doctork

My apologies, drglew, didn't mean to turn this into a Seinfeld thread. Saw the Keith Hernandez "magic loogy" episode the other day... Hi-larious. Cheers, DoctorK

I like that bunker style too. I'm a big fan of Mackenzie-type bunkering adopted by a lot of modern architects (Tom Doak et al). Nice, natural look. Cheers, DoctorK

"Hey, if Tiger can do it..." "Trees are 90 percent air..." "Don't leave it short, don't leave it short, don't leave it short..." "8-iron is plenty of club to carry that bunker..." Good thread, Stretch! Cheers, DoctorK

Amen, Guy Icognito! I am way too impatient to go through all that. Drives me nuts! I want to go straight to my ball - only way to ensure that is by walking (or riding solo). Cheers, DoctorK

Wow - that's -1 for nine holes without a single par! And -4 for the final seven holes with two bogeys! Never seen a round like that myself. Cheers, DoctorK

Great bait-and-switch with that thread header! We've all had days like that, relatively speaking. Heck, I've had rounds where I was positively cruising with only a few holes to play, and suddenly lost all ability to make contact on a simple chip shot. No rhyme or reason, just golf... Gotta love it. Cheers, DoctorK

I consider myself a diehard and must admit that golf is only must-see TV when Tiger's in the field. He's added an excitement level the game didn't have before him, and doesn't have without him. Yes, Phil is great to watch, as are several of the young guns. But no one can touch Tiger for sheer thrills. For that matter, I enjoy watching when he has a sizeable lead, just to marvel at his surgical skill and wonder how he remains so impervious to the pressure that affects everyone else. Cheers, DoctorK

Congrats, JCP - picked a great place to do it, too, from what I hear and see. Deltona looks stunning in photos, not to mention tough! Imagine you avoided most of those nasty bunkers. Cheers, DoctorK

Reminds me of the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer was hitting balls from the beach into the ocean... A whale happened to wash ashore and, one thing leading to another, George ended up plucking a Titleist from the beast's blowhole. I'd say that scenario was more likely than BP plugging the gusher with golf balls and other trash. Sad, sad, sad. DoctorK

I've learned, through much trial and error, not to attempt hero shots that are outside my limited capabilities. That said, there's nothing more fun or rewarding than conceiving a hero shot and pulling it off. Makes you feel like, you know, a hero. For me, when I take the worst-case-scenario out of play and attempt a relatively "safe" hero shot, it's almost more thrilling to pull it off -- knowing that I was smart enough not to go for the full hero treatment, but still skilled enough to achieve something with a high degree of difficulty. Good thread, thanks Ash. DoctorK

Forgot to take the opportunity in my previous post... I link to this site whenever the chance presents: The Walking Golfer Cheers, DoctorK

Great stuff... I noticed the lower-body action, too, and wonder if he could do that now given his knee condition. In fact, I recall him saying he and Hank changed his swing partly to make it easier on his knee, and that was pre-ACL surgery. All the hullabaloo with his off-course antics aside, I must say I miss watching the guy play. I don't care what anyone says, golf is just not the same without him. DoctorK

That is truly striking, my fellow Doc. Not to mention disturbing, as it relates to your experience. Any idea what the USGA considers an "exceptional tournament score"? The second chart was way beyond my statistical comprehension, but the first chart told me all I needed to know. Sandbaggers are evil! DoctorK

I'm a walker to the core and have never owned a push/pull cart. But I've started realizing that carrying my bag takes a noticeable as the round goes on - my scores for the final 6 holes when I walk is a stark contrast to the first 12 holes. It's exacerbated on hot days, or hilly courses, etc. After my most recent round I told the missus I was gonna break down and get an "old-man push cart." Honestly think it will bring my handicap down, but we shall see. Cheers, DoctorK

