Odd Thoughts and Bon Bons

Having just moved from the Monterey Peninsula to the Sonora mountain region of California, I am making the heat adjustment from mid 50’s to mid 80’s. Lost two pounds already. But, there are some interesting golf courses up here included the really wonderful Phoenix Lake Golf Course, which has been renovated over the last 8 years by Tom Parkhurst.

“This place is a golf course, to come out, have some fun, bang it around. I am not here to be a cop, with the hurry up and keep up attitude. Come as you are, play some golf, have a beer, and know that we are glad to see you.” Tom is old school all the way. He greets every person in person and by name. He ribs them, encourages them, and if you need a tip, the putting green is just in front of his pro shop.

In visiting Mountain Springs earlier this week, I was struck by the HUGE sign in front of the pro shop, DRESS CODE STRICTLY ENFORCED, and thought back to Tom’s laid back style. The course was virtually empty, and I couldn’t help but think, “yeah, but at least that dress code is enforced.” This is one tough course, and I don’t mean that in a good way. It is a Robert Muir design, and I had more than a half dozen shots which I hit perfectly only to be punished by the mounds of the fairway, or the impossible baked greens which wouldn’t hold a shot. I don’t understand the idea of 190 yard carries from the whites to stay out of trouble. Some of us ol’ guys just might not have that much uphill carry.

Out in the marketing arena, the little companies are having a tough time. As I previously reported, the Golf Channel has raised their rates for infomercials and more than a few companies are opting out of that means to reach their audience.

And did you happen to notice (you probably haven’t yet, but you will) that NICKENT Golf has introduced a new square driver with a very much improved face (with real bulge and roll) which is retailing for $199.00. That should give the “big guns” something to think about.

Another cool product that has come out in a big way might finally stick in the putter grip category. The Super Stroke Grip is an over sized grip that anyone can install, since grip tape is not needed. You can install it with the flat surface in any direction you wish, and the rest of the grip is large, rounded and dimpled. When you find the fit you like, you tighten up the lock screws and bingo, it is USGA conforming.

Of course, the big news is Phil moving over to work with Butch Harmon. According to an insider, Butch only took Phil on, when he was convinced that “Phil would listen.” The way his driver swing looks this week at the Players, so far, so good.

Tiger Woods, my fav still looks out of sorts, almost disinterested. I just wonder if the pregnancy of his lovely wife isn’t wearing on him ways we don’t know about…like a difficult one or something. Or maybe the nursery isn’t ready yet, but he just is making poor swings, poor decisions that are so uncharacteristic, it makes me wonder. And boy, was he snippy about comment by Rory Sabatini! And what was Sabatini thinking even getting suckered by the press to make a comment!

Anyway, enjoy the FINAL AT THE PLAYERS!