GolfSoul

Golf paints a new strength

2009-11-12T01:53:00.000-08:00

It’s official: watching golf is the perfect impetus for a tranquil, long-lasting, uninterrupted nap. The velvety, whispering voices of the commentators paired with the serene, slow-pace of the players generates a euphoric bliss for viewers to drift off to sleep.

But have you ever attempted to play? Not so blissful.

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, staring across a bottomless gorge. Two hundred yards in front of you a 30-foot wide lane of plush green grass emerges. To the right of this lustrous green path grows a forest of never-ending trees like something out of the movie Jumanji. The sound of waves crashing alerts your eyes to the left, where the pure blue of the ocean extends to the vast horizon. Sprinkled along the green grass are deeply entrenched pits of despair, also known as sand traps. The entire field for which you’re aiming is on a massive slope from left to right. Task: Hit a ball over the canyon, avoid the pits of despair, so that it lands, and stays, in the green area. Now do it with a three-foot metal stick and a ball the size of a macaroon.

I don’t understand why anyone would consider golf just a game, or a leisure activity, because it is without a doubt more difficult then any other sport around.

In golf you can’t rely on the pitcher to throw strikes or the 7-foot tall center to block shots. No referees to call “holding on the defense,” and no shot clock. No teammates. No allies. No scapegoats.

In golf, it’s just you and the course.

But what I love most about golf is that there is not a single tee shot, approach to the green, chip, or putt that doesn’t demand the competitor to do the single hardest thing under pressure: think. Not to mention the fact that rarely, if ever, do players have to hit the same shot twice in one round. Just like surfing, no wave is ever the same. Consequently, golfers must expect the unexpected, but simultaneously be able to produce a wide and diverse array of shots, ranging from low cutting shots to sky-high, shots turning from left to right.

The naysayers of golf have been rolling their eyes thus far because they would never equate the pressure of a ‘real’ sport, like baseball, to that of golf. And rightfully so, in golf there are never 50,000 fans thunderously yelling as you stand at the plate with the bases loaded, a 3-2 count, in the bottom of the ninth and down one run.

Instead, golfers endure their own form of pressure and must shine in absolute, dead silence. Down one on the last hole, two-thousand people circulate around the 18th green, with the leaderboard raised above the crowd, a sign of the players’ fates ready to be sealed. From 165-yards away, a golfer visualizes his/her shot, strategizing how to get the ball as close as possible to the red flagstick tucked in the back right of the lightening fast green. Set on an incline to the right, an emerald blue lake thirsts for golf balls that have strayed off-line. The golfer prepares to hit, then suddenly, a monstrous wind picks up, the flag swerves back and forth and without any conscious doing, the mind is held hostage in the realm of unknown possibilities. Palms begin to sweat. Knees start to shake. Dreadful thoughts clutter the mind. It’s like becoming the physical embodiment of that horrendous Eminem song, “Lose Yourself”—‘knees weak, arms are heavy, he’s nervous.’

Such an obstacle cannot be compared to .4 seconds on the shot clock needing a three-pointer to win the championship in basketball or throwing a hail-Mary into a sea of defenders in football. These feats do not simply require physical exertion, but they demand patience, foresight, strategy, confidence, and power over mind and body.

“Any endeavor where your body’s coordination and stamina play a determining role in the outcome—that’s a sport,” said Kevin Lynn, a local radio commentator. “Any endeavor where your mind and heart and confidence and guts can have an impact on your body and ultimately the outcome of the contest—that’s a sport.”

People perpetuating narrow-minded judgments about golf have probably never even attempted to play. They assume golf is solely for old, fat, rich white guys driving around in golf carts.

At the forefront of changing such intolerant views has been the most dominant athlete of this decade, Tiger Woods. His legendary dedication to fitness has helped set a new standard for golf both as a sport and an athletic endeavor. His basic routine includes stretching, core exercises, strength and flexibility workouts, cardio and weight training. He is built as well as any point guard in the NBA or wide receiver in the NFL. Woods has defied the norm and redefined what it means to be a golfer.

There is more to golf than Happy Gilmore. Going to the golf course to hit some balls at the range or perhaps play a round of golf can be an escape; from financial issues, relationship problems, school work. In my eyes golfers have always been like artists; they too are in a perpetual search for what is right, constantly experimenting.

Turn on the Tube and Watch in Wonder

2009-10-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

What does it take to knock it stiff to a tucked back right pin with the pressure on, fierce winds blowing your collar up, bunkers surrounding the green, and thousands of people holding their breath in anticipation?

Don't look at me for an answer, just turn on the tube.

I can't help but clench my stomach, get the chills, and detect that tangible feeling of anxiety wash over me when I think of how much I could have learned from watching PGA Tour pros when I was a serious golfer. I am only 19, so I'm not totally out of the game, but, WOW 'these guys are good' (as the PGA commercial goes).

When I competed in high school and in local and national events, my achilles heal was sticking it close to the pin. I had length off the tee and was very comfortable on the greens, but whether it was my hands getting clammy, over-thinking the approach, or underestimating things like wind, distance, the lie of the ball, or undulation of the green, I, like many golfers, could not hit the ball inside ten feet on a regular basis. Though I may have had the potential to thrive like the pros, it never quite translated when I hit the links.

And while I am under the impression my golf career ended far too early, I find myself in a state of fury, disbelief and inspired revelation when I consider how much I have learned about this game as an observer.

