up his first major in four years now that Tiger is very nearly benched? Player of the Year sewn up? Phil had some outstanding play late in the season, and his caddie, Bones, said the first nine holes on Sunday at this year's Masters was the most exciting he's ever seen. Now if Lefty can put together four rounds...

6. Philanthropy on Tour—As the economy dips, so goes the charitable contributions. Players need to pony up and cut some more checks if the tours still want to tout their generosity.

5. The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and The (British) Open Championship at St. Andrews—I want to see someone dump it in the water on seven at Pebble. I'm evil, I know. I guess the breathtaking aerial shots on TV will suffice. And the Open at St. Andrews always feels like coming home. No better course for the tournament's 150th anniversary. Soak it up since it won't be back until 2015.

4. The Ryder Cup—They're back in Europe, and the pressure will be on after ending the nearly 10 year losing streak in 2008. If the '09 President's Cup was any sort of indicator for how the U.S. will perform in October, should be a great week. I'm also looking forward to the Pavin v. Monty captain match up.

3. The Champions Tour Rookie Class—Corey Pavin, Freddie Couples, Mark Calcavecchia, Kenny Perry. Sound familiar? That’s because they combine for 56 victories on the PGA Tour. It will be awesome to see these names, and others, fighting for the top again. Kenny Perry hit it home: "Tell them there’s going to be a new sheriff in town.”

2. Rebirth of the LPGA—New commissioner, new schedule, new decade, and new lease on the future of women’s golf. I’ll give it a few more years to make a full comeback. But with a deep field, Michelle Wie (probably) shooting to superstardom, and a (hopefully) new business model, expect the LPGA to come out swinging in January. I’ve still got the Solheim Cup buzz. Take a swig.

1. Tiger Woods—Well, duh. What lies in store for the world's most successful, and now most shamed, athlete? The possibilities of his rebound, rebirth, or retirement are intoxicating.

Furthermore, will the PGA Tour feel obligated to launch a big PR campaign to “save golf’s reputation?” I personally don’t think Tiger’s actions reflect poorly on the game of golf, or even the Tour. Until I read a story about the Tour enabling his habits, I refuse to believe one has to do with the other. Their concern about a drop in ratings and attendance would be legit. But the idea that golf is now scarred because of Tiger’s transgressions is ridiculous. President George W. Bush (the younger one) threw steroids in baseball into his State of the Union speech and Major League Baseball survived just fine. I think golf will, too.

Lady's Review / Pendleton Golf Club / Ruther Glen, VA

2009-12-06T21:18:00.005-05:00

This is my first (and who knows, maybe only) attempt at a course review. Read at your own risk. A couple weeks ago I was invited to play Pendleton Golf Club in Ruther Glen, VA (www.pendletongolfva.com).

Virginia is better known, to me, as the place I live right next to DC, and was one of the original 13 colonies. It's a beautiful state, especially in the fall when you take a jaunt down I-95. Lots of trees and rolling hills.

Pendleton is one of those courses that seems to have been cookie-cut out of trees. The fairways are lined with huge, gorgeous trees. Stepping on the tee you can't believe how designers and constructors (developers? I'm still new to course construction) manage to see the tree-covered land as a blank canvas begging for short grass fairways and elevated tees and greens.

And they are. Good luck getting a flat lie at Pendleton. This is probably my favorite part of the course. It's a lot of bang for your buck. There are extremely challenging holes with ditches that only the best players with a very open sand wedge can get out of in one attempt.

But just when you think the round is shot, a relief hole comes your way: a short par four or par three. This is my favorite characteristic of Pendleton--it's a balanced course. There are holes to challenge your length and accuracy, and holes that will give you a chance to get back a stroke.

In the off season right now, 18 holes with a cart is $40. And it's a bargain. You definitely get $40 and more for the round. I would like to see it in the spring or summer when the grass hasn't suffered a week of rain downpours and the spring has brought back the green grass and leaves.

If you're in the area, call Director of Golf Jim Mason (on Twitter at @jimmasonpga). He's focused his career on golf business, and shares is insight as a co-host of From the Tips on wsRadio. Go to the website and listen to archived shows with playing tips, Tour analysis, proper course terminology, and more.

Tiger's Troubles / early morning incident reminds us athletes are human

2009-11-28T12:33:00.002-05:00

In today’s world where sports journalists aren’t afraid to use words like titan, superhuman, or even God to describe athletes, I find it refreshing to find sports superheroes acting like, well, me.

