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A Sharkless 2016 and What To Expect on Television

Lost amid the NFL divisional playoffs and a fairly exciting final round at the Sony Open in Hawaii was Fox Sports announcing that Greg Norman was being let go as part of their announcing team.

Insert witty caption for Greg Norman no longer working for Fox.

Credit to Links Magazine for breaking the story via Twitter; Golf.com, Golf Digest and Golfweek quickly followed confirming the story.

I’ve been critical of Fox from the word go, and their 2015 US Open coverage was terrible (the other events they covered were equally poor- their effort with the US Women’s Open was laughably poor). As I’ve pointed out repeatedly, golf is different from the other sports to cover, and no sport would hire a complete outsider with no prior experience and think that they’d do well the first time out (which unfortunately was this country’s national championship), but that speaks mostly to the incompetence and hubris on display at the USGA (who I argued needs to be eliminated entirely).

What’s a golf?

While Fox is making cuts, I’d offer that letting Joe Buck do baseball full time over the summer would be a good idea as well. He seemed completely out of place hosting their golf coverage and seemed to lack what better hosts do- know how to rely on their analysts. Don’t defend the USGA blindly. Acknowledge what they got right, be critical of what they didn’t, and provide facts and analysis to support this. Buck still doesn’t know how to use his analysts, and has a bad habit of not knowing when to talk and when to let the action speak for itself (I have no idea what he’s like as a person- this isn’t a personal attack on him – I just wish he’d be better in the main role); as I’ve said repeatedly, it was bound to be a failure…and it was.

If I were rebuilding the Fox team, I’d find another host, or use the Golf Channel/NBC team and production (Steve Sands- who’s actually good at this can host if NBC won’t let Dan Hicks host for Fox). Jamie Diaz of Golf Digest has 5 candidates to replace Norman. Read his piece, but I’ll say this: Azinger makes sense, the other four are not going to happen (Chamblee is under contract with Golf Channel/NBC, Woods would be worse than his press conferences (I don’t see him as being someone who’d be quick to be critical of a player- even where appropriate), Nicklaus (who I love) is not suited for that role, and Irwin has never done TV).

If Fox could land Tirico (who’s a decent host/anchor) you could go with someone new in the analyst role, but whoever you pick needs to be able to be critical and be able to actually tell the viewer what they don’t know. I’d shake the trees on Lee Trevino. Trevino might have gone to seed, but he has a sense of humor (good) and I do think the fact that he’s won the damn thing (a US Open) important.

Tirico and Brad Faxon (the best of a decidedly not very good cadre of talking heads) would be interesting.

A Tirico/Azinger pairing would be “getting the band back together” and it’s not a bad idea, but Fox has to pare down the bodies. Having 4 people in a booth at a major is too many. It doesn’t work.

I wouldn’t mind giving Faxon and Azinger a run but with a more experienced hand at the tiller (I mention Tirico because he’s the only ESPN person you see or hear from during their early-round Masters coverage, which otherwise is handled entirely by CBS personnel). So my host preference would be 1) Steve Sands 2) Mike Tirico 3) Someone else not named Joe Buck.

As I said before, they have to be unafraid, where appropriate, to be critical of the USGA. It’s not being petty and spiteful, but if players are complaining about the course, then it merits coverage. Their on-course reporters could have and should have done some work showing specifics. This is not that hard.

The other big change will be at the Open Championship, where thankfully ESPN will no longer be handling things. NBC/Golf Channel will take over (this wasn’t supposed to take place until 2017, but for once ESPN did the right thing and walked away). NBC has already started promoting their coverage (while watching my beloved Liverpool lose yesterday morning to Manchester United (who I detest with every fibre of my body) they had ads in-game promoting that they’d have the Open Championship in July). Good for Golf Channel as they’ve proven they’ll treat the event accordingly (if early rounds are on Golf Channel then good for golf fans). Having said that, I’d really like to see them go to a “Live at” remote studio for at least the US Women’s Open and the ANA Inspiration (the old Dinah Shore)) and bring in some of their big names.

ESPN has long kicked golf to the bin in terms of the coverage that it gives the sport on Sportscenter and other on-air platforms (Jason Sobel does a decent job heading up their online coverage). It feels decidedly similar to how they kicked the NHL to the curb when the NHL went with NBC/OLN after the 2004-05 lockout (they ignore the PGA and LPGA Tours unless Tiger Woods does something, and they ignore the NHL the same way). It’s unfortunate because Pierre Lebrun is a good writer, and Grantland casualty Sean McIdoe is a fellow Leafs fan and a damn fine writer (follow him on Twitter and buy his hilarious book).

Look- making fun of what a complete shit show ESPN has become is low-hanging fruit, but frankly it does call into question their overall lack of judgement. They treat the NFL with kid-gloves rather than be critical of issues like domestic violence, CTE, and other issues that deserve critical coverage, and ignore golf, NASCAR (lost the rights to NBC/FOX so they can screw off), and the NHL (NBC/NBCSN have been somewhat critical of the NHL and should continue to do so). My advice? Stop watching their garbage (their various “have two guys yell at each other” shows are hot takery excrement). You’ll be smarter.

Because of the Olympics the USPGA Championship moves to July, so by the time we get to August all four majors will be handed out, and three of them handed out over a six-week period in June and July. August will have the Olympic tournament in Rio, the FedEx Cup Playoffs start during their normal period, and the Tour Championship and Ryder Cup fall on consecutive weekends, because why not?

The other news is that David Feherty has moved from CBS to Golf Channel/NBC. No word on what his role will look like. As they say, stay tuned. I’m surprised he wasn’t in use during the Hawaii swing on the PGA Tour, and I’ve not read anything indicating he’ll be on Golf Channel during this week’s event in Palm Springs. I’d have to think he ends up being part of their Olympics team in Rio, but we shall see.

Not exactly golf weather in the DMV, but we’ll be there soon enough. I hope.

It’s been a rough week for musicians and actors, but I guess the one that hit home the hardest was David Bowie. He made it okay to be different. Without him, you don’t get the New York Dolls, and (for better or worse) you don’t get KISS (they should send him residuals), and you probably don’t get the punk and post-punk music I still identify with.

