NGF's Updated COVID-19 Survey: 44% Of U.S. Courses Open, Older Golfers Support Play Restrictions

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The National Golf Foundation has updated its COVID-19 survey page for the week of April 6-12, 2020.

Since the various graphs and data pieces posted cannot be hyperlinked, I’ve grabbed a couple of note.

For starters, it’s an older demographic that is okay with golf courses closing to play during the pandemic.

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The south is home to most golf course openings:

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While Augusta National Is Still On Our Minds...

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Why not go back into the past and do a little reading?

If 2020 means a lost spring Masters and a longshot November playing, maybe the year can at least offer time to reflect on the incredible creation by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie.

So if you want to learn more about the design origins, with some colorized images to bring the original more to life, MacKenziephile Josh Pettit has several excellent original MacKenzie writings and plans at his site posted.

For those interested in the original Par 3 course concept, where it sat on the grounds and Dr. MacKenzie’s vision, Pettit has also detailed all of that and more on this page.

PGA Tour's Planned Mid-June Return Is Looking Wildly Optimistic

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We can all understand why the PGA Tour has tried to salvage the season, but sharing it publicly on a day well over a 1000 Americans died seemed, well, bizarre if not just, plain, tone deaf. Golf’s other families went along for urgent schedule news that a week later looks premature in both the optics and common sense departments.

Jubilation has followed, and even delusional cases have been made as to how a golf tournament essentially runs itself (“Players can enforce the rules (hell, that's part of the game) so no need for rules officials”). Only has reality set in over at Golf.com where this week’s Confidential questioned the premature announcement timing.

Subsequent reports say the PGA Tour is aware mid-May is out and are targeting June 11-14 for a return at the Charles Schwab Challenge, aka the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.

A state where Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered travelers from cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Miami) and states (California, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington) to be quarantined for 14 days upon entering the Lone Star state.

Everyone certainly hopes that changes because the virus slows, but given the low testing rate in Texas, it’s not clear yet if the state has kept the virus at bay. And in golf’s case, how many players from those areas or other areas added to the Governor’s order would be willing to quarantine for two weeks prior?

The second event back is expected to be Detroit’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. That’s in Michigan, where death tolls are high, the stories heartbreaking, and all signs say there is a long way to go before any crowd will be lawfully, willfully or joyously gathering.

The third planned event is the Travelers Championship in Middlesex, Connecticut where the county home to TPC River Highlands has been less hard hit. However, the rest of the state is facing an uphill climb returning to normalcy anytime soon.

And The Memorial, reportedly penciled into the cancelled Open Championship’s date, is played in Ohio where Governor Mike DeWine has been aggressive in taking measures while warning that testing is imperative to any return to normalcy.

Morning Read’s John Hawkins points out how the push to play the “playoffs” as up to twenty events are lost, may make the situation worse.

That neighborhood, by the way, is roughly the size of a driving range. Not nearly as large as the consequences of prematurely rebooting a schedule likely to lose 40 percent of its original bulk. At least 20 events are almost certain not to be held, which makes the decision to try and salvage the FedEx Cup playoffs a pathetic submission to the Tour’s money-grubbing sensibilities.

If that were not sobering enough, SI’s Stephanie Apstein talked to leading epidemiologists about the prospect of sports returning with or without fans and the conclusion is: not soon:

"We will not have sporting events with fans until we have a vaccine," says Zach Binney, a PhD in epidemiology who wrote his dissertation on injuries in the NFL and now teaches at Emory. Barring a medical miracle, the process of developing and widely distributing a vaccine is likely to take 12 to 18 months.

Again, it’s understandable to plan, but veering into the land of absurd to keep touting events to be played in matter of weeks, and in some of the nation’s most uncertain and hardest hit regions.

McGinley: Playing Rescheduled Tournaments Dates Is Unlikely

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Longtime player, broadcaster, winning Ryder Cup captain and European Tour board director Paul McGinley took to SkySports.com to prepare us for the worst. The newly rescheduled fall 2020 majors and PGA Tour events look unlikely.

I continue to try to be positive but, deep down, most of us would probably agree it is unlikely.

The R&A has probably done the shrewdest thing and cancelled The 149th Open until July 2021, but what of the other majors and the Ryder Cup?

