A Conversation with Mark Frost

MARK FROST knows golf history. He is the author of The Match, a book about the fabled challenge match between legendary professionals Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson and amateur golden boys Ken Venturi and Harvie Ward.

Mark is also the author, screenwriter and producer of The Greatest Game Ever Played, a bestseller that became a Disney movie. Between The Greatest Game Ever Played and The Match, Mark authored The Grand Slam.

I spoke with Mark in late March about The Match and other golf topics. Following is the first part of our conversation.

ARMCHAIR GOLF: As you researched and wrote The Match, what were some of the biggest surprises along the way?

MARK FROST: I think the biggest that I didnt know about was the long and involved and complicated history between Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. I knew that they had known each other since they were kids and had caddied together, but the extent to which they had been very close during the early days of the tour and then the forces that drove them apart as they both became successful, was a revelation. That was one big aspect. The other was really the whole Harvie Ward story, which I didnt know much about at all. Id only known that he had been a great amateur player and never thought to question beyond those years what had happened to him. I think in many ways his story is the most tragic of the foursome.

AG: One reviewer said the star of the story, besides the players, is Cypress Point. What was most striking to you about Cypress Point and did you play it?

MARK FROST: Ive played it a number of times now. I dont think I could have written about it the way I did unless I had played it and gotten to know it as a player. The thing that just immediately strikes you is how stunning that ground is and how effortlessly it seems the course lays into the ground. And the way in which walking the course, which is really the only way to play it, takes you on a kind of journey that very few courses can top. By the time you reach those climactic holes along the ocean, it moves you in a way that I dont think many golf courses have the capacity to do.

AG: From what Ive read, you spent a lot of time with Ken Venturi, and a pretty short time with Byron Nelson, maybe a day or so. How did their memories of this match compare?

MARK FROST: Byrons were a little less sharp, but he was 96 when I spoke to him. The thing that made this an event that etched itself into Ken Venturis mind - there were two elements. One, hes the youngest member of this foursome. Ben and Byron are both his heroes, and have been since his boyhood. So, to be 25 years old and playing these guys in this setting under these circumstances, burned the whole event into Kens hard drive, I guess you could say, in a way that it didnt probably for any of the others. For the others, it was a good round of golf and a good experience, but for Ken it was a life-changing experience and I think, as a result, he remembered it more vividly than the others. Over time, as we were able to talk about it again and again, he really did literally remember every shot.

AG: It comes out in your narrative. I can only imagine that a lot of those nuances and touches that you were able to put into the narrative must have come from him.

MARK FROST: The book couldnt have happened without Ken. Hes the one who for so many years had told the story most effectively. And as the suburban legend about that match had grown, it was largely due to Ken remembering it and telling people about it. It was in many ways his story. And through his cooperation, I was able to translate it into this form and preserve the memory. It had been an oral tradition prior to this and now Im grateful we have it on the page.

AG: I think I read that you said that just being in Byron Nelsons presence made the whole experience worthwhile. What was it like for you personally to sit down with him, and how did Byron Nelson in person stack up to Byron Nelson the golf legend?

MARK FROST: There was really no difference whatsoever in the things I had heard about Byron and how I found him to be face to face. Hes every bit as humble and as gentle and as generous and kind as youd always heard. The thing I didnt expect was, in spite of those great qualities, those saintly qualities, there was the memory of the really tough competitor in there as he started to recall the match and could recall shots. He took a lot of pride in the fact that he was as great a champion as he was. There was one moment in particular when I asked him, How do you think youd do today? He got this look in his eye - I describe it in the book as like an old western sheriff - and he said, I think Id hold my own. You knew that he would have been able to back that up. It was neat to see that steely quality of the competitor, the guy that won all those tournaments still living in him.

AG: He was a great champion. I think a lot of people dont realize just how good he was.

MARK FROST: I think had he played another five or seven years, if he had the will to do that - but it was an exhausting process to go out on tour in those days and the returns were good for the time but nothing remotely like they are now.

AG: Everything Ive read about Byron was he won enough to save up and buy that ranch. But during the period he played he won. Hogan took a little bit longer to develop, but he owned Hogan.

MARK FROST: You really can say he [Nelson] was the great player of his generation, I believe.

AG: You got to sit down with Byron, which was a great treat. I thought about all these great champions youve written about through history. If you could talk to some of these past champions who are gone, who would you want to talk to?

MARK FROST: Gosh, there are so many, having written about the game from its inception. Theres Francis Ouimet, theres Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour would have been a hoot from what I know about him, Bob Jones, obviously, having written The Grand Slam. I felt like I really got to know him very well. Sarazen would have been a kick, Byron and Ben would have both been interesting, although Ben wasnt a particularly gifted conversationalist. I think Demaret would have been fun to meet. The list goes on and on.

These were real characters who had been forged in the early years of the tour where life was hard and they had a pioneering spirit about them and devil-may-care attitude that was really refreshing. I think it embodied a kind of particular American quality of lets roll up our sleeves and go to work against all odds. Thats something I really admire.

We dont have the same mix of colorful people we used to have and we dont have the same group of champions who loved nothing more than going out and just beating each other. It was more about that than it was about the money. It was about the fun of winning, the will to win and, in many cases, the necessity of winning for financial reasons.

(To be continued. Read the final part of our conversation tomorrow.)

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Annika Sorenstam beats Paula Creamer in a playoff

Lorena Ochoa took a week off. Out emerged former No.1 Annika Sorenstam, who won her 71st victory. Annika won on the 1st playoff hole against Paula Creamer, who took 3 putts from the fringe. It would be nice if Annika can put some heat on Lorena. (more)

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

The Newest Member of Club Tiger

Welcome, Armchair.

Thats the new message when I visit TigerWoods.com. I like that.