Normally I hate remakes, but here’s a video of Bauhaus covering Ziggy Stardust. Enjoy.

The 2016 Predictions You Didn’t Ask For

January 5, 2016 / currin290 / 0 Comments

As we say adieu to 2015 and hello to 2016, I thought I’d whip out my crystal ball and see what my magic crystal ball has in store for golf this coming year.

Only slightly more accurate than most.

PGA Tour: With the season starting on Thursday of this coming week (in Hawaii so get ready for lots of pictures that will make you want to get on the first thing smoking to Hawaii), it’ll be interesting to see who gets off to a hot start and generates much of the early ink. For the life of me, I’ll never understand why someone wouldn’t play in the Kapalua event (no cut, limited field, plenty of FedEx Cup points).

I know that everyone has a hot nut all over Jordan Spieth, but he’s coming off of a 12-month stretch where he was the dominant player in the world. I see him struggling early on and don’t see him repeating at Augusta. The schedule is brutal especially from June onward with three of the four majors being played from mid-June through the end of July.

I’m sure this will look fantastic with a green jacket.

What’s interesting (and worth keeping in mind) that the last PGA Tour event to make the top 60 for the Olympic tournament is the Greenbrier Classic (the cutoff date is July 11th), so players will go into the Open Championship the following week already knowing who is or isn’t qualified for the Olympics (and will also play the PGA Championship after the cutoff date for Olympic qualifying, which means that half the majors this year won’t count towards Olympic qualifying.

I’m also curious as to what the attitudes will be toward the Olympic tournament. It’s a 72-hole stroke play event (same as the week-in, week-out tournaments on the PGA Tour). Remember- this is a course that was built for the Olympics, so it’s really a case of nobody really knowing what to expect.

Predictions: I think we’ll see a dark horse/first timer win at Augusta; my crystal ball thinks one of Jason Day (has played well there), Patrick Reed or Ian Poulter will be the last man standing. It would be great for golf to see Rory McIlroy win the Masters and complete the career grand slam, but I don’t see it happening this year.

Poulter is ready for the PGA Tour’s “Disco Appreciation Day”

At the US Open, thankfully they go back to Oakmont. Hopefully the USGA will manage to not f*** the course up that much (they don’t need to, and they should resist any attempts at trying to gin something up). I don’t know why, but I have a wild hunch that this will be the year Phil Mickelson finally gets over at the US Open. I like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka to contend. I’d scratch anyone who changed brands in the off season; historically that rarely ends well.

At the Open Championship, the last three times that the Open Championship has been held at Royal Troon (this year’s venue), it was all won by first-time Americans who had not won majors previously. Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed are, for me, the guys this year (your previous winners at Troon were Todd Hamilton, Justin Leonard, and Mark Calcavecchia). The last time a non-American won at Royal Troon. Bobby Locke in 1950.

The PGA Championship is held in late July (two weeks after the Open Championship and the week after the Canadian Open) at Baltusrol in New Jersey. The last time it was held there (2005) Phil Mickelson won. I think this will be the major that Spieth wins this year, which will put him an Open Championship shy of the career grand slam.

Ryder Cup: When last heard from, the Europeans won (again) and the US team spent several months trying to figure out what the hell happened (Europe played better). So this time we go to Hazeltine National in Minnesota. Seriously? This is the best we can do? Is it beyond the PGA of America to play the event on the West Coast or somewhere in the Rockies? Your US captain is Davis Love III, the European captain is Darren Clarke. Barring injuries, I think the Europeans will win yet again.

Locally:

I think at least one fairly well-known public course doesn’t survive 2016 barring a sea change in the economy. It could be in Maryland or Virginia, but I really have a bad feeling (and I hope I’m wrong).

I think at least one private course either goes public or goes to some kind of a public-private relationship where they allow more non-member play. I’d like to see the gong show that is Turf Valley open themselves up to public play during shoulder months or at least release tee times within 72-96 hours to the public.

To that, with private courses struggling to attract new members, they could do worse than start to try to attract new members by selling tee times inside 48-72 hours that would otherwise go empty.

Four Wishes for the local area:

1) With the PGA Tour’s annual stop moving around (it’s at Congressional this year and 2018…2017 is up in the air), I’d like to see the LPGA return to the DMV. I’m not counting their event in Williamsburg; I’m talking something within an our of DC or Baltimore. The LPGA Tour has done so many things right in the last few years that I’d like to see locals get to see what a fantastic tour they have. Ideally, you’d shoehorn an area event before the tour stop in Atlantic City which would be an easy trek for the players to make.

2) I’d like to see public courses step up their game in terms of playing conditions (talking to you, Renditions and Timbers at Troy) and start to enforce pace of play and time par (pointing at you, Waverly Woods). Yes- you might make a few golfers upset, but you’re going to make dozens more happy.

3) On a personal level Howard County needs an additional public course. Ideally you’d look to Western Howard County where you have cheaper land than you would in the Columbia/Elkridge/Ellicott City area. I’d also like to see a MCG-type situation in the county, where you’d bring several courses under one jurisdiction and one umbrella. MCG isn’t perfect but there’s no doubt they’ve improved playing conditions at their courses. Even if you went in with some kind of partnership with Baltimore County, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if it meant better course conditions and improved pace of play.

4) To see Golfdom or some form of competition come into the Maryland suburbs and compete with the Golf Galaxy/Dick’s Sporting Goods duopoly. I remember the old Washington Golf Centers and mourned the demise of Mammoth Golf. It’s not that Golf Galaxy and Dick’s Sporting Goods are bad, it’s that I’d like to see competition and more options.

Two Wishes for me:

1) I know that the schedule makes it hard, but I’d like to see the PGA Tour do a better job of giving the Canadian Open a better spot on the schedule. What they’re doing this year is particularly offensive. The event always does great attendance, and their National Open deserves better.