I watched the Presidents Cup for three hours today (I know I need to find a hobby) and found myself in absolute awe. It was like the first time I heard the Beatles. Today’s round may not have been the best showing for Anthony Kim or Adam Scott, but the majority of players in the field simply made a mockery of Harding Golf Course. Chip-ins, draining 30-footers, nearly holing out from hundreds of yards away, reaching the green on a dogleg par-4 that requires shaping the shot.

I know this is typical of the pros, but I have never been this impressed by the PGA Tour. Maybe I am dazzled because I haven’t seen such a talented, competitive, ambitious, and tightly concentrated group of golfers in this format for a long time. Without delving into every player in the event, hopefully golf fans realize they are participating in history with the archetypes of the sport.

Think about it —Retief Goosen and Ernie Els have two of the smoothest swings in the history of the game; if their golf balls could speak, they would thank each of these players for letting them be part of their artwork. Tim Clark and Mike Weir; maybe two of the shortest hitters on tour, but their iron control and unparalleled touch on the greens creates a tangible intimidation factor. What about two of the fastest rising stars in golf right now—Hunter Mahan and Sean O’Hair, even Ray Allen agrees ‘they got game.’ And is it even necessary to express the momentous, incomparable genius of golf’s phenom—Tiger Woods?

Their brilliance appears effortless: hitting 300+ yard drives, turning balls from one side of the fairway to the other (on purpose), sinking putts on greens as fast as a table-top.

Golf statisticians and analysts constantly explain how, and in what order, amateur golfers struggle most. It usually goes something like this: they have no touch around the greens, they ‘underclub’ (because they once hit a pitching wedge 125 yards on the driving range and think that transfers to the course), they aren't aggressive enough with their irons when they should be, and finally they lack accuracy off the tee essentially ruining approach shots.

While these people provide valid points, they should remind golfers to utilize visual learning in addition to their own personal practice. As new media becomes a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, go on YouTube and watch some of these guys’ swings; it may be the recipe for success, or at least an epiphany. Personally, I am a visual learner and by religiously watching Tiger Woods’ takeaway, parallel position at the top, and explosion into the ball I found a fresh sense of clarity as I worked on my own game. I had gained a sense of mechanics, but was forced to incorporate my personal sense of touch, creating my own authentic swing.

God this game is great.

So if you are like me and used to work tirelessly on the range trying to hit punch shots to exactly 108 yards or try to replicate the low fading 3-wood shot five times before moving on to another club, don't completely stop, just redesign your regimen. Let the pros guide you. These professional golfers are 'professional' for a reason. I have always believed you learn most from people that are better than you, so lets these guys inspire and instill you with knowledge. The President’s Cup is not just a rivalry for the International and US teams. It’s also a free, worthwhile opportunity to absorb the knowledge and skills that these players are in the perpetual process of mastering.

Work on six-foot putts. Work on the kinks of your driver. Work on shots inside 100-yards. But most importantly—don’t forget to stop working and simply watch in wonder.

Adam Scott: Once my hero, now my biggest disappointment

2009-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

I used to go on Youtube, type in "Adam Scott/swing," and then be mesmerized watching his gorgeous swing about five times in slow motion. I woud then get my 7-iron and stand in front of a mirror trying to mimic his incredible mechanics.

Recently, not so much.

Honestly, what happened to this guy? Wasn't it just a few years ago that he was seen as Tiger's biggest challenger? I may sound pessimistic now, but my optimism was once unending for Scott and it has never paid off. In fact, I have defended him, chose him in my online Fantasy Golf, and received no pay-off. There was something extremely likable and inspiring about him, probably his intense gaze as he held his picture-perfect finish. But beyond that gaze and his alluring Rolex commercials, what went wrong? Throughout the last five years it was obvious that he had length, had accuracy, and had the drive, but that his putting was his primary Achilles heal. But as one of his greatest supporters, I figured that considering his profession was excelling at the highest level in the game of golf that he would find a productive route to extinguish his putting woes and gradually improve those skills through both his technique and his touch.

I have been patient, but don't know how much more patience I have. Today Scott ranks #99 on the PGA Tour--a shame to his name-- after spending multiple years ranked in the top-10 and considered an intimidating, talented player. Only in the categories of 'Driving distance' (#39) and 'Total driving' (#99) is Scott ranked in the top-100 on the PGA Tour. But these don't concern me as much as the most important stats on tour: 'Putting' (#183) and 'Birdies' (#136).

The two major differences between solid amateur players and PGA Tour professionals is without a doubt the disparity on and around the greens. Reasons behind this are wide and diverse, but the point is that for a long time Scott's driving and iron game appeared like that of a PGA pro and his putting that of an amateur. However, in this 2009 season, he just looked like an amateur. He became the player on television that I would watch hit balls OB, miss three-footers, and hit it to the front of the green on a tucked back pin, and make me think to myself, "Well I could do that. Can I play on the PGA Tour?"

And you know what else I could do like Adam Scott--miss cuts for majors. In 2009, Scott missed the cut for the British Open, Masters, and PGA Championship. I am aware that the major courses are the most difficult on tour, not just because of the arduous conditions, but mainly because players are inundated with unrelenting pressure surrounding the event. But these are also the events that call for a distinct kind of preparation--mentally and physically. Some players emerge during majors with a unique sense of motivation and desire. There is something palpably different about the way these players watch their ball drop in the hole or stride across the fairway during majors--they rise to the occasion. And while I personally noticed these qualities flare up in players like Sean O'Hair, Kenny Perry, and Hunter Mahan, Scott seemed unaware that these events were at the foundation of the PGA's historical significance.