I dont know why it took me so long to join Club Tiger. Procrastination maybe. I guess the real reason is Im not much of a joiner.

Although belated, it was a good move. No longer will I depend on the hundreds of media outlets and bloggers for Tiger Woods updates. Instead, Ill be getting them directly from Tiger. Well, actually from his Web site and newsletter. (Like most everybody else.)

So, yes, I signed up for the Tiger Woods monthly newsletter. I even signed up for Tigers email promotions. But dont be spamming me Tiger, or Ill drop you like a bad habit.

(Ha ha ha. Just kidding, Tiger.)

Also, thanks for the tip about bumping my chips. Ill probably be missing a lot of greens this year.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Great Scott! Aussie Drops Bomb to Win Nelson in Playoff

Adam Scott holed a Texas-sized birdie putt on the third playoff hole to win the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. The playoff victim was Ryan Moore, a true gamer who nearly matched Scott with a birdie, his ball catching the edge of the hole before coming to rest a foot away.

I think I got away with one today, Scott told CBS announcer Ian Baker Finch moments after the decisive 48-footer. Indeed.

I saw the last four or so holes of regulation play as Scott hit good shot, bad shot down the stretch. You could sense CBS announcer Gary McCords frustration with the talented Aussie who has struggled when in contention. He missed some makeable putts to keep Moore and others in the hunt.

But on the 18th, needing a birdie to force a playoff, Scott delivered with a mammoth drive, a solid wedge and an 11-footer in the heart of the cup. It wasnt easy, but this win is bound to help his psyche.

Keep an eye on runner-up Ryan Moore. Of the leaders, Moore had the lowest score under final-round pressure, a 68.

I saw Moore at the 2004 NCAA Mens Golf Championship at Hot Springs, Virginia. The UNLV golfer won the individual title and later captured a U.S. Amateur.

Moore was impressive today. He didnt back down and definitely has the look of a winner.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Tiger Woods off crutches

Needless to say, I'm a little stir crazy since my knee surgery on April 15. Although I've been through this before and understand the need for patience, I don't enjoy sitting around.

I really don't have a timetable for returning to competition. The doctors have said I should be able to play again in four-to-six weeks, but nothing is certain. I'm just going to do what they tell me to do.

At least I'm done with the crutches. I used them last week at Tiger Jam XI in Las Vegas to get around the hotel. Now, I'm wearing a knee brace and hope to start rehabbing soon.

I knew a couple of months ago I was going to have the surgery. The knee has been bugging me for a while. The only decision was do you miss the Masters or play in the Masters? I decided to play. Even if I had won, I still would have had the surgery.

I've definitely been playing in pain, but that's not why I didn't win at Augusta. I just never got comfortable with my putting stroke. As I said after the tournament, I was dragging the putter coming through which meant I couldn't start the ball on line. That's all it takes on those greens. Obviously, it was frustrating because I hit the ball well enough to win. It was just one of those things.

I called Trevor Immelman a couple days later to congratulate him. He was on the TV circuit, so I didn't actually talk to him, but I left a voice message. Nobody has ever doubted his ability. He has a beautiful golf swing and it was only a matter of time before he put it all together at a major championship.

The course was very difficult. I didn't hear as many roars as I usually hear, especially on the weekend. It did play like a U.S. Open course, which is fine. But I think the galleries are used to seeing birdies and eagles. On Sunday, the way the wind was blowing, it was tough to make pars. I hear the club might be making some changes next year to give us a break. We'll see what happens.

My sincere thanks to all the fans who have emailed their support and best wishes since my surgery. It means a lot to me. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Take care.

Tiger

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Oops! Armchair Golf Misquotes Thomas Edison

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that my swing wont work.
(not said by) Thomas Alva Edison


Biographical note: Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman.



This misquote brought to you by The Armchair Golfer.
Getting it wrong for the love of the game.

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Rumor mill: Tiger Woods might not play until US Open, skipping Memorial

LA Times has fueled the speculation that Tiger Woods might not play until the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, following his knee surgery. Rain at Muirfield, the site of Jack's tournament, is cited as one negative factor for playing there. (More)

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Lorena Ochoas Magical Wrists

(N Gottwald/Flickr)


When Lorena Ochoa was five years old, she climbed a tree at the Guadalajara Country Club and tumbled to the ground, breaking both of her small wrists. Young Lorena wore a cast that extended from her shoulders to fingers for three months.

They said the doctor gave me magical wrists, some magic in my hand, the AP quoted Ochoa as saying earlier this week.

I guess.

Will Lorena Ochoa out-Tiger Tiger? Thats the hot topic of many recent stories with both world No. 1 players out of action this week. Woods is recuperating from knee surgery; Ochoa is taking a break after winning four straight events.

Like Tiger, Lorena is casting a long shadow on her tour. Ochoa is the subject even when she isnt playing. Media conferences with other players routinely include at least one Lorena question.

For example, heres one posed to Annika Sorenstam yesterday:

With Lorena Ochoa on this run, is that a bit dispiriting, or how do you deal with what she's doing?

Well, I really have to mind my own business, Annika said. She's playing some amazing golf. There's nothing to say about that other than congratulate her.

With five wins in six events, including the years first major, Lorena is on her way to a truly dominant season. One, perhaps, that even Tiger Woods might envy.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Legends of Golf: Still Great

Bob Toski

Yesterday was my final day at the Legends of Golf in Savannah, Georgia. The Demaret Division (age 70 plus) professionals wrapped up their two-day best-ball event. Jimmy Powell and Al Geiberger shot 18 under to win by five shots.

I had wondered on the drive to Georgia if my experience would be another golf high like last year, my first at Legends of Golf, or if the luster of rubbing elbows with the old pros would disappear.

