Finally summer is here and it is time to golf. After a week of doing just this, I have rediscovered my swing and can hopefully continue playing some of the best golf of my life. A couple days ago, I returned to the northeast from a week of golf down in Florida. One of my friends owns a condo down in Naples, so a couple of my friends and I decided to celebrate the end of classes with a little golf vacation. To those who are unfamiliar with Florida geography, Naples is located on the west coast of the peninsula, two and a half hours south of Tampa and and a little more than an hour west of Miami. A relatively short plane ride for most of the eastern seaboard, Southwestern Florida provides a fun and sunny place for golf enthusiasts and retirees alike.
Most of the courses around this area are located in private communities, but if you plan ahead and find a place that allows non-members, it is a great way to explore some awesome courses. Another way to save a lot of money is to travel in the offseason (this is generally in the summer for places like California and Florida where it is often too hot for casual golfers). Greens fees run for about half the price of normal times, and courses often provide other incentives (free golf balls, a complementary lunch, etc.) that help to sweeten the deal. One day we played the Lely Resort Mustang Couse and it was well worth it. Designed by Lee Travino, the Mustang is one of three courses at the Lely Resort and one of a dozen in the village of Lely. This course is tough, yet forgiving for golfers who are willing to hit the safe shot instead of going for the best shot. Of course, I was not the one to do that, and my score reflected this, but I still had a good time and found the course to be both interesting and fun. In addition, there is no shortage of water, so do not forget to bring some extra balls just in case!
Never count out the previous champion! After a jaw-dropping ten under 60, Zach Johnson reclaimed control of the lead in the third round of the Valero Texas Open. Matching the course record, Johnson was able to jump the leader the last two days, Paul Goydos who remains tied for second with Justin Leonard at twelve under through twelve holes. There was a five hour rain delay that forced players to suspend their rounds until tomorrow due to darkness. Tomorrow the final round will begin and players will have to make up the holes they lost today. If Johnson were to win this tournament, it would put him in first place in the FedEx Cup Standings.
And to leave you for the day, a video of Charles Barkley hitting a fan at a charity golf event in Alabama. Luckily the guy was not injured too badly. Enjoy!
The second round of the Texas Open continued with more of the same from Paul Goydos. After his seven under 63, he continued with his five under 65, setting himself up with a three shot lead over Justin Leonard and four others. Look for more great golf this weekend, deep in the heart of Texas.
In other news, golf legend Arnold Palmer was given the Congressional Gold Medal, which is one of the highest honors bestowed on a civilian, in a 422 to 1 vote. The medal is awarded to “an individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States.” You may be asking yourself, who would vote against Mr. Palmer and his achievements in the game of golf? Well former presidential candidate Ron Paul was the single vote against. Although he knew his vote would be basically worthless in the nearly unanimous process, Paul voted against Palmer on moral ground. Paul believes that the medal is a waste of taxpayer’s money and should be eliminated from congressional proceedings. What is Congress doing? Although he is a little…out there, Ron Paul is right in his boycott of this unnecessary procedure. At this point in time, there are more pressing issues to deal with.
A rather obscure tournament, the Valero Texas Open is usually placed in a weekend between the President’s and Ryder Cups. This year is different, for the third oldest tournament in the PGA, as moving the date to the spring will hopefully bring more attention and bigger names. Last year, Zach Johnson won the event and looks to defend his title this weekend. After the first round, Paul Goydos and Justin Leonard share the lead, both shooting a seven under 63. The course, La Cantera Golf Club is the usual home of the tournament, however next year the Texas Open will move to a TPC course designed by Greg Norman.
Even though it is not golf related I want to send Mark Herzlich, linebacker for the Boston College Eagles, my best wishes in his battle with cancer. Today, Herzlich released this information to the press regarding his diagnosis with Ewing’s Sarcoma. Herzlich was in his senior season, following a stellar junior year where he was the backbone for a stout BC defense. Mark is hopeful and optimistic about his future and hopes to get back on the gridiron as soon as possible. The mightiest of Eagles, may he get well soon.
This weekend was of golf’s “major” tournaments and once again, it did not disappoint. Although not technically a major, the TPC is one of golf’s most prestigious and recognizable tournaments, mostly because it has the largest purse (about $9.5 million). In addition, the winner gets all kinds of exemptions and invitations to play in tournaments like the Masters and gets a five year PGA tour card. It is held every year at TPC Sawgrass in Pont Verda Beach in sunny Florida and has one of the most recognizable holes in all of golf. The seventeenth “island” green is the quintessential hazard par 3 in golf and even though it may be short, it is definitely not easy. All this being said, Henrik Stenson was able to cruise to an easy twelve under, four ahead of the next closest competitor, Ian Poulter. Tiger once again struggled to finish strong closing with a 73 on the final day and slipping to eighth for the tournament. Some people are starting to wonder whether or not Tiger will be able to compete at the same level he did before his knee surgery. Personally, I say he’s exceeded expectations by finishing all these tournaments with high rankings despite missing a whole year of training.
In other golf related news, Michelle Wie (remember her?) was recently quoted as saying she still hopes to win a PGA tournament and compete in the Masters. Puzzling? Yes. Although Wie is a great golfer, she has yet to win a tournament in the LPGA. How does she expect to play against the likes of Phil and Tiger, when she can barely finish rounds? This shocked me and even though I am a big fan of Michelle Wie, I think she needs to go to law school before she tries to become a Supreme Court Justice (terrible analogy but what can I say). I will leave you with a picture of the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.