Maybe this was a rebuilding year for Scott. Perhaps he had an injury that inhibited his capacity to do anything worthy of acclaim. Whatever it was, 2009 was flat-out rough for Adam Scott. And as negative as I have been, and as depressed as Scott's play has made me, I hope Scott has not forgot that he has the potential to be the best player in the world.

FedEx Cup a bust, PGA Tour earnings getting ridiculous

2009-09-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mickleson responded to a reporter with a tragic, but hilarious, comment after his victory this past weekend at the Tour Championship. "Ya sure I am happy that I won, but I'm walking out of here with $3 million and Tiger is leavin' with $10 million--how does that make sense?" Though the sarcasm was palpable in his tone, so was the bitterness regarding his payoff from the FedEx Cup system.

The truth is that Tiger did have an incredible year and may just be both the Player of the Year, as well as the Comeback Player of the Year. His scoring average was just under 69, not too shabby. He won six times in 17 events, and only had 14 top-tens; once more, not too shabby. But these are major golf feats that the public recognizes and hails him for. However, those 17 events of brilliance and gripping, almost chilling, play produced earnings of $10,508,163. After the Tour Championship, he continued his reign as the FedEx Cup champ, adding another $10 million to a season that he personally found to be 'below par' because of his bad luck at majors, or as we all saw it--the yips with the putter.

My point: is this FedEx Cup system working? Personally, the only thing I like about the system is the commercial it produced with Paul Casey, Ernie Els, Anthony Kim, Heath Slocum and Vijay Singh in which they attempt to act and praise the 'extraodinarily competitive element' that the system has added to the PGA Tour. But beyond that-- I just find the system extraodinarily confusing. These guys get points for placing well in events over the span of the season: simple enough. Then the last few events of the season become exclusive, including only the top-30 point getters: Alright, still relatively simple. But then within those 30 players, the points reset for the last few events? Or is it that anyone of those 30 can win the $10 million? Or is it by ranking? Confusing much?

The dewy, plush fairways and slippery, undulating greens were enough for Jones, Hagan, Nicklaus, and Palmer, so why isn't it enough for today's star golfers? Why do they need this system?

Well, while the system may be an attempt to equal the playing field, Tiger continues to trounce any hopes of golfers not named after an aggressive, intimidating animal. Not only that, but the money aspect of this system is simply ridiculous. Personally, I am a student in the public University of California school system and as I read, shout and protest about the million and billion dollar deficits of my school system and of the state of California, Tiger just made $20 million in less than eight months. To quote a favorite movie of mine: "How do you like dem' apples?" I'm not asking him to give my school a share of his earnings, but I am asking that this system be reformed to make sense in this dwindling, beaten-down, barely breathing economy.

I love the game, idolize the sweet swing of Els, and the gritty play of Mickleson down the stretch, but I am becoming bitter about the pay-off these guys get for spending four days playing golf. Don't get me wrong, I am aware of the intense physical and mental strain that the game of golf requires. But honestly, Fred Couples played in 15 events this year, that's 60 days of golf--he earned $1,191,060.

Is this a product of the FedEx Cup system, the PGA Tour as a whole, or simply the wealthy nature that is the game of golf?

Struggling LPGA Tour explores routes for positive change

2009-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to react anymore to these reoccurring headlines appearing on the internet golf sites that another LPGA sponsor has dropped their support. Finding an answer to why this has been a consistent issue appears simple to some and like finding your way out of a labyrinth to others. Economic downturn? Over-emphasis on the PGA Tour? Sexist attitudes invading the realm of golf? Whatever it is, this is a habit benefitting no one.

Personally, I have nothing against the LPGA. In fact, I appreciate and captivated when watching the talented, passionate golfers of the LPGA. However, I also admit that while I preach about enjoying women's golf, I don't follow their events closely by any means. For example, sometimes I'll be online exploring the worldwide web and have the epiphany that its Thursday and will instantly open a new tab and relish in ESPN's coverage of the current PGA event. Why don't I don't feel compelled to, or even think about, the women's event being played?

Does anyone else understand where I am coming from?

Aside from the hype regarding Michelle Wie a few years ago that never quite came to fruition, the dominance of Annika and the present command of the game by Lorena Ochoa, I am oblivious to the state of the LPGA Tour. Scratch that: I am oblivious to it aside from the incessant, depressing news updates like that the 'Kingsmill sponsor has just pulled out.'

A few weeks ago I read about a LPGA Tour player/model who has been taking modeling photos with golf clubs in hand, leaning on her golf bag, or with something golf-related in the background. She feels that this will boost viewers desire to stay connected to the state of the LPGA Tour. Another piece of news that caught my attention was the proposal that just like at baseball game's when players march up to the plate a song of their choosing is played in the background, so too should LPGA players have their own song played on the 1st tee and as they stroll up the 18th. This idea is meant to lure in viewers by sending a personal message from the players to the audience. Not bad in my opinion, but then again, it totally puts into question the tradition and etiquette that golf is based on. However, sometimes respect for tradition needs to be overlooked because a desparate situation like this requires change of the status quo.

There may be no correct route, but that also means that the LPGA Tour is bound by nothing. This may be he most exciting time for the LPGA in its history because they have the opportunity to experiment with diverse paths of alluring an apathetic audience. There is no doubt that this is an overwhelming and scary task, but hopefully it will be pursued by a passionate group of LPGA supporters compelled to revamp and redefine the temptation and caliber of womens golf.