The very early talks on the lifting of lockdown are revealing some of the realities we are likely to face. Government regulations are expected to continue to restrict and monitor large gatherings of people as we come out. Strict social distancing guidelines are likely to endure for a while yet.

As we begin to become accustomed to our own new rules of social engagement, many are likely to continue to be reticent to gather in large groups at least in the short term. With this in mind, it seems probable then that the playing of any big sporting event will, if and when played, be either behind closed doors, or even where players and those involved will have been quarantined and tested before play commences.

McGinley also appears to be sending a signal to players: the European Tour is going to adapt, and so will your expectations for purse growth whenever play resumes.

These are unique times. The world is likely to be a changed place when we come through this pandemic and if sport has to reinvent itself in the short term let us all prepare to embrace that for what it is. The financial models that all sports are based on can readjust.

Golf Emergency Relief: PGA Of America Adds $5 Million And Matching Funds

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Will Gray of GolfChannel.com reports on the PGA of America joining the USGA in giving back during the COVID-19 pandemic, also in the form of a relief fund. Augusta National previously gave $2 million to help health care operations in Georgia.

The PGA of America has put up an impressive $5 million, while also pledging another $2.5 in matching funds from third parties. From the story:

Those funds are the product of voluntary salary reductions from "every member of the executive leadership team" as well as personal donations from members of the board of directors.

"The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away," said PGA president Suzy Whaley. "We have to ensure that the heart and soul of our game - our people - are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road. Eventually, golf will return, but first we need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency."

Gray says the fund will have a third party operator and that applicants could come from “a wide swath of the golf industry, ranging from PGA of America professionals to caddies, superintendents, golf course owners and developmental tour players.”

Here is the link to apply for relief.

Roundup: Tiger Wins The 2019 Masters, Again!

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Tiger Woods captured his fifth green jacket as heroically as one can on tape delay a year later.

If you did not watch, you missed a super show (again) punctuated by the occasional chats between Woods and CBS’s Jim Nantz. Early on the conversation was a bit stilted but as both grew comfortable with the format, so as the action picked up on the back nine, Woods opened up in fascinating ways and Nantz asked all of the right questions.

Check out CBS golf’s Twitter account for all of them.

But a couple stood out. This with Tiger taking us through the 12th hole moment was very strong.

This about his hole-in-one career numbers has been mentioned to golf writers but never to a national audience.

Finally, a solid five minutes on the scene after sealing the victory with the Green Jacket now on.

The Masters website posted some images both on their site (larger here) and on Twitter of the Champions Locker Room Sunday night…2019. There is Tiger getting his jacket fitted and tightened up by an unidentified man (though I do see part of Sid Mashburn’s profile on the left).

And for most, the greatest image of all is Phil Mickelson’s note taped to Tiger’s locker.

A close up look at the trophy engraving, another first I believe:

https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1249472906209439744?s=20

The final round was uploaded to YouTube today:

Steve DiMeglio gets caddie Joe LaCava’s thoughts a year later.

This Sam Frommer oral history from published quotes at the Masters2020 blog is a nice compilation.

Yardbarker’s roundup of social media posts during the replay features a solid mix, including some big names.

Alan Bastable at Golf.com wrote about David Dobbins, a 60-year-old U.S. Army contractor with a flight school in Augusta who also has an ability to capture images. The shots show what we miss not having a blimp over Augusta National during the Masters. Something that stood out during the final round when a blimp shot replay of Francesco Molinari’s clipping the tree at 15 and hitting the pond would have come in handy, among other shots.

Finally, Tiger posted a makeshift Magnolia Lane in lieu of the chance to drive up the real one today.

R.I.P. Doug Sanders

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I’ll never forget watching Doug Sanders eat a cheeseburger.

The spot was LA’s Apple Pan, a small counter institution just down the street from Rancho Park where Sanders was playing in a Senior Tour event. And there he was after Saturday’s second round in a soft pink, almost mauve ensemble as only you’d expect from modern golf’s most colorful dresser.

Anyhow, it was a joy to watch him play in his later years, to see the outfits and ponder what might have been had it not been for Jack Nicklaus beating him in two Opens.

Doug Ferguson’s AP obituary of the 20-time PGA Tour winner gracefully leaves out a direct mention of the 1970 Open and focuses on Saunders legacy as one of the games’ most colorful players.

Guy Yocom’s My Shot with Sanders for Golf Digest.