2) To play more, and improve course reviews. The first one is simple, the second part isn’t. I want to have course reviews that you, as a reader, would find useful. I’m not sure how this will look, but I’m looking at changing how I review courses to make it relevant to ordinary golfers and ask the kind of questions an average golfer might have. I’ve long argued that Golfweek and Golf Magazine’s course reviewers aren’t bad at their job, but 99% of their course reviews are destination tracks, and some of their ratings sound a bit jaded. When it’s your job it’s one thing, but when you’re paying out of pocket to play somewhere, you want to know you’re seeing something worth your dollars. Nobody reimburses me for my green fees and my guess is if you’re reading this you’re in the same boat I am.

My sincerest wishes to all of you for your best year ever in 2016. Hit ’em straight, and make lots of pars and birdies.

Song of the day:

Before they became huge, U2 did one of their first US tours in 1983 to support the War album. They did a concert at Red Rocks Ampitheatre and filmed it. Below is my favourite track of theirs. Hard to believe this is 30+ years old. Still sounds great.

A Farewell to 2015

December 28, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

All of the rain we’ve had over the last few days meant any hope of getting out to play yesterday was unlikely. I guess I could have played but my knees have been bothering me lately. I opted for a trip to Olney Golf Park to get a few final swings in for the year, since I won’t have a chance to go to the range or hit balls until 2016 (and while this warm spell has been great I can’t see it continuing) since work typically keeps me busy during the week.

I like Olney Golf Park because the range has covered bays (the ranges at Fairway Hills, Timbers at Troy, Waverly Woods and Hobbits Glen do not), and because the mats are in better shape than you find (they were pretty wet yesterday, which isn’t a surprise given the rains we’ve had). Unfortunately that means going to Olney and dealing with the army of photo radar that they have (or “speed traps” as they should be known as).

My view from my hitting bay at Olney Golf Park.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get loose, my hand kept bothering me (I fear that I may be developing some kind of arthritis in my hands- make your own jokes), and I never felt comfortable bringing the club back (I’m not overly mechanical). The bays that are covered are heated (kind of needed yesterday due to fairly constant breeze- the photo above shows the flags all blowing pretty good) but the one I was at wasn’t working. I hit far too many bad shots. Hopefully I can get back out there sooner than later.

I was hoping to start earlier, but their hours on Google weren’t correct (their website and their signage at the range is correct- currently they open at 10am). So with some time to kill, I thought I’d venture down Georgia Avenue and see how one of my old haunts was getting on- the mystery golf course that was Trotters Glen. I spent many a happy evening after work there, hitting balls and using their short game area. I never knew what happened, but a few clues made the answers fairly apparent.

Driving past the two large churches and a few McMansions, it was clear the area had seen some development. And then, there it was.

Trotters Glen. Brought to you by Toll Brothers homes.

I’m not against development, and I’m not against progress, but I am concerned about how the average person gets into the game (Trotters Glen was a shorter course). The course’s website is now this, and if you look carefully, you’ll note that these are going for $1.1mm plus. So for an average family, that’s so far beyond attainable it’s ridiculous.

This made me wonder two things- who’s paying into seven figures for a home, and where does someone new to the game go? The First Tee does great work for kids, but what of adults? Are we to assume they binge-watch old Golf Channel infomercials?

If you’re scoring at home, Virginia is losing Goose Creek at the end of the year, Trotters Glen is gone, Sligo Creek has long been rumored to be going away, and I’d argue that Old Gunpowder may not survive this decade. Montgomery Country Club went under for a housing development. I’m almost certain I’ve missed at least one course going away. And yet, interest isn’t waning. The number of rounds is typically impacted by weather (notice how much rounds went up in November/December since the weather was spring-like?).

And what of that lack of interest by millennials? Looking at my Instagram feed and suggestions (and if you haven’t done so, follow me on Instagram- I post other stuff besides golf photos), it’s a lot of golf stuff being largely produced by the younger set (some of it really good and some of it terrible). They’re playing the game (I played several rounds with millennials this year; they’re just like most golfers- by and large a decent lot, they love the game, and they want to improve).

Where one of the holes used to be. Have to wonder how many people got bit by the game here?

So when I hear people talking about growing the game, I point out that you’re losing courses that weren’t as intimidating to novice players as some other tracks…how does the game grow again (you don’t grow any business by reducing supply)? There’s no new courses coming to the area that are public and/or daily fee. We keep adding houses. Where are the golfers going to play who want to take the game up who aren’t quite ready for a full size course? Northwest Park has the “inside 9” which is a pretty stern test. Needwood has an executive nine hole course, and Sligo Creek is a nine-hole course. Hilltop in Alexandria is a 9-hole course but is no pushover. See where I’m going?

There are rumors floating around East Potomac Golf Course in Washington. I fear what may happen, because frankly, this rarely ends well for golf courses. Look at what almost happened to the golf course at University of Maryland.

Meanwhile, tell me again how to grow the game when you eliminate courses. Take as much time as you’d like.

Unrelated, if you have a chance, go see the film The Big Short. I can’t recommend it enough.

Enjoy your New Years’ celebrations and all the best in 2016.

2015 SGIC Plays Santa Awards

December 20, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

Screw it. You’re all bad. Eat a bag of dirt.

Without the drunken debauchery and mayhem that come from a roast, it’s time for your humble scribe to don his santa outfit (who am I kidding- I don’t own one and unless the offer is an all-expense paid trip to Pebble Beach for a week, I’m not putting one on) and hand out some gifts this holiday season.

So this year I’ve invited people to come sit on my lap (and wear depends you assholes) and find out what Santa got you for Christmas (or the winter time festival of lights

First off…it’s Joe Buck from the Fox Sports Golf team. You’ve had a bad year. First off, Harold Reynolds is a moron, you don’t seem to understand geography, your network was a dumpster fire for the World Series and the US Open. During the Franklin Templeton shootout last week you said a player was using a putter off the green. Brad Faxon corrected you saying he was using a 5-wood/hybrid. For someone who plays, you’d think you might know the difference. Or, I don’t know…maybe ask? Dan Hicks of NBC isn’t a hall of famer, but he knows how to go to Roger Maltbie and ask “what’s going on down their Rog?” Try it some time. So to help out Joe Buck, we’re sending you to the Columbia School of Broadcasting! You’re welcome!

