Masters Extending Its Brand To Streets Of Pattaya Beach

Doug Ferguson reports on the captivating news that Liang Wen-Chong of China, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Jeev Milka Singh of India are extending the Masters brand. Do I smell a knickname for the Masters chairman? A counterpart to The Brand Lady?

"These three individuals are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation," Payne said. "This is also another component in our objective of growing the game of golf worldwide utilizing the Masters brand. We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters."

“One thing I just don’t think we got right was the first cut of the primary rough"

Thanks to reader ken-one-putt for catching this on Torrey Pines in Brian Hewitt's recent notes column:

What people won’t readily see on television, but the players will learn, is the firmness Davis means to insure for June. “The greens typically run from 9 ½ to 10 ½ (on the Stimpmeter),” Davis said. “My guess is we’ll be closer to 13. That’s a speed those greens have never been at before.”
 
For the Buick Invitational, Torrey Pines South will play 7,568 yards to a par of 72. That yardage will be roughly the same for the U.S. Open but the USGA has converted the par-5 sixth to a long par 4 which will make for an 18-hole par of 71.
 
“That hole had no sexiness as a par 5,” Davis said of No. 6.
 
The 18th hole, a relatively short par 5, will remain a par 5 despite a lively debate among USGA officials. Course architect Rees Jones, who did the re-design at Torrey Pines, wanted No. 18 converted to a par 4. Davis wanted a par 5 so he could manipulate the tee box lengths on a daily basis to account for weather conditions and challenge the medium-to-long hitters to go for the green in two all four days.

And this was very interesting because A) I wonder how many times he fell asleep watching and (B) his statement about the first cut being too severe is so refreshing from a USGA official:

One of the things Davis did during the holidays was break out the tapes and watch every minute of all four days of the television broadcasts of last year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont.
 
“One thing I just don’t think we got right was the first cut of the primary rough,” he said. “It was just too penal.”
 
That will change at Torrey Pines. The winning score at each of the last two U.S. Opens was 5 over par. Davis told me he has no problem if 10 under is the winning score in June.

Oh but Rees will! 

"You can't grow an avid golfer in a quarter"

A couple of interesting columns have rolled in from the PGA Show and focusing on the rosy economic picture recently painted by some of the game's leaders.

Thanks to reader John for John Paul Newport's look, which included this:

So why the undercurrent of pessimism about the golf industry? Joe Steranka, chief executive of the PGA of America, which sponsors the show, suggests that the industry's outlook became a bit skewed starting in the 1990s. Many well-known golf businesses were gobbled up by investor-owned companies, which focused on short-term earnings.

"You can't grow an avid golfer in a quarter," he said. "For a while there, I think some in the industry lost sight of what the game needed for its long-term good."

And...

The possible looming recession may have only a minor effect on golf, argues Mr. King at TaylorMade. For one thing, more and more baby boomers are entering their prime golf-playing years. "The fact is that when people can't afford bigger vacations or fancier cars, they still make smaller purchases for recreation," he said. "Sometimes it means they even play more golf than they did when times were better."

Brad Klein at Golfweek wasn't quite so keen on the numbers presented...

Macro-economic studies like this serve a useful industry function in that they help generate public attention and set the stage for legislative lobbying efforts and behind-the-scenes policy bargaining. That’s precisely one purpose of this report. It will certainly be part of a widespread golf industry show and tell effort in Washington on April 16, National Golf Day. Similar, state-by-state studies have also been completed for Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Virginia. They can help steer public policy toward pro-golf, pro-tourism efforts, and they can be powerful tools for impressing legislators and policy-makers when it comes time to decide upon water allocation, land use, tax rates and zoning provisions.  

This was interesting and a point I haven't seen written about before:

Perhaps the biggest issue facing the golf industry, which went unmentioned in the report or in the news conference accompanying its release, is the vast dependence of maintenance crews and clubhouse operations on immigrant labor for staffing. If the golf industry can effectively lobby for immigration reform to assure a steady supply of legal workers, that would be a major legislative achievement.

And it's hard to disagree with this:

But some of the numbers here in this report seem inflated, with suspect counting rules that create an unduly rosy picture. For example, the $28 billion in golf-facility operations includes weddings, banquets and all food and beverage operations. Why all of this should be attributed to golf is a legitimate question, because folks would be having meals and banquets somewhere, and it’s not as if golf created that expenditure.

More questionable is the exaggerated activity attributed to real estate: $14.97 billion in 2005, accounted in terms of 63,840 homes constructed at a cost of $11.6 billion ($181,704 apiece, plus 28 percent premium of additional value ($50,877 per home), which the report explains as “the amount a buyer is willing to pay for a home or property located on a golf course or within a golf course community.”

But why does golf get credit for all of those homes? Only 20 percent to 25 percent of homeowners at golf communities buy there for the game and play golf at the facility;

Greetings From San Diego, Vol. 1

Arrived today at Torrey Pines where a light, cool drizzle gave way to a beautiful afternoon so that pro-am number nine could finish in all their glory. I walked the back nine, and because it's so bloody cold you can't go outside and have nothing better to do, some food for consideration...