Celebrities—athletes, actors, singers, models, and reality hacks alike—are held to higher standards. Fairly or unfairly, they are. We demand more from them.

Is it all the money? The attention and fame? The ability to do or have almost whatever they want? We (the general un-famous audience) seem to think all those easily-accessible, tangible enjoyments somehow provide celebrities unwavering happiness. Unfazed by many of the day-to-day challenges us “normal” people face.

But, as Tiger Woods proved in the wee hours Friday morning, they’re not immune to “real” life. They fight with their spouses and face road bumps in their relationships. They act impulsively and irrationally. They miss important moments like a child’s first word they wish they could get back. Their loved ones face cancer and disease. They lose their parents. They lose their heroes.

(Do any of you NOT remember when Tiger broke down sobbing in Steve Williams’ arms after winning the 2006 [British] Open Championship, his first victory after his father died? I may never forget that moment. Couldn’t you feel his pain? Didn’t it make you think of someone you love who has passed on?)

They’re just like us. They may drive nicer cars, have bigger houses, and certainly have a better golf game. They have the opportunity to touch more lives in one day than most of us do in a lifetime. And most celebrities take the responsibilities of being a public figure with a great sense of pride.

But some don’t, and is it fair for us to expect them to? We should at least take them off the peddle stool. Let’s be realistic and realize they are just as prone to mistakes as we are. And every mistake or mishap is held under a microscope.

I don’t condone asshole-like behavior. Living in a fishbowl does not excuse anything of the kind. Let’s just avoid the “dumped the night before prom” depression that we face when damaging news comes out about our favorite athletes (celebrities, recording artists, etc.).

We’re not perfect. We shouldn’t expect them to be, either.

Yes Yes, Wie Wie / all aboard the Michelle Wie train

2009-11-17T20:31:00.004-05:00

See that? Wie got ourselves a superstar.

Michelle Wie claimed her first LPGA title at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational on Sunday. And as many have already shouted from the rooftops, hallelujah. Just in time.

Since Annika Sorenstam "stepped away" from golf to establish a second career as a business mogul, women's golf hasn't had a star to guide them through the rough economic terrains, much like hikers wanting to travel north on a cloudy evening.

Oh wait, didn't Wie win at the LORENA OCHOA Invitational? The same Lorena Ochoa that has been ranked number one in the world 135 weeks in a row?

Apparently she doesn't count.

But this Wie win shines the spotlight on a young, talented player that could help cure the LPGA of its bad year blues. Golf seems to function best when there is one, dominant player (again, apparently Lorena doesn't count). It seems Wie will be it.

But you need a player that not only draws large galleries to see extraordinary play, but exudes a personality that advances the sparklingly positive image of the sport. For future players. To attract sponsors. To charm the golf world.

So maybe, more importantly, this win counts favorably of Wie's character. I, like many others, didn't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about Wie when she became a big deal as a mid-teen. And even less fuzzy when she insisted on competing with men. She was too big for the sport. Something I really don't like about players, amateur and professional alike.

Fortunately -- after some back and forth that goes something like "I am going pro, no now I'm going to Stanford, no now I'm going pro..." -- the frozen image of Michelle Wie has thawed. She went to Copenhagen and fought for the sport in the Olympics. During the Solheim Cup this year, Wie seemed honestly grateful to be a captain's pick for a spot on the team. And several teammates commented how much fun she had (and was), acting like an average teenager. She became a person in my eyes, not just a golfer.

So bravo, Michelle. You've officially gotten me on board.

Now go get us some sponsors.

Lady's 10 / what I took away from the 2009 AT&T National

2009-11-06T23:37:00.009-05:00

Here are 10 things I took away from the PGA TOUR's 2009 AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Some may even help your next (or first!) professional golf experience. Many of these are true of most events: PGA, Champions, LPGA, etc.

10. A week pass is the most bang for your stay-cation buck. I'm on a very limited budget, and with no real vacation prospect, I forked over the $120 for a week pass. I went Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, but I got a lot of golf in. Add $30 or so for food, another $30 for gas, $20 for a souvenir, and you have a packed, long weekend for $200. Plus a rockin' golfers tan.