Ask me again in 15 years... Personally, I say Tiger has already established himself as the greatest ever. Nicklaus' 18 majors is just a number, signifying a longer period of greatness than Tiger can currently claim. But if TW never wins another major it will clearly be a result of injuries and personal issues, not shortcomings as a golfer, that caused him to fall shy of Jack's mark. Tiger's achievements to date - including double-digit wins at the Masters and US Open -- surpass Jack's at the same period in their careers. And it's not like TW's only been around for a couple of years. Tiger at his best was better than Jack at his best, primarily because TW's short game was MILES superior. And why is this argument based around one number only - 18? The other events count, too, and TW has already won almost as many total tourneys as Jack - not to mention one more US Amateur and three US Junior Ams. Anyway, I realize there's an entire thread devoted to Tiger vs. Jack arguments. But hey, I've already posted there. Cheers, DoctorK

Have not played it, but based on the locale and management by KemperSports -- which handles Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay and lots of other great tracks - I'd say it's close to a can't miss. It was remodeled by Trent Jones II's team, which did incredible work at Chambers. I say go for it! Expect a full review on your return. Cheers, DoctorK

Strange, isn't it, that everyone from Tiger Woods on down knows that golf can't be mastered, and yet... We all expect to execute every shot perfectly, and get upset when we don't. Controlling expectations is key to enjoying golf, and a lot of other things in life. How many times have you watched a movie with great anticipation based on reviews, friend's recommendation, etc... and come away thinking, eh, it wasn't that great. On the other hand, how many times have you watched a movie you had no interest in, and come out thinking hey, that was actually pretty good... OK, digressed a little there, just trying to make a point about the power of expectations. Hope it made sense to someone. Cheers, DoctorK

Congrats, Dad. First time I broke 40 I went all out with a 35. Paired with a front-nine 43, it was also my first time breaking 80. Remember it like it was... yesteryear. Keep up the good work, and let us know when the blessed sub-80 round inevitably occurs. DoctorK

And of course, all of Trump's courses are true links, even those that lie inland. Surrounded by forest. Where the architect moved acres of non-sandy soil. Cheers, DoctorK

Books may not be enough for you, then. Probably need some meds. Cheers, DoctorK

I often leave the course feeling like Ralph Wiggum: "I'm happy and angry." Like others, a good finish can wipe out a lot of frustration for me. Converse is true, too. My post-round mood is generally determined by 1. Score, and 2. How well I hit the ball. Sadly, the two are often unrelated. DoctorK

That's interesting. Never thought of Ray Floyd in the realm of golf psychologists, but I do admire his bad-arse mentality. I might have to check that one out. Thanks, rec. DoctorK

I liked Tin Cup, but the golf scenes rang hollow for me. Probably because the venue bore no resemblance to a US Open course, and Don Johnson bore no resemblance to an actual professional golfer. His demeanor, mannerisms... ugh. Made Costner look natural, by comparison. That said, I'm a big Ron Shelton fan. To me, Bull Durham is the best baseball movie and, frankly, miles better than Tin Cup. Cheers, DoctorK

Took the thoughts right out of my brain, mcotter. I've come to realize that the only time I don't like golf is when I'm playing! For better or worse, no matter how often the thought of quitting occurs to me on the course, I'm always ready for more by the time I get home. Guess I'm too optimistic (delusional) for my own good. I'd suggest just taking a few weeks off, then heading back out. Seems to clear the mind of negative thoughts, and lowers the expectations - hugely important if you take the game seriously, as you obviously do. If putting has plagued you for a while, a lesson or simple practice aid could turn you around. Hang in there, bud. Cheers, DoctorK

Caddyshack. One of those comedies that gets funnier every time you watch it, just because you're anticipating the next great line just around the corner. Naturally, it's best viewed with like-minded (or mindless) buddies. That's kind of a strange phenomenon, the whole more-you-watch, funnier-it-gets deal. And pretty much exclusive to guys, in my experience. Cheers, DoctorK