TERRE HAUTE — Golfers beware! They’re lurking out there on golf courses all over the world, ready to create havoc.
They are the dreaded “itis gang”, namely: arthritis. tendonitis and bursitis. They have the ability to cause excruciating suffering, especially to elbows and shoulders. If an avid divot digger tries to play through the pain he or she could feel misery equivalent to a firecracker exploding inside the affected joint every time a golf ball is struck.
Having been a victim of bursitis some 25 years ago, I felt my golfing days were over, until I made a trip to see a Dr. Ferguson who was Purdue University’s athletics team doctor. Besides heat and cold compresses, he recommended a strap that could be tightened about two inches below the sore elbow. This plus a shot of cortisone directly into the elbow (which in no way can be considered painless) kept this writer on fairways and greens for many additional years.
So if the “itis” culprits gang up on you, don’t wait; get to your family doctor to learn what can be done. Many physicians do not like to prescribe steroids due to possible harmful aftereffects. At any rate you shouldn’t wait to see what could be done to allow you to pursue this difficult game of golf without additional hazards being thrown in your path.
n Our sincere apologies to Kay Kaperak, wife of Ted Kaperak who was featured in our column of July 5. We’ve always been a believer in the axiom: “Behind every successful man there’s a woman”. That certainly holds true for Ted and Kay Kaperak in that Ted’s golfing prowess has definitely been on target during the six years he and Kay have been married.
Kay Kaperak is from Sullivan. She is currently employed by Indiana State Credit Union where she has worked for the past four years. Prior to that she spent 11 years with Old National Bank. She recalls that she and Ted were first acquainted back in 1983. Kay also remembers caddying for Ted during some of his tournaments. It would appear that they make a formidable team.
n A tip of the hat to Rich Schelsky for his down to the wire win in the THGA Mini-city Tourney last Sunday with a six-under-par 138 total.
He outlasted longball hitter Stu Johnson by a single stroke. Other big blasters, all of whom played some excellent golf, included former city champ Troy Farris who was just two back at four-under-par with Dave Brown at three swings out of first.
Travis Turpen and Brian Silvers deadlocked at two under with Ted Kaperak at one-under 143. Chris Keen was alone at even par despite a 42 on the outgoing nine at Hulman Links to finish in eighth place.
Keen is in his second term as president of the Terre Haute Golf Association, a task he performs most admirably.
Other players in the championship flight included Bob Kyle, Ryan Roscoe, and Tom Jones. Also, Don Alumbaugh, Dave Alumbaugh, Jason Kyle, Chris Cassell, Craig Martin, Rich Bucy, Mike Wright and Mike Payne.
All signs point to a terrific city tourney this year.
n Mark Bird cleaned up during the annual “Wagle Pilgrimage” played recently at the French Lick Hill Course, Country Oaks and Sultan’s Run.
He shot rounds of 76, 74 and 73 respectively to claim medalist honors on all three courses. Be careful Mark, you may not get an invitation next year!
n Jack Winning reports that Steuben Cain hasn’t forgotten how to hit the golf ball. Jack advises that Cain fired a nifty 73 at Rea Park recently despite the fact that he has hit the 83 mark in birthdays.
I played with Steuben the first time he teed it up in Terre Haute. I relayed the fact to the guys in our hunt that there was a new player in town named Steuben Cain and he hailed from Hazzard, Ky. They all laughed and no one would believe me.
Cain and Bill Doan Sr. are the only surviving charter members of Terre Haute Golf Association’s Hall of Fame.
n Dink Simonson celebrated hitting the age of 60 by posting a smooth 68 from the gold tees at Rea Park a week ago. He indicated that senior tees do make a difference.
n We remember Maynard Davison as an excellent teacher, administrator and golf coach for Vigo County schools. The annual Maynard Davison Memorial Golf Scramble is slated for Aug. 15 at Idle Creek. Entry fee is $50 with Aug. 10 the deadline for entering. Mail entries to James Gormong, 4460 Nottingham Court, Terre Haute, IN 47803.
n Kenny Bosc’s doctor has advised Ken that his 2009 golf season is finished. Bosc suffered injuries in a recent auto accident when two of his ribs were pulled away from his sternum. Knowing Bosc, he’ll be working hard to prove his doctor wrong and get back on the course before the season ends.
Bosc has won club championships at both Rea Park and Elks Fort Harrison. He also has a first place finish in the Lawrenceville (Ill.) Amateur.
n TIP OF THE WEEK: When putting, a slight forward press before beginning the backswing may help you make a smoother stroke. Just rock the shoulders forward before you draw the putter back. This action may pay dividends.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Rub of the Green
RUB OF THE GREEN: The ‘itis gang’ ready to pounce on golfers
- Rub of the Green
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Young players should match course to skills
One of the biggest mistakes a beginning golfer can make is to keep playing a golf course that is far too difficult for the ability demonstrated by that player.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: On the lanes or links, Davis is competitive
Darrell Davis carries a 240 bowling average which obviously puts him in some strong company on the alleys, but he feels that golf is a much more difficult sport than keggling.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Loquacious golfers can provide priceless quotes
Golfers always seem to have a great deal to say, but determining who said what and who said it first can be a problem.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Rick Fernandes can look back on a great golf career
What does an outstanding golfer have left when an accident has robbed him of the consummate skills he once possessed? The answer most assuredly would be one word, “Memories.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
David Feherty is an extremely funny man. If you have read his book written a few years ago, you might have guessed what to expect from him. The book, entitled “Somewhere in Ireland a Village is Missing an Idiot,” set the stage for his far out brand of humor, most of which is directed at himself.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
A pair of divot diggers had been discussing their favorite sport when one could be heard saying, “You know, I think this game is 90 percent mental.” After a short pause his friend replied, “Well, I think you’re about 10 percent short in your estimation.”
