Wednesday, January 28, 2004
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Wednesday, January 28, 2004 |
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From America’s fairways The professional golf season of 2004 is well underway and thus far somewhat resembles 2003. Tiger hasn’t won yet, which seems less amazing than in the past, and Ernie Els successfully defended his Sony (Hawaii) Open title. Phil Mickelson won the Bob “Hopeless” Desert Classic (Mr. Hope, since last year’s event, went to join his pal Bing Crosby on the heavenly links), ending an 18-month winless period. “Lefty” appears to have rekindled his desire to be great. Still carrying that dreaded moniker of best player yet to win a major championship, will Phil be able to elevate his focus in the majors and add the only missing piece from a truly remarkable career? Back to the aforementioned world’s number one, Mr. Woods. Following only the second season of his professional tenure in which he didn’t win one of golf’s grand slam events, it will be captivating to follow his exploits during the 2004 campaign. This year may well tell us if Jack Nicklaus’ career record of 20 professional majors is still Tiger’s goal or if his impending marriage and family distraction, coupled with my suspicions that golf is not his only career option, make catching and passing Jack his first priority. The planet’s highest-paid sportsman enjoys a multitude of financial security and global star recognition. I’m wondering if there are non-golf avenues his advisors are encouraging Tiger to travel. The lady professionals don’t begin LPGA Tour play until March. However, the 14-year-old sensation Michelle Wie has already put her stamp on the men’s PGA Tour. This wonderfully talented eighth-grader scored a second-round 68 to finish at even par and missed playing on the weekend at the Sony Open by one stroke in her hometown of Honolulu. I suspect that world lady number one Annika Sorenstam may change her mind and decide to try another men’s event. She won’t enjoy having a 14-year-old beat her to making the cut on the PGA Tour. The 2003 Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Annika, clearly wants that distinction. By the way, don’t you find it odd that golf is the only sport that puts people in the hall of fame in the prime of their career? Lastly, in the dead of winter how can you insure lower scores this spring? Simple: Is the single most important club in your bag fitted to you? I find it amazing that amateurs will spend serious money to have custom-fitted woods and irons and select a putter because it feels good. Unless you’re one of those players that regularly chips in from off the green (and if you are, I want you as a partner), then the putter is used on virtually every hole and accounts for more strokes than any other club. While the weather is bitter, see a PGA golf professional and examine if your putter is suited for your setup and stroke. Is the lie angle correct, the grip size appropriate and does it give you the best chance to make putts? You can probably get a putting tip while in the golf shop, indoors, where it is warm. See you along America’s fairways, John W. Boykin (John W. Boykin is a former editor and publisher of Golf Industry Magazine, currently owner of The Palmer Course at Starr’s Mill and one of The Golf Channel’s 100 Top Teachers in America.) Back
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