ThominOH

Except when it comes to promoting his own tourney at the expense of the Disney one.. Rumor had it that Arnie was very aggressive in the Orlando area, in sucking up most of the golf sponsors and $$$$$$.. Orlando was in no position to sponsor 2 major tourney's anymore.. Bye Bye Disney.. TY Arnie ..

Nice topic.. I and friends have discussed many times what is important to a course rating.. So many of my friends are into aesthetics and view.. For them that is the number 1 voting category, "how does the course look".. I on the other hand to do rate a course based on what it looks like from the camera view.. I'm a semi pro photographer and know all about pictures and beauty, but eye candy courses are lower on my grade scale.. If I was a golf course critic, this is how my ratings would go: Conditions of the course (35%) Conditions of the clubhouse (30%) Layout of the course (20%) Amenities & Aesthetics (15%) Conditions would naturally be well kept greens, minimal weeds in fairways, manageable rough, trimmed bunkers with ample sand or water.. I look for a clubhouse to have some sort of refreshment area with seating, pro-shop, clean bathrooms and maybe a bulletin board area for announcements.. When looking at layout, I'm looking at playability.. Are the holes penal? target golf? Do they allow multiple types of play and does it offer a variety of holes such as doglegs left and right, slopes and whatnots.. The last section of amenities is where I place beauty of a course along with perks like gps carts, refreshment cart, bag drop-off.. etc etc..

I think some confuse what "tee it forward" is suppose to be about.. It's not about your handicap, it's about your capability and length.. If you are not hitting the ball long enough to reach a par 4 in two with a short to mid iron on average, then move up.. I play with people that use a 7 iron on average but spray it everywhere, that doesn't mean for them to "move" forward.. However, I've seen others that hit the ball consistently, but have to use hybrid or fairway woods to reach par 4's in two.. Those are the ones that need to move up.. It amazes me how so many seniors play off the 6300 yrd tees, hit their drive 200 yards and often have 160 to 200 yards to go to reach the green, and refuse to move forward to the 5600 yrd tees..

Yeah.. Arnie is really showing is age.. BUT, he likes the attention and fame.. He's starting to be golf's version of Dick Clark.. There comes a time you just need to retire and move on, and stop being a celebrity.. But can their ego's let them?

That is pretty much my stance.. I just feel this is just more PR political bs just to start drama, get attention and raise money.. I think it has little to do with what is best for the players and sport..

I'm not real happy with the selection and how things went down.. Too many things rubbed me the wrong way.. I do feel that Larry Nelson got the short end of the stick in this bit of drama.. Granted, that was probably more of the media's doing then anything, but the PGA doesn't have clean hands either.. During the past months, even before Medina, people were already talking and discussing who will be the 2014 captain and why.. Obvious now, it was apparent that Tom Watson was their boy since the beginning of 2012.. They did make a 85 page book on why Tom is the best choice, and never once talked to anyone else but Tom in 2012.. Then I hear from Mr PGA man that the reason no one was discussed is because no one came up to him in 2012 asking for the job of Capt until late in fall by David Toms.. Apparently, no one else knew of this "send in your resume" procedure.. lol However, I did listen to Paul Azinger and he told us, he lobbied to be Capt again after 2008, and the PGA strictly told him, NO, NO and NO.. There are too many Capt's and not enough Ryder Cups to go around.. So if that was the case, why pick Tom a second time, considering that Larry was already shafted once by the PGA... I also didn't like the lame excuse of "we need to win" is why we picked Tom.... Um.. Exsqueeeze me, but the PGA pretty much already decided to go with Tom well before the 2012 Ryder Cup was even here.. Did the PGA has a crystal ball and knew the team was going to lose at Medina.. Too many stories, too much drama popped up.. And to be honest, I lost a lot of respect for Tom Watson because of this.. I was brought up with honor, integrity and values, especially those involving friends.. I found it quite unsettling that Tom accepted the Caps pick knowing it would be his 2nd go around at the expense of people he used to call friend... Really Tom? I just can't imagine doing that myself.. I would of said, "Thank you, but no thanks.. There are many others out there that haven't had their shot at Capt and they deserve that chance"... Is Tom going to be one of these seniors that just won't go away? Trying to grasp on to anything to keep in the action and limelight.. Anymore I just feel the PGA operates on a good ole boys clique thing than anything.. I guess Larry wasn't in the "inner circle" of notables to get any lovin from the PGA.. Not just once, but twice.. Shame on you PGA, and shame on you Tom for taking part of it..