New logo for Fox Sports Baseball and Golf Coverage

So for Christmas, since you can’t have nice things, Santa is taking away your USGA rights and putting them up for rebid. You can air the events next year, but with CBS and NBC announcers who know how to get out of the way of fantastic championships and let the golf speak for itself.

Next on Santa’s lap is the USGA. And haven’t you been a naughty group of stuffed shirts this year? Your move to Fox Sports was a train wreck, you can’t understand why bifurcating the rule book would help the vast majority of golfers, and you’re about 10 years behind understanding technology. You are trying to forbid rounds played as a single from counting towards your handicap which is fixing a problem that doesn’t exist. Your signature events that the majority of the public associates with you…were train wrecks. So one train wreck deserves another. So in that vein, Santa got you a Sandra Lee Kwanzaa Cake. That you’re going to eat while I watch.

Look at it. LOOK AT IT! Don’t avert your eyes! Now eat the damn cake! Like we had to look at greens that were described as cauliflower on a course that hopefully will never see another major championship in its lifetime. Now eat that concoction. EAT IT!

To Rattlewood and Compass Pointe golf courses…you were nice to Santa this year. You were pleasant surprises when Santa needed them. So you’ll get good weather in 2016 so you can keep doing what you’re doing. And Rattlewood, with your clubhouse decor straight out of Caddyshack…I like your style.

To Waverly Woods…you’re getting a watch so you can…you know, start enforcing pace of play. Here’s some motivation for you.

May none of you ever get Judge Smails in the group in front of you. If that wasn’t subtle enough…move people along. It’s called a time par. First few groups should be in 3 hours or less, then 3 1/2 hours, then 4 hours. Look into it. Please. Don’t make excuses for slow play. Move people along. You’re better than this.

Timbers at Troy…oh, what’s happened to you? This is your Santa intervention. A few years ago, you had a really solid golf course. Fantastic layout…some solid holes. And you’ve let yourself go. Take a look.

That’s you at the top today, and below is what you used to be. You can do this. So let’s make it happen. I’m pulling for you. Nobody is saying you need to have tour-level conditions, but some basic improvements in conditioning will go a long way. Ask yourself- do you want to become another Cross Creek, or worse- a Gunpowder or a Goose Creek, or do you want to be in that discussion of very good public courses in the area?

The LPGA has had a good year and remains a viable, entertaining and watchable product. They have a good schedule and they’re growing their game fairly well. So Santa is going to get you continued health, playable weather, and hope that the Olympics give your game that boost to the next level.

Donald Trump…where to start. Have a seat. Let’s leave your politics out of it for a moment. You’re not exactly making friends so far, but what’s odd is how many people say that, on the golf course, you’re a swell guy, and I can see this. You’re pretty good, and it’s been said you get around pretty quickly. But with that being said, you can’t be completely tone deaf either, so let’s take it down a notch. There’s no question you’ve acquired some name-brand golf courses, but this notion you have to put your name on it is frankly silly. So stop it. Turnberry was on the Open rota of courses until the R&A got a bit tired of your act and have decided to pull TRUMP Turnberry off the rota. Sticking your name on something doesn’t make it better. Improving pace of play for amateurs while having a course that will challenge modern professionals should be enough of a challenge.

As to your politics…they’re just that- yours. However, I will point out something Michael Jordan said- “Republicans buy sneakers too.” and yes- Democrats play golf.

So stop attaching your name on courses you buy. New builds? Go as tacky as you want. And stop eating thin crust pizza with a fork and a knife. You’re a New Yorker for the love of birdies. Fold the damn thing and insert into your maw. Pay attention and take notes. Note at the end how he folds and inserts into his maw.

So for Christmas, you’re playing golf at a public course. With a bunch of regular guys. You’ll change your shoes in the parking lot, pay a green fee in cash, and have to deal with the starter like we do. And get off of push carts. Seriously. They’re tacky? You wear a baseball cap with a suit. Just saying. You’re going to have to use one, because I’m being spiteful.

Don…seriously. You’re not helping yourself. People in the golf industry can’t stand you. You’re embarrassing us. People I play with think you’re an imbecile. Okay, so maybe this whole thing is some kind of long con, or a goof. But when the goof is over you have to go back and do whatever it is you do. Good luck with that.

TopGolf Arlington…while my two visits to Top Golf didn’t blow me away, it’s a point of entry for people, and certainly folks seem to have fun. So Santa is giving you a lease extension so more people can go and enjoy their facility. Again- it’s not my brand of scotch but it doesn’t have to be. People enjoy it and they have fun. To close it down because of some nimby types is ridiculous. I live near a concert venue. Occasionally I hear the concerts during the summer. I deal with it.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Santa is giving you a whole new group of selectors, because your 2016 class is, frankly, laughably bad. Steve Miller? Chicago? Deep Purple? It’s the triple-pleated dockers of inductees. I get that Morrissey is a prick beyond words, but The Smiths have held up incredibly well, and their music has its own sound (it’s the Rickenbacker guitar). You have teenagers wearing Smiths t-shirts today, like I did 30 years ago. While you’re at it, time to induct a few punk bands (I have a list).

And since it is the holiday season, here’s my oddball discovery.

I found the Cocteau Twins in the late 1980’s, and I’ve liked their music on and off. It wasn’t until a couple years ago, back when I had a Sirius XM unit in my car that I came upon this gem. I didn’t really know that they had done this (originally released in 1993) so I finally found it on YouTube. It’s exactly what it says it is- the Cocteau Twins singing a Christmas classic.

Enjoy your holidays.

Shoe Review- New Balance NBG2002

October 22, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

With the untimely demise and departure of my beloved Foot Joy XPS-1 shoes (damn you Foot Joy for discontinuing them), I was forced to look elsewhere for a new pair of shoes this year once the XPS shoes starting coming apart (to be fair, I had them for 3 years and wore them in a variety of conditions.

