TERRE HAUTE — There are those who dislike Johnny Miller’s “say it like it is” style when it comes to the manner in which he telecasts golf tournaments.
There is, however, another school of thought as evidenced by this remark, “I wasn’t at all surprised when Johnny became the game’s best TV analyst”. That statement is attributed to none other than Jack Nicklaus.
No doubt about it, Miller tends to avoid any sugar coating, and if some feathers get ruffled, so be it. One player who doesn’t like a shred of criticism directed his way is Tiger Woods. I’m certain Miller was crossed off Tiger’s Christmas list when Johnny took him to task for “as vile a stream of profanity as I’ve ever heard on a golf course.” This quote comes from the first paragraph of Miller’s book, “Johnny Miller, I Call the Shots.”
This is not to say that Johnny Miller hasn’t had some criticism directed his way at times. He voiced his opinion in referring to one pro’s fundamentals. He said, “If Ben Hogan could watch this guy swing a golf club, he would puke.” Some felt a better metaphor should have been used.
It’s quite possible Miller was influenced by the late, renowned English broadcaster, Henry Longhurst. I recall watching a tournament in which a professional cold-topped a tee shot that rolled about 30 yards from the tee box. Longhurst then observed, “That is probably the worst stroke I’ve ever seen made by a professional golfer.” That statement would undoubtedly cover a lot of ground.
To say that Miller takes shots at his fellow professionals only is not true. He’s as hard on himself as he is on anyone else. He admits to being a choker. In fact, Johnny writes, “I choked so many times over the years that it’s a joke. It started with my putting at age 19.” Miller also recounts the seven situations that bring about a choke; they include: fear of certain types of trouble, going for a personal best, playing for the team, fear of success, fear of failure, confronting the weakest link and that thing called putting.
As a high school and college golfer I’ve always felt more pressure was involved in playing for your team rather that simply for oneself. Players don’t want to shoot high scores that take the team down, and that translates to pressure which can lead to choking.
A feature of Miller’s book is a chapter on “Golf’s Greatest Generation”, in which he outlines the attributes of those he feels are some of golf’s best players since 1969. They include, Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Hale Irwin, Gary Player.
Miller believes this 12-man team could handle today’s best professionals if you left Tiger out of the mix. He feels that they were just as good or better players than today’s crop of professionals and in addition, they were better competitors.
In watching current competitions in the United States and elsewhere, I think Miller knows what he’s talking about. If you’re interested in a book that provides great insight into this crazy game called golf, “I Call the Shots” is definitely for you. After all, it was written by a player with 21 tour wins which included U.S. and British Opens.
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Don’t forget to put the upcoming Ron Poore, Jr.-Ron Daugherty Memorial Scramble on your “things to do” list. This year’s event is slated for Saturday at Hulman Links with a shotgun start at noon. Team entries are $400 with hole sponsorships at $100. Entries include green fees, carts, refreshments on the course, prizes and dinner at the Plumbers and Steamfitters. Proceeds will benefit golf programs at North, South, West Vigo and Northview as well as providing scholarships to outstanding and deserving seniors from area high schools.
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Don Tyler reports that a full field was on hand to compete in the recent Ninth Annual Marine Corps Golf League Scramble contested at Rea Park.
Marine Michael Coon, a Purple Heart recipient who completed three tours of duty in Iraq, was recognized before play began.
The winning team consisted of John Kush, Jerry Spurr, Pete Sparrow and Jerry Sears. Runner up honors went to Lee Shipley, A.J. Steadman, Don Hosesman and David Field. Taking third were Gary Frazier, Terre Allen, Jerry Ellingsworth and Warren Patrick.
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A tip of the hat to Ryan Roscoe, former North Vigo star and Butler golfer who carded a pair of smooth 70s to win the Dorsett Mitsubishi Mini City last weekend. Roscoe had to battle intense heat and a challenge from Charlie Kluesner who, despite a balky putter, carded a pair of 71’s. Kluesner, a former South Vigo standout, just completed his fourth season as a member of Oakland University’s golf team.
Others who had top 10 finishes included Dave Brown, Ty Connerford, Eric Miller, Travis Turpin, Chris Keen, Scott Hess, Larry Fossi and Tom Rohr.
Terre Haute Golf Association president, Craig Miller, was happy with the Mini City turnout of more than 130 players, up significantly from last year. Miller also reminds the over 50 group that the Terre Haute Senior Championship is the next T.H.G.A. event scheduled for August 11 and 12 with rounds slated for Rea Park and Hulman Links.
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The Casey (Ill.) Amateur will be contested on July 27, 28 or 29. It’s a popular tournament that Terre Haute golfers have played for the past 57 years. In fact, Gene Verostko won the inaugural event in 1950 with Bill Holloway and this writer finishing second and third respectively. I recall that Verostko had a six under 29 on one of his nines.
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A pat on the back to Phillip Myers. The talented South Vigo divotman recently advanced to the fourth round of the Indiana State Junior tournament before losing a tough, one down decision.