Wow.. are you really this brain dead stupid? Tell us how GPS systems are not a violation of the USGA rules? (cough).. You sir are a hypocrite to what is a violation to the "integrity" of the game person.. You have no problem calling someone a cheater that anchors their putter, but do you have the same balls to call ALL the millions of golfers that take gimme's and use a GPS cheaters too? or do you blindly ignore those rule violations? As Annika pointed out today on Morning Drive.. She has more issues with how caddies infringe on the game then an anchor putter..

I get so sick and tired of hearing shit like this.. "integrity" of the game.... How many amateurs putt out every single hole.. Lets me honest here, This anchoring thing was just a public hanging against the pro's, generated by the pro's.. If people were so uppity about the integrity and rules of the game, there would be NO GIMME's in golf.. I can safely say that 80%+ of all amateur golfers and EVEN pro's when NOT in competition pick up gimme putts.. I wonder how many of the "pro-rule" change fans refuse to allow anyone in their group to take a gimme or a mulligan.. I think both gimme and mulligans are prohibited according to the rules, are they not?

And people wonder why golf isn't attracting the younger generation.. Maybe because the rules are so damn OLD, it's sadistic and pathetic.. The good ole boys are going to kill this industry.. Time for them to wake up.. Leagues are drying up, less and less rounds played each year, more course closings.. I can understand dress codes for work, and safety issues.. but it drives me nuts when places have them just to be anal, like country clubs and restaurants..

We are all familiar with the "FedEx Cup" schedule followed by the Fall schedule, which normally ends first part of November.. Then in the US we have the off season until early January.. I wanted to ask, because I think it would be good for golf and viewers if ya'll would be interested in a new "Winter" season that has no effects on stats or positioning.. The Winter schedule would be a series of 6 events using multiple team formats.. Have the off season host events of 2 man scrambles, best balls, alternating shots or Stableford points system to name a few.. I can't speak for everyone, but I would LOVE to see an event that has professional 2 man scrambles.. I don't know if you would want it to be random draw, or preset teams. However I do think it would be in the best interest to new viewers and the golf industry that GOLF is shown to be more then individual stroke play.. My family, and some new friends are perfect examples.. My wife and daughter really started liking golf more when they were exposed to non-stroke play.. They found that scrambles and other golf games were more exciting to watch and play.. New friends of mine feel the same way.. Wouldn't it be good marketing for the PGA and media to expose viewers to new options in golf?

It will be interesting to see how Rory performs in 2013.. I would be surprised if he won 1 tourney.. Clothing doesn't all fit the same way, Shoes don't all feel the same, and Clubs sure as hell don't all perform the same way.. I'm still adjusting to my switch from Callaway blades to Adams.. Even when I was in the test simulator, I was a little surprised how much difference in comfort I had from one manufacturer from another.. I wish Rory the best of luck, but I have to wonder if he's becoming a $$ chaser, and will that end up effecting his game, and changing his career.. A 10 year contract is a long time, just ask Michael Vick and the Eagles.. LOL

I like what NASCAR and the Olympics do.. If you win, get ready for the inspection or pee test.. Random smandom.. Just do a simple method.. IF you finish in the top 5, you are going to do a test.. NO EXCEPTIONS.. I really don't care that someone cheats and loses.. but when you cheat and win, you will be caught.. Make sure to have strict penalties too.. First offense, DQ from current week and 2 weeks suspension.. Second offense, DQ from current week and suspension for 1 year.. Thirst offense = PERMA BANNED.. Done..