Tim Southwell talked to Sanders for 30 minutes and covers everything from the Rat Pack days to his storage of his clothes in various places and even a pair of gloves worn by astronauts who walked on the moon. []

The 1970 Open Highlight film. The Trevino view here says it all.

This 1970 Open telecast portion was posted on YouTube. Featuring the last two holes and playoff highlights, note the announcer calling him out and how much trouble Sanders has pulling the trigger at the Road hole. The faux structure and faux rough lining the hole today are not there either.

An underrated golf swing slowed down, Sanders used a wide stance, had some backswing lag and then ended it abruptly, rare for such a takeway style. But effective!

Doug Sanders- they say he could swing in a phone booth because of his short swing. He may have had the widest swing in golf when you view the footage up clos...

USGA Launches $5 Million Relief Fund for Allied State and Regional Golf Associations 

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One of the more significant gestures to date by a leading golf organizations. For Immediate Release:

USGA Launches $5M Relief Fund for Allied State and Regional Golf Associations 

Funds will benefit AGAs whose operations, finances have been significantly impacted by COVID-19

 LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (April 10, 2020) – To continue to serve the game of golf at the grassroots level and provide immediate financial support to golf communities in need, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has established an emergency relief fund for its 59 Allied Golf Association (AGA) members with an investment of up to $5 million. 

The funding will come in the form of grants to help ensure business continuity and staffing levels during this time of hardship. Individual AGAs may apply for up to $100,000; additional financial assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The application process will begin on Monday, April 13 and continue through the summer as needed. The USGA is committed to providing additional funding should the business disruption be prolonged. 

“These golf associations are the backbone of the recreational and competitive golf communities at the local, state and regional level,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “They play a vital role not only in delivering the USGA’s core services, but also in engaging millions of golfers across the country at the local level. This support will help enable the game to make a strong return once it’s safe to do so.”

AGAs operate in all 50 states and function as mission-driven nonprofit organizations. They conduct events that welcome and connect juniors, women and players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; educate countless golf professionals, officials and players; advocate for golf courses; and provide affordable opportunities to play. 

The USGA partners with its network of AGAs to deliver key golf resources and programs at the regional level, including conducting more than 600 qualifiers for 14 USGA Open and amateur championships and providing Rules education. AGAs also serve as the only golf associations authorized by the USGA to offer a Handicap Index to golfers, and support USGA initiatives to grow and sustain the game.

Many of these golf associations are experiencing temporary hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic as golf events are postponed and member golfers, abiding by governmental and health directives, are staying off the course during the crucial spring season. 

The USGA has previously provided direct financial assistance to its AGA partners during times of need, most recently in support of relief efforts following Hurricane Maria in 2017.   

To find and support your local AGA, visit usga.org.

The Shack Show Episode 3 With Guest Ben Crenshaw

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Twenty five years ago Ben Crenshaw captured his second Masters.

We discussed that week and a range of other Masters topics, and we zeroed in on the wondrous par-5 13th’s ingenious details. I have plenty of show notes below, so here is the show thanks to iHeart with a special shoutout to producer Tim Parotchka for turning around the first week of shows within hours of recording.

Here is the iHeart embed below, the Apple podcasts link and of course, a subscribe on your favorite podcast platform will auto download the Shack Show.

Show Notes:

The 1984 Masters final round.

Ben playing the 13th hole in 1984:

The 1995 Masters final round broadcast.

Ben playing the 13th hole in 1995 starting with the tee shot:

Alan Shipnuck’s Golf.com story on watching the 1995 Masters recently with the Crenshaws.

Pages from A Feel For The Game discussing his final round shirt by Jeff Rose featuring Bobby Jones images.

Abebooks results for A Feel For The Game. ABEBooks is also featuring many independent booksellers offering new and used books.

Scott Sayers and Ed Clements interviewed Carl Jackson this week.

Ben Hogan hitting a shot into the 13th at Augusta National.

Here are Ben and I discussing the 13th in 2018 for a Golf Channel feature.

Preview: Tiger And Phil As Part Of This Weekend's Masters Replays

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A live Masters is impossible to replace, but at least CBS is trying to inject some fun into this weekend’s replays.

Hearing more of Jim Nantz’s comments (this time to CBSSports.com’s Kyle Porter), I do wonder why we don’t have more of this type of “director’s cut” insight for all majors and for posterity?