Myers still has one year of high school left, and he may certainly be a player to watch when the 2008 prep season rolls around.
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Ted Schneider recently notched his seventh hole in one, all made at Hulman Links. What’s the secret, Teddy? If you’re using magic golf balls, I’m sure you could sell a few and name your price.
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n Tip of the week — If your putter has become your bitterest enemy on the greens, try these Miller tips on for size. Putt looking at the hole instead of the ball. If that doesn’t work, try closing your eyes as you stroke the putt. Also, it’s a good practice never to discuss bad putting. It’s a subject assiduously to avoid.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Tribune-Star golf columnist Bob Arnett can be reached by e-mail at subob@aol.com.
Vigo County Golf Leagues
Paitson’s Roofing Eastside Ladies — Standings: Mowbray Consulting 448, Sandy’s Touch of Magic 441, Daphne’s Beauty Shop 410, Turner Coach 409, Coaches Corner 408, Baesler’s Market 394, Advanced Chiropractic 353, Page’s Market 308. Low gross: Lois Cassassa 36. Low net: Lois Cassassa, Kathryn Coffin 26. Play of the day: Cassassa. Chip-ins: Kathry Nasser (4), Faye Lynn King (7), Glenda McVeigh (8)
T.H. Elks Ladies 9-hole — Low gross: Georgette Arnold. Low net: Carolyn Sweeting. Low putts: Arnold. Play of the day: Arnold (most pars). Chip-in: Dorothy Dwyer, Arnold.
Charlie’s Tuesday Night Men at Hulman Links — Low gross: Mike Schodlatz 33. Low net: Schodlatz 27. Standings: Charlie’s No. 2 358, Fleschner Law 349, Charlie’s No. 4 289, Charlie’s No. 1 276, Charlie’s No. 3 239.
Rea Park First Financial Ladies 9-hole — Standings: Shepard’s Gas 443, VFW No. 2 361, VFW No. 1 357, Elliott’s Jewelers 340, Bratt Animal Hospital 339, Tabco 310. Low gross: Kay Gard 50. Low net: Patsy Miller 35. Play of the day: Karen Cox. Chip-in: Stone, Kelley (6).
Rea Park Wednesday Ladies — Team points: Honselman-Long 21, Cannon-Bocard 18, Hamilton-Hyatt 18, Mann-Mahalek 17, Durand-Petty 16, Meyer-Atterson 15, Padgett-Johnson 15, Anderson-Spurr 15, Newton-Bedwell 14, Harden-Snow 13, Lanke-Pair 13, McCord-Clements 11, Swalls-McAleese 11, Horrall-Mozley 10, Hyde-Rusk 9, Ugo-Whitaker 8. Low gross: Pat Cannon 40. Low net: Leta Hiatt 30.
Rea Park Tuesday Women — Low gross: Stephanie Meyer 80. Low net: Sharon Hamilton 64. Birdies: Hamilton (1), Sandy Stabler (6), Myra Eble (13), Meyer (15). Chip-ins: Chris Barberry (5), Susan Amerman (13), Sandy Sears (16), Stabler (16). Play of the day: Barberry, Shelva Gaither, Terry Mahalek, Hamilton.
Idle Creek Home Builders — Low gross: Terry Day 36. Low net: Fred Lamb 30, Steve Scheid 31, Richard Booe 31. Longest putt: Scheid (14). Closest to pin: Scheid (10), Len Isles (12).
Idle Creek Wednesday — Low net: Charlie Sullivan and Brad Binns 38. Longest putt: Binns (13). Closest to pin: Sean Brinkman (12).
Mark’s Par Three Senior Men — Standings: Mattingly Collison 210, Vigo Bowl 185, Midwest 180, Dew Drop Inn 179, Tabco 171, Fuson Cadillac 170, Old National Trust 161, Don Wills Cash Register 152. Low gross: Ken Coffin 33. Low net: Ed Bard 26. Closest to pin: Al Newman (9). Longest drive: Max Fulmer (2). Longest putt: Newman (1).
Terre Haute Savings Bank Senior Men — National Division standings: Complete Kitchen and Bath 493, Lough Bros. 438, Pizza Hut 426, SMC 392, Fore Seasons Golf Complex 384, Paitson Bros. 367, Page’s Market 345, T.H. Savings Bank 303. Low gross: Jim Gormong 33. Low net: Gormong, Ray Collins 31. American Division standings: VFW No. 972 434, Spring Clean Car Wash 421, Pabst Painting 419, Salt of the Earth 397, Poplar Flower Shop 380, Lee Appraisal Service 376, Gurman Container 365, Callahan Funeral Home 358. Low gross: Don Cuiksa 39. Low net: Cuiksa 33.
Rub of the Green
Rub of the Green: Miller’s book provides great insight into this crazy game
- Rub of the Green
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Heat doesn’t deter Terre Haute golfers
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Hogan, small of stature, left big footprints
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Sometimes this can be a confounding game
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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
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
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RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
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Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
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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
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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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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.
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