What lies within

2009-02-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

Its been raining here the last few days and all I've wanted to do is go play golf. I guess NorCal isn't as ideal for hitting the links at any time of year as SoCal. The weather has been a barrier. I miss the game. I miss the feeling it gives me; putting, pummeling a drive, staring into the distance at the pin position, watching my competitors focus, analyzing my shots, fixing my problems, persisting through difficulty, and winning/being the best. And yet through my daydreams of hitting 8-irons stiff and colossal drives that split plush, green-blue fairways, I see Tiger's swing in slow motion, hitting a ball into an endless abyss as rain drops fall, determined to bring down his ball, and then as the ball takes off, Tiger answers-- "There are no rainy days."

It may be a testament to the arrogance that I have been told I carry (though I refuse to admit to), but on the golf course I always believe I can play with the best. Though I consider myself a good student, or perhaps a good speaker, I don't think I go into anything in my life with as much confidence as I did when I was on the golf course competing for ultimate victory. What does that mean? I can't say. I just miss the game.

For most adult golfers, the driving range a few times a month is the most golf they see, with an actual round with some work buddies or family occasionally. However, I grew up in the generation of Tiger Woods; this is the player the reinvented the concepts of practice, dedication and dominance. As a young boy, I watched Tiger lure massive crowds as he led the field, in the blistering red that kept his competitors up at night wondering how they could reach his level of excellence. What was burned into my brain from an early age, partially from my family's upbringing, but mainly from Tiger's work ethic, was simply that no one is perfect, which means striving for perfection is an endless pursuit. While that fact discouraged some of my friends in the classroom, on the basketball court, or golf course, the idea sparked a flame within me that still burns bright until this day, regardless of the persistent efforts of the outside world to put out that flame, just as the dark clouds try to cover city lights.

I practiced golf without end during high school. The privilege of finance, location, and support gave me the opportunity to play at the highest level, which I will forever be proud of doing for some time. Between local tournaments, high school matches, and national and international events, I was immersed in the junior golf scene, or so I thought. Though I received a scholarship to Pitzer College of the prestigious Claremont Colleges to play golf, I was accepted to the University of California, Berkeley, and was attracted to just about every aspect of the atmosphere of the school, except for the fact that I was not guaranteed a place on their golf team. I contacted the Cal Golf Team, met with the Assistant to the Coach, and from this active effort, there was hope on the horizon. I was told that when I attended Berkeley, I would be given the opportunity to try out second semester (it had to be second semester because I was admitted to a program that prohibited the play of student-athletes because of NCAA rules). However, between my lack of transportation to get the golf course, lack of money, and lack of time to practice, my game faltered, even though my passion for the game was still as strong as it had been the first time I hit a ball straight and in the air. When I was told the team did not have space for more players and that second semester try-outs would be postponed until the beginning of the next year, instead of getting down, I saw this as an opportunity to get my game back over summer. Through competition and endless practice, within 3 months I was playing the best golf of my life. Yet with high expectation, there is often disappointment.

I was told the team would not need to have try-outs again because they had enough guys. As tears rolled down my eyes from a summer entirely devoted to the belief that my dedication to a dream would at least give me a chance to compete, I chose to not let down. In the first two weeks of the new semester, I competed in a tournament that was specifically located in the Berkeley area, thus it was a perfect opportunity for me to put my skills against the other Cal players and show the coaches I deserved a spot on the team, or at the least a chance to prove myself. With scores of 72, 73 in two days and a top-ten finish, I beat four of the six Cal players that had entered into the tournament.

"There are no rainy days."

I stormed into the golf coach's office and told him of my finish, demanding that I deserve a chance to play on the team. When I look back at his reasons for not letting me even try out, I usually get the chills, and my eyes begin to water. But just before I give into tears of depression and utter confusion, oddly and almost as if caught in a dream that recalled the distant past, I feel the sensation of a lightness in my fingertips. Then as if a tidal wave that covers my body from head to toe, that lightness becomes a sweet memory of a pured, true, committed golf shot, which vibrates throughout my entire body.

These days, I can't walk by a blade of grass without looking at it and needing to stop for a moment just to bask in the memory of a past golf shot I've hit off similar textured grass. I feel bad for people walking with me who, often deep in conversation, realize I have stopped 10 feet behind them and am totally silent, clutching my hands together to form the inter-lock grip.

I miss the game.

2009-01-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

After the 'Big Easy,' Ernie Els, had his -5 par round of 68 posted at the opening event of the 2009 PGA Tour season, he found time to speak with an on-site announcer about some of the 'young guns' rallying huge crowds and creating major fervor in Tiger's absence. Guys like Camillo Villegas, Anthony Kim, Sergio Garcia and Trevor Immelman held the spotlight in the conversation, considering each player remains under 30 with at least one big win last year. Though Villegas had won three tournaments, Garcia winning the Players Championship, and Immelman taking home the magnificent Masters, the announcer believed Anthony Kim was without a doubt the shining star of the group, considering his two on tour victories and his integral role in the sensational Ryder Cup rally to win. This idea is in no way unheard of. Throughout the golf world, between announcers at events to conversations at muni courses, Anthony Kim has found his niche as the TOC (topic of discussion). Whether its his ball-striking, simple, but pure putting stroke, or his confidence in pressure situations, Kim has without a doubt made himself a key contender in every tournament he enters, which sounds a lot like a guy I've heard of...