IMO.. This is a class example why some rules need to be revised.. Technically the USGA / PGA rules live in a vacuum.. Take me for example.. I live in Ohio and enjoy fall golf as weather permits, but IF you think I'm going to take penalty strokes because I'm moving leaves on my swing.. FORK THAT.. Do you know how often a ball can roll under some leaves in a bunker in the Ohio autumn? Often I lose balls because of the leaves.. ha ha.. The only way I can find them is to MOVE the leaves.. (penalty stroke)? I think not.. It's one thing when a loose object can honestly physically change the swing or position of the ball, but touching a 2 foot long weed? or moving a leave is just silly stupid rules..

Please keep in mind that irons by themselves only do so much for ball flight.. Some will have strong > weak lofts, but that is only half of the picture.. For years I have played X-16 Callaways and my PW is 46 degree.. However my launch angles are super high, whereas another person can use the exact same club and not come close to distance or flight.. Tiger might use weak lofts, but he might have a stronger swing.. This is why so many club manufacturers are using adjustable drivers.. I use a R-5 by Taylor Made, and trust me, not all of us get the same ball flight with the exact same club.. As the saying goes, "to each their own".. This is why I always tell friends and others.. NEVER try to mimic another players game using the same equipment believing you're get the same results.. What works for them, may not work for you.. Oh this reminds me.. I need to update my equipment profile as I switched to Adams.. Technically the Adams have a stronger loft, which explains my increased distance.. BUT I also maintain the same high ball flight.. It's a win/win for me when I switched to Adams from my old Callaway's..

It really amazes me how people go nuts over sponsors.. I could care less what deodorant, car or golf clubs some celebrity uses.. I buy products that FIT me, not what some overpaid loon tried to convince me to wear.. I tried Nike products out years ago and I stay clear of them simply because of the fit.. There are other companies I stay clear of as well because of one reason or another.. But.. celebs make a killing on endorsements because stupid fans buy what their idols tell them to buy.. Amazing.. lol In any case good luck to Rory in whichever direction he goes.. Business is Business.. Even as much as I loathe sponsorship deals, if someone was to toss 20 million a year at me, I'd say "show me the money" and laugh my ass all the way to the bank..

Honestly.. In my opinion slow play on public courses happen for 1 main reasons.. 1) Players follow examples from peers and especially from TV that it is OK to take 3 minutes to line up a putt.. Golf needs to avoid BORING play and add in a shot clock... Pool does this.. Football does it.. Almost every mainstream sport has instituted some rule to avoid CLOCK abuse.. except golf.. Problem is does that PGA have the balls to dictate speed of play? I think not.. :( Part of golf is being able to swing your shot in a reasonable amount of time, which isn't happening.. If anything it's only getting worse.. 2) Public courses need to clean up their courses.. What I mean here is that I see way to many public courses that are so in love with aesthetics, they ignore or forgot how the course actually plays.. I have a local course that thinks they are an arboretum.. An over abundance of trees, and so many have branches so low to the ground, they act more like a hazard.. Too many golfers spending wasted time searching for balls lost in pine trees, hedges or similar.. I know courses like using nature as a barrier to protect neighboring fairways.. BUT.. There is no need to protect my ankles.. Those are my 2 observations and pet peeves in golf that can help speed up play..

I have no issues with shorts worn ANY time.. It's suppose to be a sport, yet there is this written rule of silly work clothes.. PGA caddies wear shorts most of the year, but the Pro's can't? IMO it's just silly good ole boys network crap.. This is the 21st century and golf needs to lighten up and be more youthful.. CHANGE the damn codes.. They still ban shirts that aren't collared. and I remember back in the day they prohibited facial hair, such as staches and beards.. Oh.. btw.. How hypocritical is it, that so many men are against the guys wearing shorts, but have no problem with what the ladies wear on the LPGA? lol

I think he calls that "redistribution" of golf clubs.. It's a socialist thing to do.. I wonder since Tiger is one of the top 1%er's if he has to give up extra strokes too..