It was still a great time. I already had a familiarity with the venue and being around the pros that was helpful. And, once again, it was fun hob-knobbing with them, including some of the caddies I now know, and hanging around the clubhouse and dining room to hear the pros swap stories.

This is not the norm, but as a personal guest of one of the players I did get to tag along into the locker room and dining area where I lunched with Billy Casper, Fred Hawkins and others. As you might imagine, that interaction is pretty special.

I also met Bob Toski who joined us Monday afternoon at the watering hole at the Westin, where the players were staying. Toski was a renowned golf teacher long before the proliferation of golf coaches, psychologists and the like. Hes a great guy. When I was introduced to him, I shook his hand and said, The original teacher. He got a big grin on his face.

I stood a few feet away as the Golf Channel shot an instructional piece with Jack Fleck that will air in the next week or so. While I was waiting for Jack, I introduced myself to Lanny Wadkins, who was practicing his putting. (One of the caddies had egged me on.) I wasnt sure how Lanny would react, but he was cordial.

Finally, Savannah is lovely in April. Its a nice town and the golf course was in gorgeous condition. I just might go back next year, too.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Need your help: what's the ruling

One of our readers wrote in a question:

In a qualifying match, my son hit his golf ball up the hill on the elevated green from 220 yards out into a group of upperclassmen teammates. My son didn't think that he could reach them and apologized to the group of teammates, however it appears in anger that one of them stole his golf ball. What's the ruling? Is there any penalty to the golf ball thief?

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Legends of Golf: Mr. Underrated, Billy Casper

Underrated has been following Billy Casper around for years. Casper was a great player who many people either havent heard of or dont know much about.

Today at Legends of Golf when they introduced Billy on the first tee, his list of accomplishments was so long that he stood with one hand on his hip staring off into the distance until the Tour official finally finished.

Whered you get all that stuff? he asked in mock frustration. The small gallery chuckled.

All that stuff. Let me run it down for you. 51 PGA Tour wins. Three majors, including two U.S. Opens and a Masters. Eight Ryder Cup teams. Five Vardon trophies. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Later, instead of talking about his golf stuff, Billy wanted to tell me a fishing story about Howie Johnson. We were in the players dining room. Fred Hawkins was seated between us. Howie was on my left.

I told Howie Id pick him up at 5:30 a.m., Casper said. Wear something old. Early the next morning Casper finds Howie decked out in a cashmere sweater, slacks and alligator loafers. I told you to wear something old, Casper said. Its all I have, Howie replied. And off they went.

The stories continued throughout the afternoon, first in the players dining room and later at the Westin where the players are staying this week. They may not be able to play the way they used to, but meeting legends like Casper, hanging out with them, and hearing their stories is well worth the trip.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Michael Israel paints Tiger WoodsPaula Creamer

Are my eyes deceiving me, or does this painting look more like Tiger Woods than Paula Creamer?

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Legends of Golf: Remembering Charles Coody

I'd like to be remembered as a nice guy and a fairly decent player.
-Charles Coody

Those are pretty humble words for a guy who won the Masters. Charles Coody got his Green Jacket in 1971, beating runners-up Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller by two shots. Coody had three PGA Tour wins and five victories on the Champions Tour.

I didnt recognize Charles Coody this afternoon in the locker room at the Legends of Golf. He was asking Jack Fleck questions from across the way. Jack was distracted, so I provided the answers.

Coody looked familiar. Who is he? I checked the nameplate on the locker as he stepped away. Of course, Charles Coody.

We continued some small talk, then I said, Lets see, Masters champion, 1971?

Thats what they tell me, Coody replied.

Were you here last year? I asked.

Yeah, but I played in a different division. (Now Coody will play in the age 70-plus Demaret Division.) Its a good thing, he added. This course is too long, and I keep getting shorter.

Dont we all? I said. Have a good week out there.

He smiled and slapped me on the shoulder as he walked away.

In his final Masters round in 2006, 68-year-old Charles Coody shot a 74, proving he was still a fairly decent player.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Lorena Ochoa wins 4th in a row

Lorena Ochoa has won the last 10 of 15 tournaments, and 4 in a row. She's hotter than Tiger Woods right now, but gets less than 1 percent of the attention. Go figure.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

TaylorMade Rescue Club

Looking for a quality rescue club but not looking to break the bank then this TaylorMade Rescue Wood is ideal with a massive 57% off the RRP. This TaylorMade Rescue Wood was one of the original and best when it was first released, winning best utility club of 2003 (bit old I know but [...]

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[Source: Golf Blog]

Men in Plaid

Davis Love is a plaid man. (Eddie Honeyfield/Flickr)

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Verizon Heritage played at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Arnold Palmer won the first one in 1969. Boo Weekley is the defending champion.

The Plaid Jacket always follows the Green Jacket. The Green Jacket is the most coveted garment in golf, but as I scanned the Heritage winners list I realized that many of the golf greats and goods have worn the Plaid Jacket. Davis Love, who shares the first-round lead, is the top man in plaid.

Plaid Jackets
Davis Love 5
Hale Irwin 3
Johnny Miller 2
Hubert Green 2
Tom Watson 2
Fuzzy Zoeller 2
Payne Stewart 2
Stewart Cink 2

Other notable winners of the Heritage are Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Nick Price and Bernhard Langer.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Minor backlash against Tiger's caddie Steve Williams for violating Augusta's cap requirement

There is some backlash among caddies against Stevie Williams, Tiger's caddie, who violated Augusta's requirement that caddies wear green caps during the tournament. (more)

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Green jacket ceremony for Trevor Immelman

Video click here

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Spot On training grips

Get the fundamentals right and the rest will follow these Spot on Grip trainers are designed to be fitted to the golf club to show the position of the hands in relation to the position of the golf club face for each shape of shot.As most golfers are aware the grip is one of the [...]