Although, while the excitement of the 'young guns' remains centered around AK, Els believes Trevor Immelman will without a doubt lead the way in the 2009 season among the upcoming PGA Tour players. His contention: Immelman has captured one of the toughest feats on the tour--a major. Els chose his words cautiously, not forgetting to mention how talented these young players are. However, the 'Big Easy' found Immelman to be the easy and most realistic answer, thus the catalyst for a question: if a young guy wins a Major, does that qualify him for the status of the 'next up and comer,' the 'next Tiger', or possibly even the 'next legend'?

Though I have nothing against Immelman, from my point of view, the fact that he hasn't done much of anything worth mentioning since the Master's makes him unworthy of such a glorified reputation that Els was so quick to label him with. Players like Kim and Villegas played consistently well throughout the year; note the root word 'consistent.' Top tens, leading stats in GIR or least putts per round, and especially multiple wins, are the kinds of actions and events that make truly great players warrant great reputations. I just can't honestly say Immelman has captured my respect like the way other young players on the tour have and until he does, he will remain in the category where guys like Ben Curtis and Chad Campell are--the "Who knows how they won a major?" category.

harsh truth up to interpretation?

2008-07-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

It was just another day. I opened up my Macbook, logged into ESPN.com, the golf section that is, and saw displayed across the page Justin Rose as a 17-year old amateur at the British Open in '98. The article didn't grab me because, well, even though Rose has been in contention a variety of times in the last ten years, I feel like he hasn't done anything of true value to affect his status on the tour.

I have no desire to discuss my pet peeves with Mr. Rose, but instead to simply mention an observation I came to as I viewed the day's top stories. "Creamer shoots 60..." Now, lets just be honest, whether its the PGA's biggest name like Tiger Woods or a never heard of like Garrett Willis, when a man shoots anything under 65 (6 or 7 under par) they're picture is flaunted about the site. Below their picture is often a story about now just their round, but about their modest upbringing and how lucky they feel just to be playing the game, as if a monument should be erected for them. Sometimes they just make a mountain out of a molehill.

However, other times, some stories just don't get their due.

Of course Paula Creamer got a story written about her, and she even got a minute long video showing her make a mockery the par-71 Highland Meadows layout Thursday in the opening round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. She set a course record, shot 11-under, and did it all with a pink ball.

Is there a sexist attitude embedded in golf that finds its way above the surface occasionally?

The way I see it, the wide and diverse aspects that make up American lifestyle are male dominated, which has ultimately created a patriarchy. Sports is one of those sections within our society that preaches equality and fair press for each gender within the sport, but realistically, we all know the truth. I'm not trying to start a controversy or expose some tremendous flaw in the golf section of ESPN.com. However, I think it is important to be fair and in this particular case, I don't think fairness is subjective or up to interpretation. Creamer performed beautifully and yet is only receiving second class coverage of what would be hailed as an unbelievable feat among the males on the PGA Tour.

Truth: There are multiple perspectives through which one could view this issue. Truth: Ochoa and/or Sorenstam have received considerable coverage on not only the golf site of ESPN.com, but on the worldwide golf scene, comparing their abilities and successes with great male performers like Tiger and Phil. Bitter Truth: The lack of attention being paid to Creamer's remarkable round exposed the harsh, sexist attitudes rooted in 'the greatest game ever played.'

its been a while...

2008-07-02T22:10:00.001-07:00

Lets get away from the pros for a moment and discuss what's going on with our game specifically.

Tonight, as I stood over my ball, eight-iron in hand, with the lights from the driving range post sending my left-handed shadow straight over my ball, I wondered what 'the range' means for the different people there, and what it meant to me as well. Maybe for some a refuge that allowed them to stash their worries about the miserable economy and rising gas prices at the bottom of their bags. For others it could provide a sense of seriousness, in which they tested their abilities; hitting to 100, then 125, then 150 yards. Then of course there are those who spend their time as they would at the church, temple, mosque...They're praying. Praying their ball goes straight. Praying they don't lose their balance. Praying they don't let go of the club after swinging and being the idiot that threw his club into the range.

For me: a test, a safe haven, and a temple all in one. Praying that I can hit my target, I take a sigh of relief (that I am away from sibling rivalry, yelling kids at work, girl drama, money issues) and then view my target and test myself . I hit pretty well tonight to be honest. Good wedges, long irons mostly straight with good distance. Long, controlled drives. However, with one last ball left, I stepped up to my favorite shot: 125 yards away, a slight breeze in my face, middle pin. I was no longer at the range. In my mind, I told myself I was at the Masters about to hit my approach shot onto 18. I was the 'out-of-nowhere' kid, a fairytale story about to win my first Masters. I could hear the commentators in mind. "All Leivenberg needs here is to hit it safe into the middle of the green and he will have secured his win."

I did my normal pre-shot routine. Stood behind the ball for a moment, looking from my ball to my target a few times. I stepped up, spread each foot apart, checking my aim meticulously. I took my final waggle, and then time stopped: It was slow motion. One final look at the pin, then back to my ball. I was ready.

I pulled it. Pure contact, however, definitely right. I may have been on the right most portion of the green, but most likely I am off. What does that mean? Maybe that I can't take the pressure? Maybe that it was just a mishit one night at the range? Maybe that I am blowing one shot out of proportion. For me, and I believe most golfers who believe that they have potential, it was so disappointing that there really feels like there is not cure. No food, TV show, or song would bring me out of this funk.

However, the only hope that I have after that disgusting attempt at winning the Masters is to get back out there and show myself that I CAN...such is golf...such is life.