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Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
Golf has been called “The Game You Love to Hate.” In addition, love-hate relationships have been around since the beginning of time.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
It’s been stated more than once that “golf is a microcosm for life itself.”
This writer would heartily agree. No sport or game can offer combinations of happiness and sadness, hilarity and pathos as evidenced by an activity called “cow pasture pool” by some of its practitioners. -
RUB OF THE GREEN: Even golfers say there is drug problem on Tour
Are professional golfers using performance-enhancing drugs? This writer wouldn’t have the foggiest, but if you asked Gary Player, one of the game’s greatest, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Not all golfers display their trophies
Back in the “old days,” let’s say the 1940s, most of the time when you won something in a golf tournament your prize came in the form of a trophy. That was it, just a dust catcher. Later, merchandise prizes were added.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
Every sport has its own cast of characters and golf is definitely no exception. Whether it is diving head first into a greenside bunker or tying an unreliable putter to a car’s bumper and dragging it down the road, golfers can do some strange things.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Winter made golf impossible this year
Old Man Winter along with Mother Nature must have something against area golfers. They have joined forces to sabotage a sport called winter golf, an activity many Wabash Valley players have enjoyed in years gone by.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
Few who have ever tried their hands at playing the game of golf would describe the sport as “easy”. In fact, just the opposite would be the case.
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BOB ARNETT: No matter what your level, watch out for pressure
What is the affliction that can affect most any golfer from those who can’t break an egg to skilled golfers who can break 70?
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RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
In days gone by, the Terre Haute Golf Association has always offered more than just a 72-hole stroke play tournament.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
Is anyone fed up with the convoluted Fed Ex playoffs? The PGA has been tweaking its so-called Fed Ex playoff system for years, and they never seem to get it right.
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Rub of the Green: Golf can be roller coaster for young pros
Dustin Johnson may be best remembered for his appearances in the major tournaments in 2010, but not because he won. He didn’t win. But he came awfully close.
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Rub of the Green: One size does NOT fit all when it comes to golfing ability
Literally hundreds of books have been written on the subject of golf instruction, and we can be certain they all agree on one fundamental, always keep your head stationary throughout the swing.
Right? Nope, wrong as it could be! How’s that, you say? As examples both David Duval and Annika Sorenstam at one time were rated the world’s No. 1 professional golfers, respectively, and both swiveled their heads well before their clubheads reached the impact zone. In fact, Duval is one of a select few who has a 59 to his credit on the PGA Tour. -
Rub of the Green: Gerstmeyer Tech’s reknown Les Brown made his mark in plethora of sports
Les Brown never had a middle name, not even a middle initial. What he did have was an abundance of athletic ability that he utilized to earn letters in five different sports during his senior year at Gerstmeyer Technical High School.
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Rub of the Green: An inspiring walk of 1,000 miles
Watching the young man on the TV screen move from place to place was like watching the human body battle itself. It seemed as though his arms and legs each wanted to go in separate directions, as he flailed about with only a cane to steady himself.
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Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’
The game of golf can take on many different characteristics, depending on the objectives of those sponsoring the events. Golf may be played as a tribute or a memorial to the deceased. It may be a time of camaraderie that unites old friends.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Excursions are a tradition for many Terre Haute golfers
Many divot diggers enjoy excursions to play golf courses that offer new and different challenges. Terre Haute can certainly testify to the truth of that with some groups having hit the road for many decades.
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Rub of the Green: Was 1960 really the ‘Greatest Year in Golf’?
Listening to Willie Nelson warble the lyrics, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?” reminds this writer that those words are incorrect on two counts. One, it is not funny to get old. The late Bob Bundy often stated, “Old age is not for sissies.” And two, time doesn’t just slip away, it tends to streak on at a full gallop. At least, that’s the felling you get when you qualify for the Methuselah Flight of your club championship.
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Rub of the Green: Basketball coaching legend Wooden could hold his own on golf course
The name John Wooden doesn’t just “ring a bell” with Indiana basketball aficionados; it resounds like a canon shot. No doubt about it, John Wooden is someone special, and that is a gross understatement.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Can Tiger Woods successfully make over his me-first image?
“Pain, despair and agony on me” are the words of a comical song made popular on an old TV program titled “Hee-Haw.” The refrain might have been heard again if you had occasion to drive by the Tiger Woods residence in the gated community of Isleworth, Fla., as the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday wound down, but this time no one was laughing.
- Rub of the Green: Course architect Pete Dye has had lasting impression on game It would seem that the more you learn about Pete Dye, the golf course architect, the more there is to admire about the man. It was decades ago when Dye determined that the insurance business was not for him, and he decided to begin designing golf courses. Even Pete, himself, in all likelihood, couldn’t have known the impact he was going to make on the golf world.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: French Lick course a treasure With pristine fairways, greens and bunkers providing a colorful patchwork, the course provides onlookers with the opportunity to witness some of the best experiences Mother Nature can provide.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: Strange stories connected to golf
- Rub of the Green: Holmes held ‘corner on the market’ of club championships When it comes to winning club championships it would appear that amiable Ron Holmes has held a “corner on the market” while winning a total of 28 of these titles throughout his 50 years as an amateur golfer.
- Rub of the Green: Woods vs. Yang at PGA proves anything can happen Tiger Woods wants to win major golf championships, and he wants to win them in the worst way. With 14 of them already in his resume, it looked obvious that the 2009 PGA Championship would be No. 15, especially since Tiger, No. 1 in the world, had never lost a major holding the lead going into the final round. But then, as most golfers know, cow pasture pool can be a crazy, weird and wild game.
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