My options are limited because I have a very wide foot; I’ve had minimal luck with Adidas (they were okay comfort wise but I wanted a more stable platform), so I started looking. I’ve never had good luck with Nike (I bought a pair of their shoes 20 years ago and regretted it after one round- uncomfortable and two spikes came out mid-round) and Puma just feel terrible on my feet.

I’ve been a fan of the soft spikes since they came out, and trying on a pair of spikeless shoes, I immediately scratched this off my options. Since I tend to play early morning rounds and given that we do get a bit of rain here, a spikeless shoe made no sense (I immediately began having concerns about safety and stability). If I was going somewhere like Palm Springs or Scottsdale (dry areas that get little rain) I’d probably reconsider, but in our climate? No thanks.

Seeing that New Balance were entering the golf shoe market, I was intrigued. They make wide width sneakers that I’ve had decent luck with (currently I’ve leaned toward Asics but I still have a pair of New Balance shoes in rotation), so I did some digging. They make a “minimal” shoe but my size and need for stability ruled that out pretty much immediately.

After some digging and research, I settled on the NBG2002 shoe (photo from New Balance) because they had it in a 4E width and it met my requirements.

New Balance 2002NBG shoes (photo New Balance)

I put them in rotation in late June, so the review is after a dozen rounds (a good sample size, it seems)

Comfort: Out of the box, the initial feel was very light and very comfortable. There’s ample cushion. They’re very light. If you’re not used to this (and I wasn’t) it’s a bit of a pleasant surprise. While I do ride when I play, as we know, you still end up doing a bit of walking.

Grip/support: The spike design isn’t bad (see photo below taken after 12 rounds).

Spike pattern (2 in the heel, 5 in the forefoot).

The spikes provide plenty of grip in both flat and hilly lies as well as in the sand. In terms of support, the base of the shoe isn’t as wide as my XPS-1 shoes were. Ideally it would be wider but it’s not horrendously different.

Waterproofing: So far, the waterproofing has held up. If I do have one complaint, the shoes aren’t that breathable compared to other shoes I’ve owned. If you buy a pair and you keep them in a shoe bag, I HIGHLY recommend taking them out of the bag after your round and let them dry naturally. They have held up in early morning rounds, but they do make my feet sweat something to beat the band.

Appearance: I’m something of a traditionalist when it comes to shoes, so you’ll never see me wearing the Rickie Fowler orange. I don’t mind a bit of colour, but from the so-called “mirror test” I’m happy with how these look. My photos don’t really show it but I like the tone-on-tone hexagonal motif (the first picture from New Balance picks it up).

Side View NBG2002. The yoga mat is not mine.

Durability: After 12 rounds, frankly it’s hard to say. They appear to be holding up okay, but being somewhat large, my added tonnage probably doesn’t help things.

Overall: The lack the shoe breathing notwithstanding, they’re comfortable. If you wear orthotics the sockliner insert comes out (it’s the green thing you can see). They grip fairly well (no slips so far), and are pretty comfortable. I’m not that happy that New Balance isn’t making a 4E width in their higher-end models (seriously- WHY NOT?). If I was to add things to my want list, I’d like to see a customize option where I could get a pair with a certain English Premier League Team logo that happens to wear New Balance (if they do that or figure out how to let me get a Maple Leafs logo…then here- just take my money).

Top view NBG2002.

A Polite Rebuttal and Other Nonsense

August 11, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

Brandel Chamblee of Golf Channel, who I normally find worth listening to (he’s not afraid to be critical which is good, and for those unaware he did play on the PGA Tour to some level of success- he has one PGA Tour victory which is one more than I’ll ever see) recently wrote an interesting piece about growing the game of golf. He suggests that the PGA Professional at his home country club was a huge factor for him, and that the home professionals have the ability to make that all-important 1 on 1 contact with would-be golfers. This sounds really nice, except that it lacks a bit of practicality in the 21st century.

Brandel Chamblee speaks. I offer a rebuttal. Politely.

I suppose that, if your parents have a country club membership that this is a fantastic means to make that personal connection that can make someone into a golfer for a lifetime. I was not one of those people and I must confess to knowing one person (a very good friend) who grew up in a country club environment (by his own admission, the club was not a sanctuary for the well-heeled but more of a social club that had things for people of all ages and genders). My parents were of very modest means, so joining a country club was a laughable idea (not to mention my parents were not golfers on any level- the best I could do is my father playing minor league baseball and being a fairly decent doubles tennis player). However, I did have my “one on one” introduction via an aunt (since deceased) who was a very good amateur player (we would see her once a year during the family visits that doubled as vacations). At no point did she ever give me lessons other than a couple tips (we played together a few times- she could be as tough as nails but she could also be as sweet and charming in her Texas/Oklahoma drawl as you could possibly imagine) and a suggestion to watch Jack Nicklaus’ videos “Golf My Way” (in my opinion this remains as good of an instructional video that exists- there’s nothing fancy here…just good solid fundamentals); I can still remember watching these videos (renting them from the local video rental store- kids, go ask your parents about “video rental stores”).

I’ve been playing the game off and on for close to 30 years. I’ve probably played at 200 golf courses, and if I’ve met the local PGA Professional at any of them, it would be news to me (again- no need for introductions from the club pros). If you don’t know me, I’m the guy who happily puts on his golf shoes in the parking lot, and then walks into the pro shop to pay my green fee and head to the starter (until I quit smoking I’d be the guy pulling up in untied golf shoes stashing my cigarettes in the cart (if I didn’t have one already lit) where nowadays people stash their mobile phones). Generally speaking, I’m a “hit the ball and hit the road” golfer (a phrase coined by a writer whose work I enjoy). I don’t know anyone who has the time to spend that kind of time at a country club, and the reality is that I don’t see this dichotomy changing anytime soon in the age of two-income families and social agendas for kids becoming more and more compacted.

So unless you’re the child of parents who spend a lot of time at a country club, the reality in the 21st century is that a club professional may not be capable (or willing) to have that one on one time. It’s a wonderful idea (and to be clear, I’ve nothing but kind words for any club professional teaching the game to young people), but is it really practical?

