Golfer’s Gone Wild Recap; Women’s Golf Month

Well, the party has come and gone. As for the golfers? Clearly, they’ve gone wild. The third annual Golfers Gone Wild tournament was another huge success. With two shotguns going at 8am and 2pm, golfers had plenty of time to find their birdies, avoid the bogeys, and drink their suds. Or tequila. Don’t worry, they also bestowed the golfers with Bloody Marys for those needing an early morning “wake up” call.

They didn’t forget about you, beer lovers. The kegs were fully tapped on the short par 4, 15th. Players chose their suds, then chose their fate by trying to clear the water. Many tried, and many failed. Sure, there were groups who laid up, but where’s the fun in that?! Yes, the tees were up, but players still had to hit a great shot. If you haven’t been to Twin Oaks lately, you need to make your tee time now! The course is in great shape and they have moved the pro shop across the parking lot. The pro shop abuts the new grill, 2 Oaks Pub.

After making the turn, players were greeted on the par 3 10th with pink margaritas and a game called “Beat the Clock.” The fastest foursome to get their ball into the hole, won golf prizes and golf discounts. Some teams would tee off one at a time and race to the hole. Others would send four balls into the air at the same time. In my opinion, that’s the best strategy. But, wait! What about those pink margaritas?! The girls mixed them early and often and plenty of the players indulged.

Behind the pro shop, the beer garden was in full swing with The Damn Dirty Apes providing the sounds and Hooters providing the wings and suds. If you haven’t heard The Damn Dirty Apes before, drummer Chad LaShelle welcomes you to a taste. The perfect cover band for the perfect cover up of a bad round of golf. Famous Grouse doused you with their finest scotch and there was plenty of it. 

Cruising around the course, players found the Bloody Mary table on the par-3 7th, over the pond. Tees were put at 125 yards and Sean, from Reidy Creek, was shaking up some tasty drinks. If players wanted, they would have Sean hit a shot on the green for the team. It’s just a wedge for Sean, so odds were pretty good. If you missed it this year, make sure to get your foursome ready for next years scramble. You have a year to prepare. I have faith in you.

The month of May was a great month for local golf and was a month where Jason Dufner’s name came up in almost every conversation about golf. He won twice in the span of four weeks and almost completed the hat trick if it weren’t for Zach Johnson. And Johnson almost gave Dufner the Crown Plaza Invitational by forgetting to move his coin back to its original position on the 72nd  hole.  Johnson was in breach of Rule 20-7c (Playing From Wrong Place; Stroke Play). The penalty in stroke play is two strokes. Johnson was up by three strokes when he violated the rule. He made his putt for par but then had to change it to a six, holding on to a one stroke victory. Moreover, how did his caddy forget to remind him to move his coin back?! Imagine if Johnson had lost the tournament due to that violation. Johnson may have had to call in Donald Trump for the famous words, “You’re fired!”

June had always been a great month for golf. The U.S. Open always humbles the best players in the world and showcases 3-4″ rough. Driving accuracy and ball striking are always paramount in the U.S. Open and this year won’t be any different. June is also women’s month in golf. The entire month of June, JC Golf will be offering special programs to women of all ages hoping to attract more women to the game of golf. If golf needs anything, it needs more women players. Only 6% of adult women play golf. Trust me, the men miss them on the course. Especially the single men. If you’re a beginner or a veteran, come on out to the course and let our pros handle the rest. Make sure you follow JC Golf on twitter for all your upcoming specials.

We say goodbye to May gray and welcome June gloom. That also means the kiddos are out of school and summer golf camps are right around the corner. Click here for all the information on junior camps and junior golf specials.

“A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave.”-Jack Nicklaus

Hit ’em straight!

Eddie

Who’s The New Guy?

Are you a rookie?

We are all rookies at some point. In life, and in sports. That’s what makes this crazy game we call golf, so relatable to life. Everybody has to start somewhere. We have all whiffed at the ball. We all have whiffed in life. The dreaded shank has happened, and of course, the ubiquitous slice. That baby isn’t going anywhere. Why do you think there are so many PGA Golf Professionals?  They struggled with it once. Now it’s their turn to help you not hit that ugly, always frustrating, stupid slice.

Being a rookie is a good thing. You get to learn things about yourself and the game that you might not have learned otherwise. Every year, the PGA Tour grants tour cards to twenty-five competent and amenable players from the Nationwide Tour. You have a mixed bag of grizzled veterans trying to find their game again, and the precocious yet ferocious college star players. The PGA Tour Q-School also has a list of graduates whose canvases are yet to be painted. All waiting to tee it up, these guys are hoping and praying their dreams become reality. Here’s the reality of it: it’s really tough out there. In recent years, with the exception of Keegan Bradley and Rickie Fowler, most rookies have found water hazards, out-of-bounds stakes, and missed cuts.