Tiger: king of the jungle

2008-04-03T17:33:00.001-07:00

As I picked my fantasy team this week on the Best Ball Golf Challenge on ESPN.com, all I was hoping for were a few a good picks that would help to escape my perpetual rank of 22,984. However, it figures that my team (Kim, Harrington, Mahan, and Romero) is probably going to see one, and maybe two, of its four make the cut. As I looked at the scores today, I wondered to myself, 'why is that when I choose the young guns with potential like Adam Scott and Bubba Watson, or even Steve Stricker, to face up against Tiger, they crash and burn, yet when Tiger isn't in the field, they shine?'

I'm at a crossroads. No longer does my fantasy team concern me, even though it is a bit disheartening to put so much thought into a team that has successfully sank to the depths of failure every time Thursday comes around. The truth is, for every blog I have written, I have felt compelled to mention Tiger, whether commenting on his individual dominance or unique affect he has on other players. I've discussed his persistent efforts to improve his putting, which have paid off; his mixture of mechanics and feel that make for pin-point iron shots and drives that are pounded 300+ yards consistently. And then of course is his mental game, which no longer needs to be discussed because his mental confidence has ultimately pummeled all others' into oblivion.

However, that is only the case when he is in the field.

This week will be another story. Adam Scott and some guy named Johnson Wagner started their rounds off with 9-under 63. I don't know what to say other than 'woopty doo.' Being an avid golfer, I am aware of how difficult it is to shoot under par, let alone how much more difficult the courses these pros are playing as opposed to say the muni course around the block; so hopefully Scott and Wagner will feel no animosity. But at the same time, just as I have felt compelled to mention Tiger, so too do I feel compelled to approach Scott after his 63, Stricker after his 66 and Watson after his 68 and say, if it isn't too bold of me, 'Where the hell was that when Tiger was playing against you?' The way I see it, the only reason Ogilvy has been getting so much press lately is not because he played miraculously against Tiger, but simply because at the end of a tournament that Tiger Woods was involved in, his name was not atop the leader board, but instead a somewhat familiar aussie who clinched a US Open a couple years back. More than anything, I think I just hate knowing that guys who are leading this week will not play like this the next time Tiger is in the field.

But then again, I wonder to myself, am I being too harsh? Should I sympathize/empathize with these pros who are working their butts off to play the best golf they can week in and week out and understand that each week produces different results? I want to be as sympathetic as I can, but I can't help but think back to how Tiger plays consistently spectacular. What is the difference? Preparation? Desire? Natural ability?

I love golf and all aspects of the game. I consistently look forward to watching any tournament that is on t.v., but I'd be lying if I said there wasn't more appeal to watch when Tiger is playing. I wish guys like Luke Donald or Adam Scott captivated me the way Tiger did, and maybe at some point in the future they will, but as of right now, Tiger remains the king of the jungle.

Cinking when it counts

2008-03-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

I've always admired Stewart Cink for his consistency on the greens. The guy is just a great putter. As an aspiring golfer, I used to live for big drives and wedges into tucked pins, even though my instructor and the adult golfers I knew always told me 'the money is won on the green.' In the last couple weeks, between the loss to Tiger at the Accenture and today letting O'Hair sneak by at the PODS, the fact is that Cink's losses are mainly due to everything he did off the green. I'm not insinuating that the short game is losing its significance as the key to winning tournaments. However--I have no trouble reminding those who missed Cink's last few rounds that his mistakes came off the tee and from his second shots.

What might this mean in the larger picture?

Maybe it just reinforces what makes golf one of the hardest, if not the hardest, sport there is: every shot counts. You can hit a great tee shot and then thin your next shot over the green. You can have a horrible tee shot and then recover with a great iron shot. Or for many of us out there who can relate to what I've already mentioned--you may have a horrible tee shot, horrible second shot, and once you finally reach the green and the hole seems like a mile away and in utter depression you wonder why your not at home lounging on the couch in front of the tube, somehow: you sink your putt. It doesn't matter if your a 15 or 2 handicap. One stroke can revitalize your whole round.

The thing is that I just don't see that fight in many players anymore. Obviously Tiger has it. He can be struggling and we won't know it, until he makes that one putt where his fist pump and tiger growl shows the intensity that has boiled to the surface and now finally been unleashed. Young guys today aren't showing that they want to be there. I don't see the fight. I don't see the desire to win. Maybe they're just being overshadowed by Tiger's dominance, but I guess I am just in what seems like an endless period of waiting for some player to come along and shake the dust out this crumby old game that has become Tiger's playground.

I thought Cink could do it because of his experience and natural strengths around the green. But let down once again, I guess I'll just continue to wait.

2008-03-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a little upset about something. It's one of those fleeting thoughts that enters my mind for a half a second and then I move on. However, today its lasted a bit longer than half a second. There may be a poetic or sophisticated way to say it, but I don't really care for that, so here it goes. I don't get why PGA players, like our famed Tiger Woods, are allowed to have huge gaps of time between their tournaments. I guess what I mean is that when I think about a sport like baseball or basketball, their a set schedule like in golf, however the players are required to not only be at the game, but play. That's how they earn their salaries. That's how they make their living. And more than anything, I think their commitment to their sport of choice is how they earn the respect of fans.

I'm sad to say I'm losing respect for some golfers. Why is it that they can have three weeks between one tournament and the next? Of course I am specifically speaking to Tiger Woods, who tends to play in tournaments once a month, unless their happens to be a major that month. Why can he do this and not other players? Well I guess one of the obvious answers is that, well, he can. The guy made around 12 million bucks last year from golf alone and then around 80 million off of endorsements. So we get it, he has money and thus winning tournaments isn't about the money for him, its about the glory. That may be an admirable quality, but it can be disputed.