The answer, it seems, is that it’s on all of us. My aunt didn’t teach me grip, stance, or swing. My grip, stance, and swing are entirely self-taught from watching Golf My Way and going out and following what the videos showed me. Is that a bad thing? I’ve had two people give me pointers in the last 20 years. A guy I was talking to at a driving range in 1995 told me to stand closer and more upright to the ball (I’d gain distance and I’d be less likely to come over the top), and a guy at a store I was trying some clubs out identified me as a hockey player based on my swing. His advice? Don’t let anyone get the hockey out of your swing. That and Jack (and later in life, that Jack would sometimes be Jack Daniels, who also offers sage advice).

If you see young people playing, welcome them. Don’t worry about them becoming Tour Professionals (they won’t) and for all that’s good, let them try to figure it out on their own (sounds mean but once you actually figure out what it is you’re doing wrong and how to correct it, you’ll be a much better golfer). Offer aid when asked. Focus on the basics- grip, stance, ball position. I learned by hitting lightweight practice balls in my neighbourhood (I’d cover them with scotch tape to give them a bit of weight and make them not quite as susceptible to wind) and I made my own “course” using light posts and trees for flag sticks (using a single club- an old Wilson 8-iron).

Again, I’m not being critical of Brandel Chamblee, I’m pointing out that his experiences are just that-his. It’s not to diminish them, but rather to point out that there are different paths to the game other than the club professional. I do agree with him that foot-golf (Frisbee golf but with a soccer ball) and the 15 inch hole are not solutions, but well-intended but naive ideas that do nothing to grow the game.

Shouldn’t you be at a Phish concert or something?

Seriously. Go find a disc golf course and ask folks playing if they’ve ever considered playing real golf. My guess is that they haven’t. Which is fine- they enjoy their sport and I’m free to enjoy mine, just like they can enjoy 20-minute versions of Phish songs, and I can enjoy double scotches.

Maryland, My (and yours) Maryland

August 3, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

As I constantly look to expand my golfing horizons beyond the usual rota, I find that sometimes, this means going to take a second look at a course I may have played years prior, to see things that maybe I missed the first time.

It was in this vein that I happened upon University of Maryland Golf Course which is located across the street from their College Park campus. I had played there once before; I left work early on a Friday in July 2008 (which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was the last weekend the course would be open as it would be closed for several months to undergo an exhaustive renovation) and thought it was a good test of golf.

A year or two ago, the University thought about shutting the course down to use the land for something else (just what we need- another “mixed use” retail facility); luckily, cooler heads prevailed- not only do the men’s and women’s golf teams have a home course, but the golfing public has a fantastic public course located inside the capital beltway that can challenge anyone.

The course wastes no time getting your attention; the first two holes (over 410 yards each from the “gold” tees and over 450 each from the tips) are as tough of a start as you could ask for. The second hole (#1 handicap on the card) requires an uphill second shot to a well-protected green (I got in a bunker and went full Benny Hill from there, carding a triple bogey 7).

Scorecard. Four sets of tees plus two “combo” options. Huzzah!

The third hole is a short par 4 that looks benign on the card, but like #2, has a well protected green (despite only being 316 from the gold tees it’s not easy at all). The fifth hole is fairly benign; only 400 yards from the gold tees and relatively flat.

UMD golf course 5th hole. Just hit it straight.

The eighth hole (seen below) is the shortest of the par 3’s at less than 130 yards from the tips, but the green is well protected and par is certainly a good score. Anything long gets wet as you’ll see (or goes far right). It’s down hill so it’s probably 1/2 -3/4 a club shorter than on the card. The landing area left of the front bunker is a good “miss” spot.

UMD golf course 8th hole. Best to be accurate.

The front side ends with a long, uphill par 5 that runs parallel to route 193. Only 510 from the gold tees but it plays uphill and into the prevailing wind (it was dead calm when I played).

The back nine starts with a shortish par 4 that plays shorter as it’s downhill before coming to the 11th hole. Playing from the tips it’s over 225 yards but from the gold tees it’s only 168. If you can play a right to left shot it’ll help. If you duff one like I did, then you’re in a world of hurt.

UMD golf course 11th hole. Just ignore the trees, waste area, and just see the green.

The back nine is considerably tighter than the front nine, despite being longer (it has 2 par 5’s rather than only 1 on the front side). The 17th hole (below) is a real gem and proof you don’t need length. At 327 from the gold tees and just over 300 from the whites it’s a short hole but there’s elevation changes and well-protected greens that require two good shots.

The 18th is a monster; 486 from the tips and 438 from the golds. I was very happy to hit two good shots to get on in regulation and two putt for a par.

One thing- unlike most courses, the tee boxes, fairways and roughs are bermuda grass, which you don’t see much of in the mid-Atlantic. The ball will tend to sit up a bit in the fairway, but nestle down in the rough. The rough was not that tall when I played but it didn’t need to be.

The other gem is the practice facility. While most courses have a pedestrian driving range, the UMD golf course has one of the best short game areas in the region. Two practice greens (one near the first and tenth tees, the other complex featuring a putting green and a short game green) and a decent range (mats only, but still). Seeing this further shames me for not taking advantage of this when I was working nearby.

Where three putts should go to die at the practice green at UMD.

If that’s not enough, one final touch- in addition to four sets of tees, there’s two different “combo” options (I played the gold/white combo) available.

The only negative I can see is that once the class begins I’m sure that playing here becomes tricky as I’m sure the golf teams must have playing privileges. It’s location off state route 193 with the football stadium visible from the course would also mean one should plan any rounds opposite home football games with care.

The greens were fast. They don’t look it, but they were very quick and very easy to three-putt if you’re not careful. Despite potential traffic issues, it’s a solid test of golf and worthy of a visit. If you find yourself playing there, you’ll be in the middle of the front side with nothing visible except fairways, greens and trees. From there, remind yourself that you’re actually inside the capital beltway.

I didn’t see one during my early morning round but they do have beverage carts, a half-way hut called The Turn, and a restaurant on-site. There’s a pro shop where you can buy, presumably, University of Maryland golf-related things (I’m required to mention that She Who Is Really In Charge attended and graduated from Maryland and is a proud Terrapin) and the kinds of things you’d expect to find in a pro shop.