I think it would be great.. I would LOVE to see some tourney's played without any help whatsoever.. YES, that means NO caddies.. No Coaches on the range.. No Yardage books etc..etc.. The only thing the pros would be allowed to do with what we amateurs do all the time.. Use the fairway yardage markers..

What an amazing Ryder Cup.. I have to say, Jim F lost alot of brownie points this weekend.. His play was not stellar, but his attitude just rubbed me the wrong way.. Day 1, second hole and Jim challenges GMac in wanting relief from a sprinkler head.. I wonder if Jim ever heard of the word karma? Then I was really shocked how Jim verbally insulted, almost attacked the reporter that asked a question Jim didn't like.. Sorry Jim, but it's his JOB to ask those questions, and you are a professional and should know it was going to be brought up.. Shame on you Jim for your conduct in the press room.. BTW.. Jim was the captain's pick that didn't pan out.. He's going to take heat on that.. I still think Van Pelt was the better options.. but oh well.. Congrats EU for a job well done

Sad thing is.. The RC could of been great this year.. BUT... Some of the Euro's came in dead like Kaymer and Hanson.. and they you have quite a few that just looked tired.. Rory wasn't playing well, GMac looked unsure, Westwood was horrible.. I give credit to the Americans for coming in as if they were still in the groove, but Sunday will be a boring day knowing the RC is pretty much over with.. Euro's will be lucky to win 4 points in singles..

In any case.. I'm just glad the spectacle they call an opening ceremony is over.. It was organized like a cheap hillbilly wedding.. lol It was actually embarrassing watching it, wondering if the rest of the world found it as amateur and crazy as I did.. Music? Dancing? Parade of dresses and flags? Even the fly over was not timed.. At least Janet Jackson didn't show up and do a duo with Justin.. ha ha.. I was laughing more then clapping.. It was truly a waste of PGA money and time..

Sorry. I'm with Faldo on this one.. Euro 2.5 vs USA 1.5.. I think Rory and GMac are the better team and should win.. Phil is a wild cat off the tee, and that will cause problems Keegan USA loses.. I see Duf and Zach winning, and finally Tiger and Steve halve..

In my opinion.. play from the tees that reasonably challenges you without effecting play on the course.. In other words.. If you are taking 4, 5, or 7 strokes just to get to the green, MOVE up to the next yardage tees.. You are slowing down play for yourself and others.. If you are hitting wedges into all the par 4's and irons on the 2nd shots on par 5's.. MOVE back to a longer distance.. The proper tee box is both a combination of yardage and handicap.. Most of the issues with "which tee box" to use is based on ego.. I play with guys that are older and can't hit their drives past 200, but insist on playing off the same tees they always did in the past when they were younger.. They refuse to swallow their ego's and MOVE up to a closer tee.. But then, I know alot of young guys that have no right to be teeing off the 6100 yardage distance as well.. For the last 30 years, I use a simple method.. What tee box gives me the best chance to hit 8 or 7 iron on AVERAGE into the par 4's on my second shot.. This normally means I'll hit wedges on short par 4's, and longer irons on the tougher ones.. All par 4's should be reachable in two, ignore par 5's and par 3's.. This normally puts me in the 6500 category..

Majors are over-rated anymore.. In my opinion.. There are plenty of regular tournaments that have world class fields almost equal to that of a major.. Just as in the past there were many of tourney's that were considered of major quality by the players, but as golf history evolved, they were forgotten and ignored.. So sad.. In fact, Masters is a very over hyped weak field for a major.. It has approx 100 players invited, where 10 or more of the invited players are OLD past winners that have virtually no chance of winning, leaving only about 80-85 player field.. In the same breath we have players like Ernie Els that are not invited, and we all saw what happen this year.. The US Open and British Open are true majors with huge strong fields.. Now with the Fed Ex cup, some of the final four tourneys actually have a stronger field then the Masters..