Tiger's Isleworth Set Up

Up for debate on which is the bigger example of failure:

• Tiger's ability to stay true to his wedding vows
• Tiger's PR Team on how to handle a crisis

Either way, each of the above has began it's rehab process.  And much like Tiger's behavior problems, his PR team has a long way to go.
The 'Edsel' of PR machines has cranked up it's engine and has released a few tidbits of info this week to the media. The tone they are trying to set is that Tiger is working at getting back to hitting balls on the range at his home course, Isleworth Country Club.
As you would expect, Isleworth is not exactly a 'public access' golf course.  It is in a gated community in the Orlando suburbs.  If you've ever noticed, when introduced on the tee he officially lists his hometown as "Windermere, Florida".  But you actually might be surprised at how much play Isleworth gets, especially this time of year.  For comparisons, I could name 5 or 6 Jacksonville area Country Clubs that get less play.
Considering how private (apparently also secretive) Tiger wants to keep his life, I've always found this curious.
Anyhow, fellow TOUR players JB Holmes and Charles Howell III have gone on the record as saying they've seen Tiger hitting balls 'on the other end of the range' this week.
Now...when most golfers read this, they envision the typical set-up of every golf course they've played.  They show up at the golf shop, check-in, then head to the range, which is usually visible from the golf shop.  And in cases it's not within eyesight of the golf shop, it is at least by the 1st tee.  So...one's imagination is that a guy with a red sweatshirt has a pocketful of range tokens and is surrounded by empty ball buckets.
Not quite. Not Isleworth.
You see...Isleworth's basic set-up is not unlike many courses.  At the doorstep of the fantastic pro shop/clubhouse at Isleworth (complete with numerous GIANT screen tv's, a full size basketball court/hoop, golf simulators...all INSIDE the clubhouse/men's grill) are the greens for the 18th and 9th greens, and the 1st and 10th tees.
But the driving range?  Nowhere in sight.
As you can see in the images I've attached, you must drive over 1/3 mile down Payne Stewart Drive to Deacon Circle (which surrounds the entire range) to reach the driving range.  Another unique feature you'll notice in the pictures is that the range is on its own 'island', and not in any way to be used as a 'drive through' within the neighborhood.

Upon these discoveries it makes more sense why Tiger chooses to live in this neighborhood.  Upon a quick google search I was able to get the address of Tiger's house via FHP records, and I've marked it on the map.
Probable reasons Tiger has picked this location for his house:

• There is no reason for any person but one (his neighbor to the South) in the entire neighborhood to pass by Tiger's house, unless they are going to the South end of the range in their golf cart.
• His house is right next to the 'far end' tee box, thus giving him some seclusion.

• He has his own tee box on the range, right next to his house.  (An aside: it looks as if there is wear in the grass where Tiger may park his cart.  Can you imagine an assistant from the Pro Shop being sent out to tell Tiger, "um...ahem...sir? Could you please keep your carts on the paths and off the curbed areas? Thanks."

This set up will provide Tiger with all the opportunities needed to prepare his game.  Yet, if only I could find out what Tiger thinks each time he passes by that scarred tree and scratched fire hydrant.
As a fan of the game, I look forward to seeing Tigers apply his skills again on the course, sooner than later I hope.  The shame he has brought upon himself will be with him forever...when they one day compile the recap of his career, it will undoubtably contain at least the mention of his 'transgressions', and he only has himself to blame.  Not fame, not fortune.
As a father of two young boys, I hope that he will gain enough humility to cease the club throwing and cursing during rounds.  I have my doubts that this will happen...because as a rule, people don't change.
Yet, as both, here's to hoping he can add a few more "better than most" on course moments.  It'll be a bit easier to explain to my two sons why Tiger's picture is on TV...

Same Ol' Tiger

I'm going to assume that since you clicked on the link to read this, I will not rehash what Tiger said in his act today.  You already know what he said...but do you for a second believe him?  Are you such a fool?

Let's do an exercise into how this man operates: he will manipulate any and everyone to get the end result he wants.

I don't know which one fits my feelings best, but two phrases come to mind: "if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it", and "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me"

As an exercise of how egotistical he is, let's get into the head of Tiger on November 29, 2009.
You've been arguing with your wife for days since the story broke on November 24th that you have been having an affair with Rachel Uchitel.  Of course, you know that its true because you bought Rachel's ticket to Australia and had her stay in the same hotel as you for your booty calls.  But even confronted with pictures of Rachel at the hotel to substantiate the claim, you continually deny it to Elin, the mother of your children.

You also know that Rachel is one of many women you've been having sex with.

You know that two years ago, you barely escaped getting caught in your affair with the Perkins Pancake House waitress...

You've undoubtedly left your wife to care for your sick children while you galavant with all the other women, and you have done so for YEARS.  You've probably missed a first step, a first word, or some of the many other 'firsts' that come with being a father.