I had a great time and enjoyed my round. Would I come back? You bet.

Since we’re discussing colleges, my fellow Spartan Ken Venturi is still sorely missed to this day. He remains, in my opinion, the best in the business because he explained things succinctly and accurately. To wit, 30 seconds of his genius on how to skip a shot over water.

Doing the Voodoo that You Do

July 27, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

So today’s the last Sunday in July, which means that the next time I tee one up it’ll be August. Which means that the “summer” golf season of June-August has one month left.

So how’s it going so far for you? The weather has, as you might imagine, been a real factor (not to beat a dead horse but that Mens Journal written-on-a-crayon piece I referenced last week failed to mention that weather is an enormous factor in rounds played) with several heat waves and more than normal thunderstorms. Hopefully you’ve been able to get out there and enjoy some good golf.

The Quicken Loans National hits our area next weekend, however it’s not at Congressional this year, but rather it’s at RTJ Golf Club in Gainesville/Lake Manassas (pick one- I’ve seen both), VA. While this sounds all good and well, from the official site to buy tickets (the Tiger Woods Foundation website), there’s this nugget:

Buy your parking early and save. Parking will be at Jiffy Lube Live: 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, VA 20136.

BUY NOW

$10 per day, General Admission Parking (Tuesday-Sunday)

Having anything to do with the clusterfuck that is Jiffy Lube Live is, frankly, a disaster waiting to happen. Ask anyone who’s ever attended a concert there, and they’ll tell you horror stories. Plus, they’re charging people to park at what is possibly the most-hated venue in the DMV (it’s a tie between Jiffy Lube Live and FedEx Field)? What’s that about? I attended this event back when it was the old Kemper Open. Walked up on Sunday with some co-workers and paid $28.00 to get in and parking was free at Marriott HQ/Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Pay in advance now, and that same ticket is now $45.00. So I’m now paying DOUBLE what I paid when the tournament was at the old TPC Avenel (now TPC Potomac- I played there in 2012 as a guest of a former colleague- it was a fantastic course…if you get a chance well worth your time). So I’ll pass; I’ll have a few beers that will be cheaper than the $10.00 chilled horse urine that they serve up (and mine will taste better), and I’ll have access to clean, private washrooms and more comfortable seating. Oh, and at my “private suite”, once the round is done, I won’t have to sit on the parking lot that is I-66 for hours on end.

I played yesterday (Saturday) at Little Bennett. Other than the greens being a bit furry (they were cutting the greens while I was playing) the course was in great shape.

12th hole. Waiting to hit my 2nd shot while they mowed and re-cut the green. Made par from here. GAHH!

It’s hard to complain about carding an 81, except that take away 2 three-putts and that becomes a 79. Still, it’s a tough course and for my two cents worth an underrated test of golf.

Not scary at all. Just hit it long and straight. What could be easier?

I got on a 5-hole par train starting on #10, where I hit the fairway and was on in regulation on every hole. Had 2 tap-ins of 2″ for pars, but in reality I can’t complain even if I’m doing just that right now.

Note. Going right with your second shot is not suggested. Just saying.

All in all, a solid round. The wreckage appears below.

Scorecard from my round on July 25th. Played from the whites except on 2 holes where I played from the blues.

This week the PGA Tour is in my hometown area (I grew up in Mississauga, Glen Abbey is in Oakville which is next to Mississauga). When Graham DeLaet withdrew this week due to injury I figured there’d be no chance of seeing a Canadian lead, but here we are on Sunday afternoon with two Canadians (David Hearn is tied for the lead, Adam Hadwin is T6) on the front page of the leaderboard. Given that a Canadian hasn’t won in over 60 years I’d like to see Hearn pull it out.

Shameless plug: for more that just golf follow me on Instagram. It’s like my blog, but less wordy and more boozy.

Enjoy August, and hit ’em straight,

Your friends @ SGIC

Getting a Few Things Off My Chest

July 4, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

After a weekend of not playing, I teed it up yesterday (7/3) at Hampshire Greens. My list of maladies keeps growing; I already have chronic tendinitis in one foot and managed a 2nd degree burn on the other leg (more on that), and if that weren’t enough, I dealt with back spasms yesterday morning (still tender). To say I was not optimistic would be painfully correct. Played decent (not great) and got around in an 82 from the blues. The picture below of the first hole doesn’t capture the elevation change off the tee but it’s a pretty good visual of what you’re looking at.

Hampshire Greens 1st Hole. DO NOT GO LEFT.

One thing- Hampshire Greens has punched their greens so you’ll notice the tiny holes (it looks like they did this a week or so ago) and more importantly, the layer of sand on your ball. Bring an extra towel.

The folks at Hampshire Greens are, if nothing else, friendly and polite. They’re not perfect but my experience yesterday was pretty good. The pro shop and starter folks were nice enough (no beverage cart until the 18th hole but there are several water stations at the course).

Beyond that, the course was in good shape despite the heavy rains we’ve had for most of June. The fairways were in decent shape (a bit lush but recently mowed) but it was hardly playing “firm and fast” but it played well enough. Unless they move the boxes and hole locations, the location on #2 was up front, but #17 and #18 were way in the back.

The 10th hole (see below) remains one of my favourites as there are several ways to attack the hole. Aiming at the bunker gives you a more direct line, but playing to the right of the bunker gives you a clearer view of the green. Managed to 2-putt for a par, with no complaints.

Hampshire Greens 10th Hole. Choose your line wisely.

Played with a few guys who, other than being a bit slow, were nice enough.

If you get a chance to play this weekend have fun, keep it moving along, and don’t be afraid to use a forward set of tees. You’ll have fun, and you’ll play faster.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about a couple issues that have bothered me more than a fair bit over the last few days-

1) Donald Trump. I’ve little interest in his politics, but his recent comments that golf should be a game only for elites is laughably wrong and exactly the opinion that keeps the game from growing. For one, over 70% of golf courses in the US are your public/municipal/daily fee courses. The kind of courses I play every weekend morning, and my guess is the kind you play if you’re reading this (if you’re a member at Congressional and would like to have me out there get a hold of me and I’m your huckleberry). Where we change our shoes in the parking lot before playing, and we all aspire to play better but mostly, we play because we love the game. Take away over 2/3 of golf courses, and the industry would die overnight (a couple recent visits to Golf Galaxy were chock-full of public course golfers just like me). When the recession hit in 2008-09, the courses most likely to go under were not the muni tracks but the private clubs (what Trump doesn’t understand is that my generation (Gen X) and the Millennial/Gen Y folks are not buying country club memberships…I probably get at least one country club solicitation a month).

