I got to watch a bit of the Ryder Cup today. Seems the affair was already over by the end of Saturday afternoon.
Europe is dominating the Ryder Cup the way the Americans did until Great Britain and Ireland finally added Europe and the game was really on. The Americans had no answers to the depth and strength the Europeans showed during the past weekend. Rory McIlroy has the look of the best player in the world, and reminds me of Tiger Woods fifteen years ago. He has an excellent chance of completing a Rory Slam should things stay together. The one thing in his way may have been the way he celebrates victory: he made statement today to the effect that all this winning would be the worst thing for his health. Tiger had discipline, Rory loves life. May have a thing or two with how each one is publicly perceived.
Tiger was respected but not loved. Rory is loved in Europe, anyway, and Americans respect him as the best in the game. Has a little to do with how each handles the public and the press. Rory will probably never reach the level of Tiger and Jack, but the star will shine brightly for a couple of years. We'll think of him as a good chap, and watch him captain a Ryder Cup team someday.
Why is the U.S. on the downside in the Ryder Cup now? I think it has a lot to do with the interest Tiger brought to the game when he turned pro and the Nike marketing machine kicked in. The money and interest generated not only attracted better athletes, it allowed the players involved to make a better living on the way up. The hunger it takes to succeed, when not accompanied by suffering, leads to entitlement.
While the road is more comfortable than it used to be for Europeans, it is still much harder than the American road. College golf to the Nationwide Tour in the U.S. is easier than fighting your way through the Safari Tour or the Challenge Tour, or anything in Asia that leads to the European Tour. In my day, the Hogan Tour was final funnel and it was fed by the Space Coast Tour, the Dakotas Tour, the Golden State Tour, and a dozen more. Your home was likely to be an apartment in a warm weather city that you visited when you took a week off, if you could afford to do so. Gary McCord lived in a storage facility fighting his way up. You had to love the game to get there. And you had to be mentally tough,
Inside the PGA Tour TV show shows the home of Nationwide Tour players on occasion, and they are spacious, and very comfortable. Better than guys I knew who were living out of their cars. Survival of the fittest leads to survival of species. In Professional Golf, the fittest are the ones who survive from the neck up as well as the neck down. Every swing has it's faults, the individual that finds a way into the hole when the swing isn't working wins. Getting ready to play golf in my hometown this weekend crystalized this into a theory: I was just finding a set of faults that work.
My son is not a golfer, and has some baseball background that leaves him in positions that don't equate good golf shot. The ball is hit solidly, just 80 yards right of target. After nine holes on Saturday, he started aiming 80-100 yards left of target and hitting the ball where he wanted to. He broke 50 for the first time. Find a set of faults that work.
Jamie Donaldson, the 38 year-old Ryder Cup rookie who clinched the Cup for Europe, had to fight his way there, and won the Czech Open as a final step to get on the team. He went 3-1 on the week and looked solid when the lights were the brightest. His opponent in singles, Keegan Bradley, took the typical American route to the Tour and has been highly successful. Not near as battle tested when it comes to finding a way to eat.
The Europeans success in Foursomes, the alternate shot portion of the Ryder Cup, could possibly be explained this way. Knowing you need to make a par to pay the hotel bill for the week is a lot different than some sponsor having already paid that bill. You learn to play from places you're not used to playing from, and finding a way to get the ball in the hole. At a Ryder Cup, in alternate shot, you play from a lot of places you don't normally see. Phil Mickelson can do it to himself, but a partner can't always respond the way Phil does. Why do you think Seve Ballesteros/Jose Maria Olazabal were so successful together? They both know how play when it really counted through mechanical breakdowns.
Taking care of your caddy out of your own pocket with just a little pool of money is a lot different than letting your game go because coach is gonna drive the van back to campus, where there's still plenty to eat, and classes and parties to attend.
Right now, there is too much money in the game, and it's left a lot of players with tons of talent and little guts when it comes to playing for something that isn't money. The flag should bring that out, but you had to have done it a few times with real stakes on the table. Lee Trevino's comment about playing played $20 Nassau with $5 in your pocket comes to mind.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
A Look Back
After a couple of months, I can look back with a little perspective. It was a trip worth taking.