Yet, you are unfazed.  Your own desires trump the needs of your children and wife.  Better yet, knowing ALL of this, you release the following statement on Nov 29, 2009 on your Web site:
"the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible"

How do you have the audacity to lash out like this?  Because you are Tiger Woods.

Skipping ahead to today, you selfishly ask of others to provide you a platform to lecture us on what you say is 'your private business'.  I would have been a bit more impressed if you would have done this statement on your own dime and had taken on the burden, both financially and timewise, to produce such a show...but of course, you taking responsibility is not something we expect of you anymore.  Many people and organizations incurred expenses at covering what you say is a "private matter".  How is that right, Tiger?

Sorry, Tiger, but it is my business...you made it that way.

I am my two sons' role model.  I treat their mother with respect and love, and I am polite to others.  I understand that a child is watching everything we do...with that, it is important for them not only have me as a role model, but it is helpful for them to have heros.  To take away a child's hero is to take away a child's dreams.  And you have taken away the hero of so many children it is sad.

Tiger, you have profited from people that spend money on products you endorse.  Your family is part of that image...and with each successful partnership, you were able to increase your monetary gains.

And it was all based on lies...so sorry Tiger, I cannot believe you.  I have too much at stake.  When your actions show that you've changed, you'll at least get my attention.

Calling a 'press conference' at someone else's expense and not allowing legitimate golf writers ask you questions has shown me one thing: Same ol' Tiger.

First Look at TPC Sawgrass

I played TPC Sawgrass' "THE PLAYERS Stadium Course" (yes...that's the actual name, and don't you forget it) this weekend (Jan 30, 2010).  And for fear of finger injury, excuse me as I heretofore refer to it as "Stadium". 

For those of you outside the area, even though Ponte Vedra Beach is technically in Florida, (PVB to Naples is 360 miles...PVB to Charlotte NC is 383 miles), it is not the typical Florida climate that is shown on the commercials for the State Convention and Visitor's Bureau.  To prove that point, Jacksonville (PVB's hub city) does NOT have a Convention Center hotel...or even motel.

That being said, early January saw the longest cold snap in this area's history...18 straight days below freezing, with many mornings dipping into the teens.  Some area superintendents said that while they routinely deal with frost delays each winter, this year was the first time that the ground actually froze.  I know of a couple dulled cup cutters for sale on ebay...

This would not have been such a big deal in the 'overseed' days of THE PLAYERS being held in March.  Back then, it really didn't matter how many freezes the area had...the overseeded bermuda grass (rye in fairways and rough, poa/bent mix on the greens) would stay green, and even expand a bit with the bermuda dormancy. 

Yet, with the date of THE PLAYERS being moved to May a few years ago (2007 was the first PLAYERS on redone course), the course got a new base of soil on the fairways and the greens were switched from tif-dwarf Bermuda, which was over-seeded each winter, to a new hybrid strand called mini-verde Bermuda, they no longer overseed the greens.  The winter of the initial grow-in was co-operative, with the entire season (Dec-Feb) only accounting for fewer than 10 frost delays.  Yet, the winter of 08-09 saw the TPC Sawgrass staff have to call for over 25 frost delays, and the winter of 09-10 is on the way to reaching over 35 frost/freeze delays. 

In response, the grounds staff at Stadium has introduced a system of putting protective 'tarps' over the greens to prepare for cold nights...and it seems to have worked well.  How can I tell?  Because there are very well defined 'right angles' on the green complexes that clearly denote where the tarp was (fairly dark tint of green grass) and wasn't (completely dormant, brown bermuda). 

Having played the course, I can tell you that there is not any freeze damage on the greens, and that they are getting through the area's record-breaking-cold winter just fine.  Some the other areas though...not so much.

Many areas of the 'rough' have seen some freeze kill...with bare-soil sand more prevalent than thick, or even dormant, bermuda.  I don't see this being a problem at all if the tourney was to be in June and the area was to get a nice run of "150 degree" weather.  (What I mean by that is when you add the night-time low to the daytime high, and the total is 150 or higher, that is when bermuda grass grows at its normal pace)  Having the tournament in early May will make the agronomic staff at TPC Sawgrass work harder than ever to get the roughs to a uniform cut this year.

As opposed to last year...when the differing rough heights were of the man made kind, not the work of Mother Nature.

On the subject of course changes...there won't be any.  I saw no evidence of tee box extensions/changes or green complex adjustments.  The only noticeable changes are ones that are very welcomed: tree removal.  As you read more and more of my articles, you'll learn that I have a fairly large disdain for trees in the line of play.  I believe they force the player to play one shot, rather than give a player a choice.  The mind should play more a role in a round of golf than what flavor Tiger Gatorade to get at the turn...oh wait...I can't get those any more. 

You were expecting something different?