9. Under Armour clothing is EVERYWHERE. Playing high school sports a mere seven or so years ago, Under Armour was the nice (expensive) under garments/first layer for cold weather. But everywhere I turned at Congressional, people were wearing Under Armour athletic wear: shorts, shirts, socks. I don't own any, but based on their roots as a temperature-controlled clothing option, I bet it does well in the hot sun.

8. Mike Weir is sensitive. I'm not knocking the guy; everyone has their own style of playing. But the poor rangers were just not getting the job done. Weir's caddie was constantly stopping people 70 yards away, and asking the nearby spectators to be quiet(er). He must need uninterrupted silence. Good thing President Obama didn't drop in on Marine One...

7. AK is short, Vijay is tall, and they can both smash the ball. In general, this is one of my fave things about golf. I love the benefits athleticism provides golfers, but the game does not discriminate: male, female, young, old, short, tall, black, white, thick, thin, it doesn't matter. There is remarkable talent across the board, no matter what your makeup.

6. Follow through is crucial. Confession: I feel weird watching players hit balls on the range. It's a little like watching animals in a zoo. Loud voyeurism. However, I learned a ton watching a few players. One common trend: follow through. Both Parker McLachlin and Justin Rose were spending considerable time practicing the motion in their follow through from impact and beyond. Each player seemed to be ensuring their follow through shifted their weight forward and that their arms swung out to the target, the head pointing at the flag. Might be something for you to practice on the range, too.

5. Golf is a generous sport. We read a lot about the thousands and millions raised for various charities, which is great. But the lesser told stories are the small, generous gestures from players and their caddies. On several occasions I saw caddies and even Vijay himself hand balls to kids at the rope line. And of course there are the long autograph sessions after signing scorecards. It makes me proud to be associated with the sport.

4. Happy Gilmore made a lasting impression. I'm sure there was hockey-like crowds at golf tournaments before Adam Sandler (remember when that girl ran out to Tiger during a round in her bra and underwear?). But I imagine fan craze is even more palpable post-Gilmore and Shooter McGavin. Spotted: two teenage boys with AK taped on their white T-shirts; guys in blond wigs following Charley Hoffman; loud "BOOOOOOO's" for Weekley. Also spotted: 80-year-old man in a black Martina McBride T-shirt. Hot.

3. I miss the old days, because the new electronic leaderboards are obnoxious. I'm young so yes, I need to know what I want to know right now. So when Hunter Mahan made a move on Sunday, it was great to see Tiger's position as H dropped shots. But those things are huge. And bright. And full of those off-the-wall stats that only a computer can generate. I once read a quote from Ian Poulter about being distracted by one and then hit a poor shot. I believe it. They're sort of impossible to ignore. You try sticking your four iron after reading "You Amateur have missed this green in regulation 87% of the time."

2. A tournament is more fun when you have a horse or two in the race. Having someone (or a few players) to root for feels like you have a stake in the event. To me, it makes the experience more fun. And helps to organize your time on the course. I planned on rooting for fellow IU alum Jeff Overton that weekend. But after an injury forced him to withdraw Friday, I needed another strategy. And as fate would have it, a few groups later Hunter Mahan came up 14. Turned out to be a great pick. He shot 62 on Sunday to nearly win the thing and tie AK's course record from Thursday (something awesome I also witnessed). One big difference between Thursday Mahan and Sunday Mahan? Focus. Including a lot more time reading his line on the green. Something else us civilians can learn from.

1. Tiger is not the only player on the course. If you've never seen him play in person, add it to your golf bucket list. But if Tiger is in the field, so are many, many other very talented players who aren't being followed by thousands of people. You can spend considerable time on the rope watching players and learning how they play a ROUND in COMPETITION, not just hit a ball. There is so much to learn by watching caddie interaction, club selection, yardage book consultation, and all around course strategy. And if you're lucky you'll see something magical that TV can't possibly capture.

The Power of Branding in Golf / Part 2

2009-11-05T13:50:00.000-05:00

Golf 2.0 may not mean much to you now, but it will.

The brains behind Team Rickie Fowler are leveraging the young pro's image with branding. In the first post, I talked about the branded image that comes from a successful career. In this post, part two, we'll explore how branding can (help) create a successful career.

Unless you've been stuck in the cart barn for the last two weeks, you've become familiar with the young talent. Fowler came galloping out of the gate placing a very respectable tie for seventh at JT's Shriners Hospital Open in Vegas. The next week, he finished T-2 at the Fry's Open after forcing a three-way, sudden-death playoff. The guy is good.