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[Source: Golf Blog]

Tiger Woods has knee surgery again -- possibly out of TPC

It's the same left knee that Tiger Woods has arthroscopic surgery on before in 2002. You know it must have been bothering him if he would do this in the middle of the season. He's going to be out for about 1 month -- meaning he will likely miss the Byron Nelson, Wachovia, Players Championship, Colonial, and even possibly the Memorial. PGA Commish Tim Finchem just saw the TV ratings go down and expressed his "disappointment" that Tiger could not play in these tournaments, but you know, health comes first.

"Tiger has been experiencing pain in his knee since the middle of last year, and when he had it looked at by his doctors, arthroscopic surgery was recommended," said his agent Mark Steinberg, "Tiger has played through the pain in the past, but knew it would be better for him to have the procedure done as early as possible."

(more) and more

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

How Steve Flesch Got His Masters Putting Mojo

Half of golf is fun; the other half is putting.
-Peter Dobereiner

It wasnt that long ago that Steve Flesch was putting very poorly.

You wouldnt have known it last week at the Masters. The southpaw was dropping par-saving putts in the throw-up range and beyond like it was no big deal.

According to a piece I read in The Tour Van, Steve replaced his belly putter with a Never Compromise Exchange 5 putter three weeks ago.

I can be a decent putter with the belly putter, Flesch was quoted as saying, but I'm not going to be a great putter and run the tables with it. I just kind of made a commitment and said, I'm going back to the short putter and, hey, I might have some struggles early on, but I'll get my feel back.

Steve won twice in 2007, both times with the belly putter. Still, he saw its limitations and made the change that put him in contention at Augusta.

I think you can significantly reduce your feel, especially on short, breaking putts from five, six feet, he said about his banished belly putter.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Brandt Snedeker breaks down and cries after losing the Masters

Click here if video not working

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

For sale: new set of Men's Callaway Hawkeye VFT irons, 3-W, with graphite shafts (R)

I have a set of new men's Callaway Hawkeye VFT irons, 3-PW, graphite shaft (regular) standard lie. They are brand new, never been hit, with the plastic wrappings still on them. My dad bought these clubs a few years ago for $925, but never played them -- ever. No one has ever swung them. (He's a golf nut who basically buys more sets than he ever uses.)

A left handed version of these new clubs sells on eBay for $699. Callaway sells used versions of these clubs for $512.99. Callaway describes the clubs as follows:

"High technology for a low center of gravity. The Hawk Eye VFT Irons are everything that Callaway Golf has learned about iron design poured into a titanium package. A unique casting process creates a large, lightweight titanium clubhead with perimeter weighting and VFT Technology; the striking appearance is created by a proprietary finishing process. But the real beauty is an internal weight pocket that positions mass deep and low across the clubface for extraordinary trajectory and control with plenty of feel and forgiveness. Sure, they are smart and gorgeous. But they are designed to make you look like a genius."

I'll sell these new VFT irons for $625, plus you pay shipping costs. The clubs will ship after payment is received and cleared. Please email The Golf Blog at thegolfblog [at] gmail.com with serious offers or inquiries. Just click on the Contact link to the right for the email address.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Not much excitement on Sunday: Immelman wins by 3 strokes

The wind started blowing on Sunday, and so did the players. Trevor Immelman has played steady all day and has a 5-stroke lead. Tiger Woods made one 70-foot bomb, but has not been able to keep any momentum. What a disappointing week for Woods.

I'm impressed with Trevor, but this Sunday has been pretty boring compared to past Masters. The wind really made it difficult for any of the players to make any birdies.

Maybe Augusta has finally Tiger-proofed the course.

Video highlights -- click here

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

2008 Masters Leaderboard

Keep up to date with the masters leaderboard and see if justin can manage to hold onto that lead this time!Leaderboard

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[Source: Golf Blog]

2008 Masters

Without wanting to tempt fate too much all seems to be going well for the British golfers at the masters with Westwood, Casey and Poulter going strong.And who else but the flamboyant Poulter to nail this quality hole in one to bring him right back in it!

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[Source: Golf Blog]

Masters Round Three: Plot Twist

Paul Casey (Pocketwiley/Flickr)

Playing on an Augusta National course softened by rain, Tiger Woods did what he needed to do on Saturday. Woods shot a moving-day 68 and, at one point, pulled within a few shots of the lead.

But somebody forgot to tell Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker that they were supposed to fold like a pair of chaise lounges. Neither have the kind of Masters resume that would suggest theyre ready to slip into a Green Jacket. (Of course, the same could have been said about Zach Johnson.)

And what about Steve Flesch? Can you tell me five things you know about him? Ill even spot you one. Yeah, hes left-handed. Flesch looked as comfortable as he would be playing in the Reno-Tahoe Open (one of his four wins).

The talented Paul Casey is also in the hunt after firing his second consecutive 69.

Meanwhile, many of the vets retreated on Saturday. Phil Mickelson fumbled, battled back, then fumbled again, carding a 75. Ian Poulter also shot himself out of it with a 75. Retief Goosen treaded water with a 72, but realistically has no chance.

Immelman and Snedeker, on the other hand, were impressive. Immelmans machine-like shot-making reminded me of Nick Faldo. (Split the fairway, hit the green. Split the fairway, hit the green.) His putting held up, too. And when the affable Snedeker got bogeyitis at Amen Corner, I thought his Green Jacket run might be over. Then Sneds birdied 14, 15 and 18. Sweet.

Its supposed to be windy tomorrow afternoon. Birdies will be hard to come by, which leaves us with a few questions tonight.