"[They're able to translate what they're thinking on a relatable level] even more than I even appreciated," Nantz said of his conversations with Mickelson and Woods. "I'm around them all the time. I'm at dinner with Nick Faldo or members of our CBS broadcast crew through all the years, and you hear things and think, 'Man!' The insight, the minute little details they factor in, it's amazing. You're going to hear that with both of them. The high level of detail that goes into every situation, including how they practice for certain shots for the Masters alone."

Saturday features Mickelson’s breakthrough 2004 win, followed by Sunday’s replay of the 2019 final round with Tiger Woods injecting previews. Previews below:

Notah Begay Worrying About Way More Than A Postponed Golf Season

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Tod Leonard on the upsetting revelation from Notah Begay on a Golf Channel conference call Thursday to discuss what would have been in Augusta this week. A Navajo/Pueblo Indian, Begay reported that COVID-19 is wreaking havoc in the Native American community as well, even in New Mexico, a state rarely mentioned as under attack from the virus.

From Leonard’s GolfDigest.com report:

Begay said 75 percent of his relatives live on the reservation. “I’m going to lose some family members; I’m quite certain of it,” he said.

“To these rural areas of this nation … they have zero internet access; they don’t have mobile phone reception; a lot of times they don’t know what’s going on,” Begay said.

"PGA Tour, other tours should take cue from Olympics"

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One of the more lucid reads in a while on golf tournaments, postponements and the big picture comes from Morning Read’s Dave Seanor. He highlights both the tough-but-necessary call by the IOC to postpone the Olympics, as well as the reasoned stance of the International Golf Federation head Antony Scanlon.

As it turns out, the IOC was ahead of the curve. In the ensuing weeks, only the R&A has taken similar forward-thinking action by postponing the 149th British Open until July 2021. The PGA of America, U.S. Golf Association and PGA Tour continue to operate under the wishful thinking that the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and various Tour events can be played in 2021. Ditto for Augusta National Golf Club, which holds out hope that a November date for the Masters will be doable. (It’s noteworthy that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, unlike his counterparts in California and New York, resisted early shelter-in-place directives and recently displayed a commerce-over-citizens’-health predilection by opening his state’s beaches against the wishes of local governments.)

The IOC, of course, had to consider the needs of many more sports than golf. While it may have dilly-dallied for several weeks, it ultimately concluded that a piecemeal attempt to salvage Tokyo 2020 would have been futile. International sports federations welcomed the schedule clarity, but the IGF still finds itself at the mercy of various pro tours hoping to rescue some portion of their 2020 seasons.

“Now that we know the new dates, we will work to finalize the qualification system for the Tokyo Games and adapt all our operational plans accordingly,” Scanlon said.

Scanlon’s positive outlook in a bleak time highlights how you’d hope an executive would think. That’s a nice way of saying he appears to have grasped reality and is thinking how to properly position golf when the time is right.

Pete Cowen Recovering From Presumed COVID-19

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Brian Wacker with a GolfDigest.com update on instructor and golf guru Pete Cowen, who was never officially tested for COVID-19 after returning home from The Players. In the story, his agent issued a statement explaining Cowen’s health status, and there was this from the instructor to several top players, including Henrik Stenson and Gary Woodland.

“The worst part of it was at one point coughing non-stop for 24 hours,” he says via text, his voice still too weak to talk much.

He also endured low blood pressure, high temperature, hot and cold shivers, a racing heart rate and shortness of breath.

“Apart from that it was OK,” he said.

Podcast: The Shack Show Episode 2 With Guest Charlie Rymer

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Charlie Rymer is my guest for Shack Show episode two primarily because I always enjoy hearing from Charlie but also because he’s one of the brightest people in golf. He should be at Augusta National this week working for Westwood One Radio where he’s done the tournament broadcast for over a decade now.

We spend a considerable amount of time discussing last year’s tournament won by Tiger Woods and working alongside Mike Tirico for his special call of the conclusion (embedded below). Plus, so much more about where golf is right now, Myrtle Beach, dewsweepers, the great lead broadcasters in golf, sunsets and where the game will be after the pandemic.

Show Notes:

Ridin’ With Rymer’s at PlayMyrtleBeach’s YouTube page.

A snippet from Charlie’s chat this week with Jack Nicklaus:

Mike Tirico’s call of the 2019 Masters with Charlie miraculously silent for almost two minutes!