My brother, Bob, pointed out to me that Purdue University was planning a redesign of it's Ackerman Hills Golf Course. August 1, 2014, the course would change forever. I had to play it one last time like I played it thirty years ago. Might not sound like much to you, but the old South Course at Purdue University Golf Club was where I spent every day when the snow wasn't covering the ground.
Let me backtrack a little. From 1983-1987, I walked on to the Golf Team at Purdue University. You won't find my name in the official records, I never teed it up in a tournament for the Boilermakers. I don't think I ever got listed on the official roster. But Joe Campbell, the golf coach at that time, held open tryouts and scheduled qualifying every weekend.
As long as you showed for your tee time, made sure he saw you every day, and kept faithfully practicing, he would keep you around. Most students with a brain in their head would walk away after a couple of weeks, realizing that their hopes of cracking the lineup, winning a national championship, and going on to win a major or two wasn't going to work out.
For four years, I faithfully showed every day, even found the practice space in Lambert Fieldhouse and practiced a little in the winter. I spent my time with West Lafayette High School's teams, coaching and playing with the kids. I shot some good rounds, broke 80 a lot, and really learned how to play golf, listening to what was taught to others and then applying it. Coach Campbell even learned my name and how to pronounce it, and I got to introduce my father to a PGA Tour winner (Joe won twice on tour.)
And I learned to play the South Course every day. I learned where to apply those lessons. I learned which side of the fairway to play from and which holes not to miss above the hole. I learned how to size up a hole from the tee and use a strategy, even if I couldn't execute it to save my life. I learned no putt was safe.
Why do it? My parents spent thousands of dollars to send me to a World Class University, and I spent my time on the golf course? You could have made a lot of money by spending your time studying, preparing for a career. After all, isn't that what college is for?
I was built to spend my time around a game. I was in love with sports from day one, and finally settled on golf because the hip injury left me nothing else. I became good enough to be a PGA Club Professional, and worked in the industry over the course of six golf seasons. I did prepare for a career.
I just didn't get to live it. Never fully passed the PGA qualifications, and I had to be a father to my son and daughter. It lead me to coaching baseball/softball, and pretty much anything else. When I totaled up the number of kids I coached at the college, high school, and lower levels, it comes to around 400 athletes that I have been in contact as a coach, manager, or support. A couple of the high schoolers I had in those early days in the mid 80's have become golf professionals, one even went to the Air Force Academy. It's been my honor to be associated with each of them.
You see, the South Course at Purdue University was my Major Championship. I wasn't supposed to be close to that good. My high school coach even gave up on me with a week to go in my Senior year. He had every reason to do so, but I wasn't ready to be done. When I chose Purdue, I had no idea I had chosen the perfect outlet, and God had a plan.
It lead me to where I am today. No, I am not rich in cash, but rich in experiences. I am barely a household name in my own home, but I have been given the opportunity to touch countless lives. I hope the good echoes through history.
All because of a coach named Joe, a plan God had, and the game I love.
So...am I off base?
My brother, Bob, pointed out to me that Purdue University was planning a redesign of it's Ackerman Hills Golf Course. August 1, 2014, the course would change forever. I had to play it one last time like I played it thirty years ago. Might not sound like much to you, but the old South Course at Purdue University Golf Club was where I spent every day when the snow wasn't covering the ground.
Let me backtrack a little. From 1983-1987, I walked on to the Golf Team at Purdue University. You won't find my name in the official records, I never teed it up in a tournament for the Boilermakers. I don't think I ever got listed on the official roster. But Joe Campbell, the golf coach at that time, held open tryouts and scheduled qualifying every weekend.
As long as you showed for your tee time, made sure he saw you every day, and kept faithfully practicing, he would keep you around. Most students with a brain in their head would walk away after a couple of weeks, realizing that their hopes of cracking the lineup, winning a national championship, and going on to win a major or two wasn't going to work out.