Of course he didn't appear out of thin air. He had tremendous success at Oklahoma State, and most recently, finishing 4-0 at the Walker Cup. But Fowler is in the big leagues now. He needs a big league start.

The 2.0 is a nod to the next generation of players: Rory McIlory, Danny Lee, Ryo Ishikawa. The phrase also embraces the evasiveness of young adults these days who are never more than a foot from a smart phone. On Fowler's website -- the easy-to-navigate www.rickie-fowler.com -- Fowler's fans can stay in touch via Twitter (@rickiefowlerpga) and facebook. On the RF facebook page, even Uncle Sam has hoped on the bandwagon, asking readers to join "Rickie's Army."

Why go through so much trouble to build his base before his first professional tournament? In a feel-good world, having a fan base gives players one more positive reinforcement during what can sometimes be a grueling stint on the Tour. It also provides an audience to promote charity work like Notah Begay for the Notah Begay III Foundation (on Twitter @notahbegay3). On the business side, the bigger the player the better the "partnerships." It's like TV advertising: the more viewers a TV program, the more it costs to advertise during that TV show. I imagine the ad during 30 Rock is getting far more people watching it than the ad during reruns of King of Queens, and so it costs more money for that precious airtime.

What do you think Puma wants to hear, that Rickie Fowler has 1,857 fans on facebook and 1,159 Twitter followers (to date, expect that to GROW)? Or that, give or take, a dozen people followed Frumpy Player during the Thursday round? Concrete, quantitative examples are powerful and hard to deny.

So even though Rickie Fowler got the attention of the golf world with his remarkable playing, he's already catapulted to the "next big thing" short list because he has been branded as one. And with one, simple, memorable phrase, 2.0 lets Fowler's friends know he's accessible. You can see the menu at the restaurant he's eating at in Arizona, or the Puma-clad golfer fist pumping his mini golf ball rolling into the cup during down time.

The number 2.0 may not look like much, but it means a lot.

The Power of Branding in Golf / Part 1

2009-10-28T21:35:00.002-04:00

What's more of a sure thing than Tiger Woods making the cut? Tiger Woods wearing a red shirt on Sunday.

Woods was wearing red on Sunday when he won the Master's in 1997 and POOF, a brand was born. And shortly thereafter, the aggressive, upward fist pump.

It's no wonder that when Nike decided to launch a new line of higher end golf products they decided to call it Victory Red. A color often associated with anxiety, fear, warning, and, well, Communism, is now the synonym for winning.

This can all be boiled down to a simple psych case of word association, but I also argue it's a principle of old fashion marketing. I could write an entire book about the Tiger Woods brand. After all, Tiger has his own section on nikegolf.com. He is the sole reason Nike got their golf brand off the ground and within a few years competed with the most established brands in the business. Tiger = pinnacle of golf success and Tiger = Nike golf. Dust off the cobwebs, do your basic algebra, and Nike golf = pinnacle of golf success.

Payne Stewart wore trousers and became the epitome of the game's tradition and rich history. Greg Norman is simply an aggressive player from Australia and became the Shark. In all cases, it's usually coming into success that creates the brand, and in part two of this post I will talk about launching a career using branding to garner success.

The truth is, the human brain is simple. The easier you can associate one item with a simple, positive message the longer the image will last.

Got Milk?

Phenomenal Fearless Fowler at Fry's / oh and the other young guy, too

2009-10-25T19:59:00.006-04:00

There has been much ado about 20-year-old Rickie Fowler this week, and it's (almost) all legit. His level-headed playing paid off as he finished T-2 after a three-way playoff at the Fry's.com Open.

And, like all sports stories that have a hero, there is the guy who could have been the hero if he had gone lower mid tournament. That guy is Jamie Lovemark.

I understand the fascination with Fowler, and to their credit, the commentators picked up on Lovemark's move to the top as Fowler and Matteson dropped a few shots and came back to the field; hence the continuous reference to the "studs" staying loose on the driving range and putting green in the event Matteson finished bogey bogey. (For the record, I don't think Rickie Fowler looks like a young Leonardo DiCaprio.)

But where was the Jamie Lovemark lovefest this weekend to compliment the other new "young stud," Fowler? Alas, it's common practice to pick one new, young horse early on and stick with him, so it was Fowler Fest instead.