Can Tiger make up six shots? Will Trevor Immelman go wire-to-wire? Is Steve Flesch channeling Mike Weir and Phil Mickelson? Will the freckle-faced Snedeker be grinning no matter what happens? I got that one: Yes.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Round 2 recap of Masters

Video highlights here

Post-round interview of Tiger Woods (-1)



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Immelman is the man -- takes 2 stroke lead into final round (-11); Tiger six strokes back

VIdeo highlights click here

TIger's video highlights click here

Tiger interview



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Andres Romero, the next big thing?

Andres Romero is extremely long (despite his small stature) and he can putt. He almost won the British last year until his club selection got the better of him. In watching him play yesterday at the Masters and then seeing cut away shots to Sergio Garcia struggling to make putts, I was left with two very different feelings. Even though the two are only a year apart in age, I get the feeling that Andres Romero will win a major very soon, but that Sergio Garcia may never. Don't get me wrong, Sergio's a great talent, but to watch him putt these days is unbearable. It's now a mental thing, and, if it becomes too mental, then the Ian Baker-Finch syndrome might eventually creep in.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Trevor Immelman assumes lead at Masters at -8

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Day One at the 2008 Masters: can Zach Johnson repeat?

Top 10

-4
Trevor Immelman
Justin Rose

-3
Brian Bateman
Brandt Snedekar
Lee Westwood

-2
Stephen Ames
Zach Johnson
Robert Karlsson
Ian Poulter

Other Notables
-1: Retief Goosen, Phil Mickelson, Mark O'Meara
E: Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Justin Leonard, Andres Romero, Sandy Lyle, Boo Weekley
+2: Ernie Els

Current leaderboard here

Video highlights of Day 1

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

2008 Masters Leaderboard

Keep up to date with the masters leaderboard and see if justin can manage to hold onto that lead this time!Leaderborad

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[Source: Golf Blog]

Masters Round Two: Familiar Territory

Defending champion Zach Johnson practices his stroke.
(John Coyne)

We've been here before. A couple of young, talented players (Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker) rise to the top of the leaderboard at the halfway point of the Masters.

Then there are the lurkers, both major winners and solid contenders: Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Stephen Ames and others. Tiger Woods is seven back and very much in the tournament.

Augusta's Saturday forecast is calling for scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Also, more pars and bogeys, definitely a few others, with only a slight chance of birdies. On moving day at the Masters, most usually move in the wrong direction.

Some notables who missed the cut:

Ernie Els (?!?!)
Sergio Garcia
Fred Couples
Luke Donald
Rory Sabbatini
Steve Stricker
Tim Clark

If Tiger holes a few putts, he'll be within striking distance tomorrow night. Phil just needs to keep things sensible. A 70 in the third round would be fine.

The young guys need to forget they're at the top of the leaderboard and just play their games. Good luck with that one, fellas.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Masters Round One: Mark OMeara Claws His Way to 71

(Photo: The Armchair Golfer)

Has it already been 10 years since Mark OMeara rolled in that right-to-left mid-range birdie on the 72nd hole to win the Masters?

Since then OMeara, of all people, apparently suffered from a case of the yips. I always thought he was solid on the greens. But if the yips can strike OMeara, it can happen to anyone. (Except Ben Crenshaw.)

We watched OMeara practice on Monday at Augusta with his pal Tiger Woods. Mark has gone to the claw grip like Chris DiMarco. (Or is it the saw?) It worked today in round one. He shot a 71, a stroke better than Tiger.

Obviously 51 years of age, 1-under par, I played all right, OMeara said. I'm just pleased to shoot under par anytime I play Augusta National.

I would be, too. Thats good, real good, for a guy who gets the AARP discount. However he holds his putter.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Tiger Woods recovers from +2 after 14 to finish even par

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Golf schadenfreude?: Time Magazine delights in Top 10 Masters Meltdowns

This is almost excruciating to read and relive, but Time Magazine recounts the worst Masters collapses starting with Greg Norman.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Ian Poulter aces 16th on day 1 of Masters

Video link here.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Who is Butch Harmon's No.1 student?

Ernie Els?

Phil Mickelson?

Adam Scott?

It will be interesting to see if several of these guys are in contention on Sunday. Who will Butch spend time with first?

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Arnold Palmer starts the Masters

79 year old Arnold Palmer started off the Masters with the first drive. I really admire Mr. Palmer for all he's done for the game and for being the incredibly warm and gracious person he is. He's still got a swing at 79. Amazing.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Tiger Woods interview after 1st round

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Rory Sabbatini wins Par-3 contest -- is his week already over?

Rory Sabbatini -- defying the so-called curse of the Par 3 winners who have never gone on to win the Masters -- took the 9-hole Par 3 competition, shooting 5-under. Rory says he doesn't believe in the curse.

I wonder if Tiger does. He's avoided the Par 3 tourney like the plague. BTW, tomorrow Tiger has a 10-something tee teem with Angel Cabrera and Stuart Appleby. We will see how well Augusta has been "Tiger-proofed" this year.

Click on the link for video highlights.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

50 Years Ago at the Masters: Fred Hawkins Near Win

Whats that saying? Something about no one remembers who finishes in second?

Fifty years ago, in 1958, Arnold Palmer won his first Green Jacket. Palmers play and charisma combined with television forever changed professional golf. Arnie went on to win three more Masters titles in 1960, 1962 and 1964. Theres a plaque honoring Palmer on the second nine at Augusta National.

Last fall I talked to one of the two men who tied for second at the 1958 Masters. His name is Fred Hawkins, and throughout a long PGA Tour career he came in second a lot. Following are excerpts from our conversation.