For four years, I faithfully showed every day, even found the practice space in Lambert Fieldhouse and practiced a little in the winter. I spent my time with West Lafayette High School's teams, coaching and playing with the kids. I shot some good rounds, broke 80 a lot, and really learned how to play golf, listening to what was taught to others and then applying it. Coach Campbell even learned my name and how to pronounce it, and I got to introduce my father to a PGA Tour winner (Joe won twice on tour.)
And I learned to play the South Course every day. I learned where to apply those lessons. I learned which side of the fairway to play from and which holes not to miss above the hole. I learned how to size up a hole from the tee and use a strategy, even if I couldn't execute it to save my life. I learned no putt was safe.
Why do it? My parents spent thousands of dollars to send me to a World Class University, and I spent my time on the golf course? You could have made a lot of money by spending your time studying, preparing for a career. After all, isn't that what college is for?
I was built to spend my time around a game. I was in love with sports from day one, and finally settled on golf because the hip injury left me nothing else. I became good enough to be a PGA Club Professional, and worked in the industry over the course of six golf seasons. I did prepare for a career.
I just didn't get to live it. Never fully passed the PGA qualifications, and I had to be a father to my son and daughter. It lead me to coaching baseball/softball, and pretty much anything else. When I totaled up the number of kids I coached at the college, high school, and lower levels, it comes to around 400 athletes that I have been in contact as a coach, manager, or support. A couple of the high schoolers I had in those early days in the mid 80's have become golf professionals, one even went to the Air Force Academy. It's been my honor to be associated with each of them.
You see, the South Course at Purdue University was my Major Championship. I wasn't supposed to be close to that good. My high school coach even gave up on me with a week to go in my Senior year. He had every reason to do so, but I wasn't ready to be done. When I chose Purdue, I had no idea I had chosen the perfect outlet, and God had a plan.
It lead me to where I am today. No, I am not rich in cash, but rich in experiences. I am barely a household name in my own home, but I have been given the opportunity to touch countless lives. I hope the good echoes through history.
All because of a coach named Joe, a plan God had, and the game I love.
So...am I off base?
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Character-A Lost Trait
What happened to character?
The events of the last week beg an answer to that question. Heck, the events of the last decade and a half cry for answer to that question.
Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Ray McDonald are just the latest in a long line of NFL arrests. Domestic violence is a sensitive issue. It is an issue of respect and The Bible calls for men to love their wives and not be harsh with them (Colossians 3:19). Fathers are not to discourage their children (Colossians 3:21). I don't see the word "beating" anywhere. "Spare the rod, spoil the child" (Proverbs 13:24) means appropriate discipline, not beating for beating sake.
When did winning become more important?
In times past. a player with character issues would be cut from the team, and it wouldn't take a league mandate. It would be bad for team to keep a player with those issues because it would surface in the locker room. It would keep the team from being it's best.
Now the great individual talent is kept around, regardless of character. He is coddled and nursed through, sometimes with help that is outside the boundaries. Pass this player in your class, we need him to win. I know he is disrupting your classroom, but he can really play. We won't win without him.
When did winning become more important?
I had my own character and maturity issues, even into college. Everybody has flaws, but hiding them, coddling them, nursing them through doesn't help the individual or the team. Accountability is not just a buzzword, it is a way of life. You are responsible for your actions, and it shouldn't be court mandated.
When did winning become more important?
So...am I off base?
The events of the last week beg an answer to that question. Heck, the events of the last decade and a half cry for answer to that question.
Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Ray McDonald are just the latest in a long line of NFL arrests. Domestic violence is a sensitive issue. It is an issue of respect and The Bible calls for men to love their wives and not be harsh with them (Colossians 3:19). Fathers are not to discourage their children (Colossians 3:21). I don't see the word "beating" anywhere. "Spare the rod, spoil the child" (Proverbs 13:24) means appropriate discipline, not beating for beating sake.
When did winning become more important?