The good...

The U.S. Open hosting South Course is in fine condition. The greens look especially good considering the beating they are taking with all of the Pro-Am play. The rough is benign for the most part, and the fairway widths generous by today's standards (24-31 yards for the holes I paced off, most were 28 on the number...). In other words, expect a fun tournament with some decent scoring and excitement.

The really good...

Tree removal. Lots of it and plenty of trimming too. It's no coincidence that one Tour official told me this is the best he's seen the course in nine years. There are several stunning views that have been opened up, and the Torrey pine's are actually the predominant tree. Considering this is the only place in the world you can see them in abundance, it's a nice touch.

Also, the reworked 18th fairway landing area is much better. It's a generous 31 yards and very inviting for guys to hit driver, which will encourage many to go for the green in two.  I hope it stays close to this configuration for the Open.

The really, really good...

The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Other than the poor soul who has to dress up like a Scottish bagpiper to greet front door guests, the place is stunning in every respect. If you love Greene and Greene craftsman architecture, the replication of their details makes it a modern day architectural marvel. Especially compared to...  

The bad...

The lack of any intelligent purpose to the holes other than hitting it high and straight is beyond belief. It's just a shame considering how much potential there was to embrace the canyons and take advantage of the nice natural ground. Prior to the renovation there were several hole locations that rewarded drives placed on certain sides of the fairways. I don't see that in the current South course.

The ugly...

The shaping. Not only are the bunkers soulless, the tie-in work around the greens is awkward and abrupt. It also appears that poor topsoil was used to elevate the greens because many approaches are thin.

All in all the place is at least feeling like a U.S. Open venue. The scale is grand and the views lovely. And yet it could be so much more interesting strategically, particularly in utilizing the natural features.

Images to follow... 

Bob Hope Photo Caption Fun

Courtesy of GolfDigest.com's weekend photo slideshow...what's Jim Weathers whispering in Long John's ear?

 

Commissioner's Blog Debuts, Insomniacs Around The World Rejoice

As reported here last month, it's here and as devoid of interesting content as you might expect. Thanks to all of the readers who sent this link in with such enthusiasm.

"Let him get barbecued."

Jim Thorpe on Kelly Tilghman and the Golfweek noose cover:

"We know there was no racist intent. It was just a bad choice of words,'' he said. "But the guy from Golfweek? Let him get barbecued. That's just a major mistake on his part.''

Just a suggestion to the Golfweek staff: I would not put an image of Jim Thorpe barbecuing Dave Seanor on this week's cover. Just my advice.  

PGA Show Ecclectic

Gary Van Sickle returns from the PGA Show with a succinct overview of the more offbeat and obscure new things in golf gear.

Golfweek Considering Sensitivity Training...For Bad Cover Design**

I wonder how those different fonts of SORRY looked on the preview boards? Jerry Potter reports:

Jeff Babineau, newly appointed editor of Golfweek magazine, has a simple task this week.

"We're going to say we're sorry," said Babineau, appointed editor of the magazine Friday. "We know we've offended a lot of people. We want to apologize."

And...

Babineau sidestepped comment when asked Sunday if the magazine's advertisers threatened to cancel advertising.

"That's not my side (of the magazine)," he said.

Here's a newsflash from the city:

Babineau said Golfweek would continue to cover the Tour, adding it would not "shy away" from controversy. However, he added the magazine would have to do better work to regain the public's trust.

And this is disturbing considering that this cover was Seanor's idea and he ran with it:

He said management was studying the issue of diversity and sensitivity training for his staff.

Update on 2008-01-21 14:56 by Geoff

**As reader ??? noted below, Babineau said this to Richard Sandomir:

Babineau said he had not heard of any advertisers threatening to pull out because of the cover. “I’ve spent the day talking to advertisers, telling them we want to get things right,” he said. “I didn’t experience any strong anger. We have a publication with a 30-year body of work we’re proud of and we hope we’re not judged by one day. Advertisers here for a long time know that; we’re respected within the golf community.”

And then to Potter in the story linked above:

Babineau sidestepped comment when asked Sunday if the magazine's advertisers threatened to cancel advertising.

"That's not my side (of the magazine)," he said.

Trahan Wins Hope; Hundreds Witness It

So much for easy freeway access and boatloads of parking translating to gallery participation...Mark Lamport-Stokes reports on D.J. Trahan's win, but I've yet to see an attendance number published.

"I'm hitting it further with less clubhead speed."

Golf Channel did a nice segment during final round Bob Hope coverage where they asked Kenny Perry about changes he's seen during his long and successful career. Here's the text and the video for those who would like to insist the guys are just working out more!