Regardless, it was a fun Fry's, and I hope this is just the beginning of these "young studs" careers. Even if they finished tied for second, the money is a good tissue for the tears. God speed, boys.

My (brief) experience with Arnold Palmer

2009-10-12T11:03:00.005-04:00

The King was in the building.

Last week a co-worker/roommate/friend forwarded me the typical “please join us for a Congressional reception” E-mail. However, this one was different from the pig farmers of America, or the sportsmen alliance. After voting unanimously (actually it was 422-1, the one no vote being Ron Paul who votes against every Congressional Medal of Honor because he deems it a waste of money, but I'm not counting him) to give a Congressional Medal of Honor to Arnold Palmer for his lifetime of golf excellence, a meet and greet was held in his honor.

Mr. Palmer also made a stop to the White House for the bill's signing, making it law with one stroke from the southpaw Obama. I wonder if he The King gave The President any putting advice for the White House putting green?

Being a lifelong player of the game, I didn't want to miss my chance to see one of golf's greatest players in history in the flesh. I stood at the back wall of a hearing room as the man himself walked in and shook hands with the various Members of Congress who co-sponsored the bill.

It must have been awkward. Standing there, just smiling, as he was walking in and looking around seemed odd, but there was business to conduct. Of course, as luck would have it, I had maybe my 7th meeting all year scheduled right in the middle of the reception. Knowing Congressmen like we do, and their long winded statements that can't help but include how low THEIR handicap is, I didn't get to stay for Mr. Palmer's statement. But for the time I was there, I did see the kind, gracious, and humble Arnold Palmer all of us golfers are raised to admire.

FedEx Cup / congrats Phil and Tiger

2009-10-02T20:51:00.005-04:00

A belated congratulations to Phil and Tiger, both winners on Sunday. Tiger did avoid one record by not winning a major this year, and thus missed the "most years in a row winning a major" record. But TW did scoop up his second FedEx Cup trophy since its inception two years ago, being the first player to win twice, the first player to win a majority, the first player to take a year off and then come back and win the cup, the first player...you get the point. With the $10 million pay check (for another post), it was a big day for Woods.

Phil was perhaps the biggest winner of the day. After a tumultuous year -- which included his wife AND mother being diagnosed with breast cancer within weeks of each other -- Phil lit up the greens en route to a final round 65 to win the TOUR Championship. He found the adrenaline and the genuine pleasure of competing at the top again. If that perspective spills into the rest of the season and next year, we could see a lethal Mickelson -- one that doesn't choke down the stretch.

Golf fans everywhere were winners on Sunday, too. I loved watching Tiger and Phil share the limelight. I'm still getting used to the "Playoffs" but this is how the "championship game" should go down. It was miserable watching UNC destroy Michigan State last year in the NCAA men's basketball championship. So goes the Tiger effect, leaving many of us not even bothering to watch Sunday play if he's leading by four or more. But Sunday, we saw two of golf's best players walk away winners, fighting for two, very different reasons. For Phil, he was proving to himself he can face the worst and prevail. For Tiger, he wanted to show the world his knee surgery was the star on top of the tree; he could be unstoppable now. Apparently, the time off bode well for both.

See you on the tee,

Lady

Teeing Off / the first post

2009-09-27T18:55:00.003-04:00

Other than my friends and family (which includes our adorable family golden, Sydney), golf is my biggest passion in life. I imagine I was whacking around the backyard with plastic Mickey Mouse golf clubs when I was just old enough to walk, but my first retrievable golf memory was my fifth birthday. The picture captured the moment. I haven't been able to unearth it yet, but it's a pic of me at five years old, clutching my first real golf club, a putter, and my first golf bag, an appropriately pastel pink classic. Thus, a golfer is born.

Now I'm 24 and living in the Washington, DC Metro area. Finances keep me from playing very often, but I take full advantage of free putting and chipping. I watch and read golf as often as possible, and on very special occasions, catch a professional tournament.

Although I've had my fair share of respectable rounds, this blog isn't going to be all about my playing and me. As my life changes and evolves, I'm sure the objective of this blog will too, but my goal is to provide a perspective about what's going on in golf from an ordinary, but knowledgeable, player.

Enjoy it.

For love of the game,

Ashley, Lady of the Links