In times past. a player with character issues would be cut from the team, and it wouldn't take a league mandate. It would be bad for team to keep a player with those issues because it would surface in the locker room. It would keep the team from being it's best.
Now the great individual talent is kept around, regardless of character. He is coddled and nursed through, sometimes with help that is outside the boundaries. Pass this player in your class, we need him to win. I know he is disrupting your classroom, but he can really play. We won't win without him.
When did winning become more important?
I had my own character and maturity issues, even into college. Everybody has flaws, but hiding them, coddling them, nursing them through doesn't help the individual or the team. Accountability is not just a buzzword, it is a way of life. You are responsible for your actions, and it shouldn't be court mandated.
When did winning become more important?
So...am I off base?
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Random Thoughts-September 7
Random thoughts while waiting for the Bean Burrito from Taco Bell to clear the air...
-Seattle and Denver have both looked solid in their opening games. The Broncos still have a half to play, too... By the way, the two play each other on September 21 in Seattle. Circle that one on the calendar. The NFL has gotten predictable, but that could be a game worth watching.
-College football's new playoff system has already sparked some conversation. Two weeks into the season, and it appears a Big Ten team will not make the playoff. The best candidate, Michigan Sate, lost to Oregon yesterday. The undefeateds in the Big Ten are not the powerhouses outside of Nebraska, who had to fight their way out against McNeese State. Ohio State and Michigan each have a loss, and I doubt Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, or Minnesota will finish the season undefeated. I have lobbied for a playoff for a long time, and now the Big Ten just isn't that good.
-Could it be the SEC could hold at least two of the playoff spots? Supposedly, it can't happen, but it may cry for expansion to the playoff system already. I still think we have enough Bowl games to invite 32 teams and play it off using the Bowls sites as neutral fields. Feel bad for the teams that get Boise for their game: it's cold there in December and January. At least Detroit is indoors.
-In one week, things really changed in NL Central. The Cardinals look solid, thanks to a poor showing by the Brewers, who have won one of their last 10, and an average week by the Pirates. The NL West is the only Senior Circuit Division race in doubt, and it will be fun to watch the Dodgers and Giants fight for the title over the final month. Watch the NL Wild Card race. It will be the most interesting race left.
-The AL Central has the most interesting story: Can the Royals actually do it? I say yes. They have proven themselves solid throughout the season, and have enough pitching to close the deal. Their starting lineup is one of the best in the Major Leagues, the kind when everyone is together can win 70% of their games.
So...am I off base?
-Seattle and Denver have both looked solid in their opening games. The Broncos still have a half to play, too... By the way, the two play each other on September 21 in Seattle. Circle that one on the calendar. The NFL has gotten predictable, but that could be a game worth watching.
-College football's new playoff system has already sparked some conversation. Two weeks into the season, and it appears a Big Ten team will not make the playoff. The best candidate, Michigan Sate, lost to Oregon yesterday. The undefeateds in the Big Ten are not the powerhouses outside of Nebraska, who had to fight their way out against McNeese State. Ohio State and Michigan each have a loss, and I doubt Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, or Minnesota will finish the season undefeated. I have lobbied for a playoff for a long time, and now the Big Ten just isn't that good.
-Could it be the SEC could hold at least two of the playoff spots? Supposedly, it can't happen, but it may cry for expansion to the playoff system already. I still think we have enough Bowl games to invite 32 teams and play it off using the Bowls sites as neutral fields. Feel bad for the teams that get Boise for their game: it's cold there in December and January. At least Detroit is indoors.
-In one week, things really changed in NL Central. The Cardinals look solid, thanks to a poor showing by the Brewers, who have won one of their last 10, and an average week by the Pirates. The NL West is the only Senior Circuit Division race in doubt, and it will be fun to watch the Dodgers and Giants fight for the title over the final month. Watch the NL Wild Card race. It will be the most interesting race left.
-The AL Central has the most interesting story: Can the Royals actually do it? I say yes. They have proven themselves solid throughout the season, and have enough pitching to close the deal. Their starting lineup is one of the best in the Major Leagues, the kind when everyone is together can win 70% of their games.
