TERRE HAUTE —
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.”
In a news conference held more than a year ago, Player indicated he had personal knowledge that some golfers were using HGH (human growth hormone).
On top of Player’s remarks Dick Pound who heads the World Anti-Doping Agency, stated that Player’s statements were on target. Pound also pointed an accusing finger at the PGA for burying their heads in the sand and refusing to admit the Tour had a “problem.”
As long ago as the mid 1960s a rumor circulated that one California professional was adept at supplying drugs to golf pros who were interested
Not that long ago, John Daly made a remark to the effect he wished everyone would “get off his back” in regard to his drinking and do something about the drug use on the PGA Tour. Shortly after John was quoted, he never made another reference regarding drug use. One could guess that Tim Finchem may have called John to task and advised him that if he wanted to play the PGA Tour, he would do well to put a zipper on his lips.
When it comes to winning arguments with the PGA, I know of only one player who could win a dispute with the PGA brass, and he’s out of the mix with an injury these days.
With drugs creating problems in a variety of sports it might be in the PGA’s best interests if a doping policy was implemented. After all, in a sport that is founded on qualities of courtesy and honesty, it is a sad situation when there are professional golfers who are intent on taking unfair advantage over those who follow the rules.
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With the U. S. Open winding down, it’s easy to recall the plight of a journeyman professional by the name of Mike Donald. A few years back, Donald had the Open all but in his pocket until Hale Irwin knocked a 50-foot putt into the cup on the 72nd hole to gain a tie.
The Open, unlike most golf tournaments, utilizes an 18-hole playoff instead of a sudden death format. Donald again was leading Irwin as they headed toward the closing holes of the playoff, but a bogey by Donald gave Irwin a tie at the end of the 18-hole playoff.
Now the winner would be determined by sudden death. The first player to win a hole would be the champion. You had to commiserate with poor Mike Donald. He had golf’s biggest prize in the palm of his hand only to see it slip away when Irwin got a birdie.
I don’t think Mike Donald has won much of anything lately, but I doubt if he ever wakes each morning without recalling The Open that got away.
I always feel a pang of pity for those who have had golf’s biggest prize seemingly theirs only to have it elude them at the last second.
The great Sam Snead knew about that syndrome. Early in his professional career Sam came to the last hole of the Open needing only a par to win. A bogey on the par 5 would give him a tie, but he had to settle for a fat 7 in a tournament that he would never be able to add to his outstanding resume.
One thing is certain, who ever wins a U.S. Golf Championship will be a player who posses all the shots. The USGA enjoys displaying greens that are hard and fast, rough that is deep and thick and pressure that only the most gifted can endure. It’s easy to understand why so many professional golfers covet a win in the Open above all other tournaments.
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The popular Brazil Open is on tap for July 2nd and 3rd at Forest Park. Divisions include pros, amateurs, ladies open, seniors (50-64), super seniors (65 plus), boys’ and girls’ junior divisions.
Field will be flighted after the first day for amateurs and seniors; juniors play in age groups. Entry fees are $50 for amateurs and seniors and $75 for pros. Juniors pay $30. Golf carts are not included. Enter before June 26 and receive a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1’s. For further info call Mark Rogers at 812-442-5681 or email mark.rogers1@joink.com.
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Hulman Links in conjunction with the Boys’ and Girls’ Club will offer instruction for juniors 6 to 16 years of age. Instruction is Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon in June and July. Cost is $40 for members and non-members will need to join the Boys’ and Girls’ Club for $30 plus the $40 fee for the classes.
For information or to sign up call (812) 232-2046.
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Rea Park is offering a Junior Golf Camp for boys and girls July 5, 6 and 7 from 8 to 10 a.m. Instruction will be provided by Rea Park Golf Pro Dave Kennedy along with Terre Haute South Golf Coach, Chris Cassell and West Vigo Golf Coach, Travis Turpen. Cost of the camp is $50. For more information or to sign up call (812) 232-0709.
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The Women’s City will be played July 22nd through July 25 with all rounds at Hulman Links.
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The Mini City will be July 9 and 10. Sign up will be available at Rea Park toward the end of June. For more information call (8120 232-0709.
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Tip of the week: The late Gene Verostko always offered this advice to any who were having trouble with their respective golf games. “Keep your head as still as possible and you always get something out of the shot.”
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Rub of the Green
RUB OF THE GREEN: Even golfers say there is drug problem on Tour
- Rub of the Green
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Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
The question has been raised in the past, is it bowling or golf that is the more difficult endeavor?
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Sometimes this can be a confounding game
To be sure, the great Sam Snead certainly knew what he was talking about when he delivered his favorite axiom, “The sun don’t shine on the same dog every day.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Grayless takes over as golf professional at Hulman Links
Ed Grayless has assumed the “head man’s” position at the Links after Ryan Klopfenstein resigned as Hulman Links golf professional in order to pursue other interests.
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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.
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Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
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