Here are a few facts about the rookies on the PGA Tour 2012:

Total number of rookies: 26

Rookies age 22 & under: 5

Rookies age 20-29: 18

Rookies age 30-39: 7

Rookies age 40 & over: 1

Rookies with no PGA Tour experience: 8

Rookies with a PGA Tour win: 1(John Huh)

You may be wondering why I’m talking about rookies during the middle of the year. Well, golf has become so unpredictable this year. A lot of new names and faces are making their ways onto television screens and leader boards. I figured I’d keep you on your toes and be a little unpredictable myself. Jason Dufner and Hunter Mahan are the only multiple winners on tour this year. Yes, Tiger and Phil each had their early season win, but have been missing on leader boards and unseen during network coverage. We all know about Tiger’s struggles, but it is different not seeing Phillip around on weekends. This year on tour we have seen Kyle Stanley make a snowman on the 72nd hole of a tournament, lose in a playoff to beady-eyed Brandt Snedeker, then win the next week in Phoenix.

Again, unpredictable. Some even say, unbelievable.

Tiger dominated from 2000-2008. Today, we don’t really have a clear-cut “No. 1” player in the world. Explaining the Official World Golf Ranking system would be like Einstein explaining his thought process on general relativity. Donald and McIlroy have been going back and forth the past few weeks exchanging the top spot between them. But we don’t really know who the number one player in the world is at the moment. That’s the thing, it’s just a number. Now who’s the best player in the world? I’m open up for discussions on that one. Fields nowadays are so deep with talent, that anyone in the field can win. These guys are that good! And that’s what makes golf so attractive.

Sure, it was neat seeing Tiger dominate the sport the way he did. I don’t think we’ll see that again in golf for a very long time. But we will. We had Jack, then Arnie, and then Tiger. Will it be McIlroy? Only time will tell. I know, very cliché of me.

But I digress.

Rookies must spend their exemptions wisely. Depending on where they finished in Q-School or their order of merit on the Nationwide Tour money list, players must play well early and often to keep getting into tournaments. Just like beginning a new job, its good to make a few birdies before those bogies come in and you screw up those TPS reports.

If  you’re a rookie at golf and are a little afraid of all those ringers and “A” players in scrambles, I encourage you to step out of  your comfort zone and step onto the links. I promise you that you’ll feel every emotion known to man. And that’s just during the first nine holes. It just gets better from there, my friend. It’s summer all the time here in San Diego. Make your way down to your local JC golf course and let our PGA and assistant pros do all the work.

Remember, we were once rookies, too.

Hit ’em straight!

Eddie

Side note: If you’re out at Golfer’s Gone Wild at Twin Oaks this Friday, make sure to stop me and say hello. I’ll be the journalist-looking guy wearing all pink. WEAR YOUR PINK!!

2012 Boys CIF San Diego Section Championship

Boy, has it been hot in San Diego this week.

Ryan Burgess received the “hot” memo from the Weather Channel and ran with it. The stoic senior from Torrey Pines High won the San Diego sectional CIF Golf Championships, with an impressive two-day score of -6(134). He concluded his championship run with a -1(69) in tough windy conditions. Host course, Escondido Country Club, which boasts slippery fast greens and tough par threes, had the honor of challenging the youthful, yet cultivated talent of San Diego teenagers.

The CIF has a rich tradition of preparing young athletes to succeed in their respective sports for their future endeavors. While creating a competitive, yet fruitful environment, the CIF prides themselves in developing strong character and values to our much influenced teens of today. It seems teens everywhere follow the latest fads and trends of what’s cool and what’s not. Well, CIF is pretty cool.

With ten sections scattered all over California, student athletes don’t have to look far to get into the competitive nature. Whether your teen plays golf, baseball, basketball, volleyball, or even water polo, CIF has got you covered. And that’s just to name a few sports. A two-day event, starting Tuesday, with the final round concluding on Thursday, thirteen local schools set out to battle for team and individual honors. In much calmer conditions on Tuesday, players found the birdies much easier than on Thursday. Burgess led with his -5(65) followed by Ricky Desantis with a -4(66), Ben Doyle and Khalid Attieh both with a -3(67).

You may be thinking these are Nationwide Tour scores, but don’t forget, these are the local teens that you gawk at on the range when you’re at the local muni or country club. Yep, the same kids that look so young and innocent but could clean house in your weekend foursome money game. Those kids! Ah, to be young again right? I know, I share the same sentiment as you do. I’m glad you’re on my side.