So...am I off base?
Monday, September 1, 2014
Labor Delusions
The unofficial end of summer has arrived in North America. Some parts of the country, ours included, have had very little summer weather. The hottest weather came after school started. Timing is everything.
It's time for the pennant chase. Several surprises throughout baseball this season, the biggest being that the AL East, long a battleground of the Yankees and Red Sox for supremacy, is pretty much wrapped up by the Orioles. The Angels look really good in the West, a surprise considering how much the A's put into trying to win everything this year. Maybe trading Cespedes wasn't such a good idea.
The National League East is has the Washington Nationals looking pretty solid. They made some very solid off season moves, and they have performed well throughout the season.
Everyone else is up in the air.
Most intriguing race is the AL Central, with the Royals leading the Tigers by a half game, and the Indians still within striking distance. No great moves made to strengthen the roster at the trade deadline for any team. In fact, the Indians sold their best pitcher, Bethel product Justin Masterson, at the deadline. It would be wonderful to see the Royals, long a doormat, have some success. The Tigers are still a favorite, but the window of opportunity appears to be closing. Free agency will eventually dismantle the Motor City Kitties. I like the Royals, who have been solid most of the year.
In the NL West, the Dodgers and the Giants will fight it out again. The Giants made the best moves at the deadline, but the Dodgers have better pitching, which will probably help them hold their 2.5 game lead. It makes the Dodgers a threat to go all the way this time, provided the offense holds together.
The NL Central could be the most fun to watch, a battle of mediocrity. The Cardinals and the Brewers are in a dead heat, with the Pirates two games back. The Cardinals have the most experience, and the most likely to get help from the minors for the stretch run. The Brewers have plenty of firepower, but not a lot of pitching. The Pirates are the most intriguing, and the team I would like to see advance. Andrew McCutcheon is as exciting as anyone to watch right now not names Jose Bautista. The Cardinals are the most likely to win, but I like the Pirates to win this division.
By the way, hats off to Jose Bautista for his hot run. Five home runs in five games for a guy who deserves to be at the center of attention. I think he'd look great in an Angel uniform.
So...am I off base?
It's time for the pennant chase. Several surprises throughout baseball this season, the biggest being that the AL East, long a battleground of the Yankees and Red Sox for supremacy, is pretty much wrapped up by the Orioles. The Angels look really good in the West, a surprise considering how much the A's put into trying to win everything this year. Maybe trading Cespedes wasn't such a good idea.
The National League East is has the Washington Nationals looking pretty solid. They made some very solid off season moves, and they have performed well throughout the season.
Everyone else is up in the air.
Most intriguing race is the AL Central, with the Royals leading the Tigers by a half game, and the Indians still within striking distance. No great moves made to strengthen the roster at the trade deadline for any team. In fact, the Indians sold their best pitcher, Bethel product Justin Masterson, at the deadline. It would be wonderful to see the Royals, long a doormat, have some success. The Tigers are still a favorite, but the window of opportunity appears to be closing. Free agency will eventually dismantle the Motor City Kitties. I like the Royals, who have been solid most of the year.
In the NL West, the Dodgers and the Giants will fight it out again. The Giants made the best moves at the deadline, but the Dodgers have better pitching, which will probably help them hold their 2.5 game lead. It makes the Dodgers a threat to go all the way this time, provided the offense holds together.
The NL Central could be the most fun to watch, a battle of mediocrity. The Cardinals and the Brewers are in a dead heat, with the Pirates two games back. The Cardinals have the most experience, and the most likely to get help from the minors for the stretch run. The Brewers have plenty of firepower, but not a lot of pitching. The Pirates are the most intriguing, and the team I would like to see advance. Andrew McCutcheon is as exciting as anyone to watch right now not names Jose Bautista. The Cardinals are the most likely to win, but I like the Pirates to win this division.
By the way, hats off to Jose Bautista for his hot run. Five home runs in five games for a guy who deserves to be at the center of attention. I think he'd look great in an Angel uniform.
So...am I off base?
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