Essentially, I played about 19 years on the regular tour. I started in 1947 and ended somewhere near the end of the summer of 1965. I started the first tournament at Tam OShanter in Chicago. At the time at Tam OShanter, they had the men pros, the women pros, the amateurs - they had a huge field of contestants. Thats where I started. George S. May put it on and he had a lot to do in getting the purses on the tour. His idea was just to charge a dollar a person. I think he gave them free parking, so the course was crowded with people.

As far as my career, basically I played those years and only won two official tournaments. I won four or five other non-official smaller tournaments. By two different counts, I had 27 second-place finishes and then the PGA had several of the fellows re-evaluate the records - some of the records had been lost - they had me at 19 second-place finishes. Thats still a lot of seconds for only winning twice. But I always felt that - although once or twice I had a lead and didnt play well the last round and someone beat me - the rest of the time I had a little trouble getting started and finished with good rounds but someone always beat me. So a lot of things happened. Ive always said I was lucky in life but not really lucky in golf.

I tied for second in the 1958 Masters the first year Arnold Palmer won. I was tied with Doug Ford. And Doug had won the tournament the year before. It was the year that Arnold - there was a question about a ruling on his ball on the 12th hole. They first had him up for a 5. Doug and I thought we were leading until we got to the 17th tee. He (Ford) had to make one birdie to tie, and I had to make two birdies to tie. I birdied 17 from about 10 feet, and he (Ford) had a putt of about 6 or 7 feet and missed it. And then we both hit the green at 18. My putt kind of caught the edge of the hole and came out. Thats the history of the way things go.

I did play on the Ryder Cup team in 1957. Ive always felt that was one of the things I enjoyed the most. I would have been on the Ryder Cup team again in 1959, I believe, if they had counted that tournament where Hogan beat me in the playoff. But at that time the tour officials were squabbling with the people at Colonial. It was not called an official tournament. It was still an official win for Hogan. The Ryder Cup points didnt count.

Fred Hawkins lives in Sebring, Florida, and plays in Grand Champions events on the Champions Tour.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Phil Mickelson looks fantastic!

I just got a glimpse of the par 3 competition at the Masters. It's pretty wild: caddies, wives, and kids get to hit for the players. The grounds crew must love it!

The other thing I noticed: Phil Mickelson is wearing a pretty tight red golf shirt, somewhat reminiscent of Tiger. And, you know what, Phil Mickelson must have lost 15 or 20 pounds. I think it's time to give Phil some credit. He really has changed his fitness routine. He looks great. We'll see if it helps on the course.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Let the Masters begin

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Tiger Woods ready for Masters, so are Mickelson + Els

More of Tiger's interview here



Phil Mickelson's full interview



Ernie Els discusses how he's working with Butch Harmon now!

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

ATT Blue Room to webcast Masters Par 3 tourney Wednesday, 3-5

ATT Blue Room says it will be webcasting the Masters Par 3 tourney -- you need to download Microsoft Silverlight apparently to watch the coverage online. More from ATT

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Armchair Golf at the Masters: Amen Corner

As you can see from the below photos, it was overcast at Augusta National on my Monday at the Masters. It was also quite cool until the sun broke through the thick cloud cover in the early afternoon.

John Coyne and I made a couple of loops through Amen Corner, the three-hole stretch of 11, 12 and 13 named by legendary golf journalist Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 Sports Illustrated piece.


Always a difficult hole, the par-4 11th today measures an intimidating 505 yards.



No. 12 fronted by Rae's Creek is arguably the most-famous par-3 in the world.



The relatively short par-5 13th hole tempts many players to go for the green in two shots. It's a good thing it was a practice day, because Michael Campbell (on green) splashed down short of the green with two fairway metals shots.



Azaleas are in abundance along the 13th hole.

I'll have more on my day at the Masters. If you would like to read additional thoughts about my visit, you can also head over to Down the Middle for One Patrons Guide .

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

John McCain introducer David Bellavia disparages Tiger Woods (and Barack Obama)

It's very unfortunate that Tiger Woods has to face another racially insensitive remark (see Kelly Tilghman's remark for the most recent and then, of course, who can forget Fuzzy Zoeller's outrageous reception for Tiger at the 1997 Masters), this time on the day before the Masters by David Bellavia, a person chosen to introduce John McCain at a war rally.

Referring to Barack Obama, Bellavia said: "You can have your Tiger Woods, we've got Senator McCain....This is the real audacity of hope." It's also unfortunate that John McCain said nothing about this slam on Tiger Woods. Just because Tiger's black, his name is thrown out there as associated with Barack Obama, all in a disparaging way. The race card. Outrageous! Earl Woods, of course, was a Green Beret and Vietnam veteran, so to have his son's name invoked in an insulting fashion at a war rally apparently by another military man is appalling.



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

ESPN to air Par 3 Masters tourney Wednesday 3-5

9 holes, all par-3s. It's a tradition at the Masters started in 1960, but it's the first time it will be televised. If I'm not mistaken, no one who has won the par 3 competition has gone on to win the Masters that year. (More)

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

The best tradition of the LPGA?: Lorena Ochoa makes big splash at Kraft Nabisco

I love this video. Karrie Webb's cannonball was killer! But this year's winner of the Kraft Nabisco, Lorena Ochoa, may have pulled off the most spectacular jump, with the help of her family.



It's time for the LPGA to start marketing Lorena Ochoa as the PGA does with Tiger Woods. Annika's reign is officially over.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Zach Johnson talks Tiger, Augusta, + defending Masters

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

The Golf Blog interview - Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner, part 2

(all photos NBC Olympics/USOC)

The Golf Blog: What one indulgence (that you have given up during training) do you look forward to enjoying after the Olympics are over?

Jeremy Wariner: To be honest I haven't given up anything. The only thing I guess I'm looking forward to enjoying this off time and not having to train.