A combination of life's experiences combined with the fine public schooling in Putnam City, Oklahoma provide me with this observation about Michelle Wie's loss today: I saw it coming.

Did you?

This girl has been groomed from the age of 13 to be a loser. Her parents continually put her in situations where the higher percentage was on the side of her failing. It is her parents that have built this six year gap that exists between today and her last victory at ANY level. Yet, where is the blame?

With Leadbetter's tutelage, you can learn to take your swing from upright to 'on plane' and to hit knockdown wedges. But what he or no other instructor can teach you to do is how to win.

Don't get me wrong. In the grand scheme of things, a second place finish for a 19yr old rookie on the LPGA Tour is a nice feat. But do you think it is worthy of multi-million dollar endorsements from SONY and Nike Golf?

Do you?

There is a saying that all you learn from losing is how to lose. Well, thanks to BJ Wie and his misguided, ignorant wife, Michelle has a Masters degree in losing and is working toward her double major in Late Round Collapses.

In today's final round, Michelle did all she could and all she has ever known: lost. I think it's time for the announcers to stop putting the attention on Michelle's failure to win and place it squarely on the shoulders of her parents. Put a mic in their face, and ask them the following question: "How much blame do you take for Michelle not knowing how to win?"

Don't you?

PS Mark Rolfing's announcing today was over the top. He went beyond being an apologist for Michelle choking down the stretch, and came across as a downright enabler for Michelle's parents. Shame on Mark for his unprofessional behavior today.

Practice Shots

This week is the Sony Open

• No 5 ft 1in teenage boy or 6ft 1in teenage girl in the field for the first time in many years...no more freak shows. It's just about the golf. It's about time.
• Australians have won quite a bit in Hawaii...if it gets breezy, look for Ogilvy to win this week too.
  
• While you're at it, check out the web site for my radio show at www.radiogolfshow.com My co host Garry Smits has a great notes section on this (This Week tab) and every week's event. Also, he and I give our picks for this week. We're on a pretty good roll...if one week of good picks is considered a 'roll'.
  
• Did you catch any of Rich Lerner interviewing Boo Weekley at the Mercedes? Rich asked Boo what he had for dinner the previous night, and Boo said "pork chops". That response was met with quite the pompous chuckle and a 'gotta love it' kinda attitude. As if pork chops is the choice of dinner for the great unwashed.
  
• Speaking of Boo, in discussing his book with Lerner, Rich asked if he's gonna be the next Hemmingway. Boo responded "who's that?"...only to VERY quickly say "I'm just kiddin". Me is starting to think the Boo Show is just that...a show. Keep an eye on it.

Getting Ready For 2009

Tiger Woods was spotted hitting balls with FULL SWINGS on the Isleworth range with another Nike Golf TOUR player...

Vijay Singh has left Titleist and will play the Srixon golf ball. A long time Cleveland staff player of clubs, Vijay is now all Cleveland/Srixon (one company now). Buyout rumored to be $400,000.00

Fred Funk is paying the price for coming back a bit early from surgery last year. His knee that was operated on last year has reportedly developed an infection. The procedure he had Monday to help the infection may keep him out of action until April.

Mark is writing this and wondering when the last time he heard an athlete say, "You know, I took too long to come back from surgery..."

LPGA Grows A Pair

In the spirit of full disclosure: I am an LPGA Tour observer and fan.

At one point in my life I didn't have any respect for the brand of golf played by the ladies. But then two things happened:

1. I accepted an invitation to play in the Safeway Classic LPGA Tour 2 Day Pro-Am in 1999 at Columbia-Edgewater in Portland, Or.
   
2. I became the Head Coach of a High School girls golf team.

In my previous life, I was a Golfweek/Titleist ranked amateur player. In my travels around the country, I had the opportunity to play with an LPGA Tour player (Dana Dorman, now a college coach) at a fantastic facility in Oregon. It was 2 Days, at 2 fantastic courses...but I can't remember a single shot. It's been almost 9 years and my mind is wrecked from government schooling.

What I CAN remember, though, are many of the conversations I had with Dana...how she's from California, that she is good friends with Paul Stankowski, that her husband sometimes caddies, etc...

One can only imagine how little I would have remembered of my (VERY expensive) rounds of golf with someone that DOESN'T (or won't) SPEAK ENGLISH.

This decision is not based on anything other than the fact that LPGA executives would like to keep their jobs. And the only way to do this is to keep (or make) the LPGA a functioning, profitable, growing, culturally relevant sport.

In America, we root for Americans...and for those that have at least made an effort to acclimate themselves to our culture, or at least show respect for our culture. And there is no more defining aspect of a culture (be it racial, regional, or national) than one's language. To decline to do so will not endear you to the American sports fan...and if your league is highly populated with international stars, you may have to act as the LPGA did.

Because it was becoming painfully obvious that the players weren't doing it themselves.