Here's all I'm saying--if I had 2 or 3 weeks to practice everyday with my trainer and instructor, I think I could do pretty well at a tournament too. This goes especially for other PGA players, who have to play in many tournaments whether for the money, for exemptions, for status, or possibly, maybe, ummm, for fun. I just don't feel like Tiger is even part of the PGA anymore. I feel like he has his own professional golf association that reigns above all.

I think its unfair. A guy like Vijay Singh (who I have personal vendetta against because he bashed Annika when she wanted to play with the men) practices hard consistently, and must play in 75% to 85% of all PGA events. He wins sometimes, and other times doesn't. Sometimes he's in the top ten, sometimes he's not. But guess what, at least I know he's human. Tiger on the other hand enters into tournaments rarely, which does a variety of things. It allows him his own personal preparation, which is longer than most other players. Also, it sparks something int the minds of other players, something to the degree of "uh oh, tiger's playing." And why do they fear him? We've been over this. He dominates every aspect of the game. But maybe that has something to do with the fact that he is well rested and confident because he's HAD TIME to practice and work out any kinks in his game. The list of reasons for his victorious streak goes on.

It just upsets me. The game should be equal and the man that is sanctified and praised for reviving the game may have an unfair advantage.

this decline in golf is real: just don't let it be real for too long

2008-02-26T20:24:00.000-08:00

Recently, an article was published in the New York Times regarding 'the decline of golf.' From economic issues to changes in family values, this 'decline' is the real deal based on numerous stats from golf companies, courses and now veteran players.

The truth is, golf is an expensive sport. When I got serious about golf in high school, I didn't see any problem with going to the driving range to practice every day, but that was only because I wasn't the one supplying the money that paid for my range balls, let alone the clubs, and other little enticing golf accessories. The driving range around the corner from my house, which is definitely very 'homey' and welcoming, isn't very welcoming in price. It's $10.75 for a large bucket of balls. Compare that number with what you will in terms of how many meals you could buy, or other things you could do with that money, but seriously, that's just a lot to pay to hit 120 balls. The funny thing is, that's just the driving range. The costs of playing courses has become obscene. I have been truly lucky in the last few years because I was always considered a 'junior golfer,' which essentially meant that I received the 'junior rate.' I was living it up, playing 18 holes for $2-5. However, my junior card is no longer allowed and I have to come to terms with the reality of golf, which is if you don't have money, you may not be playing.

Another dilemma, other than money, is time. One of the reasons listed for the decline in golf in the NY article was that people aren't willing to put forth 4-5 hours on the golf course anymore. My grandma tells me stories about how my grandpa would wake up at 6 am and play golf all day and not come back until it was dark outside. However, if my dad did that today, my mom wouldn't let him back in the house. Newsflash--things are different. Family values have changed enough to make golfers conscious of the amount of time, let alone money, they spend on the golf course. It's a salient issue for parents who genuinely want to spend time with their families, while simultaneously genuinely wanting to enjoy their passion for golf.

Patience. Golf is a slow game. That doesn't mean it can't be played fast (just ask Rori Sabbatini--I can't stand that guy). But, you can ask the majority of avid golfers and they will say their best or favorite rounds came when they didn't rush and just enjoyed the round, whether with friends or by themselves. Most people who enter the game of golf assume they will catch on fast, like basketball or baseball. In these sports, with a day or two of practice you will develop some sort of comfort shooting a free throw or throwing the ball straight. However with golf--its just a tad bit different. You can top, shank, hook, draw, fade, look up, chunk, rush, or totally miss the ball FOR YEARS. But there is hope. There's that one shot that makes you keep coming back. There's that one moment where you are so tense from having shanked in front of everyone on the range or all your buddies on the course that you take the club back and 'pure' it. It's an almost indescribable feeling, but what it really does is provide motivation. The mentality is simple--if you did it once, you can do it again. People know that Tiger Woods has been playing since he was 3 years-old and so they attribute his 'time' with the game to his dominance. Now while I don't rule that out, its his motivation to get better that separates him from the pack. Motivation is what feeds the fire of mental power, physical power, and every other facet of the game. Too few are willing to keep working at the game long enough to experience that one swing that makes all others worth it.

With a possible recession coming, money is an issue. With families wanting to maintain closeness, familial bonding is an issue. In a society that perpetuates fast-pace everything, patience is an issue. But the truth in my mind is that the real issue is persistence and motivation. All of these other factors are real, and although I am young and without an income or family, I think this decline in golf can become a thing of the past if people let themselves give in to the possibility of getting better by giving the game more of their attention. I used to be very conscious of the way I ate, and when I looked to my parents to help they told me to 'eat in moderation.' Well, in this case, not to be too philosophical, I think Americans need to internalize the idea of 'LIVE in moderation.' Have balance. It may take more effort or more time, but when you hit that one shot, or if you have already hit that one shot, you will understand how necessary being persistent with this game is. It's your own personal reward that will bring you back to the course, possibly with a client or family member or simply by yourself, searching to repeat that one swing. The one that makes all other worth it.

I caught the eye of the tiger

2008-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

ESPN.com featured a special interview with a sports analyst asking if Tiger is the most dominating athlete ever. Personally, I love the fact that golf, a sport often left out of 'the scene,' is getting all this publicity, but my skepticism lies in the fact that it may be a bit too hasty of a comment. The two analysts made some good points about Tiger, such as discussing his drought a few years ago and how people questioned whether he would ever be able to play as he did in 2000 when he won three majors and rewrote the records for each. Well, the answer is obvious--he's won 8 of his last 9 and he's putting as if the ball is a magnet to the hole.