The Golf Blog: If you weren't a professional track star, what job do you think you would like to do the most?

Jeremy Wariner: If I didn't run track I would want to play in the NFL. I grew up playing football and decided not to keep playing when I got to college.

The Golf Blog: Maybe a Renaldo Nehemiah?...Maybe there's still time? By the way, are you as fast on the golf course as you are on the track?

Jeremy Wariner: On the course I like to try and take my time because when I try and rush I never hit the ball straight it always hooks on me.

The Golf Blog: Yes, that happens to the best of us. So what is your golf handicap? What would you say are the best and worst parts of your game?

Jeremy Wariner: I usually play at the TPC at Craig Ranch. I don't know my handicap, I usually just play for fun and to relax if that is possible. The best part of my game would have to be how far I can hit the ball, my drives are my best part. As for my worst part it has to be my putting. I can get onto the green easily but getting the ball in the cup that where I have the most trouble.


The Golf Blog: How often do you get to play golf while you're in training for the Olympics?

Jeremy Wariner: When I'm in training for the Olympics it's hard for me to get to the course and play, but once my season is over I'll try to play at least 3 times a month.

The Golf Blog: Who is your favorite PGA golfer and favorite LPGA player?

Jeremy Wariner: My favorite golfer would have to be Tiger Woods
because I like his focus on the course. He reminds me of myself on the track -- he always plays to win and he works hard to stay on top. As for my favorite LPGA golfer I would say Annika Sorenstam because she always wants to play against the best golfers even against the men. That shows me her confidence in her game.

The Golf Blog: Well, thanks again for chatting with us, Jeremy. All of our readers will be rooting for you in Beijing!

"This is my story" video with Jeremy



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Johnson Wagner Earns Late Masters Invitation

(Wally Baba/Flickr)

Its impressive when you get your first PGA Tour victory. Especially wire to wire. And especially when its the final event prior to the Masters, earning you a last-minute spot in the elite field at Augusta National Golf Club come this Thursday.

Johnson Wagner accomplished all of the above at the Shell Houston Open with rounds of 63, 69, 69 and 71 for a two-shot victory over Geoff Ogilvy and Chad Campbell.

Hat tip to Wagner, who hung on today down the stretch. He must have had Georgia on his mind.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

The best tradition of the LPGA?: Lorena Ochoa makes big splash at Kraft Nabisco

I love this video. Karrie Webb's cannonball was killer! But this year's winner of the Kraft Nabisco, Lorena Ochoa, may have pulled off the most spectacular jump, with the help of her family.



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

My Road to the Masters

(Pocketwiley/Flickr)

Get off on the last South Carolina exit, Kathy said. Its farther but will save you time.

Kathy works in the ticket office at the Augusta National Golf Club. She helped me a week ago when my tickets for the Monday practice round didnt arrive, so yesterday I called again to ask her advice on parking and which exit to take. Kathy could not have been more pleasant.

Tomorrow morning I leave by car for my first Masters. Ive been watching the tournament since my teens (30 years or so), and I feel like a five-year-old on Christmas Eve.

Ill leave my home in the Blue Ridge Mountains and head south for Charlotte, where Ill pick up John Coyne who is flying from New York City.

(John is the author of The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan and The Caddie Who Played With Hickory, due out later this month.)

Well drive to Columbia, South Carolina, and spend the night. Then on to Augusta early Monday morning.

Will Tiger be there on Monday? my wife asked.

Yeah, Im sure he will be, I replied. Hes not playing this week.

I told her about the various gates, the parking, the crowds, and talking to Kathy to find out the best way to do things since its my first time.

How does Tiger get there?

I laughed. He flies in on his private jet.

Where will he stay?

He and a lot of the other pros rent homes for the week.

Does his caddie fly with him?

Steve Williams. Yeah, Im sure he does sometimes, depending on their schedules. But caddies are responsible for getting themselves to tournaments. Theyre independent contractors.

Her questions made me think about the life of a successful PGA Tour pro. These guys are good, as the saying goes, plus theyve got it good.

So Tiger will fly in from Orlando, I imagine. He may already be at Augusta. Meanwhile, Ill drive in -- 300 miles -- from Virginia. On Monday well be walking the same hallowed golf ground.

I cant wait.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]

Mens Vogue: can beta blockers cure your yips?

Mens Vogue has an interesting article exploring whether beta blockers can calm tension on the golf course.

Nothing scientific, but here's what the author John Cassidy concludes: "Were the beta blockers responsible for my improved shot selection and my dramatic mid-round recovery? Was it a placebo effect? Dumb luck? I have no idea. But the next time my regular four-ball partners start kicking my tail in our weekly three-dollar Nassau, I'm going to try and get hold of some more propranolol. Sure, it might be medically irresponsible and morally questionable, but the ban on beta blockers applies only to the PGA Tour, and I need all the help I can get."

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

LPGA recaps on YouTube Lorena Ochoa's victory last week

This is a great concept for the LPGA -- use YouTube to generate more interest in the women's game. So I give it kudos for that. I hate to be too critical of a great idea, but the execution with this video is pretty pathetic. All photos, no live footage of the women on the course, what's up with that? Using the Ken Burns moving effect over and over again won't fool viewers into believing that they are watching video footage. And that announcer sounds like he's a game-show host waiting to sell you the next prize.

Dear LPGA: you can do better than that. Frankly, I can put together a better highlight video at home if you let me cut and past the footage together, even though I'm just an amateur. Or you can hire one of the amateurs on YouTube who already string together highlight golf videos mostly of the PGA tour. If the LPGA hired one of those guys, the LPGA would be getting more than the 58 views total for this video.

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Sumo 5900

Who needs to advertise when the world number one is doing all the selling for you! Hi certainly is earning his sponsorship here!!