First round pressure is never the same as final round pressure. For all you amateurs that play tournaments, you know what I’m talking about. Drives are easier and the hole looks like a basketball hoop. Come final round, bring some wind into the equation, players tense up and the hole looks like the size of a quarter. The mind reels after the first bogey drops. Doubt creeps into your head and if you’re not careful, confidence slides right by just like that 3-foot downhill missed par putt. Burgess had been here before and was ready for the challenge.

Burgess started his Thursday final round on number ten which isn’t the easiest par 4 to start your round on. A short, uphill, dogleg right, with water staring players right in the face. The miss is left but leaves a longer approach shot to the green. After a par on the hole, up next was the long and daunting 202 yard par 3. Pulling his tee shot left of the green and under a tree, he faced a tough up and down. Failing to make par, the kiddos chasing him began to lick their chops. With a bogey on the par 5 12th, Burgess started to show some nerves.

Settling down with pars on the next two holes, Burgess remembered how he got to the top of the leader board and reeled off three straight birdies. Funny how birdies help calm the nerves. The formula usually is birdies before bogeys. Golf has a funny and demented way of getting you back. Well, Burgess got even, remained focused and played solid heading into the clubhouse.

His challengers really never got enough mojo going and Burgess found the winners circle for the second time in just four weeks. Runner up Ben Doyle, from La Jolla High posted -1(69) for a two-day total of -4(136). Taking home the team title was Torrey Pines followed by Cathedral Catholic. Those teams will advance to the CIF Southern California Regional held at Brookside Country Club in Pasadena on May 31.

You have two weeks to prepare, kids. Two weeks. Consider yourselves apprised.

Hit ’em straight!

Eddie

The Golf Boys; Players Championship & Golfers Gone Wild

It very well could be the year of the “stache.” Or dudes exhibiting facial hair, for that matter. Johnson Wagner started it with his Magnum P.I. mustache for the ages. I think Tom Selleck himself felt threatened. But let’s be honest, no one will ever touch that mustache. But I digress. Rickie Fowler’s mustache, which I’m sure has been growing for at least a year, has finally come to life. All kidding aside, his game finally has come to fruition. I guess the Golf Boys gained some karma from the golf gods with their instant hit, “Oh Oh Oh.”

Since releasing their self-deprecating, unpretentious, but somewhat dignified single, the Golf Boys have won a combined five times since last summer. Yep, all four members of the group have won starting with Ben Crane winning the McGladry Classic last fall. Hunter Mahan followed suit being the only multiple winner on tour, taking down this years WGC Accenture Match Play Championship and the Shell Houston Open. We all know what happened at Augusta just a short month ago. Bubba makes it three out of four Golf Boys who occupied the winners circle.

Like everyone else in the golf world, the Golf Boys were waiting for one more member to make it a clean sweep. With one of the best non-major fields of the year, the Wells Fargo Championship produced yet another fantastic finish full of flamboyant and flashy youngsters with prodigious game. And yes, there was D.A. Points. The 35-year old dude sporting the Lego belt. I hope I’m not the only one who caught the irony in that.

In the end, Rickie’s wedge was better than Points’ and McIlroys’. He knocked in his four-footer for birdie and before he knew it, David Feherty was in his ear congratulating him on his first PGA Tour win. I could hear the collective cries of joy from the Golf Boys. Their sweep was complete and their bond intensified. Awaiting green side, were Fowler’s girlfriend Alexandra, and good friend, Ben Crane.

Friends are there for you. In victory and defeat. The unique thing about the Golf Boys, is the friendship they have formed in a sport that’s so individualistic. Who would think that four guys, who try to beat each other every week on tour, could form such a bond where they wait and cheer for each other at the end of tournaments? Well, that is what makes these four guys different. Not to mention, their strong Christian faith. Maybe Tiger Woods should take a page out of their book. But, that’s a whole different story. Don’t even get me started on that. That is a wild and slippery ride.

Speaking of wild and slippery rides, The Players starts tomorrow with plenty of story lines to gossip about. Pete Dye’s diabolical, and devious, yet brilliant design awaits the players with enough gall to challenge the pin on the island green of seventeen. Around the water coolers at work, I’m sure discussions conceived ideas of how many players will hit it in the water on 17 and which Tiger Woods might show up. Again, don’t get me started.

They say April showers bring May flowers. Well, Bubba reigned in April and Rickie is blooming in May. Can he continue the mojo and tangle TPC Sawgrass’s layout? Don’t be surprised if you see his flat-brimmed orange hat close to the lead come Sunday. The Players, for years, has been argued as being the “fifth major.” Well, the 39th installment of The Players won’t be any different. Yes, it boasts one of the strongest fields of the year, but still remains in the non major category. However, it does come with major money. This years purse of $9.5 million, is the richest on tour. Come get some!

Being rich in tradition, and only in its third year is the local event Golfers Gone Wild. Held at Twin Oaks, this annual event brings out the best and of course, worst of local golfers. And by worst, I mean awesome. Not lacking in entertainment, the event sponsored by Hooters, will showcase golfers following a little white ball around. Right after they finish their beer, of course. It’s open to any and all ladies and gentlemen who want to brave a round in the hot sun and quite possibly, soaked in beer suds. You will find most of your favorite local beer vendors tapping those kegs and pouring cups to the brim.

Registration is now open for the two shotguns(144 player fields) that will be going at 8am and 2pm, respectively.

Entry fee: $60/player. Event date: May 25th. Registration: Twin Oaks pro shop-760.591.4700. Players need to pay in advance to secure their spots. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT. I mean, with a title like Golfers Gone Wild, why wouldn’t you want to play? And to all my devoted readers, and non-devoted readers, I will be gracing you with my presence. So, come on out and meet your columnist.

If you’re lucky, you might just find your name in my next column.

Hit ’em straight!

Eddie

Fitness & Golf

If you asked Craig Stadler his thoughts on fitness he’d most likely laugh at you then proceed to chomp down on his rueben on rye and wash it down with a diet Pepsi. Now I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that. Stadler does have a green jacket hanging in his closet and has had a successful career. But that’s not my point.

My point is simple: fitness is paramount to the success and consistency of golfers.

Now I know Darren Clarke and his pints of Guinness might not necessarily agree with me, and he might have a good argument, but go with me on this one. Golf, as we all know, is all about consistency. That’s what every one of us struggles with. To be consistent in golf, one must be consistent with their body. To be consistent with their body, one must be consistent with fitness. Notice my consistency? Good.

Back in the ’60s and ’70s the players’ fitness routine consisted of, well, playing golf. You really didn’t see many guys or gals in the gym prior or post round. Except for maybe Gary Player. At age 76, Player, also known as Mr. Fitness, can still turn heads in the gym. Weight lifting, back then, was even considered taboo and detrimental to your golf swing. We now know that’s not the case. You’d think the guys on tour might catch onto Gary’s routine, but the post round brews and stogies were too necessary. While most guys were busy drinking beer and eating pizza, Player was lifting weights and lifting trophies.

From 1970-1978, Player won twelve times which included four majors. Talk about consistency! The guy produced results and permeated success. Maybe fitness actually was the cool thing to do. Being the benchmark for fitness, Player hoped future PGA players would catch on. And boy, did they catch on. From scrawny to quite brawny, Camillo Villegas is one specimen to be seen. A short hitter in college, Villegas knew he had to get stronger to compete with the big boys.

After college, Villegas had trimmed his body fat from 12% to 4.5% while adding 25 pounds of toned muscle. Along with the brawn came the success. Since turning pro in 2004, Villegas has amassed over $14 million in earnings and three victories. His fitness has helped him stay consistently near the top of the money list. Are you noticing a theme here? I knew you would.

The money list is the barometer of a golfers consistency and success. The two atop of that leader board are Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. I guess you can call Tiger the modern “Gary Player” of fitness. When Tiger first came onto the scene, he was a skinny kid with an abundance of talent. Those over-sized Nike polos drowned him like an eight year old trying on his dad’s clothes. Woods brought fitness back on the map. He hit it further than everyone. And was just better than everyone. He made fitness “cool” again and everyone wanted his biceps. Not to mention his game. But, hey, lets not get carried away.

PGA players and golfers everywhere took to Tiger’s physique and figured they’d better get into shape. The local munis filled up with dudes wearing chest-tight mock turtlenecks flexing their guns. The fitness phenomenon was in full effect. Now it has become a lifestyle. The fitness bandwagon everyone should jump on. Every time I check my Twitter feed, I’m seeing Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, and Zach Johnson posting pictures of themselves at the gym.

One of the best examples of how fitness turned his career around is Lee Westwood. Always a little overweight, Lee struggled to consistently compete with the top players in the world. He was successful in golf but needed that extra boost to become an elite player. In 2006, Lee joined up with Dr. Stephen J. McGregor to implement a fitness regimen. Fast forward to October 2010, Lee had overtaken Tiger as the number one player in the world. Results, baby. In those four years, Westwood lost six inches off his waist!. Six inches equal number one. Now that’s easy math.

If I have made you feel guilty about trading donuts for pushups, a local company can help you turn that formula around. Located in Carlsbad, SKLZ will whip you into shape and help take your game to the next level. Aiding you in drills for distance, strength, and flexibility, these fitness gurus take no prisoners.

Do yourself and your game a favor and find a fitness program that works for you. Get those endorphins flowing. Be contagious, be consistent.

Hit ’em straight!

Eddie