The truth is, I love Tiger Woods. As a young aspiring athlete, I can't think of another sports icon today who is as inspirational as this guy is, especially with all of my favorite baseball players getting caught for steroid use (regardless of if they were aware of it or not). Whether it comes to his fitness regimen which has revolutionized the game or his dedication to his own community center for children off the course, or simply the fierceness that he brings to the course every time he steps on the tee box--Woods emanates fear in his competitors and hopeful curiosity in his fans. I've been lucky enough to watch Woods on two separate occasions. Both were Thursdays, and he didn't end up playing up to his standards the days I was there or winning either tournament. However, I saw enough to know: this guy is intimidating.

Although each time I watched him I was blown away by Tiger's attitude and abilities to conquer the golf course, one of these instances ranges far beyond a memorable moment and instead belongs in my personal hall of fame. As my friend and I walked down the 9th hole at Tiger's Target World Challenge two years ago, elated that we weren't in school, we caught up with Tiger and watched him play. Although it wasn't his best day (he only had 3 birdies), we watched him pummel drives, shape gorgeous fades and draws, and slam 4 footers into 'their home.' However, while I was lucky enough to see some truly remarkable shots, the highlight of my day, and possibly teenage life, came in the span of maybe ten seconds or so when I was on one side of the rope waiting for my friend to come out of the restroom. T.W. himself walked right by me. When I think back to it, it reminds me of one of those slow motion scenes in the Matrix when Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishburn are defying the laws of physics and gravity all at once. I caught the eye of the Tiger. In pure disbelief, I nodded, not knowing what else to do. Then...he nodded back. It was as if every moment in my short, puny little life had led up to this moment. His tight fitting shirt outlined his muscles. The Nike symbol featured from head to toe made him more than a walking advertisement, but a walking, breathing, shot-making God. 'Focused' doesn't begin to explain his demeanor. 'Competitive' doesn't begin to explain his state of mind. Maybe something a little simpler might do the trick--HUNGRY. This man was hungry for a win. Hungry to show people what he could do. And hungry to spoil the hopes of his competitors.

I am no position to say whether Tiger Woods is the most dominating athlete ever. I have only been around a little while. I know very little of legends like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan. But what I do know is this: 10 seconds is all it took this man to instill in me two things. First, that I wanted to compete at the highest level of golf as he did. And second, as hard as I worked, and as far as I got--a Tiger would be waiting.

Tiger is the man, but who can or will challenge him?

2008-02-22T01:01:00.000-08:00

Tiger is a beast! it's funny how I have been preaching about how great young guys are like Luke Donald and Adam Scott, but the truth is, they've had so many opportunities to capitalize and they haven't done anything of consequence. Tiger just keeps stepping it up, like yesterday when he went 5 under in 4 holes. That's not ordinary. I guess that's just Tiger. But realistically, as a young player and addict of the PGA, it's almost upsetting to see Tiger just dominating everyone. No doubt it's unbelievable and I have so much respect for Tiger and his ability to conquer the game. But seriously, when a guy like JB Holmes wins or Daniel Chopra, the public will acknowledge that they are good players, but most likely it's just luck, or 'they had a good week.' No one would say that about Tiger, and why? His history speaks for itself. I want a young guy to challenge him. But I don't mean verbally like Sabbatini did--I mean head to head, one on one on the course. People think the match of the year will come when Tiger faces Mickleson, which is why so many were bummed when Mickleson lost today at the Accenture. But the truth is, I'd prefer to see the original pairing Tiger was in--Tiger Woods vs. hot shot up-and-comer Anthony Kim. Last year I went to the tournament at Riviera and watched Kim on the final day in which he had 9 birdies for a 64, the low of the day. The guy is long off the tee, attacks the pin, and has a touch around the greens that can without a doubt make him a contender in any tournament he enters into. I vividly remember him making four birdies in a row in a 'tiger-esque' way: 300+ drive, wedge to 6 feet to a tucked pin, and after reading the break, sinking the putt with a simple fist pump and glare into the distance waiting to demolish another hole. It was unbelievable that this kid three years older than me was not only contending with the big guns, but giving them a run for their money. He's my pick on my fantasy team, altho

The Beginning of the Beginning

2008-02-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Let's face it,

Too many people assume golf is a sport without substance. Scratch that. Most people don't even consider it a sport, they consider it a leisurely 'game.' But I'm not concerned with what other people think. I know that those people have never felt the intensity of walking down the fairway with a one-stroke lead on the 18th. I know that those people have never drained a 12-footer after reading the line from every angle imaginable. I know those people have never held their finish as they watched their shot sore through the air and roll down the green roadway of fairway. But more than anything, I know that those people associate golf with Tiger Woods and that's just about it.
Well, they're wrong.
I might say to them the old adage, 'Never judge a book by its cover.' Or I might just be blunt and say 'Go grab a club and see how easy this game is.' The truth is, I think golf is one of the hardest sports, if not at the hardest, to thrive in. People say Tiger Woods is the best player ever, and that may be true. They also say that he is unbeatable presently, which may also be true. But then again, you look at events like the Masters last year and a guy like Zach Johnson steps it up, and questions wander through everyone's mind in the form of 'Really? Zach Johnson?' And that's precisely what I mean. Golf is an individual sport. Anyone can have the lead, and just as easily anyone else can take it from them. No matter what your world ranking, no matter was your stats declare--the tee box is 'the great equalizer.'