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[Source: Golf Blog]

The Golf Blog interview - U.S. gold medalist Jeremy Wariner, Part 1

(photo NBC Olympics/USOC)

Jeremy Wariner is the world's fastest man in the 400 meter. He won Olympic gold in 2004 in that event (watch the video below), as well as in the 4x400 meter relay. Jeremy is known on the track for not only being fast, but also for his signature sunglasses. He's also a golfer, and The Golf Blog was fortunate to have the chance to interview Jeremy as his prepares for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Here's Part 1 of the interview.

The Golf Blog: Jeremy, thanks for chatting with us. It's an honor to interview an Olympic gold medalist. So let me start with the obvious: You are no doubt incredibly fit as an Olympic gold medal athlete. Whats your typical workout routine each day and do you know your percent body fat?

Jeremy Wariner: Unfortunately, I dont know my percent body fat. As for my typical workout routine, each day is different of course, so I will give you a typical Monday for me. I wake up around 9:15 am, get ready for weights, head to the weight room by 10 am for weights. My weight workout usually takes about 30 minutes.

After weights, I go to my coachs office and relax for about an hour. Then I head over to the track for workout at 11:30 am. It takes me about 15 minutes to warm-up and another 15 minutes to stretch. After all that, it's time to do my 200s, as the season goes on we cut back on the number of 200s we do. After workout, I sometimes go into the training room and take an ice bath to help keep my legs fresh for the next day. As for the rest of the day, I just relax and watch TV, walk my dog, or just hang out with my friends.

The Golf Blog: You already have two gold medals, one in the 400 m and one in the 4x400 m relay. This summer, what are your goals for the 2008 games in China?

Jeremy Wariner: My goals for the 2008 Olympics are, first, win the gold in the 400 meters. Then, after that, when I cross the line in first, I'm hoping to see the WR next to my time for the World Record.

The Golf Blog: How much do you want to break Michael Johnsons world record of 43.18 in the 400 m? Since hes a friend, will he be happy or upset to see his record fall?

Jeremy Wariner: For the past few years I have been wanting to break the 400 WR. Each time I step on the track no matter what track meet I'm at, I'm going for the record. He [Michael] has told me plenty of times that he won't be mad when I break his records, because records are made to be broken.

The Golf Blog: Do you wear your signature sun glasses on the golf course as you do on the track like David Duval used to? Why do wear sunglasses all the time on the track?

Jeremy Wariner: Yes, on the course, I wear my glasses most of the time. The reason why I wear my sunglasses is because they help me stay focused and block out the crowd.

The Golf Blog: You also look pretty cool, I have to say.

[Stay tuned for Part 2 of The Golf Blog interview with Jeremy Wariner.]



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Caddy for Justin Leonard?

You have until April 8 to make your bid to caddy for Justin Leonard, Boo Weekley, or Woody Austin at the upcoming Verizon Heritage. Visit the Auction for more info.

Caddy for a Cure CEO Russ Holden (Bernhard Langers longtime tour caddy) gives away all of the money raised to support a charity of the players choice. This truly is an opportunity of a lifetime for a golf fan and we are having difficulty getting the word out effectively. Currently the starting bid for all three bags is 2500 and that includes a gift pack including a trip to Arizona valued at well over $2000!

Bid on Justin Leonard here (current $2,750)

Bid on Boo Weekley ($2,500 - no takers yet!)

Bid on Woody Austin (aka Aquaman) ($2,500 - no takers yet)

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[Source: The Golf Blog]

Michelle Wie retires from golf due to wrist injury

Wow. Didn't see this coming. I'm still in disbelief. I know many of the Michelle Wie-naysayers who read this blog will be gloating, but you shouldn't. After breaking her wrist over a year ago in bad fall while running, Michelle Wie never could regain her golf form. Last year, she failed to break 80 many times, but this year things started to look different.

Apparently, Michelle re-injured her wrist while hitting balls from the rough at the Stanford driving range (where one ball was embedded) and had to pull out of the Safeway tourney. But after her boyfriend Robin Lopez just announced he's entering the NBA draft, Michelle decided it would be better for her health and her relationship with Lopez for her to retire from golf. "I love Stanford but I just don't love playing golf when my wrist hurts," Michelle said. I wonder what Nike is thinking now. (More)

Video of Michelle Wie's announcement below:



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[Source: The Golf Blog]

New Masters Book Is a Green Jacket Compilation

Recently a PR person at the Wall Street Journal contacted me. She wanted to alert me to their story about a new Masters book, First Sunday in April: The Masters.

They and others made a big stink about the title. (The Masters ends on the second Sunday in April.) I remember someone calling it a shank.

I asked Sterling Publishing VP Carlo DeVito about it today in an email. So was the title a sneaky publicity ploy? I wrote half jokingly.

We know that the final round of the Masters takes place on the second Sunday in April, Carlo answered.

But the tournament begins the Sunday before when TV and radio and print journalists start arriving. Open a sports section on the first Sunday morning in April, and tell me there's not a major piece on the Masters in your regional or local newspaper.

Concluded Carlo: Was the title a ploy? Not really. Did we name it something different on purpose? Yes.

The book itself is a collection of Masters stories from players (Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and others) and golf writers (Herbert Warren Wind, Dan Jenkins, John Feinstein, Rick Reilly and more). Its broken down into sections: The Traditions, The Course, The Moments, The Controversies and so on.

Its not the kind of book you have to read from front to back. You can scan the table of contents and start wherever you like.

Last night, for instance, I read A Master Feat, a piece written by Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News that tells about Lee Elders breakthrough as the first African American to play in the Masters.

Setting aside the title debate, I think this compilation will entertain the interested Masters observer.

-The Armchair Golfer

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[Source: ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG]