Upon arriving here in sunny California a little more than two
years ago, I came with the preconceived notion that golf was a
leisure activity
– not a sport
Upon arriving here in sunny California a little more than two years ago, I came with the preconceived notion that golf was a leisure activity – not a sport – for snotty, old, rich people with too much free time on their hands.
Now, I can honestly say golf is a real and challenging sport – one that I’m attempting to master, or die, trying.
And I’m neither snotty, old, nor rich.
I’m just hooked on golf. I can even watch it on television – without giving off the this-is-so-boring-I-can’t-believe-it’s-considered-a-sport yawn –and appreciate the shots that these golfers, or should I say athletes, make on a consistent basis.
You still won’t find me sipping mamosas in the clubhouse with society’s elite – but from time to time I do venture out on the golf course for a quick nine on our local courses in Gilroy.
On Monday, however, I was honored to play a free round of golf at Stanford Golf Course as part of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am media day – which was highlighted by defending champion Matt Gogel’s pre-event press conference.
I’ve played at Gilroy Golf Course, and I’ve played at Gavilan Gavilan Golf Course. I’ve even done Coyote Creek – home of the Senior Tour’s Seibel Classic for the last two years.
But this was Stanford – Tiger Woods’ home course. Tiger won the 1996 NCAA Championship at Stanford and was named Collegiate Player of the Year before he became a God on the PGA Tour and revolutionized the sport.
With that in mind, my game wasn’t pretty, as I continuously went from the tee to far rough to opposite rough to sand pit to green. The cooler, damp conditions made for an even tougher round. If we were keeping score, I was off the chart – but not too much worse than my partners, Dispatch Chief Photographer James Mohs and Hollister Freelance Sports Editor John Reid.
I try to have one good, solid hole – which might be a par or a bogey. I just like to register something that has a name to it. That did not happen too often.
What I find so impossible about golf is putting together a string of good shots. If my drive is good, then my second shot is usually way off. If my drive trickles to the women’s tee box, then my second shot sometimes takes off down the fairway. But that third shot is a doosey. Hopefully, I can chip onto the green in one and then sink a putt in two. The greens at Stanford were extremely fast and slick from my perspective. A little too much and the ball just kept on rolling on these deceptively quick greens.
I can sit here and write on how bad my game was, is, and may always be. But I’ll save that for next time.
All I can say is to watch these professional golfers not only string together several great shots but several great holes is truly amazing. I could never appreciate it before; I guess you just have to be a player to realize how hard it is to do what these guys do.
I’m still a beginner at age 27. Hopefully by the time I turn 50, I’ll be ready for the Senior Tour.
The golfing world is far less pompous than initially charged. A new breed of golf fans, golfers and instructors has emerged – leaving the door open for opportunity to all. I have seen firsthand how golf courses can help to benefit all kinds of people, from the elderly to the disabled to minorities to local youth to our local schools and programs.
I have the pleasure of sitting in on the inaugural Jeff Garcia Golf Tournament planning commitee meetings as they put together a top-notch fundraiser at Eagle Ridge Golf Course (scheduled for April 4, 2003) with proceeds benefitting both the Gilroy High and Gavilan College football programs.
I’ve covered events at Coyote Creek – where the instructional staff gives free lessons to elderly stroke victims and also offers an annual fundraiser for youth with disabilities.
Golf is now a cool and hip thing to do. The Beatty Memorial Junior Golf Tournament is a fun-filled, three-day competition for young golfers – who play on all three local venues, Gilroy, Gavilan and Eagle Ridge courses. The field grows each year as locals battle it out with the winner getting his or her name permanently etched on the coveted trophy.
Memorial tournaments, fundraisers and business outings can be found on almost every golf course.
Golf is no longer just for the pampered. It hasn’t been that way for a while. And it is a sport that has won over my respect in more ways than one.
I am now anxiously anticipating the 2003 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am from Feb. 3-8 in Monterey.
And now i can say in all honesty that it doesn’t get much better than a lazy afternoon with a couple of buddies on the links – enjoying life and each others’ company.