I have seen a lot of changes. I led the tour I guess in '91 in driving distance, I averaged 291. And now Bubba's hitting it 350-360-whatever. It's funny, the clubhead speed I had, I had probably 4-5 mph hour less now clubhead speed I know for sure  than I did in 91. and actually I'm averaging 300, 299, so I'm hitting it further with less clubhead speed. So it tells me between golf ball technology, clubhead, driver, shafts, total package, we've got higher launch less spin on the golf ball, so the golf all just goes a long way now.

Daly Withdraws, Bolstering Frivolous Lawsuit Claims**

Is it me or does that chronic pain specialist dude Jim Weathers actually look like Ian Poulter after a whole bunch of steroid injections? (Thanks htt for the image.)

Anyway, Mark Lamport-Stokes reports on the latest John Daly drama, this time at the Hope:

"It killed me today. I had a guy here with me and he popped it back in five times."

Daly's rib injury dates back to the Honda Classic last March when he was disturbed on his back swing by a spectator trying to take a photograph.

"A woman took a picture and I came down and separated my shoulder and fractured my rib," the 1995 British Open champion said. "I tried to play through it all last year and had to withdraw from tournaments because it kept popping out.

Speaking of that, Craig Dolch files a devastating blog post regarding Long John's potential lawsuit against the Honda Classic over his injury:

Why would John sue a tournament where most of the profits go to a children’s charity run in part by the Jack Nicklaus family?

One look at Daly’s golf bag may show why: There are no logos of an equipment company on his bag. Daly, who has the talent and the charisma to be one of the high-paid endorsees on the PGA Tour, is once again without a company.

So maybe that’s why he’s willing to gamble by possibly suing a tournament that gave him a sponsor exemption — Daly actually has asked for another sponsor exemption from Honda for this year!

Honda Classic tournament director Ken Kennerly has tried to remain low-key, saying he can’t comment on a lawsuit that hasn’t been filed. But when the Golf Channel reported last week that Daly has decided to file the lawsuit, other tournament directors took notice.

One, who didn’t want his name used, said as much as a draw Daly is with fans, there’s a limit to what you will put up with. “If I give him a sponsor exemption,” the director said, “should I make him sign a contract where he agrees not to sue me?”

Update on 2008-01-20 05:22 by Geoff

**From Thomas Bonk's story on the withdrawal:

Daly has been a regular this week at the Hope's tournament parties. He attended two more tournament parties Friday night, including an after-party, and told one local reporter to ignore the fact that he was drinking. At the first party, Daly sang "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" in a duet with Alice Cooper. Eyewitnesses said Daly was helped out of the after-party by an unidentified man.

Let The Grand Slam Columns Begin!

John Huggan talks to Hank Haney about the state of Tiger's swing as the march toward what everyone seems to think is his best shot at a Grand Slam year, all beginning this coming week at Torrey Pines.

"Tiger is so good that he can find a way to win even when he's uncomfortable with his swing," continues the Dallas-based coach. "But he kept getting more and more comfortable with each new move we added and gained more command, which led to confidence to trust without worrying about the bad shot. He's been at that point in practice rounds for a while now, but it's a whole other mental challenge under the gun."

"No, not unless somebody hits me."

More for the Boo Weekley files. Following round 3 at the Hope:

JOAN vT ALEXANDER: Could you just to start out, could you just go through your card on your birdies.
BOO WEEKLEY: I think I birdied, well, I birdied 1, then I birdied 2.
JOAN vT ALEXANDER: But what did you do?
BOO WEEKLEY: Oh, really I don't even know. I don't remember all the holes.
JOAN vT ALEXANDER: Forget it.
BOO WEEKLEY: I'm sorry.
JOAN vT ALEXANDER: That's all right. That's all right.

And this beautiful exchange: 

Q. How do you like this weather compared with Scotland?
BOO WEEKLEY: Compared to who?

Q. Scotland. You were in Scotland in July. Remember?
BOO WEEKLEY: Oh, yes, sir. It's all right. It's a little too dry out here for me. I'm waking up in the morning time early in the morning and nose bleeding and stuff, I'm a little chaffed, you know, I mean I got a rash and it's just a little dry for me. I like it a little more humidity.

Q. Your nose bleeds in the morning?
BOO WEEKLEY: Yes, sir.

Q. Only here?
BOO WEEKLEY: Well, I mean, yes, I mean it's just dry. I'm not used to this dryness.

Q. It doesn't bleed back home.
BOO WEEKLEY: No, not unless somebody hits me.
(Laughter.)

Tilghman Should Take Another Week Off

There has been no official word that Kelly Tilghman is returning to the Golf Channel booth for next week's Buick, but given the amount of press coverage that will be devoted to Tiger and Phil's first official event and Dave Seanor firing, it would be wise if Golf Channel gave her another week off.

The consensus in the Hope press center was that she's a good person who did not have any ill-intent, but if she were to come back next week it'll be a circus. A quiet return at Pebble Beach or Phoenix or Riviera would be the wiser strategy.