"Arnold Palmer wrestled with Cherry Hills for three rounds and then strangled it"

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Bill Fields files a must read feature on the late great Bob Drum for Golf World's Backspin issue. Naturally, I loved this story of a lede gone lost, all in the name of front page conformity:

Motivated to prove Drum wrong, Palmer drove the 346-yard par-4 first hole that had flummoxed him for three rounds and two-putted for an easy birdie. He birdied six of the first seven holes and shot 65 to emerge the winner.

"Drum came up with a real snappy lead, something like 'Arnold Palmer wrestled with Cherry Hills for three rounds and then strangled it,' " remembers Giffin, forced to tinker with the beginning of Drum's story after an editor decided it needed a few more facts if it was going to run on the paper's front page. Moreover, on the biggest story Drum would ever write about Palmer, his byline was inadvertently left off.

DENVER, June 18 --Arnold Palmer, who had wrestled with the Cherry Hills golf course for three rounds, caught it in a stranglehold on the final 18 today and pulled off one of the most unbelievable victories in National Open history.

Drum soon made an important point.

The sensational victory moved him over the second hurdle in his bid for present-day golf's Grand Slam.

There's also a nice web exclusive video worth watching...

 

 

Sources: Tag Heuer Not Yet Developing Dual Watch/Buddhist Bracelet

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I'm sure Leno, Letterman and everyone else will have fun with the cutaway shot of Tiger's new Buddhist bracelet (he swears it will never come off). Naturally, the cynic in me smells a possible first Golf Digest instruction tip: "How I Gained 10 mph of Clubhead Speed With a Rubber Band-Like Thing On My Wrist."
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Q: "How did you lose control of the car?" A: "That's between Elin and myself."

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My first reaction to the interviews is that Tiger was well prepared, but the above exchange with Tom Rinaldi was the the lone blunder.

Your thoughts on the interviews? Oh and would love to hear what you thought of the Golf Channel post game coverage as well. I have my thoughts, but I first have to go scrub this pesky sap off my hands.

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More On Masters 3D...

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...from a Sony release:

Sony Electronics will support the effort not only as a sponsor of the 3D telecast, but also as an industry expert, along with supplying the latest advances in professional camera equipment and its 3D-capable televisions. Comcast will join in the production by providing the distribution channels necessary to deliver the content free to households throughout the United States. Additionally, Comcast and IBM, the Tournament’s technology partner, will combine efforts to offer the 3D feed via www.masters.com.
 
Two hours of live afternoon 3D coverage will be available each day beginning during Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest on April 7 and continuing throughout the four Tournament rounds, Thursday, April 8 – Sunday, April 11.

First Faxon Reviews Are In...

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Herre: I think Brad Faxon is a nice upgrade for NBC. He isn't bashful and was dissecting the shots before Johnny had a chance to open his mouth.

Dusek: Anyone who gets between Johnny Miller and a microphone is a friend of mine.

Van Sickle: I disagree. Johnny is still better than anybody else out there. I'm in favor of Faxon jumping in instead of Dan Hicks anytime, though.

Evans: Johnny Miller is the best golf analyst in the world. Period. Not always likeable but he's very good.

Gorant: I thought Faxon was a little shaky, shouting for putts to go in and talking over other people on a lot of putts. Most can be chocked up to rookie mistakes. Sure he'll get better.

Van Sickle: Definitely some nerves. I loved it when he signed off before a break by saying, "Hurry up and get back here to see what's going to happen..." or something like that. Like we were the ones going away. He'll polish his delivery through experience. He delivers a lot of knowledge and unlike the rest of the NBC crew, isn't afraid to offer an opinion before Johnny weighs in.

Shipnuck: No question Fax is an upgrade. Love his insidery knowledge. Now all he needs is a voice coach to lose that nasally accent.

Herre: No way — he's a proud New Englander.



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