Blog

11 Sep 2015 Corina Pelloni

MY TOP-THREE LIST OF THINGS THAT HAVE DAMAGED GOLF

Golf is a great game that would even be greater, in my opinion, except for three things that cause me angst: Number 3 – the Stimpmeter.  I actually have friends who call ahead to golf courses to find out what speed the greens are rolling, and refuse to play if not to their satisfaction. When I was growing up, no one gave a hoot about green speed.  Most greens were rather slow, but all we cared about is that they were smooth.  It was rare that balls would roll to the hole and then trickle five to six feet past. All speed has caused is interminable delays as people mark their third and fourth putts. Number 2 – distance.  That’s all we hear about now.  No one thinks about strategy.  All we see in advertising is that this is the longest driver, this is the longest ball, or these irons provide maximum distance.  Isn’t the object of the game to shoot the lowest score? Distance hasn’t made the game better, because to counter it, courses have become longer with more hazards.  The time to play has increased and maintenance costs have been driven up.  Maybe it is time to take note that most of the courses that have been closing in recent years are the so-called championship courses built in the last 20 years. Number 1 – golf carts.  Where to start? From concrete paths that ruin esthetics, ruts and skid marks, to inebriated dopes drag-racing down fairways.  Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the back end of a cart shows up barely visible in one of the course lakes. Those issues aside, what carts have done is obliterate the thousands of caddie programs which benefitted young people in so many ways. Caddying was one of the best learning experiences I ever had.  I witnessed firsthand how adults interact with each other, both good and bad. I learned about rules and discipline.  I saw the nuances of the golf course and how the same could be so different from day to day.  Looking back, carrying those bags all summer was some of the best mentoring I could have ever gotten, not to mention an opportunity to play and grow the game along with thousands of others like me. All of the above were done with good intentions, but let’s not forget where that road can lead.

2 Sep 2015 Corina Pelloni

THE GAME IS ALWAYS BIGGER

“No one is bigger than the game.”  This is a famous quote from sport that is highly recognized amongst many who have devoted their lives to golf.  Then, “Hello world” appeared on the scene. As Tiger Woods played the game for a period of 7-8 years at a level perhaps higher than any predecessor, we were not only witnessing greatness, but history. He had no competition when he was playing his “B” game, let alone his “A” game. Yes, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson conquered occasionally, but suffice it to say their respective stars and legacies would have shone far brighter be it not for Tiger’s presence. “Tiger-proofing” golf courses came in style; purses and TV ratings went ballistic; Nike launched  itself into the golf industry the moment Tiger donned the swoosh, and golf became cool from kids to great-grandmothers.  Nary would a minute pass without a Tiger update during tournament telecasts. Then, his public fall from grace, only to be followed with less than “Tiger-like” results, to serious signs of Tiger will never be the same. If Tiger is not the same, how will the game remain healthy?  Tiger is golf. The Golf Channel is even referenced as The Tiger Channel by some.  Sponsors’ dollars will dry up, purses will drop, and tournaments will be forced to dissolve. Tell us it isn`t true! Fast forward to 2015…the year that saved golf?  Or, in other words and punctuation, the year that saved golf!  One could argue Tiger`s 2000 season with three major wins and nine overall victories is the best ever.  One could also argue no one has ever come closer to winning the modern Grand Slam than Jordan Spieth this past season.  One could also make the claim 2015 is/was a defining year in golf. First there was Old Tom, then Harry, Bobby, Byron, “Slammin” Sam, The “Hawk” – otherwise known as Ben – Arnie and his “Army,” Jack, and finally Tiger.  These were the icons of the game. Yes, there was a supporting cast with other excellent players, with some in between generations.  However, these players helped define the game.  What they all held in common was they were actors on a stage. We will never see another Jack Nicklaus, or, who will be the next Jack?  Then Tiger came along.  Few have ever asked who will be the next Tiger, because no one thought it possible, probably because Tiger’s talent and exploits had never before been seen or even fathomed.  Once again, enter 2015.  If Tiger did anything for golf, it was to develop a mindset and confidence amongst the youth of today that has instilled the following attitude: “If he can do it, so can I.”  Athletes are flocking to golf; hence, the journey toward greatness for our present and future stars continues and always will. We are at the dawn of a new era.  The fourth Great Triumvirate. First, there was Harry Vardon, John H. Taylor and James Braid, followed by Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.  Later, we were spoiled with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.  Barring injuries, we will see Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth become the next holders of this unique title. Every player has their respective place within the game, their legacy, their grandeur and stories of folklore, yet no one is irreplaceable.  Golf, the gentleman’s game, trumps all.  It’s just too beautiful a stage with a forever-changing and compelling play.