My better half She Who Is Really In Charge (SWIRIC) doesn’t play and has never expressed a desire to take up the game so for me to join a country club makes zero sense. And in the day of parents with kids having activities going on seemingly nonstop, having dad spend all day on Saturday at the club is simply not happening to the extent that it was. That the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America have all come out against his comments should tell you all you need to know. I’ll further that the tours should cease using his courses immediately.

Further, Trump should care about growing the game (for all their other problems, the USGA and PGA of America are at least trying to grow the game). You don’t grow the game by making it less accessible or by saying that it should only be for elites. To Trump’s point…do I want to play golf with a 15 inch hole (make your own jokes)? No. But if someone gets the bug as a result, takes it up, and then decides they want to play with a regulation hole…then that’s good, right?

Ask the golf equipment manufacturers how they feel…I’m sure they’d very much like aspiring and novice golfers to buy their gear.

2) Steve Simmons. The columnist for the Toronto Sun wrote a scathing piece about Phil Kessel after he was traded to Pittsburgh (I’m linking to it against better judgement). In his column, he states that Kessel would venture down from his downtown Toronto condo every day at 2:30 for a hot dog at a specific hot dog stand (the suggestion being that Kessel is fat and lazy and doesn’t care about nutrition). Which is fine, except that Leafs’ blog Pension Plan Puppets kind of, well, debunked that story. The point is this- Simmons is entitled to his opinion (if he thought Kessel wasn’t a good hockey player then fine- if he had actual quotes from NHL coaches and GM’s to support this…great), but he’s not entitled to make stuff up. I thought about writing up a paragraph of insults about him, but frankly, his relevancy is nil and the less you listen to him the better off you’ll be. Know this- if I write something about a course, know that this was my actual experience. Your experience may well be different, but I will never write fiction and try to pass it off as fact.

As always, hit ’em straight and play well. Enjoy your Independence Day celebrations. Play this song and enjoy the holiday.

Equipment Review- Odyssey Works Versa 2-Ball Fang

June 8, 2015 / currin290 / 0 Comments

I have never been graced with fantastic putting skills. I can hit the ball fairly well and my chipping and wedge play is decent, but more often than not, my putting has torpedoed more rounds than I can count.

My latest band-aid has come from the good people at Odyssey Golf, with their new Odyssey Works Versa 2-Ball Fang that they rolled out at the start of the year (all photos are mine- sorry about the lighting). The standard model comes with a standard grip, but the one I purchased came with the larger grip (shown below). I have found that I tend to not get as wristy or as prone to pushes and pulls with the larger grip.

My new flat stick. The rug really ties the room together.

I’m not yet a putter hoarder- I have an original Ping Craz-E that someone christened “a spatula”, I have an old Ping A-Blade that was a gift from my late aunt (who introduced me to the game over 30 years ago), and I have a Scotty Cameron Newport Detour that I’ll throw in the bag (I like it enough but it’s a bit light for me- on fast greens…it’s great).

While we suffered through a long, cold, and snowy winter, I read up and researched putters. Once the weather got nice, I headed over to Golf Galaxy (it’s literally the only option- they’re nice enough but don’t take that as an endorsement) to demo the three I found that I thought would help me: The Odyssey that I ended up buying, a Ping Scottsdale (the Carefree, which looks like the next generation of the Craz-E line), and a Scotty Cameron GoLo.

The Cameron putters are works of art and the price tag reflects this. Unfortunately, I need more of an alignment aid than the Cameron offers. If you’re someone who wants a blade putter and doesn’t mind dropping the coin, I cannot recommend them enough.

The Ping never felt good in my hands, and I never felt comfortable over the ball. I kept finding that I was pulling putts, and for whatever reason it didn’t meet my eye test. If you’re shopping for a new putter, take a look at their product- it wasn’t for me but they still make great equipment.

And I guess that’s my take-away. Try different models. Don’t go in locked into one model.

So back to the Odyssey. The 2-ball putter has been around for close to a decade, and the simplicity of it really caught my eye. It’s easy to line up (see photo below).

Odyssey Works Versa 2-Ball Fang (top of putter- looking down)

Standing over a putt, it’s super-easy to line up, and more than the Cameron, felt very smooth going back and at impact. Off the face of the putter, the ball began rolling pretty quickly. Below is the bottom of the putter.

Bottom of Putter

I’ve used it now for five rounds and I’m definitely taking fewer putts. More importantly, my first putt is ending up in tap-in range (or at a minimum within the Circle of Trust/Circle of Friendship that you’d like to be in), and I’m not seeing the misses because of pushes and pulls.

If you’re in the market for a new flat stick, do your homework online and don’t be afraid to try different models. Ask questions, and hopefully make plenty of putts.

Unrelated, I watched (for 30 second) the self-indulgent crap-fest that was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. They’ll never get in, and their chances of reuniting for a tour are probably nil. But for a few years in the 1980’s, The Smiths were, in my opinion, unlike anything else. The genius was always Johnny Marr’s rickenbacker guitar, and not the lead singer. If you’re unfamiliar, listen and you’ll see what I mean.

Tag: PGA Tour (page 5 of 6)

A Sharkless 2016 and What To Expect on Television

The 2016 Predictions You Didn’t Ask For

A Farewell to 2015

2015 SGIC Plays Santa Awards

Shoe Review- New Balance NBG2002

A Polite Rebuttal and Other Nonsense

Maryland, My (and yours) Maryland

Doing the Voodoo that You Do

Getting a Few Things Off My Chest

Equipment Review- Odyssey Works Versa 2-Ball Fang

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